SPREADING THE GOSPEL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 98, 11 August 1944, Page 5

SPREADING THE GOSPEL

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY COLLECTIONS THIS MONTH Whakatane householders will be visited during August by collectors on behalf of the work of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Being a world-wide organisation, and embracing all denominations, it. is worthy of the fullest interest and support. A few facts about its origin and work may help to stimulate the appeal. The Society was* founded in London on March, 7, 1804 in the presence of about 300' people of various denominations. The single object of the Society was "to encourage the wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures." All creeds and professions were heartily welcome to co-operate. It was nothing short of marvellous that at a time, when the conflicts of Churchmen and nonconformists were most bitter, Christians of all communions should have consented to unity of action; should have subordinated their personal convictions and even their prejudices to the 'achievement of. one i-acred object-—that of printing and circulating the Scriptures in as many languages as possible and sending them to every corner of the globe The Society certainly received the blessing of God in all it!s undertakings. It sent forth men of faith and courage to Europe, Asia and many other places and though tliey suffered hardship they succeeded in establishing branches in, important centres, and received the patronage of Kings and influential people and even the poorer people gave what help they could so anxious were they to possess copies of the Bible. Many stories are told of help brought to countless numbers of people. The Society has more than succeeded 'in, the task on which it embarked one hundred and forty years ago. It has taken almost thp whole world as its parish—but these are not normal times—the war h?ts turned the world upside down and the Society has been inevitably affected in its efforts to fulfil its purpose. In spite of the chaos of war we read that the demand for the word of God has increased. The Society now translates the Scriptures in 758 languages. At prosent the. doors of Europe and Asia are closed—but a great, opportunity will face the Society Avhen thes« are opened again to the entry of the word of God and the responsibilitieswill be. so great that the Society will need all the help its supporters can afford. The Society in New Zealand print.-, the Scriptures of 18 different languages and also supplies the National Patriotic Fund Board with Testaments for the men of the Forces.