dated November 14th, "Since I have been here, I have called upon the Viceroy, and other officers of government, several times, and have met with a favorable reception. They also requested me to put up the press, which I did, and set up the first part of the 5th chapter of Matthew, and a small national hymn, which the Viceroy sent me. On the 5th of November, he and his wife, and several other government officers, called to see the press and printing, an art of which they had never formed any idea before. They expressed themselves much surprised and gratified, at seeing so wonderful a machine in operation."

The intolerant spirit of the magistrates, and priests, was increased by the progress of the truth, and in December, 1833, they proceeded to more violent measures. Mr. Bennett says, in his journal, December 11th, "I learn, this evening, that Ko Thah-a was called to-day by the South Raywoon; and as he was not at home, the men sent for him, took his niece, and confined her in the stocks. But as two of the disciples promised to deliver the pastor on the morrow, she was liberated. They could not find out what offence the pastor was guilty of, only that he was a teacher of the foreign religion. What will come out of this, we cannot tell; our trust is in the Lord, who we know can bring good out of seeming evil.

"12. The men, according to promise, accompanied Ko Thah-a to-day to the Raywoon's, where he was accused of being a teacher of the foreign religion, and had one or two disciples, which he denied-of baptizing Karens, to which he replied, he was not the Karen teacher,—with many other accusations, some true and some false. One of the members of the church, who was present, come and informed me of the above. We are in very straitened circumstances, and need much wisdom and prudence to direct us."

There was, it seems, no serious design to injure Ko Thah-a, and he was soon released; but he was excessively frightened, and the church were so much intimidated, that they did not dare, for some time, to meet for public worship. There were, however, in the midst of the alarm, several interesting inquirers, and a number were anxious for baptism, but Ko Thah-a would not venture to baptize them. There is much need of earnest prayer, that God will restrain the spirit of persecution, and give success to his Gospel. It is evident, however, that the intolerant measures at Rangoon, are rather the result of alarm on the part of the priests, and of the local magistrates, than of any decided manifestation of a hostile policy on the part of the government.

On the 19th of February, 1834, Mr. and Mrs. Webb arrived at Rangoon, from Maulmein. On the 23d, Mr. Webb administered the Lord's supper, to fifteen communicants, eleven of whom were natives; after which four Karen women were received for baptism, and others presented themselves for examination. On the 26th, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett left Rangoon, for Maulmein, where they arrived March 1st.

The church at Rangoon consisted, at the last date, of about fiftyseven.* One member of the church, Moung Dan, died June 8th, 1833. He bore his sufferings patiently, and enjoyed his reason till the last moment. He often said, that "he was not afraid to die; that he trusted in Jesus, and believed that he should, through him, be received into heaven."

The operations of the school at Rangoon have been much interrupted by the persecutions which have been experienced. Ko Thah-byoo has a school of fifteen or twenty Karens in Manbee.

* Recent letters inform us of the baptism of twenty-two Karens, by Mr. Webb, making the present number of the church sixt y-nine.

AVA.

Missionaries, Rev. EUGENIO KINCAID, Mrs. BARBARA KINCAID. Native preachers, Ko Shoon and Ko San-lone.

The mission at Ava has become an object of intense interest. God has graciously given to it signal prosperity and special protection. The impression made on the public mind, has been astonishing; and the alarm excited among the priests and the members of the government, is one of the proofs that the truth is rapidly undermining the gorgeous but unstable edifice of idolatry. Multitudes of persons visited Mr. Kincaid, -some as serious inquirers, some from curiosity, and some connected with the government as spies. The native assistants preached zealously in several zayats. Threats were uttered, to intimidate the missionaries, but without effect. They continued to labor, preaching and distributing tracts, which were received with great eagerness. The Spirit of God has accompanied the word, and several have been baptized. The first baptism occurred on the 13th of Oct. 1833. Mr. Kincaid thus describes this interesting event:

"After a short discourse, we examined Mah Nwa Oo. When asked why she wished to be baptized, she said it was the appointed road for those who worshipped God. I asked her if she had found the way of life: she said, 'Yes, Christ on the cross opened the way of life.' We immediately repaired to the Irrawaddy, knelt down upon its shores, and lifted up our hearts in thanksgiving to Almighty God, for the tokens of his divine favor. Mah Nwa Oo was then buried beneath the wave, in obedience to her Saviour's will. How strikingly solemn this hour! How holy is this place! These waters, that for ages have been echoing the song of heathen worshippers, now listen to the voice of prayer, rising to the throne of the Eternal. The spire of the royal palace gleams over our heads, and the walls of the golden city fling their shadow upon the waters; but we heed it not. The King immortal, invisible, and only wise God our Saviour, has bid us plant our banners here. If God be for us, who can be against us? Several of the heathen were spectators of this scene; but no one offered the least insult, either in word or in action. Not a breath was heard, but the voice of prayer, and the words of the divine commission. We hope this may be the commencement of good days in Ava. Let waters break forth in this desert; let the wilderness blossom; let the Lord's house be established on these mountains." On the next Sabbath, Moung Kay was baptized. He had been one of the most popular preachers of Boodhism in Ava, and he is considered as one of the most learned men in the city. He immediately commenced studying the scriptures, with a view to preach the Gospel. Several other interesting individuals have since been baptized. On the first day of January, 1834, Mr. and Mrs. Cutter arrived at Ava, with the press. They left Rangoon, on the 20th of November, and were forty-one days on the river. Mr. Cutter's journal of the passage is exceedingly interesting, but we must refer to the Magazine for the details. The closing paragraph is all which we can quote:"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 an opportunity presented. There are many places which I should judge would be good missionary stations, and where, I doubt not, a missionary would be cordially received. I trust the time is not far distant, when heralds of the cross will be stationed at these destitute places, and the bread of life broken to the perishing thousands."

The press was immediately set in motion, and a tract, 'The Ship of Grace,' has been printed. The arrival of the press increased the alarm which had been felt. Mr. Kincaid says,-"A few days ago, the government made objections to our work altogether, preaching, and 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." The missionaries continued their labors with indefatigable zeal, and with cheering success. In a letter, dated Jan. 22, 1834, Mr. Kincaid says,"On the 20th of this month, I baptized Moung Shwa-ra, a young man 25 years old, and a country-born. The ordinance was administered in the Irrawaddy, a little distance from the king's water-palace. About twenty of the heathen came around, and listened to all the services in the most respectful manner. Among our inquirers, are some who listen to the news of salvation with joyful hearts. Very many have their eyes half open, and inquirers appear to be gaining on every hand. We occupy a zayat, about a mile and a half from Ava, on the great street that leads to Amarapora. At this station, several hundred persons hear the Gospel daily. We occupy another zayat, on the south side of the city, and the verandah of our house is another preaching-place. Ko Shoon and Ko San-lone are my assistants in preaching. They are good, faithful men. I preach every evening in the house. From what we see and hear, we feel encouraged to go on. We feel that the still small voice is abroad." The exhibitions of hostile feelings, on the part of the government, increased, till, at length, on the 22d of March, 1834, Messrs. Kincaid and Cutter were summoned before the High Court of the empire. An account of this event is given by Mr. Cutter, from which a few extracts will now be madeHaving arrived, we took our seats near the ministers, who were assembled for the discussion of any business which might come before them. One of them, a Woondouk, turned and inquired who I was, my age, &c., and appeared quite pleasant and sociable. Bro. Kincaid told him he had been sent for by the Mgai-wa-dee Woongee. The Woondouk replied, that he had not yet arrived, but would be there soon. The ministers now

simultaneously rose, and began to disperse. One of them, however, came up and told bro. K. to remain a short time. In a few minutes, Moung Sah made his appearance, dressed in long white robes, and took his seat near the north entrance of the building, and called us forward. We approached, made our salam,* and sat down, at a respectful distance, in front of him. He immediately inquired of Mr. K. who I was; if a new teacher had arrived. Mr. K. told him I was the printing teacher, the same who called with him at his house, a short time since. He made no reply, but stopped to hear a short petition, which a royal secretary was prepared to read before him. He then requested us to sit near him. We moved forward, and the following conversation took place, as near as I can recollect:

Woongee. You are American teachers, are you?

Mr. Kincaid. We are.

W. For what purpose have you come up to this city?

Mr. K. Every one knows that we came up to propagate the religion of Jesus Christ. Besides this, we have no business.

W. The religion which the king, noblemen, ministers, and myself, and all the inhabitants of the country, hold sacred, you say is false.

*An eastern mode of salutation.

Mr. K. No, my Lord, we do not say so. Formerly, in our own country, and in all the world, the people worshipped idols; but when the religion of the eternal God was made known to them, they renounced the traditions of their fathers.

W. To say much is not suitable.

Mr. K. I read the Burman sacred books daily, and they teach, that to propagate religion is a virtue. Our sacred books command us to go into all the world, and to teach all people; and, in order that the Burmans and Talings may discern whether the religion we propagate is true or false, we give them books.

W. No advantage is realized by us from this. We do not wish you to give books. (Which was reiterated by the royal secretary, who stood by our side.) Have you any disciples in this royal city?

Mr. K. There are a few. (Some conversation then ensued concerning the converts.)

W. I understand your books have spread all over the country; and the king is very sorry, and the ministers are very sorry, and I am sorry, and do not like it, and all the inhabitants of the country do not like it. It is therefore our wish that you would neither give any more books, nor remain any longer in the royal city.

Mr. K. Major Burney, the English Resident, came to us, the other day, and said the royal court had complained to him about our giving away books but that you said you would be satisfied, if we would give no more of the Investigator, and that if we gave no more of that tract, we might give books, print, preach, &c.

W. Too many words are not good. It is the wish of the king and the royal court, that you should remain here no longer.

Mr. K. Armenians, Mahomedans and Roman Catholics remain here, and Burmans enter their religion, and are unmolested.

W. They do not enter-say no more.

Mr. K. If you compel us to leave this country, it will be the only country in the world, where Christian missionaries are not allowed to labor. In Arracan and Maulmein, are not the Burmese allowed to worship as they please, as well as all other sects, and remain unmolested? If we cannot remain here, we must go to some other country.

W. It is our wish that you should not remain in this city. If you wish to go among other nations, you can go. Formerly, Mr. Judson preached at Prome, and the king sent down an order for him to leave, and he left immediately. If you remain here, and the king hears you have not left, we shall be afraid for ourselves,

Mr. K. Armenians, Mahomedans, and Roman Catholics are permitted to stay here, and no one says a word against them, but because there are two teachers of the Christian religion here, the ministers, &c. are afraid! What are they afraid of? If the people dislike the doctrine we teach, they need not hear nor embrace it; and, if they do not wish for books, they need not ask for them, nor receive them; for, unless they ask, we never give a book; therefore, what harm can we do? Have not teachers been in Rangoon, for twenty years unmolested?

W. Speak no more. Much talk is not good. If you wish to go to Rangoon, go. You can remain in Rangoon, and it is a very good place. Mr. K. Are there no other places besides Rangoon where we can stay? Rangoon is already supplied.

W. Rangoon and Maulmein are very good places-go there. He immediately rose up, and walked out of the hall."

The prospects of the mission were now very dark, and the expulsion of the missionaries from Ava seemed inevitable. They, however, were not discouraged, and God graciously interposed for their deliverance. "We resolv

ed," says Mr. Kincaid, "to continue our labors, until a written order, compelling us to leave Ava, should be put into our hands. A few days ago, Major Burney, the English Resident at the court, having an opportunity, inquired of the Woongee, 'Why do you wish to send them away?' They replied, we do not intend to send them away; but we do not wish to have our religion subverted, neither do we wish them to live in the midst of the city, as they now do." The missionaries accordingly removed from their residence in the city, to a spot on the outside of the gates,-the precise spot where Mr. and Mrs. Judson formerly resided. Here, their opportunities will be nearly or quite as great as they were before, and the Government may be satisfied with this display of its authority. The king is said to be insane, and the Government is in an unsettled state. The prosperity of the mission is dependent, to a great extent, on capricious political changes; but the Lord reigns, and we may be sure that He will overrule all events for the ultimate promotion of his own glory. The whole numA small female school had ber baptized, up to April 13, 1834, was seven. been opened, and there was a favorable opening for a school for girls, belonging to the highest families in Ava. At the last dates, Mr. and Mrs. Cutter had left Ava, on account of Mrs. Cutter's health, and had arrived at Rangoon. The station at Ava is so immensely important, that the missionaries will doubtless feel it to be their duty to maintain it as long as possible. It is probable that some of the missionaries at Maulmein have already taken the place left vacant by Mr. Cutter.

CHUMMERAH.

This station, which is sixty miles above Maulmein, on the river Salwen, has been occupied by Miss Sarah Cummings, with some aid from native assistants. Her health suffered from the climate, and she was repeatedly obliged to visit Maulmein. The missionaries there advised her to remove to Tavoy, and join that station; but as no passage to that place offered, she returned to Chummerah. In a letter dated January 1, 1834, she says,My time has been employed in studying the language, extending a little medical and other aid to the sick, and looking after the school, and other concerns attending the station."

66

There is at Chummerah a Karen church, which contains about one hundred and thirty or forty members; eight were recently added by baptism. There is also a boarding-school taught by a native Christian.

[Since the Report was prepared, accounts have been received from Burmah, that on the first Sabbath of August, 1834, Miss Cummings died at Maulmein, of the jungle fever.]

NEWVILLE.

This village appears to be in the Karen country, east of Maulmein, though the Board are not informed of its precise situation. There is a Mr. Judson, in a letter dated Newville, Karen church at this place.

March 12, 1834, says,

"I have spent a few days in this place, where, on my arrival, I found the church consisting of twenty-five members only; several having removed to the vicinity of the Chummerah church, which, though of later origin, is now five or six times larger than the Newville. Day before yesterday and to-day, nine new members have been received, at this place, and there are five or six others with whom I feel satisfied, but for various reasons their baptism has been deferred. In the number received, the most notable case is that of Lausan and wife; he is a petty chief, and possesses more personal influence, than any Karen yet baptized in these parts. He has been considering the Christian religion with approbation for three years, but has