Rev A Brandram
Inverness, 15th Aug. 1845
My Dear Friend,
Your communications on the 31st July, and of the 4th and 6th inst. have come into my hands since I last wrote you on the 1st of this month. The two latter of these came to me duly, the first unduly, as I got it in Forres on the 12th instant on my arriving there, and it had come from Aberdeen on the preceding day, according to the post mark. The London and Edinburgh marks were not visible.
In regard to any portions of my letters appearing in the Monthly Extracts, I should think it better not, and for two reasons, first because my letters are not exactly in the shape it would be proper to publish, and secondly, I think it would be better not to say anything at all at present. If you wish it, I can draw up something when my tour is finished that may be general, and embracing the whole visitation.
I stated that two thirds of Scotland are for us. I exclude Edinburgh from the calculation, though I do not know that I should. From all I have seen out of Edinburgh I am sure two thirds are for us, and further, that the other third, bating a few, are not against us. You fear I shall be followed by violent disclaimers and writers. It may possibly be so, but I hope and think not. I mentioned that I had been shot at, and that a shot had been fired before me, but both seem to have been innoxious. All the newspapers in our way have spoken favourably, with the exception of one titbit from a Journal of minor name. The passage enforced there, and I think the only one quoted from the Warning, was the heading of Luke xxii, and it stumbled a little a warm friend of our Society. I do think, even notwithstanding all you have well observed on this wording, that it would be well to amend it in the manner I before hinted. The objection is not at all to the word consecrates. – The Banner of Aberdeen said not a word about us after our meeting, which was saying something for us.
Vindex's second letter I have not yet seen. I hope no fuel will be given him for a third. I agree with you fully, "Answer him not."
You have not done Dr. Wilson justice. He has no idea at all, that I know of, of writing remonstrances to you or against you. He is very friendly, and his allusion was, to blame the Edinburgh people for unfriendly remonstrances seeing they had them to make, and he says they should have been kindly. I expect to see him here in a few days.
Have you seen the Rev. Christopher Anderson's two thick volumes, entitled The History of the English Bible, or a name akin to this? He told me in May that they would appear in London in the end of that month.
I arrived here yesterday, and am working my way. The General Assembly of the Free Church meets here, by adjournment from Edinburgh in a few days. I intend to work as I can among its members. In a subsequent letter I shall take up my narrative from Aberdeen.
I remain,
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.