bounded over the waves in grand style, till 2 o'clock, P. M., when we anchored in the mouth of a small river, off Goa. Immediately went on shore, and walked through the place, which is delightfully located on the north bank of the river, near the sea, and being surrounded with cocoa-nut trees and other shrubbery, is altogether a charming spot. There are some one hundred families, all Burmese. A plain extends back a mile or more to the hills, and up the coast, ten or twelve miles, dotted with small villages. The land being excellent, affords an inviting field for cultivation and pasturage. I take lodging while I remain, in a small zayat, erected on the beach for the commissioner of this province, who is expected here soon. Reports are rife in town, relative to the excitement near Bassein, arising from the Karens learning to read the "white book," (a term applied by the Burmese, to Christian books and tracts) which the Burmese government consider quite equal to open rebellion. Lord hath made," but O how different are the scenes here witnessed, from those which cast such an impression of joy and gladness upon this blessed day in Christian lands! One Karen Christian only with me during the day, who sits in a corner of the zayat reading his Bible. A few people call at the door, and cautiously look in to gaze at the stranger. One Karen man from a small village near, came in at evening, and asked for baptism. He and his wife are the only Christians in the village, all the others being decided opposers. As I am to remain near a few days, deferred his baptism, that I may have a better opportunity to enquire into his character. 28th. As the larger Karen villages are still further south, left Goa at day break this morning, and ran down the coast with a good breeze, and anchored at evening at the mouth of a creek. A small Burman village lies on the shore called Megezzin, and the Karen villages up the stream are known by the same name. Too late to go to the Karen settlements this evening, am consequently obliged to spend the night on board. 26th. Spent the day in the zayat, surrounded by groups of people who came to get a glimpse of the "foreigner," excited by curiosity. One character among the number, who appear-a ed to be the oracle of the village, came up and asked for a book. I gave him a volume of bound tracts, and although he was very talkative and self-conceited, I refused to enter into a discussion with him relative to the merits of his creed. When he had talked himself out, I succeeded in gaining his attention, while I preached to him the gospel, and pointed him to the Saviour of the world, as fully as my limited knowledge of the language would enable me. The group which had collected, listened in silence. I find there are books and tracts in these regions, which were received from missionaries at Rangoon. Many of these books are read, and away in this mountainous wilderness very many of the people are acquiring a knowledge of the Lord. At Bassein the officers of government lately made search, not only among the Karens, but also among the Burmans, and a large number of books were collected, and burned publicly in the streets. Still there are very many dispersed through the country, where they will remain concealed, I trust, from the vigilance of official search. 27th. Sabbath. "This is the day the 29th. Left my vessel at sunrise in a small canoe, and in three hours reached Karen village of fifteen families. The people immediately assembled in the house of their chief, which is prepared for holding worship. The gospel was first preached here, two years ago-soon after my visit to Bassein. There are Christians in every family. A few I have baptized at Sandowayothers have been waiting impatiently for me to visit them at their own homes. An old Karen chief from one of the nearest Karen villages on the Burman side, about two days distance over the mountains, informs me that the Karens in that section have been fined a large sum for learning to read the "white book." His share of the fine amounted to eighty-three rupees. He has come over this side, to select a spot to locate, hoping to escape, with all his family, from the oppression of the Burman rulers. At evening, forty at worship; seventeen asked for baptism. 30th. Baptized ten in the morning. A more than usual solemnity pervaded the congregation, and the season was one of joyful interest to my own soul. 31st. Baptized thirteen; all live in this village. After the strictest enquiry both in public and private, relative to their moral character, the evidences of their change of life were | I think it not difficult to conjecture,fully established. All have been Chris- tortures and death! tians more than a year, and they have The Christians deem it a special acquired an amount of Christian know-interposition of divine providence, ledge almost incredible. Myat Kyan, that their rulers were allowed to go no one of my best assistants, lives here, and further, and that they escaped any seis the pastor of the church in the village. vere suffering, without (as they think) He is a good man, studied with me dur- the sacrifice of Christian principle. ing the rainy season at Sandoway, and Did the Burmese officers require them is prepared to instruct and guide the to renounce their religion, I think people in the way of life. many among the thousands who are nominal Christians, would equivocate to save their lives. But a great many, I am confident, would suffer martyrdom with unwavering fortitude. Bléh Poh came in from the Burman side during the day with a company of friends. He gives a more detailed account of the oppressions of the Christians near Bassein. He states that Jan. 1, 1841. This first day of the eleven Christian chiefs (whose names new year has been one of painful inhe mentions) have been arraigned be- terest to my soul. Several of my asfore the tribunals of their country, im- sistants arrived in the morning from prisoned and fined, for embracing the the Burman side, having eluded the religion of Jesus, and learning to read grasp of their pursuers, who were sent the "white book." These Christians by the governor of Bassein to appreare the magistrates (in petty matters) hend them. They left their homes in of their respective villages, under high-the night, and made their way through er Burman officers-and are the patri- the jungles to this place, where they archs of their people. Some of them expected to find me, as I had appointhave sixty and eighty families, others ed a meeting here some four months only eight or ten, under their jurisdic-ago. If these assistants are caught, tion. Although they were fined in all new trials and sufferings doubtless eleven hundred and eighty one rupees, await them. they deem it a light oppression, as the Preached at evening to a large and people of their charge are mostly intensely solemn congregation, from Christians, and the sums were cheer-"Christ, the good shepherd." fully raised by voluntary contribution. 2. Baptized eleven in the morning, A question naturally arises, whether they can, consistently with Christian principle, pay such fines. They have their choice-pay the money or suffer. And it should be understood, that a refusal to pay such a tax, would be construed into open rebellion. And woe, woe! to the man in that land of despotism, on whom that accusation falls! The Christians are not required to give any pledge to worship the priests or pagodas, or to renounce their faith. When these chiefs were called up before the governor of Bassein, they were asked if they worshipped the foreigners' God, and read the "white book ?" "Yes," replied one, "and many of the Burmans also, your own people, read the white book." After a few similar questions, the governor told them they were fined so much; and committed them to prison till the sum should be paid. They were treated with a good deal of kindness for prisoners in Burmah. Their friends hearing of their confinement paid the money, and they were liberated. What would have been the result had they refused to pay the fine, who are from a neighboring village. In the afternoon lectured my assistants from Titus i. 6-12. At sunset held a meeting, and nineteen asked for baptism, who have come in during the day from villages near. In the evening expounded the parable of the "Tares of the field." After evening service, my old companion-"great beaviness of heart"-entered my bosom. Not the first time I have invited such visits, by attempting to pierce the gloomy cloud-so portentous, that hangs over the heads of the disciples of Jesus. 3. Sabbath. After morning service, baptized nineteen-a more solemn company of Karens I never saw together; never did I enjoy such freedom in preaching to them the gospel. 4. In the morning Shway Meing arrived from the east, with several associates. He has been wandering about in the jungles eleven days to reach this place to meet me, when it is only four days in a direct course. A friendly Burman officer informed him some time since, that he must keep himself quiet, as the governor of Bassein had his eye particularly upon shall not deny the Lord-if he gives me grace- -I can say no more!" It has fallen to my lot to baptize more than 400 Karens since I have been in the land, but never have I enjoyed so delightful and satisfactory baptismal seasons, as during the last few days. Our Jordan, a small stream running down from the mountains, overlooked by scenery wild and beautiful,-the congregations attentive, solemn and joyful, the dense forests resounding with songs of praise from a hundred happy converts, plighting to heaven their baptismal vows-an em him, as a leading character among the Christians. This man moreover felt himself implicated in the accusations against "Shway Meing," as the latter lives within his jurisdiction. As the affair became more threatening, he told Shway Meing that if he would save his life he had better renounce his religion at once. But being as sured by this faithful disciple, that let what would come he never would deny his Lord, he replied, "then you must flee." Soon after, a Karen Christian informed Shway Meing that men were coming in pursuit of him. Leaving his family with a brother, he re-blematical grave giving up its dead to treated to the back villages. His friends immediately pulled down his house, (which by the way was not much loss, as a few days labor will rebuild it,) and when the officer arrived, finding not even a habitation, they gave up the pursuit. In conversing with Shway Meing, I asked him why he presumed to come to the English territory, to see me at this critical juncture, knowing as he did that that fact, if known to the Burman rulers, would, in case of his apprehension, exceedingly aggravate his sufferings. He replied, "I wished to come and see the teacher's face, hear his voice, and go home and die." Baptized nine at noon from the Burman side, and distant villages to the south in this province. One of the number is a brother of Bléh Poh. During his examination I enquired of him, whether he would be able to endure persecution, and if necessary, suffer death, or whether he would deny his Lord? He hesitated, and rather thought he should not do as Peter did. I asked him if he dare testify before God and that congregation, that he would endure unto death? "I am afraid, teacher, I dare not." I needed not so solemn and fearful a declaration, to convince me of the genuineness of his conversion, but had other reasons for wishing to elicit a direct answer. I had learned from the assistant that his character was unimpeachable. But a large congregation were waiting in breathless silence and anxious expectation, so that it was impossible for me to recede. I asked him the third time-he still hesitated-I pressed him for a reply. He bowed down his face to the floor and wept. The stillness of the grave pervaded the assembly. He raised up his head, the great tears rolling down his sable cheeks, and said, "I think-teacher-I "newness of life," the presence of the Lamb of God hallowing the scene and setting upon the observance of His own institution the seal of divine love! God Almighty bless these converts, and preserve them blameless to the coming of the Lord with all his holy angels! At evening, after a farewell charge to the disciples, got into a small canoe to return,-all my assistants and many others "accompanying me to the ship." The hour had arrived when I was to part with these beloved men,-and it was an hour of sadness. Most of them were to return to Bassein, "not knowing the things that shall befall them there," but assured "that persecution and afflictions abide them." They reluctantly shook my hand, one by one, saying, "pray for us," and departed. My own feelings were indescribable. 5. Baptized fifteen this morning, soon after midnight. After the assistants and people had left us last evening, I retired to my berth being fatigued and exhausted. At a few minutes past nine o'clock we heard Karen voices on the opposite shore. I went on deck, and found they had come a long distance to see me, and be baptized; hoping to reach the place before I left. The first question was, where, and how shall we meet? My schooner was anchored in the middle of the stream, and without a boat. There was not a house or shelter of any description, or even a canoe on the bank where they were, and the Burman village on the other side, was some distance inland. The Karens called many times to the villagers to come with a boat, and take them across; but called in vain, as no answer was heard. With the flint and steel, (a universal appendage of these children of the forest,) they struck a fire, concluding to sleep on the sand, and return in the ing, and sailed for home, accompanied by seven Karen boys, who go to Sandoway to study. Wind fair in the morning, but charged toward evening, and increased to such a degree that, according to human views, we were in peril of our lives. At sunset it blew with such violence directly against us, that we were obliged to put back, and let our vessel drive. The Karen boys were all very sea-sick. The night continued very tempestuous, and we were broke over our little bark at a fearful rate. I ascribe our preservation to the merciful watch-care of divine providence. We were driven down the morning unbaptized, after all their efforts, and after having been so near the teacher as to hear his voice. Mothers with infant children were in the company. But providence favored them. After an hour or more, two women were seen on the opposite shore, to whom we called for aid. They launched a small canoe, and one on each end with their paddles rowed across the river, and taking the Karens two or three at a time, finally ferried them all over; then came to the ves-emphatically in the deep. The waves sel, and took me ashore. We walked two miles to a small Karen village, and found the assistants engaged in a prayer meeting. I made enquiry relative to those who had come to be bap-coast past Goa in the night, and this tized, and as several of the assistants morning found ourselves where we were acquainted with them, and all were day before yesterday. The wind agreed in receiving them, I baptized abating, we were enabled to regain our fifteen in a small stream near the vil-way in part, by using the oars; and at lage. As there was a full moon and evening anchored in the river at Goa. clear sky, we needed not the light of I intend now to return to Sandoway the sun. After commending them all by land, my Karen boys preferring to God, I left them some time past "terra firma" to the sea, and desirmidnight, and returned to my vessel. ous that I should accompany them. Awoke this morning at daylight, after a few hours sleep-" out to sea "-as the sailors weighed anchor before daylight. A severe headach reminded me of my exposure to the night air, and of my fatigue the previous evening-and I feared a jungle fever. A powerful dose of medicine has relieved my head, but prostrated my strength, and for the first time in my life, I have been really sea-sick. No wind through the day, and obliged to anchor at dark in sight of Goa. 6. Arrived at Goa at two o'clock, P. M.; was glad to find Capt. Bogle, the Commissioner of Arracan, here. He has come down the coast to enquire into the condition of his people,-hear complaints, and redress grievances. He invited me on board his vessel to dine with him,—a privilege I gladly availed myself of, as I have been from home several days, and am rather hard up for provision. While walking on the beach at evening, heard a Karen voice behind me, saying "Teacher, will you baptize me now?" I returned, and taking a seat in a Burman zayat, found several Karens who had come to meet me at Goa, previous to my return to Sandoway. The man who asked for baptism has no acquantiance here, who can vouch for his character, and as he intends to see me at Sandoway soon, have deferred his request for further consideration. 8. Weighed anchor yesterday morn 9. Left Goa mounted on a little lame pony which I hired for the journey, and which will hinder more than aid me, I fear; my saddle something like my old grand-mother's "pinion," my bridle a very good string. The Karen (boys and old Bengallee cook, follow in the rear, "single file." In a civilized land, I suppose we should present rather a grotesque appearance. Travelled over a beautiful and fertile plain till eleven o'clock, when we came to a cluster of Karen houses containing half a dozen families, ouly one of which is Christian. At evening nearly all the people in at worship. 10. Sabbath. After morning worship, examined and baptized three, one from Bassein, and a man and his wife who live here. The people of the village have become strongly attached to the rites of Búdhism, and are decidedly opposed to the gospel. "The kingdom of heaven has come nigh unto thein." 11. Started this morning at three o'clock. As our way was through the jungle, the light of the moon was soon obscured by overhanging branches and foliage, and we made but slow progress over the rocks, roots, and logs. At daylight came out upon the beach, and found good travelling till nine o'clock, when we came to a small Burman village and breakfasted. During the day passed two or three other small villages lying on the coast, around There are which are small cultivated fields, learn that the disciples of Christ in otherwise one impenetrable jungle, those regions are enjoying quiet and uninhabited, except by wild beasts.rest from persecution. And were it not possible to travel on the hard sandy beach, I see not how a path could be made from village to village. 12. Told my old cook to call me at three o'clock in the morning. After a quiet, refreshing sleep, I heard "Sar, Sar," and on looking at my watch found it only half past one o'clock. Drank a cup of tea, ate a dry biscuit, and started. As our way is still on the beach, with a light moon, it is more pleasant travelling by night than in the heat of the day. Passed a small village at five o'clock, A. M., where we left the beach entirely and found a passable track through the jungle. Passed another small village at ten o'clock, whence till sunset not a sign of a human being or habitation. The jungle trees are larger than yesterday, and the boughs meeting over head, form a delightful shade, so that we travel through the heat of the day with perfect comfort. several cases of discipline-some who have appeared well, and asked for baptism, are halting; others again in the vicinity are coming out decidedly on the Lord's side, and are desirous of baptism. Moung Mway is the pastor of Ponan church, conducts the meetings, teaches the children to read, attends funerals, &c. &c., and occasionally itinerates and preaches in the surrounding villages. 31. Four asked for baptism. One lives near by, the others from Bassein and Rangoon. Feb. 1. Tong Byoo and Moung Ye returned to us to-day, after an absence of five months. They left us on the first of September, and went to Bassein, Pantanau, and Rangoon, and spent several weeks with their friends at Maubec. A month ago they started to return, and on their way preached through the villages north of Maubee, crossed the Irrawaddy some five days above Rangoon, came on to the west across the country to the north of Pantanau and Bassein, crossed the Arracan mountains, and reached the Bay of Bengal three days south of Sandoway. They relate the success attending their efforts with a smile of joy. The people at Maubee are very anxious to see a teacher, and wonder why I did not return to Rangoon, instead of coming to this place; notwithstanding they are fully aware, that any direct intercourse with a foreigner, under the present state of affairs in Burmah, would inevitably involve them in diffi 13. Slept at a small village called "Me Groung Yéh," which being interpreted, is the "Ferocious Alligator." Started at three o'clock as usual,-took the precaution to provide lights for the dense jungles through which we were to pass. At nine o'clock all my Karen boys gave out-the old cook said he could not keep up. I hired a Burman man to guide me through the jungle, determined if possible to reach Sandoway in the evening. At three o'clock P. M., ate my dinner, which consisted of dry bread, some three weeks old, and told my guide I must reach San-culty. doway before I slept. He tried to dissuade me from going further to-day, said we should be obliged to lie out in the jungle among the tigers and wild beasts; but for a fair reward he ventured to go along, and point out the way. Reached home at seven o'clock. Dr. Morton's schooner, which left Goa when I did, arrived two hours before me. 14. Karen boys and our faithful old cook arrived to-day. Two or three of them are threatened with fever. 7. Sabbath. Baptized twelve; one from Rangoon, nine from Bassein, and two live here. They have all been with me a week, affording sufficient time to examine them satisfactorily. Among the number is a little lad who ran away from his father's house, to avoid being "pressed" into the service of the devil-his parents being decided "devil eaters." 9. Fourteen Christians left us for their distant homes at Bassein and Rangoon. I sent letters and circulars to assistants. They took 650 books to disperse among the reading people of the jungles. I left more than 4000 at Megezzin, which are all dispersed, the greater number in Burmah. 28. Moung Mway, one of the Rangoon assistants, arrived to-day from Ponan, a Christian village, two days east of Rangoon-accompanied by a man from a village in that neighborhood who has come to be baptized. I 16. Two assistants came in from have not heard direct from Rangoon Rangoon, Myat Kyau and Oung Bau. for several months, and am rejoiced to Myat Kyau is the pastor of Megezzin |