I felt that the hand of
God was in it, for he had heard my prayers.

"Yesterday we went on board the ship, chose my cabin, and agreed with
the captain to take us all for twelve hundred dollars. The
accommodations are excellent, clean and airy. It is a most beautiful
ship, and the captain seems disposed to do all in his power for our
comfort.... I am now making preparations for my passage. Monday we have
a prayer-meeting, and on Tuesday we go to Plymouth. I am doubting
whether I ought to go to Bradford again or not. My nerves are in such a
state that I have to make every possible exertion to keep them quiet. It
will only increase my agitation to take a formal leave of my friends and
home."

On the 22d of June, 1823, they sailed from Boston amidst every
demonstration of personal attachment and Christian sympathy. They
carried with them a valuable present and a letter from the Convention to
the Burman emperor, sent in the hope of conciliating his favor toward
the missionaries.

CHAPTER XV.

MESSRS. JUDSON AND PRICE VISIT AVA.--THEIR RECEPTION AT COURT.--THEIR
RETURN TO RANGOON.--MRS. JUDSON'S RETURN.--A LETTER TO HER PARENTS
DESCRIBING THEIR REMOVAL TO AVA.--DESCRIPTION OF AVA.

It was mentioned that during Mrs. Judson's absence from Burmah, Dr.
Price, the fame of whose medical skill had reached the 'golden ears,'
had been ordered to Ava, and that Mr. Judson had determined to make
another attempt to procure toleration for the Christians by a second
visit to the capital. In a boat furnished by government, they left
Rangoon, embarked for Ava, then the capital, and were immediately
introduced to the king. Dr. Price was graciously received, but at the
first interview Mr. Judson was scarcely noticed. Of the second
interview, we will give the account in Mr. Judson's own words.

"To-day the king noticed me for the first time.... After some time he
said, 'And you, in black, what are you? a medical man too?' 'Not a
medical man, but a teacher of religion, your Majesty.' He proceeded to
make a few inquiries about my religion, and then put the alarming
inquiry whether any had embraced it. I evaded by saying 'Not here.' He
persisted 'Are there any in Rangoon?' 'There are a few.' 'Are they
foreigners?' I trembled for the consequence of an answer which might
involve the little church in ruin; but the truth must be sacrificed or
the consequences hazarded; and I therefore replied, 'There are some
foreigners and some Burman