and you must not say you can find no time to study the will of God. 5. Reached Crudu about noon, and in the evening had a congregation of forty-three or four, though one half carried through a broad channel into work hard all the time. Turning to the open sea, as it was impossible to another female, I said, What do you discern any object. At half past 10 think? "I am very poor too," she rethe wind fulled, and the rain ceased plied, "and it is the business of men altogether; and a little before mid- to study religion." You find time evnight, the full moon shone out bril-ery day to gossip with your neighbors, Jiantly upon the troubled waters. The men rested about two hours, and then, with the tide in their favor, rowed all the rest of the night. At 7 this morning came to a village, but when about to land, a number of the villagers learn-were lads. ing that I was in the boat, set up a 6. Lord's-day. The rain began to great outery, and refused us a landing pour down before day-light, and conaltogether. My men were afraid and tinued all day, in a manner peculiar to anchored out in the stream, and it was Arracan; however, it was in my favor, some time before I could induce them for the people could not labor, and so to put the boat in shore, as a set of base they came to the zayat, and listened to fellows, to the number of twenty or two discourses. Here are eleven distwenty-five, armed with bamboos, and ciples; but all are aged people, except vociferating in a savage manner, bad three, and even these are near fifty come to the water's edge. As the head years old. Seven or eight others proof the boat neared the shore, I told the fess to believe in the truth of the Chrispeople they must be aware that they tian religion, and do not worship idols, were acting an illegal part, and with- or make offerings to Nats, but still they out any reference to their bamboos and do not appear to think it of the slightthreats, I should go on shore. 1 did est consequence whether it is true or so, and walked around among them false. They have just light enough to with as much indifference as I could see the absurdity of idol and demon assume, trying to shame them for their worship, and to feel the preponderatwant of courtesy. At first they appearing weight in favor of a Supreme Beed hard aud bent on mischief, but it ing, but are stupidly indifferent to their soon gave way, and after a little, all own personal interest. except one or two became friendly. I 7. Reached home at evening, and inquired the cause of this extraordinary just in time to escape another storm, conduct, as they could not possibly having visited only one village during have any excuse for treating me with the day. Gave away, in all, during this such rudeness. They said this was trip, above one hundred and fifty tracts, the day for a yearly festival, in which and two New Testaments. The men they went through the ceremony of to whom I gave the Testaments appear first feeding and then expelling the to be prepared to make a good use of Nats (demons) from the village, and my them. Some months since they recoming into the village broke the charm.ceived tracts, and have read them unSuch was the explanation they gave nie. I did not remain long, but came to two villages five miles further up. In one of these, twenty-five or thirty persons listened attentively to the gospel, and in the other, nearly the same number. One man brought two tracts, which he received last February when 8. Several Burmans from Ava are Mr. Comstock and I visited the place. now in the city, on their way to BenaHe said the reading of these books, res,the celebrated seat of Hindoo learnand what he recollected of the preach-ing. Their report is, that the king ing, made him think well of this new was much displeased at the great inreligion; “but how," he inquired," is crease of the number who believe in the Eternal God to be worshipped ?" the "white books," and of those who This prepared the way for an exposi-are becoming Para mats. Many were tion of the peculiar doctrines of the gospel, and then I gave to this man the "History of Christ." As I was going away an elderly female said she should think about these things, if she was hot so poor, and therefore obliged to derstandingly. A depressing feeling of discouragement and unbelief often comes over me, when looking round on this mass of ignorance and superstition, and I ask, Can it ever be removed? Such feelings, however, are unworthy of the gospel of Christ. taken up and confined, but when it was ascertained that there were six or eight thousand of these two classes, the king put a stop to all further persecution, and inquired into the cause of this defection from Boodhism. The result was, that these people denied | try, and all the outworks of Paganism, that Gaudama was either worshipped and the Para mats_read most eagerly or known as a God, in the great coun- the tracts and books we distributed; try where the sacred books say he be- so that a revolution for the better was came divine. The king then consulted gradually taking place in their views. the Brahmins, and appointed this de- About a year since, a royal order was putation to go to Benares, and there issued to extirpate the "white book" examine the inscriptions, and the most religion from the empire-so the Brahancient records for evidence of Gauda- mins say, and several Burmaus from ma's incarnation. This is the sub- Ava, report the same. It was about stance of their report. There is some this time, too, that the Karens in the truth in it, no doubt; but how much, it | country around Bassein, Pantanan, aud is impossible for me to say. By the Rangoon, were visited with such se"white books," are meant, the Chris- verity. tian scriptures, which, in 1837, were in the hands of people in Ava, Umerapora, aud Sagaing. Then there was in Ava a church of twenty members, and between fifty and sixty inquirers, several of whom were among the first families in that city, who professed to believe the gospel. Besides this, it is reasonable to suppose that a large number, in secret, were instructed and enlightened by the preaching they heard, and the tracts and books they read-that is, very many who read and heard to good purpose, through fear or other causes made no revelation of their feelings. I have reason to think there were many such. By the Para mats, is meant, a class of metaphysiciaus, which arose about 40 years ago in Ava. Ko San was the founder of this sect, and he, together with about fifty of his followers, suffered death for adherence to their principles, by order of the grandfather of the present King. They regard all the sacred books, except one (the A-be-dema) as a compilation of fables and allegories. Gaudama himself was a fabulous being, intended as a personification of the eternal rule of right. The worship of idols, penance, the counting of beads, the voluntary poverty, celibacy and exclusive dress of the priests, they treat as a gross imposition, intended by its outward show to deceive the unreflecting and ignorant multitude; their system of religion (if it can be called such) is made up of negatives. All the most learned men in Ava were either openly or secretly Pura mats. They have no idea of a Creator, but hold that mind and matter are eternal, the true principles of good and evil. Therefore to adore an idol, or reverence a shaven-headed priest, is the prostration of mind to matter-it is to abjure reason, and become the abject slave of gross material substance. The "white book" people and the Para mats sympathized with each other in reference to idola 10. Ko Too-a was baptised this evening, in the presence of a large assenibly, probably five hundred. I have mentioned this man on several former occasions, and need not here repeat the facts connected with his examination of the scriptures and final conversion. For nine years he was a priest. The first years were spent in his native city, La Toung, about fifty miles west of Ava; the last three years he passed in the Queen's monastery, where there are usually five hundred monks; in this celebrated monastery, be, with about twenty others, were in the habit of using cocoa-nuts for their pillows; at the slightest turn or motion, the head would slip from the cocoanut, and this was a signal to resume their studies, at whatever time of night it might be, so eager were they to reach the highest grade of learning. It was here, too, that he became disgusted with the monastic life. He was witness to such scenes of gross immorality in some, such contempt of monastic rules in others, and such levity and indifference in all, that he resolved to lay aside the habit of a monk as soon as circumstances would permit. As such a step is disgraceful, after having been examined and taken a degree, and as most of his friends were opposed to it, particularly an uncle who was governor of the South Gate of the Palace, he proposed going on a pilgrimage to some of the most celebrated shrines. To this his friends consented, and he came direct to Arracan. He is a man of superior understanding, and a first rate Burman scholar, and I shall be much disappointed if he does not become a preacher of the everlasting gospel; he has a depth of feeling, and a tenderness of heart which seem to point him out for usefulness. 22. I have hardly had an undisturbed hour for reading or writing this month. Almost constantly, from morn ing till 10 o'clock at night, some one | and had great influence, and as might or more has been at the house to be expected, his conversion has creatget books, to propose questions, to lis-ed a great sensation. Five or six who ten to the gospel, or to dispute. A great number appear to be aroused to investigate the subject of religion. It is stated by the disciples, and some of the best inquirers, that between one and two hundred are so much enlighted that they have abandoned the pagodas, idols, and priests. I feel inteuse anxiety for these awakened souls; they are standing upon a precipice. Opposition, too, is more bitter and persevering than it ever has been before. 29. At the close of our prayer meeting, Ko Shway Dway offered himself for baptism, and was cordially received. Then, Moung Shway Bwen and Moung Shway Pa asked for baptism, but I put them off for a further examination. It was nearly dark when we went to the water, and our assembly was small. Just as I was about to baptize him, Ko Shway Dway raised his hands, and uttered a short, fervent prayer, for the guidance and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Another occurrence was deeply affecting. When he came up out of the water, several of the disciples took him by the hand, and welcomed him as a brother in the church of Christ. This man, though not so learned, or naturally so mild and amiable as Ko Too-a, yet he is more winning in his manners, and more powerful in argument. He is 40 years old, was born and brought up in Prome, but when quite a young man, was sent to Ava, and attached for several years to the household of the heir apparent. In 1830, he came to Akyab, and set up as a doctor and astrologer. About three months ago, when the gospel took a deep hold of his conscience, and the thoughts of a future judgment terrified him, he not only cleared his house of all his books on astrology, but went from house to house, and confessed that for ten years he had deceived them and taken their money for nothing-that he had now learned that there was an eternal God, who loved righteousness and hated iniquity, and that he could no longer practice the arts of astrology and deceive his fellow-men. Many thought he was mad, and tried to soothe his feelings. Others were angry, because they saw he had abandoned the dogmas and legends of Boodhism. A few were affected even to tears, when they witnessed the change, and heard his confessions. He is extensively known, profess to believe in Christ, were first induced by his example to listen to the gospel. Some twenty-five or thirty more are hopeful inquirers. Then, on the other hand, the greater part of his former friends have become bitter enemies to him, and violent opposers of the gospel. He is a bold, energetic man, and is constantly going from house to house, advocating the cause of God, and trying to convince the people of the absurdity and sinfuluess of idolatry. new 30. An old man in the city, who was formerly a sturdy opposer, aud would not allow the Assistants to come into his house, but who about two months since began to listen to the gospel, and now reads the New-Testament and openly advocates the " religion," sent his eldest son to me, a man 35 years old, who is a confirmed opium smoker, with the request that I would teach him the fear of God. Unless he received the "divine law" into his beart, he had no hope, he said, that his son would ever be cured of this dreadful habit. The man himself appeared serious, but said he had no power to resist the temptation to smoke opium, though he knew it was destroying him soul and body. The heart becomes faint and sickens over such a miserable object. He, like all opium smokers, has sold himself to the devil, and nothing short of divine power can break the chains of darkness. July 6. I bave just received a very interesting paper from the mountain chief. He first gives his own name and title, "Chet-za, the great mountain_chief;" then follow the names of thirteen petty chiefs, who are his neighbors, with the statement that they and their people for ages have been without the knowledge of God and his law-that they have no books, and, therefore, can neither read nor write-that in ancient days, God gave their fathers a good book, written on leather, but being careless, a dog carried it away and destroyed it, and thus the divine displeasure appeared against them-that they are anxious to know the true God, and be taught the true book, though no one has ever appeared till now, "bringing the good book." "Our sons and our daughters we shall deliver over to you to be taught, if you will have compassion on us." Then follows a list of 273 names of boys and girls whom they wish to place in school, if I will come to their mountains. There is something singular, as well as deeply interesting, in this request. From time immemorial they have had intercourse with Barmans, but have resisted idolatry. They have looked with apathy, if not with contempt, upon the imposing ceremonies of Boodhism—its temples, pagodas, monasteries, idols, shaven-headed priests, its ten thousand burning tapers, its prostrations, its beads, its celebrated shrines, and its pilgrimages. Like the Karens in Tenasserim, and in Burinah, they appear to be looking for the "good book" which will tell them of the true God. There is an overruling Providence in this, and the request of the mountain chief and his friends, sounds to me like the Macedonian cry, "Come over aud help us," more, these are the only females of whom we have any knowledge, who are serious inquirers. 20. Opposition is as great as ever, and all our inquirers appear to have come to a stand. More or less of them, however, call every evening, so that we still hope more souls will be brought into the glorious liberty of the gospel. 29. The sun has not shined this month, and it has rained night and day, without the cessation of an hour. The wells are all full of water; it is supposed that, on an average, three inches of water have fallen every day during the month. 31. The mountain chief, with eight of his people, has come from his uative wilds and called on me to-day. I told him I had received his paper, containing a list of three hundred and seventy three names of boys and girls whom he wished to have educated. He wanted to know if I would visit them when the rains were over. I told him it was my intention to do so, for it was the command of God to instruct all nations in the knowledge of divine things. He said he would have bamboos and straw collected for constructing such buildings as I wanted, and he would be at all the expense. Great persecution. A more recent letter from Mr. Kincaid, dated Oct. 29, gives the following account of a persecution that was raging in Akyab, with 13. All our inquirers appear to be at a stand. Several call on us often, and some of them profess to believe in Christ, but they make no advance, and are terrified at the storm of opposition which has raged terribly, ever since the baptism of Ko Shway Dway. One young man has had his wife taken away by her parents for believing in Christ. Another man's wife threatens to leave her husband if he does not give up his books, and keep away from this hated sect. A female, who listens and even professes to believe, is threatened by her whole family that she shall go into the street if Soon after I last wrote you, a most she is baptised. I could mention eight or nine cases of the same kind; and determined and bitter opposition bethen all their neighbors refuse to hold gan to manifest itself in this town. any intercourse with them, and besides The baptisms and the number who were reading our books, and listening pour upon them all the scoru and contempt they are able to express, either with attention to the preaching of the by words or actions. I tremble for gospel, aroused the priests and hunthese immortal souls; they are enlight-dreds of the people. Those who had ened, they have tasted the good word of God; but the scorn, and contempt, and opposition of the world terrify them. I have never known such bitter opposition before. some allusion to the mountain chief. been baptized, and those who were inquirers, were thrust out of the pale of society-they could not go into the streets without being assailed by men, women and children, with all the low, 14. Had a visit from two priests to- insulting, and opprobrious epithets in day, with a dozen or more of their pu- the language. Many of them were pils, but their only object was to in-threatened with what is called a lynchquire about the Chinese war, and to get some plants from our garden. They were friendly, but were not disposed to enter into any discussion of religious subjects. Three females called in the afternoon to visit Mrs. K. They have been inquirers for about three months, and now profess to believe in Christ. With the exception of one ing in America, and this mode of ta- out with insults and oppression, and About half of my own time, during at length became timid and went the cold season, was occupied in visitaway. We greatly fear they will falling and conversing with the people at away entirely, if they do not apostatize, their own houses and distributing though it seems impossible that they tracts. I have been attended in these should ever deny the Lord that bought excursions by my teacher, who continthem. We have more or less visiters ues to manifest a good degree of interat the house daily, but then they are est in the cause. Our labors have been mostly people from the country. There chiefly expended on a district just back are many in the town who keep the of our residence, extending out into the books we have given them and read, country a mile or two from the east although ridiculed and treated as her- border of the city and running up and etics; so we still have hope that God down three or four miles. On this has some people to be gathered into tract will probably be expended most the fold of Christ. I expect soon to of our visiting labors during the pressee the mountain chief and some of ent year. I shall not be able to go out his people, though I often fear the much during the hot season or the priests and their zealous supporters rains, but I hope my teacher may go may frighten that simple-hearted peo- often. The inhabitants of this tract of ple. land would doubtless number some thousands, and might well form a parish for one missionary. I suppose four or five other parishes, very similar to this, might be marked out just in the suburbs of this one city. Beside these, are the multitudes of merchants and mechanics residing in the city, and also the numerous flourishing villages scattered over the kingdom, and affording the greatest encouragement to missionary labor. These last have not been entirely neglected. although the field immediately about us seems to demand more than our whole attention. Slam. LETTER FROM MR. GODDARD. The following extract of a letter dated Jan. 28, 1842, and received but a few days since, gives a highly encouraging aspect of the Mission at Bangkok; and presents to our brethren who are desiring to enter missionary service, a most inviting field of labor. Mr. Goddard states that his health was good, and that his family were as well as usual. Since my last to you, we have had the pleasure of welcoming one more converted heathen (as we hope) to the bosom of the church. He was baptized on the first Sabbath of January-is a man in the strength of his, age-a blacksmith by trade-lives in the business part of the city, and exhibits many interesting traits of christian character. His case seems quite encouraging. He first became acquainted with the gospel some six or eight years ago; he has since been to China twice. During the past season he has been a constant attendant on our worship, and exhibits a very tolerable acquaintance with the gospel. His name is Chek Tearn. Another member of the church, Chek Po, formerly employed in br. Dean's service, has taken a plantation a little distance from us, just out of the city, and we have made arrangements to have the meeting on Sabbath afternoon, referred to in the 'Report of the Mission,' as being held at Chek Heng's house, alternate between the houses of these two brethren. Each place is surrounded by an extensive neighborhood of husbandmen, more or less of whom attend the meetings. You recollect that in my last, I gave some account of a visit to Lengkeai-choo and Laconchirsee. That our labors at that time might not be entirely lost, the assistant, in company with another member of the church, was sent a second time to carry them on further. They left on Wednesday, the 12th of this month, and returned on the 25th. They first visited and conversed with the various families at Leng-keai-choo. On the Sabbath, held, public worship in one of the buildings connected with an idol temple; thirty or forty persons were present and paid respectful attention. On Monday, they went up to Laconchirsee, and instead of visiting the sugar mills, directed their attention chiefly to the permanent inhabitants of the place, such as the agriculturalists and mechanics, of whom they found great numbers. Among these they were welcomed, and their message was received with gladness, especially by three families, who professed to believe in Jesus, and opened their houses for the worship of God. The sincerity of their professions may be tested to some extent by future visits, but must be finally decid |