Rev A Brandram
24 Northampton Square
London
22 May 1826
Dear Sir,
I beg leave to state to you in writing the substance of what I formerly said regarding the Spanish Scriptures, that you may be able to lay the same before the Committee in intangible form. The first thing I would recommend, is the printing of the version of Torres Amat, it, instead of that of Scio. My reasons for doing this version the preference to Scio's, is on account of its being a better translation. This is my own opinion respecting it, but in recommending it to the society to give this version the preference, I do not rely on my own opinion of it, but on the judgment which has been decidedly pronounced upon its superiority by the Spanish emigrants now residing in London, and who can be referred to upon the subject.
There is one objection to this version. It contains a considerable number of supplementary words. These however may be left out in the editions to be printed by the Society. At the request of the Committee I have spoken with Dr. Villanueva, a Spanish Canon well known in the literary world, and this gentleman has offered to make the corrections required in the Spanish edition, and to give his name in the title page as to correcting it. Should the Society agree to adopt this version, the printing may be begun immediately, as Dr. Villanueva says he can do all that is required in a very short time and as the printing goes on.
Thus far I have spoken of the whole Bible, and I think, for the reasons addressed, that the Society should resolve on printing from this version when another edition of the Spanish Bible is required. But at present I speak of printing the New Testament only, in order that it may be soon got ready, and be put into circulation as extensively as possible in Mr. Matthew's intended journey through South America.
I beg leave to say further upon the subject, that as respects the introduction of the Scriptures into the schools, this version would be received with a decided preference, and the good that may be done in this way is very great.
The next thing I wish to recommend is the printing of an edition of the New Testament in Latin and Spanish in parallel columns. This should be done in a small type so as to make a little portable volume. I am sure this would be pretty generally acceptable among the priests and among hundreds of students at the different colleges throughout South America.
The only other thing I have to recommend is the printing of the New Testament with a large type for the use of the aged. This would besides form a kind of family volume, and would I am persuaded be very acceptable and very useful.
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Very Sincerely Yours,
James Thomson.