THE OPEN BIBLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 143, 20 June 1938, Page 11

THE OPEN BIBLE.

FOURTH CENTENARY. PROTESTANT OBSERVANCE. THANKSGIVING SERVICES. Protestant churches in Auckland fittingly observed yesterday as the fourth centenary of the Reformation and of the open Bible. There was a very large attendance in the afternoon at the special service arranged by the Auckland Council of Christian Congregations at the Town Hall, and all the speakers stressed the importance of the occasion to Christian people. Archbishop A. W. Averill, who presided, said there might be some difference of opinion as to historical circumstances connected with the Reformation, but .there was no division of. opinion as to what a blessing the open Bible in the' mother tongue had been. The open Bible had given the people of England the right and privilege to /read God’s Soly Word in the language understood by the people. Contributing Factors.

His'Grace pointed out that there were many contributing, factors to the great event of 400 years ago. There had been no sudden inspiration and steps towards a great end had been taken centuries before. They had to give pride of place to Tyndale, one of God’s men, whom nothing could daunt, who chose martyrdom rather than go back on the vision in his soul. His dying prayer was that the Lord should open the eyes of tho King of England, and that prayer was answered in 1537.

His Grace pointed out that much was owed to Miles Coverdale for his translation in beauty and rhythm. They were also grateful for subsequent translations. The Bible was the real foundation of British charaetei* and achievement. The world’s only real hope was to go back to the Bible, as it was the only way for the salvation of nations, as well as individuals. It was the treasure-house of archaeologists and students. It , was accepted as God’s greatest gift to man in which He revealed Himself to man, and offered eternal life. The anniversary would be a call for. a new era of Bible-reading and Bible literature. Influence on Literature. Mr. J.- W. Shaw referred to the .influence of the Bible on national literature. He said that William Tyndale was not only a saint, but a man of infinite courage and piety. He was a scholar of the first rank and a. genius as well. He had given clarity, force, character and precision to the English language. English literature had a great effect on English life. Shakespeare was saturated with scripture and must have had an amazing knowledge of the Bible.- The authorised version of the Bible had taken nothing but the best from Tyndale and handed it on. That had been the.supreme achievement of 54 men in IGll to give a supreme model and monument of English prose. , Mr. Shaw said that the Bible had gone deeper and deeper into English- life. It Bad become the groundwork of character, the background of English living. The Bible had influenced literature all over the world. The Book was filled with praise of liberty, there was incessant insistence on duty and the difference between right and wrong. National Character. The Rev. A. C.‘ Nelson said that the commemoration was one of the greatest events in history. For once they .were forgetting things that divided them, and they were remembering that the Bible was. a holy book. It was the Divine instrument of God to reveal his pur- , pose to man. It had purified hearts and morals, and had been a means of grace. It had given tho British people a moral leadership in the world. “The open Bible is in our hands.” said Mr. Nelson, in conclusion. “God. grant that it is also within our hearts.”

Scripture was read by Dr. J. J. North and prayer was offered by the Rev. R. Ferguson Fish. ' . ' .

During the service three hymns were Sung 'by the congregation, the organist being Mr. A. E. Wilson. At the conclusion the congregation sang the Doxology, and Archbishop Averill pronounced the Benediction.