“We felt satisfied that they were humble disciples of Jesus, and were desirous of receiving this ordinance purely out of regard to his command, and their own spiritual welfare; we felt that we were all equally exposed to danger, and needed a spirit of mutual candor and forbearance, and sympathy; we were convinced; that they were influenced rather by desires of avoiding unnecessary exposure, than by that sinful fear which would plunge them into apostasy in the hour of trial; and when they assured us that if actually brought before government, they could not think of denying their Saviour, we could not conscientiously refuse their request, and therefore agreed to have them baptized to-morrow at sunset.” “7.  Lord’s day.  We had worship as usual and the people dispersed.  About half an hour before sunset the two candidates came to the zayat, accompanied by three or four of their friends; and after a short prayer we proceeded to the spot where Moung-Nau was formerly baptized.  The sun was not allowed to look on the humble, timid profession.  No wondering crowd crowned the overshadowing hill.  No hymn of praise expressed the exulting feeling of joyous hearts.  Stillness and solemnity pervaded the scene.  We felt, on the banks of the water, as a little, feeble, solitary band.  But perhaps some hovering angels took note of the event with more interest than they witnessed the late coronation; perhaps Jesus looked down on us, pitied and forgave our weaknesses, and marked us for his own; perhaps if we deny him not, he will acknowledge us another day, more publicly than we venture at present to acknowledge him.”

There was a great falling off in the attendance at the zayat after Moung-shwa-gnong’s defection.  None dared call to inquire from religious principle, and curiosity respecting the religion had been fully gratified.  It became highly desirable to take some measures to secure the favor of the emperor.  If he could be made propitious, the converts and the missionaries would have nothing to fear.  Messrs. Judson and Colman, therefore, leaving their families at Rangoon, set out on their visit to Ava, to lay their case—­as a Burman would express it—­before ‘the golden feet.’  They carried with them, as presents to his majesty, the Bible, in six volumes, covered with gold leaf in the Burman style, each volume enclosed in a rich wrapper; and many other articles as presents to the different members of the government.

CHAPTER XI.

RECEPTION OF MESSRS.  COLMAN AND JUDSON AT AVA.—­THEIR RETURN TO
RANGOON.—­THEIR RESOLUTION TO LEAVE RANGOON.—­OPPOSITION OF DISCIPLES TO
THIS MEASURE.—­INCREASE OF DISCIPLES.—­THEIR STEADFASTNESS.—­FAILURE OF
MRS. JUDSON’S HEALTH.

The passage up the Irrawaddy to Ava, or rather Amerapoora, which was then the capital, was made in safety in a little more than thirty days.  They soon found the house of their old friend the former viceroy of Rangoon, who now enjoyed a high post under government.  Here they were kindly received, and promised a speedy presentation to the “golden face,” i.e. the emperor.