To the Editor of the Nonru-Cuixa Dany News.
Sin,—At the late Missionary Conference in Shanghai, there was a strong desire for unanimity in having une Bible for Chin, but, as we all know, the discussion of the matter failed to effect that result, the British and Foreign Bible Society and the American Bible Society deciding to yo on with a new version and the National Bible Society of Scotland deciding to go on and perfect Dr. Grifith Juhn's translation. All right-minded men must lament such a result and doubtless many, in turning the matter over in their minds, may think that though the Conference failed in this matter, the very working out of the schemes decided on might result in harmony, With the vently to be wished," I would remind you that the advocates of the "Union Version" advised that some present version be taken Jas a basis and that all the good or better points in others be imported into it. Now if this plan be adhered to, the first question with the translating committee will be to decide which version they will take as a basis. Should they decide upon Dr. Griffith John's translation, which though so lately published commands a very wide popularity [and has already been adopted ina large proportion of the churches, the perfecting work of the Scotch society and the new version work of the nther two societies will surely become identical or almost so, I would therefore suggest that the ' join agreement between the British and Foreign Bible Society and the National Bible Society of Scotland for the publication of a new Mandarin version" of two years ago be reverted to and adopted with certain minor by the Conference and of course to include the American Bible Society.
The test of the said agreement is as follows 1.—That the Rev. Griith John be asked a joint letter to make the first draft of the new Mandarin version, in accordance with the resolutions of the two committees and with this og vent, a copy of which shall go with this int letter.
%—That the agents in China of the ictics invite the different Man-in-spanking missions in their respective districts to appoint fifteen delegates—five from Northern China, five from Eastern ohi n Central China—torevise Mr. John's work, and that the agent each district see to it that any vacancy be filled up by the missionary body which at first appoints the delegate.
3.—That the version as prepared by Mr. John be submitted, portion by portion, in interleaved copies, to these delegates. Said portions to be returned within forty days of receipt, with the delegates criticisms and suggestions.
4.—That the criticisms of the delegates thus appointed ly the missionary body in the three districts shall be submitted to a allaub-committee chosen by the delegates, who shall collate the criticism and finally adjust the text, Mr. Juhn to be chairman of this sub-comm or casting vote. ea, and to have a second 5.—That the version be printed in the! first instance at the press of the National Bible Society of Scotland at Hankow under Mr. John's supervision.
6.—That the two Bible Societies share in the responsibility for the version, and equally in the cost of translating and print: ing till the completion of the work under [the care of Mr. John, and that thereafter teach shall be free to publish such editions as it may find desirable.
Z.—That the sub-committee shall have power to correct errors that may have escaped observation in the first edition.
The agreement is signed by W. Wright, D.D. Editorial Superintendent of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and. _Willianthin J, Slowan, Secretary of the Natioral Bible Society of Scotland. i With sincere hopes for union in this great matter, Tam, James Mernay.
ing, 17th July.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.