Description Letter by Thomas McCulloch

To the Baptist Association in Nova Scotia

 

Reverend and Dear Brethren,

 

            Since my return from Britain I have often recollected the obligations under with your brotherly kindness had laid me; and influenced by those feelings, which it has excited, I beg leave to return to the seasonal members of your Association my grateful acknowledgments. Should it, at any time be in my power to be of service to your Society, or to any of yourselves individually, it will gratify me to be entrusted with your requests.

            My visit to Britain, as subservient to the religion, and education of these provinces, by the will of an over ruling providence, occurred at an unfortunate time. That country before had never experience such a state of depression; and of course the disposition to patronize and plan of public utility, and particularly, in remote parts, was proportionally _. The sudden and unexpected _ experienced by multitudes who had convinced themselves to be in _ circumstances, spread such a general gloom over the mercantile part of the community, that even those who had suffered no losses, from a dread of the future, left as if they had been in the situation as those who had nothing at their disposal. My visit however, was not _ other without beneficial results. _, I had occasion to be, I was received with affectionate kindness, by every denomination of Christians, and by their assistance was enabled to do a little in behalf of our institution, and also to make such arrangements, as well at a subsequent period, prove _ to the interests of learning, and _ doctrine, among, bother the Baptists and the Presbyterians of the provinces, though in some points, these parties differ in opinion. There general views of the gospel are the same. On this account, I should be sorry to see the influence of others diminished. I would much rather see the increase of religious knowledge in both. This will produce and assimilation of views, and whom they see eye to eye, there will be, neither discussion nor jarring, they will form one party for Christ and sing together with the voices. Wishing, when in Britain to contribute to the occurrence of such a desirable event, I published a little circular, in behalf of my Baptist brethren, stating their difficulties, and socializing their friends to assist them, by a donation of books. Owing to the depression of the times however, this measure did not succeed according to expectations. Still, a considerable number were collected, of which the principal part, are, I trust now in your possession. A few, which were sent out by the way of Pictou, are still here, and will be delivered to any person whom you may afford to receive them. For the greater part, you are indebted to the Reverend Christopher Anderson and the Reverend Mr. Innes both Baptist clergy men in Edinburgh. Perhaps your association, may judge it proper to acknowledge this kindness. If so, I shall be happy to forward your communications. When in Britain, I received a quantity of magazines in numbers which I afterward found, and mindful of your situation, I put the one half being twenty four volumes into the collection, which I had made for you. I have also to observe, that a number of the books received from Mr. Innes, were in numbers and Mr. Anderson’s donation, was not bought from a bookseller, bur from the printer at first cost and of course unbound. Both of these, I judge it best to put into such bindings, as might render them more useful for the expense of printing the circular binding carriage. I employed the funds of our institution, for which, of course, I am accountable to the trusts. But us in incurring this _ in behalf of your Association without their consent I felt assured of their approbation. I was equally satisfied that those among whom you _ would not allow my attempt to promote their respectability and influence to diminish the funds of the seminary under my _. Upon this subject would only further remark that my fast letters from Britain encourage me to hope that when trade arrives, my friends there, will not forget the interests of your Association and I pledge myself, that should you, either as a body or individually, find my attendance useful, it shall be cheerfully given.

            The cause of my addressing your Association at present is merely personal. I would take the liberty of making a few remarks upon the general affairs of the Baptists and Presbyterians. You are already aware that in our _ application to government we have not succeeded. I would therefore suggest that it might be advisable, for delegates from both bodies to meet in the course of the summer, at a convenient place and form such arrangements as might I be subservient to general interests. Should you judge this scheme advisable, I shall take care at the ensuing meeting of our _, that some of the most intelligent, and active or our _, be appointed to _, consult with such gentlemen as you may appoint. From such occasional intercourse, much good to both bodies will result. Wishing your Association the presence of our common Lord, and all the direction and comfort with those who dwell in his presence enjoy.

 

I am Most Sincerely, and Affectionately your Most Obedient Servant.

Thomas McCulloch.

 

 

Pictou May 10, 1827.