R E O I L A T I O ir S OF THE (NEW IIAVEN) U8RARY OF PRINCETON 2005 L, BV 4935 .T44 M37 1847 Mason, Francis, 1799-1874. The Karen apostle ^^i^xnJl ii'% 4^ '^ LIBRARY OF PRINCETON "" ^0 2006 KO THAH-RYU PREACHING IN A KAREN HOUSE. THE KAREN APOSTLE; OR, MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU, THE FIRST KAREN CONVERT ; WITH A?l HISTORICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF THE NATION, ITS TRADITIONS, PRECEPTS, RITES, &C,, BY ' REV. FRANCIS MASON, MISSIONARY TO THE KARENS. REVISED BV H. J. RIPLEY, PROFESSOR IN NEWTON THEOLOGICAL SEMINART. FOURTH THOUSAND. BOSTON: GOULD, KENDALL, AND LINCOLN, 59 Washington Street. 1847. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1845, By Gould, Kendall, and Lincoln, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. STEREOTYPED AT THE BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY. INTRODUCTORY NOTE. The following pages were sent to me by the Rev. Mr. Mason, with the request that I would superintend their publication in this country. They are accordingly now sent forth, in hope that the interest which has been felt in behalf .of the Karens may be deepened, and that the cause of missions to the heathen in general may be promoted, by the striking proof of the power of the gospel here exhibited. The drawing of the Karen house is Mrs. Mason's work. " The house differs in appear- ance from some drawings of Karen houses that have been made, but many are built in this way." The other cuts are from Mr. Malcom's Travels IN South-Eastern Asia. 1 * 6 INTRODUCTORY NOTE. In discharging the trust committed to me, I have omitted a paragraph or two in the second chapter, and in another part of the book have altered the arrangement of the materials. I have also inserted the author's name on the title-page, and added a few notes. The notes which I have added are distinguished by the letter E. H. J. RIPLEY. Newtow Theological Institutiok, March, 1843. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Early Life of Ko Thah-Byu. — His Conversion and Baptism, 9 CHAPTER II. Burman Oppression of the Karens. — Singular Prophecy. — Ar- rival of the English. — Prophecies fulfilled concerning white Foreigners. — Attachment to them. — Arrival of Teachers. — The Karens obtain Books, 15 CHAPTER HI. First Journey into the Jungle, to Khat — Second, to Thalu. — Seeks his Countrymen in the City of Tavoy. — First Journey across the Eastern Mountains, to Tshiekku. — Second Visit to Tshiekku. — Third Journey to Tshiekku. — Accompanies Mr. Boardman on his first Tour among the Karens. — Visits the Southern Karens, at Toung-byouk, Pai, and Palouk. — Teaches School at Tshiekku. — Goes to Siam. — Journey into the Maulmain Karen Jungles. — Returns to Tavoy with Mr. Boardman, 28 CHAPTER IV. Ko Thah-Byu's successful Labors. — Style of Preaching.— Scene of his Successes. — Shades in his Character —Igno- rance.— Love of Knowledge .—-Passion.— Habits of Prayer, 41 8 CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. Returns to Maulmain. — Goes to Rangoon. — Visits the Karens. • — Second Tour. — Spends the Rains at Maubee. — Great Success. — Barman Persecution. — FJees to Pegu, . . 49 CHAPTER VI. Returns to Maulmain. — Second Visit to Rangoon. — Returns to Maulmain again. — Goes to Arracan.^ Success. — Sickness and Death, 68 CHAPTER Vn. Karen Mission most encouraging. — Most successful. — The cheapest, — Native Preachers most useful. — An Establish- ment required to educate them. — Susceptibility of the Ka- rens to religious Impressions. — Testimony of various Mis- sionaries, 73 APPENDIX. Historical and Geographical Notices, 94 Scriptural Traditions, 97 Scriptural Precepts, 99 National Traditions, 100 Funeral Rites, 101 Prophets, .... ... . 103 Romance of Missions, 105 MEMOIR. CHAPTER I. Early Life of Ko Thah-byu. — His Conversion and Baptism. Often had the Christian voyager gazed on the rocky promontories of Burtnah, crowned with their whitened pagodas, that glow amid the eternal verdure of tropic climes ; but he little thought that " the misty mountain tops," in the distance, threw their shadows over the eyry dwellings of a people, that, generation after generation, had charged their posterity never to worship idols. Xavier had passed their mountain homes when he went to look on, but not to enter, inhospitable China, and find a surreptitious resting-place and grave upon its barren rocks. Swartz had labored half a century to destroy the three hundred thou- sand gods of India, without hearing of the nation that had rejected them all from the remotest ages. Carey had made his forty versions, without a line for the people that were longing, with " hope de- ferred," for the word of God. And Judson had lived Seven years in Rangoon, preaching the eter- nal God, before a single individual would admit his existence; while the poor unnoticed Karens 10 MEMOIR OF KO THAII-BYU. were continually passing his door, and perhaps singing by the way, — " God is eternal ; his life is long : God is immortal; his life is long: One kulpa* he dies not ; Two kulpas he dies not; He is perfect in meritorious attributes ; Kulpas on kulpas he dies not." The Catholics, who preceded Protestants in Burmah several decades f of years, appear to have entirely overlooked the Karens ; and it was not till after the late war between the English and the Burmese, and the removal of the Baptist mis- sion to the Tenasserim coast, that they began to attract the attention of the missionaries. The first allusion to any of that nation is found in Mr. Judson's journal of April 22, 1827, where, among three hopeful inquirers, he mentions " Moung Thah-pyoo, a poor man, belonging to Moung Shway-bay ; " but it was not till Mr. Judson's second notice, at the close of the year, that we learn the individual mentioned was a Ka- ren. At that time, Mr. Judson, speaking of his hopeful inquirers, says, " The second is Moung Thah-pyoo,t a Karen by nation, imperfectly ac- quainted with the Burman language, and possessed of very ordinary abilities. He has been about us several months, and we hope that his mind, though exceedingly dark and ignorant, has begun to dis- cern the excellency of the religion of Christ." * Some long period of time. — E. f Tens. — E. X The word Moung is a Burman title of respect, applied to middle- aged men. Ko is a similar title applied to elderly men. Pyoo aftd Biju are different modes, which have been successively adopted, of spelling the same word. Hence Moung- Thah-pyoo and Ko Thah-byu designate the same man at different periods of his life. — E. MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 11 This is the individual to whom the following rem- iniscences relate. It is very true that he was a man " possessed of very ordinary abilities," and has therefore left no literary relics, from which to compile a bulky memoir. It is true that he was degraded among a people that characterize them- selves as " a nation most debased arnon^ the de- based ; " that he was a poor man, and a slave, till Mr. Judson set him free. But it is also true that he was afterwards a faithful and successful mis- sionary, and a distinguished instrument in the hands of God to arouse the attention of the Karen nation to Christianity. From the day of his bap- tism to his death, he never intermitted his labors in preaching Christ, where the Savior had not so much as been named, from Tavoy to Siam ; from Martaban to the borders of Zimmay ; and from Rangoon to Arracan. And though he was the first of his nation to go down into the baptismal waters, he lived to see hundreds and hundreds follow his steps, in whose conversion he held a distinguished part. We cannot err in honoring those whom God honors; and it therefore seems proper that the name of Ko Thah-byu should be rescued from oblivion, and inscribed among the worthies of the church, that the rising generation may learn what " very ordinary abilities," when wholly consecrated to God, may accomplish. Ko Thah-byu was born about the year 1778, at a village called Oo-twau, four days' journey north of Bassein. He resided with his parents until he was fifteen years of age. He was then, as he rep- resented himself, a wicked and ungovernable boy ; and, when he left his parents, he became a robber and a murderer. " How many of his fellow-men 12 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. he had murdered, either as principal or accessory," writes one of the brethren, " he did not exactly know himself; more than thirty, without doubt, accordinor to his own confession. His natural temper was diabolical. After the Burmese war, he went to Rangoon, and got into Mr. Hough's service." There some religious impressions were made on his mind, and he ever remembered Mr. Hough with great affection ; and not unfrequently "Teacher Hough" was mentioned many years afterwards in his public prayers in Tavoy. " He followed Mr. Judson to Amherst," where "Ko Shway-bay," writes one of the missionary sisters, " paid for him a debt of ten or twelve rupees, and took him into his family as a servant.* We had before felt," she continues, " an interest in the Karens, as a people who had not adopted the sys- tems of idolatry exhibited by the more civilized nations around them ; and this being the first op- portunity we had enjoyed of presenting to their minds the religion of the Bible, we naturally felt deeply anxious that the grace of God should make it effectual to his salvation. Truth seemed, how- ever, to make no impression upon his mind for a long time ; and Ko Shway-bay, getting discouraged with regard to doing him any good, informed us that Ko Thah-byu's moral character proved to be such, that he could no longer retain him in his family. Mr. Judson, however, who at the time lived with us, proposed to pay the debt, if we could find employment by which he could support himself; and he was accordingly transferred to our family. Soon after this period, he began to pay * According to Burman law, the debtor becomes a slave to the creditor. MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 13 more attention to religious instruction, and though his fits of violent temper gave us a great deal of trouble, it was not very long before we began to see signs of repentance and the first dawnings of faith in a crucified Savior. His mind was, how- ever, extremely dark ; he was very slow to believe ; and then his violent temper often cast him down, and quite discouraged him from praying. After some time, however, his faith began to gain a little strength, and we, with great joy, perceived a grad- ual improvement in his character. The little Bur- man church were, however, very slow to perceive the change; and though he often begged for the privilege of baptism, yet, not having gained a full victory over his violent passions, they could not think he had really been ' born again.' After hav- ing been with us about a year, the church gained sufficient evidence of the chano^e to receive him as one of their number, and the next Sabbath was appointed for his baptism. During the year, how- ever, another Karen man, with a family, and a young woman, with her two little orphan brothers, relatives of the family, made their appearance in Maulmain, and, being in a most miserable, starving condition, we gave them a little place to live in, and took the young woman into the girls' school, while the two little boys were put into Mr. Boardman's school for boys. The young woman improved much in the school, and gave good attention to religious instruction ; so that Ko Thah-byu had married her previous to the time appointed for his baptism. He had likewise been studying very diligently, in order to be able to read the Burman Bible. But before the day for his baptism arrived, Mr. Boardman being ready to sail for Tavoy, and 2 14 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. wishing to take the two little Karen boys with him, Ko Thah-byu concluded to accompany him, as his wife was unwilling to be separated so far from her little brothers ; and his baptism was accordingly deferred until he should arrive in Tavoy." His baptism is thus recorded by Mr. Boardman, in his journal of May 16, 1828 : — " Repaired early in the morning to a neighbor- ing tank, and administered Christian baptism to Ko Thah-byu, the Karen Christian who accompa- nied us from Maulmain. May we often have the pleasure of witnessing such scenes! The three Karen visitors were present. They appear to be impressed with the truth of our doctrine. They have urged Ko Thah-byu to accompany them, so that I have left it for him to choose whether he will go or stay. He has concluded to go. Per- haps God has a work for him to do among his countrymen. He is very zealous in the cause of declaring what he knows." Before following him into the jungles, it may not be deemed inappropriate to notice, in a sepa- rate chapter, the preparation of the Tavoy Karens to receive the gospel. Waterins a Rice Field. MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 15 CHAPTER II. Burman Oppression of the Karens. — Singular Prophecy. — Arrival of the English. — Prophecies fulfilled con- cerning white Foreigners. — Attachment to them. — Ar- rival of Teachers. — The Karens obtain Books. The remarkable traditions of Scripture doc- trines and facts, which make the Karen nation a people prepared for the gospel in a manner above all other unevangelized nations, are well known, and will not be repeated here. But the following extracts from an unpublished address to the Eng- lish governor-general, written by Sau Q,ua-la, a Karen assistant missionary, exhibit the local con- dition and anticipations of the Tavoy Karens so vividly, that, should they contain any thing irrele- vant to the present subject, it will be overlooked, it is believed, from the consideration that every sentence is the unsuggested production of a Karen, who, when Ko Thah-byu entered the jungles, was wild as " the untaught Indian." '* Through the goodness of God, my nation, sons of the forest, and children of poverty, ought to praise thy nation, the white foreigners, exceed- ingly ; and we ought to obey your orders, for the Karens, the sons of the eastern forest, have neither head nor ear. They are poor, and scattered every where j are divided in every direction ; at the sources of the waters, and in the glens above them. When they fall among the Siamese, the Siamese make them slaves. When they fall among the Burmans, the Burmans make them slaves. So 16 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. they live on one stream beyond another, and can- not see each other. They have had other things to do rather than visit. The Burmans make them drag boats, cut ratans, collect dammer, seek bees- wax, gather cardamums, strip bark for cordage, clear away cities, pull logs, and weave large mats. Besides this, they demanded of them presents of yams, the bulbo-tubers of arum, ginger, capsicum, flesh, elephants' tusks, rhinoceroses' horns, and all the various kinds of vegetables that are eaten by the Burmans. The men being employed thus, the women had to labor at home. Sometimes the men were not at home four or five days in two or three months. Further, the young females had to secrete themselves, and affect rudeness, and black- en their faces ; for if they did not, the Burman officers would drag them away, and make them prostitutes. If any one was reputed handsome, and it came to the ears of the Burman rulers, she was taken away immediately ; so that the young females dared not appear openly. Sometimes, when a Burman asked, ' Is she a maiden ? ' the Karens would reply falsely, ' No, she has a husband.' The married women, also, that were handsome, had to conceal themselves. The men were com- pelled, by the Burman rulers, to guard forts, to act as guides, to kidnap Siamese, and to go from one place to another, till many dropped down dead in the midst of the jungle. Notwithstanding they did all this, they had their arms twisted behind them, were beaten with stripes, boxed with the fist, and pounded with the elbow, days without end. " In the midst of these sufferings, they remem- bered the ancient sayings of the elders, and prayed ^ MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 17 beneath the bushes, though the rains poured upon them, or the mosquitoes, the gnats, the leeches, or the horseflies bit them. The elders said, ' Chil- dren and grandchildren, as to the Karen nation, their God will yet save them.' Hence, in their deep affliction, they prayed, ' If God will save us, let him save speedily. We can endure these suf- ferings no longer. Alas ! where is God ? ' "Sometimes the Burmans would kidnap the Karens in Siam, and carry them up to Ava, to the presence of the king ; and, thus separated from father or mother, husband or wife, child or grand- cl#Id, they yearned for each other, and many sick- ened and died on the way, before reaching the monarch's feet. Sometimes the Siamese kidnapped the Karens in Burmah, and subjected them to like treatment. The Karens in Siam knew that those whom the Siamese brought from Burmah were their relatives, and their tears flowed when they saw them ; yet they dared not tell the Siamese, or supplicate for them. So those in Burmah, when they saw the Burmans leading away the Karens they had kidnapped in Siam, knew they were their cousins ; yet they dared not speak or entreat for them ; for if they said they were their relations, or begged for them, death was the immediate con- sequence. Moreover, the Karens dared not dwell near the cities; for the Burmans took away all their rice and paddy, and every thing they had, and carried off their women by force. Hence they went far off, and dwelt on the streamlets, and in the gorges of the mountains. After all, the rulers sometimes took their paddy ; and, in a state of starvation, they would eat at random the roots and leaves of the jungle, and thus great numbers 3* 18 MEMOIR OP KO THAH-BYU. died. Sometimes the rulers assembled them to- gether near the city, where, having nothing to eat, great numbers died of sickness and starvation. Sometimes they would have to carry rice for sol- diers under march, and being unable to cultivate their fields, great numbers died of hunger from this cause. Then, those whom the rulers called, if unable to go, either from sickness in their fami- lies, or in their own persons, had to give money to the officers that came, and money for the rulers that sent them ; and if they had no money, they were compelled to borrow of the Burmans, and thus became their slaves. * " Furthermore, the Karens were not permitted to go into the presence of the rulers. They were only allowed to hold a little communication with the Burman that was set over them. At one time, in the days of Diwoon, when the Karens were fast dying off with starvation, and were so employed that they could not cultivate the land, my uncle, who is a chief, determined to go and ask the gov- ernor to give the Karens liberty to cultivate the land and raise provisions to a small extent. So he went in to Diwoon ; but he was thrown into prison immediately. His brethren had no rice to bring him, and they could feed him there only with the stems of wild plantain-trees, the male blossoms with their spathes, and the young shoots of bamboos. " Great Ruler, the ancestors of the Karens charged their posterity thus : ' Children and grand- children, if the thing come by land, weep ; if by water, laugh. It will not come in our days, but it will in yours. If it come first by water, you will be able to take breath ; but if first by land, you MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 19 will not find a spot to dwell in.' Hence, when the Karens were in the midst of their intense suf- ferings, they longed for those that were to come by water to come first. "Again, the elders said, 'When the Karens have cleared the Hornbill city * three times, hap- piness will arrive.' So when the Bur man rulers made them clear it the last time, they said among themselves, ' Now we may suppose happiness is coming, for this completes the third time of clear- ing the Hornbill city ; ' and true enough, for be- fore they had finished, we heard that the white foreigners had taken Rangoon! Then the Bur- man rulers made the Karens carry stones and throw them into Tavoy River, that the foreign ships might not be able to come up. They compelled them also to become soldiers, and to muster, each one with a bow and quiver ; and as they had no guns, every one had to arm himself also with a cudgel ; for the Burmans said, that, when the for- eigners got on land, they would be unable to walk, and might be beaten to death with sticks. When, however, the news came that the foreigners had entered the mouth of Tavoy River, the Karens let themselves down over the wall of the city by night, and fled into the jungles. Then the Karens all ran and secreted themselves, both men, and women, and children; cooking food only when the smoke could be concealed by the clouds and vapors; for they were apprehensive that, if the Burmans were overcome, they would fly also, and trace them by the smoke. Some of the men in * The site of an old city, near Tavoy, which the Karens were called in to clear occasionally, when the trees grew up over it. 20 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. the city were unable to get away, and remained till it was taken ; and some that fled were unable to find their families, they having previously se- creted themselves. In a little more than ten days, however, we heard that the foreigners had taken possession, and that those who wished to go to the city had liberty. Then the Karens rejoiced, and said, ' Now happiness has arrived. The thing has come by water. Now we may take breath.' And those that were concealed returned to their homes, with their wives and little ones. " The Karens soon learned that the foreigners were not vile, like the Burmans ; and they came to the city frequently, and the women with them. Formerly the women were afraid of the Burmans, and dared not come to the city ; so they had never seen it. Besides, it was very pleasant to look at the foreign soldiers, standing in straight rows ; and, as they were quiet and civil, the Karens brought their wives and little ones to look at them. Then we remembered the words of the prophet, who said, ' See, see, the white foreigners ! the white foreigners ! They stand gracefully, sit gracefully, eat gracefully, drink gracefully, sleep gracefully, dwell gracefully, go gracefully, return gracefully, speak gracefully, talk gracefully ; ' and he had sung, — ' The sons of God, the white foreigners, Dress in shining black and shining white. The white foreigners the children of God, Dress in shining black and shining red.' " And so we saw them. They came with black soldiers and white soldiers, and the rulers were dressed just as the prophet had said. We had MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 21 never seen white foreigners before; but we had heard the elders say, ' As to the white foreigners, they are righteous. They were the guides of God anciently ; so God blessed them, and they sailed in ships and cutters ; and can cross oceans, and reach lands.' The elders said further, that the Karens were originally seven brethren, of whom the white foreigners were the youngest. Still the generation before us, that told us these things, had never seen them, and knew not how they looked. They merely related what the elders said an- ciently. Through the goodness of God, my gen- eration is permitted to see them. The elders further sung, in relation to the white foreigners, as follows : — ' The sons of God, the white foreigners, Obtained the words of God. The white foreigners, the children of God, Obtained the words of God anciently.' " Great Ruler, afterwards we heard that, after staying three years, the white foreigners would re- turn. Then we wept aloud. We said to each other, ' If the foreigners go away, the race of the Karens will be wholly cut off; ' for in the days of Alompra and Diwoon,* they died like dogs, whole families often dying off together ; and about the time the white foreigners arrived, the Burmans were preparing to make an end of them, having assembled them together near the city. But the Karens having heard reports that the white for- eigners were coming, they prayed diligently for their arrival. The prophet, too, sung at worship, — * Alompra was a courageous chief, who, about a century ago, usurped the royal power among the Burmans. Of Diwoon I find no information. He was, doubtless, an individual of some distinction at a more recent date. — E. 2^ MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. ♦ The city of Ava says, she is great ; She is not equal to the heel of God's foot. The city of Ava says, she is exceedingly great ; She is not equal to the sole of God's foot.' " Thus they sung, and prayed, that the white foreigners might come. When they arrived, the Karens in Burmah and Siam heard of each other, and saw each other. " After the foreign rulers and their soldiers had been here a short time, the white foreign teacher Boardman arrived, and came into the jungles, and preached the words of God. We gave attention, and remembered that the elders said, the white foreigners had obtained the words of God, that they were our younger brethren, and that they were righteous. Again, the elders said, — ' Who created the world in the beginning .' God created the world in the beginning. God appointed every thing : God is unsearchable.' '' All things in heaven and on earth, O children and grandchildren, God created them. ' Never forget God. Pray to him every day and every night.' And before the arrival of the white for- eigners, a prophet, singing, said, — ' Great mother comes by sea, Comes with purifying water, the head water. The teacher comes from the horizon : He comes to teach the little ones.' Hence not a few of the Karens believed. " We next heard that teacher Wade, at Maul- main, had made Karen books ; so teacher Mason sent up Kau-la-pau and myself, in a ship, to learn. Then many of the Karens, here and there, learned to read their own language ; and we remembered , MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 33 that the elders had said again, * Children and grandchildren, the Karen books will yet arrive. When their books arrive, they will obtain a little happiness.' Therefore, O great Ruler, God hav- ing given thee great goodness and kindness, we are very happy. Now, the Karens, though they be maidens, or mothers, or children, may come and dwell in the city ; may dress as they wish ; put on what they wish ; and adorn themselves as they wish. It was not so in the days of the Bur- mans : we could never do so then. In the provi- dence of God, how numerous are the reasons that we have to praise thy goodness and thy benefi- cence ! May God establish thy towns and thy cities, thy lands and thy territories. Through thy acts, the Karens, the children of poverty, and the sons of the forest, breathe with ease. May God, then, make great thy power and thy might, till thy government shall embrace all the children of pov- erty throughout the earth. And may God, whom thou worshippest, do good unto thee, and watch over thee, and thy children and grandchildren. " Again the elders said, ' Children and grand- children, when the white foreigners and the Karens fight, then happiness will arrive. And how will they fight? The white foreigners will come in ships, and shoot at the Karens ; and the loads of their cannon and muskets will be changed to sa- vory plantains and sweet sugar-cane; and the Karens will eat them. On the other hand, the Karens, armed with adzes, will go and make holes in their ships. Then the Karens and white for- eigners will recognize each other as brethren ; and one will say, "O my younger brother!" and the other will say, " O my elder brother 1 " And they 24 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. , will become real brethren, and there will be peace and happiness.' Now, the white foreign teachers, that preach Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came by ship; and before the people understood what they heard, they contradicted; but the teachers talked to them till they understood, and then they knew that God [whom the teachers preached] was the One God; and the teachers made us books, and were thus able to teach us. Great Ruler, for- merly the Karens had no books, and when they wished to learn to read, they went to the Burmese, or Siamese, or Taling kyoungs.* There they made them pull up weeds around the pagodas, car- ry bricks to build new ones, and go out and beg food, and they beat them and whipped them ; so that they could never learn well. " Through thy favor and kindness, the people of my generation are very happy ; and we hear again, and more perfectly, of God, of whom our ancestors told us. Great Ruler, though we heard anciently of God from our ancestors, yet, through the persecutions of the Burmans and Talings, we gave random worship to images ; but we still hoped that our God would save us, and we prayed to him on our pillows. Now, through thy good- ness and beneficence, we worship God as we please. May God establish thy city and thy generation. *' Great Ruler, our ancestors said that the white foreigners were our younger brethren ; that they guided away God anciently, and obtained books and ships ; and that they are more skilful than all other nations, and are able to reach lands, and cross oceans. Furthermore, the elders said, ' When their * Monasteries of the priests. — E. MEMOIR OP KO THAH-BYU. 25 younger brother arrives, the Karens will be happy. Their younger brother was able to keep in compa- ny with God.' And now we see you ! We are a worthless nation. We are the poorest of races. We are a tribe of wild men. We are a nation of slaves to all people. Among fools, we are the greatest fools. Now, through the goodness of God, the white foreign teachers have taught us to read, and I am enabled to write to thee. " Great Ruler, thy goodness and beneficence to the Karen nation we shall never forget, down to the generations of our children and grandchildren. Great Ruler, forget us not ; cast us not away into the hands of other nations. We are exceedingly happy in thee. Thou art as he of whom we sung anciently, — ♦ The Great Chief; his words are bliss, As the impervious shade of the great banyan.' " We are happy in thee, far above all other na- tions that ever ruled us before ; but we fear that the 'White foreigners will go back, and the Siamese and the Burmese will come and persecute us again. Great Ruler, we, the Karen nation, have no cities, no towns, no villages, no hamlets. We are now dwelling beneath thy shadow, and are exceedingly happy, and obtain our sustenance with great ease. Because thou hast been merciful, may God have mercy on thee, generation after generation. If thou givest us up again into the hands of the Bur- mans, our race will really be brought to an end. Formerly, we dwelt as in the midst of a thorn bush; but in thee, we dwell as on a mat spread down to sleep upon. May God make thee joyful and happy, generation after generation. 3 26 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. " The white foreign teachers have preached the words of God, and some of us have become disci- ples. Great Ruler, it is of thy goodness and be- neficence. Further, the Karens, the sons of the forest, a nation of slaves, a people of the deepest poverty, thou hast freed from taxes. Thy good- ness and beneficence is so great, that we rejoice till we can rejoice no more. And the people of thy nation, the white foreigners that live with us here, the ruler of the city and the ruler of the provinces, the officers and soldiers, the doctors and teachers, are good men. Great Ruler, through thy acts I believe the words of the elders. The elders said, * The white foreigners are righteous. They will not do any thing that is improper. They do not act regardless of every thing j like the Talings and Burmans. They never use com- pulsion. They dwell with truth. When they ar- rive, the Karens will be happy,' I believe these words. The Karens have been slaves, generation upon generation. When demands were made of us, we must give, whether we had whereof to give or not ; when they called us, we must go, night or day, whether able to go or not ; they made us sick ; they persecuted us ; they killed us, like insects. But thou, Great Ruler, thou hast snatched us from the hands of an evil people. Truly, thou hast bought us, and then given us our liberty for nought. Truly, thou art righteous; truly, thou dvvellest with truth, as our ancestors said. Verily, thou dost love ; verily, thou art merciful. The goodness and beneficence of thine acts to us are so great, that they go far beyond what we could ever conceive. May God be with thee. Thy goodness and beneficence in freeing us, and mak- MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 27 ing us happy, we will never forget, but tell it to succeeding generations, as our ancestors told us of the white foreigners anciently. Great Ruler, may God watch over thee, and do good unto thee, and widen out thy kingdom and territories, gen- eration after generation, forever." A IVeddins: Procession. 5J8 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. CHAPTER III. First Journey into the Jungle^ to Kliat. — Second, to Thalu — Seeks his Countrymen in the City of Tavoy. — First Journey across the eastern Mountains, to Tshiekku. — Second Visit to Tshiekku. — Third Journey to Tshiekku. — .Accompanies Mr. Boardman on his first Tour among the Karens. — Visits the Southern Karens, at Toung- byouk, Pai, and Palouk. — Teaches School at Tshiek- ku. — Goes to Siam. — Journey into the Maulmain Karen Jungles. — Returns to Tavoy with Mr. Boardman. Immediately after his baptism, Ko Thah-byu, accompanied by two of his countrymen, that were present, left Tavoy to visit the Karens beyond the eastern mountains, in the valley of the Tenasserim. The rains, which had commenced, were so power- ful, and the streams so high, that he was com- pelled to abandon his intentions; but he turned aside, on his return, to a little settlement of Karens on Khat Creek, a few miles south of his path, and a short day's walk from town. " It was planting season," says one of my Karen correspondents, who lived there, " and we had gone to plant on the hill sides, when one of those, who had been left behind in the house, came and said, ' Here is a man come from the up country, to trace his genealogy to us : come and listen.' We went and found Ko Thah-byu, who preached and explained the catechism. All gave attention, and Moung Khway resolved at once to become a Christian ; and he went with Ko Thah-byu, on his return to town, to see the teacher." This man, the first MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. ^ 29 fruits of Ko Thah-byu's labors, was brother to the chief of the village, and became a most valuable member of the church. He was an efficient aux- iliary in the evangelizing of his village, nearly the whole of whose inhabitants ultimately became Christians. At the time of his baptism, Mr. Boardman writes concerning him, " He appears remarkably well. With but little opportunity of receiving instruction, he has made great progress in Christian knowledge and practice. His expe- rience and heavenly-mindedness might, perhaps, put many a worldly-minded Christian to the blush." Mr. Boardman, recording his return, says, *' Ko Thah-byu, finding the rains very violent, and the brooks much swelled, was obliged to abandon his plan of visiting the Karen teacher's village. He returned last evening. During his absence, he met several people, to whom he spoke as he was able. Many of them heard with attention, and two of them accompanied him on his return, in order to gain further instruction. They profess a readiness to receive the gospel, and wish me to visit them after the rains." " Last evening, two respectable Karens, whom Ko Thah-byu saw in his late tour, called for further instruction. They live a day's journey from Tavoy. They profess a full belief of the truth of the gospel. May their professions prove to be sincere." In July, he visited another Karen settlement, Thalu, it is believed, where the writer of this Memoir subsequently found several converts. Mr. Boardman, noticing his return, says, " Ko Thah- byu, the Karen Christian, who went out five days ago to visit a Karen village, returned to-day, and 3* 30 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. says that all the people of the village listened to his words." While in town, he was busied in looking up his countrymen, who, for various purposes, occasionally visit the city. " About a month since," writes Mr. Boardman, in August, *' a very interesting young Karen was found by Ko Thah-byu, in the niche of a pagoda, where he had been fasting two days. Knowing only the religion of Gaudama, which he had heard from the Burmans, he had embraced it so far as to practise this austerity, in the hope of obtaining a great reward in a future state. Our Karen Christian explained to him the folly of fasting, as practised by the Burmans, and invited the young man to our house, where he paid a very serious attention to Christian in- struction. After learning the way of the Lord more perfectly, he took a Christian book and returned to his native forest. Our prayers ac- companied him. We all remarked something peculiarly interesting and amiable in his appear- ance. I have often wished to have him live with me, in hope that he might become a Christian, and a herald of the gospel. Yesterday, this young man returned to us, with three of his relations, to receive further instruction. After conversingf with me for some time, and attending Burman worship with us, he went to Ko Thah-byu' s apart- ment, where I heard them talking of the gospel till near midnight ; and at break of day, this morning, the conversation was renewed. This afternoon, he expressed a wish to live with me, in order to learn more fully about the true God and Savior. On my inquiring how long he would be willing to stay for this purpose, he replied, MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 31 ' Ten or twelve years, till I can learn fully about God and Christ. Many of the Karens will also come.' He is a youth of good understanding, quick apprehension, and amiable manners. He says, he wishes no longer to worship heaps of brick, but to know and serve the everliving and true God." He felt the greatness of the missionaries' work^. and the inadequacy of the means in operation to carry it forward ; and hence we find in Mr. Board- man's journal of the following day, "After evening worship in Burman, the Karen Christian, having related the adventures of the day, said to me, * There is one subject on which I wish to await your decision : I wish you would write to Amer- ica, for more teachers to be sent out.' " About the end of September, before the rains had fully closed, he started again to visit the east- ern Karens. He went to the village of Tshiekku, where the teacher, or prophet, that brought the sacred book* to Mr. Boardman, lived with his disciples. Moung Sekkee, the Karen who was his compan- ion and guide over the mountains, writes, " Teach- er Boardman preached to me the words of God, and I understood a little, but not fully : Ko Thah-byu taught me in Karen, so that I understood perfectly; and I went with him to Tshiekku, where the peo- ple listened, and built a zayat for the teacher, who soon after came to visit them, when Moung So and Moung Kya asked for baptism." The two men last mentioned have been valuable assistants many years; and the latter writes, "When I heard, at * See Appendix — ICaren Prophets. 32 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. first, that a teacher, with a Karen man and his wife, had come down from Maulmain, I asked the man's name, and was told Ko Thah-byu. Then I said, * What has he come for ? ' ' To preach the words,' was the reply, ' of the God that made the heavens and the earth.' So I went to Tavoy to hear ; and after Ko Thah-byu had preached to me, I said to him, ' Brother, truly it is the word of God ! Come out and preach at Tshiekku.' He asked permis- sion of teacher Boardman, who readily consented, and he afterwards came out, and lived with the Bookho,* going out from his house to visit me and others, and then returning. The Bookho, however, had a quarrel with his wife, and would not obey the word of God; and having heard of it, I went to Ko Thah-byu, and said. Brother, come and live with me ; and he came." Mr. Boardman, noticing his return from this journey, says, " Ko Thah-byu returned from the villages, where he has spent the last ten days in making known the gospel to his countrymen. The Karen teacher, or rather conjurer, mentioned in former journals, came with him, and appeared somewhat tamed and in his right mind. He says now that he will practise no more joger's tricks and ceremonies, but will, from the heart, worship the eternal God and his Son, Jesus Christ." He soon after made a second visit, and returned to town again, in November, with ten converts. Mr. Boardman says, " Ko Thah-byu returned from the villages, with ten of his countrymen, several of whom profess to have become converts to * The teacher, or p'ophet, referred to above. MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 33 Christ. One of the more promising is the chief- tain before mentioned." About a rrjonth afterwards, he made a third tour to the same settlement, and was in town again in January, 1829, to conduct Mr. Boardman into the jungles. Mr. Boardman writes at this time, /'Three days since, two Karens arrived, who had travelled three days' journey in expectation of findinor me at the Karen settlements : but not finding me there, they came three days' journey farther, to see me at my own house. They ap- pear very desirous of receiving Christian instruc- tion ; and Ko Thah-byu is unwearied in his efforts to impart it. One of them came from the prov- ince of Mergui ; and he states that the Karens in Tavoy, Mergui, and Tenasserim, have all heard of us, and are desirous of listening to our instruc- tions." A few days afterwards, Mr. Boardman, accom- panied by Ko Thah-byu, made his first tour among the Karens. After Mr. Boardman had preached in Burman, Ko Thah-byu was in the habit of interpreting as much of the discourse as he could remember into Karen ; and on other occasions, as opportunity offered, he preached himself Once, Mr. Boardman remarks, " After breakfast, Ko Thah-byu discoursed to them in Karen, an hour or two, on the being and perfections of God ; " and in another place, " One man, who had heard the gospel repeatedly from Ko Thah-byu, present- ed a request for Christian baptism." He returned to town with Mr. Boardman, and was busily employed there in searching out the Karens, who visited the city on business. In March, Mr. Boardman writes, " A very respecta- 34 MEMOIR OF KO THAK-BYU. ble-looking old Karen, said to be the chief of his nation in the province of Mergui, was introduced by Ko Thah-byu. He states, that all the Karens in Mergui and Tenasserim have heard of us ; and his great desire to see us had brought him thus far from home. After listening to the gospel a while, he took his leave, saying he would return in the evening." *'Ko Thah-byu has concluded, with our appro- bation, to go out on a missionary tour of several weeks. It is surprising how magnanimous a nat- urally weak man becomes, when the spirit of Christ and the love of souls inspire him. This poor Karen, who, to say the least, does not excel in intellectual endowment or human learning, is continually devising new and judicious plans of doing good. ' There are,' says he, ' the districts of Pai and Palau, and several other places near the mouth of the river, where there are many Ka- ren settlements which I wish to visit. There are also many Karens in the province of Mergui ; I wish to declare the gospel to them all. And be- fore long, I want to go across, and visit the Ka- rens in Siam, and afterwards to visit Bassein, my native place, near Rangoon. Many Karens live there.' Such are, in general, this old man's plans. An event has occurred this eveningr which seems • 1 • • a providential intimation of present duty. The old Karen chief, who was here this morning, has desired Ko Thah-byu to accompany him to Mer- gui in his boat, promising at the same time to see that he shall be accompanied from one Karen settlement to another, till he shall reach this prov- ince again. Ko Thah-byu is inclined to go, and expects to be absent five or six weeks." MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 35 A few days after, Mr. Boardman adds, "A good number of Karens are now with us, and Ko Thah- byu is engaged day and night in reading and ex- plaining to them the words of eternal life. It seems as though 'the time for favoring this people had come." Mah A, Ko Thah-byu's wife, was baptized on the twentieth of this month, March. Mr. Board- man, recording her examination, remarks, '* She was formerly very ignorant and very wicked ; but, under the care and instruction of her husband and Mrs. Boardman, she has, within the last few months, become a very hopeful inquirer, and we are encouraged to hope that she is now truly converted. She requested baptism three months Immediately after his wife's baptism, Ko Thah- byu started on his tour to the south, intending to go as far as Mergui. He did not, however, ac- company the Karen chief previously referred to, as " the chief of his nation in the province of Mergui ; " and, as this is the last notice of that chief, it may be here remarked, that he was bap- tized by me in the year 1837. He has been a valuable member of the church ; and his descend- ants, who are almost as numerous as Jacob's when he went down into Egypt, have very generally fol- lowed his footsteps into the baptismal waters. Ko Thah-byu was accompanied, on this journey, by Moung Sekkee, who writes, "We went to Toung- byouk and Menthah Creek, where we preached the word of God to Sau Co-klay, and Sau Yu-khayj and then we went to Kyouk-toung, where we preached to Sau Ke-krau and family." These places are in the neighborhood of Toung-byouk, 36 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. and the persons mentioned were baptized, several years afterwards. " We next," continues Sekkee, "went to Pai and Palouk, preaching to both Pghos and Sgaus; but no one listened. At Palouk, Ko Thah-byu was taken sick." Here, sick among strangers and unbelievers, it might be supposed that he could ill spare his only Christian com- panion ; but the preaching of the gospel was more to him than his own comfort. Hence Sekkee adds, " He made me go on to preach at Pyeek- hya, and leave him behind at Palouk." His health was such that he felt wholly unable to go on to Mergui ; and as soon as he was well enough to travel again, they reluctantly turned their faces towards Tavoy, travelling slowly, and preaching in all the Karen settlements by the way, through which the zigzag path led, which they had cho- sen. The man with whom Ko Thah-byu staid, while sick in Palouk, was the first baptized in that settlement, in the year 1838, and is now one of the pillars of the church. In May, Mr. Board- man writes, " Ko Thah-byu arrived, having spent the last seven weeks in the wilderness, making known the gospel to his countrymen. His ac- count of his tour is interesting and encouraging. We are concerned, however, to find that he is in a bad state of health. May the Lord spare him for much more usefulness among his benighted countrymen," The succeeding rains he spent principally teach- ing school near Tshiekku, the former scene of his labors. Moung Kya writes, " He came with his wife, and both lived with me ; and he taught us. how to worship God. When the dry season arrived, he said to me, ' Brother, it is very pleas- MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 37 ant staying with thee, but my wife wishes to go and stay at Tshiekku.' So he placed his wife at Tshiekku, and went over the mountains to Thalu; and after his departure, his wife preached* the word of God at Tshiekku, till hearing that he was sick ; when we took her to where he was living." About this time, the rebellion took place in Ta- voy, and Mr. Boardman went up to Maulmain. On his return in October, he remarks, " Ko Thah-byu, it seems, has come to town twice since our absence ; but as he left his wife and two little brothers sick in the jungle, he returned to them before our arrival. They have passed through various hardships and perils since they left us at the wharf; but the Lord has delivered them out of them all, and blessed be his hoi) name." Two weeks afterwards, Ko Thah-byu arrived ; and after another preaching excursion of a few days in the jungle, he was in town again, when Mr. Boardman writes, " Moung So, the baptized Karen headman's mother having died lately, he fears that the other relatives of the deceased will wish to perform the heathenish customs practised among the people subsequent to the funeral ; and to counteract the bad effects of such practices, he proposes to erect a preaching zayat near the grave, and has invited Ko Thah-byu and his wife to go out with him, and * hold forth the word of * Mr. Judson remarks, in one of his journals, " Though I began to preach the gospel as soon as I could speak intelligibly, I have thought it hardly becoming to apply the term preaching to my imper- fect, desultory observations and conversations." — Throughout this book, the term is used so as to embrace the informal ways of making known the gospel, as defined above ; and it is so used by the natives. 4 38 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. life,' while the heathens around may be indulging in their wicked customs.* I have consented to their going, and they are to leave to-morrow." About the middle of December, Mr. Boardman, returning from village preaching, remarks, " I had scarcely seated myself, when Ko Thah-byu, and two of the baptized, and several others from Moung So's village, arrived. After a short dis- course in Burman, prayers and thanks were of- fered to God, in both Burman and Karen. Twelve Karens were present. Of these, two had come to solicit baptism. Two were females, who have been listening to Mrs. Boardman's instructions for a year past. Three were headmen of villages, among whom was our hitherto faithful brother, Moung So.* He and Ko Thah-byu represent, that, during the heathenish ceremonies occasioned by the recent decease of his mother, Moung So and the other Christians of his village, having built a zayat near the grave, spent the time in listening to Christian instruction. They felt no reluctance, but a pleasure, at abandoning those heathenish practices in which they had formerly indulged." The day after KoThah-byu's arrival, he brought forward the subject of a journey into Siam. Mr. Boardman says, " We have concluded to encour- age Ko Thah-byu's going to Siam. The journey across will occupy six or seven days. He expects to leave to-morrow, and to be absent seven or eight weeks." And he adds, the next day, " Ko Thah-byu has long wished to go across the great mountains, and visit the Karens in Siam ; and having lately seen some of them, who urgently * See Appendix — Karen Funeral Rites. MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 39 invited him over, he has laid the subject before us for our consideration and decision." And on the third day, he gives the conclusion : " Having solemnly commended the Karens, and especially Ko Thah-byu, to the divine blessing, we sent him on his journey this morning. I gave him an affectionate letter of introduction and recom- mendation, written in both Burman and English, to the people and ' the powers that be.' " Moung Sekkee, who accompanied him, writes, " When we reached Siam, the ruler there would not allow Ko Thah-byu to proceed. He said, that, were we to go on to the next town, the king would call him down to Bankok, because he was an elder. So he had to return, but I was permit- ted to go on ; and I preached, and found some that listened." When Mr. Boardman went up to Maulmain to take charge of that station, in April, 1830, Ko Thah-byu accompanied him ; and soon after his arrival, in company with Ko Myat-kyau, a Taling assistant, he left town to preach in the Karen jungles, as he had done at Tavoy. In July, Mr. Boardman writes, "A month ago, this same per- son, who speaks Karen tolerably well, set off in company with Ko Thah-byu to visit the Karen settlements up the river. I gave them a large supply of books and tracts for distribution. Four days ago, they returned delighted with their tour ; the Karens had received them in the same man- ner as those in Tavoy had previously received Ko Thah-byu. Many of them listened with the most encouraging attention to the message of redeeming love. Books were most eagerly re- ceived both by those who could read and those 40 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. who could not; 'For' said they, 'we will ask others to read them to us.' Long before the close of their tour, their supply of books failed, ind Ko Myat-kyau was compelled to give away the books from his own private satchel. On their return, five Karens accompanied them to town, four of whom profess to be decided in embracing the gospel, and have applied for baptism; but though I believe I should get a unanimous vote in their favor from the whole native church, I feel inclined to delay their baptism for further proofs of sincerity and steadfastness." When Mr. Boardman returned to Tavoy, in November, he was again accompanied by^Ko Thah-byu, who, on their arrival, immediately de- parted for the Karen settlements to announce their return. Mr. Boardman, in his last journal, under date of December 16, writes, " In the af- ternoon, Ko Thah-byu arrived, with about forty in his train, all of whom, he said, had come to receive baptism. It appeared, that there were in the company all the disciples, except the two who had previously visited us ; so that we have now met with each one of the thirteen Karen dis- ciples, and a large number of others, who wish to be baptized. How pleasing is our interview ! But I am too feeble to describe it." Cleaning Cotton. \ MEMOIR OF RO THAH-BYU. 41 CHAPTER IV. Ko Thah-hyu's successful Labors. — Style of Preaching. — Scene of his Successes. — Shades in his Character. — Ignorance. — Love of Knowledge. — Passion. — Habits of Prayer. From the time that Mr. Boardman became unable to labor, to more than a year after the writer of this memoir joined the mission, with the very important exception of Mrs. Boardman's in- valuable and indefatigable labors with the people when they visited town, the whole watch care of the church, and the instruction of the inquirers, devolved on Ko Thah-byu ; and the numbers that were baptized within this period aiford the best comment on his labors. During the rains of 1831, he taught a school, as he had done the previous year, near Tshiekku, where the principal part of the Christians resided ; and his diligence in this department of labor was as conspicuous as in every other in which he engaged. Some of his pupils, at the close of the school, could repeat verbatim whole Burman tracts. Early in 1832, accompanied by Ko Thah-byu, I made an exploring tour through the province. We stopped about noon the first day at Shen Mouktee, an old walled town, but reduced to an inconsiderable village. This town is remarkable for containing the most famous idol in the prov- ince, it having been found (such is the received tradition) floating up the river on a peepul log, which stopped opposite the town ; and the little brass idol, from being a few inches high, has mi- 4* 42 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. raculously grown to the full size of a man beneath the spreading peepul, that sprung from the log on which it was found. Sometimes, when war or pestilence was approaching, it has been known to weep and moan. These, with other equally vera- cious legends, draw to its shrine all the piety of the province; and once a year the inhabitants of Tavoy have a/e7e for several days, when nearly the whole population make a pilgrimage to this most holy place. The occasion had passed, but some of the most devout still lingered there ; and while the Burman assistant and myself went round to some neighboring villages, distributing tracts, I left the old man to rest himself in one of the zayats, supposing that, as natives usually do, he would lie down to sleep. I was surprised, how- ever, on my return, to find him surrounded by a large congregation of Burmans, whose attention seemed to be riveted on his flashing eyes, less, apparently, from love, than from an indescribable power, that may best be compared to the fascinat- ing influence of the serpent over an unconscious brood of chickens. The first sentence I heard on coming up, was, " Your god was a black kula."* The words were uttered with such a peculiar expression of countenance, that the events of a dozen years have done nothing to efface the impression from my memory. " If ever a man hated idolatry," observed one of the brethren, in conversation, '« Ko Thah-byu did." Now, were I able to throw on canvass Ko Thah-byu's coun- tenance at that moment, as it exists in the picture gallery of my mind, every one that looked on it * That is, " a black foreigner." MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 43 would go away and say, *' If ever a man hated idolatry, Ko Thah-byu did." On the evening of the fourth day, we were, for the first time, in the vicinity of Karens at Ka-nyen, and, though exceedingly fatigued, he requested permission to go and look up his coun- trymen. In like manner, when we came to Pai, the next stage, he could not be easy to rest in the Burman village over the Sabbath, but must go up the river to preach to the Karens. So it was through the whole journey. If Karens were accessible, no fatigue, no obstacles, would pre- vent his seeking them out ; but if not, he would attack the Burmans and their idolatry most un- mercifully, utterly heedless of the ridicule that they would sometimes heap upon him for being an ignorant Karen. At Palau, near the southern boundary of our journey, he was left a day or two to rest, on account of his infirmities, while I visited and returned from Pa-la ; but it appeared, on our return, that he had spent nearly the whole of both days in the kyoung, talking with the priests and all that came to visit them. In short, Ko Thah- byu had a passion for preaching ; and it was his ruling passion. On one occasion, when out in a boat with one of the missionaries at Maulmain, he was in evident danger of losing his life ; when he cried out, not for God to have mercy on his soul, as might have been expected, (that he felt was safe,) but, " I shall be drowned, and never more preach the word of God to the Karens." Mr. Boardman has recorded the following speci- men of his preaching : " Ko Thah-byu had been describing the folly and hurtfulness of worldly things and worldly tempers, and proceeded to say, 44 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. * A worldly man is never satisfied with what he possesses. Let me have more houses, more lands, more buffaloes, more slaves, more clothes, more wives, more children and grandchildren, more gold and silver, more paddy and rice, more boats and vessels; let me be a rich man. This is his language. He thinks of nothing so much as of amassing worldly goods. Of God and religion he is quite unmindful. But watch that man. On a sudden, his breath departs, and he finds himself deprived of all he possessed and valued so much. He looks around, and sees none of his former pos- sessions. Astonished, he exclaims, "Where are my slaves? Where are my buffaloes? I cannot find one of them. Where are my houses and my chests of money ? What has become of all my rice and paddy that I laid up in store? Where are all the fine clothes, that cost me so much? I can find none of them. Who has taken them ? And where are my wives and my children ? Ah, they are all missing. I can find none of them. I am lonely and poor, indeed. I have nothing ! But what is this?"' The preacher here enters upon a description of the sufferings of the soul that is lost ; after which, he represents the rich man as taking up this lamentation : * O, what a fool have I been! I neglected God, the only Sa- vior, and sought only worldly goods while on earth, and now I am undone.' While the old man was preaching in this strain, every eye was fixed on him, and every ear was attentive. Soon after, he pursued the following strain : ' All in this world is misery. Sickness and pain, fear and anxiety, wars and slaughter, old age and death, abound on every hand. But hearken ! MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 45 God speaks from on high, '' Children, why take ye delight, and seek happiness, in that low village of mortality, that thicket of briers and thorns 1 Look up to me ; I will deliver you, and give you rest where you shall be forever blessed and happy." ' " On reaching the eastern Karen settlements, which had been the principal scene of his labors, and, with the exception of a single visit of two or three days from Mr. Boardman, of his labors alone, the writer penned his impressions in the following language : — *' I cry no longer the horrors of heathenism ! but ' the blessings of missions : ' I date no longer from a heathen land. Heathenism has fled these banks. I eat the rice, and yams, and fruit, culti- vated by Christian hands ; look on the fields of Christians, and see no dwellings, but those inhab- ited by Christian families. I am seated in the midst of a Christian village, surrounded by a peo- ple that love as Christians, converse as Chris- tians, act like Christians, and look like Christians. If it be worth a voyage across the Atlantic to see the Shenandoah run through the Blue Ridge, surely a voyage around the globe would be amply repaid by a Sabbath spent in this valley." * The succeeding rains of 1832 he spent preach- ing and teaching school at Thalu, the Christian * Since writing the above, I have seen the " Histo.-y of American Missions," and learned, for the first time, that this description " has been censured as more glowing than true." The only persons able to censure understandingly, are those who have followed me over the same ground ; and, on subjecting it to their criticism, I am authorized to say, that the only objectionable word is land, in the clause, "I date no longer from a heathen land." " Land,'' it was remarked, " is too extensive in its application ; some word like station would be better." The criticism is just, but more was never intended by the word than the land on which I was located. Were I describing the resalts of my own labors, the pen would at once be drawn through the whole passage ; but it has reference solely to the labors of those that pre- ceded me ; and the man that could, then or now, approach a large 46 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. settlement west of the mountains ; and, at their close, I went out and baptized a goodly number of his scholars and others, that he had brought under the influence of the truth. There is, however, a shade to the picture. Nothing can be more true than that Ko Thah-byu was a man " possessed of very ordinary abilities." Add to this, he was far advanced in life before he began to study :^ and it will be readily believed that the great body of the church members, especially the younger portion, soon knew more than their teacher, and hence his labors with them became less and less acceptable. He was adapted in a most special manner for a pioneer; and it would be singular, indeed, did we not believe in an overruling Providence, that, without any plans either on his own part or on that of the missiona ries, he became in succession the first Karen preacher to his countrymen in the districts of Ta- voy, Maulmain, Rangoon, and Arracan, Still it ought to be recorded, to the credit of his intellect- ual character, that he knew enough to value the knowledge which he had not acquired himself — no very common attainment, by the way, in Chris- tian lands. While in Tavoy he had a son ; and when asked what he was going to call him, his reply was not, '' Golden Flower," " Yellow Bird," " Silver Loins," or some other name in like taste, as was expected, but Joseph — the first Christian name conferred by Christian settlement of Karens, by a journey of three or four weeks through the unconverted heathen, and feel less or see less, must have a heart dead to Christian feeling, and eyes blind to moral beauty. " Who has no inward beauty, none perceives, Though all around is beautiful. The rill is tuneless to bis ear, who feels No harmony within." MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 47 native parents in this country. " From the birth of this child," writes one of the brethren that was associated with Ko Thah-byu in Rangoon, *' he often spoke of his desire that he might live to be- come a preacher to the Karens. He was very anxious that he should early be taught to read, not only Burmese and Karen, but, as soon as prac- ticable, English, in order that he might get a bet- ter knowledge of things than he could through the two former languages. Considering his own ignorance, the desire that his son, and two other lads, of whom he was the guardian, should be better instructed than the common youth of the country, was remarkable. One great hinderance to the spread of light in all heathen countries, is the extreme apathy of the people in regard to liter- ary and scientific knowledge, as well as religious; and though he could not of course duly appreciate tiie value of either, he had discernment enough to perceive that the teachers and other foreigners, even those who were strangers to the influence of religion upon their own hearts, were incomparably wiser than his own people, in regard to things per- taining to this life. This was much more than the mass of either Burmans or Karens are willing practically to acknowledge. It is true, they often express astonishment at the superior skill of for- eigners in many species of mechanism, but without manifesting the least desire to become acquainted with that skill." Another sombre touch, and I pass on. " His natural temper was diabolical ; " and, " under the influence of the gospel, he would, at times, exhibit the relics of such a temper." His frailties, however, should be compared, not with those of one who 48 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. was born under Christian influences, and has been subjected to the restraints of civilized society, but with those of a youth and manhood spent in a manner that makes me shudder to think of, and unwilling to repeat. Often, under the influence of passion, he said things that would be quite inexcusable in others ; but I shall not blot my pages with the painful de- tails. The recording angel has torn out the page on which they were registered, and trampled it beneath his feet. I am not the man to gather up the fragments. He must have wiry nerves, and an insensible heart, that could deliberately record the failings of a man, who " was in the habit of spending several hours dajly in prayer to God." " It is the sole prerogative of heaven Not to be tainted with the smallest error. But that immunity wa-B never given To earth." Assaying Silver. MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 49 CHAPTER V. Returns to Maulmain. — Goes to Rangoon. — Visits the Karens. — Second Tour. — Spends the Rains at Maubee- — Great Success. — Burman Persecution. — Flees to Pegu. Early in the year 1833, Ko Thah-byu left Ta- voy for Maulmain, where we find him immediately employed in preaching to his countrymen. Mr. Bennett writes, in February, " Several old, venera- ble, gray-headed Karens are here, from the wilder- ness, to whom Ko Thah-byu, who has just returned from Tavoy, has been communicating the precious truths of the gospel. Their sands are almost run, and they have spent their lives in ignorance of the one living and true God ; possibly, at the eleventh hour of their existence, they may be brought into the precious fold of the Redeemer. An old, gray- headed woman, a relative of his wife, has taken refuge with him from the persecuting spirit of her other relatives, who seem to feel that the old woman is only a trouble to them, she being near eighty years of age, and unable to do any thing for her own support. Thus too many are treated in this land of cruelty and idolatry. The old woman listens to the good news of salvation, and seems to feel a veneration for the truth. There is some reason to hope that she will yet become one of the few who profess to follow Jesus, in the hope of a glorious resurrection." He did not, however, remain long in Maul- main " In the spring of 1833," writes Mr. Ben- 5 50 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. nett, •' he accompanied me to Rangoon. At that time, the Karens of Burmah pro^ej had never heard the gospel ; as no teachers, either native or foreign, had ever visited them. They had no knowledge that their language had been reduced to writing, and a tract printed in it. Neither had they heard that any of their countrymen had em- braced the religion of the Savior." *' Two days after his arrival in Rangoon, he leaves his family in the care of the teacher, and, with a Burman disciple for a guide, he is found making his way to the Karen villages in the vicin- ity of Rangoon. His labors, his appeals, his earn- estness, and his desire for the spiritual welfare of his countrymen, were not in vain. Very soon fruit began to appear, and inquirers multiplied." In his journal, Mr. Bennett writes, in April, "Ko Thah-byu, (the Karen apostle,) who came round with us in order to search out his country- men, who are scattered in the wilderness about us, and preach the gospel to them, this morning took his staff in his hand, accompanied by a Bur- man disciple, and departed, leaving his wife and child with us. May the spirit and zeal of a Paul oe with him, and abundant success attend his labors." His return is noticed in May. ''Ko Thah-byu came this evening, having visited more than seven villages, and given a hundred and fifty tracts. He reports rather encouragingly. He has been among his countrymen, the Karens. At first, they were not disposed to listen to his message, but quietly telling them by degrees his object in visiting them, they listened. They said, if the new language for them was good, and there was no deception in it, MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 51 they would attend to it by and by. They are very much afraid of the government." A few days afterwards, Mr. Bennett remarks, " Ko Thah-byu left us to-day for another tour among his countrymen. We earnestly pray that his nation may give him audience, and receive the words of eternal life." His return at the close of the month is thus re- corded : " Ko Thah-byu, who has been absent among the Karens more than a month, arrived to- day, with a nephew of his, a very respectable look- ing young man. One of the disciples, who lives at a distance, brought with him to-day the first Karen inquirer I have seen here. Ko Thah-byu had not before seen him. He lives only a few miles from this place, and appeared very well. He seemed anxious to know the truth. Though he understands Burmese pretty well, Ko Thah-byu had the pleasure to talk in his own language, and tell of the wonders of redeeming love. In the tour which he has just completed, he has distrib- uted two hundred tracts, and carried the news of a Savior from sin to some who were before igno- rant. In order to accomplish this, he has had to wade streams to his armpits, and sometimes through mud and water, as the rains fill the hollows. He relates an interesting account of his tour, and feels confident of ultimate success. He meets with much opposition from those of his countrymen who are Boodhists ; but those who are not give generally an attentive ear, as far as they dare, being very fearful of offending the Burmese government. There are several in the vicinity of a village where his brother is Saukai, or governor, who wish to learn to read ; and he thinks, if we should approve 52 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-EYU. of it, of spending a month in endeavoring to teach them Karen. He feels very sanguine that if there v^^ere three converts, the work would spread rapid- ly. The work is the Lord's, and his cause will prosper." In July, the visit of another Karen inquirer to Mr. Bennett is thus recorded : " Another Karen inquirer called to-day. He is from the village of Thah-meing. Ko Thah-byu had given him a tract, on one of his excursions, which he had read, and, liking the contents, called to get more light on the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. The roads are so bad that it is nearly impossible for any to get into town." Ten days afterwards, he left Rangoon to spend the rains in Maubee. " Ko Thah-byu has left to- day,' says Mr. Bennett, *' for the Karen wilds, with three hundred more tracts. As the rains render itinerating nearly impracticable, he is per- mitted, on this tour, to attend to the teaching of a few of his countrymen in Maubee, who, he says, are very anxious to learn Karen." At the close of the rains in October, Mr. Ben- nett gives an animated view of the fruits of Ko Thah-byu's labors, that then began to appear, in the two following letters to Mr. Judson : — "R.ANGOON, October as, 1833. ** Dear brother Judson : " We are in distress, and send to you for relief For the last several days, our house, and the small house of Ko Thah-byu, ten cubits square, have been thronged. As Ko Thah-byu has not been able to go out as soon as he had in- lended, in consequence of his wife's illness, the MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 53 Karens are thronging us from Dalla, Leing, Mau- bee, Kya-dan, and many places I have not heard named, — men, women, and children, and all anx- iously inquiring about the religion of Jesus. One Saukai has formally requested baptism of me and the church, and several others have of Ko Thah-a, and Ko Thah-byu. They are all anxious for schools, and offer to build zayats for preaching, or schools, if some one will come and teach them. There are very many who already keep the Lord's day, read our tracts, and endeavor to instruct one another the best they can. They daily read the tracts, and all get together in their families, and sing, and pray to the God who rules in heaven. The heads of families not only do this themselves, but they teach their children. They declare they have left off drinking spirit, and, as far as they understand, endeavor to practise according to the requirements of the Scriptures. " What shall we do? Ko Thah-byu is only one, among a thousand. He cannot preach the gospel, and teach these people to ' read in their own lan- guage' the precious truths of God's word, at the same time. We want one man to go to Bassein ; another to go up to Prome, and along the river ; another to Maubee, and vicinity, towards old Pegu — all these to preach the gospel ; and we certainly need as many more for schoolmasters. Can you send us any assistance 1 If so, do ; for Christ and his cause require it. I hope Ko Thah-byu will be able soon to go out, and do something; but he cannot do all alone. There surely is the sound of rain ; and if I might not subject myself to the imputation of enthusiastic, I would say ' of much rain.' O, could we go among these people, as 5* 54 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. freely and easily as in the provinces, I have no doubt hundreds would be added to the Lord. "I think the Karens here superior to those in the provinces, so far as I have seen ; and, could they be collected together, and civilized, and Christianized, they would be a lovely nation. When will this happy time arrive? Hasten it, Lord, in thine own good time, for Jesus' sake. " I am yours affectionately." " Rangoon, JVov. 11, 1833. ** Dear brother Judson : " I have only a few moments to write, being full of business, and having only a few min- utes before the vessel leaves. Suffice it to say, four of the Karens were, yesterday, baptized, and are the first fruits of the plentiful Karen harvest, which these ripening fields present to our view. We want help, we want faith, we want patience, and perseverance ; we want a mind, (to say all in a word,) the same mind which was found in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pray for us, and for the Karens who are looking up to us for the bread of life, their eyes brightening as they hear of Jesus and the way to heaven. There have but very few, as yet, called on us, something like fifty or sixty ; but they all say, * In a few weeks, (when we have gathered in our rice,) we will come, with our wives and children, all of whom wish to hear the gospel. Our neighbors, too, will, many of them, come.' And some of those who say thus, also add, ' When we come, we shall ask for baptism ! ' Those who have just been here (and it is only a few hours since a party of twelve left) we have examined. Some of them appear to MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 55 be true disciples of Jesus, while one or two were regular atheists. One man, especially, says he does not believe there is any God^ or heaven, or hell. -' We have good reason to believe the work is genuine among the Karens, if opposition is a test ; for the devil is sorely disturbed, and mustering his forces. What the issue of the campaign will be we cannot say ; but those who were yesterday bap- tized, said, if the Woon-gee * should issue an order to cut off their heads, then let him cut them off: they believed in Jesus; and if they should be killed, they would go where Jesus is, and be hap- py. I could relate many interesting anecdotes of these simple sons of the jungle, had I time. Suf- fice it to say, one very respectable man, a Saukai, says he formerly was a great drunkard ; but, for the last six months, he has not drank a drop, not since he first heard of Jesus from Ko Thah-byu. He says he believes, and will come, by and by, and be baptized. He is said to be a very influen- tial man. They all talk more or less Burmese, and our examinations are in that language, which is far better than to draw it through an interpreter. We have proposed to some of the young men (who also understand Burmese) to go around to Mani- la main, and learn Karen, and return and teach ^their countrymen ! I hope, in a few months, some yvill go. They would now, if their rice were gath- ered. 1 hope they will go; and, if so, what they will see, and hear, and learn, I do hope will do more to keep their countrymen from believing the Burmese, than years of our labor. There were * A Burman magistrate. — EI 56 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. thirty present at worship, yesterday morning ; after which, the four Karens were examined and re- ceived. Afterwards, Ko Thah-a accompanied them to the king's tanks, and baptized them." Extracts from Mr. Bennett's journal will be continued, in which the labors and successes of Ko Thah-byu are recorded so fully and graphi- cally, that little more is left to be desired. Un- der various dates in October and November, he writes, " A Karen from Maubee called, who said he had been in town three days, and had not before found our house. He said he would call again, and staid but a short time. '. *' The Karen mentioned yesterday called with . one of his neighbors ; both of whom appeared ex- 1 treraely well. The one who has not been here before, says that he has several of our tracts, which were given him by Ko Thah-byu, which he reads, and then bows and prays to the eternal God. He asked, anxiously, what more he should do to enter heaven. *' After worship, Moung-Thah, (a Saukai,) men- tioned August 26th, came forward, and formally asked for baptism. He bore a good examination, ] and I really believe he is one of the chosen of God ; but, as he is the first who has come out, we thought best for him to wait a short time, that we might become more acquainted. We have the best reason to hope the good work of the Spirit is operating among the Karens of Burmah, and our prayers are, * O Lord, smile upon the poor, ignorant, and oppressed Karens of Burmah.' This is the first Karen about Ran- goon, who has asked for baptism. O that he MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 57 may be only one of ten thousand, and this the commencement of a new era in this idolatrous empire ! ** As Ko Thah-byu has been kept at home by the illness of his wife, the Karens are calling on him. " A large party of Karens from Dalla called to-day. Ko Thah-byu's house is thronged from morn to night, and our veranda below, by people who have come to the festival." " Ko Thah-byu complains that the Karens throng his house, so that it is breaking down. Crowds have all day long been coming and going, * and he has been busy preaching from morn till - night. They are here from various parts of the country, and many he has not seen before. They are very urgent from Bassein and Dalla, on the south of us, and west from Maubee and vicinity on the north, that Ko Thah-byu, or some Karen teacher, should come among them and teach them to read, and preach to them the gospel. They offer, of their own accord, to build zayats and school-houses. O for laborers to enter this whi- tened field, and gather the golden grain ! " " Our house has been thronged, to-day, by Ka- rens from various places around Rangoon, who listened most attentively to the gospel. The Ka- l-v reus here, generally, understand Burmese pretty K. well, so that an interpreter is not needed. Poor people ! how my heart has been affected for you 7 ^-^^y> when, hearing the honest, simple truth, ^ foil confessed that you were ignorant, and wished I instruction ! How unlike the proud, Pharisaic p Burmese, who feel proud that they are not like other men, especially not like the poor Karen ! " 58 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. " Lord's day. After worship, three Karens came forward, and asked for baptism. Two of them passed most admirable examinations, and perhaps the third would, could he have conversed as well in Burmese. The native brethren seemed surprised at the readiness of their answers, and the correct notions they seemed to possess of gos- pel truth. They evidently appeared to have been taught by the Spirit. These men say, that from the first of their hearing of Jesus from Ko Thah- byu, six months since, they have believed, and prayed daily to the eternal God. They keep the Lord's day, and meet together to read the tracts, and instruct each other. One of them says, that, not long since, he was tempted, by a neighbor and his wife, to join them in the worship or feed- ing of the Nats, but he refused, saying, ' He meant to worship Jesus Christ to the end of his life.' The neighbor then asked if Jesus could save him from the power of the Nats. He said he did not know, but he had been told so, and he believed it. He knew the Nats could not save him from sickness or death, though he should feed them ever so much ; and he meant to go to Ran- goon, as soon as he could, and find out more of Jesus Christ. When told that this neighbor of his was made use of by Satan to tempt him to sin, he said he did not know, but it seemed very much like it. As the Saukai, mentioned Oct. 13, could not come to-day, having a lame foot, and as we wish to be more thoroughly acquainted with these men, they were advised to wait until the next Lord's day, or some other opportunity, when the church would again examine them ; and, if received, they would be baptized." MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 59 " More than twenty Karens came, to-day, from Maubee, and among them are those who asked for baptism last Sabbath. We had twelve of them at evening worship, and it would have been ex- ceedingly gratifying, could our friends in Ameri- ca have heard the examination they underwent after worship. When we consider that it is only a few months since they first heard of the gospel, and know they have not been taught by human aid, we are forced to believe they have been taught from above. Four of this number have come for the express purpose of being baptized on the morrow." " Lord's day. Thirty-two present at worship ; after which the four Karens were examined and received. Soon after this, they repaired to a tank, near the city, and were baptized. This afternoon, the celebration of the Lord's supper was observed ; twenty-two communicants present. After evening worship, had much interesting con- versation with the Karens. Many of them, beside those baptized, appear to believe with all their hearts. They have entirely thrown away their old superstition of Nat-worship, have broken short off with strong drink, (a Karen besetting sin,) and since they have heard the gospel, have kept the Sabbath day." ** To-day the Karens left for their homes, re- joicing in the truth which has so recently reached their ears. This evening, Ko Thah-byu, and Kat Shay, one of the Karens just baptized, proposed that some one of the teachers should go into their village, and preach Christ to the people. This is just what is anxiously desired ; but I cannot leave Rangoon." 60 MEMOIR OF KO THAII-BYU. " To-day the Karen preachers Taunah and Panlah arrived from Maulmain. We hope and pray they may be blessed in itinerating among their countrymen." " This morning, the Karens left us for Maubee ; but as they met Ko Thah-byu on his way home, and several Karens with him, they all returned together. Ko Thah-byu has a school of twelve or fifteen Karens in Maubee." In February, 1834, Mr. Bennett writes, ** This morning, Taunah and Panlah, with two school teachers, who have been preaching and teaching school among their countrymen, in Maubee and vicinity, left for their families near Maulmain. Just after the vessel had weighed anchor, and was dropping down the river, Ko Thah-byu, our Ka- ren assistant, with several people from Maubee, arrived, and added their crying, urgent request, that some one should come from Maulmain, and baptize the willing converts, who are like fruit fully ripe in the wilderness, which only wants to be gathered. It does sometimes happen that missionaries labor for years, and have no apparent success ; and it seems also to happen that, where none of them have sown the seeds, the ripened sheaves wait to be gathered to the garner. O, when will these poor souls be gladdened, by being permitted to follow their Savior in his blessed ordinances ? I have had much conversation with these people to-day ; and they are so artless, so honest, so simple-hearted, and withal so full of love to Christ, that no one, who knows the sweets of pardoning mercy, could hear their tales un- moved. They proposed to-day a plan, (which I fear could not be granted in the present state of MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 61 affairs,) which is, to petition the Woon-gee for permission to have schools in their own language, and adopt whatever religion they pleased, and still enjoy the same freedom from molestation they have ever done, when without any religion. Should they obtain such permission, Boodhism would hardly lose any of its votaries; for these people, in general, detest the worship of idols." "The Karens mentioned yesterday came up this morning, and stated that they were commis- sioned by their brethren in Maubee to come and beg we would promise not to leave Rangoon, until some one came from Maulmain. They say they went to the wharf yesterday, in order to send word to Maulmain, to have a teacher come imme- diately ; but they were too late, as the vessel was moving down the river. They called to Taunah, but could not make him hear, he was so far dis- tant. They endeavored to get a boat to go on board, but failed. In view of all these things, I dare not leave until some one does come, and have promised the natives accordingly." After Mr. Bennett's departure from Rangoon, Mr. Webb, who next took charge of the station, noticing Ko Thah-byu and the fruits of his labors, under different dates, in September and October, says, — " Five Karens from Maubee arrived. They give interesting accounts of the state of feeling there. Our two most valuable Karen brethren from Maulmain have been laboring at Maubee for four or five months ; also three lads, young brethren from above Maulmain, formerly mem- bers of sister Hancock's school. They say that between one hundred and two hundred Karens 6 62 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. attend worship every Sabbath at the three or four different places where these several brethren ex- hort, and pray, and read their solitary tract — the only thing, except a spelling-book, ever printed in their language. It is an interesting fact, and worthy to be often recorded, that this poor, neg- lected, and despised people, who, but two or three years since, had not a letter in their language, are now able, some of them, both to read and to tran- scribe their thoughts to others. When these Ka- rens arrived, I had received for them, from the Karens in Maulmain, fourteen letters written in the Karen language. ** Seventeen Karens arrived from Maubee vil- lage exceedingly fatigued, having walked in one day a distance which usually occupies two, in order to be here before the Sabbath. Seven of them were women, four of whom had been exam- ined and accepted before brother Bennett left Rangoon, but not baptized. After worship in Burman, in which they took a part by singing a Karen hymn, they went to their lodgings on the veranda, and offered their evening devotions to God. These simple Karens, unshackled by the finespun systems of the Burmans, hear the gos- pel wijih cheering benefit. The seventeen now here think themselves converted to God by the preaching of Ko Thah-byu, a Karen who for- merly assisted our lamented brother Boardman, Moung Panlah, and the three Karen lads before mentioned. I asked, * Do the Karens mostly at- tend worship ? ' ' Yes, but there are some Phar- isees who do not.' ' And after you have done worship, you all go home and work, I suppose.' Nc • "^ remain together all day.' ' But what MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 63 do you do all day 1 ' * We read the Scriptures, and preach, and pray five or six times.' One of their number was seized, by order of the head man of the village, and questioned concerning his religion. His reply was, ' I believe in Jesus Christ, and no more worship the Nats, nor the pa- godas, nor images, nor drink spirits. I worship the eternal God.' He was fined sixty-five rupees, and ordered not to receive the ' foreigners' ' re- ligion. * Well, now,' I said, * you are all very much afraid, I suppose.' * Some of the people are afraid, not the disciples ; but they come to meet- ing every Sabbath, one or two hundred of them, to hear Jesus Christ's law.' 'But perhaps the rulers will take your money, or whip you : why are you not afraid ? ' He replied simply, with an air of confidence, * Because the eternal God gov- erns.' " Yesterday, in connection with brother and sister Cutter, and Ko Shway-bay, and Ko Sanlone, two of our most experienced and valuable Burman assistants, we examined, for admission into the native church, nine Karens. Three of them were rejected ; two, principally because of their being so young ; we feared they had not safficiently counted the cost, though they appeared exceeding- ly interesting ; and one because we feared he had not sufficiently seen the evil of his own heart. The examination occupied the whole of the day, from nine in the morning till five in the afternoon, except one hour and a half's intermission. We were obliged, in most cases, to speak through a Karen interpreter. The other six were received, who, together with four that had been examined six months before, make ten whom I baptized this morning. 64 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. " It was a beautiful morning. The sun shed his brilliant beams on the gilded spires of the hun- dreds of surrounding pagodas, as if to invite the lifted eyes of their devotees to look above these spires to the God who made the sun, and gave him power to shine. We passed through a beautiful grove ofmango-trees, covered with immense flocks of a snow-white bird called the rice-bird, watching their nests. These trees surround a cluster of kyoungs, or monasteries of priests, through which we passed to the * royal tank,' a beautiful little lake encircled by trees. Here I baptized the ten, and, after offering our thanks and a prayer for the divine blessing in Burman, the Karens returned to their jungle, and we to our dwellings. This has been one of the brightest scenes of my life, a day which, for ten years, I have anticipated with in- tense interest. To lead these benighted heathen to the Lamb of God, to introduce them into the church of Christ, to raise them to civilization, to teach them the use and the worth of the social and domestic relations ordained by Heaven, and the bliss of loving God, — these brought us from our native land, our home, the fireside of our youth, from parents, friends, from what our hearts hold dearest of all on earth, from all the blessings which we came to bring. And 'tis a glad exchange. We would not forego our toil for a crown and sceptre, except a crown in heaven. " Sabbath. Ten Karens arrived on Saturday evening, six of whom ask for baptism. Four of the six we have judged it best should be set aside for the present ; the other two will be baptized next Sabbath. Ko Toung-yo, one of the four set aside, is an interesting old man. He says he MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. (i'O believes in the eternal God, and always has; that his parents taught him, when a small child, that the world did not spring up of itself, as the Bur- mans say, but that it was created by a God, who is himself without beginning and without end, whom the Karens call Kah-tsah-yu-ah ; and that he must not worship images, nor pagodas, nor priests, nor books, but must worship Kah-tsah-yu- ah. But we feared he did not sufficiently realize the nature of sin against God, and therefore told him to wait a little. " Twelve Karens arrived last evening, six of whom have asked for baptism. These, together with the two received last Sabbath, I baptized this afternoon, in the royal tank. ** Baptized four more Karens. We had no Ka- ren interpreter, but they all spoke Burraan, so that we succeeded much better than we had anticipated in their examination. These make twenty-two I have baptized within these three weeks, and many more are said to wish for baptism, of whom the native brethren speak favorably. The instruments in this work of grace have been three men, and two lads under fifteen years, all of whom can scarcely read Burman at all, and understand it less, and who, if they read Karen, have but a single tract of six pages, besides a spelling-book of thirty- three pages, in all their language. " How great is the grace of God, to render the truth so plain that the mere child may teach enough, if it be received with unwavering faith in God, to purify the heart and life, and prove the salvation of the soul ! " After the persecution commenced, Ko Thah- byu, being a prominent individual, left Maubee by 6* 6Q MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. the advice of his countrymen, and fled to Pegu. Mr. Webb writes, in September, 1835, ** Kyouk- kheh, an interesting Karen, from the Karen brook, visited me last evening, and staid through the night. The villages along the Karen brook are subject to Maubee city, and have shared in com- mon with the other Maubee Karens in the perse- cution. I learned from him several interesting particulars ; a circumstance peculiarly gratifying, as we have not before heard any thing from these villages since the first of their troubles." *'The Maubee governor has under his control one thousand houses. Before the persecution, Myat-thah, one of the Karen Christians, was ap- pointed by him ruler of one hundred houses. When the persecution began, Myat-thah and ev- ery other one who professed to believe in Christ, were seized and fined, in all, to the amount of four hundred rupees. This was a heavy fine, con- sidering that a Karen seldom has property to the amount of fifty dollars. Myat-thah was deposed from his office, and Kyouk-kheh put in his place. He says, that among the one hundred under him, fourteen are Christians, and have been fined for their religion. He has not yet been baptized, though he says he and his wife, and all his rela- tions, worship God, and all suffered in the general persecution. He says the Karens are afraid to visit me, but they daily worship Goo, and never worship the Nats or the pagodas. Indeed, the whole account he gives of them is of a pleasing character. " We had heard nothing from Ko Thah-byu for four months. Kyouk-kheh says he has heard of him at Pegu, preaching among about two thou- MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 67 sand Karens, who live in that vicinity. When the persecution commenced at Maubee, his brethren advised him to avoid it; and so, like an apostle, when they persecute him in one city, he flees to another." In December, 1836, Mr. Howard, writing from the scene of Ko Thah-byu's labors in Maubee, and on the first visit of missionaries, says, "I left Rangoon, November 18th, with brethren Vinton and Abbott, for the purpose of visiting the Karens in Maubee and vicinity, among whom no mission- ary had ever been. As brother Vinton sends you a journal of the whole affair, it is unnecessary that I should detail particulars. I will only add my testimony, that the persons baptized (one hundred and sixty-seven) during the week which we spent among these children of the forest, sustained as *good an examination as any of an equal number I ever vv'itnessed in America. The helpless con- dition of man as a sinner, and the way of salva- tion through Christ alone, were truths apparently well understood by all ; and though they had every reason to expect that cruel persecution would be the result of their professed allegiance to the Sa- vior, yet theirs was the confidence and the joy of those who could say, ' I know in whom I have be- lieved.' In this section are probably a hundred or more believing Karens, who are still waiting for an opportunity to be baptized. The most who are now believers, profess to have been so for one, two, or three years, or from the time they first heard the gospel. The Lord has carried on this work, so far as human instrumentality is concerned, by native Karen assistants, and principally by Ko Thah-byu." 68 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. CHAPTER VI. Returns to Maulmain. — Second Visit to Rangoon. — Re- turns to Maulmain again. — Goes to Arrax,an. — Success. — Sickness and Death. It would have been interesting to read the ac- count of Ko Thah-byu's wanderings in Pegu, and his attempts to go over land to Maulmain ; but it is one of the withering curses of Ignorance, that all her subjects must serve in silence, without the power to record the sufferings that her minions, poverty and wretchedness, inflict. While the skilful hand of Education oft " gives to airy noth- ings a local habitation and a name," the stern realities of humble life are left, like the untrodden forest, in all their native grandeur, without a hand to sketch them. In the year 1837, he was in Maulmain, but went to Rangoon again with Mr. Abbott, in April, who thus writes : " He immediately went into the Karen jungle, and visited the Christian villages around and near Maubee, where he had formerly preached, and had been instrumental in Christian- izing a good many of his fellow-countrymen. He remained there, at this time, about six months, preaching altogether among the Christian villages. The old man's days for itinerating had passed away. He was afflicted with rheumatism and blindness, and was consequently unable to under- take any difficult journey. The Maubee villages being compact, and having good roads from one to the other, he was able to visit them by making a MEMOIR OF KG THAH-BYU. G9 long stay at each. Another cause that deterred him from preaching among the unchristianized, was, the Burmese government had become alarmed at the fact of so many Karens having embraced a foreign religion. The Christians were oppressed, fined, imprisoned, and annoyed in every conceiva- ble manner. Every petty Burmese officer felt himself called upon to manifest his loyalty and his attachment to the institutions of his country by persecuting the Karen Christians. The land swarmed with ' informers,' who were the hired menials of said officers. Under such circum- stances, it is no wonder that old Ko Thah-byu felt himself justified in remaining quiet among the Christians. Even had he been able to travel and preach, and had he attempted it, he would soon have been apprehended. His health becoming more feeble, and war being expected between the English and the Burmese, he returned to Maul- main in November. When I left Maulmain, in February, 1840, I knew not certainly that I could obtain assistance from Burmah, and called Ko Thah-byu, and he accompanied me to Sandoway, with his family. Immediately on my arrival, I sent him to a small Karen village, a few miles from where I live, where he remained and preached a while, and then returned to me, and commenced teaching a class of boys. The small-pox breaking out in my school, and Ko Thah-byu's young chil- dren having never had it, he took his family and went again to the village near. At this place, where he spent all his time while in Arracan, four have been baptized. Several now stand candi- dates for the ordinance, and a good many are nominal Christians, all of whom first heard the gospel from Ko Thah-byu." 70 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. Here, in the midst of his work, the summons came for him to cease from his labors. Here, in this village, which he had so recently entered, — a moral wilderness, — he was called away to the world of spirits, just when it was budding and blossoming into beauty, as so many and distant regions had done before, beneath his fostering hand. And he went, " Not, like the quarry slave, at night Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." *' His rheumatic complaint," continues Mr. Ab- bott, " had become distressing, so that he was many times unable to walk, or even to rise up. A few weeks after he left me, the disease settled upon his lungs, accompanied by violent inflamma- tion, and the old man seemed to be aware that he was near his grave. As it was the rainy sea- son, I could not go to him, but sent a boat and had him brought in, he having sent me word that he wanted to come and die near me. He came, but was unable to walk. I saw he had but a few days to live. He was perfectly willing to die ; had no fears ; * as it pleases God,' seemed to be the frame of his spirit. He suffered severely from his rheumatic complaint, notwithstanding the constant attention of the physician whom I called. He was very irritable at times, and his old temper would occasionally show itself He required a good deal of attention ; and many a time was I awakened in the night by his calling, * Teacher, please come and champoo me,' which I did, as he seemed to think no one could do it so well as myself On MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 71 the whole, he was submissive under his pains, until they brought him to the grave, on the 9th of September, 1840. To the last, he had not an anxious thought as to his future destiny ; his usual reply to my questions on the subject was, * Teach- er, God will preserve me.' " What a glorious system of blessings is Chris- tianity ! There is not a passion that it cannot subdue ; not an evil propensity that it cannot de- stroy ; not a vicious habit that it cannot eradicate. For the sleepless horrors of a guilty conscience it has rest and peace, and for every sting a sure and abiding antidote. How amply it justifies the rich promises of its divine Founder ! And what marvel that the fearless apostle, amid the con- temptuous disciples of Plato and Zeno, lifted up a dauntless front, and gloried in " Christ, and him crucified" ! The dialogues of Plato live; but as to their influen.ce on the opinions and character's of men, their '' glory is departed : " the disciples of the Stoa* have passed away, without leaving a trace of their existence, save the ruins of the porches in which they taught. But the doctrines of the cross still live to humanize inhuman man ; to change a villain, from whose presence the vir- tuous instinctively shrink, into a " good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith," who scatters blessings wherever he goes, whose path through the world is traced by a track of glory, and whose " memory is the shrine Of pleasant thoughts, soft as the scent of flowers ; Cahn as, on windless eve, the sun's decline. Sweet as the song of birds among the bowers; * Stoa is properly a Greek word, signifying porch, or portico. It is liere used in reference to the portico, in which the philosopher Zeno delivered his instructions. From this word, the followers of Zeno were called Stoics. — E. 72 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. Rich as a rainbow, with its hues of light; Pure as the moonlight of an autumn night." Where the blue mountains of Pegu so often glad- den the eyes of the weary mariner, after half cir cumnavigating a world of waters,* sleeps Ko Thah-byu. No mound marks his grave ; no *' sto- ried urn or animated bust" indicates his resting- place ; but the eternal mountains are his monument, and the Christian villages, that clothe their sides^ are his epitaph. " Remembrance oft shall haunt the shore, When woods in summer wreaths are dressed, And oft suspend the dashing oar, To bid thy fervent spirit rest. Long, long, thy monumental clay Shall melt the musing wanderer's eyes; ' O vales and wild woods,' shall he say, ' In yonder grave a giant lies.' " * The mountains of Pegu and Arracan are often the first land seer in India, by ships coming from Europe and America. The King's Boat. MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU CHAPTER VII. 7i Karen Mission most encouraging. — Most successful. — The cheapest. — Native Preachers most useful. — An Establishment required to educate them. — Susceptibili' ty of the Karens to religious Impressions. — Testimony of various Missionaries. Mr. Malcom remarks, concerning the Karen mission, "We have been, perhaps, too much dis- posed to esteem the importance of a mission in proportion to the amount of population.* We ought rather to regard the indications of Provi- dence. In this respect, so far as I know, no other mission of modern times holds out such encour- agements." Here we have the testimony of a man who was deputed for the special purpose of visiting the different mission stations, ** to collect such information pertaining to missions as might enable the board to dispense the sacred charities intrusted to them with the greater skill." And after visiting the missions of nearly all denomina- tions in the East, he records it as his deliberate opinion, that on the very point which ought to give importance to missions with those that sup- port them, " no other mission of modern times holds out such encouragements." I do not flatter myself that I can add any thing to give greater weight in the public mind to this testimony ; but at a time when the hearts of those who conduct the missionary enterprise are begin- * The Karens are much more numerous than Mr. Malcom was aware. 7 74 MEMOIR Of KO THAH-BYU. ning to quail for the want of funds, and official documents moot the question of abandoning mis- sions, and calling home missionaries, it cannot be deemed either unimportant or invidious to of- fer a few considerations, to show that the Karen mission is the cheapest of American missions in the world.* The Karens do not require so much teaching, in the first instance, to bring them to a knowledge of the truth, as other unevangelized nations. Their traditions teach them the existence of an eternal God, who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Their traditions teach that this God created the heavens and the earth, and all which they contain ; that he created man holy, like himself, but that man fell from his state of holiness into a state of sin and misery by eating the forbidden fruit, through the temptation of Sa- tan ; but that God has promised to redeem and restore man to his favor, and that for this future salvation they are to wait in hope. These ac- knowledged articles of belief among them, with many other similar items of information, and a moral code, in the commands of the elders, that leaves little to be added, t save the missionary an immense amount of time and labor; for other na- tions need to learn them all from those that teach Christianity. The consequence is, that, with far less instruction, the members of the churches are much better acquainted with the doctrines and duties of Christianity, than the converts from other nations ; and hence, to bring them to a given point in their progress to knowledge, requires less for- eign aid, and therefore less money. * Foreign missions to the heathen are of course to be understood, ■f See Appendix. MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. V& Again, in no modern mission has an equal amount of success attended such a very small amount of funds as has been expended on the Karen mission. The baptism of Ko Thah-byu, in 1828, was the commencement of the mission ; for not till this period were any efforts made for the Karens, as a people. For several years, one ordained missionary only was devoted to their service ; and after a lapse of twelve years, at the time of Ko Thah-byu's death, there were five, and one assistant missionary, with their wives. At the end of these twelve years, one thousand two hundred and seventy Karens are officially reported as members of the churches in good standing. So far as my knowledge goes, no mission will admit of comparison with the Karen, but the one to the Sandwich Islands. This mission was commenced in 1829, with two ordained mission- aries, and five assistant missionaries, and their wives; and at the end of twelve years, in 1832, there were no less than twenty-two ordained mis- sionaries,* six assistant missionaries, their wives, and two single females connected with the mis- sion ; more than four times the number of Karen missionaries at the end of the corresponding pe- riod, while the whole number of persons admitted to the church from the commencement of the mission to the same date, was five hundred and seventy-seven ; less than half the number of Ka- rens, in good standing in the church, at the end of the same period. Thus it appears that, in the * It may be objected that eight of these had but recently joined ; but this was also true of one of the five belonging to the Karen mission, so that before these accessions the proportion was as one to three and a half. 76 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. most successful of American missions, except the Karen, it cost more than four times more men and money than it did in the Karen, to produce less than half the results. The cheapness of this mission, as compared with other Eastern missions, is seen again in the oper- ations of the press. Mr. Trevelyan, as quoted by Malcom, says, " There are probably not five hun- dred persons in all India, not educated by Euro- peans, who could take up a translation in their own character, of any work in philosophy, morals, or religion, and read it ex tempore with under- standing." Still, to reach the small fraction that can be benefited by books, the different missions are compelled to circulate books by tens of thou- sands annually. The waste, though unavoidable, is immense. The writer of this Memoir once asked a missionary of some ten years' experience in India, what proportion of the books circulated were read. " O, I do not suppose a page in a thousand," was the reply. Another said, ^' One in ten." How different the circumstances in respect to the Karens ! All the readers have studied in schools taught either by the missionaries or their assistants, and their numbers and attainments are known ; so that there is no necessity to give a single book where there is not a moral certainty that it will be both read and understood. Again, it is a remarkable feature in the prog- ress of the Karen mission, that, from the com- mencement to the present time, the work has been carried on preeminently by the natives themselves. Where is there a mission that has produced a native preacher who has been so successful as the preceding pages show Ko MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. TT Thah-byu to have been ? A dozen such men would, with the blessing of God, renovate the whole nation. Native preachers, it is well known, are supported at a tenth of what it costs to sup- port missionaries ; so that the cheapness of the mission appears again under this aspect. To make the native assistants most valuable, how- ever, they must be educated. Ko Thah-byu laid about him with the arm of a giant; but he was a blind Cyclops. No one valued him as the missionaries did ; yet no mis- sionary ever ventured to ordain him ; and that because, in common with all his countrymen, he wanted a well-regulated mind, such as a thorough training in a good mission school is adapted to impart. Thus it appears that the Karen mission, beyond all others, should be amply provided with means to instruct the native Christians ; and yet in this department it is remarkably deficient. There is not a single missionary devoted to the education of the people, while at each of the prin- cipal stations there ought to be two, with that as the prominent object of their labors. No matter what name is employed, whether schools, acade- mies, or seminaries ; it is institutions of learning that are required, not brick walls or Corinthian columns. There should be a liberal supply of missionaries to teach, so that if one be sick, as one often will be, another may be able to take his place, that the machinery may not run down, as it otherwise assuredly will ; and there should be a sufficient supply of money to support the pupils while studying, and to provide them with bamboo dwellings. Karen scholars are supported for eighteen dollars a year, including board, cloth- 7* 78 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. ing, and buildings, but exclusive of books and the salaries of the missionaries that superintend them.* A Karen preacher, or school teacher, is sup- ported, when employed in the native villages, at from twenty-five to fifty dollars annually — much less than in most other missions.t Now, all we ask is, half-a-dozen more well-educated mission- aries, and funds enough to do all the good they can, on the economical scale given above. Is this an extravagant request? While there are twenty-four ordained missionaries sent to the one hundred thousand Sandwich Islanders, is it be- yond the bounds of propriety or practicability to sustain an establishment of half that number for the many hundred thousand Karens? Such an establishment as is desirable, might perhaps in- volve an annual expense of twenty thousand dol- lars, exclusive of the operations of the press ; and such an establishment, with God's blessing, would change the whole nation, and make them as truly a Christian people as are the English or the Ameri- cans. And surely the six hundred thousand Baptist communicants of the United States, embracing a Baptist population of three or four millions, will not withhold a sum so paltry, to accomplish an object so glorious. * The whole expense, including every thing, may amount to from twenty-five to thirty dollars. f If other missions are more expensive, or less successful, it is not the fault of the missionaries ; and if the Karen mission is cheaper, or more successful, than others, no credit is to be here attributed to the Karen missionaries above their brethren. It is to be wholly attributed to peculiarly favorable providential circumstances; and these things are not mentioned for the sake of drawing invidious comparisons, but because they are some of "the indications of Providence " referred to above, and because they are facts that ought to be known. MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 79 " Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for themselves. If our possessions Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touched, But to fine issues ; nor Nature ever lends The smallest scruple of her abundance. But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines Herself the glory of a creditor, — Both thanks and use." But the Karens, apart from all other consider- ations, have peculiar claims on Christians on account of their remarkable susceptibility to re- ligious impressions, and the spirit of piety evinced by the converts. Here we will not argue, but produce testimony — such testimony as would be more than sufficient to establish any point in law. The first witness we shall bring into court is Mr. Boardman, on his dying couch. Hear his testimony in the midst of the Karen converts coming forward for baptism. " If I live to see this one ingathering, I may well exclaim, with happy Simeon, ' Lord, now lettest thou thy ser- vant depart in peace according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.' How many ministers have wished they might die in their pulpits ! and would not dying in a spot like this be even more blessed than dying in a pulpit at home ? I feel that it would." The next that comes in is Mrs. Boardman, in her widowhood, testifying to the conduct of the converts after baptism. " They are Karens, liv- ing two or three days' journey distant, who, by their frequent visits to us, over almost impassable mountains, and through deserts, the haunt of the tiger, evince a love for the gospel seldom surpassed. What would the Christians in New Ensland think 80 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. of travelling forty or fifty miles on foot to hear a sermon and beg a Christian book ? A good Chris- tian woman, who has been living with us sev- eral months, told me that, when she came, the water was so deep that she was obliged to wait till the men in the company could cut down trees and lay across the streams for her to get over on ; and sometimes she forded the streams herself, when the water reached her chin. She said she was more afraid of the alligators than any thing else. The reason of their coming at so bad a time was, we had appointed a church fast, and sent to the Karen Christians living near, to unite with us; but a rumor of it spread beyond the mountains, and they were so afraid that they should not observe it at the right time and in the right way, that a large company of the best dis- ciples came immediately to inquire about it. As far as we can learn, they manifest the same ten- derness of conscience and fear of doing wrong on every subject ; and I can say with truth, that the more we become acquainted with them, the more reason we find to love them as Christians, and to believe that the work is of God. Some of them have lived on our premises month after month, and their conduct has been most exem- plary ; and we have not heard of an instance of immorality among any of the church members during the past year." Miss Cummings, after living a year with the Karens in their own wilds, adds her testimony, and says, " A year happier than has been the past I have never seen." Our next witness is Mr. Vinton, who comes forward to testify of the joy with which the Chris- MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 81 tians receive a new missionary. " We left Maul- main the second of this month, and, on our arrival here, were received by the native church, and indeed by the whole village, with expressions of joy, such as are seldom witnessed on the arrival of a long-absent, yet endeared, friend. Even the children were not content without letting us know the interest they felt, by joining their pa- rents in carrying our things up the steep ascent to the house. At evening, the*whole village came together for worship. It was a season of deep interest to me. I told them, as well as my scanty knowledge of the language would allow, the object of my coming among them. The greater part seemed drunk up with interest at the thought that one was to be devoted to the work of making known to them the messages of mercy through a Savior. The next day they brought us such fruits and vegetables as the land afforded; and, indeed, they have continued to make their offerings in such abundance, that hitherto we have been more than supplied. These, though of trifling value, are like the widow's two mites, which, in the sight of God, were of more value than all the offerings of the rich, and seem to presage the pouring out of that divine blessing annexed to bringing in all the tithes into the storehouse. I have baptized two, and shall probably baptize again next Sabbath. Inquirers are multiplying, and I trust the time is not far distant, when this whole land shall be Emanuel's land, a mountain of holiness, over which the blessed Jesus shall reign without a rival." Next hear Mr. Wade's evidence concerning the susceptibility of the people to the truth. ''As 82 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. often as I think of the little church at Yeh, and of the hopeful inquirers there, I feel that we have reason to exclaim, ' What hath God wrought ! ' What, but divine power, could have induced so many to believe the doctrine of foreign teachers, when their views of their own worldly interest inclined them to take a directly opposite course ? What God has done there for part of the popula- tion, he is able to do for the whole ; and he is able to do the same in efVery heathen settlement where the gospel is preached. The means of grace there have been small on the one hand ; and, on the other, the people were at first, with one con- sent, violently opposed to every effort to introduce the gospel among them. It was astonishing how they had acquired so much knowledge of the way of salvation, with so little means." Mrs. Wade adds her testimony to the Christian character of the members of the churches. " We had a pleasant season at worship in the morning, with thirteen Karen Christians : two came with us, one was from a distant village, and ten belong to this place. Several others, besides children, were present. At evening, I felt much better, and conversed for some time with the Christians, who appear steadfast in the faith, and some of them * growing in grace.' " They are far separated from any other Chris- tians, and can but seldom see the missionaries ; but they seem to live a life of prayer and simple faith in God. Every Sunday they assemble, and read, and pray, and sing : and truly the blessing of the Lord rests upon them. O, it is delightful to sit and hear them tell how peaceful and happy they are, since * God gave them new hearts.' — On MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. S3 our arrival at Matah, this morning, we found the Christians had repaired the old house, and spread their mats on the floor, and made all things look quite comfortable. We spent the remainder of the day in conversing with them, attending to the sick, &c., until evening, when they beat a small gong, which called them all to the zayat for worship. It was truly a delightful sight to see above one hundred and fifty, all seated in perfect order, and waiting to hear the word of the Lord from their teacher. Their singing was really melodious, and their at- tention and behavior, every way, might be a useful example to many congregations in our own dear native country. I have now been a month among these dear Christians, and am compelled to exclaim, * What hath God wrought! ' I really did not ex- pect to find such lovely examples of simple, hum- ble piety, as I see exhibited in the lives of many of them, while their means of instruction have necessarily been so limited. I will not retire with- out 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 tl^ day, when we had a short service. We then repaired to the beautiful banks of the Tenasserim, where twenty-five lovely con- verts were buried with Christ in its crystal waters. The assembly was large, the singing animated and melodious, and the scenery around most ro- mantic 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 84 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 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." Miss Macomber follows to testify to the reality of the Spirit's influence in the progress of the work. *'I have now the happiness to inform you that the excitement, which I attributed wholly to novelty, proved to be a gracious influence of the Holy Spirit. A number of these poor dark hea- then, who were then bound in Satan's double chain, (idolatry and drunkenness,) have been lib- erated and brought into the glorious liberty of the gospel of Christ, and are now rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God. " The progress of the work has been deeply interesting to all who have been acquainted with it, and particularly so to myself Never were the power and mercy of God more manifestly dis- played, and never did his saving grace shine through a more feeble instrumentality. But God can work according to his will ; and blessed be his name, the heathen shall be given to his Son. " Our first baptism was on the 12th of January. Chung-pau, a man rather a^^anced in years, but of a sound, good mind, and who has thus far mani- fested a most devoted spirit, had, from the first, listened with uncommon interest; and 1 think I shall never forget the sensations it gave me, when he would come and sit down by me, and, with a countenance which bespoke a soul awakened to the interest of eternal realities, would ask, ' What is it to believe ? What can I do to believe ? I want to escape hell, and obtain heaven. I wish to trust in Jesus Christ. What shall I do ? ' O, what MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. m would I have given, in that moment, for an easy use of the language ! But I said what I could, and the Spirit taught him as man could not." Mr. Kincaid comes forward to testify to the eagerness with which the Christians flocked around him to hear the word of God, and their desire to understand it. " Set off in a Burman canoe to visit some Karens, twenty-five miles distant. I found the village delightfully situated on the mar- gin of a mountain stream; but the most pleasant part was,' to witness the eagerness with which they flocked around me to listen to the word of God. My feeble, emaciated appearance drew from them the tenderest sympathy. Though un- able to sit up more than an hour and a half at a time, I still had strength to preach to them every morning and evening. My congregation averages about sixty. They sing the songs of Zion in the sweetest manner. There was a melody and sweet- ness in their singing, which perhaps is rarely ever heard. '* The Karen Christians are comincr in almost daily ; often seven or eight together ; and they would come by twenties, if we had not sent them word that it would be imprudent, and exposing themselves unnecessarily to fines and imprison- ment; perhaps to long servitude, and possibly to death. Some, who had been bound with cords, and cruelly beaten till nearly senseless, for preach- ing Christ and the resurrection, came to see us. Often, when we returned from a walk in the even- ing, through some part of the town or suburbs, we found four or five, or seven or eight, in our room, nearly worn out with their long march through the heat of the sun. Still they would sit up till 8 86 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. after midnight, asking questions about Christian doctrines and duties, and having difficult passages of Scripture explained ; and even at that time of night, it was not easy to get away to sleep, they were so eager to have every thing obscure made plain. Some of these are assistants, who have from twenty to sixty families each under their care. They are pastors, as well as preachers; each one, in his own parish, visiting from house to house, reading the Scriptures, and praying with the sick, conducting public worship on- the Sab- bath, preaching to the unconverted, and perform- ing the rite of marriage, according to Christian usage. They also preside in the respective churches under their care. They are not or- dained, and therefore do not administer baptism and the Lord's supper. They are indeed God's * anointed ones,' and we have no doubt but in time they will become efficient pastors and evan- gelists. It would be imprudent now to intrust them with power to baptize and admit persons to church membership. They must have more in- struction in the ' mysteries of the kingdom,' more experience, and more knowledge of character, or there would be danger of their filling up the church with mere nominal Christians. Two of the young men, who were in irons and stocks last year, are now sitting near me, reading the New Testament. Both of them are fine, active young men. *' The assistant who has been laboring in the vicinity of Bassein, where the celebrated young chief resides, has just arrived in Rangoon. The work of divine grace in that region is wonderful. The house of the young chief is thronged much of the time by Karens, who come to hear the gos- MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 81^ pel, and learn to read. In that district, between two and three hundred are waiting for baptism. Such is the power of the gospel among that people. We have examined six or seven native assistants, and given them all the instruction which so short a time could allow. Our prayers go with them in their blessed labors. They have the highest wisdom; that is, wisdom in winning souls to Christ. Their purpose and feelings are exclusive. One settled design appears to engross all their thoughts and wishes. Persecution does not dis- hearten them ; fines and imprisonment do not ter- rify them. The spread of the gospel, and the salvation of their countrymen, is the all-engrossing subject by day and by night." Mr, Hancock testifies to the appearance of the people while suffering from the " pestilence that walks at noonday." " My visit to Matah was an extremely interesting one, though I have since paid dearly for it. Brother Mason and myself left Ta- voy on Wednesday morning, and reached the * City of Love ' * Thursday evening, about five o'clock. We were heartily welcomed by brother and sister Wade. In the evening, by request, I addressed an assembly of between two and three hundred Karens, from these words : ' Let not your hearts be troubled.' Many of them had lately lost friends by the cholera, and their hearts were still bleeding from the wounds which had been made ; many, also, had contemplated a removal from the place, from fear of contagion. I directed their minds to the words above quoted, as a * balm for all their wounds, and a cordial for their fears.' It * Such is the meaning of the whole word Matah-myu, of which Matah is an abbreviation. — E. 88 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. was the largest congregation of natives I had seen in the country, and a more attentive one I have never seen. When the meeting vi^as over, all were anxious to testify their welcome to the stranger, by a shake of the hand ; and it was with much difficulty I made my way through the crowd." Mr. Abbott's evidence relates to the manner with which the Christians bear persecution; to " whole villages having turned to God ; " and to the efficiency of the native preachers. "During a few weeks after the ' young chief and his associates were released, but few Karens ventured to call on me at Rangoon ; yet more than I wished. About the 1st of October, three men came from Bassein, to ask that question which was to me the precur- sor of evil — ' Teacher, what shall we do? for,' said they, * four of our brethren are in the stocks.' They informed me that an assistant whom I had sent to that region, and three young men who had joined him there, were out on a preaching excur- sion, and stopped at a large Karen village one evening, which was near to the village of a Bur- man officer, and, as their custom was, called to- gether the people, and preached to them the kingdom of God. They were warned that their course would possibly awaken the wrath of the officers. But, as it seems, they deemed it advisa- ble to obey God rather than man, and continued their meeting till a late hour at night. The next morning, before they had time to get away, these four young Karens were apprehended, and beaten, with several who had listened to their story the preceding evening. They were then (the four) cast into the stocks, and reserved for threatened torture. In ten days, I heard again, the four had MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 89 been liberated before the men who came to me reached home. But the officers had extorted a hundred and fifty rupees from the Christians, which sum had been immediately made out by voluntary contribution, some giving one anna, and some two, and some one rupee ; yet not a Karen in this whole region has been baptized, except the * young chief.' " On the 20th of November, the assistant men- tioned above came to me at Rangoon, pale and emaciated from disease. I asked him how he felt while they were beating him 1 * Prayed for them.' But were you not a little angry ? ' No ; I told them they might beat me to death, if they wished, but they would not make me angry, and I should live again at the resurrection. When they heard this, they laughed, and after beating me a little, stopped.' Since that time, he has been preaching in villages more remote from the Burmans, and has not been molested. The account he brings relative to the work of the Lord in those regions, surpasses every thing I have known in modern days among heathen nations ; and if it be of God, it will stand. **At Maubee and the surrounding villages, there are very many who have learned to read within the last year, and many who have embraced the gos- pel, and are waiting for baptism. The church stands firm amid storms and threatenings, oppres- sions and persecutions. " At Bassein, the * young chief ' continues to be as actively engaged in doing good as ever. His house is a great Bethel, a temple of God, whither the people from the neighboring and dis- tant villages resort, to learn to read, and how to 8* 90 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. worship God. He is the only baptized individual in that region, and consequently is the only one who can be reckoned a member of the church. How many there are there, who would be consid- ered proper subjects of baptism, it is impossible to say. The assistants think there are from six hundred to one thousand who are decidedly Christians. Although but one has been baptized there, still the line of demarkation between those who serve God and those who serve him not, is distinctly drawn ; and generally there exists on the part of those who reject the gospel a most bitter hatred towards the Christians. In fact, the Karen converts fear their own countrymen, who are enemies to the gospel, more than Burman officers. Sometimes, even in families, there exists the most deadly opposition ; and not only are ' a man's foes they of his own household,' but they are often his bitterest foes. Notwithstanding, I know of several villages where the people are all decidedly Christian ; and althojugh it has been denied by some that there are ' whole villages who have turned to God,' yet if they will take a trip with me into the Karen jungles, I will show them several such. It is easy to account for the rapid spread of the gospel in these regions. I attribute it, under the blessing of God, to the efficiency and apostolic zeal of the Karen native preachers." Mr. Malcom, returning from inspecting the mis- sion, comes in to testify to the temperance of the Christians, and to their gratitude to the American churches ; closing with a Karen baptismal scene. " The change in regard to temperance is not less remarkable. Unlike the Burmans, whose religion utterly forbids strong drink, and who scarcely MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. 91 ever use it, the Karens use it universally, and generally to excess; every family make arrack for themselves, and from oldest to youngest par- take. Drunkenness, with all its train of horrors, is rife among them, of course. But no sooner do any become serious inquirers, and consort with the disciples for further instruction, than they totally abandon the accursed thing. The chil- dren of the very men who were sots, are growing up without having tasted or seen it. The conse- quences to domestic peace and general welfare may be supposed. ** When endeavors to do good fail, it is a sweet reward to see those we meant to benefit, grateful for our interference. And when good is really done, our pleasure is often neutralized by the pain of being ungratefully requited. Those who sup- port our enterprise ought to know that this peo- ple testify aloud their continual gratitude towards the Christians of this country for the knowledge of Christianity. They often compare their former degradation and misery with their present com- forts and hopes. We had a church meeting, at which, among other business, three candidates for baptism were received. Some others were de- ferred for the present. The rude-looking assem- bly (lately so rude indeed, and so ignorant of eternal things) transacted their business with much order and great correctness of judgment. Now, and several times before, I addressed them official- ly, through Mr. Judson, examining into their de- grees of religious knowledge, and leaving them various injunctions relating to both temporal and eternal things. In the afternoon, we met again, and, after religious exercises, walked in proces- 92 MEMOIR OF KO THAH-BYU. sion to the water-side, where, after singing and prayer, I baptized the candidates in the name of the Holy Three. The river was perfectly serene, and the shore a clean sand. One of those lofty mountains which I have described, rose in iso- lated majesty on the opposite shore, intercepting the rays of the setting sun. The water was per- fectly clear, the air cool and fragrant, the candi- dates calm and happy. All was good. May that lonely mountain often, often echo with the baptis- mal hymn, and the voice of prayer ! How blessed and golden are these days to Burm^h ! Men love to mark the glorious sunrise. Painters copy it ; poets sing it ; all derive pleasure and elevation as they gaze while it blazes up the heavens, turning to gorgeous purple every dull cloud, gild- ing the mountain tops, and chasing the mists from the valley. God seems present, and creati3dah 24 : 11. 61 : 11. END. CATALOGUE OF VALUABLE WORKS PUBLISHED BY GOULD, KENDALL AND LINCOLN, NO. 59, WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON. The attention of the public is invited to an examination of the merits of the ■works described in this Catalogue, embracing valuable contributions to General Literature, Science, and Theology. Besides their own publications, they have a general assortment of books in the various departments of literature, and can supply every thing in their ILne of business on the lowest terms, wholesale and retail. PRINCIPLES OF ZOOLOGY; Touching the Structure, Devel- opment, Distribution, and Natural Arrangement of the Races OF Animals, living and extinct, with numerous illustrations. For the use of Schools and Colleges. Part L, Compakatlvh Physiology. By Louis Agassiz and Augustus A. Gould. " The design of this work is to furnish an epitome of the leading principles o{ the science of Zoology, as deduced from the present state of knowledge, eo illustrated as to be intelligible to the beginning student. No similar treatise now exists in this country, and indeed, some of the topics have not been touched upon in the language, unless in a strictly technical form, and in scattered articles." "Being designed for American students, the illustrations have been drawn, as far as possible, from American objects. * * * Popular names have been employed as far as possible, and to the scientific names an English termination has generally been given. The first part is devoted to Comparative Piiysiology, as the basis of Classification; the second, to Systematic Zoology, in. which the principles of Classification will be applied, and the principal groups of animals Driefly characterized." — Extracts /rom the Pre/ace. MODERN FRENCH LITERATURE; By L. Raymond De VericouPv, formerly lecturer in' the Royal Athenaeum of Paris, member of the Institute of France, &:c. American edition, brought down to the present day, and revised with notes by William S. Chase. With a fine portrait of Lamartine. *#* This Treatise has received the highest praise as a comprehensive and thorough survey of the various departments of Modern French Literature.- It contains biographical and critical notes of all the prominent names in PhU losophy. Criticism, History, Romance, Poetry, and the Drama; and presents n full and impartial consideration of the Political Tendencies of France, as they may be traced in the writings of authors equally conspicuous as Scholars and as Statesmen. Mr. Chase, who has been the Parisian correspondent of severa* leading periodicals of this country, is well qualified, from a prolonged resi- dence in France, his familiarity with its Literature, and by a personal ac- quaintance with many of these authors, to introduce the work of De VericouT to the American public. "This is the only complete treatise of the kind on this subject, either ir French or English, and has received the highest commendation. Mr. Chase is well qualified to introduce the work to the public. The book cannot fail to Do both useful and popular." — New York Evening Post. VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS. ELEMENTS OF MORAL SCIENCE. By Francis Wayland, D.D. President of BroAvn University, and Profess )r of Moral Philosophy. Thirty-sixth Thousand. 12mo., cloth. Price $1.25. From Rev. Wilbur Fisk, President of the Wesleyan University. •*I have examined it with great satisfoction and interest. The work wns greatly needed, and is well executed. Dr. Waj'land deserves the grateful acknowledgments and liberal patronage of the public. I need say nothing further to express my high estimate of the work, than that we shall immedi- ately adopt it as a text-book in our university." From Hon. James Kent, late Chancellor of Kew Torlc. " The work has been read by me attentively and thoroughly, and I think very highly of it The author himself is one of the most estimable of men, and I do not know of any ethical treatise, in which our duties to God and to our fellow-men are laid down with more precision, simplicity, clearness, energy, and truth." "The work of Dr. "Wayland has arisen gradually from the necessity of correcting the false principles and fallacious reasonings of Paley. It is a radical mistake, in the education of youth, to permit any book to be used by students as a text-book, which contains erroneous doctrines, especially when these are fundamental, and tend to vitiate the whole system of morals. We have been greatly pleased with the method which President Waj'land has adopted ; he goes back to the simplest and most fundamental principles ; and, in the statement of his views, he unites perspicuity with conciseness and precision. In all the author's leading fundamental principles we entirely concur." — Biblical Eepository. MORAL SCIENCE ABRIDGED, by the Author, and adapted to the use of Schools and Academies. Twenty-fifth Thousand. 18mo., half cloth. Price 25 cents. The more effectually lo meet the desire expressed for a cheap edition, the preBent edition is issued at the reduced price of 25 cents per copy, and it is hoped thereby lo extend the benefit of moral instruction to all the youth of our land. Teachers and all others engaged in the training of youth, are invited to examine this work. " Dr. Wayland has published an abridgment of his work, for the use of ■chools. Of this step we can hardly speak too highly. It is more than time that the study of moral philosophy should be introduced into all our institu- tiona of education. We are happy to see the way so auspiciously opened for euch an introduction. It has been not merely abridged, but also re-iorittev~ We cannot but regard the labor as well bestowed." — Aorth American Review. "We speak that we do know, when we express our high estimate of Dr. "Wavland's ability in teaching Moral Philosophy, whether orally or by the book. Having listened to his instructions, in this interesting department, we can attest how lofty are the principles, how exact and severe the argumenta- tion, how appropriate and strong the illustrations which characterize his system and enforce it on the mind." — The Christian Witness, " The work of which this volume is an abridgment, is well known as one of the best and most complete works on Jloral Philosophy extant. The author is well known as one of the most profound scholars of the age. That the study of Moral Science, a science which teaches goodness, should be a branch of education, not only in our colleges, but in our schools and academies, we believe will not be denied. The abridgment of this work seems to us admi- rably calculated for the purpose, and we hope it will be extensively applied to the purposes for which it is intended." — The Mercantile Journal, VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS. THE ELEMENTS OF POLITICAL ECONOMY. By Francis Wayland, D.D., President of Brown University. 'Fifteenth Thousand. 12mo., cloth. Price $1.25. *' His object has been to write a book, which any one who chooses may understand. Us has, therefore, labored to express the general principles in the plainest manner possible, and to illustrate them by cases with wliich every person is fumiliar. It has been to tlie author a source of regret, that the course of discussion in the following pages, has, unavoidably, led him over ground which has frequently been the aren i of political controversy. In all Buch cases, ho lias endeavored to state what seemed to him to be truth, without fear, favor, or affection. He is conscious to himself of no bias towards any party whatever, and he thinlcs that he wlio will read tlie whole Vv'ork, will be convinced that he has beea influenced by none." — Extract from Preface. POLITICAL ECONOMY, ABRIDGED, by the Author, and adapted to the use of Schools and Academies. Seventh Thousand. 18mo., half morocco. Price 60 cents. "The original work of the author, on Political Economy, has already been noticed on our pages ; and tlie present abridgment stands in no need of a recommendation from us. We maybe permitted, however, to say, that both the rising and risen generations are deeply indebted to Dr. Wayland, for the skill and power he has put forth to bring a higlily important subject distinctly before them, witliin sucli narrow limits. It is to be hoped, this will form a class-book, and be faithfully studied in our academies; and that it will find its way into every family library. It is fitted to enlarge the mind, to purify the judgment, to correct erroneous popular impressions, and assist every man in forming opinions of public measures, which will abide the test of time and experience." — Boston Recorder. " "We rejoice to see such treatises spreading among the people ; and we urge nil who would be intelligent freemen, to read them." — New York Transcript. "It is well adapted to high schools, and embraces the soundest system of republican political economy of any treatise extant," — Daily Advocate, THOUGHTS on the present Collegiate System in the United States. By Francis Wayland, D.D. Price 50 cents. "These Thoughts come from a source entitled to a very respectful atten- tion ; and the author gees over the whole ground of collegiate education, criti- cising freely all the arrangements in every department and in all theii bearings." PALEY'S NATURAL THEOLOGY. Illustrated by forty plates and Selections from the notes of Dr. Paxton, with additional Notes, original and selected, for this edition ; with a vocabu- lary of Scientific Terms. Edited by John Ware, M.D. 12mo., sheep. Price ^\.2b. " The work before us is one which deserves rather to be studied than merely read. Indeed, without diligent attention and study, neither the excel- lences of it can be fully discovered, nor its advantages realized. It is, there- fore, gratifying to tind it introduced, as a text-book, into the colleges and literary institutions of our country. The edition before us is superior to any ■ we have seen, and, we believe, superior to any that has yet been published." Spirit of the Pilgrims. " Perhaps no one of our author's works gives greater satisfaction to all classes of readers, the young and the old, the ignorant and the enlightened. Indeed, we recollect no book in which the arguments for the existence and attributes of the Supreme Being to be drawn from his works, are exhibited in a manner more attractive and more convincing." — Christian Examiruir, VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS. BLAKE'S FIRST BOOK IN ASTRONONY. Designed for the Use of Common Schools. By J. L. Blake, D.D. Illustrated by Steel Plate Engravings. 8vo., cloth back. Price 50 cents. From E. HincJdeij, Prof, of Mathematics in 2Taryland University. " I am much indebted to you for a copy of the First Book in Astronomy. It is a work of utility and 7iierit, far superior to any other which I have seen. The author has selected his topics ■with great judgment, — arranged them in admirable order, — exhibited them in a style and manner at once tasteful and philosophical. Nothing seems wanting, — nothing redundant. It is truly a very beautiful and attractive book, calculated to afford both pleasure and profit to all who may enjoy the advantage of perusing it." From B. Field, Principal of the Hancock School, Boston. " I know of no other work on Astronomy so well calculated to interest and instruct young learners in this sublime science." From Isaac Foster, Instmctor of Youth, Portland. "I have examined Blake's First Book in Astronomy, and am much pleased with it. A very happy selection of tt. pics is presented in a manner which cannot fail to interest the learner, while the questions will assist him materi- ally in fixing in the memory what ought to be retained. It leaves the most intricate parts of the subject for those who are able to master them, and brings before the young pupil only what can be made intelligible and interesting to him." "We are free to say, that it is, in our opinion, decidedly the best work ■we have any knowledge of, on the sublime and interesting subject of Astron- omy. The engravings are executed in a superior style, and the mechanical appearance of the book is extremely prepossessing. — Evening Gazette, Boston. " We do not hesitate to recommend it to the notice of the superintending committees, teachers, and pupils of our public schools. The definitions in the first part of the volume are given in brief and clear language, adapted to the understanding of beginners."— 5!afe i/eraW, ^Y. H. BLAKE'S NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. Being Conversations on Philosophy, with the addition of Explanatory Notes, Questions for Examination, and a Dictionary of Philosophical Terms. With twenty-eight steel Engravings. By J. L. Blake, D.D. 12mo., sheep. Price 67 cents. *,* Perhaps no work has contributed so much as this to excite a fondness for the study of Natural Philosophy in youthful minds. The familiar comparisons, with which it abounds, awaken interest, and rivet the attentioa of the pupil. From Rev. J, Adams, President of Charleston College, S. C "I h.ive been highly gratified with the perusal of your edition of Con- versations on Natural Philosophy. The Questions, Notes, and Exi)lanati0n8 of Terms, are valuable additions to the work, and make this edition superior to any other with which I am acquainted. I shall recommend it wherever I have an opportunity." " We avail oiirselves of the opportunity furnished us by the publication of a new edition of this deservedlj* popular work, to recommend it, not only to those instructors who may not already have adopted it, but also generally to all readers who are desirous of obtaining inforniation on the subjects on which it treats. By Questions arranged at tlie bottom of the pages, in which the collateral facts are arranged, he directs the attention of the learner to the prin- cipal topics. Mr. Blake has also added many Notes, which illustrate the passages to which they are appended, and the Dictionary of Philosophical Terms is a useful addition." — 17, S. Literary Gazette^ VALUABLE SCHOOL BOOKS. YOUNG LADIES' CLASS BOOK. A Selection of Lessons for Eeading in Prose and Verse. By E. Bailey, A.M., late Principal of the Young Ladies' High School, Boston. Stereo- typed Edition. 12mo., sheep. Price S3X cents. From the Principcds of the Public Schools for Females, Boston, *' Gentlemkx:— We have examined the Young Ladies' Class Book with interest and pleasure ; with interest, because we have felt the want of a Read- ing Book expressl}' designed for the use of females ; and with pleasure, be- cause we have found it well adapted to supply the deficiency. The high-toned morality, the freedom from sectarianism, tlie taste, richness, and aflajdation of the selections, added to the neatness of its external appearance, must com- mend it to all ; while the practical teacher will not fail to observe that diversity of style, together with those peculiar pomis, the want of which, few, who have not felt, know how to supply. Bespectfully yoiu-s, Barnum Field, Abraham Andrews, R. G. Pakkee, Charles Fox." From the Principal of the Mount Vernon School, Boston, "I have examined with much interest the Young Ladies' Class Book, by Mr. Bailey, and have been very highly pleased witli its contents. It is my intention to introduce it into my own school ; as I regard it as not only remark- ably well fitted to answer its particular object as a book of exercises in the art of elocution, but as calculated to have an influence upon the character and conduct, which will be in every respect favorable." — Jacob Abbott. ""We were never so struck with the importance of having reading books for female schools, adapted particularly to that express purpose, as while looking over the pages of this selection. The eminent success of the com- piler in teaching this branch, to which we can personally bear testimony, is Bufficient evidence of the character of the work." — Amials of Education. ROMAN ANTiaUITIES AND ANCIENT MYTHOLOGY. By C. K. Dillaway, A.m., late Principal in the Boston Latin School. With Engravings. Eighth Ed., improved. 12mo., naif mor. Price 67 cts. From E. Bailey, Principal of the Toung Ladies' High School, Boston, "Having used Dillawai/^s Ronuin Antiquities and Ancient Mythology ia my school for several years, I commend it to teachers with great confidence, as a valuable text-book on those interesting branches of education. E. Bailet." " The want of a cheap volume, embracing a succinct account of ancient customs, together with a view of classical mythology, has long been felt. Mr. Dillaway's book seems to have been prepared with special reference to the wants of those who are just entering upon a classical career; and we deem it but a simple act of justice to say, that it supplies the want, which, as we have before said, has long been felt. A peculiar merit of this compila- tion, and one which will gain it admission into our highly respectable /e?uafe seminaries, is the total absence of all allusion, even the most remote, to the disgusting oh!''^ ^.^^ -^h an amTunt of forceful avaUabie laient m its pulpit. The energy, directness, scope, and intellectual -snirit of «ie Amencan church is wonderful. In this book, the discourses Cor Beecher, Pres. AVayland, and the Rev. Dr. Stone of the Episcoparchurcfi are K^r^o*^'' Thfs vot'''*^"-,iHi"°"" ''■'^^"''' eorrectnesst-^nd&inrpopu- JS "^"^"'"'^ ""■'" ^''^^ ^ ^'^'^^ circulation."- r/ie .Yew Englander. This work contains fifteen sermons on Missions, bv Rev. Drs Wavland Griffin, Anderson, WiUiams. Beecher. Miller, Fuller Banian Stone^ Mason and hj Rev. Messrs. Kirk, Stow, and Ide. It is a rix;h treasu;e whfch ou^ht to be in the possession of every American Christian." -CarXai^.^r^" THE GREAT COMMISSION ; Or, the Christian Church consti- hited and charged to convey the Gospel to the world. A Prize Essay By John Harris, D.D. With an Introductory Essav, S- . ii n'n ^^^^"^^^is, D.D. Sixth thousand. 12mo., cloth! "His plan is original and comprehensive. In fiUino- it un the author hi^ Sou7hTtTat'are^o:'"l- ^'«\-"d glowing illustrations: Id'^w'jth't ains of thought that are sometimes almost resistless in their appeals to the conscience ?^I-^ 'f r' •"O'-f distinguished for its argument., and its geniiTthan for the spirit of deep and fervent piety that pervades it."- The jfayspring venJlv pl^^lt^'fi"".'"'';^''''^^ "^""^^^ ^""^ ^\^S^rvt. Its sentiments richly and fer- vency evangelical, its argumentation conclusive." -lion's Herald, Boston would bTbutSlll'ir'J'/" *Il' friends of missions of all denominations tTe credit of hnv?n/.n^1-' "^^ ^^^^O"- deserves and will undoubtedly receive by the bIessL<.rf f'od^^i h1?- °^7 '^^'^ "^ that great moral machine which, oy me Diessing ot Crod, is desaned to evangelize the world." , Christian Secretary, Hartford. «.>,^i ,, ^1*^1*. *^^ volume will be attentively and prayerfully read by the tie wortT'and'IhJftr" ^'."Ih^ ^ .^ith the " Grea't Com^mis^sion "^o evang^eHze »^H 1 ' . that they will be moved to an immediate discharge of its high and momentous obligations.— A''. E. Furitan, Boston. ^ THE KAREN APOSTLE ; Or, Memoir of Ko Thah-Byu, the hrst Karen convert with notices concerning his Nation. By the Eev. Francis Mason. Edited by Prof. H. J. Ripley. Fifth thousand. 18mo., cloth. Price 25 cents. J17^^}\^ work of thrilling interest, containing the history of a remarkable man.and giving also, much Ti^formation respecting the Karen Mission here! tofore unknown in this country. It gives an account, whfch mu t be ittraci hv m w'^' Its novelty, of a people that have been but 'little known and v ited i^^^QS woc^C^'T' '"•'^'^''l"/ *^^^ y^^''- The baptism of Ko Tliah Byu in S. f *^f beginning of the mission, and at the end of these twelve >wf twelve hundred and seventy Karens are officially reported as members of the hvT. I'' '° ^''?^ standing. The mission has bc-eu carried oi pie-eminently dLnP. * '^^'^""u^''''' =^°^ there is no doubt, from much touch ngevi^ foSirs^p'reT^srs.'^"^"™''' '"^^ '""'^ "^ "^^-^'^ p-'^"-'^ -'-s HYMN BOOKS. THE PSALMIST : A Xew Collection of Hymns, for the use of the Baptist Churches. By Bakon Stow and S. F. Smith. Assisted by W. E. WilUaras, Geo. B. Ide, II. W. Griswold, S. P. Hill, J. B. Taylor, J. L. Dagg, W. T. Brantly, K. B. C. Howell, Samuel W. Lynd, and John M. Peck. Pulpit edition, 12mo. sheep. Price $1.25. Pew edition, ISmo., 75 cents. Pocket edition, 32mo., 56^1 cts. — All the different sizes supplied in extra styles of binding at corresponding prices. *,* This work it mayjie said, has become the book of the Baptist denomi- nation, having been introduced extensively into every State in the Union, and the British provinces. As a collection of hymns it stands unrivalled. The united testimony of pastors of the Baptist churches in Boston and •vicinity, in New Yorlc, and in Philadelphia, of the most decided and flatter- ing character, has been given in favor of the book. Also, by the Professors in Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution, end the Kewton Theological Institution. The same, also, has been done by a great number of clergjrmen, churches, Associations, and Conventions, in everj' State of the Union. The following notice, from the Miami Association, of Ohio, is but a speci- men of a host of others, received by the publishers : "Your Committee recommend to the attention of the Churches, the new work called ' The Psalmist,' as worthy of special patronage. 1. It ' each passage of Scripture upon the subji'Ct wliich came in my way, and the evidence thus obiaint-,1 convinced me thnt repentance and faiih oiiarht lo precede baptism. Aware liow many arc disposed to attribute any opinion wliich contradicts their o\vn, to such a pariial, one-sided investi- gation as they practise tliemselves, I determined lo form my own judgment endrely by the stmly of tlie Scviptmes, and of such authors as advocate the baplism of infants. To that determinadon 1 liave adhered ; aud not having read a single Baptist book or tract, I publish the following work as an independent testimony to the exclusive right of believers to Cnristian baplism. THE CHRISTIAN REVIEW. A Quarterly Publication. Edited by J. D. KxowLES. Bar>^\.s Sears, and"^S. F. Sjiith. A limited ninnber of complete sets, from lf;36 to_ 1843 inclusive, being the first Eight volumes, can be supphed at $10.00 per set, in neat Clotirbacks. A fcAv copies of the work, from vol. 2 to vol. 8 inclusive, will be supplied in boards, the seven volumes, for $5.00 per set. Single volumes (except the frst)^ supplied in numbers, at $1.00 per volume. This work contains valuable contributions from nil the leading men of the Baptist denomination, and is an important acquisition to any library. The present opportunity to secure sets of the early volumes of this work at thia greatly reduced price, will, we are sure, be embraced by many who desire to possess it, and may never again have so favorable an opportunity, as the ■tock on hand is limited. KIPLEY'S NOTES. — CRUDEN'S CONCORDANCE. THE FOUR GOSPELS, AVITH NOTES. Chiefly Explanatory ; intended principally for Sabbath School Teachers and Bible Classes, and as an aid to Family Instruction. By H. J. Ripley. With a Map of Palestine. Eighth thousand. 12mo., half morocco. Price $1.25. " The undersigned, having examined Professor Ripley's Notes on the Gos- pels, can recommend them with confidence to all who need such helps in the study of the sacred Scriptures. Those passages which all can understand are left 'without note or comment,' and the principal labor is devoted to the explanation of such parts as need to be explained and rescued from the per- versions of errorists, botfl the ignorant and the learned. The practical sug- gestions at the close of each chapter, are not the least valuable portion of the work. !Most cordially, for the sake of truth and righteousness, do we wish for these Notes a wide circulation." Baron Stow, R H. Nealk, K. Tuettbull, Daniel Sharp, J. "VV. Parker, N. Colter, Wm. Hague. K. W. Cushman, J. W. Boswoeth. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, WITH NOTES. Chiefly Explanatorj'. Designed for Teachers in Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes, and as an Aid to Family Instruction. By Prof. H. J. Ripley. With a Map of Paul's Travels. Third Thousand. 12mo., half morocco. Price 75 cents. " On examining the contents, we are favorably impressed, first, by the won- derful perspicuity, simplicity, and comprehensiveness of the author's rtyle ; secondly, by the completeness and systcjnatic arrangement of the work, in all its parts ; thirdly, by the correct theology, solid instruction, and consistent explanations of difficult passages. The work cannot fail to be received with favor." — Christum Reflector, Boston. CRUDEN'S CONDENSED CONCORDANCE. A Complete Concordance to the Holy Scriptures ; by Alexander Cru- DEN, M.A. a Ncav and Condensed Edition, -with an Introduc- tion ; bv Rev. David King, LL.D. Fifth Thousand. Price, in Boards, Sl.25 ; Sheep, $1.50. *^* This edition is printed from English plates, and is a full and fair copy of all that is valuable in Cruden as a Concordance. The condensation of the quotations of Scripture, arranged under their most obvious heads, while it diminishes the bulk of the work, greatly facilitates the finding of any required passage. " Those who have been acquainted with the various works of this kind now in use, well know that Crudcn's Concordance far excels all others. Yet we have in this edition the best made better. That is, the present is better adapted to the purposes of a Concordance, by the erasure of superfluous references, the omission of unnecessary explanations, and the contraction of quotations, &c. ; it is better as a manual, and is better adapted by its price to the means of many who need and ought to possess such a work, than the former larger and expensive edition." — Boston Recorder. " The new, condensed, and cheap work prepared from the voluminous and costly one of Cruden, opportunely fills a chasm in our Biblical literature. The work has been examined critically, and pronounced complete and accu- rate." — Baptist Record, Philadelphia. "This is the very work of which we hnve long felt the need, and we are ranch plensed that its enterprising publishers can now furnish the student of the Bible with a work which he so much needs at so cheap a rate." Advent Herald, Boston. " We cannot see but it is, in all points, as valuable a book of reference. &r ministers and Bible students, as the larger edition." — Christian Reflector. FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS. MALCOM'S BIBLE DICTIONARY. A Dictionary of the most important Names, Objects, and Terms, found in the Holy Scriptures; intended principally for Sunday School Teachers and Bible Classes. By H. Malco3i, D.I). Illus- trated by Engravings. 18mo. half morocco. One Hundreth thousand. Price 50 cts. « All who for a moment recur to the fact, that large foliog would not suffi- ciently elucidate the subjects which are brought to view ra the Bible, will at once see the difficulty which the author must have felt m compressing all tho information which he has so judiciously condensed. If any should inquire, Why have we not more, the themes being so numerous ? let such an one look aeain, and, perhaps, in his surprise, he will exclaim. How is it, that, in a book BO completely portable, we have so much? to have made a larger book as could have been done with far less labor than this cost, might have placed it beyond the reach of many, to whom it will now be useful. All who know the allusions to ancient customs, and Jewish usages in Eastern countries with which the Bible abounds, will discover something of the worth of this volume. It is very neatly printed on handsome type and fine paper, and will, wo doubt not, meet, as it deserves, a ready sale." - Chnstian natchman. HAGUE'S GUIDE TO CONVERSATION on the New Testament. Desioned for the Use of Bible Classes and Sabbath Schools. Vol.°I. Matthew, — Vol. II. John. By Rev. Wm. Hague. Price 17 cents each. SABBATH SCHOOL CLASS BOOK. Comprising copious Exercises on the Sacred Scriptures. By E. Lincoln. Revised and improved by an eminent Clergyman, and a bupermten- dent. Price 12K cents. "Having examined your Sabbath School Class Book, it gives us Pleasure to express our satisfaction with its design and execution. The great benefit which a good class book accomplishes, consists in guiding the mind of the scholar in the study of his lesson, and in suggesting topics of conversation to the teacher. To this end we think your work is well adapted : having avoided lu a great degree, the evils of e-^reme n^dun^dance^or conc.s^ness.^^^^^^ E. Thkeshbk, Baron Stow. LINCOLN'S SCRIPTURE aUESTIONS, With the answers annexed, giving in the language of the Sacred Volume, interest- ing portions of the History, and a concise view of the Doc- trfnes and Duties exhibited in the Bible. Price $1.00 per doz. %* Where Bibles cannot be furnished to each scholar, the Scripture Ques- tions may be used with convenience, as the „-«wers are printed. THE SABBATH SCHOOL HARMONY; containing appropri- ate Hvmns and Music for Sabbath Schools Juvenile Singing Schools, and Family Devotion. By N. D. Gould. Price 12>^ cents. SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY, Containing a Descriptive Account of Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Insects, Reptiles Ser- pents, Plants, Trees, Minerals, Gems, and Precious Stones, mentioned in the Bible. By Wm. Carpenter, London ; with improvements, by Rev. G. b. Abbott. Illustrated by numer ous Engravings. 12mo. cloth. Price $1.00. REV. HARVEY NEWCOMB'S WORKS. ^SL'^^^.^^r^ LADY; A Book for Girls, containing useful h. ts on tlie fomaation of character. Fifth thousand. 18mo., gilt cloth. Price 50 cents. ' "Having daughters of his own, and having been many yeara emnloved in l^fl!Jl°- ^"^ '^' >-"/'"g'.l>e hopes to be able^to offer some S adWcf'n ^ ♦whA ' V. them in forming their characters upon the bc«t model • ^n SaT%./''rirtbe'h-''i:''';'"'*^'"?f"''n^^fi"^'i' ^"'^ g^^'i' and then they will oe real .^^ ^>z^ ^^t-r^>^/<^ Princeton Theological Seminai 1012 013 0673 Cheap Cash Bookstore. EDWARD H. FI<1:TCHER Has constantly on hand, at wholesale and retail, a general assortment of Theo- LooicAL, Classical, Miscellaneocs, School and Blank Books, and Sta* TIONERY. §)§ A complete Depository of §i§ Suntraw Sc|)ool ISoofes. ^ ^ Booksellers, Traf!ers, Teachers, Schools, ^ ^ Academies and Individuals supplied, ^ oje wholesale and retail, on the SK sia most liberal terms. S^