“I wish Dr. H. could be here to examine a ‘diamond’ we have found here (i. e., a native of Petchaburi, which name means ‘city of diamonds’). We do believe it a true, genuine diamond, and though it needs to be polished it will one day shine in our Saviour’s diadem in glory. It seems an extraordinary case in many respects. The man is a middle aged Siamese, resides about five miles from Petchaburi capital; had never seen a missionary, but some of our Christian tracts and portions of the Scripture—which he had got from his neighbours—appears to have been the means of enlightening his mind and converting his heart. He had taught his little boy the Lord’s prayer and the ten commandments.”
“Mr. McG. writes: He certainly has the clearest idea of the Scripture of any heathen convert I have met with. He literally knows John, Acts, Romans (all the Bible he has yet seen) by heart; can repeat whole chapters without missing a word. He evidently studied for months and years.... Seems delighted to find us, as if his highest wish had been realised. Wishes to come and live with us at once to learn more perfectly the Gospel, and to assist to teach and distribute books. To try his sincerity, no encouragement was offered him, fearing he might wish support from the missionary. ‘Oh, no,—he wished no compensation, as he had enough to live on.’ He has a few hundred ticals and wants no more. He has settled one son with three hundred ticals, and the other son he has just left with us where he can be taught the Christian religion. Says he would not give up the new religion for the offer of being king of Siam. Comes to worship, walking five miles over muddy roads. Longs to see another Siamese Christian—has hunted all over to find one.”
In the fall of that year Dr. and Mrs. House were obliged to spend several months in Petchaburi to relieve the McFarlands, who went to Bangkok for medical attendance. During that sojourn the doctor had several conversations with Nai Kawn; and in letters to his brother in America narrates the confession of that remarkable convert:
“Doctor, the Siamese think only of getting a living. That they must have nor always are they very scrupulous as to the means they resort to. Before—in the days of my sinfulness—I was so too. Then I had not reflected upon, was not attentive to my condition. I saw myself a sinner; when I became conscious of this, the Lord Jesus Christ was pleased to forgive me.
“My wife formerly—when I began to talk in the house with those that came to see me about the religion of Jesus—would go away, stop her ears, would say ‘I won’t hear it,’ and off she would go. Now she says nothing, listens, sometimes says there is good in it; will hear me when I pray in the room at night.
“I remonstrated with my neighbours but, Doctor, they are wilfully set in their wickedness. But, Doctor, we cannot make them repent. It is only those whom God pleases to choose.
“They tell me that when the king hears that I have become a disciple of Jesus I shall be whipped. I tell them, if he kills me I care not. If the Lord gives me to die, I must die as the Lord willeth. But while I live, I must bring forth fruits to offer Him.”
Nai Kawn was never formally enrolled in the Church. He had found the acme of joy and of liberty in the Gospel before he knew of the church as an organisation. The witness of his conduct, the testimony of his lips and the evidence of his fellowship with Christians was more vital and compelling than a formal profession of ecclesiastical relationship. The honour of having been the first native at Petchaburi to become a member of the Church was gained two years later by Nai Kao.
Another honour of primacy in the profession of religion was attained at Bangkok in 1861, when Maa Esther became the first Siamese woman to unite with the Church of Christ. She had been given, a poor sick child, to Mrs. Mattoon by her father at an early age; and had been adopted and reared by Mrs. Mattoon. She had accompanied her foster mother to America in this same year. Maa Esther has continued a faithful, consistent Christian all these remaining years, and has been a zealous worker for the cause of Christ.