Cadiz 26th April 1849
John Thornton Esq.
London
Sir,
Under his date at 7d/sight I have valued upon you for
£30.-.-. to the order of the P. & O. S. N. Co., which amount you will please pay & debit my acct.
I remain.
Sir,
your obd. servt.
James Thomson. (signed)
Rev A Brandram No.27
London 19th May 1849
My Dear Friend,
Just returned from Foreign Lands to my Dear Native Country, and for the fourth time, in perfect safety, my first duty is to give thanks allowed unto God for his gracious preservations of me in my late journeyings, as in my former movements, and also to call on all those who have aided me with their prayers to do the same.
I returned with joy, and with sorrow: – with joy, to see you all again, and many other dear friends, and to partake of the spiritual blessings so abundantly enjoyed among us, and of which the country I have left is so destitute: with sorrow, that so little has been done to enlighten that dark land through means of your heavenly Book, and sorrowing too under a bereavement, in which you have all kindly condoled with me, and for which anew I return you my very sincere thanks.
In reviewing our two years' operations in Spain, whilst we cannot but grieve at our failures to do what we wished, yet I do not know that we have cause to regret the efforts that have been made. In the first place, it was clearly a duty to use every means to get the Scriptures into that country, and a way was traced for this purpose by our friends in Gibraltar which it would have been wrong to neglect. In the next place, the little that has been done is perhaps fully worth all the means and labour bestowed. It is with God the same to work through lesser means as well as with what is greater, and let us pray that he would greatly fructify the seeds sown in that country on the present occasion, and that he would answer all the prayers that have been offered up in it and for it.
By the efforts made the real state of Spain has been ascertained as to the difficulties in the way of operating on it in the concerns in which we are engaged, and friends and coadjutors have been found who will aid us in making openings, and befriend us effectively whenever the door shall be fully opened, which I trust in God it will be before long.
Various circumstances induce those who know the state of matters in Spain to hope that the day is not far distant when the Scriptures may be freely printed in that country. The friends of the Bible there are hastening on that time as they can, by means of their prayers, and by such other measures as are within their reach: and others to, who care not about the Bible, are actively aiding in the same work from general principles connected with a Free Press. Let us not forget to contribute our portion in aid of this desired period and object. Let us continue our remembrances of Spain, and our prayers, and our hopes: also let us ever keep on the alert to see and to seize the first openings that may present themselves for renewed operations on that land. Were the present legal restrictions removed as affecting our work, Spain, I consider, as I have previously written to you, would present a fine field for our work. I doubt not but many would readily receive the Scriptures, and would read them with the deepest attention.
Lately a glimmering of light has appeared in respect to the printing the Scriptures in Spain, even at the present time. It consists in a loop-hole left in a law lately enacted. I have verbally stated what this loop-hole is, and it will of course be subject of consideration with you whether you should forthwith avail yourselves of it, or wait for fuller light and liberty.
One of the things required for Spain, in regard to Bible work is a translation of the Sacred Volume from the original tongues. Your present inquiries from I brought before us the pleasing circumstance that two native Spaniards are now actively engaged in such a work, and their men well fitted for the same. There is little doubt but you will give them all the encouragement you possibly can consistently with the rules of your institution. I have a communication to make to the Society on the need of such a translation, grounded on letters from these gentlemen, one already received, and the other daily expected.
Whilst this new version of the Scriptures from the originals is being executed, and considering that some years must necessarily elapse before it can be finished, it is a matter worthy of being considered, whether it would not be desirable to reprint the Protestant version made from the originals by Cipriano de Valera, with so much revision only as is required to change the antiquated words for others in present use. This subject was laid before the Society in a letter from Madrid, and referred for consideration till my return.
In Evangelical Christendom for the present month there is an article indicating the formation of a little evangelical Christian church in Madrid,[1] where the Holy Scriptures are regularly and formally read, and where prayers are constantly offered, as for other objects of Christian desire, so also especially for the opening of Spain to the free printing circulation and use of the word of God. Each member of that little body is an instrument at your service for circulating the Scriptures, and for recommending their use, as soon as you can supply them with copies; and I may add, that a friend of one of these has made urgent requests for a Protestant version instead of our Romanist one.
In the house of one of the members of this little church, there is a young woman to whom I spoke of the Holy Scriptures and the salvation they contain during my visits to the party with whom she lives. I procured for her New Testament, which she constantly reads, and of whose contents she made many inquiries. About a month before I left Madrid she felt ill, and grew worse. On the day I left that city, after paying a visit, perhaps the last one, to the abode of the departed, I visited the abode of this departing individual. I urged anew on her all I had brought under her attention, and then knelt down and prayed with her and for her. I left her, as I trust, imbued with repentance, and confiding in the Blood of Jesus, and believe she is now in heaven, or near it. If my anticipation is just, and the hoped happy result has taken place in any degree through your Books and Spanish mission, your labour has not been in vain. I could also mention other cases of hope. May God turn them into reality.
I will not extend my observations. In conclusion I beg you all, and earnestly, ever to remember poor Spain, until it be no longer poor, but rich in the abundance in it of the Holy Scriptures. I still hope and believe that our eyes and our ears will, and ere long, be so gratified. May God hasten the time.
* In closing this mission at its natural termination of two years according to previous arrangement, I thank you, My Dear Friend, and thank all the Committee, for the kindly manner in which you have all viewed my poor labours, and for your sympathy with me in my sorrow. May God produce from all our sorrows, and from all our labours, joy eternal for ourselves and for many others. Should I come into your remembrance when you are in your retirement with God, pray that he would direct me how I may in the wisest, best, and most effectual manner, occupy in his service, the years or the days that may yet remain to me in this earthly state. Believe me, My Dear Friend, that I feel affectionately towards you, and to all the Committee.
James Thomson
* Read here what is contained in the next half sheet.
* According to the directions of the Committee on leaving Spain, I visited Portugal, passing from Madrid to Cadiz to Lisbon. In this city I communicated freely and fully with Mr. Roughton and Mr. Mello regarding the edition of the Portuguese Bible being printed there. I found it was all through the press, except about a couple of sheets. On mentioning to them the numerous errata that had been found in this edition great grief was expressed, and particularly to learn the necessity of suppressing the whole on account of these errata. Want of knowledge and experience in the correction of proofs seems to have been the chief cause of these errors. Means were taken to have the whole cancelled, and forthwith carried into effect.
Inquiries were next made as to the admission of books generally printed in the Portuguese language out of the country, and as to the Bible in particular. Affirmative answers were received to both these inquiries. The duties charge on the same on entering I ascertained to be about 4½d per lb. In consideration of this high duty it would be well to print the Bible in this language on the thinnest paper consistent with sufficient strength.
In Lisbon I saw Dr. Gomez, the Agent or Missionary of the Foreign Aid Society. He has regular meetings every Sunday of considerable numbers of Portuguese all Romanists. He stated to me that there were as many as 4,000 of this class in Lisbon, all disposed to leave Romanism and embrace Protestantism, and among this number are several Priests. I had a very interesting meeting with a number of these people at his house, including two Priests, and from full communications with them I could perceive the truth of the statement made to me by Dr. Gomez. All these appreciate the Scriptures, and would both read them themselves, and use measures for their general circulation. But they are without copies, and it seems very desirable that they should be furnished as early as possible with a good supply of Testaments, of which I understand there is a tolerable supply in the depository, and also it is desirable that the whole Bible should be early printed. Portugal, I conceive, is fully open to the entrance and general circulation of the Scriptures.
[1] See “Spain”, Evangelical Christendom, vol. III (April): 141-143. (BM)
Rev A Brandram
16 Harpur Street, Theobalds Road
Saturday morning, 16th June, 1849
My Dear Friend,
As it is possible I may not verify my journey into Essex of which I spoke to you yesterday, so soon as I can contemplate, be so good as to let me know the particulars of the meeting on the South coast which you wished me to attend, and if I have not gone to Essex before Thursday next I will attend it for you, letting you know whether I can so attend it or not at least the day before. Yours Truly,
James Thomson.
Saturday morning, 16th June, 1849
Rev A Brandram
Rectory, Dedham, Essex
28th June, 1849
My Dear Friend,
Will you be so kind as to tell me in a few words how things were settled on Monday last?
I shall be all next week at the "Rev Mr Jetter's, Holbrook, near Ipswich", and could take a meeting for you near that, if you have such, and could be benefitted by my taking it.
Yours Truly,
James Thomson.
W. Hitchin Esq.
London 20th August 1849
My dear Sir,
In a note I have had from General M. Innes , he desires I should say to you, that he wishes notices for him at present to be sent to "16 Lower Rock Gardens, Brighton".
Yours Truly,
James Thomson.
Monday.
Rev A Brandram
16 Harpur Street, 8th Sep. 1849
My Dear Friend,
I am about to start for Bath, then Birmingham, and then Scotland, and I do not expect to return till Nov. If I can be of any service to you in my route, of course I shall be glad to be so.
I called yesterday but you were out. I find there is a little misunderstanding regarding the four books I gave you some weeks ago from Dr. Moseley. A copy of the Greek Chorus and one of the works on China translation are for the Library, and one of each for the Bishop of Hong Kong. Be so good as arrange accordingly. I saw one yesterday marked for Lord Bexley, but none was intended for him.
Dr. Moseley received a note of acknowledgment for the Greek book but not for the other, probably because you had it and had noticed it formerly.
Wishing you all health and strength for all your work, believe me,
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.
Rev A Brandram
Dumfries, 1st December 1849
My Dear Friend,
I am now finishing my tour in Scotland, and expect to be in London next week, but not in time for your meeting on Monday. There is however a subject pending, as I may say, between us, which I wish you to initiate on Monday, and refer to a sub-committee say on the following week. I wish this to hasten discussion of the subject in question as I have had letters from Madrid upon it since I saw you, and I am anxious to send a notification of your decision to the party concerned.
The subject is the translation of the Old Testament direct from the Hebrew into the Spanish Tongue by the present Professor of Hebrew in the University of Madrid. In one of my letters from Madrid last winter I noticed this subject formally and at some length. That letter can be read over at the sub-committee indicated, and I can then add to the same the further information which recently I have received. Be so good therefore as favour me with the initiation on Monday which I have noticed, and also a reference to sub-committee, that I may fully and duly discharge the obligations which I feel myself lying under in regard to this matter.
Since leaving London I have encouraging letters from Spain, Lisbon and Mexico respecting the circulation of the Scriptures in those quarters, and which I shall bring before you when we meet.
I remain,
My Dear Friend,
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.
Rev A Brandram
Harpur Street 13th December 1849
My Dear Friend,
I write this letter preparatory to our meeting tomorrow, where will be formally discussed the subject of the translation of the Old Testament direct from the Hebrew into Spanish by the present Professor of Hebrew in the University of Madrid.
To aid you in finding the letters in which I formerly brought the matter before you, I would observe that there are two, and dated in Madrid, the 27th of October 1848, and the 13th of March 1849.
Since my return to this country I have had three communications from the Professor referred to, in each of which the subject in question is more or less noticed. In the first of these he enters at some length into the grounds and reasons which exist for desiring and executing a new translation of the Scriptures into the Spanish Language and direct from the Original tongues. In this statement he finds ample fault with the Vulgate, and points out defects in the present versions into Spanish made from it.
In the second communication he says, "I am resolved to fulfill my word, and to carry into effect my purpose of translating the Bible, if your Society would aid me in thus contributing to the great work in which it is concerned, namely, the extending of Bible knowledge by means of reading in its purity the immortal book of the goodness and wisdom of God. The necessity for such reading here in Spain becomes every day more sensible, because impiety increases among us from want of the reading of this precious book, whilst the reading of trifling and bad works abounds. It appears to me very desirable that you should return again to this country, and that the Society should improve the occasions that may offer for conferring a blessing of the greatest amount on Spain, even upon this unhappy country, by contributing to deliver it from the condition of religious indifference, and of practical atheism in which it now is, and into which it has been brought by our ignorance, and by wicked devices of the prelates and priests of our religion."
In the third letter, he says, "I have pursued my work of translating the Scriptures, and this day, (24th November) I have finished a clean copy of the Book of Exodus. I hope, with the help of God, to conclude Leviticus by the end of the year, and to finish the entire Pentateuch by the commencement of our vacations in June next. I should like very much previously to see you here that we might converse together, and that I might consult you on some points of difficulty which have occurred, and which I have in the meantime, rendered as God has enabled me." – "Have the goodness to propose to the Bible Society to favour me, should it not be inconvenient, with 1000 or more copies of the octavo Hebrew Bible in sheets, or slightly bound, and to say what would be the cost of the same per 100 copies. My object in this is, that I may publish my translation interleaved with the Hebrew, to facilitate the comparison of the one with the other, to all who might choose to do so."
In closing this communication, I would repeat, what I have above indicated, namely, that the prosecution of the work in question, and its publication would, greatly contribute to forward the Bible cause in Spain. I should be glad to find that the Society was disposed to give its aid to the Translator, as I fear that without some aid the work cannot be completed.
I remain, My Dear Friend,
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.
16 Harpur Street
19th Jan. 1850
Dear Sir,
Shall a basket be offered for me from Southampton (the purport of the letter I have just recd. though you), please direct the party to deliver it here, or if this cannot be done send it by the parcel waggon.
I now put in my petition for the 12 Spanish Bibles in 8vo for Dr. Gomez of Lisbon, and say also 6 ditto 12mo, further one in 8vo for Mr Roughton.
This petition you will please present on Monday.
Yours Truly,
James Thomson.
P.S. Please to arrange soon as to the list I left with you, and set apart for me the additional Bibles or Test. that may have been published by the Society in Spanish, and not found on the list.
To Mr Henry Knolleke
16 Harpur Street
13th February 1850
My Dear Sir,
In compliance with your request, and for the uses you mention, I furnish you with the Chinese documents which were read on Friday last in the Committee.
To make the information in the case complete it should be recorded that after the reading of the two notes from Mr. Jetter to me, I made the verbal explanations showing that though there had been some little misunderstandings between the German Missionaries and Dr. Gutzlaff all this had been rectified, and that the two parties were and are in perfect accordance; and the same was manifest in Mr. Lechler's letter to Dr Steinkopff, and by Mr. Hamberg's to Mr. Brandram. The truth is, the German Missionaries, expecting perhaps to find the Chinese converts more advanced than could well be expected under all the circumstances of the case, made their complaints to Dr. Gutzlaff about them, and just then wrote to Dr. Barch with these feelings and impressions on their mind. On the other hand the Chinese Evangelists complained to Dr. Gutzlaff of the German Missionaries, and he had to mediate between the two parties, all which he seems to have done with wisdom and tenderness of a father towards his disputing and imperfect children.
Another circumstance also entered into this case, which was, that Dr. Gutzlaff urged the importance and even necessity for effective use that the German Brethren should, as I may express it, Chinese themselves by adopting the dress and mode of living of the Chinese, and thus to enter the interior and go through the breadth of the land. The German Missionaries were, (as all European Missionaries still are) at first disinclined to encounter the changes and consequent privations and dangers, and hence their disagreement with Dr. Gutzlaff, and their statements regarding him. Afterwards however they saw the propriety of acting as had been recommended to them and accordingly they now follow the same.
All this I have from Dr. Gutzlaff in reply to the brotherly freedom I had taken in wishing for explanations on the points noticed in the two letters from Mr. Jetter to me as before mentioned.
I might here add, that I believe a good deal of the misunderstanding between Dr. Gutzlaff and the European Missionaries has its foundation on the circumstance that he ever urges the need of the European Missionaries chinesing themselves, whilst they both in theory and in practice dissent from him in this matter. One can easily imagine that results similar to those actually in existence should arise and continue on account of this difference of opinion.
In regard to the lawfulness and facility of adopting the Chinese dress and mode of life and going through the whole of the country, I would observe, that though legally all Foreigners as such are prohibited from visiting any parts of China except the Five Cities open to them, yet on the other hand by the same Foreigners becoming naturalized, all difficulties are removed, and the same parties may then visit every part of the empire.
Again, as to naturalization, all that is required in the case to constitute the same legally is that the individual Foreigner should be adopted by some Chinese family, and this may be obtained with considerable facility.
I think it might be well to insert this letter at the close of the correspondence in question.
I remain,
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.
Rev A Brandram
16 Harpur Street
16th February 1850
My Dear Friend,
You will well recollect, I dare say, that while I was in Mexico in the service of the Society, I was greatly aided by Dr. Mora, one of the Professors in the University there, and a man of high standing in literature and as a public writer. On my leaving that country I left all the Bibles I had in his hands from the confidence I had in him grounded on previous experience. The greater quantity of these Bibles were under arrest in the Custom House. On a favourable change in the Government, Dr. Mora through his influence with the party in power, succeeded in liberating these Books; and through his arrangements also they were duly exposed to sale, and in due time were sold off. Remittances of money proceeding from these sales were made by Dr. Mora, and proper accounts were received. A debit to the Society however of nearly 800 dollars remained unsettled, and has remained so for several years.
Dr. Mora is at present Ambassador from Mexico resident at this Court. Some weeks ago, on his arrival from Paris, I saw him, and on that occasion he made special mention of the account outstanding with the Society, and showed great anxiety to have it settled. He gave me his explanations as to the delay that had occurred in the case. Through the political changes in Mexico he was obliged precipitately to leave the country. The person he had entrusted with his property and business, including the affairs of the Society, died, and his estate was found insolvent, and no satisfactory statement could be got. Again, another person, and a Bible friend, who had taken a share in the distribution of the Scriptures, he also died, and so the business was left in a still more unsatisfactory state. These were the causes which prevented the settlement in question.
Dr. Mora, as before said, showed much desire to have the account settled, being unwilling, he said, that the Bible Society with its noble objects should suffer any loss. He desired me to get the account as it stood. I did so, and he has paid it off, amounting to the sum of £147:18:9, which last week I handed over to Mr. Hitchin.
Whatever doubts were in any degree entertained in regard to Dr. Mora on account of this delay should be considered as most satisfactorily met by this ready payment of the sum in question. He overlooked in the case a sum of 200 dollars, not improbably paid by his agent for the purpose of effecting a translation of a portion of the Scriptures into the Ancient Mexican tongue. On the whole, I believe he has suffered pecuniary loss through his transactions with the Society, in addition to his gratuitous and very efficient services. Some acknowledgment of these services would seem to be due to Dr. Mora by the Society at the conclusion of his help in our cause. A Spanish Bible bound like that given to Espartero would be acceptable to him.
Before I conclude I would state, that I believe Dr. Mora has himself profited by the Bible. Its contents were often in Mexico the subject of our conversation, and I consider him acquainted with its great leading doctrines on which our salvation hangs. He is at present in a poor state of health. When I first met with him the other week he said he believed he was approaching the grave. But, he added, I shall not die a Catholic. He then referred to his views on the doctrines of grace, as he had formerly stated them to me, and as feeling more than ever confirmed in them. On seeing me, he expressed himself greatly satisfied on two points, one was in regard to the settlement of the account with the Society, and the other was in the view of our conversing from time to time together upon the subjects of salvation.
If Dr. Mora's health permit, he purposes to pay a visit to the Committee, and I doubt not but his visit will be very kindly received.
I am glad of being able to present this satisfactory view of our friend's integrity, and services, and views. Let us pray together for his health and salvation.
I remain,
My Dear Friend
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.
Rev A. Brandram
16 Harpur Street, Red Lion Square
18th March 1850
My Dear Friend,
I have the pleasure of sending you a translation of a very interesting communication which I have recently received her from Granada in Spain. It is as follows: –
"Granada, 11th February 1850.
On Sunday last, twelve persons of this place, met together, in the house of -----------, of whom ten of us where Católicos netos (say, unprejudiced Catholics), and two were disbelievers. We discussed the doctrines contained in numbers two and three of Catolicismo Neto (Purified Catholicism), which had been read by all of us, and it was proposed, that, seeing these doctrines were conformable throughout with the spirit of the gospel, and most conducive to the temporal and eternal happiness of mankind, as also to the good order of society, they be adopted, and in good faith, by all the individuals of the meeting, and it was so resolved unanimously, including the two who at the commencement of the meeting were unbelievers.
Also it was resolved, that the individuals forming this meeting should use strenuous efforts to diffuse the knowledge of these doctrines among their friends and neighbours through every means consistent with prudence, and also that they should recommend the reading of the Bible to all classes of our people.
In our meeting we discussed likewise, and severely reprobated, the Jesuitical, anti- evangelical, and inquisitorial conduct of our generally demoralized and ignorant clergy; and also, the repeated prohibitions of our Bishops in regard to the circulation among us of the Holy Scriptures, and the unjust persecution of those who diffuse them, and those who read them. Likewise, the Jesuitical policy of the Pope was reprobated in regard to the same matter.
Further, it was resolved, that Don José Vasquez should be specially requested to write to his friend and correspondent in London, Dr. Thomson, begging him, in the name of all the members of this meeting, to give their best thanks to the philanthropic Bible Society of England, for their efforts and sacrifices to diffuse the word of God in all the world, and especially for their endeavours on behalf of Spain. Also, that he should request Dr. Thomson to use his good offices with the Society to procure for us a supply of New Testaments of a common edition, but with a clear type, for distribution among the poor in Granada.
At the meeting various discourses were delivered on the above-mentioned subjects, that ought to be printed had we liberty to do so."
In conformity with request here conveyed to me, I would suggest, that a grant should be made for the purpose mentioned of 60 Spanish Testaments of Scío's translation, in 12mo, and 40 of the 8vo edition. They can be sent to Gibraltar, and I shall then use the best means I can devise for getting them into Malaga and to Granada.
We have in Granada a field and friends of an ample extent, so I believe, we have all over Spain. Would to God the restrictions to the entrance of the Scriptures into the country and the printing of them were removed! Let this be our constant prayer in regard to poor Spain.
I remain,
My Dear Friend,
Very Truly Yours,
James Thomson.
Mr. Hitchin.
16 Harpur Street
10th April 1850
My dear Sir,
I now give directions respecting the 60 duodecimo, and the 40 octavo Spanish New Testaments of voted for me.
I would beg that they may be made up into separate parcels of five in each, and addressed "W. P. Mark Esq., H. B. Consul, Malaga."
On the left-hand corner below of each parcel please to write the word Scio.
Thus arranged you can forward the books by any ship to Gibraltar addressed to our friend Mr. Bracebridge, desiring him to place them free of expense in the hands of Messrs. Francia Brothers. I enclose a letter for that house, which you will please to forward in your letter to Mr. Bracebridge
I remain,
Yours Truly,
James Thomson.
Rev A Brandram.
16 Harpur Street
18th April 1850
My Dear Friend,
I send you the enclosed letters which I received yesterday from Canada. I am requested you will see to advocate the petition respecting the appropriation of the small sum due to the Society as the proceeds of sales, that the same it may be allowed to go towards the expenses of their Colporteur. I do advocate this, and with a good conscience and warmly, as I know well all the circumstances of the French Canadian Missionary Society. You may well consider that quarter as a part of France, and you would do well I think to show similar favour to it as to France. Lower Canada has besides an additional claim upon us as it is a part of our own country. I will not doubt of your liberality in this case as in others towards those Western British regions.
I hope you are getting well and comfortably through your arrangements for the annual meeting now so near.
I wish you every blessing.
Believe me,
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.
P.S. You can return my letter at your convenience.
Rev A Brandram.
16 Harpur Street
22nd May 1850
My Dear Friend,
About a month ago Mr. George Pearce, of No. 10 Clarendon Road, Hackney, mentioned to me a case in which our great society was blamed, and desiring me to inquire into it, as the parties injured were well known to him. I desired him to get me something written on the case, and last night I received the same, and now transmit it, begging you to see into it as on the surface it appears against you.
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.
Mr. Hitchin.
16 Harpur Street
Saturday morning, May 25/50
My dear Sir,
I have some recollection of having allowed my name to be put down in reference to the Cambridgeshire B.S. meeting. But occurring hinderances were counted on so that I did not compromise myself. Such hinderances have occurred, and quite prevent my attending these meetings.
I allowed in the same way my name to be put down respecting the Nottinghamshire meetings in October. Be so good as consider that the same uncertainty is connected with that arrangement. When the time draws near I shall then know how I stand.
Be so good as to say to Mr. Brandram, that the document I enclosed to him in my last letter has to be returned, but not until he has fully used it as is wished.
I remain,
Yours Truly,
James Thomson.
Rev A Brandram
16 Harpur Street
17th June 1850
My Dear Friend,
You may perhaps recollect that on my leaving Mexico in 1843 I entrusted our books and their circulation to Don Domingo Saviñon, and you may also recollect some communications from that gentleman respecting various difficulties he had met with in attending to our concerns.
By the last packet that gentleman arrived in this country, and he purposes to be present in your Committee to day.
In reference to his operations I have received the following letter from him.
"To the Committee of the Bible Society of London.
Gentlemen,
The Undersigned begs leave to state to the distinguished individuals who form this Society, that having been entrusted by Dr. Thomson with the management and circulation of various cases of Bibles sent to Veracruz at the end of 1843, he is sorry to inform the Society that their objects could not be carried out so fully as he had wished.
As soon as these cases arrived at Veracruz they were confiscated. Through much labour however, and the interposition of his friends they were liberated from the Custom House, and placed in the hands of those to whom they had been consigned. There they lay till 1847, when after surmounting various difficulties, and which were related to Dr. Thomson at the time, the books were sent on to the city of Mexico, where they again met with the same fate as in Veracruz in being detained in the Custom House. They lay there during all that in the following year, without its being possible to get them liberated. It was only last year that we succeeded in obtaining the possession of these books, and owing to occurring circumstances of a favourable kind.
After overcoming all these difficulties another was met with, as the Bookseller who formerly sold the Bibles for Dr. Thomson refused to receive the books on sale. Months of delay took place on this account, during which the cases were warehoused on the premises of the Undersigned.
At length through repeated applications the Bookseller consented to receive the Bibles on sale, and there was accordingly delivered to him the quantities and kinds mentioned in the accompanying note.
The various difficulties thus detailed being overcome, the Undersigned thinks he may venture to encourage the Society with the hope that the day is not far off when the reading and the instructions of the Sacred Volume will make that progress which is the object of your benevolent intentions. That this may be so is the sincere desire of
Your obedient Servant
(signed) Domingo Saviñon.
London 15th June 1850."
The communication of this our Bible friend and coadjutor will show some of the difficulties and labours he has had. He has, I know, laboured much and cheerfully to serve our holy cause, and is deserving of the kind regards of the Society. I am glad to be able to say of him, that he makes the Bible his own study, and I humbly trust he knows the great content of the Bible in the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is much attached to this country, its people, and our religion, and he is now come to spend a couple of years among us to learn all that is good in this country that he himself, and afterwards his country may profit by the same.
I remain,
My Dear Friend,
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.
P.S. Mr. Saviñon has £17 to deliver for sales of Bibles effected
Mr. Hitchin
16 Harpur Street
21st June 1850
My dear Sir,
I have been desirous of meeting your wishes in regard to Cambridgeshire, and so have delayed a negative to see if I could give you an affirmative, but now I find that the negative prevails.
Yours Very Truly,
James Thomson.
Mr. Hitchin
16 Harpur Street
Thursday evening 25th July 1850
My dear Sir,
I received a very friendly note from Mr Ramsden with a kind invitation to pass the meeting week at his house. As soon as I see my way a little in Edinburgh (for which I start on Monday) I shall write him, and will make every endeavour to meet his and your wish respecting these meetings.
I have written too by a friend a Clergyman in the...
(letter incomplete)
