Chapter V: Life in Rangoon

1813-1819.

Rangoon a strategic point—First impressions of Rangoon—The _Task_
before him—The evangelization of Burmah—The _Means_—Not
civilization—Not schools for children—The Gospel conveyed to
the adult mind—The printed Word—Oral preaching of the
Gospel—The press can never supersede the pulpit—His method of
preaching—The _Difficulties_—Burman conservatism—Learning the
language—Danger of persecution—Sublime faith—Removal into the
city proper—Mrs. Judson’s declining health, and voyage to
Madras—Birth and death of Roger Williams Judson—Conversation
between Mr. Judson and his Burman teacher—His illness—Compiling
Burman Grammar—The first tract—Arrival of Mr. Hough and the
press—The first inquirer—Matthew translated—Ill health—Horrors
of the sea voyage to Madras—Mrs. Judson’s heroism during his
absence—Arrival of Messrs. Colman and Wheelock—Beginning of
public worship in the zayat—The first baptism—Handpicking among
the Burmans—Rising persecution—Determination to go to Ava—Death
of Wheelock 74

CHAPTER VI.

LIFE IN RANGOON—CONTINUED.

1819-1823.

Journey to Ava—Unsuccessful visit at court—Return to
Rangoon—Firmness of the converts—Colman’s death in
Arracan—Revival amid persecution—First baptism of a Burman
woman—Letter from Burman converts to American churches—Mrs.
Judson’s alarming illness—The voyage to Calcutta and
return—Series of conversions and baptisms—Mrs. Judson’s visit
to America—Personal appearance—Mr. Judson’s solitude—Arrival of
Dr. and Mrs. Price—Death of Mrs. Price—Second journey to
Ava—Favorable reception at Court—Return to Rangoon—Purpose to
establish a mission at Ava 147

CHAPTER VII.

LIFE IN AVA AND OUNG-PEN-LA.

1823-1826.

Third journey to Ava—Bright prospects—Gathering war-cloud—Cold
reception at Court—War between the English and Burmans—All the
white foreigners thrown into prison—Duration of
imprisonment—The place—Horrors of an Oriental jail—Serene
faith—Mrs. Judson’s intercessions—Birth of Maria—Removal to
Oung-pen-la—Final release—His personal reminiscences of his
captivity—A British officer’s description of Mrs. Judson 212

CHAPTER VIII.

LIFE IN AMHERST.

1826-1827.

Treaty of peace—Condition of affairs in Rangoon—The Wades and
Boardmans at Calcutta—Description of Mr. and Mrs. Boardman—The
founding of Amherst—Removal to Amherst—Accompanying the English
Embassy to Ava—Uncongenial employment—Mrs. Judson’s death—His
return to Amherst—Arrival of the Wades and Boardmans—Death of
little Maria—Decline of Amherst—Removal to Maulmain—Death of
Mah-men-la—Death of his father 282