Biblical Revision its duties and conditions

Biblical Revision: Its Duties and Conditions by Henry Alford D.D. Dean of Canterbury is a sermon preached at St. Paul's Cathedral on March 13 1870. Alford discusses the role of the Church as the guardian of the Holy Scriptures emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of the sacred text. He delves into the variations in ancient manuscript copies of the New Testament highlighting the need for careful consideration and selection of the most authentic readings. Alford also addresses the challenges of translating Scripture into vernacular languages acknowledging the limitations and imperfections inherent in human interpretation. The sermon touches on the history and significance of the English Bible praising its faithfulness simplicity and majesty while also acknowledging the potential for improvement. Alford advocates for a revision of the Church's stewardship of the Scriptures emphasizing the need for a balanced and collaborative approach involving multiple Christian denominations. He discusses the process of revision emphasizing the importance of preserving the essence and beauty of the original text while addressing errors and blemishes in the current version. Alford addresses concerns about potential disruptions to the public's confidence in the Bible due to revisions drawing parallels to past instances of changes in translations. He concludes by urging a conscientious and reverent approach to the revision process guided by a deep love and respect for God's word. The sermon reflects Alford's commitment to upholding the sanctity of Scripture while also recognizing the need for thoughtful and careful revision to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy.