how could your hearts endure if called to such trials, as might at any moment befall your poor sisters in Burmah!

Mrs. Judson’s health had for some time been failing, and at length after having gone through two courses of salivation for the liver-complaint, she was obliged to try a sea-voyage.  Her situation was too critical for her to think of going alone, and Mr. Judson concluded to accompany her to Bengal.  Two converts expressed the strongest desire to profess Christ, before the missionaries should leave them.  They were accordingly baptized.  The ship being detained, the speculative, hesitating, but now sincere disciple, Moung Shwa-gnong, casting aside his fears and scruples, boldly avowed his faith, and desired baptism.  Of course he was joyfully received.  The scene at his baptism had such an effect upon Mah Meulah, the female who has been before mentioned, that she too could no longer delay a public profession of faith in Christ.  On returning to the house after receiving the rite, she said, “Now I have taken the oath of allegiance to Jesus Christ, and I have nothing to do but to commit myself, soul and body, into the hands of my Lord, assured that he will never suffer me to fall away!”

Surely if no other proof existed of the power of gospel truth to renew the heart of men, a sufficient one would be furnished here.  In the face of threatened persecution not only were old converts strengthened in their faith in, and attachment to Christ, but new ones eagerly pressed forward to unite themselves with the despised and humble flock.

Nine males and one female had now been baptized at the hazard of their lives; a grammar and dictionary had been compiled and printed; a portion of the Scriptures translated and printed; tracts had been issued; and so greatly had the missionaries gained in favor with the people, that as they went down to the ship which was to carry them to Bengal, more than a hundred natives followed them, testifying sincere grief at their departure.

CHAPTER XII.

MR. AND MRS. JUDSON VISIT BENGAL AND RETURN.—­MRS. JUDSON’S HEALTH AGAIN FAILS.—­HER RESOLUTION TO VISIT AMERICA.—­HER VOYAGE TO ENGLAND AND VISIT THERE.

They arrived in Calcutta on the 8th of August, 1820.  The voyage was of no essential benefit to Mrs. J.’s health, neither was her visit to Calcutta; but at Serampore she so far recovered as to make them desirous to return to Rangoon, where they arrived on the 5th of January, 1821.  The converts received them with the utmost affection; their old friend the vicereine again occupied her former palace and welcomed Mrs. Judson with friendly familiarity, and new inquirers presented themselves at the zayat.  In translating the Scriptures, the acute and fertile mind of Moung Shwa-gnong was an invaluable assistance, while another convert of cultivated intellect was equally useful in other missionary labors.  Though through fear