Burmah. MR. CUTTER'S JOURNAL. (Continued from page 476, vol. xiv.) great rapidity, without saying a word. We then discharged a blunderbuss towards them, well loaded with powder, at which they slackened their pace, and altered their course, saying. "Do not fire at us; Protection from Robbers. we only wish to caution you not to Dec. 22. Sabbath. Had worship anchor here," and soon they were in Burman as usual, conducted by out of sight. There was not the Ko Sanlone. Passed one village slightest reason for them to have and two towns, one of which, Phasupposed we intended to anchor khan-ghna, contained about two where we then were, as there was hundred houses, where we gave no village near, and we were in the some tracts, and the disciples spent middle of the river, pursuing our some time in exhorting. Was course with all possible speed. obliged to anchor at night, by the side of a large sand-bank, it being a long distance to any village. Notwithstanding the river is infested with robbers, particularly about this place, we were preserved in safety. "We laid ourselves down and slept; we awoke; for the Lord sustained us." Ruins of Pah-gan. Dec. 25. Arrived at Pah-gan about noon, and went on shore to see the ruins of this ancient city, which now contains but about one hundred houses. The pagodas are almost innumerable, but mostly dropping to decay. There are three or four however, still kept in repair, one of which is by far, the most splendid structure of the kind I ever saw. It 23. Passed Za-la, a city containing about three hundred houses, where we gave about fifty tracts. Some listened with good attention, took about half an hour to go through and I regretted I had not taken more its numerous alleys and rooms, which tracts to supply the numerous ap-niches made for the purpose, both are filled with images neatly set in plicants. Passed two small villages, and anchored at Touk-Ryan, a vil lage of twenty houses, standing at some distance from the river, and where no boats were anchored. We distributed a few tracts among them and the head-man sent us down a present of about fifty ears of green corn, and a pumpkin, and sent two armed men as a guard for the night. About midnight, two small boats full of men passed us at a distance, but we were not molested. 24. Passed six villages, and anchored a little after 9 o'clock, at a village of twenty houses, not far from Pah-gan. About 8 o'clock, a small boat, full of men were seen by the light of the moon, making their way towards us. They shortly hailed us, by asking who we were, and what we were there for. Ko Sanlone asked who they were, and as they made no reply, but kept moving towards us, he told them not to come near our boat; at which they began to make towards us with large and small. At each of the four entrances was a huge great image, standing erect, with the hands in different positions, before which some of the boatmen, who followed on after us, bowed down On rising from their knees, they and mumbled over some petition. appeared much ashamed and confused, as they saw we were looking on at a distance. The pagoda is made of brick and hewed stone, and the brick work neatly plastered over, inside and out: it is built strong, and looks as though it might stand for centuries. One of the walls which I measured was about eight feet thick. New encouragements. The people were willing to listen, and appeared very anxious to get tracts. Distributed among them abont sixty. When bro. Kincaid was along here, the people were afraid to receive tracts. Anchored before dark at Nyoung-oo, a place of three hundred houses. In one part hundred tracts, most of which, I of the town the people were afraid to take tracts, and at the other part many appeared to be seriously considering, and collected together, and requested that the tracts which they received from bro. Kincaid might be explained to them. They said they had read them with care, but did not fully understand their meaning. The disciples spent two or three hours with them, while the people paid the deepest attention. Trust the Lord has some chosen ones here. In that part of the town, where the people were afraid to take the books, I had most of the catechism read to a large number, who listened with attention, and afterwards several came up and asked for books. pass Dec. 26. Passed one large town some distance back from the river, and three small villages, and was obliged to anchor at an early hour at Pah-koke-koo, a large place of fifteen hundred houses, where we gave away one hundred and ten tracts, and preached Jesus Christ unto them. Several listened with deep attention, and one or two followed us down to the boat, and the disciples spent much time in endeavoring to instruct them in the ways of truth and holiness. I p ed a number of brick-makers at work, and asked them for what purpose they were making bricks. They said, "To build a pagoda with." And what use is to be made of the pagoda when it is finished? They hung down their heads, apparently much confused, and said "We then call it a god, and worship it." Will it possess life? "No." Why then worship it-what advantage will you derive from worshipping it? "It is Burman custom." I endeavored to explain to them the folly of such worship, and to point them to the true and eternal God. 28. Passed Myen-kyan, a town of two hundred houses, where were many who listened attentively to the truths of the gospel, and begged that they might hear more of these words. Distributed among them one doubt not, will be read with attention and profit. Passed two more large places, Goungh-gwai and Taloke, where we were well received, and distributed upwards of one hundred tracts. 31. Since the above date we have passed a number of towns and villages, containing about fifteen hundred houses, but as our tracts were nearly gone, we distributed but about one hundred, giving to those who apparently wanted them the most. Reflections. This morning, sent off two of the men to Ava with a note, to inform bro. Kincaid that we were near the "Golden city." We hope to reach there to-morrow. How little did I expect, at the commencement of this year, that at the close of it I should be in the situation I now am! How mysterious are the ways of Providence! I who am one of the youngest, the most feeble, and the nost unworthy of the missionary band, am destined to one of the most important stations of the missionary field! The last day of this year finds ne near the capital of this great empire-the close of another year may find me in eternity! How solemn the thought! May the Lord enable me, to fill up each day with usefulness, and whatever my hand findeth to do, to do it with all my might. Arrival at Ava. Jan. 1, 1834. About 10 o'clock, came in sight of the towering spire of the Golden palace. On every side were to be seen numerous splendid pagodas, of almost every size. Some were a beautiful white, and others gilded from top to bottom. About twelve o'clock, bro. and sister Kincaid made their appearance in a little boat. In a few minutes, we had the pleasure of welcoming them on board, and they the pleasure of realizing, that in a few hours they should have fellow-laborers (at least in name,) in the interesting field, where he had so prayerfully, boldly and successfully made an attack the time is not far distant, when upon the empire of darkness, and has heralds of the cross, will be stationed had the happiness of seeing some of at these destitute places, and the the trophies of divine grace, publicly bread of life broken to the perishing espousing the cause of the blessed thousands. Redeemer. We fell upon our knees, Very truly yours, and unitedly offered up our grateful acknowledgements to our Divine To Rev. Dr. BOLLES. Protector and Preserver, for his kind watch-care over us, since we had been separated, and for the abundant manifestations of His goodness towards us. About sunset we landed, and entered through the gates into the “Golden city.” Her walls are made of brick, immensely thick, and the houses of wood. The streets are not paved, and hundreds of Burman carts constantly passing and repassing, keep a cloud of dust in circulation, from morning till evening. This, together with the smoke, which rises in every direction, (as most of the Burmans cook in the street,) must render walking or living, on one of the public streets of Ava, almost intolerable; especially in the hot season, when the thermometer rises to 108 and 110 in the shade. Arrived at our house about dark. It is situated on one of the most public streets, and not a great distance from the palace. We felt thankful, that we were thus brought on our way in safety, and humbly trust God, in his infinite mercy will long permit us to stay here. Review of the Journey. O. T. CUTTER. MR. KINCAID TO DR. BOLLES. Rev. and very dear Sir, From journals and letters which. I have forwarded to you, during the eight months now past, the Board will learn the state of things in Ava, as well as I am able to describe them. It has been an object with me, to avoid unnecessary publicity in the discharge of my duties; while, on the other hand, I have not disguised the object of my residence in Ava; but have, whenever questioned by the ministers of Government, frankly told them that I was sent here by good people in America, to teach the knowledge of the living God; and that no worldly object whatever, influenced us in this work. some prohibitions from an indirect source, I have been permitted to prosecute my labors, both in the distribution of tracts, and preaching the Gospel. Save I think the time is not distant, when the question will be finally settled, "Shall we be permitted to make vigorous efforts in the heart of Burmah?" We must expect occasional abuses, and perhaps some open hostility. The history of the church, in all past ages, warrants us to expect this. I do hope our dear Christian friends in America will not despair of accomplishing all that for Burmah, which their hearts desire. Let us have time to make a fair trial, and I trust it will tell upon this people through all coming time. The door is now open, and I trust it is never to be closed, till the last vestige of idolatry is swept from the land. Since we left Rangoon, we have passed 445 cities, towns, and villages containing 25,900 houses, which lie scattered along the banks of the river, and have distributed among the inhabitants 7,185 tracts, which I doubt not will hereafter be the means of bringing forth much fruit, to the praise and glory of Divine grace. The Gospel has also been preached. and the people exhorted, whenever opportunity presented. There are many places, which I should judge, would be good missionary stations, In a preceding letter, I informed and where, I doubt not, a missionary you of the safe arrival of bro. and would be cordially received. I trust sister Cutter. They have both been with as little delay as possible, that I may not be under the necessity of sending again to Bengal; as medicines there, are three and four hundred per cent. higher than in America. down with the fever and bowel com- in good glass stopper bottles, or plaint, but they are now enjoying they will soon be spoiled in this clitolerable health, and are getting mate. I hope they will be sent on along well in the language. Bro. Cutter has just got the press in operation, and it is known by the whole Government. A few days ago, the Government made objections to our work altogether, preaching, printing, and giving of tracts; but, after a while, being either afraid or ashamed of driving us out of the country, they relinquished all demands except one; that was, that we should give no more of the "Investigator" to the people. I consider, therefore, that we occupy higher ground than we did before. The Government has indirectly given us liberty to preach, print, and give all our books except the Investigator. This city is visited by the angel of death. The small pox broke out about one month ago, and has become an epidemic. We are informed by officers of Government, that five thousand seven hundred children are dead, besides all the other classes. It is heart-rending to hear the lamentations of the people. The gates of the city are not shut at all, and the fires that consume the dead, burn day and night. The native physicians appear to be unskilled in every branch of their profession, except it be the act of plundering the people. They pay no attention to the course or symptoms of disease; but administer several poisonous vegetable nostrums, in rapid succession, calling upon the people to make offerings to the Nats. and they are all doing well. In one house near us, three persons died in one day. In some houses, all are dead, four or five having died in a house. I am sorry to say, that I have been under the necessity of sending to Bengal for medicines. The little I brought with me from America, has long since been expended; and, at different times, I have procured, with my own money, about sixty rupees worth of medicines; but the expense of living in Ava, puts it out of my power to purchase more. Seldom a Four persons in our house are now day passes, but I am called upon to covered with the small pox; but I administer to the sick. Often, mem-have kept away the native physician, bers of Government, and some of the princes, have called on me for medical aid. I would gladly be free from all such cares, but, situated as I am, it is not possible. While the curative remedy lies before me, I cannot withhold it from my suffering fellow-men. Besides that, the arm of beneficence extended to the suffering sick, opens the door more widely for the diffusion of that Gospel which brings life and immortality to light. I should have written much sooner, but, having seen advertised, that a quantity of medicine was on its way to Burmah, I hoped to receive a supply; not, however, hearing any thing more about it, I have ordered a small supply from Bengal; what I suppose will last ten or eleven months. I wish for a full chest of medicines, put up by some respectable physician, or well approved othecary. They must be put up Will you kindly remember me to the members of the Board, and to other Christian friends in and around Boston. We beg an interest in your fervent prayers, and ask for your continued advice. Yours affectionately, in the Gospel of Christ, E. KINCAID. CHUMMERAH. MISS CUMMINGS TO DR. BOLLES. The following letter gives a lively picture of a first year's residence among the Karens, and of the cheerful patience inspired by Christian principles in the heart of a devoted missionary, Chummerah, Jan. 1, 1834. Rev. and dear Sir, One year has expired since my arrival in Burmah, some account of myself is justly due to those persons, under whose patronage I have been been brought hither. No regular journal has been kept of what I have done, or of what I have seen. The former may all be summed up in a single paragraph; and the latter is, for the most part, similar to that which is constantly written for your perusal, in the journals and letters of the missionaries. As to what I have heard, I am yet too great a novice in the language, to attempt recording a single debate. nature. I soon began to feel, in But Shortly after my arrival, I procured a Burman teacher, and commenced studying; and, after mature deliberation and consultation, thought it expedient to retire to this station, and here spend the dry season. The plan having met the approbation of the brethren, I left Maulmein on the 7th of February, and arrived at Chummerah the third day after. June 20, was taken ill; and, on the 230, set out for Maulmein, to which place I arrived the day following. This course had been previously enjoined upon me, in case of sickness. Found my health so well restored by the change of air and diet, that I concluded to return, and attempt spending the remainder of the rainy season in the Karen jungle. Accordingly, I again entered the boat with the natives, who, in all my travels, are my only companions; and, after having been out three stormy nights, reached my lodging place in the wilderness, July 2d. My health continued tolerably good, till September, when the rains began to abate, and the sun to shine upou the The story of self has been short. earth, now fully saturated with water. I have encountered no great hardThe rays of the sun, in many re-ships, have achieved no wonders, spects, so cheering and beneficial in and have been promoted to no worldtheir influence, bring sickness and ly honors. Crosses, self-denials, death to many of the poor wretches sufferings, trials,-none have I to inhabiting these wilds. The exhala- mention, worthy of the name. The tions they occasion from the putre- evils I anticipated, have not yet been fied substances which cover the realized; and a year, happier than whole region, are pestilential in their has been the past, have I never seen. |