At his house she met many persons, distinguished for literature and piety, among whom were Sumner, Babington and Wilberforce.

After spending some time at Cheltenham, to which place she had been sent for the benefit of its waters, she accepted a pressing invitation to visit Scotland, where, as in England, she received valuable presents and innumerable acts of kindness.  The piety of her English friends seemed to her of the most high-toned character, and their ardent friendship called forth her warmest affections.  Though on her way to a still dearer country, the land of her birth, she could not part with them without the tenderest regret.

CHAPTER XIII.

MRS. JUDSON’S ARRIVAL IN AMERICA.—­INFLUENCE OF HER VISIT.—­HOSTILE OPINIONS.—­HER PERSON AND MANNERS.—­EXTRACTS FROM HER LETTERS.

In the meanwhile events of some interest were transpiring in Burmah.  In consequence of the persecution against Moung Shwa-gnong which had obliged him to flee for his life, and the new vigilance of priests and officers in respect to converts,—­the inquirers withdrew altogether from the mission-house, and Mr. Judson was obliged to close the zayat, and suspend public preaching on the Sabbath, though still the converts visited him privately, for instruction and consolation.

Mr. J.’s solitary condition was however soon relieved by the arrival of Dr. and Mrs. Price, who came to share his labors among the heathen; and also by the return of Mr. and Mrs. Hough from Serampore, bringing with them the printing press, whose absence had occasioned no small delay and inconvenience to Mr. Judson in his labors.

On the 25th of September, 1822, Mrs. J. arrived in America.  Her feelings on revisiting her native land, are best learned from a letter to Mr. Judson’s parents, dated Sept 27.

“With mingled sensations of joy and sorrow, I address a few lines to the parents of my beloved husband,—­joy, that I once more find myself in my own native country, and with the prospect of meeting with loved relatives and friends—­sorrow, that he who has been a participator in all my concerns for the last ten years, is not now at hand to partake with me in the joyful anticipations of meeting those he so much loves.

“I left Liverpool on the 16th of August, and arrived at New York harbor day before yesterday.  On account of the prevalence of yellow fever, prudence forbade my landing.  Accordingly I embarked on board the steamboat for this place, where I arrived a few hours ago.  It was my intention to pass a week in Philadelphia and then go to Providence, and thence to you in Woburn, as it would be on my way to Bradford, where I shall spend the winter.  But Dr. Stoughton wishes me to go to Washington, which will detain me in this part of the country a week longer.  However I hope to be with you in a fortnight from this time.  My health is much improved since I left England and I begin to hope the disorder is entirely eradicated.”