ts of the last few years?) the
beginnings of a re-population of Palestine by the Jews. Credible
statistics assure us that they are now returning to their old land at
the rate of many thousands in a year. True, no "miracle" brings them
back. But no thoughtful student has ever said that the miracle of
prediction demands miracle in the circumstances of the fulfilment.

BIBLE READING IS THE BEST DEFENCE OF THE BIBLE.

I have gone beyond my intended length in these observations.[8] The
present urgency of the subject, which encounters us everywhere, is my
apology. But now, all the more gladly for the delay, I hasten to a few
simple words of suggestion on that practical duty of Secret Bible
Reading which is, after all, the best and surest antidote and
preservative against scepticism about the Bible, if it is carried on at
once thoroughly, intelligently, and as before the Lord. Vain without it,
worse than vain, will be the most diligent and successful study of the
apologetics of the Bible. For the Bible was given to be, not a
battle-field, but a field of wheat, and pasturage, and flowers, and a
gold-field also all the while.

[8] (I) have elsewhere called attention to the following among works
helpful at present in the controversy about Scripture: Lord Hatherley's
_Continuity of Scripture_, Dr Waller's _Authoritative Inspiration_, Dr
Cave's _Inspiration of the Old Testament_. Let me add four able popular
tractates: Cave's _Battle of the Standpoints_ (Queen's Printers),
Eckersley's _Historical Value of the Old Testament_ (Society for
Promoting Christian Knowledge), G. Carlyle's _Moses and the Prophets_
and Seaver's _Authority of Christ_ (Elliot Stock). Dr Liddon's memorable
sermon, _The Worth of the Old Testament_, is full of helpful
suggestions. See too Professor Leathes' _Witness of the Old Testament to
Christ_, Sir J.W. Dawson's _Modern Science in Bible Lands_, and Bishop
Harold Browne's _Messiah Foretold_. I specially call attention to Canon
R. Girdlestone's recent book, the work of a master, _The Foundations of
the Bible_, most temperate, judicial, solid, and establishing; and to
this must be added now (1892) Bishop Ellicott's excellent Charge,
published by the S.P.C.K. under the title _Christus Comprobator_.

How then shall I read my Bible so as at once spiritually and mentally to
know it, or rather, to be always getting to know it? The answer must
be--"at sundry times and in divers manners." I must make time to read
o