Y THE ARTIST_

_The site of Caesarea Philippi is one of the loveliest spots in
Northern Palestine. On ground carpeted with an infinite variety of
wild flowers, the traveller rests in the grateful shade of oak and
mulberry, olive and fig tree. The sound of many waters is heard on
all sides as they hasten from the adjacent slopes of Herman to join
the head waters of Jordan, bursting in strength from a cavern at the
foot of a mighty cliff. Hither, with his handful of followers, came
Jesus, weary and in deep depression of spirit, a fugitive from his
own people, who had finally rejected him; and here, in reply to
searching and anxious enquiry, "Whom say ye that I am?" he received
from Simon Peter the memorable confession, "Thou art the Christ, the
Son of the living God_."

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother,
and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart. And was
transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his
raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them
Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto
Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make
here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for
Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them:
and behold a voice out of the cloud which said, This is my beloved
Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples
heard _it_, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus
came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when
they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus
only.--_St. Matt, xvii: 1--8_.

* * * * *

_NOTE BY THE ARTIST_

_From the days of St. Jerome, when pilgrims first began the attempt
to identify sites hallowed by sacred events, Mount Tabor has, until
recent years, been regarded as the Mount of the Transfiguration. But
closer examination of the text and comparison of dates, and the fact
that Tabor itself was at that time the site of a fortified town
containing a Roman garrison, combine in this instance to discredit
tradition. One of the spurs of Herman must therefore be the
alternative and more probable scene of the Transfiguration; the
seclusion of this district of mountain, valley, and woodland
providing opportunity for contemplation, and preparation for the end
whi