The Rev A Brandram No.5
Mexico, 23rd May 1827
My Dear Sir,
I have now the pleasure of saying to you that the Lord has brought me in safety to this city. On Thursday last the 17th instant I arrived here. I have thus you see in answer to your prayers been conducted safely along by sea and by land, and have at length reached the place of my destination. Our present duty surely is to give thanks and praise to the Lord our God for his gracious goodness to your Agent during the three months that have elapsed since I parted from you in February last. My journey to this country is now over, but my journeying in it and my labours are but commencing, and I now begin to feel the charge I have taken up on me. A recollection of the Lord's dealings with me in years past in a foreign land encourage me, but is promises and the consciousness of being engaged in the Redeemer's cause, encourage me more. I am also encouraged by the consideration that prayers are offered up on my behalf at Earl Street and elsewhere.
Do not, my dear Friends, forget this quarter of the world, and pray that your agent may be wise and faithful, humble and holy. Amidst my anxieties and fears I am full of hopes, on the mercies of God, and animated by the prayers of his people I shall and death or to go forward. As I move along a door and a way will be opened to me from time to time, and I am in hopes of yet cheering your hearts with good news from this far country.
I intimated to you that my residence in the city might be from three to four months in the first instance. During this time I shall be enabled I trust to form such acquaintances as may not only be useful to me here, but still more so when I journey into the interior, where in all probability more difficulties will be met with. I have already seen the President and two of the Ministers of Government, and have had from them a favourable reception. I am now all anxiety for the arrival of the ample store of Bibles and Testaments you have put at my disposal. I expected a letter from you by last packet to inform me that the ship containing them had sailed from London or would sail in a day or two after the date of your letter. By next packet I hope to have a few lines from you. I hope to be able to dispose of a considerable part of this supply in the city. Individuals will come forward, I expect, to buy small quantities for the purpose of sending them into the interior. I shall be glad if it so happens, is because the more is done in that way, the greater will be the desire for buying when I visit these interior places. The Lord I trust will direct in all these concerns, he will create a desire for his word, and will satisfy that desire. He will pour out of his Spirit too, let us hope and let us pray for it, that thus many in this land through his word may be turned from darkness to light. What greater blessing can we ask of the Lord for ourselves than to be instrumental in promoting the glory of Christ and the salvation of men. My dear Friends, that let no difficulties that come in your way whether from half-friends or foes discourage you in your sacred work. It is a glorious cause in which you are engaged, it is the Lord's work, and it must prosper. Sacrifice your time and your feelings too when required in his service. It is the altar of God you sacrifice upon; and may the incense from off it arise from a sweet memorial before God, perfumed with the Redeemer's blood.
The amount of my expenses from leaving London to my arrival in the city is £99: 0: 11½. These are my own expenses, Mrs. Thomson's having been carefully separated from them.
I am, Most Truly Yours,
James Thomson.