Rev A Brandram
Edin. 27th May 1845
My Dear Friend,
Just before leaving this city I write you a few lines.
The Resolution of the Committee of the 23rd. and your note appended to it are before me, You say that in the Com. "There was a feeling that you should visit such friends as wish to see you, and then return to us." I thank you for giving me this little notification. The idea in it coincides exactly with my own view of our present line of action after what has occurred. My nearly sole operations henceforth will therefore be, to visit those societies now connected with us, without making attempts at forming new ones. Passing visits will be made besides to persons and places with a view to future operations, say next year, and in succeeding years. We should not yet despair of Scotland, better things may yet take place, though thus far, as Job wished it, "Thistles grow instead of wheat."[1]
We have printed off our Defence in a separate form, but have contented ourselves with 500 copies, as we do not wish to do more than meet as a shield and defence what has been done against us.
The Warning was no doubt all written here, it was only the little tract I sent you that came from London.
In a late meeting of the Com. of the Edin. B.S. there were those individuals who stoutly defended us, and expressed strong disapprobation of the Warning, and had their names entered in a protesting form. There are, I believe, other members of the Com. who entertain similar views, but who were not present.
I remain, Yours Truly,
James Thomson.
[1] Job 31.40 (BM).