Madrid, 17th August 1847

Rev A Brandram No.2

Madrid 17th August 1847

My Dear Friend,

I wrote you a few lines on the 10th ultimo, the day on which I reached the city, to intimate to you my safe arrival in this place; and I availed myself of the opportunity to remind you all of the suitableness, at the present time, of making special supplications for Spain, that God would be pleased to open it for his word.

I have now been here somewhat more than a month, yet I cannot say that I have much or any progress to relate. I am not however disappointed or discouraged on this account, for I foresaw that time and patience were required in order to do anything properly in our objects in this country. As a non-discouragement, I would say, that I have found things not worse than I supposed they were, I may now state in addition to these negative things, that I have hopes that we need able to print the Scriptures here. But wisdom requires, under present circumstances, that we should be slow in order to be sure. We expect before long that our way will be made clearer in this matter than it is at present, and probably to begin just now would rather hinder than favour us. The Cortes is expected to meet a few weeks hence, and that is some prospect that a Bill will be brought in and carried, on the Liberty of the Press, which will remove existing hinderances or difficulties. Should that not be the case, we shall then think of doing our best in the way of printing under all the disadvantages there may be in the case.

Mr La Serna, with whom I was acquainted in London, and who is now here, and a member of the Cortes, is very friendly to me and helpful in my objects; and his attentions require that I should thus speak of him. In regard to the sets of versions which you voted for this gentleman, a friend of his of the name of Montecino will call it your house, or communicate with you, as to the manner of forwarding them to this country. This collection he intends to present to the University of Madrid. There are some other universities of the name in this country, to which probably you would not be indisposed to make a similar grant, and I think such generosity would prove favourable to our Bible cause. When a proper case and opportunity are at hand I will advise you of the same.

But I have met with another friend here, who is also a Brother in the Lord. He is a man of superior education and standing in the country, but keeps aloof from political affairs. To this gentleman I can communicate myself without reserve in all my affairs, and his counsels and friendship I find of the greatest service to me. He and I have one Brother more in this city, and it is a third in a certain sea-port town on the North. This is our present Spanish Church visible. The Lord who sees and knows all throughout this country, as everywhere else, no doubt sees more of his people than I have counted; and I trust he will make us to see them to in due time, and thus are visible church will be enlarged. The Word of God diffused over the country will probably bring the people of God to light, as well as increase their number.

The gentleman first referred to above as a Brother has given me an order for 50 small Spanish Bibles, and 50 Enzinas Spanish Testaments, bound in calf half extra with gilt edges. The difficulty at present is how to get them in at the sea port. I have written to our Consuls in Cadiz and Malaga, to whom I had letters of introduction, begging them to facilitate the entry of this or any other small supply as far as their consular advantage enable them. I expect soon to hear from these places, and in the meantime please to get ready the above-mentioned order. My friend intimates that other little orders may follow this. Payment will be made on the arrival of the books here.

I have seen the gentleman here who translated the Gospel of St. Luke into the Basque Language, and have set him to work to revise it for a new edition. I have also written to Barcelona to make inquiries about the version of the New Testament into the Catalonian dialect.

Between Bayonne and Irun, the former in France and the latter in Spain, there is a town situated on both sides of the River Bidasoa which divides France and Spain. The French part is called Behovie, and the Spanish part Behovia. In the French part it would be well to have a depot of Spanish Bibles and Testaments, and which should be notified and kept visible before all by a large sign board. In this way the Scriptures might get into Spain somewhat readily, and probably to a considerable extent. The great road from Paris to Madrid runs through the place in question, and Diligences, carrier wagons, and other vehicles are passing that way daily between the two capitals, in addition to the parties that pass belonging to the neighborhood. I have written to Mr. de Pressensé, and also to Mr. Pedezert the Protestant Minister in Bayonne in regard to this subject.      

In different parts of Spain there are, I understand, Frenchman moving about selling Engravings and some such kindred things. These are true colporteurs, though not Bible colporteurs. It would be well if we could transform one of them into the latter. I have mentioned the matter to Mr. de Pressensé, and had inquired of him whether he knows of any one who would suit for this work.

With renewed request for Prayer on behalf of Spain, its Bible messenger and its little Church, I remain,

            My Dear Friend, Yours Very Truly,

                                    James Thomson.

Madrid, 23th May 1848

Rev A Brandram No.18

Madrid 23rd May 1848

My Dear Friend,

I have been looking with more than common interest for a letter from you these some days past, and chiefly say to learn the mind of the Spanish Consul in our case. Yesterday or to day I made sure of a letter, but none has come. I delay therefore no longer in writing, as the time of my setting out on my journey is near, and some Books will need to be sent on to meet me.

I have now resolved to take the Eastern part of my journey first. But in going to Barcelona I shall go by way of Valencia. From Barcelona I intend making my way through Gerona and Perpignan to Toulouse, but I could wish to have a supply of Books ready on my arrival. Toulouse is the nearest town in France of a note bordering on Andorra, and for several reasons I conceive I could come with advantage on Andorra from Toulouse. From Andorra I descend into Spain, and go through the Basque Province to Yrun and Bayonne. Another, and say an equal supply of Books I could wish to meet with there. I have thought of the following kinds and quantities for each of these places. 50 Bibles in 8vo., 50 ditto in 12mo., 50 N.T. in 8vo., 100 in 12mo., 100 in 32mo., 100 of 4 Books and 100 Luke & Acts, making in each lot 450 copies, in all 900. You can diminish the quantities if you think better to do so. If you send these Books from England, Bordeaux will I suppose be the best port to ship them for. You can direct the cases for Bayonne to Mr. Pedezert the Protestant Minister there, and in Toulouse you have valuable friends to entrust them to, and for whom I should be glad of a note of introduction. It may be better perhaps to send the Books from Paris should there be all the kinds there. Of this you will judge. But as you say you have a large stock on hand at home, it may be better first to lessen that than send from Paris. Could you, without much trouble, let me have a note of all your Spanish stock?

I have got a printer here to print a new edition of the Basque St. Luke, which, as I mentioned in a former letter, had been carefully revised by the translator. The same individual has nearly finished a translation of the Acts. I hope you will not disapprove of these two little doings. I was anxious to have a supply of the Basque in going through these provinces, and glad too to obtain the services of the translator for the additional version. It will not be printed till you give your view on the subject, and what happens as to the circulation of the reprint may guide us.

I see the limitation of the Resolution in regard to printing, and it is a very proper one, but not applying to the Basque. In Andorra I may probably be strongly tempted to print, for all things manufactured there are free to enter Spain, and are even exempted from duty. Should Spain not open for our Books from England, and printing be still impracticable in it, we should probably avail ourselves of the advantage offered, which is a great one.

Mr. Bulwer you see is gone from this, and we shall have a new Envoy. I pray and beseech you to avail yourselves of his coming to get say ten cases sent by him.

I have been arranging to leave this on the first of June, or very soon after, unless our disturbances hinder, but times are delicate for Englishmen travelling here, or making any movements in our line, as trifling things may be made use of just now against the English. The Letter of Credit is not yet come. My address will remain as before, as arrangements will be made for forwarding letters. Afterwards I shall write on this subject.

Pray how were the 300 Testaments sent? And what others have these some years past made their way to this country as far as you know, for some half.

I have still my hopes of Spain, as you will see noted in Evangelical Christendom for April. Surely the present year will not go out as the last did, such at least are our hopes.[1]

I duly received the Record, and this morning the Reporter. The Atlas newspaper says your meeting "was, as regards numbers, rank and talent, the greatest religious union of the season." Is this perfectly correct as to the members? I shall be glad to learn this in the affirmative.

I now give you a quotation, and an advice, contained in a letter I had the other day from Mr. Mark our Consul in Malaga, though I fear you will not have the good sense to adopt the recommendation given. "A very useful object would be obtained by getting the Bible Society to procure a Bull from the Pope allowing the use of the Bible, or even enjoining the reading of it, as that would do away with the great barrier, and his liberal ministers might safely propose it to his Holiness."

I have meditated much, since the end of February, on the 93rd Psalm. Truly the floods have lifted up their voice, and continue, all around, to lift up their waves. All are setting to work to mend their Statutes, if not their ways. But the Code that occupies all our attention needs no alteration, and admits of no reform. "Thy testimonies are very sure." "The law of the Lord is perfect." What a consolation this is! And how ought we to be animated by it! Let us spread the perfect Code to reform the world, and nothing else will reform it. Also let us ourselves remember, that holiness becometh God's house, and work and servants forever.

            I remain, My Dear Friend,

                        Most Truly Yours,

                                    James Thomson.

[1] "Spain is my present field, a country which the sun luxuriously shines upon, and blesses with his best gifts. But thick clouds intercept the rays of the Gospel, and it is a beclouded and dark country as to evangelical and moral fruits. We must not, however, despair of Spain. I do not. The dawn and the day may be nearer at hand than we are aware of , and so I trust in truth is the case. I indulge myself in this thought and hope, and endeavour to animate myself  thereby to the pouring forth of more earnest prayers, and to the use of wiser and more effectual means for its welfare." (“Spain. Death of Mrs. Thomson: And Difficulties of Protestant Sepulture”, Evangelical Christendom,  II:119.) BM

Madrid, 13th March 1849

Rev A Brandram  No.25

Madrid 13th March 1849

My Dear Friend,

An unusual space of time has elapsed between my last letter and this, and not intentionally, but from circumstances. These circumstances had been two in number; and first, because I had not much to write about, and secondly, because I delayed, waiting one occurrence after another, in order to combine the more at once, and our delays and hinderances have been quite in Spanish style. I am glad of your rallying letter of the 26th ultimo, in which you kindly say, that it appears an age since I wrote you. I am glad also that I have just anticipated this by a letter on the way, in which I say to Mr Hitchin, and desire him to inform you of the same, that I would write you this day. I am further glad to have erred for once on the right side, having erred so often on the left, in writing too much.

Now then for what I have to say about this wilderness. But please first to remember that it is a wilderness, and one of the characteristics of such a place is, that there is no way nor road in it. Your wilderness traveller therefore, as might be expected, is often at a loss which way to move or turn so as to get onwards. He thinks he sees opening enough to get along in one direction, and on attempting it, finds he cannot get through; and after losing much time has to turn back, and try to press on in another direction. This attempt perhaps turns out no better than the other, and so on and etcetera. This is really a true description rather than a figure of my operations here. Nevertheless, I sow, as I can, a few seeds in these various scramblings, and somebody may perhaps gather the fruit when the wilderness is more passable than it is at present.

The few books I dared to keep and hide away at Urgel, were to be sent after me to Lerida, but they did not arrive before my leaving that place. On reaching Madrid I corresponded about them, and after many delays, I received them in a case addressed to a friendly Bookseller in the city. Just then, a sort of colporteur came before me, in the shape of a poor Italian, wanting work and means. The books were all sold, and you will see an item of debit upon the subject, and one of credit, in my last Account to Mr. Hitchin.

After the loss of letters through the Carlists, and other long delays, I got a few Bibles from Barcelona. These also have been sold. I have had likewise a letter from the same place, from one of the French Protestants whom I engaged to circulate some books for us, saying he had been able to do a little in the way. I tried to get the Paris case at Bayonne brought here through General Saunders, but he was rather loth to enter on the business, owing to some unpleasant hinderances he had met with in bringing some books of his own, and also from new and stricter regulations as to Ambassadors' privileges.

In the mean time, I got leave to bring a case from Bayonne to the address of the French Ambassador, M. Lesseps, with whom I have got acquainted. This case consisted of the miscellaneous books sent from London, and a few Bibles.

The receiving of this through M. Lesseps, led the way to a fresh application to General Saunders, and the case was ordered, and has arrived here. But, as I mentioned in a former letter, Satan meets us at every turn, and the books are still in the Custom House, the authorities demurring and delaying in delivering them, because they are Bibles and Testaments. I doubt not however but we shall finally obtain them. There are in the case 50 Bibles, and 100 Testaments. I have an offer for all the 50 Bibles at once from a Bookseller.

In the case through M. Lesseps, came your present, the beautifully bound Bible and Testament, for the man of 29 letters. They were very gratefully received, and he has encouraged me to expect, that he will be able to aid me in getting books from Bayonne to San Sebastian, in the neighbourhood of which latter place he resides in the summer season, and where I am invited to spend some days when I am in that quarter.

My next attempt at getting along in our wilderness was an effort to obtain our six packed-up cases in London. I laid the affair before Mr. Ysturiz, who has always shown me kindness, and I had tolerable hopes that I should succeed through him in getting these long looked for cases into this country and city. But Satan found out what we were doing, and discomfited us, through exciting a sort of coldness or jealousy between this friend and Narvaez, connected with our present political circumstances.

Turned back here, I looked out for another opening among our brakes and thickets, and thought I saw one. I applied to the Rector of the University to procure an order for the coming of the sets of versions you have voted for that establishment, with leave to bring two cases of books for myself at the same time. That order is applied for, and is daily expected. I may mention, that our friend La Serna has been prevented from applying himself for such an order through the Government, on account of his being on the wrong side in politics at the present juncture. But it was he who introduced me to the Rector.

In this manner, I trust, we shall obtain to the six cases. And as to the other four, I count upon your efforts through the new Ambassador when he comes, which I would hope will be soon.

On a former occasion I mentioned to you are Hebrew Professor here as a Bible and Biblical Priest, and stated that I had read his translation of the Psalms, and thought highly of it. He has just finished a valuable Hebrew and Spanish Grammar in two volumes, which is nearly through the press. On this work being off his hands he began in good earnest to translate Genesis, intending to go through the Pentateuch, and the whole of the Old Testament, should life, health, and other circumstances favour the same. Would it be within your line of duty to encourage him? I should think it might, and in the following way. By stating, that, should his version be approved of by you, through competent judges, you would give him so much for the right of printing the text of it to any extent you might choose. I think you would be doing right in making such an offer, and perhaps some such encouragement is necessary to make him persevere. Under such an arrangement we should have considerable influence in modulating any passages which might not be altogether as we could wish that. It seems very desirable in every way to encourage such labours in this country. Mr.Usoz and he might combine, the one to produce a new and improved version of the Old Testament, and the other of the New.

A considerable time would elapse before such a version could appear. In the meantime Mr. Usoz and myself have had much conversation about the propriety and advantages of printing the Version of  Valera, revised so far merely as the modernizing of some of his words. Mr.Usoz strongly recommends this, and makes encouraging offers to aid in the costs of the work. He will himself make the revision required, and he will bear a good portion of the expense of printing. I have therefore to question, on his part, to state to me early what would be the cost of Plates for a Spanish Bible in Minion 24mo like your English Bible of that type and size. Also, what would be the expense of Paper, and likewise of Printing, each 1000 copies of the same. When he has ascertained these items, he will state how much he will offer in aid of the undertaking. Please to state likewise the cost of plain binding lettered of this Bible, in one volume, in two, three, and five respectively.

I have given more attention to the subject of late than formerly, and I agree with Mr Usoz in his wishes for the printing of this Protestant version, with the slight verbal alteration it requires. At present no version printed by you is, generally speaking, allowed to circulate here, and Usoz says, that probably Valera's version would even now get as good a circulation as Scio's. But further: we do expect that God will bruise Satan under our feet shortly in this country in his efforts to impede the spread of the Holy Scriptures. In some way or other the country will surely open before long for God's blessed Word; and when that desired time is come, it is our duty to be all ready to profit by it. In this way also you would meet the opposition about Romanist versions. There can be no harm, at all events, in your sending us the estimates I have indicated, and on learning the extent of our friends pecuniary aid you can further judge in the matter.

I now state to you what has been passing in my thoughts for some time as to my movements. I was purposing to lay before you, which I now do, the plan of leaving the city on the first of May, and going to San Sebastian and Bayonne, to do thereabouts what could be done in getting the Scriptures brought into Spain, and circulated in it. I then projected going at once through France to England should you wish it, but preferred going through the provinces of Asturias and Galicia, and on to Vigo, where I could get the Packet for England or elsewhere. Your proposition, now fully before me by your letter of the 5th yesterday received, of my going to Lisbon will correspond well with this visit to Vigo. But I could go also direct to Lisbon from this through Badajoz. You will please to consider these two routes, and say which I should take. It is desirable, I think, that I should go to Bayonne, and see about things there. I might afterwards go through the two provinces mentioned, or not, as might be judged best. I could get by a Havre steamer from San Sebastian to Lisbon.

Have you full liberty to print the Bible in Portugal, and also to circulate it? I should like to know exactly how things are on these two points. You mentioned the sending me some sheets of errata. It would save a good deal of postage, if these were sent to Bayonne, instead of Madrid, as the lightest letter to this costs 2/2d. If therefore you to judge that I should go to that place, you could send your packet there, either to the "Poste Restante", or to the care of Mr. Pedezert.

I will now give you copies of two letters I have received from the muleteer who conducted me from Urgel to Lerida. They form good specimens of no inconsiderable portion of the peasantry of this country, and show us a sort of good ground for the sowing of our seed when we can get it amply from your barns. These letters also show some little results of my movements in the lines indicated by Mr. Hull. I would hope similar results have taken place, in other persons and places. And more and better no doubt might have been produced, by more and better workings on my part. I feel both ashamed and encouraged by these letters, and pray that God may fit me for every good word and work, with all persons, and in all places. The muleteer in question cultivates a small portion of ground of his own, and acts the muleteer at his more leisurely periods to eke out means. The good many so live in this country in all the provinces, though in some more than others. This portion may be considered as the superior stratum of the Spanish peasantry. – I might just add here, that I gave away a good many tracts on this last journey, and in all cases they were well received, and some of them were carefully read in my presence. In all these the Scriptures are taught and recommended. – Here follow the two letters referred to: –

"Agramunt 31st October 1848. – Dear Sir, I have received your esteemed letter, and have had much pleasure in learning that you are in good health. We are glad that you have us in remembrance, and my wife and I have frequently talked about you. I have got one book from Barcelona, and two from Lerida. We have spoken with some friends here about your country. They have said such things of it as I will not mention to you; but from what I learned in conversations with you, I showed them their mistakes, and overcame them. Several persons wished to obtain the books, but only one has said he would buy one, and as he is a friend of mine I gave him a book. Many have a desire to read them, and so much so, that one of mine is seldom in the house, but is lent out, and goes from one friend's house to another, and all say it is very good. It is customary here, that when anyone has a good book, it moves from house to house, so that many books are thus lost. You may rest assured that I will do all I can to serve them. If I can in any way be of use to you, you have only to write, and I shall immediately attend your requests, and if you should pass from Madrid to Barcelona, it will be a great satisfaction to me to see you. Since I got these books I read them every evening when I am at home, and never tire reading them till I get sleepy, and have to go to bed. I have not written to you sooner, as we are now working our lands, and sowing our seed, and as we have had no rain, the labour has been very hard. Please to excuse all the errors in this letter, as you well know my business is not that of a scribe. Kind remembrances from my wife and others in our house. Believe that I am your friend, and desirous of serving you. – Jayme Bonet."

"Agramunt 20th January 1849. – My dear Sir, with very great pleasure I received your kind and acceptable letter dated the 21st December. It has given me much satisfaction, as informing me of your welfare, and because of the valuable counsels you give me in it, which I doubt not are most true, and proceeding from the bottom of your heart. I feel grateful for the providential occasion of meeting with you, and of profiting by the estimable qualities you possess. In truth I cannot find words sufficient lay to express my thankfulness. – Every day I receive more pleasure in reading the books you had the goodness to favour me with, and my friends here feel the same satisfaction. We have had by them some of our ideas much cleared up which were before confused, and this is another favour I owe to your friendship.

In consequence of what you wrote me, wishing that I should purchase and sell some of your books, I sent to Barcelona, and got some of each kind at the prices you mention, and I shall see if they will find purchasers. In case they do, I shall send for more books, and of all I can sell you shall be informed. I give the books of the prices I have paid for them.

We have had rains in this quarter, but not in sufficient quantity to satisfy the fields. God will supply what is lacking.

You can come here whenever you will, and lodge with us in this house, which is open to receive you. You may be sure of being received if not with the attention which you deserve, at least with kindness and true cordiality. My wife and family are quite well, and join with me in wishing you all prosperity. Jayme Bonet."

Prosperity to you, my dear friend, to all your colleagues, and to your Society, is wished and prayed for by –

                        James Thomson.