Shen Mala. They make offerings; some listen to the law, observe the days of worship, keep the five laws enjoined upon all, and some keep the eight laws; some make images, build monasteries in which to keep Lent, give garments, rice, medicine and other things to priests, plant banyans, build pagodas, pave walks in the enclosure round the monasteries, dig wells, build bridges, and dig tanks. Some nourish their parents; some meditate on the death of their friends, and make offerings to increase their happiness; some worship the god, the law, and the priests; some give their children, wife, brethren, grandchildren and slaves to be Rahans ; some build zayats for travellers; and some give priests all the articles they are allowed to possess. They give and do according to their ability and disposition.

Areemadaya. When they make of ferings what do they pray for?

Shen Mala. They pray that they may meet the next Boodh.

Areemadaya. If those who live in Zebu wish to meet me, let them read the account of Wathandria in one day; make an offering of a thousand lights, a thousand water lilies, a thousand dark colored lilies, a thousand of whatever flowers are to be had, a thousand flags, a thousand handfuls of rice and listen to the law; and they shall become Rahans. Those who are not worthy of deliverance, are the angry, the harsh, revilers, talebearers, persecutors, parricides, matricides; those who cause the blood of a Boodh to start out; who do not worship images or pagodas; who break or destroy a banyan; who kill a Boodh; who steal from priests; who are too covetous to make offerings, or forget to do so and none of these will meet with me when I am God.

Shen Mala. When will you become God?

Areemadaya. Five thousand years from Gaudama's * appearance. When I am God, the valleys shall be raised, and the earth perfectly level. There shall be neither hill, valley nor forest; but the earth shall be covered with towns and villages, and the countries abound in riches. The inhabitants shall be exempt from poverty, and shall be as rich as they please; while, day and night, they will be engaged in re

* From the most authentic documents in our possession this was about 445 B. C., making Areemadaya's appearance A. D.

4555.

ligious exercises. Ignorance, vice, and every angry passion shall no more exist in the world. Grain shall grow without planting, and trees yield fruit without cultivation. War, fighting, and quarrelling will be unknown, but the people shall love each other; and, love abounding, the wild beasts of the field shall dwell with them."

This is a specimen of the books we find in the hands of the people, and the errors inculcated in them are what we have to contend with in our labors. Can you do less than to pray, that the Spirit may be poured out from on high, to convert this people, and prepare them to stand before the throne of God?

Arracan.

LETTER OF MR. COMSTOCK. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock arrived at Kyouk Phyoo, in this province, the 4th of March last. In a letter to the Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Comstock gives the following

Description of the Province.

As this province is a new field of labor, perhaps a short account of it will not be uninteresting. It is situated on the eastern shore of the Bay of Bengal, and extends from 15° 54' to 20° 51' North lat. Its width is very variable. At the northern part of the province, it is about 90 miles wide, while the width at the extreme southern point is but 2 or 3 miles. Probably the average width is something less than fifty miles. It is bounded on the north by the province of Chittagong, on the east by the Burman empire, and on the south and west by the Bay of Bengal. An extensive range of mountains is the boundary between Arracan and Burmah, over which are several passes-one to Ava, one to Prome, another to Bassein, &c. Only the first, is very much travelled. By this we are only six or eight days' journey from Ava. A good deal of this province is mountainous, and much of the rest is jungle or uncultivated land. The people live in small villages, which are scattered over the whole province. The population according to the government census, I do not exactly know, but it must be something less than 250,000. It is very difficult, however, to ascertain the population, as the people will deceive all they can, to avoid taxes, which were very oppressive under the Burman government, and are not very light now. A great deal of itinerant labor must be performed here, as the inhabitants are so scattered; and much

must be done by tracts. Two or three | people. The village contains some

three or four thousand inhabitants, "wholly given to idolatry." Here are the first pagodas I have seen in the province.

12. At morning, returned to Kyouk Phyoo. Found the school-room, (a small building which is to be fitted up for my dwelling,) in the same state in which I left it. The man to whom I had entrusted the repairing of it, had found employment which he thought would be more profitable elsewhere. There is very little honesty among the heathen.

laborers beside br. Simons and myself, I think should enter this field as soon as may be. The province is subdivided into four subordinate jurisdictions, called districts. The northern one, Akyab, is the largest. Here is br. Fink, with his native church, and here I believe br. Simons intends to settle. The Ramree district is the next in size. It consists of Ramree Island, about forty miles long, and on an average about fifteen wide, extending from 18° 51' to 19° 24′ N. L., of Cheduba Island, lying a short distance to the S. W. of Ramree, which is 18 miles long, and 14 wide, and of several smaller islands. There are in the district 374 villages, and about 70,000 inhabitants. This is the field of labor I occupy. Kyouk Phyoo is on the northern point of Ramree Island, and, though not as central or as large as some other places, is on some accounts a very desirable station. It is very healthy, is visited by a good many natives from other places, who bring articles to sell to the English, troops, &c., and the harbor is an anchoring ground to the numerous native boats belonging to Rangoon, Bassein, &c., on their way to and from Calcutta. I do not, however, feel decided in reference to a permanent location. The Sandoway, and Aeng districts are im portant fields of labor; but very little can be done for them, till more mission-week quite a large collection of natives aries are sent to Arracan.

JOURNAL OF MR. COMSTOCK, DATED

KYOUK PHYOo, 1835.

15. Sabbath. Visited two villages about a couple of miles distant. Found the people entire strangers to the Christian religion. They stared, when asked who created the earth, &c., as if the subject was altogether beyond their comprehension. They listened, however, quite attentively to the catechism, which I think is well adapted to the circumstances of those who know.nothing of "God and his Christ;" and a few, who could read, took tracts.

18. We were cheered to day by the arrival of a packet of letters from our dear native land. Separated so far from our best earthly friends, we were prepared to feel the force of the scripture, "as cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."

22. At one time during the last

from some distance were at the house of Mr. Adams, (who very kindly entertains us till we can get into our own house, which is now fitting up;) and while they were waiting to transact March 8, Sunday. Went out in the their business I improved the opportumorning with a bundle of tracts, to nity to read and talk to them about commence my missionary labors among Christ. Several of them could read, the heathen of this vicinity. At two and took tracts. To-day is the Lord'sor three different places, collected the day, and I have been out trying to do people around me, and read from the good. Spent the forenoon at the vilCatechism, making such comments as lage I first visited, (the Eth). The peoI was able. Had no tracts but the In-ple knew me, and seemed quite eager vestigator at command-distributed sev- to hear. I was soon invited into a eral of these. But few of the villagers appeared to have heard of the religion of Christ. Toward evening, visited another village, and left several Investigators, after having read the Catechism, and talked some to the people about the eternal God and his son Jesus Christ.

9. Left for Ramree, a large village about thirty miles distant. Reached there the next day at evening. The succeeding morning went to the market, and distributed several tracts, after having read and talked a little to the

house, and a very respectable congregation assembled and listened attentively, and with a good deal of apparent interest, to parts of the View, Catechism, &c. While I was reading, two men commenced a quarrel near by, (which, according to the custom of the country, was confined to words,) and very plainly exhibited the wickedness of their hearts. This furnished a good opportunity to speak of depravity, and the necessity of a change of heart. I told my hearers that their natural hearts were not good, and were made no bet

66

ter by their offerings, &c., but that the | tions and obviate objections. My main disciples of Gaudama, after all their good works," would get angry and abuse each other, as those old men did. They seemed to feel the force of this; and when I told them of the new heart, which the disciples of Christ had, and which enabled them to bear insult and persecution without retaliation, they smiled an approval. Collected two or three other congregations, to whom I endeavored to communicate enough of the truth as it is in Christ, to save their souls, if believed. Distributed a good many tracts, Catechisms, Balances, &c. 29. A little after sunrise, started for two villages a few miles distant. Most of the men had left, through fear of the small-pox, which is now prevailing throughout this region-trusting for safety to flight, rather than to a small string of bark, which they had fastened a few feet above the ground, to prevent the disease from entering their borders. At each village, however, I was able to collect a small congregation, to whom the news of Christ were strange, if not glad tidings. I left a few tracts at each place, and hope ere long to hear from some of those who received them. The Lord can make the feeblest effort the means of great good. April 3. Took possession of our house, I trust with some emotions of sincere gratitude. The Lord has kindly supplied the necessary materials, laborers, &c., with but little trouble on my part. Now this care is off my hands, and we are brought near to the natives, I hope my own soul, and the souls of the heathen will thereby be benefited. We tried to consecrate our house to God; and, dedicating ourselves anew to his service, besought him here to grant us his presence and blessing.

5. Unwell, at home,-and, although it is the Sabbath, unable to go out among the heathen. Have been praying for sanctification, that I may do much for the glory of God.

object was to show them their sin, the need of an atonement, and that the name of Christ is the only one "under heaven given among men," whereby a sinner can be saved. During nearly the whole day, more or less hearers were present-sometimes many, sometimes few. Towards evening, went a short distance, to witness one of the abominations of heathenism, which I did not expect to behold in this province-a poor wretch, a Hindoo, swung for caste, i. e. to obtain a higher grade. He was supported only by two iron hooks, thrust through his back. I saw one of them inserted. A vast multitude were present, and seemed to regard the act as one of extraordinary piety and merit. I was told that the merit procured by swinging was sufficient to atone for all past sins, and secure a high place in heaven. I longed to tell the poor man, and those who approved his conduct, of the more excellent way of salvation, revealed in the gospel ; but with their language I was unacquainted, (nearly all of them were Bengalees). To the Burmans present I spoke of the folly and sin of such rites, telling them that no merit could be thus obtained, and that men could be saved only through the merits of Christ. I distributed several tracts, and returned home in season to help Mrs. C., whom I found .surrounded by a great concourse of people returning from the swinging, to whom she was explaining the way of salvation. We labored with them till dark, when they left. Most of them were from some distance, and would not have heard of Christ to-day, had they not come to witness a cruel rite of heathenism. May the Lord bring much good out of this evil. During the day, more than two hundred, I presume, heard of the new religion at my door. May the seed sown to-day, spring up, and bring forth much fruit to the glory of God.

(To be continued.)

Chinese Mission.

12. Lord's-day. During the past week have conversed with a few, and given away some tracts. This morning two men came to hear and get books: as it was already very hot, I Most of our readers are probably aware sent word to the villagers, that if they that Mr. Dean, who has been residing teinwanted to hear about the religion of Christ, they might come to my house. porarily at Singapore, was appointed misThis was an experiment, and it has suc- sionary to the Chinese, to be stationed at ceeded admirably. Soon after break- Bankok, the seat of the Siam mission. He fast, the people began to gather around has accordingly been for the most part emmy door. I read from the Catechism, ployed, while at Singapore, in the study of View, Investigator, New Testament, the Chinese language, particularly the Tio&c., endeavoring thus to answer ques-chew dialect, the Tio-chew being the most

numerous class of Chinese in Siam, and the church at Bankok consisting wholly of them. For the same reason the communications received from Mr. D. relate chiefly to the character and condition of the Chinese.

LETTER OF MR. DEAN TO DR. BOLLES,

DATED SINGAPORE, APRIL 13, 1835. Chinese Burial-Books distributed--Tracts for Chinese at Bankok.

*

after they had been spiritually offered to the dead, they were literally devoured by the living.

The circumstance I wished more particularly to notice in connexion with this occasion, is the distribution of Chinese books. Of these, we have, to-day, given away about fifteen hundred ;— each book, on an average, containing about 90 pages, making in all about twelve thousand pages. In this distribution all the missionary brethren here have been engaged. It has been to us a laborious, but delightful day. May we enjoy many such opportunities for doing good. Our plan was, for each one to take a box of books, and station himself by the gathering multitude. All we could do, was to give as fast as we could, to the throng that pressed upon us, and guard against a seizure of the whole at once.

In view of the feeling manifested today, I have been led to inquire, what shall we do for a supply of tracts for the Chinese at Bankok? The Ameri

I have, to-day, attended the funeral obsequies of Che-Sang, the oldest and wealthiest Chinese resident of Singapore. His estate is valued at 400,000 dollars. He commenced here in youth, in the capacity of a coolie, whose business is to bear burdens. This morning a numerous concourse of people assembled at and about his late residence, to pay their last respects to the dead, or rather to enjoy a day of festivity. Amidst the throng was seen a huge image, made of paper, somewhat in the form of a man, but every way larger, by four-fold. This image receives religious worship, in behalf of departed ancestors, and is called, the "Great Rev-can Tract Society has indeed approprierend Uncle." Next to this were sta- ated $500 for tract distribution in tioned a number of boys, six or eight Siam; but this and much more will years of age, dressed in mourning, soon be profitably and necessarily em(white,) holding flags of red and blue, ployed in preparing Siamese tracts.made of paper. Near to these were From the specimens of br. Jones's transarranged the offerings prepared for the lation of Scripture, and the tract pregods. These consisted of whole hogs, pared in the Siamese language, (now sheep, goats, fowls, fish, &c., all dress-printed,) we may judiciously appropriate ed, but made to resemble life as much as possible. Around these were arranged all kinds of vegetables and fruits, in due order. Next was seen the pall-a piece of black silk, richly embroidered with purple, yellow, and crimson. This was thrown over a light frame-work of bamboo, which covered the coffin. By the side of this were the mourners, literally clothed in sackcloth and sitting in the dust. At 1 o'clock, P. M., all arrangements being made, the procession, composed of more than ten thousand people, marched about a mile to the grave-yard. The images and offerings were all borne to the grave with the procession, which marched at the beating of gongs and other instrumental music, (so called). On arriving at the grave-yard, we saw temporary sheds erected, not only over the newly opened grave, but in many places around, to shelter the people from the scorching sun. Beneath these, after the interment of the deceased, the various offerings were arranged, and

*The spirits of the dead are among their objects of worship.

funds in this department, to any extent which his labors may demand. Thus with the aid of a press, which I trust we shall soon have at Bankok, a beginning at least may be made, towards supplying the Siamese with books. But then the question returns-what shall be done for the 300,000 Chinese ? It is known that the Chinese are a reading people, and it is also true that books of any kind among them are very scarce. Though their native books are cheap, they are so miserably poor, they are unable to purchase them. Believing that the church is beginning to pray for China, and that a gracious God is removing the obstacles to her conversion, I am encouraged to hope that her millions of interesting but perishing inhabitants may soon be supplied with the bread of life.

EXTRACT FROM THE JOURNAL OF
MR. DEAN.

After

Singapore, May 22, 1835. reading a sentence with my teacher, in which the subject of death was referred to, he remarked that an old man might