Stonehouse Free Church, 6 December 1869
Mr Thomson called the attention of the Session to one or two quotations from Shakespeare in the “Advanced Reader” published by William Collins, Sons & Coy in which there are some very questionable expressions made use of. He thought that a schoolbook, so admirable in every other respect, should be purged of such profane language as that used in the quotation from “Brutus & Cassius” pp 333-339. He thought it highly improper that such words and phrases should be taught in our Schools. Others members of Session expressed their entire agreement with Mr Thomson, and it was unanimously agreed to, that an extract of this minute should be sent to Mr Collins with a strongly expressed desire on the part of the Session that he should bring the matter under the Consideration of the Editor of this work.
Stonehouse Free Church, 7th March 1870
William Collins Sons & Coy sent the following letter dated 11th Jan in answer to the one sent by the Session anent words and phrases in the Advanced Reader. “We are in receipt of yours with minute of Session which we have forwarded to the Committee of the Scottish Schools Book Association at your request."