Collection Spotlight-Bibles Part I
Bibles From Around the World, Part I
This is part one in a four-part series on international Bibles that are at the Congregational Library. The library staff have worked together to compile an exhibit, which is now available to the general public in the library's reading room. Patrons should not consider either this on-line representation or the original display an exhaustive list.
Arabic
This Arabic bible was originally owned by Daniel Bliss. The front board includes the dates "1823-1855, 1910-" The names A.W. Bliss, Amy Blatchford Bliss Beyport and Howard S. Bliss are also written below and a final notation of "Rb 17-1910." Each name is written in a different hand.
Because this is entirely in Arabic, there is no other way to determine the Bible's age. This was one of the smaller Bibles chosen for this display. It stands 11 centimeters. This was also one of the more beautiful bindings: black with gold leaf stamps on the boards and on paper edges.
Armenian
The title page bears the only English in the entire Bible, and that is "[Ancient Armenian, 12mo]" and its publication date, 1865.
Benga (West African)
The American Bible Society is responsible for this addition. Published in 1881, The Gospel According to Matthew, by the "Late Rev. G. Mc' Queen and with other gospels revised and harmonized by Rev. R. H. Nassau, Gaboon and Corsico Mission, West Africa."
Braid Scots
The Reverend William Wye Smith took it upon himself to "translate" the New Testament into the Scottish brogue. The first publications in 1901 and 1904 and finally, the edition in the library, 1924.
A sample passage from John III, "Chaptir Thrie" verse 16. "For God sae loved the warld as to gie his Son, the Only-Begotten Ane, that ilka ane wha lippens till him sudna dee, but hae Life for aye."
Brazilian Portuguese
This Bible dates to a 1933 publication and was originally owned by missionary, Fred Field Goodsell. The flyleaf, which is written by Goodsell himself reads: "Property of Fred Field Goodsell. Bought in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 8 1944."
Patrons are welcome to contact us with questions about other Bibles in our collection or our circulating policy.