it." Merit is obtained
by avoiding sins, such as theft, lying, intoxication, and the like; and
by practising virtues and doing good works. The most meritorious of all
good works is to make an idol; the next to build a pagoda. It confers
high merit, also, to build a zayat, to transcribe the sacred books, to
erect any useful public edifice, to dig public wells, or to plant shade
or fruit-trees by the wayside. If they give alms, or treat animals
kindly, or repeat prayers, or do any other good deed, they do it
entirely with this mercenary view of obtaining merit. This "merit" is
not so much to procure them happiness in another world, as to secure
them from suffering in their future transmigrations in this; for they
believe that the soul of one who dies without having laid up any merit,
will have to pass into the body of some mean reptile or insect, and from
that to another, through hundreds of changes, perhaps, before it will be
allowed again to take the form of man.

This reliance on 'merit,' and certainty of obtaining it through
prescribed methods, fosters their conceit, so that ignorant and debased
as they are, "there is scarcely a nation more offensively proud." It
also renders them entirely incapable of doing or appreciating a
disinterested action, or of feeling such a sentiment as gratitude. If
you do them a favor, they suppose you do it to obtain merit for
yourself, and of course feel no obligation to you; the simple phrase, "I
thank you," is unknown in their language.

Like the ancient Romans, the Burmans believe in dreams, omens, and
unlucky days; observe the flight and feeding of fowls, the howl of dogs,
and the aspect of the stars; they regard the lines in the hand, the
knots in trees, and a thousand other fortuitous circumstances, and by
these allow their actions to be governed.

The priesthood in Burmah is arranged into a regular hierarchy. The
highest functionary is a kind of archbishop, who presides over all the
other priests in the empire, and appoints the presidents of the
monasteries. He resides at the imperial court, where he has a high rank,
and is considered one of the greatest men in the kingdom. Below him are
various ranks of priests, each having his appointed sphere and
appropriate duties, and all supported by the so-called _voluntary_
contributions of the people. The number of priests is exceedingly great,
and their sway over the minds of the people almost unlimited.

"But great and potent as th