A SMALL party of friends gathered about a cozy tea-table were discussing the propriety of the Bible Society's placing copies of the Holy Scriptures in railroad-cars, steamers, hotels, and other places of public resort.
One or two of this party raised the objection to the practise that in such public places the Bible often received rude and careless treatment at the hands of irreverent and irreligious persons.
After all the rest had expressed an opinion, a woman, the sweet graces of whose Christian character gave her a wide-reaching influence in the village, related this touching incident of personal experience:
It seems that two or three years after her conversion and union with the church, troubles came upon her and her family. Instead of bearing her trials with patience and submission, she lost faith in the goodness of God, in His ever-watchful care, doubted the genuineness of her conversion, ceased to pray, to read her Bible, or even to think of seeking divine guidance.
While in this pitiable state, circumstances made it imperative for her to visit the city of New York on a very painful matter of business. She was of a retiring disposition, unused to traveling, and had never been in a large city.
When on her journey, in the cars, a slight act of courtesy led her to make the acquaintance of a gentleman and his wife, who took her under their protection, and after their arrival in the city, went out of their way to leave her at the entrance of a respectable hotel.
She ascended the stairs oppressed with an almost overwhelming sense of loneliness mingled with the consciousness of an utter inability to perform the errand she had in hand. On being ushered into the capacious and elegantly-furnished parlors, she walked mechanically to a center-table, and opening the single Book which lay on the marble top, her eye fell upon these words: “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”
An emotion of tenderness born of her old-time love of God and trust in His promises suddenly stole into her heart. Still bending over the precious Book, the gathering tears beginning to dim her eyes, she read on: “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” The comfort which these passages of Scripture brought to her it was impossible to describe. The black clouds of unbelief and doubt sullenly, but quickly, rolled away. The glorious sunlight of divine love and protection shone in upon her soul, and the bow of promise seemed to span the arch through which she looked toward the beneficent days that were near at hand. She was no longer alone; and this assurance came to her heart like a balm and a blessing. Her perturbed and distracted mind was at rest now; the bygone joy, peace, and trust sat again upon the throne of her heart, and held more potent, loving sway than ever. “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever!” she kept saying to herself, over and over.
Quieted and perfectly self-poised now, she gave her orders with the assurance of an experienced traveler. She ate a hearty supper, went to her room, and in time to her bed, with as great a sense of security as if she had been in her own house. She slept peacefully, and awoke at her usual time in the morning, thoroly refreshed.
Unexpected facilities for transacting her trying business opened up on all sides. She was uniformly treated with respect. Her questions were promptly answered. She was marvelously aided in her quest, and her mission proved successful.
Had it not been for that copy of the Bible found so opportunely in her pathway, she was sure she would have taken the next return train home without being able to make an effort even toward the accomplishment of her mission. The Bible in the hotel was in the right place.—American Messenger.
Important Dates Regarding the Bible
[Condensed from “The Ancestry of Our English Bible,” by Ira Maurice Price, Sunday School Times Company, Philadelphia]
B. C. 284-132.—Probable date of the translation of the Septuagint.
A. D. 128.—Aquila's Greek translation of the Old Testament.
About 150.—The Syriac Old Testament.
180-192.—Theodotion's Greek translation of the Old Testament.
193-211.—Symmachus' Greek translation of the Old Testament.
In 200.—The Old Latin Version of the Bible extant.
186-254.—Origen: Hexapla of the Old Testament.
260-340.—Eusebius of Cæsarea: Revision of Origen's Greek text.
Before 311.—Lucian's revision of the Septuagint.
Before 311.—Hesychius' revision of the Septuagint.
310-383.—The Gothic Version of Ulfilas.
383-404.—Jerome's revisions and translations.
About 400.—The Ethiopic Version.
About 400.—The Armenian Version.
After 400.—The Targums in written form.
400-500.—The Georgian Version.
About 590.—The Sahidic Version.
About 670.—Cædmon's Paraphrases of the Bible.
About 700.—The Bohairic Version.
674-735.—Venerable Bede—the Gospel of John.
Before 709.—Aldhelm of Malmesbury—first Anglo-Saxon translation of the Psalms.
Before 709.—Egbert—a translation of the Gospels.
848-901.—King Alfred—embodied Pentateuchal laws in his national code.
About 950.—Aldred—interlinear Anglo-Saxon paraphrase of the Gospels (Lindisfarne Gospels).
970-1000.—Abbot Ælfric produced “the Durham Gospels,” also an Anglo-Saxon version of the Pentateuch, Joshua, Judges, etc.
About 1215.—The Ormulum—metrical version of parts of the Gospels and the Acts.
About 1320.—Psalter in English prose, credited to William of Shoreham.
About 1340.—Rolle of Hampole translated the Psalter into English.
1380.—Wyclif's translation of the New Testament completed.
1382.—Wyclif's Bible with help of Nicholas of Hereford completed.
1388.—Purvey's harmonization of Wyclif and Hereford's work.
1454.—Printing from movable types invented.
1455.—First complete Bible—the Vulgate—printed.
(1503.—First Hebrew grammar published.)
(1506.—First Hebrew lexicon published.)
1516.—First Greek New Testament—Erasmus'—appeared.
1522.—Luther's New Testament in German.
1523.—Tyndale goes to London to translate the Bible.
1524.—Tyndale withdraws from London to Hamburg and Wittenberg.
1525.—Tyndale's New Testament printed at Cologne and Worms.
1526-9.—Tyndale's New Testaments burned at St. Paul's in London.
1528.—Latin Bible of Pagninus.
1529.—Zurich Bible completed.
1530.—Tyndale printed his translation of the Pentateuch.
1534-5.—Sebastian Muenster's Latin Version of the Old Testament.
Tyndale's revision of his Pentateuch and New Testament.
1535.—Olivetan's French Bible.
Coverdale's Bible reaches England.
1536.—Tyndale strangled and burned at Vilvorde Castle, October 6.
1537.—Coverdale's Bible licensed by royal authority.
John Rogers's “Matthew” Bible distributed by authority of Henry VIII.
1539.—“The Great Bible,” edited by Coverdale, authorized by Cromwell.
Taverner's Bible.
1540.—The Great Bible issued with Cranmer's Preface.
1543.—Royal restrictions on public and private reading of the Bible.
1545-6.—Council of Trent, establishing Roman Catholic canon of the Bible.
1546.—Wholesale destruction of Bibles.
1551.—Castalio's Latin Bible.
Stephanus' Greek New Testament.
1553-8.—Persecution and martyrdom of Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, John Rogers, and hundreds of others.
1557.—Geneva New Testament, by Whittingham.
1560.—Genevan Version of the Bible.
1568.—The Bishops' Bible.
1579.—The Latin Old Testament by Tremellius.
1578.—The Reims New Testament.
1609-10.—The Douai Old Testament.
1611.—The “Authorized Version.”
1614.—Slightly altered edition of “Authorized Version.”
1629.—A revision of the “Authorized Version.”
1701.—Bishop Lloyd's Bible with Usher's chronology.
1762.—Cambridge Bible by Paris.
1844.—Tischendorf discovers ancient Greek manuscript at Mt. Sinai.
1857.—Scrivener's Critical Greek text of Revelation.
1870.—First definite step toward revision.
1881.—Revised Version of New Testament complete.
1885.—Revised Version of Bible complete.
1901.—American Standard Revised Version.
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Chinese Famine Fund
By Editor
The appeal for the needy often touches the hearts of those least able to give. Our largest donation save one which we record this week comes from a church in the far West Indies not rich in this world's goods. But they have suffered in the past. Touching letters often accompany these gifts. As we are nearing the time when crops will relieve the famine we make no further appeal. After two weeks from this issue we shall list no more on the Famine Fund, unless it is especially requested.
Previously reported | $466.85
Young People's Society, Ferndale, Wash. | 4.75
J. Forsch | 2.60
Clifford Jennings | 3.00
Mrs. Elsie Stafford | .25
Mrs. M. Benton | .25
Mrs. Freda Bissegar | 5.00
Lon Somers and friends | 8.00
Joseph A. Snyder | 7.50
L. Tissaw | 1.00
Miss Selina Patterson | 5.00
W. A. Sweany | 20.00
H. P. Wilcox | 2.00
A Friend | 2.00
Mrs. Stephen Norton | 2.00
"G. W." | 1.50
Axel Nelson | 7.50
Miss E. J. Johnson | 5.00
Mrs. C. R. Austin | 25.00
D. H. Kress | 1.00
Total | $570.20
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History of English Bible Versions
1579.—The Latin Old Testament by Tremellius.
1582.—The Reims New Testament.
1609-10.—The Douai Old Testament.
1611. The “Authorized Version”
History of Bible Revisions
1609-10.— The Douai Old Testament.
1611.— The “Authorized Version.”
1614.— Slightly altered edition of “Authorized Version.”
1629.— A revision of the “Authorized Version.”
1701.— Bishop Lloyd's Bible with Usher's chronology.
1762.— Cambridge Bible by Blayney.
1844.— Tischendorf discovers ancient Greek Manuscript at Mt. Sinai.
1857.— Tregelles's critical Greek text of Revelation.
1870.— First definite step toward revision.
1881.— Revised Version — New Testament.
1885.— Revised Version of Bible Complete.
1895.— Revised Apocrypha.
1901.— American Standard Revised Version.
Young Ladies
Four young ladies and two middle aged women wanted at once at the Vegetarian Cafeteria, Los Angeles, Cal. Good wages. Good home. Eight hours work. Opportunity for missionary work. Address E. G. Fulton, 259 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, California.
The LORD'S DAY
A Brief but Comprehensive Treatise covering the History and Doctrine of the Sabbath and Sunday Controversy from Creation to the Present.
The LORD'S DAY
The Test of the Ages
Truth supported by Scripture, Historical Fact, and Argument. A Multum in Parvo on the Sabbath Question. Illustrated; 128 pp.; price 10 cents post-paid.
PACIFIC PRESS Mountain View, Cal.
Royal Canners
You can make a good living on a small piece of ground with one of our Royal Fruit and Vegetable Canners. Good money in canning for the market. Easy to learn. We teach you how. Our methods retain all the delicate, natural flavors. A splendid Health Food Business all your own. Write to-day for our illustrated circulars.
Full equipments from $8.50 to $25.00. Also cans, labels, etc.
HOME SUPPLY & MFG. CO.
News Building, Department D.
Chattanooga, Tenn.
The Vegetarian Cook Book
By E. G. Fulton
By E. G. FULTON
THE author has had years of experience in vegetarian cookery and in the management of vegetarian cafes and cafeterias. With its aid the chef, cook, or housewife is able to prepare appetizing, healthful meals without the use of any flesh food.
This book contains 419 pages, including a handy and well-arranged index of all the recipes given.
Tastily bound in cloth, price,post-paid, $1.00
Pacific Press Publishing Assn.
Mountain View, California
Portland, Ore. Calgary, Alberta. Kansas City, Mo.
Glendale Sanitarium Training School for Missionary Nurses
WE desire at least twenty-five young people for our nurses' class beginning June 1, 1911. Applicants will be admitted to class any time during May and June, but it will be well for each one to enter as early as possible.
We are now able to offer a very strong course, one in which an exceptionally large amount of valuable practical experience can be obtained. Our proximity to Los Angeles enables us to give our nurses thoro training along all lines, each nurse spending some time in visiting nurses' work in this city. We desire to put at least twelve nurses into the city during the next few months to help do the work in Los Angeles that we are being called to do in all of our large cities. We can do this and more, if our young people will respond to this call. The training that we can offer is one which many if not all of our young people should have to prepare them for active missionary service whether as nurses, canvassers, or Bible workers.
We are just about to open up a surgical ward in our sanitarium which will greatly increase our surgical and obstetrical work.
Those desiring to enter, apply as early as possible to Belle Wood-Comstock, Superintendent Training School, Glendale, California.
For Sale
By J. H. Behrens
Our home in Mountain View, California. Cottage of four rooms, bathroom, pantry, screened porch. Good cellar 22x22. City water and sewer connections. Two lots 100 x 150 feet; fenced. Water piped to garden; six outside hydrants. Chicken yard 30 x 100 feet, and barn for 50 fowls. Variety of 32 choice two-year-old fruit trees. Blackberries, raspberries, logan berries, strawberries, and grapes in bearing to supply family. Also garden. Three blocks from Seventh-day Adventist church and church school. The property is good. The price is right. Called to another field, reason for selling. Address J. H. Behrens, Box 1304, Fresno, California.
Approximate Chronology
"Type and Antitype"—a booklet giving the Scriptural and historical facts, physical and climatic conditions, and astronomical calculations, that enable us to establish in our own modern calendar time the exact date of the Passover, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus. Price 25 cents. Address H. H. Perry, 67 19th St., San Diego, California, or your tract society secretary.
The May Number
By Editor
Of this interesting magazine will contain several timely articles of special interest to our readers.
The Transmission of Disease Through Milk
By Editor
Dr. Kress contributes his second article on this important subject. You will be glad to read it.
Healing by Hypnotic Suggestion
By Editor
Another article of special interest by Prof. Geo. W. Rine. The professor considers these methods as used in the Emmanuel Movement, and contrasts them with the methods of Christ. This is an important subject and well worth your consideration.
Socialism a Sign of the Times
In this article the author shows the present agitation of popular government, the government by the people, as exampled in the movements of Socialism, Republicanism, and Democracy in all parts of the world as not only foretold, but also prefigured in the prophecy of Daniel 2. Every thinking person will be interested in reading this.
An Epitome of History in Prophecy
By Milton Charles Wilcox
By M. C. Wilcox. The history of the world from the time of Babylon, over 500 years before Christ, on through to the end of time, is traced, and the historical changes pictured in prophetic emblems. Highly instructive.
The Portents of Trouble and What They Mean
By Editor
Is of more than usual interest and importance. By the editor. Hundreds of thinking men and women in the world to-day see greater troubles portending than actually exist, as yet. A harvest is about to be reaped; there are breakers ahead; there is a crisis approaching in America, even in the United States, appalling, and yet certain. If the agent doesn't call on you, send ten cents for a copy.