ter that it would be most
expedient to distribute one-half of these books in La Mancha, commencing
from the town of Ocana, and concluding with Argamasilla at the other end
of the province; the remaining thousand might be devoted to the many
villages on the road towards Arragon, especially to those of Alcarria
where the people are honest, mild and serious. The writer would by no
means advise for the present an attempt to distribute the entire Bible
amongst the peasantry, as he is of opinion that the New Testament is much
better adapted to their understandings and circumstances. If it be
objected to the plan which he has presumed to suggest that it is
impossible to convey to the rural districts of Spain the book of life
without much difficulty and danger, he begs leave to observe that it does
not become a real Christian to be daunted by either when it pleases his
Maker to select him as an instrument; and that moreover if it be not
written that a man is to perish by wild beast or reptiles, he is as safe
in the den even of the cockatrice as in the most retired chamber of the
king's palace; and that if on the contrary he be doomed to perish by
them, his destiny will overtake him notwithstanding all the precautions
which he, like a blind worm, may essay for his security.

In conclusion the writer begs leave to remind the Committee that a
society of liberal Spanish ecclesiastics is being formed for printing and
circulating the Scripture without note or comment. He does not advise
the entering into an intimate alliance and co-operation with this
society, but he ventures to hope that if it continue to progress, there
will be found Christian hearts in England to wish it success and
Christian hands to afford it some occasional assistance. If the work of
the Lord be done, it matters little whether Apollos or Paul be the
labourers.

GEORGE BORROW.

To the Rev. A. Brandram

(_Endorsed_: recd. Feb. 4, 1839)
SEVILLE, _Jany._ 12, 1839.

REVD. AND DEAR SIR,--I reached Cadiz in safety, after crossing the Bay of
Biscay in rather boisterous weather. I have been in Seville about a
week, part of which time I have been rather indisposed with an old
complaint; this night at ten o'clock I leave, with the letter-courier,
for Madrid, whither I hope to arrive in something less than fo