roof of the house upon my head. I felt as though I should fall from the chair, and looked around to see if I could not get some bamboo arms tied on to support me. I next looked towards my bed on the floor, but there seemed no rest there, and I should have been sad indeed, had it not been for the blessed Book which was lying before me. In it I read of Him who trod the thorny way before me. I found his blessed footsteps marked with sighs, and tears, and blood.

"Earth yielded Him no resting spot; Her Maker, but she knew him not.'

And I felt ashamed of my want of faith and love. I looked out on the houses of my poor sick Karen brethren, and thought the expense of bringing my

mattress would have been more than

a dollar, and as much for my chair, &c.;
and rejoiced that this was saved to do
them good.
Thus sweet peace de-
scended into my soul, yes, a sweet peace
which all the boasted enjoyments of this
world can never yield.

Hunting Excursion-Consistency of Karen
Christians.

Thursday eve., 19. Three of the
Christians here having been out on a
hunting excursion, returned this even-
ing, and after worship was finished, gave
us a relation of their wanderings. They
first went to a Karen village where they
(the inhabitants) worshipped Gaudama.
Here they read the tracts they had
taken with them, and defended the
Savior's blessed cause in the midst of
opposition and reproach. They had
however, at last, the comfort of seeing
some impression made on the minds of
two or three, fof which they thanked
God and took courage. From this place
three men joined their party, so that at
every meal they were ridiculed for
asking a blessing on their food, and for
their united evening prayers. They
said, however, they were not at all
ashamed; and when Sunday came, they
spent the day in reading, singing and
prayer. Their companions then began
to revile them, because they found no
game, and told them it was on account
of the books they carried with them.
The Christians told them these books
were pleasing to God, and if He did not
choose to send them game they were
content to go home without it. It was
not long, however, after this conversa-
tion, before a rhinoceros appeared which
they shot, and before night they killed
another. This, with daily conversation,
began to make an impression upon these

opposers, so that they parted in a very
friendly manner, and promised to visit
the Christians here. Ko Pallah is now
beginning to feel in better health, and
appears very happy in studying his
Burman New Testament. Yesterday
he begged me to read and explain to the
Christians as usual every evening, and
let him interpret for me, as these exer-
cises would assist much in his future
labors; and he always looks happy when
he sees me at leisure, so that he can
bring his Testament and read and ask
me questions. I mention these things
as a specimen of the humility and docil-
ity of a very interesting Karen preacher
who has been blessed, we believe, in
Moung
winning many souls to Christ.
wise possesses much of the same lovely
Shwa-boo my Karen interpreter, like-
spirit, and I really feel it an honor to
serve them for Christ's sake. I have
increasing evidence of the piety of some
of the inquirers.

(To be concluded.)
Slam.

LETTERS OF MESSRS. JONES AND DEAN.

New openings for Missionary labor. The following outline of several new and important fields of labor in South Eastern Asia, was drawn up by Mr. Jones early in 1835, and is extracted from a copy of one of the communications plundered by Malay pirates, as mentioned at p. 412, of our last volume.

*

You refer again to China. In a communication written last August, I have expressed many of my ideas on the subject, without saying much about direct attempts on the coast of China, for which my information, or any information I can get, does not qualify me. I would add, that Bankok furnishes a good field for two more missionaries to the Chinese, viz. among the Hainan and Cochin Chinese-whose dialects remain yet unknown to protestants. The former are numerous, to the amount of perhaps 40 or 50,000, and are an interesting people, who could doubtless furnish all necessary aid towards acquiring their language. They come from an island on the coast of China, so densely populated, that thousands emigrate every year to Siam.-I should

* Messrs. Reed and Shuck, it will be recollected, were designated to the Chinese mission, and are now on their way to Bankok.

apprehend that Hainan Island would | ative to all that immense territory of furnish as fair a prospect of successful Ligore lying between Songkla and admittance into China, as any other Bankok. quarter. When the language was acquired, should an opening there occur, the missionary would be prepared to enter it at once-should there be no opening, he might still find abundant employ in Siam. Similar remarks might be made regarding Cochin China.

Besides what I have already said in regard to new stations, I feel impelled to urge on the attention of the Board, the following:

VI. Quedah, or the Siamese country, lying along the western coast, near Pinang. The population is said to be rather dense. The language for a season might be studied at Pinang, where there are a few hundred Siamese, who came from Quedah. The spoken dialect is some what peculiar, but they us the same books as at Bankok.-Though I may seem to be going out of my way, I would mention,

I. Luos country; the missionary to VII. Chittagong. Since the death of come and learn the language at Ban- dear br. Coleman, near 15 years ago, kok, and push on as soon as practicable, nothing of much consequence has been into the heart of the country. This done, or attempted in that region. Its country is regarded as a province of population is immense. Situated on a Siam, is bounded south by Siam, west river leading up to Bootan, and Thibet, by Burmah, east by Yun-nan in China. countries of which less is known even Its language is closely allied to Siam- than of China. Are the Thibetians ese, and from many inquiries, I am led never to know the gospel? Missionato conclude that 3-4ths, if not 9-10ths ries stationed at Chittagong might of the words are the same. The writ- throw open the way, for the beams of ten character seems to be a combina- the Sun of Righteousness to shine upon tion of the Burman and Siamese. The the steppes of those mountains, hitherto amount of population, which is consid-enveloped in mists of pagan darkness. erable, cannot be ascertained with much accuracy, till the country is explored.

VIII. Assam, bounded on the south by Burmah, and on the east by China. A gentleman writing from "Sudiya, II. Packlate, or Samkoke, one below, N. E. extremity of Assam," to his friend and the other above Bankok, about 15 in Calcutta, last July, (1834) says,or 20 miles; mostly occupied by Pe-"You say that you wish all these people guans. Here the missionary would acquire the Peguan language, and find about 40,000 of a most interesting but too long neglected people.

III. Bankok; at least one missionary, to pursue Siamese, and assist me in my labors, or carry them on, if I should be removed, or disabled. Until more books are in readiness, I must necessarily devote most of my time to them, and printing; and yet books will be of but little service, without the living expositor and preacher.

to learn to read and write the Burmese: now, do you not think it would be the shortest way, to send two or three intelligent young men, missionaries, up to this place, and let them learn the Shan language?* In the course of two or three years, they would, most probably, be able to translate some of our simple books into that language,— which would diffuse a good deal of useful knowledge among them. When they had mastered the language, they might translate the Scriptures. * * * ÏV. Tringanu, a Malay settlement A finer field for the missionary than on the eastern part of the Malay penin- this, I suppose there is not, in any part sula. Population about 40 or 50,000, of India. I have often thought of writ5 N. lat. The missionary to spending the Bishop this, but never could several months here in acquiring the muster courage enough"!! language, and then to put himself under the protection of the Rajah there, who is friendly to foreigners, and would no doubt protect him, in all judicious labors to spread the truth.

V. Songkla, or Songora, on the coast, 2 or 3 north of the former. This is in Siam, a romantic situation between mountains-has considerable population of quite a mixed character, Siamese, Malays, and Chinese. From hence information might be gained rel

*

Another letter from Gowahatti, (Assam,) dated July 27, 1834, says, "I have no doubt if they [the people of Sudiya,] had some elementary books, they would soon be able to read and understand

Shan is the name given by Burmans and Siamese to the Laos country. From the fact of a great similarity in the spoken language, Siamese, though in reality quite distinct. Many Europeans residing in Burmah do the same.

the Burmans often confound the Shans and

pure Burmese readily. They all under- nan, it should be rememembered that stand it colloquially. But Mr. Bruce it has a delightful climate, situated besays, they require Siamese books-are tween 18 and 20° N. lat. and its parany procurable at Calcutta?* Mrs. B. tial independence of the Chinese emhas devoted a great deal of time to peror, and its separation from the emteaching the natives of Sudiya-and pire, have left the people to more correct she boasts of having made some four or views of themselves, and of their relation five converts-I shall be happy to be to the rest of mankind, and far more able to further her pursuits." The accessible to the missionary than the writer speaking of Mr. Bruce under date inhabitants of the continent. Scarcely of "Gowahatti, Aug. 7: 1834," says, less can be said of the importance of "I take the liberty of sending you his sending a missionary to labor among last letter, that you may observe how the Chinese in Borneo. Though the earnest he is in his desire to have a moral renovation of this island may not missionary in his neighborhood. I am be so directly connected with the consure a missionary might do great good version of China, as that of the former, there, if a well educated man." still it may have equal claims upon our immediate efforts, inasmuch as we first need the conquest of some of the outposts, that we may have a place to collect our troops, and store our ammunition, before we make an attack upon the strong hold of the enemy. The interior of Borneo is said to be inhabited by an independent colony of Chinese, consisting of several thousands. The whole Chinese population of the island, is estimated at one hundred and twenty thousand.* Mr. Medhurst, of Batavia, has visited, and distributed a few books among the Chinese on the coast, but the interior has never been visited by a missionary. The Malays, the native inhabitants of the island, are denied the labors of Christian missionaries by the anti-christian policy of the Dutch gov

The Board will perceive, that no time is to be lost, if they would avail themselves of one of the fairest opportunities, which now presents for planting their missionaries on the borders of China. Should the circle which I have indicated, be speedily completed, there will be a lateral force, brought to bear with irresistible influence on the west of the celestial empire. Why may it not? Carey's motto was, "attempt great things." A letter dated Sudiya, Nov. 2, 1834, says, "I have asked Lieut. Charlton, at Sudiya, to endeavor to translate some of your Elementary Books, into the Shan dialect prevalent in that quarter. The field in that direction is, as Mr. Bruce'says, unlimited, and entirely ours for the reaping. But we have no hands, and no funds.-ernment. Would it be possible, as Mr. Bruce suggested, to get a steady missionary family settled at Sudiya by the assistance of any of the societies?"

I mention all these places not because there is not enough to be done at Siam, but because it seems necessary that something be attempted on a larger scale. If any thing in the above should appear dictatorial, forgive it. My object was to make suggestions of facts, and I have not time to "seek out acceptable words." I am refreshed and encouraged by the liberality with which you have strengthened Burmah, but am grieved to find in your designations, no provision for the poor neglected Peguans.

[A letter of Mr. Dean under date June 20, after alluding to the above communication, of Mr. Jones, subjoins the following remarks respecting Hainan and Borneo.]

In addition to what was said of Hai

* I have sent a few since, to be forwarded from Calcutta, to ascertain whether their language really is Siamese-of which I am in much doubt.

Arracan.

JOURNAL OF MR. COMSTOCK.

(Continued from p. 43.) Discussions with the natives. April 13. Several of those present yesterday, came again to-day, and we also had some new visiters. To answer an argument drawn from the betagat, (the sacred book of the Burmans,) I stated some of its geographical errors. This originated quite a spirited conversation, and obliged me to bring out my maps, small globe, &c. With these they appeared much pleased, and after some explanations and arguments, they seemed almost convinced that the betagat is not true. Some of them begin to manifest a good deal of interest in the new religion.

14. Several of the visiters of yesterday, with others, came to-day. The

* See " History of the British Colonies, by Dr. R. Montgomery Martin.”

subject of the four great islands, (or con- | one I gave the Catechism and View, and

19. Sabbath. At an early hour, two or three men came, listened a while and took tracts. After breakfast several assembled at my door, all new visiters, and I believe from a distance. Six were from Cheduba, an island containing something more than 7000 souls, distant about forty miles. They sat an hour or two, and seemed to listen with considerable attention and interest. Each took a tract at leaving, and I trust that many will hear of Christ through their instrumentality. Two men from Ladong, a village some thirty miles distant, listened to the reading of the Catechism with remarks, and after asking several questions left with tracts. Toward evening went to one of the villages visited on the 16th ult., and met with rather an unwelcome reception. Found

some children who could read, but would not take tracts. Most of the men said they could not read. Collected, however, quite a large congregation of men, women, and children. Read and talked, till I thought they might understand enough, to know the folly of idolatry, and that Jesus Christ alone could save sinners. Found a few men who could read, and were willing to take tracts, and left several with them. Came to an old man and asked him if he could read: he said he could: I handed him a View, which he returned after looking at it a few moments, saying he did not want such a book. He manifested a good deal of opposition to the religion of Christ. Soon after, left the village, the children hooting after me, and crying out, "ha! Padre." On returning home, met several going from the house with tracts, and found that a large number had been, and listened to the truth read and spoken by Mrs. C. Nearly every one of the hearers to-day are new ones. Why the old ones have not been, am unable to say. Perhaps they have learnt enough of the religion of Christ to know that they must break off their sins by righteousness, and be saved by grace alone, or else perish; and, not relishing these truths, conclude to pursue the subject no farther. One thing, however, encour

ages me.

The work is the Lord's, and will go on. The proudest, hardest heart can be subdued with infinite ease by his Spirit.

omy and geography, and of the method by which I illustrate it, has spread far and wide, and I am obliged very frequently to exhibit my apparatus, (which was kindly given us by a friend.) It is exceedingly difficult, for me at least, to make these benighted people understand the first elements of astronomy, &c. They say that the sun goes round the earth, and inquire, if the earth turns round every day, why the front of my house does not daily become the back side of it, &c. To answer such questions, and make the subject plain, I know of nothing better than the apparatus. I take it and say, now put an ant on the earth and turn it, his position is unaltered and he knows nothing of the motion, and as he comes in sight of the sun, and passes again out of sight of it, the appearance is the same to him as if the sun went round him, while he was stationary. This seems to convince them, but it is one thing to show them the error of their ideas, and quite another to get them out of their mind. (To be continued.)

Through the merciful providence of God, though in the land of the dying, we are still in the land of the living. Br. Mylne is at present on a bed of sickness. He was attacked with the fever a fort20. Have had about twenty visiters night ago to-day. For a few days," he to-day-three of the Cheduba men was sick nigh unto death: but God had among the number. Several have not mercy on him; and not on him only, been before. When asked why they but on me also, lest I should have sorworship Gaudama, they replied that it row upon sorrow." He gave me direcwas the custom; their forefathers had all tions respecting the disposal of his done so, and they of course could not do affairs, and seemed ready and desirous otherwise. This I hear every day, and to depart and be with Christ. For sevnot unfrequently time and again from eral days past he has been free from the same individuals. I reply, if the the fever, and appears to be gradually custom is good, follow it; if not, don't gaining strength. A little more than follow it. To this they assent. I ask three weeks ago, I had a slight touch them if all around them were thieves, of the fever, but it did not last long. I if they would steal also. They answer was taken on Tuesday, and was able No. I tell them, too, that their fathers to attend Sabbath school and preach were ignorant of the religion of Christ. once the next Sabbath. I have been Remarks like these silence them; but remarkably sustained during the illness after all, I suspect they have no idea of br. Mylne, though at times apparently of departing from the custom, and for- on the verge of having the fever. My saking the god of their fathers. O that health now is tolerably good. I have the Lord would teach them their folly been enabled, I trust, to say, thus far, and sin, and lead them to believe on "Not my will, but thine be done." the blessed Savior. About the time I was sick, we had some 21. Some twenty or more have call-apprehension of a war with the natives. ed to-day, to hear, inquire, &c. The Dr. Skinner had been up to Millsburg, news of my strange system of astron- and stated that appearances in relation