Charles Thomson (November 29, 1729-August 16, 1824) Secretary of the Continental Congress (1774-1789). He, along with Continental Congress President John Hancock, were the two men who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the rest mostly signing the engrossed copy on August 2, 1776. Upon retiring from Congress, Charles Thomson researched for 19 years and published his 4-volume "Thomson's Bible" in 1808, which contained the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint. The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament made in 3 B.C., and was the version most quoted by the early apostles.
Charles Thomson published: "A Regular History of the Conception, Birth, Doctrine, Miracles, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ."
Harvard Professor, Dr. Francis Bowen, stated in 1890:
<This solitary and unaided scholar...has yet produced a work which may well challenge comparison with the best results of the united labors, during the last ten years, of two companies containing thirty or forty of the best scholars in England and America.> 1729CT001
A biblical historian commented in 1936:
<For clearness, force and felicitous language, it would be difficult to surpass Thomson's translation, especially of the New Testament.> 1729CT002
One thousand copies of Thomson's Bible were printed in 1808 by publisher Jane Aitken (No. 71, North 3rd Street, Philadelphia). Jane Aitken, the first woman to print any portion of the Bible in America, was the daughter of Robert Aitken, printer of the Journals of Congress, The Pennsylvania Magazine and the "Bible of the Revolution." In 1904 and 1907, publisher S.F. Pells (St. Mary's New Church Road, Hove, England) reprinted Thomson's Old Testament, and then Thomson's New Testament in 1927. In 1960, publisher C.A. Muses (The Falcon's Wing Press: Indian Hills, CO) also reprinted Thomson's Old Testament. Copies of Thomson's Bible are in Houston Baptist University's Dunham Museum.
As Secretary of Congress, Charles Thomson signed the endorsement of Congress which authorized Robert Aitken to print the Bible, September 12, 1782:
<Honble James Duane, Esq. Chairman, and the other Honble Gentlemen of the Committee of Congress on Mr. Aitken's Memorial.
Whereupon, RESOLVED,
THAT the United States in Congress assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion, as well as an influence of the progress of arts in this country, and being satisfied from the above report of his care and accuracy in the execution of the work, they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize him to publish this Recommendation in the manner he shall think Proper.
CHA. THOMSON, Sec'ry.> 1729CT003
In the introduction to Charles Thomson's Old Testament, publisher S.F. Pells wrote:
<Charles Thomson was a contemporary and a friend of George Washington, and not a whit behind in nobility of character that great man who was to be, but who then was but a delegate to that first Continental Congress, which began the session which was held in the Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia, at 10 o'clock on the morning of the 5th September, 1774, to which Charles Thomson (although not a delegate) was chosen Secretary.
Philadelphia at this time was the most important place on the American Continent, and had an extensive trade with England.
It had been laid out with striking regularity in 1682 under the direction of William Penn, who had given it the Greek name meaning "Brotherly Love." Penn was a devout follower of George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends, and the new city on the Delaware river soon became the head-quarters in America of the Quakers, the Society of Friends in London sending to it many persons from time to time.
In 1774 Philadelphia had about twenty thousand people, the majority of whom were Quakers.
Charles Thomson, the Secretary of Congress, was greatly beloved by the people of Philadelphia, where he had lived for many years. He had come to America in 1730 a poor Irish lad of eleven years, had acquired a fine classical education, had been Master of the Friends' Academy, had translated the Greek Testament, and had taken so earnest a part in Colonial affairs that he was called "the life of the cause of liberty." He was also named by the Delaware Indians, with whom he had dealings, "Weh-wo-la-ent," or "The Man who speaks Truth," and it is related that while he was Secretary of Congress it was the custom of the members "to call upon him to verify disputed points, by saying, 'Let us have truth or Thomson,' his word being considered equal to any other man's oath."
Mr. Thomson was a tall, slender man, with a long, thoughtful face, sparkling eyes, and white hair combed straight down upon his head. He had not expected to be Secretary of Congress, and how he obtained the position he has related in one of his letters.
"I was married to my second wife on a Thursday; on the next Monday I came to town to pay my respects to my wife's family. Just as I alighted in Chestnut Street the doorkeeper of Congress (then first met) accosted me with a message from them, requesting my presence. Surprised at this, and not able to divine why I was wanted, I, however, bade my servant put up the horses and followed the messenger to the Carpenters' Hall and entered Congress. There was, indeed, an august assembly, and deep thought and solemn anxiety were observable on their countenances. I walked up the isle, and, standing opposite to the president, I bowed and told him I awaited his pleasure. He replied, 'Congress desire the favour of you, Sir, to make their minutes.'"
And at the desk Secretary Thomson remained all through the period of the Continental Congress, almost fifteen years, having been unanimously chosen Secretary each session. At the close of the first session he was presented by the delegates with a massive solid silver urn, inscribed, "In testimony of their esteem and approbation."
Charles Thomson was still Secretary to Congress when, on that memorable day in December, 1783, General Washington, escorted by his staff officers, gave in his resignation. "He was met by Secretary Thomson, who led the party to seats."
Six years later in April of 1789, Charles Thomson, the greatly esteemed Secretary of the Continental Congress, was sent to carry the certificate of election, as President of the United States, to General Washington at Mount Vernon.
Although Thomson started on Tuesday, the 7th April, and made the journey as speedily as possible, we are told that it took him an entire week to reach Mount Vernon.
When Washington received the notification of his election to the Presidency, he said he was much affected by this fresh proof of his country's esteem and confidence, and announced that he would be ready "to set out the day after to-morrow."
He made a farewell visit to his aged mother, and received her blessing; and on the 16th of April, in company with Mr. Thomson and Colonel David Humphreys, he departed for New York, to assume the exalted office to which a grateful country had called him.
The journey northward was one long ovation, so much so that on one occasion, we are told, Washington was affected to tears.
Some of the chairs and tables used in the Congress have been preserved, and are shown in the venerable building.> 1729CT004
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1729CT001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Charles Thomson. Harvard Professor, Dr. Francis Bowen, description, 1890. http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Charles_Thompson_Bible_1808.asp?SnID=629 754877
1729CT002. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Charles Thomson. http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Charles_Thompson_Bible_1808.asp?SnID=629 754877
1729CT003. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Charles Thomson, September 12, 1782, as Secretary of Congress, signed the endorsement of Congress authorizing Robert Aitken to print the Bible. 1729CT004. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Charles Thomson. S.F. Pells, publisher, in a biographical introduction to the reprint of Charles Thomson's Old Testament, 1904, 1907, St. Mary's New Church Road, Hove, England.) In 1999, a 1440-page hardcover reprint edition of Charles Thomson's 1808 publication was made by Shekinah Enterprises, 172 Cherry Ave. Ext., New Hebron, MS 39140, Telephone 601-694-2368. Copies of Thomson's Bible are in Houston Baptist University's Dunham Museum. http://thetencommandmentsministry.us/ministry/charles_thomson/introduction http://www.hbu.edu/hbu/DBM_Charles_Thompson_Bible_1808.asp?SnID=629 754877 http://www.greatseal.com/committees/finaldesign/thomsonbible.html