THE lectures included in this volume were prepared at the request of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, and were delivered in the early part of 1912, under its auspices.They were suggested by the tercentenary of the King James version of the Bible.The plan adopted led to a restatement of the history which prepared for the version, and of that which produced it.It was natural next to point out its principal characteristics as a piece of literature.Two lectures followed, noting its influence on literature and on history.The course closed with a statement and argument regarding the place of the Bible in the life of to-day.

The reception accorded the lectures at the time of their public delivery, and the discussion which ensued upon some of the points raised, encourage the hope that they may be more widely useful.

It is a pleasure to assign to Dr.Franklin W.Hooper, director of the Institute, whatever credit the work may merit.Certainly it would not have been undertaken without his kindly urgency.CLELAND BOYD McAFEE.

Brooklyn, New York, May, 1912.