The translation of the Scriptures into Arabic was completed on the 22d of August, 1864, and the printing of the whole Arabic Bible in March of the next year. This event, of the highest importance to a large portion of the human race, was appropriately celebrated by the missionaries and their native brethren. In the upper room where Dr. Smith had labored on the translation eight years, and Dr. Van Dyck eight years more, the assembled missionaries gave thanks to God for the completion of this arduous work. "Just then," writes one of them, "the sound of many voices arose from below, and on throwing open the door, we heard a large company of native young men, laborers at the press and members of the Protestant community, singing to the tune of 'Hebron' a new song, 'even praise to our God,' composed for the occasion by one of their number in the Arabic language. Surely not for many centuries have the angels in heaven heard a sweeter sound arising from Syria, than the voices of this band of pious young men, singing a hymn composed by one of themselves, ascribing glory and praise to God, that now, for the first time, the Word of God is given to their nation and tongue in its purity." The hymn was composed by Mr. Ibrahim Sarkis and translated by Dr. H. H. Jessup, as follows:-- "Hail day, thrice blessed of our God! Rejoice, let all men bear a part, Complete at length thy printed word, Lord, print its truth on every heart. "To Him who gave his precious word, Arise and with glad praises sing; Exalt and magnify our Lord, Our Maker and our Glorious King. "Doubting and darkness flee away Before thy truth's light-giving sun, Thy powerful word, if heeded, may Give guidance to each erring one. "Lord, spare thy servant, through whose toil Thou giv'st us this, of books the best; Bless all who shared the arduous task, From Eastern land, or distant West. "Amen! Amen! lift up the voice; Praise God whose mercy 's e'er the same; His goodness all our song employs, Thanksgivings then to His Great Name." Ten different editions of parts of the Scriptures were printed as the version was gradually prepared for publication, and over thirty thousand copies had been put into circulation, nearly all by sale. The demand for the volume, in one form or another, after the version was completed, was greater than the mission presses could meet, though worked by steam. The American Bible Society wisely undertook to electrotype several editions of different sizes, and Dr. Van Dyck came to New York to superintend the work. But after the royal octavo edition had been stereotyped, it was thought best for him to return to Syria, with the understanding that the Bible Society would enable him to electrotype the version in other forms, at Beirut.