t with Mr. and Mrs. Judson in inducing them to
remain, was the fact that inquiry seemed to be spreading in the
neighborhood, and that there seemed a further prospect of usefulness, in
spite of the fear of persecution. They therefore concluded to remain for
the present at Rangoon; while Mr. and Mrs. Colman should proceed to
Arracan and form a station there.

Thus again were Mr. and Mrs. J. alone; but not now exclusively among
heathen idolaters. The affectionate zeal of the disciples rejoiced their
hearts; and others, and among them the old disputant, Moung-Shwa-gnong,
seemed sincere and hopeful inquirers. Three women, induced by him, also
visited Mrs. Judson to learn the way of life. One of these (the one we
have before alluded to) was characterized by superior discernment and
mental power, but exceedingly timid through fear of persecution. In one
of her conversations she expressed her surprise that the effect of the
religion of Christ upon her mind was to make her love his disciples more
than her dearest natural relations. This showed that she was a real
disciple, though a timid one. But surely it is not for us who sit under
our own vine with none to make us afraid, to be severe on these poor
heathen, for not at once overcoming the dread of suffering, so natural
to the human heart! Before we judge them, let us be very sure that _our_
faith would endure the fires of persecution and even of martyrdom which
threatened them. They knew of instances where their countrymen who had
embraced the _Roman Catholic_ faith, had been subjected to the
punishment of the iron-mall, an instrument of torture more dreadful than
any employed against the Scottish Covenanters, in the times of their
bitterest persecution. Sudden execution they might have braved, though
that will appal almost any heart; but lingering torture was what they
might fear, to which death should succeed only when nature could bear
no more.

Females in Christian countries, who think much of your self-denials and
sacrifices, when

'A moment's pain, a passing shower,
Is all the grief ye share,'

how could _your_ hearts endure if called to such trials, as might at any
moment befall your poor sisters in Burmah!

Mrs. Judson's health had for some time been failing, and at length after
having gone through two courses of salivation for the liver-complaint,
she was obliged to try a sea-voyage. Her situation was too critical for
her to think of going alone, and Mr.