New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-03

during the last fourteen and more years the Aerl-
can committee kept up its organization ana some
time ago gave the results of their labors 70 the
world in what is known the American Standard
Edition OF the Revised Bible 1t is admittedly the
| best version before the public, has received the
highest commentator from scholars on both sides
of Atlantic and is fast winning its way as the
accepted version of the Bible. In this paper de-
sire to assign some reasons why 1t should be uni
versally used
| FHrst-Its freedom from In nearly every
extant version-Coverdsles Matthew'S, the Geneva
Bible Tyndales version and others-mistakes occur,
and mistakes ought not to be found IN transations
Of the Word of Coo If perfect standard of ex-
cellence exists anywhere, 1t ought to he IN the
fcation that in the American revised version few
If any mistakes occur. 1t is singulary free from
! Second-There are several particulars which
this version is superior to the Anglo American and
In its spelling this is better. more in harmony
alton remoVing superfIous commas and substitute
ing the semi colon for the much used colon. The
running headings OF chapters attract the eye ana
interest the mind. These headings are made in ex-
The grammar of this version is in closer conform
ity with existing usage. shall is used for will
o3ed ana bafoTe iTT IN Rq9@ss usd9 fdg
fo referring T 3 to p%Ts9ns its for
The general makeup of the book is improve
n p over the British version the paragraphs are
column better While the margin contains the
alternate readings and renderings of manuscripts
Besides ali this. the titles of books are in har-
mony with the most ancient manuscripts. The
term saint" not found in the best manuscripts,
coraing to Mathew 9aTS I1Fe etc e0Sp0i az
Third-There is an improvement in this version
over all existing versions in the use of the English
An examination of the American revised version
linguistic development to which all speech is sub
correct
Trench shows clearly what marvellous changes
words q
century or two. The British revisers understood
and familiar led them to hesitate in adopting new
The American revisers sought to make the Bible
an ineligible book for unleaTned as well as Tor
and uninteiisibie words, such as ''chie" 'grssled
lien" 'sith," ''srake." though. "seethe. hoi-
They also replaced misunderstood words by new
IS meFe eesry brought e1t TSns c6argers be-
comes ,platters' "seethe" boil; ian win
fwain hgRgsreq visit s6gew T9 ot
grain" corn" "grainfelds" "cornfelds" 800
Not only have the American revisers done good
TGTa in THTd 5o and in making fbs the
| changed many expressions and whole sentences for
FourthEThe American revision deals carefully
with what may be called technical words and in
this IS more consistent than the authorized and
Jehovah" is used for Lord" and God" when
known fact that it Was sperous veneration for
the memorial name that kept the Hebrews from
,s6eo used for hell pit and grave when the
place or the dead is intended. In using 'ftoiy
Spirit" for "Hely Ghost the American revised
version makes great improvement.
Fifth-In the matter (and it is most important
One) of euphemisms this version is superior to
other versions.
There is no good reason for offending good taste.
in sacred Scripture. and in making the
changes referred to the American revisers have
rendered a very great service
Sixth-This version is the best because II gives
us the meaning CT the original better than any
other.
In any version of the Holy Scriptures ut is Of
m0mentous concern to the whole human race that
we should know both what God has said and, so
far may, how He said it." This is evident
If we believe that the Holy Spirit speaks to the
soul and mind through the Scriptures 1t was
clearly the aim Of the American reyisers, because
in the preface they commend it to the considerate
Judgment Of all students of the sacred Scriptures.
and pray that it may contribute to the better
understanding of the Scriptures"
This version makes the Bible living book, be-
cause it translates its commands. precepts and
promises into the living language of the hour
In view of what has been said, it IS not strange
that this version has been received with great
favor beth sides of the Atlantic by the abest
scholars and that it has in a brief space of time
leaped into favor. An examination of the files OF
the religious and secular press shows that the
American revised version has received words Of
warmest praise from ministers, teachers and Bible
scholars on both continents
Is it not plain in the light of these reasons and
facts that 1t is duty and privilege to make use
Of the latest and best version OF the Holy Bible in
the home, the school. the pulpit and the pew?
DAVID G.. WYLIE.
Pastor of the Scotch Presbyterian Church.
New-York. Aug. l. 1903.