THE BIBLE IN INDIA AND CHINA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 350, 25 April 1874, Page 2

THE BIBLE IN INDIA AND CHINA.

The Rw. B. Backhouse, agent for the British and Foreign Bible Society, delivered a lecture in the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday evenings The subject was — " The Bible in India, and China." The Eer. Mr. Cameron occupied the chs&r. Owing to the unfavorable state of tlie weather and counter-attractions, the attendance was not so large as it would otherwise have been. The lecture was a highly interesting and instructive one, and was well-illustrated by means of large- diagrams. The proceedings were commenced by singing a portion of the 19fch Psalm, after which tlie Rev* Mr. Menzies offered a prayer. The Chairman, after a few prefatory remarks, introduced the Rev. Mr. Backhouse, who Baid that it afforded him great pleasure iv saying a. few wools abdut the Bible and the work of the Society he represented^ He referred at considerable length to the divinity of the Bible, and contended that it was tiie Book. Its truths were sharper tban any two-edged sword, although many persons adopted every possible means to denounce their genuineness. However, when properly tackled, these persons were unable to sustain their argumenta againßt the credibility of God's holy wowL The lecturer pointed out many obstacles that have been, and still are, in the way of the Society. They translated the Bible from the original languages — Greek and Hebrew ; and their desire was to circulate it free of cost. The rev. lecturer then referred to the want of the Bible in Indra and China. The inhabitants of these countries were not enlightened with such a work as people of Christian countries were possessed of. Our .efforts should be 'directed towards sending

the Gospel to the heathen in these two large empires. The lecturer stated that during the short period of 70 years, the British and Foreign Bible Society were the means of having the Bible printed in not less than 200 different languages; They had increased the circulation and distribution from 4,000,000 to 12,000,000 copies. Yet in many parts of India and. China, people were without tho Word of God. Ho made an earnest appeal lor support in aid Of distributing the Bible in these parts of the world, where, if "we could •end the Word to them, they would be able to testify of the goodness of the only one truo God. About 60 y*eaß ago, China Was shut 'against the introduction of the Bible. Dr. Morrison, then a young and stalwart Scotchman, volunteered to go and remain there. He (Dr. Morrison) went to China to preach to the people the Word in their own tongue. He had many difficulties to contend with before he attained his object. It took 26 years . ktudying in translating the Bible into the Chinese language ; and at a cost to the ; Society of £10,000. The cost was exceedingly heavy to supply this nation in literature. • The lecturer mentioned that there were from 7,000 to 12,000 Chinese converts to Christi»nity. At the present rate there is every hope [for China progressing in this great work. Hii hope was that millions would be brought \o gain everlasting life through Christ* At this stage of the lecture, in order to allow Mr. Backhouse a little breathing time, Mr. Paul Ah Chin, Chinese Missionary, read % portion of Scripture, in his native language, from St. Matthew's Gospel. Ho was followed by the { Rev. Mr. Menzies, who was called upon by 'the Chairman for a few remarks. This geutleman observed that he came with the intention of listening to the lecture, and not as a 'speaker. He had great sympathy for the British and Foreign Bible Society in its .mighty work. It was one of the noblest inGod ever sent. Mr. Menzies threw Hfout a suggestion relative to the formation of "a committee towards furthering tho objects of the Society, which was adopted at the close of the meeting. He would not confine it to the nunisters alone, but would have the sympathies '6f the congregations enlisted in the work. Mr. Backhouse resumed his lecture after a jportion of the 23rd Paraphrase was sung. Se confined himself chiefly to describing by 'diagrams the various manners and customs of heathen in the worship of their gods. In concluding, he trusted all present would be liberal in responding to the appeal made by 'collectidn. . A cordial vote of thanks was proposed by - the Rev. Mr. Beck, Wesleyan minister, to *Mf. Backhouse for his interesting lecture, Which was unanimously carried. The benediction having been pronounced "by the Chairman, several persons remaiued With the intention of forming a committee.