They returned to Rangoon by an easy and rapid passage down the river, and calling the few disciples together frankly disclosed to them the result of their mission.  To their surprise and delight it only increased their zeal and attachment for the religion they had professed.  They became in turn the comforters of the missionaries, vieing with each other in trying to convince them that the cause was not yet desperate.  Above all were they solicitous that the missionaries should not carry out a design they had formed to leave them, and try to find a field more favorable for their labors.  One assured them he would follow them to the end of the world.  Another, who having an unconverted wife, could not follow them, declared that if left there alone, he would perform no other duties but those of Christ’s religion.

But what had most weight with Mr. and Mrs. Judson in inducing them to remain, was the fact that inquiry seemed to be spreading in the neighborhood, and that there seemed a further prospect of usefulness, in spite of the fear of persecution.  They therefore concluded to remain for the present at Rangoon; while Mr. and Mrs. Colman should proceed to Arracan and form a station there.

Thus again were Mr. and Mrs. J. alone; but not now exclusively among heathen idolaters.  The affectionate zeal of the disciples rejoiced their hearts; and others, and among them the old disputant, Moung-Shwa-gnong, seemed sincere and hopeful inquirers.  Three women, induced by him, also visited Mrs. Judson to learn the way of life.  One of these (the one we have before alluded to) was characterized by superior discernment and mental power, but exceedingly timid through fear of persecution.  In one of her conversations she expressed her surprise that the effect of the religion of Christ upon her mind was to make her love his disciples more than her dearest natural relations.  This showed that she was a real disciple, though a timid one.  But surely it is not for us who sit under our own vine with none to make us afraid, to be severe on these poor heathen, for not at once overcoming the dread of suffering, so natural to the human heart!  Before we judge them, let us be very sure that our faith would endure the fires of persecution and even of martyrdom which threatened them.  They knew of instances where their countrymen who had embraced the Roman Catholic faith, had been subjected to the punishment of the iron-mall, an instrument of torture more dreadful than any employed against the Scottish Covenanters, in the times of their bitterest persecution.  Sudden execution they might have braved, though that will appal almost any heart; but lingering torture was what they might fear, to which death should succeed only when nature could bear no more.

Females in Christian countries, who think much of your self-denials and sacrifices, when

    ’A moment’s pain, a passing shower,
    Is all the grief ye share,’