Archibald McLean, Edinburgh, to John Goodsire (surgeon), Largo, 25 January 1796. 

My dear Brother,

It is more than a year since you signified your heartiness to contribute your mite for the propagation of the gospel among the heathen. We have been shamefully dilatory in that matter, but have at last agreed in connection with the church at Glasgow, to make a collection for that purpose on the first Sabbath of February next. We have also wrote to Dundee, what effect it may have I know not. And I now give you this intimation, that you may have an opportunity of joining in this contribution, that it may be transmitted in one Item to the missionary Society of particular Baptists. It is our intention, while we are satisfied wit.h their procedure (of which we shall have regular accounts) to make a yearly collection in support of this glorious cause, and therefore our present collection must be such as we think we shall be able to afford yearly.

You’ll please to read this to the church, and explain matters to them. A number of our people need to have their minds enlarged – Their faith in God’s promises respecting the universal spread of Christ’s kingdom strengthened – And their zeal and concern for his cause and interest roused and increased – before they can heartily join issue in the means he hath appointed for that end, viz the preaching of the everlasting gospel. I think we have reason to put confidence in the particular Baptists with regard to their choice of missionaries, and that they will take care that they are men properly qualified and sound in the faith; at least I wish no other gospel to be propagated among the heathen than what they publickly profess and teach. I am

                     Very Dear Brother

                                 Yours affectionately in the bonds of the gospel

                                             Arch McLean

Edinr Janr 25th 1796

Text: MS. 589, Watson Autographs: Divines and Judges, fol. 50, National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh.