John Foster, Bourton, to John Ryland, Bristol, 20 May 1812.

Bourton, May 20.

My dear Sir

       Dr. Cox’s return, early in the morning, from a three or four days’ visit here, gives me the opportunity of returning, without having recourse to any public conveyance, the books you were so kind as to lend me, so long since that I am quite ashamed to think of it.  In any similar case in future there really must be some legal bond, with a penalty for not returning the article lent within a specified short time.  I am the less excusable in this delay from having in my present possession, (sent by M.r Fuller, I believe,) the second vol. 4to, of the Ramayuna, and the first vol. of Confucius, wanting only the first sheet, and including the whole of the biographical Introduction, concerning the Chinese Philosopher.

       I am amazed beyond expression at the achievements of these missionaries; and I am almost glad that so considerable a portion of their labours has been expended in translating for us the most renowned works of the East; for thus we shall all, willing and unwilling, be brought to a right understanding of the vaunted wisdom of the orientals, which had left no need of such a thing as Christianity – As to the absolute value of what we thus obtain, one really begins to doubt whether all that will ever be brought from the treasures of Asiatic learning will be worth much more than the song of Chevy Chace.

       With respect to the Chinese, a grand object is gained by our having now fairly got a way opened into that hitherto formidable and inaccessible language, for the introduction of the Christian truth by means of the translations that will now be easily made into it of the Bible, and other volumes of sound instruction. – I most sincerely wish you continued health, to sustain you in your unwearied and diversified labours in the cause of Christ, and am, with friendly remembrance to M.rs Ryland

                   my dear Sir yours most respectfully and cordially,

                                           J. Foster

Address: Dr Ryland

Endorsed (by Ryland): May 20 | 1812.

Text: NLW MS. 14348D, National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.