“Thanks to God for the encouragement of this day!  The monarch of the empire has distinctly understood, that some of his subjects have embraced the Christian religion, and his wrath has been restrained.”

He afterwards had another interview, in which the king inquired much about America, and authorized him to invite her ships to his dominions, assuring them of protection and facilities for trade.

He mentions much flattering attention paid him by a prince of the empire and his wife, who was the king’s sister, both of whom urged him not to return to Rangoon, but to bring his wife and reside at Ava.  In fact, several dignitaries of the empire were so far attracted by the new theories in religion and science, as to enter into animated discussions with the missionaries respecting them.  The prince above mentioned was an interesting character.  Mr. Judson went so far as boldly to urge upon him the duty of making personal religion his immediate care.  For a moment he was moved, but soon replied, that he was young, only twenty-eight.  That he was desirous of enlarging his mind by an acquaintance with all foreign science, and then he could judge whether Christianity was worthy of his adoption or not.  But, said Mr. Judson, suppose you change worlds in the meantime?  His countenance fell, and he said sadly, “It is true, I do not know when I shall die.”

How true it is that “as in water face answereth to face, so doth the heart of man to man.”  Left without excuse, this poor impenitent Burman, like thousands in America, almost, but not altogether persuaded to be Christians, postponed what he could not but purpose to a more convenient season.

On another occasion, so many persons of high rank expressed themselves favorably to the Christian faith that one who had not hitherto ventured to defend the missionaries in the presence of the king was bold enough to say, “Nearly all the world, your Majesty, believe in an eternal God; all but Burmah and Siam these little spots!” His Majesty remained silent, and soon abruptly rose and retired.

Before returning to Rangoon Mr. Judson had an interesting interview with the king.  “Why,” asked the latter, “does the teacher return to Rangoon? let him and Price stay together.  If one goes, the other must remain alone, and will be unhappy.”  Some one present explained that he was going for his wife and goods, and would soon return.  His Majesty said, “Will you then come again?” and expressed a wish that he should do so and remain permanently.  He and Dr. Price had previously erected a house near Ava on some land granted them by the king, which house was to be occupied by Dr. P. until Mr. Judson’s return.

The following letter from Mr. Judson dated Dec. 7, 1823, announces the arrival of his wife in Rangoon.  “I had the inexpressible happiness of welcoming Mrs. Judson once more to the shores of Burmah, on the 5th instant.  We are now on the eve of departure for Ava.