While some were
carrying away the property, others stood over the prostrate forms of the
sleeping family, ready to murder them if they awoke. Boardman knew it
all--he knew that fierce eyes were watching him--that the uplifted weapon
was ready to drink his blood. A single movement on the part of the sleepers
would have brought down that weapon and hurried them from the scene of
their labors to the bar of Him who had sent them forth to do his work,
declaring, "Lo, I am with you alway."
In the early part of 1828 it was deemed advisable for Mr. Boardman to
remove to Tavoy, about one hundred and fifty miles south of Maulmain; and,
in accordance with certain instructions from the Board, he took up his
residence there in April. On his arrival he found the "whole city given to
idolatry." On every hand were the melancholy evidences of heathen worship,
heathen superstition, and heathen cruelty. Gaudama was worshipped by all
the people, and upwards of two hundred priests ministered at the various
temples. The faithful missionary commenced his labors immediately on his
arrival: his zayat went up within sight of the great pagoda, and daily he
sat at the door to instruct the passing population.
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