A'sa'm.

JOURNAL OF MR. BROWN.

[Continued from p. 117, last vol.]

During the latter part of 1837, Mr. Brown was accustomed, when his health allowed, to conduct worship every evening at the mission school-house, by reading the scriptures and prayer, in the native language. A good number were generally present, most of them workmen, who had been in the employ of the mission. They appeared to listen with great attention; and though no present fruit was witnessed, hopes were entertained that the truths communicated were not dispensed in vain. Notices of tracts and portions of scripture printed during the year, and of the establishment and condition of the schools, have been given in former numbers of the Magazine.

Asamese Translation of Matthew commenced-Orthography of proper names -Terms susceptible of translation not to be transferred.

Sadiyá, Jan. 1, 1838. Commenced translating the Gospel of Matthew into A'samese. Have already revised some parts of it, as the Sermon on the Mount, from Dr. Carey's translation. Finding that this translation is much more defective than I had supposed, I have concluded to make a new translation, and, after rendering it as perfect as I can, with the assistance of my teacher, compare it verse by verse with Dr. Carey's, and make further corrections. By this means I shall avoid many minor errors which would have escaped unnoticed in a mere revision.

During the present year, I hope to complete the translation of the four gospels into A'samese, and portions of the same into Khamti, together

with a translation of the Catechism in Khamtí. In the mean time I shall endeavor to be making additions to the dictionary, which I have begun in Khamti, and I also intend to commence one in the A'samese. Although we engaged in this mission with an especial view to the Khamtis and other Shyáns, yet finding ourselves surrounded by A'sámese, among whom the call for immediate labor was more pressing, and it being very difficult to procure a good Khamtí teacher, I have hitherto devoted my attention mainly to the A'samese.

8. For about two months past, there have been constant rumors of attacks meditated upon this place by the Singphos; but we have been disposed, hitherto, to regard them as mere rumors, exaggerated by the fears of the natives. It has been ascertained, however, that several stockades have been built, and that the Pishi Gám has commenced hostilities upon the Bísá Gám, an ally of the English, in consequence, as it is reported, of an old feud existing between them. To-day, Lieut. Millar, the commanding officer at this station, has gone with a small body of troops, to resist any encroachments of the hostile tribes, and, also, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the Burmese are making preparations for a descent upon A'sám, of which there have been several rumors. In consequence of the exposed situation of our houses, in case of an attack, we have concluded to put up a small building within the cantonments, for the safe keeping of our goods, and as a place of refuge, should we be obliged to flee from our houses.

13. Finished the first two chapters of Matthew. Found so much difficulty in settling the orthography of the proper names, especially those from the