Siam. JOURNAL OF MR. JONES. "Phra Bát, the footstep of Deity." Near the close of January last, Mr. Jones, in company with Mr. Robbins, missionary of the A. B. C. F. M., set out on an excursion to Phra Bát, partly from curiosity to see that high place of idolatry, but more particularly to ascertain the situation and populousness of the country. It had hitherto been supposed impracticable to penetrate so far into the interior. Before entering upon the details of the journey, Mr. Jones gives some preliminary notices of the Búdh, in honor of whom the Phra Bát shrine was erected. Búdhists believe that though the last Búdh be annihilated, it is in a somewhat different sense from what is ordinarily understood by annihilation. His transmigrations have ceased, but his spirit exists-if such a thing can be conceived of, as spiritual existence without suffering and without enjoyment, in short without consciousness. But the relics of the body he once inhabited, remain, and are objects of worship, both individually and collectively. Hence one of his teeth is said to be preserved as an object of religious adoration in China-some of his hairs in Rangoon and other parts of his body in Ceylon. Furthermore, any place supposed to have been consecrated by his presence or use while he dwelt on earth, is regarded as peculiarly sacred. These are said to be very numerous, as the impress of his whole body on the face of a rock, the rocky bed on which he slept, but especially the impressions of his sacred foot, which are said to be found in five different places-one in Ceylon, on a mountain called by Europeans Adam's Peak, one in Burmah, one in China, one at some unascertained place in the sea, and one in Siam. Of the latter I have heard much since I have been in the country, and the Siamese annals have the following account of it:"About two hundred years ago a hunter named Bun, while travelling in the forests, discovered some peculiar marks which he deemed supernatural, and caused the same to be reported to the king. The king's curiosity was awakened, (it may be doubted whether that of a Siamese ever sleeps,) and he determined to visit it and examine it for himself. He accordingly raised an army, and proceeded to the place in great state. The result of his examination was that he had found the impress of the foot of Gaudama Búdh, with all the one hundred and eight characteristics described in the Pali books and in the accounts received from Ceylon. Hence he ordered a temple to be built near the spot, and a chapel to enclose the sacred relic, and as it was remote from the river, he directed a royal highway to be made to it from the landing place. After great expense, and four years' labor of many thousand men, the work was completed, and the king again went up to consecrate his erections." Thus far the annals. From that time to this, multitudes annually visit that shrine, professedly to worship Phra Bát, the footstep of Deity. These go from all parts of the country, and are of all ranks, nations, ages and sexes. Ascent of the Ménam-Ayuthia—Thá rüa. We started Jan. 29th, about : before day, in a large boat p A little above Ayuthia, a river flows into the Ménam from the north-east, which gives access to the interior cities Pichai, Pit-sa-nu-lōk, &c. At no great distance from the mouth of this tributary to the Ménam, another stream flows in from the west and north-west, following which one may proceed to Chhai-nát, Kánburi, and so on up to Chiang-mai, (the Zimmay of the Burman missionaries.) How large these places are, I have no means of stating with definiteness. No doubt most of them are small, though some of them are boasted to contain many ten thousands. The distance from Ayuthia to Tháriia is estimated at from forty to fifty miles. At the latter place we found probably not far from a thousand boats, of various sizes, capable of conveying from 5 to 30 persons each. by eight men, and soon after sunrise | kind, and were it not for the extraorreached Pák-ret, about fifteen miles dinary productiveness of the soil, and above Bangkok. Here was the first great natural facilities, the subsistence guard-house, but not the least objec- of the people would be extremely pretion was made to our proceeding. We carious. As it is, they seem to need consequently passed on by Bang-ta- nothing but the blessings of Christiannái, Báng-láu, and Báng-luang, which ity and good government, to make them places I had visited last year and sup- as happy as earth can make them. plied with Peguan books. A little after noon we passed Sám-kōk, a large Peguan town on both sides of the river. Intending to call on our return, we kept on twenty or twenty-five miles farther up, and anchored for the night nearly opposite a guard-house; but not a word was said to us, or the least intimation given but that we were at full liberty to proceed where we would. Here the banks of the river grow higher, and the houses are scattered along in detached villages-the population less dense than below. We were constrained to wait for the tide till past eight o'clock the next morning, when we again proceeded towards Ayuthia, the old capital, which is by estimation eighty miles from Bangkok, where we arrived before eleven o'clock. As we approached the city, the population again became denser, but we were frequently called to gaze on the ruins of dilapidated temples and pagodas. On reaching Ayuthia the river turns short to the right, as we go up, and makes a semi-circular bend round the city, from the upper part of which a canal has been cut round the rear, thus making the place a complete island. Elephant_ride-Arrival at Phra Bát- Having engaged elephants to convey us across the country, we lay down to rest in our boat about nine o'clock, P. M. At a little past eleven, we were awakened and told that our elephants were ready. Before twelve, we were mounted and marching across the plain. At first there were only four elephants, but the train gradually swelled, so that before our arrival they amounted to about thirty. A few of these were without any person but their driver; but generally they had passengerssome one, some two, and some five or six. The road at the outset was banked up, quite straight, and flanked on the left, at regular intervals of about half a mile, by high wooden posts, on the tops of which had been placed uncouth wooden images of children, stretching out the left hand, and pointing directly forward. This continued, however, only four or five miles, and at its termination was a caravansera, with wells and other conveniences attached. Here, both going and coming, we observed hundreds of people resting themselves, or cooking their food, or All the apparatus employed in culti-bathing at the wells. From thence vating and harvesting rice here, is of the road was not so straight or even. the simplest and most unproductive | About half way between this caravan About twelve o'clock we renewed our journey up the river, and at seven o'clock in the evening reached Thárüa, or the Landing. The banks of the river still continued to increase in height, till they reached probably twenty feet. There were many pretty villages upon both sides, and it was seldom we passed any considerable distance without meeting with houses and wats. Though the banks are high, the land, as you recede from the river, is low, and in the rainy season is evidently overflowed, and cultivated with rice. Buffaloes were seen feeding or bathing in immense herds. These are domesticated, and employed in ploughing the paddy fields, drawing the grain together on bamboo hurdles, or in treading out the rice. I am told the price of these cattle varies from three to eight ticals per head, or from two dollars to five dollars. sera and the end of our journey, was | pagodas, and shrines containing images another, but it bore more marks of of Búdh, quite to the summit, from dilapidation, though by no means un- which, on the north-east, may be seen occupied. Two or three miles before a long range of mountains, beyond a we reached our destination, we passed wide intervening plain, covered with a miserable erection, intended for a jungle. Around the base are erected Chinese temple, where lamps are kept long rows of temporary bamboo huts, burning day and night. This temple as stalls for the sale of all the ordinary is called Khau-tok, “the fallen moun- necessaries of the devotees. About tain;" for the Siamese relate that the half a mile distant is a natural pond of summit of the mountain fell on that fresh water, and two or three wells spot. It is probable that in the erup- have been dug in the immediate vicintion of the mountain some bowlders ity. The group of visiters was a motwere deposited there. We arrived, af- ley one, of men, women, and children, ter six hours' ride, just as the sun was but those of the yellow cloth predomrising, and as he cast his beams on the inated. In two or three of the zayats glittering spires of temples and pago- I was invited to sit, and there, as also das studding the sides and summit. by the way side, I had opportunities of Large, sweet-toned bells were ringing, entering somewhat largely into an iland crowds of people, elephants, and lustration of the folly of idolatry, and buffalo carts moving in every direction. bringing forward the principles of our The whole aspect was extremely im- holy faith. This led to discussion, but posing, notwithstanding there was it was uniformly well received. much that was grotesque. Return-Paper manufactory-Distribution of tracts-Peguans. Having seen most that was to be seen, and having no proper accommodations for a longer stay, about noon we again mounted our elephants and returned. I should remark, that though the road undulated a little, there was no hill, nor even what could be called a knoll. On our journey, we passed pilgrims worn out by the way, and sitting by the road, exhausted. Many carried baggage to some extent, some a gun, a sword, an axe, and one man carried two baskets suspended on a stick slung over his shoulder, in each of which was a child about two years old. We reached the landing again about half past five, P. M., of the third day of our trip. After a refreshing night's sleep in the boat, we commenced our journey homeward, and reached Ayuthia before noon. On our way we stopped a little to examine a paper manufactory. The paper is made here from the bark of a tree or plant called khoi. It is reduced to a From the mouth of the Ménam to this place, by the river, the distance is about 180 miles, throughout the whole of which not a mountain, not a hill even, is to be seen. Here are three small mountains, (in any other country we should call them hills,) separated by intervening narrow vallies, neither of them, probably, more than 500 or 600 feet high. They consist of blue or grey limestone, evidently thrown up from the plain by some subterraneous shock. They bear decided marks of having been in a state of fusion, and, on cooling, small fragments of granite have become attached to them. The stones lie in detached masses, of various dimensions, and trees of stinted growth make their appearance in the interstices. The indentations on the rocks, made by its agglomeration of fragments of granite, are very various, and “a little aid of the fancy" might make almost any thing of them. According to one representation, the pretended traces of Gaudama's foot are in a cave on the farthest part of the mountain, and can only be visited with torches and candles. By others, how-pulp by manual beating, soaked in waever, it is confidently maintained that ter, and then run into a mould, which the genuine footstep is that over which consists of a rectangular box, about 14 a splendid shrine or chapel was erect- by 20 inches, with a piece of coarse ed by the king, as before mentioned. cloth stretched over the bottom for a This is externally a very neat quadran- strainer; and then, instead of pressing, gular building, surmounted by a lofty, it is exposed to dry in the sun before glittering spire, and seems in a good it is removed from the mould. When state of preservation. All the sur-dried, it is ready for use, but cannot be rounding buildings bear evident indications of dilapidation and decay. On the sides of the hill are numerous small written upon with ink, as it spreads, and the texture is _coarse, resembling wrapping paper. The Siamese use a kind of soft stone, or steațite pencil, for | those baptized was an aged female, writing. At Ayuthia, we took a partial survey of the old city. It was mostly overgrown with jungle, freely interspersed, however, with the ruins of old temples, which were once, doubtless, very magnificent. Most of the population was found upon the canal through which we passed, where Mr. Robbins made a free distribution of Siamese tracts. These were received with intense eagerness, and when we had left the canal, and the stock of books was exhausted, boats still followed us a mile or more, to be supplied. Siamese, Chinese, Peguans, and Malays are here intermingled, but the shortness of our stay precluded the possibility of our making any estimate of the proportion of each. We left a little before sunset, and the next morning arrived | at some villages above Sámkök, where I distributed some tracts, and then came to Sámkök itself, where I made farther distribution. The river, after proceeding about 15 miles above Bangkok, is principally lined with Peguans nearly all the way to the old city, and to me they appear the most interesting people I have found in the east-as having more mind and more openness of character. Could I satisfy my conscience in regard to other duties, I would gladly spend the remainder of my days among them. We called at other places, but as it was Saturday and we wished to be at home on Sunday, our stay among them was brief. We reached Bangkok late in the evening, after an absence of five days. Thanks to God for our merciful preservation during our first extended tour into the interior of this kingdom. May it prove a prelude to those days when many shall run to and fro, and knowledge of the truth be greatly increased, without molestation, or hindrance. Barens. EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. VINTON, DATED KO CHET'THING'S VILLAGE (NEW CHUMMERAH), JAN. 26, 1839. who has since died. She, with one of her children and three of her grandchildren, came over from the Shyán country about a year ago, with the desire to become Christians; and four, the old lady, her daughter, and two of her grand-children, have been baptized; and the other, an interesting young man, professes to be seeking salvation. The state of religious feeling in the church seems to be gradually improving. Thirteen have been added to their number by baptism the past year, and there is quite a number of interesting inquirers. On our return from Maulmain, I found that Mrs. V. had been obliged to leave the jungle for medical aid; but with the blessing of God, she was so far restored as to be able to return to this place without delay, and recommence her labors in the school. We arrived Dec. 12. The school now numbers about forty. This village is increasing very fast; the number of families has more than doubled the past year. Twenty have been added to the church, and we have never had so many and so good inquirers. Last year we spent but little time here, but this year Mrs. V. will stay nearly the whole season. On our first arrival we regarded it as extremely doubtful whether we should be able to remain long, as reports were even then afloat that robbers might be daily expected to commence their depredations on the frontier. War with Burmah was also thought at that time, by all parties, to be inevitable, which would oblige us to suspend our labors in all this region. There is, however, a fair prospect now that we shall not be interrupted. On the 27th 1 left for Newville, and the Sabbath following baptized two individuals; one a young woman, who attended our school in Maulmain, in 1837, and learned to read. She has worshipped God ever since, but through the influence of her parents she has been kept from being baptized till now. I mention this as an uncommon case. Every other one who has learned to read, has asked for baptism as soon, or sooner than we desired it. This is an interesting fact with regard to Karen Baptisms at Bootah-New Chummerah-schools, and more than reconciles us Newville. Soon after the date of my last letter, I visited Bootah, in company with br. Brayton. Three were baptized, and the communion administered. One of to the idea of spending much of our time in teaching. Were the conviction forced upon us that we were educating men for hell, rather than for heaven, the thought would be intolerable, and we should be constrained to abandon our work. But if God shall I am not yet definitely informed as to vouchsafe his blessing, the work of the course which the English Baptist mercy will go on, and Christ shall have Society will take in reference to Akyab the whole Karen nation for his inher- station, but have heard indirectly that itance. O may that glorious day be Mr. Fink is to spend a portion of each hastened! The church in Newville year at A., and native assistants are have had but five added to their num-stationed there all the while. Were ber the past year. The man and his this not the case, I am not prepared to wife, alluded to in my journal of Dec. believe it our duty to locate at present 1837, have been excluded. at A. It is a large, fine town, and is improving rapidly; but from the time that Europeans first inhabited the place till the present, it has had the reputation of being very sickly. It is believed to be improving in salubrity, and that it will eventually be a healthy place. Should this anticipation be realized, and the field be open to us, it certainly will be very desirable to occupy it. At present, the districts of Ramree and Sandoway, if suitably occupied, will afford room for all the missionaries we are likely to have in the province for four or five years to come. I would now give you some account of my visit to Patah and Lapoo, but I can not by this opportunity. You will see from the above that the whole number baptized in this region the past year, is 38. Two have been excluded, and one has died. We have spent this day as a day of solemn prayer and fasting. The church seem deeply humbled under a sense of their low attainments in religion. Eleven have asked for baptism, and if approved, will be baptized to-morrow. Arracan. * EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF MR. COM STOCK. It will be seen by the following letter that Mr. Comstock and family, who were compelled to leave Kyouk Phyoo, near the close of 1837, on account of ill health, have been enabled to recommence their labors in Arracan, at a more salubrious station, and in circumstances favorable to the permanent prosecution of the mission. The letter is dated at Ramree, March 4, 1839. I left Maulmain with my family and br. and sister Stilson, on the 1st of last month, in the ship Louvre, of Boston, and reached Kyouk Phyoo on the 18th. I brought with me from M. two native assistants, beside an old Mug Christian baptized by br. Judson two or three years since. Br. S. has also two assistants with him. After remaining ten days at Kyouk Phyoo, we (br. S. and myself) left for this place, where it is the intention of both of us to locate. The Board, I think, are already aware of the size and importance of Ramree, being itself a town (including suburbs) of nearly 10,000 inhabitants, and the centre of a large population. We think there is ample scope here for both of us; and the advantages of having two missionaries at one station, every where important, are in such a place as Arracan peculiarly so. Nine were baptized; the other two were advised to wait a little. We have come here with strong desires to be made instrumental in the salvation of souls, and I can but hope that God will graciously grant us his blessing, and convert many of these heathen through our instrumentality. We beg an interest in the earnest and frequent prayers of the Board, and all our Christian friends at home. Germany. LETTER OF DR. RÖMER TO MR. ONcken. Our readers will recollect that Dr. Römer was one of the few individuals at whose request Mr. Oncken visited Stuttgart in Oct. 1833, and of whom the Stuttgart church was originally constituted. His letter indicates the spirit which animates our brethren in that city, and the extent to which they may anticipate religious toleration. [See also pp. 193-4 of this volume.] The letter is dated Nov. 11, 1838. I thank God and rejoice that I can now impart to you, my dear brother, to the praise of his glorious grace, much that will delight you concerning us. The Lord has not only deemed us worthy to endure much ignominy for his name's sake, but has at the same time blessed us with the sweetest and most undisturbed peace; so that amidst all the storms which have assailed us, we can only rejoice and praise the name of our Lord. After your departure, our baptisms became the town's talk, and the noise about them increased every day, so that the police were soon compelled to no |