Judson concluded to accompany her
to Bengal. Two converts expressed the strongest desire to profess
Christ, before the missionaries should leave them. They were accordingly
baptized. The ship being detained, the speculative, hesitating, but now
sincere disciple, Moung Shwa-gnong, casting aside his fears and
scruples, boldly avowed his faith, and desired baptism. Of course he was
joyfully received. The scene at his baptism had such an effect upon Mah
Meulah, the female who has been before mentioned, that she too could no
longer delay a public profession of faith in Christ. On returning to the
house after receiving the rite, she said, "Now I have taken the oath of
allegiance to Jesus Christ, and I have nothing to do but to commit
myself, soul and body, into the hands of my Lord, assured that he will
never suffer me to fall away!"

Surely if no other proof existed of the power of gospel truth to renew
the heart of men, a sufficient one would be furnished here. In the face
of threatened persecution not only were old converts strengthened in
their faith in, and attachment to Christ, but new ones eagerly pressed
forward to unite themselves with the despised and humble flock.

Nine males and one female had now been baptized at the hazard of their
lives; a grammar and dictionary had been compiled and printed; a portion
of the Scriptures translated and printed; tracts had been issued; and so
greatly had the missionaries gained in favor with the people, that as
they went down to the ship which was to carry them to Bengal, more than
a hundred natives followed them, testifying sincere grief at their
departure.

CHAPTER XII.

MR. AND MRS. JUDSON VISIT BENGAL AND RETURN.--MRS. JUDSON'S HEALTH AGAIN
FAILS.--HER RESOLUTION TO VISIT AMERICA.--HER VOYAGE TO ENGLAND AND
VISIT THERE.

They arrived in Calcutta on the 8th of August, 1820. The voyage was of
no essential benefit to Mrs. J.'s health, neither was her visit to
Calcutta; but at Serampore she so far recovered as to make them desirous
to return to Rangoon, where they arrived on the 5th of January, 1821.
The converts received them with the utmost affection; their old friend
the vicereine again occupied her former palace and welcomed Mrs. Judson
with friendly familiarity, and new inquirers presented themselves at the
zayat. In translating the Scriptures, the acute and fertile mind of
Moung Shwa-gnong was an invaluable assistance, while another convert of
cultivated inte