THE BEST-SELLING BOOK.

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15395, 11 July 1914, Page 9

THE BEST-SELLING BOOK.

Some striking figures regarding the i circulation of the Bible, by the British / and Foreign Bible Society have just been supplied bv the London committee. The total number of copies of the Scriptures (or portions) circulated last year was the later returns, th© most interesting are from the East. In China during the first three months of 1914 the'eopies sold totalled 673,900,, which was 129,300 more than for the corresponding period of 1913. Korean sales for the same time reached 239.200, being an increase of 154,500- At the meeting of the Shanghai committee on March 24, sanction was given to print 18 editions, comprising 1,297,000 books. In China in 1913 the Canadian Society circulated 305,400 books; the number in 1912 was 241,000. In Bombay during the first four months of this year the in- , crease was 10,000 copies—a 'total of 75,000. Panjab's distribution for three months was 47,000. During 1913, the circulation in Turkev went up from 65,800 to 72,100; 'in Greece, -from 10,600 to 28,700—caused by "a free distribution amongst the soldiers during the war. In Spain, there was a- decrease of 17,00i> to 88.940, duo to a free distribution by other societies. In Madagascar the circulation reached 15.000". The society's auditors' report caused some surprise. Instead of ihe anticipated deficit there was a surplus of £149. The income was £275 : 446. The . satisfactory position was due to the increase in the free contributions from home and colonial auxiliaries, amounting to £4357. The expenditure on the preparation of the Scriptures went up s by £5273 to £127,422. The estimates 1 for this year anticipate a deficiencv of about £12,000, but already contributions have_ been sent to London towards providing for any shortage. It is said that the since its inception, has circulated about 250.000,000 copied of the Scriptures. The debate in the Upper House of Canterbury Convocation on faith and order resulted in the Bishop of Hereford's amendment being rejected, and the Bishop of London's resolutions being carried by a large majority. These resolutions asserted the three Creeds to be the necessary basis of tho teaching of t3ie Church, the historical facts Stated in them being ah essential part of the Faith. At the same time, it was not desired to lay unnecessary burdens oh consciences nor unduly to~* limit freedom of thought and inquiry, whether amone clergy or laity. The.last resolution declared episcopal ordination to be necessary before anyone can be_ accounted. or. taken to be a lawful minister in the Church of Englanß. The Bishop of Hereford's amendment opposed the issue of any fresh declaration at the present t-iine. ■,. The Archbishop of Canterbury <Dr Davidson), in closing the debate, said that what they had to ask themselves wis: What was the truest and most helpful course? They did hot say to fccihest students and seekers after truth "Stop, that path is barred; that conclusion is forbidden; you must not go there." He would say to honest student, "Follow the truth, do your utmost to find it; let- it be your guide, wherever it may lead you." Such study, fearless and free, was the Strength of the Church's progress- He for one, thought they should beware hesfc they seemed to be stopping freedom of inquiry and freedom of thought. If the resolutions did that he should vote against theni with all the strength in 'his power. - Happily, the resolut:ons did nothing of the kind. .But to the inan who said that he recognised that the faith of the Church of which he was a minister rested upon a great basis of historic as well as doctrinal truth, but denied tho truth of that part i-eprodticcd in the Creeds they said, '■'' Hold, consider your position as Jih accredited spokesman claiming the Church's authority to teadh." They were clear that there must be some limit in the matter- Ho would remind those who had petitioned that some of them might also be called upon to be reminded that there was a corresponding danger of insincerity of profession as to their doctrine and their views-