Annual Meeting of the Board-Auxiliary Societies—Recent Intelligence. 95 Domestic. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD. The Annual Meeting of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, will be held at the First Baptist meeting house in Hartford, Conn. on Wednesday, April 27th, at 10 o'clock, A. M. The Rev. ELON GALUSHA, of Rochester, N. Y. will preach the annual sermon; and the Rev. CHARLES G. SOMMERS, of New York city, in case of failure. It is hoped that there will be a full and punctual attendance of the members, as business of great importance will require their attention; and particularly as the duty of the Board, in view of measures recently adopted by the American Bible Society, will probably be a subject of discussion. L. BOLLES, Cor. Sec'ry. Baptist Missionary Rooms, Recent Intelligence. BANKOK. Messrs. Jones and Dean arrived at Bankok, July 18, after a pleasant passage of ten days from Singapore. TAVOY. Mr. and Mrs. Vinton, of Chummerah, were residing at Tavoy during the rains. Mrs. V. at the last date (Aug.) was suffering from illness incident to the climate. MAULMEIN. Mr. Simons and family, ac The Penobscot Foreign Missionary Society Auxiliary to the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, held its Tenth Annual Meeting in Charleston, Me. Feb. 17, 1836. The Primary Societies represented, were Bangor, Levant, Corinth, Charleston, Dover, Sangerville, and Guilford. The meeting, though thinly attended, on account of the recent snows, was of a highly interesting character. Several spirited resolutions were discussed and unanimously adopted, and a " feel-companied by a sister of Mrs. Kincaid, left ing awakened in many minds, that more enlarged, vigorous and continuous efforts must be made in behalf of Missions." Among the resolutions adopted we note the following:Resolved, That the difficulties which oppose the accomplishment of the Missionary object, demand promptness on the part of its friends, to redeem their pledges to promote it. Resolved, That the command, "Go, teach all nations," is as much binding on each member of the church of Christ, at this day, as it was on Peter or Johr, or on either of those to whom it was verbally given. Resolved, That, relying on the blessing of God, this Society will raise the ensuing year $500 for Foreign Missions, The Amount contributed at the meeting was $114,69. The Society also voted to employ an Agent to visit all the churches connected with, or in the limits of the Society, to encourage and increase the Primaries already formed, and to form new ones, where it may seem necessary, before the next Annual Meeting, to be held on the Tuesday next preceding, and at the time of the Annual Meeting of the Penobscot Association. Maulmein for Ava, June 22, but had been de- able conveyance up the Irrawaddy. Mr. S. RANGOON. The state of the mission families, Sept. 27, was essentially the same as at previous dates, with the painful exception of the death of the intrepid and faithful native preacher, Ko Sanlone. He died of intermittent fever, on the 5th of August, after an illness of about fifteen days. "He was a man of uncommonly discriminating powers of mind," says Mr. Webb, "and always kind. Even after his persecution, when he related to me the abusive treatment of the Seet-keh, and Ray-woon, and Woon-gee, not a word escaped his lips which savored of irritation. Indeed, in looking over all I have ever seen of him, or heard, I do not remember a single word or act which I could wish to have alter ed. He was at all times the humble, spiritual Christian.” “Eight days after Ko Sanlone's death," Mr. Webb adds, "the Woon-gee who had imprisoned him, was also called away to judgment." AVA. Our last communications from Mr. Kincaid are dated Aug. 29. The intelligence, just received, of the death of the Rangoon Woon-gee, had produced much excitement in the city, and the whole court was in motion. "Four or five different persons," Mr. K. writes, "are looking for the appointment, and the balloting, or rather the bribing, is now going on. The Queen's party will undoubtedly succeed; at least, so it is said by men who are well acquainted with the state of things within the golden walls. The situation is very tempting, embracing the whole of ancient Pegu; and, should the Queen's party prevail, she would then have her relatives occupying every important place in the empire. This would not be worth mentioning, did it not have some bearing on the great cause of truth and righteousness. The Queen is no friend to foreigners." CALCUTTA. Messrs. Brown and Cutter, and their families, arrived at Calcutta from Maulmein, Sept. 2. At the last date, Oct. 17, they were making preparations to start for Sadiya, as soon as the rains were over, and expected to be on their way early in November. Mr. and Mrs. Brown had been visited with a severe affliction in the loss of their youngest child, who died just on the point of their departure from Maulmein. Donations from February 15 to March 15, 1836. Henrietta, N. Y., col. at Mon. Con. in the Bap. Ch., per Mr. Phil. Shepard, Connecticut Bap. Union Asso., per Rev. Orson Spencer, Forwarded by W. Colgate, Esq., Newton, Ms., 2d Bap. Ch., per Mr. James Taylor, St. Lawrence, N. Y., Bap. Miss. Convention, Fort Covington, N. Y., the bequest of Miss S. B. Styles, per Mr. I. C. Lewis, of Ogdensburg, Ñ. Y., 6,00 42,74 42,75 5,00 590,49 19,35 36,00 4,00 40,00 Beverly, Ms.-a friend, per Deacon Z. M. Cole, 8,00 3,00 per Jedediah Griswold, of Buffalo, 9,00 North Springfield, Vt.. contributed in Rev. C. W. Hodges' cong. 1st Sabbath in Feb., for the Burman Bible, 5,00 Cambridge-a balance from the Judson Society, 1,00 50,00 100,00 1,00 Boston-l'. & H. L., to edu. Me Poung, a Bur. female named Eliza Lincoln, South Carolina-collected and forwarded by Rev. Jesse Hartwell-Mount Car ALSO-Bedford, N. H.-Miss Jane Moore, 1 bed-quilt for Indian Missions. 864,42 H. LINCOLN, Treasurer. Burmah. JOURNAL OF MR. KINCAID. Our last extracts from Mr. K.'s journal may be seen at p. 32. Of the prospects of the mission at that time, Mr. K. writes as follows, under date April 6: "The gospel is often preached in zayats and market places, to listening crowds. The prospect perhaps has never been better. Princes and noblemen often see me, and converse with me. All know what I am about, and all are kind to my face, however they may ridicule me when gone. It is two years to-day since we bid adieu to Rangoon, and the kind providence of God has been continually over us. Through the mercy of God we have been permitted to preach the gospel to some hundreds of thousands, who before had never heard of God and eternal life. Before our eyes a church of Christ has risen up, all natives of Ava: two of these are daily preaching Christ to their countrymen." The following journal gives the principal events of the ensuing six weeks. eyes. It is very distressing to see so Absurdities of Burman books generally 11. Gave away 60 tracts to people who called at the house, and yesterday about the same number. Urged the with an earnest desire to know the importance of reading attentively, and truth, as the only way to receive real benefit. Although the Burmans are called a reading people, and perhaps properly, when compared with other heathen nations, yet I am confident the greater part read without reflection. As an instance of this I will mention a circumstance which took place under my own eye. A Burman of more than ordinary talents was one day reading one of their own books, in which a description of one of the celestial countries was given. The writer describes the king, his house and his garden. The garden he places about 300 miles from the house, and describes the king as daily going there to spend the heat of the day, refreshing himself among its bowers and cooling fountains. The writer apparently wishing to do away any objections which might arise on account of the distance, provides an elephant for his majesty, the length of which is more than 400 and the height 9. Had several visiters, and, among more than 500 miles. The whole story, them, some whose principal object ap- with all its circumstances and embelpeared to be to get medicine for sorelishments, was spread over two or three Ava, April 7, 1835. Among others had several visiters from a neighboring city. They had read the View, and Catechism, a year ago, and had heard much said among the people, about this new religion. 8. Gave away 120 tracts to visiters at the house, and gave only one tract to a person. Among my visiters, was one man, who, together with insulting language, threatened me with the vengeance of the rulers. "No king, if he were wise, would allow a foreigner to pull down and destroy the religion of the country." Interview with Shans. pages of palm leaf, and the man of whom 1 to such a degree, that at times I have I speak discovered no discrepancy. I been unable to read or write. Have asked him to read it over again; he did, more or less visiters every day, to whom and then remarked, that he considered, I give books, and explain the way of it only a fable. I inquired, why does life; however, it is seldom anything not the king walk to his garden? He occurs worthy of particular attention. replied, “It is so far that it would exhaust him." And will it not exhaust him to get on to the elephant? Then, for the first time, he discovered the ab surdity of the story. Burman books are all made up of fables and the most extravagant romance, and being considered sacred, they are read with avidity, and for the most part without thought. 14. Gave away about a hundred tracts, in a village two miles west of the city. Though many were not disposed either to listen or read, yet the larger number gave good attention. Some said they would like to hear more on the subject. 25. Had a long conversation with eight Shans, who called at the house. They belong to the body-guard of a Shan prince, who is now in the city. They are all fine looking men, and one of them is very intelligent. Besides reading and writing his own language, he read and spoke the Burman with ease. He gave me the Shan alphabet, 10 vowels and 17 consonants, and wrote a number of words and sentences with definitions in Burman. I tried to employ him as a teacher, but his situation was such that he could not leave his prince. He had never before seen any 15. Inquiry is not altogether asleep of our books, but had heard, and said in Ava. As an evidence of this, a comhimself and companions wished to read. pany of metaphysicians are trying to I gave them tracts, and afterwards find discrepancies in the history of conversed till quite tired out. Two of Christ, and are drawing up a list of hard these men could not read Burman, but questions which they are quite sure had relatives who could, and they begwill puzzle the American teacher. ged so hard for a tract to take home to Some of these logicians I disputed these friends, that I could not refuse. with, about four months ago, and These little messengers of truth may preached to them Christ, the wisdom of scatter some seed among the Shan God, and the power of God to all who mountains, that in years to come will believe. The pride of man does not yield fruit to the glory of God. The readily yield to the humbling truths of Shans are numerous-Nine principalithe gospel, yet something is gained ties are tributary to the king of Ava : when haughty infidels sit down to ex- besides, there are two or three indeamine its claims; for every effort of this pendent princes. When, O when will kind awakens convictions that there is the time arrive to unroll the banner of a more excellent way than they have yet Christ in the midst of this interesting known. Through Ava, and the neigh- people! Here, just at our door, is a boring cities, there are a great number whole nation in whose language the of men, particularly among the higher words of eternal life are unknown. classes, who are free thinkers. They lift the curtain that shuts them out O God! have mercy on the Shans do not openly oppose Boodhism, yet despise it in their hearts. These persons, from the special prayers of thy peowhen brought in contact with the gos-ple and from all the means of grace. pel, quickly yield to the truth that there Let their snowy mountains and fertile is one only living and true God; but the vallies be made joyful with the message doctrine of the Cross is to them foolish- of life, for the Savior's sake. Amen. 26. Lord's-day. Had only four persons at worship besides the native brethren and school children. Preached from the words "The carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Several visiters at the house during the day: some were inquisitive; others pretended to be entirely indifferent. Conversation with priests-Idolatrous Festival-Discouraging circumstances. 27. Between 30 and 40 priests called, and, what was not common, all be haved civilly, asked for books, and listened while I read and explained the 17th chapter of Acts, from the 16th verse to the 32d. When this passage was read, "We ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device," one of them said, "Are you not afraid to preach in the royal city?" No: because it is eternal truth, and no efforts of men can overturn it." But if men cannot overturn it, they can kill you."-The one eternal God, who made of one blood all nations of men that dwell on the earth, has commanded to publish His holy law in all the world, and He will take care of those who preach the divine word, so that there is nothing to fear." You would not be so courageous if put into prison once."-I cannot say about that; but why should I be put into prison? "We do not say you should be; but for preaching against idols you might get irons on your feet." I am not concerned about that, yet I fear you will reject the living God, and continue to worship idols till you go down to hell. "Do you think all who worship idols will go to hell?" Can idols save you from your sins? Can idols make you holy? If they cannot, you live in sin, and die in sin-if you die in your sins, where God is you cannot come. "Are those who believe in God, saved from their sins?" Yes. God so loved the world, that he sent his only begotten Son into the world, that whosoever believeth in him might not perish but have eternal life-"What is eternal life?" It is to be free from every calamity, and enjoy the favor of God for ever and ever. "Do you say there is no transmigration?" There is no change after death; the wicked, with all the nations that forget God, are turned into hell, and those who love righteousness will go into life eternal. "Do you really believe this doctrine ?" Yes; it is the word of God. "Do all foreigners believe this doctrine?" Not all. 66 Why not?"-Some are the children of the world, and they do not take heed to the things of God. I then explained, at some length, that change which is wrought by the Holy Spirit; to all of which they listened with much atten tion. May 1. Have had but few visiters for some time-It is partly owing to a festival, which is held in honor of a marble image of great size, made at the king's expense. It has been in the hands of the sculptors for some years, and is just finished. The whole coun try is taxed on the occasion, from the prince to the poorest peasant. It is considered the greatest festival ever known in the empire-princes of the blood, tributary princes, nobility of all grades and myriads of people, are in attendance. Music, dancing, masquerades, fire-works, and all kinds of feats, some of which are truly barbarous, are practised night and day. All business is laid aside. A perfect mania reigns among all classes. Thieves and robbers are taking advantage of this confused state of things, and depredations are becoming alarmingly frequent-No one dares go into the country, unless in company with a considerable number of armed men. Robberies have been committed within a few nights past, all around us, but no one has been murdered. 2. About 2 o'clock in the morning, a powerful effort was made to force open our front door, but a kind Providence watched over us. A stout iron hook which held the door, was bent nearly double. Had about thirty visiters during the day. They asked for books, and some of them were disposed to converse. 5. Made a short tour in the western part of the city in the morning, and found many willing to listen. During the day about 40 called at the house, and I gave to each one either the View or the Balance. 6. Among others who came to the house, were two men who live about a hundred miles to the north of Ava. I soon ascertained that they had either read or heard considerable about the Christian religion. They said it was no small thing, to condemn the Burman religion, for they had been brought up from infancy to believe Gaudama was god, and that his doctrine was true, yet as they had read about a Being who is subject to no infirmity, and who made the heavens and the carth, they felt anxious to examine the subject well. I gave them three tracts, and the gospel by Luke and Jolin. May the Spirit of God which once came down on an unorganized world, separating between the light and the darkness, and bringing order out of confusion, rest upon the dark minds of those inquiring heathen, and teach them the way of life through Christ. 8. Few visiters the two days past. Held our prayer meeting this evening in view of the coming Lord's-day. 9. Only three persons at worship besides the native Christians and school |