The Karens of Burma by H. H. Votaw

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Oct 31, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, Nos. 43, 44.

The Karens of Burma

By H. H. Votaw

IN Judson's day, the Karens first came into contact with the missionary. When first discovered, it was found that their traditions told them of creation, a sinless pair in the garden, the fall, the Flood, and other things of which the Scriptures speak. In all essentials, the account they have is in agreement with the Word.

Added to this they say that the knowledge of the true God was lost to them through disobedience and a failure to prize His revelation as its worth demands. They say that the Lord offered the Bible to the other nations, but that it was refused by the natives of India,—by the Burmese, and by the rest. At last it was offered to the Karens, the "younger brother" among the tribes. It was accepted, but not heeded and followed. But God promised that He would again visit them and restore what had been taken away by "white men from the west."

They seem different from most heathen people. Even those who have little sympathy for missionary effort as a whole, admit that in the case of the Karens the results seem to have justified the efforts.

Ever since we first learned of this intensely interesting people, we have pleaded for some one to come and bear to them the knowledge of the Lord's return. Repeatedly we have mentioned them in the articles prepared for publication. Again and again we have presented them before the Mission Board. During a furlough in the home land, we spoke of them whenever opportunity presented. Yet after all these years we have no one who can speak to the Karens in their own tongue.

H. H. VOTAW.