Rev A. Brandram
16 Harpur Street, Red Lion Square
18th March 1850
My Dear Friend,
I have the pleasure of sending you a translation of a very interesting communication which I have recently received her from Granada in Spain. It is as follows: –
"Granada, 11th February 1850.
On Sunday last, twelve persons of this place, met together, in the house of -----------, of whom ten of us where Católicos netos (say, unprejudiced Catholics), and two were disbelievers. We discussed the doctrines contained in numbers two and three of Catolicismo Neto (Purified Catholicism), which had been read by all of us, and it was proposed, that, seeing these doctrines were conformable throughout with the spirit of the gospel, and most conducive to the temporal and eternal happiness of mankind, as also to the good order of society, they be adopted, and in good faith, by all the individuals of the meeting, and it was so resolved unanimously, including the two who at the commencement of the meeting were unbelievers.
Also it was resolved, that the individuals forming this meeting should use strenuous efforts to diffuse the knowledge of these doctrines among their friends and neighbours through every means consistent with prudence, and also that they should recommend the reading of the Bible to all classes of our people.
In our meeting we discussed likewise, and severely reprobated, the Jesuitical, anti- evangelical, and inquisitorial conduct of our generally demoralized and ignorant clergy; and also, the repeated prohibitions of our Bishops in regard to the circulation among us of the Holy Scriptures, and the unjust persecution of those who diffuse them, and those who read them. Likewise, the Jesuitical policy of the Pope was reprobated in regard to the same matter.
Further, it was resolved, that Don José Vasquez should be specially requested to write to his friend and correspondent in London, Dr. Thomson, begging him, in the name of all the members of this meeting, to give their best thanks to the philanthropic Bible Society of England, for their efforts and sacrifices to diffuse the word of God in all the world, and especially for their endeavours on behalf of Spain. Also, that he should request Dr. Thomson to use his good offices with the Society to procure for us a supply of New Testaments of a common edition, but with a clear type, for distribution among the poor in Granada.
At the meeting various discourses were delivered on the above-mentioned subjects, that ought to be printed had we liberty to do so."
In conformity with request here conveyed to me, I would suggest, that a grant should be made for the purpose mentioned of 60 Spanish Testaments of Scío's translation, in 12mo, and 40 of the 8vo edition. They can be sent to Gibraltar, and I shall then use the best means I can devise for getting them into Malaga and to Granada.
We have in Granada a field and friends of an ample extent, so I believe, we have all over Spain. Would to God the restrictions to the entrance of the Scriptures into the country and the printing of them were removed! Let this be our constant prayer in regard to poor Spain.
I remain,
My Dear Friend,
Very Truly Yours,
James Thomson.