had ordered me had not arrived in Lima when I left that place, and to
my no small regret. I have, however, regretted that delay a thousand
fold in the course of my journey. I mentioned to you at the same
time, that I had bought one Bible in Lima to carry with me, by way of
a specimen, and to excite an interest to purchase when a supply should
arrive. All my expectations in regard to this have been fully realized.
The many offers I have had to purchase this Bible, have filled me with
pleasure and with pain; pleasure to see so great a desire for the word
of God, and pain in not being able to satisfy that desire. Of the many
occasions in which I have been so placed, none was so pleasing, on the
one hand, nor so painful, on the other, as that which I experienced
with the Rector of Ambato. He had been to visit me, and I went to his
house to return his kindness. After experiencing much attention from
him, he in a very formal manner urged me to sell him the Bible. I stated
to him, upon this occasion, what I had been called on to state upon so
many other occasions, namely, that the Bible I had was a kind of common
property, that my object in carrying it with me was to show it to all,
and to encourage all who wished for it, by informing them that a number
of copies were coming, and that their desire would be realized in the
possession of this precious volume. He however renewed his request,
besought me to let him have it, and urged his claim in the name of all
his flock, for whose use he said he particularly wished it. My difficulty
here was great, yet I considered my reasons for not parting with this
volume still greater, and was thus obliged most unwillingly to withhold
what, under other circumstances I would most gladly have bestowed. He
said, among other things, to induce me to yield to his request, that I
would be able to find a copy in Quito, for he had learned that some had
been sold here some time ago, as was actually the case, for 40 copies of
the 500 sold in Lima were brought here. I told him that there were some
doubts as to my obtaining a copy in Quito, but that I would make inquiry
when I should arrive there, and in the event of finding one I should send
him my own copy, and at the price at which I purchased the other. Upon
these terms we came to an agreement, and he remarked that I should not
make any hesitation in regard to the price, for he would willingly pay
what should be charged.
On the 4th current I left Ambato on my way to this city. There is a town
called Tacunga or Latacunga about 20 miles distant from Ambato, and on
the straight road to this place. From the consideration of having been
much detained in my journey from Guayaquil, I wished to reach this city
as quickly as possible, and on that account I intended not to stop at
Tacunga, but to push on to a village called Mulaló, and to pass the night
there, in order that I might reach Quito on the following day. I was
the more inclined to do so, as I understood that Tacunga was inhabited
almost wholly by Indians, none of whom could use our books. Another
arrangement, however, had been determined on by a higher authority than
mine, and for a purpose which you will presently see. I had scarce left
Ambato, when a Friar travelling for Quito, came up with me upon the road.
As he was accompanied by a servant only, and unencumbered with luggage,
he could get faster on his way than I could, accompanied as I was by
the loaded mules. We, notwithstanding, rode together for some time, and
fell into various conversation. He urged me to go forward with him, and
to leave the loaded mules to follow us, which, after some hesitation, I
complied with, and we went on together at a gentle trot. His intention
was to stop all night at Tacunga, as he had some concerns to arrange
there. He kindly invited me to stay there also during the night, in
order that we might go on together next day towards Quito, offering me a
hospitable lodging in the convent of St. Dominic, to which he belonged.
I still, however, thought it my duty to push forward, so as to reach
Quito next day, and which I could not do if I stopped all night at
Tacunga. Before we arrived at the place, in passing a river, my horse,
upon reaching the bank, which was rather difficult of access, stumbled,
plunged again into the river, and nearly threw me into it. I got safely
out, though considerably wet. This circumstance determined me to stop
at Tacunga till I got my clothes dried. Upon reaching the town, I went
with my friend to the convent, where I got myself comfortably dried, and
prepared for the journey. Before I was ready to set out, there came on a
thunder storm, and by the time the weather cleared up, it was too late
to set out. My good friends in the convent strongly urged me to pass the
night with them, and which I consented to do.
I found this town larger than I expected, and as I was to pass the night
in it, I was anxious to seize the opportunity of offering the word of God
to them, although I had not much confidence as to the success I should
meet with. In carrying this purpose into effect, I found myself rather
embarrassed. I was lodged in a convent, and knew not what disposition
the friars might have to the distribution of the Scriptures, especially
to their being sold in the convent. I wished myself lodged elsewhere,
and indeed any where else, but could not with any decency remove, as my
friends loaded me with kindness. Had I known, upon my entering the town,
that I was to have a sale of the New Testaments there, I would not have
gone to the convent, more especially as I had a letter of introduction
to the Governor and to another gentleman in the place. After some
hesitation, I resolved to make an attempt where I was. I went pensively
to the case in which the New Testaments were, took out one, and went
direct to the Prior to show it to him, praying all the while as I went,
that the God of heaven would dispose his heart and the hearts of the
rest to befriend the circulation of his holy word. My prayer was heard.
The Prior was much pleased with the New Testament, and bought it. He
showed it to one of the rest, and recommended it, whilst I did not fail
to put in a word to the same effect, pointing out the advantages of
the Scriptures to all, and how more immediately it concerned them, as
ministers of religion, to possess it, and to recommend it to others. Yes,
said one of them, it is the very book which concerns us, and we would
gladly encourage others to receive it. I then told them that I had a
number of copies, and that I wished to expose them to sale in that town.
I showed the Prior the advertisement, and said, I should be glad to have
the sale in the convent, if it were agreeable to him. By all means, said
he, and immediately he filled up the blanks in the notices with his own
hand, and sent a person to fix them up. The advertisements were scarcely
up, when one, and another, and another came tripping in to purchase a New
Testament. In a little, the buyers thickened, whilst all the friars stood
around enjoying the sight, and warmly recommending the sacred volume to
all who came, and assisted me in the sale when occasion required. The
result was, that in two hours and a half, that is, till the night came
on, I sold _one hundred and four_ copies, which was more than I had sold
in Guaranda, Riobamba, and Ambato taken together, although I remained
two days in each of these places. You see, by this time, I dare say, why
superior arrangements called me to stop at this place, contrary to my own
intention.
Among others, whom the sound of our horn brought together, came the
Vicar of the town _in propria persona_. Upon learning who he was, I
made my obeisance, and entered into conversation with him, as to the
advantages of the word of God, and the duty of making it known to all,
and to my great joy I found in him also a friend to this object. At
an early period of our sale, I brought out the Bible, of which I have
spoken above, and for the purpose there mentioned. It had the desired
effect. It arrested the attention, and could have been sold many a time.
I told all who wished to purchase it, that there would arrive in a few
months a number of copies, and that all would be supplied. None being
able to obtain it, a little circle resolved to improve the occasion to
learn what it contained, while a friar in the middle kept reading aloud
for a considerable time.—There was another attractive, namely, the
Brief View of the Bible Society. This also drew the attention, and was
eagerly read. Their approbation of the object of the Society, and their
wonder at the effects already produced by it, alternately drew forth
corresponding expressions. You need not be told that I relished the
scene before me, and enjoyed a high entertainment. I could not refrain
from silent thanksgiving to the God above, as I brought out another and
another parcel of New Testaments, to which I joined a fervent prayer,
that on this occasion the word of God might be sown in good ground, and
might produce in some thirty, in some sixty, and in some a hundred fold.
I felt also my heart warm within me, whilst the contemplation of the
British character, which was thus brought under review, called forth the
just praises of my native land. O favoured isle! garden of God! where
the fruits of righteousness grow more abundantly than in all the world
beside. Peace be upon thee! In thee may the will of God be done—_as it is
done in heaven_.
By and by the night came on, and our sale closed. After which we
retired to one of the cells and entered into general conversation. We
were all pleased with each other. My friends, on the one hand, seized
every opportunity to show their kindness and attention, and I, on the
other hand, in return for their kindness, amused them with my mountain
barometer, thermometers, and pocket compass, all of which were perfectly
new to them, and highly entertaining. At a proper hour the friars retired
to their cells, and I also retired to mine, where I passed part of the
night in contemplating the scene which had just passed before me, and the
rest in repairing the fatigues of the day.
I told the Prior of the convent and the others, that the sale which had
been effected in that place, so much greater than in the other places I
had visited in their neighbourhood, did great honour to their town. I
took occasion also to return them my sincere thanks for the very active
and friendly part they had taken in this matter, and told them I should
have great pleasure in communicating the same to the Society in London,
and which I accordingly now do. The Prior said that he should be very
glad, upon any future occasion, to forward the objects of the Society as
far as he could, and that in regard to any other supply of the Scriptures
destined for Tacunga, he would most readily take charge of them, and
dispose of them according to the directions which might be sent with
them. The other Friars heartily seconded the Prior in all these matters.
In conversing about the Bibles that were to come to them from Guayaquil,
it was agreed that not fewer than fifty copies would be required for
Tacunga, and I promised to write to Guayaquil in order that this number
might be sent to them upon their arrival there from Lima. At the same
time I write to Lima to forward a sufficient supply to Guayaquil of your
second edition, which must, I should think, be already in Callao, or near
it.
In the preceding part of this letter, I gave you the names and address of
some persons who would gladly carry forward your object in the places
mentioned. I now add to this list another, namely, the Prior already
mentioned, “El R. P. Fr. Manuel Peñaherrera, Prior de Santo Domingo de
Latacunga.” The person just named, as well as all his colleagues, will be
most ready to establish an Auxiliary Bible Society in that place, when
the proper time comes for doing so. I give you also the names of some
others belonging to this convent, as my duty and my promise require of
me, and could wish that in some corner of one of your monthly extracts or
annual reports their names might be recorded, for I think they are worthy
of it; and in seeing their names in any of these publications I shall
feel myself as discharged from what nearly amounts to an obligation, and
which my feelings of respect and gratitude towards my friends led me
into. The names are as follows: Padre Mariano Quintana, Padre Narciso
Molina, Padre Matias Granja. To which I add, as the last, but not the
least, my travelling companion, Padre José Celio.[4]
I conclude this letter, the writing of which has been the means of my
enjoying over again the encouraging scenes which I have endeavoured
to describe, and which I lay before you that you may comply with the
pleasing duty of rejoicing with those that rejoice.—I only add, May God
Almighty prosper you most abundantly in all your undertakings; and unto
whom in all things be glory for ever: Amen.
[4] These names were not inserted in the Society’s Extracts, as the
Secretaries thought the doing so might, perhaps, compromise our friends
there with their superiors. A letter, however, was written to the Prior,
in the name of the Society, conveying to him those sentiments which
his conduct, on the above occasion, called forth. A few weeks ago an
answer was received from the Prior, in reply to this letter, in which he
expresses his continued interest in the object of the Bible Society, and
his desire to circulate the Scriptures in his native country.—It may be
mentioned here also, that a suitable letter was sent by the Society to
the Governor of Guaranda, and that a very friendly reply to it has been
lately received. This gentleman continues a warm friend to the Bible
Society.
* * * * *
_Quito, 19th November, 1824._
A considerable time has elapsed since the date of my last letter to you,
and during the same period, if I remember right, I have not been favoured
with any of your communications. So that, as far as mere exchange of
letters is concerned, I am not so much in arrear as you may perhaps be
thinking. It is true, indeed, that it is my part to write to you, rather
than yours to write to me, but that again supposes that I have something
worth communicating. Now, I am sorry to say that this has not been the
case during my partial silence, a silence arising from a very natural
cause, that of having nothing to say. I mean that I have had nothing to
say about the _progress_ of education in this quarter: and though I have
still very little to say upon that subject, yet, knowing you take a great
interest in the well being of this part of the world, and in my feeble
efforts to promote it, I think it my duty to let you know at least where
I am, and what I am doing.
You will observe by the line at the top, that I am in the city of Quito,
and I shall now state to you why I am here, and what I am engaged in. You
know how the war has raged for some time past in Peru, and that Lima has
been for a considerable time in the hands of the enemy. I am not sure
that I have expressed myself correctly in saying _the enemy_, a term
applied by each party to the other, but which in the mouth of a neutral
is an impropriety of speech. I beg leave to justify myself in this, by
informing you that I am not a neutral in this contest, as all my feelings
and my wishes are on the one side, and of course the other side is the
enemy. I leave you to find out at your leisure what side I am on, and
shall proceed to give you what information I have to communicate relative
to our concerns, the concerns of education.
I left Lima in the beginning of September, with the intention of not
returning to it for some time. The immediate cause was the impossibility
of moving forwards in our work under the pressure of existing
circumstances. The very utmost that could be done was to keep hold of
what we had obtained, and even that was done with great difficulty.
Our model school in Lima, at the time I came away, contained about 200
children, a number somewhat less than what it contained some months
previous to that time. This decrease is owing to the great poverty that
existed there, on the one hand; and on the other hand it arose from a
natural fear in the parents lest their children should be picked up on
their way to the School by the recruiting parties, a fear not altogether
groundless. I may mention here, that there is another School on our plan,
containing about 80 children.
You know that, for a considerable time back, I have had a desire to pass
through that part of this Continent where I now am, but I was prevented
from doing so, by the difficulty of leaving Lima in the state in which
things were, and by the prospect of making a rapid progress in extending
education over Peru. At the time I came away, the difficulty referred
to was removed, and the prospect in regard to the other circumstance
mentioned was altogether blasted, at least for a time. The difficulty
I have noticed was the want of a proper master, in whose hands I could
trust the school with confidence. The school, however, at my leaving
Lima, was in the hands of a good master, with an assistant to aid him,
whilst the superintendence of all is in the hands of my excellent friend
the Clergyman, of whom I have often spoken to you with approbation. From
this good friend, notwithstanding these favourable arrangements, I was
obliged to tear myself away. He urged me to stop, and would at length
only hear of my going away in the expectation of my early return, and
in the hope of my visit to England being turned to the advantage of the
schools in Peru, as I trust it will, should I have the happiness to reach
your favoured country.
I thought it advisable, and my duty, to seize the time that thus offered
for verifying my long-intended journey. You know, I dare say, that it
was not the mere desire of jaunting that led me to propose this journey
to myself. The two objects which have hitherto more immediately engaged
my attention in South America are those which form the work respectively
of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the British and Foreign
School Society. With these two objects in view, I left Lima for Bogotá
the capital of Colombia. Though I can never lose sight of any one of
these two objects, yet that of the Bible Society is the main one in this
journey.
I have been very much pleased with my journey, in the prosperity I have
had in the distribution of the sacred volume. I have observed a very
general desire to possess this book, and I have had the pleasure of
seeing great numbers flock together, not to receive it as a present, but
to buy it. Of upwards of 1500 New Testaments which I had at the outset,
not many remain. I had no Bibles, and was very sorry for it, as, from its
being generally asked for, I am sure I could have sold many copies. It is
gratifying to know that a supply of them may be expected in the course of
a few months; and with this prospect I have revived the spirits of many
who evidently felt disappointed when I told them that I had none.
It is truly a pleasing sight to see so many eagerly seeking after God;
and it cheers the heart of the poor traveller, as he moves along now
through the woods, now over the mountains, to think that he is the means
of cheering the hearts of others, by putting into their hands the only
book which can effectually cheer the heart with solid comfort. I refer
you for further particulars regarding the circulation of the Scriptures
to my letters upon the subject to the British and Foreign Bible Society.
Before I speak of the state and progress of education in Quito, I shall
mention two circumstances which have occurred to me since I left Lima. I
notice these because they are encouraging, as it respects the progress
of education, and because they tend to prove what I have so often stated
to you,—that there is a very general desire throughout this country for
extending the benefits of education to all, and with all possible speed.
The circumstances referred to occurred in Truxillo and in Guayaquil. In
both these places I received proposals from the magistrates to remain
among them, in order to establish schools on our plan, and to promote
the objects of education in general. In both cases I had a struggle
with my feelings, though not with my judgment, in declining the honour
offered me. Though my duty bade me pursue my journey, yet, in consequence
of these proposals, I cannot help taking an additional interest in
the progress of education in the places mentioned; and through the
intercourse that took place upon this subject during my short stay in
these tours, I expect some good will result, of which I shall afterwards
inform you.
I come now to speak of the state and prospects of education in this
city. The state of elementary education here is, at present, very low,
but its prospects are more encouraging. Perhaps you are aware that the
Colombian Government is taking active measures to extend education over
all their share of South America. Some time ago a Central School on the
Lancasterian plan was established in Bogotá, the capital. This school was
set agoing by a friar who had been banished from his native country on
account of his then-called revolutionary principles, and who had learned
the system during his exile. Upon his return to America he established
this school in the capital, which has now existed two or three years. It
is the wish of the government to put a model school in the capital of
each department, and from these schools to send out masters to all the
towns and villages the department contains. For this purpose the friar I
before mentioned, has lately arrived here, and is getting his school-room
prepared. I have had several conversations with this individual, and
have been much pleased in observing the very lively interest he takes in
the education of youth, as well as in the general progress of knowledge
throughout his native country. It is delightful to shake hands with such
persons, and to unite one’s heart with them wherever they are found. I
augur much good from the establishment and direction of schools by a
person of this character. I do from my heart wish him great success, and
a success equal to the desires of his own benevolent mind. The Intendant
or Governor of the department is an excellent man, and very desirous of
the progress of knowledge throughout this quarter. He is urging forward
the school with all diligence; and to supply the children with books, he
has bought of me 50 New Testaments.
The next thing I have to notice is of some interest, and respects female
education. You are aware, that the education of this sex is very limited
in South America. It is so in Quito, as might be expected. From the
consideration that this is a large place, and the chief city of a large
and populous district of country, I was very desirous of doing something
towards establishing a female school or academy here. I spoke to the
Intendant and others upon the subject, and found them all willing to
do whatever was practicable in carrying into effect such a desirable
object. The plan I proposed was, to send for a well-instructed person or
two from England, in order to establish at once a school or academy of
the best description; and I promised to do, on my part, all I could to
procure such persons upon my arrival in England. My proposition was very
favourably received, and a plan was immediately thought of for carrying
it into effect. The want of funds was the only obstacle that occurred,
and where to find them was the object to which the attention of all was
directed. At length it was discovered that there was a certain religious
house in the city which had good funds belonging to it. This house is not
a nunnery, though it is somewhat allied to it. It is what is here called
a Beateria; and if one were called upon to give it a name corresponding
to its nature, it might be called a House of Idleness. This name, at all
events, would suit the character given me of it by the Intendant. To
get this house and its funds was now the object of consideration, and a
petition to the general government of Colombia was thought of for that
purpose. You know that respecting a matter of this kind, it is necessary
to interest the female sex themselves in it. I accordingly spoke with
some ladies upon the subject, and found them very anxious to lend their
influence to obtain the object in question. I am lodged and very kindly
treated in the house of the Marquis de San José, and I wished that the
Marchioness should take the lead in this affair, as a matter of courtesy
on my part, and principally because she is the person of most influence
in the place. I stated to her the plan proposed, of establishing a school
or academy in the style of those in England, and was happy to find that
she entered heartily into it. The way ultimately fixed upon for carrying
forward the plan is this: The lady before mentioned, along with some
female friends, is to draw up a petition to the Intendant, begging that
something may be done for establishing a female academy in Quito. As
soon as this comes into the Intendant’s hands, he will state his opinion
upon the subject, strongly recommending it, and pointing out where the
funds may be obtained for the purpose. The petition thus prepared is to
be put into my hands, and I am to have the honour of laying it before
the Vice-President in Bogotá upon my reaching that city; and such is the
interest taken by the Government in these matters, that I have no doubt
of its complete success.
* * * * *
_Quito, 24th November, 1824._