what American Christians were doing! drawn into close quarters, he listened that the heathen might have the gospel —the Bible—and tracts. They listened with deep attention, and manifested much interest. Return towards Maulmein-Offerings to Nats-Ka-yey-law, Parong, Ka-sieng, and other villages. 28. The villagers assembled together for worship at the zayat, early this morning, and after breakfast we left with our faces homeward. About nine, reached a village of 6 or 7 houses, but found only one inan. Talked with him some time, and also with the women, but their hearts did not seem to be affected by the truth. Exhorted a man in a boat, who stopped to hear. One appeared to feel the truth of what I said, but whether it will be lasting, time alone can determine. Stopped at another village of 8 or 10 houses of Karens. Most of them could speak Burman, and we spent 2 or 3 hours there. Three or four merchant boats were there from Maulmein and elsewhere, and we found some violent disputants among them. At one house, they were somewhat offended at my coming. They said they were making offerings to the Nats. I did not go in, but standing, at the door, I saw about a dozen men and women, part of whom were surrounding a large hog in one corner of the room, sacrificing the poor animal to these infernal spirits. On questioning them, they said they could not see the Nats, but they could see the flesh disappear. I told them I wished to see so great a curiosity, but they would not admit me. I presume, however, it disappears fast enough, for after the animal is dressed, the neighbors collect together and devour everything but the hair and bones-being very careful not to lose any thing by the sacrifice. With some who came out, I talked a long while upon the absurdity of such practices and customs, and exhorted them to worship the living God. The assistants had a long dispute with quite a large assembly at another place. About 5 o'clock reached Ka-yey-taw, containing about a dozen houses. Spent till dusk in talking, and after they had finished their rice, went to the house of the chief, where a large number collected, and we read and talked till a late hour. Some appeared deeply interested, and listened with attention till near midnight. The chief was very boisterous at first, but being in silence. O that the Spirit of God would set home the truths spoken, with power upon their hearts. The chief had recently built a small monastery, and expects a priest to occupy it in a day or two, and he seemed very unwilling to think, that after all this trouble and expense, he should get no merit. 29. At 7 this morning, reached Parong. The first house we entered, we found three or four men, most inveterate opposers. The chief speaker insisted that Gaudama created all things, and that there could be no being free from sickness, old age, and death.” Disputed a long time, but all to no purpose. At the next house, the head of the family seemed to receive the truth with all his heart, and each one in turn preached to him till about 2 o'clock. It was the first time he had heard the gospel, and he repeatedly said-talk onsay more; and he heard no small portion of truth, which I hope will prove the means of saving his immortal soul. He said he wished all his kinsmen would embrace this religion, and worship a being so great and glorious as the eternal God. The neighbors who came in, listened with no small degree of attention. A short distance below this, we stopped at a village of Toung-thoos. The chief was not at home, and the villagers all said, if the chief would enter this religion, they would follow,-otherwise they could say nothing about it. They could neither admit that what we said was true, nor attempt to use a single argument to prove it was not so. Our words seemed like water spilt upon the ground. Before sundown, reached another village of Karens, also called Parong. Had quite an assembly for a little while, but one after another left till only one remained, and he refused to talk. After eating our rice and curry, we commended ourselves to God in prayer, and retired to rest. 30. About two this morning started on the tide, and at seven reached the village of Ka-sieng. Three or four listened with good attention, and exhibited marks of being real inquirers after truth. It was really heart-cheering to see them catch at every word, and appear to believe every sentence. I cannot doubt but the Lord has some chosen ones here. Twelve men were engaged in building a house, and I went up with the assistants and intro an duced myself by making familiar remarks about building, &c., until I had arrested their attention, and then urged the importance of striving for " a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens: "-of seeking inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away." They gazed, wondering what these things meant. I told them, in a brief manner, of the creation of the heavens and the earth-the sun-the moon and the stars, and the noblest workmanship of our divine Creator's hand,-man, that he was originally free from sin and misery, but by listening to the voice of Satan, and disobeying the commands of his Maker, 66 'Brought death into the world, and all our wo," He affirmed they had all gone into the jungle to cut timber. I pointed out two exceptions, having seen the men on my way to this house. He therefore could not very well do otherwise than to call them. In a few minutes I found a dozen or upwards before me, and to them I announced the blessed truth of there being one eternal and unchangeable God, and one Savior for mankind. One disputed violently for a little while, and then left the room in a rage. Some, however, listened a long while. They made the same objection that nearly all do in this region, viz. they worship the same as their fathers and forefathers did, and it would not be proper for them to renounce their ancient customs, and to embrace new ones. However, if their rulers did, they would follow them. Between 20 and 30 have heard the joyful tidings of salvation at this place. The seed sown may spring up at some future day, and bring forth fruit to the and then, of the way of salvation, About five, stopped at a village of Talings. The chief received us very politely, and I explained the object of Anchored at night near no village. our visit. He immediately replied, 'As Told the assistants about America-her to an eternal God, there is none.' We government, commerce, religion, and had quite a dispute for a little while, various benevolent institutions, &c. &c. and he finally admitted that the most of They replied-How favored is America, what I said was very reasonable and -how great is the goodness of God to-good, but he had been taught to worship wards her. They inquired if there were any teachers to go round and preach to the people. On being told there were a great many, they expressed great surprise, and inquired what they found to do! They did not think a people enjoying so many privileges, and so much civilized and enlightened, could do otherwise than love and serve that God whom they believed to be the author of all their blessings. Read the account of the conversion of St. Paul, and commended ourselves to God in prayer. May 1. Early this morning reached the village of Karens, where we stopped on the 22d ult., and which I thought contained only two houses. On going a little into the interior, however, we found nearly a dozen scattered here and there. One young man listened well, and several paid very good attention. Stopped at the village of Toung-thoos, where the men mentioned on the 22d ult. requested us to stop. Went to the chief's house, but did not find him at home, neither the men who asked us to stop. However, I requested a man who was there, to collect the neighbors. Gaudama, and he could not believe there was an eternal God, a stranger to sickness, old age, and death, &c. (To be concluded.) Mission to the Karens. EXTRACTS FROM MRS. WADE'S JOURNAL. native Christians, the other day, if ardent spirits were ever distilled here by the few who are not members of the church. He replied (with strong emphasis)" No; should any one distil a drop, we would all expel him out of our village. And if any one brings spirits to sell, we forbid his entering the village; or, if he has entered, no one will let him come into his house." What American village can boast of laws like this? Sunday eve., 22. Had quite as large an assembly to-day as last Sunday, besides 10 or 12 Burmans and Siamese from Tavoy. The inquirer of last Friday and Sunday, was with us again today, and listened with most serious attention. Another, who came two or three miles with his wife for the first time last Sunday, was also present, and listened to every sentence with an expression of pleasure very different from his former appearance. After morning worship had closed, he came and sat down near me, and began to tell the Christians that his mind was now enlightened, and he felt ready to give up all for Christ's sake. I trust angels have carried to heaven the glad news of his repentance. About 70 were present at my Sunday school, which was deeply interesting; after which I visited two Christians, who are very ill, attended to about a dozen others, who are more or less ill, and then met about 150 persons in the zayat for evening worship. Three of the Burmans from Tavoy were present, and I tried to give them a faithful warning in the name of my Master. service made some impression on their Being called to visit a sick woman this evening, I was delighted to find the house clean, neat and orderly. In some other houses I have observed a similar reformation. And having told the Christians that the Lord required his chosen people of old to bathe in water, and wash their clothes, to appear in his presence, they have commenced bathing, washing their clothes, and cleansing their houses on Saturdays, that the presence of the Lord may be with them on the Sabbath. None but those acquainted with the miserable filthy habits of these heathen nations, can sympathize in the joy with which we witness improvements of this kind. Sunday eve., March 1. The church here have spent this day in solemn prayer and fasting, in behalf of the inquirers, the number having now increased to more than 50, all of whom have come forward and given their names, and voluntarily expressed their resolution to seek the Lord, and surrender their hearts to him now. Of many of the number we have very pleasing evidences of sincere piety, and O may every precious soul be gathered into the fold of Christ! The Christians here anticipating the return of Mr. Mason, their beloved pastor, are now examining their hearts, and praying for a preparation to receive the holy ordinance of the Lord's supper. Wednesday eve., 4. As I went to visit a poor sick woman this evening, I Monday eve., 23. One of the Chris- found her son preparing a dish of black tians here being in very poor health, ants for the supper, while his wife sat engaged two Burmans from Tavoy to by the fire broiling a large snake. I build him a house for 30 rupees. They naturally started back at the sight, at commenced their work, and when Sun- which she smiled, and said, "These will day came continued their labors as on be very nice." "Look here, mamma, other days, but he and his family went and see what a fine bunch of snake's to them and entreated them to desist, eggs we have got." I turned with disas no work was done in this village on gust from such a scene, to the poor old Sunday; telling them also that they woman, who appears to be near her feared God would be displeased with eternal rest. She has been ill a long them if they allowed their house to be time, and longs to be with her Savior built on the Lord's day. Thus they and the dear redeemed ones above. prevailed on the men to rest from their She says she has not the least fear of labors. They would not consent, how- death, and forgets all her pains when I ever, to come to the zayat to worship, pray and talk to her about heaven. I so that I did not know there were two find my daily visits to this poor, humble, Burmans in the place. Yesterday, how-heavenly Christian very profitable. She ever, they came to see me, and told me they were coming to evening worship. I warned them faithfully to flee from the wrath to come, to that blessed Savior who died to redeem them--and cannot help hoping the solemn evening knew and loved dear brother Boardman, and often speaks of meeting him in heaven. Thursday eve., 5. We were all delighted this morning by the arrival of Mr. Wade and the Karen Christians. They returned by way of Tavoy, and br. Mason wishing to visit the Karens in another direction, did not accompany Mr. Wade to this place, as had been anticipated. Mr. Wade arrived in fine health, notwithstanding the fatigue and hardships to which he has been exposed, sleeping on the ground almost every night for the last six weeks, and often travelling on foot all day under this hot sun. The Gospel conveyed to Siamese Karens by a native youth. Friday eve., 6. Have had a very interesting conversation with a Siamese Karen, who is spending a few days in this place. He is the head man of his village, and having gone to Tavoy on business connected with government, has come, notwithstanding the extreme heat, all the way to this place to visit these Christians. At the commencement of the last rains, while 40 children were learning to read in this place, the Siamese Karens heard the news, and two young men begged their parents to let them come to this place and learn to read their own language, and get some Karen books. They accordingly came, and were received with much kindness by the Christians here; but one of them did not stay long. The other learned to read well, was a hopeful inquirer after truth, and wished to spend his days here. His parents, however, would not consent to this, so that he returned to them with his books, and some knowledge of the way of life. And the Siamese Karen now with us, says that the young man has read his books to all the people where his father lives, and tells them how the Christians at Matah live, and that there are ten who believe, and have given up their old superstitions, and worship only the true God, and Jesus Christ. He is one of that number, and appears very anxious to learn all about this new religion. He makes many inquiries respecting being born again, &c. O, while Christians are almost asleep with regard to their duty to the poor heathen, God is carrying on his work, and to His name be all the glory. Sat. eve., 7. This day and evening have been devoted to the examination of candidates for baptism. Above sixty came forward, professing their faith in Christ. Baptism of twenty-five Karens-Return | to Tavoy. 8. Although it is late, and I feel much fatigued by the exercises of the day, I will not retire without recording the goodness of God; for this has been one of the happiest days of my whole life. The morning was spent in examining candidates; the afternoon in a kind of church conference, until the cool of the day, when we had a short service. We then repaired to the beautiful banks of the Tenasscrim, where twenty-five lovely converts were buried with Christ in its crystal waters. The assembly was large, the singing animated and melodious, and the scenery around most romantic and delightful. Surely it was one of those scenes in which angels love to mingle. Dear brother Boardman went forth weeping, bearing the precious seed," brother Mason has toiled hard here alone in "watering," and we are permitted to gather in the “increase "which God has given. Well, we here on earth will join our brother in glory, in giving all the praise to Him who hath redeemed them and us by his own precious blood. I had, during my intercourse with the inquirers, gained pleasing evidence of the piety of about 40. But brother and sister Mason not being with us, we concluded to defer the examination of the younger candidates, as most of them were to spend the rains with us in Tavoy. At early candle-light we came together around the table of our Lord, to commemorate his dying love. We had but one case of discipline, and she seemed so sincerely penitent, that she was most cordially forgiven. The season was one of uncommon interest and tenderness of soul, as we were to-morrow to leave these dearly beloved brethren and sisters. Tavoy. 11. On Monday, the 9th, after a farewell meeting with the dear church at Matah, where many tears were shed, we set out for Tavoy, and after a very fatiguing journey, and much suffering from a burning sun and want of water by the way, we arrived safely in good health here, just before dark, accompanied by about 50 Karens, both men and women. "What shall I render to the Lord for all his goodness?" EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER AND JOUR- Establishment of Schools.-Baptism at that has just closed, though to me a therefore started off a few days after his | a sick woman, I met several strangers arrival, first to Mata-myu,* and thence on rafts down the Tenasserim to Mergui, returning to Tavoy by land, where we arrived after an absence of six weeks. In the course of the journey we made arrangements for schools, and appointed native assistants, that were educated for the purpose last rains, to teach them in four different places. Ten days ago I went down to Toungbyouk, where I baptized four persons. The following notices are from a journal kept during my absence. Toung-byouk, March 27. After leaving the gaudy trappings of idolatry, "the thundering drum" in its processions, its gilded spires amid the palms of the city, and its whitewashed turrets crowning the summit of every green hill,-it is as "rivers of water in a dry place" to find myself transported, in a couple of days, into the midst of this Christian people, where nothing meets the eye or ear but what would lead one to suppose that the gospel had been known here for centuries; yet all, the work of three short years. A truly Christian welcome met me on my arrival last evening, and Moung Sek-kyee, the native assistant stationed here, who has just returned from a preaching excursion, informs me that two persons at Kyouk-toung have come out decidedly on the Lord's side, and set up the family altar in their house. To-day I was called to visit a sick, ungodly old woman; and when I came to speak to her on religion, she turned away, saying, "O, I am too sick now; were I well I would, but I can only think of getting well." How often has the pastor in Christian nations to meet similar excuses. I turned to the unconverted children present, who were in health and in the very circumstances in which she promised to give heed to the word of God. "Listen to your mother," I said, and the appeal was not without its effect. The poor woman has been brought from the other side of the hills, to obtain advice from the Burman doctors near, who, having succeeded in obtaining from her all her money and her best clothes, have left her, saying, "You are bewitched." in the road, to whom I addressed a few words of exhortation, whose only excuse for rejecting the gospel was fear of the head man; and the sick woman's excuse for not praying, was, "My parents never prayed." Thus every one finds another on whom to lay the blame of his sins. Before worship, I went over to the house of the leading man in the neighborhood, who is violently opposed to the truth, and told him of the excuses I had heard, admonishing him that he was not merely going to hell himself, but taking his wife and children and alí the persons within his influence, with him. My visit was not wholly to no purpose, for the old man came to worship, and gave good attention. Towards evening I baptized four persons, who give good evidence of piety; and since worship this evening, three persons have come forward for the ordinance, who have never asked before. Surely this is not a heathen country. I see nothing of heathenism. Here are some coming into the church, others stand waiting for admission, others inquiring, many are pausing, and multitudes are going on in their sins contrary to the dictates of their consciences. Here are the children about me, some repeating the catechism, others reading such portions of the scriptures as have been translated for them, and yonder I hear a Christian mother singing her infant to sleep in Christian hymns. "Burst forth into joy, shout together, ye ruins of Jerusalem! For Jehovah hath comforted his people; he hath redeemed Israel." 30. An old man that had afforded me some encouragement, on being taken violently ill, offered to the nats, and died, a few days ago. I called on the family to-day, and found them preparing to celebrate his death with dirges around his bones, according to the customs of the people and the express command of the old man himself, whose dying injunction to his children was, "You do as you like about becoming Christians, but give me a funeral according to our old customs." It appears that some of the family joined with the old man in the nat offerings, and that others refused. I found one of his daughters charging her husband with the murder of her father, because he had refused to join in the offerings. One of the old man's sons and wife had also kept aloof in the affair, and I cannot but think that some of the family will yet be gathered * Written Matah in the preceding Journal. I in with the elect of God. 28. This evening I had the pleasure to receive applications for baptism from two persons that live in the neighborhood, who have never applied before, and that appear in a very interesting state of mind. 29. This morning, on going to visit |