As a broad and deep student of human affairs and one obviously sympathetic with missions, Sir John’s estimate of the work in Siam at that period and of the peculiarly obstinate nature of Buddhism is noteworthy. Concerning Buddhism he says:
“Buddhism by habit and education is become almost a part of Siamese nature; and that nature will not bend to foreign influence. The Siamese, whether or not they have religious convictions, have habits which the teaching of strangers will not easily change.”
Concerning the influence of the missionaries he says:
“Much influence is really possessed by the missionaries. They have rendered eminent services in the medical and chirurgical fields; they have lent great assistance to the spirit of philosophical inquiry; many of them have been councillors and favourites of king and nobles, admitted to intimate intercourse and treated with a deference which could not but elevate them in the eyes of a prostrate, reverential and despotically governed people.”
But concerning the prospects of success for the Gospel the diplomat is not so optimistic:
“I know not what is to impede religious teachings in Siam, but at the same time I fear there is little ground to expect a change in the national faith. Neither Catholic nor Protestant speaks hopefully on the subject.”
The significance of that statement, written for the year 1855, lies chiefly in its contrast with the fact of the certain if slow growth of Christianity in Siam and the record of attainment to date. Even the keenest human observer cannot forecast the fruits of the Spirit’s work.
TREATIES WITH OTHER NATIONS
In 1856 a diplomatic mission from the United States reached Bangkok, seeking a revision of the existing treaty. The mission was headed by Hon. Townsend Harris, who, it is interesting to note, came from Sandy Hill, New York, the home of Mr. Mattoon and Mr. Bush. The Siamese government was quite ready to negotiate, for they had the recent experience to guide them and the English treaty for a model; and a new treaty was speedily effected. Had Dr. House been in Bangkok at this time, the Foreign Minister assured him later that the Siamese government would have asked to have had him appointed first consul under the new treaty.