him they owed their final release from Ava, and the recovery of all their confiscated property.  Mrs. Judson thinks no people on earth were ever happier than they were at that time; the very idea that they were free from Burman treachery and tyranny, and under British protection, filling them with gratitude and joy too exquisite for expression.  “What shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits to us,” was the constant utterance of their hearts.  Peace was soon settled; they left the camp, and after an absence of two years and three months were again in Rangoon.

CHAPTER XVIII.

INFLUENCE OF THESE DISASTERS ON THE MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE.—­TESTIMONIALS TO MRS. JUDSON’S HEROIC CONDUCT.—­LETTER FROM MR. JUDSON—­HIS ACCEPTANCE OF THE POST OF INTERPRETER TO CRAWFORD’S EMBASSY.—­MRS. JUDSON’S RESIDENCE AT AMHERST.—­HER ILLNESS AND DEATH—­DEATH OF HER INFANT.

Mrs. Judson concludes her long, melancholy, but most interesting letter to her brother, as follows:  “A review of our trip to and adventures in Ava, suggests the inquiry, Why were we permitted to go?  What good has been effected?  Why did I not listen to the advice of friends in Bengal and remain till the war was concluded?  But all that we can say is—­It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.—­So far as my going round to Rangoon at the time I did, was instrumental in bringing those heavy afflictions upon us, I can only state that if ever I acted from a sense of duty in my life, it was at that time; for my conscience would not allow me any peace, when I thought of sending for your brother to Calcutta, in prospect of the approaching war.  Our society at home have lost no property on account of our difficulties; but two years of precious time have been lost to the mission unless some future advantage may be gained, in consequence of the severe discipline to which we ourselves have been subject.  We are sometimes induced to think that the lesson we have found so very hard to learn will have a beneficial effect through our lives; and that the mission may in the end, be advanced rather than retarded.”

In reference to this timid and hesitating hope of some benefit which might possibly accrue to the cause of missions, from her terrible experience, the remarks of Dr. Dowling in a recent work, are so appropriate, that we will introduce them here.  “Previous to the commencement of these sufferings, though a few American Baptists were partially awake to the salvation of the heathen, ... yet the contributions for the mission were meagre, and the interest it had excited was comparatively small.  Something of a thrilling, exciting character was needed to arouse the churches from their indifference and lethargy; something that should touch their hearts, by showing them somewhat of the nature and extent of the sacrifices made by those devoted missionaries whom they were called upon to sustain by their benefactions and their prayers.