Edinburgh, 7th May 1845 - 1

Rev A Brandram 

Edinburgh, 7th May 1845

 My Dear Friend,

            I now sit down to write you my first official letter from this new field of my travels, and in doing it I am reminded, that on your annual day last year I wrote you from a far foreign land, from Peto in Yucatán; & again I am reminded of God's merciful goodness to me in my then very poor state of health, his conducting me safely through that country to the coast borne for 300 miles on the shoulders of strangers, thence to Belize which is British ground, and thence again to New York, to Dover and London: again and further, for his restoring me to health, and in employing me in Bible work in my native country, and now in this very city from whence I started 27 years ago to visit and wander in foreign lands.

            Pray forgive this reminiscence, or rather the mentioning of it to you in an official letter. But I have an impression on my mind, and the same has often comforted me at great distances and in difficulties, namely, that yourself with the Committee have a kindly sympathy with your out labourers, that you rejoice and weep with them, and pray for them: and well it becomes us as diffusers of the Bible among our fellow creatures, to promote, extend and deepen all those blessed feelings of Christian charity and affection which the holy book we circulate recommends as the highest and best of gospel virtues.

            And now to business. It is about a month since I arrived in this city. The greater part of that time I have spent here, but have also during it paid two visits to Glasgow. I regret, I may say, my detention here, but yet believe that it has not been longer than necessary, and further believe that some more time might yet be spent here with profit to our general object. And with this understanding, though I leave this place tomorrow for Glasgow, I purpose afterwards to return to it, and to remain a few days in order to fully to complete the visitation. By way of strengthening my views in regard to the time occupied here, I may state that our good and worthy friend Dr. Paterson more than accords with me on the subject, and even thinks the time given to Edinburgh should be longer than I propose.

            My time has been occupied in a good measure in making private calls on former and present friends of our Society, and in explaining to them our present position and operations, and the present position of the world as to the want and need of the Bible. These representations have been coupled with kindly solicitations made to all for sympathy with us in our work, for their prayers, and their cooperation, and aid.

            Again, we have had several small meetings in the shape of Bible Society evening parties, and otherwise, and in these the same or similar representations and solicitations have been made.

            Finally, we held, two days ago a public meeting called by advertisements. The attendance was not numerous, partly because there were other public meetings held at the same time in this busy season, and partly because it was held during the day when the great many are entangled in their necessary occupations. We had with us one of the Ministers of the Established Church, and two of the Free Church body. These latter were our old and steady friend the Rev. Henry Grey, and the well known and valued Bombay Missionary the Rev. Dr. Wilson. Our old and worthy friends the Rev. Dr. John Brown and the Rev. William Innes were likewise with us. Also we had in our company Ministers representing the Episcopal Church, the Secession, and the Independents.

             We have hopes that good has been done, and have tried to avoid evil. We think that a good supply of your forthcoming Report would be of service, that we might distribute them among those who are friendly for their own use, and to show to those half friendly or less so, in order that they might see the quantity of seed sown, and also the sheaves that are already come in. 200 copies are wished for, and we beg you will be kind enough to arrange for us accordingly. But to this number I would add what may be required for Glasgow, and other places I may visit, say 300 more, in all 500 copies. Your note of the 5th has just come to hand. I observed the demur of the Committee on the subject I noticed to you; and probably your view of the matter is better than mine.

I hope to hear that you have had a very gratifying meeting today.

             I remain, My Dear Friend,

                         Yours Very Truly,

                                     James Thomson.

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)

St. Andrews, 9th July 1845

Rev A Brandram

St Andrews 9th July 1845

My Dear Friend,

I now address you a second time from the country of  Scotland as distinct from its capital, and I am happy to say that things continue to wear the same favourable aspect as is noticed in my former communication. After writing you in Stirling, and informing you of what occurred in my movements from Edinburgh to that place, I went onwards to Perth, and then called upon the Ministers of all names, and found not a few friendly to us, and none precisely opposed. Some were not satisfied as to all past and present things in and out of Earl Street, but they were disposed to hear reasoning concerning you, and all acknowledging that you had done, and were doing, much good. These wish to lie on their oars a little, and desired not to be pressed into a decision, intimating that on some future occasion they would be more prepared to form a clear opinion. None signified any purpose of opposition, and all, I believe, acquiesced with us as far as to read out in their Churches our notices of public meetings, a favour we had been refused elsewhere. I include here then the Free Church Ministers who have hitherto been least favourable to us. The Ministers of the Established Church were all friendly, and I could have had one of their churches for a public meeting if I had wished. The Dissenters too were all our friends. including the Baptist Minister.

In the largest Church in Perth I addressed a full assembly, of persons of all denominations, and there was a collection made for us. I of course showed, among other things, that you yourselves walk orderly and keep the law, I mean the law against the Apocrypha. I find the need of doing this in every place, both privately and publicly, for there are many olden impressions yet remaining against you, and in the minds of many sensible persons who are not unfriendly to us, as well as with others less favourable.

In addition to the large public meeting referred to, which was on a Sunday, we held another on a week day, and there formed a Society for the town of Perth and the County, on which occasion the Baptist Minister was an efficient actor. – With these occurrences and operations I left Perth, gratified and thankful, and with kindly invitations received to return again.

Dunkeld was the next place visited. They have a little Bible Society there, half connected with us and half not. We had a public meeting, at which their occurred the phenomenon of an Established Church Minister and a Free Church Minister being present together, I thing not seen there before since the Disruption. A good deal of disfavour existed in that place against you, and which I endeavoured to lessen. I think some good feeling as well as good understanding was produced, and I am invited to call there again on my way from the North, when, they say, they will make a collection for us, which they could not venture to propose at first, on account of evil impressions prevailing concerning you. I hope accordingly to visit them, after seeing John O'Groats, and shall thankfully receive what they contribute, considering the sum large or small as a testament of goodwill. In the meantime however I got five shillings from the children of a Lady's school in the place.

Blairgowrie was the next new ground. There I could not properly arrange for a public meeting, owing to several hinderances. I called however on the Established and Free Church Ministers of Blairgowrie, and the neighboring parish of Rattray. I found here, as I had found previously, in most places, and with most persons, that misunderstandings and evil thoughts prevailed respecting your past and present conduct. Better views I think succeeded, and of which we may afterwards see the fruits. The Established Church Minister of Rattray is to preach, and make a collection for you by and bye.

Dundee came next in order, and required more time to be given to it than preceding towns, on account of its size, and being a centre respecting other places. During this stay, I was very courteously entertained by Edward Baxter Esq. a warm friend of the Society, and son-in-law to our valued coadjutor Dr. Paterson. The Doctor himself was there, and ready, as usual, to assist us in every way. Here, as elsewhere, I visited all the Ministers, and among them all there was no opponent, several were warmly for us, and some required more time to think of the matter. On a Sunday evening we held a meeting, to explain and enforce the duty of sending the Bible over the world, and to make a collection for the same. Afterwards, and on a week day, we had another meeting, at which the Bible society was formed under encouraging circumstances. The Auxiliary there died in 1826, though it still stands on your list, I know not why. Since that time a branch of the Edinburgh Bible Society has existed, but latterly it has been little more than nominal. One of its Committee members joined us on the platform, and heartily aided us in the formation of our new society, and further, he is a Baptist. I hope well of this new Dundee Bible Society.

The County of Fife lies across the Firth of Tay, southward of Dundee. I went to Cupar, the capital, and made preparations for a public meeting. Next I went to St. Andrews, and did the same. This done, I returned to Dundee, to attend the meeting last mentioned. On coming back to Cupar we held a meeting for explanations and illustrations of our object. Mists were here as elsewhere to be dispelled, and a new Bible interest created or excited into life and action. The Free Church Minister demurs, on account of your connection with the Apocrypha Bible Societies of the Continent, but says he will join you when you purge yourselves of this connection. So also said the Free Church Minister of a neighbouring parish who was present. You thus see how you yourselves may increase the number of your friends here; and I may add, that there are many who think and would act like these two. Query, – Is it not worth while to reconsider this matter? What would you think of having our pure Bibles disposed of  by pure hands? Some expense in this way would be well borne, and would prove gain in another way.

All the other Ministers in Cupar Established and Dissenting are with us. At a breakfast party of these it was particularly expressed to me, as the opinion of those present, that you should not have retired from Scotland as you did, but should have constantly visited your friends, to keep up those you had and to gain more, by a manifestation of truth, and a continued exhibition of your great object, and your great operations in it. Others elsewhere have expressed themselves after a similar manner. I have been too much of a foreigner during the period in question to be able to judge accurately concerning this opinion; but on the whole I suspect, from all I have thus far seen in Scotland, that these our friends are right in their views, and hence that you were wrong in your actions, or rather by want of action as to Scotland.

Our Auxiliary in Cupar ceased as such in 1826, but there never was a junction to the Edinburgh Bible Society. They acted independently, and distributed their funds to various Bible objects, and latterly £10 or £20 were remitted to you for China, as there was a pretty fair certainty, they thought, that you had not yet sent the Apocrypha there.

In St. Andrews the Established Church Ministers were all friendly. The Rev. Dr. Haldane, Principal of St. Mary's College, when I called on him, stated that he had long regretted the separation from your Society, and had often wished to see something done for you. I showed him your purity as to the Apocrypha case, and afterwards heard him announce from the pulpit, that from conversations with me he was "completely satisfied" on this score; and in succession he urged his people to take an interest in our cause, and he appointed a day of meeting for that purpose. I attended this meeting held in one of the churches, and made statements concerning our objects. A committee was appointed at this meeting to make arrangements in order to afford you some continued aid. I saw several other individuals there connected with the Established Church, and found them all well disposed, and think some thing good will arise from these beginnings. To combine the Established Church and the Free Church and one Association, I found to be impossible, and was therefore glad to take them separately, and secure their cooperation as far as I could. Thus far then we got on with the Established Church, as above described.

The Free Church had no scruple in combining with the Dissenting bodies, but the difficulty hitherto experienced was to get hold of the Free Church body itself. The Dissenters generally we could always count on. In St. Andrews we have gained some ground in this matter, for I got into the Free Church to make my statements once and a second time, and in the same place we laid the foundation of a new Bible Society for this city. The two Dissenting Ministers were present, and fully cooperated. The Church I here had the honour of getting into, is that of the Rev. Dr. Hetherington, the deserving historian of the Church of Scotland, whose work has gained much credit.

On the whole then we have succeeded in St. Andrews fully as well as we could have anticipated, or rather somewhat better. If we could not unite the two parties together, we have united them both to ourselves, and that I trust will lead to further union in due time. – I tried the Episcopal Minister, and I tried the Baptist Minister, but I found each of them immersed in his own medium, and neither baptized with the general and genuine Bible Society spirit.

Two new societies have been formed since my last, or four, if we include the two embryos of this place. In my last I reported £10:14:6 as received in collections. I now report £17:13:8 received since, and in the same way.

The last thing I have to notice, that the Northern Warder, a newspaper published in Dundee, and connected with the Free Church party, has taken particular and favourable notice of our meetings and object. This paper is very extensively circulated in several counties in this quarter, and is the most popular paper. This is a very acceptable help, and in the quarter where we most needed it.

            I remain, My Dear Friend, Yours Very Truly,

                                                James Thomson.

Aberdeen, 4th August 1845 - 1

Rev A. Brandram

Aberdeen 4th August 1845

My Dear Friend,

I continue to you my narrative of occurring circumstances in this Scottish Bible tour. My last letter was dated St. Andrews July 9th and brought on matters as far as that place. On the same day on which the letter referred to was dated and sent off, I left St. Andrews, and returned to Dundee. There I saw the Editor of the Northern Warder, the newspaper noticed as having favourably and repeatedly spoken of our meetings. I learned from him that the Second Warning had been sent him for insertion. This was an extension of the Second Warning beyond the first, for it was not here advertised, and the putting of the Second in this paper was no doubt occasioned by our movements. This was throwing a shell with a particular aim.

From Dundee I went to Arbroath, and saw there the solid and extensive remnants of the once vast monastery which contained about 430 monks. I visited the different Ministers here, and went on to Montrose. Here a meeting was held, and the collection made in one of the United Secession Churches. The Minister of the other church connected with this body was, for a wonder, unfavourable to us. On the same side, and very distinctly, stood the two Ministers of the Free Church, one of whom is a half brother of the late Dr. Andrew Thomson. I called upon them both, and afterwards breakfasted with one of them. They each took a strong view on the points objected to by the Edinburgh Bible Society. Our interviews were long, and from disputed things we passed to things in which we agreed, and I shall long remember the pleasantness of our conversations in the Gospel of Christ, and in the things of the Kingdom of God. This same Mr. Thomson said we were quite right in advocating our cause in Scotland.

I called also on the two Ministers of the Established Church and found them both very friendly. They had, they said, for some time back been considering whether anything could be done by them in aid of your Society, and signified their readiness to have a sermon preached for you, and a collection made. The Wesleyans, Independents, and Baptists were also favourably disposed towards us.

In Montrose is one who left you a Legacy, which you have already received though the Testator yet liveth. I refer to Mr. Dorward, who became his own Executor, and paid you (as you would have been paid at his death) his legacy of £2000. I thought it an official duty to call upon this gentleman. He is aged and infirm, and still continues warmly attached to our cause.

I now returned to Arbroath to meet the engagements I had entered into in that place. On the former and present occasion I saw all the three Ministers of the Free Church, and found them all unfavourable, yet mild towards us though indisposed. They have more confidence they say in the Edinburgh Bible Society, and hold with that body in some at least of their objections. I thought I made some impression upon one of them, in reference to the aid we give to their missions in the East, pleading, as I said, that as a matter of justice, we should meet with some encouragement from them, and not the reverse. Another of the three said he entertained no feelings of opposition to our Society, and the third said he knew that our Society only was supplying the world.

In Arbroath I saw the Montrose newspaper, which while it noticed our Sunday meeting, took occasion to chant the Edinburgh chorus. However I learned at the same time that an article in our favour had come for insertion in the Arbroath newspaper, and to this I appended a column of information concerning our Society in its plans and operations.

The two Ministers of the Established Church in Arbroath I found well inclined toward us, and so were the Secession, Methodist, and Relief Ministers, the latter of whom, the Rev. William Allan, was particularly serviceable to me both in counsel and general help, and he is a member of the Edinburgh Bible Society here. In his church we held a meeting of Ministers, and some of their leading people, and all were represented except the Free Church. Our object was to form the nucleus of the Society in a committee consisting of Ministers of each denomination with one or two of their elders or deacons. This was a very pleasing meeting, and resulted in the formation of the intended committee, whose object is to pass into a Society as soon as circumstances will permit.

This finished my business in Arbroath. I then paid a short visit to Forfar, the capital of the County, where I met with friends to our object, and particularly in the Parish Minister, and something was done in furtherance of future operations. The short visit I also paid to Brechin. The two Ministers of the Established Church were very favourable to us, and one or perhaps two of the Free Church Ministers were rather favourably inclined also. I called on the Bishop, but he told me he subscribed to the Propagation and Christian Knowledge Societies, and that that was all he could do.

I again returned to Montrose, and visiting those friendly mentioned what had been done in Arbroath, and begged they would form themselves into a committee after a similar manner, to which they said they would give their attention.

Aberdeen came next in order, and this Capital of the North, and the third town in Scotland required some days for due operations. I had feared for things here, having learned that the Edinburgh spirit prevailed strong. I found things better however than report had led me to expect. The first favourable circumstance in regard to Aberdeen is, that we have more Free Church Ministers on our side than anywhere else as far as I have yet been. Two of the Secretaries of our Auxiliary there are Free Church Ministers, and some half dozen altogether we can count as our warm supporters. The strongest party on the Edinburgh side are also Free Church Ministers. In my rounds I visited these as well as others, and was very agreeably disappointed in finding them much less opposed than I imagined. The Established Church Ministers are with us, and so are the Dissenters, and not least the Baptist Minister. We held three meetings. The first was in one of the Free Churches, the second in one of the Established Churches, and the third in an Independent Chapel. The first was on a Sunday, the second was to form an Established Church Association in conjunction with our Society, and the third was a general meeting of the Auxiliary. At this general meeting we had three Free Church Ministers present, and what was both curious and gratifying was that one of them was a strong Edinburgh Bible Society man, but of a different spirit from his friends in Edinburgh, judging from what I saw of him at the meeting, and privately before in his own house. This gentleman is the Editor of a Free Church newspaper here, and in his paper issued on the morning of the day on which we met, he gave notice of our meeting and recommended the people to attend. He told us when he came to the meeting that he was acting inconsistently in coming, as well as in having told others to come. But we said that he was acting very consistently and helping forward the Bible cause in any way. – We have observed some of the newspapers take friendly notice of the meetings we hold, and in the one most extensively circulated there will appear a long article about our Society next week. What the Banner of the Free Church will say that next issue, I know not, but should like to see, and may perhaps see.

This finished Aberdeen. That is a branch of this Society In Inverury, and I thought it a duty to pay our friends there a visit, not to get money, but to give encouragement. We had a meeting in the Independent Chapel which was fairly attended considering that there was another meeting at the time. The people were pleased at the visit paid them, and were glad to hear of the Society's movement in the various parts of the world. We can hardly say that we have either the Free or Unfree Church with us here, though they keep from us on quite different grounds. The Free Church Minister in an adjoining parish is warmly for us, and attends the meetings of this Association.

Today I returned from Inverury to this city, and tomorrow morning early I go to Peterhead. – In returning here, and just before leaving the place, I would mention two things more or less connected with it. The first is, that in visiting the Rev. Sir William Dunbar,  I found, contrary to my expectations, that he was not quite favourable to us, though far from being against us. His main objection seems to be our want of Prayer, and this coming from a Church of England clergyman was the more remarkable. In Scotland generally our difficulty is not understood, and Socinians are always supposed to be the cause of this want. Sir William however could well understand the matter, but he said he would have prayer, leave the Society who would.

The next thing is in regard to Dr. Wilson, the missionary from Bombay. You already know from what I wrote from Edinburgh that he is very favourable to us, and this you know also from himself by interviews and otherwise. I have mentioned on several occasions to Free Church Ministers Dr. Wilson's confidence in us, and his willingness to aid us. On some of these occasions it was suggested to me, that some statement from him in writing would be useful, as he has great weight in the Free Church. I wrote Dr. Wilson regarding this, and have had a note from him, expressing, that the Society is "entitled to the confidence of the friends of evangelical religion in Britain, and to the kindly and not unfriendly remonstrance of those who may have to suggest improvements in any department of its operations." This document I have found serviceable here, and doubt not but I shall find it so in various places as I move onward.

            I remain, My Dear Friend, Yours Very Truly,

                                                                        James Thomson.

P.S. Since finishing this letter, I have learned, that the Second Warning was published in the Banner, and I have seen it. This was throwing a shell before us; but it seems to have had little effect.

Glasgow, 11th October 1845

Rev A Brandram

Glasgow 11th October 1845

My Dear Friend,

Being now about to leave this city and neighborhood, I sit down to give you some account of my movements and operations since my last dated in Inverness the 26th of September.

From Inverness Westward through the Lakes, and Southward to Glasgow, I travelled in company with several of the Free Church Ministers who had been attending the General Assembly in Inverness, and were then returning homeward. Our Bible Society was of course at times the theme of our conversations. Most of the persons referred to were on the Edinburgh Bible Society side, but they were with one exception better minded towards our Institution than is indicated in the Edinburgh documents, and I include in this one of the Committee of the Edinburgh Bible Society who was with us. The said documents were disapproved of. And I may here state that this is a feeling I have generally met with all over the country among those not joining with us, but rather with the Edinburgh Bible Society. They are not adverse to us. They wish your improvement in some things, but rejoice in your operations.

In Glasgow I have paid many visits, and two Public Meetings have been held, besides several Committee meetings. Favourable notice of these public meetings was taken by most, if not all, of our newspapers here, including the Free Church organ, and not a syllable has appeared against us in any quarter.

One of the acquaintances I made on the way from Inverness to this city was that of Dr. Smyth, one of the two Secretaries of the Glasgow Bible Society, a Society considered always to side with the Bible Society of Edinburgh. This gentleman I have since seen on different occasions, and been kindly treated by him at his table. Dr. Smyth is a Minister of the Free Church. He coincided in the Edinburgh Bible Society statements, and in their separation from you, and still he sees things much in the light of former times: but with all this he has a kindly feeling toward us, and rejoices in our prosperity, though very anxiously desirous of our amendment in some things. Previous to our Public Meetings I ascertained from Dr. Smyth that no part would be taken by him and his friends in opposition to us. Had I found a different disposition we would not have held any Public Meeting, being desirous of avoiding such exhibitions us took place after our Public Meeting in Edinburgh. Dr. Willis the other Secretary is also a Minister of the Free Church, and whom I may describe in Dr. Smyth's own words: He is more liberal, said he, in regard to your Society than I am. This gentleman has also shown me his hospitalities, and has distinctly expressed goodwill towards you.

In conversations first, and afterwards formally by letter, half private half official, I have set before these gentlemen and their Society the claims we have on all Bible Institutions for help, inasmuch as we are the only Bible Society that is in any measure providing the Scriptures for the heathen and Mohammedan world, in all their millions, besides destitute Christendom also. Your objections to us, I said, applies only to a few versions in our European operations. May you not, inconsistency with holding these objections, still help us in our vast work in Asia, etc., where these objections have no place? And were you then kindly to aid us, your suggestions for our improvement would most likely tell better upon us. In this manner I have represented things, and Dr. Smyth says that as soon as a pretty full meeting can be convened, after parties absent returned to the city, he will read my letter in Committee; and I shall have a friendly, he says, if not unfavourable answer.

As regards the Established Church, in addition to various private visits, we have had two conference meetings, at which a number of Ministers were present. The latter one was at the close of the Presbytery meeting with all the members present. From what occurred in our communications it was agreed that a Committee should be formed consisting of all those then assembled, in order to take the Bible Society subject into consideration. No pledge was given as to the course they would pursue, but the expressions uttered by various individuals were decidedly in favour of having a Society formed in connection with you. Of this Committee, Dr. Hill, Professor of Divinity in this University, and the present Moderator of the General Assembly, is convener.

In respect to the Dissenters here, as in other parts of over Scotland, they are our friends, and have all along been so. But I may say of them, that they are rather sleeping than active partners in our concern, owing to the long inactivity in Scotland in our favour. One of my objects here has been to a wake these sleeping partners, and make them open their eyes wide to see the nature of our great work, and our need of their active cooperation. Perhaps something has been done in this way, and it will now lying with you to keep shaking these are friends less they falll again into slumber.

The other day the Relief Presbytery in this city passed the following resolution: – "The attention of the Presbytery having been called to the operations of the British and Foreign Bible Society, the court agreed to record their high approbation of the Institution, and to recommend that, on the second Sabbath of November next, (or, in cases where that day is found unsuitable, on some Sabbath as near there to as convenient,) the Minister in the bounds should call the attention of their several congregations to the operations and claims of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and that they should in other ways according to their influence and opportunity, endeavour to promote the interests of said Society, and the great cause to which it is engaged."

The Presbytery of the United Secession Church usually assembling in this city will, I believe, pass a similar resolution at their next meeting. The Independents are equally friendly towards us, and most probably will correspondingly serve us, by the several Ministers addressing their congregations on the subject. The Baptists though friendly to us seem to think that their own translation Society has the greatest claim on them for help.

From this place as a centre, I have visited, and on different occasions, Paisley, Greenock, Irvine, Ayr, and Kilmarnock. Public Meetings have been held at all of them, except Ayr, which I have yet to visit in my way Southward, and collections have been made to aid in our work. Our meeting that Greenock was held in the church of one of the Vice Presidents of the Greenock Branch of the Edinburgh Bible Society, and the same gentleman was present with us, as was likewise a member of the Edinburgh Bible Society Committee there on a visit. Steps have been taken in some of the places above named for forming Bible Societies in connection with us.

I have spoken with some Merchants here as to our China work, and have procured a letter to a gentleman in Singapore, to be sent to that place along with copies of the Scriptures in the Chinese language, in the full expectation that he will take an interest in their proper distribution. Towards your China Fund, Mr. John Henderson of the city has given me one hundred pounds, and also another hundred for your general objects. Some other donations have got besides this handsome one, partly for China, and partly for our whole work.

I know purpose going Southward through Ayr to Stranraer, and then along the South of Scotland to Dumfries and Annan, where I will take my departure for England, and expect to be in London on the first of November.

I am, My Dear Friend,

Very Truly Yours,

James Thomson.

P.S. I should have mentioned what I now do that the Rev. I S Taylor, one of the Secretaries of our Auxiliary here, has very kindly entertained your Agent during all his stay in Glasgow, and has also in every other ways contributed to forward our objects.

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.