s.' He remained silent a few moments, but
presently showed he was not displeased, by asking a great variety of
questions on religion, and geography and astronomy, some of which were
answered in such a satisfactory manner, as to occasion a general
expression of satisfaction in all the court present.

"After his Majesty retired, a royal secretary entered into conversation,
and allowed me to expatiate on several topics of religion in my usual
way. And all this took place in the presence of the very man, now an
Atwenwoon, (one of the highest officers) who many years ago, caused his
uncle to be tortured under the iron mall, for renouncing Buddhism and
embracing the Romish religion!...

"Thanks to God for the encouragement of this day! The monarch of the
empire has distinctly understood, that some of his subjects have
embraced the Christian religion, and his wrath has been restrained."

He afterwards had another interview, in which the king inquired much
about America, and authorized him to invite her ships to his dominions,
assuring them of protection and facilities for trade.

He mentions much flattering attention paid him by a prince of the empire
and his wife, who was the king's sister, both of whom urged him not to
return to Rangoon, but to bring his wife and reside at Ava. In fact,
several dignitaries of the empire were so far attracted by the new
theories in religion and science, as to enter into animated discussions
with the missionaries respecting them. The prince above mentioned was an
interesting character. Mr. Judson went so far as boldly to urge upon him
the duty of making personal religion his immediate care. For a moment he
was moved, but soon replied, that he was young, only twenty-eight. That
he was desirous of enlarging his mind by an acquaintance with all
foreign science, and then he could judge whether Christianity was worthy
of his adoption or not. But, said Mr. Judson, suppose you change worlds
in the meantime? His countenance fell, and he said sadly, "It is true, I
do not know when I shall die."

How true it is that "as in water face answereth to face, so doth the
heart of man to man." Left without excuse, this poor impenitent Burman,
like thousands in America, almost, but not altogether persuaded to be
Christians, postponed what he could not but purpose to a more convenient
season.

On another occasion, so many persons of high rank expressed themselves
favorably to the Christian faith that one wh