Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1836-03-17

OF $500 miles. At the entrance of a
cave In one of these mountains, there
grows tree, IL miles in diameter, and :
$50 miles in height, under which the dem
lgods assemble. Besides Nawadat, there
ARE six other circular lakes, each 625
miles in diameter Some of them are
surrounded by concentric rings of the
most beautiful flowers, and fruit trees of
every description.
From the Nawadat lake, issue four riv-
ers, which, after thrice encircling the lake,
go of to the north, east, south, and west.
The southern stream, after running g.
sou miles, sometimes over mountains,
sometimes under ground, or through vast
caverns, at length separates into five
branches forming the Gauges, and other
great rivers, which water India and the
adjacent countries.
have been somewhat particular in de-
scribing the geography and astronomy of
the Barmese, for the purpose of pointing
out what conceive 10 be one of the most
efectual weapons wherewith to weaken
their attachment to idolatry; l mean the
instruction Of the yoWng. From tie
sketch have given, it will be evident to
every one, that knowledge Of the true
principles of geography and astronomy
would completely destroy their faith in
the Buddhist religion. Only let Bar
mese thoroughly believe that there is such
continent as America, of shape and
size corresponding to our description of it,
and the religion in which he has hitherto
placed his confidence, becomes to him but
fable
The Barmese priests, or monks, as thew
might with more propriety be called, al
lord US the most Perfect specimen of the
practical influence Of their religion. IN
/ difference being their highest virtue, they
endeavor to annihilate every feeling, both
OF body and mind and to become mere alb
stractlons, Their chief employment con-
sists in repeating over and over certain
forms of worship which they have learn
ed from the Pail, their sacred language,
but which scarcely any Of them under
stand. They are by no means learned
class, but are generally more ignorant,
stupid, and lazy than any other portion of
the people. They are not the preachers
or expounders oftheir own religion; (this
office belongs to a separate class, who are
called shayGS or teachers;) but are mere
ascetics. living secluded in their monaste-
ries. and ordinarily going through the
streets but once day, to receive comribu-
tons of boiled rice. They are not allow
ed to marry, or to have any connection
with the world, which they have professed
to renounce. They never deal with mo-
ney, but are dependant for their habita-
tions, food, and clothing, upon the contri-
buttons of the laity, whose male children
they In return instruct in reading, which
is almost the only branch taught BY them.
No provision is made for the instruction
ofthe females.
Another great obstacle in the way of
missionary efforts amongst the Balmese,
and closely connected with their religion
and literature, is their groveling habits of
thinking. The idea of examining for
themselves to ascertain whether their reli-
gion is true or false, is an idea which seems
never to enter their minds. Only set a
Barman upon the track of examination
and very likely he becomes convinced at
once; but the difficulty is to start them
In nine cases out of ten, the only argument
that Barman offers in defence OF his re-
ligion is, that it has been given him by his
ancestors. They examined the subject
thoroughly, and if they could not arrive
at the truth, what utter folly would it be
for him, at this late day, to investigate the
subject over again. 1T is our custom
it is the custom of our fathers" is to them
a sufficient ground of action in religion as
well as every thing else. For this reason,
| am convinced that the introduction of
European literature, in connection with
christianity, would have a powerful ten
dency to give the mind an impulse-to
start it upon a new track, and thus enable
it to throw off the shackles under which
it has lain torpid for ages. Nay, | think
that even the introduction of the mere use
full mechanical and agricultural arts,
would have no considerable tendency the
same way 1t may indeed be replied,
that 1t is the Gospel, and not education, or
civilization, that is to convert the nations.
But cannot believe that a state of igno-
rance, stupidity, and blind attachment to
old customs, is the field where christiani-
ty achieves its brightest triumphs. In or
der for the truths Of the gospel to take eff
feet, they must be examined, and felt, and
attended to; and in order to be thus exam
ined and felt, they must be presented to
thinking and inquiring minds.
The third grand obstacle to missionary
efforts in Barma is the Government
The Barmese are not merely subjects of
the king of Ava, but his sLGpcs This is
as really true of them in religion. as it is
in politics. The doctrine of the Barman
: court is, that it is time for the people to
change their religion, when their Master