Copy of a letter [in Ryland’s hand] from John Ryland to the Emperor of Russia (undated, without an address page).

May it please your Imperial Majesty

         The undersigned Secretary to the Baptist Missionary Society, being deeply impressed with the pleasing account of your Majesty’s Zeal for the propagation of the Sacred Scriptures, and your pious efforts to promote pure and undefiled Religion among your own Subjects, in every part of the extensive dominions which divine providence has entrusted to your paternal Care; and having been encouraged, by the Rev.d Mr Patterson, to believe that it would not be an unwelcome obtrusion, for so obscure an individual to offer to your Majesty’s acceptance, the accounts of the Labours of our dear Brethren in India, whom God has honoured as the instruments of translating his Holy Word into many of the Oriental Languages, has presumed to accompany a Sett of our Periodical Acc.ts with this short note; which he hastens to close, with expressing his sincere Veneration for your Majesty’s character, and earnest prayers that the ever blessed God may long continue to shower down on yourself, your Imperial family, and your happy subjects, the richest of his blessings; and direct and prosper all your measures for the glory of his Holy name, that you may be a highly-honoured instrument in preparing the Way for the universal reign of the prince of Peace, till according the prediction of the prophet Isaiah, the Husband and Redeemer of the Church shall be called the God of the whole Earth.  I am

                                 with profound Respect

                                             Your Majesty’s most humble Serv.t

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