In 1819 the hearts of the missionaries were cheered by a native, Moung Hau, coming out and openly professing Christianity—­the first fruit gathered after seven years of labour.  Many had partly accepted their teachings, and had been evidently impressed by their message; but up to that time no real, definite converts had been made.

Moung Hau soon showed that a real work of grace was progressing in his heart.  He told the missionaries that he had found no other Saviour but Jesus Christ, from all the darkness and uncleanness and sins of his whole life, that he could look nowhere else for salvation, and that therefore he proposed to adhere to Christ for ever.  “It seems almost too much to believe that God has begun to manifest His grace to the Burmans,” the members of the little mission band said one to another; but the sincerity of Moung Hau was such that they could not doubt it, and after a time of probation he was publicly baptized.

There were signs that this convert was only the first of an abundant harvest.  In the autumn of the same year, two more men requested baptism, but this time the rite had to be performed privately, for the Viceroy had begun openly to avow himself hostile to Christianity.  Dark rumours of persecution were heard, and one inquirer was summoned before the authorities and warned to beware of what he did.  So serious did matters become that public preaching had for a time to be abandoned, and many inquirers ceased their visits to the mission-house, and were heard of no more.

The missionaries thought that if they could only appeal to the Emperor, and obtain his permission to carry on their work, all might be well again; so after much deliberation Messrs. Judson and Colman went on a journey to the royal city of Ava, and obtained an audience of the Emperor.  They humbly requested that his subjects might be permitted to become Christians without incurring the wrath of the authorities; but when the monarch heard their petition he treated it with open disdain, and they had to return to Rangoon saddened and disappointed beyond measure.

The news that nothing must be expected from the Government but persecution seemed to give strength to the three converts and to several really earnest inquirers.  When the missionaries spoke of going to another part of Burmah, where they could have more liberty, their disciples implored them to remain.  “It is useless to remain under present circumstances,” Mr. Judson said.  “We cannot open the zayat; we cannot have public worship; no Burman will dare to examine this religion, none can be expected to embrace it.”  “Teacher,” one of the converts replied, “my mind is distressed; I can neither eat nor sleep since I find you are going away.  I have been around among those who live near us, and I find some who are even now examining the new religion.  Do stay with us a few months.  Do stay till there are eight or ten disciples; then appoint one to be teacher of the rest.”  Many others said the same, and at last it was decided that Mr. and Mrs. Judson were to remain in Rangoon, while Mr. and Mrs. Colman, the other missionaries there at the time, should move to Chittagong, a place near at hand under British protection, and try to form a station there.