The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-09-22


present state of things is greatly to be
deplored in many respects. Here we
have two versions in Mandarin; one on
the whole pretty faithful to the original
but very unsatisfactory in point of style;
the other, excelling in style, but abound
ing in inaccuracies as a translation
Neither the one nor the other can be re-
garded as satisfactory, and both must
pass away. One great want, however, is
a standard version of the Bible in the
Wen-H, version that shall be faithful
to the original, ineligible to the ordi-
nary reader, and thoroughly idiomatic.
am convinced that such version is
possible, and that there are men on the
field, who are quite equal to the task of
bringing it out. Neither of the two YER
sions, which divide the missionary body
in China at the present time, can posi-
bly, be regarded as final. Whilst they
have great excellencies, and whilst they
will be found of incalculable value as
helps to future works, they are hope
lessly defective in one or more of the
essential qualities of standard YER
sion. . The We7a-6 version must be
the standard one. 1t is the only one
that will command the respect of the
Chinese intellect, and it is the only one
that will be committed to memory ex-
tensively. I do not undervalue the
Mandarin
The representative Of the Scotch Bible
Society, who speaks with authority, wrote
Just before he left: Don't give up the
idea of Uniform Bible in Chinese. We
will carry the point Cd. W at the next
Conference. All the young men are in
favor of it.
The agent for China and Japan says:
The general position of the American
Bible Society is that the missionaries
must decide these matters, for they are
the ones who use the versions"
The agent B. and F. B. S. writes:
Another version in low Wen-6 and one
that could be generally used would be
very valuable for poorer readers besides
being helpful to all. And if it could be-
come the universally received version,
it would be a great blessing. I
am glad to be able to say that in speak
ing of the matter to other missionaries, I
met with approval of the plan from three
of the more prominent, older British
missionaries.
A Presbyterian brother says: &c would
be delighted to see one version of the
Scriptures, and will gladly favor any
reasonable measures which look . to
this end. y. If the committee will
agree to have a faithful translation of
the word of God, will gladly favor the
plan. would like to know if
those who are dissatisfied with the pre-
sent Bibles, have carefully examined the
B. and @. translation, and if so, what OBJ
jections they find to it?"
After twenty years labor, Chehkiang
missionary speaks: AZ am glad a move
ment is set on foot for an easier veySio7a
OF the Scriptures. even the Dele
gates Version, Notwithstanding it's con-
clseness and clearness, is, in my expert
ence, too high style for the thousands
OF readers, and after we have sold out
our present stock of this version I in
tend to sell no more. [ am glad to
know that~the Bridgman and Culbertson
version IS being revised, as it sadly
wants it. Neither sell nor use this YER
sion now; the sentences are so involved,
and rare characters, or such as are used
IN the highest style of We1-6 are
brought and put together in such man
ner as is most Objectionable to the native
taste, and the redundancy of words is
dlstasteful to common sense"
Chinas philologist, who has been re-
Gently go successful in his labors,
thinks There is no great harm in hav
ing two versions. The versions do
not exist to keep up divisions, nor
are they a mark of separation, but they
are the signs of the faith and opinions Of
the Protestant missionaries who pre-
pared and use Them. After all, is not
the vigorous pushing forward of Mission
work the great want at present"
A Presbyterian voice from Chefoo: cit
IS the question that now concerns mis-
sionaries, and it does seem to me that the
time has come when an effort should be
made to secure such a version. There
is scarcely one, perhaps, who does not
admit the Importance and desirability of
union In this matter and yet each is un-
willing to concede what is necessary TO
effect this union. Let us hope that bet
ter counsels will prevail"
An American follower of Wesley saws
" consider it a fragrant shame that there
should be two Protestant versions of the
Scriptures besides innumerable local YER
SONS IN China. .,. / think almost
every missionary has been oro bo ,,,.o- I