Rev A Brandram No. 34
Kingston, Jamaica, 26th July 1834.
My dear Friend,
Your letter, and the resolutions and circular of the Committee of June 2nd, came into my hands by the Packet a few days ago. We are, you may be sure, delighted to see the British effusions issuing from your Society, in favour of the spiritual interests of the negroes, and in that sure and certain way, of giving them the Book of God to be the foundation of all their principles and practices; whilst at the same time it will serve both now, and for ages to come, "as an act of congratulation from British Christians to the negro on receiving his freedom; and as an appropriate means of calling his thoughts to that better freedom with which Christ makes free them that are his, and without which earthly liberty is but of little value."
On contemplating the subject more coolly, when the first feelings were over which such an effusion and such an object present, it crossed my mind, that this gift might perhaps impede the reading and use of the Scriptures on the part of the negro, considering that the plan of making him buy them is, of all others, the most effectual means of inducing to a proper perusal and value of the book, which comes into his hands after the cost of many thoughts and many pence. But reflecting further, that you have confined your gift to the New Testament and the Book of Psalms, I should think not much harm will arise in the manner referred to; and that the feeling and interest on your part towards the negroes, which this gift will convey and long keep in remembrance, will greatly overbalance the disadvantage I have noticed, and prove very conducive to the diffusion and knowledge of the Scriptures in this island, as well as in the other British colonies concerned. In the opportunities which I hope soon to have of addressing the negroes on the estates in various parts of the island, I shall endeavour to make your kindness move them to further advancement in the possession of the Holy Scriptures, by urging them on to procure for themselves, by their own exertions, a copy of the whole Bible. Had you at once, and by your gift, put the Bible entire into their hands, I would have said that you had done hurt; but as things now stand, I trust all that has been done will be found to have been well done, and will promote and rapidly increase a blessed state of things among us. I am greatly induced to hope for such and such things, not merely from your congratulatory gift, but also, and not the least, from the expression in your circular, where you say, that "the gifts will be accompanied with many prayers, that the blessing of God may attend the reading of His own Holy Word, and that multitudes may be led by it into the possession and enjoyment of the glorious liberty of the children of God." So, pray for us, all of you, and we must do well, and prosper in the ways of the Lord.
We have had a Committee Meeting of the Jamaica Bible Society, and I send you the result in the present sheet. We think about 50,000 copies of your donation will be required for this island; perhaps more, but not less. I shall inform you as we proceed further.
Believe me, My Dear Friend, Very Truly Yours,
James Thomson.