Letters of George Borrow to the British and Foreign Bible SocietyBorrow, George
Religion
Letters of George Borrow to the British and Foreign Bible Society
Borrow, George
Authors, English -- 19th century -- Correspondence; British and Foreign Bible Society; English letters
During the last two months I have been almost incessantly engaged in
negotiations with the Ministry of Count Ofalia, for the purpose of
obtaining permission to sell the New Testament in Madrid and the
nullification of the prohibition. I have experienced, as might be
expected, great opposition, which I have not yet surmounted; but I am by
no means dispirited, as these obstacles are merely temporary. I have had
to contend against six Bishops at present resident in Madrid, and amongst
them him of Toledo, the Primate of Spain, who have denounced the Bible,
the Bible Society, and myself. Nevertheless, notwithstanding their
powerful and united efforts, they have been unable to effect their
principal object, namely, my expulsion from Madrid and Spain. The Count
Ofalia is a very good and excellent man, though weak and superstitious to
an exceeding degree; and notwithstanding he has permitted himself to be
made the instrument, to a certain extent, of these people, he will not
consent to be pushed to such a length. Throughout this business, as far
as it has proceeded, I cannot find words sufficiently strong, to do
justice to the zeal and interest which Sir George Villiers has displayed
in the cause of the Testament. He has had six interviews with Ofalia on
the subject, and in these he has expressed to him his sense of the
injustice and tyranny which have been practised in this instance towards
his countryman, as he does me the honour of calling me. Ofalia has been
much moved by these remonstrances, and on several occasions has promised
to do all in his power to oblige Sir George; but then the Bishops, and
particularly his confessor, whom he consults every night, again beset
him, and playing upon his religious fears, prevent him from acting a
just, honest, and honourable part.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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