Part 2

On this matter, I conceive there need be no alarm whatever. Any body of English biblical scholars, with the responsibility upon them of purifying our version, would be at least as anxious to preserve its characteristic excellences as any could be, who were not so deeply aware what those excellences are. And let it be observed, that in this matter a version for public and general use would of necessity differ from such as may have been put forth for private benefit by individual scholars. In those, it may have been desired to give to the English bible-student some idea of the niceties and precise constructions of the original. In the amended version, there should be no such design, unless where our ordinary English will fully and freely admit of it: no merely grammatical changes of tense or inference, which might give awkwardness or stiffness to what was before plainly and conventionally expressed.

From what has already been said, it will be clear that this revision of the Church’s stewardship cannot be brought about merely by the insertion of marginal notices or varieties. We all know how little chance the margin has of being observed or known: and it would be a still more fatal objection that, in the great majority of Bibles, the requisite of cheapness precludes any marginal printing at all. There might indeed with advantage be an addition of marginal notices in matters of secondary importance: but all necessary substantial revision must be made in the text itself, or it seems to me we are exceeding and not fulfilling our duty.

There remains but one more consideration, without which we can hardly dismiss our subject. Will not, it has been asked, the varying of expressions in our version tend to disturb that confidence and reliance with which its words are generally regarded among English Christians? First I would observe that this argument, as against the discharge of a solemn trust, is worthless; and secondly, that I have no dread of the consequence apprehended. The Church of England has used for two centuries and a half, two distinct versions of the Psalms, varying to a degree but little appreciated,—and with no such disturbing result. It is not a little remarkable, that a precisely similar objection was raised at the time of the undertaking of our present version,—but it was by the Romanists. They complained of the unsettling effect of these frequent changes, and of the marginal readings as leaving men in doubt what was the truth of Scripture. With what reason, let the firm hold which that amended version has kept be witness.

And now in drawing to an end, let us ask ourselves, why it is that the conscience of the Church is moved about this matter? why it is that, a desire which not long since stirred only in a few breasts, has now become ripe for practical settlement as to by whom and how it is to be satisfied?

And the answer is to be sought in that conscience itself. It brings to light the estimation in which this Christian people have come to hold the precious deposit entrusted to them. It is a result of the awakened enquiry, the honest fearless research which have been and are being widely spent upon every point connected with Holy Scripture: a higher value set, not in spite of but because of that inquiry and research, on a treasure now no longer wrapped in the disguise of mere conventional reverence, but opened and sparkling to every eye. It is the old confession over again,—no longer from the mouth of one standing in the prophetic front of his age, but in the hearts of Churches walking in the fear of God and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost,—“Thy law is tried to the uttermost: therefore thy servant loveth it.”

In this spirit, and in the depth of this affection, let us contemplate the work which is proposed, let us undertake it if undertaken it is to be: refusing to yield our reverence for God’s word to any overweening love for that to which we have been accustomed, or to let go our present trust in His guiding Spirit for any timid apprehensions of the peril of change: but on the other hand doing nothing rashly, nothing uncharitably; respecting the opinions of our brethren, and dealing tenderly with their prejudices.

And let us who are anxious for this national work remember above all things, that it is not by our professions of esteem for God’s word, but by our proof of them, that distrust will be removed and confidence inspired: by that word being seen to be the source of our own motives, and the rule of our life.

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THE END.

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