Page images
PDF
EPUB

going their society for the sake of try- | place between these tribes. While I ing to benefit this dear people. As to fears, I have none. True the Nagas are abroad reported as savages and cannibals, thirsting only for blood and slaughter. They are indeed savage in war, but we have found them friends, and possessing those traits of character which, under the sweet influences of christianity, would make them a most amiable and interesting people. I feel perfectly safe among them, as much so as I should in the bosom of my father's family.

8. Sabbath. Though alone as to christian society, I have spent a quiet, happy Sabbath. How blessed is the christian's portion. Neither place nor circumstances can debar him from holding communion with God; and this privilege granted, place or circumstances can have little influence over his happiness.

An incident-Alarming

was sadly thinking over the matter this evening, one of the chiefs came in. He immediately spoke of the reports, and admitted that they might prove true, as a serious difficulty had arisen, concerning which a council was to be held on the morrow, "at which consultation," said he, "if the matter is not settled, we must fight." "But," said I, "if they attack the village, what will you do with us, who are left under your protection ?" He replied, "We shall secrete you and little Mary in the jungle, and then fight to defend you; and not until every one of us is cut to pieces, shall any harm come to you and little Mary." The difficulty was afterwards settled without a resort to arms.

17. This evening our Naga friends who accompanied Mr. B. down the river, returned, bringing me letters from him, and a large package from reports—Arri-American friends. In my lonely situ

val of Miss Bronson.

10. I was awakened last night by the screams of a servant, who said some one was breaking into the house. I immediately arose and went to the place, where I found a window open, and a small hole made in the wall. Some person had evidently been endeavoring to enter the house; but I felt sure they must be quite frightened away by the outcry of the woman who had discovered them. It was long before I could reassure them sufficiently to persuade them to sleep. In the morning my Naga friends came in to see what had happened, and expressed the greatest surprise and indignation that any person should have dared to undertake such a thing in their village. They assured me that it was none of their people, but some straggler from the Abors or Asamese. They promised to be on the look out from the adjacent watch-house-or even to send some one to sleep in the house, if I felt afraid. I told them I had not the least fear, but trusted in the great God for protection, assuring them at the same time of my sense of their kindness, and of my readiness to call on them for assistance, should it be necessary.

ation, these tokens of affectionate remembrance from absent friends, are very precious.

This morning my little group of scholars requested to be dismissed early, that they might go to meet Mr. Bronson and the new teacheress, whose arrival they have for several days been joyfully anticipating. After school they clothed themselves in their best, and set off in high spirits, to meet their friends. It was to me an interesting sight. About two o'clock their swiftest runner came with the speed of a deer, to tell me that our friends were approaching, and in a few moments I had the unspeakable pleasure of embracing my husband, and our dear sister. It was a happy, blessed meeting to us all, and I trust we all felt grateful to our heavenly Father for permitting us to meet under circumstances of such peculiar mercy. The house was filled with our Naga friends, all eager and anxious to welcome the "Sahib" and his sister, to their hills, and it was not until evening that we found ourselves alone. Our season of worship was deeply interesting; indeed this evening is one never to be forgotten.

Reports have to-day reached me, that a difficulty has arisen between this An account of the subsequent illness of Miss tribe, and the Bor Duris, with whom B., and also of their daughter Mary, is given they have long been on ill terms; and in the journal and letters of Mr. Bronson, pubthat an attack is meditated by the lat-lished in the May and July numbers of the Magter, on this village. I felt some un-azine. The narrative need not be repeated here, easiness on hearing this report, as sey- and we therefore pass over this part of the joureral bloody battles have formerly taken nal with very brief extracts.

Illness of Miss B. and of Mary-Sympa- | I think that hereafter they may be thy of the natives-Progress of the taught drawing with advantage-at least enough of it to enable them to execute maps, &c.

school.

June 15. With a full heart, I sit down this evening to recount the dealings of our heavenly Father with us, for a few weeks past. We are called to sing of judgment and of mercy. Our dear sister Rhoda has been very ill-confined most of the time to her bed.

Sister R. is now better, and seems to be slowly regaining her strength. Her whole soul seems absorbed in the great work of benefitting the heathen. Our prospects are brightening. We only want more faith in the promises of God, and a more burning zeal in his service, to be as perfectly happy as we can be in this vale of tears.

A converted seaman—) -Painful recollections-Renewed illness of Miss B.

Our little daughter Mary was attacked with the same fever, on the day after sister R. was taken ill. The fever raged without intermission for nine days, and for a time we almost wholly despaired of her life; but God merci- 6. July. We have just received a most fully raised her up from the very bor-interesting letter from one of the conders of the grave. We receive her as one restored almost from the dead; and as a special blessing from the hand of our heavenly parent. Oh that we may feel more deeply than we have ever done before, that this "lent treasure is the Lord's; and may we have grace to bring her up for his service!

[ocr errors]

It has been most affecting to us, to witness the interest and sympathy which this wild people have manifested during Mary's illness. The night during which we thought she was dying, the young men of our school, and many of the chiefs, came to the house and remained through the night, ready to render us every assistance in their power. Their sad looks and silent attention to our wants, showed how deeply they felt for us, and was the more highly prized as it was something we have never before witnessed among the heathen. Oh that their hearts may be truly imbued with christian principles, which would render them a most lovely and interesting people!

16. Have to-day for the first time since Mary's illness, been able to take charge of the school. I find that the scholars have progressed a little, quite as much as could be expected with only a native teacher. I felt very happy to engage in the delightful work of instructing this dear circle of youth once more, and they seemed equally pleased to see their former teacher in her place again. Their improvement in writing has been very rapid. They already write a fair easy hand, which would do credit to any learner in America who had written twice the length of time that they have. They are particularly delighted with this exercise, and are often inclined to shorten their hours of study to engage in it.

verted sailors of the Rosabella,* now an officer of a vessel. He relates his christian experience since he left the Rosabella. He has remained true to his profession amid every kind of opposition, and has fearlessly professed his attachment to the cause of Christ wherever he has been. This young man was apparently the most hardened of any of the ship's company, at the commencement of the voyage; and it was not until we were near Calcutta, that his stubborn heart yielded to the claims of the gospel. We were at the time much interested in his case. He had been the subject of much anxiety, and of many prayers during the voyage; and his conversion seemed evidently to be the work of the Holy Spirit. He came out very decidedly, and seems from his letter to have gone on his way rejoicing in Christ, and boldly advocating his cause.

7. This is with us a day of solemn and tender recollections. Three years ago this morning, our dear brother and associate, Mr. Thomas, closed his mortal career, and entered upon the employments and joys of eternity. How sudden, how blessed was the exchange! He closed his eyes upon this world of sin and sorrow, and arose in everlasting day. Could we see him as he now bows, a pure spirit before the thronecould we realize the happiness that, forever increasing, fills his soul, we should doubtless be enabled to rejoice in the dispensation, now so dark and mysterious to us.

15. Our dear sister is again reduced to a state of great weakness, and we begin to feel seriously alarmed about her. Mr. B. started for Jaipur yester

*The vessel in which Messrs. Bronson, Thomas and others, went out.

day, to endeavor to procure for her, suitable medicines, and a change of diet.

One of the chiefs came last night to tell us not to fear, for they would all die before any harm should come to us during Mr. B.'s absence. He said they were making prayers and offerings for our safety. Poor deluded people-when will they learn to look to the great God, instead of evil spirits! State of the Asamese-Sickness of Mr. B. We have great occasion for gratitude to God for raising up so many friends for us in this dark land. The cholera is raging in Mattak-the country opposite Jaipur on the other side of the river. Jaipur is as yet mercifully spared. It seems as if God was about to sweep the poor degraded Asamese from the earth. They are already dwindled down very much from their former numbers. How heart-rending the thought, that they go into eternity the slaves of sin, and destitute of the precious hopes and consolations of the gospel!

Aug. 7. Tuesday Mr. B. was taken down with fever-a few days earlier than he was taken last year. We had hoped he would escape this year, altogether, as our location on the hills is considered more healthy than either Sadiya or Jaipur. But it seems to be in his system, and we fear will continue to attack him every hot season, as long as he continues in Asam. He feels deeply at being thus laid aside from his work.

Oh! could every christian in America know and realize, how plenteous is the harvest, and how few and feeble are the laborers, it seems impossible that any who can consecrate themselves to the blessed cause, should withhold the "reasonable service."

We have at length come to the decision, that it is our duty to leave our post for a season, and to seek the blessing of health, without which we can do nothing for the heathen. Thus to leave this people, like sheep without a shepherd, is inexpressibly painful to our feelings. But the path of duty is very plain to us, and we must go forward, trusting in Him who has said, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." The Nagas appear to regret our leaving, very much-but they say, "We cannot ask you to stay and die here; go and get health, and then come to us again." The aged chief who has seen more than a hundred years, came to visit us yesterday, attended by his numerous sons. He said to Mr. B., "Before you return, I may be gone, for my hair is ripe, but these my sons will stand pledged to be friends to you." Then turning to his sons, who stood respectfully behind him, he charged them most solemnly, to listen to the instructions of the missionary, and always to be his friends. This they promised.

We are this morning in all the bustle of preparation for our tedious journey. Our Naga friends have been very kind in assisting us. Without their aid I hardly know how we should have been able to get our goods down to Jaipur. They bear no burdens for others, themselves, it being against their custom; but they have assisted us in getting forty Abors from the upper ranges, who, for a fixed price, agree to take every thing down. The chiefs brought us a man this morning, saying "here is a trusty man whom we recommend to take little Mary." We shall therefore give the child to his care, to get her down the hills the best way he can. The only way will be, I suppose, to allow him to tie her firmly to his back. In this way he will pro

A painful decision-The Naga chief-bably take the child up and down the Preparations for leaving the station.

Oct. 2. Little did I think at my last date, that a painful necessity would so soon oblige us to leave our dear people, and to relinquish, for a time at least, the labors so happily commenced. But an all wise Providence has thus ordered, and it is our part quietly to submit. Since my last date, sickness has nearly suspended all missionary work. The school has continued under the care of the native teacher, but my own time has been fully taken up with the care of my sick husband and

sister.

steep precipices far more safely than in any other. An English gentleman at Jaipur, has very kindly sent an elephant, upon which sister Rhoda and myself are to perform the journey.

Gloomy reflections-Departure-Arrival at Jaipur.

All is now ready- -our house is filled with Nagas, who seem to feel deeply at parting with us. The young chief, his nephew, and a number of our friends, volunteered to accompany us all the way down. Oh! that the hearts of this interesting people might be af

Christian religion, and three persons appear to be religiously disposed. 1 intended then, to return to that village by the first of March, and make

the providence of God directed otherwise. I was prostrated with fever, as was also Mrs. Kincaid and our oldest child. We gave away a number of books and tracts to thoughtful, inquiring people, and had urgent invitations to visit many other places, but could not command the time. In the old town of Arracan we had an assembly, first in the bazar, where br. Comstock preached nearly two hours; next in a private house; then in a beautiful

fected with the truths of the gospel. They often say to Mr. B., "We understand what you say on this subject very imperfectly, but when you know our language fully, we shall be able to un-special effort for eight or ten days, but derstand more," &c. I feel inexpressibly pained to leave my dear scholars. Nothing but a sense of duty reconciles me to it. They promise us that they will improve as fast as they can. We should have been glad to have left our native teachers behind us, but nothing would induce them to stay after we are gone. About ten o'clock in the morning, we left the assembled crowd at our house, and turned our backs upon this lovely mountain villagewhere we had spent nearly eight hap-grove where a multitude had assempy months, in trying to dispense the good word of the kingdom. We could not but weep as we turned from the spot-bereft of health-and leaving behind us no one to carry on the "labors of love " among this perishing people.

bled to attend a funeral, and then again by the light of the stars, on a bridge, where the people sat down and gave the most respectful attention. We met with a few turbulent, self-conceited men, anxious to display their powers in argument, and to show their skill in During the day we were all pros- the sacred Pali; but the great mass pered in our journey, and about sun-would acknowledge that they were in down reached the Namsang, a beautiful mountain stream. Here we found a small grass shelter, which br. Cutter had kindly erected for us, in anticipation of our coming down. Here we cooked our frugal meal, and refreshed ourselves with sleep. Early the next morning we set out, and at three in the afternoon found ourselves at our own comfortable home in Jaipur.

Arracan.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. KIN

CAID, DATED, AKYAB MARCH 16, 1841.

Visit of Mr. Comstock-Preaching ex

cursion-Favorable impression. In my last letter dated Jan. 23, 1 gave some account of our trip down the coast as far as Sandoway, Ramree, &c. In February, Mr. Comstock and his family, came up here and spent sixteen or seventeen days with us, and during that time br. C. and myself visited a number of villages, and went as far as the old town of Arracan. At Cruda we remained two days, preaching repeatedly, and conversing with the people. On the Sabbath we administered the Lord's supper to the church in that village, and I trust a good impression was made on the congregation. Many acknowledge the superior claims of the

the dark, and knew of no way to escape the pains and punishment of hell. "I have lived seventy years," said one man, “and have labored to keep the five great commands, and have practised the austerities, but have not found peace." "The power and glory of our religion," replied another, "has long been waning, and must entirely vanish." Such impressions prevail among a large class, and by far the most intelligent part of the community. This change in the views and feelings of the people, is no doubt effected by preaching, and the distribution of tracts and portions of the sacred scriptures, but principally by public preaching, and private instruction.

[blocks in formation]

I am fully convinced that a missionary, or what is the same thing, an evangelist, should be constantly in motion if possible, that he should go over a large surface, but still not so large but that he may revisit the same places every eight or ten weeks. Multitudes who hear in silence, ponder these things in their hearts, and when another opportunity occurs, they are ready to hear again. There is nothing like direct preaching of the gospel, without any reference to Budhism, or any other false system-to enlighten the understanding, and arouse the

slumbering conscience of the heathen. | very friendly, (two or three of them

Books and tracts are invaluable auxiliaries in the work, but alone, they are of comparatively little value.

I have just now been spending an hour or more with two men who have come from a village where br. Comstock and I spent two or three hours one morning. I did not know them when they came in. I only saw they were from the country, and inquired of them if they had ever seen me before. They said they saw me and another teacher, at such a place, and heard us preach, and then they related the substance of what we had said; and that when they read the tracts we had given them, which was almost every evening, two or three dozen men and women gathered around them to listen; that our words were in them, and that they were wonderful words; and that they were anxious to hear more. I soon saw that they had made good use of what they heard, and after explaining the way of life through Christ Jesus, I gave them the New Testament and tracts. They said all the people in the village were anxious to see us again, and hear more, but that they would read this great book to the people every evening. This is a single fact, but within a month past, I have witnessed a dozen or more cases of a similar character.

in fact, secretly professing to believe the gospel,) I expect to feel the full weight of their influence. They feel disgraced, and humbled among the people, when the principal supporters of Budhism fall off, and turn to the examination of the new religion. One very intelligent man, formerly from Ava, who has been a diligent inquirer for several months, but who has stumbled on the doctrine of Christ's divinity, (because he could not believe that if divine, he would suffer on the cross,) has advanced a good deal lately. The other evening he came and said he had been proud of his ability to dispute, and had confided in his own wisdom, instead of receiving, like a little child, the word of God. He asked us to pray for him, and appears very well.

The christian spirit in an aged female.

Some time since I went to the house of an aged female who worships God. For several months she has been unable to leave the house, and is fast wearing out with consumption. She has four children, but one is blind, and another is deaf. She is very poor too. The house might have been worth fifteen rupees, and all there was in it, fifteen more. She could talk but little on account of the cough, but expressed great anxiety for the eternal welfare of her children. After about an hour spent

Application for baptism—Interesting in- in conversation and prayer, I rose up

quirers.

66

to leave, when the poor old woman bid In the town here, things are much me remain a little longer. She crept as when I wrote last-in some respects along to another part of her house, and more interesting. Two men have ask-returning soon, she put into my hand ed for baptism, and probably will soon a rupee. I could not comprehend be baptized. Several old inquirers what it meant, and said, what is to be have made some progress, and there done with this? "This is very little," are four or five new and very interest- she replied, " but it is all I have, and it ing cases of inquiry. I have room to is to help in the cause of Christ ?" mention only one. He is a man of But you are old, and infirm, and poor. wealth, and influence, and for two or "Yes, but I love Christ, and this is three years past has been making ar- very little." Surely, I thought, here in rangements to build a large Kyoung, the midst of poverty and decrepitude, (monastery.) This season he began to is a converted heathen, exercising that build, had expended 1,600 rupees, enlightened faith which works by love, (nearly $800) and while making pur-purifies the heart, and overcomes the chases to the amount of twelve or fourteen hundred more, he first heard the gospel, and it reached his conscience. He pondered on this momentous subject for several days, and became so anxious and distressed that he dismissed his workmen, and resolved to let the building alone till he examined fully the claims of the gospel. The priests are greatly alarmed, and though the principal men among them have been

world. For days I could not cease reflecting on the expression, "This is to help in the cause of Christ." When I thought of the withered hand, and wrinkled face of her who gave it, that rupee was magnified a thousand times beyond its real value.

I hear from Ava often, and for the most part the aspect of things is more favorable than heretofore.

« PreviousContinue »