The Century of Bible Circulation

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 3, 1910

The Century of Bible Circulation

IT is by no mere chance that the “century of missions” has been also the “century of Bible distribution.” The British and Foreign Bible Society, established in 1804, is the parent of all the societies printing the Scriptures. When it was founded, not a newspaper in London noted the fact. Hardly any one, perhaps, understood what a great movement was begun. One man, George Burden, secretary of the London Missionary Society, wrote in his diary:—

“MARCH 7, 1804.—Memorable day! The British and Foreign Bible Society founded. I and others, belonging to the Tract Society, had long had it in view; and after much preparation, in which we did not publicly appear, a meeting was called in the London Tavern, and the Society began with a very few. . . . Nations unborn will have cause to bless God for the meeting this day.”

Now in over five hundred languages, the Word of God, in whole or in part, is speaking the message that transforms the life. From eight to ten or more languages are being added every year. Our own missionaries have had a small part in this. It is a wonderful thing when, for the first time, a portion of the Book of God is put into the language of a people who never before heard it. Let us hasten the glad tidings to those still in darkness.