Rev A Brandram
Lindfield 17th August 1831
My Dear Friend
In sending you a letter for Dr. Mora last month to go by the Mexican packet I said I should probably send you one for Mr. Rocafuerte for the packet of this month. I now send this letter accordingly. I do not write officially in these letters, and therefore you are not compromised by them, whilst at the same time serve to keep up an intercourse with our friends there that may be of some use when that country shall then be opened to your operations. I have had a letter from Mr. Staples since Dr. Mora's letter was sent off. He has now arrived at the city of Mexico, and he will be ready to serve you there I am sure it every way he can. I purpose to write him by the packet the next month.
In a day or two after my last note to you, I received a few lines from Mr. Jackson with a copy of the recommendation of the sub-committee respecting my agency to the West Indies, and an approval of this by the General Committee.
I am glad that this matter is arranged, as it sets my mind at ease in regard to what is the Lord's will concerning me. I have, I trust, set the Lord before me in this matter. I have prayed that you and your associates might be directed respecting me to what was His will; and I have at the same time endeavoured to hold myself in readiness to go wherever you should be directed to send me. The field which the West Indies presents is an interesting one, and is geographically allied to the scene of my former labours: and should the Lord to spare me to go over that field, I see I am being permitted to revisit some of the former parts travelled over, and some new ground in Spanish America. I trust the Lord will graciously protect me on this mission, as he did on former occasions; and that he will make me instrumental in doing good by putting the word of God into the hands of many, for their salvation. I feel it a matter of no light kind to go out on a mission of this nature, as regards the sacred work in which I am to be engaged, and as regards my own safety.
It has often occurred to me that it would be a suitable and desirable thing that all those at home and abroad who are immediately engaged in the operations of the Bible Society, should have some fixed day and hour for remembering each other respectively at the throne of grace, that we might be enabled, wisely, diligently, and faithfully to discharge the duties entrusted to us; and whilst we are engaged in getting the Scriptures into the hands of others, we might never forget to read, study, and obey the word of God for ourselves. What do you think of such a thing? It is probable that something of the same kind has occurred your own mind. The trials and oppositions you meet with it at home seem naturally enough to lead us to this, and I am sure to those of us who go abroad it would be that pleasing recollection in the midst of our solitariness, and a great means of strengthening us in all our difficulties and dangers.
You have made no arrangements I suppose has to the time of my setting off. October I think is the time we talked of.
I am glad to hear that your friends and your strength are increasing, and that there is every probability that your Society will be more firmly established than ever on the old and broad plan.
I remain,
Very Sincerely Yours,
James Thomson.