abroad; but when we look at the little success that attends it, the numerous obstacles that oppose it, and the great losses we sustain in sending it, we question whether this be the proper time. So the Jews reasoned, when they met with opposition in building the temple, and raising again the walls of Jerusalem; but the word of the Lord to them was, 'Be strong, for I am with you;' enough surely to banish every doubt and fear. We should remember that God does not despise the day of small things; and that things small and gloomy in their commencement, are often glorious in their termination. How sad was the prospect of Abraham, when called to sacrifice his son; how gloomy were the prospects of the disciples when the Lord was crucified; and how dismal were the prospects of your forefathers when they first landed at Plymouth; yet in all these cases the scene afterwards changed, and their sorrow was turned into joy; and so will it be with us in this work, if we persevere. Let their example animate us, who are now through faith and patience inheriting the promises. How much did the first Christians endure when they resisted unto blood, and in times of the severest persecution, went every where preaching the gospel. How much have some in latter days suffered! You have had a Wheelock, a Coleman, and a Mrs. Judson, who have jeoparded and lost their lives in this enterprise, and you are now lamenting over the death of the latter. We call upon you this day to prove the sincerity of your grief, by sacrificing a portion of your gain in that cause for which these sacrificed their lives. Life is very dear to us; all that a man hath will he give for his life. Did they give their lives, and can it then be too much for you to give a part of your property? I might urge the subject by a still stronger motive, by the example of the Son of God, and your obligations to him. What shall we say of our sacrifices, our labours, and our donations, in a work for which the Lord of life came down from heaven to bleed and die! What shall we say of giving back a part of our time or money to him from whom we have received it, and to whom we owe our life, our soul, our all! Well may we blush to think how little we do and suffer in this work, when we see the King of glory endure the cross and despise its shame; and well may we chide ourselves for being discouraged, when he who cannot lie has promised, that he shall see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied,' and have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river to the end of the earth.' Let us then, for the future, regardless of the scoffs of infidels, and the suggestions of an unbelieving heart, go forward in the strength of the Lord; knowing that whatever may be the result in our days, we shall receive our reward according to our labour, and the period must ultimately come, when it shall be said of a truth: The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall "reign for ever and ever.' We are gratified that we have had it in our power to give the above abstract from the valuable sermon of Mr. Yates; and hope that its length will not prevent a careful perusal. FEB. 1828. 6 BURMAN MISSION. DR. PRICE'S JOURNAL. It will be recollected by our readers, that at the close of the late war in India, Dr. Price was sent by his Burman Majesty to Calcutta, to complete some negotiations then pending between him and the British. The following extracts from his Journal, commence with his return to Ava, and the renewal of his labours as a missionary. It will be seen that his prospects of usefulness are brighter and more extensive than at any former period. He is no longer restricted in his access to the natives, or in the instructions to be imparted to them, but may read and enforce the sentiments of the Scriptures every Sabbath. The king and his court even invite conversation with him on religion, while the children of nobles and principal families are committed to him to receive an education in English. How responsible and important `is his situation! Can any who are interested in the extension of Christian light and principle, forget him, and not bring him and his labours before the mercy seat in prayer? Should his enterprise fail, let us not have to reproach ourselves that we never anxiously interceded for its success. May 29, 1826. Arrived safe at Ava at 11 o'clock, A. M. After visiting all the members of Government, and relating the result of my business, I proceeded home, where I found all well; and my dear partner not a little rejoiced to have me return, and relieve her from the dreadful anxiety in which the suspicions of the Burman government, respecting one for whom she was held responsible, naturally kept her. Oh for the time when Burmah shall become the kingdom of our Lord! Blessed Jesus, make me strong for thy service, and use me in any way thou wilt, only let me be instrumental in turning many souls to thee. 24. Had a long conversation with several lords and princes, who were assembled in the palace, about the utility of giving their children instruction in the various arts and sciences. June 1. Was called to an eve- O that the tottering fabric of this ning audience, when the King false religion, may soon be comopened his mind very freely-mak-pletely undermined and overing very particular inquiries about thrown, by the means with which the mind of the Bengal Government, God seems about to furnish his respecting a restoration of the con- Missionaries. quered provinces. I presented the July 8. At noon went to the Solar Magnet, from Mr. S. of Cal-palace, and while conversing with cutta, petitioning his Majesty for the Prince Men Myat Boo in the permission to set up a press in Ava. audience hall, the King appeared The King appeared overjoyed at at the door, and called me inside the proposal, and repeatedly en- to his antichamber, where he pointjoined on me to urge the comple- ed to the Solar Magnet hanging tion of the project. topsy-turvy; he said in a pleasant way, your solar watch is good for nothing, it always points every way except towards the sun. I replied, it is not the fault of the watch, but of those who have the charge of winding it up. I then put it in order, and retired. On passing the council chamber, I was called by Moung Zah. After promising to show them the method of making a correct sundial, which they June 18, Lord's day. Compared the first 12 chapters of John with the English; after tea the keeper of the King's wardrobe, and a Se1aydaugee came in and staid till 9, after which we had family worship, at which a respectable number attends exhorted them all to make sure of eternal life, before the hand of death puts a stop to their probation. have many times expressed a desire to learn, I returned home; and after dining, began to prepare for the lecture in the Arts and Sciences, which I had notified for this evening. At 8, many persons had collected before whom family worship was conducted; after which, in the presence of about twenty, I entered on a general explanation of the object now before us; explaining a few subjects at large, and completed by inviting all who intended a regular attendance, to enter their names, on which, fourteen immediately subscribed, and we adjourned to Wednesday evening. 12. At the time appointed, met my pupils again, and found the subject of my former lecture well understood, every question relating thereto being answered with accuracy. 18. In a long conversation this evening with several Burmese, on the subject of the Saviour and his precepts, I found none who could object to any thing, save that they considered the commands were too strict to be complied with. 30. After attending two or three medical cases, I read a few chapters, and sung a hymn in lonely melody. O for one, only one, devoted companion, with whom to worship and hold communion sweet! This day I moved into the hall formerly occupied by Mr. Arrekill, intending to make it a place of study, and of receiving visitors, where my object shall be To introduce my business to all comers, endeavouring to persuade them through Christ to be reconciled to God. In the absence of company, to improve my knowledge of the language by reading carefully Burman books. To exercise myself in translating from Burman into choice English. To read attentively with a view to subject matter for Burman traçts. To read attentively with a view to subject matter for a periodical publication in Ava. To note down whatever I may meet with, calculated to enlighten in an entertaining way the King and his court. To translate the above as far as I am able into Burman, and to attempt in due time the untranslated portions of the Sacred Word. And may strength from above be afforded to one, the meanest of thy servants, O God, my helper; in thee alone is my trust. Leave me not to myself, or I must fail in view of the magnitude of my undertaking. Aug. 1. Was sent for by Prince M. where after some desultory conversation, the subject of religion was introduced, Prince M. inquiring concerning the duties incumbent on those who would be saved. I told him that faith on the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance unto life manifested themselves in obedience to the two great commands, a summary of all that God required of man. On my mentioning the ten commands, the Queen-mother, who was present, desired me to repeat them to her, which I did. Prince M. remarked that he considered the precepts of love to God and man, as very excellent, but impossible to be observed. I directed him to apply where help would be granted, and pressed him to attend to the salvation of his soul before it should be too late. In the evening my rich neighbour, and his father-in-law, the King's steward attended worship, and in answer to the questions of the latter, I spent the remainder of the evening in expounding the nature and obligations of the christian religion. 5. Was called for by the Collin Woongee, who requested me to lend him a copy of the translated Scriptures, I used at evening worship; on which I delivered him the translation of Mark for his perusal. O Lord, send down thy influence, and let thy word now reach his heart. ple who have been employed every night for nearly a month superstitiously pulling the loon cable, as it is called, to obtain this blessing. And how great the blessing is, may be estimated by the circumstance that rice is now at 6 and 7 ticals the basket, being about 8 times the usual price, which this timely rain will most likely tend to reduce to the usual standard. 17. Called Mr. L. to Sakaing, and with him settled the dimensions for the front verandah of the mission house. This convenient and cool dwelling, with the addition of the present portico,* and a wooden roof over the whole, will furnish a comfortable shelter from this burning climate for two families; be- 20, Lord's-day. Spent these sides ample space for printing ap- consecrated hours in the midst of paratus, &c. in the upper apart- 10 or 15 people who were each enments. I trust it will not long re-gaged in reading aloud, or listening main unappropriated to its designed to the different books of the New use. Or should it be the will of Testament. The rain continues Providence to make it the recepta- all day, much to the delight and cle of a multitude of Burman satisfaction of the hungry poor. youths, devoting their attention to a liberal education, I should still rejoice in the prospect of great usefulness, though the apathy of christian friends at home should leave me quite alone. Come over to Burmah and help us, O ye favoured ones, in whom dwells the spirit of that God who caused Paul to go and labour where others had not wrought. 18. Full moon. The great scarcity of rice, and the unusual long continued drought, have excited a general inquiry among all ranks, as to what may be the cause thereof. It is at length concluded on all hands, that it must be a visitation from the Nats, for the too loose observance of their full moons and sabbaths; hence all ranks, not excepting the King himself, are spending this day in a strict observance of their rules, viz. abstaining from all food, and business, and amusements throughout the day, and conversing on the subjects contained in their sacred books. Happening in at the council room in the afternoon, I found all the ministers thus employed. 21. Visited the palace. The King on seeing me, beckoned me to him, and said, It is now settled that you are to teach our boys your language and arts; the day after to-morrow you begin. O that this gleam of light may soon increase to the splendour of day! And may this nation, now ignorant of all truth, be brought by degrees to understand and obey the truth as it is in Jesus. 23. Commenced school with 4 boys. Our school-room was the north treasury-room, where mats were spread, and black books and pencils furnished by the Privy Council secretary. Disappointment so often blasts my fairest prospects that it is vain to calculate on futurity. Yet while in the morning we sow the seed, and in the evening withhold not the hand, it is but natural to expect the one or the other to prosper; so that it is with no ordinary feelings of bright satisfaction and sanguine hope that I have entered on my present toilsome task, which necessarily brings me into daily contact with the rising generation in the very centre of influence. I feel willing to spend and be spent in the most laborious 19. A heavy rain commences at 8 this evening. This will much rejoice the hearts of the poor peo-work, only let the cause of God be * Put up by Government. promoted thereby. O Lord, as thou hast begun, do thou carry on 13. Moung Hlay arrives with his family, and by his assistance, fit up my school room, with benches and tables. to perfection this little beginning. || lumber, we are obliged to abandon 26. Dismissing my boys at noon, our school room, and with the conI went over to Sakaing, and re-sent of the ministers remove to a turned in the midst of a heavy rain. large room of my own dwelling. I had just sat down, when Moung Hlay, the only native convert here besides Manoo, made his appearance after an absence of two years. His pious and sensible conversation turns the gloom of the evening into a pleasant and refreshing season. 27, Lord's-day. Spent the day with Moung Hlay, among a considerable number of people, who remained reading or listening to the gospel of Jesus-some with no little interest and attention. In the evening, after worship, enjoyed a sweet season around the table of Jesus; the first time for two years and five months. Truly, O Lord, thou hast at length brought back our captivity, and we humbly praise thy name. 28. The Interior Minister, Moung Y. commits his son to my care, and my school amounts to 7. 31. After spending a laborious day with my scholars teaching them the English language, and at intervals expounding to them from a small map of the world, the general principles of Geography, I went up to the palace, and had a long audience with his Majesty. The map which I held in my hand, introduced the subject; this I opened, at the royal request, and explained in a general way, mentioning at the same time, its want of exactness, inasmuch as the earth was round; this excited some little discussion, but neither assent or dissent was expressed. After this, the progress of my scholars, their aptness at learning, and the length of time they must keep at their studies, were severally discussed, and my report giving high satisfaction, the King concluded, by saying, well you must not stop short of a complete education, I give them wholly over to you. Sept. 4, Monday. Our quarters in the treasury being filled with 17, Lord's-day. While a number of men are employed in the school-room, reading and listening to the sacred word, I prevailed on the females of the family to commence in another apartment learning to read, of which art, all are ignorant. Moung Hlay acts as their instructer. The confused noise in the two departments is to my ears the pleasantest musick I have yet heard in this country. 19. Went to the palace before breakfast. The King after examining a little my best boy, and enquiring after the progress of the rest, added, I myself want to learn, I will build you a house in the palace yard, and come occasionally to listen. 23. Went this afternoon to the palace. The King after asking several questions about the expected Ambassador, and talking on indifferent matters, at length touched on the subject so intimately connected with his eternal interest. His majesty introduced this matter by asking if the books of our faith were not translated into Burman. I replied that many of them were: he then requested me to bring him a copy, as he wished to read them. He inquired further if the parts translated contained an account of the creation of the world, and of the kings who had flourished in it since that time, as he wished more particularly to see those parts? I replied, these were not yet translated, but I would endeavour to render them as well and as soon as I could. He then asked, Has not the C. Woongee read a copy, and what did he say to it? I replied, the chief minister has read a portion, and said it was very good. |