Our English Version of the Bible.

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."      Psalms. 119:105.

In 1604 a conference convened in England at the call of King James to settle some burning questions which had arisen with the Puritans. In the midst of the discussion the Puritans claimed that the Bible translations were faulty and that a revision was needed, in fact, that one Bible was needed which would be accepted by all. On this one point King James agreed with the Puritans, and he laid plans for the revision of the existing translations. In July, 1604, he appointed fifty-four men with the order to carry out this revision under the direction of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The arch­ bishop divided the fifty-four men into six groups, assigning to each group a part of the Bible. In each group each man was asked to make his translation and changes independently of the others; and after each had made his notes, they met and compared their trans­ lations and finally agreed upon one of those offered.

Whenever they were in doubt as to a certain word or phrase, they would consult with the greatest authorities then living, both in England and upon the Continent. The first edition of this new version of the Bible appeared in 1611. Seven years these men had worked faithfully and diligently.

More than three hundred years have passed since this trans­ lation was made, and yet the King James Version stands unequaled, and in all our churches where the English Bible is read the King James Version is being used. In 1881 appeared the first edition of the Revised Version. Many scholars mistakenly felt that the King James Version contained too many obsolete words, and in some instances the translation might be more accurate. About one hundred men, the ablest scholars of the world, assisted in this revision. In beauty of diction it does not equal the King James Version, but the King James remains the most accurate and valid translation available today.

Oh, let us well consider what a treasure we have in our English Bible! Let us enjoy our treasure and make full use of it.

Prayer.

O gracious God and Father in heaven, give me grace duly to recognize Thy great benefits and show my lasting gratitude to Thee, not only in words, but by a godly life, serving Thee all the days of my life in holiness and righteousness pleasing unto Thee, until in the blessed eternity I shall see Thee face to face and join the grand choir of the elect in their never-ending hymns of praise and thanks. Amen.