Edinburgh, 17th May 1845

 Rev A Brandram

Edinburgh 17th May 1845

My Dear Friend

            Your letter of the 13th came duly to hand, and afforded me comfort by your condolence with me in the midst of Thistles, and which seem sharper and stronger than usual. I do not know whether to consider it a compliment to me or the reverse this extraordinary bristle up, but I know I should have been better pleased without it. And now every day the storm rises. The warning is in new papers this week in which it was not before, and it is issued moreover in a circular.

            I thank you much for your letter of the 15th received this morning, and containing information I wished much to have, but which I was afraid to ask.

            On comparing the accusations made with Pereira's Bible of 1828, and his Test. of 1823, we found our anti-friends exceedingly, but fortunately, inaccurate; but we were afraid there might be other editions of the Portuguese B. or T. in which their cited passages might be found verbatim. Your note however frees us of that danger, as I suppose you have looked into all your Port. B. or T.

            Pray, try to ascertain whence they have quoted, for surely they cannot have quoted from their own heads. Shortly before the warning appeared I learned that a printed note had been sent here from London per post, anonymous, containing these translation accusations. From whence they came I have little doubt, and I suppose you can guess also. Our friends here will presently learn that they have rested on a broken reed which will run into their hand.

            When the warning first appeared our Committee met to consider it, and resolved to make no reply. Now however they have summoned another meeting with a different intention, and a reply is most likely to be given, and I think it is required.

            I see in Almeida's Bible you give no headings, and rather wonder you should have left them out there where there was no danger, and kept them in in Pereira's where there is much danger, and now rather immediate as you see. Besides whoever was Editor should have brought these objectionable headings before you. My advice would be, to cut off with one fell sweep of the guillotine all these Roman Catholic heads together, I mean, of the chapters. As to changes of the text itself I think they shd. never be made without acknowledgement. And in this way you might perhaps remove all that is objectionable which is little, correcting one R.C. version by another.

            I have read over since I came here, not having it before, Mr. Radley's Pamphlet, and like it very much. I think some hundreds of these for circulation here would be very useful. Should a new edition be needed, perhaps he could embrace in it these present accusations.

            You have not observed, I think, the heading of Luke xx 11 in the Port. B. & T. There unfortunately is to be found the objectionable passage "Consecrates the bread & wine into his body and blood." We shall let the Ed. people find out this passage, and if they do, we will make due use of consecrates instead of transmutes. I trust you will take the headings of chapters into early consideration in the Committee, and by a Resolution on the subject enable us at once to say, that all these headings in every reprint will be omitted.

            I am glad to say that Dr. Wilson is very cordially with us, and is using his knowledge and his influence in our favour with the three names appended to the warning and connected with the Free Church, namely Candlish, Clason and Spiers.

            In the Edin. Committee itself we have at least two who are thoroughly on our side, besides some borders.

            I am, My Dear Friend,

                        Very Truly Yours,

                                    Jas. Thomson.

Edinburgh, 24th May 1845

 Rev A Brandram

Edinburgh 24th May 1845

My Dear Friend

            I send you our Defence, and hope you may be pleased with it, or at all events not much displeased. We have tried to do our best, both in matter and manner.

            Yours of the 20th came duly to hand. I think your Festina Lente is better than my Guillotine. But it would be well to make an early revision of the headings of all Roman Catholic versions and perhaps too of all Protestant ones.

            You will see that we have endeavoured to stop the mouth as regards the passage in Luke, should it be stumbled upon. Should you alter that heading, you have only to stop at the end of "wine", and all will do.

            I have at length got hold of our accuser as to mistranslations, and send it to you. You will see who the writer is, but it was sent here I know by Mr. Thelwell himself.

            It would probably be well to get our Defence into the Record where the Warning was, and should you do so, please to send me a copy. I should like also to have a copy of the Record of  the 28th February to see how they have quoted there.

            Mr. Jackson's note, in answer to my query of the 19th came yesterday he says "We have only published three editions of Pereira's Portuguese Test. one in 1818, and two (12mo & 24mo) in 1823." Yet we have here in our depository an Entire Portuguese Bible printed in 1828.

            We purpose to throw off at least 1000 copies of our Defence from our advertisement types, and to circulate these according to circumstances.

            I have been much delayed in this city contrary to my wish, and from various causes. Today I had resolved to be off, but all our printers are keeping holiday, so that are 1000 cannot be printed till Monday. On Tuesday at the latest I shall be in movement on my line of Dunfermline; Linlithgow, Falkirk, and Stirling. Letters to me at the last mentioned place might be direct to the care of the Rev. David Stewart.

            We have had meetings in Leith and Portobello, where we have good friends. The Rev. Dr. Harper of the former place is a very close adherent, and ever ready to defend us. I have visited Dalkeith, where the Minister of the Established Church is on our side.

            I am, My Dear Friend,

                        Yours Very Truly,

                                    James Thomson.                     

Edinburgh, 27th May 1845 - 1

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).

Stirling, 11th June 1845 - 1

Rev A Brandram

Stirling, 11th June 1845

My Dear Friend,

I have the pleasure of communicating to you, on the present occasion, better news than heretofore since my arrival in Scotland. You will probably your having at times sallied forth out of London when the dense fog lay on it, and that in getting into the country all was clear. Something of this nature I have experienced since I last wrote you. "Auld Reekie"[1] is still, as you have seen, reekie, but I rejoice to say, that I have found comparatively little of this smoke in the country. Things look greatly better, and Scotland may yet be expected to return to us. I have been now just one fortnight in the country parts, and it is from what I have thus seen that I speak, and in the hope that onwards as I move I may meet with such reception and encouragement as thus far I have experienced. And now I come to details that you may see on what ground my hopes are founded.

On Tuesday the 27th ultimo I left Edinburgh, and came to Dunfermline. I had previously written, half at a venture, to a minister of the United Secession Church, saying that I was coming, and what was my office, and my business. Whom should my letter have lighted upon, but an active member of Committee of a branch of the Edinburgh B.S. This gentleman received me courteously, and kindly lodged me during my stay in that place. I found him very friendly to us, and he regretted both the past and present feelings of the capital, and stated to me his intention Committee meeting to propose a vote of this approbation of  The Warning, which should be remitted to the Edinburgh B.S. Others I called upon there spoke in a like friendly manner. Nevertheless, they thought it more prudent for the present not to have a public meeting, nor to make special attempts to form a society auxiliary to ours. At the same time some individuals will gather subscriptions for us, and thus the way will be prepared for our making future and more formal efforts. The society there which stand still on our list, has long ago been extinct, and should have its name erased from the Annual Report.

Linlithgow was the next place I visited. The society standing there on our list, should also be erased, for it ceased in 1826 to be connected with us, and has been extinct altogether as a Bible Society ever since 1829. That town and county I thus found quite unoccupied by the Edinburgh B.S. and several individuals were found desirous of having a new society formed and in connection with you. Arrangements where accordingly made for carrying this into effect at a public meeting on the Tuesday following

from Linlithgow I proceeded to Falkirk. The Minister of this Parish is a member of the Committee of a branch of the Edinburgh B.S. but nevertheless he received me in a very friendly manner, and spoke highly of our Institution, and disapproved much of the Edinburgh break out. He offered me his church for the Sunday evening following, that I might give an address and make a collection for you.

The Minister of the Relief Church I found unconnected with the Edinburgh B.S. and most desirous of seeing something done in the place in connection with you. So also I found the United Secession Ministers. For that arrangements were made that I should deliver a discourse, and make a collection in the forenoon of the Sunday above referred to in the First U.S.C and  in the afternoon in the Relief Church. With these preparations made I left Falkirk on the Friday for Stirling to return for the three Sunday services above indicated.

In Stirling we have many friends, and our Auxiliary there has never cease to exist. You have put in, in the Report, in parenthesis, under the Society "Instituted 1827." Please to drop this in future, as it has no suitable application. In that year the great body of our Auxiliary broke off, and with some nefariousness, but still our friends stood firm, and continued as our Auxiliary and would not therefore be instituted in 1827. Our friend Dr. Paterson, on a visit to this place when I was in Edinburgh gave intimation of my coming; and accordingly it was arranged that they would hold their Annual Meeting when I came. A Committee meeting was held on the Saturday forenoon with this view, and necessary preparations were accorded for a public meeting on the Thursday following, and also for an assemblage of Ladies on the succeeding day, to form a Ladies Bible Association.

Things being thus prepared for operations on the following week in Stirling, I returned on the Saturday afternoon to Falkirk, to fulfill the previous arrangements entered into for the Sunday. Our audiences were fair at the three services, and our collections amounted to £9:4:6. This is the first immediate fruit of my visit here, but having got into this mode of gathering a little fruit, I intend to pursue the opening thus presented. These meetings produced some fruit also in another way, as they give me opportunities [to state] the mode, and the purity, and the extent of our operations. The Ministers of the three churches referred to, intimated to me beforehand, that owing to previous collections, etc., I should not expect large amounts. I said in reply, that the testimony of a good feeling towards us in any sum however small would be very acceptable.

On the Monday some friends met to make arrangements for the formation of the Bible Society, and it was agreed that a public meeting should be held for this object on the succeeding Monday, at which I promised to attend.

On the Tuesday I went to Linlithgow, agreeable to my engagement. The weather proved very unfavourable, and our meeting was rather a failure. But to make amends for this, I promised to return on the following Tuesday, which I could easily do, having to be in Falkirk on the day preceding.

On the Wednesday I went again to Stirling, and on the Thursday we had our annual meeting, which considering the very unfavourable weather, was well attended, and proved satisfactory to all. On the Friday we held our Ladies meeting under still more unfavourable weather, and so the number present was not great, yet our object was considered as fully gained in the formation of a Ladies Association.

On the afternoon of the same day (Friday) I went to Alloa. Here, on a second occasion, I was kindly received and lodged by a member of the Committee of the Edinburgh Branch B.S.  This gentleman is a Minister of the U.S. Church, and though he would not subscribe it to all you have done in your 41 years' career, he has towards you a kind and generous feeling, and wishes you God speed in his heart. He allowed me on Sunday evening to deliver a discourse in his church, and to make a collection for you. This I accordingly did, and got a little tribute of goodwill amounting to 30/-.  We should probably have had more but for a public sermon and collection being made at Clackmannan, one and a half miles off, by Mr. Winslow of Leamington, which had been announced before I came, and to which several had compromised themselves to go.

The parish Minister of Alloa, though a member of the Committee of the Edinburgh Branch B.S. gave me a favourable reception, and expressed cordiality of feeling with your Society. He offered me his church when I should return: and in the afternoon when I attended his service, he not only gave out our notice, but also prayed for your Society, and your agent; and in the evening he attended our meetings, held in a dissenting place of worship.

On the Monday I went to Falkirk, and our meeting for forming a Bible Society as before noticed, was held in the evening. The Society was accordingly formed, and the approbation and encouragement of all the Ministers of the place, except one.

Next day I went according to agreement to Linlithgow. In the evening our meeting was held, and was much better attended than on the former occasion. Our Society was duly formed, and for the town and country of Linlithgow. Not all the Ministers are with us, but none of them act against us, while those friendly are warm in our favour.

Today I returned once more Stirling, taking it on my way to Perth, in which place I purpose to be tomorrow, and from thence to visit Dunkeld, where we have a little society still in connection with us, for though a small place, I would not leave unvisited any of our old and permanent friends. Afterwards, I go to Dundee where our best friend Dr. Paterson now is, and ready to use all his exertions and influence on our behalf. Montrose and Aberdeen will come next in succession.

After what I have now detailed to you of my fortnight's operations, I need hardly say, that the despondency as to Scotland, etc., and our work on it, which was upon me in and on leaving Edinburgh is now removed, and I go on my way rejoicing. I meet with official and personal kindness, and have been boarded and lodged free, with the exception of one night, since I left Edinburgh. Besides, as you see I am beginning to gather some figs from our Thistles here, and the first fruits I now send to Mr. Hitchin, in the shape of £10:14:6.

I may say besides and further, that I do not feel under any obligation or disposition now to follow your counsels and my own views agreeing thereto, as noticed in your and in my last communication, namely, that of visiting only where we know before hand that we had friends who wish to see me. I shall on the contrary go freely to any place, hoping and believing that we have friends in them though not already known to us, for thus it has proved in this tour in the country thus far. – Also in regard to forming new societies, I feel unshackled, contrary to my feeling on leaving Edinburgh. Already, you see, we have formed three new societies.

I have only one thing more to add. The Free Church Ministers, I am sorry to say, are not favourable to us generally. Two of the names appended to the Warning (Candlish & Clason) are such, and the layman's name at the top (Spiers) who is the Sheriff of Edinburgh is of the same body. All the three are strong against us, and others not a few connected with them take the same view of things. The Established Church Ministers are much better disposed towards us. A pleasing circumstance occurred in our favour in it recently. At the General Assembly of the Free Church, the distinguished Continental men, d'Aubigne, Monot, and Muntze, appeared, and were received as Associates. In the course of their addresses to this Assembly they spoke in glowing terms of the praiseworthy labours of the British and Foreign Bible Society in favour of their respective countries. This was just hitting the nail on the head, and most timeously; and I trust these statements will have a good effect in correcting misunderstandings, and in inducing better feelings towards us.

Hoping for a continuation of the same favourable circumstances thus far experienced in my country movements, I go on, as I have said, rejoicing, and believing that you will rejoice with me, and give thanks to the God of peace who only can make men to be of one mind and of his own mind, and to whom be glory in this matter, and in all things, through Jesus Christ our Lord and our Saviour.

            I am, as always,

                        Very Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

[1] A popular name for Edinburgh--"reekie" means "smoky". (BM)

Inverness, 15th August 1845

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.

London, 22nd November 1845

Rev A Brandram

London 22nd November 1845

My Dear Friend,

Agreeable to the wish expressed by the Committee, I proceed to give some account of my mission to Scotland.

The first thing I notice, is the line which I moved, without mentioning every place on my route, nor my comings and goings, and re-visitations of the same places. I went first Edinburgh, then to Dunfermline, Linlithgow, Falkirk, Stirling, Perth, Dunkeld, Blairgowrie, Dundee, Cupar - Fife, St. Andrews, Arbroath, Montrose, Aberdeen, Inverury, Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff, Elgin, Forres, Nairn, Inverness, Glasgow, Greenock, Paisley, Kilmarnock, Irvine, Ayr, Creetown and Dumfries.

In every place my first business was to call on the Ministers of different denominations, and on other persons also who were known to take an active part in the Religious and Benevolent Objects. In nearly all the places above enumerated, Public Meetings were held and in some of them more than one or two. Meetings of Committees, and private meetings with parties composed of those friendly to us were also held.

At all the Public Meetings, also in visitations and in parties, I spoke more or less according to circumstances on the following topics: – The history of the Bible, in the times and modes in which God gave us the Sacred Writings, and their progressive extension among men: the present general destitution of the Holy Scriptures in the world at large: our high privilege in this country in possessing as we do so richly the Divine Volume: the rise, progress, plan, operations, present and prospective work of the British and Foreign Bible Society: the obligation lying on us in this nation to send the word of God extensively and speedily over the whole earth, for which purpose, it would seem, God had elevated, enlightened and enriched us more than other nations: and finally, the desirableness, if not special duty, of all who interest themselves in the fulfillment of these high obligations lying on us, of joining themselves to, and heartily cooperating with the British and Foreign Bible Society, in as much as it is the only institution in our land at the present time that is getting the Scriptures extensively to a great portion of the world, and possessing, as it does, great facilities and advantages in the shape of versions, agencies, correspondents, and friends, so that a given amount of funds would do more good in the line of this Society than otherwise employed, towards diffusing the word of God among the nations. Some notices of my own little travels were also given as forming part of the Society's operations.

Besides these things here mentioned, and considering the new field over which I was moving, I have to touch upon, and sometimes also to dwell upon matters connected with the now old story of the Apocrypha, and its accidents. I stated in the best way I could how the circumstance arose of your publishing the Apocryphal books, and showed that these ceased to be published 20 years ago, and completely and entirely. The connexion if such it can be called, which our Society has at present with societies on the Continent of Europe which still circulate the Apocrypha, though not as the word of God, I explained, showing that it consists merely of our availing ourselves of them, as of any other convenient medium, for circulating our Bibles without the Apocrypha, and bound up so that this edition could not be at put in, whilst all monies received for these are invariably and by express stipulation, remitted to London, so that no aid however indirect can be afforded them for publishing their own books. This, as you are aware, is the whole of the Apocrypha question. Replies however to other objections I had also to make, but these I will touch upon farther on.

Such as now described were my movements and statements. The next thing is, what reception I met with in the Bible land of Scotland. Our Public Meeting in Edinburgh we endeavoured to conduct in the most peaceful manner in respect to those who differ from us; yet notwithstanding this, there appeared a couple of days after, and advertisement in the newspapers, entitled "Warning to the Public," that is, against our Society persuading the people of Scotland not to join us, and because of certain past and present errors said to be attached to our operations. Both the spirit and the letter of this document appear to me unaccountable, as issuing from men who love the Bible, and love to circulate it, and who know well what the British and Foreign Bible Society has done, and is doing in diffusing the Scriptures over the world, and moreover what wonderful effects God is working through the same. Our Auxiliary in Edinburgh replied to this Warning, and showed the true position in which we stand, and as not justly liable to the accusations brought forward.

In my movements from Edinburgh through the country, I found the Ministers of the different bodies of Dissenters, with but few exceptions, very decidedly in our favour. The same statement I would make, and to the full extent, in regard to the Ministers of the Established Church. In the Free Church we have several Ministers entirely favourable to us, but I am sorry to add, that the majority of otherwise minded. Few of those however who thus keep aloof from us have manifested the spirit of opposition as seen in the aforenamed Edinburgh document. They object to some of our operations, though all are not alike in the particulars to which the object. Very few of these, I believe, would take an active part against us; and when they have had leisure fully to consider the state of matters in the great Bible cause, and the true position of our Society, there is reason to hope that many who now stand off will come near to us, and join us with all their hearts. The Rev. Dr. Wilson, the Free Church Missionary from Bombay, and now in Scotland, is warmly with us and is very desirous that all his Brethren of the Free Church, and all Scotland would join us

I visited the various Auxiliaries in Scotland that have all along continued with us, and found them cordially disposed to forward our objects, though all confessing that they have not done so much as they ought. The hinderances to their operations will be noticed further on. Among the supporters of the Edinburgh Bible Society I found many bearing a very friendly feeling towards our Society, and were sorry to see a separation and an opposition kept up. Others connected with this body had doubts as to some of our proceedings, and join the Edinburgh Bible Society from having more confidence in it, yet rejoiced in the work that God is carrying on through the British and Foreign Bible Society. From all I have seen in this visit to Scotland, I would say that two thirds of the country are in our favour; and the other third, with the exception of a few, cannot, I think, be considered hostile to us. They would like to see some things in our operations altered, but still see that God is with us, and are glad to hear of the good thus done.

Misunderstandings I found very prevalent as to the present operations of our Society. Some thought the Apocrypha was still being circulated, and not merely in the few European languages in which it formerly appeared, but also in English. Others thought that though the Apocrypha was not printed by our Society, yet that we regularly sent out the Bible in sheets to Continental Societies, and that they bound in the Apocrypha. Other mistakes I also found existing on these matters. But when things were explained on these points, I generally found the parties take a very different view of the subject.

Some new societies were formed on this tour, and endeavours were made to strengthen existing ones. Some Presbyteries of the Establishment, and the Relief and United Secession Churches have especially taken into consideration the duty of aiding our Society, and I have no doubt good results will follow from the same in due time, individual congregations, of different bodies, have acted in a similar manner.

You will have observed, that for a long time past, and more particularly in recent years, the contributions from Scotland to our Society has been small. It would not be fair to take this fact as a proof or test of the feelings of Scotland towards the British and Foreign Bible Society. The truth is that the violence and personalities of the Apocrypha controversy induced many lovers of peace and of good will to withdraw altogether for a time from the subject of Bible Societies, and to lie on their oars till the storm should abate, and the waves cease to roll. By the time that this had taken place at least in some degree, the spirit of apathy had begun to act. Many, if not most or all of these who contributed to Bible Societies, because it was popular to do so, but who felt no other interest in the object, withdrew, and were glad to be relieved. The constant friends of our Society could not rally these into action. Other parties were found, who though they had objected to the violence exhibited in the controversy, felt themselves in doubts and difficulties as to the operations of the Society from the statements that had been publicly made, and not having the means of properly informing themselves as to the truth of matters. The friends of the Society moreover felt disinclined to act publicly in reviving our cause in the fear that the painful agitation would be renewed. Under all these influences the apathy increased. These our warm friends do not hesitate to blame you in part for this apathy. They think that if you had uninterruptedly continued to visit Scotland, you would have kept many together who were fully attached to you, and that others also would have gradually join them. Your nearly entire desertion of Scotland for many years they think wrong, and they strongly advise that it should be visited continuously in future, and they seemed assured that this labour would not be in vain.

The Edinburgh Bible Society is labouring with considerable success in keeping up and in extending the circulation of the Scriptures in Scotland. Something also is being done beyond Scotland as far as their means admit. In all these labours of this body, in the grand object of making known to mankind the will of God as contained in the Holy Scriptures, the friends of the British and Foreign Bible Society will undoubtedly rejoice. All that is thus done is truly in furtherance of the grand enterprise of diffusing the word of God over the whole world. There is no room for rivalry and envyings in this work. But it is surely to be regretted that misunderstandings of any kind should at all exist among those who are embarked in the same grand cause. Let us pray, and hope for a termination of these misunderstandings. It is humbly supposed that were the two Societies united, as formerly, more would be done both in Scotland and beyond it through means raised in that Bible country than is the case at present time. It is therefore worthy of attention of both parties to take into consideration in the most friendly manner every circumstance that might conduce towards unity and cordial cooperation. – The Glasgow and Greenock Bible Societies should also be mentioned as contributing to the general distribution of the Scriptures, and as acting very efficiently in favour of emigrants from their ports to America and elsewhere. I have already alluded to two of the objectives entertained by some to the operations of the British and Foreign Bible Society, namely, the direct and indirect circulation of the Apocrypha, and have shown that the Society is free from participating in either. The third objection exists, and bears on some versions used, not made, by the Society, being translations from the Latin Vulgate. These versions properly viewed cannot be considered as unsuitable for circulation, especially among those who will not accept of another version of an improved nature. That this is so is attested by the very persons who have made the objections, inasmuch as they are found promoting, and contributing to the circulation of the very same versions as members of Committee and contributors to the "Edinburgh Continental Association." But the suitableness of these versions is attested in a more satisfactory manner still, and by higher authority. God himself is giving testimony to the word of his grace through these versions, in converting hundreds of persons: whilst on the other hand we are not acquainted with any evil produced by the versions in question.

The fourth objection was made to the headings of some chapters in the Portuguese New Testament. On examination it was found that these accusations were not grounded on facts, as the passages quoted did not exist. One heading however is to be found, though not quoted in the first accusation, which though not involving the errors stated, is it somewhat objectionable; and this passage will, I understand, be amended or omitted in next reprint.

The only other material objection I have had made, and have had to answer, is in regard to the opening of the meetings with prayer. Not only our opponents, but also most of our friends have noticed the subject. I have replied to the objection by stating the peculiar difficulties of the case as respects England, whilst similar obstacles do not occur in Scotland. Our friends in many cases see our predicament aright, but those unfriendly can make no allowances. I have mentioned also how much real and earnest prayer is in effect made by the parties transacting the business of the Society, though not after a formal manner. I think I may say it is the wish and earnest desire of the Committee to be free from their embarrassments in this case, and to be able to use prayer in the fuller sense indicated by the different parties in question. Providence will, I trust, prepare the way for this in due time, and may the measure be hastened for its own sake, and for the satisfaction of the complaining parties.

I have had some friendly communications with the Glasgow Bible Society, a Society sustaining generally the same objections to us as the Edinburgh Bible Society, but as far as I have seen in a very different spirit. I have represented to the Society, that the main objections urged against the British and Foreign Bible Society respect only a few versions in Europe, and constituting a small number of the 160 in use by the Society. I have stated that they might notwithstanding these objections aid the Society in its work with other versions to which the objections do not apply, and which, besides much of Europe, embrace the many millions in Asia, and in other parts of the world. I have hopes that some cooperation of this kind may take place, and which would at once produce a better feeling, and might lead in due time to a full cordiality, and the happy union in the great and blessed work of giving God's word to all mankind. May the God of peace give us this peace, and by his power make us of one heart and soul in doing his will.

In regard to funds, that have been obtained by collections at Sermons and Public Meetings, the sum of £93:14: 8, and in donations £223:13:0, making in  all £317:7:8. The Travelling Expenses exclusive of advertising and other printing are £58:19:7. From the Societies formed, and others revived, and from collections and contributions likely soon to be made by various congregations of different denominations it is hoped that an additional sum still larger than that above stated made be yet sent to the Society as the immediate result of this mission.

There is undoubtedly no country in the world that has benefited more by the Bible than Scotland. Scotland therefore ought to be the largest contributor of all countries to the sending forth of the Bible to the many nations of the world. Being myself a Scotchman I have often are urged the consideration of the subject on my countrymen, and endeavoured to create a more powerful feeling in this our duty, with corresponding exertions. Wales as seen by last year's accounts is actually doing not far from twice as much as all Scotland, the Wales has less than 1 million of inhabitants, and Scotland more than 2 millions and a half. The proper annual contribution from Scotland proportionate to the present support given by Wales to the general diffusion of the Scriptures would be upward of Fifteen Thousand Pounds. Besides, the major part of the contributions from Wales go to the circulation of the Scriptures in foreign countries, whilst nearly all that Scotland contributes is expended on itself. I feel very anxious as a Scotchman to see Scotland doing its duty in this great cause, which at present it is not doing, but coming very far short. I feel desirous that all my countrymen should awake to what is right in this matter, and that Scotland should not only redeem its credit, but go nobly before, and in advance of all countries in giving to the world liberally that Book which it has so liberally received. If Scotland would do this its proper work, acting separately from the British and Foreign Bible Society, it would be all well, and it with us ably advance the grand enterprise of that Institution. But this I think is not likely to be the case judging from the results of the last 20 years, and therefore it seems desirable that Scotland should unite itself in its Bible operations with England. Within this union, the funds raised in each end of our island should stand distinct, and so should the exertions of the noble Welsh in this cause be seen apart. The yearly amount of Bible good done to foreign lands should also be seen as distinct from domestic labours. In this way there might be a pleasing and profitable rivalry in this truly great work and duty, that would profit all parties, and hasten the diffusion of the word of God over the earth, and make the joyful sound sooner to be heard, – "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ."

I remain, My Dear Friend,

Yours Very Truly,

James Thomson.