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dreadfully oppressive, and the dust almost intolerable. The room in which I am now writing has but one small grated window; and notwithstanding this is the only place through which dust can enter, yet in one hour after cleaning off the boxes, writing-desk, &c. they will become so covered with dust, that one can easily write his name in it. But we are perfectly willing to put up with all such inconveniences, provided we are permitted to stay here, and can have our health. Mrs. C. and myself have both had the fever and ague since we have been here, but through Divine mercy, we have now quite recovered. This was the first sickness I have had since I was two years of age.

and firmly believe that the time has fully come for the Gospel to be preached and the Scriptures to be distributed in these parts; and that ere long, a little church will be established here, which shall thrive and flourish like the rose of Sharon; and in a short time, the small one become a great people. The multitudes now flock to hear the Gospel, and are very eager to get Tracts.

If we can remain here a year or two, and can become familiarly acquainted with some of the principal Government Officers, perhaps missionaries may be allowed to proceed up the river, and enter the borders of China, where a great portion of the Chinese can speak the Burmese language; and if some of the most intelligent of them should be converted, they might go preaching the gospel in the very heart of China itself. Thousands of them also come down to Ba-mau, (about 6 days journey from here,) every year, for trade; and there is a constant intercourse between them and the Bur

white foreigner, is allowed to go up so far, on account of the political fears and jealousies of Government being so strong. A missionary might also find wide and interesting fields of labor among the Shans and the Cathays.

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Government have virtually given permission for us to print and distribute Tracts, provided we withhold those which plainly expose the follies and errors of their religious system. Among these they have only mentioned the Investigator; and this Tract we have pledged ourselves to circulate no more-(at mese. At present, however, no least, at present.) They know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached, and that we intend to print our books in Ava, and they have hinted that they have no objections to our publishing and circulating as many books as we please, if we merely set forth the merits and excellencies of our own religion. These remarks were made at the Ill-woot-dau (High Court of the empire) on the morning of the 13th. Some further account of which, Mr. Kincaid will give you. From this event we feel encouraged, inasmuch as it seems to show that the Government fully understand our object in coming here, and that it is our intention to remain; and furthermore-that at present they have no intention of sending us away. If they felt a desire to have us leave, it seems to me they would have made the distribution of (as they said,) abused fficient pretext for without any furI do humbly trust,

There is no station where it appears to me to be of so much importance to maintain a footing, as Ava. It is possible, and indeed altogether probable, that eventually persecution will take place, particularly when the number of converts shall have very much increased, and it becomes known to Government. It certainly would be a strange phenomenon in the history of the church, should it be otherwise. But I conceive it not to be our duty to leave a promising field unoccupied, or to relinquish one already occupied, because persecution may probably follow. So did not Paul and the rest of the Apostles, but they went everywhere boldly preaching the Word. If persecution comes, and our pros

pects of usefulness appear to be | Arraignment before the High Court. blasted, we may then think of retiring for a season.

We have not yet had an opportunity to learn what our respected patrons, the Board, think of this expedition. I have entered this field, in compliance with the deliberate advice of my brethren; and I trust time will show that it was wisely ordered by an unerring Providence.

Mrs. Kincaid, as well as Mrs. C. are making good progress in the language, and we all devote a considerable portion of our time to the study of it.

I hope a box for schools here will be made up by some of our benevolent friends at home, and sent out by as early an opportunity as possible. So many boxes have been sent out for schools in Maulmein and Tavoy, that I need not mention what is needed.

With kind regards to the several members of the Board, I remain Yours respectfully,

O. T. CUTTER.

Thrilling News from Ava.
Our last advices from Ava were dated
Feb. 16, 1834. The two letters which

follow, bring intelligence down to April
14, 1834. They call for our most devout
gratitude to God.

MR. KINCAID TO DR. BOLLES.
Ava, April 14, 1834.

Rev. and very dear Sir,

Some of the ministers of Government have appeared very unfriendly, from the first, and the Mea-wa-de Woongee has showed himself particularly hostile. For ten times, he has forbid me preaching the Gospel, and giving books. Last October, he placed a man over me as a spy. The subject has been taken up in the Ill-woot-dau, but it was not till the 22d of March, that a message came, directing an immediate appearance before the high court of the empire. The Mea-wa-de Woongee conducted the business alone. He requested bro. Cutter and myself to sit down near him. We did. He then inquired sternly, " 'Why have you come to the royal city?" I replied, "To diffuse abroad the knowledge of the eternal God."

Woongee. Dare you say the religion of the king, his princes, his nobles, and his people, is false?

"No, my Lord, I do not say so; but in my own country, and in all the world, before the knowledge of the living God appeared, the people worshipped idols, and the command of God is, to go into all the world, and preach this religion."

Woongee. Stop: it is not proper to say much. It is the wish of the king, his ministers, and myself, that you should preach no more.

"If you send us away, the whole world will ridicule you. Why, my lord, are you afraid of two men?"

Woongee. We do not wish you to remain here: you may go to Rangoon.

"Are there no other towns where we can go?"

Woongee. Rangoon is a good place; go there.

In February, I sent off a letter and a few extracts from my journal, up to the first of that month. On the 31st of March, I had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter dated Sept. 17, 1833. One year and eight Much conversation took place days have now passed since we left about our disciples, our books, and Rangoon; and, in a review of the various subjects connected with the past, I feel that we have reason to propagation of religion. In my conrejoice in the good providence of versation, which lasted some time, God, in all our labors and all our I used respectful but firm language. journeyings. I have sent you a con- I told him we had no political motinued series of journals and letters, from which you will learn every particular worthy of notice.

tive, no connexion with any earthly power; that our only object was to teach the people the law of God. I

observed, "Under all civilized gov-years old. He appears well. On ernments, teachers of religion are the same day, a country-born nearly allowed to preach the divine law." 30 years old was baptized. April 6, Towards the close, he used less Ko Gwa and his wife were baptized. haughty language than in the begin- He is about 60, and his wife, Mah ning, but utterly refused to reason Dike, nearly 50. They are natives with me. of Ava, are quite polished in manners, and appear to be devoted Christians.

Reflections and Resolution.

Our fondest hopes appeared to be blasted, and the door soon to be closed against all future efforts. Alas! how mysterious the ways of God! a few souls are gathered into the fold of God, and many others appear to be near the kingdom. Must we leave them forever? With feelings which brother feels for brother, when about to be separated forever, we returned to our home. On account of having so many encounters with this nobleman before, I hoped that darkness would only continue for a night, and that light would shine out of darkness.

April 13. A Government writer, Moung Shway Nee was baptized. He is about 40 years old, and a man of The last three first rate talents.

mentioned disciples have been inquirers the last six or seven months. We feel encouraged by this addition to our little stock of believers. Inquiry is spreading in every direction, and I often feel that no earthly power will be permitted to arrest its progress.

Prayer for Missionaries.

We know you feel for us, and, by your prayers and courage, will help We resolved to continue in our us on in this work. Bro. and sister various labors, until a written order, Cutter have been ill much of the compelling us to leave Ava, should time since their arrival. We are be put into our hands. A few days pleased with them, and hope they after, Major Burney, the English may be continued a blessing to this Resident at the court, having an op- infant mission. Mrs. Kincaid and portunity, inquired of the Woon- Mrs. Cutter have a little school, of gees, Why do you wish to send three girls and five boys. These them away?" They replied, "We have made such proficiency, that do not intend to send them away; others have been offered, and the but we do not wish to have our re-school will probably increase before ligion subverted, neither do we wish long. Would not some of our them to live in the midst of the city, Christian friends forward a box or as they now do."

66

By permission of the Government, we have rented a house, standing on the spot where bro. Judson lived, for one year. Thus, the storm is past: blessed be the name of God, our prospects are encouraging.

two for the use of schools in Ava? I have mentioned the subject before. Bro. Cutter writes by this op portunity, and it is therefore less necessary that I should be lengthy. My time is much taken up for a few days in directing the workmen, who are fitting up our house. Yesterday, I had an interesting assembly of 27, who listened to the word of life.

Account of baptisms in Ava. I will now mention the names and dates of disciples baptized in Ava. Oct. 13, Ma Nwa Oo, the wife of I feel quite at home now in preachKo Thla, an old Rangoon disciple, ing in the Burman language. ExShe is about 36 years old. Moung Kai, cuse the hasty manner in which I a native of Ava, about 40 years old, have written. With much love to was baptized. Oct. 20. He is every yourself and all our dear Christian way a superior man; and, amidst friends, I subscribe myself, alarms, has been a bold and faithful Affectionately yours, disciple. Jan. 20, Moung Shwa-ra was E. KINCAID. baptized. He is a native of Ava, 25 | Rev. Dr. BOLLES.

Mr. Cutter adds some further particulars. | Him we looked and prayed; and the MR. CUTTER TO DR. BOLLES.

Ava, April 13, 1834.

Rev. and dear Sir,

event has proved, that we did not look and pray in vain. We soon told Mr. Lane, (an English merchant, who and very intimate with the Burman had resided in Ava for about 7 years, and he told us the order was positive Government,) what had occurred, and could not be evaded. We learn

ed, that the subject had been discussed in the Ill-woot-dau the day before, and the above mentioned Woon-gee, was appointed to deliver

Soon after the date of my last letter to you, I was again attacked with fever and bowel complaint, and did not recover my usual strength for about six weeks; consequently no printing has been done since then. Two small forms of the Ship of Grace, are finished, and, with my present quantity of type, it will require two or three more forms to finish the tracts. I very much regret, I could not have completed at least one tract ere this; but the cir-ject to the ministers, on the 25th, cumstances which prevented, were quite beyond my control.

Severe Trial of Faith.

the message.

Major Burney, the English Resident, who very kindly mentioned the sub

We also informed

him to say, we might remain, and telling them, they had authorized now they had violated their promise. He at the same time told them we On the morning of the 22d. ult. we were Americans, and he had no inwere summoned to appear imme-terest in our affairs, any farther than ditaely at the Ill-woot-dau,(high court friendship was concerned. They of the empire,) which we promptly were apparently somewhat ashamed, obeyed. On arriving, we found the at having so soon violated their word ministers convened, busily convers- to Major Burney, and he improved ing together, apparently not having any particular business before them; and in a few minutes, they simultaneously rose, and began to disperse. Mr. Kincaid inquired for the Meawa-dee Woon-gee, the officer who had sent the summons. We found he had not yet arrived, and were told to stop till he came, which was in a few minutes.

For the particulars of the interview, see the preceding letter of Mr. Kincaid. On being absolutely forbidden to remain at Ava, Mr. Cutter remarks:

We returned home with sorrowful and heavy hearts, endeavoring to conjecture what might be the cause of this unexpected event. No one could assign any probable reason, why it was done, and we could not but feel, that God had caused it, for the trial of our faith; and to teach us that all our confidence must be in Him, and all our help come from Him. But, notwithstanding all around was darkness and gloom, we still cherished a faint hope, that God would interpose at this critical period, and rescue this infant mission. To

the moment, by inquiring if there was any objection to our remaining here, provided we removed to the river side. Several replied, there was no objection; but one or two said-let them go down to Rangoon. However, they agreed that we might remain outside of the gates of the city. You may be assured it was with feelings of gratitude to God, that we received this information; we could plainly see His hand in bringing it about.

Present Location.

We immediately rented the only house, that could be procured on the river side, suitable for staying in, for 50 ticals per month, besides the expense of necessary repairs. It is much more than we should have been willing to have given for such a house, under any other circumstances. It is situated on the very spot, once occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Judson.

There is no room where I can put the press, but there is vacant ground enough to put up a small room for it, if it is thought best, after waiting

He

a little longer. We moved into the Nee, about 45 years of age.
said house, on the 9th inst. Two
officers, 2d in rank in the empire,
with a royal Secretary, called and
spent half an hour, a day or two
since, and made many inquiries about
geography, &c., and appeared dis-
posed to be sociable and friendly.

appears to possess a superior mind,
and an amiable disposition, and we
have sanguine hopes that he will
make an invaluable assistant in the
missionary work.

nance.

O pray for us, that we may have all necessary prudence, and more grace, and much of that wisdom which is profitable to direct.

With kind regards to the several members of the Board, I remain Yours respectfully,

O. T. CUTTER.

P. S. The king is said to be insane, and it is feared he will not re

cover.

MAULMEIN.

Baptism of Ko Gwa and his Wife. Amidst many discouraging circumstances, we have cause for encouragment and rejoicing. Last Lord's day, bro. Kincaid baptized an elderly man and his wife, in the Irrawaddy. The spot was somewhat retired, in front of an old pagoda, and under a high bank; and the hour-just as the sun was setting. Every thing around was quiet, while our little Christian band knelt on the shore, and bro. Kincaid led in prayer, An English school has recently been and administered the sacred ordi- opened at this station, an account of which All appeared solemn, and is given in this letter. It seems, also, the scene was deeply interesting, that there is an opening for a Baptist particularly at this period. The man is about 60 years old, and, under the former king's reign, held an office of some importance. Both he and his wife appear to possess sound sense, and a good degree of piety. It is now nearly two months since they profess to have believed. He is now a bold advocate for the cause of Christ, and preaches and exhorts his friends and neighbors daily. As he is a person of high standing, many come to his house and listen to him with attention and respect. Although called at the eleventh hour, may the Lord make him abundantly useful in advancing His cause in Burmah. His name is Ko Gwa, and that of his wife, Mah Dyke.

Baptism of Moung Shway Nee. To-day has also been one of deep interest. This morning a Government visiter, who has received a title from the king, and who has always accompanied Ko Gwa in his visits to the mission house, came forward and requested baptisin; and after examination, was unanimously received. The ordinance was administered this evening by bro. Kincaid, at the same hour and place as before. His name is Moung Shway

church at Madras. Madras is an impor-
tant city of India, on the Coromandel
coast, south of Calcutta, and is the cap-
ital of the British Presidency of the same
name.

MR. SIMONS TO DR. BOLLES.
Maulmein, March 18, 1834.

Rev. and dear Sir,

I sit down to write by the Steamer Diana, which leaves Maulmein, to-day, for Calcutta, to inform you that the English school mentioned in the letter from the Board about a year ago, has been in operation since the 1st of February last, at my house, under the care of Mrs. Si

mons. The hours that the children are required to be in school, are from 9 o'clock to 12. There have been from 25 to 30 regular attendants, and about one half are children of Burman mothers, and the rest are Indo-Britons, as mentioned in the reports of the Sunday school. As the parents of some are in good circumstances, we shall receive the usual charges of the place for their tuition; and, at the same time, it is known that we receive any poor children who may come, without

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