p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 47. (11/30/1904)

American Bible Society to Publish Revised Bible

The American Bible Society, which recently amended its charter, so as to enable it to publish the Revised Bible, has just completed an arrangement with Thomas Nelson & Sons (the owners of the copyright) for the publication of the American Standard Revised Bible. The American Standard Revised Bible was published in 1901 and since that time has grown steadily in popular favor. Nearly all our ministers use it in their study, and many of them use it entirely in the pulpit, because it is written in present-day English, and conveys the meaning of the original better than any other translation. It is admitted by the most competent authorities to be the best version of the Scriptures ever published. The adoption of this version by the managers of the American Bible Society, and the issuing of it at cost price, shows that they are alive to the needs of the present day, in thus placing within the reach of all Sunday-schools and churches this latest and best version of the Scriptures. The society will issue this version in various sizes of type, bound in cloth bindings, suitable for Sunday-schools and church pew use. Might not the introduction of this Bible into Sunday-schools and churches be made the means of reviving an interest in the reading and study of the Scriptures?

Character Before Reputation

It matters not what a man's reputation is as long as one's character is good. A good reputation is merely the opinion of men, and does not in any wise effect one's standing in the sight of God. A good character is that which will stand the test of God's law in the judgment. As a rule men are very tender regarding their reputations, far more so than they are about their characters. They are more concerned about the fickle opinions of men than the perfect opinion of God, who holds their destinies in His hands. Jonah was sent to declare the destruction of Nineveh because of the wickedness of the people. But they repented, and God showed them mercy. Then Jonah was angry, because he thought the people would believe him to be a false prophet. He cared more for his reputation than he did for the salvation of penitent sinners. It was not so with Christ, however. His character was perfect before God (Matt. 17: 5; John 8: 29), but He “made Himself of no reputation” (Phil. 2: 7). He did not seek honor from men, and His teachings show the impossibility of those who did seek such honor being His disciples. John 5: 41, 44.

Back to the Land.

The Orange Judd Farmer of October 22 tells us that there is a tremendous “land hunger” taking possession of many in our cities. A real exodus from the cities is setting in. It finds as cause of this latter years of prosperity in agriculture, increasing price of land, and its growing scarcity. The editor thinks that “land values in the country districts will probably never be less.” And yet too great an exodus to the country as it is now taking form, may not be the best for the country. It is carrying the pleasures and the vices of the city into the country, and rendering the country life abnormal and unhealthful, and the cities are fast filling with a foreign element manipulated by the corruptest of politicians.

Books Awaiting Review

By Editor

We have in the last three months received a large number of books for review. Some of them are eminently worthy; but in moving they were packed with our library, and since coming here we have not been able to unpack or examine them, as our rooms are not yet ready. We hope, however, they soon will be.