SUNDAY COLUMN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 89, 3 June 1911, Page 5

SUNDAY COLUMN.

THE KIXG AM) THE BIBLE. [Contributed.] In connection with the recent tercentenary of the authorised version celebrations in London, King George was presented with an address and a memento of the occasion in the form of a specially-bound volume of the Scriptures. After shaking hands with each member of tire depute,;i.m, His Majestx spoke as follows : “It has given me sincere pleasure to receive this deputation and to learn that, it represents the joint celebration by English-speaking peoples of the issue in 1(311 of that worldfamous translation of the Bible into our tongue, which has over since been known as the authorised version. 'The labours of the translators and of my ancestor, King James the .First, wiio directed and watched this undertaking, deserve to be hold in lasting honour. This glorious and memorable achievement, coming like a broad light in darkness, gave freely to the whole English people the light and the power to search for themselves for the truths and consolations of our faith; and during three hundred years the multiplying millions of the English-speaking races, spreading ever more widely over the surface of the globe, have turned in their need to tlie grand simplicity of the authorised version, and have drawn from its inexhaustible springs of wisdom, courage and joy. it. is my confident hope—confirmed by the widespread interest your movement has aroused —that my subjects may never cease to cherish their noble inheritance in the English Bible, which in a secular aspect is the first of national treasures, and is, as you truly say, in its spiritual significance, “the most valuable tiling that this world affords.’ ” The deputation was strictly nonsectarian, comprising representatives of Christian bodies throughout the Kingdom. The Archbishop of Canterbury, who headed the distinguished deputation, read the following address to His Majesty:— “We, who believe the Bible to bo ‘the most valuable tiling that this world affords,’ desire to unite with your Majesty in thanksgiving to Almighty God for the inestimable blessings bestowed upon the Englishspeaking people by its translation into our mother tongue, and its influence in moulding our national life. These blessings are enjoyed not only in these islands and your Majesty’s dominions across the seas, but also in the United States of America, and wherever the English language prevails. The growth and strength of the Empire owe much to the English Bible. It has sweetened homo life; it has set a standard of pure speech; it has permeated literature and art; it has helped to remove social wrongs and to ameliorate conditions of laoour, it has modified the laws of tlie realm and shaped the national character, and it has fostered international comity and good-will among men. We feel that tho indebtedness of the British people to this Book is so great that tne tercentenary of the version, which has been treasured through three centuries, should bo observed as a national thanksgiving, especially as it happily coincides with the year of your Majesty’s Coronation.’’

PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY

Henry Ward Beecher one day passed a little newsboy shivering in tuc biting cold. Being moved with compassion towards tno boy, the great*-' money said: “Yon must be very coll, my little man?” “I was,” bo replied with a gulp,; “till you passed by, sir.” .It is wonderful wtiat warmth a little sympathy, will bring, and how quick are' thoM. who receive it to perceive tlio holy man of God. Holiness shows -itself'., ill —helpfulness. True divinity isf.’pnjy* known by its humanity. Love is' never sn beautiful and gracious than when in action.