INTRODUCTION.
THE Synod of the Church, at its meeting last May, discussed objections to the publication, by the National Bible Society of Scotland, of “Bible Readings.” Arising from this, a concise statement was sent to the Society setting forth the Synod’s views and attitude upon the matter, and warning the Society that our people would be advised to withhold all support if the Society did not decide to have nothing to do with the publication, etc., of the said “Bible Readings.” The Society’s Board of Directors on the 9th June, 1947, considered the Synod’s views, and sent a reply, through their Secretary, to the Synod Clerk. This reply contained the following statements, viz.: “The result of the discussion was that the Society should continue with the preparation of the book of Readings. . . .” “We came to this decision being fully aware of the objections raised by your Synod, and in the knowledge that financial support would be withdrawn.”
A meeting of the Church Interests Committee was called, and met at Dingwall on the 24th day of September, 1947, and drew up the following Statement for the information and guidance of Free Presbyterians on the matter.
THE STATEMENT.
These Bible Readings, in our judgment, constitute an abridged version of the Bible, inasmuch as selected portions only of the various books of the Bible are published in this volume. For, according to proofs submitted, the story of Cain and Abel, the account of the cause of the Flood, and the record of the destruction of the cities of the plain, are omitted. Yet we do not object, for instance, to the publication of the Gospel of John by itself; but we would be bound to object to the said Gospel being published with, for example, the 3rd Chapter omitted; or the Book of Psalms, with the omission of, say, Psalm 137.
Further, in the deliberate judgment of this Committee, this is an attempt to substitute a part of the Scriptures in place of the entire Word of God as contained in the Old and New Testaments. No body of men have authority to judge what is, and what is not, necessary or desirable to be published of the Word of God, to form, for practical purposes, a Bible for the young. We assert that the whole Word of God is the only rule to direct us, how we may glorify and enjoy Him. This rule indisputably extends to children as to all others. We have reason to fear that the spirit prompting this publication is rationalistic and modernistic.
Be it noted, that under no circumstances can this publication “Bible Readings,” be recognised as the Authorised Version of the Scriptures; and according to Rule 3 of the Society’s Constitution, “The only Version of the Holy Scriptures in the English language which the Society shall circulate is the Authorised Version.” Therefore we hold that this action amounts to a violation of the Society’s Constitution.
One of the express purposes of the formation of the Society was, “… to unite the friends of Bible circulation in Scotland. …” (Rule 2 of the Constitution). For many years the Society has been the means of doing this; but by this action complained of, many friends of Bible circulation have been so alienated from the Society that they can no longer endeavour to support the Society by their means and prayers.
Furthermore, we observe that a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Society has been advertised to take place on 13th October, 1947, having as its object the approval or rejection of a motion to change the Constitution of the Bible Society, to permit of their publishing versions of the Scriptures in the English language other than the Authorised Version. This, if carried, on their own showing, manifestly shall alter the present Constitution, so that the Society after the 13th October, 1947, will not identically be the National Bible Society of Scotland, as existing from its foundation to 13th October, 1947. And the further serious question arises as to whether the Society can legally use its amassed funds under a changed and new Constitution.
We therefore, as a Committee, acting on behalf of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, reluctantly but unhesitatingly, direct our people to withhold all contributions from the Society until such time as the Synod of the Church, or this Committee, give further guidance as to what other Society should be supported in future.
The National Bible Society had no warmer or more steadfast friends than those of the Free Presbyterian Church, and it is with great regret that the conclusions noted above have been forced upon us. While we feel that prayer for the success of the Society must now be silent, we equally feel that prayer for its return to its former position and usefulness be unceasing.
Note.—Will Ministers and Missionaries please read this Statement, or give the substance of it, to their congregations. The second last paragraph should be read.—ROBERT R. SINCLAIR, Clerk of Synod. Wick, 25th September, 1947.