Montreal, 31st January 1839

Rev A Brandram No 78

Montreal, 31st January 1839

My Dear Friend,

I sit down now write you my third communication from this country, and to detail to you the occurrences of my second biblical tour in this mission. When our friend Mr. Wilkes parted from us at L'Orignal, as mentioned to you in my last letter, I desired him, as he was about to visit what is called the Eastern Townships, to make arrangements and engagements for me to visit the Bible and Societies formed there, and to hold meetings at new places, as he might see fit. Our friend kept this momento before him, and made engagements for me in several places; and on the 14th instant I set out in fulfillment of the same. I should mention to you that these Townships lie directly east of the city, eastward of the River Richlieu, and south of the him and him St. Lawrence. With this direction you will easily find them on the map. The French settlers, or old inhabitants of the country, occupy a portion of land lying near the two rivers  mentioned, and after them come the Eastern Townships, which are all settled by English people, or those speaking that tongue.

My first movement was to Granby, and in the stage. A little below this city we crossed the great St. Lawrence river in all its breadth and depth on the ice. As soon as we had passed over we found ourselves in the French village of Longueuil, with its Catholic church and its Catholic inhabitants. In the forepart of the night we reached Granby, and at ten I set out again in the Sherbrooke stage. Just as I had sat down in this open sleigh-stage, a soldier stepped in and sat beside me, with a sword by his side, two loaded pistols in his belt, and one firm in his right hand for immediate use. This was to guard the mail which we carried, for it seems an attack had lately been made upon it in this neighbourhood, and supposed to be by the party which has so much trouble the country; and the nearness to the border of the United States gives a facility for committing these depredations.

At one o'clock in the morning I called up a good man on way whose name and nature had been described to me are before I set out. I inquired whether he could send me across the country through the woods and so save me from going 30 miles round as I must otherwise do by the stage. He said he could: upon which I stopped at his house, and two o'clock went to bed. Next morning after breakfast he took me in his sleigh and brought me to Melbourne. Lonely and cold was our ways through the forest until dark when we got in; but it was cheered by the interesting conversations we have together concerning all things around us in the country, and especially concerning the kingdom of God. Mr. Worcester is well instructed in all these matters, and lives a life to the glory of God before all.

After Melbourne I met with the Rev. Mr. Dunkerley, a minister resident in that place and in connection with Mr. Wilkes. At Durham the Township next to this northward was our first meeting to be. But from some misunderstanding the notice had not been duly given. To remedy this Mr. Dunkerley and I drove from house to house in the Township, occupying what time we could in the same, in order to give the people notice of our Bible meeting. We succeeded in bringing a fair number together, considering the scattered nature of the population, and the shortness and deficiency of the notice. We met in Mr. Dunkerley's Chapel in that place, for he has one there and another in Melbourne. We talked of the Bible, and gave Bible statements and information. The effect produced seemed good, and forth with a new society was formed.

Our next meeting was that Melbourne. Here also we had fewer people than otherwise we would, through the notice not having been given out on the Sunday preceding. In that township a Bible Society has existed for some time. We found the Gentlemen's part had done little or nothing, but that on the other hand, the Ladies' department, as is usual, had done well. The women ministered to Christ of their substance, and still women minister unto Christ in your ranks, in Melbourne, and in many other places. We endeavoured in our addresses to strengthen the strong, and to lift up the hands which hung down. We had with us here the Rev. Mr. Selley the Wesleyan minister of this neighborhood who added his vote on the same side with ours. Our next meeting in succession was at Danville 12 miles from Melbourne. Thither Mr. Dunkerley drove me in his sleigh, and when there we met with the Rev. Mr. Parker who had has resided in that place some ten years faithfully preaching the Gospel of Christ. Our meeting had been duly notified, and we had a good audience, some of them from six miles on one side, and some from eight miles on the other. Our usual Bible topics and notices were brought forward, and were well received. There has existed a society here for some time, and much good has been done by it. Among other interesting notices of the circulation and use of the Scriptures in this neighborhood Mr. Parker has by request drawn up the following, as respects the French population.

"I put a number of Bibles into the hands of a friend in a neighbouring township (Kingsey,) for the supply of destitute families, and on sale; among them a French Bible, to be loaned among the Canadian Catholics. It was lent to a family where a young married woman was the only person who could read. She became very deeply interested in reading, and as it was only loaned for a fortnight, her husband said that she spent almost whole nights reading, lest she should not be able to finish it before it would be called for. Meantime her only light was the light of a stove fire. She could read only by opening the door of the stove, and sitting or lying on the floor in order to get the light of the fire from a close stove. But almost no inconvenience could deter her from searching the Sacred Volume. And she could not refrain from telling her neighbours what a boon she had ob­tained. These neighbours came to hear, and after a little, a considerable congregation was seen flocking there from miles round to hear the Word of God, and they pronounced it 'all very good.' The term of the loan was pro­longed, and in a few weeks (I think about five) the Sacred Volume was read through. Soon after it was returned, a young man (a Canadian) came to buy it, and was told by the man in whose possession it was, that it was not for sale, but to be loaned. He urged the privilege of purchasing it, but read it he must, (he said,) and if he could not buy it, wished to borrow, and it is known that he is reading it with an awakened interest, and says, he will continue to do so in despite of the priest. Probably we shall soon gratify him with that or another copy for its price."

"Another Canadian woman who could read French, from a distance of eleven miles came to my house on a stormy and cold evening, and said that she had been told that here she could get a Bible in our own language, and it was her errand and to obtain one. She was furnished, and I have since heard that she reads it much, and calls it 'very very good.' These persons reside near a Catholic Church."

"Two young man in our immediate neighborhood have recently come, in like manner, and to say the least I reading the word of God frequently and attentively. And for one I am fully convinced, that unless the object be defeated by injudicious efforts and statements of Protestants, this class of our population will be led more and more to read and inquire, and that the work of God already visible among them to a limited extent, will progress to the mass of Popery will be leavened by the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ."

By these notices of Mr. Parker us you will perceive that there are some hopeful openings among the French Canadian Catholics here. I have learned several of the encouraging circumstances concerning the same people in different places.

Our friend Mr. Dunkerley and myself were, as you may well suppose, much gratified with the Bible meeting we had at this place, and with these inspiriting statements made to us there respecting the reception and use of the Scriptures on the part of French Catholics. But all our pleasures are mixed with toils and pains. When we had closed our meeting we had to travel twelve miles home in a moonless, starless, dark, and snowy night. Our friend, Mr. Parker, would gladly have constrained us to pass the night with him, but I was obliged to return to Melbourne, as I had to start from thence in the stage for Sherbrooke, at four o'clock next morning, to meet an engagement I had there. We both felt, I believe, more than we expressed, concerning this twelve-mile drive under such circumstances. About midway, owing to the dark­ness, we got into a wreath of snow where we were in some danger. We both got out of the sleigh, and after some exertion, with precaution, we ex­tricated the horse and sleigh, and then with one of us pioneering and the other cautiously leading the horse, we got again on to the proper road. After this we pursued our way without other accident, and when we saw, gladly hailed the lights of our home; and when we arrived there, we gave thanks to our heavenly Father gratefully for his merciful goodness to us on this and on many occasions.

After a short repose at Melbourne I set out at four o'clock in the stage for shadow broke. Sherbrooke is the head town of all the neighborhood, and is rapidly rising in population and importance. Your agent was kindly entertained there in the house of Mr. Samuel Brooks, the President of Sherbrooke Bible Society. On the Sunday evening we had a numerous meeting in the Rev. Mr. Robertson's chapel, himself being there, two of the Wesleyan ministers, and the Episcopal minister, that is all the ministers of that place. In addition to my statements here, and urging the putting of the Scriptures into the hands of all our fellow creatures over the whole world, I dwelt on the need and advantages of the Bible being held in high estimation in principle and practice by the Church of God in general, and by every family and individual of the great body. I stated too, and are urged, that all these objects were more or less attained by every meeting held expressly about the Bible, Bible Societies, Bible circulation, Bible reading, Bible instruction, and Bible blessings and glories here and hereafter. I do feel great and increasing confidence in that a Bible meeting is a meeting with which God is well pleased; and that every such meeting is greatly promotive of his glory, and conducive to the advancement of his kingdom on earth. The will of God must be made known before it possibly can be done: – I afterwards spoke in several of our friends and coadjutors there to reanimate themselves in their Bible work, for it was great; and this they promised to do. Some days after this I received a letter by post from a gentleman of high standing in the community in that place. Of this letter I give you a copy, begging you to excuse the seeming or real egotism is in my doing so. But your concerns are mine, and mine yours, and this is my apology. The sweet style of the letter besides, and the manifest interest it exhibits in your concerns, plead for my giving it to you: – "My dear Sir: – We were much obliged by your short visit to the Townships. I hope it will do good. I liked yourself for the Lord's sake, and I like the candour, simplicity and good spirit of your statement. I bless God for raising you up, and for qualifying you to fulfill the department of labour assigned to you in providence of his grace. I expected to have seen you again on Monday, and I went yesterday to Lennoxville in the hope of meeting you. My Bible contribution here has been hitherto expended in the supply of the County of Sherbrooke; but apart from local wants which no doubt have up have a paramount claim, I wish to embrace the opportunity of your presence in conveying my mite and my earnest wishes also in furtherance of the general fund and operations of that noble institution you worthily represent, and which truly gilts and brightens with honour and with hope, the age in which it is my privilege to live. I hope you will forgive this intrusion then, and received the enclosed note (for ten dollars), as I have no other way left of accomplishing my desire. And now may the presence and blessing of the Great King animate and protect you, and crown your labours with abundant success for his name's sake. With sentiments of respect and esteem I always remain, My dear Sir, Your very faithful, humble servant: – John Frazer."

From Sherbrooke I went to a place called it Eaton Corner, driven 3 ½ on the way by Mr. Selley the Wesleyan minister before mentioned, and then 13 miles more by Mr. Botterall another Wesleyan minister. That had been some doubt about the hour of meeting, and our visit besides was on the day of the week when it seems most were more than usually engaged. Nevertheless we hastily got together a little assembly: and a most gracious meeting was held: God was sensibly with us. A Bible Society was formed, and from the happy influence in which it began, I trust it will flourish. After our meeting Mr. Botterall drove me back to his own house at Lennoxville where I passed the night. Next morning the same obliging friend drove me to Compton a distance of ten miles. Here we had in the evening of a good meeting; and as a society was here in existence and action, we endeavoured to encourage and strengthen it. At a late hour Mr. Botterall and I set out and came to Charlestown, in order to be so far on the way to Stanstead where I have an engagement next day at an early hour. Thus far Mr. Botterall conducted me, and in a very kindly manner, and I feel greatly obliged by his services and his Christian courtesy.

It was well I have got so far on my way to Stanstead, for next morning the weather proved a very unfavourable. There was a fall of snow, a strong wind and drift, and severe cold. It was necessary however that I should go to meet my appointment. I hired a sleigh, and went fifteen miles, and was happy to arrive in good time. I took up my home with the president of the Stanstead the Bible Society, Mr. Pomroy, an elderly and sweet disciple of Jesus Christ, who has been in that place many years, and is greatly and justly esteemed by all. We went together to the place of meeting, but the weather had been so bad, and still continued so, that very few were there, most thinking that the severity of the weather would prevent the appointed meeting. After we were in the place some more people came, and our meeting was held. Cold, wild and stormy was all without, but within our little assembly that was peace, warmth and grace. God was with us, and we enjoyed a very comfortable meeting. We parted I trust with higher views of the Bible than ever, and with a reanimated desire to publish it wide throughout all the world without delay.

Next morning, 24 January, the thermometer stood at 31 under zero and of course it was cold enough. That day was employed in visiting some all our Bible friends in Stanstead. In the evening a little party of us met together at the house of Mr. Turner the Wesleyan minister, and our intercommunion with such, regarding the Bible and all connected with the Bible, that the remembrance of it will I believe, be long fresh in our memories. Altogether I was much gratified with my visit to the good people of Stanstead. May God greatly bless them in the kingdom of his son Jesus Christ, and in all their ways.

Military array and discipline prevail then at the present time. It be in the border town, a strong forces stationed in it, and the closest vigilance exercised. Many of the soldiers, or most of them, are militia, or rather the volunteers, brought in from the surrounding country. The friends of religion regret this state of things as having a very evil tendency on the young man, as well as others, in the demoralization consequent on this association together for such objects. They see however the necessity that is for such measures as the government has thus adopted; and they keep praying that all may be overruled for good.

On the 25th at daylight I left Stanstead, and at dusk reached Granby, where there was a meeting appointed for that evening of the Shefford County Bible Society and a good congregation assembled, and it is hoped that some good was produced in favour of the great cause of general Bible circulation. Next day across the country to St. John's, arriving in the evening, just seven weeks exactly sends our arrival there from New York on 8 December.

Nearly the whole of the parts I have passed through are inhabited by French Catholic Canadians: and so also is the town of St. John's, and most of the surrounding country. You will please recollect that I always think of you, and of the help we expect from you, when I travel through districts inhabited by this people. They are greatly in need, and have a strong claim for help, for they are in low estate, and need to be lifted up. The Bible, and the Bible only will and can set them on high, religiously, morally, and civilly. All people everywhere are in a low estate where the Bible is not; and the Bible always raises them in proportion to its entrance and extension.

At a place called Grande Ligne, ten miles south west of St. John's, there is a beautiful though small oasis in this French desert. About three years ago, two Swiss missionaries, speaking the French language, came to this country, and some time afterwards settled down at the place mentioned. God moved one of the families there to admit them into their house, amidst great opposition from the priest of the parish and the neighbours generally. The leaven took effect in due time, and went on spreading, and now by the grace and mercy of God they have a little church, consisting of twenty-four communicants, hopefully converted to God, twenty-two of whom were Catholics. There is also a school with about fifty French Canadian children in it. Thus you see this people are not impervious and sealed hermetically against the truth. But blessed effects are produced among them when blessed means are employed on their behalf.

Mr. Rousay and Madame Feller are worthy persons whom God has honoured in this good work. Sunday the 27th I passed in the House and Temple of these evangelists. It was a truly gratifying sight to see these French Canadians constituting their church worshiping God in the true knowledge of the gospel of Christ, and in a manner so different from their late ignorant and superstitious services. May God prosper this mission, and this work, and God will prosper it. Some friends in New York, and in this place have been moved to devise means and ways for extending this evangelization among these French Catholic Canadians by missionaries speaking their own tongue, and Switzerland is the country where such persons are most likely to be found. I am sure you will all say "God speed" to this work, and will be gratified with every communication that speaks of its advancement. It is a little out of order I know, but you may say to all who hear of this mission, the writer of this would readily be the receiver and deliver of any sums in its favour.

The number of the French Catholics in this country, are not much short, perhaps, of half a million. They are settled all along the great rivers of the country, and pretty densely, with here and there their villages and churches. In religion, education, and civil standing, they are, as before hinted, very low. Scarcely any efforts have been used hitherto for instructing these peo­ple. Much has been done for extending the Gospel in the Canadas gene­rally, but these people have all the while been overlooked; partly from not having French tongues to speak to them, and partly from a hopelessness of any success that might attend the efforts made. Things have lately changed, however, and there is something like a movement among these very dry bones. The late and present civil commotions have been visibly over-ruled for awakening the attention of these people, and opening their minds in some degree to inquiry.

During this tour I have met with several cases that a strikingly pointing out this change, and it is truly gratifying to observe these favourable changes, I think again and again upon you, and upon our petition now probably in your hand, that you would be pleased to send us a couple of Mr. De Pressense's gens d'armes  or rather gens de paix. I think of the manner in which you may be considering this matter, and somewhat fear you may not see our need so much as we do, and that you may perhaps required to be petitioned and you to grant us this biblical means we have sought out your benevolent hands. Mr. De Pressense can well spare two of the 44 he has got, or can easily get other two according to his own admission. The subject opens upon us here every day and enlarges itself. I humbly trust you will grant our petition at once: and I may at once say to you, that it will save you trouble to do so, for otherwise troubled you must be post after post with petition after petition, until you grant the same, either with good grace or from necessity, for by our continual coming we will weary you. They forgive me this rudeness, which our urgency has urged me into.

On Monday the 28th I left the mission house at Grande Ligne, and went on to Napierville and  to La Colla, places which were the scenes of this latest rebellion here, I hope the last I went on to Odelltown which lies on the very boundary of the United States, and on this account all in it at present is military movement and vigilance. There is a Bible Society here, and I had learned that there was a good disposition to extend it. I found the resident Wesleyan missionary of the place absent on my arrival there, and this with the military state of things, and some other hinderances at that precise time induced me to coincide with the advice of some friends that met with, to defer the Bible meeting I had contemplated until some other more favourable time. I spoke with Col. Odell, and some other office bearers of the society, and found them very friendly towards the Bible cause.

On Tuesday the 29th I left Odelltown on my way homeward. In a few miles I reached La Colla. From that southward to the American Lines is English; but after that northward on La Prairie, a distance say of 25 miles, all is nearly French.  I reached the great St. Lawrence River near the close of the day, and started to cross it just as it grew dark, and when the full moon was getting up. Boat we had none, nor bridge. We dashed into the river, stage, horses, passengers, and all as we were, and skimmed along its frozen surface. The scene was grand, very grand, liker enchantment than reality. The distance we went along the ice was about seven miles; and to add to the scene the road, if I may so call it, was thronged with vehicles, some going in the direction with us, and some passing us almost every minute. About midway there are three or four houses for entertainment, built on the ice, for the accommodation of passengers. This site of houses standing in or on the middle of this deep and broad river heightened the wonderment of the whole, and rendered it somewhat difficult to believe that all was a waking sight and not a dream.

Having crossed the St. Lawrence I found myself in Montreal, and at home. I praised God for his great goodness to me in all this second tour in this country, and for the encouragement I had met with in the grand object of circulating the Holy Scriptures, and advancing the kingdom of God.

May all the blessings of the Bible, and of this kingdom, be yours, and be the everlasting portion of all who love the same.

            I remain, My Dear Friend, Very Truly Yours,

                        James Thomson.

St. John, 1st June 1840

Rev A Brandram No. 93

St John's,  New Brunswick, 1st June 1840

My Dear Friend,

I have the pleasure of announcing to you that I arrived to stay in the city and province from which I now write. The object of this letter will be to state some things that have occurred from the date of my last down to the present time.

During the month of April, with part of March, my time was occupied in the general business of the Society in Montreal, and in correspondence with the societies in the Upper Province, together with my arrangements preparatory to removing from that quarter to the place where I now am.

On the 27th April we had a special public meeting of the Montreal Society in one of the Scotch churches of that city. The objects of that meeting, the way in which it was conducted, and the Resolutions passed, I need not here enter upon, as I understand that the Secretary communicated officially with you in regard to these soon after the meeting took place.

In planning my route from Canada to this quarter, my first intention was to pass from Montreal through Albany in the United States and Boston, from whence to St. John's there is a steam boat passing weekly. But about the time I was ready to move there was a general understanding from notices published in all the newspapers, the first steamer of the New Line from Liverpool to Halifax was to sail on the 25th April, and which the vessel was forthwith to proceed from Halifax to Pictou, and to ply between that place and Quebec. I was advised therefore by some of our Bible friends to go through Quebec to Pictou by that conveyance, in preference to passing through the States. I took the advice given, and on the 8th of May I left Montreal. On my way down I visited some parts of the French population accompanied by Mr. Hibbard, and of which I shall give you some account presently. When I reached Quebec, I learned that different accounts had come and respecting the sailing of the steamer from England, and that she was not expected in Quebec till towards the end of June. To wait for the arrival of this vessel would have been to lose much time, and accordingly I resolved to return to Montreal, and proceed through the States as at first projected. On the 19th therefore I left Quebec, reached Montreal on the evening of the 20th, and early on the 21st pursued my way into the States. One of my fellow passengers on the last mentioned day, in the steam boats and on the railroad, was the Bishop of Montreal, whose general residence is in Quebec. We had much conversation together, and of a very friendly nature. I of course tried him on the subject of our Bible Societies, and invited him to cooperate with us through his patronage. I did not succeed in the way I wished, but our conversation led me to see how friendly he is to the object in which we are engaged, notwithstanding of certain things that operate against his joining our ranks. – In Burlington, where we passed the night, I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Hopkins, the Bishop of Vermont, who was present, I think, and spoke, at your anniversary last year. – From Burlington I passed on through Troy and Northampton. In the last mentioned place we visited the tomb of Brainerd, who died, I may say an old man, at the age of 30 as marked on the stone. We then went to Boston where we arrived on the evening of the 28th ultimo. On the 30th we sailed from that port, and this morning, as above noticed, we came to this city, giving thanks to the Father of mercies for his gracious protections and blessings to us on this and on our many voyages, journeys, and movements.

I have mentioned above that in company with Mr. Hibbard I visited some parts inhabited by French Canadians, who are all, as you are aware, Roman Catholics. In my various letters from Canada I have scarcely mentioned Mr. Hibbard's labours, and I omitted them, not because they were of little moment, which they are not, but because I understood that Mr. Wilkes corresponded particularly with you on the subject, and because his monthly journals were in several instances sent you. I am sure you would all be much gratified in perusing these journals, in which you would see how God was making openings among the people hitherto impervious to the reception of the Holy Scriptures. These openings have been increasing in number, and in interest and extent, of late, through the gracious blessing of our Heavenly Father in moving them by his Spirit through the instrumentality of Mr. Hibbard's labours and otherwise. We all greatly esteem Mr. Hibbard as a faithful, zealous, wise, and pious labourer in the Bible cause, and know not where another could be found exactly like him. I mention these things the more particularly, as he is acting under your own immediate auspices, and through means of your bounty. You will, I hope, concede to our friends in Montreal the continued services of Mr. Hibbard, for which they will be very thankful, and through which the French Canadians will be greatly benefited as they have hitherto been.

I have long indulged a wish to make a little tour with Mr. Hibbard among the French Canadians, but my various occupations elsewhere and otherwise had still stood in the way to hinder me. My going down however from Montreal to Quebec on the occasion before noticed gave me the opportunity I had long wished for. I made arrangements with Mr. Hibbard that he should meet me at Sorel, and that we should travel together inland on towards Three Rivers. Late in the evening of the 8th May I reached Sorel, where I met with Mr. Hibbard according to appointment. Next day we traveled on to the town of St. Francis where we called on the Priest, and had some very friendly conversation with him. You will be pleased to learn that he expressed himself well disposed to the circulation of the New Testament among his people. The Schoolmaster, himself Roman Catholic and all his pupils, has also given his opinion in favour of the use of the New Testaments, and has received them into his school most gladly where they are daily used. Afterwards we visited the parish of La Baie, and called on the Priest there, who in like manner expressed himself entirely favourable to the reception of the New Testament by his people. From thence we went to the town of Nicolet where we visited the Curé and the Rector of the college, for there is an extensive seminary their chiefly, I may say, for the training of Priests. Both the Curé and the Rector spoke distinctly in favour of the circulation and use of the New Testaments among the people and among the students. The next Priest we visited was the Grand Vicar of Three Rivers Mr. Cook whom I mentioned to you in a former letter. I had heard that some change had taken place in his mind, and that he had publicly prohibited the use of New Testaments. I mentioned this to him, but he said he had not done so, but wished and encouraged the circulation of the New Testament as before. I visited the school also, and found the New Testaments were used in it as when I was formerly there.

I have thus enumerated five Roman Catholic French-Canadian Priests who have openly approved of the use of the New Testament among their people, and two Schoolmasters who use the Scriptures as a school book. This is a matter of great consideration, and should called forth from us devout thanksgivings to God who has made this movement towards his kingdom among these people. We here up on the spot necessarily see and feel all this matter more than you who are at such a distance, and have the world under your charge. The friends of the Bible Society in Montreal, I am happy to say, do see, feel, and acknowledge the hand of God in these providential openings, and feel animated by them to persevere in their endeavours in favour of the French Canadians.

I should mention before I close this subject, the Priest at La Baie stated that your edition of De Sacy was not entirely conform to an authorised Paris edition of the same which he had in his possession.

I mentioned the village of St. Francis as one of the places which we visited. That village is  inhabited by Indians of the Abenaki tribe. The greater part of them are Roman Catholics, and under the Priest whom we saw there. Some of them however are Protestants, and under very interesting circumstances, and not Protestants only, but also true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Several of these Indians have received a good education at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire in the States, through a donation from Scotland made many years ago on condition of the Indians being taught to the extent of its annual value. One of these whilst studying human learning there, received instruction which flesh and blood could not give, and was brought fully to the knowledge of the Gospel and under its influence. He was in due time regularly ordained as a minister, and for several years past, amidst many difficulties and oppositions, he has been diligently engaged in preaching to his countrymen. He has been the means of bringing several of them to the knowledge of the truth, and of combining them in a little church, where they are walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost. I addressed these Indians, and a little Bible Society was formed among them, which you can register as a branch of your Montreal Auxiliary. The name of it is the St. Francis Bible Society: its president is the Rev. P.P. Osunkhirhine, the Indian minister mentioned: the Treasurer is James Poor, a white man, for the red and white man are here again combined in your service: and the Secretary is James Joseph Annance another Indian.

This James Joseph Annance is, as I have just said, an Indian, and of this tribe. He is one of those who have been at Dartmouth College, where he studied for five years, and acquired a pretty extensive knowledge of Latin and Greek. He is a member of the little church mentioned, and is considered by Mr. Osunkhirhine and the others as truly pious. Having these qualifications it was thought desirable that he should engage in the translation of a portion of the New Testament into the Abenaki tongue. He is to begin forthwith. His chief difficulty for commencing was in the want of a Greek Lexicon. I furnished him with one, namely, Ewing's, which will suit his purpose well. This is the very volume that your Mr. Mills sent me out to Mexico, along with Gibb's Hebrew Lexicon. The latter was left in Mexico to be of use in the translating of the Scriptures there. The former I did not then see a need of, and it has been in my possession ever since. By a combination of unexpected circumstances it was on hand at the present occasion, and came in exactly to meet a case of need. Please let Mr Mills know of the appropriation of his book.

In Quebec during the short time I was there, I met a sub-committee of the Society which was appointed to consider the subject of a fuller distribution of the Scriptures in that quarter. On that subcommittee were the chief persons with whom I had had a little official misunderstanding . That however did not at all affect us in our personal and official duties and friendship. Our meeting and our mutual communications in our great concern were all most frank and brotherly as fellow servants. This, I may say, was my last act in Canada, and I felt truly glad in the sweet intercourse that reigned, and doubly so from the little misunderstanding before noticed. God is the Author of Peace, and may peace ever rule among all his servants.

I have only further to notice, that I left at Montreal a case to be shipped for you in the Great Britain, containing 11 copies of De Sacy's French Bible with the Apocrypha. I found these there, and I thought it best to return them to you. There were 12, but I kept one for private use. – The case also contains some books in the Indian languages for your library. I enclose a list of them.

Please address all your letters for me to Halifax till further notice.

                                    I remain, My Dear Friend,

                                                Very Truly Yours,

                                                            James Thomson.

Books in the North American Indian languages,

sent to the British and Foreign Bible Society, 5th May 1840

_________________________________________________

1.The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, according to the use of the Church of England: together with a Collection of Occasional Prayers, and divers sentences of Holy Scripture, necessary for Knowledge and Practice: in the Mohawk language: prepared and published by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. – To which is added the Gospel of St. Mark in the Mohawk language, translated by Captain Brant, an Indian chief of that nation. – London 1787.

2. The Gospel of St. Matthew, in the Mohawk language, translated by A.Hill and J.A.Wilkes. – New York 1831.

3. The Gospel of St. Mark, with other portions of Scripture, in the Mohawk language: translated by Captain Brant. – New York 1829.

4. The Gospel of St. Luke, in the Mohawk language: translated by H.A.Hill.– New York 1827.

5. The Gospel of St. John, in the Mohawk language. – New York 1818.

6. The First Epistle to the Corinthians, in the Mohawk language: translated by H.A.Hill, and J.A.Wilkes. – New York 1834.

7. A Collection of Hymns in the Mohawk language. – New York 1832.

8. The New Testament, in the Chippeway language, translated by Captain James. – Albany, N.Y. 1833.

9. The Book of Genesis in the Chippeway language, translated by the Rev. Peter Jones, and John Jones. – Toronto 1835.

10. The Catechism of the Church of England, in the Chippeway language, translated by Mrs. McMurray. – Toronto 1835.

11. Part of the Discipline of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canada, in the Chippeway language: translated by the Rev. Peter Jones. – Toronto 1835.

12. The Speller and Interpreter in the Chippeway (alias Ojibway), and English languages: by the Rev. James Evans, Wesleyan missionary. – New York 1837.

13. A Collection of Hymns, in the Chippeway  language: translated by the Rev. James Evans, and George Henry. – New York 1837.

14. Sketch of the Grammar of the Chippeway language, to which is added a Vocabulary in Chippeway and English: by John Summerfield, alias Sahgahjewagahbahweh. – Cazenovia 1834.

15. The History of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, comprehending all that the Four Evangelists have recorded concerning Him: by the Rev. Samuel Liebarkhun, in the Delaware language: translated by the Rev. David Zeisberger, missionary of the United Brethren. – New York 1821.

16. A Spelling and Reading Book, in the Delaware language: with the Vocabulary in Delaware and English: containing also some short historical accounts from the Old Testament, with other useful instruction for children: by the Rev. David Zeisberger. Philadelphia 1806.

17. The Three Epistles of the apostle St. John, in the Delaware language: translated by the Rev. C.S.Denke. – New York 1818.

18. The Spelling and Reading Book in the Abenaki language: by the Rev. P.P. Osunkhirhine, alias Wzekhilain, an Indian of that nation. – Boston 1830.

19. A Small Collection of Hymns, in the Abenaki language: translated by the Rev. P.P. Osunkhirhine. – Boston 1830.

20. The Ten Commandments, and other Portions of Scripture, with Scott's exposition, in the Abenaki language: by the Rev. P.P. Osunkhirhine. – Boston 1830.

Halifax, 3rd August 1840

Rev A Brandram No 95

Halifax, Nova Scotia, 3rd August 1840

My Dear Friend,

Towards  the close of my last letter to you, dated the third ultimo, I referred to a newspaper I sent for a sketch of prospective operations for one month. These then prospective labours, are now past labours. I have just returned from my tour, and now proceed to give you some account of occurrences in it. You will see in the list that there are 14 places marked. Meetings have been held at all of them, and all of them what encouraging meetings and well attended, except in two or three cases where the notices have not been properly given out. At Horton, Cornwallis, Yarmouth, Liverpool, and Chester societies existed, though most of them had well nigh fallen off, or ceased to act altogether for some time. Cornwallis and Yarmouth were in action, and had not ceased their labours. Perhaps the existence of the Ladies Bible Association in Yarmouth, and its active labours headed by Mrs. Fletcher who is warm and zealous in our cause, has contributed not a little to keep things alive in that place. Mrs. Fletcher has now retired from the Society, as she is going to Boston to reside. Her place is supplied by Mrs. Kelly, in whose hands I trust the Association will flourish, and this judgment I form from conversations I have had with her, and with her coadjutors. When this office fell into Mrs. Kelly's hands several ladies sent messages to her, each saying, "Be sure you keep a district for me in your arrangements." This feeling, message, and expression indicate a good state of things in our Bible cause among the ladies of Yarmouth, and I mention it to their honour. Their further praises they must proclaim themselves by their further deeds. – At Windsor, Aylesford, Bridgetown, Annapolis, Digby, Weymouth, Barrington, Shelburne, and Lunenburg new societies were formed, and all of them in connexion with the Nova Scotia Bible Society at Halifax. The other societies that were dormant, have been reorganised, if not new formed.

In all the places visited there was a very strong expression and feelings towards you for sending a visitor among them, and they responded readily to the call made to them to cooperate earnestly with you in your great work. The ministers of the Scotch Church whom I met with, and also the Baptist and Wesleyan ministers gave us in every instance their warmest support. The ministers of the Church of England were also all of them friendly to us, but only a few of them gave us their active assistance, the major portion of them adhere closely to the Christian Knowledge Society, and see it to be their duty to give all the means they can afford, and all their active labours to that institution. In all cases however they attended our meetings, and were courteous to your agent, and wished us success in our great general purpose of diffusing the Scriptures over the entire world in all tongues. Opposition to us, or obstacles thrown in our way were not met with, but friendliness instead. This is a subject for our gratitude, and we may be encouraged by it to hope that the only remaining step in our favor will in due time be taken, and we shall yet see, I trust, all united in this divine operation of giving the Holy Scriptures to all everywhere.

The Society in Liverpool has ceased to act as an auxiliary, and has become a branch of the Nova Scotia Bible Society. The Society at Yarmouth still retains its position as an auxiliary.

Between Weymouth and Yarmouth there is a pretty large settlement of French. These people were found there at the conquest of this country by the English. They still speak the French language, are all Roman Catholics, and in most respects resemble the French Canadians. You may be sure that I would feel some interest in such a people, and that I would try to induce them to get and to use the Holy Scriptures. With these views I called on the Priest, the Abbé Sigogne, who is an old man of 76, a native of France, and who came here at the French Revolution. He received me with French courteousness, and was very frank in his communications. He told me that several copies of the Scriptures were in the hands of his people, and that one person at least in each house in the settlement was able to read. The number of families is about 600. Some time ago Mr. Dawson of Pictou sent him some French Bibles and Testaments, but he was not willing to distribute them among his people, because they were of a Protestant version. I mentioned to him that we had De Sacy's version which he could have. He was much pleased when I stated this, and at once signified his readiness to put copies of these into the hands of the people, and expressed a wish for some. I asked him how many he could wish me to send him, and he said 100 Testaments and 12 Bibles. All these, he thinks, he will be able to sell to his people at a fair price about equal to the cost. He expressed the same objections to the general use of the Old Testament that the French Canadian priests did; but is not unwilling to put copies of the whole Bible into the hands of such persons as are somewhat advanced in Scripture knowledge.

I am not sure whether there is in the depot here supply of the De Sacy version equal to meet this order, as I am only just returned from my tour, and have not time to make the proper inquiries as the packet sails today. But I rather think there is not a supply. I would therefore beg of you to make up this little order at Earl Street where you can do it more exactly as to the kinds I shall mention. Say then 100 De Sacy's French Testament 12mo ― 10 De Sacy's Bibles in 8vo and 10 ditto 12mo, and if you have them at hand 5 ditto 18mo. I think I have seen all these kinds of Bibles among our Montreal stock, though they are not mentioned in your Report. I would send this additional supply of Bibles and of the different kinds as an inducement to the Priest and the people in regard to their circulation. You might put in also been Testaments of a smaller size as a kind of attractive, and I think it would also tend to advantage if you would put in 10 Testaments in French and English. I am not aware of what version of the French your French and English Testament is. But it if it is not De Sacy's then a couple will be enough.

 These books you will please pack up in a small case, and address them to Abbé Sigogne, Clare, to the care of a Amos Baker Esq. Yarmouth. Mr. Baker is Treasurer to the Yarmouth Bible Society. If you can send them out to direct to Yarmouth it will be better, otherwise they can be sent through Halifax.

I should not omit saying that the Abbé Sigogne, who lived six years in London, was not at all satisfied with you London people for always saying that the Catholics are opposed to the reading of the Scriptures. In his father's house, he said, in France there had always been a Bible open to all in the house. As to himself, he noticed that he reads one whole Bible through every year, and the New Testament twice; and this he has done ever since he was a priest, a period of 55 years.

On the whole of this tour I have been accompanied by Mr. Richardson, Agent of the Colonial Church Society, who was ever ready to plead our Bible cause either in public or private. Our travelling together in most cases lessened the expense of conveyances by one half. But we had some difficulty at times in procuring conveyances; and through the misfortune of a restive horse we had one hot day to walk 10 miles, and from a similar cause on another occasion we had to make our way for some miles in a cart drawn by a couple of oxen.

                        I remain, My Dear Friend,

                                    Very Truly Yours,

                                                James Thomson.

P.S. On my return to Halifax I found your letter of the 20th of May, and am cheered by its cheering strain: and pleasing strains, I trust, will be our future eternal enjoyment in our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore let us now run with patience and joy the race appointed for us in this world of sin and trouble.

Woodstock, 24th July 1841

Rev A Brandram No 107

Woodstock, New Brunswick, 24th July 1841.

In my letter to you, dated Fredericton, the 5th instant, I mentioned that I was about to go northward, up the  River St. John, but could not say to what extent. My object was twofold: first, to visit Woodstock and other places in that same county; to encourage such societies as I should find formed; and to form new ones, as opportunities offered. My second object was, to visit the French Roman Catholic settlement high up the river, called Madawaska, consisting of a people resembling, in many respects, the French Canadians.

On the day after I wrote you, I started for Woodstock; and there, on the following day, held a public meeting of the Woodstock Bible Society—previous arrangements having been made, and notices given. Our meeting was good; and it was agreed that another public meeting should be held when I returned down the river. The Society existing here was first formed in 1836, and was re-formed in 1839. It has con­tributed a fair sum these last two years, as a branch of the Fredericton Auxiliary. But as Woodstock is the centre or head of a county, and a place of note as to the surrounding country, the subject was considered, whether it would not be better to extend its name and character; that it might take its stand as an Auxiliary, and raise up branches around it, in the various parishes of the county. This was to be more fully con­sidered on my return.

On the 9th, I started for Tobique, and arrived there the following day. Two public meetings were held here; and a new Society was formed. This place is still well immersed in the forest, and not much, perhaps, may be expected from this new accession to our numbers. But something, and not little, I think, is always gained by the formation of a Bible Society in any place. Many are the blessings flowing from Bible Institutions, both direct and indirect; and some of these are always enjoyed, where anything at all is done. We are therefore never to be discouraged with smallness in results; for that is better than what is smaller still; and much better than nothing, which latter would be the state of things where no effort is made.

After leaving Tobique, I came to the Grand Falls, a noted waterfall in the River St. John, and coming nearer perhaps to the splendid Niagara Falls than anything I have seen. This fall is the only interruption to the navigation of the river to its mouth, a distance of more than 200 miles. The mouth of the St. John is singular. There is a fall at its mouth of full twenty-four feet; and yet large vessels pass up and down through this fall in full sail. I explain, and further illustrate this beau­tiful circumstance, in the following words from Dr. Gesner, the offi­cial geologist of the province:—"The accumulated waters," he says, "of this extensive and deep river, with all its lakes and tributary branches, are here dashed through a narrow gorge, and over a rapidly-inclined plane, into the sea. Interrupted by small islands above, and compelled to pass over huge masses of rocks obstructing the narrow passage, the river, foaming and spouting with tremendous fury, assumes, at making its exit, a most tragical character, threatening with instant death any who may venture upon its troubled bosom. But on the flood-tide the scene is changed; the ocean spreads its mantle over the thun­dering cataract, and, flowing inwards through the narrow chasm, stills the noisy rapid;—the tide-lock of the falls is shut, and, apparently to oblige the inhabitants, allows them to pass in safety, even with large vessels."

There is in all this a fine exhibition and combination of the majestic and benevolent character of the great Creator and arranger of this world. Surely the earth showeth forth His handy-work, while the hea­vens declare His glory!—You will please excuse my touching upon this subject, for though it appears extraneous to my objects, yet it is not so altogether; for the Bible frequently draws our attention to these matters, whilst most men, and most Christians, too, sadly overlook them. In my humble estimation, God is about to be more worshipped in His works, in the midst of which we are, than He has been. I do not allude to the Naturalist's worship, but to the Christian's. We dwell in His temple; and scarcely any one says, "See what manner of stones and building are here!" But, as the Bible spreads and is read, our attention will be drawn to these things as they should be; and then shall men be said, with more propriety than now, "to worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Living in the midst of these fountains of waters, I think it a duty at times, in connexion with the Gospel, to draw the attention of an audience to such matters, when I occasionally and unofficially expound—what I always officially give—­the word of God. In this province of New Brunswick is very remarkable in this point of view, as the navigation of its various rivers in various directions nearly reach each another. And so it may be said of a great part of this continent. God's benevolence therefore in making these noble highways, this lengthened means of conveyance, calls us here more especially to praise and glorify his name in them.

After this digression, I return to the Grand Falls.—Above these falls the river is navigable, as far perhaps as below them. Below them there are roads on the banks for carriages to go;  but above them there are none, and with difficulty a horse can  get along. The usual mode of travelling, therefore, is by water, in small canoes, either hollowed out of a tree, or made of the bark of the birch.  In going up the river, these canoes are  pushed along by a ten-feet pole, in the shallow water close by the river-side; whilst in coming down they take the middle of the river, availing themselves of the stream, and helping it by the paddle. In poling up the margin of the St. John in this way for 38 miles, I had a fine opportunity—and much  better than  the Welshman had in going along the road—of seeing every larger and smaller stream, and every little brook and rill, pour in their contributions to the great stream. In seeing   these, and in marking  every one of them as we moved slowly onward, I thought, and  often  thought, of your  great stream, and the Welshman's beautiful figure, and of all your auxiliaries and contributaries. May God give a plentiful rain from heaven, to increase the rills, and the brooks, and the rivers, that flow into your main stream; and also to increase these contributaries in number as well as in magnitude, in order to augment—and greatly and rapidly to aug­ment—your glorious stream; which, though glorious, is still small, yea very small, so that one can wade it easily, with the waters not above the ankles! But such a stream, though it well fertilizes where it goes, only ran benefit, here and there, spots of the large Field—the world—which God intends it to water. Soon may your river reach the loins! soon may it be impassable for man or horse; and become like the great La Plata and Amazon, with their grand outflowing streams of 150 miles wide! Through the latter I have waded, where it did not pass the ankles, on its descent from Chimborazo; and into the grand mouth of the other and out of it once and again I have sailed, where from its centre, for more than 100 miles, neither of its banks could be perceived from its great width. Even at Buenos Ayres, which is 200 miles from the sea, the river is 30 miles in breadth. Shall I live to see your stream 30 miles broad, and grow as familiar with it as I am with the La Plata at Buenos Ayres? At present, though you roll along deep and majestic, yet still one could shoot an arrow across you. We have seen great things in the Bible cause, from year one of your Bible Society age, to year 37. And we have reason, I think, to hope that things will yet take place—and soon—which, from their magnitude in extent and effects, will greatly surprise and delight us all. The Bible Society is still but poorly supported. The great body of Christians are yet in the dark as to its claims.  When the mists that envelope them on the subject are dispelled, we shall see a noble company burst forth in the Christian body, to send abroad, among the Heathen, in all their millions and many tongues, the word of light, life, and salvation. Then will your funds rise rapidly, and your issues multiply greatly. At present, you have not, even up to this day, sent forth so much as one entire million to all the Heathen nations together, in all their 600 millions and upwards. You should send to the Heathen yearly one million—two, three, and more. But your funds do not allow it;—and that is the only hindrance, for the Heathen are ready to receive the word of God on almost every hand; and more ready--to our shame!--are they to receive, than we to give. You did well at your last Anniversary the other month to draw attention of the public to the want of attention to the Bible cause.

Your bringing forward the missionary efforts in juxtaposition with Bible efforts was instructive, and I hope it will be impressive upon many. £400,000 for the missionary cause, raised in Britain in one year is glorious, and to God be the glory; but that there should have been in the same time only £50,000 for the Bible cause is inglorious, and to us all be the shame. The truth is, we have all been, as already said, much in the dark on the subject, and not aware of what we should do, or what we actually were doing in these matters. I have often are urged in my little addresses the duty of sending the Bible onwards in company at least with the missionary, and that it ought never to lag behind him, but rather if there is any difference made, that it should be in advance of him, as the Bible can penetrate where the missionary either cannot or dare not, and of this your Extracts for June, just come to hand, afford one of several good illustrations. But through your visible tangible mode of setting the subject forth by figures and sums, you have led me to make calculations by which I see that I am myself, in my little contribution, exactly in the error you describe, and in which there also is the general Christian body. But how shall it be corrected? Shall I withdraw from the missionary societies the annual mites that stand at my name? God forbid that I should! I must then add to you in order to bring things into sorts and due proportions. Please then to desire Mr. Hitchin to change my annual Bible Society subscription to two guineas into five. When I can make the five ten I shall even things better: but in the meantime please receive the error tribute now mentioned.

That is another digression and along one: forgive me; but you see it has cost me something as well as you. I now return into my canoe in the St. John, poling and poling slowly up its pleasant banks. Soon after leaving the Grand Falls we got into the French settlement, and also into the famous disputed territory. But that is no disputed territory for the Bible Society, for all the world is ours, or will soon become so. About 15 miles up we came to the first French chapel, beside which a priest lives. Here then commenced my operations. I had brought from Fredericton 50 French Testaments; and these I had in the canoe with me. I landed, and after some conversation with the priest had my little case of Testaments brought from the canoe to his house. When it was opened and a Testament taken out, I found for I had not seen them before, that the edition was printed for the French and Foreign Bible Society, and that there was no mention of its being printed from a certain authorized addition. The lack of this statement was a good deal objected to by the priest, for he had broken-up one of your publishing in which it is mentioned. However he bought one and paid me for it the price I asked which was a quarter dollar, and this he considered very reasonable or low. I then made him a present of one for the schoolmaster, for there is only one French school in his parish, but it has been so recently established, he said, that none of the children were yet able to use the Testament. This was his excuse for not taking more copies for the school, but I plainly saw he did not like the edition. I think it would be well for you to hit to your friends of the F. & F.B.S. that it would be useful to put in the statement in question, and also to drop the notification should that the book is printed for them, which I should think could be no recommendation of it to the Catholics, for whom of course chiefly it is being De Sacy's version. The priest gave me some tea, which was very acceptable, as it was cold on the River with a strong breeze ahead. Before I parted from the priest I got a useful lesson from him. I happened to mention that it had been in several Catholic countries, and named some of my movements. "Oh!" he said with evident interest, "could I travel about as you do, I should be a happy man." This little envy, so to speak, of my moving life was calculated in a certain way to encourage me in it, or at least to keep me from discouragement in my never ending move; but nevertheless there is a wide difference between never traveling at all, and never resting at all, some happy medium that for the present belongs not to me. But there is rest for the people of God, and if I do not long for it, I look for it, and hope for it.

We now returned to the river, and took our case with us; though, as you have seen, but very little emptied or lightened. However, I was pleased with my interview with the priest; and to have one or two copies well received, was a mighty difference from a stern rejection of the word of God altogether; as is the case, you know, in many places, on the part of the Roman Catholic priests.

We poled till the afternoon, and coming to the house of a Captain Thibideau, whom I traveled with in the stage a short distance some days before, I landed, and went up to his house. After some conversation the Testaments were produced. His wife was much pleased with the Book, and bought one. We again embarked, and I landed next at what is called the  Upper Chapel, where I found the priest reading his Breviary under the shade of a tree, for the day had grown hot. This was my main place of hope and of fear. On my mentioning my New Testaments, at first the priest did not seem to feel much interest in regard to them. I told him of the order Father Sigogne gave me last year; and told him of some priests in Canada, personally known to him, whom I had visited, and found very friendly to the use of the Testament among their people and in the schools. He now expressed a wish to see the books. I sent for them : they came, and I gave him one. He was much pleased with it, and the price seemed to him more than reasonable. "I'll take a couple of dozen," he said. I began count­ing them, whilst he was reading in the one I first gave him. Before I had done, "I'll take another dozen," he said. When the three dozen were all out, I said, "There's only one dozen left; you had better take that too, case and all." He did so: and thus terminated my sales, and my further journeying in that direction. He paid me a quarter-dollar for each copy. Fifty copies were thus sold, besides the one given away; for it seems they had put up for me fifty-one, instead of the fifty, which was a favourable mistake. After some general conversation with the priest, I parted from him, rejoicing and praising God for the success of this little mission. It seemed to as if I had hand about the precise number disposable, for I could not well have disposed of more. I trust this handful of seed will spring up in due time, and be crowned with a yellow waving harvest, to the glory of God, and to the salvation of souls in that place. I may state to you, that in another view, though certainly a secondary one, I was glad of the result of this little enterprise. Some of our good Bible friends below thought I had rather undertaken a wild goose chase on this occasion. However as I thus caught the geese, the account is settled in my favour, and I determine justified.

I ascended to St. John after this a few miles as far as the River Madawaska. On Sunday the 18th I held the service with the British soldiers stationed at the mouth of the river, and particularly recommended to them the duty of taking a share in the great work of distributing God's word over the world.

Having now finished my business in this quarter, I made arrangements for returning. As far down as the Grand Falls, I must of necessity go by water, but on the whole I thought it would be better to go down by water all the way to Woodstock. Accordingly I agreed for a canoe to take me down to that place, a distance of about 120 miles. Early in the morning of the 20th I embarked in my canoe. It was of the kind made of the birch bark, and so small and light as to be easily carried by one man for a considerable distance; and this lightness is one of the advantages of these bark canoes, which facilitates their removal from one navigable stream to another. This smallness however and lightness are as you may suppose, disadvantageous in regard to safety and comfort in sailing in them. The centre of gravity is here a very practical subject, and the having it a little higher than it ought to be would overturn the canoe. Accordingly the passenger has to sit down low in the bottom of the canoe, and then to keep himself prim without much movement to this side or that, and thus and so to sit till the voyage is ended, with the upper half of the body vertical, and the lower half horizontal. There is more penance than pleasure in this posture for 10 or 12 hours, as may be easily understood. To this discomfort must be added the dangers of this little bark in the midst of the stream of a great river, and more particularly in passing through the rapids, several of which are to be encountered. Once and again I had to be admonished, by an exclamation from my boatman, "Take care! You will upset the canoe." Thus prim and then bandaged set out your poor pilgrim, consoling himself with the hope that he had not come to this place in vain. The first part of the voyage was cheered also by reading the abstract of your Report for this year, which came into my hands the evening before at the Madawaska post office. How extensive, and glorious is this work! I could not but say, again and again, as I read and read this your 37th voyage round the world.

In my descent I called on the priest at the Lower Chapel to whom I had sold one Testament, and given another. My object was, to give him a little indirect reproof, which might perhaps be useful to him, and serviceable to our cause, on a future occasion. I wished to tell him how much and how well the other priest, greatly his senior, had done, and thereby to lead him at some other time to do better, by giving the word of God I readier reception and circulation. I accordingly did as I intended, and have good hopes, from what I have perceived, that my purpose would be in some degree accomplished. On parting the priest gave me a bottle of milk, to use with our dry dinner on board. This was very acceptable; and if you will consider the tea I got before, and a bottle of milk now, you will find that we were not badly paid for the gratis Testament bestowed when ascending the River.

Our next place of landing, and from necessity, was at the Grand Falls 38 miles below the Madawaska River. Here our boatman mounted his canoe on his head and shoulders, and so walked with it for a quarter of a mile until we came again to the navigable waters of the River below the falls. Near to this we had several rapids to pass, which was not very pleasant in our nutshell bark. But my canoe-man was well acquainted with them all, and the best way to take them: and through his guidance, and the ever-guidance of God, we got safely through them all.

At the close of the first night we came to the mouth of the Aroostook River, and I felt tired enough with the long painful position in the canoe, and the heat of the weather. Early next morning we started again, having first received the kindness from Mr. Hopkins, the Keeper of the Inn, of no charge either for myself or the canoe-man. This act lightened, I may say, our morning voyage. When the day got up it grew hot, but we glided along in hopes of terminating our voyage in the evening. I called at two places on the way, to speak with individuals interested in our Bible cause, and which I hope will be afterwards useful. About dusk I reached Woodstock, glad and thankful that my voyage of 120 miles in this bark bark had thus closed in safety.

My canoe-man on this occasion, as well as when I ascended from the Grand Falls to the Madawaska River, were both Frenchmen of the Madawaska settlement, and of course Roman Catholics. I preached to them the Bible, as we sailed along, and its grand substance the Lord Jesus Christ. From the manner in which they received what was said, and from their freedom of speaking of, and questioning both the conduct of the priests and their doctrines at several points, it is plain that there is an openness a working on their minds in these matters that indicates a preparedness for a better state of things when those who should shall use better means for the same. In the meantime we prepare the way by circulating among them the word of God. This settlement contains nearly 4000 people. It is divided into three French parishes, with as many chapels and priests: one of the chapels is at present vacant. The French language prevails, but many can speak some English. May God give his blessing with the Holy Scriptures now brought among them, and early, may there be a great awakening here to the Gospel of Christ, for to bring men to the Gospel is the grand end and object of all our Bible circulation.

I now relieve you, and myself, of the toil of this journey, and narrative, and the miscellanea intermixed.

                        James Thomson.

P.S. and N.B. -- The overlength of this letter is to be compensated for by the shortness of the next. -- Also please to bracket of all extraneous matter.