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MEMOIR

LIFE AND LABORS

REV.ADONIMM JUDSON, D.D.
BY
PEANCIS WAYLAND,
PRESIDENT OF BROWN UNIVERSITY.
To preach the goflpel in the rcgiona beyond. — 2 Cob. x. 16.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
Vol. I.

NEW YOKK:
SHELDON & COMPANY.
*- 115 NASSAU STREET.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by
EMILY 0. JUDSON,
b. the Clerk'fl Office of the DMibJ Court of the Northern District of New York.

PREFACE.

When, in compliance with the request of the
Executive Committee of the American Baptist
Missionary Union, and of the widow of the late
Dr. Judson, I undertook to compile the follow
ing Memoir, I supposed that a large amount of
his correspondence and other writings would be
easily accessible. In this respect, however, I was
entirely disappointed. From peculiar views of
duty, Dr. Judson had caused to be destroyed all
his early letters Avritten to his family, together
with all his papers of a personal character.
Mrs. Ann H. Judson, from prudential reasons,
during their captivity in Ava, destroyed all his
letters in her possession. Manuscripts were also
consumed by the burning of Mr. Stevens's house
in Maulmain. Dr. Judson's correspondence with
Dr. Staughton perished by the shipwreck of a
vessel on the passage from Philadelphia to Wash-
3

PREFACE.

ington. Last of all, his letters to his mis
sionary brethren in Burmah were lost by the
foundering of the ship which was conveying
them to this country. My materials, therefore,
consisted chiefly of his official correspondence,
much of which had been published in mission
ary periodicals. To these I have been able to
add such letters as had escaped destruction, to
gether with very valuable reminiscences from the
pen of Mrs. Judson. Enough, however, has been
preserved to present his missionary character
with remarkable distinctness. His opinions on
many subjects can never be recovered, but the
record of his deeds is beyond the reach of both
fire and flood.
My grateful acknowledgments are due to the
secretaries of the American Baptist Missionary
Union, the Eev. Solomon Peck, D. D., and the
Rev. Edward Bright, D. D., for the facilities
which they have afforded in the prosecution of
my labors. They have placed at my disposal
every paper on their files which could add to
the interest of the Memoir, and have rendered

PREFACE.

me efficient aid in every part of my undertaking.
To Dr. Bright especially I am under great obli
gations for superintending the press, Avhen, from
circumstances beyond my control, I Avas unable
to perform this labor myself.
To the Rev. Rufus Anderson, If. D., the senior
secretary of the American Board of Commission
ers for Foreign Missions, I am greatly indebted.
Not only has he caused to be copied for my use
every paper in his possession relating to the con
nection of Dr. Judson with that society, but he
has at all times granted me the aid of his em
inent abilities and profound acquaintance with
every department of missionary service.
Whatever value this Memoir may possess
must be ascribed, in no small degree, to the
assistance which I have received from Mrs.
Judson. She arranged for me all the letters
and papers, furnished me with information which
no other person could possess, and has com
municated notes and reminiscences which will
be found to be among the most interesting por
tions of the work. l*

6 PREFACE.
I should do injustice to my own feelings
were I to close this preface Avithout recording
my obligations to the publishers, Messrs. Phil
lips, Sampson, & Co. Their arrangements have
been characterized by great liberality; their
promptness and punctuality have left nothing
to be desired; and the interest Avhich they
have taken in the publication can only be ap
preciated by those whose duty it is to labor
in this sometimes harassing vocation. An ac
knowledgment of my obligations is also due to
the gentlemen of the Boston Stereotype Foundry,
for the fidelity and taste with which they have
carried forward their part of the work.
In the humble hope that these volumes Avill
throw some valuable light upon the subject of
Christian missions, and thus serve the cause to
which the life of Dr. Judson Avas devoted, they
are submitted to the candid consideration of the
Christian public.
Bkoato University, August 5 1853.

CONTENTS

OF THE FIRST VOLUME.

CHAPTER I.

PARENTAGE. — CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. — LIFE IN COLLEGE.
ENTERS THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT ANDOVER, . 11

CHAPTER II.
RESIDENCE AT ANDOVER. — CONVERSION. — FIRST IMPULSES
TOWARDS MISSIONARY LABOR. — MISSIONARY ASSOCIA
TIONS. — ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSION
ERS  21
CHAPTER III.
MISSION TO ENGLAND. — CAPTURE, AND DETENTION IN
FRANCE. — INTER VIEWS WITH THE DIRECTORS OF THE
LONDON MISSIONARY SOCTET Y. - RETURNS TO THE UNITED 7

i CONTENTS.
STATES. — APPOINTED A MISSIONARY OF THE AMERICAN
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS.—
MARRIAGE AND ORDINATION. — RELATIONS WITH THE
BOARD, .  63

- CHAPTER IV.
EMBARKATION. — ARRIVAL IN INDIA — CHANGE OF VIEWS
ON BAPTISM. — COURSE OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY. —
ESCAPE TO THE ISLE OF FRANCE. — PASSAGES TO MADRAS
AND RANGOON. — FORMATION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL
CONVENTION FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS  93

CHAPTER V.
THE BURMAN EMPIRE. — EXTENT. — RIVERS. — POPULATION
— RESOURCES. — GOVERNMENT. — RELIGION 

CHAPTER VI.
ENTRANCE UPON MISSIONARY WORK. — HIS VIEWS OF THAT
WORK. - ACQUISITION OF THE LANGUAGE. - PROGRESS OF
THE MISSION. -VOYAGE TO MADRAS  154

CHAPTER VII.
CONFIDENCE IN GOD. - VIEWS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF
PREACHING THE GOSPEL. -THAT WORK COMMENCED. -
OPENING OF THE ZAYAT. - FIRST CONVERTS TO THE CHRIS-
TIAN RELIGION. -PREPARATIONS FOR VISITING AVA, , 304

CONTENTS. 9
CHAPTER VIII.
FIRST VISIT TO AVA. — RETURN TO RANGOON. - PROGRESS
OF THE GOSPEL. — NEW STATION AT CHITTAGCNG. — FAIL
URE OF MRS. JUDSON'S HEALTH. — VOYAGE TO BENGAL, .246

CHAPTER IX.
RETURN TO RANGOON. — GROWTH OF THE CHURCH. — IN
CREASED ILLNESS OF MRS. JUDSON. — SAILS FOR THE
UNITED STATES. — THE MISSION RE-ENFORCED. — SECOND
VISIT TO AVA. — TRANSLATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
COMPLETED, ... . !

CHAPTER X.
HOPEFUL PROSPECTS OF THE MISSION — PASSAGE UP THE
IRRAWADI  WAR BETWEEN THE ENGLISH AND I'URMANS.
— IMPRISONMENT OF DR. JUDSON AT AVA AND OTNG-PEN-
LA. — HIS RELEASE. — PERSONAL REMINISCENCES, . . . !

CHAPTER XI.
MISSION TRANSFERRED TO THE TENASSERIM PROVINCES. —
REMOVES TO AMHERST. — EMBASSY TO AVA. —SYSTEM OF
MISSIONARY REGULATIONS. — DEATH OF MRS. JUDSON.
— DEATH OF HIS ONLY CHILD. — REMOVES TO MAULMAIN.
— DEATH OF HIS FATHER,  401

10 CONTKNTS.
CHAPTER XII.
LABORS AT MAUI MAIN. — ORDINATION OF BURMESE PAS
TORS. - MUNIFICENT GIFT. - LETTER TO SIR ARCHIBALD
CAMPBELL. —VIEWS OF HIGHER ATTAINMENTS IN RELI
GION. — PREPARATION OF WORKS FOR THE PRESS. — SE
CLUSION,   44S

CHAPTER XIII.
REVISITS RANGOON. — PASSAGE TO PROME — SOJOURN AT
PROME. — RESIDENCE AT RANGOON. — PROGRESS IN TRANS
LATING THE SCRIPTURES. — RETURN TO MAULMAIN. — RE
VIEW OF HIS AUSTERITIES. — THE KARENS  485

MEMOIR OF DE. JUDSON,

CHAPTER I.
PARENTAGE. — CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. — LIFE IN COLLEGE -
ENTERS THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT ANDOVER.
1788-1808.
Adoniram Judson, the senior Baptist missionary to
Burmah, was born in Maiden, Massachusetts, on the
9th of August, 1788. He was the eldest son of
Adoniram and Abigail Judson.
Rev. Adoniram Judson,* the father, was born in
* I am indebted to the Rev. S. Hopkins. Emery, of Taunton, Mas
sachusetts, for the following memoranda of the Judson family. In
some cases both the names and dates differ from those which I
have received from the family. I am unable to explain the discre
pancy between the two accounts. ¦• Adoniram Judson, father of the
missionary to Burmah, was the son of Elnathan and Rebecca [not
Mary] Judson."
Elnathan, the father of Adoniram senior, married Rebecca Minor,
June 30, 1736. This Rebecca was daughter of Ephraim and Rebecca
Minor, and granddaughter of Captain John Minor, the first settler
of Woodbury, and Indian interpreter. She was bom January 30,
1712. Captain Elnathan Judson died December 14, 1796, aged
eighty-four years.
They had children as follows : —
1. Ephraim, (a clergyman, some timg settled in Taunton, Massa-
(")

12 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Woodbury, Connecticut, in June, 1752, and was the
youngest son of Elnathan and Mary Judson. He
was married November 23, 1786, to Abigail Brown,
a native of Tiverton, Rhode Island, born December 15,
1759, eldest daughter of Abraham and Abigail Brown.
The children of Adoniram and Abigail Judson were,
1. Adoniram, born in Maiden, Massachusetts, Au
gust 9, 1788.
2. Abigail Brown Judson, bom in Maiden, Massa
chusetts, March 21, 1791, now residing in Plymouth.
chusetts, and afterwards in Sheffield, Massachusetts,) born December 5,
1737, baptized December 11, 1737.
2. Thaddeus, baptized October 14, 1739.
3. Mary, baptized October 18, 1741.
Married to Edward Pond, November 7, 1765.
4. Noah, baptized July 15, 1744.
5. Elisha, " " 20, 1746.
And died in. infancy.
6. Elisha 2d, baptized November 8, 1747.
7. Adoniram, " July 15, 1750.
Elnathan, the grandfather of the missionary, was born May 8,
1712. He had brothers, Elisha, who died young, Elisha 2d, and
Peter ; also, sisters Abigail, Martha, and Jerusha. They were the
children of Jonathan Judson, who married Mary Mitchell, daughter
of Deacon Matthew Mitchell, August 22, 1711.
Jonathan, the great-grandfather of the missionary, was born De
cember, 1684. He was the son of John Judson, who married, 1673,
Elizabeth Chapman, of Stamford ; and was again married in 1699,
to Mrs. Mary Orton, of Parmington. Jonathan had two brothers
and two sisters. '
Their father, John, was the son of Joseph, who came to this coiin-
try at the age of fifteen, lived first at Concord, then at Stratford, and
married Sarah Porter, of Windsor. Joseph had eleven children.
His father was named William, the progenitor of the Judsons in
this country. He came from Yorkshire, England, in 1634, bringing
three sons, Joseph, Jeremiah, and Joshua.
The above facts were collected from the Stratford and Wood
bury records, by William Cothren, Esq., of Woodbury, Connecticut,
who is making out a genealogical account of the family.

PARENTAGE. 13
3. Elnathan Judson, born in Wenham, Massachu
setts, May 28, 1794. He was a surgeon in U. S. N.,
and died in "Washington, District of Columbia, 1829.
4. Mary Ellice Judson, born in Wenham, February
18, 1796, and died September 12 of the same year.
Rev. Adoniram Judson, the father, was first settled
in the ministry, if I mistake not, at Maiden, Massa
chusetts. This must have been prior to the year 1788.
He was invited to become the pastor of the church
in Wenham in November, 1792, and was installed
there in the following December. He continued the
pastor of this church until the close of the year 1799,
when, at his own solicitation, he was dismissed. In
1802, he was installed as pastor of one of the churches
in Plymouth. Here he remained about fifteen years.
Having changed his sentiments on the subject of
baptism, he was dismissed in 1817. He died at
Scituate, Massachusetts, November 25, 1826, aged
seventy-six. Mr. Judson was a man of vigorous mind, resolute
will, and strong common sense. His judgments were
generally accurate, and his reliance upon them im
plicit. He was rather fitted to command than to
obey, and his system of domestic government, prob
ably, belonged more to the patriarchal than to the
present dispensation. Though not, so far as I dis
cover, ambitious of personal distinction, he appears
to have coveted eminence for his children with more
than a wise eagerness ; and to have been in the habit
of stimulating his son to exertion by the assurance
that he would certainly become a great man. The
propriety of creating these anticipations in the minds
of the young is at best doubtful. Talent generally
reveals itself, at a sufficiently early period, to the
vol. i. 2

14 MEMO E OF DE. JUDSON.
consciousness of its possessor. To have done a thing
is the proper proof to a young man that he can do it.
It is, besides, the only reliable evidence of his actual
ability. To encourage extravagant anticipations of
success in the mind of a child is commonly to sow
the seeds of oddity and arrogance, and render ulti
mate failure almost inevitable.
I had once or twice the pleasure of spending a few
hours with Mr. Judson, after he had passed the sev
entieth year of his age. His appearance has left a
deep impression on my recollection, now that nearly
thirty years have glided away. He was, as I remem
ber him, a man of decidedly imposing appearance.
His stature was rather above the average height. His
white hair, erect position, grave utterance, and some
what taciturn manner, together with the position
which he naturally took in society, left you somewhat
at a loss whether to class him with a patriarch of the
Hebrews, or a • censor of the Romans. He was,
through life, esteemed a man of inflexible integrity,
and uniform consistency of Christian character.
The son, at an early age, gave promise of unusual
ability. His intellect was acute, his power of acqui
sition great, and his perseverance unflagging. To
these elements of character he added a love of preem
inence which seems to have been carried somewhat
to excess. His temper was amiable ; specially so in
his own family. From early years he seems to have
been remarked for uncommon self-reliance. Thus
endowed, it may readily be believed that he was gen
erally the acknowledged leader in the little circles to
which he became attached.
Young Judson was taught to read by his mother,
when only three years old. His father had gone from

indications of unusual ability. 15
home on a short journey, and she, wishing to surprise
her husband, took the opportunity to teach the child to
read during his absence. He learned so rapidly that he
was able to give his father a chapter of the Bible on
his return. In speaking of this and other similar
things, he said that he was not aware of being injured
by the forcing system, but he should certainly not pre
scribe it for his children.
On the 17th of August, 1804, Mr. Judson entered
Providence College, now Brown University, one
year in advance. He was then in his sixteenth year.
His contemporaries all unite in representing him to
have been a young man of studious and secluded hab
its, attaining to perfection in every exercise, and scru
pulously careful to devote every moment of his time
to intellectual improvement. During a part of' his
collegiate course, he was engaged in the instruction
of a school in Plymouth. At the close of his senior
year, he received the highest appointment for com
mencement, an English oration, with the valedictory
addresses. This appointment was sufficient to prove that Mr.
Judson was, in the opinion of his instructors, the first
scholar in his class. But it is evident that, beyond
this, they considered him a young man of rare attain
ments and extraordinary promise. The late Rev. Dr.
Messer, then president of the university, a man chary
of praise, and eminently cautious in his judgments,
wrote the following letter to the father of the. future
missionary during the first year of his collegiate resi
dence : — Buown University, April 30, 1805.
Rev. Sir : Notwithstanding the greatness of my present
hurry, I must drop you a word respecting your son ; and this,

16 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
I can assure you, is not by way of complaint. A uniform
propriety of conduct, as well as an intense application to
study, distinguishes his character. Your expectations of him,
however sanguine, must certainly be gratified. I most heart
ily congratulate you, my dear sir, on that charming prospect
which you have exhibited in this very amiable and promising
son ; and I most heartily pray that the Father of mercies
may make him now, while a youth, a son in his spiritual fam
ily, and give him an earnest of the inheritance of the saints
in light. I am, very respectfully, Your friend and servant, Asa Messer.
Shortly after leaving college, Mr. Judson published
a work on English Grammar. A recommendation of
the book by his former instructors, Rev. Drs. Messer
and Park, holds the following language : —
Providence, February 15, 1808.
Sir : In expressing our opinion of your " Elements of
English Grammar," we ought, perhaps, to remind you, that
that opinion may possibly be affected by a recollection of the
very worthy and honorable manner in which you pursued the
whole of your collegiate course, and in which, when less than
twenty years old, you finished it at the last commencement.
Be this as it may, you may be certain that the work has
given us much gratification. It exhibits a fresh instance of
the ingenious literary enterprise and perseverance of its
author ; and should you conclude to give it to the public, it
will, ire hope, meet, as it merits, a generous patronage.
We remain, with respect,
Your affectionate friends,
Asa Messer.
Calvin Park.

childhood. 17
The fo lowing reminiscences of young Judson ex
tend from his early boyhood until a short time after
his graduation. They contain all that can be elicited
from the recollections of his surviving relatives re
specting this period of his history.
Dr. Judson's sister remembers, with an interest which, no
doubt, obtained a very important accession from the events of
after life, that, at the age of four years, little Adoniram used
to collect the children of the neighborhood about him, and
mounting a chair, go through with the exercises of the pulpit
with singular earnestness, and greatly to the admiration of his
auditors. This was a favorite reminiscence of his parents ;
and they never forgot that the hymn usually put forth on these
occasions was the one commencing, " Go preach my gospel,
saith the Lord."
Adoniram was about seven years old, when, having been
duly instructed that the earth is a spherical body, and that it
revolves around the sun, it became a serious question, in his
mind, whether or not the sun moved at all. He might have
settled the point by asking his father or mother; but that would
have spoiled all his pleasant speculations, and probably would
have been the very last thing to occur to him. His little sis
ter, whom alone he consulted, said the sun did move, for she
could see it ; but he had learned already, in this matter, to
distrust the evidence of his senses, and he talked so wisely
about positive proof, that she was astonished and silenced.
Soon after this, he was one day missed about midday ; and as
he had not been seen for several hours, his father became un
easy, and went in search of him. He was found in a field, at
some distance from the house, stretched on his back, his hat
with a circular hole cut in the crown, laid over his face, and
his swollen eyes almost blinded with the intense light and heat.
He only told his father that he was looking at the sun ; but
he assured his sister that he had solved the problem with re
gard to the sun's moving, though she never could comprehend
the process by which he arrived at the result.
2*

18 MEJtOIR OP DE. JUDSON.
He was noted among his companions for uncommon acute-
ness in the solution of charades and enigmas, and retained a
great store of them in his memory, for the purpose of puzzling
his schoolfellows. On one occasion, he found, in a newspaper,
an enigma rather boastfully set forth, and accompanied by a
challenge for a solution. He felt very sure that he had
" guessed riddles as hard as that," and gave himself no rest
until he had discovered a satisfactory answer. This he copied
out in as fair a hand as possible, addressed it to the editor, and
with no confidant but his sister, conveyed it to the post office.
But the postmaster supposed it to be some mischievous prank
of the minister's son, and he accordingly placed the letter in
the hands of the father. The poor boy's surprise and discom
fiture may be imagined, when he saw it paraded on the table
after tea. " Is that yours, Adoniram ? " " Yes, sir." " How
came you, to write it ? " Silence. " What is it about ? "
Falteringly, " Please read it, father." " I do not read other
people's letters. Break the seal, and read it yourself." Adoni
ram broke the seal, and mumbled over the contents, then
placed the letter in his father's hands. He read it, called for
the newspaper which had suggested it, and after reading and
re-reading both, laid them on the table, crossed his hands on
his knees, and looked intently into the fire. Meantime Adoni
ram stood silently watching his countenance, speculating on
the chances of his being treated as a culprit, or praised for his
acutcness. But the father woke from his revery, the subject
of conversation was changed, and the letter never heard of
afterwards. The next morning, Adoniram's father gravely in
formed him that he had purchased for his use a book of riddles,
a very common one, but as soon as he had solved all that it con
tained, he should have more difficult books. " You are a very
acute boy, Adoniram," he added, patting him on the head with
unusual affection, " and I expect you to become a great man."
Adoniram seized upon the book of riddles joyfully, and was a
good deal surprised and disappointed to find it the veritable
arithmetic which the larger boys in Master Dodge's school
were studying But then his father had praised him, and if

CHILDHOOD. 19
there was any thing puzzling in the arithmetic, he was sure
I13 should like it ; and so he prepared to enter upon the study
with alacrity.
Before reaching his tenth year, he had gained quite a repu
tation for good scholarship, especially in arithmetic. A gen
tleman residing in the neighboring town of Beverly sent him
a problem, with the offer of a dollar for the solution. Adoni
ram immediately shut himself in his chamber. The reward
was tempting ; but, more important still, his reputation was at
stake. On the morning of the second day, he was called from
his seclusion to amuse his little brother, who was ill. He went
reluctantly, but without murmuring, for the government of his
parents was of a nature that no child would think of resisting.
His task was to build a cob house. He laid an unusually
strong foundation, with unaccountable slowness and hesitation,
and was very deliberately proceeding with the superstructure,
when suddenly he exclaimed, " That's it ! I've got it ! " and
sending the materials for the half-built house rolling about the
room, he hurried off to his chamber to record the result. The
problem was solved, the dollar was won,* and the boy's reputa
tion established.
At the age of ten he was sent to one Captain Morton, of
whom he took lessons in navigation, in which he is said to have
made decided progress. In the grammar school he was notod
for his proficiency in the Greek language. His schoolmates
nicknamed him Virgil, or (in allusion to the peculiar style of
the hat which he wore, as well as to his studious habits) " old
Virgil dug up." As a boy, he was spirited, self-confident, and
exceedingly enthusiastic, very active and energetic, but fonder
of his books than of play. His sister has a vivid recollection
of his affectionate tenderness towards her, and of his great
kindness to inferior animals. He was very fond of desultory
reading ; and as there were no books for children at that period,
he alternated between the books of theology, found in his
father's library, and the novels of Richardson and Fielding,
or the plays of Ben Jonson, which he was able to borrow
in the neighborhot d. It is not probable that his father

20 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
encouraged this latter class of reading ; but the habits of self-
dependence , which he had thought proper to cultivate in his
son, left his hours of leisure mostly untrammelled ; and seeing
the greediness with which the biy occasionally devoured
books of the gravest character, it very likely had not occurred
to him that he could feel the least possible interest in any
work of the imagination.
Before Adoniram was twelve years of age, he had heard
visitors at his father's talk a great deal of a new exposition of
the Apocalypse, which they pronounced a work of rare inter
est Now, the Revelation was the book that, of all others in
the Bible, he delighted most to read ; and he had searched
the few commentators his father possessed without getting
much light upon its mysteries. The new exposition was
owned by a very awe-inspiring gentleman in the neighbor
hood ; but Adoniram felt that he must have it, and after com
bating a long time with his bashfulness, he at last determined
on begging the loan of it. He presented himself in the great
man's library, and was coldly and sternly refused. For once,
his grief and mortification were so great that he could not
conceal the affair from his father. He received more sympa
thy than he anticipated. " Not lend it to you ! " said the good
man, indignantly ; " I wish he could understand it half as well.
You shall have books, Adoniram, just as many as you can
read, and I'll go to Boston myself for them." He performed
his promise, but the desired work on the Apocalypse, perhaps
for judicious reasons, was not obtained.
When about fourteen years of age, his studies were inter
rupted by a serious attack of illness, by which he was reduced
to a state of extreme weakness, and for a long time his re
covery was doubtful. It was more than a year before he was
able to resume his customary occupations. Previous to this,
he had been too actively engaged to devote much time to
thought ; but as soon as the violence of the disease subsided,
he spent many long days and nights in reflecting on his future
course. His plans were of the most extravagantly ambitious
character. Now he was an orator, now a poet, now a states-

YOUTH. 21
man ; but whatever his character or profession, he was sure in
his castle juilding to attain to the highest eminence. After a
time, one thought crept into his mind, and imbittered all his
musings. Suppose he should attain to the very highest pinna
cle of which human nature is capable ; what then ? Could he
hold his honors forever ? His favorites of other ages had
long since been turned to dust, and what was it to them that
the world still jpraised them ? What would it be to him,
when a hundred years had gone by, that America had never
known his equal ? He did not wonder that Alexander wept
when at the summit of his ambition ; he felt very sure that he
should have wept too. Then he would become alarmed at the
extent of his own wicked soarings, and try to comfort him
self with the idea that it was all the result of the fever in his
brain. One day his mind reverted to religious pursuits. Yes, an
eminent divine was rerj well, though he should of course pre
fer something more brilliant. Gradually, and without his be
ing aware of his own train of thought, his mind instituted a
comparison between the great worldly divine, toiling for the
same perishable objects as his other favorites, and the humble
minister of the gospel, laboring only to please God and bene
fit his fellow-men. There was (so he thought) a sort of sub
limity about that, after all. Surely the world was all wrong,
or such a self-abjuring man would be its hero. Ah, but the
good man had a reputation more enduring. Yes, yes, his
fame was sounded before him as he entered the other world ;
and that was the only fame worthy of the possession, because
the only one that triumphed over the grave. Suddenly, in the
midst of his self-gratulation, the words flashed across his mind,
" Not unto us, not unto us, but to Thy name be the glory."
He was confounded. Not that he had actually mftde himself
the representative of this last kind of greatness ; it was not
sufficiently to his taste for that ; but h had ventured on dan
gerous ground, and he was startled by a flood of feelings that
had till now remained dormant. He had always saic1 and
thought, so far as he had thought any thing about it, that he

' 22 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
wished to become .ruly religious ; but now religion seemed so
entirely opposed to all his ambitious plans, that he was afraid
to look into his heart, lest he should discover what he did not
like to confess, even to himself — that he did not want to become
a Christian. He was fully awake to the vanity of worldly
pursuits, and was, on the whole, prepared to yield the palm of
excellence to religious ones ; but his father had often said he
would one day be a great man, and a great man he had re
solved to be.
He entered college at sixteen, a year in advance ; and having
lost his fifteenth year by illness, he was obliged to devote him
self very closely to his studies, and seldom gave himself any
respite, even during the vacations. He was ambitious to ex
cel ; and a classmate says of him, he has " no recollection of
his ever failing, or even hesitating, in recitation." He had
a powerful rival in his friend Bailey,* and this probably
added zest to his ambition. When he received the highest
appointment in the commencement exercises, his delight knew
no bounds. He hurried to his room, and wrote, " Dear father,
I have got it. Your affectionate son, A. J." He then took a
circuitous route to the post office, that he might quiet the beat
ings of his heart, and appear with propriety before his class
mates, and especially before his rival friend.
It was at this period that French infidelity was sweeping
over the land like a flood ; and free inquiry in matters of reli
gion was supposed to constitute part of the education of every
man of spirit. Young Judson did not escape the contamina
tion. In the class above him was a young man by the name
of E  , who was amiable, talented, witty, exceedingly
agreeable in person and manners, but a confirmed Deist. A
very strong friendship sprang up between the two young
men, founded on similar tastes and sympathies ; and Judson
soon became, at least professedly, as great an unbeliever as his
friend. The subject of a profession was often discussed

* The late Hon. John Bailey, member of Congress from Massa-
chusetts.

HIS FIRST TOUR. 23
between them. At o le time, they proposed entering the law,
because it afforded so wide a scope for political ambition; and
at another, they discussed their own dramatic powers, with a
view to writing plays. v
Immediately on closing the school at Plymouth, Judson set
out on a tour through the Northern States. After visiting
some of the New England States, he left the horse with
which his father had furnished him with an uncle in Shef
field, Massachusetts, and proceeded to Albany to see the won
der of the world, the newly-invented Robert Fulton steam
er. She was about proceeding on her second trip to New
York, and he gladly took passage in her. The magnificent
scenery of the Hudson had then excited comparatively little
attention, and its novelty and sublimity could not fail to make
a deep and lasting impression on one of Judson's ardent and
adventurous spirit. Indeed, during his last illness, he de
scribed it with all the enthusiasm that he might have done in
his youth. His name was frequently mistaken for that of
Johnson ; and it-occurred to him that, in the novel scenes be
fore him, he might as well use this convenient disguise, in
order to see as deeply into the world as possible. He there
fore, without actually giving out the name with distinctness, or
ever writing it down, became Mr. Johnson. He had not been.
long in New York before he contrived to attach himself to a
theatrical company, not with the design of entering upon the
stage, but partly for the purpose of familiarizing himself with
its regulations, in case he should enter upon his literary pro
jects, and partly from curiosity and love of adventure.
Before setting out upon his tour he had unfolded his infidel
sentiments to his father, and had been treated with the severi
ty natural to a masculine mind that has never doubted, and to
a parent who, after having made innumerable sacrifices for
the son of his pride and his love, sees him rush recklessly on
his own destruction. His mother also, was no less distressed,
and she wept, and prayed, and expostulated. He knew his
superiority to his father in argument ; but he had nothing to
oppose to his mother's tears and warnings, and they followed

24 MEMOIR OF DK. JUDSON.
him now wherever he went. He knew that he was on th<:
verge of such a life as he despised. For the world he would
not see a young brother in his' perilous position ; but " I," he
thought, " am in no danger. I am only seeing the world — the
dark side of it, as well as the bright; and I have too much
self-respect to do any thing mean or vicious." After seeing
what he wished of New York, he returned to Sheffield for his
horse, intending to pursue his journey westward. His uncle,
Rev. Ephraim Judson, was absent, and a very pious young
man occupied his place. His conversation was characterized
by a godly sincerity, a solemn but gentle earnestness, which
addressed itself to the heart, and Judson went away deeply
impressed. The next night he stopped at a country inn. The landlord
mentioned, as he lighted him to his room, that he had been
obliged to place him next door to a young man who was ex
ceedingly ill, probably in a dying state ; but he hoped that it
would occasion him no uneasiness. Judson assured him
that, beyond pity for the poor sick man, he should have no feel
ing whatever, and that now, having heard of the circumstance,
his pity would not of course be increased by the nearness of
the object. But it was, nevertheless, a very restless night.
Sounds came from the sick chamber — sometimes the move
ments of the watchers, sometimes the groans of the sufferei ,
but it was not these which disturbed him. He thought of
what the landlord had said — the stranger was probably in a
dying state ; and was he prepared ? Alone, and in the dead
of night, he felt a blush of shame steal over him at the ques
tion", for it proved the shallowness of his philosophy. What
would his late companions say to his weakness ? The clear-
minded, intellectual, witty E  , what would he say to
such consummate boyishness ? But still his thoughts would
revert to the sick man. Was he a Christian, calm and strong
in the hope of a glorious immortality ? or was he shuddering
upon the brink of a dark, unknown future ? Perhaps he was
a " freethinker," educated by Christian parents, and prayed
over by a Christian mother. The landlord had described him

PREPARATION OF TEXT BOOKS. 25
as a young man ; and in imagination he was fc reed to place
himself upon the dying bed, though he strove with all Lis
might against it. At last morning came, and the bright flood
of light which it poured into his chamber dispelled all his
" superstitious illusions." As soon as he had risen, he went
in search of the landlord, and inquired for his fellow-lodger.
" He is dead," was the reply. " Dead ! " " Yes, he is gone,
poor fellow ! The doctor said he would probably not survive the
night." " Do you know who he was ? " " 0, yes ; it was a
young man from Providence College — a very fine fellow ;
his name was E  ." Judson was completely stunned.
After hours had passed, he knew not how, he attempted to
pursue his journey. But one single thought occupied his
mind, and the words, Dead ! lost ! lost ! were continually ring
ing in his ears. He knew the religion of the Bible to be
true ; he felt its truth ; and he was in despair. In this state
of mind he resolved to abandon his scheme of travelling, and
at once turned his horse's head towards Plymouth.
Mr. Judson graduated Bachelor, of Arts on Septem
ber 2, 1807. On the 17th of the same month, he
opened a private school in the town of Plymouth,
where his parents then resided. February 25, 1808,
he completed his " Elements of English Grammar."
I have before me a copy of this work. It was pub
lished in Boston, by Cushing & Lincoln, and is, I
presume, a good epitome of the forms and laws of
the language. In July of the same year, he com
pleted and published " The Young Lady's Arithme
tic," which was, at the time, a valuable text book for
schools. The preparation of two works of this kind,
in addition to the labors of a school, indicates that, at
this early period, he had inured himself to strenuous
and enterprising labor.
August 9, 1808, he closed his school, and com
menced the journey through the Northern States, of
vol. i. 3

26 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
which mention is made in the preceding memoranda.
He returned to Plymouth,. September 22, with his
mind deeply impressed with the necessity of personal
religion. At this crisis, the Rev. Dr. Griffin and the
Rev. Moses Stuart, both professors in the Theological
Seminary at Andover, visited his father. They pro
posed that he should enter that seminary. He seems
to have been for some time undecided, and a few days
afterwards engaged himself as an assistant to a teach
er in Boston. This situation, however, he soon relin
quished, and proceeded to Andover to connect himself
with the seminary. He entered the institution in Oc
tober, not as a professor of religion and candidate for
the ministry, but as a person deeply in earnest on the
subject, and (.'.esirous of arriving at the truth.

CHAPTER II.
RESIDENCE AT ANDOVER. — CONVERSION. — FIRST IMPULSES
TOWARDS MISSIONARY LABOR  MISSIONARY ASSOCIATIONS
— ORIGIN -.- THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.
1808-1810.
Mr. Judson removed to Andover October 12, 1808.
He was at first admitted as a special student ; that is,
he was permitted to attend the various courses of in
struction in the seminary ; but, having made no pro
fession of religion, he could not be received as a mem
ber in full standing. As he entered at once upon the
studies of the second year, he must already have made
considerable proficiency in the languages of the Old
and New Testaments.
At this period, he had no hope of pardon through
Christ. He had become thoroughly dissatisfied with
the views of life which he had formerly cherished.
Aware of his personal sinfulness, and conscious that
he needed some great moral transformation, he yet
doubted the authenticity of revealed religion, and
clung to the deistical sentiments which he had lately
imbibed. His mind did not readily yield to the force
of evidence. This is by no means an uncommon
case ; nor is it at all difficult of explanation. A
deeply-seated dislike to the humbling doctiines of
the cross frequently assumes the form of inability to
apply the common principles of evidence to the case
of revealed religion. Men of unusual strength of
will, and a somewhat too confident reliance on the
decisions of their individual intellect, are peculiarly
liable to fall into this error.

28 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Mr. Judson's moral nature was, however, thoroughly
arousec", and he was deeply in earnest on the subject
of religion. The professors of the theological semi
nary encouraged his residence at the institution, wisely
judging that so diligent an inquirer must soon arrive
at the truth. The result justified their anticipations.
In the calm retirement of Andover, guided in his
studies by men the praise of whose learning and piety
is in all the churches, with nothing to distract his at
tention from the great concerns of eternity, light grad
ually dawned upon his mind, and he was enabled to
surrender his whole soul to Christ as his atoning Sa
vior. This event occurred in November, about six
weeks after his removal to Andover. On the 2d of
December, 1808, as he has recorded, he made a solemn
dedication of himself to God. On the 28th of May,
1809, he made a public profession of religion, and
joined the Third Congregational Church in Plymouth,
of which his father was then pastor.
The change in Mr. Judson's religious character
was not attended by those external indications of
moral excitement which are frequently observed. The
reformation wrought in him was, however, deep and
radical. With unusual simplicity of purpose, he
yielded himself up once and forever to the will of
God, and, without a shadow of misgiving, relied upon
Christ as his all-sufficient Savior. From the moment
of his conversion, he seems never, through life, to
have been harassed by a doubt of his acceptance with
God. The new creation was so manifest to his con
sciousness, that, in the most decided form, he had the
witness in himself. His plans of life were, of course,
entirely reversed. He banished forever those dreams
of literary and political anbitio" in which he had

FIRST IMPULSES TOWARDS MISSIONARY LABOR. 29
formerly indulged, and simply asked himself, How
shall I so order my future being as best to please God ?
The portions of his correspondence which beiong to
this period indicate an earnest striving after persona-
holiness, and an snthusiastic consecration of every
endowment to the service of Christ.
In June, 1809, he received and declined the ap
pointment to a tutorship in Brown University.
In September of the same year, he read, for the first
time, Buchanan's " Star in the East." It was this
that led him to reflect upon the personal duty of
devoting his life to the cause of missions. The subject
occupied his prayerful attention until February, 1810,
when he finally resolved, in obedience to what he be
lieved to be the command of God, to become a mis
sionary to the heathen.
The following letters and reminiscences will, I think,
enable us to form a tolerably definite conception of
Mr. Judson's religious character during his preparation
for the ministry, and of the impression which he made
upon his instructors and friends : —
From the Rev. Gardner Spring, D. D., to Mrs. Emily C. Judson.
. . . Your departed husband and I were members of
the same class ; met daily for religious and scholastic pur
poses ; and our intercourse was uniformly, and to the last, of
the most pleasant kind. His youthful heart was glowing with
zeal for the extension of the gospel to this lost world. He
often conversed on the subject with me, and once desired me
to ascertain the visws of my deceased father * in regard to
the practicability and wisdom of the enterprise which issued
in his own personal devotement to the missionary cause.
There were other young men in the seminary of like sympa-
* Thr late Eev.. Dr. Spring, of Newburyport.
3*

30 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
fhies, whose names you know. They formed a lovely cluster
of the fruits of the Spirit, whose fragrance has many a time
diffused itself over my own barren heart, and is allied to some
of the sweeter memories of my ministry.
From the Rev. Dr. Woods, of Andover, toMrs.Emilg C. Judson.
I wish I could do more in compliance with your request
than I am able to do. I have had letters from Dr. Judson ;
but they were on business, and are not now easily found. My
recollections of him are very distinct and very interesting.
When l.e first came to Andover, he was, as he described him
self in the church at Hamilton, destitute of the love of God,
altogether in darknvss and unbelief. But he was soon visited,
I trust, with renewing grace, and, after some time, set his heart
upon the salvaiion of the heathen. He was of an ardent tem
perament, and his ardor showed itself in every thing he un-
dertook^. His mind was very active, and he excelled in schol
arship. wKen he visited this country, my intercourse with him
at Andover and at Hamilton was very delightful. I thought
he had made great advances in the divine life, and was adorned
with the beauties of holiness. He now is regarded by the
Christian world, and that very justly, as a distinguished mis
sionary — eminent in labors, in sufferings, and in usefulness
His memory is blessed, and God has been glorified in him.
Miss Mary Hasseltine, the sister of Mrs. Ann H.
Judson, has furnished me with the following reminis
cences of this period : —
My recollections of his youthful efforts as a preacher are,
that he was solemn, impassioned, logical, and highly scriptural,
without much of the hortatory, with no far-fetched figure or
studied ornament of phrase. I can see his erect, commanding
figure in the sacred desk, his manly countenance glowing with
celestial fire, laboring intensely to excite in his hearers an
interest in those high and holy themes that so fill his own vis
ion. Methinks I hear his strains of eloquence as he proceeds :

FIRSr IMPULSES TOWARDS MISSIONARY LABOR. 31
" See you that Christless youth, a scorner of God and good
ness? His steps take hold on death, his vicious career hastens
him onward to the verge of time. At this dread moment,
'terrors take hold on him as waters, as a storm hurleth him
out of his place.' He drops into those dark abodes, where
hope never comes ; his affrighted spirit shrieks out, How long
am I to stay in this place of torment ? From every part of
those doleful shades is re^ erberated, Forever, forever, forever."
His eloquence and oratory were a transcript of Dr. Griffin's.
His first introduction to our family was in the summer of
1810, at the general association of Massachusetts, which met
at Bradford. But we had no acquaintance with him until the
succeeding autumn. He was then in all the ardor of his first
love. It may literally be said, that he was a man of one idea,
and that was, love to Jesus, and a desire to manifest it in all its
varied forms. Yet he was by nature ardent, impetuous, and
ambitious, with the most unshaken confidence in his own judg
ment, irrespective of the advice of his seniors. Of these pro
pensities he was fully conscious, and against them continually
warred. Mrs. Ann H. Judson gives the following testimony to his piety,
in a letter to her sisters, after a residence with him of eleven
years. She says, " I feel that there is not a better man on the
globe than my husband ; not one who labors more strenuously
to overcome every unhallowed emotion of his spirit." She
further adds, " I have known him to spend whole days in fast
ing and prayer, taking no nourishment but a little fruit in the»
morning, passing the day at the zayat, and returning in the
evening languid and pale." While at Calcutta, the subject of
a situation in the college at Fort William was mentioned to
him. He remarked, " It would suit my ambitious feelings, but
I would by no means indulge them." It was remarked by the
excellent Dr. Spring,* that he was aware of young Judson's
ambition; but when God should have disciplined him with
trials, he woti'l be admirably fitted for his great work. Should
« Of Newburyport.

32 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
he be located in a place where a translation of the Scriptures
would be required, he was so fine a linguist that he would be
the very man to prosecute the arduous task.
Some of the letters which follow were written at a
later date than the period comprehended within the
present chapter. They all, however, relate to the same
subject, — the religious sentiments of Mr. Judson pre
vious to the time of his embarkation for India, — and
I have therefore grouped them together in this place.
Letters to Miss Ann Ilasseltine.
Andover, December 30, 1810. Sunday Eve.
I have been through the labors of another Sabbath. A
preacher can say with Pope, " E'en Sunday shines no day of
rest to me." Brother Nott preaches this evening ; but, on
account of a cold, I stay at home. I am persuaded that the
chief reason why we do not enjoy religion is, that we do not
try to enjoy it. We are not like a good man who resolved
that he would grow in grace. We pervert the doctrine of our
dependence to indulging indolence and sinful ease. I have
enjoyed some religion to-day, and I think by means of resolv
ing in the morning that I would avoid every thing displeasing
to God. I have some hope that I shall be enabled to keep
this in mind, in whatever I do — Is it pleasing to God ? To
assist my memory, I have used the expedient of inscribing it
on several articles which frequently meet my sight. Is it not
a good plan ? But after all, it will be of no use, unless I
resolve, in divine strength, instantly to obey the decision of
conscience. December 31. Monday Eve.
It is now half after nine, and I have been sitting fifteen
minutes with my pen in hand, thinking how to begin. I have
this day attained more than ever to what I suppose Christians
mean by the enjoyment of God. I have had pleasant seasons
at the throne of God. Those lines of Watts have been very
sweet to m» —

. ¦ . ; 'i ,' ' 'it
FIRST IMPULSES TOWARDS MISSIONARY LAJOR. , 33
" Till thou hast brought me to my home,
Where fears and doubts can never come,
Thy countenano; let me often see,
And often thou shr.lt hear from me."
78th of 1st Book.
God is waiting to be gracious, and is willing to make us happy
in religion, if we would not run away from him. We refuse
to open the window shutters, and complain that it is dark. We
grieve the Holy Spirit by little sins, and thus lose our only
support. Perhaps the secret of living a holy life is to avoid
every thing which will displease God and grieve the Spirit,
and to be strictly attentive to the means of grace. God has
promised that he will regard the man that is of a broken and
contrite spirit, and trembleth at his word. He has promised
that they that wait upon him shall renew their strength. The
Almighty, the immutably faithful, has made this promise.
He is not a man, that he should lie, and his arm is not of flesh.
" Wait, then, upon the Lord. Of how much real happiness we
cheat our souls by preferring a trifle to God ! We have a
general intention of living religion ; but we intend to begin
to-morrow, or next year. The present moment we prefer
giving to the world. " A little more sleep, a little more slum
ber." Well, a little more sleep, and we shall sleep in the
grave. A few days, and our work will be done. And when
it is -once done, it is done to all eternity. A life once spent is
irrevocable. It will remain to be contemplated through eter
nity. If it be marked with sins, the marks will be indelible.
If it has been a useless life, it can never be improved. Such
it will stand forever and ever. The same may be said of
each day. When it is once past, it is gone forever. All the
marks which we put upon it it will exhibit forever. It will
never become less true that such a day was spent in such a
manner. Each day will not only be a witness of our conduct,
but will affect our. everlasting destiny. No day will lose its
share of influence in determining where shall be our seat in
heaven. How shall we then wish to see each day marked
witi usefulness ! It will then be too late to mend its appear
ance. It is too late to ni end the days that are past. The

34 / | ,. MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
future is in our power. Let us, then, each morning, resolve
to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish
it to wear forever. And at night let us reflect that one more
day is irrevocably gone, indelibly marked. Good night.
January 1, 1811. Tuesday Morn.
It is with the utmost sincerity, and with my whole heart,
that I wish you, my love, a happy new year. May it be a
year in which your walk will be close with God ; your frame
calm and serene ; and the road that leads you to the Lamb .
marked with purer light. May it be a year in which you
will have more largely the spirit of Christ, be raised above
sublunary things, and be willing to be disposed of in this
world just as God shall please. As every moment of the
year will bring you nearer the end of your pilgrimage, may
it bring you nearer to God, and find you more prepared to
hail the messenger of death as a deliverer and a friend.
And now, since I have begun to wish, I will go on. May this
be the year in which you will change your name ; in which
you will take a final leave of your relatives and native land ;
in which you will cross the wide ocean, and dwell on the other
side of the world, among a heathen people. What a great
change will this year probably effect in our lives ! How very
different will be our situation and employment ! If our lives
are preserved and our attempt prospered, we shall next -new
year's day be in India, and perhaps wish each other a happy
new year in the uncouth dialect of Hindostan or Burmah.
We shall no more see our kind friends around us, or enjoy the
conveniences of civilized life, or go to the house of God with
those that keep holy day; but swarthy countenances will
every where meet our eye, the jargon of an unknown tongue
will assail our ears, and we shall witness the assembling of
the heathen to celebrate the worship of idol gods. We shall
be weary of the world, and wish for wings like a dove, that
we may fly away and be at rest. We shall probably ex
perience seasons when we shall be "exceeding sorrowful,
even unto death." We shall see many dreary, disconsolate

FIRST IMPULSES TOWARDS MISSIONARY LABOR. 35
hours, and feel a sinking of spirits, angu sh of mind, of which
now we can form little conception. O, we shall wish to lie
down and die. And that time may soon come. One of us
may be unable to sustain the heat of the climate and- the
change of habits ; and the other may say, with literal truth,
over the grave —
"By foreign hands thy dying ey es were closed ;
By foreign hands thy decent limbs composed ;
By foreign hands thy humble grave adorned ; "
but whether we shall be honored and mourned by strangers,
God only knows. At least, either of us will be certain of
one mourner. In view of such scenes shall we not pray with
earnestness, " O for an overcoming faith," &c. ?
Judson.
Letter to Miss Abigail Hasseltine.
Divinity College, Andovek, October 25, 1810.
I am at a loss what appellation to use in addressing you ;
so believe I will use none.
Meeting to-day with one Mr. Osgood, from Pembroke, an
odd fancy came into my head, that I would write to you ;
though I have never seen you, and know scarcely any thing
of you, more than that you are Ann's sister, and, I hope, a
lover of Jesus. The latter circumstance alone would not
have afforded sufficient ground to write ; so you must charge
this letter to Ann's account.
In mentioning these two circumstances, however, I have
mentioned a great deal. From the first I conclude certainly
that you are a person by whom this letter will be honored by
being received. From the other I am led infinitely higher,
even to consider you (is it possible for sinners to attain it ?)
an heir of God, and joint heir with Christ to an inheritance,
&c. How much is implied in that one phrase, lover of Jesus !
It contains a claim to all the real blessings of this world, and
to an eternity of blessings. Love to Jesus is a sure title to
the greatest possible happiness ; for Jesus is omnipotent, and
has determined to make his friends happy, and surely will not

36 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
forget a single one in whose heart is enkindled one spark oi
love. Nor does he intend a partial happiness for his friends.
It will be as great as their capacity will admit. Nor does he
intend a temporal happiness. It will never have an end.
Nor does he intend a happiness eternally stationary. It will
be eternally increasing. The happiness of his friends will not
only be complete, so as to fill their capacity, but as their
capacities will be eternally enlarging, the quantity of happi
ness they enjoy will be eternally increasing ; and not merely
eternally increasing in the same ratio, but eternally increasing
in an eternally accelerated ratio. So that there will unques
tionably arrive a moment in the ages of eternity when the
additional happiness, that instant superadded to the happiness
already enjoyed by each glorified spirit, will almost infinitely
outweigh the whole sum of human happiness enjoyed in this
world. To all this may he aspire who is a lover of Jesus.
Blessed Jesus, thou art no " niggard provider." When thou
givest, thou givest like a God.
How little do we, sinful, shortsighted worms of the dust,
realize these things ! If we did realize them, could we possi
bly be agitated by the trifles which daily occur ? Would it
be possible for Christians to be impatient under their light
afflictions, which are but for a moment ? Should we be unwill
ing to bear all the hardships and sufferings which Jesus lays
upon us in this world, if we had a realizing conviction that
the torment, superadded at some one instant in eternity to
the torment already endured by each condemned soul, wiH
almost infinitely outweigh all the pain ever suffered in this
world ? Reminiscences of Conversations with Dr. Judson.
I have often heard Dr. Judson speak of his introduction to
Andover, and of the state of utter darkness, and almost de
spair, in which he was at the time. I have also heard him tell
of the gradual change which came over hjm ; but there was
nothing sufficiently striking in it to fasten on ule' memory.
There was none of his characteristic impetuosity exhibited

FIRST IMPULSES TOWARDS MISSIONARY LABOR. 37
in his conversion ; and he had none of those overpowering,
Bunyan-like exercises, either before or after, that would be
looked for in a person of his ardent temperament. He was
prayerful, reflective, and studious of proofs ; and gradually
faith, trust in God, and finally a hope through the merits of
Christ, took possession of his soul, he scarcely knew how ; and
from the moment that he fully believed, I think he nsvcr
doubted. He said he felt as sure that he was an entirely new
creature, actuated by new motives and governed by new prin
ciples, as he was sure of his own existence. His old habits
of thought and feeling, to some extent, clung to him, but they
were made subservient to higher purposes ; and though he
might still have his objects of ambition, they could never again
be of the first moment. The change, though gradual, was too
marked, too entire, to admit of a moment's doubt. He had no
exercises on the subject of entering the ministry ; it became
a matter of course immediately on his indulging a hope.
Dr. Judson's letter to Dr. Chapin describes his first meeting
with Buchanan's " Star in the East," and its effect upon him.
He has often related the same circumstances to me, sometimes
giving ludicrous descriptions of his own conduct, but usually
ending by thanking God that he had been granted, in any way,
such a vivid conception of his duty as to preclude all subse
quent hesitancy or faltering. But however extravagant his
conduct may have been, I doubt whether his feelings, even
then, were stronger than they remained in after life. His
missionary views were always of the most comprehensive and
engrossing character ; and his remarks in our monthly con
certs, and more especially at the close of a day's work in
private, were characterized by a high-wrought enthusiasm
seldom found in persons of his maturity of years and judgment.
He devoured with great greediness every scrap of informa
tion concerning Eastern countries ; and it was finally Colonel
Symes's " Embassy to Ava " which first turned his thoughts
to Burmah. These glowing and overwrought pictures were
peculiarly congenial to his romantic spirit; but it is again
remarkable that the interest thus excited was never lost; thgt,
vpi» i. 4

38 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDS DN.
on the contrary, it grew deeper and stronger as the brilliarr';
fancy colors faded. He did not think exclusively of Burmah
however, though his predilections for that country were strong
His heart from the first was turned entirely to the East, and
he was impatient of any thing short of a life devotement.
He spent the winter vacation, 1810, at Plymouth, and
attended a meeting at Old Dedham, where there was a grea/
revival. Up to this time his parents had not been mads
acquainted with his missionary views. He felt an exceedingly
great reluctance to break the matter to his father, whose am
bitious views with regard to him he very well knew, and who
was not likely, he thought, to fall in with a plan of this sort.
One evening his father threw out some hints of splendid
prospects in the future, and his mother and sister showed by
smiling innuendoes that they were in the secret. Adoniram
became alarmed, and begged his father to explain himself, as
their views with regard to the future might not coincide, and it
was desirable to have an understanding on the subject. His
father was very sure there would be no difference of opinion,
and then proceeded to explain that the Eev. Dr. Griffin had
proposed his son as his colleague in " the largest church in
Boston." " And you will be so near home ! " added his
mother. His heart seemed bursting, and he could not answer
either of them. But soon his sister joined in the conversation,
and to her he replied, "No, sister; I shall never live in Bos
ton. I have much farther than that to go." Steadily and
calmly, but most fervidly, he proceeded to describe the course
which he had marked out for himself; and though it occa
sioned his mother and sister very many tears, his father
scarcely offered a word of opposition. He wisely acquiesced
in what he probably saw was inevitable.
Dr. Griffin had conferred thus early with the elder Judscn,
with regard to his son, that he might prevent hini from com
mitting himself to any other plan.
While at Andover, Mr. Judson's attention tvas first called to
the subject of health. He was thought to possess a certain
delicacy of constitution, with a tendency to consumption. It

FIRST IMPULSES TOWARDS MISSIONARY LABOR. 39
occurred to him, that, if he became a missionary, it was impor
tant that he should study the best mode of promoting health
and prolonging life, as on these his usefulness would in a
great measure depend. He therefore entered into a careful
study of physiology, and arrived at certain practical rules,
which always afterwards governed him. Among these, the
first was, frequently to inhale large quantities of air, so as to
expand the lungs to the utmost ; the second, daily to sponge
the whole body in cold water ; the third, and above all, to
take systematic exercise in walking. All these he carried out
to the end of his life, insisting that no exercise, such as gar
dening, riding, &c, could be substituted for walking ; that is,
could answer as a full substitute. How much the length of
his life depended on this, it is impossible to say ; but it is at
least illustrative of his character. No man was ever more
ready to expose himself to dangers and privations ; but even
when doing what would appear to worldly men the most reck-
'.ess things, he studied every precaution, and provided himself
with every comfort that the case would admit of, and always
strove to impress on his missionary associates a similar daring
with a similar thoughtfulness.
The preceding letters show that, from the time of
his self-consecration to the missionary service, he be
came, in the highest sense, a man of one idea. He
offered himself up a living sacrifice on the altar, and
seemed to look forward with pleasure to suffering and
affliction, if it were to be endured in the path of
Christian duty.
It has been already mentioned, that in September,
1809, Mr. Judson first began to consider his personal
duty in relation to missions. In February, 1810, he
resolved to become a missionary to the heathen. In
the interval between these two dates, several young
men, whose names have now become familiar to us as
household words, joined the seminary from Williams

40 ME_V0m OF DR. JUDSON.
College. Among them were Samuel J. Mills, Jr.,
James Richards, and Luther Rice. They had already
formed a missionary society in college, the object of
which was to train themselves for the work of mis
sions to the heathen. The second article of their
constitution was in the following words : " The object
of this society shall be to effect, in the persons of its
members, a mission or missions to the heathen." In
the fifth article it is provided, that " no person shall
be admitted who is under an obligation of any kind
which shall be incompatible with going on a mission
to the heathen." The sixth article is as follows :
" Each member shall keep himself absolutely free
from every engagement, which, after his prayerful
attention, and after consultation with the brethren,
shall be deemed incompatible with the object of this
society, and shall hold himself in readiness to go on a
mission when and where duty may call."
This constitution was signed September 7, 1808,
about a month before Mr. Judson entered the semi
nary at Andover.
The most active promoter of this missionary asso
ciation in Williams College, I think, without doubt,
was Samuel J. Mills. He entered college in 1806,
having, as it seems, relinquished secular pursuits, and
entered upon a course of education, for the purpose
of preparing himself for missionary labor. While in
college he presented the subject to James Richards,
Luther Rice, and Gordon Hall. With them he united
in the formation of this same missionary fraternity,
and his whole life, from that time forward, was exclu
sively devoted to the work of missions.
Several of the members of this society entered the
Theological Seminary in 1509. They were here joined

MISSIONARY ASSOCIATIONS. 41
by Rev. Samuel Nott, Jr., who, a year before, while
studying theology with his father, the Rev. Samuel
Nott, D. D., of Franklin, Connecticut, had been deeply
impressed with the conviction of his duty to carry the
gospel to the heathen. Judson was already consider
ing the subject, and in the following February came
to a decision. We thus perceive that, in these several
places, the Spirit of God was leading different indi
viduals to dedicate themselves to the cause of the
heathen. In 1809 and 1810 they were brought to
gether at Andover, and becoming known to each oth
er, were soon united in bonds of Christian affection.
Henceforward their plans were formed in common.
One leading impulse moved them all. They conversed
together, they prayed together, and they labored to
gether to kindle the missionary flame in Andover, in
many of the colleges in our country, and among the
churches wherever they were called to preach. In
this manner they cultivated the spirit of self-devotion
in their own hearts, and were anxiously looking for
those indications of divine Providence which should
point out the way in which their desires might be ac
complished. Mr. Judson's name was not affixed to the constitu
tion of this missionary association until 1811. The
reason of this apparent delay is, I presume, found in
the fact that the society existed for several years, in
Williams College, before it was removed to Andover ;
and he probably, in this formal manner, united with
his brethren as soon as an opportunity was afforded.
It has been supposed that the young men at Wil
liams College, and all their associates but Judson,
had directed their attention exclusively to western mis
sions, until they met him at Andover. This opinion
4*

42 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
is, I think, incorrect. Mr. Nott, in 1808, had thought
only of eastern missions. The constitution of the so
ciety refers in general to heathen, without any indica
tion of a preference for either the East or the West.
If missions to our own Indians were first thought
of, I imagine that this idea was very soon merged in
a more comprehensive one. Mills, during a visit to
New Haven, became acquainted with Henry Oboo-
kiah, a native of the Sandwich Islands. He at once
devised means for giving him a Christian education,
that he might go back and evangelize his countrymen.
In writing to Mr. Hall on this subject, under date of
December 20, 1809, Mr. Mills says, " What does this
mean, brother Hall ? Do you understand it ? Shall
he be sent back unsupported to reclaim his country
men ? Shall not we consider these southern islands
a proper place for the establishment of a mission ?
Not that I would give up the heathen tribes to the
westward. I trust that we shall be able to establish
more than one mission in a short time, at least in a
few years. I mean that God will enable us to extend
our views and labors farther than we have before con
templated. We ought not to look only to the heathen
on our own continent. We ought to direct our atten
tion to that place where we may, to human appear
ance, do the most good, and where the difficulties are
the least. . . . The field is almost boundless;
in every part of which there ought to be missionaries.
In the language of an animated writer, ' O that we
could enter at a thousand gates, that every limb were
a tongue, and every tongue a trumpet, to spread the
gospel sound! The man of Macedonia cries, Come
over and help us. This voice is heard from the east
and from the west, from the north and from the

MISSIONARY ASSOCIATIONS. 43
south.' ' This was written by S. J. Mills before he
nad been at Andover, and about three weeks after
Judson had first turned his thoughts especially to mis
sions. In the same letter, however, the following re
mark is made about Judson, which shows that his
views of missions were known to his brethren, and
that he had turned his attention to the evangelization
of the East : " With regard to Andover, two of the
brethren are there ; I think it likely I shall go there
myself soon, or within four or five weeks. I heard
previously of Mr. Judson. You say he thinks of of
fering himself as a missionary to the London Society,
for the East Indies. What! is England to support
her own missionaries and ours likewise ? O, for
shame ! If he is prepared to go, I would fain press
him forward with the arm of a Hercules, if I had the
strength ; but I do not like this dependence on another
nation, especially when they have already done so
much, and we nothing."
From all the facts within my knowledge, I think it
probable that Messrs. Judson and Nott, who w ere spe
cially intimate, had their minds, in the first instance,
turned to the East, as a field of missions ; and that
Mr. Judson had specially fixed his eye on Burmah.
The brethren at Williams College, while devoting
themselves to missions in general, had their attention
at first directed to the aborigines on our own continent.
Their views, however, immediately expanded as the
field opened before them ; and they looked at heathen
dom as their appropriate province, prepared to enter
it at any point, wherever the providence of God should
direct. It is possible that the brethren who went to
AndoVer before Mills had not expanded their views as
rapidly as he. When, however, they met together

44 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and compared their purposes, they were easily con
vinced that Asia, with its idolatrous myriads, was
the most important field on earth for missionary effort.
The attention of the whole company seems hence
forth to have been turned almost exclusively to the
East. Another subject here presents itself, on which it is
necessary to bestow a passing notice. It has been
frequently said that the world is indebted to the
young men at Andover for the formation of the
American Board of Commissioners. That they were
the occasion of the formation of the board, is, I think,
true. It is also true that, but for them, the board
would not have been formed at that particular time.
But, if we would, ascertain the whole truth, I think
we must look also at that condition of the public
mind which, at their first application for missionary
service, shaped itself into so important an organiza
tion. It is well known that as early as May 28, 1799, an
association was formed in Boston under the name of
the Massachusetts Missionary Society. The object
of this society was, " to diffuse the knowledge of the
gospel among the heathens, as well as other people in
the remote parts of our country, where Christ is sel
dom or never preached." In 1804, the constitution
of this society was so modified that the article de
fining its object was made to read as follows : " The
object of this society is, to diffuse the gospel among
the people of the newly-settled and remote parts of
our country, among the Indians of the country, and
through more distant regions of the earth, as circum
stances shall invite, and the ability of the society
shall admit." In 1803, this society commenced the

ORIGiN OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. 45
publication of the Massachusetts Missionary Maga
zine, of which the object was, to circulate missionary
intelligence, and awaken and diffuse a missionary
spirit among the Congregational churches in New
England. This periodical was continued until 1808,
when it was merged in the Panoplist, which, in turn,
gave way to the present Missionary Herald. The
General Assembly's Missionary Magazine, or Reli
gious Intelligencer, was commenced in January, 1805,
and was conducted with singular ability. In 1806,
the Rev. Dr. Griffin delivered the annual missionary
sermon before the General Assembly in Philadelphia.
In this discourse the claims of the heathen are urged
with an eloquence which has seldom been surpassed
Mr. John Norris, a wealthy merchant of Salem, was
deeply interested in the cause of the heathen, and
made a large donation to the Andover Theological
Seminary, because such an institution would aid in
carrying forward his favorite object. Robert Rallston,
Esq., of Philadelphia, at one time remitted to the
Baptist mission at Serampore, for himself and others,
three thousand three hundred and fifty-seven dollars
and sixty-three cents. Dr. Carey acknowledged the
receipt of six thousand dollars from American Chris
tians during the years 1806 and 1807. The interest
of our churches in missions to the East was also, from
time to time, quickened by the arrival of missionaries
from England, on their way to India, or on their
return home, as, at that time, they could not obtain
passage in any of the ships of the East India Com
pany. I well remember, in my boyhood, the tempo
rary residence of such missionaries in New York, ana
the deep interest wlich their presence occasioned in
all the churches in that city. In 1809, the Rev.

46 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Dr. Worcester delivered the annual sermon before
the Massachusetts Missionary Society — a discourse
which, for depth of earnestness and power of appeal,
may be advantageously compared with the most elo
quent missionary sermons that have yet appeared.
Buchanan's " Star in the East," which was published
in the course of the year 1808 or 1809, must have
increased and disseminated much more widely the
missionary spirit which was already awakened in the
community.* Such was the condition of the Congregational and
Presbyterian denominations. The same spirit, to a
considerable degree, animated the Baptist churches,
though their number was small, and their means but
feeble. The Baptist Missionary Society of Massa
chusetts was formed in 1802. In the next year, Dr.
Baldwin, at the request of the society, commenced
the publication of the Massachusetts Baptist Mis
sionary Magazine. This periodical had an extensive
circulation throughout the Northern States. It was
principally occupied by the journals of missionaries
in our frontier settlements, narratives of revivals in
our churches, and missionary intelligence from abroad.
Dr. Baldwin was a correspondent of Dr. Carey, of
Fuller, and of Ryland ; and, being imbued with their
spirit, he delighted to cooperate with them in spread
ing before his brethren the accounts which they fur
nished of the triumphs of the cross.
In the year 1812, the Salem Bible Translation and
Foreign Mission Society was formed, under the fos-
* Tor the above facts, anl many others on this subject, I am in
debted to the Rev. Dr. S. M. Worcester's desply interesting life of his
fether, the E<3V. Samuel Worcester, D. T)., tfie distinguished secre
tary of the A B. C. F. M.

ORIGIN OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. 47
tering care of the late Rev. Dr. Bolles. This society,
until the establishment of the Baptist General Con
vention, contributed its collections in aid of the Bap
tist missions in the East Indies. Nor would it be
just to omit, in this place, the name of the Rev Wil
liam Staughton, D. D., pastor of the Sansom Street
Church, Philadelphia, and afterwards secretary of
the Baptist General Convention. He had been, when
in England, the friend and associate of the most effi
cient friends of missions there. He was in frequent
correspondence with all of them, and was, perhaps,
the most direct channel by which their spirit was
diffused among our churches. Distinguished for elo
quence, varied accomplishments, and most animating
views of the progress of the gospel, the triumph of
the cross was always a favorite theme in his dis
courses. Many of our most successful ministers were
his students in theology ; and they imbibed in a happy
degree his characteristic sentiments.
Of course, I do not assume that the missionary
spirit was at this time universal. Far from it. It is
by no means universal now. Men of enlarged views,
steadfast faith, and ardent piety, in various denomina
tions, had become, to a good degree, interested in the
subject of missions, and their influence was diffusing
itself among their less favored brethren. The beams
of the sun had only fallen upon the tops of the moun
tains ; they had not yet rested upon the hillsides ;
much less had they penetrated into the valleys. But
the mountain tops testified that the sun had risen,
As yet, no general organization had been formed
for carrying the gospel to the heathen. Nor is this
to be wondered at. It was much less easy to form
general organizations then than at present. That

48 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
was not the age of steamboats, railroads, or tele
graphs. Besides this, our national character has
changed greatly in the course of forty or fifty years.
We were then by no means conscious of our strength.
There were then comparatively few things in which
we had tried what we could do. This want of
national confidence affected all our public decisions,
and it, of course, had its effect on our views of what
was practicable in the missionary enterprise.
In this state of public feeling, all that was wanted
was the occurrence of some event which should im
pose upon the friends of missions the necessity for
immediate action. Such an event was found in the
application of the young men at Andover, to the
General Association of Massachusetts, for an appoint
ment as missionaries to the heathen.
The more important facts relating to this transac
tion are, I think, the following : The Andover breth
ren had made it a point to interest in their enterprise
the most influential clergymen in that vicinity. Op
portunity was afforded for this purpose in their various
excursions for the supply of vacant pulpits in the sur
rounding towns. They had also frequently presented
ihe subject to their instructors, the professors of the
seminary. In consequence of these preliminary labors,
" by a concerted arrangement, Drs. Spring and Worces
ter met the professors, with a few others, for consul
tation, at the house of Professor Stuart, at Andover,
on Monday, June 25, 1810. It was a meeting never
to be forgotten. Advice was given to Mills and his
associates to submit their case to the General Asso
ciation, which was to meet the next day at Bradford,
and which Dr. Spring and Dr. Worcester were expect
ing to attend as delegates. When this advice was

ORIGIN OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 49
given, the idea of such a body of men as ' The
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis
sions ' had not been suggested." * Dr. Worcester, in a
letter dated March 23, 1821, only three months before
his lamented death, has given the following account of
the first conception of the American Board : " The day
of small things is in fresh remembrance. On the 25th
of June, 1810, serious deliberation, attended with fer
vent prayer, was held at Andover, relative to the burn
ing desire of three or four theological students there
to be employed as missionaries to the heathen. The
result was to refer the momentous -question to the
General Association of Massachusetts. The next
day, Dr. Spring took a seat in my chaise, and rode
with me to Bradford, where the General Association
was to convene. In the conversation on the way, the
first idea, I believe, of the American Board of Com
missioners for Foreign Missions was suggested ; the
form, the number of members, and name were pro
posed. On the 27th, the question came before the
association, and the report of the committee, which
was adopted by that body, was the substance of the
result of the conversation in the chaise." f
The application was made to the General Associa
tion according to the suggestion here spoken of, on the
28th of June, 1810, and referred to a committee. On
the following day, a report was presented and adopted,
and the first board of commissioners elected. This
seems to have been the manner in which it pleased .
God to unite the labors and counsels of the fathers,
into whose breasts he had breathed the missionary
spirit, with the self-denying zeal of theii younger
• Life of Worcester, vol. jj. p. S9. t lb. p. 106.
VOL. I. 5

50 MEMOIR OF 1R. .11 PSON.
brethren, who had solemnly dedicated themselves to
God, as the heralds of his gospel to the heathen.
I am aware that, to the young missionaries, the
fathers, who became the pillars of the enterprise, ap
peared at first slow of heart to believe, and backward
in committing themselves to this great undertaking.
Though they always spoke in public in favor of mis
sions, yet they seemed to them not fully prepared to
carry their principles into practice. Nor is this to be
wondered at. Between the adoption of a principle
and the carrying it out into practice, under new and
untried circumstances, there is an interval over which
the wisely resolute are prone to step with caution.
They instinctively watch for the leadings of divine
Providence. They hesitate to pledge themselves
before they are in possession of all the facts in the
case, and until the time for action has arrived. They
are also cautious in the selection of their associates,
and are unwilling to become responsible for the
actions of men whose character and principles they
do not fully understand. To young men of ardent
hope and burning enthusiasm, who, gazing intently on
the object, are liable to overlook the means by which
it is to be accomplished, such conduct seems frequently
timid and unbelieving, if not over-cautious and half
hearted. All this, in the commencement of an im
portant undertaking, is reasonably to be expected. A
few years of experience enables both parties to look at
the subject through the same medium. The old
acquire confidence by putting forth their strength,
and the young learn to respect caution by suffering
the penalties of rashness. Divine wisdom thus makes
use of the opposite impulses of good men to enrrv
into effect its own merciful designs.

ACCOUNT OF EARLY MISSIONARY IMPRESSIONS. 51
It was while -\ isiting Bradford, to attend the meet
ing of the General Association, that Mi. Judson first
became acquainted with Ann Hasseltine, who after
wards became so well known to the Christian world
as Mrs. Ann H. Judson.
On the 5th of September, 1810, Mr. Judson was
admitted to the degree of Master of Arts in Brown
University. On the 24th of the same month, he
completed his course of education in the Theological
Seminary at Andover. On the 17th of May preceding,
when on a visit to Vermont with some of his breth
ren, he had been licensed to preach by the Orange As
sociation of Congregationalist Ministers in that state.
The following letters will present, in detail, the facts
which have been briefly alluded to in the foregoing
pages : — •
To the Rev. Dr. Chapin,President of Columbian College, Washington.
Maulmain, December 18, 1837.
Very dear Brother : Yours of March 21st I have re
ceived with great pleasure, and shall be glad to answer your
inquiries, and give you any information in my power.
I had addressed a letter to brother Eice, dated July 13,
1836, which could not, however, have reached him before his
death. As that letter contains considerable information which
has a bearing on the subject of your inquiries, I will first
transcribe it, and then subjoin remarks on some other points.
" My dear Brother Eice : You ask me to give you some
account of my first missionary impressions, and those of
my earliest associates. Mine were occasioned by reading
Buchanan's ' Star in the East,' in the year 1809, at the An
dover Theological Seminary. Though I do not now consider
that sermon as peculiarly excellent, it produced a very power
ful effect on my mind. For some days I was unable to attend
to tie studies of my class, and spent my time in wondering at

52 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
my past stupidity, depicting the most romantic scenes in mis
sionary life, and roving about the college rooms, declaiming
on the subject of missions. My views were very incorrect,
and my feelings extravagant; but yet I have always felt
thankful to God for bringing me into that state of excitement,
which was penhaps necessary, in the first instance, to enable
me to break the strong attachment I felt to home and country,
and to endure t ie thought of abandoning all my wonted pur
suits and animating prospects. That excitement soon passed
away ; but it left a strong desire to prosecute my inquiries, and
ascertain the path of duty. It was during a solitary walk in
the woods behind the college, while meditating and praying on
the subject, and feeling half inclined to give it up, that the
command of Christ, ' Go into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature,' was presented to my mind with
such clearness and power, that I came to a full decision, and"
though great difficulties appeared in my way, resolved to obey
the command at all events. But, at that period, no provision
had been made in America for a foreign mission, and for
several months, after reading Buchanan, I found none among
the students who viewed the subject as I did, and no minister
in the place or neighborhood who gave me any encourage
ment ; and I thought that I should be under the necessity of
going to England and placing myself under foreign patronage.
" My earliest missionary associate was Nott ; who, though he
had recently entered the seminary, (in the early part of 1810,)
was a member of the same class with myself. He had con
sidered the subject for several months, but had not fully made
up his mind. About the same time, Mills, Eichards, and
others joined the seminary from "Williams College, where they
had, for some time, been in the habit of meeting for prayer
and conversation on the subject of missions ; but they entered
the junior class, and had several years of theological study
before them. You were of the same standing, but from some
engagement, (a school, I believe,) did not arrive so soon,
though you ultimately finished your course before the others,
and joined the first party that embarked.

ACCOUNT OF EARLY MISSIONARY IMPRESSIONS. 53
" Newell was the next accession from my own class. As to
Hall, he was preaching at Woodbury, Connecticut. I heard
that he once thought favorably of missions, and wrote him a
short letter. He had just received a call to settle in that
place, and was deliberating whether it was his duty to accept
it or not, when the letter was put into his hand. He instantly
came to a decision, and the next rising sun saw him on the
way to Andover. I think that he arrived about the time of
the meeting of the General Association of Ministers at Brad
ford, in the summer of 1810. I do not, however, recollect
him present at that meeting, nor was his name attached to
the paper which we presented to the association, and which
was originally signed by Nott, Newell, Mills, Eice, Eichards,
and myself, though, at the suggestion of Dr. Spring, your
name and Eichards's, which happened to stand last, were
struck off, for fear of alarming the association with too large
a number. " I have ever thought that the providence of God was con
spicuously manifested in bringing us all together, from differ
ent and distant parts. Some of us had been considering the
subject of missions for a long time, and some but recently.
Some, and indeed the greater part, had thought chiefly of
domestic missions, and efforts among the neighboring tribes of
Indians, without contemplating abandonment of country, and
devotement for life. The reading and reflection of others
had led them in a different way ; and when we all met at the
same seminary, and came to a mutual understanding on the
ground of foreign missions and missions for life, the subject
assumed in our minds such an overwhelming importance and
awful solemnity, as bound us to one another, and to our pur
pose, more firmly than ever. How evident it is that the Spirit
of God had been operating in different places, and upon dif
ferent individuals, preparing the way for those movements
which have since pervaded the American churches, and will
continue to increase until the kingdoms of this world become
the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Anointed !
5*

54 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Letter to his Parents. Andoveb, June 29, 1810.
Hon. Parents : The following is a copy of the letter
which I directed to Dr. Bogue: —
Divinity College, Andover, Mass., April, 1810.
Rev. Sir : I have considered the subject of missions nearly a
year, and have found my mind gradually tending to a deep convic
tion that it is my duty personally to engage in this service. Sev
eral of my brethren of this college may finally unite with me in
my present resolution. On their as well as my own behalf, I
take the liberty of addressing you this letter. My object is to
obtain information on certain points — whether there is at present
such a call for missionaries in India, Tartary, or any part of the
eastern continent, as will induce the directors of the London
Missionary Society to engage new missionaries; whether two or
three young, unmarried men, having received a liberal education,
and resided two years in this Divinity School, wishing to serve
their Saviour in a heathen land, and indeed susceptible of a "passion
for missions,'" — whether such young men, arriving in England
next spring, with full recommendations from the first Christian
characters in this country, may expect to be received on probation
by the directors, and placed at the seminary in Gosport, if that le
judged expedient ; and whether, provided they give satisfaction as to
their fitness to undertake the work, all their necessary expenses after
arriving^in England shall be defrayed from the funds of the society,
which funds will, it is hoped, be ultimately reimbursed by supplies
from the American churches.
We have consulted our professors on this subject, particularly
Dr. Griffin, professor of oratory. He intends writing to several in
England, and perhaps to Dr. Bogue. But his engagements being
such as will prevent his writing at present, and wishing myself to
receive a letter from you immediately, containing the desired infor
mation, I have written myself. I close with an earnest request that
you will please to transmit me an answer as soon as possible, and
a prayer that your answer may be favorable to my most ardent
wishes. (Signed,) Adoniram Judson, Jr.
Eev. Dr. Bogue, Gosport, England.

PETITION TO THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION. 55
P. S. I shall deem it a favor if you do not confine your remaiks
tc the points which I have proposed, but are pleased to give such
general information and advice as you may think will be useful to
me and my brethren.
The following is a copy of the petition laid before the Gen
eral Association, this week convened in Bradford, composed
of delegates from several associations in- this state, and from
the General Associations of New Hampshire and Con
necticut. The undersigned, members of the Divinity College, respectfully
request the attention of their reverend fathers, convened in the
General Association at Bradford, to the following statement and
inquiries : —
They beg leave to state that their minds have been long im
pressed with the duty and importance of personally attempting a
mission to the heathen ; that the impressions on their minds have
induced a serious, and, as they trust, a prayerful consideration of
the subject in its various attitudes, particularly in relation to the
probable success and the difficulties attending such an attempt ;
and that, after examining all the information which they can obtain,
they consider themselves as devoted to this work for life, whenever
God, in his providence, shall open the way.
They now offer the following inquiries, on which they solicit the
opinion and advice of this association : Whether, with their pres
ent views and feelings, they ought to renounce the object of mis
sions, as either visionary or impracticable ; if not, whether they
ought to direct their attention to the eastern or the western world ;
whether they may expect patronage and support from a missionary
society in this country, or must commit themselves to the direction
of a European society ; and what preparatory measures they ought
to take, previous t: actual engagement.
The undersigned, feeling their youth and inexperience, look up
to their fathers in the church, and respectfully solicit their advice,
direction, a id prayers. Signed,] Adoniram Judson, Jr.
Samuel Nott, Jr.
Samuel J. Mills.
Samuel Newell.

56 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
I wrote the above petition at the instance of Dr. Spring
and Mr. Worcester, with whom I had previously conversed.
Yesterday we went to Bradford, and met the association in
the meeting house. After the paper was read, we presented
ourselves, and severally made a statement of our motives and
intentions. A committee of three was then appointed to con
sider and report on the subject. We were dismissed, and
•eturned to Andover. I have not yet received the result of
tie association. If I receive it to-morrow, and it is not too
long, I will insert it.
July 11. I have been waiting thus long for a copy of the
result from Mr. Worcester, the scribe. I understand that the
council entirely approved of our movements, and appointed a
Board of Commissioners, to take some efficient measures.
Some of these are President Dwight, Governor Treadwell,
General Huntington, Dr. Lyman, Dr. Spring, Mr. Worces-
-er, and Mr. William Bartlet. I have not heard the precise
object of these commissioners, nor when they are to meet.
But one general object is to concentrate the efforts of the
several missionary societies to this point, or to form a new
foreign society. Dr. Spring and Professor Stuart have en
gaged in the business "pedibus et unguibus." Dr. G. has at
length written to England. Mr. Gordon Hall, whom I have
mentioned to you, has joined us. He had a call to settle in
Woodbury, with a salary of six hundred dollars. He came
here to inquire into the missionary business before he decided,
and has now written back a negative answer. He is one of
the first of young men, and promises fair to be one of the pil
lars of the mission. He is sensible, judicious, learned, pious ;
has been preaching nearly a year, and quite united the Wood
bury people. There are now four of us who are ready to
start, at three months' warning, for any part of the world —
Hall, Newell, Nott, and myself. There are at least four others
in the junior class who are ready to support the mission,
wherever it shall be established. We are in a state of sus
pense as to any immediate measures ; our eyes are directed
to an arrival from England. Our chief object in laying the

GENERAL ASSOCIATION AT BRADFORD. 57
business before the association, was to excite a general atten
tion to the subject in this country, hardly expecting that such
measures will be seasonably taken as shall preclude our solicit
ing British aid.
My missionary essay appeared in the twelfth number of
the last volume of the Panoplist. That magazine will be
the chief vehicle of missionary intelligence in this country.
The first number of the new volume came out last month.
Mr. Evarts, of Connecticut, is the new editor — a young
man of distinguished science, sound sentiment, and evan
gelical piety. He has lately gone to Charlestown, to take
the sole charge of the publication. There ought to be two
dozen of the Panoplist taken in Plymouth. The treasurer
of the Cent Society ought to undertake the business. It
would be doing a piece of general benevolence. Is no one
willing to do this little for the diffusion of religious infor
mation ?
I preach sometimes on the Sabbath in neighboring towns,
commonly without notes. I hardly think that I shall write
any more sermons. Why should I spend my time in attempt
ing the correctnesses and elegances of English literature, who
expect to spend my days in talking to savages in vulgar style ?
Why not cultivate extempore speaking altogether, when that
will soon be my only mode of preaching for life ? Spring * is
warmly attached to the missionary project, and either in Bos
ton or New York will, I trust, be a faithful and valusv.le
friend. . . .
I think sometimes that A. is all alone at Plymouth. There
is a Friend, whose friendship, if she would secure it, would
never leave her alone. Without his friendship she will soor
be worse than alone. O the pleasure which a lively Christian
must enjoy in communion with God ! It is all one whether
he is in a city or a desert, among relations or among savage
foss, in the heat of the Indies or in the ice of Greenland ;
his infinite Fri3nd is always at hand. He need not fear want,
*¦ Bev. Gardner Spring, D. D., now of New York.

58 MEMOIR OF DR. JlDSON.
or sickness, or sain, for his best Friend does all things well.
He need not fear Death, though he come in the most shocking
form ; for death is only a withdrawing of the veil which con
ceals his dearest Friend.
I enjoy good health. My eyes prevent studying in the even
ing, but are much better than they were. My constitution
grows firm, and appears to be capable of enduring much.
My prospects for life, though in a measure shaded with un
certainty, hardship, and danger, are very animating and bright.
My prospects for another life, blessed be God, are still bright
er. " This life's a dream, an empty show." O, if we could
always realize this, and live above the world, — if we could
tread on its trifling vanities, live far from its perplexing cares,
and keep an eye fixed on our heavenly inheritance, — how
comfortable and useful we might be ! Bless the Lord, O our
souls, that he allows us to hope for a better state.
A. Judson, Jr.
The communication to the General Association of
Massachusetts, of which a copy is inserted in the pre
ceding letter, was referred to a committee, consisting
of the Rev. Dr. Spring and Rev. Messrs. "Worcester
and Hale.
On the subsequent day, the committee made the
following report, which was unanimously adopted : —
The committee, to whom was referred the request of the
young gentlemen, members of the Divinity College, for advice
relative to missions to the heathen, beg leave to submit the
following report : —
The object of missions to the heathen cannot but be re
garded, by the friends of the Eedeemer, as vastly interesting
and important. It deserves the most serious attention of all
who wish well to the best interests of mankind, and especially
of those who devote themselves to the service of God, in the
kingdom of his Son, under the impression of the special direc
tion, " Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every

GENERAL ASSOCIATION AT BRADFORD. 59
creature." The state of their minds, modestly expressed by
the theological students who have presented themselves before
this body, and the testimonies received respecting them, are
such as deeply to impress the conviction that they ought not
"to renounce the object of missions,'' but sacredly to cherish
" their present views " in relation to that cbject : and it is sub
mitted whether the peculiar and abiding impressions, by which
they are influenced, ought not to be gratefully recognized as a
divine intimation of something good and great in relation to
the propagation of the gospel, and calling for correspondent
attention and exertions.
Therefore, —
Voted, That there be instituted, by this General Association,
a Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, for the pur
pose of devising ways and means, and adopting and prose
cuting measures, for promoting the spread of the gospel in
heathen lands.
Voted, That the said Board of Commissioners consist of nine
members, all of them, in the first instance, chosen by this
association ; and afterwards, annually, five of them by this
body, and four of them by the General Association of Con
necticut. Provided, however, that, if the General Associa
tion of Connecticut do not choose to unite in this object, the
annual election of all the commissioners shall be by this
General Association.
It is understood that the Board of Commissioners, here con
templated, will adopt their own form of organization, and their
own rules and regulations. '
Voted, That, fervently commending them to the grace of
God, we advise the young gentlemen, whose request is before
us, in the way of earnest prayer and diligent attention to
suitable studies and means of information, and putting them
selves under the patronage and direction of the Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions, humbly to wait the
openings and guidance ef Providence in respect to their great
and excellent design.

60 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Extract from a Letter of the Rev. S. Nott, Jr., of Wareham, Mass., U
the Rev. Dr. Worcester. Wareham, July 18, 1851.
Dr. S. M. Worcester.
Eev. and dear Sir: In turning to some old papers, I
find the first memorandum of earnest consideration as to my
personal duty on the subject of missions to be October 17,
1808, which, and the other memoranda which follow, show the
growth of the principle of my final decision and action, viz.,
as a question of obedience to command. I was then twenty
years of age, alone, at my father's house, spending, in solitary
study with my father, the year after my graduation. In
November, 1809, 1 went to Andover.
My first memorandum on the subject at Andover was
March 4, 1810, and on March 11th a reference is made to
conversation with brethren Judson and Mills on that subject.
Mr. Hall was not at Andover at all until late that spring.
It has never seemed to me of any consequence to settle the
matter who was or who was not the leader of the movement,
unless it were to show that, strictly speaking, no man was. . . .
In my own mind, at least, the starting point and early prog
ress, the essence of the whole, was without any knowledge
of the existence even of those who were so soon to be my
associates, and on such a principle as possessed a solemn and
independent power. In the memoranda, I find Mr. Judson
mentioned with every confidence in his sincere and earnest
spirit. On Sabbath, June, 1810, I preached for Dr. Spring. On
Monday he came with me in the carriage to Andover, on his
way to the General Association at Bradford ; but I have no
recollection except of general conversation on our missionary
intentions. On Tuesday evening, by request of Dr. "Griffin,
myself and associates met Dr. Spring, Dr. Worcester, and
several other ministers, at Mr. Stuart's, where our views were
freely discussed, and " an opinion expressed in favor of our
object," and a request made to Dr. G. to write to England im
mediately for information. " On Wednesday evening, we re-

GENERAL ASSOCIATION AT BRADFORD. 61
ceived a request from Dr. Spring and Mr. Worcester to pre
sent a petition for advice to the General Association." On
Thursday the petition was presented, and resulted as has been
uniformly stated. It might be that if I were to see your his
tory of 1809 and 1810, other things might occur. The timely
bequest of Mrs. Norris * as an encouragement, and yet the as
timely delay to realize it, so that it might open, and not dry
up, the public fountain, cannot have escaped your notice ; nor
the extremely limited supply February 6, 1812, and its
gracious enlargement before February 18, in such ways as to
interest two great sections of the country.
• Mrs. Norris died in March, 1811, having left a .'legacy of thirty
thousand dollars to the Board of Commissioners.
TOL. I. 6

CHAPTEE III.
MISSION TO ENGLAND. - CAPTURE, AND DETENTION IN FRiNCi
— INTERVIEWS WITH THE DIRECTORS OF THE LONDON MIS
SIONARY SOCIETY. -RETURNS TO THE UNITED STATES — AP-
I'OINTED A MISSIONARY OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COM
MISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. — MARRIAGE AND OR
DINATION. — RELATIONS WITH THE BOARD.
1810-1812.
The last chapter closed with an account of the
meeting of the General Association at Bradford, and
the appointment of the Board of Commissioners.
This board held its first meeting, September 5,
1810, at Farmington, Connecticut. Its organization
was there completed, and its rules of proceeding
adopted. The object of the board was declared to
be "to devise, adopt, and prosecute ways and means
for propagating the gospel among those who are des
titute of the knowledge of Christianity." It was
voted, "that the Prudential Committee and Corre
sponding Secretary be requested to obtain the best
information in their power respecting the state of
unevangelized nations on the western and eastern con
tinents, and report at the next meeting of the board."
It was also voted, "that the board highly approve
the readiness of the young gentlemen at Andover to
enter upon a foreign mission, and that it is advisable
for them to pursue their studies till further information
relative to the missionary field be obtained, and the
finances of the institution will justify the appoint
ment." The Prudential Committee elected at this meeting
of the board consisted of William Bartlet, Esq., Rev.
62

MISSION TO ENGLAND. S3
Dr. Spring, and Rev. Samuel Worcester. Mr. Worces
ter was also appointed Corresponding Secretary.
The board also prepared an address to the public,
and a form of subscription to be printed and circu
lated among the churches.
It will be seen from the above proceedings that, at
this time, the board was prepared to take no other
than incipient measures. They were in doubt whether
the churches in this country were willing to incur the
expenditure which missions to the East demanded.
Their eyes were naturally directed to the London
Missionary Society, which was already prosecuting
this work with signal success. It seemed desirable to
inquire whether we in this country could not unite
with Christians in England, and carry on missions in
concert. Impressed with these considerations, the Prudential
Committee thought it desirable to send Mr.. Judson to
England, in order to ascertain whether such an ar
rangement were practicable. The candidates were
all examined by the committee, so that every proper
assurance might be given to the directors of the Lon
don society ; and Mr. Judson was directed to sail for
London on the 1st of January, 1811.
The letter of instructions addressed to him by the
Corresponding Secretary, and the letter of the secre
tary to the Rev. George Burder, are as follows : —
Letter of Instructions from the Prudential Committee to Mr. Judson.
Mr. Adoniram Judson : As you and your brethren, Sam
uel Newell, Samuel Nott, and Gordon Hall, have professed to
hold yourselves sacredly devoted to the service of Christ, in
some part or parts of the heathen world, as in divine provi
dence a door may be opened to you, and as, with reference to
this important object, you have chosen to place yourselves

64 memoir of dr. judson.
under the superintendence and direction of the American
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the Prudential
Committee of the said board, after obtaining satisfaction in regard
to your qualifications severally for the contemplated service,
and seriously consulting on the subject at large, have judged
it advisable to have a full and distinct understanding with the
directors of the London Missionary Society, in relation to the
general object. For this purpose they have determined on
sending you, dear sir, to England, under the following instruc
tions : —
Agreeably to arrangements made, you will sail for England
in the ship Packet, and on your arrival at her port of destina
tion, you will proceed, as soon as convenient, to London, and
deliver your letter of introduction to the Eev. George Burder,
secretary of the London Missionary Society. Mr. Burder,
we doubt not, will receive you with Christian courtesy, and
from him, and his brethren of the Board of Directors, you
will receive such notices as will enable you to accomplish in
;he best manner the design now in view. A principal object
of your attention will be to ascertain, as distinctly as possible,
whether any and what arrangements can be made for a concert
of measures, in relation to missions, between the American
Board of Commissioners and the London Missionary Society ;
particularly whether, if circumstances should render it desi-_
rable, you and your brethren can be supported in missionary
service for any time by the London funds, without committing
yourselves wholly and finally to the direction of the Londor
society ; or whether it may be in any case consistent for the
mission to be supported partly by them and partly by us ;
and if so, under whose direction it must be held. On these
points you will possess yourself of the views of the direct
ors of the London society, and receive their propositions for
our consideration. You will also, during your stay in Eng
land, avail yourself of your opportunities and advantages for
obtaining ample and correct information relating to missionary
fields, the requisite preparations for missionary services, the
most eligibl • methods of executing missions, and generally to

SAILS FOR ENGLAND 65
whatever may be conducive to the missionary interest ; and the
most important parts of such information as you may obtain
you will commit to writing for the use of the American
Board. As it i3 not expected that you will be at your own charge in
this engagement, you will keep a full account of your expendi
tures, for adjustment on your return.
We commend you, dear brother, to the providence and the
grace of God, with fervent prayers for your safety, your suc
cess, and your happiness. In behalf of the Prudential Com
mittee of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions, Yours, dear brother, with great affection,
Samuel Worcester.
From the Rev. Dr. Worcester, to the Rev. George Burder.
Salem, January 3, 1811.
Eev. and dear Sir : Enclosed with this you will receive a
printed paper, in which you will see in general what has
recently been done in this country in relation to foreign mis
sions. Four young gentlemen, Messrs. Adoniram Judson, Jr.,
Samuel Newell, and Samuel Nott, whose names you will find
in the paper referred to, and Mr. Gordon Hall, have offered
themselves as candidates for missions to the heathen, under a
solemn profession that they have devoted themselves to God
for this arduous service, wherever in his providence he may
see fit to employ them. These beloved brethren have all
passed through a course of collegial education, and received a
collegial degree. Since leaving the universities, they have
completed a course of studies at the theological institution in
this vicinity, where they have acquitted themselves to the high
satisfaction of their instructors and friends. According to our
established order, they have been regularly licensed for the
Christian ministry, and for a considerable time they have all
preached in our churches to good acceptance. Their moral
and Christian reputation is good, and their talents and attain
ments are respectable. Before the Prudential Committee of
6*

66 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions
they have passed an examination in form, relative to their
religious sentiments, their religious feelings, and their views in
offering themselves for the missionary service; and their
answers and declarations throughout were highly satisfactory.
They profess their full belief in the articles of faith which are
established in the theological institution, a copy of which you
will receive : and the Prudential Committee have great confi
dence that they have received the truth in love ; that they are
persons of sincere and ardent piety ; that they have offered
themselves for the missionary service from the best motives ;
and, in a word, that they have qualifications for distinguished
usefulness. The manner in which these young men have
come forward, together with a similar disposition manifested
by several others, has made, extensively, a deep impression,
and excited a lively interest. It is gratefully hailed as an
indication that the Lord is about to do something by his friends
in this country, in furtherance of the great design in which
their brethren in England have been so nobly and so exem-
plarily engaged.
On our own continent, indeed, there are many millions of
men " sitting in darkness and in the region and shadow of
death," and our brethren in England may wonder that, while
such is the fact, we should turn our views to any other part of
the world. But the attempts which have been made to evan
gelize the aboriginal tribes of the North American wilderness
have been attended with so many discouragements, and South
America is yet in so unpromising a state, that the opinion very
generally prevalent is, that for the pagans on this continent but
very little can immediately be done. Hence, though the hope
¦s entertained, that the time is coming when the benevolent
sxertions of the Eedeemer's friends here, for spreading the
knowledge of his name, may be successfully employed nearer
home, yet at present the eastern world is thought to offer a
more promising field.
As yet, however, we have no adequate funds established for
i he support a" distant and expensive missions. What may be

SAILS FOR ENGLAND. 67
done in the course of a short time we know not. It is the
desir.3 and the prayer of many, that American missionaries
may have American support ; and we are not without hope
that He to whom the silver and the gold belong will open the
hearts of the rich among us for this interesting purpose.
Should this hope be realized, and missionary funds to any con
siderable amount be raised, they will probably be placed under
such an arrangement as to be employed either in the East, or
on our own continent, as divine Providence may direct.
Under existing circumstances, the American Board are de
sirous to open a communication with the London Missionary
Society, whose knowledge of missionary concerns is ample,
and the praise of whose liberality and persevering exertions
is in all parts of the world. For this purpose, Mr. Judson,
one of the missionary brethren, of whom you have already
some knowledge, and who has been favored with a letter from
you, has been appointed to go to London. To your courtesy
and Christian attention he is most affectionately and respect
fully recommended ; and for the particular objects for which
he is sent, I beg leave to refer you to his letter of instructions.
Besides the official testimonial contained in this letter, Mr.
Judson will carry with him others, and particularly one from
the faculty of the theological institution at Andover — an
institution which, though young, is fast rising in importance,
and in which, both on account of the principles on which it is
founded, and the ability and piety with which it is conducted,
great confidence is reposed. Should these testimonials be sat
isfactory, and should it in the event be thought best that our
young brethren should be resigned to the patronage and direc
tion of your society, your venerable and highly respected
Board of Directors will judge, whether, after the course of
studies through which they have passed, it will be expedient
for them to spend any time at your school at Gosport, and
whether, for any purpose, it will be necessary for the other
three to go to England, before they shall be actually engaged
in your service.
It may not be improper to state* that some of the young

68 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
men propose to take wives with them to the missionary field.
If this meet the approbation of your board, as we are not un
apprised of the laudable care which you take in regard to the
character not only of your missionaries themselves, but also
of their wives, we shall certainly consider it important that
similar care be taken here.
With great personal consideration, and in behalf of the
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, I
tender to you, dear sir, and through you to your brethren of
the Board of Directors, the most affectionate and respectful
salutations. Samuel Worcester, Cor. Sec.
Eev. George Burder, Sec. London Miss. Soc.
The following reminiscences of the voyage to
England are derived from conversations of Dr. Jud
son : —
There were on the ship Packet two Spanish merchants ;
and these, I believe, were the only passengers beside Mr. Judson.
When they were captured by L'Invincible Napoleon, these
two gentlemen, being able to speak French, and most likely to
furnish a bribe, were treated very civilly. Mr. Judson, however,
was very young, with nothing distinctive in his outward ap
pearance, and was, moreover, speechless, friendless, and com
paratively moneyless. He was, without question or remon
strance, immediately placed in the hold, with the common
sailors. This was the first hardship he had ever known, and
it affected him accordingly. He shrank from the associa
tions of the place, and the confined air seemed unendurable.
Soon the weather roughened, and he, together with several of
his more hardy companions, became excessively seasick. The
doctor visited him every day, but he could not communicate
with him, and the visit was nearly useless. Sick, sorrowful,
and discouraged, his thoughts went back to his dear old Plym
outh home, then to Bradford, and finally the Boston church
— "fh? bigges* church in Brston ;" and he became alarmed

REMINISCENCES OF THE VOYAGE. 69
at the strange feeling that crept over him. It was the first
moment of misgiving he had known. As soon as he be
came aware of the feeling, he commenced praying against it,
as a temptation of the adversary. It seemed to him that God
had permitted this capture, and all his trouble, as a trial of his
faith ; and he resolved, in the strength of God, to bear it, as
he might be called upon to bear similar trials hereafter. As
soon as he had come to this resolution, he fumbled about in
the gray twilight of his prison, till he succeeded in finding
his Hebrew Bible. The light was very faint, but still he man
aged to see for a few moments at a time, and amused himself
with translating mentally from the Hebrew to the Latin — a
work which employed his thoughts, and saved his eyes. One
day the doctor, observing the Bible on the pillow, took it up,
stepped towards the gangway, and examined it ; then returned,
and addressed his patient in Latin. Through the medium of
this language, Mr. Judson managed to explain who he was ; and
he was consequently admitted to a berth in the upper cabin,
and a seat with his fellow-passengers, the Spaniards, at the
captain's table.
His second day on deck was a somewhat exciting one. A
sail was reported from the mast head ; and while the stranger
was yet a mere speck to the naked eye, many glasses were
levelled curiously at her, and a general feeling of anxiety
seemed to prevail among the officers. Of course, Mr. Judson
was all excitement ; for although he was now in comfortable cir
cumstances, he dreaded the effect of this detention on his mis
sion to England. Finally, the stranger loomed up against the
sky, a beautiful brig under a full press of canvas. As they
watched her, some anxiously and some admiringly, suddenly
her fine proportions became blended in a dark mass ; and it
was evident to the most inexperienced landsman that she had
changed her course. The two Spaniards interchanged signifi
cant glances. Mr. Judson felt very much like shouting for joy,
but he suppressed the inclination ; and the next moment the
order came for th3 decks to be cleared, and he, with his com
panions, was sent below. The Spaniards informed him that

70 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
they were pursued by a vessel much larger than their own ;
that the privateer had little to hope in an engagement, but she
was the swifter sailer of the two, and the approaching dark
ness was in her favor. Mr. Judson passed a sleepless night, lis
tening each moment for unusual sounds ; but the next morning,
when he carefully swept the horizon with the captain's glass,
not a mote was visible.
The privateer touched at Le Passage, in Spain, and there
permitted the two Spaniards to go on shore. From thence the
prisoners were conveyed to Bayonne, in France ; and Mr. Judson
again, to his surprise and indignation, found himself marched
through the streets in company with the crew of the Packet.
He had as yet acquired only a few words of French, and of
these he made as much use as possible, to the infinite amuse
ment of the passers by. Finally it occurred to him that he
was^rnuch more likely to meet some person, either a native or
a foreigner, who understood English, than to make his broken
French intelligible. Accordingly he commenced declaiming
in the most violent manner possible against oppression in gen
eral, and this one act in particular. The guards threatened
him by gestures, but did not proceed to violence ; and of the
passers by, some regarded him a moment carelessly, others
showed a little interest or curiosity, while many laughed out
right at his seemingly senseless clamors. Finally a stranger
accosted him in English, advising him to lower his voice.
" With the greatest pleasure possible," he answered, " if I
have at last succeeded in making myself heard. I was only
clamoring for a listener." "You might have got oqe you
would have been glad to dismiss, if you had continued much
longer," was the reply. In a few hurried words Judson
explained his situation, and, in words as few, learned that the
gentleman was an American from Philadelphia, and received
his promise of assistance. " But you had better go on your
way quietly now," added his new friend. " 0, I will be a
perfect lamb, since I have gained my object."
The prison was a gloomy-locking, massive structure, and
'he apartment into which they were conveyed was under

DETENTION IN FRANCE. 71
ground, dark and dismal. In the centre was a sort of column,
on which burned a solitary lamp, though without it was still
broad day. Around the walls a quantity of straw had been
spread, on which his companions soon made themselves at
home ; but Mr. Judson could not divest himself of the idea that
the straw was probably not fresh, and busied his imagination
with images of those who had last occupied it. The weather
had seemed almost oppressively hot above ground ; but now lie
shivered with the chilling dampness of the place, while the
confined air and mouldy smell rendered him sick and giddy.
He paced up and down the cell, he could not tell how long,
but it seemed many hours, wondering if his new friend would
really come ; and again, if he did not, whether he could keep
upon his feet all night ; and in case of failure, which part of
the straw he should select as the least loathsome. And then
his thoughts would wander off again to Plymouth, and to
Bradford, and to the " biggest church in Boston," but not with
the feeling that he had before. On the contrary, he wondered
that he ever could have been discouraged. He knew that at
most his imprisonment could not last long. If he only had a
chair, or the meanest stool, that was all he would ask. But he
could not hope to walk or stand long.
While leaning against the column for a moment's rest, the
door of the cell opened, and he instantly recognized the
American he had seen in the street. He suppressed a cry of
joy, and seeing that the stranger did not look at him, though
he stood close by the lamp, tried himself to affect indifference.
The American, making some remark in French, took up the
lamp, and then adding, (or perhaps translating,) in English,
" Let me see if I know any of these poor fellows," passed
around the room, examining them carelessly. " No ; no friend
of mine," said he, replacing the lamp, and swinging his great
military cloak around Mr. Judson, whose slight figure was almost
lost in its ample folds. Comprehending the plan, Mr. Judsoi
drew himself into as small a compass as possible, thinking that
he would make the best of the affair, though having little confi
dence in the clumsy artfice. His protector, tooj seemed to

72 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
have his doubts, for as he passed out, he slid some money into
the jailer's hand, and again, at the gate, made another dis
bursement, and as soon as they were outside, released his
protege, with the expressive words, " Now run ! " Mr. Judson
quite forgot his fatigue from walking in the cell, as he fleetly
followed his tall conductor through the streets to the wharf,
where he was placed on board an American merchantman for
the night. The next evening his friend returned, informing
him that his place of refuge had been only temporarily chosen,
and as the papers necessary to his release could not be pro
cured immediately, he would be much safer in the attic of a
ship builder, who had kindly offered this place of concealment.
Accordingly he removed to the attic, from which, after a few
days, he was released on parole.
Mr. Judson passed about six weeks in Bayonne, boarding
with an American lady who had spent most of her life in France.
He told his landlady that he was a clergyman, and frequently
held long religious conversations with her ; but he did not
permit his character to be known generally in the house, as he
thought it would interfere with a plan he had of learning as
much as possible of the real state of French society. He
attended various places of amusement with his fellow-boarders,
pleading his ignorance of the language and customs of the
country as an excuse for acting the spectator merely ; and in
general giving such evasive replies as enabled him to act his
part without attracting undue attention. It was not long,
however, before his companions became pretty well aware that
indifference formed no part of his real character. His shrewd
ness was at variance with his implied ignorance of the world,
and his simplicity sometimes wore a solemn irnpressiveness,
from the influence of which it was impossible to escape. The
last place of amusement he visited was a masked ball ; and
here his strong feelings quite overcame his caution, and he
burst forth in his real character. He declared to his some
what startled companions that he did not believe the infernal
regions could furnish more complete specimens of depravity
than ha there beheld. He spoke in English, and at first

DETENTION IN FRANCE. 73
addressed himself to the two or three standing near him, who
understood the language ; but his earnestness of manner and
warmth of expression soon drew around him a large circle,
who listened curiously and with apparent respect. He spoke
scornfully of the proud professions of the (so called) philosophy
of the age, and pointed to the fearful exhibitions of that mo-
.inent as illustrative of its effectiveness. He rapidly enumer
ated many of the evils which infidelity had brought upon
France and upon the world, and then showed the only way
of escape from those evils — the despised, but truly ennobling
religion of Jesus Christ. Finally he sketched the character
of man as it might have been in its original purity and
nobleness, and then the wreck of soul and body to be ascribed
to sin, and wound up all by a personal appeal to such as
had not become too debased to think and feel. He had
warmed as he proceeded with his subject, noting with pain and
surprise the great number of those who seemed to understand
the English language, and drawing from it an inference by no
means favorable to his travelled countrymen. Most of the
maskers evidently regarded the exhibition as part of the
evening's entertainment ; but those who understood his re
marks seemed confounded by the boldness, and perhaps unex
pectedness, of the attack, and when he had finished, stood
aside, and allowed him to pass from the place without a word.
This incident, I have been told, was reported by some person
present on the occasion, and published in a Boston newspaper
Mr. Judson, I do not recollect by what means, was introduced
fo some of the officers of Napoleon's suite, and travelled through
the country in one of the emperor's carriages. At Paris, he
spent most of his time in the society of these officers* and
persons whom they introduced, and, in general, pursued, the
same course as at Bayonne. In view of the opportunity thus
afforded for observation, and the store of practical knowledge
really gathered, he always regarded his detention in France
as a very important, and, indeed, necessary part of his prepa
ration for the duties. which afterwards devolved upon him.
In England he was received in a manner peculiarly flattering,
vol. i. 7

74 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and I think his appearance there must Lave created a
very favorable impression. He was at this time small and
exceedingly ielicate in figure, with a round, rosy face, which
gave him the appearance of extreme youthfulness. His hair
and eyes were of a dark shade of brown, in his French pass
port described as "chestnut." His voice, however, was far
from what would be expected of such a person, and usually "
took the listeners by surprise. An instance of this occurred
in London. He sat in the pulpit with a clergyman somewhat
distinguished for his eccentricity, and at the close of the ser
mon was requested to read a hymn. When he had finished,
the clergyman arose, and introduced his young brother to the
congregation as a person who purposed devoting himself to
the conversion of the heathen, adding, " Aud if his faith is
proportioned to his voice, he will drive the devil from all
India." Mr. Judson crossed the channel, and arrived at
Dartmouth on the 3d of May, 1811. On the 6th of
the same month he went up to London, and pre
sented his credentials to the directors of the London
Missionary Society. They received him with every
mark of Christian kindness, and, as it will be seen,
appointed him and his brethren missionaries to the
heathen in their service. The following letters con
tain all the memorials which I have found relating tc
these events : —
Extracts from the Minutes of the Board of Directors of the London
Missionary Society.
Meeting of the Directors, June 25, 1810.
Eead a letter from Mr. Adoniram Judson, a student in the
Divinity College at Andover, in America, dated April 23,
1810, saying that he wished to become a missionary to the
heathen; requesting to be informed whether two or three
young unmarried men, having received a liberal education,

PROCEEDINGS OF LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 75
desirous of becoming missionaries, would be accepted on their
arrival in England next spring, on probation, to be sent to
Gosport, with a view to a mission to India or Tartary.
Resolved, That the secretary be desired to write immedi
ately, requesting that testimonials be forwarded from Andover,
as soon as possible, giving a full account of the religious views,
&c, of these young men. Meeting, May 20, 1811.
Eead a letter, dated January 3, 1811, from Eev. S. Worces
ter, of Salem, secretary to the Board of Commissioners for
Foreign Missions, requesting the cooperation of this society in
sending out four young men as missionaries to the heathen.
Eead also a letter from Eev. Messrs. Griffin, Woods, and
Stuart, professors of Andover College- recommending Messrs.
A. Judson, S. Newell, S. Nott, and G. Hall, as having re
ceived a liberal education, and of good moral and religious
characters, suitable for this purpose.
Eead a letter of instructions to Mr. Judson, also a recom
mendatory letter from Eev. Mr. Codman, of Dorchester, dated
December 19, 1810.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed, to consist of
Messrs. Alers, Cowie, and Eoberts, with the secretary, to
consider what measures may be suitable to be adopted respect
ing the proposition made by the American brethren to this
society, and report. Meeting, May 27, 1811.
The committee to whom the proposals from the Commis
sioners for Foreign Missions, by Mr. Judson, were referred,
reported. #
The committee have to report, that it is the particular wish,
as well of the commissioners as of the candidates themselves,
that they should be employed in forming a new station for
missionary exertions, rather than be separated from each
other among the several stations already occupied by the so
ciety. This appears to be the chief, if not the only stipula
tion connected with the offer of service made by Mr. Judson,

76 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
on his own part and that of his brethren. The precise station
is stated by Mr. Judson to be entirely at the disposal of the
Missionary Society, if he and his brethren can be accommo
dated by the Missionary Society in the respect just referred to.
That Mr. Judson wishes most explicitly to state, whatever
may be the expressions of the instructions he has received,
that they do not intend to require any engagement from the
Missionary Society contrary to the established usage in the
formation of its stations ; and that he and his brethren are
willing to consider themselves the missionaries of this society,
in all respects the same as the other missionaries engaged by
them. That Mr. Judson is able to afford very little encouragement
as to pecuniary assistance. The zeal for missionary efforts
seems to have been excited chiefly, if not entirely, among
those who have only their personal services to offer. The
encouragement which this disposition has- hitherto met with
from those who are able to cherish such endeavors by pecuni
ary contributions is at present so limited, that no assurances
can be given to the society of any efficient aid in that respect
The committee think it right to state to the directors, that
they have received very great satisfaction from the statements
given by the candidates themselves of their religious experi
ence and missionary views, and from the strong and unequivo
cal testimonies to their religious and moral character and
ministerial qualifications, which have been transmitted by
judicious and experienced ministers, who are personally ac
quainted with them.
The committee have peculiar pleasure in stating likewise,
uponathe information of Mr. Judson, that a lively zeal for the
propagation of the blessed gospel among the heathen has man
ifested itself among the young students in the Divinity Col
lege of which he is a member, which is cherished by meetings
of prayer and conversation relative to that object, and that in
the event of the present offer from himself and his brethren
receiving the countenancs of the society, he has the fullest as
surance that others of '.-.is junior brethren, now prosecuting

RETURNS TO THE UNITED STATES. 77
their divinity studies, will, when prepared, be found ready to
devote their lives and labors in the same line of active service.
The committee have, therefore, on the preceding grounds,
great satisfaction in recommending to their brethren, the direct
ors of the Missionary Society, that the proposals of Mr. Jud
son be received with the most friendly attention, and that the
services of himself and brethren be accepted on such terms
as the directors shall, on due consideration, judge most expe
dient. Resolved, That the report of the committee be accepted.
Resolved, That Messrs. Adoniram Judson, Samuel Newell,
Samuel Nott, and Gordon Hall be accepted as missionaries,
to be employed by this society in India.
Resolved, That Mr. Alers be requested to write a letter of
instructions for Mr. Judson and his brethren.
Mr. Judson subsequently visited the missionary
seminary at Gosport, then under the care of>the ven
erable Dr. Bogue, to confer with that pious and de
voted friend of missions. There was nothing to
detain him in England after he had accomplished his
missionary purposes ; and within about six weeks
after his arrival, on the 18th of June, 1811, he em
barked at Gravesend in the ship Augustus, bound to
New York. He arrived in New York on the 17th of
August following.
The Board of Commissioners held their seeond
meeting at Worcester, Massachusetts, September 18,
1811. At this meeting Mr. Judson and Mr. Nott
were present.
The Prudential Committee, in their annual report,
after inserting the letter of instructions to Mr. Judson,
their letter to Mr. Burder, and his answer, proceed to
remark as follows : " The board will perceive that,
though the London directors gave the most favorable

78 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
reception to our messenger, and show Ed the most
Christian zeal towards the general object, yet in this
letter of the Rev. Mr. Burder nothing is said in direct
reference to the points on which Mr. Judson was
instructed to confer with the directors, relating to a
cooperation in the support and conduct of missions.
Though the committee have not received any written
communication from Mr. Judson, yet they have learned
from him in general that the London directors are of
opinion that a joint conduct of missions will not be
practicable, and that, although they are ready to receive
our young brethren under their patronage, and would
gladly have aid from us in respect to their support,
yet they do not think it consistent to admit this board
to a participation with them in the direction of the
mission." The report then proceeds to state that one of two
courses is plainly before the board — either to surren
der these four young brethren to the London society,
which had already appointed them, or undertake to
support them themselves. They recommend the latter
course, give their reasons for this recommendation,
and suggest the manner in which funds may be raised.
They direct the attention of the board to the various
openings for missionary labor, and mention Burmah
as a specially inviting field. This report is accom
panied by the following vote : —
" Voted, That this board will retain under their care
the young gentlemen who last year devoted them
selves to the service of God for life, as missionaries in
foreign parts."
This report of the Prudential Committee was ac
cepted. Oa-, the following day, it was voted, "That this

APPOINTED A MISSIONARY. 79
board do not advise Messrs. Adoniram Judson, Jr.,
ana Samuel Nott, Jr., to place themselves at present
under the direction of the London Missionary Society,
but to wait the further intimations of Providence rel
ative to our means of furnishing them with the requi
site support in the proposed foreign mission."
" Messrs. Adoniram Judson, Jr., Samuel Nott, Jr.,
Samuel Newell, and Gordon Hall were appointed
missionaries to labor under the direction of this board
in Asia, either in the Burman empire, or in Surat,
or in Prince of Wales Island, or elsewhere, as, in the
view of the Prudential Committee, Providence shall
open the most favorable door."
By a subsequent vote, the salary of a married and
of an unmarried missionary was fixed, together with
the sum that should be allowed for the outfit of each ;
and an appropriation of three hundred dollars was
made for the purchase of books for missionaries.
The way was now open for these pioneers of Amer
ican missions to proceed on their errand of mercy.
At this time, however, intercourse with the East
Indies was infrequent, and passages were not easily
secured. The company were obliged to delay their
departure until the following February. On the 3d
of February, Mr. Judson took a final leave of his
parents at Plymouth. On the 5th, he was married to
Ann Hasseltine. On the 6th, he was ordained at
Salem, in company with Messrs. Nott, Newell, Hall,
and Rice. They expected to sail immediately, but
their departure was delayed until the 18th and 19th,
a part of the company embarking at Salem, and the
remainder at Philadelphia. The account of these
events which folows is froo the Panoplist for Febru
ary, 1812.

80 MEMOIR OF DR. JL'DSON.
Ordained, on Thursday, the 6th instant, at the Tabernacle
in Salem, the Eev. Messrs. Samuel Newell, Adoniram Jud
son, Samuel Nott, Gordon Hall, and Luther Eice, to the work
of the gospel ministry, as missionaries to the heathen in Asia.
The ordaining council was composed of the pastors of the
North Congregational Church in Newburyport, the Congrega
tional Church in Charlestown, and the Tabernacle church in
Salem, and delegates from the same churches ; and of the
Eev. Dr. Griffin, pastor of Park Street Church, Boston, late
professor at Andover, and the Eev. Dr. Woods, professor at
Andover. The Eev. Professor Stuart was invited to attend,
but was necessarily prevented.
The young gentlemen were examined with respect to their
doctrinal views, their personal hopes of the divine favor, and
their motives and prospects in offering themselves to this im
portant service among the heatheu.
The parts in the solemnities of the day were as fohows :
The Eev. Dr. Griffin made the introductory prayer ; the Eev
Dr. Woods preached the sermon, from Psalm Ixvii. ; the Eev.
Dr. Morse made the consecrating prayer ; the Eev. Dr. Spring
delivered the charge ; the Eev. Dr. Worcester presented the
right hand of fellowship, and the Eev. Dr. Spring made the con
cluding prayer. The exercises were solemn and appropriate,
and evidently made a deep impression on a crowded audience.
The sermon, charge, and right hand of fellowship are printed.
A very large impression is struck off, and the profits will be
applied to the support of this mission.
This transaction may justly be considered as forming a new
and important era in the annals of the American churches —
the era of foreign missions. It would be natural to indulge.
in pleasing anticipations of the blessings, which, with the
divine assistance, these missionaries may be the means of
communicating to Asia. But, while" we leave the issue of
this benevolent enterprise to the disposal of infinite wisdom,
the good effects of these missionary exertions among ourselves
ought to be mentioned with devout gratitude. Christians feel
more sensibly than ever the value of their holy religion, while

RELATIONS WITH THE BOARD. 81
devoting their money and their time to extend its blessings to
the heathen. Christians of different denominations, who hve
our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, experience the blessedness
of uniting in this great catholic labor of love.
Messrs. Newell and Judson, with their wives, sailed from
Salem in the brig Caravan, Captain Heard, on Wednesday,
the 19th instant, amidst the prayers and benedictions of multi
tudes, whose hearts go with them, and who will not cease to
remember them at the throne of grace.
Messrs. Nott, Hall, and Eice, and the wife of Mr. Nott, sailed
from Philadelphia in the ship Harmony, Captain Brown,
on the 18th instant. They and their brethren from Salem
probably lost sight of the shores of their native country about
the same time. Though they never expect to return, they
will not be forgotten ; and, if they obtain grace to be faithful
to their Lord and Master, their memories will be blessed.
Before closing this chapter, it seems necessary to
advert to the reprimand said to have been adminis
tered to Mr. Judson, at the meeting of the board at
Worcester, September 19, 1811. I regret that I am
called to treat of this subject, since it has been sup
posed by many persons to present the character of
good men in an unamiable light. With unfeigned
pleasure, however, I am able to state, that I can dis
cover nothing in the facts which tends in the least to
diminish our love and esteem for any of the parties
concerned. The facts in the case are briefly as follows : —
1. The missionaries were all received, so far as ii
was known to the public, on the same terms of affec
tionate regard. No one supposed that either of ftiem
was, or ever had been under censure. It would have
been an act of unwarrantable rashness in the board
to send out as missionary pioneers men in whom they
had not entire confidence.

82 MEMOIR 01 DR. JUDSON.
2. On the passage, Mr. Judson became convinced
that the New Testament furnished no authority for
infant baptism. Shortly after his arrival at Calcutta,
he was baptized by immersion, and joined the Baptist
church in that city. He afterwards published a ser-
mon, in which he presented the reasons for the change
in his opinions.
3. In due time, a reply to this sermon, by a much
respected Congregational clergyman, appeared. In
the introduction to the sermon, it was stated that
Mr. Judson had been reprimanded by the board at
Worcester; and it was understood to be intimated
that the irritation caused by this censure had induced
him to embrace the earliest opportunity for leaving
their service. This intimation has, we believe, been
long since withdrawn, and men of all denominations
regret that it was ever made.
4. To this imputation Mr. Judson replied by a direct
denial. He affirmed that no reprimand had ever been
administered ; he appealed to all the members of the
board for confirmation of his testimony ; and he
showed conclusively that no such motives as had
been suggested could possibly have affected his
decisions. 5. Upon the receipt of this denial, it was, I believe,
reasserted by the Corresponding Secretary 'of the
board, that the reprimand had been administered.
6. Rev. Samuel Nott, Jr., the intimate friend of
Mr. Judson, and formerly his missionary associate,
published his " testimony in favor of Judson." He
admits, however, that Mr. Judson's " proceedings pre
viously to his leaving this country were in some
respects unsatisfactory to the board and the com
mittee, and that Mi Judson was informed of this
formally and solemi \y."

RELATIONS WITH THE BOARD. 83
7. In 1830, Mr. Judson wrote a letter to Mr. Evarts,
then Corresponding Secretary, (Dr. Worcester having
died in 1821,) in which he acknowledges that many
circumstances had convinced him that there was, at
the time referred to, an expression of dissatisfaction
which gave some just ground for the statements which
had been made on the subject, and expressing sincere
regret for the spirit of the letter which he had written
to his father in relation to it.
Such are, I believe, all the prominent facts in the
case. I beg leave to offer such suggestions in regard
to them as have occurred to me.
In the first place, there can be no doubt that an ad
monition was addressed to Mr. Judson by Dr. Spring,
by direction of the board. The reasons for such a
measure are obvious. Mr. Judson had been sent tc
England to propose a union between the London
society and the American board, to learn all in his
power respecting missions, and make a written report
to the board. He had made no written report, and the
letter from Mr. Burder made no allusion to the points
which he had been directed to present. Mr. Judson
came back with an appointment from the London
society, and thus left the board only the option of
appointing the four missionaries at once, or of surren
dering them to the London society. I can easily
sympathize with the feelings of the board on this
occasion. They were committing themselves to a
great undertaking. It was of the utmost importance to
all the parties concerned, that the relations in which they
stood to each other should be well defined and clearly
understood. They wished to mark the first instance
of departure from the principles which should govern
their intercourse with their missionaries. They might

84 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
do, and they evidently did all this, without in the least
abating their confidence in the individual. This very
self-reliance, which had appeared somewhat in excess,
was a quality of the highest value in the service to
which he was appointed. This was precisely Dr.
Spring's estimate of Judson, whom he loved as a
son. But Mr. Judson denied that a reprimand had ever
been given. I think that this is susceptible of easy
explanation. Mr. Judson was inflamed with a " pas
sion for missions " in as high a degree as any person
of whom I have ever read. He believed that God had
called him to this service, and that, having called, God
would sustain him in it. He preferred greatly to go
out under the auspices of the American churches. If
these failed, he would have gone out under the sanc
tion of the London society. If this hope had failed,
he would have begged his passage money from Chris
tians at home, and taking a few hundred dollars, which
he happened to possess, would have thrown himself,
with no other aid, on the providence of God. He,
however, believed that, if he and his brethren took
such a step, it would effectually arouse the churches
at home, and that thus all needed aid would be
afforded. With these views, he went to England, his whole
mind being intent on finding some way of getting to
the heathen. Every thing else seemed to him of little
consequence ; and the plan of uniting with the Lon
don society was found at first view to be impractica
ble. He returned with the means of going to the
East for himself and his brethren. Still he wished to
be sent by the American churches. With these views,
and wjth his constitutional ardor of temperament, I

RELATIONS WITH THE BOARD. 85
presume that he pressed the board to a decision with
a somewhat unceremonious earnestness, plainly inti
mating that, if they did not send him and his breth
ren, they would at once use the appointment of the
London society.
This earnestness succeeded, and on the second day
of the session the appointment was made. Still, the
board were annoyed by his pertinacity, and plainly
informed him that there were parts of his conduct
of which they disapproved. This was, I doubt not,
a recital of errors which Judson had often confessed
in humiliation before God, over which he had wept,
and against which he had labored and prayed times
without number. He felt thankful to the fathers for
their faithfulness, and resolved to strive the harder
for Christian perfection. He had no idea that any
serious displeasure was intended ; and every other
thought was immediately swallowed up in the consid
eration that he and his brethren were now appointed
missionaries to the heathen, and appointed by their
American brethren. In his letters at this period he
speaks of this event as the consummation of all his
wishes. The board' afterwards, until the time of his
embarkation, gave him no reason ^o suppose that he
had been subject to any serious displeasure ; and the
whole thing passed entirely out of his mind. Hence,
when, some years afterwards, it was asserted that he
had been censured by the board, and censured so
gravely as to occasion his profession of a change of
sentiment in order to separate himself from them, he
at once met it with a flat denial, and publicly called on
every member of the board to vindicate his character.
Some years passed away. He could now more
readily place himself in the position of the board, and
vol. i. 8

86 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
understand their duties and responsibilities. He could
see how his zealous pertinacity, even with the best
motives, would affect men in their circumstances. He
saw the a priori probability that some admonition
would have been given. He remembered that Dr.
Spring had addressed him. Mr. Nott, his friend and
companion, admitted a " solemn and formal admoni
tion." The members of the board all testified to the
same fact. Under these circumstances, he could not
but admit that something had taken place of a graver
character than he had been at the time aware of. He
no sooner came to this conclusion than he at once
corrected his error, and resolved to do justice to the
memory of Dr. Worcester, whom he had unintention
ally injured. This he did in his letter from Prome, to
which allusion has been made. Nothing that Dr.
Judson has done through life presents his character in
a more favorable light, or exhibits more clearly the
controlling power of Christian integrity, than this
transaction. One other remark, and I have done. There was,
in the year 1811, a strong feeling of sectarian antago
nism between the Congregationalists and Baptists.
The change of sentiment in Mr. Judson was consid
ered by his former brethren a severe trial and a pain
ful disappointment. Remembering the address of
Dr. Spring to Judson through the medium of existing
feeling, is it too much to suppose that it assumed a
graver aspect than it wore at the moment of its deliv
ery, or that a faithful paternal admonition, to an over-
zealous and too confident youth, assumed afterwards
the lineaments of a grave reprimand or a decided
censure ? That any member of the board would,
under these circumstances, have intentionally made

RELATIONS WITH THIS BOARD 87
the slightest deviation from the exact verity, I do not
for a moment believe ; but that they should, under
such a trial, have been affected by the general laws
of humanity, is surely not improbable.
To sum up the whole matter, then, I would say
that Judson, in wholly untried circumstances, did not
perceive distinctly his relations to the board, and,
acting from the dictates of self-sacrificing zeal, did
not sufficiently recognize their authority. On this
subject they very properly admonished him, but with
so much parental and Christian feeling, that, while he
was melted to tears, it left on his mind no trace of dis
pleasure. When it was intimated that he had been
censured, and so censured that it incited him to leave
the service of the board, — the most self-sacrificing act,
as he always testified, of his whole life, — he met it
with a prompt denial. In the course of years, when
he reviewed the whole subject, recalled the whole
series of events, and received the testimony of Mr.
Nott and of the members of the board, he was satis
fied that more had occurred than he at first recol
lected. He then, at once, as became a Christian
and an honorable man, made all the reparation in
his power by confessing his error. His letter should
have been published at the time, according, I think,
to his manifest intention.
The following letters, addressed, the one to Di
Spring, of -Newburyport, and the other to Jeremiah
Evarts, Esq., indicate the views of Mr. Judson at the
commencement and the close of this transaction.
Rangoon, June 30, 1819.
Eev. and dear Sir : I have been perfectly astonished to
find it publicly asserted, that " a formal and solemn reprimand
was administered to me in presence of the board," at tha

88 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Worcester session, in 1811. My best recollections assure me
that this assertion is founded on a mistake.
I am induced to apply particularly to you, sir, by my recol
lecting a conversation which passed between us, in Madam
Phillips's house, in Andover, some days after the session, in
which you suggested a fear that I had alienated the minds of
some of the members of the board, and instanced General
Huntington, as having particularly disapproved of my pro
ceedings. Now, it appears to me that this conversation would
have been quite irrelevant, and, indeed, could not possibly have
taken place, if we had both been conscious at the time that a
formal reprimand had been given me by the board.
I am further induced to apply to you, from feeling that your
opinion on that subject would tend more than that of any other
person to relieve and satisfy my mind. Will you, therefore,
please to inform me whether you think the charge correct
or not ?
I hope that my unfortunate apostasy will not be considered
as depriving me of the privilege of receiving your kindness,
in which it was my happiness to participate so largely in
former days, and of which I shall ever retain a most grateful
recollection. I remain, reverend and dear sir,
Your much obliged and obedient friend and servant,
A. Judson, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Spring.* Pkome, June 13, 1830.
My dear Sir : I have lately felt it my duty to confess my
faults to all those whom I have in any way injured, whether
wilfully or inadvertently ; and were the late Dr. Worcester
still living, I should desire to write him in the following man
ner : " Eev. Sir : When I read your public letter concerning
the reprimand said to have been given me by the Board of
Commissioners, I was perfectly astonished ; and for many years
I really thought that there was no ground whatever for your
allegations. I am now, however, convinced from a number of
* Of Newburyport. Dr. S. was a member of the Prudential Com
mittee. He had deceased previous to the arrival of this letter.

RELATIONS WITH THE BOARD. 89
circumstances that I was mistaken, and that there was some
expression of dissatisfaction on the part of the board, which,
though it made so slight an impression on my mind as to be
entirely forgotten for many years, furnished you with some
just ground for a part of the statements in the said letter.
There are other parts, concerning which I have nothing to say
in addition to what I wrote at the time, except, in general,
that I deeply regret and condemn the spirit with which I
penned my reply in self-vindication, it being, as I now per
ceive, at variance with the spirit of the blessed Saviour,
whose law requires us to resist not evil, but when smitten on
the right cheek, to turn the other. I hope that I have humbly
repented before God, and received his pardon ; and I humbly
beg your pardon also."
Such is the tenor of the letter I should be glad to address
to Dr. Worcester ; but it is now too late for me to do any thing
more than to forward it to you, his successor in the Corre
sponding Secretary's office, and leave it for you to make what
use of it you think proper.
I hope you will excuse my troubling you. I am aware that
this communication will afford you no pleasure ; nor should I
make it if I consulted my credit with men. But I write to
please One whom I desire to love supremely, and whose smiles
I covet above all created good. Yours, in Christian love,
A. Judson.
Jer. Evarts,Esq., Cor. Sec. A. B. C. P. M.

In a conversation on this subject, but a year or two
before his death, Dr. Judson confirmed the view which
I have taken above. He said that his first statement
to Dr. Baldwin was made in perfect sincerity. He
never considered himself reprimanded ; he was igno
rant of the passing of any vote on the subject, and
was not aware of any serious displeasure on the part
8*

90 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
of the committee, though quite aware that they were
annoyed (momentarily, as he supposed) at his perti
nacity. When Nott's testimony was published, he
was astonished to find so much admitted, though the
formal reprimand was denied. In the course of years,
however, circumstances came gradually to his recol
lection which made him think that Dr. Worcester's
assertion had some just foundation, and that the
board were more displeased at his zealous boldness
than he was aware of at the time. He said, how
ever, that he could not, on the whole, regret his course
before the board at Worcester, and speculated at
some length on what would have been the probable
result if he and Nott had waited for " the further
intimations of Providence." He also said that his
letter from Prome, though written under peculiar in
fluences, met the approval of his sober judgment,
and he felt a satisfaction in having done his duty as
soon as he became aware of it, however much the
meaning of his honest communication might be per
verted. In another conversation, he alluded to the injudi-
ciousness of calling up these long-forgotten incidents,
and added, " When I grasp the hand of Dr. Worcester
in heaven, I do not think we shall either of us feel
called upon to settle any such differences."
I do not know how I can close this subject more
appropriately than by adding the following letter from
Dr. Judson to Dr. Anderson, the present secretary of
the American Board, and the noble and beautiful
reply of Dr. Anderson.

RELATIONS WITH THE BOARD. 91
Maulmain, January 21, 1839.
Eev. and dear Sir: The Missionary Herald has been
kindly sent tc me gratis, through Messrs. Cockerell & Co.,
and by way of Eangoon, in parcels of several numbers at
a time, by which means it does not reach me in good season.
I beg leave to request that each number, as soon as published,
may be sent, with my name upon it, to the Missionary Eooms
of the Baptist Board, and then it will be forwarded, with oth
er articles, by the earliest and most direct conveyance.
I am aware that it is not regular to trouble you with this
business ; but, to tell the truth, I have rather caught at it as
giving me an occasion to drop you a line, and perhaps get one
in return. Though I have been (as some may think) a way
ward son of the American Board of Commissioners for For
eign Missions, I have always retained the warmest filial affec
tion for that body, under whose auspices I first came out.
I was also afraid that, attempting to change the mode of
conveyance, I should, by some accident, lose my Herald alto
gether, unless I wrote you, and begged you to secure me from
such a misfortune.
There are not many, perhaps, now living, who can say, as 1
can, that they have read every number of the Herald, from
the time it first commenced its existence, in the form of the
Panoplist and Massachusetts Missionary Magazine, to the
present time ; and I hope to enjoy the privilege as long as I
live. The Herald, in my view, contains more interesting mis
sionary information, and a development of sounder missionary
principles, than any other publication in the world.
I remain, reverend and dear sir,
Yours, most sincerely,
A. Judson.
Rev. Dr Anderson, Cor. Sec. A. B. C. F. M.
Missionary House, Boston, August 1, 1839.
Eev. Adoniram Judson, Maulmain, India.
Eev. and dear Sir : A few days since I had the great
pleasure of receiving your favor of January 21. If any

92 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
thing was wanted, in addition to your long, devoted, and suc
cessful missionary life, to perfect the impression made by your
letter to Mr. Evarts, dated June 13, 1830, (and which I re
plied to February 25, 1831,) it was such a letter as lies now
before me. But I should not have said, nor am I aware, that
any thing was necessary to give you a stronger hold upon our
hearts than any other one of the brethren of your society
can possibly have. We rejoice in the good, the very great
good, whicA has grown out of your change of relation. We
see the good hand of our God in this. We would not, there
fore, have it otherwise. The old asperities of feeling have per
ished in the grave, or have been softened down by time and the
grace of God. We love to think of you as intimately related
to us — having a common missionary parentage. Hence we
send you the Herald, and on this account we mean to send it
to you as long as you continue a missionary of our Lord and
Master. I will give directions for sending the Herald monthly to the
Baptist Missionary Eooms, with your name upon it, and will
take all the pains I can to see that this is done from year to
year. Still, while this method will insure its being sent to
you without the long delays attendant on the other course,
there is a liability, which I know not how to prevent, that it
may accidentally stop at the end of almost any year. I would
therefore request you, should there be any interruption in
your receipt of the work, to attribute it to accident in the pub
lishing office, and write immediately to me, or my successor,
(for secretaries are apt to be a short-lived race,) state what
numbers are wanting to complete the series, and remind us of
our duty.
I send a small parcel of our recent publications to the Bap
tist Missionary Eooms for you, and may perhaps trouble you
in this manner in time to come.
With great esteem and cordial affection, and with fervent
desires for the continued prosperity of yourself and your fel
low-laborers, I am, my dear brother, most truly yours,
E. Anderson,

( HAPTEE IV.
EMBARKATION. — ARRIVAL IN INDIA. — CHANGE OF VIEWS ON
BAPTISM. — COURSE OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY. — ESCAPE
TO THE ISLE OF FRANCE. — PASSAGES TO MADRAS AND RAN
GOON  FORMATION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONVENTION
FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. 1812-1813.
On the 19th of February, 1812, Mr. and Mrs. Jud
son and Mr. and Mrs. Newell embarked at Salem, in
the brig Caravan, Captain Heard, bound for Calcutta.
They had been some time waiting for a fair wind ;
and, on the 18th, the long-expected change in the
weather took place, and the passengers were in haste
summoned on board. The brig remained, however,
at anchor during the night, and on the following morn
ing set sail with a favorable breeze.
The embarkation was sudden, and but few of their
friends were aware of the time of their departure.
Every comfort which kindness could suggest had,
, however, been previously provided. The captain
was an intelligent and amiable gentleman, and they
commenced their voyage under the most auspicious
circumstances. The passage was pleasant, and on
the 17th of June they arrived in Calcutta. Messrs.
Nott, Hall, and Rice, who sailed about the same time
in the Harmony, from Philadelphia, did not arrive un
til the 8th of the following month.
A controversy has, unfortunately, been carried on,
respecting the embarkation at Salem, to which it is
necessary very briefly to advert.
When Dr. Judson returned to this country, after
thirty-three years' absence, he was greatly surprised at
93

94 MEMOIR OF DR, JUDSON.
the change which had taken place in public opinion
on the subject of missions. When he left for India,
devout men were beginning to be interested in it; a
few others looked with admiration at the romantic
self-sacrifice which it exhibited ; but I think I do not
err in asserting that it was by many good men consid
ered a hopeless undertaking. From my own personal
knowledge, I can testify that, as late as Mrs. Ann Jud
son's second embarkation, it was with some difficulty
that passages were procured for missionaries to India.
When Dr. Judson returned, he found the cause of mis
sions to the heathen the favorite object of Christian
benevolence. It had entirely silenced opposition, and
multiplied without limit the number of its friends.
He was filled with admiration at what he saw, and
felt assured that his highest anticipations of the prog
ress of the cause had been more than realized.
In speaking on this subject, he, on one or two occa
sions, contrasted the circumstances of the pioneers,
when they left their native country, with those of their
brethren who were at the present day following them.
I am confident that, in these remarks, he had not- the
most remote idea of undervaluing the kindness of his
friends in Salem. In all his letters, as well as those
of Mrs. Judson, this subject is never alluded to but in
terms of affectionate gratitude. A use was, however,
made of these remarks, which gave pain to the family
of the late Dr. Worcester, and some of his friends at
Salem. This was as far as possible from his inten
tion. The contrast struck him forcibly, and, in speak
ing of it, he alluded to circumstances which happened
to occur to him. He did not suppose that they would
give pain to any one ; for, as they existed in his mind,
there was nothing either wrong or unkind associated
with them.

CHANGE OF VIEWS ON ISLFTISM. 95
The only event on the passage which has become
specially worthy of note is the fact that Mr. Judson
availed himself of this period of leisure to investigate
anew the scriptural authority for infant baptism. He
was prompted to this course by two considerations.
In the first place, he looked forward to the time when
he should be surrounded by converts from heathenism.
How should he treat their children and servants ?
Was he authorized to baptize them ? and if so, what
would be their relation to the Christian church after
wards ? Besides this, he was going in the first in
stance to Serampore, to reside for a time with the
Baptist missionaries. He felt the necessity for reex
amining the subject, as he expected to be called upon
by them to defend his belief. In this latter respect,
however, he found himself singularly disappointed ;
for the gentlemen at Serampore made it a matter of
principle never to introduce the subject of their pecu
liar belief to any of their brethren of other denomina
tions who happened to be their guests.
As it seems proper to allow Mr. Judson to explain
the reasons for his change of sentiment, I shall here
insert a large part of his letter to the Third Church
in Plymouth, of which he had been until lately a
member. It was on board the vessel, in prospect of my future life
among the heathen, that I was led to investigate this impor
tant subject. I was going forth to proclaim the glad news of
salvation through Jesus Christ. I hoped that my ministrations
would be blessed to the conversion of souls. In that case, I
felt that I should have no hesitation concerning my duty to the
converts, it being plainly commanded in Scripture that such
are to be baptized, and received into church fellowship.
But how, thought I, am I to treat the unconverted children
and domestics of the converts ? Are they to be considered

96 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
members of the church of Christ by virtue of the conversion
of the head of the family, or not ? If they are, ought I not to
treat them as such ? After they are baptized, can I consist
ently set them aside, as aliens from the commonwealth of
Israel, until they are readmitted ? If they are not to be con
sidered members of the church, can I consistently administer
to them the initiating ordinance of the church ?
If I adopt the Abrahamic covenant, and consider the Chris
tian church a continuation of the Abrahamic or Jewish system,
I must adopt the former part of the alternative. I must con
sider the children and domestics of professors as members of
the church, and treat them accordingly. Abraham, according
to the terms of the covenant which God made with him, cir
cumcised not only his own sons, but all the males that were
born in his house, or bought with money. His male descend
ants, in the line of Isaac and Jacob, were entitled to the same
ordinance, by virtue of natural descent, and, together with
their domestics, composed the ancient church, and were enti
tled to all its privileges. This is put beyond a doubt by the
single fact, that, in the Abrahamic community, or the society
of Israel, there was no separate party calling themselves, by
way of distinction, the church, and saying to others, who were
equally circumcised with themselves, Stand by ; touch not the
passover ; we are holier than you. No. All the members of
the community or nation were of course members of the
church. They were entitled to church membership by birth
or purchase. Their church membership was recognized, or
they were initiated into the church by circumcision ; and in
subsequent life they partook of the passover, which was the
standing sacrament of the church, analogous to the Lord's
supper, and enjoyed all the rights and privileges of the church,
unless they were excommunicated, or, in scriptural language,
" cut off from the people." *
* If any one should be inclined to doubt the right of circumcised
children to the passover, let him consider the following : 
Witsius, "In those companies" (that partook. of the passover)'
"men an.d women sat down together, old men and young, whole and.

CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 97
Now, let me be consistent. Since I am exhorted to walk in
the steps of father Abraham, let me follow him with the same
faithfulness which procured him eminent praise. Let me not
adopt some parts of his covenant, and reject others, as suits
my own convenience, or accords with the notions in which I
have been educated. Nor let me complain for want of exam
ple and prescription. Behold the established church of Eng
land. She proves herself, in many respects, a worthy daughter
of the Abrahamic or Jewish church. She receives into her
charitable bosom all the descendants of professors, and all
those who, though not of her seed, belong to the families of
professors ; and these collectively come, in process of time, to
comprise the whole nation. This is truly Abrahamic. This
is the very system which the ancestors of the Jewish race,
and their succeeding rulers and priests, uniformly maintained.
And if I claim an interest in the Abrahamic covenant, and
consider the Christian church a continuation of the Jewish,
why should I hesitate to prove myself a true child of Abra
ham, and a consistent Christian, by adopting this, system in all
its parts, and introducing it among the heathen ?
But I considered again : How does this system accord with
the account of the church of Christ given in the New Testa
ment ? It appeared to me, from the manner in which this
church commenced and was continued, from the character of
sick, masters and servants, in fine, every Jew that could' eat a morsel
of flesh, not excluding even young children." — CEcon. Feed. 1. iv. c.
ix. § 14.
Dr. Scott. " Every person, in each household, including women and
children, ate this first passover, none being excepted but uncircumcieed
males ; and afterwards all, who were not ceremonially unclean, par
took of it. The women and children were not indeed commanded
to go up to the tabernacle, where it was celebrated ; but when they
did, they joined in this sacred feast." — Note on Exodus xii. 43-45.
After the tabernacle, where alone the passover could be eaten, was
established at Jerusalem, young children, on account of distance, not
on account of any personal disqualification, were seldom brought to
partake of the passover. This neglect, however, was not allowed
after they had attained the age of twelve years.

98 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
its members, and, in fine, from its whole econcmy, so far as
detailed in the New Testament, that it was a company consist
ing of select individuals, men and women, who gave credible
evidence of being disciples of Christ ; and that it had no
regard to natural descent, or accidental connection with the
families of professors.
When I proceeded to consider certain passages, which are
thought to favor the Pedobaptist system, I found nothing sat
isfactory. The sanctification which St. Paul ascribes to the children
of a believer, (1 Cor. vii. 14,) I found that he ascribed to the
•unbelieving parent also ; and therefore, whatever be the
meaning of the passage, it could have no respect to church
membership, or a right to church ordinances.
The declaration of St. Peter, " The promise is unto you,
and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many
as the Lord our God shall call," (Acts ii. 39,) appeared not
to bear at all on the point in hand, because the apostle does
not command his hearers to have their children baptized, or
acknowledged members of the church, but to repent and be
baptized themselves. There is indeed a promise made to
their children, and to all others that God shall call ; but it
does not follow that they were to procure the baptism of their
children, or of those that were afar off, until they gave evi
dence that God had called them.
When Christ said, concerning little children, that " of such
is the kingdom of heaven," (Matt. xix. 14,) it appeared to me
that his comparison had respect, not to the age or size of little
children, but to the humility and docility which distinguish
them from adults. This seemed to be put beyond a doubt by
his own explanation, in a similar passage, in which he says,
" Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye
shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. xvii. 3.)
The baptism of households, which is mentioned in three
instances, I could not consider as affording any evidence one
way or the other, because in a household there may be infants
and unbelieving domestics, and there may not. Beisdes I

CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 99
discovered some circumstances in each of the cases which led
me to conclude, that the members of the households were real
believers. They are expressly said to be so in the case of the
jailer, (Acts xvi. 34 ;) and the same is evidently implied in the
case of Stephanas, when it is said that they addicted them
selves to the ministry of the saints. (1 Cor. i. 1 6 x
In a word, I could not find a single intimation in the New
Testament that the children and domestics of believers were
members of the church, or entitled to any church ordinance,
in consequence of the profession of the head of their family.
Every thing discountenanced this idea. When baptism was
spoken of, it was always in connection with believing. None
but believers were commanded to be baptized ; and it did not
appear to my mind that any others were baptized.
Here, then, appeared a striking difference between the
Abrahamic and the Christian systems. The one recognized
the membership of children, domestics, and remote descend
ants of professors, and tended directly to the establishment of
a national religion. The other appeared to be a selective sys
tem, acknowledging none as members of the church but such
as gave credible evidence of believing in Christ.
This led me to suspect that these two systems, so evidently
different, could not be one and the same. And now the light
began to dawn. The more I read, and the more I meditated
on the subject, the more clearly it appeared to me that all my
errors and difficulties had originated in confounding these two
systems. I began to see that since the very nature and con
stitution of the church of Christ excluded infants and unre-
generate domestics, repentance and faith being always repre
sented as necessary to constitute a disciple, we had no right
to expect any directions for, or any examples of, the initiation
of such unqualified persons into the church. To search for
such directions and examples in the New Testament, would be
as if the citizen of a republic should go to search his national
code for laws concerning the royal family, which, by the very
nature and constitution of a republic, is excluded. Suppose
that such a citizen, disappointed in his search, should have

100 MEMOIR OF DE. JUDSON.
r icourse to the constitution and laws of a neighboring mon
archy for the desired information. This, it appeared to me,
would aptly represent the proceeding of those who, unable to
find in the New Testament satisfactory proof of the right of
infants, or unregenerate domestics, should have recourse to the
Abrahamic and Jewish codes.
At length I adopted the following sentiments concerning the
two churches, and the concern which we have at present with
the old dispensation. The Abrahamic church was preparatory
to, and typical of, the Christian. The constitution was radi
cally different ; but it was, nevertheless, wisely adapted to
answer the ends which God had in view. Natural descent or
purchase was sajfficient to introduce a person into this church ;
but still it appelws that in every age there were some who
were truly pious j mho embraced the gospel promise made to
Abraham before tnk povenant of circumcision was instituted ;
who also looked bjyond the literal meaning of the require
ments and prornUps, contained in that covenant, to the glori
ous things tyrjffied thereby, and thus exercised true faith in
the cominjjjjjffiessiah, and in a better country, that is, the
hea^tenlyT When the Messiah appeared, this preparatory and
topical system, having answered its end, was destined to cease ;
3«hd the Lord Jesus set up his kingdom on earth, the gospel
church, composed of such only as repent and believe, or rather
give credible evidence of these gracious exercises. The bar
of separation between the Jews and the rest of the world was
removed ; thenceforth none were to plead that they had Abra
ham for their father; none were to rest in the covenant of
circumcision, assured that, if they did, Christ would profit them
nothing ; but it was distinctly declared, that thenceforth there
was neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female,
but all were one in Christ. (Gal. iii. 28.)
But whereas the Abrahamic system was typical of the
Christian, so the spiritual meaning of the requirements and
promises still remains in force. Thus, by looking beyond the
letter, and regarding the spiritual import, according to the
example of the pious Jews, a great part of the Old Testament

CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 101
is still applicable to us, though the New Testament is emphati
cally the Christian's law book. The natural seed of Abraham
typifies the spiritual seed. The land of Canaan- typifies the
heavenly land. External circumcision typifies the circum
cision of the heart, a circumcision made without hands, that is,
the putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, even the cir
cumcision of Christ. (Col. ii. 11.) Believers, therefore, may
embrace the promise of Canaan, in its spiritual application, as
made to themselves, the spiritual seed, who have received the
spiritual circumcision. Hence, also, all the devotional parts
of the Old Testament, particularly the Psalms of David, the
modern believer can make his own, adopting the language as
the genuine expressions of his own devout feelings.
In the same way are to be explained all the New Testa
ment allusions to the ancient dispensation. When, for in
stance, the apostle says, " If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abra
ham's seed, and heirs according to the promise,'' (Gal. iii. 29,)
we are to understand, not Abraham's natural seed, surely, but
his spiritual seed, those who by faith are assimilated to him,
and thus become his children ; not heirs of the land of Ca
naan, in the literal acceptation of the words, but heirs of the
blessing of justification by faith, concerning which the apostle
had been discoursing, and consequently of the spiritual Ca
naan, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.
I cannot describe to you, dear brethren, the light and satis
faction which I obtained in taking this view of the matter, in
considering the two churches distinct, and in classing my ideas
of each in their proper place. I became possessed of a key
that unlocked many a difficulty, which had long perplexed me ;
and the more I read the Bible, the more clearly I saw that
this was the true system therein revealed.
But while I obtained light and satisfaction on one side, I
was plunged in' difficulty and distress on the other. .If, thought
I, this system is the true one ; if the Christian church is not
a continuation of the Jewish ; if the covenant of circumcision
is not precisely the covenant in which Christians now stand,
the whole foundation of pedobaptism is gone ; there is no
o, *

102 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
remaining ground for the administration of any church ordi
nance to the children and domestics of professors ; and it
follows inevitably, that I, who was christened in infancy, on
the faith of my parents, have never yet received Christian
baptism. Must I, then, forsake my parents, the church with
which I stand connected, the society under whose patronage
I have come out, the companions of my missionary undertak
ing ? Must I forfeit the good opinion of all my friends in my
native land, occasioning grief to some, and provoking others
to anger, and be regarded henceforth, by all my former dear
acquaintances, as a weak, despicable Baptist, who has not sense
enough to comprehend the connection between the Abrahamic
and the Christian systems ? All this was mortifying ; it was
hard to flesh and blood. But I thought again, it is better to
be guided by the opinion of Christ, who is the truth, than by
the opinion of men, however good, whom I know to be in an
error. The praise of Christ is better than the praise of men.
Let me cleave to Christ at all events, and prefer his favor
above my chief joy.
There was another thing which greatly contributed, just at
this time, to drive me to an extremity. I knew that I had
been sprinkled in infancy, and that this had been deemed bap
tism. But throughout the whole New Testament I could find
nothing that looked like sprinkling, in connection with the
ordinance of baptism. It appeared to me, that if a plain per
son sho'uld, without any previous information on the subject,
read through the New Testament, he would never get the
idea, that baptism consisted in -sprinkling. He would' find
that baptism, in all the cases particularly described, was ad
ministered in rivers, and that the parties are represented as
going down into the water, and coming up out of the water,
which they would not have been so foolish as to do for the
purpose of sprinkling.
In regard to the word itself which is translated baptism,
a very little search convinced me that its plain, appropriate
meaning was immersion or dipping ; and though I read ex
tensively on the subject, I could not find that any learned

CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 103
Pedt baptist had ever been able to produce an instance, from
any Greek writer, in which it meant sprinkling, or any thing
but imnersion, except in some figurative applications, which
could not be fairly brought into the question. The Eev. Pro
fessor Campbell, D. D., of Scotland, the most learned Greek
scholar and biblical critic of modern times, has the candor to
declare, (though he was no Baptist, and, therefore, not to be
suspected of partiality to the Baptist system,) that the word
was never, so far as he knew, employed in the sense of sprin
kling, in any use, sacred or classical. (See his note on Matt.
iii. 11.)
But as my limits will not permit me to enter further into
detail on this part of the subject, I must beg leave to refer
you to my sermon, a copy of which will accompany this letter. ¦
Suffice it to say, that whereas a consideration of the nature of
the church convinced me, that I had never received Christian
baptism, so a consideration of the nature of baptism convinced
me, that I had never been baptized at all, nothing being bap
tism but immersion.
Reduced to this extremity, what, dear brethren, could I do ?
I saw that, in a double sense, I was unbaptized, and I felt the
command of Christ press on my conscience. Now, if I quieted
my conscience in regard to my own personal baptism, and
concluded that, on account of my peculiar circumstances, it
was best to consult my own convenience, rather than the com
mand of Christ, still the question would return, with redoubled
force, How am I to treat the children and domestics of con
verted heathen ? This was the beginning of all my difficul
ties, and this, on Pedobaptist principles, I could not resolve by
the Bible, or by any books that I consulted.
In order that you may feel the trying situation in which I
was placed, I beg you to make the case your own, particularly
in regard to this one point — the treatment of the families of
believers. You may thus be brought to feel the gripe of this
Gordian knot, as I have felt it. It is true you have not the
prospect of converted heathen and their families to trouble
you ; yet permit me to submit the case of your own families.

104 MEMOIR OF DR. JODSON.
In what light do you consider and treat them ? Do you strictly
comply with the terms of the Abrahamic covenant ? Does
your conduct perfectly accord with the Abrahamic system ?
Do you baptize (if baptism is in the place of circumcision)
your male children, and those only, on the eighth day after
their birth ? Do you baptize your male domestics ? and if you
had slaves, would you have them also baptized ? Still further,
Do you consider your baptized children and servants members
of the church, as circumcised Jewish children and servants
were members of the Jewish church ? Do you acknowledge
their right to the Lord's supper, as soon, at least, as they are
capable ? and do you feel your own obligations to require their
attendance, and to discipline and exclude them if they do not
attend ? Circumcision was the initiating ordinance of the
Abrahamic or Jewish church. Baptism ha3 been regarded
in every age, and by all parties, as the initiating ordinance of
the Christian church. Baptized persons are, therefore, mem
bers of the church. And if so, is it not wrong and dangerous
to treat them as if they were not ? I need not inform you,
that among yourselves, and among all the Congregational
churches in New England, children and servants, who were
baptized on account of the head of their family, are considered
no more members of the church than before — no more mem
bers of the church than others that have not been baptized.
They are, in fact, considered and treated as out of the church
altogether, and as having no right to any further church privi
lege, until they give evidence of possessing religion, and make
a personal public profession. Do you not hesitate, my breth
ren, at pursuing a course so anti- Abrahamic, so unscriptural ?
How can you plead the promises made to Abraham, when you
so flagrantly violate the covenant in which they are contained,
and depart from the course divinely prescribed in his family,
and in subsequent generations ? But, on the other hand, if
you adopt and practise the Abrahamic system, you will inev
itably confound the church and the world ; you will receive
into the church multitudes who are destitute of those qualifica
tions which are represented in the New Testament as requi-

CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 105
site tt constitute a member of the kingdom which Christ set
up ; you will ultimately establish a national religion ; and this
will be as contrary to the system laid down in the New Tes
tament as your present system is to the Abrahamic.
The extracts which follow from the letters of Mrs.
Judson exhibit the manner in which she and Mr.
Judson pursued their inquiries, and the loneliness
into which their change of opinions by necessity
plunged them. From Mrs. Judson to a Friend. September 7, 1812.
Can you, my dear Nancy, still love me, still desire to hear
from me, when I tell you I have become a Baptist ? If I
judge from my own feelings, I answer, you will, and that my
differing from you in those things which do not affect our sal
vation will not diminish your affection for me, or make you
unconcerned for my welfare. You may, perhaps, think this
change very sudden, as I have said nothing of it before ; but,
my dear girl, this alteration hath not been the work of an
hour, a day, or a month. The subject has been maturely,
candidly, and, I hope, prayerfully examined for months.
An examination of the subject of baptism commenced on
board the Caravan. As Mr. Judson was continuing the
translation of the New Testament, which he began in America,
he had many doubts respecting the meaning of the word
baptize. This, with the idea of meeting the Baptists at
Serampore, when he would wish to defend his own sentiments,
induced a more thorough examination of the foundation of the
Pedobaptist system. The more he examined, the more his
doubts increased ; and, unwilling as he was to admit it, he was
afraid the Baptists were right and he wrong. After we
arrived at Calcutta, his attention was turned from this subject
to the concerns of the mission, and the difficulties with gov
ernment. But as his mind was still uneasy, he again renewed
the subject. I felt afraid he would become a Baptist, and

106 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
frequently urged the unhappy consequences if he should.
But he said his duty compelled him to satisfy hii own mind,
and embrace those sentiments which appeared most concordant
with Scripture. I always took the Pedobaptist side in rea
soning with him, even after I was as doubtful of the truth of
their system as he. We left Serampore to reside in Calcutta
a week or two, before the arrival of our brethren ; and as we
had nothing in particular to occupy our attention, we confined
it exclusively to this subject. We procured the best authors
on both sides, compared them with the Scriptures, examined
and reexamined the sentiments of Baptists and Pedobaptists,
and were finally compelled, from a conviction of truth, to em
brace those of the former. Thus, my dear Nancy, we are
confirmed Baptists, not because we wished to be, but because
truth compelled us to be. We have endeavored to count the
cost, and be prepared for the many severe trials resulting from
this change of sentiment. We anticipate the loss of reputa
tion, and of the affection and esteem of many of our Ameri
can friends. But the most trying circumstance attending this
change, and that which has caused most pain, is the separation
which must take place between us and our dear missionary
associates. Although we are attached to each other, and
should doubtless live very happily together, yet the brethren
do not think it best we should unite in one mission. These
things, my dear Nancy, have caused us to weep and pour out
our hearts in prayer to Him whose directions we so much
wish and need. We feel that we are alone in the world, with
no real friend but each other, no one on whom we can depend
but God. From Mrs. Judson to her Parents.
Isle op Fiu.nce, Pobt Louis, February 14, 1813.
I wil . now, my dear parents and sisters, give you some
account of our change of sentiment, relative to the subject of
baptism. Mr. Judson's doubts commenced on our passao-e from
America. While translating the New Testament, in which he
was engaged, he u.-ed frequently to say that the Baptists were

CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 107
right in their mode of administering the ordinance. Knowing
be should meet the Baptists at Serampore, he felt it important
to attend to it more closely, to be able to defend his sentiments.
After our arrival at Serampore, his mind for two or three
weeks was so much taken up with missionary inquiries and
our difficulties with government, as to prevent his attending to
the subject of baptism. But as we were waiting the arrival
of our brethren, and having nothing in particular to attend to,
he again took up the subject. I tried to have him give it up,
and rest satisfied in his old sentiments, and frequently told him,
if he became a Baptist, I would not. He, however, said he
felt it his duty to examine closely a subject on which he had
so many doubts. After we removed to Calcutta, he found in
the library in our chamber many books on both sides, which
he determined to read candidly and prayerfully, and to hold
fast, or embrace the truth, however mortifying, however great
the sacrifice. I now commenced reading on the subject, with
all my prejudices on the Pedobaptist side. We had with
us Dr. Worcester's, Dr. Austin's, Peter Edwards's, and other
Pedobaptist writings. But after closely examining the sub
ject for several weeks, we were constrained to acknowledge
that the truth appeared to lie on the Baptists' side. It was
extremely trying to reflect on the consequences of our becom
ing Baptists. We knew it would wound and grieve our dear
Christian friends in America — that we should lose their ap
probation and esteem. We thought it probable the commis-r
sioners would refuse to support us ; and, what was more dis
tressing than any thing, we knew we must be separated from
our missionary associates, and go alone to some heathen land.
These things were very trying to us, and caused our hearts to
bleed for anguish. We felt we had no home in this world,
and no friend but each other. Our friends at Serampore were
extremely surprised when we wrote them a letter requesting
baptism, as they had known nothing of our having had any
doubts on the subject. We were baptized on the 6th of Sep-.
tember, in the Baptist chapel in Calcutta. Mr. J. preached a
sermon at Calcutta, on this subject, soon after we were bap-.

108 MEMOIR OF DK. JUDSON.
tized, which, in compliance with the request of a number who
heard it, he has been preparing for the press. Brother Eice
was baptized several weeks after we were. It was a very
great relief to our minds to have him join us, as we expected
to be entirely alone in a mission.
The day after her baptism, she wrote to her parents
a further account of the progress of their inquiries on
the subject, and mentions some additional particulars.
Mr. Judson resolved to examine it candidly and prayerfully,
let the result be what it would. No one in the mission family
knew the state of his mind, as they never conversed with any
of us on this subject. I was very fearful he would become a
Baptist, and frequently suggested the unhappy consequences
if he should. He always answered, that his duty compelled
him to examine the subject, and he hoped he should have a
disposition to embrace the truth, though he paid dear for it.
I always took the Pedobaptists' side in reasoning with him,
although I was as doubtful of the truth of their system as he.
After we came to Calcutta, he devoted his whole time to read
ing on this subject, having obtained the best authors on both
sides. After having examined and reexamined the subject, in
every way possible, and comparing the sentiments of both
Baptists and Pedobaptists with the Scriptures, he was com
pelled, from a conviction of the truth, to embrace those of the
former. I confined my attention almost entirely to the Scrip
tures, comparing the Old with the. New Testament, and tried
to find something to favor infant baptism, but was convinced it
had no foundation there. I examined the covenant of cir
cumcision, and could see no reason for concluding that baptism
was to be administered to children because circumcision was.
Thus, my dear parents and sisters, we are both confirmed
Baptists, not because we wished to be, but because truth com
pelled us to be. A renunciation of our former sentiments has
caused us more pain than any thing which ever happened to
us through our lives.
As soon as Mr. Judson had come to the conclusion

CHANGE OF VIEWS ON BAPTISM. 109
indicated in the preceding letters, he of course in
formed the American Board of Commissioners for
Foreign Missions of his change of sentiment on the
subject of baptism. By the same conveyance, he also
communicated a knowledge of the facts to some of
the Baptist clergymen in Boston and Salem. The
following letters refer to this portion of our nar
rative : — To the Rev. Dr. Baldwin, of Boston.
Calcutta, August 31, 1812.
Eev. and dear Sir : I write you a line to express my
grateful acknowledgments to you for the advantage I have
derived from your publications on baptism ; particularly from
your " Series of Letters ; " also to introduce the following
copy of a letter which I forwarded last week to the Baptist
missionaries at Serampore, and which you are at liberty to
use as you think best.
I am, sir, with much affection and respect,
Your obliged friend and servant,
Adoniram Judson, Jr.
Calcutta, August 27, 1812.
To the Rev. Messrs. Caret, Marshman, and Ward.
As you have been ignorant of the late exercises of my mind on
the subject of baptism, the communication which I am about to
make may occasion you some surprise.
It. is now about four months since I took the subject into serious
and prayerful consideration. My inquiries commenced during my
passage from America, and after much laborious research and pain
ful trial, which I shall not now detail, have issued in entire convic
tion, that the immersion of a professing believer is tlie only Christian
baptism. In these exercises I have not been alone. Mrs. Judson has been
engaged in a similar examination, and has come to the same con
clusion. Feeling, therefore, that we are in an unbaptized state, we
wish to profess our faith in Christ by being baptized in obedience to
his sacred commands. Adoniram Judson, Jr.

110 memoir of dr. judsoit.
Calcutta, Septemwr 1 1812
Eev. Sir : After transmitting to the Eev. Dr. Worcester
a copy of the above letter to the Baptist missionaries, I have,
under date of this clay, written him as follows : —
Rev. and dear Sir : My change of sentiments on the subject
of baptism is considered by my missionary brethren as incompati
ble with my continuing their fellow-laborer in the mission which
they contemplate on the Island of Madagascar ; and it will, I pre
sume, be considered by the Board of Commissioners as equally in
compatible with my continuing their missionary. The board will,
undoubtedly, feel as unwilling to support a Baptist missionary as I
feel to comply with their instructions, which particularly direct us
to baptize " credible believers with their households."
The dissolution of my connection with the Board of Commission
ers, and a separation from ray dear missionary brethren, I consider
most distressing consequences of my late change of sentiments, and
indeed, the most distressing events which have ever befallen me
I have now the prospect before me of going alone to some distant
island, unconnected with any society at present existing, from
which I might be furnished with assistant laborers or pecuniary
support. Whether the Baptist churches in America will compas
sionate my situation, I know not. I hope, therefore, that while my
friends condemn what they deem u, departure from the truth, they
will at least pity me and pray for me.
With the same sentiments of affection and respect as ever,
I am, sir, your friend and servant, Adoniram Judson, Jr.
Rev. Dr. Worcester, Corresponding Secretary of the American
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
You will receive a letter from Dr. Marshman, accompanying
this. Should there be formed, in accordance with the ideas
suggested therein, a Baptist society for the support of a mis
sion in these parts, I shall be ready to consider myself theii
missionary ; and remain, dear sir,
Your obliged friend and servant,
Adoniram Judson, Jr.

APPEALS TO AMERICAN BAPTISTS. Ill
To the Rev. Dr. Bolles, Salem, Mass.
Calcutta, September 1, 1812.
Eev. Sir : I recollect that, during a short interview I had
with you in Salem, I suggested the formation of a society
among the Baptists in America for the support of foreign
missions, in imitation of the exertions of your English breth
ren. Little did I then expect to be personally concerned in
such an attempt.
Within a few months, I have experienced an entire change
of sentiments on the subject of baptism. My doub'ts concern
ing the correctness of my former system of belief commenced
during my passage from America to this country ; and after
many painful trials, which none can know but those who are
taught to relinquish a system in which they had been edu
cated, I settled down in the full persuasion that the immersion
of a professing believer in Christ is the only Christian
baptism. Mrs. Judson is united with me in this persuasion. We have
signified our views and wishes to the Baptist missionaries
at Serampore, and expect to be baptized in this city next
Lord's day.
A separation from my missionary brethren, and a dissolution
of my connection with the Board of Commissioners, seem to
be necessary consequences. The missionaries at Serampore
are exerted to the utmost of their ability in managing and
supporting their extensive and complicated mission.
Under these circumstances I look to you. Alone, in this
foreign heathen land, I make my appeal to those whom, with
their permission, I will call my Baptist brethren in the United
Slates. With the advice of the brethren at Serampore, I am con
templating a mission on one of the eastern islands. They
have lately sent their brother Chater to Ceylon, and their
brother Eobinson to Java. At present, Amboyna seems to
present the most favorable opening. Fifty thousand souls are
there perishing without the means of life ; and the situation of
the island is such that a mission there established might, with

112 memoir or dr. judson.
the blessing of Sod, be extended to the neighboring islands in
those seas.
But should I go thither, it is a most painful reflection that I
must go alone, and also uncertain of the means of support.
But I will trust in God. He has frequently enabled me to
praise his divine goodness, and will never forsake those who
put their trust in him. I am, dear sir,
Yours, in the Lord Jesus,
Adoniram Judson, Jr.

Retract from u Letter of Dr. Marshman, of Serampore, to the Rev. Dr.
Baldwin, of Boston, dated September 1, 1812.
A note which brother Judson sent to brother Carey last
Saturday has occasioned much reflection among us. In it he
declares his belief that believers' baptism alone is the doctrine
af the Scriptures, and requests to be baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus.
This unexpected circumstance seems to suggest many ideas.
The change in the young man's mind, respecting this ordinance
of Christ, seems quite the effect of divine truth operating on
the mind. It began when no Baptist was near, (on board
ship,) and when he, in the conscientious discharge of his duty,
was examining the subject in order to maintain what he then
deemed truth on his arrival in Bengal. And so carefully did
he conceal the workings of his mind from us, on his arrival,
that he scarcely gave us a hint respecting them before he sent
this note to brother Carey. This was not indeed very diffi
cult for him to do, as we make it a point to guard against
obtruding on missionary brethren of different sentiments any
conversation relative to baptism.
This change then, which I believe few who knew brother
Judson will impute to whim, or to any thing besides sincere
conviction, seems to point out something relative to the duty of
our Baptist brethren with you, as it relates to the cause of
missions. It can scarody be expected that the Board of
Commissioners will support a Baptist missionary, who cannot,

APPEALS TO AMERICAN BAPTISTS. iljj
of course, comply with their instructions, and baptize whole
households on the parents' faith ; and it is certain that the
young man ought not to be left to perish for want, merely
because he loved the truth more than father or mother; nor be
compelled to give up missionary work for want of support
therein. Now, though we should certainly interfere to pre
vent a circumstance like this happening, particularly as we
have given our Pedobaptist brother Newell, gone to the Isle of
France, an order to draw there upon us should he be in distress,
yet, to say nothing of the missionary concerns already lying on
us, and constantly enlarging, it seems as though Providence
itself were raising up this young man, that you might at least
partake of the zeal of our Congregational missionary brethren
around you. I would wish, then, that you should share in the
glorious work, by supporting him. Let us do whatsoever
things are becoming, and whatsoever things are lovely, and
leave the reverse of these for others. After God has thus
given you a missionary of your own nation, faith, and order,
without the help or knowledge of man, let me entreat you,
and Dr. Messer, and brethren Bolles and Moriarty, humbly
to accept the gift.
To you I am sure I need add no more than to beg you to
give my cordial love to all our brethren around you.
I may probably write you again soon, and in the mean time
remain yours, in the Lord, Joshua Marshman.

The preceding extracts exhibit the condition of Mr.
and Mrs. Judson in Calcutta as by no means encour
aging. At a great sacrifice of feeling, they had found
themselves obliged to pursue a course which separated
them as missionaries from the board on which they
relied solely for support. They knew that no Baptist
organization existed at home adequate to undertake
a mission to the East ; and, moreover, they were
10*

114 MEMOIR OF DE. JUDSON.
personally almost unknown to the Baptist community.
The brethren at Serampore would, of course, supply
their immediate necessities ; but they were decidedly
of opinion that the responsibility for their mainte
nance should be assumed by the Baptists in America.
Besides, this change in their sentiments rendered it
inexpedient for them and their fellow-missionaries to
labor any longer together. Here, again, ties the most
endearing must be sundered, and hopes the most cher
ished must be forever abandoned. One circumstance,
however, tended to modify the loneliness of this last
trial. Mr. Rice, who was ordained at the same time
as Mr. Judson, had also become a Baptist, and was,
vf course, united with them in anxieties and hopes.
But this was only a part of their present trial. It
is well known that, at this period, the East India
Company were both theoretically and practically op
posed to every effort for the evangelization of India.
They professed to believe, and charity obliges us to
suppose that they did believe, that the preaching of
the gospel would excite the Hindoos to rebellion. It
Is beyond question that the company was deriving
large revenues directly from the toleration, not to say
the protection, which it extended to the idolatry of
the Hindoos. Whatever may have been their reasons,
they had determined, by all the means in their power,
to resist the introduction of Christianity among the
native subjects of the British crown in Bengal.
About ten days after the arrival of Messrs. Judson
and Newell, they were summoned to Calcutta, and
an order was read to them requiring them immedi
ately to leave the country and return to America.
Nothing could be more fatal to their most dearly cher-
ishei hopes than such a command. They petitioned

COURSE OF THE EAST INDIA COMPANY. 115
for leave to reside in some other part of India, but
were prohibited from settling in any part of the
company's territory, or in any of its dependencies.
They then asked leave to go to the Isle of France.
This was granted ; and Mr. and Mrs. Newell em
barked for Port Louis about the 1st of August. The
vessel could, however, carry but two passengers ; and
Mr. and Mrs. Judson and Mr. Rice were obliged to
emain behind.
They had resided in Calcutta about two months,
waiting for a passage, when they received a peremp
tory order to proceed to England in one of the com
pany's ships. A petty officer accompanied Messrs.
Judson and Rice to their place of residence, and
requested them not to leave it without permission.
Their names were inserted in the daily papers in a list
of passengers of the ship in which they were ordered
to sail. A vessel was then found about to proceed to
the Isle of France ; but they were forbidden to take
passage in her. They communicated to the captain
their circumstances, and asked if he would venture to
take them without a pas&. He replied that he would
oe neutral ; there was his ship, and they might do as
they pleased.
They succeeded in getting on board the ship with
out being discovered, and the vessel sailed. After
they had proceeded down the river for two days, they
Were overtaken by a government despatch forbidding
the pilot to go farther, as the vessel contained passen
gers who had been ordered to England.
They were thus obliged to leave the ship. Every ef
fort was made to procure a remission of the order, but
in vain. An attempt to procure a passage to Ceylon
failed. AJ er spending several days in fruitless attempts

116 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
to escape the necessity of proceeding to England,
when every hope had failed, a letter was put into Mr.
Judson's hand containing a pass from the magistrate
for a passage in the Creole, the vessel which they had
left. To whost: kindness they were indebted for this
favor they never ascertained. It was three days since
the Creole had left them ; and there was every reason
to suppose that she had gone to sea. They, however,
immediately set out in pursuit of her. After twenty-
four hours of rowing and sailing, they reached Saugur,
where they found the Creole at anchor. They were
taken on board ; and thus ended their first experiences
of the East India Company's government in India*
I mention these facts because they form a part of
the narrative which I have undertaken to write. I do
it with pain, for it presents in an unamiable light
distinguished men whose characters we are accus
tomed to look upon with respect and esteem. It is
delightful, however, to record the change which has
taken place in the administration of the government
of India, and in the treatment of the missionaries of
all nations by the officers of the British crown. Gen
tlemen of the army and the navy, civil residents, and
ambassadors, have for many years extended to mis
sionaries from this country every aid which their cir
cumstances required, and have frequently ministered
to them in sickness and affliction with a spirit of
fraternal kindness which has brought tears of gratitude
into the eyes of thousands of Christians in America.
It was not many years after the events which I have
recorded that Mr. Judson was employed in a confi
dential service by the British government in nego-
» A more detailed account of these painful occurences may be
fo-and in Knowles's Life of Mrs. Ann H. Judson.

ESCAPE TO THE ISLE OP FRANCE. 117
tiating the treaty of Yandabo, and for his services re
ceived, I believe, the thanks of the governor general
in council. No missionary of any denomination was
more highly esteemed than he in Calcutta; in no
other place did his death call forth more general
lamentation ; and nowhere else have such spontane
ous and liberal offerings been made in behalf of his
widow and orphans.
On the 30th of November, 1812, Mr. and Mrs. Jud
son and Mr. Rice, fleeing from the intolerance of the
East India Company, embarked on board the Belle
Creole, bound for Port Louis, in the Isle of France.
The passage was long and tempestuous. There were
four passengers besides the missionaries ; but none of
them manifested any interest in religion. On the 17th
of January they arrived at Port Louis.
They here met with a heavy affliction. Mrs.
Newell, the intimate friend and first missionary as
sociate of Mrs. Judson, had finished her course on the
30th of the preceding November. This event affected
the whole company very deeply, and taught them,
more emphatically than their wandering loneliness,
that here they had no continuing city.
Mr. Rice had already been severely attacked with
disease of the liver, and his health had become quife
precarious. The views of the Baptists in this country
were unknown to the missionaries, and it seemed de
sirable that some direct intercouise might be com
menced between the parties at present personally
unknown to each other. It was probable, moreover,
that the labors of Mr. Rice might be eminently useful
in awaking a missionary spirit among the churches at
home. With the hope of recovering his health, and
at the same time accomplishing these objects, it was

118 MEMOIR OF DR. TUDSON.
deemed wise for Mr. Rice to rUurn to this country.
He sailed March 15, 1813, for New York, by the way
of St. Salvador.
Mr, and Mrs. Judson were now left alone in the
Isle of France. After much deliberation they decided
to attempt the establishment of a mission on Pulo
Penang, or Prince of Wales Island. There was no
opportunity of procuring a passage thither from the
Isle of France. They therefore, after a residence of
three months at Port Louis, determined to proceed to
Madras, as the only course by which they might arrive
at their destination.
May 7, 1813, they embarked in the Countess
of Harcourt, for Madras, and arrived there on the
4th of June. They were hospitably entertained by
Mr. and Mrs. Lovelace, English missionaries residing
there, and received muchkindnessfromotherfriendsof
Christ in that city. Their embarrassments, however,
were by no means diminished. They were again
under the jurisdiction of the East India Company,
from which they had lately escaped. Their case was
immediately reported to the governor general, and
no doubt existed that the reply to the despatch would
bring an order for their immediate transportation to
England. No vessel for Penang was in the harbor.
Their only means of escape was by a vessel bound to
Rangoon. They therefore, on the 22d of June, em
barked on board the Georgiana for that port.
The vessel was old and unseaworthy. Mrs. Jud
son's condition required the aid of a nurse. A female
in this capacity was engaged by the friends in Madras.
A few hours after the vessel sailed, this woman
dropped dead on the deck, and Mrs. Judson was
obliged to pursue the voyage wit' out either female

PASSAGES TO MADRAS AND UANG00N. 119
attendant or medical adviser; and the captain was
the only individual on board who could speak English.
The passage was tempestuous, and Mrs. Judson
became very ill. By a kind Providence, the vessel
was driven into a narrow strait, near the Andaman
Islands, out of the reach of the tempest. Dr. Judson
always believed that, but for this merciful interposition,
Mrs. Judson would never have survived the voyage
They arrived at Rangoon on the 13th of July, 1813,
and" made their first home in Burmah in the Baptist
mission house, occupied by Felix Carey. Mr. Judson's
account of these events is found in the following ex
tract of a letter written after his arrival in Rangoon : —
A slight sketch of our movements, particularly at the time
of our coming to Eangoon, I now submit. After a mournful
separation from brother Eice, at the Isle of France, in March,
1813, we remained there about two months, waiting for a
passage to some of the eastern islands, not venturing at that
time to think a mission to Burmah practicable. But there
being no prospect of accomplishing our wishes directly, we
concluded to take passage to Madras, and proceed -thence as
circumstances should direct. We arrived there in June, and
were immediately informed of the renewed hostilities of the
company's government towards missionaries, exhibited in their
treatment of the brethren both at Serampore and Bombay.
We were, of course, reported tc the police, and an account of
our arrival forwarded to the supreme government in Bengal.
It became, therefore, a moral certainty that, as soon as an order
could be received at Madras, we should be again arrested, and
ordered to England. Our only safety appeared to consist in
escaping from Madras before such order should arrive. It
may easily be conceived with what feelings I inquired the
destination of vessels in the Madras roads. I found none
that would sail in season, but one bound to Eangoon. A mis
sion to Rangoon we had been accustomed to regard with feel-

120 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
ings of horror. But it was now brought to a point. We must
either venture there or be. sent to Europe. All other paths
were shut up ; and thus situated, though dissuaded by all our
friends at Madras, we commended ourselves to the care of
God, and embarked the 22d of June, It was a crazy old
vessel. The captain was the only person on board that could
speak our language, and we had no other apartment than what
was made by canvas. Our passage was very tedious. Mrs.
Judson was taken dangerously ill, and continued so until, at
one period, I came to experience the awful sensation which
necessarily resulted from the expectation of an immediate
separation from my beloved wife, the only remaining compan
ion of my wanderings. About the same time, the captain
being unable to make the Nicobar Island, where it was intend
ed to take in a cargo of cocoa nuts, we were driven into a dan
gerous strait, between the Little and Great Andamans, two sav
age coasts, where the captain had never been before, and where,
if we had been cast ashore, we should, according to all accounts,
have been killed and eaten by the natives. But as one evil is
sometimes an antidote to another, so it happened with us. Our
being driven into this dangerous but quiet channel brought
immediate relief to the agitated and exhausted frame of Mrs.
Judson, and conduced essentially to her recovery. And in the
event, we were safely conducted over the black rocks which
we sometimes saw in the gulf below, and on the eastern side
of the islands found favorable winds, which gently wafted us
forward to Eangoon. But on arriving here, other trials
awaited us.
We had never before seen a place where European influ
ence had not contributed to smooth and soften the rough fea
tures of uncultivated nature. The prospect of Eangoon, as
we approached, was quite disheartening. I went on shore,
just at night, to take a view of the place, and the mission
house ; but so dark, and cheerless, and unpromising did all
things appear, that the evening of that day, after my return
to the ship, we have marked as the most gloomy and distress
ing that we ever passed. Instead of rejoicing, as we ought to

ARRIVAL AT RANGOON. 121
.lave done, in having found a heathen land frtm which we
were not immediately driven away, such were our weaknesses
that we felt we had no portion left here below, and found
consolation only in looking beyond our pilgrimage, which we
tried to flatter ourselves would be short, to that peaceful region
where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at
rest. But if ever we commended ourselves sincerely, and
without reserve, to the disposal of our heavenly Father, it was
on this evening. And after some recollection and prayer, we
experienced something of the presence of Him who cleaveth
closer than a brother ; something of that peace which our
Saviour bequeathed to his followers — a legacy which we know
from this experience endures when the fleeting pleasures and
unsubstantial riches of the world are passed away. The next
day Mrs. Judson was carried into the town, being unable to
walk ; and we found a home at the mission house, though Mr.
Carey was absent at Ava.
When information of these events was received in
this country, it produced an impression which, at the
present day, can hardly be realized. As I have re
marked before, there was a general feeling in favor of
missions throughout the Baptist denomination. The
labors and successes of the missionaries at Serampore
were well known among the churches. The names of
Carey, Marshman, and Ward, in India, and of Fuller,
Ryland, and Sutcliffe, in England, were familiar to us as
household words. Sams of money were contributed oc
casionally by benevolent individuals. There, however,
seemed no particular point to which our efforts could be
directed. There was no union of design. There was
no general organization. We were scattered in large
numbers over the different states of the Union. Each
separate locality had its association ; but the associa
tions had no bond of union with each other, except by
casual correspondence. We knew nothing of our

122 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
numbers, and were scarcely aware in all points of the
doctrinal sentiments embraced by the churches in differ
ent parts of our country. Ignorant of our strength,
and unaware of the reliance which we could place
on each other, we were unprepared to attempt any
important enterprise, for we knew not who could be
relied on to carry it forward.
The change of sentiment in Messrs. Judson and
Rice was just the event which was required to awaken
the dormant energies of the Baptists in America, and
concentrate them all, in every part of our country,
upon one object, truly Christian in its essence, and
yet denominational in its form. It was universally
acknowledged, that in this matter the providence of
God had left us no option. Not to enter at once and
vigorously upon the work of missions, would be to
belie our profession as Christians, and expose us to
the merited scorn of the whole religious world.
These sentiments led to universal action. Societies
in aid of foreign missions were immediately formed
in all our principal cities, and liberal contributions
were made to their treasuries. A society was formed
in Boston, named the Society for Propagating the Gos
pel in India and other Foreign Parts, which at once
assumed the charge of the support of Mr. and Mrs.
Judson. But the same want of confidence in ourselves
existed among us, as, a short time previously, had
been manifested in our Congregational brethren. We
clung to the English Baptists, and desired at first that
our missionaries should be connected with the family at
Serampore. Under date of May 6, 1813, Rev. Daniel
Sharp, of Boston, wrote to Mr. Judson as follows : —
Dear Brother : By the arrival of the Tartai, in January
last, we received the intelligence of your change of views on

SUPPORT ASSUMED BT! AMERICAN BAPTISTS. 123
the subject of Christian baptism, and also intimations of your
readiness to embark in a mission under our patronage, should
a society be formed among the Baptists in America for that
purpose. Your letters excited peculiar emotions. We considered it as
the voice of God calling us to the formation of a missionary
society. That we might not, however, be charged with acting
prematurely, or be considered as interfering with the Board
of Commissioners, we ascertained whether they intended to
continue you in their service before we formally decided to
engage you in ours.
Satisfied on inquiry what was our path of duty, we formed
ourselves into a society for propagating the gospel in India and
other foreign parts. At a meeting of the trustees, we unani
mously agreed to employ you as our missionary, and to stand
prepared to support you with all the pecuniary aid we can
command. By the arrival of another vessel, we have heard that the
Eev. Mr. Eice entertains the same sentiments as yourself on
the subject of baptism. This event gives us joy, because it
must add much to your comfort in a foreign land to have a
fellow-laborer in the gospel. The board have not met since
Mr. Eice's letter was received, but I am confident that he will
be taken under their care. We have not had time to mature
our thoughts so as to say with decision whether it would be
best for you to be connected with, or independent of, our
brethren at Serampore.
At present it appears to us that a connection with them
would most subserve the interests of the Eedeemer's kingdom
in India, and be most productive of happiness to yourselves.
All the benefits which can be derived from union with men of
integrity, disinterested benevolence, and a knowledge of the
country, growing out of a twenty years' experience, would ac
crue to you from a relation with them. These considerations
induced us in March last to write to Mr. Fuller, of Kettering,
on the subject, expressing our wishes that you might be consid
ered as belonging to the mission family at Serampore. Should

124 MEMOIR OF DB. JUDSON.
it appear, Trom future events, more desirable that you should
act alone, or as American missionaries, separately from the
English brethren, then, no doubt, we shall be pleased to have
it so ; but our present sentiments are, that you had better act
with and by their advice.
In behalf of the society,
Yours, affectionately, Daniel Sharp.

The letter to Andrew Fuller above referred to is as
follows : — Boston, March 5, 1813
Mr dear Brother : We have lately heard with peculiar
pleasure of the arrival of your missionary brethren * at Jberam-
pore. The same vessel brought us the intelligence that Eev.
Adoniram Judson, one of the American missionaries, together
with his wife, had experienced a change of views on the sub
ject of baptism, and had expressed a desire to be immersed in
the name of the Lord Jesus.
This intelligence has made a deep impression on our minds.
We cannot bear that our brother should be neglected, or left
to suffer because of his attachment to the truth. He looks to
us for aid, and we stand ready to support him. We have
formed a society, as you will perceive by the accompanying
circular, named " The Baptist Society for Propagating the Gos
pel in India and other Foreign Parts.''
The brethren here, however, suppose that it would much
more advance the cause of Christ, and that brother Judson
would be much more useful and happy in the missionary ser
vice, if he were intimately connected with, and under the
direction of, our beloved brethren at Serampore. Their
acquaintance with the country, the manners, prejudices, and
superstitions of the people, their knowledge of the missionary
* Messrs. J Dims and Lawson, who sailed in the Harmony fiom
Phi adelphia.

general missionary organization. 125
efforts, likely, with the blessing of God, to be most efficient, a
knowledge the result of twenty years' experience, their weight
of years, their unshaken fortitude, intense zeal, and unques
tionable integrity, and their disinterested course in so glorious
a cause, render it very desirable that our brother should be
considered as one of the mission family. I am therefore
requested, in behalf of the newly-formed society in Boston, to
solicit that Mr. Judson may be taken into the society of the
Baptist brethren in India, and be under the direction of
Messrs. Carey, Marshman, and Ward, and also be entitled to
such privileges as would naturally arise from such a coalition.
We shall esteem it an honor and a pleasure to render him
the pecuniary aid which from time to time he may need. In
deed, we expect that our exertions will not be limited to the
support of our American brother, but that we shall be able to
forward to Serampore a willing tribute for the promotion of the
general cause.
Wishing you every blessing, I remain,
Dear sir, yours, very affectionately,
Daniel Sharp.
Rev. Andrew Puller, Sec. Baptist Mission in England.
The brethren in Serampore and in England, how
ever, took a much wiser view of this subject. They,
with every manifestation of kindness and respect,
declined this coalition, and advised the Baptists in
America to form a missionary organization, and estab
lish missions for themselves. Indeed, had this course
not been advised, it was already the only course which
could have been pursued. Residence in Serampore
was impossible. Dr. Stiarp's letter to Mr. Judson was
dated May 5. On the 13th of June following, Mr.
Judson landed in Rangoon, and thus an American
mission was already commenced.
I mentioned that missionary societies were rapidly
formed in most of our cities and large towns. They

126 memoir of dr. judson.
were, however, destitute of any bond of connection.
It became at once evident that some general organi
zation, in which they all should unite, was absolutely
necessary. Incipient steps towards the formation of
such a society had been already taken, when Mr. Rice
arrived from India. He was immediately requested to
visit the various parts of the country, organize socie
ties, and promote the formation of a general asso
ciation. This object he performed with eminent
success. Every where he was received almost with
acclamation. Societies in aid of the cause were
formed almost at his bidding. Contributions, in
amounts unprecedented, were made to the object.
Christians of all denominations in many cases ex
tended liberal aid. It was thus soon ascertained that
we were able not only to support Mr. Judson and his
wife, but to carry on missions upon a somewhat
liberal scale.
In obedience to the general wish, a convention was
called at Philadelphia of delegates from the various
missionary societies which had thus been formed.
The delegates appointed for this purpose assembled
on the 18th of May, 1814, in the First Baptist Church
"n that city. They there formed the " General Mis
sionary Convention of the Baptist Denomination in
the United States of America for Foreign Missions."
Under this name the Baptist organization for foreign
missions was known until the year 1845. At that
time, the brethren in the Southern States having felt
it to be their duty to withdraw, and afterwards to form
a Southern Convention, it was found desirable to adopt
a somewhat different organization. On the 20th of
November, at a special meeting of the convention in
the city of New York, a new constitution was unani-

GENERAL MISSIONARY ORGANIZATION. 127
mously adopted, and the organization assumed the
name of the " American Baptist Missionary Union."
The change has been found in practice to have been
eminently beneficial, and every succeeding year has
added to its efficiency, and given it a firmer hold upon
the affections of Baptists in the United States.
Who can fail to observe in these events the wonder
working hand of omniscient wisdom ? The change of
sentiment of these two young men, in respect to the
administration of one of the ordinances of the Chris
tian church, was made the means of arousing to a
conviction of their duty a large denomination of
Christians ; nay, more than this, it led directly to an
organization in which all their efforts could be con
centrated, so that their united power might be em
ployed in labors to evangelize the world. The mo
mentary irritation which the change occasioned rapidly
passed away. Baptists and Pedobaptists delight to
aid each other in these labors of love. Not unfre-
quently are they seen contributing to each other's
treasury. At their monthly concerts they communi
cate the missionary intelligence from both societies,
and rejoice with unfeigned joy at the successes of
each other. Looking at the results which have taken
place, Congregationalists are delighted to remember
that brethren sent out by themselves have served in so
remarkable a degree the cause of our common Lord.
I am happy, moreover, to add, that when, after an
absence of thirty-three years, Dr. Judson visited this
country, he was received with universal kindness and
respect by his Christian brethren of all denomina
tions ; and that the officers of the " American Board "
especially delighted to greet him as a " brother
beloved."

CHAPTEE V.
1HE BURMAN EMPIRE. -EXTENT. -RIVERS. -POPULATION. --
RESOURCES. — GOVERNMENT. — RELIGION.
Mr. Judson and his wife had now arrived at the
scene of their future labors. Before proceeding fur
ther, it may be proper to present a brief sketch of the
country which was henceforth to be their home, and to
delineate the character of the people to whose spiritual
improvement their lives were to be so earnestly devoted.
The Burman empire occupies that extensive region
of Eastern India, or India beyond the Ganges, which
lies between the British possessions on the west and
Siam and China on the east, being bounded by Thibet
on the north, and the Bay of Bengal on the south.
At the time of Mr. Judson's arrival, its extent was
considerably greater than at present. Its sea coast
then stretched from the southern limits of the prov
ince of Chittagong to Junk Ceylon, at the southern
extremity of the Tenasserim provinces. It thus com
manded more than a third part of the Bay of Bengal.
Its length was about ten hundred and twenty miles,
and its breadth about six hundred.
By the treaty of Yandabo, the Burmans ceded to
Great Britain the larger part of their territory lying
upon the sea coast. This included the province of
Arracan from Chittagong to Cape Negrais on the
east, and the Tenasserim provinces from the mouth
of the Salwen River to Junk Ceylon. Their sea coast
is now bounded by Cape Negrais on the west, and
Martaban on the east, embracing the district occu
pied by the numerous mouths of the Irrawadi River
128

RIVISRS OF BURMAH. 129
Its length is now about seven hundred and twenty,
and its breadth about four hundred miles. Its two
principal seaports are Rangoon on the eastern, and
Bassein on the western branch of the Irrawadi,
Both are very favorably situated for commerce. Ran
goon is said by English writers to possess the finest
capabilities of any port in the Bay of Bengal.
The great river of Burmah is the Irrawadi, which,
rising in the Chinese province of Yunan, with the
exception of a flexure to the west, between Ava and
Pugan, pursues a course almost directly south. The
Kyen Dwen, a large tributary from the north, unites
with it at Yandabo. A smaller stream from the east
empties into it at Ava. The Salwen River, the east
ern boundary of Burmah, communicates by numerous
branches with the Irrawadi, watering the interme
diate region, and opening facilities for internal navi
gation for the regions which occupy the central part
of the empire.
The Irrawadi is one of the noblest rivers in India.
In the rainy season, it is navigable for large vessels as
far as Ava, about four hundred and fifty miles above
Rangoon. Mr. Crawfurd, the British commissioner to
negotiate the commercial treaty at the close of the war
in 1826, proceeded to Ava in the steamer Diana, and
found a depth of water sufficient for a much larger
vessel. On his return, in the dry season, the steamer
twice grounded on sand banks — a misfortune, how
ever, which seems to have arisen mainly from the
unskilfulness of the pilot. Above Ava, the river is
navigable for large boats, but to what distance it is
not possible to determine, as but little is known of
the geography of the northern portions of the empire
A few miles from the town of Sarwa, the Irrawadi

130 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
divides into two branches, the one pursuing a south
eastern, the other a south-western, course to the Bay
of Bengal. From each of these smaller branches
proceed in every direction, uniting with each other
and forming a perfect network of navigable waters,
which covers the whole peninsula from the base of
the Arracan Mountains to the banks of the Salwen
River. These various streams, or natural canals, at
'ast enter the Bay of Bengal by fourteen separate
:hannels. Most of them are, however, rendered use-
ess for foreign commerce by sand bars, which obstruct
navigation. From the sea coast to nearly the latitude of Prome,
the country is a level, alluvial plain, intersected, as I
have remarked, by innumerable watercourses. The
soil is exceedingly productive, and is specially adapted
to the cultivation of rice, the universal diet of the
inhabitants of India. This is, therefore, the granary
of the empire. Ascending the river, as you leave
Prome, the face of the country changes. High ranges
of mountains appear on the right hand and on the
left, and the intermediate region becomes undulating
and hilly. The mountains approach nearer and nearer
to the river, until the banks become steep and precip
itous. Above the latitude of Ava, the whole region
is intersected by mountain ranges running north and
south, and penetrating Asam on the west and the
province of Yunan on the east.
The portions of Burmah ceded to the British at
the close of the last war were the kingdom of Arracan
and the Tenasserim provinces.* The former is gener-
* Since this paragraph was written, the Burman empire has been
again dismembered, and the British have annexed to the possessions
of the Hon. East India Company the kingdom of Pegu, which formed

POPULATION OF BURMAH. 131
ally hilly, with extensive alluvial flats near the sea,
and along the numerous streams, fertile, and adapted
to the cultivation of rice. Akyab, the principal port,
has a secure and convenient harbor. Of the Ten
asserim provinces, the principal rivers are the vari
ous branches of the Salwen, the Ataran, the Tavoy,
and the Mergui rivers. Most of these streams are,
for a short distance, navigable for vessels of consider
able burden, and must, in time, become the homes
of extensive commerce.
Respecting the population of Burmah, the differ
ence of the estimates is quite remarkable. Colonel
Symes, who visited the empire in the year 1795,
supposed the number of inhabitants to be about
seventeen millions. When the Baptist mission was
first established in Rangoon, this computation was
supposed to be correct, and it was frequently said
that the population of Burmah equalled that of the
United States. Later travellers have reduced it to
eight millions. Crawfurd, after as careful a computa
tion as he was able to form, does not believe that it
exceeds four millions. Dr. Malcom believes that there
may be three million Burmans, three million Shyans,
and probably two millions of other tribes, subject to
the Burman dominion. When estimates of this kind
are made, the lowest is, I think, most likely to be cor
rect. Travellers, in such a country as this, must, of
necessity, pursue the most frequented routes, and
follow the most navigable watercourses. These,
being always the most thickly-peopled portions of a
country, would naturally convey an exaggerated idea
of its population. I am of the opinion that more
the whole lower portion of the country. The Burmans thus have lost
the whole of their territory lying on the Bay of Bengal, their southern .

b

132 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
accurate investigation than is now possible will show
that the population of the empire and its present
dependencies does not exceed six or eight millions.*
A large portion of the soil of Burmah is fertile, and
under a good government would be remarkably pro
ductive. The lower provinces, from the sea to the
latitude of- Prome, produce, as I have said, rice in
great abundance. In the more elevated districts, cot
ton of a good quality, of a soft and silky texture, but
of short staple, is every where cultivated. The teak
tree, the best ship timber in the world, grows on the
mountains. Maize, wheat, millet, and various kinds
of pulses, with the usual variety of edible roots, and
a multitude of tropical fruits, are produced with very
little labor. The domestic animals are such as are
common in India — the buffalo, braminy cattle, the
horse, and the goat ; and in the forests are found the
elephant, the rhinoceros, the tiger, and several varieties
of the deer.
The mineral wealth of Burmah is probably great.
It possesses mines of iron, tin, silver, and gold, and
produces sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, with amber
in large quantities. Sulphur, arsenic, and antimony
are found in abundance, and coal, both anthracite and
bituminous, exists in various places, but has not yet
been brought into use. On the banks of the Irrawadi,
a short distance above Prome, petroleum is obtained
in large quantities. The annual yield of the wells
here is said by Dr. Malcom to be about eighty mil
lions of pounds. Marble is found in various places,
and some of the quarries yield a product which is
said, for statuary purposes, to equal that from Carrara.
* The population has since been greatly reduced by the loss of the
kingdom of Pegu within the present year.

GOVERNMENT OF BURMAH. 133
The commerce of the empire is but limited. The
Burmans are intelligent and industrious, and under a
good government would probably soon excel in manu
factures. Under the protection of English employers,
they at one time became excellent ship builders at
Rangoon. But manufactures require fixed capital,
and when the possession of capital invites oppression
and spoliation, they cannot exist. Hence the exports
of Burmah are limited almost exclusively to the raw
materials produced by their unskilful labor. The most
important of them are teak wood, raw cotton, both
white and yellow, precious stones, and lackered ware.
Teak wood is sent to Calcutta, and is mostly used in
the naval service of Great Britain. Cotton and pre
cious stones, lackered ware, and edible birds' nests are
sent to China. The English send, in return, cotton
fabrics, hardware, cutlery, and old muskets. The Chi
nese bring principally raw silk, which is made into
coarse goods by the Burmans, and the velvets which
are worn on state occasions by the grandees of the
empire. Rice, salt, and salt fish are carried from the
southern provinces and the sea coast to the upper
country, and exchanged for lackered ware, raw cot
ton, precious stones, metals, and petroleum.
The government of Burmah is an unmitigated des
potism of the sternest character. The king is the ac
knowledged possessor of the soil, and the people are
his slaves. He is lord of the life and property of all
his subjects. No rank or office protects a citizen from
the liability of being ordered to immediate execution,
if such be the will of the monarch. Several of the
commanders who were defeated in the last war with
the British were beheaded within a few hours of their
arrival at the capital. Mr. Crawfurd saw one of the
vol. i. 12

134 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
chief officers of state, for some trifling offence, exposed
to the meridian sun, lying on his back, with a weight
on his chest, for several hours. When a man is put
to death by the order of the king, his property reverts
to the crown. Hence the possession of large wealth
becomes a somewhat unenviable distinction.
The government of the empire is administered by
a council of state, appointed by the king. This coun
cil is called collectively lut-d'hau, from the name of
the hall in which its business is transacted. The
councillors are four in number, unless, as it sometimes
happens, on a special emergency, another member is
added. These officers are called woon-gyees. All pub
lic matters are discussed in this council, and the deci
sion is by the majority of voices. Every royal edict is
by usage sanctioned by this council, and, in fact, ap
pears in their name, rather than in that of the king.
Their functions are legislative, judicial, and executive.
Each woon-gyee has a deputy, who is called a woon-
douk. The woon-douks, although they sit in council,
neither deliberate nor vote. Whatever business they
transact is in the name of their superiors.
The woon-douks have also their assistants, who are
called sara-dau-gyee. They are from eight to ten in
number. These are, in fact, the secretaries of the
lut-d'hau, and-their business is to record its proceed
ings. Their name signifies " great royal scribes."
A second council forms another branch of the gov
ernment. This, like the other, consists of four mem
bers. Their title is atwen-woon, meaning "inside"
ministers of state.* These officers constitute the pri
vate advisers of the king. Whatever emanates di
rectly from him is first discussed in this privy council,
* Inside ministers, or privy c luncillors.

GOVERNMENT OF BURMAH. 135
before it is transmitted to the lut-d'hau. It deliberates
and votes like the superior council, and its members
exercise also judicial functions. It is a matter of dis
pute at the court of Ava whether the rank of atwen-
woon or of woon-douk be the higher.
Attached to the privy council are secretaries, com
monly thirty in number. These are called than-dau-
sens. They hold the same relation to the atwen-woons
that the woon-douks hold to the woon-gyees. Theii
business is to record the proceedings of the council,
to take minutes of the king's commands, and to read
and report upon petitions. Attached to both of these
councils are four or five officers, called nakandau,
meaning " deputies of the royal star." Their business
is, nominally, to convey messages between the two
councils, but, really, to report to the king what is done.
in the lut-d'hau.
Such is the theory of the government. In practice,
however, a council which may be degraded or exe
cuted at the word of the monarch must be useless as
advisers. In the former war with Great Britain,- they
frequently did not dare to make known the facts to
the king, or even offer their opinions upon the state
of affairs. They are really the passive instruments
for carrying into effect the will of the monarch. They
are willing to live in constant apprehension of dis
grace and death for the privilege of subjecting all
below them to the same condition. Political life
seems to be much the same in all countries.
The rank of every officer of government is deter
mined by the tsalway, or golden chain, which passes
over the left shoulder, and crosses the breast. lit
front, it is divided into several strands of chain work.
Three common strands indicate the lowest grado of

136 MEMOIR OF DE. JUDSON.
office ; three of more elaborate workmanship the next
above ; then come those of six, nine, and twelve,
which last number indicates the highest rank attaina
ble by a subject. Princes of the blood most nearly
related to the king wear eighteen. The monarch him
self alone wears twenty-four.
The civil administration is organized as follows:
The kingdom is divided into provinces, provinces into
townships, townships into districts, and districts into
villages or hamlets.
The governor of a province is called myo-woon,
and is vested with the entire charge of the province,
civil,, judicial, military, and fiscal. Under him are
collectors of customs, deputies, &c, who form his
council, without whose assent no order of importance
can be executed. The myo-woon has power of life
and death.
The governor of a township is called myo-thoo-gyee.
The governor, or head man, of a district or village is
called thoo-gyee. These are all respectively subordi
nate to each other.
No public functionary receives any fixed salary.
The principal officers of state are rewarded by assign
ments of certain districts, from the inhabitants of
which they exact as much as they are able. Inferior
officers are paid by fees, emoluments, perquisites,
together with all that can be collected by extortion
and bribery. Each of these officers exercises judicial
functions within his own district, an appeal, however,
lying to the next higher in office. Bribery is uni
versal ; and it rarely happens that a criminal is pun
ished, if he is able to satisfy the rapacity of the officer
before whom he is arraigned. The judges take bribes
from both a '.des, and the decree, except in very palpa-

GOVERNMENT OF BURMAH. 137
ble cases, will be in favor of him who pays the high
est. Vi On the 7th of February, 1817, seven persons
found guilty of sacrilege were conveyed to the place
of execution near Rangoon, and secured in the usual
way to the stake. The first of them was fired at four
successive times by a marksman without being hit.
At every shot there was a loud peal of laughter from
the spectators. The malefactor was taken down, de
clared to be invulnerable, pardoned, and taken into a
confidential employment by the governor. He had
paid a large bribe. The second culprit was shot, and
the remaining five were decapitated " *
The various provinces of the kingdom are appor
tioned out to favorites of the court, or are made re
sponsible for the support of some branch of the gov
ernment. The individual to whom this cession is
made becomes then the governor of that province, or,
as the Burmans appropriately term him, its " eater,"
or consumer. By means of his subordinate agents.
he taxes every family as much as it is supposed to be
able to pay. Every subordinate officer takes his share
of this tax, and the governor at last divides with the
king the portion which he receives. The poor peasant
is thus obliged to satisfy a succession of harpies,
while but a small portion of what he pays ever
reaches the public treasury. Besides these contribu
tions paid to the lord of the land, the cultivators are
from time to time, and according to the public exi
gency, called upon for contributions to the state. The
amount of these is fixed by the lut-d'hau, or chief
council. These contributions, being levied through
the lords, or local officers, are made a pretext for addi
tional exactions on their own account, often greater
* Crawford's Embassy, vol. ii.
12*

138 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.

than those taken for the government. The Burman
officers ar3 thus turned loose upon the country, to
prey upon it like a swarm of locusts. The contribu
tions paid into the public treasury are little better
than a hoard to gratify the desires of the reigning
prince ; and the amount exacted from the people for
this purpose depends entirely upon his personal char
acter. His subordinate officers, from the highest to
the lowest, follow the example of their chief; and
every energy of the people is crushed under a savage,
selfish, and relentless despotism.
The religion of Burmah is Buddhism. To present
an extended view of this form of religion, which num
bers among its believers a larger portion of the inhab
itants of the earth than any other, would be foreign
to the design of a memoir like the present. I can do
nothing more than offer a brief statement of the Bur
man religious system, compiled from Such sources as
have been within my reach. I was happy to find,
after a pretty extensive research, that Dr. Judson had
furnished Mr. Crawfurd with an article on this sub
ject, which is inserted in the fourth chapter of the
second volume of his " Embassy." As I consider
this of the highest authority, I transcribe it entire.
A hfe period, called A-yen-kat, is a revolution of time,
during which the life of man gradually advances from ten
years to an A-then-kye, and returns again to ten. Sixty-four
life periods make one intermediate period, (An-ta-ra-kat ;)
sixty-four intermediate periods make one quarterly period,
which may be so termed because four such periods make one
grand period (Ma-ha-kat,) a complete revolution of nature.
The revolutions of nature, as marked by the various periods,
are eternal or infinite Some grand periods are distinguished
by the development of an extraordinary being called a

BUDDHISM. 139
Budd'ha, who, though born of earthly parents, attains to the
summit of omniscience.* The present grand period has been
favored by four of these personages, whose names are Kan-
kri-than, Gau-na-gong, Ka-tha-pa, and Gau-ta-ma. The fifth
Budd'ha, or A-ri-mi-te-va, is now reposing, according to the
best authorities, in one of the lower celestial regions, and will
develop himself in due time.
The communications of all Budd'has previously to G-au-
ta-ma are now lost. His communications, made at first to his
immediate disciples, and by them retained in memory during
five centuries more, after his decease agreed upon in several suc
cessive general councils, (Then-ga-ya-na,) and finally reduced to
writing on palm leaves, in the Island of Ceylon, in the ninety-
fourth year before Christ, and the four hundred and fiftieth
after Gau-ta-ma, form the present Buddhist scriptures, the
only rule of faith and practice. They are comprised in three
grand divisions, (Pe-ta-kat,) which are again subdivided into
fifteen, and those into six hundred.
According to the Buddhist scriptures, the universe is com
posed of an infinite number of worlds, or Sakya systems. A
Sakya system consists of one central Myen-mo, or mount,
the surrounding seas and islands, the celestial regions, includ
ing the revolving luminaries and the infernal regions. The
earth on which we live is the southernmost of the four grand
islands which surround the mount, each of which is again sur
rounded by four hundred of smaller size.
The celestial regions consist of six inferior and twenty
superior heavens. Of the six inferior heavens, the first occu
pies the middle, and the second the summit of the Myen-mo
mount. The remaining arise above each other in regular
gradation. The same remark applies to the superior heavens,
which are again distinguished into the sixteen visible and four
invisible. The inferior regions consist of eight hills, one
above another, each being surrounded by sixteen smaller hills.

* " Omniscience is. according to Buddhists, the principal attri
bute of Gautama.

140 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
The universe is replete with an infinity of souls, which
have been transmigrating in different bodies from all eternity ;
ascent or descent in the scale of existence being at every
change of state ascertained by the immutable " mysterious
laws of fate," according to the merit or demerit of the indi
vidual. No being is exempt from sickness, old age, and death.
Instability, pain, and change are the three grand character
istics of all existence.
" However highly exalted in the celestial regions, and what
ever number of ages of happiness may roll on," say the Bur
mans, "the fatal symptom of a moisture under the armpits
will at length display itself." The mortal being, when this
presents itself, must be prepared to exchange the blandish
ments and dalliance of celestial beauties for the gridirons,
pitchforks, mallets, and other instruments of torture of the in
fernal regions. The chief end of man, according to the Bur
mese, is to terminate the fatiguing course of transmigratory
existence. This attainment Lord Gautama made in the
eightieth year of his life, and all his immediate disciples have
participated in the same happy fate. What remains to the
present race of beings is to aim at passing their time in the
regions of men and gods, until they shall come in contact with
the next Budd'ha, the Loud Arimiteya, whom they may hope
to accompany to the golden world of nigban, or annihila
tion. In order to this, it is necessary to keep the com
mands of the last Budd'ha, to worship the Budd'ha, his law
and his priests ; to refrain from taking life ; from stealing ;
from adultery ; from falsehood, and from drinking intoxicating
liquors ; to regard the images and temples of the Budd'ha the
same as himself; to perform acts of worship, and listen to the
instructions of religion on the days of the new moon, the full
moon, and the quarters ; to make offerings for the support of
the priests, to assist at funerals, and, in general, to perform all
charitable and religious duties.
In the year 930 after Gautama, A. D. 386, Budd'ha-gautha
transcribed the Buddhist scriptures, with an iron pen of celes
tial workmanship, and brought them by sea to Pu°an, the

BUDDHISM. 141
seat of supreme government. The time and manner in which
the religion of Gautama was introduced into the country are
not sufficiently ascertained. It subsequently underwent some
modification, and was finally established in its present form by
King Anan-ra-tha-men-sau, who began to reign in Pugan in
the 1541st year after Gautama, the 359th of the present
vulgar era, and A. D. 997.
To this brief statement, which contains by far the
most intelligible account of the system of Buddhism
that I have seen, I will add a few items of informa
tion, which I have been able to glean from a tolera'bly
extensive reading on the subject.
It will be seen that the moral code of Buddhism is
simple and pure. Its five precepts are, I. Thou shalt
not take life. This precept is universal. The priests,
in order to obey it, carry with them a brush, with which
they sweep the seat on which they are about to sit
down, lest they should inadvertently crush the smallest
insect. II. Thou shalt not steal. III. Thou shalt not
commit adultery. IV. Thou shalt not lie. V. Thou
shalt drink no intoxicating liquors. It is by obedience
to these that, at death, we enter by transmigration
into a better condition than we occupy at present.
The rules more at large for the regulation of our
conduct are contained in the institutions of Menu, an
ascetic, who, ages ago, on account of his austerities,
was favored with a remarkable degree of divine illu
mination. This work, entitled " The Damathat, or
the Laws of Menu," * has been translated into Eng-
* Eor a copy of this work I am indebted to the kindness of my
friend and former pupil, Eev. E. A. Stevens, of Maulmain. It is to
be remembered that this is an entirely different work from the Brah-
minical institutes of Menu. Why they should both have the sam
name, I am not able to discover.

142 MEMOIR OF Dli. JUDSOI^
lish by D. Richardson, Esq., principal assistant to the
commissioner, Tenasserim provinces, and was pub
lished in Maulmain, at the American Baptist mission
press, in 1847. It consists of fourteen books, each of
which is generally devoted to a class of subjects in
law and ethics. Each book commences with the fol
lowing title : " I worship the God who is worthy of
homage, who possesses an intuitive knowledge of
good." I had intended to give a brief account of this
work, but I find that my limits render it impracticable.
In no instance is any general principle explained to
which moral cases may be referred ; but each book is
made up of a multitude of supposed instances, and a
decision is given applying to that instance. They
exhibit much acuteness, and indicate, from their fre
quent complexity, that they must have been composed
in an advanced period of civilization. Frequently the
solution of the case is given in a parable or an alle
gory. They are generally of a description that would
give large room for special pleading and chicanery.
As no general principle is laid down, the party accused
would find it easy in most cases to show that some
difference exists between the case at issue and that
mentioned in the books. In a note to the first book
of the Institutes, I find the following remark by the
translator, which, I think, throws some light upon the
doctrines of Buddha : " Zan Mina. There are foul
states of Zan: 1. Thought or desire; 2. Reflection;
3. Joy or pleasure ; 4. Happiness, bliss, and perma
nency or immutability ; all of which enable the pos
sessor to traverse different worlds." The illustration
of this doctrine is as follows, and it presents so good
a specimen ?f the manr.er in which such subjects are
treated in tne work that I insert it : "A man sleeping

BULDHISM. 143
at the foot of a mango tree, with his cloth over his
nead, is in a^state of unintelligence. A mango falls
on him, and awakes him ; he is then in the first state.
He considers what this can be ; he is then in the sec
ond state. He puts the cloth off his head, and, looking
at the mango, approves of it, and is in the third state.
He then takes it up, and eats it ; it is sweet and pleas
ant ; and he is then in the fourth state ; or, having eaten
it, he is in a state of great enjoyment, blissful repose
— the fifth state."
The Buddhist priesthood is confined to no class,
and indeed the doctrines of Gaudama allow of no
hereditary caste ; any man who complies with the
required precepts may be admitted to the sacred order.
He, however, is not obliged to remain in it for life, but
may quit it at his pleasure, and, I think, without re
proach. The priests are bound by the vows of celibacy
and poverty. They are forbidden to hold property, and
are supported by voluntary contributions of the people.
They go out daily in the streets with their rice pots,
and every one gives them what he pleases. They are
forbidden, however, to take money, and they never ask
for any thing. Travellers assure us that they are
never seen to turn their heads, or even look upon the
offering made to them. It \yere well if the ecclesias
tics of many other countries derived instruction from
their example.
The labors of the priests seem unlike those ol any
other religion. They seldom preach, nor do they gen
erally seem to perform any specially religious service
for the people. They are merely men sacredly de
voted to pious observances and holy austerities. They
reside altogether in monasteries which have been
erected for them, and in some cases endowed by mon-

144 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
archs or governors — an appropriation of property held
to be specially meritorious. They are forbidden to
have any connection with the civil power, and they
seem to have but very little. Their principal employ
ment is that of instructing the young, to which they
commonly devote themselves. The monasteries are,
therefore, in general, the school houses of Burmah, and
the priests are her schoolmasters. What they teach is
Very little ; but it suffices to enable a large portion
of th-g. male, population to read. In this respect the
Buddhist nriesthood compares very favorably with that
of other fflpe or perverted systems of religion.
The B«f "a,'gb. have been commonly denominated
atheists. % fhat° ^r may ^e ^'ne Views which have
subsequently oj- ruined among the people at large, I
doubt wj/etner the system of Gaudama is chargeable
with ^q0 error. Men are believed to exist after death,
inhabiting other bodies ; and the change which then
takes place is determined by their conduct in the state
which they occupy at the present. They may be
changed from men into nats, and from nats in an infe
rior to those of a superior grade ; thus gradually
rising until they arrive at nigban. Or, on the other
hand, they may be changed from men into animals,
and, in successive transformations, from animals of a
higher to those of a lower grade, until they reach hell,
or a place of unmixed torment. In cases of atrocious
crime, as the murder of a parent, or a priest, they pass
through no intermediate transformations, but at once
enter the place of torment. The doctrine of future
rewards and punishments, as consequences of moral
character in this life, is thus distinctly recognized.
The peculiarity of their belief is, that this life is not
considered as the state, but only a state of probation.

BUDDHISM. 145
' Probation extends to every state but n gban. Hence
every living thing which we see is inhabited for the
time being, by a soul similar to our own ; and we and
it may, at any time, change places. From this idea
is derived the prohibition to slay animals and every
tiling that has life.
This system of rewards and punishments is admin
istered, according to the Buddhist belief, by the vari
ous grades of existence superior to men, and inferior
to Buddh. An inquiry is instituted by these deities
into the character of every individual, and, in obedi
ence to their decision, each one either ascends or de
scends in the scale of being. The government of the
universe is, therefore, carried on, not by the supreme
divinity, who is, according to the notions of oriental
happiness, exempt from all care, but by inferior beings,
who are still themselves striving upwards in order to
arrive at nigban.
As this is a subject on which I found great difficulty
in arriving at any accurate information, I will, for the
benefit of others, present a few extracts from such
authorities as seem to me most worthy of confidence
in illustration and confirmation of the statements
above. The following extract is from Upham's His
tory of Buddhism, chap. ix. p. 105, quarto, Lon
don, 1829 : —
Immediately after death, the judgment is pronounced by
Yame-rajah, the god of the heaven Wape-warty-rajah, upon
such mortal beings as having inthralled their souls by a mix
ture of good and evil, yet entertain a hope to cone into the
Brama Loha ; but the thoroughly wicked go to the hell un
heard, and even without approaching the tribunal of the
judge. VOL. i. 13

146 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Before the gate of each hell sit judges, who condemn tlw
guilty according to the weight of their evil deeds. These
judges are selected from the Nat Apura, but their office does
not exclude them from enjoying the pleasures of their happy
companions. They have no occasion to examine into crimes
of a very atrocious nature ; the weight of them sinks the per
petrators at once into hell.
There are four states of misery appropriated to the pun
ishment of atrocious crimes, among the most conspicuous of
which is disrespect to the priesthood. In the lesser hells are
punished tho*se who do not honor their parents, the magistrates,
or old age ; who take wine and inebriating liquors ; who corrupt
wells, or destroy highways ; who are fraudulent and deceitful ;
who speak angrily and roughly ; who use personal violence ;
who pay little attention to the words of pious men ; who
afflict others ; who propagate scandal ; who chain, bind, or fet
ter their fellow-creatures ; who admit forbidden things into
their wojds, actions, or desires ; and who do not solace the
sick. All these will be punished according to the atrocity of
the deed and the frequency of its repetition ; and they will
suffer also in another hell, compared in shape to a kettle of
molten brass, where they are three thousand years in descend
ing to the bottom, and three thousand years in ascending.
These various hells, and the crimes which they are
intended to punish, are dwelt on in the Buddhist
books with great particularity. I need go no further
into detail. The above extracts are sufficient to show
that Buddhism is not strictly atheism ; that it acknowl
edges a moral government of the universe, and a most
comprehensive and minute system of rewards am'
punishments. The belief that it is a system of atheism has been
derived from the idea of nigban, or, as it is translated,
annihilation, which is the state in which the deity for

B JDDHISM. 147
the present period, always exists. So far as 1 can
learn, the system of Gaudama does not represent nig-
ban as annihilation. It is, rather, the precisely antago
nist idea to that of transmigration, change, and pain
ful vicissitude, to which the rest of the universe is
ever subjected.
The most celebrated of the Burman priests at Ava,
in reply to inquiries made by one of the Catholic mis
sionaries, replied as follows : " When a person is no
longer subject to any of the following miseries, namely,
to weight, old age, disease, and death, then he is said
to have obtained nigban. No thing, no place, can
give us any adequate idea of nigban ; we can only
say that to be free from the four above-mentioned mis
eries, and to obtain sahation, is nigban. In the same
manner as when any person laboring under a severe
disease recovers by the assistance of medicine, we
say he has obtained health ; but if any person wishes
to know the manner or cause of his thus obtaining
health, it can only be answered, that to be restored to
health signifies no more than to be removed from dis
ease. In the same manner only can we speak of nig
ban, and after this~manner Gaudama taught." *
Upham remarks that "the Pali doctrinal books
speak of Nirvana (Nicban) as an exemption from
old age, from decay, and from death ; and as being
also the acquirement of all bliss. . . . Even when
the Buddha bestows the Nirvana, his votary hears
his great voice, beholds the face, and accepts a state
which enables him to see the succession of other
Buddhas. Such is the clear import of the phrases,
which cannot leave us to doubt of the system possess
ing an ulterior state of reward, combined with posi-
• Asiatie Researches, vol. vi. p. 266.

148 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
tive vitality. The Buddhist doctrine always treats
life in the stage of human existence as a state of suf
fering and misfortune ; regarding it as a situation of
painful probation, growing out of its changes, which
za.n be escaped from in no other way than by the ac
quirement of the unchangeable state of Nirvana.
Every expression of illusion, disappointment, and
pain is applied to life, and the opposite epithets of
unruffled peace, repose, and profound tranquillity as
cribed to the envied rewards of Nirvana — expressions
carried even to the length of non-existence."
While, however, the system of Gaudama may not
be strictly chargeable with theoretical atheism, inas
much as it recognizes the existence of superior beings
who govern this world, and reward and punish us for
our actions, it is, I believe, the common opinion that
nigban is non-existence, and that annihilation is the
greatest good after which we can aspire. Nor is this
the belief of the uneducated alone ; the priests them
selves teach this doctrine, and defend it on philosoph
ical principles. They hold that divinity itself is not
exempt from change, that it is base and grovelling to
cling to existence, since a nat to-day may be a mon
key to-morrow. Even a god (their gods attain to de
ityship in this world) is subject to sickness and death;
and it is noble and philosophic, the mark of a superior
mind, not in love with mean and paltry things, to
choose not to be. The Brahminical idea of absorption
in the deity is utterly unknown to the greater part of
the Buddhists, and would be abhorrent to them, for
their deity himself lays down his existence, and be
comes a nonentity. Mr. Judson found that the min
ister of state, Moung Zah, had an indistinct notion of
a deity who ought to be eternal, and said that he and

BUDDHISM. 149
the Prince Mekara came the nearest to deism of any
pure Burmans he had ever met with. Mrs. Judson
states, that her old teacher, a Christian, who had
been a Buddhist priest in his youth, assured her that
he had never heard nor imagined that nigban meant
any thing but annihilation. This difference between
the teachings of a religious system and the belief of
those who profess it, is unfortunately a matter of very
'common occurrence.
Such, then, seems to be the system of Buddhism.*
In its moral precepts it is remarkable for purity. So
far as the relations between man and man are con
cerned, it is, in many respects, similar to the Mosaic
law. The punishments which it denounces against
sin are awful beyond conception ; and the rewards of
obedience are as great as the authors of the system
could imagine. For the least aberration from recti
tude the consequence is pain only less than infinite. It,
however, in no case that I have seen, makes any allu
sion to repentance. After one sin, the being is forever
helplessly under condemnation, unless he can attain
to annihilation. It presents no way of escape for the
sinner by means of an atonement. It is a pure system
of law, with its rewards and punishments, without re
lenting, without pardon, and without hope for the
guilty. It remains to consider what has been the practical
effect of this system upon the mind of man. It is a
system, it will be remembered, devised to govern the
moral conduct of a race of sinners. Hence the im
possibility of avoiding its penalties is at once ev»
dent. Do what we will, conscience must convict us
* See Appendix A, for other views hi 1 by Dr. Judson.
13*

150 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
of grievous moral ii. perfection, involving the neces
sity of ages of suffering, without the certainty of any
eventual escape. Under such a system, the mind
sinks down in utter helplessness. When there is no
escape from punishment, the difference between ten
millions and twenty millions of transmigrations is not
capable if being appreciated. Virtue and vice, in our
imperfect state, are, therefore, hardly capable of being
distinguished from each other in their results. Thus
the system which seems to have exhausted the human
faculties in conceiving of terrors which should deter
us from sin, is found practically to have created
against it no barrier whatever.
The result was such as might have been expected.
While the law of Gaudama forbids us to take the hfe
of any animated being, the Burmans are bloodthirsty,
cruel, and vindictive, beyond most of the nations of
India. Murders are of very common occurrence, and
the punishment by death is inflicted with every aggra
vation of cruelty. While licentiousness is absolutely
forbidden, they are said to be universally profligate.
While the law denounces covetousness, they are almost
to a man dishonest, rapacious, prone to robbery, and to
robbery ending in blood. The law forbids, on all oc
casions, treachery and deceit, and yet, from the highest
to the lowest, they are a nation of liars. When de
tected in the grossest falsehood, they indicate no con
sciousness of shame, and even pride themselves upon
successful deceit. An amusing instance of national
want of faith occurred towards the close of the former
Burman war. On the 3d of January, 1826, the Bur
man commander-in-chief and one of the high officers
of th? empire signed a treaty wrh Sir A. Campbell,

BUDDHISM. 151
and lequired fifteen days' truce, for the purpose of
sending the articles to Ava for the sanction of the
empsror The fifteen days elapsed, during which, in
violation of the armistice, they were busily engaged
in strengthening their defences ; and the ratifications
did not arrive. Hostilities were recommenced, and
the Burman general was, in unexpected haste, driven
from his head-quarters. When the British entered the
fort, they found the English and Burman copies of
the treaty in the state in which they had been signed,
they never having been even transmitted to Ava. In
the military chest were also found thirty thousand
rupees in silver. Sir A. Campbell sent the copies of
the treaty to the woon-gyee, with a note stating that he
supposed he had merely forgotten them in th# hurry of
his departure from Maloun. The woon-gyee answered,
with much coolness and good humor, " that in the
same hurry he had also left behind him a large sum
of money, which, he was confident, the British general
only waited an opportunity of returning." *
Respecting the practical effect of this system, Mr.
Upham observes: "The scheme is sustained by a
system of morals of the most exemplary kind, such
as may cause a blush of shame in many a Christian
who feels his higher privileges, while he considers the
inferiority of his practice ; but this system is absolutely
powerless to enforce or fasten its dictates upon the
conscience, orto renovate the heart."f Mr. Upham sus
tains his view of the practical result of Buddhism by the
following quotation from Mr. Judson, whom he de
scribes as one who has had the best opportunity to
* Annual Register, anno 1826, p. 215.
t "Opham's History of Buddhism, p. 102.

152 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
examine it, and whose coloring he declares to be
strong, aut faithful : " Let those who plead the native
innocence and purity of heathen nations visit Burmah.
The system of religion here has no power over the
heart or restraint « n the passions. Though it forbids,
on pain of many years' suffering in hell, theft and false
hood, yet, I presume to say, there is not a single Bur
man in the country, who, if he had a good opportunity,
without danger of detection, would hesitate to do
either. Though the religion inculcates benevolence,
tenderness, forgiveness of injuries, and love of ene
mies, — though it forbids sensuality, love of pleasure,
and attachment to worldly objects, — yet it is destitute
of power to produce the former, or to subdue the
latter, in^ts votaries. In short, the Burman system of
religion is like an alabaster image, perfect and beauti
ful in all its parts, but destitute of life. Besides being
destitute of life, it provides no atonement for sin.
Here also the gospel triumphs over, this and every
other religion in the world."
If, now, we revert to what we have stated above,
we shall perceive that the Burman empire is large ir-
extent, and that its soil is of unusually great and
varied productiveness. It possesses a regular govern
ment, by which the decisions of the court are carried
with effect to the remotest hamlet, through a succession
of officers proceeding in regular gradation from the
emperor to the magistrate of the smallest district. Its
people are active, athletic, and as industrious as could
be expected under a tyrannical and oppressive govern
ment. A large portion of the people is able to read.
it possesses a well-defined system of religion, and aregu-
larly-organized priesthood. But the whole people are

BUDDHISM. 153
destitute of anj semblance either of piety to God or
benevolence to man. They have no hope, and are
living without God in the world. They have acknowl
edged that St. Paul's description of the heathen, in
the first of Romans, delineates accurately the national
character. Such is the nation which Mr. Judson went
forth to convert to the religion of Jesus Christ.

CHAF7ER VI.
ENTRANCE UPOit MISSIONARY WORK. — HIS VIEWS OF 1ITAI
WORK. — ACQUISITION OF THE LANGUAGE. — PROGRESS OP
THE MISSION. — VOYAGE TO MADRAS.
1813-1818.
Mr. Judson having now arrived in Rangoon, the
principal seaport of Burmah, that portion of the heathen
world to which the labors of his future life were to be de
voted, it may be worth while to pause for a moment, ti
consider definitely the object which so exclusively cor.
trolled every energy of his soul. His life was unique
and consistent, bearing upon one point, and ever
striving to realize a single conception. When we
know the principles which he embraced, and the man
ner in which he felt obliged to carry them into prac
tice, we are at once enabled to estimate his character,
and take a just view of his services.
Mr. Judson believed that the race of man was cre
ated holy ; that our first parents sinned ; and that, in
consequence of their sin, their whole posterity have
become sinners. He believed that, in consequence of
the sin of each individual, every descendant of Adam
is deserving of eternal banishment from God in the
life to come, and of his righteous displeasure in the life
that now is. He thus conceived that all the miseries,
individual and social, physical and moral, which we
suffer in the present state, are the consequences of sin ;
of sin which, in all its infinite diversity, may be traced
to the alienation of our moral affectrms from God.
154

VIEWS 01 THE MISSIONARY WORK. 155
If such be the fact, h is evident that, without a reme
dial dispensation, the race of man must be door.aed to
misery, temporal and eternal.
But Mr. Judson believed that a remedied dispensa
tion had been devised. " God so loved the world that
he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believ-
eth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life ; " that in consequence of the incarnation, obedi
ence, and sufferings of Christ, a free and full pardon
is now offered to all the race of man, who, in sincere
repentance for sin, commit themselves, in humble trust,
to the mercy of God through the mediation of Jesus
Christ. Thus the affections of the heart, by nature
estranged from God, are restored to him again, and
the radical moral evil of the soul being corrected,
there will flow from it, by necessity, the fruits of jus
tice and charity, and man, individual and social, trans
formed in the image of his mind, will awake to a life
of righteousness.
But still further, Mr. Judson believed that God had
promised that this work of Christ Jesus should not be
in vain, but that the whole world should yet yield a
cheerful and happy obedience to the Prince of peace ;
that the Holy Spirit should with irresistible energy ac
company the proclamation of the message of salvation
wherever the gospel shall be preached in simple and
earnest faith : so that the means are amply provided
for carrying forward the regeneration of our race.
This provision having been made, Jesus Christ has
imposed upon every one of his disciples the duty of
making known the good news of salvation to his fel
low men, with the promise that he will attend the
delivery of this message with his ever-present aid.
" Go ye," said he, " into all the world, and preach the

156 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
gospei to every creature ; and lo, I am with you alway
even unto the end of the world."
Mr. Judson believed himself to be a disciple of
Christ, saved from condemnation through the merits
of the atonement ; he acknowledged his personal ob
ligation to obey this last command of his ascended
Redeemer ; nay, more, he was satisfied that he had
been called to devote his life to this service. Holding
such a belief, and acknowledging such obligations, he
consecrated his whole being to the work, and with
this consecration he allowed nothing else whatever to
interfere. The providence of God clearly directed him to the
empire of Burmah. He felt assured that he was thus
sent, as the herald of Christ, to preach the gospel of
peace to this benighted people. There was not, at the
time of his arrival at Rangoon, a single native who
had embraced the religion of Jesus. He was aware
of the oppression and cruelty of the rulers, and of the
wickedness and misery of the people ; he knew that
they were steeped in an idolatry that had become ven
erable by antiquity ; yet he believed that in the gospel
there existed the sovereign remedy for all these evils.
He doubted not that, when the gospel should be
preached, the sinful nature of men would be trans
formed into the holy image of Christ ; that every con
vert would become a centre of moral illumination ,
that thus, by its own inherent power of indefinite ex
pansion, the gospel would spread on every side among
the people, until the temples of Gaudama should be
deserted, the moral character of men be renewed, and
Burmah become a kingdom of our Lord and of his
Christ. His object, then, was to accomplish the most stu-

VIEWS OF THE MISSIONARY WORK. 157
pendous revolution of which we can conceive in this
whole people ; it was nothing less than an entire trans
formation of the moral character of every individual.
The means by which this was to be accomplished was
very simple. It was the announcement of the message
from God to man, attended by the omnipotent power
of the Spirit of God. He believed that this work
would thus be accomplished simply because God had
promised it.
The instrument on which he relied foi success was
the preaching of the gospel. But he knew not a word
oi the language in which he was to offer to men the
blessings of eternal life. This language must first be
acquired and thoroughly mastered. He must learn it
as perfectly as his vernacular tongue, so that he might
transfer into it, with exact accuracy, the lively oracles
of God. The Burmans are a reading people. They
have their religious books, and possess the teachings
of Gaudama in their own language. They demanded
our Scriptures, that they might read for themselves the
doctrines which were delivered to them orally. Hence
it was evident that the Bible must be placed in their
hands as soon as the missionary was prepared to
preach to them the unsearchable riches of Christ.
To the attainment of the language, therefore, Mr.
Judson at once addressed himself, combining with his
studies, at as early a period as possible, the work of
translation. The aids which he could command were
meagre. It is true that the English Baptists had es
tablished a mission in Rangoon as early as 1807, under
the care of Messrs. Chater and Mardon. Mr. Mardon,
after a few months, left the station, and Mr. Chater
was joined by Mr. Felix Carey, the eldest son of Dr.
Carey, of Serampore. Soon after, Messrs. Tritchett
vol. i. 14

158 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and Brain, of the London Missionary Society, arrived
but Mr. Brain soon died, and Mr. Pritcheft, after a
year's residence, removed to Vizagapatam. Mr. Cha-
er remained four years, and made considerable prog
ress in the language. He translated the Gospel "by
Matthew, which was revised by Mr. Carey, and pub
lished at Serampore. At length Mr. Chater relin
quished the mission, and removed to Ceylon. Mr.
Carey remained, and was joined by a young man from
Calcutta, who soon quitted the station. When Mr.
Judson arrived, Mr. Carey had gone to Ava, by order
of the king. " Mrs. Carey, who was a native of the
country, still resided at Rangoon, in the mission house,
which Mr. Chater had erected in a pleasant rural
spot, almost half a mile from the walls of the town." *
By these gentlemen some progress had been made
in the language. Mr. Carey had printed a grammar;
but its inaccuracies were such that I have seldom seen
it even referred to by students of Burman. He and
Mr. Chater had also translated the Gospel by Mat
thew ; but the work was done so incorrectly that I
believe it was never put into circulation. Mr. Carey,
who at this time was in attendance at the court
of Ava, soon entered the service of the king, was
promoted, lost his rank, left the mission, and relin
quished the ministry. The reliable helps, therefore,
were few ; and Mr. Judson was obliged to commence
the work almost de novo, and, as he advanced, to
prosecute it by his own unaided efforts.
* Knowles's Memoir of Mrs. Judson. The house, however, was
by no means pleasantly situated. It was near the place of public
execution, where all the offal of the city was thrc wn, and not far from
the place for burning the dead. It was beyond ,he protection of the
walls, exposed to wild beasts and alaaost as wild men TSi^y after
wards removed into the city.

VIEWS OF THE MISSIONARY WORK. 159
The attainments which he made in the language
were considered in India to be of the very highest
order. He wrote and spoke it with the familiarity
of a native and the elegance of a cultivated scholar.
At an early period of his study, he prepared a brief
grammar of the language far the use of mission
aries, and modestly entitled it " Grammatical No
tices," which, twenty years afterwards, (in 1842,)
was printed at the mission press at Maulmain. Of
this work a late writer in the "Calcutta Review"
speaks as follows : " He [Dr. Judson] published an
other work, a grammar of no pretensions, and of very
small dimensions, yet a manual which indicated the
genius of the man, perhaps, more strikingly than any
thing else, except his Bible. He has managed, from
a thorough knowledge of the language, to condense
into a few short pages [only seventy-six] a most
complete grammar of this difficult tongue ; and, as
the student grows in knowledge, pari passu, this
little volume rises in his estimation ; for its lucid,
comprehensive conciseness becomes more and more
manifest. In our limited acquaintance with lan
guages, whether of the East or West, we have seen
no work in any tongue which we should compare
with it for brevity and completeness ; yet we have, in
our day, had to study and wade through some long
and some would-be short grammars."
This thoroughness of knowledge of the language
could, of course, be the result of nothing but a very
extensive acquaintance with Burman literature. Yet
he considered this knowledge, in his case, as valueless,
except in so far as it enabled him the better to present
a perfect transcript of the word of God in the Burman
language. In the strictness with which he carried

160 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
out Ids principles on this subject, there is much that
is worthy of distinct remark. He had a natural fa
cility for the acquisition of languages, and great fond
ness for linguistic researches ; yet he acquired no
language of the East, except the Burman. He was
strongly attached to physical science, and his re
searches in this direction might have acquired for him
great reputation, and, as many good men might be
lieve, would have given to the mission a desirable
standing with scientific men ; yet he never published
a line on these subjects, and he even discouraged a
taste for such pursuits among his missionary brethren.
He had become fully aware of the temptations to
which missionaries are exposed when the treasures of
a new language and of a peculiar form of literature
are presented before them, and he therefore guarded
himself with peculiar strictness. At one time, he had
found the literature of Burmah exceedingly fasci
nating, especially its poetry ; and he had sundry
pleasant visions of enriching the world of English
literature from its curious stores. He, for a moment,
flattered himself that, by interesting the Christian
world in Burmah through her literature, he should
open the floodgates of sympathy so as to bring about
her emancipation from pagan thraldom. But the
dream was soon dispelled. He saw that such an
appropriation of his time would lead him aside from
the peculiar work to which God had called him ; and,
though perfectly familiar with more than a hundred
Burman tales, and able to repeat Burman poetry by
the hour, he never committed a line to paper. He
was fond of searching into doubtful histories and
mousing among half fabulous antiquities, and Bur
mah presented an alluring field for this sort of re-

VIEWS OF THE MISSIONARY WORK. 161
search ; yet he not only resisted his own natural
tendencies, but took care never to excite in the minds
of others an interest in things of this sort. He ad
mitted nothing into the library of native books (palm
leaf books, selected by himself, but the property of
the mission) which woidd cultivate a taste for these
comparatively trivial things. He was revered and
caressed by the best society in India, yet he religiously
kept aloof from it ; and not all the representations of
his friends could induce him to turn from his work to
relieve the spiritual wants of Englishmen, or preach
before an English congregation.*
It will not, of course, be supposed, by any one
who knew Dr. Judson, that he was deficient in love of
the beautiful, or wanting in zeal for the diffusion of
knowledge. He did not proscribe such studies as I
have alluded to as sinful, nor would he make rules for
missionaries stricter than those for other Christians.
He believed that there were temptations to which
missionaries in unexplored fields are exposed, which
are utterly destructive of usefulness, and may not
be tampered with even for a moment. He looked
upon a missionary as consecrated to a peculiar work,
a work of incomparably greater importance than any
other on earth, and he believed that it can be suc
cessfully prosecuted only by consecrating to it ex
clusively the entire energies of the soul. As How
ard, when he visited Rome, left unnoticed the impres
sive monuments of ancient grandeur, and spent his
time wholly in dungeons and prisons, so Dr. Judson
believed that he who has undertaken to deliver a nation
from the thraldom of sin has objects in view more
* Manuscript notes.

162 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
important than the researches of antiquaries or the
companionship of savans. It were well if this ex
clusive devotioi to substantially the same object gov
erned the lives of ministers at home as well as of
missionaries abroad.
The following anecdote will place in a clear light
Dr. Judson's views on this subject. Not long before
his death, a gentleman of Calcutta, a member of a
literary society in that city, proposed that Mrs. Jud
son should translate the Life of Gaudama into English,
to be published by the society. Dr. Judson rephed,
that as Mrs. Judson's health was suffering from too
severe study, he was not sure that a light work of this
nature would be objectionable. As the proposal was
intended to be, and it really was, both kind and
complimentary, the gentleman seemed disconcerted,
until Mrs. Judson remarked, that her husband con
sidered many things perfectly proper, and even desi
rable, on the part of others, '' objectionable " in a
missionary. In fact, Mr. Judson disapproved of mis
sionary contributions made either to literature or
science, even as a recreation ; for he insisted that they
could not be made with safety, and that nothing
reliable could be accomplished without a draught on
those energies which should be devoted to higher
objects. Illustrations of the truth of his views he
found in the history of some modern missions. He
believed in general that the ministry is from its nature
a self-denying employment. He who expects to in
dulge in worldly amusement, or spend his time in
cultivating literary tastes or secular science, had better
seek some other profession. This is specially true of
a missionary. His work is great, the laborers are few,

THE MISSION ESTABLISHED. 163
the tsmptations are alluring, and every thing binds him
to exclusive consecration to his work.
But while Mr. Judson felt that his appropriate field
was Burmah, and nothing but Burmah, he gave to
this field no peculiar preeminence. The whole heathen
world was always in his view. . He was ever suggest
ing to the board new fields of labor, and he was con
stantly bringing before the mercy seat, in his most
retired hours of devotion, particular nations who had
not yet attracted the attention of the friends of mis
sions. Thus, at Maulmain, he was always urging his
brethren, and specially those whom he most highly
esteemed, and whose society he most enjoyed, to
establish new missions in neighboring unevangelized
countries. In no case, however, did he propose any
labor to them which he was not willing to undertake
himself. He desired that every one of them, as far a*
possible, should be a new centre of gospel lightj an
he wished such centres to be multiplied as widely as
possible. If the station at Maulmain has been the
means of diffusing the knowledge of salvation to other
and distant regions of India, this result has been
owing, I apprehend, more to Dr. Judson's counsels,
labors, and prayers, than to those of any other indi
vidual. The letters which follow will present a tolerably
connected view of the establishment and progress of
the mission from the arrival of Mr. Judson at Ran
goon to his return from the voyage to Madras, Au
gust 2, 1818 : —
Extract from Mrs. Judson's Journal, commencing, September, 1813.
Our horn i is in the mission house built by the English
Baptist Society, on the first arrival of Messrs. Chater and
Carey in this country. It is large and convenient, situated in

164 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
a rural place, about half a mile from the walls of the town.
We have gardens enclosed, containing about two acres of
ground, full of fruit trees of various kinds. In the dry sea
son our situation is very agreeable. We often enjoy a pleas
ant walk, within our own enclosure, or in some of the adjoin
ing villages.
September 20. This is the first Sabbath that we have
united in commemorating the dying love of Christ at his
table. Though but two in number, we feel the command as
binding, and the privilege as great, as if there were more, and
W3 have indeed found it refreshing to our souls.
December 11. To-day, for the first time, I have visited
the wife of the viceroy. I was introduced to her by a French
lady, who has frequently visited her. When we first arrived
at the government house, she was not up ; consequently we had
to wait some time. But the inferior wives of the viceroy
diverted us much by their curiosity in minutely examining
every thing we had on, and by trying on our gloves, bonnets,
&c. At last her highness made her appearance, dressed
richly in the Burman fashion, with a long silver pipe at her
mouth, smoking. At her appearance, all the other wives took
their seats at a respectful distance, and sat in a crouching pos
ture, without speaking. She received me very politely, took
me by the hand, seated me upon a mat, and herself by me.
She excused herself for not coming in sooner, saying she was
unwell. One of the women brought her a bunch of flowers,
of which she took several, and ornamented her cap. She was
very inquisitive whether I had a husband and children;
whether I was my husband's first wife; meaning by this,
whether I was the highest among them, supposing that my
husband, like the Burmans, had many wives ; and whether 1
intended tarrying long in the country.
When the viceroy came in, I really trembled, for I never
before beheld such a savage-looking creature. His long robe
and enormous spear not a little increased my dread. He
spoke to me, however, very condescendingly, and asked if I
would drink some rum or wine. When I arose to go, her

THE MISSION ESTABLISHED. 165
highness again took my har.d, told me she was happy to see
me ; that I must come to see her every day, for I was like a
sister to her. She led me to the door, and I made my salaam,
and departed. My only object in visiting her was, that, if we
should get into any difficulty with the Burmans, I could have
access to her, when perhaps it would not be possible for Mr.
Judson to get access to the viceroy. One can obtain almost
any favor from her by making a small present. We intend
to have as little to do with government people as possible, as
our usefulness will probably be among the common people.
Mr. Judson lately visited the viceroy, when he scarcely
deigned to look at him, as English men are no uncommon
sight in this country;- but an English female is quite a
curiosity. January 11, 1814. Yesterday we left the mission house,
and moved into one in town, partly through fear of robbers,
and partly for the sake of being more with the natives, and
learning more of their habits and manners. We shall also be
in a way of getting the language much quicker, as we shall
hear it spoken much more frequently than we could in the
other house. From Mrs. Judson, to the Rev. Samuel Newell.
Rangoon, April 23, 1814.
My dear Brother Newell : As Mr. Judson will not
have time to write you by this opportunity, I will endeavor
to give you some idea of our situation here, and of our plans
and prospects. We have found the country, as we expected,
in a most deplorable state, full of darkness, idolatry, and
cruelty — full of commotion and uncertainty. We daily feel
that the existence and perpetuity of this mission, still in an
infant state, depend in a pecuiiar manner on the interposing
hand of Providence ; and from this impression alone we are
encouraged still tc remain. As it respects our temporal pri
vations, use has made them familiar, and easy to be borne ,
they are of short duration, and when brought in competition
with the worth of immortal souls, sink into nothing. We

166 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
have no society, no dear Christian friends, and with the ex
ception of two or three sea captains, who now and then call
on us, we never see a Eurocaan face. But then we are still
happy in each other; still find that our own home is our best,
our dearest friend. When we feel a disposition to sigh for the
enjoyments of our native country, we turn our eyes on the
miserable objects around. We behold some of them laboring
hard for a scanty subsistence, oppressed by an avaricious gov
ernment, which is ever ready to seize what industry had
hardly earned ; we behold others sick and diseased, daily beg
ging the few grains of rice which, when obtained, are scarcely
sufficient to protract their wretched existence, and with no
other habitation to screen them from the burning sun, or chilly
rains, than what a small piece of cloth raised on four bamboos
under a tree can afford. While we behold these scenes, we
feel that we have all the comforts, and, in comparison, even
the luxuries, of life. We feel that our temporal cup of bless
ings is full, and runneth over. But is our temporal lot so
much superior to theirs ? O, how infinitely superior our
spiritual blessings ! While they vainly imagine to purchase
promotion in another state of existence by strictly worshipping
their idols and building pagodas, our hopes of future happi
ness are fixed on the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin
of the world. When we have a realizing sense of these
tilings, my dear brother, we forget our native country and for
mer enjoyments, feel contented and happy with our lot, with
but one wish remaining — that of being instrumental of leading
these Burmans to partake of the same source of happinlea
with ourselves.
Respecting our plans, we have at present but one — that of
applying ourselves closely to the acquirement of the language,
and to have as little to do with government as possible.
Brother Carey has never yet preached in Burman, but has
made considerable progress towards the completion of a gram
mar and dictionary, which are a great help to us. At present,
however, his time is entirely taken up with government
affairs. It is nir iv almost a y ^ar since he was ordered up to

ACQUISITION OF THE LANGUAGE. 167
Ava, which time has been wholly occupied in the king's
business. He has just returned from Bengal, and is now
making preparations for Ava, where he expects to found a
new mission station. His family go with him ; consequently
we shall be alcne until the arrival of brother Rice, who, we
hope, will arrive in six or seven months.
Our progress in the language is slow, as it is peculiarly
hard of acquisition. We can, however, read, write, and con
verse with tolerable ease, and frequently spend whole even
ings very pleasantly in conversing with our Burman friends.
We have been very fortunate in procuring good teachers.
Mr. Judson's teacher is a very learned man, was formerly a
priest, and resided at court. He has a thorough knowledge
of the grammatical construction of the language, likewise of
the Pali, the learned language of the Burmans.
Mr. Judson to the Rev. Mr. Emerson.
Rangoon, January 7, 1814.
Dear Brother Emerson : It is nearly a year since I
wrote to America, my last being forwarded by brother Rice.
I have had no opportunity of conveyance since that time, nor
have I any at present. I intend to send this to England,
hoping that on its arrival the war may have terminated, or
that it may find a conveyance in a despatch vessel. We have
been here about six months ; have been living in the mission
house, with brother F. Carey's family, but expect within a
few days to take a house within the walls of the town, on ac
count of the bands of robbers which infest all the country, and
which have lately been very numerous and daring. Our
situation is much more comfortable than we expected it would
be in such a country. We enjoy good health, and though de
prived of all congenial Christian society, we are very happy
in each other, and think we frsquently enjoy his presence
whose smile can turn the darkest night to day, and whose
favor1 is the fountain of all happiness. " Peace I leave with
you — my peace I give unto you." There has yet been but
very little effected in this corntry to any real missionary pur-

168 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
pose. Brother Carey's time is greatly occupied in governmer..
matters. The emperor has given him a title, and requires
him to reside in the capital. He is just now going to Bengal
on his majesty's business, and expects, after his return, to re
side at Ava. Not a single Burman has yet been brought to a
knowledge of the truth, or even to serious inquiry. In all the
affairs of this government, despotism and rapine are the order
of the day. The present viceroy of this province is a savage
man. Life and death depend on his nod. He is very large
in stature, and when he stalks about with his long spear,
every body shrinks from before him. I called on him once,
but he scarcely looked at me. Ann waited on her highness,
and was much better received. This man is about to be re
called to Ava, and it is doubtful whether he will return. Dur
ing the interim we expect all things will be in confusion, and
this is one reason why we desire to get within the walls of
the city.
My only object at present is to prosecute, in a still, quiet
manner, the study of the language, trusting that for all the
future " God will provide." We have this consolation, that it
was the evident dispensation of God which brought us to this
country ; and still further, that if the world was all before us,
where to choose our place of rest, we should not desire to leave
Burmah. Our chief anxiety is that brother Rice may not be
able to join us again ; but even this we desire to leave in his
hands who doeth all things well,
Your affectionate brother in the Lord Jesus,
A. Judson, Je.
Mrs. Judson had not been long in Rangoon before her
health began to suffer from the effects of the climate.
In January, 1815, her symptoms became alarming, and
on the 25th of that month she sailed to Madras for
medical advice. She was received by the residents of
that city, and especially by the English missionaries,
with the kindest hospitality. Her health was soon

ACQUISITION OF THE LANGUAGE. 169
restored, under the skilful care of the medical gentle
men there, and she returned to Rangoon on the 13th
of April. During her absence, Mr. Judson wrote the
following letter to a friend : —
There is not an individual in the country that I can pray
with, and not a single soul with whom I can have the least
religious communion. I keep myself as busy as possible all
day long, from sunrise till late in the evening, in reading Bur
man, and conversing with the natives. I have been here a
year and a half, and so extremely difficult is the language —
perhaps the most difficult to a foreigner of any on the face of
the earth, next to the Chinese — that I find myself very in
adequate to communicate divine truth intelligibly. I have, in
some instances, been so happy as to secure the attention, and
in some degree to interest the feelings, of those who heard me ;
but I am not acquainted with a single instance in which any
permanent impression has been produced. No Burman has,
I believe, ever felt the grace of God ; and what can a solitary,
feeble individual or two expect to be the means of effecting in
such a land as this, amid the triumphs of Satan, the darkness
of death ? The Lord is all powerful, wise, and good ; and this
consideration alone always affords me unfailing consolation
and support. Adieu, &c. A. Judson, Jr.
Additional Extracts from Mrs. Judson's Journal.
April 16, 1815. Mr. Carey has lately returned from Cal
cutta, and much refreshed our minds with letters and intelli
gence from our friends there. We are so much debarred from
all social intercourse with the rest of the Christian world, that
the least intelligence we receive from our friends is a great
luxury. We feel more and more convinced that the gospel
must be introduced into this country through many trials and
difficulties, through much self-denial and earnest prayer. The
strong prejudices of the Burmans, their foolish conceit of
superiority over other nations,, the wickedness of .thejr lives,
vol. L 15

170 memoir or dr. judson.
together with the plausibility of their own religious tenets,
make a formidable appearance in the way of their receiving
the strict requirements of the gospel of Jesus. But all things
are possible with God, and he is our only hope and confidence.
He can make mountains become valleys, and dry places
streams of water.
August 20. To-day Mr. Carey, wife, and family left us for
Ava, where they expect to live. We are now alone in this
great house, and almost alone as it respects the whole world.
We are daily expecting dear brother and sister Hough, when
we hope our lonely hours will be more than repaid with their
society. If it were not that Burmah presents such an un
bounded field for missionary exertions, we would not be con
tented to stay in this miserable land. But we are convinced
that we are in the very situation in which our heavenly
Father would have us to be ; and if we were to leave it for
the sake of enjoying a few more temporal comforts, we should
have no reason to expect his blessing on our exertions. We
frequently receive letters from our Christian friends in this
part of the world, begging us to leave a field so entirely rough
and uncultivated, the soil of which is so unpromising, and
enter one which presents a more plentiful harvest. God grant
that we may live and die among the Burmans, though we
should never do any thing more than smooth the way for
others. September 3. Heard the dreadful intelligence of the loss
of Mr. Carey's vessel, his wife, and children, and all his prop
erty. He barely escaped with his life. How soon are all his
hopes blasted ! He set out to go to Ava in a brig which be
longed to the Burman government ; had got his furniture, medi
cine, wearing apparel, &c, on board. The brig had been in the
river about ten days, when she upset, and immediately went
down. Mrs. Carey, two children, all the women servants,
and some of the men servants, who could not swim, were
lost. Mr. Carey endeavored to save his little boy, three
years old ; but finding himself going down, was obliged to give
ftp the child. Thus far from my journal.

ACQUISITION OF THE LANGUAGE. 171
As it respects ourselves, we are busily employed all day
long, and I can assure you that we find much pleasure in our
employment. Could you look into a large open room, which
we call a veranda, you would see Mr. Judson bent over his
table, covered with Burman books, with his teacher at his
side, a venerable-looking man, in his sixtieth year, with a cloth
wrapped round his middle, and a handkerchief round his
head. They talk and chatter all day long with hardly any
cessation. My mornings are busily employed in giving directions to
the servants, providing food for the family, &c. At ten my
teacher comes ; when, were you present, you might see me in
an inner room, at one side of my study table, and my teacher
the other, reading Burman, writing, talking, &c. I have
many more interruptions than Mr. Judson, as I have the entire
management of the family. This I took on myself for the
sake of Mr. Judson's attending more closely to the study of
the language ; yet I have found by a year's experience that it
was the most direct way I could have taken to acquire the
language, as I am frequently obliged to talk Burman all day.
I can talk and understand others better than Mr. Judson,
though he knows really much more about the nature and con
struction of the language than I do.
This climate is one of the most healthy in the world.
There are only two months in the year when it is severely
hot. We doubt not but you pray much for us in this miserable
land, deprived of all Christian society. We need much, very
much grace, that we may be faithful, and bear a faithful testi
mony to the religion of Jesus.
The following extract, giving an account of an at
tempt of Mr. Judson to convey religious knowledge
to his teacher, presents a view of the notions of intel
ligent Burmans on this subject.
Sjptember 30, 1815. Had the following conversation with
my eacher, as nearly as I can recollect it. This man has

172 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
been with me about three months, and is the mout sensible,
learned, and am did man that I have ever found among the
Burmans. He is forty-seven years of age, and his name is
Oo Oungmen. I began by saying, Mr. J  is dead. Oo. I
have heard so. J. His soul is lost, I think. Oo. Why so ?
J. He was not a disciple of Christ. Oo. How do you know that ?
You could not see his soul. /. How do you know whether
the root of that mango tree is good ? You cannot see it ; but
you can judge by the fruit on its branches. Thus I know
that Mr. J. was not a disciple of Christ, because his words
and actions were not such as indicate a disciple. Oo. And so
all who are not disciples of Christ are lost? J. Yes, all,
whether Burmans or foreigners. Oo. This is hard. J. Yes,
it is hard indeed , otherwise I should not have come all this
way, and left parents and all, to tell you of Christ. He
seemed to feel the force of this, and after stopping a little he
said, How is it that the disciples of Christ are so fortunate
above all men ? J. Are not all men sinners, and deserving of
punishment in a future state ? Oo. Yes, all must suffer in
some future state for the sins they commit. The punishment
follows the crime as surely as the wheel of the cart follows
the footsteps of the ox. J. Now, according to the Bur
man system, there is no escape. According to the Christian
system, there is. Jesus Christ has died in the place of sinners,
has borne their sins ; and now those who believe on him, and
become his disciples, are released from the punishment they
deserve. At death, they are received into heaven, and are
happy forever. Oo. That I will never believe. My mind is
very stiff on this one point, namely, that all existence involves
in itself principles of misery and destruction. The whole
universe is only destruction and reproduction. It therefore
becomes a wise man to raise his desires above all things that
exist, and aspire to nigban, the state where there is no exist
ence. J. Teacher, there are two evil futurities, and one good.
A miserable future existence is evil, and annihilation, or
nigban, is an evil, a fearful evil. A happy future existence
is aloiw good. Oo. I admit that is best, if it could be

CONVERSATION WITH HIS TEACHER, 173
perpetual; but it cannot be. Whatever is is liable to change,
and misery, and destruction. Nigban is the only permanent
good, and that good has been attained by Gaudama, the last
deity. J. If there be no eternal being, you cannot account
for any thing. Whence this world, and all that we see?
Oo. Fate. J. Fate ! The cause must always be equal to the
effect. See, I raise this table. See also that ant under it.
Suppose I were invisible, would a wise man say the ant raised
it? Now, fate is not even an ant. Fate is a word ; that is
all. It is not an agent ; not a thing. What is fate ? Oo. The
fate of creatures is the influence which their good or bad deeds
have on their future existence. J. If influence be exerted,
there must be an exerter. If there be a determination, there
must be a determiner. Oo. No, there is no determiner.
There cannot be an eternal being. J. Consider this point.
It is a main point of true wisdom. Whenever there is an
execution of a purpose, there must be an agent. Oo. (After
a little thought.) I must say that my mind is very decided
and hard, and unless you tell me something more to the pur
pose, I shall never believe. J. Well, teacher, I wish you to
believe, not for my profit, but for yours. I daily pray the true
God to give you light that you may believe. Whether you
will ever believe in this world, I do not know ; but when you
die, I know you will believe what I now say. You will then
appear before the God that you now deny. Oo. I don't know
that. J. I have heard that one Burman, many years ago,
embraced the Portuguese religion, and that he was your rela
tion. Oo. He was a brother of my grandfather. J. At Ava,
or here ? Oo. At Ava he became a Portuguese ; afterwards
went to a ship country with a ship priest, and returned to
Ava. J. I have heard he was put to death for his religion.
Oo. No, he was imprisoned and tortured by order of the em
peror. At last he escaped from their hands, fled to Rangoon,
and afterwards to Bengal, where they say he died. J. Did
any of his family join him ? Oo. None ; all forsook him ; and
he wandered about, despised and rejected by all. J. Do you
think that he was a decided Christian, and had got a new mind ?
15*

174 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Oo. I think so ; for wher. he was tortured hard, he held out.
J. Did he ever talk with you about religion ? Oo. Yes. J. Why
did you not listen to him ? Oo. I did not listen. J. Did you
ever know any other Burman that changed his own for a for
eign religion ? Oo. I have heard that there is one now in
Rangoon, who became a Portuguese ; but he keeps himself
concealed, and I have never seen him.
January 1, 1816. The greater part of my time, for the
last six months, has been occupied in studying and transcrib
ing, in alphabetical arrangement, the Pali Abigdan, or dic
tionary of the Pali language, affixing to the Pali terms the
interpretation in Burman, and again transferring the Burman
words to a dictionary, Burman and English. With the close
of the year, I have brought this tedious work to a close, and
find that the number of Pali words collected amounts to about
four thousand. It has grieved me to spend so much time on
the Pali, but the constant occurrence of Pali terms in every
Burman book made it absolutely necessary.
The two languages are entirely distinct. The Burman is a
language sui generis — peculiar to itself. It is true, we cannot
know what affinity it has to some of the Indo-Chinese lan
guages that are yet uninvestigated ; but it is essentially differ
ent from the Sanscrit, the parent of almost all the languages
in India proper, and, indeed, from every language that has
yet come under the cognizance of Europeans.
The Pali, on the other hand, is a dialect of the Sanscrit,
and was introduced into this country with the religion of
Boodh. This personage, whose proper name is Gaudama,
appeared in Hindostan about two thousand three hundred
years ago, and gave a new form and dress to the old transmi
gration system, which, in some shape or other, has existed from
time immemorial. The Brahmans, in the mean time, dressed
up the system after their fashion ; and these two modifications,
Brahmanism and Boodhism, struggled for the ascendency.
At length the family of Gaudama, which has held the sover
eignty of India, was dethroned, his religion was denounced, and
his disciples took refuge in Ceylon and the neighboring

DEATH OF A CHILD. 175
countries. In that island, about five hundred years after the
decease av.d supposed annihilation of their teacher or deity,
they composed their sacred writings, in that dialect of the
Sanscrit whch had obtained in Ceylon; thence they were
conveyed, by sea,- to the Indo-Chinese nations. Boodhism,
however, had gained footing in Burmah before the arrival
of the sacred books from Ceylon. It is commonly maintained
that it was introduced by the emissaries of Gaudama before
his death.
It is obvious that the introduction of a new religion and
new sacred writings must have great effect on the language of
a people. And, accordingly, (not to speak of the influence
which the Pali has had on the general construction of the
Burman language,) a considerable number of words in com
mon use, and a very great proportion of theological terms, are
of Pali origin. Thus, though the Pah is now a dead language,
cultivated by the learned only, some knowledge of it is indis
pensable to one who would acquire a perfect knowledge of the
Burman, and especially to a missionary, who intends to trans
late the Scriptures, and who ought, therefore, above all others,
to be perfectly acquainted with the terms he employs.
With these views, I was desirous of laying a little founda
tion for such further improvements in the language as neces
sity should require and leisure permit. And having done
this, having a vocabulary for daily reference, correction, and
enlargement, I now propose to devote my whole time again to
the Burman.
On the 11th of September, their loneliness was
cheered by the birth of a son, whom, in honor of the
apostle of religious liberty, they named Roger Wil
liams. The blessing was, however, short lived, for on
the 4th of May, 1816, they were called upon to con
sign him to an early grave.

176 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
To the Rev. Dr. Bolles.
Rangoon, January 16, 1816.
Dear Brother : Yours of March, :815, 1 lately received,
and read with real satisfaction. Neither brother Rice nor
any of the others that you mention have yet been heard of in
these parts. May they not be far distant. Whenever they shall
arrive, I hope to be of some real service to them in their pre
paratory studies, and to be able to give them, in a short time, in
formation on many points which it has cost me months to acquire.
I just now begin to see my way forward in this language, and
hope that two or three years more will make it somewhat fa
miliar ; but I have met with difficulties that I had no idea of
before I entered on the work. For a European or American
to acquire a living oriental language, root and branch, and
make it his own, is quite a different thing from his acquiring
a cognate language of the West, or any of the dead languages,
as they are studied in the schools. One circumstance may
serve to illustrate this. I once had occasion to devote about
two months to the study of the French. I have now been
above two years engaged on the Burman ; but if I were to
choose between a Burman and French book to be examined
in, without previous study, I should, without the least hesita
tion, choose the French. When we take up a western lan
guage, the similarity in the characters, in very many terms,
in many modes of expression, and in the general structure of
sentences, its being in fair print, (a circumstance we hardly
think of,) and the assistance of grammars, dictionaries, and
instructors, render the work comparatively easy. But when
we take up a language spoken by a people on the other side
of the earth, whose very thoughts run in channels diverse from
ours, and whose modes of expression are consequently all new
and uncouth ; when we find the letters and words all totally
destitute of the least resemblance to any language we had ever
met with, and these words not fairly divided and distinguished,
as in western writing, by breaks, and points, and capitals, but
run together in one continuous line, a sentence or paragraph
seeming to the eye but one long word ; when, instead of

progress in the language. 177
clear characters on paper, we find only obscure scratches on
dried palm leaves strung together and called a book ; when we
have no dictionary, and no interpreter to explain a single word,
and must get something of the language before we can avail
ourselves of the assistance of a native teacher, —
" Hoc opus, Mo labor est."
I had hoped, before I came here, that it would not be my lot
to have to go on alone, without any guide in an unexplored
path, especially as missionaries had been here before. But
Mr. Chater had left the country, and Mr. Carey was with me
but very little, before he left the mission and the missionary
work altogether.
I long to write something more interesting and encouraging
to the friends of the mission ; but it must not yet be expected.
It unavoidably takes several years to acquire such a language,
in order to converse and write intelligibly on the great truths
of the gospel. Dr. Carey once told me, that after he had been
some years in Bengal, and thought he was doing very weil in
conversing and preaching to the natives, they (as he was af
terwards convinced) knew not what he was about. A young
missionary wbo expects to pick up the- language in a year or
two will probably find that he has not counted the cost. If
he should be so fortunate as to find a good interpreter, he may
be useful by that means. But he will find, especially if he is
in a new place, where the way is not prepared, and no previous
ideas communicated, that to qualify himself to communicate
divine truth intelligibly by his own voice or pen, is not the
work of a year. However, notwithstanding my present in
competency, I am beginning to translate the New Testament,
being extremely anxious to get some parts of Scripture, at
least, into an intelligible shape, if for no other purpose than to
read, as occasion offers, to the Burmans I meet with.
My paper allows me to add nothing more but to beg your
prayers, that wh/'ie I am much occupied in words and phrases,
and destitute of those gospel privileges you so richly enjoy, in

178 memoir of dr /udson.
the midst of your dear church and people, I may not lose the
life of religion in my soul.
I remain, dear brother,
Yours very affectionately,
A. Judson, Jr.
To the Rev. Dr. Staughton
I am sometimes a little dispirited, when I reflect that, for
two or three years past, I have been drilling at A, B, C, and
grammar. But I consider again that the gift of tongues is not
granted in these times ; that some one must acquire this lan
guage by dint of application ; must translate the Scriptures,
andfcg^it preach the gospel to the people in their own tongue,
or how c'arifhey*fje saved? My views of the missionary ob
ject are, indeed, different from what they were, when I was
first set on fire by Buchanan's " Star in the East," six years
ago. But it does not always happen that a closer acquaintance
with an object diminishes our attachment and preference.
We sometimes discover beauties, as well as deformities, which
were overlooked on a superficial view ;. when some attractions
lose their force, others more permanent are exerted ; and
when the glitter in which novelty invested the object has
passed away, more substantial excellences hav£ room to dis
close their influence : and so it has been with me, I hope, in
regard to the work of missions.
I remain, reverend and dear sir,
Yours affectionately in the Lord,
A. Judson, Jb.
To the Rev. Luther Rice.
Rangoon, August 3, 1816.
My dear Brother Rice : I have completed a grammar
of the Burman language, which I hope will be useful to you ;
also a tract, which I hope to get printed as soon as Mr. Hough
arrives. If any ask wha . success I meet with among the natives, tell
them to look at Otaheite, where the missionaries labored

sources of encouragement. 17D
nearly twenty years, and, not meeting with the slightest suc
cess, began to be neglected by all the Christian world, and the
very name of Otaheite began to be a shame to the cause of
missions ; and now the blessing begins to come. Tell them
to look at Bengal also, where Dr. Thomas had been laboring
seventeen years (that is, from 1783 to 1800) before the first
convert, Krishna, was baptized. When a few converts are
once made, things move on ; but it requires a much longer
time than I have been here to make a first impression on a
heathen people. If they ask again, What prospect of ultimate
success is there? tell them, As much as that there is an almighty
and faithful God, who will perform his promises, and no more.
If this does not satisfy them, beg them to let me stay and try
it, and to let you come, and to give us our bread ; or, if they
are unwilling to risk their bread on such a forlorn hope as has
nothing but the Word of God to sustain it, beg of them, at
least, not to prevent others from giving us bread ; and, if we
live some twenty or thirty years, they may hear from us again.
This climate is good — better than in any other part of the
East. But it is a most filthy, wretched place. Missionaries
must not calculate on the least comfort, but what they find in
one another and their work. However, if a ship was lying
in the river^ready to convey me to any part of the world I
should choose, and that, too, with the entire approbation of all
my Christian friends, I would prefer dying to embarking.
This is an immense field, and, since the Serampore missiona
ries have left it, it is wholly thrown on the hands of the Amer
ican Baptists. If we desert it, the blood of the Burmans
will be required of us. Yours ever,
A. Judson, Jr.
To the Rev. Dr. Baldwin. Rangoon, August 5, 1816.
Rev. and dear Sir : It is about seven months since I
wrote to America. The first three months of this time I
was employed on the Burman language in a more interesting

180 memoir of dr. judson.
manner than I had ever been. I began to enter into my stud
ies with such pleasure and spirit, and to make such rapid
progress, as encouraged me to hope that the time was not fai
distant when I should be able to commence missionary opera
tions. I was going forward in a course of most valuable
Burman reading; and, at the same time, had begun to translate
one of the Gospels, and to write a View of the Christian Reli
gion in Burman, which, in imagination, were already finished
and circulating among the natives, when, all of a sudden, in
the midst of the hot season, which, in this country, is most
severe during the months of March and April, I was seized
with a distressing weakness and pain in my eyes and head,
which put a stop to all my delightful pursuits, and reduced
me to a pitiable state indeed. Since that time, excepting at
some intervals, I have been unable to read, or write, or make
any exertion whatever. Sometimes I have almost given up
the hope that I should ever be of any more service ; some
times I have been on the point of trying a short voyage at
sea. This last was my intention, when I heard of brother
Hough's arrival in Bengal, and concluded to wait until he
should be settled here, when I could leave more conveniently.
But, thanks be to God, it is now ten days since I have experi
enced a turn of severe pain, though I still feel great weakness
in my head, and, indeed, throughout my whole nervous sys
tem. I begin now to hope that I shall gradually recovei,
though I fear I never shall be as I formerly was.
During my illness, when able to do any thing, I have em
ployed myself in collecting what knowledge I have hitherto
acquired of the language, and putting it together in the shape
of a grammar, that it might not be wholly lost to others. My
tract also is at length ready for the press, and I send a copy
by this conveyance to Philadelphia, which may be some grati
fication to the board. I would send a copy of the grammar
also if I was able, but it is too bulky to be transcribed, in my
present state.
I expect it will not be long before I shall be ordered up to
Ava. The press also, which has just arrived from Bengal,

sources of encouragement. 181
will not probably be allowed to stop long in Rangoon. This
will open a wide field, and make it necessary to support two
stations. I beg, therefore, that the board will endeavor to
send out one or two men with brother Rice, or as soon after as
possible. The sooner they are on the ground, learning the
language, the sooner they will be fit for service. I h»ve never
before thought it prudent to write for more men in addition to
those I knew were already destined to the place. But some
favorable prospects lately begin to open, and the more I
become acquainted with the state of things, the less reason I
have to fear that the government of the country will, at
present, oppose the work.
We know not the designs of God in regard to this country ;
but I cannot but have raised expectations. It is true we may
have to labor and wait many years before the blessing comes.
But we see what God is doing in other heathen lands, after
trying the faith and sincerity of his servants some fifteen or
twenty years. Look at Otaheite, Bengal, Africa. And is
Burmah to remain a solitary instance of the inefficacy of
prayer, of the forgetfulness of a merciful and faithful God ?
Is it nothing that an attempt is begun to be made ; that, in one
instance, the language is considerably acquired ; that a tract is
ready for publication, which is intelligible and perspicuous,
and will give the Burmans their first ideas of a Saviour and
the way of salvation ; that a press and types have now ar
rived, and a printer is on the way ; that a grammar is finished,
to facilitate the studies of others, and a dictionary of the lan
guage is in a very forward state ; and that the way is now
prepared, as soon as health permits, to proceed slowly in the
translation of the New Testament ? Is it nothing that, just at
this time, the monarch of the country has taken a violent hate
to the priests of his own religion, and is endeavoring, with all
his power, to extirpate the whole order, at the same time pro
fessing to be an inquirer after the true religion ? Is all this to
be set down a mere cipher ? It is true that we may desire
much more. But let us use what we have, and God will give
us more. However, men and money must be forthcoming.
vol. i. 16

182 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Work cannot be done without men, and men cannot work
without bread ; nor can we expect the ravens to feed them in
ordinary cases. I do not say several hundred missionaries are
needed here. This, though true, would be idle talk. My
request I think modest. Five men, allowing two or three to
each of the stations, is the smallest number that will possibly
answer. I have received one letter only from Dr. Baldwin ; Mrs.
Judson has also received one. I hope that brother Hough is
the bearer of others. We expect him by the first opportunity.
With the greatest respect, yours, &c,
A. Judson, Jr.
From Messrs. Judson and Hough to the Corresponding Secretary, Rev. Dr.
Staughton. Rangoon, November 7, 1816.
Rev. and dear Sir : It is with peculiar satisfaction that
we are, at length, able to address a letter to the board, in our
joint capacity. We had a. joyful meeting in this place the
15th ult. Mr. Hough has settled in one part of the mission
house ; and we are now united, both as a church of Christ
and as a mission society. Our regulations on the latter point
we here submit to the board. It will be evident, at first sight,
that these regulations have a prospective view, and are framed
somewhat differently from what they would have been had we
not expected that our society would soon be enlarged. But
we hope that the time is not far distant when they will re
ceive the signature of brother Rice also. Indeed, we hope
for more than this ; we hope that one or two others will be
found to accompany Mr. Rice.
It is true that one of us remained about three years in this
place without uttering any Macedonian cries. But we appre
hend that the time is now come, when it is consistent with the
strictest prudence to lift up our voice and say, Come over the
ocean and help us. By a residence of three years in this
country, many doubts, which at first occurred, are removed;
and many points concerning the practicability of a mission,

ARRIVAL OF THE PRESS. 183
and the prospect of success, are ascertained. We cannot now
enter much in'.o detail ; but we desire to say, that we consider
the mission established in this land. We unite in opinion,
that a wide door is set open for the introduction of the religion
of Jesus into this great empire. We have at present no gov
ernmental interdict to encounter, and no greater obstacles than
such as oppose the progress of missionaries in every heathen
land. It appears to us (and may it so appear to our fathers
and brethren) that God, in removing the English mission
from this place, and substituting in their stead an American
mission, is emphatically calling on the American churches to
compassionate the poor Burmans, and to send their silver, and
their gold, and their young men, to this eastern part of the
world, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the valuable
present of a press and Burman types, made to us by the Ser
ampore brethren. We are now closing in a room for a tem
porary printing office, and hope very soon to issue a gospel
tract, which has been in readiness some time, and which is in
tended to give the heathen around us some idea of the way of
salvation through the Lord Jesus. But we cannot move one
step in the way of printing without money. Though favored
with the press, in the first instance, gratis, we have already
expended, in paper, freight, and sundries, about four hundred
rupees. We therefore beg an immediate appropriation, not
only to liquidate the expenses already incurred, but to enable
us to proceed in this all-important part of our work. The
accounts of the mission press we propose to keep distinct ; and
they shall be submitted together with the accounts of the
mission. We know not how long the press will be permitted to i-e-
main in Rangoon ; we do not, however, deprecate its removal
to Ava. Such a measure would doubtless tend to the further
ance of the cause, and to the introduction of religion into the
very heart of the empire, where Satan's seat is. But in this
case, more men and more money would be imperatively de
manded ; and we trust that the patronage of the board will

1S4 MEMOIR OF DK. JUDSON.
not fail us in these necessary points. We desire humbly tc
repeat to the board what the first missionaries from the Bap
tist society in England said to their friends, when on the point
of embarkation in the great work which seems destined to il
lumine Western India with the light of the gospel. "We
are,'' said they, " like men going down into a well ; you stand
at the top and hold the ropes. Do not let us fall." Hold us
up, brethren and fathers ; and if health and life be spared to
us, we hope, through the grace of God, to see Eastern India
also beginning to participate in the same glorious fight. Many
years may intervene, in the latter as well as in the former
case ; many difficulties and disappointments may try your
faith and ours. But let patience have her perfect work ; let
us not be weary of well-doing ; for in due time we shall reap,
if we faint not.
Your servants in the Lord Jesus,
A. Judson, Jr.
George H. Hough.
Articles of Agreement.
In order more effectually, under the blessing of our Lord
and Master, to accomplish the important work for which we
have come into this heathen land, we, the undersigned, form a
union on the following principles, namely : —
1. We give ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, and to one
another by the will of God.
2. We agree to be kindly affectioned one towards another
with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another ; feeling
that we have one Master, even Christ, and that all we are
brethren. 3. We agree in the opinion that our sole object on earth is
to introduce the religion of Jesus Christ into the empire of
Burmah ; and that the means by which we hope to effect this
are, translating, printing, and distributing the Holy Scriptures,
preaching the gospel, circulating religious tracts, and promoting
the instruction of native children.

the men needed as missionaries. 185
4. We therefore agree to engage in no secular business for
the purpose of individual emolument ; and not at all, unless,
in the opinion of the brethren, the great object of the mission
can be best promoted thereby.
5. We agree to relinquish all private right to remittances
from America, avails of labor, and compensation for service ;
in a word, to place all money and property, from whatever
quarter accruing, in the mission fund : provided, that nothing
in this article be construed to affect our private right to
inheritances, or personal favors, not made in compensation of
service. 6. We agree that all the members of the mission family have
claims on the mission fund for equal support, iij similar circum
stances; the claims of widows and orphans not to be in the
least affected by the death of the head of their family. But it
is to be understood, that no one shall have a right to adopt a
child into the mission family, so as to entitle it to the claims
secured in this article, but by consent of the brethren.
7. We agree to educate our children with a particular ref
erence to the object of the mission ; and if any expense be
necessary or expedient for this purpose, it shall be defrayed
from the mission fund.
8. All appropriations from the mission fund shall be made by
a majority of the missionary brethren united in this compact ;
subject, however, to the inspection of our patrons, the board.
A. Judson, Jr.
George H. Hough.
To the Rev. Luther Rice.
Rangoon, November 14, 1816.
Mx beloved brother Rice : In encouraging other young
men to come out as missionaries, do use the greatest caution.
One wrong-headed, conscientiously obstinate fellow would ruin
us. Humble, quiet, persevering men ; men of sound, sterling
talents, (though, perhaps, not brilliant,) of decent acconrplish-
ments, and some natural aptitude to acquire a language ; men
of an amiable, yielding temper, willing to take the lowest
16*

186 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
place, to be the. least of all and the servants of all; men who
enjoy much closet religion, who live near to God, and are will
ing to suffer all things for Christ's sake, without being proud
of it, these are the men, &c. But O, how unlike to this de
scription is the writer of it ! Still, however, I am, with never-
ceasing affection, Your most affectionate brother in the Lord,
A. Judson, Jr.
To the Rev. Dr. Baldwin.
Rangoon, February 10, 1817.
Rev. and dear Sir : Have just heard that a person whom
we have some time calculated on as a letter carrier to Bengal
is unexpectedly going off in the course of an hour. Have,
therefore, time only to accompany the enclosed tracts with a
line or two.
We have just begun to circulate these publications, and are
praying that they may produce some inquiry among the na
tives. And here comes a man, this moment, to talk about
religion. What shall I do ? I will give him a tract, to keep
him occupied a few moments while I finish this. " Here, my
friend, sit down, and read something that will carry you to
heaven, if you believe and receive the glorious Saviour there
in exhibited."
We are just entering on a small edition of Matthew, the
translation of which I lately commenced. But we are in
great want of men and money. Our hands are full from
morning till night. I cannot, for my life, translate as fast as
brother Hough will print. He has to do all the hard work
in the printing office, without a single assistant, and cannot,
therefore, apply himself to the study of the language, as is de
sirable. As for me, I have not an hour to converse with the
natives, or go out and make proclamation of the glorious gos
pel. In regard to money, we have drawn more from Bengal
than has been remitted from America ; so that now, if not for
their truly brotherly kindness in honoring our bills on credit,
we should actually starve. Moreover, an edition of five

FIRST INQUIRER. 187
thousand of the New Testament will cost us nearly five thousand
dollars. And what are five thousand among a population of
seventeen millions, five millions of whom can read ? O that
all the members of the Baptist convention could live in Ran
goon one month ! WiU the Christian world ever awake ?
Will means ever be used adequate to the necessities of the
heathen world ? O Lord, send help. Our waiting eyes are
into thee ! Your brother in the Lord,
A. Judson, Jr.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Rangoon, March 7, 1817.
Rev. and dear Sir : Since the beginning of this year, we
have printed two tracts, the one a view of the Christian re
ligion, seven pages, one thousand copies ; the other a cate
chism of six pages, 12mo., three thousand copies. After
which, finding that we had paper sufficient for an edition of
eight hundred of Matthewr, we concluded to undertake this
one Gospel, by way of trial, and as introductory to a larger
edition of the whole New Testament. I am now translating
the eleventh chapter, and in the printing room the third half
sheet is setting up. Having premised thus much concerning
the present posture of our affairs, I proceed to mention the
circumstance which induced me to take up my pen at this
time. I have this day been visited by the first inquirer after
religion that I have ever seen in Burmah. For, although in
the course of the last two years I have preached the gospel to
many, and though some have visited me several times, and
conversed on the subject of religion, yet I have never had
much reason to believe that their visits originated in a spirit
of sincere inquiry. Conversations on religion have always
been of my proposing, and, though I have sometimes been en
couraged to hope that truth had made some impression, never,
till to-day, have I met with one who was fairly entitled to the
epithet of inquirer.
As I was siting with my teacher, as usual, a Burman of

188 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
respectable appearance, and followed by a servant, came up
the steps, and sat down by me. I asked him the usual question,
where he came from, to which he gave no explicit reply, and
I began to suspect that he had come from the government
house, to enforce a trifling request which in the morning we
had declined. He soon, however, undeceived and astonished
me, by asking, " How long time will it take me to learn the
religion of Jesus ? " I replied that such a question could not
be answered. If God gave light and wisdom, the religion of
Jesus was soon learned ; but,without God, a man might study
all his life long, and make no proficiency. " But how," contin
ued I, " came you to know any thing of Jesus ? Have you
«j^er been here before ? " " No." " Have you seen any
wr§Sg concerning Jesus ? " "I have seen two little books."
" Who is Jesus ? " " He is the Son of God, who, pitying
creatures, came into this world, and suffered death in their
stead." " Who is God ? " " He is a being without beginning
or end, who is not subject to old age and death, but always is."
I cannot tell how I felt at this moment. This was the first
acknowledgment of an eternal God that I had ever heard
from the lips of a Burman. I handed him a tract and cat
echism, both which he instantly recognized, and read here
and there, making occasional remarks to his follower, such as,
" This is the true God ; this is the right way," &c. I now
tried to tell him some things about God and Christ, and him
self, but he did not listen with much attention, and seemed
anxious only to get another book. I had already told him
two or three times that I had finished no other book, but that
in two or three months I would give him a larger one, which
I was now daily employed in translating. " But," replied he,
" have you not a little of that book done, which you will gra
ciously give me now ? " And I, beginning to think that God's
time is better than man's, folded and gave him the first two
half sheets, which contain the first five chapters of Matthew,
on which he instantly rose, as if his business was all done,, and,
having received an invitation to come again, took leave.
Throughou< his short stay, he appeared different from any

FIRST INQUIRER. 180
Burmans I have yet met with.' He asked no questions about
customs and manners, with which the Burmans tease us ex
ceedingly. He had no curiosity, and no desire for any thing,
but "more of this sort of writing." In fine, his conduct
proved thai he had something on his mind, and I cannot but
hope that I shall have to write about him again.
March 24. We have not yet seen our inquirer ; but to
day we met with one of his acquaintance, who says that he
reads our books all the day, and shows them to all that call
upon him. We told him to ask his friend to come and see us
again. March 26. An opportunity occurs of sending to Bengal.
I am sorry that I cannot send home more interesting letters.
But I am not yet in the way of collecting interesting matter.
I have found that I could not preach publicly to any advantage,
without being able, at the same time, to put something into the
hands of the hearers. And in order to qualify myself to do
this, I have found it absolutely necessary to keep at home, and
confine myself to close study for three or four years. I hope,
however, after Matthew is finished, to make a more public
entrance on my work than has yet been done. But many
difficulties lie in the way. Our present house is situated in
the woods, away from any neighbors, and at a distance from
any road. In this situation we have no visitors, and no passing
travellers, whom we could invite to stop and hear of Christ.
My attempts to go out and find auditors have always occa
sioned such a waste of time, and interruption of study, as
could not often be indulged in or justified. We are very
desirous of building a small house near town, on some public
road, but do not venture to incur the expense. We wish
further instructions, and further explanations of the views and
intentions of the board. The approaching triennial convention,
also, we contemplate with the deepest interest. May God
give abundant wisdom, and zeal, and holy spirit.
Permit me to close with a word in behalf of eastern mis
sions. Great Britain and the United States appear to be the
only countries which can at present take a very active part in

190 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
missionary concerns. The British are fully occupied with India,
Africa, and the South Sea islands. East of the British pos
sessions in India are Burmah, Siam, several other Indo-Chi
nese nations, the great empire of China, Japan, thence north
indefinitely, and southward the numerous Malayan Isles.
With all these countries the British are no more connected
than the Americans. The British are under no greater obliga
tions to evangelize them than the Americans. They are no
nearer the English, in point of transportation, than the Amer
icans. And furthermore, throughout all these countries the
Rritish are suspected and feared ; but not the Americans.
The idea that the western continent belongs to the Amer
icans, and the eastern continent to the British, however
plausible at first sight, cannot bear a moment's examination.
I apprehend that all the north-western Indians, and the inhab
itants of those parts of South America which are accessible,
will scarcely outnumber the inhabitants of this single empire
of Burmah. And on what principle can the Americans, who
are perhaps half as numerous as the British, be let off with
one twentieth or one thirtieth part of the work ? But when
we apply the case to the Baptists, it is still more decisive.
There are about five hundred Baptist churches in Great Brit
ain, which average one hundred members each. There are
two thousand in America, which average about the same.
Behold Ireland, also, almost as destitute as South America.
And suppose the British should say, This is the proper prov
ince of our missionary exertions ; let us leave Asia and
Africa to the Americans, and " not send our young men to the
antipodes." Yours, respectfully,
A. Judson, Jr.
To the Rev. Dr. Baldwin. Rangoon, August 26, 1817-
Rev. and dear Sir : I am at present wholly absorbed in
the dictionary. I hope to have it finished by the time that
brother Bice arrives. The rains make it difficult for me to

FEAR of persecution. 191
go out much and for- the same reason, Ave have not many
Burman visiters in our insulated situation. Even those who
have visited us frequently, and acquired some knoAvledge of
our religion, and manifested some spirit of inquiry, are de
terred from prosecuting their inquiries by fear of r. ersecution.
The two most hopeful persons suddenly discontinued their
visits two months ago, and we have not seen them since. We
suppose, from the circumstances, that they became fearful of
being suspected. Sometimes persons who have been con
versing with me on religion have been surprised by others,
on which I have observed that they were disconcerted, re
mained silent, and got off as soon as possible. They all tell
me that it would ruin a Burman to adopt the new religion.
My teacher was lately threatened in public for having assisted
a foreigner in making books subversive of the religion of the
country. He replied that he merely taught me the language,
and had no concern in the publication. In view of these
difficulties, our first thought is, God can give to the inquirers
that love to Jesus, and that resolution to profess his religion,
which will overcome their fears. Our second thought is this :
We are not under a free government, where every one is his
OAvn master, but under an absolute monarchy, where all are
the property of one man. Is it not regular and prudent to
say something to the master of this great family of slaves,
before we take such measures as may be considered trespass
ing on his rights, and occasion our being deprived of any fur
ther opportunity of prosecuting those measures ? With these
views, I concluded, a few months ago, to distribute the tracts
and Gospel which we have published, but with caution and
discrimination, to converse on religion with all that I met, but
to direct my labors chiefly to preparing what will be invalua
ble to future missionaries, and thus spend the rest of this year,
until we shall have further assistance and advice from home.
Then it may be thought best for one of us to go up to Ava,
and introduce the matter gradually and gently to the knowl
edge of the emperor. I am fully persuaded that he has never
yet. got the idea that an attempt is making to introduce a new

192 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
religion among his slaves. How the idea will strike him i
is impossible to foresee. He may be enraged, and order off
the heads of all concerned. The urbanity, however, with
Avhich he treats all foreigners, and his known hatred of the
present order of Boodhist priests, render such a supposition
improbable. And if he should only be indifferent, should dis
cover no hostility, especially if he should treat the missiona
ries with complacency, it would be a great point gained. No
local government would dare to persecute the espousers of a
new religion if it was known that they had friends at court.
I do not mean to imply that all persecution is to be dreaded,
but that persecution which would effectually prevent the use
of the means of grace certainly is. It is true that God will
call those whom he has chosen ; but since he has made means
necessary to the end, since it is by the gospel of his Son that
he calls his people, it is certainly as much the duty of his ser
vants to endeavor to avert such persecution as would effectu
ally prevent the use of means as it is to use any means at
all ; and we may reasonably conclude that, when God has a
people whom he is about to call, he will direct his servants in
such a course.
I have no doubt that God is preparing the way for the con
version of Burmah to his Son. Nor have I any doubt that
we who are now here are, in some little degree, contributing
to this glorious event. This thought fills me with joy. I
know not that I shall live to see a single convert ; but, not
withstanding, I feel that I would not leave my present situa
tion to be made a king.
I remain, dear sir,
Your servant in the Lord,
. A. Judson, Jr.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Madras, May 28, 1818.
In former letters I have stated my circumstances at the
ciose of last year, and the reasons which induced me to leave
Rangoon on a visit to Chittagong; particularly the prosped

VOYAGE TO MADRAS. 193
of a direct passage, and speedy return in the same ship — an
opportunity of very rare occurrence in Rangoon.
Since that time a series of unexpected providences have
befallen me, which, though uninteresting in detail, must be
briefly mentioned, in order to account for my present situ
ation. When we left Rangoon, December 25, we expected a pas
sage of ten or twelve days. At the expiration of a month,
however, by reason of contrary winds, and the unmanageable-
ness of the ship in the difficult navigation along the coast, we
found ourselves still at a great distance from port ; and the
season being so far advanced as to deprive us of the hope of
more favorable winds, the captain and supercargo agreed on a
change of the ship's destination, and made sail for Madras.
Previous to leaving the coast, we put into Cheduba, a place
under Burman government, for a supply of provisions. I was
unable to go ashore, but took the opportunity of sending a
tract by the boat. It happened to be conveyed directly to the
governor, and he ordered it read in his presence. Soon after,
when our captain had an audience, the governor inquired after
the writer of the tract, who he was, and how long he had been
in the country. The captain evaded some questions, for fear
of detention, I suppose, and merely stated that the writer was
a foreigner, who had resided in Rangoon about four years.
" No," replied the governor, " that is not to be credited. You
cannot make me believe that a foreigner, in so short a time,
has learned to write the language so well. It must have been
written by some other person." The captain related this to
me on his return. I felt particularly gratified by this testi
mony to the perspicuity of the style, and thought it not un
worthy of mentioning, because it could not be suspected, as
others -which had been made to me personally, of having
been a mere compliment.
The ship's destination was changed on the 26th of January.
We retraced our course for a few days, and then stood to the
westward. It was with the most bitter feelings that I wit
nessed the, entire fajlure of my, undertaking, and saw the
VOL. i. 17

194 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
summits of the mountains of Arracan, the last indexes cf my
country, sinking in the horizon, and the ship stretching away
to a distant part of India, which I had no wish to visit, and
where I had no object to obtain. It was, however, some miti
gation of my disappointment, that I should, in all probability,
be able to return to Rangoon, and resume my missionary busi
ness much earlier than if I had visited Chittagong. But even
the consolation of this hope was not long allowed me. We
had, indeed, a quick passage across the bay ; but on drawing
near the Coromandel coast the Avind and current combined to
prevent our further progress, and at the expiration of another
month, having for a long time subsisted on nothing scarcely
but rice and Avater, and being now reduced to very short
allowance, we concluded to make sail for Masulipatam, a port
north of Madras, which we doubted not Ave should be able to
reach in a very feAv days. In this, again, we were disappoint
ed, and through the unmanageableness of the ship, or the mis
management of the captain, Avere detained at sea nearly another
month. During this period we were sometimes in great dis
tress, deeming ourselves very fortunate when able to get a bag
of rice, or a few buckets of water, from any native vessel
which happened to pass. Once we sent the long boat to the
shore, and obtained a considerable supply of water, which was
a great relief. But of rice Ave could obtain no sufficient sup
ply, and all other articles of provision were quite out of the
question. The low state to which I was at length reduced occasioned
a partial return of the disorder of my head and eyes, to which
I was subject two years ago. This, with other circumstances
united, left me no other source of consolation but resignation
to the wiU of God, and an unreserved surrender of all to his
care ; and praised be his name, I found more consolation and
happiness in communion Avith God, and in the enjoyments of
religion, than I had ever found in more prosperous circum
stances. Finally we did reach Masulipatam, and I left the ship' on
the 18th of March, twelve weeks after embarking at Rangoon.

DETENTION IN MADRAS. 195
I waited at Masulipatam a feAv d xys^ until it was ascertained
that the ship would unlade her cargo, and remain sev
eral months. And as there was no prospect that season of
reaching Madras by sea, the only port on the coast where I
:ould hope to find a vessel bound to Rangoon, I was under the
necessity of taking a journey by land — distance about three
hundred miles. I accordingly hired a palanquin and bearers,
and arrived here the 8th of April. My first aim was, of
course, the beach, and my first inquiry a vessel bound to Ran
goon. But my chapter of disappointments was not yet fin
ished. No vessel had sailed for Rangoon this year, and such,
it was understood, was the unsettled state of the Burman coun
try, that none would probably venture for some time to come.
Here I have remained ever since, under very trying cir
cumstances. Have scarcely heard from Rangoon since I left,
or been able to transmit any intelligence thither by a convey
ance to be depended on. The weakness of my eyes prevents
my application to study, or attempt at any exertion. I am
making no progress in missionary work ; I am distressed by
the appalling recollection of the various business which was
pressing on me at Rangoon, and made me very reluctant ti
leave home for the shortest time. Now, I have been detainee
twice as long as I anticipated, and have, withal, wholly failed
in my undertaking. Where, my rebellious heart is ready to
cry, where is the wisdom of all this ? But it is wise, though
blindness cannot apprehend. It is best, though unbelief is
disposed to murmur. Be still, my soul, and know that He
is God. To tiie Corresponding Secretary.
Rangoon, October 9, 1818.
My last was dated Madras, May 28, 1818. At that place
I remained, waiting for a conveyance to Rangoon, until the
20th of July, when I took passage on an English vessel, at
one hundred and sixty-seven rupees. During/ my stay in
Madras, I experienced great kindness and hospitality in the
families of the Rev. Mr. Thompson, chaplain, and the Rev.

196 MEMOIR OF DB. JUDSON.
Mr. I.OA-eless, missionary ; and received such proofs of Chris:
tian affection from many dear friends, as rendered parting with,
them very painful, though my detention in Madras had, in
other respects, been almost insupportable. We anchored at
the mouth of Rangoon River, on the 2nd of A ignst. The
next morning, Avhen the pilot came on board, I was over
whelmed with the intelligence that, on account of the danger
ous situation of affairs, the mission had been broken up, and
that Mr. Hough and family, and Mrs. Judson, had taken pas
sage for Bengal. To my great relief, however, it was added,
that, before the ship left the river, Mrs. Judson's reluctance to
Lave the place had so increased as to force her back to the
mission house alone ; and further, that the ship, being found
unfit for sea, was still detained. On my arrival, I found that
brother Hough was inclined to pursue his original plan. His,
reasons he will doubtless communicate to the board. It is,
expected that the vessel will be ready for sea in about a
fortnight. The brethren, Colman and Wheelock, and their wjves, ar
rived the 19th of September, about six weeks after my return.
We had, I can truly say, a most joyful meeting. You have
never seen them, or it would be unnecessary to add, that they
are four lovely persons, in every sense of the word, and appear
to have much of a humble, prayerful spirit. Such being
their interesting appearance, Ave regret more deeply to find
that the health of the brethren is so feeble. They have both
had a slight return of bleeding at the lungs, an old complaint,
to which they were subject in America. May the Lord
graciously restore and preserve thein.
A feAv days after their arrival, I introduced them into the
presence of the viceroy. He received us Avith marked atten
tion, which, however, must be ascribed to the influence of a
handsome present, which went before us. Though sur
rounded with many officers, he suspended all business for, a
time, examined the present, and condescended to make several
inquiries. On being told that the new teachers desired to
^ke refuge in his glory, and remain in Rangoon, he replied,

PRECARIOUS STATE OF THE MISSION. 197
" Let them stay, let them stay ; and let yoir Avife bring their
wives, that I may see them all." We then made our obeisance,
and retired.
The examination Avhich brother Hough sustained during
my absence, and the persecution of the Roman Catholic
padres, have made us feel more deeply than ever the pre
carious situation of this mission, and the necessity of proceed
ing with the utmost caution. It was only through the favor
of the viceroy that the padres were allowed to remain here,
when they arrived from Ava, under sentence of banishment.
And it is only through his mediation, and the influence of
large presents made to the king, that the order of banishment
is reversed, if indeed it be reversed — a report not yet con
firmed. One malicious intimation to the king would occasion
our banishment ; and banishment, as the Burmans tell us, is
no small thing, being attended with confiscation of all prop
erty, and such various abuses as would make us deem our
selves happy to escape with our lives.
Such a situation may appear somewhat alarming to a per
son accustomed to the liberty and safety of a free government.
But let us remember that it has been the lot of the greater
part of mankind to live under a despotic government, devoid
of all security for life or property a single moment. Let us
remember that the Son of God chose to become incarnate
under the most unprincipled and cruel despot that ever
reigned. And shall any disciple of Christ refuse to do a
little service for his Saviour, under a government where his
Saviour would not have refused to live and die for his soul ?
God forbid. Yet faith is sometimes weak — flesh and blood
sometimes repine. 0 for grace to strengthen faith, to animate
hope, to elevate affection, to embolden the soul, to enable us
to look danger and death in the face ; still more, to behold,
without repining, those most dear to us suffering fears and
pains, which we would gladly have redoubled on ourselves, if
it would exonerate them.
We feel encouraged by the thought that many of the, dear
children of God remember us at the mercy seat. To your
17*

198 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
prayers I desire once more to commend myself— the weakest,
the most unqualified, the most unworthy, and the most unsuc
cessful of all missionaries.
Mr. Judson's sufferings during this voyage were far
greater than he, in his letter, made known to his cor
respondent. They had sailed for Chittagong, a pas
sage which should have been made in ten or twelve
days, at farthest. He had, therefore, prepared himself
for only a few weeks' absence from home. When the
vessel put in at Cheduba, the nervous affection of his
head and eyes, occasioned at first by low diet, had so
much increased by exhaustion and lack of food, that
he was unable to go on shore. When they approached
the Coromandel coast, and again encountered contrary
winds, they were reduced to almost the last extremity,
and the constitution of Mr. Judson sank under these ac
cumulated hardships. The mouldy, broken rice, which
they picked up from native vessels, and this in small
quantities, with a limited supply of water, was their
sole sustenance for three or four weeks. He was ac
customed to look back on his sufferings at this time
with a feeling of horror scarcely equalled by his
reminiscences of Ava. Here he was alone, in a state
of passive, monotonous suffering, with no one to share
his sympathies, and nothing to arouse his energies.
His scanty wardrobe, prepared for a trip of ten or
twelve days, had been long since exhausted, and what
with starvation, filth, pain, and discouragement, he
became unable to leave his berth. At last he was
attacked by a slow fever, and turning in disgust from
his little mess of dirty rice, he begged continually for
water ! water ! water ! without ever obtaining enough
to quench, even for a moment, his devouring thirst

SUFFERINGS OF THE VOYAGE. 199
At length the little vessel came to anchor in the mad
of Masulipatam, some two or three miles from the low,
uninviting beach, and the captain came to inquire if
he would be taken on shore. The fact that they were
near land seemed to him an incredible thing, a kind
of dreamy illusion too fanciful to interest him. After
some urging, however, he became sufficiently roused to
pencil a note, which he addressed to " any English
resident of Masulipatam," begging only for a place
on shore to die. After a little while, one of the men
came below, to tell him that a boat was approaching
from the shore. He now succeeded in crawling to the
windoAV of his cabin, from which he plainly distin
guished, in the rapidly moving boat, both the red coat
of the military and the white jacket of the civilian.
In the first thrill of joyful surprise, the sudden awaken
ing of hope and pleasure, he threw himself on his
knees and wept. Before his new friends were fairly
on board, he had succeeded in gaining some little self-
control ; but he added, his voice faltering and his eyes
filling with tears as he related the incident to Mrs.
Judson, " The white face of an Englishman never
looked to me so beautiful, so like my conception of
what angel faces are, as when these strangers entered
my cabin." They were very much shocked at his
visible wretchedness : he was haggard, unshaven, dirty,
and so weak that he could with difficulty support his
own weight. Their earnest cordiality was peculiarly
grateful to him. One of the officers took him to his
own hou^e, supplied him from his own Avardrobe, pro
cured a nurse, whom, however, he had occasion to em
ploy but a short time, and displayed throughout a
g?nerous hospitality which Dr. Judson never forgot.*
* Mrs. Judson's reminiscences.

200 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
During Mr. Judson's absence, the mission at Ran
goon was reduced to the last extremity, and would
have been wholly abandoned but for the conduct of
that heroic woman, whose name will ever be associ
ated with the introduction of Christianity into Bur
mah. After Mr. Judson had been absent for three
months, a native boat arrived from Chittagong, bring
ing the intelligence that neither he nor the vessel had
been heard of at that port. After this, several months
passed away before any tidings arrived concerning
him. While the mission family remained in this state
of anxious suspense, Mr. Hough received an order,
couched in the most menacing language, to appear
immediately at the court house, and give an account
of himself. This order spread terror among all their
domestics and adherents. As the hour was late, Mr.
Hough was merely ordered to give security for his ap
pearance at an early hour on the following day.
The viceroy, who had always been their friend, had
been recalled to Ava, and the present viceroy having
left his family at the capital, this latter circumstance
rendered it inconsistent with etiquette for a female to
appear at his court. Mr. Hough was not sufficiently
well acquainted with the language to make his appeal
in person. On the following days, Friday and Satur
day, Mr. Hough was detained, under every conceivable
annoyance, at the court house, and it Avas apparently
the object of the officers to harass and distress him as
much as possible.
On the next day, Sunday, another order for Mr.
Hough's appearance arrived. Mrs. Judson now de
termined to bring the matter to a crisis, by appealing
at once to the viceroy. Her teacher drew up a peti
tion, stating their grievances their summons to'appeai

STATE OF THE MISSION IN HIS ABSENCE. 201
in public on their sacred day, and equesting that
these molestations should cease. Mr. Hough accom
panied her to the government house. On her arrival,
she was immediately recognized by the viceroy, who
called her in the kindest manner to come in and make
known her request. As soon as he had heard the
petition, he inquired of the very officer who had been
foremost in molesting them, why the examination of
this foreign teacher had been thus prolonged. He at
once gave an order that Mr. Hough should be no more
called upon on his sacred day, and that he should be
molested no more. This trouble thus passed away, but
its consequences remained. Mrs. Judson had succeeded
in assembling some thirty or more females for religious
instruction ; but after this examination of Mr. Hough,
the number at once diminished to ten or twelve.
Besides this, the cholera now began to rage among
the native population, and the beating of the death
drum sounded all the day long. The missionaries felt
themselves exposed to its ravages; but, through a
merciful Providence, not an individual on then prem
ises suffered. Nor was this all. Reports were in cir
culation that Burmah was on the eve of a war with
Great Britain. Arrivals from British India were
becoming rare, and vessels in the port of Rangoon
were making all haste to depart before the war should
be declared. At last, but one English vessel remained
in the river. Six months had elapsed, and not a
syllable had been heard of Mr. Judson. It was
probable that the vessel had foundered, and all on
board had perished. The natives were becoming
afraid of intercourse with the missionaries. Should
war be declared, they would be shut out from all
communication with the civilized world, expcked to
the tender mercies of a despotic authority.

202 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Under these circumstances, Mr. Hough thoughts
desirable to remove the mission and its effects from
Rangoon, while removal was practicable. Mrs. Jud
son was long in favor of remaining. At last, however,
on the 5th of July, she consented to accompany Mr. and
Mrs. Hough, and took passage in the last vessel that
was to sail for Calcutta. It happened that the vessel
was detained several days in the river. During this
period she had time for calmer reflection, and deter
mined to leave the ship, return to Rangoon, and
remain there at least until she heard from her husband.
" Accordingly," she writes, " I immediately resolved
on giving up the voyage, and returning to town. The
captain sent up a boat with me, and engaged to for
ward my baggage the next day. I reached town in
the evening, spent the night at the house of the only
Englishman remaining in the place, and to-day have
come out to the mission house, to the great joy of all
the Burmans left ori our premises. Mr. Hough and
family will proceed, and they kindly and affectionately
urged my return. I know I am surrounded by dan
gers on every hand, and expect to feel much anxiety
and distress ; but, at present, I am tranquil, intend to
make an effort to pursue my studies as formerly, and
leave the event with God."
On the 16th of July, the first glimmering of hope
broke upon the darkness. The vessel in which Mr.
Judson had sailed for Chittagong arrived in the har
bor. Mrs. Judson then learned that the ship had
landed him at Masulipatam, and that he had proceeded
to Madras in search of a passage to Rangoon. It
also appeared that the prospect of immediate hostil
ities LeJ;ween Great Britain and Burmah was less im
minent than had been supposed. On the 25th of

RETURN TO RANGOON. 203
July, Mr. and Mrs. Hough returned to the mission
house, the ship in which they embarked not being able
to proceed for some weeks, so that Mrs. Judson was
no longer entirely alone. " I have again," she adds,
"commenced my studies, and keep myself closely
engaged until two o'clock. This I find the best
method to avoid dejection ; besides, my conscience
will not permit me to sit idly down and yield to those
desponding feelings in which a Christian should not
ndulge." Her anxieties in regard to her husband
were, however, soon to cease. Under date of August
2, 1818, she thus wrote to her parents : " How will
you rejoice with me, my dear parents, when I tell
you that I have this moment heard that Mr. Jud
son has arrived at the mouth of the river ! This
joyful intelligence more than compensates for the
months of dejection and distress which his long
absence has occasioned. Now I feel ashamed of my
repinings, my want of confidence in God and resigna
tion to his will. I have foolishly thought, because
my trials were protracted, they would never end, or,
rather, that they would terminate in some dreadful
event, which would destroy all hope of the final suc
cess of the mission. But now I trust our prospects
will again brighten, and cause us to forget this night
of affliction, or to remember it as having been the
means of preparing us for the reception of that
greatest of blessings — the conversion of so me of
the Burmans."* *Mrs. Judson's Mission tc Burmah, pp. 100-107.

CHAPTER VII.
CONFIDENCE IN GOD.-VIEWS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PREACH
ING THE GOSPEL. -THAT WORK COMMENCED. - OPENING OF
THE ZAYAT. - FIRST CONVERTS TO THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
— PREPARATIONS FOR VISITING AVA.
1818-1819.
We have now arrived at a most interesting period
in the history of the mission. Mr. Judson had made
himself, in a remarkable degree, familiar with the lan
guage. He had published and circulated a tract, in
which the doctrines and duties of the Christian reli
gion were briefly but clearly exhibited. Some por
tions of the Scriptures were also translated, and in the
hands of the people. These writings, so unlike any
thing which they had ever before seen, began to at
tract the attention of the natives. Although Mr.
Hough and his family returned to Calcutta, where, for
a while, the Burman printing was executed, yet the
mission had been strengthened by the arrival of
Messrs. Colman and Wheelock, young men of ardent
piety and great promise of usefulness. They, with
their wives, arrived in Rangoon, September 19, 1818,
and entered upon their work with a simple-hearted
Christian earnestness which has embalmed their
names in the memory of every friend of missions.*
* The career of these interesting young men was, however, destined
to be but short. Mr. Wheelock, soon after his arrival at Eangoon,
was attacked by bleeding from the lungs, which soon terminated in pul
monary consumption. It was that form of this malady which, in its
last stages, alternates with disease of the brain, producing mental de
rangement. After suffering for some time in Rangoon, he deter-
204

CONFIDENCE IN CrOD. 205
Duiing these long years of preparation, surrounded
by heathen, not one of whom had ever received a sin
gle Christian idea, and, for the greater part of the
time, destitute of any religious associations, except
what they found in each other, Mr. and Mrs. Judson
were never for a moment harassed with a doubt of
ultimate success. It never entered into their minds
that it might be desirable to find a more promising
field. If the idea had once arrested their attention,
he could not, he said, tell what the result might have
been ; but God preserved them from being tempted
with it. They never felt a single regret or misgiving,
and hence their letters never even allude to it, except
it be to encourage their friends at home, who, they
feared, might despond, in consequence of their want
of success. They always enjoyed the most entire
Certainty as to the result of their labors, though oc
casionally doubting whether they should live to wit
ness it. Their confidence rested firmly and exclu-
mined to sail for Calcutta, in the hope of deriving benefit from the
voyage. On the passage, in a fit of insanity, he threw himself OA-er-
board, and was drowned. His widow was subsequently married in
Calcutta, where she has since resided. Mr. Colman was also threat
ened, at the beginning of his residence in India, with pulmonary dis
ease. From this he recovered, and was a beloved co-worker with Mr.
Judson until their return from the first visit to Ava. It Avas then
deemed important to establish another mission station on the con
fines of Burmah, to which, in case of intolerable persecution, the
missionaries and the converts might resort, and from which the gos
pel might penetrate into the empire. Chittagong was selected for
this purpose, and Mr. Colman proceeded to occupy it. He found,
however, that Cox's Bazaar, a native but unhealthy village in the
neighborhood, was better adapted to missionary objects ; and here he
fixed his residence. Incessant labor soon brought on the fever of the
country, and he died July 4, 1822. This was th« severest blow
which the mission had yet received. His widow is now the wife of
the Kev. A. Sutton, D. D., of the Orissa mission,
vol. i. 18

206 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
sively on the word of God. They believed that he
had promised ; they, doing, as they believed, his will,
accepted the promise as addressed to themse.Ves per
sonally. Their daily work was a transaction between
God and their own souls. It never seemed possible
to them that God could be false to his promises.
Their confidence was the offspring of that faith which
is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen. By it they went forth, not knoAving
whither they went. By faith, through many long
years of discouragement, they endured, as seeing Him
who is invisible ; relying not at all on what they could
do, but wholly on what God had promised to do for
them. I am well aware that all missions, whose object it
is radically to renew and render meet for heaven the
heart of man, must be sustained by the same confi
dence in God. Nothing could be more absurd than
the attempt, by human power, to create or to sustain
in the human soul that holiness without which no
man shall see the Lord. Paul may plant, Apollos
may water, but God giveth the increase. The faith
through which we are saved is the gift of God. But
while all this is generally acknowledged, there are dif
ferences, both in the simplicity with which it is re
ceived, and the boldness with which it is carried into
practice. The belief that the conversion of men is
the work of the Spirit, and the reliance on the promise
of God that he will make the message of the gospel
effectual to the salvation of men, wherever it is deliv
ered in faith and love, seem I think, to have stood
out in bolder relief in the planting of this mission,
than in many others with which I am acquainted.
This peculiarity gave rise to sereral others. As

PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL THE CHIEF WORK. 207
Mr. Judson believed that this was the work of God,
one thing seemed to him just as easy as another.
Nothing is difficult to omnipotence. " He spake and
it was done, he commanded and it stood fast." The
direct way of securing the aid of almighty power, is
to follow in the path marked out by omniscient wis
dom. Mr. Judson therefore endeavored, first of all,
to ascertain the manner in which Christ and his apos
tles labored to extend Christianity. This seems plain
ly exemplified in the New Testament. It is by the
action of individual mind on individual mind. It is
by embracing every opportunity, which our intercourse
with men presents, to tell them of the love of Christ,
of their danger and their duty, and to urge them, in
Christ's stead, to be reconciled to God. Thus did
Christ, and thus did his apostles labor. They had no
plan, no sapping and mining, no preparatory work, ex
tending over half a generation before they should be
ready for direct and energetic effort. As the apos
tles opened their commission, they saw that it com
manded them to preach the gospel to every creature.
They obeyed the commandment, and God wrought
with them by signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
Mr. Judson followed these examples, and his lab»ra
were attended with signal success.
Hence it will be perceived that he addressed him
self at once to adults, to those who denied the exist
ence of an eternal God ; and the Holy Spirit carried
the message directly to their hearts. Missionaries
have sometimes said that we could scarcely expect
men grown old in heathenism ever to be converted,
since they were beyond the reach, at least, of our im
mediate efforts. We must therefore begin with chil
dren. We must establish schools, by our superior

208 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
knowledge gain influence over the young, and with
their daily lessons irstil into their minds a knowledge
of Christianity. And more than this : as the re
ligious systems of the heathen are indissolubly asso
ciated with false views of astronomy, geography, and
physical science generally, if we can correct these
errors, the religion resting upon them must by neces
sity be swept away. As these views have been car
ried into practice, a change has naturally come over
missionary stations. Ministers of the gospel to
the heathen have become schoolmasters. Instead of
proclaiming the great salvation, they have occupied
themselves in teaching reading, spelling, geography,
arithmetic, and astronomy. While some are thus en
gaged as teachers, others are employed as book mak
ers for the schools. Thus it sometimes comes to pass,
that of the men sent out for the express purpose of
preaching the gospel, a large portion do not preach
the gospel at all.
Mr. Judson, as I have remarked, took a different
view of the work to which he considered himself set
apart. He saw men all around him perishing, and he
at once offered to them the only remedy which God
had provided. He believed that there is a Holy Ghost,
and that to him the hearts of all men are open. The
apostles were not sent to be schoolmasters, but to be
heralds and ambassadors. He aimed to follow closely
in their footsteps, and hence I think that the narrative
of his labors resembles more nearly that in the Acts of
the Apostles than most others with which I am fa
miliar. And in all this I cannot but believe that the "fool
ishness of God is wiser than men." The gospel is
always to be preached to parents, rather than to chil-

OBJECT AND SUCCESS OF HIS LABORS. 209
dren ; and specially so in the first planting of Christi
anity. The first profession of the religion of Jesus
must, by necessity, expose the disciple to obloquy, re
proach, and persecution. No one can suppose it to
be the will of Gol that all these are first to be borne
by little children. It never was, and it never Will be,
done. Besides, the influence of the heathen parent
will be more powerful over his child than that of the
Christian school teacher. Hence, while schools diffuse
knowledge, improve the intellect, hasten the progress
of civilization, and are, therefore, benevolent and phil
anthropic, they are not, as it seems to me, the mis
sionary work which Christ committed to his disciples.
That they have done good who can doubt? But, as
a means for converting men, that they have fallen
very far below the simple preaching of the gospel, is,
I think, beyond a question. The preaching of Mr.
Abbott and his assistants, in Arracan, has, I believe,
been the instrument of more conversions than all the
school teaching of Protestant missions for the last
thirty years.
And here it may be worth while to observe the ob
ject which Mr. Judson always kept steadily in view,
to the exclusion of every other. It was not to teach
men a creed, or to train them to the performance of
certain rites, or to persuade them to belong to a par
ticular church, but first of all to produce in them a
radical and universal change of moral character, to
lead them to repent of and forsake all sin, to love
God with an affection that should transcend in power
every other motive, and to rely for salvation wholly on
the merits of that atonement which has been made foi
man by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It pleased
God to crown his labors with success. I~ will be seen
that, as the fruit of his labors, this type of character,
is »

210 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
so peculiar to the New Testament, was created in the
souls of ignorant, licentious, and atheistic Bud jhists.
These disciples talk,, and act, and feel in the very spirit
of Cirist and his apostles. Never, until this temper
of heart was exhibited, were they admitted to the or
dinance of baptism, and received as members of the
Christian church. At the same time, the persecu
tions to which they would be exposed were plainly set
before them. They were told that unless they loved
Christ better than houses, or lands, or brethren, or
their own lives, they could not be his disciples. No
one Avho could not bear this test was encouraged to
hope that he was a child of God. And yet, in view
of all this, many earnestly desired permission to pro
fess themselves the disciples of Jesus. Such, and such
only, formed the church at Rangoon. He believed
himself authorized to admit to the fellowship of saints
none but those on whom this great moral change had
passed. Hence we find in his journals no account
of children who were baptized on the faith of their
parents. He believed religion to be a personal matter
between God and the soul of man ; and hence, where
there could be no evidence of a renewal of the moral
nature of man, there could be no reason for admitting
an individual, whether young or old, to the ordinances
of a spiritual church. It is in this respect mainly that
Christians of the Baptist persuasion differ from then
brethren who hold with them the other great doctrines
of the reformation.
A few events alluded to in the following journals
and letters may properly be inserted here, in chrono
logical order.
April 4, 1819. Public worship was commen ted in
the Burman language.

INADEQUACT OF HUMAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS. 211
April 25. The zayat was opened for public in
struction in religion.
June 27. Moung Nau, the first Burman convert,
was baptized.
July 29. A re -ision and enlargement of tract num
ber one, and tract number two, with a catechism in
Burman by Mrs. Judson, were completed.
August 7. Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock sailed for Ben-
gal. Extract from a Letter to a Friend.
Rangoon, October 9, 1818.
Rev. and dear Sir : Yours of March 12 and 18, 1817,
arrived here during my absence, or I should have replied
long ago. Yours of the following November Avas brought by
the brethren, who arrived here the 19th of last month —
about six Aveeks after my return.
In regard to the education necessary for missionaries, it
appears to me that Avhatever of mental improvement, or of
literary and scientific attainment, is desirable in a minister at
home, is desirable in a missionary. I think I could illustrate
this in a variety of particulars ; but the limits of a letter do
not allow. I feel, however, more and more, the inadequacy
and comparative insignificance of all human accomplishments,
whether in a minister or a missionary, and the unspeakable,
overwhelming importance of spiritual graces, — humility, pa
tience, meekness, love, — the habitual enjoyment of closet
religion, a soul abstracted from this world, and much occupied
in the contemplation of heavenly glories. Here I cannot
help digressing from the subject to myself. You know not,
my dear, sir, you cannot conceive, Iioav utterly unfit I am for
the work in which I am engaged. I am, indeed, a worm, and
no man. It is a wonder that I am alloAved to live as a mis
sionary among the heathen, and receive an undeserved sup
port from the dear people of God — from many who are poor
in this world, but rich in faith. Yet I feel necessity laid on
me to remain here, and try to do a little something.

212 memoir of dr. judson.
In regard to an inten'iew with the king, I have long .bought
it desirable, but have never felt that the time had come. I
would rather that God should open the way than attempt to
open it myself. "o the Corresponding Secretary.
Kangoon, February 20, 1819.
Rev. and dear Sir : The prospect of the speedy de
parture of a vessel for Bengal reminds us of our unanswered
letters. Brother Colman has nearly recovered his health,
which suffered much on his first arrival. But brother Whee
lock still remains in a low, and, I fear, declining state.
My time, for the last few months, has been diA^ided between
reading Burman, writing some portions of Scripture, and
other things preparatory to public worship, holding conversa-
fxms on religion, and superintending the erection of a zayat,
(as the Burmans call it,) or place of public resort, where we
intend to spend much of our time, and where we hope to have
stated worship, or, at least, to try the practicability of such an
attempt under this government.
The peculiarly retired situation of the mission house has
long rendered the erection of such a building, or a change of
residence, a very desirable measure. After much hesitation
and perplexity about our duty, we were so fortunate as to
procure, at a very moderate price, a piece of ground which is
contiguous to the mission premises, and at the same time opens
on a public road. The building is noAv going up, with such
scanty materials and means as we can afford, or, rather, as we
think you can afford. The whole concern will cost about two
hundred dollars. And should this zayat prove to be a Chris
tian meeting house, the first erected in this land of atheists,
for the worship of God — a house where Burmans who now
deny the very existence of Deity shall assemble to adore the
majesty of heaven, and to sing with hearts of devotion the
praises of the incarnate Saviour  But the thought seems
too great to be realized. Can this darkness be removed?
Can these dry bones live? On thee, Jesus, all our hopes

PUBLIC WORSHIP COMMENCED. 213
depend. In thee all poAver is vested, even power to make
sinful creatures instrumental of enlightening the heathen.
You want to hear. of some poor benighted Burman brought
to taste that the Lord is gracious ; but O, not more than I
want to speak f it. I hope, I do hope, my dear sir, that we
shall both one day be gratified.
I remain, Avith much affection and respect, Yours, &c,
A. Judson, Jr.
Mr. Judson's Journal, addressed to the Corresponding Secretary.
April 4, 1819. My close application to the Burman dic
tionary during the year 1817, and my subsequent loss of
nearly a year in the unsuccessful attempt to visit Chittagong,
have occasioned a long interruption in my journal. Since my
return to Rangoon, the little I have to say I have communi
cated in letters. With this day, a new, and I hope important
era in the mission, I resume the journal.
To-day, the building of the zayat being sufficiently advanced
for the purpose, I called together a few people that live around
us, and commenced public worship in the Burman language.
I say commenced, for, though I have frequently read and dis
coursed to the natives, I have never before conducted a course
of exercises which deserved the name of public worship, ac
cording to the usual acceptation of that phrase among Chris
tians ; and though I began to preach the gospel as soon as I
could speak intelligibly, I have thought it hardly becoming io
apply the term preaching, since it has acquired an appropri
ate meaning in modern use, to my imperfect, desultory ex
hortations and conversations. But I hope, though with fear
and trembling, that I have now commenced a course of public
worship and regular preaching. This would have taken place
just a year ago, had I returned to Rangoon, as I expected, and
still earlier, had I not been under a government where I
thought it prudent to gain a considerable acquaintance with the
language before commencing public operations, lest I should
be unable properly to vindicate my conduct, Ayhen called to a
judicial account.

214 MEMtIR OF DR. JUDSON.
The congregation to-day consisted of fifteen persons only,
b;sides children. Much disorder and inattention prevailed,
most of them not having been accustomed to attend Burman
worship. May the Lord grant his blessing on attempts made
in great weakness and under great disadvantages ; and all the
glory will be his.
April 6. This evening I went, for the second time, to
hear a popular Burman preacher. On our arrival, we found
a zayat, in the precincts of one of the most celebrated pagodas,
lighted up, and the floor spread with mats. In the centre was
«, frame raised about eighteen inches from the ground, where
the preacher, on his arrival, seated himself. He appeared to
be about forty-five years old, of very pleasant countenance ,
and harmonious speech. He was once a priest, but is now a
layman. The people, as they came in, seated themselves on
the mats, the men on one side of the house, and the women on
the other. It was an undistinguished day, and the congrega
tion Avas very small, not more than one hundred. When we
entered, some said, " There come some Avild foreigners.'' But
when we sat down properly, and took off our shoes, they began
to say, " No, they are not wild ; they are civilized." Some recog
nized me, and said to one another, " It is the English teacher "
— a name by which I am commctily known. The preacher
soon took notice of us, entered into some conversation, invited us
to visit him, and so on ; but on learning that I was a missionary,
or, in their idiom, a religion-making teacher, his countenance
fell, and he said no more. The people being now convened,
one appointed for the purpose called three times for silence
and attention. Each one then took the flowers and leaves
which had been previously distributed, and placing them be
tween his fingers, raised them to his head, and in that respect
ful posture remained motionless until the service was closed.
This ceremony Ave of course declined. When all things were
properly adjusted, the preacher closed his eyes, and com
menced the exercise, which consisted in repeating a portion
from their sacred writings. His subject was the conversion
of the two prime disciples of Gaudama, and their subsequent

THE ZAYAT OPENED. 215
promotion and glory. His oratory I found to be entirely dif
ferent from all that we call oratory. At first he seems dull
and monotonous ; but presently his soft, mellifluent tones Avin
their way into the heart, and lull the soul into that state of
calmness and serenity which to a Burman mind somewhat
resembles the boasted perfection of. their saints of old. His
discourse continued about half an hour ; and, at the close, the
whole assembly burst out into a short prayer, after Avhich all
rose and retired. This man exhibits twice every evening, in
different places. Indeed, he is the only popular lay preacher
in the place. As for the priests, they preach on special occa
sions only, when they are drawn from their seclusion and inac
tivity by the solicitations of their adherents.
April 28. Nothing interesting through the day. At night,
encountered a bitter opposer ; he had visited Bengal, and some
foe to missions had poisoned his mind ; he manifested a most
virulent spirit. I felt that he would most gladly be foremost
in destroying us. But through divine grace, I was enabled to
treat him with meekness and gentleness, and he finally left me
politely. He appeared to be rich, and had several followers.
In the evening, there were some hopeful appearances in
Mrs. Judson's female meeting — a meeting which she has
recommenced since public worship has been set up in the
zayat. April 29. A precious case has just occurred. A young
man of twenty-four, by name Moung Koo, happened to stroll
in last Sunday, and was present at worship. He appeared to
be rather wild and noisy, though his manners were respectful.
He took a tract, and went away. This morning he made his
appearance again, and has been with me about two hours. I
have been enabled, through divine assistance, to give him a
great deal of truth, and especially to expatiate with some feel
ing on the love and sufferings of the Saviour. The truth seems
to have taken hold of his mind. And though he is quick and
sensible, and has some savage fire in his eye, he is very docile,
and ready to drink in the truth, without the numberless caAfils
and objections which are so common amc ng the Burmans. He

216 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
engaged to come next Sunday, promised to pray constantly^
and gave me his name, that I might pray for him, that he
might be a disciple of Christ, and be delivered from hell. I
feel considerable attachment to this young man, and my heart
goes forth to the mercy seat in behalf of his precious soul.
April 30. I was agreeably surprised in the morning to see
lt.3 young man of yesterday come again so soon. He staid all
the forenoon, and seemed desirous of hearing as much as pos
sible about religion. Several others came and went. Avery
busy day ; hardly time to prepare these minutes to be forward
ed by a vessel which leaves this port for Bengal early to-mor
row morning.
May 1, 1819. Burman day of worship ; of course many
visitors ; among the rest, Moung Nau, a man who was with
me several hours yesterday ; but, from his silence and reserve,
excited little attention or hope. To-day, hoAvever, I begin to
think better of him. Moung Koo came again at night, and
appeared pretty well. These two men, with the two persons
from Kambet, of the 27th, I call the fruits of the week.
But let us see who of them will remember the day of
worship. May 2, Lord's day. About three o'clock, the quiet and
modest Moung Nau came in and took his usual place. For
the others Ave looked in vain. About thirty present at wor
ship. Very few paid much attention, or probably received any
benefit. May 3. Among the vistors of torday was a respectable
man, formerly an officer, now a merchant, resident at Little
Bridge, a village contiguous to Kambet. After long and
various conversation, in which he paid close and respectful
attention, he said that he was a person not a little versed in
Burman literature, but that he now saw he had erred in all ;
he regretted that he had lived two years in the neighborhood
without knowing me ; to-day was an auspicious day ; he Avished
to become my disciple, would read my writings, with attention,
and come as often as possible.
May §. Moung Nau has been with me several hours. I

FIRST .JURMESE CONVERT. 217
begin to think that the grace of God has reached his heart.
He expresses sentiments of repentance for his sins, and faith
in the Saviour. The substance of his profession is, that from
the darknesses, and uncleannesses, and sins of his whole life, he
has found no other Saviour but Jesus Christ ; nowhere else
can he look for salvation ; and therefore he proposes to adhere
to Christ, and worship him all his life long.
It seems almost too much to believe that. God has begun to
manifest his grace to the Burmans ; but this day I could not
resist the delightful conviction that this is really the case.
Praise and glory be to his name forevermore.
Amen. May 6. Moung Nau was again with me a great part of
the day. He appears to be slowly growing in religious knowl
edge, and manifests a teachable, humble spirit, ready to be
lieve all that Christ has said, and obey all that he has com
manded. He is thirty-five years old ; no family, middling
abilities, quite poor, obliged to work for his living, and there
fore his coming, day after day, to hear the truth affords
stronger evidence that it has taken hold of his mind. May
the Lord graciously lead his dark mind into ah the truth,
and cause him to cleave inviolably to the blessed Saviour.
May 8.- Burman day of worship. Thronged with visitors
through the day. Had more or less company, without inter
mission, for about eight hours. Several heard much of the
gospel, and engaged to come again. Moung Nau was with me
a great part of the day, and assisted me much in explaining
things to new comers. Towards night a man came in, by
name Moung Shwaa Oo, whom I think it time to mention par
ticularly, as he has visited me several times ; and though, hke
Moung Nau, apparently backward at first, he appears to be
really thoughtful. He is a young man of twenty-seven, of
very pleasant exterior, and evidently in good circumstances.
Poor Moung Koo, who appeared so forward at first, alas ! too
forward ! has quite discontinued his visits. No news yet from
the villagers of Kambet and Little Bridge.
May 9, Lord's day. Moung Shwaa Oo came in the
vol. i. 19

218 memoir of dr. judson.
morning, and staid through the Avhole day. Only two or three
of all I conversed with yesterday came again. Had, however,
an assembly of thirty. After worship, some warm disputa
tion. I begin to feel that the Burmans cannot stand before
the truth. In the course of the conversation, Moung Nau de
clared himself a disciple of Christ, in presence of a consid
erable number ; and even Moung SliAvaa Oo appeared to in
cline the same way.
May 10. Early in the morning, Moung Nau came to take
leave, being obliged to go to a distance after timber, his usual
occupation. I took him alone and prayed with him, and gave
him a written prayer to help him in his private devotion. He
received my parting instructions with great attention and
solemnity ; said he felt that he was a disciple of Christ ; hoped
that he should be kept from falling ; desired the prayers of us
all ; expressed a wish that, if he held out some time after his
return, we would allow him to profess Christ in baptism ; and
so he departed. The Lord Jesus go with him and bless him.
He is poor. I felt a great desire to give him. something, but
thought it safer to put no temptation in his way. If, on
his return, he still cleaves to Christ, his profession will be
more satisfactory than it Avould be if he had any expectations
from us.
May 11. Had more or less company, from morning till
night ; among the rest, Moung Shwaa Oo, and two or three
others, who appear to be pretty well satisfied that the Buddhist
religion has no foundation. Conversation was very animated,
and somewhat encouraging ; but I wanted to see more serious
ness, and more anxiety to be saved from sin.
Heard much, to-day, of the danger of introducing a new
religion. All agreed in opinion that the king would cut off
all who embraced it, being a king who could not bear that his
subjects should differ in sentiment from himself; and who has,
for a long time, persecuted the friends of the established re
ligion of the empire, because they would not sanction all Vis
innovations. Those who seemed most favorably disposed
whispered me that I had better not stay in Rangoon and talk

FIRST BURMESE CONVERT. 219
to common people, but go directly to the " lord of life and
death." If he approved. of the religion, it would spread rap
idly ; but, in the present state of things, nobody would dare
to prosecute . their inquiries, with the fear of the king before
their eyes. They brought forward the case of the Kolans,
a sect of Burmans who have been proscribed and put to, death
under several reigns. I tried to set them right in some points;
and encourage them to trust in the care of an almighty
Saviour ; but they speak low and look around fearfully Avhen
they mention the name of the " owner of the sword."
May 13. Had company all day, without intermission.
About noon, Moung Nau came in, having given up his jour
ney on account of the unfaithfulness of his _employer. His
behavior and conversation were very satisfactory. He regrets
the want of a believing associate, but declares his determina
tion of adhering to Christ, though no Burman should ever
join him.
Moung Shwaa Doan, a man who has attended two Sundays
and made some occasional visits, was with me several hours.
He professes to have felt the truth' of this religion ever since
he first heard about it, and now desires to be a disciple of
Christ. He has obtained, I find, considerable knowledge of
the Christian system, but does not appear to have much sense
of his own sins. May the Spirit teach him what man cannot.
May 15. Moung Nau has been with me all day, as Avell
as yesterday. He is anxious to be received into our company,
and thinks it a great privilege to be the first among the Bur
mans in professing the religion of Jesus Christ. He has been
told plainly that he has nothing to expect in this world but
persecution, and perhaps death ; but he thinks it better to die
for Christ, and be happy hereafter, than to live a few days and
be forever wretched. All the members of the mission have,
at different times, conversed with him, and are satisfied that a
work of grace is begun in his heart.
May 16, Lord's day. In the forenoon, a man came in
from Kyaikasan, a neighboring village, and listened with
more apparent sincerity than is commonly manifested the first

220 MEMOIR OF I>«. JUDSON.
visit. He had received a tract about a year ago, and had
thought considerably on the subject.
About the usual number Avas present at worship, but a
larger proportion than common Avere strangers. A lawyer
belonging to the viceroy, and some other respectable persons,
were present, and gave me much trouble, without, I fear, re
ceiving any benefit. Moung Shwaa Doan was present, and
appeared pretty Avell after worship. Moung Shwaa Oo has, I
suppose, returned to Henthadah, the next city above Rangoon'.
He took no leave of me ; yet I cannot give up all hope of
him. The last visit, he said he should constantly read my
writings, and pray to the eternal God.
May 17. Moung Nau has received an advantageous offer to
go to Ava, in the employ of a boat owner. We were afraid
to dissuade him from accepting, as he has no way of getting a
living, and equally unwilling to have him absent several
months. At length we advised him not to go, and he at once
acquiesced. May 21. Had several attentive hearers ; among the rest
Moung A, who says that the good news has taken hold of his
mind. I have been so frequently disappointed in visitors who
appeared promising the first time, but neA'er came again, that
I have lost all credit in early professions ; yet I cannot but
hope well of this man, especially as Moung Nau appeared to
like him better than any other inquirer.
May 22. We have taken Moung Nau to live with us, in
tending to employ him in copying some small things for dis
tribution, which we cannot get printed at present, and allow
him ten ticals a month. Our principal object, however, is to
keep him in the way of instruction, hoping that he will
ultimately be useful to his countrymen.
At night, Moung A came the second time, and appeared
anxious to know the way of salvation. But I am grieved to
find that he is going away on business to-morrow morning, and
will be absent a long time.
May 23, Lord's day. The Kyaikasan villager Moung
Nyo, mentioned last Sunday, came again, with three companions.

REQUEST FOR BAPTISM. 221
He staid the whole day, and appears to be in the same state
of mind as Moung A. Both say they are convinced that
there is an eternal God ; that having denied him all their
lives, and of course lived contrary to his commands, their sins
are great ; and that the news of salvation, through the death
of the Son of God, is good news. Thus far they venture.
But whether the Spirit has given, or will give, them true love
to the Saviour, and thus enable them to trust in him, we must
leave for time to ascertain.
June 6, Lord's day. Had two interesting visitors. They
were present at worship, and staid till dark — certain they
should come again — but will they ?
After partaking of the Lord's supper in the evening, we
read and considered the following letter of Moung Nau, which
he wrote of his own accord : —
" I, Moung Nau, the constant recipient of your excellent
favor, approach your feet. Whereas my Lord's three have
come to the country of Burmah, — not for the purposes of
trade, but to preach the religion of Jesus Christ, the Son of
the eternal God, — I, having heard and understood, am, with a
joyful mind, filled with love.
" I believe that the divine Son, Jesus Christ, suffered death,
in the place of men, to atone for their sins. Like a heavy-
laden man, I feel my sins are very many. The punishment
of my sins I deserve to suffer. Since it is so, do you, sirs,
consider that I, taking refuge in the merits of the Lord Jesus
Christ, and receiving baptism, in order to become his disciple,
shall dwell one with yourselves, a band of brothers, in the
happiness of heaven, and therefore grant me the ordinance of
baptism.* It is through the grace of Jesus Christ that you,
sirs, have come by ship from one country and continent to
another, and that we have met together. I pray my Lord's
* At the time of writing this, not having heard much of baptism,
be seems to have ascribed an undue efficacy to the ordinance. He
has since corrected his error ; but the translator thinks it the most
fair and impartial to give the letter just as it was written at first.
19*

222 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
three that a suitable day may be appointed, and that I may
receive the ordinance of baptism.
" Moreover, as it is only since I have met with you, sirs, that
I have known about the eternal God, I venture to pray that
you will still unfold to me the religion of God, that, my old dis
position may be destroyed, and my new disposition improved."
We have all, for some time, been satisfied concerning the
reahty of his rehgion, and therefore voted to receive him into
church fellowship, on his being baptized, and proposed next
Sunday for administering the ordinance.
June 20, Lord's day. For the last fortnight, have had but
little company at the zayat, owing probably to the rains which
have now fully set in. The town has also been in great con
fusion, in prospect of the viceroy's departure for Ava. We
iiave been called on to pay another tax of fifteen ticals — got
off Avith paying half. Have had several other molestations .
from petty officers of government. Concluded to postpone
Moung Nau's baptism till the viceroy be fairly off. He left
Rangoon yesterday, and has arrived at the next village, which
is a kind of rendezvous to the vast multitude of boats that
accompany him.
To-day, Moung Shwaa Doan appeared again, after an
absence of several weeks, and a little revived our hopes con
cerning him. Several, whom I have particularly mentioned,
have discontinued their visits, though I am. satisfied that they
are convinced of the falsity of the Burman religion, and of
the truth of the Christian. I cannot possibly penetrate their
motives. Whether, after several visits, they meet with some
threatening suggestion, that awakens their fears of persecu
tion, or whether, at a certain stage in their inquiries, they get
such an insight into the gospel as rouses the enmity of the
carnal heart, I am not at le, from my experience hitherto, to
ascertain. June 21 The town is in the utmost anxiety and alarm.
Order after order has reached our viceroy, to hasten his return
to Ava, with all the troops under arms. Great news are
whispered. Seme say there is a rebellion ; some say the

DEATH OF THE KING. 223
king is sick, some that he is dead. But none dare to say this
plainly. It would be a crioe of the first magnitude ; for the
" lord of land and water " is called immortal. The eldest son
of his eldest son (his father being dead) has long been de
clared the heir of the croAvn ; but he has two very powerful
uncles, who, it is supposed, will contest his right ; and in all
probability the whole country will soon be a scene of anarchy
and civil war.
June 22. Out all the morning, listening for news, uncer
tain whether a day or an hour will not plunge us into the
greatest distress. The whole place is sitting in sullen silence,
expecting an explosion. About 10 o'clock, a royal despatch
boat pulls up to the shore. An imperial mandate is produced.
The crowds make way for the sacred messengers, and foUow
them to the high court, Avhere the authorities of the place
are assembled. Listen ye : The immortal king, wearied, it
would seem, with the fatigues of royalty, has gone up to
amuse himself in the celestial regions. His grandson, the
heir apparent, is seated on the throne. The young monarch
enjoins on all to remain quiet, and wait his imperial orders.
It appears that the Prince of Toung Oo, one of his uncles,
has been executed, with his family and adherents, and the
Prince of Pyee placed in confinement. There has probably
been bloody work; but it seems, from what has transpired,
that the business has been settled so expeditiously that the
distant provinces will not feel the shock.
June 23. Had some encouraging conversation with Moung
Thahlah, a young man who has been living in our yard several
months. He has lately made me several visits at the zayat, and
appeared very thoughtful and teachable. To-day, on being
asked the state of his mind, he replied, with some feehng, that he
and all men were sinners, and exposed to future punishment ;
that according to the Buddhist system, there was no way of par
don ; but that according to the religion which I taught, there
was not only a way of pardon, but a way Df enjoying endless
happiness in heaven ; and that, therefore, ^e wanted to believe
in Christ. I stated to l.im, as usual, t\ at he must think much

224 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
on the love of Christ, and pray to God for an enlightened and
loving heart, and then gave him a form of prayer suited to
his case.
In the female evening meeting, his sister, Ma Baik, whose
husband also lives in f ur yard, manifested considerable feel
ing, especially when Mrs. Judson prayed with her alone,
and expressed strong desire to obtain an interest in the
Saviour. June 27, Lord's day. There were several strangers pres
ent at worship. After the usual course, I called Moung
Nau before me, read and commented on an appropriate
portion of Scripture, asked him several questions concerning
hia faith, hope, and love, and made the baptismal prayer, hav
ing concluded to have all the preparatory exercises done in
the zayat. We then proceeded to a large pond in the vicinity,
the bank of which is graced with an enormous image of
Gaudama, and there administered baptism to the first Burman
convert. 0, may it prove the beginning of a series of
baptisms in the Burman empire which shall continue in un
interrupted succession to the end of time !
July 4, Lord's day. We have had the pleasure of sitting
down, for the first time, to the Lord's table with a converted
Burman ; and it was my privilege — a privilege to which I
have been looking forward with desire for many years — to
administer the Lord's supper in two languages. And now
let me, in haste, close my journal for transmission to the
board. Letter from Mrs. Judson.
Rangoon Mission House, June 2, 1819.
In my last, I mentioned Mr. Judson's commencing public
preaching in a building which we had erected for that purpose,
and which you will in future know by the name zayat. Little
did I think, when I last wrote, that I should so soon have the
joyful intelligence to communicate, that one Burman has em
braced the Christian religion, and given good evidence of
being a true disciple of the dear Redeemer. This event, this

RELIGi DUS VIEWS OF THE FIRST CONVERT. 225
single trophy Df victorious grace, has filled our hearts with
sensations hardly to be conceived by Christians in Christian
countries. This event has convinced us that God can and
does operate on the minds of the most dark and ignorant, and
that he makes his own truths, his own word, the instrument of
operation. It serves also to encourage us to hope that the
Lord has other chosen ones in this place. As Mr. Judson has
given some account of the first impressions of this man, and
as I have had him particularly under my instruction since his
conversion, I will give you some of his remarks in his OAvn
words, with which you will be much interested. " Besides
Jesus Christ, I see no Avay of salvation. He is the Son of
the God who has no beginning, no end. He so loved and
pitied men that he suffered death in their stead. My mind is
sore on account of the sins I have committed during the whole
of my life, particularly in worshipping a false god. Our re
ligion, pure as it may be, does not purify the minds of those
who believe it; it cannot restrain from sin. But the re
ligion of Jesus Christ makes the mind pure. His disciples
desire not to grieve him by sinning. In our religion there is
no way to escape the punishment due to sin ; but, according
to the religion of Christ, he himself has died in order to de
liver his disciples. I wish all the Burmans Avould become his
disciples ; then we should meet together as you do in your
country; then we should all be happy together in heaven.
How great are my thanks to Jesus Christ for sending teachers
to this country, and how great are my thanks to the teachers
for coming ! Had they never come and built that zayat, I
should never have heard of Christ and the true God. I
mourn that so much of my life passed away before I heard of
this rehgion. How much I have lost ! " It is peculiarly inter
esting to see with what eagerness he drinks in the truths from
the Scriptures. A few days ago, I was reading with him Christ's
Sermon on the Mount. He was deeply impressed and unu
sually solemn. " These words," said he, " take hold on my
very liver ; they make me tremble. Here God commands ua
to do every thing that is good in secret, not to be seen of

226 MEM01K OB DR. JUDSON.
men. How unlike oui religion is this ! When Burmans
make offerings to the pagodas, they make a great noise with
drums and musical instruments, that others may see how good
they are. But this religion makes the mind fear God; it
makes it, of its own accord, fear sin." When I read this
passage, " Lay not up for yourselves treasures," &c, he said,
" What words are these ! It does not mean that we shall
take the silver and gold from this world, and carry them to
heaven ; but that, by becoming the disciples of Jesus, we shall
live in such a manner as to enjoy heaven Avhen we die." We
have taken him into our employ for the present, as a copyist,
though our primary object was to have him near us, that Ave
might have a better opportunity of knowing more of him be
fore he received baptism, and of imparting to him more in
struction than occasional visits might afford. Mornings and
evenings he spends in reading the Scriptures, and when we
all meet in the hall for family worship, he comes and sits with
us ; though he cannot understand, he says he can think of
God in his heart. Journal continued.
Rangoon, July 6, 1819. First day of Burman Lent. All the
members of government went to the great pagoda, and took the
oath of allegiance to the new king. At night a large company
came in, all disposed to condemn, and ridicule, and persecute,
influenced by one very virulent opposer, who has been here
before. When the storm was gathering, Moung Nau with
drew. A most trying time, chiefly rendered so by its being
an indication of the spirit which generally prevails among this
people, though commonly restrained by politeness, and Avhich,
we fear, may issue in something Avorse and more to be dread
ed than our own personal inconvenience and persecution.
Heard, at the same time, that several of the people Avho
live about us, and commonly attend worship, had privately
gone to the pagoda and made an offering. All these circum
stances conspire to make us feel desolate, and to put our trust
in God alone.

REVISION UF THE FIRST TRACT. 227
July 10. Some pleasant conversation with Moung Thah-
lah. Seldom a day passes in which he does not spend an
hour or two with me or Moung Nau. This man is rather su
perior to the common Burmans in point of abilities, and,
though not very learned, he has read much more than the
generality. He is much superior to any one resident on our
premises, and, if converted, Avould be a valuable acquisition to
the mission.
July 12. Considerable company all day. Moung E, whose
name I have not yet mentioned, though he has made several
visits, broke through his usual reserve, and acknowledged his
love for this religion, and thought he should become a disciple,
and not return to Tavoy, whence he lately came on some gov
ernment business. Moung Thahlah appears to be really
earnest in his desires to become a disciple of Christ. His
sister, Ma Baik, who was lately drawn into a high quarrel
with a neighbor, expresses much sorroAv, and says that the cir
cumstance has convinced her more than ever of the evil of her
heart, and the necessity of getting a new nature before she
can be a disciple.
Much encouraged by the events of the day. The Lord can
bless the feeblest means, the most unworthy instruments.
Praised be his name.
July 13. The sixth anniversary of the commencement of
the mission.
July 18, Lord's day. Discoursed on Matt. vii. 13, concern
ing the broad way to destruction and the narrow way to life ;
the hearers considerably attentive. To-day our viceroy has
returned to Rangoon, being forbidden to proceed to Ava be
fore taking the oath of allegiance to the new king.
July 19. Had some particular conversation with Moung
Thahlah on his spiritual state. He says that the more he
reads and hears of the Christian religion, the more inclined
he becomes to believe and embrace it, but fears that his weak
ness and sinfulness incapacitate him for keeping his holy pre
cepts as it becomes a professing disciple.
July 29. Finished revising the tract for a new edition.

228 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Have considerably enlarged it, particularly by adding several
prayers; so that it now stands, "A View of the Christian Re
ligion, in four Parts, Historical, Practical, Preceptive, and De
votional." We intend sending the manuscript to Serampore,
with a request to brother Hough that he will get it printed in
a large edition of five thousand copies. The first edition, of
one thousand, is nearly exhausted. Such, indeed, is the de
mand for it since the opening of the zayat, that we should
have given away all the copies long ago, had we not been
doubtful about a fresh supply.
July 30. Had several attentive visitors ; one of them staid
two hours, and appeared very unwilling to leave. His mild
manners and apparent openness of heart tended to heighten
my desires and stimulate my prayers for the salvation of his
precious soul.
August 1, Lord's day. Several respectable and wealthy
people present at worship. One of them visited me several
months ago, and received a tract. Since then he has thought
much, and has conversed Avith some of his friends about the
new rehgion. Yesterday he sent Avord that he Avas coming up
to worship, with several others. He Avas rather reserved to
day, and said but little, yet sufficient to show that he has im
bibed some neAv notions, Avhich, whether they issue in conver
sion or not, will, I trust, prevent his ever settling down in his
old system. His name is Oo Yah.
August 2. The family of the old gentleman of yesterday
came to see Mrs. Judson, saying that their father had sent
them to listen to the instructions of the female teacher. They
appear to be one of the most civilized families we have met
with, behaved Avith much politeness and respect, and begged
leave to come again.
August 3. Several neighbors of Oo Yah spent some time
at the zayat, and listened attentively.
August 7, Brother Wheelock embarked for Bengal, but in
so low a state that we fear the voyage, instead of being ben
eficial, Avill tend to shorten his life.
August 8, Lord's day. Several strangers present at wor
ship ; a larger assembly than usual,

SECOND BURMESE CONVERT. 229
August 19. Had more company than for a fortnight past.
"Very little intermission through the day. Just at night, three
strangers came in, and listened with remarkable attention.
They appeared to be particularly impressed with the value of
a happy immortality, as far superior to any thing which the
Burman system can offer, and also A\rith the love of Christ, as
far surpassing all other love.
August 20. Several Mahometans came in, having heard,
as they said, that I denounced all religions but the Christian.
We had a long debate on the divine Sonship of Jesus Christ.
At first it was very offensive to them ; but when the doctrine
of the Trinity was explained to them, they had no other objec
tion to make than that the Koran denied that God had a Son.
They appeared to be somewhat desirous of knowing what is
truth ; said they should come again, and must either convert
me to Mahometanism or themselves become converted to
Christianity. I discovered afterwards that one of them was
a priest ; but he kept in the background, and said nothing.
August 21. Have not lately mentioned Moung Thahlah,
though he has continued to visit me regularly. To-day I had
a conversation with him, that almost settled my mind that he
is really a renewed man. He, however, thinks he is not, be
cause he finds his heart so depraved that he cannot perfectly
keep the pure commands of Christ.
August 22, Lord's day. Two of the adherents of the Man-
gen teacher, the popular preacher that I mentioned some time
ago, were present at worship. I had much conversation Avith
them, in the course of which I so clearly refuted their system,
in two or three instances, that they could not refrain from an
involuntary expression of assent and approbation. They di
rectly said, however, that it was impossible for them to think
of embracing a new religion. I never saw more clearly the
truth of our Saviour's words, " Ye will not come unto me."
After worship, had another conversation with Moung
Thahlah. He hopes that he is a disciple of Jesus Christ in
heart, but wants to knoAv whether a profession of religion is
indispensable to salvation. He fears the persecution that
vol. i. 20

230 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
may hereafter come on those who forsake the estabhshed
religion of the empire. I gave him such explanation as I
thought suitable, and left him Avith the solemn consideration,
that unless he loved Christ above his oAvn hfe, he did not love
him sincerely, and ought not to hope that he is interested in
Iu'3 redemption.
His sister, Ma Baik, is in a very similar state. She has
been particularly attentive and solemn in her appearance for
.some time past. In such cases it is a great consolation to
reflect that the tender, compassionate Saviour will not break
the bruised reed, or quench the smoking taper. He will
strengthen and restore the one, and the other he will light
up with his own celestial fire.
August 24. Another conversation with Moung Thahlah,
which at length forces me to admit the conviction that he is a
real convert ; and I venture to set him down the second
disciple of Christ among the Burmans. He appears to have
all the characteristics of a new-born soul, and though rather
timid in regard to an open profession, has, I feel satisfied, that
love to Christ Avhich will increase and bring him forward in
due time.
August 26th. Was visited by Moung Shwa-gnong, a
teacher of considerable distinction. He appears to be half
deist and half sceptic, the first of the sort I have met with
among the Burmans. He, however, worships at the pagodas,
and conforms to all the prevailing customs. We had a very
interesting debate, in which Ave cleared up some preliminaries,
preparatory, I hope, to future discussions.
Just at night, the viceroy, returning from an excursion of
pleasure, passed by our road, for the first time since the
zayat was built. He was seated on a huge elephant, attended
by his guards and numerous suite, and, as he passed, eyed us
very narrowly. Several Burmans Avere sitting round me and
Mrs. Judson.
After he had passed some time, two of his private secretaries
came in with a viceregal order, signifying his highness's desire
to see the manner in which printing is executed. I replied,

LABORS IN THE ZAYAT. 231
that the teacher who understood printing had gone to Bengal,
taking the types with him, and that it was impossible to com
ply with the order. They departed with evident dissatisfaction.
August 27. In order to obviate the bad effects of the
report of the officers of yesterday, I went to the government
house, intending to have a personal interview with the viceroy.
After waiting two hours in the levee hall, he made his appear
ance, and on recognizing me, immediately inquired about the
press and types. I told him my story, and when he under
stood that I was ignorant of the art of printing, he appeared
satisfied to let the matter rest. In the course of the few
words which passed between us, he said that he wished to get
several Burman books printed. He seemed to be more kindly
disposed towards me than formerly ; but it seems impossible
to introduce the subject of religion in his presence, surrounded,
as he always is, Avith a crowd of courtiers and secretaries,
petitioners and lawyers.
Had but just returned home, when the teacher Moung
Shwa-gnong came again, and staid from noon till quite dark.
We conversed incessantly the whole time ; but I fear that no
real impression is made on his proud, sceptical heart. He,
however, promised to pray to the eternal God, through Jesus
Christ, and appeared, at times, to be in deep thought. He is
a man of very superior argumentative powers. His conver
sion would probably shake the faith of many.
August 28. A great deal of company all day long.
Quite Avorn out with incessant toil. At night, the viceroy
again passed, as the day before yesterday; and the same
secretaries came in, saying, that it Avas the viceroy's desire
that I should translate and get printed, if possible, some
historical writings of my country. I told them I would take
the first opportunity of calling on his highness.
August 31. A man, by name Moung Ing, has visited the
zayat five or six days in succession. At first, a variety of
other company prevented my attending much to him, and he
conversed chiefly Avith Moung Nau, and employed himself
it. reading Matthew. He once told Moung Nau that he

232 SEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
had long been looking after the true religion, and was ready
to wish that he had been born a brute, rather than to die in
delusion, and go to hell. Sunday I conversed with him
largely, and his attention, during worship, Avas very close and
solemn. To-day he has made me half inclined to believe
that a work of grace is begun in his soul. He says that he
formerly had some idea of an eternal God from his moth Jr,
who was christened a Roman Catholic, in consequence of her
connection with a foreigner; but that the idea Avas never
rooted in his mind until he fell in with the zayat. Within a
feAV days, he has begun to pray to this God. He is quite
sensible of his sins, and of the utter inefficacy of the Boodhist
religion, but is yet in the dark concerning the way of salva^
tion, and says that he wants to knoAv more of Christ, that he
may love him more. Lord Jesus, give him the saving knowl
edge of thine adorable self !
September 1. Moung Thahlah continues to express similar
sentiments to those already noted ; is still afraid of persecu
tion and death, but professes to be laboring to obtain that love
to Christ, and faith in him, Avhich will raise him above the fear
of man ; and particularly requests us to pray that he may
obtain these graces.
September 3. A great crowd of company through the
Avhole day, the teacher Moung Shwa-gnong, from ten o'clock
till quite dark, with several of his adherents. He is a com
plete Proteus in religion, and I never know where to find
him. We went over a vast deal of ground, and ended where
we began, in apparent incredulity. After his adherents, how
ever, were all gone, he conversed with some feeling ; owned
that he knew nothing, and wished me to instruct him ; and when
he departed, he prostrated himself, and performed the sheeko —
an act of homage Avhich a Burman never performs but to an
acknowledged superior.
After he was gone, Moung Ing, who has been listening all
day, followed me home to the house, being invited to stay with
Moung Nau through the night. We conversed all the even
ing, and bis expressions have satisfied us all that he is one of

PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS. 233
God's chosen people. His exercises have been of a much
stronger character than those of the others, and he expresses
himself in the most decided manner. He desires to become a
disciple in profession, as well as to be in Christ, and declares
his readiness to suffer persecution and death for the love of
Christ. When I stated the danger to which he was exposing
himself, and asked him whether he loved Christ better than his
own life, he replied, very deliberately and solemnly, " When I
meditate on this rehgion, I know not what it is to love my OAvn
life." Thus the poor fisherman Moung Ing is taken, while
the learned teacher Moung Shwa-gnong is left.
September 5, Lord's day. A very dull day — not one
stranger present at worship. In the evening Moung Thahlah
was a spectator of our partaking of the Lord's supper.
Moung Ing could not be present. He lives at some distance,
and is getting ready to go to sea, pursuant to his purpose be
fore he became acquainted with us. We have endeavored to
dissuade him from going, and to keep him near us ; but Ave
are afraid that his circumstances will not allow him to comply
with our advice and his own inclinations.
September 6. Spent the evening in conversing with Moung
Byaa, a man who, with his family, has lived near us for some
time, a regular attendant on worship, an indefatigable scholar
in the evening school, where he has learned to read, though
fifty years old, and a remarkably moral character. In my
last conversation, some time ago, he appeared to be a thor
ough legalist, relying solely on his good works, but yet
sincerely desirous of knowing and embracing the truth. The
greater part of the evening was spent in discussing his erro
neous views ; his mind seemed so dark and dull of appre
hension, that I was almost discouraged. Towards the close,
however, he seemed to obtain some evangelical discoveries,
and to receive the humbling truths of the gospel in a manner
Avhich encourages us to hope that the Spirit of God has
begun to teach him. The occasion of this conversation was
my hearing that he said that he intended to become a Chris
tian, and be baptized with Moung Thahlah. He accordingly pro
20*

234 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
fesses a full belief in the eternal God, and his Son Jesus
Christ. September 7. Am grie ~ed that Moung Ing comes no more.
Presume he has gone off, contrary to our advice, and was
reluctant to take leave of us under such circumstances.
September 10. Surprised by a visit from Moung Ing. It
appears that he has been confined at work on board the ves
sel in which he is engaged, and has not been ashore for several
days. As the vessel is certainly going to-morrow, he got
leave of absence for a short time, and improved it in running
out to the zayat. I was exceedingly glad, as it afforded me
an opportunity of giving him some parting instructions, and
praying with him alone. He appears very well indeed. He
is quite distressed that lie has so far engaged himself, and
appears desirous of getting off, and returning to us, if possible;
but I have very little' hope of his succeeding. I believe, how
ever, that he is a real Christian, and that, whenever he dies,
his immortal soul will be safe, and that he will praise God
forever for his transient acquaintance Avith us. The Lord go
Avith him and keep him.
September 11. Moung Shwa-gnong has been Avith me all
day. It appears that he accidentally obtained the idea of an
eternal Being about .eight years ago ; and it has been float
ing about in his mind, and disturbing his Boodhistic ideas ever
since. When he heard of us, which was through one of his
adherents, to whom I had given a tract, this idea received con
siderable confirmation ; and to-day he has fully admitted the
truth of this first grand principle. The latter part of the day
we were chiefly employed in discussing the possibility and
necessity of a divine revelation, and the evidence which proves
that the writings of the apostles of Jesus contain that reve
lation ; and I think I may say that he is half inclined to admit
all this. He is certainly a most interesting case. The way
seems to be prepared in his mind for the special operation of
divine grace. Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove !
His conversion seems peculiarly desirable, on account of his
superior talents and extensive acquaintance with Burmese and
Pah literature. He is the most powerful reasoner I have yet

WOK SHIP IN THE ZAYAT. 235
met with in this country, excepting my old teacher, Oo Oung-
men, (now dead,) and he is not at all inferior to him.
September 15. Moung Thahlah spent the evening with me
in asking several questions on difficult passages in Matthew.
At the close I asked him Avhether he yet loved Christ more than
his own life ; he understood my meaning, and replied that he
purposed to profess the Christian religion, and began to think
seriously of being baptized. His sister, Ma Baik, appears to
have lost her religious impressions.
September 16. After having lately made two unsuccessful
attempts to get an intervieAv with the viceroy, I this day suc
ceeded. He inquired about the historical Avritings. I told him
I Avas not so well acquainted Avith that style of writing in Bur
man as with the religious style, and then presented him with a
tract, as a specimen of what I could do. He delivered it to a
secretary, and on hearing the first sentence, remarked that it
was the same with a writing he had already heard, and that
he did not want that kind of writing. I suppose that one of
the secretaries, to whom I had formerly given a tract, present
ed it without my knoAvledge.
September 1.8.- Moung Shwa-gnong has been with me a
few hours ; had spent the greater part of the day with Oo
Yah, the merchant that I mentioned some time ago, convers
ing on religion. Our interview chiefly passed in discussing
his metaphysical cavils.
September 19, Lord's day. The teacher and Oo Yah came
to worship, according to their agreement of yesterday, accom
panied with part of the family of the latter, and several re
spectable men of their acquaintance, so that the assembly con
sisted of about fifty. Some paid profound attention, and some
none at all. After the exercises, Oo Yah seemed afraid to
have it appear that he had any acquaintance with me, and
kept at a distance. They finally all dropped away but the
teacher, Avho staid, as usual, till quite dark. He is, in many
respects, a perfect enigma ; but just before he left, a slight
hop} began to spring up in our minds that his proud heart
was yielding to the cross. He confessed that he was

236 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
constrained to give up all dependence on his own merits and his
literary attainments ; that he had sinned against God all his
life long, and that, therefore, he deserved to suffer hell. And
then he asked, with some feeling, how he could obtain an in
terest in the merits and salvation of Jesus Christ. He ap
pears to have a considerable share of that serious solemnity
Avhich I have observed to characterize the feAv who persevere
in their religious inquiries, and which has been wanting in ev
ery instance of mere temporary promise. O that he may be
brought in, if it is not too great a favor for this infant mission
to receive.
September 20. One of the three visitors of the 19th of
August came again, and, though a long interval has elapsed,
his appearance is quite encouraging. He says, feelingly, that
he knows nothing, is distressed at the thought of dying in his
present ignorance and uncertainty, and wants to find some
kind of salvation.
September 26, Lord's day. Moung Shwa-gnong came,
with several adherents. Some warm conversation before wor
ship, but nothing personal. During worship, discoursed from,
" Fear not them that kill the body," &c. My discourse was
chiefly intended for Moung Thahlah and Moung Byaa ; but the
latter Avas absent, on account of sickness. After worship, the
teacher immediately departed Avith his people, without eA'en
saying a word. Fear he has taken some offence.
October 5. Received a visit from the teacher. My hopes
of his conversion are very low. He is settling down in Deism,
and evidently avoids all conversation of a personal nature.
October 6. Conversation with Moung Thahlah and Moung
Byaa, which revives my hopes of their coming forward before
long. They are both groAving in religious knowledge, and
give evidence of being in the exercise of gracious feelings.
October 7. Was rejoiced, in the morning, to see the teach
er Moung Shwa-gnong come again so soon. We spent the
whole day together, uninterrupted by other' company. In the
forenoon, he was as crabbed as possible ; sometimes a Berke-
•eian, sometimes a Humeite or complete sceptic. But in the

REQUESTS FOR BAPTISM. 237
afternoon hi got to be more reasonable, and before he left he
obtained a more complete idea of the atonement than I have
commonly been able to communicate to a Burman. He ex
claimed, " That is suitable ; that is as it should be," &e. But
whether this conviction resulted from a mere philosophic view
of the propriety and adaptedness of the way of salvation
through Jesus Christ, or from the gracious operations of the
Holy Spirit, time must discover. I hardly venture to hope
the latter. 0 Lord, the work is thine ! O come, Holy Spirit !
October 23. Have for some days been wondering at the
long absence of the teacher. To-day heard a report that he
has been summoned by the viceroy to give an account of his
heretical sentiments.
At night Moung Thahlah and Moung Byaa presented a
paper, professing their faith in Jesus Christ, and requesting to
be baptized, but in private. We spent some time with them.
They appear to have experienced divine grace ; but Ave advised
them, as they had so little love to Christ as not to dare to die
for his cause, to wait and reconsider the matter.
October 29. The teacher came again, after an interval of
three weeks ; but he appears to be quite another man. H*
has not been personally summoned, as we heard ; but, throug.
the instigation of the Mangen teacher, he was mentioned be
fore the viceroy as having renounced the rehgion of the coun
try. The viceroy gave no decisive order, but merely said,
"Inquire further about him." This reached the ears of
Moung Shwa-gnong; and he directly went to the Mangen
teacher, and, I suppose, apologized, and explained, and flat
tered. He denies that he really recanted, and I hope he did
not ; but he is evidently failing off from the investigation of
the Christian religion. He made but a short visit, and took
leave as soon as he could decently.
November 1. One of the greatest festivals in the year.
The crowds are truly immense and overwhelming. We va
cated the zayat, as- we have several days of late, beginning to
query Avhether it is prudent to go on boldly in proclaiming a
new religion, at the hazard of incensing the government, and

238 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
drawing down such persecution as may deter all who know us
from any inquiry.
November 2. This is the birthday and the coronation day
of the. new king. All the grandees of the empire have, for
some time past, been assembling at Ava, to be present at the
august celebration.
November 6. The two candidates for baptism again pre
sented their urgent petition that they might be baptized, not
absolutely in private, but about sunset, away from public
observation. We spent some hours in again discussing the
subject Avith them and with one another. We felt satisfied
that they were humble disciples of Jesus, and were desirous
of receiving this ordinance purely out of regard to his com
mand and their own spiritual welfare ; we felt that we were
aU equally exposed to danger, and needed a spirit of mutual
candor, and forbearance, and sympathy ; we were conA'inced
that, they were influenced rather by desires of avoiding un
necessary exposure than by that sinful fear which Avould
plunge them into apostasy in the hour of trial ; and when
they assured us that, if actually brought before government,
they could not think of denying their Saviour, we could not
conscientiously refuse their request, and therefore agreed to
have them baptized to-morrow at sunset. The following is a
literal translation of the paper presented this evening : —
" Moung Byaa and Moung Thahlah venture to address the
two teachers : Though the country of Burmah is very far
distant from the country of America, yet the teachers, coming
by ship the long way of six months, have arrived at this far
distant country of Burmah, and town of Rangoon, and pro
claimed the propitious neAVS by means of which we, having
become acquainted with the religion, know that there is an
eternal God in heaven, and that there is a divine Son, the
Lord Jesus Christ, deserving of the highest love ; and we
know that the Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son, endured, on
account of all his disciples, sufferings and death, even severe'
sufferings on a cross, in their stead. On account of our sins,
we were like persons laden Avith a very heavy burden. On

BAPTISM ADMINISTERED. 239
account of our many sins, we found no deliverance, no place
of refuge, and our minds Avere distressed. In thi3 state re
maining, the two teachers produced the sacred system from
the Scriptures, and we became informed of the existence of
the one God, and of the facts that the divine Son, the Lord
Jesus Christ, .redeemed with his sacred life all who love and
trust in him, and, in order to save his disciples from hell, suf
fered death in their stead. Noav we know that avc have
sinned against the sacred One, and we know, assuredly, thai
if Ave become disciples of the divine Son, the Lord Jesu3
Christ, Ave shall be saved from the hell which we deserve.
We desire to become disciples, and with the two teachers,
like children born of the same mother, to worship the true
God, and observe the true religion.
" On searching in the Scriptures for ancient rules and customs
it does not appear that John and other baptizers administered
baptism on any particular time, or day, or hour. We, there
fore, venture to beg of the two teachers, that they will grant
that on the 6th day of the wane of the Tanzoungmong moon,
(NoA'ember 7,) at six o'clock at night, we may this once re
ceive baptism at their hands."
November 7, Lord's day. We had worship as usual, and
the people dispersed. About half an hour before sunset, the
two candidates came to the zayat, accompanied by three or
four of their friends ; and after a short prayer, we proceeded
to the spot Avhere Moung Nau was formerly baptized. The
sun was not allowed to look upon the humble, timid profession,
No wondering crowd crowned the overshadowing hill. No
hymn of praise expressed the exultant feelings of joyous
hearts. Stillness and solemnity pervaded the scene. We
felt, on the banks of the water, as a little, feeble, solitary band.
But perhaps some hovering angels took note of the event
with more interest than they witnessed the late coronation ;
perhaps Jesus looked down on us, pitied and forgave our weak
nesses, and marked us for his own ; -perhaps, if we deny him
not, he will acknowledge us, another day, more publicly than
we venture at present to acknoAvledge him.

240 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
In the evening Ave all united in commemorating the dying
love of our Redeemer ; and I trust Ave enjoyed a little of his
gracious presence in the midst of us.
November 10. This evening is to be marked as the date of
the first Burman prayer meeting that Avas ever held. None
present but myself and the three converts. Two of them
made a little beginning — such as must be expected from the
first essay of converted heathens. We agreed to meet for
this purpose every Tuesday and Friday evening, immediately
after family worship, which in the evening has for some time
been conducted in Burman and English, and which these peo
ple, and occasionally some others, have attended.
November 14, Lord's day. Have been much gratified
to find that this evening the three converts repaired to
THE ZAYAT, AND HELD A PRAYER MEETING OF THEIR OWN
ACCORD. November 26. On taking our usual ride this morning, to
bathe in the mineral tank, Ave were accosted, on one of the
pagoda roads, by the Mangen teacher, and peremptorily for
bidden to ride there in future on pain of being beaten. On
our return we inquired into the affair, and find that the Arice-
roy has really issued an order, at the instigation of this teach
er, that henceforth no person wearing a hat, shoes, or umbrella,
or mounted on a horse, shall approach within the sacred
ground belonging to the great pagoda, which ground extends
on some sides half a mile, and comprises all the principal
roads ; so that in future we must take a circuitous route in the
woods, if we wish to visit our usual place of resort. This con
sideration, however, is very trifling, compared with another.
The viceroy's order is quite unprecedented in Rangoon, and
indicates a state of feeling on the subject of religion very un
favorable to our missionary designs. Since the death of the
old king, who was known to be in heart hostile to religion,
people have been more engaged than ever in building pagodas,
making sacred offerings, and performing the public duties of
their religion. They are just now engaged in new gilding the
great pagoda, called Shwaa Dagon, which is considered the

DECISION TO VISIT AVA. 241
most sacred in the country, on account of its containing six or
eight hairs of Gaudama.
Ever since the affair of Moung Shwa-gnong, there has been
an entire falling off at the zayat. I sometimes sit there whole
days without a single visitor, though it is the finest part of the
year, and many are constantly passing. We and our object.
are now well known throughout Rangoon. None wish to call,
as formerly, out of curiosity, and none dare to call from a
principle of religious inquiry. And were not the leaders in
ecclesiastical affairs confident that we shall never succeed in
making converts, I have no doubt we should meet with direct
persecution and banishment.
Our business must be fairly laid before the emperor. If he
frown upon us, all missionary attempts within his dominions
will be out of the question. If he favor us, none of our
enemies, during the continuance of his favor, can touch a hair
of our heads. But there is a greater than the emperor,
before whose throne we desire daily and constantly to lay this
business. O Lord Jesus, look upon us in our low estate, and
guide us in our dangerous course !
November 21. Moung Shwa-gnong has been with us the
greater part of the day, and a little revived our hopes con
cerning him.
November 27. This day brother Colman and myself
came to a final decision to proceed to Ava without delay, and
lay our business before the emperor.
November 29. Letters from Bengal and America, the first
for six months. Learned the particulars of the melancholy
end of our lamented brother Wheelock. The news of his
death reached us some time ago. Learned also that brother
Hough intends staying in Bengal. The tract which we for
warded is not yet printed — a circumstance which occasions
us much regret, as we hoped to have obtained some copies to
carry up to Ava.
December 4. Another visit from Moung Shwa-gnong.
After several hours spent in metaphysical cavils, he owned
that he did not believe any thing he had said, and had only
vol. i. 21

242 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
been trying me and the religion, being determined to embrace
nothing but what he found unobjectionable and impregnable.
" What," said he, " do you think that I Avould pay you the
least attention if I found you could not answer all my ques
tions, and solve all my difficulties ? " He then proceeded to
say, that he really believed in God, his Son Jesus Christ, the
atonement, &c. Said I, knowing his deistical weakness,
" Do you believe all that is contained in the book of Matthew.
that I have given you ? In particular, do you believe that
the Son of God died on a cross ? " " Ah," replied he, " yon
have caught me now. I believe that he suffered death, but I
cannot admit that he suffered the shameful death of the cross."
" Therefore," said I, " you are not a disciple of Christ. A
true disciple inquires not whether a fact is agreeable to his
own reason, but whether it is in the book. His pride has
yielded to the divine testimony. Teacher, your pride is still
unbroken. Break down your pride, and yield to the word of
God." He stopped and thought. " As you utter those words,"
said he, " I see my error. I have been trusting in my own
reason, not in the word of God." Some interruption now oc
curred. When we were again alone, he said, " This day is
different from ah the days on which I have visited you. I see
my error in trusting in my own reason ; and I now believe
the crucifixion of Christ, because it is contained in the
Scripture." Some time after, speaking of the uncertainty of
hfe, he said he thought he should not be lost, though he died
suddenly. Why? "Because I love Jesus Christ." "Do
you really love him ? " " No one that really knows him can
help loving him." And so he departed.
December 10. A few days ago, we succeeded in purchas
ing a boat for the journey to Ava, after having spent a whole
week in the search. Have since been employing workmen to
cover it and put it in order.
Yesterday we applied to the viceroy for a pass to go up to
the golden feet, and lift up our eyes to the golden face. .He
granted our request in very polite terras.
I must now close up my journal, to be sent on board ship

PREPARATIONS TO VISIT AVA, 243
to-morrow morning. We expect to leave Rangoon in about a
week. My next will probably contain some account of our
journey up the river, and our reception at court. O Lord,
send now prosperity ; yet not my will, but thine, be done.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Rangoon, December 8, 1819.
Rev. and dear Sir : Being about to leave Rangoon, on
a visit to the court of Ava, we feel it our duty briefly to state
to the board the reasons of our procedure.
From the opening of the zayat, last spring, till within a month
Or two ago, our affairs appeared to be in a prosperous state.
Many daily heard the gospel ; cases of hopeful inquiry fre
quently occurred; no serious opposition appeared; and dur
ing the little interval of quiet, four precious souls, the first
fruits of Burmah, gave evidence of having obtained the grace
of God, three of Avhom have been baptized.
Some time, however, before the baptism of the last two, the
death of the emperor, and the succession of the heir appar
ent to the crown, operated to give a neAv aspect to the religious
affairs of this country. The former emperor was known to be,
in heart, hostile to the priests of Boodh ; and he frequently
manifested his sentiments in such acts of persecution as kept the
religion in a low and declining state. On his death, the hopes
of the priests and their adherents began to revive ; and every
discovery of the new emperor's friendly disposition has tended
to restore the religious establishment of the country to its
former privileges and rank. The change effected even in
Rangoon, under our oAvn eyes, is very remarkable.
Soon after these events began to transpire, and probably in
consequence of them, our fifth inquirer, a teacher of learning
and influence, was accused, before the viceroy, of having em
braced heretical sentiments. The viceroy gave no decisive
order, but directed further inquiry to be made. Upon this our
friend went to the principal informant, who is at the head of
ecclesiastical affairs in Rangoon, made his peace with him, and

244 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
discontinued his visits to the zayat. This circumstance spread
an alarm among all our acquaintance, and combining with the
general state of things, and the prevailing expectation that
our attempts would shortly be proscribed, occasioned a com
plete falling off at the zayat ; and with the exception of the
teacher above named, who has lately visited us in private, and
thos.-? who have already joined us, we are deserted.
Under these circumstances, it appears to us that there re
mains but one course of proceeding — to go directly into the
imperial presence, lay our missionary designs before the
throne, and solicit toleration for the Christian religion. By
this proceeding, we hope to discover the real feelings and sen
timents of the emperor. We hope to ascertain, as distinctly
as possible, whether he is devoted to Boodhism, or has im
bibed in any degree the opinions of his grandfather, and
disguises them at present, from motives of policy merely. If
the former be the case, he will prohibit our missionary work,
and we shall be under the necessity of leaving his dominions.
If the latter be the case, and he be, in any measure, pleased
with the Christian system, he will, we hope, give us at
least such private encouragement as will enable us to prose
cute our work without incurring the charge of rashness and
enthusiasm. In approaching the throne, we desire to have a simple de
pendence on the presence and power of our Saviour, and a
single eye to his glory. We have indeed no other ground of
hope ; we ought to haAre no other view. We trust that, if the
set time to favor Burmah is come, He who is wonderful in
counsel, and excellent in working, will open a wide and effect
ual door for the promulgation of divine truth. But if the
Lord has other purposes, it becomes us meekly to acquiesce,
and willingly to sacrifice our dearest hopes to the divine will.
We rest assured, that, in either case, the perfections of God
will be displayed, and desire to be thankful that we are
allowed to be in any way instrumental in contributing to that
display.

PREPARATIONS TO VISIT AVA. 245
We commend ourselves and the mission, in the present sol
emn crisis, to the sympathies and prayers of our fathers and
brethren, and the Christian public, and remain,
Rev. and dear sir,
Your devoted servants in the Lord,
A. Judson, Jr.,
J. Colman.
21*

CHAPTER VIII.
FIRST VISIT TO AVA. — RETURN TO RANGOON. — PROGRESS OP
THE GOSPEL  NEW STATION AT CHITTAGONG. — FAILURE OF
MRS. JUDSON'S HEALTH. — VOYAGE TO BENGAL.
1819-1820.
The following chapter contains the journal of Mr.
ludson during his first visit to Ava, and his account
if the gradual progress of the gospel at Rangoon.
It will be perceived that the religion of Christ ex
tended itself, as at the beginning, by transforming
into its own image one individual after another, and
that in all cases the moral feelings of the converts
were essentially the same. They acknowledged the
attributes of God, and their relations and obligations
to him ; they became deeply conscious of their sin
against him, and of their desert of his endless dis
pleasure ; they fled for refuge from deserved wrath to
the cross of Christ, and, humbly penitent for their past
sins, they hoped for pardon in consequence of the
great atonement ; and the proof that all this was real
was found in the fact that from these moral exercises
there sprang up an entirely new life — a life of piety
to God and charity to man. This is precisely what
we all witness every day among ourselves, wherever
the gospel is preached in simplicity and godly sincer
ity, or communicated by private conversation, and
carried directly to the consciences of men.
If we would bear these facts in mind, we should
discover that the work of converting men is essen
tially the same whether it be attempted in a heathen
246

OBJECT OF THE FIRST VISIT TO AVA. '247
or in a civilized country. The means and the manner
of employing them are in both cases identical. The
means consist in proclaiming the message of salva
tion, and the manner is proclaiming it publicly, and
from house to house. Nor is this labor, in either case,
to be confined to ministers of the gospel, though they
must undoubtedly devote themselves to it more exclu
sively, since it is their appropriate, daily calling. It
is the duty of every disciple to make disciples. " Let
every one that heareth say, Come." And I think
that, whenever this great duty is neglected, piety de
cays, men are not converted, and the profession of
Christianity soon becomes a name rather than a real
ity. The Acts of the Apostles teach us the manner
in which the gospel was promulgated in the earliest
age of the church. It were well if Christians at home
and abroad were guided more implicitly by the exam
ples of those who spake as they were moved by the
Holy Ghost. We are never commanded to use indi
rect means for the conversion of men. No dispensa
tion is granted to any class of men by which they
are permitted to perform this duty by deputy. Every
disciple of Christ is commanded meekly and lovingly
to urge the claims of the gospel upon his brethren
immediately around him. If he would labor for the
next generation, he must labor for them by converting
the generation now living. God has appointed but
one way for the reformation of men. It is the incul
cation of moral truth upon others by those who have
already felt its influence on themselves.
The object of Mr. Judson's first visit to Ava was,
to present to the king a petition in favor of religious
liberty, or, in other Avords, to ask a ruler to permit
his subjects to worship God. It has always seemed

248 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
to me worth while to inquire whether a course of this
kind should be pursued by missionaries of the gospel.
In the first place, I observe that the first Christian
preachers never adopted such a measure. They made
known to every one " the things which they had seen
and heard." When arrested, they declared that they
acted under a higher than human authority — an
authority which they durst not, and would not, dis
obey. When driven from one city, they fled to an
other, every where preaching, but never asking per
mission to preach.
Again : if we strip this question of all accessories*
it resolves itself simply into this : Can we properly
ask one man to permit another man to obey God ?
Can the refusal of one man to grant this permission
discharge another man from the obligation to worship
his Creator ? I think that but one answer can be
given to these questions, and that this answer must
preclude us from submitting a matter of this kind to
the jurisdiction of man. By asking such a permis
sion, we seem to admit the authority of a ruler to
grant or to refuse it, and hence, in some sort, promise
to be governed by his decision. This we have no
right to do ; and hence I think it doubtful whether
the permission should ever be sought.
It may be urged that the case is modified when the
government is a despotism, and life and property
depend upon the caprice of a single man.. I do not
see that this alters the case in any essential particular.
Under such a government, the permission would be
specially worthless ; for what was granted to-day
might be withdrawn to-morrow. And again : when
we have taught our converts to ask permission to
obey God, what should we tell them to do when this

FIRST VISIT TO AVA. 249
permission is withdrawn ? In the present instance,
however, t.')is contingency did not arise. The wisdom
of God had decreed that the seed of a Christian
church in Burmah should be sown amid persecution
almost unto death. In this soil it took root, and bore
fruit, and its fruit has remained. The appeals to the
government were unheeded ; but the jungles of Bur
mah and its adjoining provinces have resounded with
the praises of God and of his Christ. A type of piety
has been created which could scarcely have existed
under the fostering care of government. It is my
opinion that Dr. Judson, in the later years of his life,
would have looked upon this subject in the light in
which I have now presented it.
Journal.
December 21. After having made arrangements for our
wives' residence in town during our absence, brother Colman
and myself embarked. Our boat is six feet wide in the mid
dle, and forty feet long. A temporary deck of bamboos is laid
throughout, and on the hinder part of the boat the sides are
raised with thin boards, and a covering of thatch, and mats
tied on, so as to form two low rooms, in which we can just sit
and lie down. Our company consists of sixteen besides our
selves : ten rowmen, a steersman, a head man, — whose name is
inserted in our passport, and who, therefore, derives a little
authority from government, — a steward or cook for the com
pany, — which place is filled by our trusty Moung Nau, — our
own cook, a Hindoo washerman, and an Englishman, who,
having been unfortunate all his life, wishes to try the service
of his Burman majesty ; and this last personage may be called
our gunner, he having charge of several guns and blunder
busses, which are indispensable on account of the robbers that
infest the river.
We have been much perplexed in fixing on a present for the
emperor, without which no person unauthorized can appear ip

250 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
his presence. Our funds were eA'iiently inadequate to the
purchase of articles which would be valuable to him in a pe
cuniary point- of view : Avhen we considered, also, that there
ought to be a congruity between the present and our charac?
ter, we selected that book which we hope to be allowed to
translate under his patronage, the Bible, in six volumes, cov
ered with gold leaf, in Burman style, and each volume en
closed in a rich wrapper. For presents to other members of
government, we have taken several pieces of fine cloth and
other articles.
Thus manned and furnished, we pushed off from the shores
» f Rangoon. The teacher Moung Shwa-gnong had not been
to see us for several days, ashamed, probably, of having de
clined accompanying us ; but just as we were pushing off, we
saAv his tall form standing on the Avharf. He raised his hand
to his head, and bade us adieu, and continued looking after the
boat until a projecting point shut Rangoon and all its scenes
from our view. When shah we redouble this little point ?
Through what shall we pass ere the scene noAV snatched away
be re-presented ? The expedition on which we have entered,
however it may terminate, is unavoidably fraught with conse
quences momentous and solemn beyond all conception. We
are penetrating into the heart of one of the great kingdoms of
the world, to make a formal offer of the gospel to a despotic
monarch, and through him to the millions of his subjects.
May the Lord accompany us, and crown our attempt with the
desired success, if it be consistent with his wise and holy will.
At night we moored by the banks of Kyee-myen-daing. It
was near this place that, a few days ago, one of the boats be
longing to Mr. G., late collector of Rangoon, was attacked by
robbers, and the steersman and another man killed at a single
shot. We felt unwilling to remain at this village, but found it
necessary. On the 30th reached Kah-noung, a considerable town, about
ninety miles from Rangoon. Here Ave met a special officer
from Bassein, with a detachment of men, sent in pursuit of a
band of robbers wl o lately made a daring attack on a large

1U J\. Y A.

251

boat, wounded and beat off the people, and took plunder to the
amount of fifteen hundred ticals. The commander offered us
an escort for the journey of to-morrow, which lies through a
dangerous tract of country ; but Ave declined accepting, as we
should have been obliged to give the people presents, without
deriving any substantial assistance in the hour of danger.
Strict watch all night.
January 17, 1820, Reached Pugan, a city celebrated
in Burman history, being, like Pyee, the seat of a former
dynasty. It is about two hundred and sixty miles from Ran
goon. January 18. Took a survey of the splendid pagodas and
extensive ruins in the environs of this once famous city. As
cended as far as possible some of the highest edifices, and, at
the height of one hundred feet, perhaps, beheld all the country
round, covered Avith temples and monuments of every sort and
size ; pome in utter ruin, some fast decaying, and some exhib
iting marks of recent attention and repair. The remains of
the ancient wall of the city stretched beneath us. The pillars
of the gates, and many a grotesque, decapitated rehc of an
tiquity, checkered the motley scene. All conspired to suggest
those elevated and mournful ideas which are attendant on a
view of the decaying remains of ancient grandeur ; and,
though not comparable to such ruins as those of Palmyra and
Balbec, (as they are represented,) still deeply interesting to
the antiquary, and more deeply interesting to the Christian
missionary. Here, about eight hundred years ago, the re
ligion of Boodh was first publicly recognized and established
as the religion of the empire. Here, then, Ah-rah-han, the
first Bobdhist apostle of Burmah, under the patronage of King
Anan-ra-tha-men-zan, disseminated the doctrines of atheism,
and taught his disciples to pant after annihilation, as the su
preme good. Some of the ruins before our eyes were prob
ably the remains of pagodas designed by himself. We looked.
back on the centuries of darkness that are past. We looked
forward, and Christian hope would fain brighten the prospect.
Perhaps we stand on the dividing line of the empires of dark-

252 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
ness and Ught. O shade of Ah-rah-han, Aveep over thy falling
fanes ; retire from the scenes of thy past greatness. But
thou smilest at my feeble voice. Linger, then, thy little re
maining day. A voice mightier than mine, a still small voice,
will ere long sweep away every vestige of thy dominion. The
churches of Jesus will soon supplant these idolatrous monu
ments, and the chanting of the devotees of Boodh will die
away before the Christian hymn of praise.
January 25. Passed Old Ava, the seat of the dynasty
immediately preceding the present, and Tsah-gaing, a place
of some note, distinguished for its innumerable pagodas, and
the residence of one or two late emperors, and about noon
drew up to O-ding-man, the lower landing-place of New Ava,
or Amarapoora, about three hundred and fifty miles from
Rangoon. At our present distance of nearly four miles from
the city, (and we cannot get nearer this season,) it appears to
the worst advantage. We can hardly distinguish the golden
steeple of the palace amid the glittering pagodas, whose sum
mits just suffice to mark the spot of our ultimate destination.
January 26. We set out early in the morning, called on
Mr. G., late collector of Rangoon, and on Mr. R., who was
formerly collector, but is now out of favor. Thence we en
tered the city, passed the palace, and repaired to the house
of Mya-day-men, former viceroy of Rangoon, noAv one of the
public ministers of state, (Avoon-gyee.) We gave him a valu
able present, and another of less value to his Avife, the lady
who formerly treated Mr. G. with so much politeness. They
both received us very kindly, and appeared to interest them
selves in our success. We, however, did not disclose our
precise object, but only petitioned leave to behold the golden
face. Upon this, his highness committed our business to
Moung Yo, one of his favorite officers, and directed him to
introduce us to Moung Zah, one of the private ministers of
state, (a-twen-woon,) with the necessary orders. This partic
ular favor of Mya-day-men prevents the necessity of our
petitioning and feeing all the public ministers of state, and
procuring formal permission from the high court of the
empire,

imaoi VIOll 1U AVA.

253

In the evening, Moung Yo, who lives near our boat, called
on us to say that he would conduct us to-morrow. We lie
down in sleepless anxiety. To-morrow's dawn will usher in
the most eventful day of our lives. To-morrow's eve will
".lose on the bloom or the blight of our fondest hopes. Yet
it is consoling to commit this business into the hands of our
heavenly Father — to feel that the work is his, not ours ; that
the heart of the monarch before whom Ave are to appear is
under the control of Omnipotence ; and that the event will be
ordered in the manner most conducive to the divine glory and
the greatest good. God may, for the wisest purposes, suffer
our hopes to be disappointed ; and if so, why should short
sighted, mortal man repine ? Thy will, O God, be ever done ;
for thy will is inevitably the wisest and the best.
January 27. We left the boat, and put ourselves under
the conduct of Moung Yo. He carried us first to Mya-day-
men, as a matter of form ; and there we learned that the
emperor had been privately apprised of our arrival, and said,
" Let them be introduced." We therefore proceeded to the
palace. At the outer gate, we were detained a long time,
until the various officers were satisfied that we had a right to
enter, after which we deposited a present for the private min
ister of state, Moung Zah, and were ushered into his apart
ments in the palace yard. He received us very pleasantly,
and ordered us to sit before several governors and petty kings,
who were waiting at his levee. We here, for the first time,
disclosed our character and object — told him that we were
missionaries, or " propagators of rehgion ; " that we wished to
appear before the emperor, and present our sacred books,
accompanied with a petition. He took the petition into his
hand, looked over about half of it, and then familiarly asked
several questions about our God and our religion, to which we
rephed. Just at this crisis, some one annourced that the
golden foot was about to advance ; on which the minister
hastily rose up, and put on his robes of state, saying that he
must seize the moment to present us to the emperor. We
now found that we had unwittingly fallen on an unpropitious
vol. i. 22

254 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
time, it being the day of the celebration of the late victory
over the Kathays, and the very hour when his majesty was
coming forth to witness the display made on the occasion.
When the minister was dressed, he just said, " How can you
propagate religion in this empire ? But come along." Our
hearts sank at these inauspicious words. He conducted us
through various splendor and parade, until we ascended a
flight of stairs, and entered a most magnificent hall. He
directed us where to sit, and took his place on one side ; the
present was placed on the other ; and Moung Yo and another
officer of Mya-day-men sat a little behind. The scene to
which we were now introduced really surpassed our expecta
tion. The spacious extent of the hall, the number and mag
nitude of the pillars, the height of the dome, the whole com
pletely covered with gold, presented a most grand and im
posing spectacle. Very few were present, and those evidently
great officers of state. Our situation prevented us from see
ing the farther avenue of the hall ; but the end where we sat
opened into the parade which the emperor was about to in
spect. We remained about five minutes, Avhen every one put
himself into the most respectful attitude, and Moung Yo
whispered that his majesty had entered. We looked through
the hall as far as the pillars would allow, and presently caught
sight of this modern Ahasuerus. He came forward unat
tended, — in solitary grandeur, — exhibiting the proud gait and
majesty of an eastern monarch. His dress was rich, but not
distinctive ; and he carried in his hand the gold-sheathed sword,
Avhich seems to have taken the place of the sceptre of ancient
times. But it was his high aspect and commanding eye that
chiefly riveted our attention. He strided on. Every head
excepting ours was now in the dust. We remained kneeling,
our hands folded, our eyes fixed on the monarch. When he
drew near, we caught his attention. He stopped, partly
turned towards us — " Who are these ? " " The teachers,
great king," I replied. "What, you speak Burman — the
priests that I heard of last night ? " " When did you arrive ? "
" Are you teachers of religion ? " " Are you like the Porta-

F1KST VISIT TO AVA. 255
guese priest ? " " Are you married ? " " Why do you dress
so ? " These and some other similar questions we answered,
when he appeared to be pleased with us, and sat down on an
elevated seat, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, and
his eyes intently fixed on us. Moung Zah now began to read
the petition ; and it ran thus : —
" The American teachers present themselves to receive the
favor of the excellent king, the sovereign of land and sea.
Hearing that, on account of the greatness of the royal power,
the royal country was in a quiet and prosperous state, we ar
rived at the town of Rangoon, within the royal dominions, and
having obtained leave of the governor of that town to come
up and behold the golden face, we have ascended and reached
the bottom of the golden feet. In the great country of Amer
ica, we sustain the character of teachers and explainers of the
contents of the sacred Scriptures of our religion. And since it
is contained in those Scriptures, that, if we pass to other coun
tries, and preach and propagate religion, great good will result,
and both those who teach and those who receive the religion
will be freed from future punishment, and enjoy, without decay
or death, the eternal felicity of heaven, — that royal permission
be given, that we, taking refuge in the royal power, may
preach our religion in these dominions, and that those who are
pleased with our preaching, and wish to listen to and be guid
ed by it, whether foreigners or Burmans, may be exempt
from government molestation, they present themselves to
receive the favor of the excellent king, tne sovereign of land
and sea."
The emperor heard this petition, and stretched out his
hand. Moung Zah crawled forward and presented it. His
majesty began at the top, and deliberately read it through.
In the mean time, I gave Moung Zah an abridged copy of the
tract, in which every offensive sentence was corrected, and
the whole put into the handsomest style and dress possible.
After the emperor had perused the petition, he handed it back
without saying a word, and took the tract. Our hearts now
rose to God f<?r a display of his grace. " 0, have mercy on

256 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Burmah ! Have mercy on her king ! " But, alas ! the time
was not yet come. He held the tract long enough to read the
first tAvo sentences, which assert that there is one eternal God,
Avho is independent of the incidents of mortality, and that
beside him, there is no God ; and then, Avith an air of indiffer
ence, perhaps disdain, he dashed it down to the ground.
Moung Zah stooped forward, picked it up, and handed it to us.
Moung Yo made a slight attempt to save us by unfolding one
of the volumes, Avhich composed our present, and displaying
its beauty; but his majesty took no notice. Our fate was de
cided. After a few moments, Moung Zah interpreted his royal
master's will, in the following terms : " Why do you ask for
such permission ? Have not the Portuguese, the English, the
Mussulmans, and people of all other religions, full liberty to
practise and worship according to their own customs ? In re
gard to the objects of your petition, his majesty gives no order.
In regard to your sacred books, his majesty has no use for
them : take them aAvay."
Something was iioav said about brother Colman's skill in
medicine ; upon which the emperor once more opened his
mouth, and said, " Let them proceed to the residence of my
physician, the Portuguese priest ; let him examine whether
they can be useful to me in that line, and report accordingly.
He then rose from his seat, strided on to the end of the hall,
and there, after having dashed to the ground the first intelli
gence that he had ever received of the eternal God, his Maker,
his Preserver, his Judge, he threw himself down on a cushion,
and lay listening to the music, and gazing at the parade spread
out before him.
As for us and our present, we were huddled up and hurried
away, without much ceremony. We passed out of the palace
gates with much more facility than Ave entered, and Avere con
ducted first to the house of Mya-day-men. There his officer
reported our reception, but in as favorable terms as possible ;
«ind as his highness Avas not apprised of our precise object,
wur repulse appeared prjoably to him not so decisive as we
knew it to be. We Averr next conducted tAvo miles through

FIRST VISIT TO AVA. 257
the heat of the sun and dust of the streets of Ava to the resi
dence of the Portuguese priest. He very speedily ascer
tained that we were in possession of no wonderful secret,
which would secure the emperor from all disease, and make
him live forever ; and we were accordingly allowed to take
leave of the reverend inquisitor, and retreat to our boat.
At this stage of the business, notwithstanding the decided
repulse we had received, we still cherished some hope of ulti
mately gaining our point. We regretted that a sudden inter
ruption had prevented our explaining our objects to Moung
Zah in that familiar and confidential manner which we had
intended ; and we determined, therefore, to make another at
tempt upon him in private.
January 28. Early in the morning we had the pleasure of
seeing our friend Mr. G. coming to our boat. It may not be
amiss to mention that he is the collector who was chiefly in
strumental in relieving us from the exorbitant demand which,
a few months ago, was made upon us in Rangoon. He now
told us that he had heard of our repulse, but would not have
us give up all hope ; that he was particularly acquainted with
Moung Zah, and would accompany us to his house, a little be
fore sunset, at an hour when he was accessible. This precisely
accorded Avith our intentions.
In the afternoon, therefore, we called on Mr. G, and he
went with us into the city. On the way we paid a visit to the
Avife of the present viceroy of Rangoon, whose eldest son is
married to the only daughter of the present emperor. We
carried a present, and were, of course, kindly received.
Thence we went to the house of Moung Zah, some way be
yond the palace. He received us with great coldness and re
serve. The conversation, which we carried on chiefly through
Mr. G., it is unnecessary to detail. Suffice it to say, that we
ascertained beyond a doubt, that the policy of the Burman
government, in regard to the toleration of any foreign rehgion,
is precisely the same with the Chinese ; that it is quite out of
the question, whether any of the subjects of the emperor, who
embrace a religion different from his own, will be exempt from
22 *

258 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
punishment ; and that Ave, in presenting a petition to that ef
fect, had been guilty of a most egregious blunder, an unpar
donable offence. Mr. G. urged every argument that we sug
gested, and some others. He finally stated that, if we obtained
the royal favor, other foreigners would come and settle in the
empire, and trade would be greatly benefited. This argu
ment alone seemed to have any effect on the mind of the min
ister, and looking out from the cloud Avhich covered his face, he
vouchsafed to say, that if we would wait some time, he would
endeavor to speak to his majesty about us. From this remark
it was impossible to derive any encouragement ; and haAdng
nothing further to urge, we left Mr. G., and bowing down to
the ground, took leave of this great minister of state, who, un
der the emperor, guides the movements of the whole empire.
It was now evening. We had four miles to walk by moon
light. Two of our disciples only followed us. They had
ventured as near as they durst to the door of the hall of
audience, and listened to words which sealed the extinction of
their hope and ours. For some time Ave spoke not.
" Some natural tears we dropped, but wiped them soon ;
The world was all before us, where to choose
Our place of rest, and Providence our guide."
And, as our first parents took their solitary way through
Eden, hand in hand, so we took our way through this great
city, which, to our late imagination, seemed another Eden, but
now, through the magic touch of disappointment, seemed
jlasted and withered, as if smitten by the fatal influence of
the cherubic sword.
Arrived at the boat, we threw ourselves down, completely
exhausted in body and mind. For three days we had walked
eight miles a day, the most of the way in the heat of the sun,
which, even at this season, in the interior of these countries,
is exceedingly oppressive, and the result of our travels and
toils has been — the wisest and best possible ; a result which,
if we could see th ) end from the beginning, Avould call forth
our highest praise. 0, slow of heart to believe and trust in

FIRST VISIT TO AVA. 259
tLe constant presence and overruling agency of our own al
mighty Saviour.
January 29. We again rose early, and, having considered
the last words of Moung Zah, wrote down our request in the
most concise and moderate terms, and sent it to Mr. G., with a
message that he would once more see Moung Zah, lay the pa
per before him, and ascertain unequivocally whether there was
any possibility of gaining our point by waiting several months.
The rest of the day, and the next, being Lord's day, Ave
remained in the boat.
January 31, Monday. Mr. G. called upon us, with our
little paper in his hand. "I have shown your paper to
Moung Zah, and begged him not to deceive you, but to say
distinctly what hopes you might be allowed to entertain. He
rephed, ' Tell them that there is not the least possibility of
obtaining the object stated in this paper, should they wait ever
so long ; therefore let them go about their business.' "
I now thought of one more expedient ; and, taking out the
manuscript tract the emperor threw down, I handed it to Mr.
G. " This is a brief view of the Christian religion. Do
you present it, in our name, to Moung Zah, and persuade him
to read it, or hear it read. We have indeed no hope of its
efficacy ; but it is our last resort, and God may help us in the
extremity." He took it with some feeling, and promised to do
his best.
Before leaving us, he communicated the important intelli ¦
gence that the emperor, flushed with his late victory over the
Kathays, had determined on war Avith Siam, and intended
next fall to march in person to Pegu, and there establish
his head quarters.
After Mr. G. left us, we Avent to visit Mr. R. We were
formerly acquainted with him in Rangoon, and he would now
have assisted us had he not been out of the favor of the new
emperor. We related all our proceedings, and the disappoint
ment of our h opes. " I knew it would be so," replied he, " when
you first called on ms ; but I was not willing to discourage
you from making trial for yourselves." He tf.cn related the

260 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
following story, with the substance of which we were previously
acquainted : —
" About fifteen years ago, the Roman Catholic priests con
verted to their faith a Burman teacher of talents and distinc
tion. They took great pains to indoctrinate him thoroughly
in their rehgion, and entertained great hope of his usefulness
in their cause. After his return from Rome, whither they
had sent him to complete his Christian education, he was
accused by • his nephew, a clerk in the high court of the
empire, of having renounced the established religion. The
emperor, who, it must be remembered, was far from approving
the religion of Boodh, ordered that he should be compelled to
recant. The nephew seized his uncle, cast him into prison
and fetters, caused him to be beaten and tortured continually,
and at length had recourse to the torture of the iron mall.
With this instrument he was gradually beaten, from the ends
of his feet up to his breast, until his body was little else but
one livid wound. Mr. R. was one of those that stood by and
gave money to the executioners, to induce them to strike
gently. At every blow, the sufferer pronounced the name of
Christ, and declared afterwards that he felt little or no pain.
When he was at the point of death, under the hands of his
tormentors, some persons Avho pitied his case went to the
emperor with a statement that he was a madman, and knew
not what he was about ; on which the emperor gave orders for
his release. The Portuguese took him away, concealed him
until he was able to move, then sent him privately in a boat to
Rangoon, and thence by ship to Bengal, where he finished his
days. Since then, the Roman priests, of whom there are
four only in the country, have done nothing in the way of
proselyting, but confined their labors to their own flocks, which
are composed of the descendants of foreigners. The man
who accused his uncle is noAv the very first of the private .
ministers of state, taking rank before Moung Zah. Further
more, the present chief queen, who has great influence with
his majesty, is, and ever has been, particularly attached to the
religion and the priests of Boodh." Mr. R.also confirmed the
information Ave had received of approaching war with Siam.

RET! UN TO RANGOON. 261
Our case could not be more desperate. We directly
returned to the boat, and ordered our people to sell off all
unnecessary articles, and be ready to start as soon as our
passport could be obtained.
February 1. Went to Mya-day-men, and applied for a
passport to Rangoon. He appeared willing to oblige us, but
said we must make formal application to Moung Zah.
February 2. Went to various places, and made various
inquiries and applications for a passport. Ascertained that it
was absolutely necessary, in our case, to procure a special one
from the high court of the empire.
February 3. Sent our head man and some of our people
with a petition to Moung Zah. After they had gone off, we
called on Mr. G. He informed us that the tract had been
presented to Moung Zah, and read in his presence. After
listening to the whole of it, instead of throwing it down, or
even returning it, he committed it to one of his people to keep,
saying to Mr. G., " The doctrines and commands are very
good ; but it will be a long time before Burmans can be con
vinced that there is a God and Saviour." After this inter
view with Moung Zah, Mr. G. was summoned before the
emperor. His majesty, among other things, inquired about
the foreign teachers. Mr. G. told him our country, our char
acter, and our object. The emperor observed that the
Portuguese priest had told him very different things, par
ticularly that we were a sect of Zandees, (a race very
obnoxious to former emperors.) Mr. G. endeavored to vin
dicate our character, but the emperor appeared quite averse
to hearing any thing in our favor. " What," said he, laughing,
" they have come presuming to convert us to their religion.
Let them leave our capital. We have no desire to receive
their instructions. Perhaps they may find some of their
countrymen in Rangoon who may be willing to listen to
them." Mr. G. now advised us to obtain a royal order protecting us
personally frora molestation, while w; should remain in the
country. " Otherwise," said he, " as it will be notorious that you

262 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
have solicited rcyal patronage, and been refused, you will lie
at the mercy of every ill-disposed person."
This suggestion of Mr. G. occupied our thoughts the rest
of the day. We finally concluded that, as such an order
would cost several hundred ticals, we would prefer trusting
in the Lord to keep us and our poor disciples.
At night our people returned. They had found Moung
Zah, and presented the petition for a passport, to which lie
made no other reply but, " Come to-morroAV."
February 4. Sent the people, early in the morning, with a
handsome present to Moung Zah. They returned late at
night. He accepted the present, and assured them he would
do our business to-morrow.
February 5. Sent the people as usual, our trusty Moung
Nau accompanying them, with a quantity of silver. This did
the business. Late in the evening I* had the pleasure of tak
ing into my hand the pointed palm leaf. It has cost us the
value of thirty dollars.
February 6. Pushed off from the beach of O-ding-man.
I could moralize half an. hour on the apt resemblance, the
beautiful congruity, between the desolate state of our feelings
and the sandy, barren surface of this miserable beach. But
" 'tis idle all." Let the beach and our sorroAv go together.
Something better will turn up to-morrow.
February 12. Reached Pyee, two hundred and thirty
miles from Ava; our descent on the river being, of course,
much more rapid than our ascent. Here, to our great surprise,
we met with the teacher Moung Shwa-gnong. He had come
up from Rangoon, a few days ago, to visit an old acquaintance,
who was dangerously ill; expects to return shortly; would
gladly go with us, if we could wait a day or two. We stated
to him all our adventures at court, the distressing result of the
expedition, and tha present danger of propagating or pro
fessing the religion of Christ, and wound off with the story ol
the iron mall. He appeared to be less affected and intimi
dated by the relation than we could have expected. Indeed,
his language was rather too high for the occasion. J therefore

RETURN TO RANGOON 263
told him that it was not for him that we Avere concerned, but
for those who had become disciples of Christ. When they
were accused and persecuted, they could not Avorship at the
pagodas, or recant before the Mangen teacher. He felt the
force of the reflection, and tried to explain his past conduct.
" Say nothing," said I ; " one thing you knoAv to be true — that,
when formerly accused, if you had not, in some way or other,
satisfied the mind of the Mangen teacher, your life would not
now be remaining in your body." " Then," said he, " if I must
die, I shall die in a good cause. I know it is the cause of
truth." He then repeated, with considerable emphasis, the
most prominent points of his present faith, as follows : " 1
believe in the eternal God, in his Son Jesus Christ, in the atone
ment which Christ has made, and in the writings of the apos
tles, as the true and only word of God. Perhaps," continued
he, " you may not remember that, during one of my last visits,
you told me, that I Avas trusting in my own understanding,
rather than the divine Avord. From that time I have seen my
error, and endeavored to renounce it. You explained to me
also the evil of worshipping at pagodas, though I told you that
my heart did not partake in the worship. Since you left
Rangoon, I have not lifted up my folded hands before a pa
goda. It is true, I sometimes follow the crowd, on days of
worship, in order to avoid persecution ; but I walk up one side
of the pagoda, and walk down the other. Now, you say that
I am not a disciple. What lack I yet ? " I was now satisfied
that he had made a little advance, since our last interview,
which required a corresponding advance on my side. I re
plied, therefore, " Teacher, you may be a disciple of Christ in
heart, but you are not a full disciple. You have not faith and
resolution enough to keep all the commands of Christ, partic
ularly that which requires you to be baptized, though in the
face of persecution and death. Consider the words of Jesus,
just before he returned to heaven, ' He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved.' " He received this communication in
profound silence, and with that air which I have observed to
come upon him when he takes a thing "into serious considera-

264 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
tion. Soon after, I hinted our intention of leaving Rangoon,
since the emperor had virtually prohibited the propagation of
the Christian religion, and no Burman, under such circum
stances, would dare to investigate, much less to embrace it.
This intelligence evidently roused him, and showed us that we
had more interest in his heart than we thought. " Say not
so," said he ; " there are some who will investigate, notAvith-
standing ; and rather than have you quit Rangoon, I will go
myself to the Mangen teacher, and have a public dispute. I
know I can silence him. I know the truth is on my side."
" Ah," said I, " you may have a tongue to silence him, but he has
a pair of fetters and an iron mall to tame you. Remember
that." This was the substance of our conversation, though
much more prolix ; and he left us about nine o'clock at night.
This^t'Iiterview furnished matter for conversation till past
midnight, and kept us awake much of the remainder of the
night. Perhaps, on arriving in Rangoon, we shall find the
disciples firm, and some others seriously inquiring. Perhaps
we shah discover some appearances of a movement of the
divine Spirit. Perhaps the Lord Jesus has a few chosen
ones, whom he intends to call in, under the most unpropitious
and forbidding circumstances. Perhaps he intends to show
that it is not by might, nor by power, but by his Spirit. In a
word, perhaps, in the last extremity, God will help us. Ought
we, then, hastily to forsake the place ? Ought we to desert
those of the disciples that we cannot take with us, and some
others, for whom perhaps Christ died, in such an interesting
crisis of their fate ? Would it be rashness to endeavor to
trust in God, and maintain the post, though disallowed by
government, and exposed to persecution ? But again : can we
bear to see our dear disciples in prison, in fetters, under tor
ture ? Can we stand by them, and encourage them to bear
patiently the rage of their persecutors ? Are we willing to
participate with them ? Though the spirit may be sometimes
almost willing, is not the flesh too weak ?
Pondering on such topics as these, a little ray of hope
seemed to shine out of the darkness of our despair. But it

MEETING WITH THE DISCIPLES. 265
was not like the soft beam of the moon, Avhich kindly shines
on the path of the benighted pilgrim, and guides him to a
place of shelter. It was rather like the angry gleam of light
ning, which, while for a moment it illumines the landscape
around, discloses the black magazines of heaven's artillery,
and threatens death to the unwary gazer.
February 18. Arrived in Rangoon.
February 20, Lord's day. In the evening I called the three
disciples together, and gave them a connected account of the
affair at Ava, that they might have a full understanding of
the dangers of their present condition, and the reasons of our
intended departure from Rangoon. We expected that, after
being destitute of all the means of grace for some time, and
after seeing their teachers driven away from the presence of
their monarch in disgrace, they would become cold in their
affections, and have but little remaining zeal for a cause thus
proscribed and exposed to persecution. We thought that, if
one out of the three remained firm, it was as much as we
could reasonably hope for. But how delightfully were we dis
appointed! They all, to a man, appeared immovably the
same ; yea, rather advanced in zeal and energy. They vied
with each other in trying to explain away difficulties, and to
convince us that the cause was not yet quite desperate. But
whither are the teachers going ? was, of course, an anxious
inquiry. We told them that it was our intention never to
desert Burmah ; but that, since the emperor had refused to
tolerate our rehgion, we thought it necessary to leave for
a time those parts of the empire which are immediately
under his dominion ; that there is a tract of country lying
between Bengal and Arracan, which, though under the gov
ernment of Bengal, is chiefly inhabited by Arracanese, who
speak a language similar to the Burman, the district being
really a part of Arracan, one component part of the present
Burman empire ; that formerly a teacher from Bengal (De
Bruyn) lived at Chittagong, the principal town in that .district,
and baptized several converts, who, at his death, were left
destitute of all' instruction to the present time ; ar/d that, in
vol. r. 23

266 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
view of these considerations, it was our purpose to proceed
thither, in hope of finding that toleration which was denied us
in Rangoon. We then asked them, severally, what they
would do. Moung Nau had previously told us that he would
follow us to any part of the Avorld. He was only afraid that
he should be a burden to us ; for, not being acquainted with
another language, he might not be able to get his living in a
strange land. " As for me," said Moung Thahlah, " I go
where preaching is to be had." Moung Bya Avas silent and
thoughtful. At last he said that, as no Burman Avoman is
allowed to leave the country, he could not, on account of his
wife, follow the teachers. " But," continued he, with some
pathos, " if I must be left here alone, I shall remain perform
ing the duties of Jesus Christ's religion ; no other shall I think
of." This interview with the disciples rejoiced our hearts,
and caused us to praise God for the grace which he has man
ifested to them.
February 24. We have spent three or four days in inquir
ing about Chittagong, and the prospect of getting a passage
directly thither, or by the way of Bengal.
This evening Moung Bya came up with his brother-in-law,
Moung Myat-yah, who has lived in our yard several months,
and formerly attended worship in the zayat. " I have come,"
said Moung Bya, " to petition that you Avill not leave Rangoon
at present." " I think," replied I, " that it is useless to re
main under present circumstances. We cannot open the zayat;
we cannot have public worship ; no Burman will dare to
examine this religion ; and if none examine, none can be ex
pected to embrace it." " Teacher," said he, " my mind is
distressed ; I can neither eat nor sleep, since I find you are
going away. I have been around among those who live near
us, and I find some Avho are even now examining the new
religion. Brother Myat-yah is one of them, and he unites
with me in my petitions." Here Myat-yah assented that it
was so. " Do stay with us a few months. Do stay till there
are eight or ten disciples ; then appoint one to be the teacher
of the rest ; I shall not be concerned about the event ; though

OCCUPANCY OF CHITTAGONG. 267
you should leave the country, the religion will spread of
itself; the emperor himself cannot stop it. But if you go
now, and take the two disciples that can follow, I shall be left
alone. I cannot baptize those who may wish to embrace this
religion. What can I do ? " Moung Nau came in, and ex
pressed himself in a similar way. He thought that several
would yet become disciples, in spite of all opposition, and that
it Avas best for us to stay a Avhile. We could not restrain our
tears at hearing all this ; and Ave told them that as we lived
only for the promotion of the cause of Christ among the
Burmans, if there was any prospect of success in Rangoon,
we had no desire to go to another place, and would, therefore,
reconsider the matter.
February 26. Moung Shwa-boo, a sedate and pleasant
man, who came to live in our yard, just before Ave Avent to
Ava, accompanied Moung Myat-yah to the usual evening
Avorship. When we were about breaking up, Moung Thahlah
began conversation, by saying, " Teacher, your intention
of going away has filled us ah with trouble. Is it good to
forsake us thus? Notwithstanding present difficulties and
dangers, it is to be remembered that this work is not yours
or ours, but the work of God. If he give light, the religion
will spread. Nothing can impede it." After conversing some
time, I found that Moung Louk, another inhabitant of the
yard, had been listening without. Accordingly, he was invited
to take his seat with the inquirers. Moung Bya now began to
be in earnest ; his arm was elevated, and his eyes brightened.
" Let us all," said he, " make an effort. As for me, I wiU
pray. Only leave a little church of ten, wiui a teacher set
over them, and I shall be fully satisfied." Moung Nau took
a very active part in the conversation. The three new ones
said nothing, except that they were desirous of considering
the rehgion of Christ. None of them, however, was willing
to admit that, as yet, he believed any thing.
We felt that it was impossible for us all to leave these
people, in these interesting circumstances ; and, at the same
time, we felt it very important that Chittagong should not -be

268 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
neglected. Under these circumstances, we came to the con
clusion that brother Colman should proceed immediately to
Chittagong, collect the Arracanese converts, and form a station
to which new missionaries from the board may at first repair,
and to which I may ultimately flee, with those of the disciples
that can leave the country, when we find that persecution is so
violent as to suppress ah further inquiry, and render it useless
and rash to remain ; that I should remain in Rangoon until
the state of things becomes thus desperate, and then endeavor
to join brother Colman in Chittagong ; bat that if, contrary
to our expectation, the Rangoon station should, after a lapse
of several months, appear to be tenable, and that for an
indefinite time, and some work be evidently going on, brother
Colman, after settling one or two missionaries in Chittagong,
to keep that place, should rejoin me in Rangoon.
February 27, Lord's day. Had private Avorship in the
zayat — the front doors closed — none present but the dis
ciples and inquirers.
February 28. A visit from Moung Shwa-gnong. He had
considered, he said, my last words — that one must believe and
be baptized in order to be a full disciple. It Avas his desire to
be such, and he wanted to know what outAvard rules in
particular he must observe in case he should become a professor.
I told him that the disciples of Christ, after baptism, were
associated together; that they assembled every Lord's day
for worship, and that from time to time they received the
sacrament of bread and wine. I then warned him of the
danger of self-deception, and of the persecution to which
disciples were exposed in this country, and advised him to
reconsider the matter most thoroughly, before he made a
definite request for baptism.
After he had gone, Oo Yan (mentioned December 19)
came in — was disappointed in not finding Moung Shwa-
gnong, having agreed to meet him at the mission house. We
had a long conversation on doctrinal points, in which he
discovered a very acute, discriminating mind.
March 2, Another visit from Oo Yan. Venture td

CONFERENCE WITH THE DISCIPLES. 269
indulge a little hope that truth is beginning to operate on
his mind.
March 5, Lord's day. Private Avorship, as last Lord's day.
In the sveniug received the sacrament of bread and wine.
Moung Nau was not present, having gone on a visit to
Bau-lay, his native place. Had a refreshing and happy season
Avith the two other disciples. Two of the inquirers were
spectators. March 8. In the evening had a very pleasant and instruc
tive conference with the disciples and inquh-ers. Moung
Thahlah appeared to great advantage. Took the lead in
explaining truth to the new ones, and quoted Scripture with
singular facility and aptness. He has most evidently very
correct views of the doctrines of grace. Moung Myat-yah
appears to begin to discern the excellence of the Christian
system, and to have some right feelings towards the Saviour.
March 10. Moung Shwa-gnong and Oo Yan have been
with me several hours, but the interview has afforded very
little encouragement. The former said but little on his own
account, appearing chiefly desirous of convincing and per
suading his friend, that he might gain, as I secretly suspected,
some companion of his own rank in life, before he embraced
the new religion. The latter acted on the defensive, and
spent all his time in raising objections. He was ready to
admit that the atheistic system of the Boodhists was not
tenable, but endeavored to fortify himself on a middle system
between that and the Christian — the very system in which
Moung Shwa-gnong formerly rested, and which, for distinc
tion's sake, may be fitly termed the semi-atheistic. Its funda
mental doctrine is, that divine wisdom, not concentrated in
any existing spirit, or embodied in any form, but diffused
throughout the universe, and partaken in different degrees by
various intelligences, and in a very high degree by the
Boodhs, is the true and only God. This poor system, which
is evidently guilty of suicide, Oo Yan made every possible
effort to keep alive ; but I really think that in his own mind
he felt the case to be hopeless. His mode of reasoning is,
23 *

270 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
however, soft, insinuating, and acute, and so adroitly did
he act his part, that Moung ShAva-gnong, with his strong arm,
and I with the strength of truth, were scarcely able to keep
him down.
March 13. The teacher and Oo Yan, with two of their
friends, came and spent several hours. The former staid later
than the others, and attended evening worship. I asked him
Avhether there was any point in the Christian system on which
he had not obtained satisfaction. He replied that he was not
yet satisfied as to the propriety of God's appointing one par
ticular day in the Aveek for assembling together, in distinction
from all other days. I saw at once why he has ahvays been
so remiss in attending worship on the Lord's day; and I
oherefore proceeded to state the nature of positive commands,
and their peculiar excellence, as the best test of obedience ;
that it was evidently beneficial for the disciples of Christ to
assemble sometimes ; that God, in appointing that such an
assembly should be held at least one day in seven, must be
supposed to be guided by wisdom infinitely transcending that
of man ; that, if the disciples of Christ are to meet once at
least in seven days, it is evidently best to have the day of
meeting designated, in order to secure their general union and
concert ; and that the first day of the week had at least this
claim to preference, that it is the day on which our Saviour
rose from the dead. I descanted on these points to his appar
ent satisfaction ; but let us see whether he will come next
Lord's day.
Later in the evening had an instructive conference with
Moung Myat-yah and Moung Shwa Boo. They both appear
to have obtained some of that light, which, hke the dawn of
morning, shineth more and more unto perfect day.
March 15. Another visit from the teacher, accompanied
with his wife and child. Again discussed the necessity of as
sembling on the Lord's day. Found that the sacraments of
baptism and the supper are, in his mind, liable to similar objec
tions. Forsopk, therefore, all human reasoning, and rested
the merits of the case on the bare authority of Christ. " Ye

CONVERSATION WITH INQUIRERS. 271
are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you." Not
withstanding the remains of his deistical spirit, however, I ob
tained, during this visit, more satisfactory evidence of his real
conversion than ever before. He said that he knew nothing
of an eternally existing God before he met with me ; that, on
hearing that doctrine, he instantly believed it, but that it was
a long time before he closed with Christ. " Can you recollect
the time ? " said I. " Not precisely," he replied, " but it was
during a visit, when you discoursed concerning the Trinity, the
divine worship of Jesus, and the great sufferings which he,
bhough truly God, endured for his disciples." He afterwards
spoke, with much Christian feeling, on the preciousness of the
last part of the sixth chapter of Matthew, which he heard
me read, day before yesterday, at evening worship.
March 19, Lord's day. Looked in vain for the teacher and
his acquaintances.
March 21. Moung Thahlah introduced one of his rela
tions, by name Moung Shwa-ba, as desirous of considering the
Christian religion. Spent an hour or two in conversing with
him. He was afterwards present at evening worship, and staid
to converse after the rest had retired.
March 22. Another conversation with Moung Shwa-ba.
He appears to be under deep religious impressions. His lan
guage and his looks evince an uncommon solemnity of spirit —
an earnest desire to be saved from the wrath to come. After
praying with him, I left him in company with Moung Thahlah.
March 23. In the morning, Moung Thahlah informed me
that he and his friend had sat up the greater part of the night
in the zayat, reading, and conversing, and praying. In the af
ternoon, Moung Shwa-ba came in himself. His expressions
are very strong ; but I have no reason- to doubt his sincerity.
It only seems strange to us that a work of grace should be
carried on so rapidly in the soul of an ignorant heathen. He
presented a writing, containing a statement of his faith, and
an urgent request to be baptized next Lord's day.
March 24. Spent all the evening with Moung Shwa-ba.
Feel satisfied that he has experienced a work of divine grace,

272 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
but think it advisable to defer his baptism till Sunday after
next, in order to allow him full time to reexamine the religion,
and the foundation of his hopes.
March 26, Lord's day. Three women present at worship
— acquaintances of Moung ShAva-gnong. They have visited
Mrs. Judson once or twice before. The principal of them re
nounced Gaudama some years ago, and adopted the semi-athe
istic system, but without obtaining any real satisfaction. Two
years ago, she met with a copy of the tract, which gave her an
idea of an eternally-existing God ; but she knew not whence
the paper came. At length, Moung Shwa-gnong told her
that he had found the true wisdom, and directed her to us.
Her case appears very hopeful.
In the eA'ening, after worship, had a protracted conversa
tion with the disciples and inquirers, on account of brother
Colman's intended departure to-morrow. Moung Shwa-ba
appeared very well indeed. Moung Myat-yah said, " Set me
down for a disciple. I have fully made up my mind in re
gard to this religion. I love Jesus Christ ; but I am not yet
quite ready for baptism." After we dismissed them, they went
over to the zayat of their own accord, and held a prayer
meeting. And here I must close my journal. We have spent the last
evening with our very dear brother and sister Colman. They
expect to embark to-morrow morning. Our parting is mourn
ful ; for happy, uncommonly happy has been our past inter
course. Nothing but a sense of duty could force the present
separation. We hope that it will be of short duration, and
that we shall soon reunite our labors in Chittagong or Ran
goon. On their departure, .Mrs. Judson and myself will again be left
to our former " loneliness of lot." In this situation, we renew-
edly commend ourselves to the remembrance and prayers of
the board.
March 27. Brother and sister Colman took leave of us,
<«id embarked for Bengal.
April 1. In the -vening Ave had a final conversation with

ORDINANCES ADMINISTERED. 273
Moung Shwa-ba, and became fully satisfied with the evidences
of his conversion. We therefore expressed our willingness
to receive him into church fellowship, and I announced to
him my intention of baptizing him to-morrow, on which he
expressed his gratitude and joy.
April 2, Lord's day. At night, after dark, we went pri
vately to the accustomed pond, and baptized the new disciple.
Afterwards sat down at the table of the Lord — two foreign
and four native communicants. Three inquirers were ad
mitted to be spectators.
April 11. A visit from Oo Yan, accompanied by two ol
his friends who have been here before. Long conversation
on topics of the Christian religion.
April 14. The women mentioned March 26 spent most of
the day with Mrs. Judson. They regularly visit her about once
a week. I mention the visit of to-day, because it has afforded
pretty satisfactory evidence that the principal one of the company,
by name Mah Men-la, has experienced divine grace. Her
husband is one of the visitors, who came with Oo Yan, on
the 11th.
April 15. Moung Shwa-ba has for some days been talking
of a visit to Shwa-doung, his native place, to communicate
the treasure which he has found to his numerous relations and
friends. This evening, after expressing his desires, he said it
had occurred to him that it might be proper to ask permission
or license so to do. Not that he aspired to set up as a
teacher; far from that ; but he wanted to feel that, in commu
nicating the gospel, he Avas proceeding in a regular authorized
manner. He thought that, if two or three disciples could be
raised up in each of the large towns, it would much facilitate
our operations. He Avas sure that at least one in ten of his
relations and friends, on hearing his story, could not help em
bracing the new religion. I secretly exulted at hearing his
proposal, so evidently the result of Christian principle, and
exhorted him to constant self-examination and prayer, as the
means of discovering his OAvn duty and the divine will.
April 16, Lord's day. Early in the morning the teacher

274 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Moung Shwa-gnong came in, after an absence of ^iust a
month. He was soon followed by Oo Yan and his two
friends. They spent the Avhole day with me. All appear
hopeful. The teacher remained, as usual, after the others ha!
left, and thereby afforded me an opportunity for private con
versation.. He admitted that all his objections to positive
commands were removed, and that it was his desire to be a
full disciple ; but, when urged closely on the subject, he inti
mated that his wife and friends were opposed to his taking
any decided step, and that, if he did, he was, moreover, ex
posed to imminent danger of persecution and death. He
mentioned these things with so much feeling, and such evident
consciousness of simple weakness, as completely disarmed me.
My heart Avas wrung with pity. I sincerely sympathized
with him in his evident mental trials. I could not deny the
truth of Avhat he said, but gently hinted, as thy day is, thy
strength shall be, and proposed the example of the apostles
and martyrs, the glory of suffering for Christ, &c. But the
thought of the iron mall, and a secret suspicion that, if I was
in his circumstances, I should perhaps have no more courage,
restrained my tongue. We parted Avith much solemnity,
understanding one another better than ever before. I shall
not probably see him again very soon ; for it is too dangerous
for a man of his distinction to be seen coming frequently to .
the mission house.
April 20. Mah Men-la and her friends have been with
Mrs. Judson ah day. She gives increasing evidence of being
a real disciple, but is extremely timid, through fear of perse
cution. One of her remarks deserves notice, as a natural
expression of true Christian feeling. " I am surprised," said
she, " to find this religion has such an effect on mj mind as to
make me love the disciples of Christ more than my dearest
natural relations." She is a woman of very superior discern
ment and mental energy. One of the women, who has fre
quently accompanied her in her visits, met with a tract at Old
Pegu about six weeks ago, and came all the way to Rangoon,
.•ihiefly, she says, on tlvt account.

CONVERSATION WITH INQUIRERS. 275
This day I have finished the translation of the Epistle to
the Ephesians, begun before I went to Ava, but intermitted
^n account of the weakness of my eyes. It is with real joy
that I put this precious writing into the hands of the disciples.
It is a great accession to their scanty stock of Scripture ; for
they have had nothing hitherto but Matthew. Intend to give
them Acts as fast as my eyes will alloAv.
April 30, Lord's day. One of the busiest days I have
ever spent. Not a multitude of visitants, as formerly. That
we cannot expect in present circumstances. But, besides the
usual evening assembly, there were eight or ten present at
worship, some of whom were Avith me from nine in the morn
ing till ten at night. Mali Men-la and her company were
with Mrs. Judson, who, by the Avay, has had a serious attack
of the liver complaint for a fortnight past, and is now in a
course of salivation.
Oo Yan, after having searched out all the difficult points
of rehgion, came to-day to the ne plus ultra — How are sin
and eternal misery reconcilable with the character of an infi
nitely holy, Avise, and powerful God ? He at length obtained
such satisfaction that he could not restrain laughing, from
pure mental delight, and kept recurring to the subject, and
repeating my remarks to those around him. He was accom
panied, as usual, by his two friends, Moung Thah-a and
Moung Myat-lah, husband of Mah Men-la. With these came
also one Moung Yo, a disciple of Moung Shwa-gnong, a poor
man, but a sharp reasoner. He was, or pretended to be, on
the semi-atheistic plan. (See March 10.) After ascertaining
his precise ground, I used an argument which, in a late com
bat with Oo Yan, I found quite invincible. It is simply this :
" No mind, no wisdom ; temporary mind, temporary wisdom ;
eternal mind, eternal- wisdom.'' Now, as all the semi-atheists
firmly believe in eternal wisdom, this concise statement SAveeps
with irresistible sway through the very joints and marrow of
their system. And, though it may seem rather simple and
inconclusive to one unacquainted with Burman reasoning, its
effect is uniformly decisive. No sooner is this short sentence ,
uttered than one significantly nods his head, as if to say,

276 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
" There you have it." Another cries out to the opponent, " You
are undone, destroyed." Another says, " Talk about wisdom !
where else will you find it?" The disputant himself, who was
perhaps preparing a learned speech about the excellence, and
efficacy, and eternity of wisdom, quite disconcerted by this
unexpected onset, sits looking at the wreck of his system, and
wondering at the simple means which has spread such ruin
around him; presently he looks up, (for the Burmans are
frequently candid,) and says, " Your words are very appropri
ate ; " and perhaps his next question is, " How can I become
a disciple of the God you Avorship ? " All the visitors to-day,
and, indeed, all the semi-atheists, are despisers of Gaudama
and the established religion of the land. Moung Shwa-gnong
has disseminated this heresy in Rangoon for several years ;
but since he has become acquainted with us, he frequently
tells his adherents, " I knoAV nothing ; if you want true wisdom,
go to the foreign teacher, and there you will find it." I have
reason to belieA'e that this heresy is not confined to Rangoon,
but is taking root in various parts of the country, and prepar
ing the way for the Christian religion. O for toleration — a
little toleration ! We will be content to baptize in the night,
and hold worship in private ; but we do pray that we may
not be utterly banished from the land ; that Ave may not be
cut up, root and branch. O that these poor souls, who are
groping in the dark, feeling after the truth, may have time
and opportunities to find the precious treasure Avhich will
enrich them fbrevermore ! We are all looking with anxiety
towards the golden feet. Our viceroy, Moung Shwa-thah,
has gone thither on a visit ; and it is doubtful whether he will
return, or his rival, Mya-day-men. If the latter, there is
some reason to hope that we shall keep footing in Rangoon,
at least during his administration.
May 5. Another visit from Moung Myat-lah and his wife,
which has afforded us good reason to hope that he also has
become a true believer. His wife appears the same as usual.
They are both gaining courage in regard to an open profession
of the Christian religion, and begin to wonder at the back
wardness of their former oracle, Moung Shwa-gnong.

CONVERSATION AVITH INQUIRERS. 277
May 8. Moung Thah-a, the friend of Mounjj Myat-lah,
has spent most of the day Avith me, and given equally good
evidence of being a true disciple. He was formerly an officer
under government, and amassed considerable property, which
he mostly spent in building pagodas and making offerings.
But he obtained no satisfaction, found no resting-place for his
soul, until he became acquainted with the religion of Jesus.
He now rests in this religion, with conscious security ; believes
and loves all that he hears of it, and prays that he may be
come fully a true disciple of the Saviour.
Both of these men are respectable householders, rather above
the middling class. They live in a httle village called Nan-
dau-gong, about half a mile from the mission house. Moung
Myat-lah has a large family ; but Moung Thah-a has none,
and were it not for an aged mother who depends on him, he
would follow me, he. says, throughout the world.
May 12. The three visitors from Nan-dau-gong have been
with us part of the day. One characteristic trait in these
people is a particular love for the Scriptures. They almost
quarrel with one another for the. only copy of the Ephesians
Avhich I have given them, and I therefore determine to spare
tliem another as soon as it is done. They say that the trans
lation of this Epistle is plainer, and more easily understood,
than that of Matthew, which is very encouraging to me, as I
made it without the assistance of any person, not even a Bur
man teacher. My old teacher went to Ava some months ago,
and I am now afraid to employ another, lest he should become
too Avell acquainted with the disciples and inquirers, and be
tray them to government.
May 14, Lord's day. A very busy day with the Nan-dau-
gong visitors, and the usual evening assembly.
May 18. Mah Myat-lah and Mah Doke, who have fre
quently accompanied their relation Mah Men-la, came to-day
by themselves. They appear to be under solemn religious
impressions, sensible of their sin and danger, and anxious, to
obtain an interest in the Saviour, but are yet unenlightened
in regard to the way. Mah Baik, also, sister of Moung
vol. i. 24

278 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Thahlah, who formerly afforded us some encouragement, but
afterwards fell off, has recommenced visiting us. We hope
that during several months' confinement she has not in vain
meditated on the truths she formerly heard. She says that
her mind is changed, that she loves the Saviour, and trusts in
him alone for salvation from sin and hell, and desires to be
come his disciple in full by receiving baptism. Her husband,
Moung Nyo-dwa, and Moung Thah-yah, another resident in
our yard, whom I think I have not yet mentioned, are con
stant attendants on evening Avorship, and seem to be making
slow advances in the knowledge and love of divine truth.
Moung Shwa-ba, the last baptized, begins to appear to great
advantage ; has very correct ideas of the gospel system, and
communicates truth to the inquirers with much feeling and
animation. In zeal for the extension of the Redeemer's
kingdom, he surpasses the older disciples. This is the man
Avho, from not knowing that there was such a being in the
universe as a God, became a speculative believer, a penitent,
a hopeful recipient of grace, and a candidate for baptism, all
in the space of three days. Some of the above mentioned
have, on the contrary, been several months in making similar
attainments, and are yet found wanting. Thus diverse are
the operations of the Holy Spirit.
June 16. Received letters from Bengal. NeAvs fron
Bombay that a Mahometan has professed the gospel, and
from Java that brother Robinson has baptized the first Chi
nese convert. Thus there stt,ms to be a beginning in several
very important stations. May the little one become a thou
sand. Rejoiced to hear that brother Colman had safely
arrived at Bengal, and embarked on a boat for Chittagong,
and that thus far he had not met with any molestation or
interruption from the police. May he get a footing in Chit
tagong, for every thing here, in regard to toleration, grows
darker. June 27. Mrs. Judson, after having been through two courses
of salivation for the liver complaint, at length despairs of re
covering without some proper medical assistance. Frr a few

FAILURE OF MRS. JUDSON'S HEALTH. 279
days Ave have hoped that she would get some relief from the
various applications which are made, though at the expense of
an almost total exhaustion of strength ; but this morning, to
our utter disappointment, the disorder has returned Avith in
creased violence, and her constitution appears to be rapidly
failing. I have intended, for some time past, to send her alone
to Bengal ; but she has become too Aveak, and the present
circumstances of the complaint are too alarming, to allow such
a measure, and I have therefore, though Avith great reluctance
and much conflict of mind, concluded to accompany her to
Bengal. We have a special inducement to embrace the op
portunity afforded us by the ship Avhich lately brought our
letters, since, if Ave reject this, we shall haA'e to Avait several
months for another opportunity, during which time Mrs. J.
will, in all probability, be placed beyond the reach of medical
assistance. July 9, Lord's day. Moung Nyo-dwa and Moung Gway
request baptism. We have had a good hope of the former
for some time. With the latter we are very slightly acquaint
ed, though he has been a constant attendant on evening wor
ship for nearly two months. This application, however, is
approved by some of the most discerning in the church. The
Nan-dau-gong people hope that they shall get grace and cour
age enough to profess the Christian religion by the time I re
turn from Bengal.
July 15. Have been very busy all the past week in getting
ready for the voyage. In procuring a governmental passport,
received essential assistance from Mr. Lanciego, a Spaniard,
the present collector of the port, and one of the chief magis
trates of the place during the absence of the viceroy. He has
also promised to protect the people whom we leave on the
mission premises.
July 16, Lord's day. A few days ago we concluded to
receive the two new applicants for baptism ; but I thought it
most prudent, partly by way of trying their sincerity, to send
them a message, suggesting that, since I was greatly occupied
in getting ready for sea, and since one of them was not so well

280 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
acquainted with the doctrines of religion as was desirable, it
might be better to defer their baptism till my return.
This morning they came up in much trouble. They stated
that, as they had fully embraced the Christian religion in their
hearts, they could not remain easy without being baptized, ac
cording to the command of Christ ; that no man could tell
Avhether I should ever return or not, and that it was their earnest
petition, that if I could possibly find time, and thought them
Avorthy of. the ordinance, I would administer it to them before
I went away. They did not wish me to go out to the usual
place, as that Avas at some distance, but would be baptized in
a small pond near the mission house. Moung Gway said
that, though he was very ignorant, he knew enough of this
religion to love it sincerely, and to trust in Christ for salva
tion from all his sins. I reexamined them both, stated to
them the great danger of professing a foreign rehgion, &c.
and, on their urging their request, told them I would baptize
them in the evening.
Was obliged to be out all the afternoon, getting our things
aboard the ship, as we expect to move down the river to-
morroAv morning. At night baptized the two new disciples,
after Avhich we all partook of the Lord's supper for the last
time. July 17. Ship to be detained two days. In the forenoon,
ike teacher Moung Shwa-gnong came in. I received him
with some reserve, but soon found that he had not staid- away
so long from choice, having been ill with a fever for some
time, and occupied also Avith the illness of his family and ad
herents. He gradually wore away my reserve ; and we had
not been together tAvo hours, before I felt more satisfied than
ever, from his account of his mental trials, his struggles with
sin, his strivings to be holy, his penitence, his faith, his exer
cises in secret prayer, that he is a subject of the special oper
ations of the Holy Spirit, that he is indeed a true disciple.
He staid all clay. In the afternoon, the five Nan-dau-gong
visitors, the doctor Oo Yan, and several others came together,
und we had much interesting conversation. Towards the.

ACCESSIONS TO THE CHURCH. 281
close, Moung Shwa-gnong, as if to bring things to a crisis, ad
dressed me thus : l* My lord teacher, there are now several of
us present who have long considered this religion. I hope that we
are all believers in Jesus Christ." " I am afraid," rephed I, " to
say that ; however, it is easily ascertained ; and let me begin
with you, teacher. I have heretofore thought that you fuhy
believed in the eternal God ; but I have had some doubt
whether you fully believed in the Son of God, and the atone
ment which he has made." " I assure you," he rephed, " that
I am as fully persuaded of the latter as of the former." " Do
you believe, then," I continued, " that none but the disciples of
Christ will be saved from sin and hell?" "None but his
disciples." " How, then, can you remain without taking the
oath of allegiance to Jesus Christ, and becoming his full dis
ciple in body and soul ? " " It is my earnest desire to do so,
by receiving baptism ~, and for the very purpose of expressing
that desire, I have come here to-day." " You say you are
desirous of receiving baptism : may I ask when you desire to
receive it ? " " At any time you will please to give it. Now
— this moment, if you please." " Do you wish to receive
baptism in public or in private ? " "I will receive it at any
time, and in any circumstances, that you please to direct." I
then said, " Teacher, I am satisfied from your conversation this
forenoon, that you are a true disciple, and I reply, therefore,
that I am as desirous of giving you baptism as you are of
receiving it." This conversation had a great effect on all
present. The disciples rejoiced; the rest were astonished;
for though they have long thought that he believed the Chris
tian religion, they could not think that such a man could
easily be brought to profess it, and suffer himself to be put
under- the water by a foreigner. I then turned to Moung
Thah-a, one of the Nan-dau-gong people, who, I hope, is a
true believer. " Are you willing to take the oath of allegiance
to Jesus Christ?" "If the teacher Moung Shwa-gnong
consents," said he, "why should I hesitate?" "And if he
does not consent, what then ? " "I must wait a little longer."
" Stand by," said I ; " you trust in Moung Shwa-gnong, rather
24*

282 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
than in Jesus Christ. You are not Avorthy of being baptized."
Moung Myat-lah, on being similarly interrogated, wished to
consider a little longer. Oo Yan Avas still further from com
mitting himself. Of the Avomen present, I interrogated Mah
Men-la only. She had evidently a considerable struggle in
her mind, probably on account of her husband's having just
declined. At length she said that, if I thought it suitable for
her to be baptized, she was desirous of receiving the ordinance.
I told her that her reply was not satisfactory. I could not
consent to baptize any one who could possibly remain easy
without being baptized, and then I related the story of the
two last disciples ; after which the party broke up.
In the evening, I laid the case of Moung Shwa-gnong be
fore the church, and we joyfully agreed to receive him to com
munion, on his being baptized.
July 18. In the morning, the teacher again made his
appearance. I again asked him whether he preferred being
baptized in the day or in the evening, and he again left it to
my decision ; on which I advised him to wait till night. He
appeared very Avell through the day, his deportment solemn,
his conversation spiritual. Just at night, I called in two or
three of the disciples, read the account of the baptism of the
eunuch, made the baptismal prayer, and then proceeded with
the teacher to the accustomed place, went down into the water,
and baptized him.
On my return, I found that Mah Men-la, whom I had left
with Mrs. Judson, had gone away. As soon as she saw that
the teacher had actually gone to be baptized, she exclaimed,
" Ah, he has now gone to obey the command of Jesus Christ,
while I remain without obeying. I shall not be able to sleep
this night. I must go home, and consult my husband, and
return." In the evening, we again partook of the Lord's
supper, in consequence of the admission of the teacher, and
my expected departure on the morrow. We had just finished,
Avhen, about nine o'clock, Mah Men-la returned, accompanied
by the two other Avomen from her village. She immediately
-equested to be baptized. The disciples present assented

EMBARK FOR BENGAL. 283
without hesitation. I told her that I rejoiced to baptize her,
having been long satisfied that she had received the grace of
Christ ; and, it being very late, I led her out to the pond near
the house by lantern light, and thus baptized the tenth Bur
man convert, and the first woman. Mah Men-la is fifty-one
years old, of most extensive acquaintance through the place,
of much strength of mind, decision of character, and conse
quent influence over others. She is, indeed, among women
what Moung Shwa-gnong is among men.
On returning to the house, 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."
Several visitors spent the night at the mission house.
July 19. In the morning, Ave all met for worship. After
I had prayed, Moung Thah-lah and Moung Shwa-ba both
prayed, with much propriety and feeling. In the course of
the forenoon, Mah Men-la's husband, and Moung Thah-a, and
the doctor, and several others, came in, so, that Ave had quite a
house full. At noon, we set out for the river, followed by
near a hundred people, the women crying aloud in the Bur
man manner, and almost all deeply affected. When we en
tered the boat, I called the teacher, and Mah Men-la, and a
few others, to go with us to the ship, which lay at some dis
tance in the river. The rest remained on the Avharf, bidding
us farewell, telling us to come back soon, &c. Thus we left
the shores of Rangoon. Those who accompanied us uO the
ship staid an hour or two, and returned. We stood as long
on the quarter deck looking at them as the others had stood
on the wharf looking at us.*
July 20. The ship having been unable to move yesterday,
* One of these female disciples was found at Eangoon, by the
missionaries, in August, 1852, having attained the age of eighty years.
From the time of her baptism until uoav, for thirty years, she has
maintained, in the midst of heathenism, a consistent Christian pro
fession. She remembered well Mr. Judson, and " the Mamma " Jud
son, and was in daily expectation of meeting them again in heaven.

284 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
on account of the anchor's being foul, the teacher Moung
Shwa-gnong espied the masts from his village, and came off
in a boat, with his wife and another woman. Soon after,
most of the Nan-dau-gong people came to the mission house,
and, finding that the ship had not dropped down, came off,
accompanied by several of our oavti people. We were much
gratified by this fresh proof of their attachment; but the
ship got under way immediately, and they were obliged to
leave us for the last time.

Extract from a Letter of the Rev. James Colman, dated Rangoon, March
25, 1820.
Perhaps some will begin to think that, as there are so
many difficulties attending the Burman mission, it is best to
relinquish' it altogether. But while Burmans are willing, in
prospect of persecution and death, to examine and embrace
the gospel, let not Christians at home be discouraged from
sending it to them. Is it a suitable time to leave a people
when the Holy Spirit is operating on their minds, and cre
ating in them ardent desires to know the way which leads to
eternal hfe ? True, the number of our inquirers is small ;
but if there is only one, his soul is worth more than the
wealth of the world, nor should it perish for want of Chris
tian instruction. I freely confess that nothing would tempt
me to leave the station in Rangoon, were it not for the advice
of my senior in the mission, and for the purpose of preparing
a place of refuge, in case of imminent danger, from the Bur
man government.
The Burmans who have joined us continue to give increas
ing evidence of being real Christians. Their attachment to
us, and to the gospel, has not in the least diminished by our
disappointment at Ava. Indeed, this event has awakened
theh zeal. It is owing, in a great measure, to their exertions
and entreaties, that the mission is continued in Rangoon.
They are not insensible of the danger to Avhich their conduct
exposes them ; but they act like men who are convinced of the

CHARACTER OF THE CONVERTS. 285
rectitude of their proceedings, and of the important truth that
it is better to suffer for Christ in this Avorld than to endure
the pains of hell in the Avorld to come. We cannot, indeed,
determine how they would conduct in the fire of persecution ;
but from their present deportment there is reason to hope
that they have a claim to the divine promises, and would, in
the day of trial, experience their supporting influence. Com
mending these sheep, literally placed among wolves, and the
Burman mission, to your prayers, I remain yours in gospel
bonds, &c.
The following letter, sent by the converts in Ran
goon to their Christian brethren in America, illustrates
the nature of that character which had been formed in
them by the preaching of the gospel : —
Brethren ah, who live in America ! The brethren who live
in Burmah address you.
We inform you, brethren, that, trusting in the grace of the
eternal God, the divine Spirit, and the excellent Son, the Lord
Jesus Christ, we remain happy ; and seeing our real state and
circumstances, we have repentance of soul, and an anticipation
of the happiness of heaven.
God, the sum of all perfection, without beginning and without
end, subsists through successive ages ; and this world, the earth
and sky, and all things therein, which he has created, are ac
cording as he created them.
God, the Creator, is replete with goodness and purity, and is
exempt from old age, sickness, death, and annihilation ; and
thus there is none that can compare Avith him.
It is contained in the Scriptures, that God, in his own nature,
unites three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and is
[yet] mysteriously one God ; that he is in all places, but dwells
in heaven, by the clearer manifestation of his glory ; that his
power and wisdom are unrivalled ; and that he enjoys happiness
incomprehensible to creatures.
But the Burmans know not the' true God ; they know not

286 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
the true religion -, they worship a false god ; they practise a
false rehgion ; and [thus] they transgress the divine law, and
sin against the most estimable Benefactor, and therefore they
neither expiate their sins nor acquire merit. And by exces
sively loving themselves and the filth of this world, they love
not nor Avorship the eternal God, nor believe in the Lord Jesus
Christ, but regard the good things of this world merely.
That the Burmans, who know not the way to eternal happi
ness, might become acquainted with it ; that they might be
renewed ; and that they might escape everlasting punishment,
the American teacher Judson and Avife have both come to
Burmah, and proclaimed the gospel of the divine Son, the Lord
Jesus Christ ; on which some Burmans have become disciples.
And on these accounts, the disciple Moung Shwa-ba says that
your favor is very great, [or he gives you very many thanks.]
Those Avho love divine grace, who believe, who hear and
consider the gospel, who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, who
repent of their sins, attain the state of disciples. And that
this religion may spread every where, Moung Shwa-ba is making
endeavors, and constantly praying, to proclaim the gospel.
And he prays thus : 0 eternal God, graciously grant the
favor which I desire. Graciously grant that I may have
regard to thy divine will, and be conformed thereto. Be pleased
to take notice of my supplications, O God. I desire not to seek
my own profit ; I desire constantly to seek the profit of others.
Thou art the Creator of all things ; and if thou art pleased to
be gracious, O, grant that I may be enabled to promote the good
of others. Open thou the eyes of my mind, and give me light.
And Avhen I shall preach in various places, evermore send forth
the divine Spirit, that multitudes may become disciples. That
thou wilt grant these things, I beseech thee, O God.
The disciple Moung Shwa-ba has composed this writing, and
committed it to the hand of the teacher ; [even] in the Burman
year 1182, on the 7th of the waxing of the moon Wah-goung,
he has written this, and delivered it to the teacher and his wife.
P. S. Brethren, there are in the country of Burmah nine
persons who have become disciples.

CHARACTER OF THE CONVERTS. 287
The above is a literal translation of a letter in Burman,
which Moung Shwa-ba wrote cf his own accord, and handed
to me, to be translated and forwarded to America. The post
script seems to have been written in the interval between the
baptism of the teacher Moung Shwa-gnong, and that of Mah
Men-la, on the 18th of July last, just before my departure
from Rangoon.
A. JuAson, Je.
On Passage to Bengal, August 9, 1S20.

CHAPTER IX.
RETURN TO RANGOON. — GROWTH OF THE CHURCH. — INCREASED
ILLNESS OF MRS. JUDSON. — SAILS FOR THE UNITED STATES,
— THE MISSION REENFORCED. — SECOND VISIT TO AVA. -
TRANSLATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT COMPLETED.
1820-1823.
At the close of the last chapter we left Mr. and
Mrs. Judson embarking for Calcutta, on the 19th of
July, 1820. They arrived there on the 18th of the fol
lowing August. The voyage was attended with im
portant benefit to the health of Mrs. Judson, and she
was so far improved in the course of a few months
that her medical advisers deemed it safe for her
to return to Rangoon. They sailed from Calcutta
November 23, 1820, and arrived in Rangoon January
5, 1821. The following extracts from Mr. Judson's
journal present a delightful view of the progress of the
gospel until August 21 of the same year, when alarm
ing illness made it necessary for Mrs. Judson to em
bark for Calcutta, and to proceed thence to England
and the United States. Journal.
January 5, 1821. As we dreAv near the town, we strained
our eyes to distinguish the countenances of our friends amid
the crowd that we saw assembled on the wharf. The first
that we recognized was the teacher Moung Shwa-gnong,
with his hands raised to his head as he discerned us on the
deck ; and on landing we met successively with Mah Men-la,
and Moung Thah-lah, and several others, men, women, and
children, who, after our usual examination at the custom office,
accompanied us to the mission house. Soon after, Moung
288

GRATEFUL MEETINGS. 289
Nau, and others came in, who had not, at first, heard of our
arrival. Ii the evening I took my usual seat among the dis
ciples, and when we bowed doAvn in prayer, the hearts of us
all flowed iorth in gratitude and praise.
January 7, Lord's day. Had worship, and administered
the Lord's supper. Most of the disciples present ; but some
of them unavoidably detained in consequence of the distress
which presses upon all ranks of people, occasioned by the ex
pedition to Siam.
January 13. Have spent the past week in getting our
things in order, and receiving visits from the disciples and in
quirers. Yesterday, Moung Gway, the only one of the bap
tized whom we had not seen, returned from the woods, on
hearing of our arrival ; and I am now able to record (and I
do it with the most heartfelt satisfaction and grateful praise
to the preserving Saviour) that, though they have, for the
space of six months, been almost destitute of the means of
grace, and those who lived in our yard have been dispersed,
and forced, through fear of heavy extortion and oppression
from petty officers of government, to flee into the woods, or
take refuge under some government person who coul3 protect
them, yet not one of them has dishonored his profession, but
all remain firm in their faith and attachment to the cause. I
do not, however, perceive that any of them have made the
least advance in any respect whatever ; nor was this to be ex
pected, as they have not even enjoyed the privilege of meet
ing for worship.
The same remarks are to be made concerning the four
Nan-dau-gong people, companions of Mah Men-la, who ap
peared to be hopefully pious before we left. The doctor, Oo
Yan, with whom we did not feel so well satisfied, has been
with me repeatedly, and, in the last interview, gave good rea
son to hope that he also is a true convert. He seems at
length to have obtained light and satisfaction on the two difficult
points which have so long- perplexed him ; namely, the doc
trine of vicarious; atonement, an^ the possibility of 'neing, a
disejple of Christ, by keeping the two commands of grace,
vol. i. 25

290 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Repent and believe, without perfectly keeping the two immu
table commands of merit, Love God entirely, and love oth •
ers as yourself. O, how interesting it is to see (you can al
most see it with your eyes) the light of truth dawning upon a
precious soul hitherto groping in darkness ! If Oo Yan
prove a true convert, he will be a most precious acquisition
to our cause, next to Moung Shwa-gnong. He is a man of
talents and respectability. His words are as smooth as oil,
as sweet as honey, and as sharp as a razor.
In respect to Mah Bike, she has given way to her violent
temper, and involved her husband in debt ; and though she.
now professes to repent and desire baptism, and though we
have some hope that she is not destitute of grace, we feel
obliged at present to put her away from us, as a wicked
person. The most important event (and that relates of course to
Moung Shwa-gnong) remains to be mentioned. It will be re
membered that he Avas accused, before the former viceroy, of
being a heretic, and that the simple reply, " Inquire further,'
spread dismay amongst us all, and was one occasion of oui
visit to Ava. Soon after Mya-day-men assumed the govern
ment of this province, all the priests and officers of the vil
lage where Moung Shwa-gnong lives entered into a conspir
acy to destroy him. They held daily consultations, and as
sumed a tone of triumph ; while poor Moung Shwa-gnong's
courage began to flag, and, though he does not like to own it,
he thought he must flee for his life. At length, one of the
conspiracy, a member of the supreme court, went into the
presence of the viceroy, and in order to sound his disposition,
complained that the teacher Moung Shwa-gnong was making
every endeavor to turn the priests' rice pot bottom upwards.
" What consequence'?" said the viceroy. " Let the priests
turn it bach again." This sentence was enough ; the hopes
of the conspiracy were blasted, and all the disciples felt that
they were sure of toleration under Mya-day-men. But his
administration will not probably continue many months.
January 20. This afternoon Mrs. Judson went to the village

DELIGHTFUL SABBATH. 291
of the Nan-dau-gong people, to fix on a spot for the erection
of a small school house. Mah Men-la has, of her own ac
cord, proposed to open a school in the precincts of her house,
to teach the girls and boys of the village to read ; in conse
quence of which, the latter Avill not be under the necessity of
going to the Burman priests for education, as usual. When
we found that she had really made a beginning, we told her
that some of the Christian females in America would, doubt
less, defray the expenses of the undertaking, and make some
compensation to the instructress. We fear the school will not
succeed in the present state of the country ; but we regard
the voluntary attempt of Mah Men-la as illustrative of the
efficiency of evangelical faith.
On Tuesday evening we recommenced our usual Tuesday
and Friday evening prayer meetings ; but Ave expect to have
very few present, as most of the disciples who formerly lived
around us are afraid to return, on account of the present gen
eral distress, from Avhich Ave are unable to protect them.
January 21, Lord's day. All the disciples but one, and all
the hopeful inquirers, were present at worship ; who, together
with some others, made up an assembly of about twenty-five
adults, all paying respectful and devout attention ; the most
interesting assembly, all things considered, that I have yet
seen. How impossible it seemed, two years ago, that such a
precious assembly could ever be raised up out of the Egyptian
darkness, the atheistic superstition of this heathen land ! After
worship, two of the Nan-dau-gong people had some particular
conversation with Moung Thah-lah about baptism. Much
encouraged by the general appearance of things this day.
Why art thou eA'er cast down, O my soul ? and why art thou
disquieted within me? Hope thou in God — the God of the
Burmans, as well as David's God ; for I shall yet praise him
for the help of his countenance, revealed in the salvation of
thousands of these immortal souls.
January 25. Received a visit from a young priest and a
novitiate, who reside in a neighboring kyoung, (a house inhab
ited by priests.) They staid with me above an hour, and

292 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
paid more candid attention to divine truth than I have ever
been able to obtain from any gentleman of the yellow cloth.
On pressing the question whethei they did not sometimes
doubt the correctness of their religion, they confessed in the
affirmativs, and finally condescended to accept a tract ; but it
will be torn to pieces as soon as it reaches the hands of their
superiors. January 31. Received a visit from the teacher Oo Oung-
let, of the village of Kambet. He has disseminated the semi-
atheistic doctrine for several years, and formed a small party
among his neighbors, Avho pay no respect to the priest and the
religion of Gaudama. We had a most interesting conversa
tion of about two hours, in the presence of a large company,
most of whom came with him. He successively gave up every
point that he attempted to maintain, and appeared to lay open
his mind to the grand truths of an eternal God, eternal happi
ness, &c. Moung Shwa-gnong seconded me, and discoursed
in a truly impressive manner, until the attention of the old
man was so completely fixed that his friends with difficulty
persuaded him to take leave.
February 4. Oo Oung-det repeated his visit. He acknowl
edges himself convinced of the existence of an eternal God,
and appears to be desirous of knoAving the whole truth ; but
business prevented his staying long.
February 12. Had a long conversation Avith Oo Oung-det,
in which I at length endeavored to unfold to his view the
whole mystery of the gospel, the way of salvation through the
atonement of the Son of God, to which our previous conversa
tions have been little more than preparatory. But his proud
heart evidently repelled the humiliating doctrine ; so true it is
that the cross of Christ is the sure touchstone of the human
heart. His nepheAV, however, Moung Oung-hmat, listened
with the air of an awakened man. During a temporary sus
pense of conversation, I was much gratified by hearing him
whisper to his uncle, "Ask him more about Jesus Christ."
He received a form of prayer with eagerness, and listened to
my parting instruction with some feeling.

PETITION FOR BAPTISM. 293
February 16. Moung Ing has returned. He is the sec- .
ond Bt.rman Avhose heart was touched by divine grace. We
rejoiced to see his face again, notAvithstanding his rough and
unprepossessing appearance, occasioned by the hardships
through which he has passed since he left us. On his arrival
at Bike, a town far ^eloAV Rangoon, he shoAved his copy of
Matthew to the Roman Catholic priest stationed there, who
directly committed it to the flames ; and gave, instead of it, a
writing of his own device. But, through divine grace, our
poor friend retained his integrity, and remained steadfast in
the sentiments which he formerly embraced.
February 19. Spent several pleasant hours with Moung
Ing. During his residence at Bike, he Avas not satisfied with
being a solitary disciple, but undertook to dispute with both
Portuguese and Burmans, and found two or three who were
disposed to listen to him. He is to return thither within a
fortnight, but wishes to be baptized previously.
February 20. This is the second evening in which Mrs.
Judson and myself have had an interview with the viceroy
and his lady, in their inner apartment. Her highness gave
us some very encouraging hints on the subject of religious tol
eration, and promised to introduce us to the emperor, on his
visiting Rangoon next fall, in prosecution of the war with
Siam. February 25, Lord's day. Moung Ing presented his peti
tion for baptism and admission into the church ; and we un
hesitatingly agreed to grant his request next Lord's day. Not
one of the disciples has given more decided evidence of being
a sincere and hearty believer in the Lord Jesus. The man
ner of his first acquaintance with the truth is somewhat notice
able. I had conversed with two men who visited the zayat
the preceding evening, and given them a tract. On their way
home they called at the house of the Tsah-len teacher, where
Moung Ing resided, said a few things about the eternal God
and the neAv religion, by way of disapproval, and concluded
that the tract was good for nothing but to tear up and make
cigars of. But the truth which they despised fell like a flash
25*

294 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
of lightning on the benighted soul of Moung Ing. The next
morning, before sunrise, he was in the porch of the zayat,
and, on opening the doors, Ave found the poor man standing
without. He will not, I trust, meet with any such detention
at the doors of heaven.
March 4, Lord's day. Moung Ing received baptism imme
diately after worship in the afternoon. Several of the hope
ful inquirers witnessed the administration.
March 11, Lord's day. We partook of the Lord's supper
in the evening, pursuant to a resolution of the church to cele
brate this ordinance on the second Sunday after the change
of the moon, in order to avail ourselves uniformly of light
evenings. After the ordinance, Moung Ing immediately took leave,
for the purpose of returning to Bike. He is laden with Vari
ous writings, in Burman and Portuguese, for distribution
among the people of that place.
May 4. Several days have passed without any encour
aging occurrence. The zayat never attracted less company,
and I began to fear that the good old times of 1819 Avould
neA'er again return. A case, however, has just occurred, which
reminds me of those times. I never before met with an
instance of such openness of mind, and readiness to receive the
truth, on first communication. The man is a regular bred
Boodhist, without the least tincture of semi-atheism ; and yet,
strange to say, he listened to the truth with unprecedented
candor, and apparent eagerness, for above two hours. I am
sure I shall see him again. But yet, what have I found more
fallacious than first appearances ?
May 6, Lord's day. From various causes, there Avere
only three of the baptized present at worship, and yet we had
an assembly of above twenty adults, in all the various stages of
religious inquiry ; some almost ready to profess religion, and
some just beginning to open their eyes to the wonders of
redeeming love. Among the rest were two aged men, devout
worshippers of Gaudama, and constant attendants on the
lectures of the Mangen teacher. They listened with fixed

PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS. 295
attentio 1 to a long discourse from the parable of the pharisee
and publicaJ ; and one of them declared himself pleased with
the doctrine, There was also present, for the first time, a rela
tion of Moung Shwa-baT from the upper part of the country,
who has received considerable information from his cousin.
He was so much delighted with some things Avhich he heard,
that, in the midst of the discourse, he broke out into audible
expressions of approbation.
After worship, we heard that the former viceroy, Moung
Shwa-thah, has incurred the displeasure of the emperor, and
been degraded from all his titles and emoluments ; so that he
will not, probably, be again allowed to supersede Mya-day-
men, in the viceroyship of Rangoon.
May 12, Saturday. Have had several attentive listen
ers during the past week. Some of my old visitors from
Kambet and other villages begin to find that the doors of the
zayat are again open.
May 14. A succession of company through the day. A
priest of some note listened Avith much apparent candor, and
some expressions of approval.
May 15. Despatched the manuscript of Ephesians, and
the first part of Acts, to Serampore, requesting brother Hough
to procure an edition of six hundred of each, at the expense of
the board.
At night, received a visit from Moung Gwa, brother-in-law
to Moung Shwa-ba. He was accompanied by one Moung
Thah-ee, an intractable, furious creature, noted for browbeating
and silencing every antagonist. He professes to be a strict
Boodhist, without the least doubt on the subject of religion ;
but having heard of my object in coming to this country, wishes
to give me an opportunity of making him doubt. I found him
extremely difficult to manage, and finally told him that he must
get a humble mind, and pray to the true God, or he would never
attain true wisdom. This threw him into a passion. He said
he would have me to know that he was no common man. He
could dispute Avith governors and kings, &c: I then gave him
a tract, which he affected to disdain, but finally received it and
went away.

296 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
May 16. Moung Gwa called to apologize for his compan
ion's conduct. He said that, from being always victorious in
disputation, he had become insolent and overbearing, but that
he was really inquiring after the truth, and had been reading
the tract attentively. Moung Gwa himself seems to be favorably
disposed to the Christian religion.
May 17. Moung Thah-ee spent the Avhole evening witli
me. I find that he has a strong mind, capable of grasping the
most difficult subject. He listened to the truth with much more
attention and patience than at first.
May^S. Moung Thah-ee came again, accompanied by
several of his admirers. At first he behaved with some pro
priety, and allowed conversation to proceed in a regular
manner. But soon he descended into his own native element,
and stormed and raged. When I found that he would be
utterly unreasonable, and not permit me even to finish a sen
tence, I remained silent, and suffered him to display himself.
When he was quite exhausted, I took an opportunity to exhibit
a brief view of the reasons which convinced me that the reli
gion of Gaudama is false, and the Boodhist scriptures fictitious,
and then challenged him to refute my statement. But he
declined, saying that we were both tired, and he Avould finish
the debate some other time.
May 19. A succession of company all the day. At night,
Moung Thah-ee came alone, intending to have some private
conversation ; but no opportunity offered.
May 20, Lord's day. Encountered another new charac
ter, one Moung Long, from the neighborhood of Shwa-doung,
a disciple of the great Toung-dwen teacher, the acknowledged
head of all the semi-atheists in the country. Like the rest of
the sect, Moung Long is, in reality, a complete sceptic, scarcely
believing his own existence. They say he is always quarrel
ling with his wife on some metaphysical point. For instance,
if she says, " The rice is ready," he will reply, " Rice ! what
;s rice ? Is it matter or spirit ? Is it an idea, or is it non
entity ? " Perhaps she will say, " It is matter ; " and he will
reply, 'Well, wife, and what is matter? Are vou sure there

A SUBTLE SCEPTIC. 297
is such a thing in existence, or are you merely subject to a
delusion cf the senses ? " *
When he first came in, I thought him an ordinary man. He
has only one good eye ; but I soon discovered that that one eye
has as " great a quantity of being " as half a dozen common
eyes. In his manners he is just the reverse of Moung Thah-ee
— all suavity, and humility, and respect. He professed to
be an inquirer after the truth ; and I aecordingly opened to him
some parts of the gospel. He listened with great seriousness,
and when I ceased speaking, remained so thoughtful, and appar
ently impressed with the truth, that I began to hope he would
come to some good, and therefore invited him to ask some
question, relative to what he had heard. " Your servant," said
he, " has not much to inquire of your lordship. In your lord
ship's sacred speech, however, there are one or two words that
your servant does not understand. Your lordship says, that
in the beginning Godcreated one man and one woman. I do
not understand (I beg your lordship's pardon) what a man is,
and why he is called a man." My eyes were now opened in
an instant to his real character ; and I had the happiness to be
enabled, for about twenty minutes, to lay blow after blow upon
his sceptical head, with such effect that he kept falling and
falling ; and though he made several desperate efforts to get
up, he found himself, at last, prostrate on the ground, unable to
stir. Moung Shwa-gnong, who had been an attentive listener,
was extremely delighted to see his enemy so well punished ;
for this Moung Long has sorely harassed him in time past.
The poor man was not, however, in the least angry at his dis
comfiture, but, in the true spirit of his school, said that, though
he had heard much of me, the reality far exceeded the report.
Afterwards he joined us in worship, and listened with great
attention, as did also his wife.
May 21. Moung Thah-?e came again, Avith several others ;
* The doctrines of idealism and nihilism were fully and ably dis
cussed by the Brahmu:s and Boodhists centuries before the time of
Berkelev and Hume.

298 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
but he was sc outrageous, and vulgar, and abusive, that 1
found it impossible to hold any rational conversation with
him ; and he finally went away in a great passion, saying that
he had been sent by some men in authority to spy us out, and
that by to-morrow he Avould bring us into trouble. Such
threatenings tend to sink our spirits, and make us realize our
truly helpless, destitute condition, as sheep in the midst of
Avolves. " Lord, behold their threatenings," &c.
May 27, Lord's day. A very busy-day. Had scarcely
dismissed the few Europeans who attend English worship in
the morning, when the Burman visitors began to come in ;
and, though many of the disciples were absent, Ave finally had
an assembly of thirty persons, Avho paid most earnest and un
interrupted attention to a discourse of about half an hour,
from the text, " By one man's disobedience, many were made
sinners." A feAV Avho visited the zayat during the past week
were present for the first time. One of -them, by name Moung
Hla, may be claimed among the hopeful inquirers. Moung
Long was again present, and another disciple of the Toung-
dAven teacher, of equal poAvers of mind ; but these keen met
aphysicians are, I fear, far from the kingdom of heaven.
June 3, Lord's day. A new acquaintance of last week, of
Siamese extraction, and Moung Hla and Moung Long were
present Avith the usual assembly. Mah Myat-lah, sister of
Mah Men-la, appears to be resolved, at length, to profess
religion. June 4. Moung Long spent two or three hours with me,
in which I endeavored to lay before him all the evidences
of the truth of the Christian religion. His wife proves to be
as sharp as himself, and has been harassing Mrs. Judsor;
with all sorts of questions about the possibility of sin's finding
entrance into a pure mind, or of its being permitted under the
government of a holy sovereign.
I have this day taken Moung Shwa-ba into the service of
the mission. He bids fairer than any other member of the
church to be qualified, in due time, for the ministry. For,
though inferior to Moung Thah-lah in fluency of speech, and

FIRST BURMESE ASSISTANT. 299
to Moung Shwa-gnong in genius and address, he is superior
to the former in consistency of character and gravity of de
portment, and to the latter in experimental acquaintance with
divine things and devotedness to the cause. But the principal
trait of character which distinguishes him from the rest, and
affords considerable evidence that he is called by higher au
thority than that of man to the Christian ministry, is his hum
ble and persevering desire for that office — a desire which
sprang up in his heart soon after his conversion, and has been
growing ever since. I intend to employ him, at present, as an
assistant in the zayat, on a small allowance of seven or eight
rupees a month, which I hope the board will approve of. In
that situation he will have an opportunity of improving in
those qualifications which are requisite to fit him to be a
teacher of religion among his felloAv-countrymen.
June 8. The Siamese spent several hours Avith me. His
mind is just on the poise between Boodhism and Christianity.
June 10, Lord's day. Moung Long again present — all eye
and ear. Mrs. Judson pronounces his wife superior in point
of intellect, to any woman that she has ever met with in
Burmah. After evening worship, Mah Myat-lah presented her petition
for admission into the church, Avhich was granted, and next
Sunday appointed for her baptism. The evidences of her
piety are of the most satisfactory kind. We esteem her quite
as highly as her sister, Mah Men-la, though she is far infe
rior in external qualifications.
June 11. Moung Long and wife spent most of the day
with us. Their minds are in a truly hopeful state, though
still greatly governed by the maxims of the Toung-dwen
school. Their main inquiry to-day Avas, hoAV they could ob
tain faith in Christ. May the Holy Spirit solve their difficul
ties, by giving them an experimental acquaintance with that
saving grace !
June 14. An intimate friend of the Woon-gyee-gah-dau
told Mrs. Judson to-day, in presence of her highness, Avho by
silence assented to the correctness of the remark, that when

SOO MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
the emperor and others in government said that all might
beheve and Avorship as they please, the toleration extended
merely to foreigners resident in the empire, and by no means
to native Burmans, who, being slaves of the emperor, would
not be allowed with impunity to renounce the rehgion of then-
master. This remark accords with all that we have heard at
Ava, and may be depended on, (notwithstanding some private
encouragement we have received from the viceroy and his
wife,) as affording a correct view of the state of religious tol
eration in this country. It is a fact that, except in our own
private circle, it is not known that a single individual has
actually renounced Boodhism, and been initiated into the
Christian religion.
Mah Myat-lah informs us that the neAvs of her intended
baptism has been rumored among her neighbors, and excited
a great uproar. She is not, however, disheartened, but rather
wishes that her baptism may not be deferred till Sunday,
lest some measures be taken to prevent it. I expect that she
Avill present herself for baptism to-morrow evening, but am
obliged to close up this number, as the vessel by which it is
conveyed is just going down the river.
Pray for us and our little church.
June 15. According to the purpose mentioned under the
last date, Mah Myat-lah received baptism, about sunset, at
the usual place.
July 3. Moung Thah-lah was married to a woman resi
dent in our yard, a usual attendant on public worship — the
event somewhat noticeable, as being probably the first Chris
tian marriage ever performed between persons of pure Bur
man extraction.
July 14. The first day of Burmese Lent. The Woon-
gyee-gah-dau, notwithstanding all she has heard from Mrs.
Judson, set out most zealously in her course of religions per
formances, and the whole town seems to be following her
example. Many cases of hopeful inquiry, and interesting religious
conversatipn, have occurred within the last month ; but they

PAINFUL TRIALS. 301
passed away Avithout much apparent fruit, and are therefore
not worthy of notice. Moung Long and his wife are the
most promising at present ; and I begin to indulge some slight
hope that they will obtain divine grace.
In the interval of receiving company, I have lately been
employed in translating ; have finished the Gospel and Epistles
of John, those exquisitely SAveet and precious portions of the
New Testament, and am now employed on the latter part of
Acts. I find Moung Shwa-ba a most valuable assistant in all
parts of missionary work. Moung ShAva-gnong also begins
" to be dissatisfied with being a mere disciple, and hopes that
he shall some time be thought worthy of being a teacher of
the Christian religion." These two, with Mah Men-la, are,
at present, the flower of our little church. I have no reason,
hoAvever, to complain of the conduct of any, considering the
great disadvantages under which they all labor. Some have
grown comparatively cold, but none have forgotten their first
love. Praise forever be to Him
" Who is faithful to his promises,
And faithful to his Son."
August 4. Am just recovering from the second fit of sick
ness which I have had this season. The first was the cholera
morbus ; the present has been a fever. The second day after
I was taken, Mrs. Judson was taken with the same ; and for
several days we lay side by side, unable to help one another.
Through divine mercy, however, we contrived to get our
medicines from time to time, and are now in a convalescent
state, so far as the fever is concerned. Mrs. Judson, however,
is suffering severely under the liver complaint, which, notwith
standing continual salivations, is making such rapid and alarm
ing advances as to preclude all hope of her recovery in this
part of the world.
August 6. Came to a final conclusion to send Mrs. Jud
son to America, for the reasons assigned in a letter to the
¦corresponding secretary, accompanying this number.
August 21. Mrs. Judson embarked for Bengal.
vol. i. 26

302 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSOif.
On the occasion of Mrs. Judson's sailing for Cal
cutta, and probably for America, Mr. Judson wrote as
follows to Mr. Hough, under date of August 13,
1821 : —
Mr dear Brother Hough : I send you herewith Mrs.
Judson, and all that remains of the blue pills and senna, arid
beg you will see the articles all Avell packed and shipped for
America by the earliest safe opportunity. Whatever ex
penses may be incurred be so good as to defray from your
OAvn funds, and transmit your bill to me.
It is said that man is prone to jest in the depth of misery ;
and the bon-mots of the scaffold have been collected : you
may add the above specimen to the list if you like. I feel as
if I was on the scaffold, and signing, as it Avere, my own death
warrant. However, two years will pass away at last. Time
and tide wait for no man, heedless alike of our joys and
sorrows. When I last wrote, I was in the latter part of Acts ; since
that time, I have done nothing at all. For ten days or a fort
night Ave were laid by with fever, unable to help one another,
and no living soul to depend on but Emily ; and since we be
came convalescent, I have been occupied in making up my
mind to have my right arm amputated, and my right ey6
extracted, Avhich the doctors say are necessary in order to pre
vent a decay and mortification of the whole body conjugal.
To Mrs. Judson.
I wish I could always feel as I did last evening, and have
this morning. At first, on hearing Moung Shwa-gnong's
story, I felt much disheartened, and thought how pleasant it
Avould be if Ave could find some quiet resting-place on earth,
where we might spend the rest of our days together in peace,
and perform the ordinary services of religion. But I fled to
Jesus, and all such thoughts soon passed away. Life is short.
Happiness consists not in outward circumstances. Millions of

MRS. JUDSON'S RETURN TO UNITED STATES. 80S
Burmans are perishing. 1 am almost the only person on
earth who has attained their language to such a degree as to
be able to communicate the Avay of salvation. How great are
my obligations to spend and be spent for Christ! What a
privilege to be allowed to serve him in such interesting cir
cumstances, and to suffer for him ! The heavenly glory is at
hand. 0, let me travel through this country, and bear testi
mony to the truth all the Avay from Rangoon to Ava, and show
the path to that glory Avhich I am anticipating. O, if Christ
will only sanctify me and strengthen me, I feel that I can do all
things. But in myself I am absolute nothingness ; and when
through grace I get a glimpse of divine things, I ti emble lest
the next moment will snatch it quite away.
Let us pray especially for one another's growth in grace.
Let me pray that the trials Avhich we respectively are called
to endure may wean us from the world, and rivet our hearts
on things above. Soon we shall be in heaven. O, let us
live as we shah then wish Ave had done. Let us be humble,
unaspiring, indifferent equally to worldly comfort and the ap
plause of men, absorbed in Christ, the uncreated Fountain of
all excellence and glory.
Mrs. Judson took passage at Calcutta for London,
and arrived there in greatly improved health. In
Great Britain she was received by Christians of all
persuasions with every mark of affectionate and re
spectful attention. She was domesticated for some
time in the family of Mr. Butterworth, member oi"
Parliament, who, referring to the fact, at a public
meeting, remarked, that her visit reminded him of
the apostolic admonition : " Be not forgetful to enter
tain strangers, for thereby some have entertained an
gels unawares." From England she proceeded to this
country, where she arrived September 25, 1822. On
the 22d of June, 1823, she sailed for Calcutta in the
ship Edward Newfon, accompanied by the Rev. Jona-

304 MEMOIR 01- DR. JUDSON.
than Wade and his wife Mrs. Deborah Wade, who
had recently been appointed missionaries to Burmah.
The company arrived at Calcutta on the 19th of
October, and reached Rangoon on the 5th of Decem
ber, 1823.
It was my good fortune to become intimately ac
quainted with Mrs. Judson during this visit to theUnited
States. I do not remember ever to have met a more re
markable woman. To great clearness of intellect, large
powers of comprehension, and intuitive female sagacity,
ripened by the constant necessity of independent ac
tion, she added that heroic disinterestedness which
naturally loses all consciousness of self in the prosecu
tion of a great object. These elements, however,
were all held in reserve, and were hidden from public
view by a veil of unusual feminine delicacy. To
an ordinary observer, she would have appeared simply
a self-possessed, well-bred, and very intelligent gen
tlewoman. A more intimate acquaintance would
soon discover her to be a person of profound religious
feeling, which was ever manifesting itself in efforts to
impress upon others the importance of personal piety.
The resources of her nature were never unfolded until
some occasion occurred which demanded delicate tact,
unflinching courage, and a power of resolute endurance
even unto death. When I saw her, her complexion
bore that sallow hue which commonly follows resi
dence in the East Indies. Her countenance at first
seemed, when in repose, deficient in expression. As
she found herself among friends who were interested
in the Burman mission, her reserve melted away, her
eye kindled, every feature was lighted up with enthu
siasm, and she was every where acknowledged to be
one of the most fascinating of women.

ADVANCEMENT OF THE MISSION. 305
After the departure of Mrs. Judson, Mr. Judson was
left for a while entirely alone in the mission. He de
voted himself with redoubled energy to the translation
of the New Testament, and the labors of the zayat.
When the vigilance of persecution relaxed, and the
opportunities for preaching were more favorable, the
greater part of his time was employed in imparting
religious instruction. When some untoward expres
sion of the Burman magistrates intimidated inquirers,
he turned with the greater earnestness to the work of
translation. On the 13th of December, 1821, Rev. Jonathan
Price, M. D., a missionary physician recently appoint
ed by the board, arrived with his family at Rangoon.
On the 20th of January, 1822, Mr. Hough and his
family joined them from Calcutta, to unite again in
missionary labors.
At this period of the mission, all the appearances
were exceedingly encouraging. The knowledge of
the Christian religion was silently insinuating itself
among the people of Rangoon and the surrounding
villages, and it was producing its legitimate effect — the
turning of men from idols to the living God. Before
the close of the summer, eighteen native Burmans in
the whole had been baptized into the name of the
Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; and all but
two had maintained an irreproachable Christian pro
fession. It seemed that nothing was needed but tol
eration to enable true religion to spread throughout
the empire.
Dr. Price immediately commenced the practice of
his profession in Rangoon. His success in severa
operations, specially on the eyes of those suffering
from cataract, was made known in Ava ; and on the
26*

306 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
20th of July, only seven months after his arrival, an
order was received from the king, summoning him to
the capital, on account of his medical skill. Mr. Judson
was of course obliged to accompany him, though the
step was most repugnant to his feelings. He had
proceeded in his translation of the New Testament, as
far as the Epistle to the Romans ; and being the only
person then living capable of completing the work,
aware of the uncertainty of life, he earnestly desired
to proceed in it without delay. The path of duty,
however, seemed to be plainly marked out, and, on the
28th of August, 1822, the two missionaries left Ran
goon in a boat furnished at the government expense,
and arrived at Ava on the 27th of SL->,tember.
The following extracts from Mr.Wudson's journal
relate the most important incidents of this second
visit to the capital of the empire.
Journal.
After much tedious detention, resulting from our connection
with government, brother Price and myself set out from Ran
goon on the 28th of August, in a boat furnished at the public
expense, and on the 27th of September reached Ava, the
present capital, a few miles below A-ma-ra-poo-ra. We
were immediately introduced to the king, who received brother
Price very graciously, and made many inquiries about his
medical skill, but took no notice of me, except as interpreter.
The a-twen-woon Moung Zah, however, immediately recog
nized me, made a few inquiries about my welfare, in presence
of the king, and, after his majesty had Avithdrawn, conversed
a little on religious subjects, and gave me some private encour
agement to remain at the capital.
October 1. To-day the king noticed me for the first time,
though I. have appeared before him nearly every day since our
arrival. After making some inquiries, as usual, about brother

SECOND VISIT TO AVA. 307
Price, Le added, " Ai.d you in black, what are you ? A medi
cal man, too ? " " Not a medical man, but a teacher of reh
gion, your majesty." He proceeded to make a few inquiries
about my religion, and then put the alarming question 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 consequences 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
Burmans." He remained silent a few moments, but presently
showed that 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 approbation in all the court
present. After his majesty retired, a than-dau-sen (a royal
secretary) entered into conversation, and allowed me to expa
tiate on several topics of the Christian religion, in my usual
way. And all this took place in the hearing of the very man,
now an a-twen-woon, who, many years ago, caused his uncle to
be tortured almost to death under the iron mall, for renoun
cing Boodhism, and embracing the Roman Catholic religion ;
but I knew it not at the time, though, from his age, a slight
suspicion of the truth passed across my mind. 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. Let us, then, hope that, as he becomes more
acquainted Avith the excellence of the religion, he will be
more and more Avilling that his subjects should embrace it.
October 3. Left the boat, and moved into the house ordered
to be erected for us by the king. A mere temporary shed,
however, it Droves to be, scarcely sufficient to screen us from
the gaze of people without, or from the rain above. It is sit
uated near the present palace, and joins the enclosure of
Prince M., eldest half brother of the king.
October 4. On our return from the palace, whither we gro

308 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
every morning after breakfast, Prince M. sent for me. I
had seen him once before, in company with brother Price,
whom h«' called for medical advice. To-day he wished to
converse on science and religion. He is a fine young man of
twenty-eigh :, but greatly disfigured by a paralytic affection of
the arms and legs. Being cut off from the usual sources of
amusement, and having associated a little Avith the Portuguese
padres who have lived at Ava, he has acquired a strong taste
for foreign science. My communications interested him very
much, and I found it difficult to get away, until brother Price
sent expressly for me to go again to the palace.
October 15. For ten days past, have been confined with
the fever and ague. To-day, just able to go to the palace,
and have a little conversation with some of the court officers.
Afterwards visited Prince M.
October 16. Had a very interesting conversation, in the
palace, with two of the a-twen-woons and several officers, on
the being of God, and other topics of the Christian religion.
Some of "them manifested a spirit of candor and free inquiry,
which greatly encouraged me.
October 21. Visited the a-twen-woon Moung Zah, and had
a long conversation on the religion and customs of foreigners,
in which I endeavored to communicate as much as possible of
the gospel. Upon the whole, he appeared to be rather favor
ably disposed, and, on my taking leave, invited me respect
fully to visit him occasionally. Thence I proceeded to the
palace, but met with nothing noticeable, and thence to the
house of Prince M., with whom I had an hour's uninterrupted
conversation. But I am sorry to find that he is rather amused
with the information I give him, than disposed to consider it
a matter of personal concern. I presented him Avith a tract,
Avhich he received as a favor ; and finally I ventured to ask
him whether Burman subjects who should consider and em
brace the Christian religion would be liable to persecution.
He replied, " Not under the reign of my brother. He has a
good heart, and wishes all to believe and wn-ship as they
please."

SECOND VISIT TO AVA. 309
Oc.ober 22. Brother Price went to A-ma-ra-poo-ra, to
meet a gentleman just arrived from Rangoon, who, we hope,
may have letters for us. Made an introductory visit to Prince
T., second own brother of the king. He received me with the
affability which characterizes his intercourse with foreigners.
At night brother Price returned, with a large parcel of letters,
and magazines, and newspapers from our beloved, far-distant
native land, and, what vras still more interesting to me, eight
sheets from Mrs. Judson, on her passage towards England —
the first direct intelligence I have received from her since
she left Madras roads. The divine blessing appears to have
crowned her efforts, and those of the pious captain of the ship, to
the hopeful conversion of several souls, and, among others, the
ladies of a family of rank, her fellow-passengers. At the last
date, April 24, she was under the line, in the Atlantic, and
experienced a slight return of her complaint, after having long
indulged the hope that it Avas completely removed. A single
line from Bengal informs me of the death of our dear brother
Colman, but leaves me ignorant of all the particulars. May
our bereaved sister be supported under this heaviest of all
afflictions ; and may the severe loss which the mission has
sustained be sanctified to us all.
October 23. Had some pleasant conversation with Moung
Zah in the palace, partly in the hearing of the king. At length
his majesty came forward, and honored me with some personal
notice for the second time, inquired much about my country,
and authorized me to invite American ships to his dominions,
assuring them of protection, and offering every facility for the
purposes of trade.
October 24. Visited Moung Zah at his house. He treated
me with great reserve, and repelled all attempts at conversa
tion. Afterwards called or Prince M., and spent a long time
Avith him and the officers in waiting. The whole tract was
read before them by one of the secretaries. In the afternoon,
went out of town, to visit Moung Sbwa-thah, former viceroy
of Rangoon. During our absence, Prince M, sent to our
house to call me, saying than a learned pundit, was in attend-

310 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
ance, with Avhom he wished to hear me converse. I mention
the circumstance as somewhat indicative of the prince's mind.
October 26. While I lay ill with the fever and ague, some
days ago, a young man, brother of an officer of Prince M.,
visited me, and listened to a considerable exposition of gospel
truth. Since then he has occasionally called, and manifested
a desire to hear and know more. This evening he came to
attend our evening Avorship, and remained conversing till nine
o'clock. I hope that light is dawning on his mind. He desires
to know the truth, appears to be, in some degree, sensible of
his sins, and has some slight apprehension of the love and
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
October 28. Spent the forenoon with Prince M. He ob
tained, for the first time, (though I have explained it to him
many times,) somgview of the nature of the atonement, and
cried out, " Good! good ! " He then proposed a number of
objections, which I removed to his apparent satisfaction. Our
subsequent conversation turned, as usual, on points of geog
raphy and astronomy. He candidly acknowledged that lie
could not resist my arguments in favor of the Copernican
system, and that, if he admitted them, he must also admit
that the Boodhist system was overthroAvn. In the afternoon,
visited Prince T. A hopeless case.
October 29. Made an introductory visit to the Great
Prince, so called by way of eminence, being the only brother
of the queen, and sustaining the rank of chief a-twen-woon.
Have frequently met him at the palace, where he has treated
me rather uncourteously ; and my reception to-day was such
as 1 had too much reason to expect.
October 30. Spent part of the forenoon with Prince M.
and his wife, the Princess of S., own sister of the king.
Gave her a copy of Mrs. Judson's Burman catechism, with
which she was much pleased. They both appear to be some
what attached to me, and say, " Do not return to Rangoon,
but, when your wife arrives, call her to Ava. The king will
give you a piece of ground on which to build a kyoung " — a
house appropriated to the residence of sacred characters. In

SECOND VISIT TO AVA. 311
the evening, they sent for me again, chiefly on account of an
officer of government, to whom they wished to introduce me.
October 31. Visited the a-twen-woon Moung K., whom I
have frequently met at the palace, Avho has treated me with
distinguished candor. He received me very politely, and,
laying aside his official dignity, entered into a most spirited
dispute on various points of religion. He pretended to main
tain his ground without the shadow of doubt ; but I am
inchned to think that he has serious doubts. We parted in a
very friendly manner, and he invited me to visit him occa
sionally. November 12. Spent the Avhole forenoon Avith Prince M.
and his Avife. Made a fuller disclosure than ever before of
the nature of the Christian religion, the object of Christians
in sending me to this country, my former repulse at court
and the reason of it, our exposure to persecution in Rangoon,
the affair of Moung Shwa-gnong, &c, &c. They entered
into my views and feelings Avith considerable interest ; but
both said, decidedly, that, though the king would not himself
persecute any one on account of religion, he would not give
any order exempting from persecution, but would leave his
subjects, throughout the empire, to the regular administration
of the local authorities.
After giving the prince a succinct account of my religious
experience, I ventured to warn him of his danger, and urge
him to make 'the Christian religion his immediate personal
concern. He appeared, for a moment, to feel the force of
what I said, but soon replied, "I am yet young — only twenty-
eight. I am desirous of studying all the foreign arts and sci
ences. My mind will then be enlarged, and I shah be capa
ble of judging whether the Christian rehgion be true or not."
"But suppose your highness changes worlds in the mean
time." His countenance again fell. "It is true," said he,
" I knoAv not when I shah die." I suggested that it would be
well to pray to God for light, which, if obtained, would
enable him at once to distinguish between truth and falsehood ;
and so we parted. 0 Fountain of Light, shed down one ray

312 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
into the mind of this amiable prince, that he may become a
patron of thine infant cause, and inherit an eternal crown.
November 14. Another interview with Prince M. He
seemed, at one time, almost ready to give up the religion of
Gaudama, and listened with much eagerness and pleasure to
the evidences of the Christian religion. But presently two
Burman teachers came in, Avith whom he immediately joined,
<md contradicted ah I said.
November 18. Visited the Princess of T., at her particu
lar request. She is the eldest OAvn sister of the king, and
therefore, according to Burman laws, consigned to perpetual
celibacy. She had heard of me from her brother-in-law
Prince M., and wished to converse on science and religion.
Her chief officer and the mayor of the city were present;
and we carried on a desultory conversation, such as necessa
rily takes place on the first interview. Her highness treated
me with uncommon affability and respect, and invited me to
call frequently.
November 26. Have been confined since the 21st with a
third attack of the fever and ague. To-day, went to the pal
ace, and presented a petition for a certain piece of ground
within the walls of the town, " to build a kyoung on." The
king granted it, on condition that the ground should be found
unoccupied. November 28. Spent the whole day at the palace, in
endeavoring to secure the ground petitioned for. At night,
the land measurer general's secretary accompanied me to
ascertain the premises, and make out a plan of the place.
November 29. The land measurer general reported to the
a-twen-woons that the ground was not actually occupied, but,
having been the site of a kyoung when formerly the city was
the seat of government, must be considered sacred and unalien
able ; in which opinion nearly all the a-twen-woons coincided,
notwithstanding the king's decision to the contrary.
Had an interesting interview with Prince M., and presented
him with a copy of the. three last chapters of Matthew* in
compliance with bis wish to have an. account of the death and

SECOND VISIT TO AVa. 313
resurrection of Jesus Christ. He appeared concerned for our
failure to-day in the privy council, but still maintained that,
though the ground was sacred, it might with propriety be
given to a priest, though not a priest of Gaudama, and advised
me to make another application to the king.
December 25. I have had nothing scarcely of a mission
ary nature to notice since the last date, having been employed,
most of the time, (that is, in the intervals of two more attacks
of fever and ague,) in endeavoring to procure a piece of
ground Avithin the city, but have been defeated at every point.
At one time, I had received the king's positive order for the
place above mentioned, and, at considerable expense, passed
it through the privy council and the supreme court as far as
the chief woon-gyee ; but, as soon as he saAV it, he disputed
its propriety ; and at the next morning levee, which he sum
moned me to attend, he civilly told his majesty that the
ground was sacred, and ought not to be given aAvay. Three
of the a-twen-Avoons joined him. The king at first remained
silent, but at length said, " Well, give him some vacant spot."
And thus was the order cancelled. As for the vacant spot,
if we are debarred all sacred ground, I beheve it will be
impossible to find it within the walls either of the inner or
the outer city, such is the immense demand for places, occa
sioned by the perpetual emigration from the old city.
In prosecuting this business, I had one noticeable interview
with the king. Brother Price and two English gentlemen
were present. The king appeared to be attracted by our
number, and came towards us ; but his conversation was di
rected chiefly to me. He again inquired about the Burmans
who ha-i embraced my religion. " Are they real Burmans ?
Do they dress like other Burmans ? " &c. I had occasion to
remark that I preached every Sunday. " What ! in Bur
man ? " " Yes." " Let us hear how you preach." I hesitated.
An a-twen-Avoon repeated the order. I began with a form of
worship which first ascribes glory to God, and then declares
the commands of the law of the gospel ; after which I
stopped. " Go on," said another a-twen-woop. The whole court
vol. i. 27

314 MEMOIR OF DK. JUDSON.
Avas profoundly silent. I proceeded Avith a feAV sentences, de
clarative of the perfections of God, Avhenhis majesty's curios
ity Avas satisfied, and he interrupted me. In the course of
subsequent conversation, he asked what I had to say of Gau- .
dama. I replied, that we all kneAV he Avas the son of King
Thog-dau-dah-nah ; that we regarded him as a wise man and
a great teacher, but did not call him God. " That is right,"
said Moung K. N, an a-twen-Avoon Avho has not hitherto ap
peared very friendly to me. And he proceeded to relate the
substance of a long communication Avhich I lately made to
him, in the privy council room, about God and Christ, &c.
And this he did in a very clear and satisfactory manner, so
that I had scarcely a single correction to make in his state
ment. Moung Zah, encouraged by all this, really began to take
the sid of God before his majesty, and said, " Nearly all the
Avorld, your majesty, believe in an eternal God, aU, except
Burmah and Siam, these little spots ! " His majesty remained
silent, and after some other desultory inquiries, he abruptly
arose, and retired.
Jam T,ry 2, 1823. To-day I informed the king that it Avas
my intention to return to Rangoon. " Will you proceed
thence to your own country ? " " Only to Rangoon." His
majesty gave an acquiescing nod. The a-twen-woon, Moung
Zah, inquired, " Will you both go, or will the doctor remain ? "
I said that he would remain. Brother Price made some re
mark on the approaching hot season, and the inconvenience
of our present situation ; on which Moung Zah, inferring that
it was on account of the climate that I was about leaving,
turned to me, saying, " Then you Avill return here, after the
hot season." I looked at the king, and said that if it was
convenient, I would return ; which his majesty again sanc
tioned by an acquiescing nod and smile, and in reply to broth
er Price, said, " Let a place be given him." Brother Price,
however, thinks of retaining the small place on which Ave noA*
live for medical purposes, and getting a place at Chagaing,
on the opposite side of the river, for his permanent residence.
In the evening, had a long conversation Avith Mounjj Zah on

SECOND VISIT TO AVA. 315
rehgion. He believes that there is an eternal God, and that
Gaudama, and Christ, and Mahomet, and others are great
teachers, who communicated as much truth respectively as
they could, but that their communications are not the word
of God. I pressed my arguments as far as I dared ; but he
seemed to have reflected much on the subject, and to have
become quite settled and inflexible in his conclusions. He
may be called a deistic Boodhist, the first that I have met in
the country. On parting, however, he remarked, " This is a
deep and difficult subject. Do you, teacher, consider further,
and I also will consider."
January 7. Among the many places Avhich I endeavored
in vain to procure Avas a small one, sufficient for one family
only, pleasantly situated on the banks of the river, just with
out the walls of the toAvn, and about a mile from the palace.
But it had been appropriated by the chief woon-gyee, and
partly fenced in, with the intention of building a temporary
zayat for his recreation and refreshment, when accompanying
the king in that quarter of the city, and Avas, therefore, placed
beyond any reasonable hope of attainment. Among other
desperate attempts, however, I wrote a short petition, asking
for that place, and begging leave to express my gratitude, by
presenting a certain sum of money. It was necessary to put
this into his own hand ; and I was, therefore, obliged to follow
him about, and watch his movements, for two or three days,
until a favorable opportunity occurred, when he was apart
from all his retinue. I seized the moment, presented myself
before him, and held up the paper. He read it, and smiled,
" You are indefatigable in your search after a place. But you
cannot have that. It is for my own use. Nor, if otherwise,
could you get it for money. Search further." I now con
cluded to return to Rangoon for the present, and wait until
the town should be settled, when, as all inform me, I shall be
able to accommodate myself better. I accordingly informed
the king of my purpose, as mentioned above, and began to
look about for a boat. In the mean time, it occurred to me
to make a " seventh attempt to fix the thread," and 1 sought

Sl6 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
another interview Avith the chief woon-gyee, a being who is
really more difficult of access than the king himself. This
evening I was so fortunate as to find him at his house, lying
down, surrounded by forty or fifty of his people. I ' pressed
forward into the foremost rank, and placed myself in a prop
er attitude. After a while, his eye fell upon me, and I held
up a small bottle of eau de luce, and desired to present it.
One of his officers carried it to him. He happened to be much
pleased with it, and sat upright. " What kind of a house do
you intend to build ? " I told him, but added, " I have no
place to build on, my lord." He remained in a meditating
attitude a feAv moments, and then suddenly replied, " If yon
want the little enclosure, lake it ! " I expressed my gratitude.
He began to take more notice of me, inquired about my char
acter and profession, and then entered, Avith considerable
spirit, on the subject of religion. After some conversation,
he desired a specimen of my mode of Avorship and preaching ;
and I was obliged to repeat much more than I did before the
king ; for whenever I desisted, he ordered me to go on.
When his curiosity was satisfied, he lay down, and I quietly
retired. January 8. After taking the best advice, Burman and for
eign, I weighed out the sum of money mentioned in the pri
vate petition, together with the estimated expense of fencing
the place given me by the woon-gyee, and in the evening, car
ried it to his house, where I was again fortunate in finding
him in the same position as yesterday evening. A few noble
men and their attendants Avere present, which prevented me
from immediately producing the money. His excellency
soon took notice of me, and from seven o'clock till nine, the
time was chiefly occupied in conversation on religious sub
jects. I found opportunity to bring forward some of my fa
vorite arguments, one of which, in particular, seemed to carry
conviction to the minds of all present, and extorted from the
great man an expression of praise ; such praise, however, as
<• indicative of surprise rather than approbation. When the
i*»2ipany retired, my people at the outer door overheard one

SECOND VISIT TO AVA. 317
say to another, " Is it not pleasant to hear this foreign teacher
converse on religion ? " " Ay," said the other, " but his doc
trines are derogatory to the honor of Lord Gaudama." When
they were gone, I presented the money, saying that I wished
to defray the expense of fencing the ground, which had been
graciously given me. His excellency Avas pleased Avith the
offer, but gently declined accepting any thing. He then
looked steadily at me, as if to penetrate into the motives of
my conduct, and recollecting the manoeuvres of the first Eng
lish settlers in Bengal, thought he had discovered something.
' Understand, teacher, that we do not give you the entire
owning of this ground. We take no recompense, lest it be
come American territory. We give it to you for your present
residence only, and, when you go away, shall take it again."
" When I go away, my lord, those at whose expense the
house is to be built, will desire to place another teacher in
my stead." " Very well, let him also occupy the place ; but
when he dies, or when there is no teacher, we will take it."
" In that case, my lord, take it."
January 10. Spent the whole of yesterday and to-day
with various secretaries and officers of government, in getting
actual possession of the ground given me.
January 13. Built a small house, and stationed one of the
disciples and family to keep the place during my absence.
"January 18. Removed to Chagaing, into a house which
Prince M. has allowed brother Price to build on his ground,
in expectation that a change of air and residence would re
lieve me from the fever and ague, under which [ suffer nearly
every other day. It is my intention, however to return im
mediately to Rangoon, the time being nearly expired which I
at first proposed to spend in Ava, and the ends for which I
came up being sufficiently gained.
January 22. Took leave of Prince M. He desired me to
return soon, and bring with me all the Christian Scriptures,
and translate them into Burman. " For," said he, " I wish to
read them all."
January 24. Went to take leave of the king, in company
27*

318 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
•with Mr. L., collector of the port of Eangoon, Avho arrived
last evening. We sat a feAv moments conversing together.
" What are you talking about ? " said his majesty. " He is
speaking of his return to Rangoon," replied Mr. L. " What
does he return for ? Let him not return. Let them both
[that is, brother Price and myself] stay together. If one
goes away, the other must remain alone, and will be unhap
py." " He wishes to go for a short time only," rephed Mr.
L., to bring his wife, the female teacher, and his goods, not
having brought any thing with him this time ; and he will
return soon." His majesty looked at me. " Will you, then,
come again ?" I replied in the affirmative. " When you
come again, is it your intention to remain permanently, or
will you go back and forth, as foreigners commonly do ? "
" When I come again, it is my intention to remain perma
nently." " Very well," said his majesty, and Avithdrew into
his inner apartment.
Heard to-day of the death of Mah Myat-lah, sister of Mali
Men-la, one of the most steadfast of the church in Rangoon.
January 25. Embarked on a small boat, intending to go
day and night, and touch nowhere, in order to avoid the rob
bers, of which Ave have lately had alarming accounts.
February 2, Lord's day. At one o'clock in the morning
reached Rangoon, seven days from Ava.
The Nan-dau-gong disciples soon came over from Dali-lah,
on the opposite side of the river, Avhither they and the Pak-
tsooan-doung disciples and inquirers have taken refuge, to
escape the heavy taxations and the illegal harassments of
every kind, allowed under the neAV viceroy of Eangoon. Oth
ers of the disciples have fled elseAvhere, so that there is not a
single one remaining in Eangoon, except three or four with
us. The Nan-dau-gong disciples' house has been demolished,
and their place taken by government, at the instigation of
their neighbors, Avho hate them on account of religion. Mah
Myat-la died before the removal. Her sister gave me the
particulars of her death. Some of her last expressions were,
" I put my trust in Jesus Christ ; I love to pray to him ;

PROGRESS OF BURMESE CHRISTIANS. 319
am not afraid :f death ; shall soon be with Christ in
heaven." A letter from Mrs. Judson, in England, informs me that
she is going to America, and will not be here under several
months. I propose, therefore, waiting her return, and occupy
ing the interval in finishing the translation of the NeAV Tes
tament. The following letter from Moung Shwa-ba to the
Rev. Dr. Baldwin furnishes delightful evidence of the
progress which the converts had already made in the
knowledge of the gospel and the practice of piety : —
Translation of a Letter from Moung Shica-ba to tha Rev. Dr. Baldwin.
Moung SiiAva-ba, an inhabitant of Rangoon, a town of
Burmah, one Avho adheres to the religion of .Christ, and has
been baptized ; who meditates on the immeasurable, incalcu
lable nature of the divine splendor and glory of the Invisible,
even the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father, and takes
refuge in the wisdom, and power, and glory of God, affection
ately addresses the great teacher Baldwin, a superintendent
of missionary affairs in the city of Boston, of America.
Beloved elder Brother : Though in the present state
the places of our residence are very far apart, and we have
never met, yet, by means of letters, and of the words of Yiida-
than, who has told me of you, I love you, and wish to send
you this letter. When the time arrives in which we shall
Avholly put on Christ, — him in loving Avhom we cannot tire,
and in praising whom Ave can find no end, — and shall be
adorned Avith those ornaments which the Lord will dispense
to us out of the heavenly treasure house that he has pre
pared, then Are shall love one another more perfectly than we
do now.
Formerly I was in the habit of concealing my sins, that
they might not appear ; but I am now convinced that I can
not conceal my sins from the Lord, who sees and knows all
things, and that I cannot atone for them, nor obtain atone-

320 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
ment from my former objects of worship. And. accordingly,
I count myself to have lost all, under the elements of the
world, and through the grace of the faith of Christ only to
have gained the spiritual graces and rewards pertaining to
eternity, which cannot be lost. Therefore I have no ground
for boasting, pride, and self-exaltation. And, without de
siring the praise of men, or seeking my own will, I wish to
do the will of God the Father. The members of the body,
dead in trespasses and sins, displeasing to God, I desire to
make instruments of righteousness, not following the will of
the flesh. Worldly desire and heavenly desire being con
trary the one to the other, and the desire of visible things
counteracting the desire of invisible things, I am as a dead
man. However, he quickens the dead, he awakens those
that sleep, he lifts up those that fall, he opens blind eyes,
he perforates deaf ears, he lights a lamp in the great house
of darkness, he relieves the wretched, he feeds the hungry.
The words of such a Benefactor if we reject, we must die
forever, and come to everlasting destruction. Which circum
stance considering, and meditating also on sickness, old age,
and death, incident to the present state of mutability, I kneel
and prostrate myself, and pray before God, the Father of the
Lord Jesus Christ, who has made atonement for our sins, that
he may have mercy on me, and pardon my sins, and make me
holy, and give me a repenting, believing, and loving mind.
Formerly I trusted in my own merits ; but now, through
the preaching and instruction of teacher Yiidathan, I trust in
the merit of the Lord Jesus Christ. The teacher, therefore,
is the tree ; we are the blossoms and fruit. He has labored
to partake of the fruit, and noAV the tree begins to bear. The
bread of life he has given, and Ave eat. The water from the
brook which flows from the top of Mount Calvary, for the
cleansing of all filth, he has brought, and made us bathe and
drink. The bread of which we eat will yet ferment and rise.
The water which Ave drink and bathe in, is the water of an
unfailing spring ; and many will yet drink and bathe therein.
Then all things will be regenerated and changed. Now we

RULES OF HOLY LI VINO. 821
are strangers and pilgrims ; and it is my desire, Avithout ad
hering to the things of this world, but longing for my native
abode, to consider and inquire hoAv long I must labor here, to
Avhom I ought to show the light I have obtained, when I
ought to put it up, and when disclose it.
The inhabitants of this country of Burmah, being in the
evil practice of forbidden lust, erroneous Avorship, and false
speech, deride the religion of Christ. However, that Ave may
bear patiently derision, and persecution, and death, for the
sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, pray for us. I do thus pray.
For, elder brother, I have to bear the threatening of my own
brother, and my brother-in-law, who say, " We will beat, and
bruise, and pound you ; we will bring you into great difficulty ;
you associate Avith false people ; you keep a false rehgion ;
and you speak false Avords." However, their false religion is
the religion of death. The doctrine of the cross is the religion
of life, of love, of faith. I am a servant of faith. Formerly
I was a servant of Satan. Now I am a servant of Christ.
And a good servant cannot but folloAv his master. Moreover,
the divine promises must be accomplished.
In this country of Burmah are many strayed sheep.
Teacher Yoodthan, pitying them, has come to gather them
, together, and to feed them in love. Some will not listen, but
run away. Some do listen, and adhere to him ; and that our
numbers may increase, we meet together, and pray to the great
Proprietor of the sheep.
Thus I, Moung Shwa-ba, a disciple of teacher Yiidathan,
in Rangoon, write and send this letter to the great teacher
Baldwin, who lives in Boston, America.
N. B. Translate' rom the Burmese original, September
23, 1823. A. Judson, Jr.
The rules of living which follow are copied from a
paper in the handwriting of Dr. Judson. They are
inserted here for the sake of illustrating the earnest
ness with which he strove after personal holiness,

322 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSOf .
whLst engrossed with the labors of his missionary
calling. He well knew that no external services could
purify the heart ; that this work could be done in no
other way than by practically subjecting the whole soul
to the commandments of Christ.
Rules adopted on Sunday, April 4, 1819, the era of com
mencing public ministrations among the Burmans ; revised and
re-adopted on Saturday, December 9, 1820, and on Wednes
day, April 25, 1821.
1. Be diligent in secret prayer, every morning and evening.
2. Never spend a moment in mere idleness.
3. Restrain natural appetites within the bounds of temper
ance and purity. " Keep thyself pure."
4. Suppress every emotion of anger and ill will.
5. Undertake nothing from motives of ambition, or love of
fame. 6. Never do that which, at the moment, appears to be dis
pleasing to God.
7. Seek ojiportunities of making some sacrifice for the good
of others, especially of believers, provided the sacrifice is not
inconsistent Avith some duty.
8. Endeavor to rejoice in every loss and suffering incurred
for Christ's sake and the gospel's, remembering that though,
like death, they are not to be Avilfully incurred, yet, like death,
they are great gain.
Re-adopted the above rules, particularly the ith, on Sun
day, August 31, 1823.
Re-adopted the above rules, particularly the 1st, on Sunday,
October 29, 1826, and adopter the following minor rules: —
1. Rise with the sun.
2. Read a certain portion of Burman every day, Sundays
excepted. 3. Have the Scriptures and some devotional book in con
stant reading.

REVIEAV OF HIS VISIT TO AVA. 323
4. Read no book in English that has not a devotiona. ten
dency. 5. Suppress every unclean thought and look.
Revised and re-adopted all the above rules, particularly the
second of the first class, on Sunday, March 11, 1827.
God grant me grace to keep the above rules7and eve?
live to his glory, for Jesus Christ's sake.
A. Judson
To the Rev. Dr. Baldwin.
Rangoon, February 11, 1S23.
Rev. and dear Sir: My last to you was written just
before we left Rangoon for Ava. While at Ava, yours of
March last came to hand, and afforded me much consolation
and encouragement. Since my return, I have received yours
of July, the latest that has reached me from America. The
magazines also have all been duly received. Many thanks
for all your kindnesses, and thanks to God, who has excited
so much interest for the Burman mission in the hearts of his
dear children in far distant lands.
You will learn from my journal, forwarded herewith to the
Corresponding Secretary, the particulars of our visit to Ava.
Suffice it here to say that the Lord has been gracious to us
beyond our expectation. My reception, as a minister of reli
gion, has been very different from what it Avas before. A
liberal and candid spirit seems to prevail among all the mem
bers of the royal family, and among many of the leading mem
bers of government. It is distinctly understood by the king,
and by all who have any knoAvledge of me at all, that I am
a thah-tha-nah-pyoo-tsayah, that is, a religion-propagating
teacher ; and yet I have been smiled on, and listened to, and,
by the order of the king himself, haA'e received from the chief
public minister of state the grant of a small piece of ground,
for the express purpose of building a kyoung, (a house appro
priated to sacred characters.) It is my intention, therefore,
to return thither as soon as Mrs. Judson arrives, who, I hear,
has gone on to America. Ard in the mean time, I shall-

324 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
occupy myself in finishing the translation of the New Testa
ment — a work which 1 left unfinished with great reluctance,
and which I rejoice to have leisure to reassume.
During my absence, one of the best of our church members,
the sister of Mah Men-la, was called from this world, to join,
I trust, th& church triumphant. She died in peace and joy,
professing her belief in Jesus Christ, and saying that she
should soon be with him in heaven.
During the whole of my residence at Ava, I was severely
afflicted, at intervals, with the fever and ague. I did hope
that a change of climate would effect my cure ; but the dis
order has followed me to Rangoon, and I am subject to it
every other day. Brother Price was apprehensive that it would
terminate fatally, having resisted every medical application,
and become so deeply rooted ; and he Avould have accompa
nied me hither, had I not dissuaded him. My only hope now
is, that it will exhaust itself before my constitution is exhaust
ed ; but the Lord's will be done. I could wish to live to fin
ish the New Testament, and I should also be happy to see a
little church raised up in Ava, as there has been in Rangoon.
But the ways of God are not as the ways of man. He does
all things well. Glory be to his holy name forevermore.
Yours, very respectfully, A. Judson, Jr.
At the commencement of Brown University, 1823,
the corporation of that institution conferred on Mr.
Judson the honorary degree of Doctor in Divinity.
Several years elapsed before he became acquainted
with the fact. In May, 1828, he addressed the follow
ing letter to the editor of the Magazine : —
Dear Sir : I beg to be allowed the privilege of requesting
my correspondents and friends, through the medium of your
magazine, no longer to apply to my name the title which
was conferred on me in the year 1823 by the corporation of

TRANSLATION OF THE NEAV TESTAMENT COMPLETED. 825
Brown University, and Avhich, Avith all deference and respect
for that honorable body, I hereby resign.
Nearly three years elapsed before I was informed of the honor
done me, and two years more have been suffered to pass, partly
from the groundless idea that it was too late to decline the
honor, and partly through fear of doing Avhat might seem to
reflect on those who have taken a different course, or be liable
to the charge of affected singularity, or superstitious precise-
ness. But I am now convinced that the commands of Christ
and the general spirit of the gospel are paramount to all pru
dential considerations, and I only regret that I have so long
delayed to make this communication. Yours, &c,
A. Judson.
This letter was, I believe, published at the time. Mr.
Judson's wishes, however, in this respect, were un
heeded, and it has been his fate, against his will, to be
known as Dr. instead of Mr. Judson.
From a Letter to the Rev. D. Sharp, dated Rangoon, August 5, 1823.
It is with real satisfaction that I am able to inform you cf
the completion of the New Testament in Burman, about six
Aveeks ago ; since which I have added, by way of introduction,
an epitome of the Old Testament, in twelve sections, consisting
of a summary of Scripture history from' the creation to the
coming of Christ, and an abstract of the most important proph
ecies of the Messiah and his kingdom, from the Psalms, Isaiah,
and other prophets. I trust this work will be found as valuable
at present as the preceding ; for though not, strictly speaking,
the word of God, it is compiled almost entirely in the words of
Scripture, is received by the converts with great eagerness, and
found to, be peculiarly interesting and instructive, and forms,
moreover, a sort of text book, from which I am able to com
municate much information on the history, types, and prophe
cies of the Old Testament in a systematic manner
vol. i. 28

CHAPTER X.
HOl'EFUL PROSPECTS OF THE MISSION —PASSAGE UP THM
IREAA\rADL — AVAR BETWEEN THE ENGLISH AND BURMESE. -
IMPRISONMENT OF DR. JUDSON AT AVA AND OUNG-PEN-LA.
— HIS RELEASE. — PERSONAL REMINISCENCES.
1834 — 1826.
At the close of the last chapter, the prospects of
the mission seemed eminently favorable. Mrs. Jud
son Avas daily expected from America, in invigorated
health, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Wade, two of
the most devoted and successful laborers that have
ever entered the missionary field. Mr. and Mrs.
Hough had returned from Calcutta, and again united
with their brethren at Rangoon. Dr. Judson had
completed the translation of the New Testament into
the Burmese language. A church of eighteen mem
bers had been gathered from the heathen, all of whom
gave credible evidence of personal piety. Some of
them had indicated both a desire and an aptitude for
the ministry of the gospel ; and every one of them,
each in his appropriate sphere, was endeavoring to
make known to others that religion of which he him
self had felt the transforming effects. Christianity
had thus not only been planted in Rangoon, but it
had taken root, and was beginning to change the sur
rounding community into its own likeness. Yet all
this had taken place without awakening, in any
alarming degree, the spirit of persecution.
The prospect of success even in Ava was encour
aging. A physician known to be associated with the
teacher of the new religion had been ordered thither,
and had been Avell received at court. Dr. Judson,
326

HOPEFUL PROSPECTS OF THE MISSION. 327
who accompanied him, had resided there for several
months, and been universally known as a " religion-
propagating teacher." His character in this respect
caused him no molestation. On the contrary, he was
listened to with respectful attention by many persons
holding high official rank, and some of them were
inquiring about this new religion with more than
common interest. When he proposed to leave Ava;"
the emperor himself condescended to express regret,
and invited him to return at the earliest opportunity,
accompanied by Mrs. Judson, and make Ava his per
manent residence.
These indications of Providence seemed all to point
directly to the establishment of a missionary station
at Ava. The church at Rangoon would be sufficiently
provided for by the presence and labors of Messrs.
Wade and Hough and their wives. It had here
within itself all the elements of increase. At Ava,
the gospel had been heard respectfully by the most
intelligent, of its citizens. It seemed that a church
might be planted there with less danger of persecution
than even at Rangoon, while, if this could be done,
the principle of religious toleration, from the example
of the capital, would be established for the whole
empire. The movement was perfectly in harmony
with all Dr. Judson's rules of missionary action.
Like the apostle Paul, his eye was ever fixed on "the
regions beyond." He desired to go where Christ had
not been named. When a church had been planted
in Rangoon, he felt impelled to proceed with the mes
sage of salvation to Ava. Had he succeeded in es
tablishing a church there, I doubt not that, he would
have moved still onward, to plant another church in
some region yet more inaccessible. Such were the

828 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
views of missionary enterprise which he ever incul
cated upon his younger brethren, and which he ever
exemplified in his own conduct.
Deeply impressed AA'ith these convictions, Dr. Jud
son had hastened with all speed to Rangoon to meet
Mrs. Judson, who was daily expected there. When
she arrived, the preparations for the passage up the
•river had been almost completed ; and in a few days,
they left Rangoon for Ava, little " knowing the things
that should befall them there." There seemed in the
whole horizon but one cloud, and that was no bigger
than a man's hand. It by no means betokened an
alarming tempest. There was, it is true, some reason
to fear that a collision might ensue between the em
pire of Burmah and Great Britain. But the policy
of Great Britain was known to be eminently pacific.
They could not engage in war without enlarging their
territory, and this- result was not looked upon with
favor by the government at home. A protracted war
could not be anticipated ; and, it being- now well
understood at Ava that the missionaries were not
Englishmen, but Americans, it seemed highly prob
able that they would pass through the crisis, if it
should arrive, without molestation.
Very soon, however, the indications became less
encouraging. Before reaching Ava, they met Ban-
doola, the Burman general, on the river, hastening
with a fleet of war boats and a large army, to invade
the British province of Chittagong, where, it was
alleged, Burman refugees were protected by British
power. When they arrived at the capital, they were
less favorably received than they had expected, and
soon found themselves to be objects of suspicion.
Suspicion, rendered sensitive by fear, soon ripened

THE MINISTERING ANGEL. 329
into hatred. All foreigners were at once arrested
and thrown in o prison. Imprisonment, among a semi-
barbarous people, is something very different from
confinement. It is confinement imbittered by every
device of malicious and brutal cruelty. All this was
endured for twenty-one months by a student of
retired habits, unaccustomed to physical hardship,
whose constitution had been already enfeebled by
a protracted 'attack of the fever of the country. It
seems almost miraculous that he did not sink under
these intense and protracted sufferings.
And he would have sunk under them, had it not
been that " an angel ministered unto him." Then
were revealed those elements of character which des
ignated Mrs. Judson as one of the most remarkable
women of her age. She was the only European
female in Ava, and the only foreigner who was not
consigned to prison. Her whole time, with the excep
tion of twenty days when she was confined by the
birth of he? child, was devoted to the alleviation of
the sorrows of her husband and his fellow-prisoners.
Perfectly familiar with the Burman language, of a
presence which commanded respect even from savage
barbarians, and encircled her with a moral atmosphere
in which she walked unharmed in the midst of a hos
tile city with no earthly protector, she was universally
spoken of as the guardian angel of that band of suf
ferers. Sometimes she appealed to the officers of
government, but more frequently to their wives, and
pleaded for compassion with an eloquence which even
they could not resist. Fertile in resources, and wholly
regardless of her own privations or exposure, she was
incessantly occupied in alleviating the pain, or minis
tering to the wants, of those who had no other friend.
28*

330 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Rarely does i; happen that the moral extremes of
which our nature is susceptible are brought into so
striking contrast as in the present instance. On the
one hand might here have been seen the most de
graded of mankind inflicting in sport the most horrid
cruelties, month after month, upon their fellow-men,
some of whom had sacrificed every earthly comfort
for the good of their tormentors ; and on the other
hand there was seen, in the midst of this horde of
ruffians, a lady, whose intelligence and refinement had
quite lately won the admiration of the highest circles
of the British metropolis, soothing the sorrows of the
captive, ministering to the wants of the sick, pro
viding and preparing food for the starving, consoling
the dying with words of heavenly peace; heedless
of meridian suns and midnight dews, though sur
rounded by infection, devoting herself with prodigal
disinterestedness to the practice of heavenly charity,
and sustaining the courage of men inured to danger
and familiar with death by the example of her own
dauntless resolution.
The knowledge of her deeds had reached the Brit
ish army before the conclusion of hostilities. The
men who had earned their laurels in the peninsular
war were capable of appreciating such a character.
She was received at the camp of Yandabo with hon
ors such as would have befitted a lady of the most
exalted rank. Sir Archibald Campbell, the command
er-in-chief, treated her with parental kindness ; and
every thing that the army could command was made
to minister to her comfort. Nor were the attentions
of brave men ever move worthily bestowed ; for even
that army of war-worn veterans could not boast of a
more heroic spirit than that which animated the slen
der and wasted form of Ann Hasseltine Judson.

PASSAGE UP THE IRRAWADI. 331
1 have inserted, without abridgment, the letters of
Mrs. Judson, giving a narrative of the voyage to Ava,
and the settlement of her husband and herself in that
city, and also her letter to his brother, detailing at
length the events of their captivity during the war.
To these I am able to add many interesting particu
lars derived from conversations of Dr. Judson himself
with Mrs. Emily C. Judson. I need not apologize for
the length of these documents ; for I do not remember
any thing in the history of modern missions more
deeply affecting. Ava, February 10, 1821.
My dear Parents and Sisters : After tAvo years and
a half Avandering, you will be pleased to hear that I have at
last arrived at home, so far as this life is concerned, and am
once more quietly and happily settled Avith Mr. Judson.
"When I retrace the scenes through which I have passed, the
immense space I have traversed, and the various dangers, seen
and unseen, from Avhich I have been preserved, my heart is
filled Avith gratitude and praise to that Being who has at all
times been my Protector, and marked out all the way before
me. Surely no one Avas ever more highly favored, no being
Avas ever under greater obligations to make sacrifices for the
promotion of God's glory, than I am at this moment. And I
think I feel more than ever the importance of being spiritual
and humble, and so to cherish the influences of the Holy
Spirit, that in the communication of divine truth, powerful
impressions may be made, and that I may no more Avan-
der from Him Avho is deser\'ing of all my services and
affections. I wrote from Rangoon ; but for fear my letters should not
have arrived, I will mention a few things therein contained.
We had a quick and pleasant passage from Calcutta to Ran
goon. Mr. Judson's boat Avas all in readiness, my baggage
was immediately takei from the shi^ to the boat, and in seven

332 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
days from my arrival, Ave were on our way to the capitiil.
Our boat was small and inconvenient ; but the current at this
season is so very strong, and the wind always against us, that
our progress was slow indeed. The season, however, was
cool and delightful ; we Avere preserved from dangers by day
and robbers by night, and arrived in safety in six weeks. The
A-rah-wah-tee (Irrawadi) is a noble river ; its banks every
AA'here covered with immortal beings, destined to the same
eternity as ourselves. "We often walked through the villages,
and though we never received the least insult, always attracted
universal attention. A foreign female Avas a sight never be
fore beheld, and all were anxious that their friends an!
relatives should have a view. CroAvds followed us through
the villages, and some, Avho were less civilized than others,
would run some way before us, in order to have a long look as
we approached them. In one instance, the boat being some
time in doubling a point we had Avalked over, we seated our
selves down, when the villagers, as usual, assembled, and Mr.
Judson introduced the subject of religion. Several old men,
Avho were present, entered into conversation, while the multi
tude was all attention. The apparent schoolmaster of the
village coming up, Mr. Judson handed him a tract, and
requested him to read. After proceeding some way, he re
marked to the assembly that such a writing was worthy of
being copied, and asked Mr. Judson to remain while he copied
it. Mr. Judson informed him he might keep the tract, on
condition he read it to all his neighbors. We could not but
hope the Spirit of God would bless those few simple truths to
the salvation of some of their souls.
Our boat was near being upset in passing through one of
the rapids with which this river abounds. The rudder be
came entangled in the rocks, which brought the boat across
the stream, and laid her on one side. The steersman, how
ever, had presence of mind sufficient to cut the rudder from
the boat, which caused her to right, without experiencing
any other inconvenience than a thorough fright, and the loss
of our breakfast, which was precipitated from the fireplace

ARRIVAL AT AVA. 333
into the water, togi ther with every thing on the outside of
the boat.
On our arrival at Ava, we had more difficultiss to encounter,
and such as we had never before experienced. We had no
home, no house to shelter us from the burning sun by day and
the cold dews at night. Dr. Price had kindly met us on the
way, and urged our taking up our residence with him ; but
his house was in such an unfinished state, and the walls so
damp, (of brick, and just built,) that spending two or three
hours threw me into a fever, and induced me to feel that it
would be presumption to remain longer. We had but one
alternative — to remain in the boat till we could build a small
house on the spot of ground which the king gave Mr. Judson
last year. And you will hardly believe it possible — for I
almost doubt my senses — that, in just a fortnight from our
arrival, Ave moved into a house built in that time, and which
is sufficiently large to make us comfortable. It is in a most
delightful situation, out of the dust of the town, and on the
bank of the river. The spot of ground given by his majesty
is small, being only one hundred and twenty feet long, and
seventy-five wide ; but it is our own, and is the most healthy
situation I have seen. Our house is raised four feet from the
ground, and consists of three small rooms and a veranda.
I hardly know how we shall bear the hot season, which is
just commencing, as our house is built of boards, and before
night is heated like an oven. Nothing but brick is a shelter
from the heat of Ava, where the thermometer, even in the
shade, frequently rises to a hundred and eight degrees. We.
haA'e Avorship every evening in Burman, when a number of
the natives assemble ; and every Sabbath Mr. Judson preaches
the other side of the river, in Dr. Price's house. We feel
it an inestimable privilege, that amid all our discouragements
we have the language, and are able constantly to communicate
truths which can save the soul.
My female school has already commenced, with three little
girls, who are learning to read, sew, &c. Two of them are
sisters, and we have named them Mary and Abby Hasseltine.

334 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
One of them is to be supported with the money which the
" Judson Association of Bradford Academy " have engaged to
collect. They are fine children, and improve as rapidly as
any children in the world. Their mother is deranged, and
their father gave them to me to educate, so that I have been
at no expense for them, excepting their food and clothes. I
have already begun to make inquiries for children, and doubt
not we shall be directed in regard to our school.
I have not yet been at the palace, the royal family all being
absent. They returned to Amarapoora a day or two after our
arrival, Avhere they will remain till the new palace in this city
is finished, Avhen they will take possession in the usual form,
and Ava in future will be their residence. My old friend, the
lady of the, viceroy of Rangoon, Avho died in my absence,
came to the boat to see me immediately on being informed of
my arrival. All her power and distinction ceased at the
death of her husband, and she is iioav o%\j ^i private Avoman.
She is, however, a very sensible Avomlah, au^l there is much
more hope of her attending to the wonjiect of religion now
than Avhen in public life. I intend to visit her frequently, and
make it an object to fix her attention to the subject. In con
sequence of war with the Bengal goA'ernment, foreigners are
not so much esteemed at court as formerly. I know not what
effect this Avar will have on our mission ; but we must leave
the event Avith Him who has hitherto directed us.
Rangoon, May 26, 1826.
My beloved Brother: I commence this letter with the
intention of giving you the particulars of our captivity and suf
ferings at Ava. How long my patience will allow my re-
vieAving scenes of disgust and horror, the conclusion of this
letter will determine. I had kept a journal of every thing that
had transpired from our arrival at Ava, but destroyed it at the
commencement of our difficulties.
The first certain intelligence Ave received of the declaration
of Avar by the Burmese, Avas on our arrival at Tsen-pyoo-
kywon, about a hundred miles this side of Ava, where part of

TAKING POSSESSION OF THE NEW PALACE. 335
the troops under the command of the celebrated Bandoola had
encamped. As Ave proceeded on our journey, Ave met Bandoola
himself with the remainder of h.s troops, gayly equipped, seated
on his golden barge, and surrounded by a fleet of golden Avar
boats, one of which was instantly despatched from the other side
of the river to hail us, and make all necessary inquiries. We
Avere allowed to proceed quietly on, when Ave had informed the
messenger that we were Americans, not English, and Avtro
going to Ava in obedience to the command of his majesty.
On our arrival at the capital, we found that Dr. Price Avas
out of favor at court, and that suspicion rested on most of the
foreigners then at Ava. Your brother visited at the palace
two or three times, but found the king's manner toAvards him
very different from Avhat it formerly had been ; and the queen,
who had hitherto expressed Avishes for my speedy arrival, now
made no inquiries after me, nor intimated a wish to see me.
Consequently, I made no effort to visit at the palace, though
almost daily invited to visit some of the branches of the royal
family, who were living in their OAvn houses, out of the palace
enclosure. Under these circumstances, Ave thought our most
prudent course lay in prosecuting our original intention of
building a house, and commencing missionary operations as
occasions offered, thus endeavoring to convince the government
that Ave had really nothing to do Avith the present Avar.
In two or three Aveeks after our arrival, the king, queen,
all the members of the royal family, and most of the officers of
government, returned to Amarapoora, in order to come and
take possession of the neAv palace in the customary style. As
there has been much misunderstanding relative to Ava and
Amarapoora, both being called the capital of the Burmese em
pire, I will here remark, that the present Ava Avas formerly the
seat of government ; but soon after the old king had ascended
the throne, it Avas forsaken, and a new palace built at Amara
poora, about six miles from Ava, in which he remained during
his life. In the fourth year of the reign of the present king,
Amarapoora was in its turn forsaken, and anew and beautiful
palace built at Ava, which was then in ruins, but is now the

336 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
capital of the Burmese empire. The king and royal family
had been living in temporary buildings at Ava, during the
completion of the new palace, which gave occasion for their
returning to Amarapoora.
I dare not attempt a description of that splendid day, when
majesty, with all its attendant glory, entered the gates of the
golden city, and amid the acclamations of millions, I may say,
took possession of the palace. The saupwars of the provinces
bordering on China, all the viceroys and high officers of the
kingdom, were assembled on the occasion, dressed in their robes
of state, and ornamented with the insignia of their office. The
white elephant, richly adorned with gold and jewels, was one
of the most beautiful objects in the procession. The king and
queen alone were unadorned, dressed in the simple garb of the
country ; they, hand in hand, entered the garden in which we
had taken our seats, and where a banquet was prepared for
their refreshment. All the riches and glory of the empire were
on this day exhibited to vieAV. The number and immense size
of the elephants, the numerous horses, and great variety of
vehicles of all descriptions, far surpassed any thing I have ever
seen or imagined. Soon after his majesty had taken possession
of the new palace, an order was issued that no foreigner should
be allowed to enter, excepting Lanciego. We were a little
alarmed at this, but concluded it was from political motives, and
would not, perhaps, essentially affect us.
For several weeks nothing took place to alarm us, and we went
on Avith our schooL Mr. Judson preached every Sabbath ; all
the materials for building a brick house were procured, and the
masons had made considerable progress in raising the building.
On the 23d of May, 1824, just as Ave had concluded worship
at the doctor's house, the other side of the river, a messenger
came to inform us that Rangoon was taken by the English.
The intelligence produced a shock, in which was a mixture of
fear and joy. Mr. Gouger, a young merchant residing at Ava
was then with us, and had much more reason to fear than the
rest of us. We all, however, immediately returned to our
house, and began to consider Avhat was to be done. Mr. G--

SUSPICION OF FOREIGNERS. 337
went to Prince Thah-ya-Ava-dee, the king's most influential
brother, who informed him he need not give himself any uneasi
ness, as he had mentioned the subject to his majesty, Avho had
replied, that " the few foreigners residing at Ava had nothing
to do Avith the war, and should not be molested."
The government were now all in motion. An army of ten
or twelve thousand men, under the command of the kyee-
woon-gyee, were sent off in three or four days, and were to be
joined by the sakyah-woon-gyee, who had previously been ap
pointed viceroy of Rangoon, and Avho was on his way thither
when the news of its attack reached him. No doubt was
entertained of the defeat of the English ; the only fear of the
king was, that the foreigners, hearing of the advance of the
Burmese troops, would be so alarmed as to flee on board their
ships and depart, before there Avould be time to secure them as
slaves. " Bring for me," said a wild young buck of the palace,
" six kala-pyoos, [white strangers, J to row my boat." " And to
me," said the lady of a woon-gyee, " send four white strangers
to manage the affairs of my house, as I understand they are
trusty servants." The war boats, in high glee, passed our
house, tb1; soldiers singing and dancing, and exhibiting gestures
of the most joyous kind. " Poor fellows ! " said we, " you will
probably never dance again." And it so proved, for few, if
any, ever again saw their native home.
As soon as the army were despatched, the government began
to inquire the cause of the arrival of the strangers at Rangoon.
There must be spies in the country, suggested some, who have
invited them over. And who so likely to be spies as the Eng
lishmen residing at Ava ? A report was in circulation that
Captain Laird, lately arrived, had brought Bengal papers
which contained the intention of the English to take Rangoon,
and it was kept a secret from his majesty. An inquiry was
instituted. The three Englishmen, Gouger, Laird, and Rogers,
vrere called and examined. It was found they had seen the
papers, and were put in confinement, though not in prison.
We now began to tremble for ourselves, and were in daily
expectation of some dreadful event.
vol. i. 2!)

338 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
At length Mr. Judson and Dr. Price were summoned to a
court of examination, where strict inquiry Avas made relative to
all they kneAv. The great point seemed to be whether they
had been in the habit of making communications to foreigners
of the state of the country, &c. They answered, they had
always written to their friends in America, but had no corre
spondence with English officers, or the Bengal government.
After their examination they Avere not put in confinement, as
the Englishmen had been, but were allowed to return to their
houses. In examining the accounts of Mr. Gouger,it Avas found
that Mr. Judson and Dr. Price bad taken money of him to a con
siderable amount. Ignorant as Avere the Burmese of our mode
of receiving money by orders on Bengal, this circumstance, to
their suspicious minds, was a sufficient evidence that the mis
sionaries were in the pay of the English, and very probably
spies. It was thus represented to the king, who, in an angry
tone, ordered the immediate arrest of the " two teachers."
On the 8th of June, just as we were preparing for dinner,
in rushed an officer, holding a black book, with a dozen Bur
mans, accompanied by one, whom, from his spotted face, we
knew to be an executioner, and a " son of the prison."
" Where is the teacher ? " vras the first inquiry. Mr. Judson
presented himself. " You are called by the king," said the
officer — a form of speech always used Avhen about to arrest a
criminal. The spotted man instantly seized Mr. Judson,
threw him on the floor, and produced the small cord, the in
strument of torture. I caught hold of his arm. " Stay," said
I ; " I will give you money." " Take her too," said the officer ;
" she also is a foreigner." Mr. Judson, with an imploring
look, begged they would let me remain till further orders.
The scene was noAv shocking beyond description. The whole
neighborhood had collected ; the masons at work on the brick
house threw down their tools, and ran ; the little Burman
children were screaming and crying ; the Bengalee servants
stood in amazement at the indignities offered their master ;
and the hardened executioner, with a kind of hellish joy, drew
tight the cords, bound Mr. Judson fast, and dragged him off

MISSIONARIES IN THE DEATH PRISON. 339
I knew not whither. In vain I begged and entreated the
spotted face to take the silver, and loosen the ropes ; but he
spurned my offers, and immediately departed. I gave the
money, hoAvever, to Moung Ing to follow after, to make some
further attempt to mitigate the torture of Mr. Judson ; but
instead of succeeding, when a few rods from the house, the un
feeling wretches again threAV their prisoner on the ground, and
dreAv the cords still tighter, so as almost to prevent respiration.
The officer and his gang proceeded on to the court house,
where the governor of the city and officers were collected,
one of whom read the order of the king to commit Mr. Jud
son to the death prison, into Avhich he was soon hurled, the
door closed, and Moung Ing saAV no more. What a night Avas
now before me ! I retired into my room, and endeavored to
obtain consolation from committing my case to God, and im
ploring fortitude and strength to suffer Avhatever awaited me.
But the consolation of retirement Avas not long allowed me,
for the magistrate of the place had come into the veranda,
and continually called me to come out, and submit to his exam
ination. But previously to going out, I destroyed all my let
ters, journals, and writings of every kind, lest they should dis
close the fact that Ave had correspondents in England, and had
minuted down every occurrence since our arrival in the coun
try. When this work of destruction was finished, I went out,
and submitted to the examination of the magistrate, who in
quired very minutely of every thing I kneAV ; then ordered the
gates of the compound to be shut, no person to be allowed to
go in or out, placed a guard of ten ruffians, to whom he gave
a strict charge to keep me safe, and departed.
It was now dark. I retired to an inner room with my four
little Burman girls, and barred the doors. The guard instantly
ordered me to unbar the doors and come out, or they would
break the house down. I obstinately refused to obey, and
endeavored to intimidate them by threatening to complain of
their conduct to higher authorities on the morrow. Finding
me resolved in disregarding their orders, they took the two
Bengalee servants, and confined them in the stocks in a very

840 MEMOIR OF DR. JODSON.
painful posil ion. I could not endure this, but called the head
man to the Avindow, and promised to make them all a present
in the morning, if they Avould release the servants. After
much debate, and many severe threatenings, they consented,
but seemed resolved to annoy me as much as possible. My
unprotected, desolate state, my entire uncertainty of the fate
of Mr. Judson, and the dreadful carousings and almost diabol
ical language of the guard, all conspired to make it by far the
most distressing night I had ever passed. You may well im
agine, my dear brother, that sleep Avas a stranger to my eyes,
and peace and composure to my mind.
The next morning, I sent Moung Ing to ascertain the situa
tion of your brother, and give him food, if still living. He
soon returned, Avith the intelligence that Mr. Judson and all
the Avhite foreigners were confined in the death prison, with
three pairs of iron fetters each, and fastened to a long pole, to
prevent their moving ! The point of my anguish now Avas,
that I Avas a prisoner myself, and could make no efforts for
the release of the missionaries. I begged and entreated the
magistrate to alloAv me to go to some member of government
to state my case ; but he said he did not dare to consent, for
fear I should make my escape. I next wrote a note to one
of the king's sisters, with whom I had been intimate, request
ing her to use her influence for the release of the teachers.
The note was returned with this message ; she " did not under
stand it ; " which was a polite refusal to interfere ; though I
afterwards ascertained that she had an anxious desire to assist
us, but dared not, on account of the queen. The day dragged
heavily away, and another dreadful night was before me. I
endeavored to soften the feelings of the guard, by giving them
tea and cigars for the night ; so that they allowed me to re
main inside of my room Avithout threatening, as they did the
night before. But the idea of your brother being stretched
on the bare floor, in irons and confinement, haunted my mind
like a spectre, and prevented my obtaining any quiet sleep,
though nature was almost exhausted.
On the third day, I sent a message to the governor of the

SUFFERING OF THE PRISONERS. 341
city, who has the entire direction of prison affairs, to allow me
to visit him with a present. This had the desired effect, and
he immediately sent orders to the guards, to permit my going
into toAvn. The governor received me pleasantly, and asked
me what I wanted. I stated to him the situation of the for
eigners, and particularly that of the teachers, who were Amer
icans, and had nothing to do with the Avar. He told me it was
not in his power to release them from prison or irons, but that
he could make their situation more comfortable ; there was
his head officer, with whom I must consult, relative to the
means. The officer, who proved to be one of the city writers,
and whose countenance at the first glance presented the most
perfect assemblage of all the evil passions attached to human
nature, took me aside, and endeavored to convince me, that
myself, as well as the prisoners, was entirely at his disposal ;
that our future comfort must depend on my liberality in re
gard to presents ; and that these, must be made in a private
way, and unknown to any officer in the government ! " What
must I do," said I, " to obtain a mitigation of the present suf
ferings of the two teachers ?" "Pay to me," said he, "two
hundred ticals, [about a hundred dollars,] two pieces of fine
cloth, and two pieces of handkerchiefs." I had taken money
with me in the morning; our house being two miles from the
prison, I could not easily return. This I offered to the writer,
and begged he would not insist on the other articles, as they
were not in my possession. He hesitated for some time ; but
fearing to lose the sight of so much money, he concluded to
• take it, promising to relieve the teachers from their most pain
ful situation.
I then procured an order from the governor foi my admit
tance into prison ; but the sensations produced by meeting
your brother in that wretched, horrid situation, and the affect
ing scene which ensued, I will not attempt to describe. Mr.
Judson crawled to the door of the prison, — for I was never
allowed to enter, — - gave me some directions relative to his
release ; but before .we could make any arrangement, I was
ordered to depart by those iron-hearted jailers, who could not
29*

342 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
endure to see us enjoy the poor consolation of meeting in that
miserable place. In vain I pleaded the order from the gov
ernor for my admittance ; they again harshly repeated, " De
part, or we will pull you out." The same evening the mis
sionaries, together with the other foreigners, who paid an
equal sum, were taken out of the common prison, and con
fined in an open shed in the prison enclosure. Here I was
allowed to send them food, and mats to sleep on, but was not
permitted to enter again for several days.
My next object Avas to get a petition presented to the
queen ; but no person being admitted into the palace who Avas
in disgrace Avith his majesty, I sought to present it through
the medium of her brother's wife. I had visited her in better
days, and received particular marks of her favor. But now
times were altered ; Mr. Judson was in prison, and I in dis
tress, Avhich was a sufficient reason for giving me a cold re
ception. I took a present of considerable value. She Avas
lolling on her carpet as I entered, with her attendants around
her. I waited not for the usual question to a suppliant,
" What do you want ? " but in a bold, earnest, yet respectful
manner, stated our distresses and our wrongs, and begged her
assistance. She partly raised her head, opened the present I
had brought, and coolly replied, " Your case is not singular ;
all the foreigners are treated alike." " But it is singular,"
said I ; " the teachers are Americans ; they are ministers of
religion, have nothing to do with war or politics, and came to
Ava in obedience to the king's command. They have never
done any thing to deserve such treatment, and is it right they
should be treated thus ? " " The king does as he pleases,"
said she ; " I am not the king ; what can I do ? " " You can
state their case to the queen, and obtain their release," replied
I. " Place yourself in my situation ; Avere you in America,
your husband, innocent of crime, thrown into prison, in irons,
and you a solitary, unprotected female, what would you do ? "
With a slight degree of feeling, she said, " I will present your
petition ; come again to-morrow." I returned to the house
with considerable hope that the speedy release of the mission-

PR AFERTY CONFISCATED. 343
aries was at hand. But the next day, Mr. Gouger's property,
to the amount of fifty thousand rupees, was taken and carried
to the palace. The officers, on their return, politely informed
me they should visit our house on the morrow. I felt obliged
for this information, and accordingly made preparations to re
ceive them, by secreting as many little articles as possible,
together with considerable silver, as I kneAv, if the war should
be protracted, we should be in a state of starvation without it.
But my mind was in a dreadful state of agitation, lest it should
be discovered, and cause my being thrown into prison. And
had it been possible to procure money from any other quarter,
I should not have ventured on such a step.
The folloAving morning, the royal treasurer, the governor of
the north gate of the palace, Avho was in future our steady
friend, and another nobleman, attended by forty or fifty follow
ers, came to take possession of all Ave had. I treated them
civilly, gave them chairs to sit on, tea and sweetmeats for their
refreshment ; and justice obliges me to say that they conduct
ed the business of confiscation with more regard to my feelings
than I should have thought it possible for Burmese officers to
exhibit. The three officers, with one of the royal secretaries,
alone entered the house ; their attendants were ordered to re
main outside. They saw I was deeply affected, and apologized
for Avhat they were about to do by saying that it Avas painful for
them to take possession of property not their own, but they
Avere compelled thus to do by order of the king. " Where are
your silver, gold, and jewels ? " said the royal treasurer. " I
have no gold or jewels ; but here is the key of a trunk Avhich
contains the silver ; do Avith it as you please." The trunk
Avas produced, and the silver Aveighed. " This money," said I,
" was collected in America, by the disciples of Christ, and
sent here for the purpose of building a kyoung, [the name of
a priest's dAvelling,] and for our support Avhile teaching the
religion of Christ. Is it suitable that you should take it ? "
The Burmans are averse tc taking what is offered in a reli
gious point of view, Avhich Avas the cause of my making the
inquiry '•' We will state this circumstance to the king," said

344 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
one of them, " and perhaps he will restore it. But is this all
the silver you have ? " I could not tell a falsehood. " The
house is in your possession," I replied ; " search for your
selves." " Have you not deposited silver with some person of
your acquaintance ? " " My acquaintances are all in prison ;
Avith Avhom should I deposit silver ? " They next ordered my
trunk and drawers to be examined. The secretary only was
alloAved to accompany me in this search. Every thing nice or
curious which met his view was presented to the officers, for
their decision Avhether it should be taken or retained. I
begged they would not take our wearing apparel, as it would
be disgraceful to take clothes partly worn into the, possession
of his majesty, and to us they were of unspeakable value.
They assented, and took a list only, and did the same with the
books, medicines, &c. My little Avork table and rocking chair,
presents from my beloved brother, I rescued from their grasp,
partly by artifice and partly through their ignorance. . They
left, also, many articles which Avere of inestimable value dur
ing our long imprisonment.
As soon as they had finished their search and departed, I
hastened to the queen's brother, to hear what had been the
fate of my petition, Avhen, alas ! all my hopes were dashed by
Ins Avife's coolly saying, " I stated your case to the queen, but
her majesty replied, ' The teachers will not die ; let them re
main as they are.' " My expectations had been so much ex
cited, that this sentence Avas hke a thunderclap to my feelings.
For the truth at one glance assured me that if the queen re
fused assistance, who would dare to intercede for me ? With
a heavy heart I departed, and on my way home attempted to
enter the prison gate, to communicate the sad tidings to your
brother, but was harshly refused admittance ; and for the ten
days following, notAvithstanding my daily efforts, I Avas not al
lowed to enter. We attempted to communicate by writing, and
after being successful for a feAV days, it was discovered ; the
poor fclloAV Avho carried the communications was beaten and
put in the stocks, ?nd the circumstance cost me about ten
dollars, besides Uvq or three days of agony for fear of (he
consequences.

INTERCESSION WITH THE GOVERNOR. 345
The officers Avho had taken possession of our property pre
sented it to his majesty, saying, " Judson is a true teacher ;
we found nothing in his house but Avhat belongs to priests.
In addition to this money, there are an immense number of
books, medicines, trunks of Avearing apparel, &c, of Avhich
Ave have only taken a list. Shall Ave take them, or let them
remain ? " " Let them remain," said the king, " and put this
property by itself, for it shall be restored to him again if he is
found innocent." This Avas an allusion to the idea of his be
ing a spy.
For two or three months folloAving, I Avas subject to contin
ual harassments, partly through my ignorance of police man
agement, and partly through the insatiable desire of every
petty officer to enrich himself through our misfortunes. When
the officers came to our house, to confiscate our property, they
insisted on knowing how much I had given the governor and
prison officers to release the teachers from the inner prison.
I honestly told them, and they demanded the sum from the
governor, which threw him into a dreadful rage, and he threat
ened to put all the prisoners back into their original place. I
went to him the next morning, and the first words Avith which
he accosted me Avere, " You are very bad ; Avhy did you tell
the royal treasurer that you had given me so much money ? "
" The treasurer inquired ; what could I say ?" I replied.
•' Say that you had given nothing," said he, " and I would
have made the teachers comfortable in prison ; but noAV I
know not what will be their fate." " But I cannot tell a false
hood," I replied ; " my religion differs from yours ; it forbids
prevarication ; and had you stood by me with your knife
raised, I could not have said what you suggest." His wife,
Avho sat by his side, and who always, from this time, contin
ued my firm friend, instantly said, " Very true ; what else
could she have done ? I lik? such straightforAvard conduct ;
you must not," turning to the governor, " be angry with her."
I then presented the governor Avith a beautiful opera glass I
had just received from England, and begged his anger at me
would not influence him to treat the prisoner; Avith unkindness,

346 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and I would endeavor, from time to time, to make him
such presents as Avould compensate for his loss. " You may
intercede for your husband only; for your sake he ;hall
remain where he is ; but let the other prisoners take care of
themselves." I pleaded hard for Dr. Price ; but he would
not listen, and, the same day, had him returned to the inner
prison, Avhere he remained ten days. He Avas then taken out,
in consequence of the doctor's promising a piece of broad
cloth, and my sending two pieces of handkerchiefs.
About this period, I was one day summoned to the Lut-
d'hau, in an official Avay. What new evil was before me I knew
not, but was obliged to go. When arrived, I Avas alloAved to
stand at the bottom of the stairs, as no female is permitted to
ascend the steps, or even to stand, but sit on the ground.
Hundreds Avere collected around. The officer who presided,
in an authoritative voice, began : " Speak the truth in answer
to the questions I shall ask. If you speak true, no evil will
follow ; but if not, your life will not be spared. It is reported
that you have committed to the care of a Burmese officer a
string of pearls, a pair of diamond earrings, and a silver tea
pot. Is it true ? " " It is not," I replied ; " and if you or
any other person can produce these articles, I refuse not to
die." The officer again urged the necessity of " speaking
true." I told him I had nothing more to say on the subject,
but begged he would use his influence to obtain the release of
Mr. Judson from prison.
I returned to the house with a heart much lighter than I
went, though conscious of my perpetual exposure to such har-
assments. Notwithstanding the repulse I had met in my
application to the queen, I could not remain Avithout making
continual effort for your brother's release, while there Avas the
least probability of success. Time after time, my visits to the
queen's sister-in-law Avere repeated, till she refused to answer
a question, and told me by her looks I had better keep out of
her presence. For the seven following months, hardly a day
passed that I did not visit some one of the members of govern
ment, or branches of the royal family, in order to gain their

EXTORTIONS AND OPPRESSIONS. 347
influence in our behalf; but the only benefit resulting was,
their encouraging promises preserved us from despair, and
induced a hope of the speedy termination of our difficulties,
which enabled us to bear our distresses better than we other-
Avise should have done. I ought, hoAvever, to mention that, by
my repeated visits to the different members of government, 1
gained several friends, who were ready to assist me with arti
cles of food, though in a private manner, and who used their
influence in the palace to destroy the impression of our being
in any way engaged in the present war. But no one dared to
speak a word to the king or queen in favor of a foreigner,
Avhile there were such continual reports of the success of the
English arms.
During these seven months, the continual extortions and
oppressions to which your brother and the other white prison
ers were subject are indescribable. Sometimes sums of money
were demanded, sometimes pieces of cloth, and handkerchiefs ;
at other times an order would be issued that the white foreign
ers should not speak to each other, or have any communica
tion Avith their friends without. Then, again, the servants
were forbidden to carry in their food without an extra fee.
Sometimes, for days and days together, I could not go into the
prison till after dark, when I had tAvo miles to walk in return
ing to the house. 0, how many, many times have I returned
from that dreary prison at nine o'clock at night, solitary, and
worn out with fatigue and anxiety, and thrown myself down
in that same rocking chair Avhich you and Deacon L. provided
for me in Boston, and endeavoied to invent some neAv scheme
for the release of the prisoners. Sometimes, for a moment
or two, my thoughts would glance towards America, and my
beloved friends there ; but for nearly a year and a half, so
entirely engrossed was every thought Avith present scenes and
sufferings, that I seldom reflected on a single occurrence of
my former life, or recollected that I had a friend in existence
out of Ava.
You, ray dear brother, who know my strong attachment to
my friends, and how much pleasure I have hitherto experi-

348 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
enced from retrospect, can judge from the above circumstances
how intense Avere my sufferings. But the point, the acme of
my distress, consisted in the awful uncertainty of our final fate.
My prevailing opinion was, that my husband would suffer vio
lent death, and that I should, of course, become a slave, and
languish out a miserable though short existence in the tyran
nic hands of some unfeeling monster. But the consolations of
religion, in these trying circumstances, were neither " few nor
small." It taught me to look beyond this Avorld, to that rest,
that peaceful, happy rest, where Jesus reigns, and oppression
never enters. But hoAv have I digressed from my relation !
I will again return.
The war was now prosecuted with all the energy the
Burmese government possessed. New troops were continu
ally raised tod sent down the river, and as frequent reports
returned of -their being all cut off. But that part of the Bur
mese army stationed in Arracan, under the command of Ban
doola, had been more successful. Three hundred prisoners,
at one time, were sent to the capital, as an evidence of the
victory that had been gained. The king began to think that
none but Bandoola understood the art of fighting with for
eigners ; consequently, his majesty recalled him, with the
design of his taking command of the army that had been sent
to Rangoon. On his arrival at Ava, he Avas received at court
in the most flattering manner, and was the recipient of every
favor in the power of the king and queen to bestow. He was,
in fact, Avhile at Ava, the acting king. I was resolved to apply
to him for the release of the missionaries, though some mem
bers of government advised me not, lest he, being reminded
of their existence, should issue an immediate order for their
execution. But it Avas my last hope, and, as it proved, my
last application.
Your brother Avrote a petition privately, stating every cir
cumstance that would have a tendency to interest him in our
behalf. With fear and trembling I approached him, while
surrounded by a crowd of flatterers ; and one of his secreta
ries took the petition, and read it aloud. After hearing it, hi

TEMPORARY ALLEVIATION. 349
bpoke to me in an obliging manner, asked several questions
relative to the teachers, said he Avould think of the subject,
and bade me come again. I ran to the prison to communicate
the favorable reception to Mr. Judson ; and we both had san
guine hopes that his release was at hand. But the governor
of the city expressed his amazement at my temerity, and said
he doubted not it would be the means of destroying all the
prisoners. In a day or two, however, I went again, and took
a present of considerable value. Bandoola was not at home ;
but his lady, after ordering the present to be taken into another
room, modestly informed me that she Avas ordered by her hus
band to make the following communication : that he Avas noAv
very busily employed in making preparations for Rangoon ,
but that when he had retaken that place, and expeUed the
English, he would return and release all the prisoners.
Thus, again, were all our hopes dashed ; and we felt that
Aye could do nothing more, but sit down and submit to our lot.
From this time we gave up all idea of being released from
prison till the termination of the Avar ; but I Avas still obliged
to visit constantly some of the members of government, Avith
little presents, particularly the governor of the city, for the
purpose of making the situation of the prisoners tolerable. I
generally spent the greater part of every other day at the
governor's house, giving him minute information relative to
American manners, customs, government, &c. He used to be
so much gratified with my communications, as to feel greatly
disappointed if any occurrence prevented my spending the
usual hours at his house.
Some months after your brother's imprisonment, I was per
mitted to make a little bamboo room in the prison enclosure,
where he could be much by himself, and Avhere I was some
times allowed to spend two or three hours. It so happened
that the two months he occupied- this place were the ccldest
of the year, when he would have suffered much in the open
shed he had previously occupied. After the birth of your
little niece, I was unable to visit the prison and the gov
ernor as before, and found I had lost considerable influence,
vol. i. 30

350 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
previously gained; for he was not so forward to hear my
petitions, Avhen any difficulty occurred, as he formerly had
been. When Maria was nearly tAvo months old, her father
one morning sent me word that he and all the white prisoners
Avere put into the inner prison, in five pairs of fetters each,
that his little room had been torn down, and his mat, pil
low, &c, been taken by the jailers. This was to me a
dreadful shock, as I thought at once it was only a prelude to
greater evils.
I should have mentioned before this the defeat of Bandoola,
his escape to Dan-a-byoo, the complete destruction of his army
and loss of ammunition, and the consternation this intelligence
produced at court. The English army had left Rangoon, and
Avere adA'ancing towards Prome, when these severe measures
Avere taken with the prisor.ers.
I went immediately to the governor's house. He was not
at home, but had ordered his wife to tell me, when I came, not
to ask to have the additional fetters taken off, or the prisoners
released, for it could not be done. I went to the prison gate,
but was forbidden to enter. All was as still as death — not a
Avhite face to be seen, or a vestige of Mr. Judson's little room
remaining. I Avas determined to see the governor, and know
the cause of this additional oppression, and for this purpose
returned into town the same evening, at an hour I knew he
Avould be at home. He was in his audience room, and, as I
entered, looked up without speaking, but exhibited a mixture
of shame and affected anger in his countenance. I began by
saying, " Your lordship has hitherto treated us with the kind
ness of a father. Our obligations to you are very great. We
have looked to you for protection from oppression and cruelty.
You have in many instances mitigated the sufferings of those
unfortunate though innocent beings committed to your charge.
You have promised me particularly that you would stand by
me to the last, and though you should receive an order from
the king, you would not put Mr. Judson to death. What
crime has he committed to deserve such additional punish
ment ? " The old man's hard heart was melted, for he wept

MILITARY REVERSES AND FRESH CRUELTIES. 351
like a child. " I pity you, Tsa-yah-ga-dau" — a name by which
he always called me ; "I kneAv you Avould make me feel ; I
therefore forbade your application. But you must believe me
when I say I do not wish to increase the sufferings of the
prisoners. When I am ordered to execute them, the least
that I can do is, to put them out of sight. I will now tell
you," continued he, " what I have never told you before — that
three times I haA'e received intimations from the queen's
brother to assassinate all the AA'hite prisoners privately ; but
I would not do it. And I now repeat it, though I execute ah
the others, I Avill never execute your husband. But I cannot
release him from his present confinement, and you must not
ask it." I had never seen him manifest so much feeling, or so
resolute in denying me a favor, which circumstance Avas an
additional reason for thinking dreadful scenes were before us.
The situation of the prisoners Avas now distressing beyond
description. It was at the commencement of the hot season.
There Avere above a hundred prisoners shut up in one room,
without a breath cf air excepting from the cracks in the
boards. I sometimes obtained permission to go to the door
for five minutes, when my heart sickened at the wretchedness
exhibited. The Avhite prisoners, from incessant perspiration
and loss of appetite, looked more like the dead than the hving.
I made daily applications to the governor, offering him money,
Avhich he refused ; but all that I gained was permission for
the foreigners to eat their food outside, and this continued but
a short time.
It Avas at this period that the death of Bandoola was an
nounced in the palace. The king heard it Avith silent amaze
ment, and the queen, in eastern style, smote upon her breast,
and cried, " Ama ! ama ! " (alas, alas.) Who could be found to
fill his place ? Who Avould venture, since the invincible Ban
doola had been cut off? Such Avere the exclamations con
stantly heard in the streets of Ava. The common people
were speaking low of a rebellion, in case more troops should
be levied. For as yet the common people had borne the
weight of the war; not a tical had been taken from the

352 . MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
royal treasury. At length the pakan woon, Avho a few
months before had been so far disgraced by the king as to be
throAvn into prison and irons, now offered himself to head a
new army that should be raised on a different plan from those
which had hitherto been raised, and assured the king, in the
most confident manner, that he Avould conquer the English,
and restore those places that had been taken in a very short
time. He proposed that every soldier should receive a hun
dred ticals in advance, and he Avould obtain security for each
man, as the money Avas to pass through his hands. It was
aftenvards found that he had taken, for his own use, ten ticals
from every hundred. He was a man of enterprise and
talents, though a violent enemy to all foreigners. His offers
were accepted by the king and government, and all power
immediately committed to him. One of the first exercises of
his power Avas to arrest Lanciego and the Portuguese priest,
who had hitherto remained unmolested, and cast them into
prison, and to subject the native Portuguese and Bengalees to
the most menial occupations. The whole town was in alarm,
lest they should feel the effects of his power ; and it was
owing to the malignant representations of this man, that the
white prisoners suffered such a change in their circumstances
as I shall soon relate.
After continuing in the inner prison for more than a
month, your brother Avas taken with a fever. I felt assured
he would not live long, unless removed from that noisome
place. To effect this, and in order to be near the prison, I
removed from our house, and put up a small bamboo room in
the governor's enclosure, Avhich was nearly opposite the
prison gate. Here I incessantly begged the governor to give
me an order to take Mr. Judson out of the large prison, and
place him in a more comfortable situation ; and the old man,
being. AA'orn out A\rith my entreaties, at length gave me the
order in an official form, and also" gave orders to the head
jailer to alloAv me to go in and out, all times of the day, to
administer medicines, &c. I now felt happy indeed, and had
Mr. Judson instantly removed into a little bamboo hovel, so

REMOVAL OF THE PRISONERS. 353
low that neither of us could stand upright — but a palace in
comparison with the place he had left.
Notwithstanding the order the governor had given foi
my admittance into prison, it was with the greatest difficulty
that I could persuade the under jailer to open the gate. I
used to carry Mr. Judson's food myself, for the sake of getting
in, and would then remain an hour or two, unless driven out.
We had been in this comfortable situation but two or three
days, until, one morning, having carried in Mr. Judson's
breakfast, which, in consequence of fever, he was unable to
take, I remained longer than usual, when the governor, in
great haste, sent for me. I promised to return as soon
as I had ascertained the governor's will, he being much
alarmed at this unusual message. I was very agreeably dis
appointed when the governor informed me that he only
wished to consult me about his Avatch, and seemed unusually
pleasant and conversable. I found afterwards that his only
' object was to detain me until the dreadful scene about to
take place in the prison was over. For when I left him to
go to my room, one of the servants came running, and Avith a
ghastly countenance, informed me that all the white prisoners
Avere carried away. I would not believe the report, and
instantly went back to the governor, who said he had just
heard of it, but did not wish to tell me. I hastily ran into
the street, hoping to get a glimpse of them before they were
out of sight, but in this was disappointed. I ran first into one
street, then another, inquiring of all I met ; but no one would
answer me. At length an old woman told me the white
prisoners had gone towards the little river ; for they were to
be carried to Amarapoora. I then ran to the banks of the little
river, about half a mile, but saw them not, and concluded the old
woman had deceived me. Some of the friends of the foreign
ers went to the place of execution, but found them not. I
then returned to the governor, to try to discover the cause
of their removal, and the probability of their future fate.
The old man assured me that he Avas ignorant of the inten
tion of government to remove the foreigners till that morning ;
30*

854 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSOX
that, since I went out, he had learned that the prisoners
were to be sent to Amarapoora, but for what purpose he knew
not. " I will send off a man immediately," said he, " to see
what is to be done with them. You can do nothing more for
your husband," continued he ; " take care of yourself." With a
heavy heart I Avent to my room, and having no hope to excite
me to exertion, I sank doAvn almost in despair. For several
clays previous, I had been actively engaged in building my
OAvn little room, and making our hovel comfortable. My
thoughts had been almost entirely occupied in contriving
aieans to get into prison. But now I looked towards the
gate with a kind of melancholy feeling, but no Avish to enter.
All was the stillness of death ; no preparation of your brother's
food, no expectation of meeting him at the usual dinner hour ;
all my employment, all my occupations, seemed to have
oeased, and I had nothing left but the dreadful recollection
that Mr. Judson was carried off, I kneAV not whither. It was
one of the most insupportable days I eA'er passed. Towards
night, however, I came to the determination to set off the
next morning for Amarapoora, and for this purpose was
obliged to go to our house out of toAvn.
Never before had I suffered so much from fear in travers
ing the streets of Ava. The last words of the governor,
" Take care of yourself," made me suspect there was some
design Avith which I Avas unacquainted. I saw, also, he was
afraid to have me go into the streets, and advised me to wait
till dark, when he would send me in a cart, and a man to
open the gates. I took tAvo or three trunks of the most
valuable articles, together with the medicine chest, to deposit
in the house of the governor ; and after committing the house
and premises to our faithful Moung Ing and a Bengalee ser
vant, Avhtf continued with us, though we were unable to pay
his wages, I took leave, as I then thought probable, of our
house in Ava foreArer.
On my return to the governor's, I found a servant of Mr.
Gouger, who happened to be near the prison when the
foreigners were led out, and folloAved on to see the end, Avho

OUNG-PEN-LA. 355
informed me that the prisoners had been carried before the
lamine-woon, at Amarapoora, and Avere to be sent the next clay
to a village he knew not Iioav far distant. My distress Avas a
little relieved by the intelligence that our friend was yet alive ;
but still I knew not Avhat was to become of him. The next
morning I obtained a pass from government, and with my
little Maria, who Avas then only three months old, Mary and
4bby Hasseltine, two of the Burman children, and our
Bengalee cook, Avho Avas the only one of the party that could
afford me any assistance, I set off for Amarapoora. The day
Avas dreadfully hot ; but Ave obtained a covered boat, in which
ve were tolerably comfortable, till within tAvo miles of the
government house. I then procured a cart ; but the violent
motion, together Avith the dreadful heat and dust, made me
almost distracted. But what was my disappointment, on my
arriving at the court house, to find that the prisoners had been
sent on two hours before, and that I must go in that uncom
fortable mode four miles farther with little Maria in my arms,
Avhom I held all the Avay from Ava. The cartman refused
to go any further ; and after waiting an hour in the burning
sun, I procured another, and set off for that never-to-be-
forgotten place, Oung-pen-la. I obtained a guide from the
governor, and Avas conducted directly to the prison yard.
But what a scene of Avretchedness was presented to my view !
The prison was an old, shattered building, without a roof ; the
fence was entirely destroyed ; eight or ten Burmese were on
the top of the building, trying to make something like a
shelter with leaves ; AA'hile under a little low projection outside
of the prison sat the foreigners, chained together tAvo and tveo,
almost dead Avith suffering and fatigue. The first words of
your brother were, " Why have you come ? I hoped you
Avould not follow, for you cannot live here." It Avas now
dark. I had no refreshment for the suffering prisoners, or for
myself, as I had expected to procure all that Avas necessary at
the market of Amarapoora, and I had no shelter for the night.
I asked one of the jailers if I might put up a little bamboo
house near the prison ; he said no, it was no*1 customary. I

356 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
then begged he would procure me a shelter for the night,
when on the morroAV I could find some place to live in. He
took me to lis house, in which there were only tAvo small
rooms — one in which he and his family lived ; the other,
which was then half full of grain, he offered to me ; and in
that little filthy place I spent the next six months of wretch
edness. I procured some half-boiled water, instead of my
tea, and, worn out with fatigue, laid myself down on a mat
spread over the paddy, and endeavored to obtain a little
refreshment^ from sleep. The next morning your brother
gave me the following account-of the brutal treatment he had
received on being taken out of ;?mf(jWg5»
As soon as I had gone out atl u-%teu-atlf the governor, one
of the jailers rushed into Mr. s W\ the i>le room, roughly
seized him by the arm, pulled hi stti?»onSj ped him of all Ms
clothes excepting shirt and pai§, tole drPk his shoes, hat,
and ah his bedding, tore off hia,^''ie«w npi a rope round his
waist, and dragged him to the cJuVWfouse, Avhere the other
prisoners had previously been taken. They were then tied
two and tAvo, and (delivered into the hands of the lamine-woon,
who went onrbefore them on horseback, while his slaves drove
the prisoners, one of the slaves holding the rope which con
nected two of them together. It was in May, one of the hot
test monfchs in the year, and eleAren o'clock in the day, so that
the sun/ was intolerable indeed. They had proceeded only
half ef, mile, when your brother's feet became blistered ; and
so great Avas his agony, even at this early period, that as they
were crossing the little river, he ardently longed to throw
himself into the water to be free from misery. But the sin
attached to such an act alone prevented. They had then
eight miles to walk. The sand and gravel were like burning
coals to the feet of the prisoners, Avhich soon became perfectly
destitute of skin ; and in this wretched state they were goaded
on by their unfeeling drivers. Mr. Judson's debilitated state,
in consequence of fever, and having taken no food that morn
ing, rendered him less capable of bearing such hardships than
the other prisoners. When about half Avay on their journey,

OUNG-PEN-LA. 357
as they stopped for water, youi brother begged thelamine-
Avoon to allow him tc ride his hoise a mile or two, as he could
proceed no farther in that dreadful state. But a scornful,
malignant look was all the reply that was made. He then
requested Captain Laird, Avho was tied with him, and who
Avas a strong, healthy man, to allow him to take hold of his
shoulder, as he was fast sinking. This the kind-hearted man
granted for a mile or two, but then found the additional bur
den insupportable. Just at that period, Mr. Gouger's Ben
galee servant came up to them, and, seeing the distresses of
your brother, took off his headdress, Avhich was made of
cloth, tore it in two, gave half to his master, and half to Mr.
Judson, Avliich he instantly wrapped round his wounded feet,
as they were not allowed to rest even for a moment. The
servant then offered his shoulder to Mr. Judson, who was
almost carried by him the remainder of the Avay. Had it not
been for the support and assistance of this man, your brother
thinks he should have shared the fate of the poor Greek, Avho
was one of their number, and, when taken out of prison that
morning, was in perfect health. But he Avas a corpulent man,
and the sun affected him so much that he fell down on the
way. His inhuman drivers beat and dragged him until they
themselves were wearied, when they procured a cart, in which
he was carried the remaining tAvo miles. But the poor crea
ture expired in an hour or two after their arrival at the court
house. The lamine-Avoon, seeing the distressing state of the
prisoners, and that one of their number was dead, concluded
they should go no farther that night ; otherwise they would
have been driven on until they reached Oung-pen-la the same
day. An old shed was appointed for their abode during the
night, but Avithout even a mat or pillow, or any thing to cover
them. The curiosity of the lamine-woon's wife induced her
to make a visit to the prisoners, whose wretchedness consid
erably excited her compassion, and she ordered some fruit,
sugar, and tamarinds for their refreshment ; and the next
morning, rice was prepared for them and, poor as it was, it
was refreshing to the prisoners, who had been almost destitute

358 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
of food the day before. Carts Avere also provided for their
conveyance, as none of them Avere able to walk. Ah this
time, the foreigners were entirely ignorant of what was to
become of them ; and Avhen they arrived at Oung-pen-la, and
saAV the dilapidated state of the prison, they immediately, all
as one, concluded that they were there to be burned, agreeably
to the report Avhich had previously been in circulation at Ava.
They all endeavored to prepare themselves for the awful
scene anticipated ; and it Avas not until they saAV preparations
making for repairing the prison, that they had the least doubt
that a cruel, lingering death aAvaited them. My arrival was
in an hour or two after this.
The next morning, I arose, and endeavored to find some
thing like food. But there was no market, and nothing to
be procured. One of Dr. Price's friends, however, brought
some cold rice and vegetable curry from Amarapoora,
Avhich, together with a cup of tea from Mr. Lanciego, an
swered for the breakfast of the prisoners ; and for dinner we
made a curry of dried salt fish, which a servant of Mr. Gou-
ger had brought. All the money I could command in the
world I had brought with me, secreted about my person ; so
you may judge what our prospects were, in case the war
should continue long. But our heavenly Father was better
to us than our fears ; for, notwithstanding the constant extor
tions of the jailers during the Avhole six months we were at
Oung-pen-la, and the frequent straits to which we were
brought, we never really suffered for the Avant of money,
though frequently for want of provisions, which were not pro
curable. Here at this place my personal bodily sufferings
commenced. While your brother was confined in the city
prison, I had been allowed to remain in our house, in which
I had many conveniences left, and my health had continued
good beyond all expectation. But now I had not a single
article of convenience — not even a chair or seat of any kind,
excepting a bamboo floor. The very morning after my arri
val, Mary Hasseltine was taken Avith the small-pox, the natu
ral way. She, though very young, Avas the only assistant I

OUNG-PEN-LA. 359
had in taking care of little Maria. But she now required all
the time I could spare from Mr. Judson, Avhose fever still
continued, in prison, and Avhose feet were so dreadfully man
gled that for several days he was unable to move. I kneAV
not what to do, for I could procure no assistance from the
neighborhood, or medicine for the sufferers, but was all day
long going backwards and forwards from the house to the
prison with little Maria in my arms. Sometimes I was
greatly relieved by leaving her for an hour, when asleep, by
the side of her father, while I returned to the house to look
after Mary, whose fever ran so high as to produce delirium.
She was so completely covered with the small-pox, that there
was no distinction in the pustules. As she was in the same
little room with myself, I knew Maria Avould take it ; I there
fore inoculated her from another child, before Mary's had
arrived at such a state as to be infectious. At the same time,
I inoculated Abby and the jailer's children, who all had it so
lightly as hardly to interrupt their play. But the inoculation
in the arm of my poor little Maria did not take ; she caught
it of Mary, and had it the natural way. She Avas then only
three months and a half old, and had been a most healthy
child ; but it was above three months before she perfectly
recovered from the effects of this dreadful disorder.
You wiU recollect I never had the small-pox, but was vac
cinated previously to leaving America. In consequence of
being for so long a time constantly exposed, I had nearly a.
hundred pustules formed, though no previous symptoms of
fever, &c. The jailer's children having had the small-pox so
lightly, in consequence of inoculation, my fame was spread
ah over the village, and every child, young and old, Avho
had not previously had it, was brought for inoculation. And
although I knew nothing about the disorder, or the mode of
treating it, I inoculated them all with a needle, and told them
to take care of their diet — all the instructions I could give
them. Mr. Judson's health was gradually restored, and he
found himself much moie comfortably situated than when in
the city prison.

360 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
The prisoners were at first chained two and two ; but as
soon as the jailers could obtain chains sufficient, they were
separated, and each prisoner had but one pair. The prison
was repaired, a new fence made, and a large, airy shed erect
ed in front of the prison, where the prisoners were ahowed to
remain during the day, though locked up in the little close
prison at night. All the children recovered from the small
pox ; but my Avatchings and fatigue, together with my misera
ble food, and more miserable lodgings, brought on one of the
diseases of the country, which is almost always fatal to for
eigners. My constitution seemed destroyed, and in a few
days I became so weak as to be hardly able to Avalk to Mr.
Judson's prison. In this debilitated state I set off in a cart
for Ava, to procure medicines and some suitable food, leaving
the cook to supply my place. I reached the house in safety,
and for two or three days the disorder seemed at a stand;
after which it attacked me so violently that I had no hopes
of recovery left ; and my only anxiety now was, to return to
Oung-pen-la, to die near the prison. It was with the great
est difficulty that I obtained the medicine chest from the gov
ernor, and then had no one to administer medicine. I, how
ever, got at the laudanum, and by taking two drops at a time
for several hours, it so far checked the disorder as to enable
me to get on board a boat, though so weak that I could not
stand, and again set off for Oung-pen-la. The last four miles
•Avas in that painful conveyance, the cart, and in the midst of
the rainy season, when the mud almost buries the oxen. You
may form some idea of a Burmese cart, when I tell you their
Avheels are not constructed like ours, but are simply round
thick planks with a hole in the middle, through which a pole,
that supports the body, is thrust.
I just reached Oung pen-la when my strength seemed entirely
exhausted. The good native cook came out to help me into
the house ; but so altered and emaciated was my appearance,
that the poor fellow burst into tears at the first sight. I
crawled on to the mat in the little room, to Avhich I was con
fined for more than two months, and never perfectly recovered

OUNG-PEN-LA. 36!
until I came to the Enghsh camp. At this period, when I
was unable to take care of myself, or look after Mr. Judson,
we must both have died, had it not been for the faithful and
affectionate care of our Bengalee cook. A common Bengalee
cook will do nothing but the simple business of cooking ; but
he seemed to forget his caste, and almost his own wants, in his
efforts to serve us. He would provide, cook, and carry your
brother's food, and then return and take care of me. I have
frequently knoAvn him not to taste of food till near night, in
consequence of having to go so far for wood and Avater, and ir,
order to have Mr. Judson's dinner ready at the usual hour.
He never complained, never asked for his wages, and never
for a moment hesitated to go any Avhere, or to perform any act
Ave required. I take great pleasure in speaking of the faith
ful conduct of this servant, who is still with us, and I trust has
been well rewarded for his services.
Our dear little Maria was the greatest sufferer at this time,
my illness depriving her of her usual nourishment, and neither
a nurse nor a drop of milk could be procured in the village.
By making presents to the jailers, I obtained leave for Mr.
Judson to come out of prison, and take the emaciated creature
around the village, to beg a little nourishment from those moth
ers who had young children. Her cries in the night were
heart-rending, when it was impossible to supply her wants.
I now began to think the very afflictions of Job had come upon
me. When in health, I could bear the various trials and .
vicissitudes through which I was called to pass. But to be
confined with sickness, and unable to assist those who were so
dear to me, when in distress, Avas almost too much for me to
bear ; and had it not been for the consolations of religion, and
an assured conviction that every additional trial was ordered
by infinite love and mercy, I must have sunk under my accu
mulated sufferings. Sometimes our jailers seemed a little
softened at our distress* and, for several days together, allowed
Mr. Judson to come to the house, Avhich was to me an unspeak
able consolation. Then, again, they Avould be as iron-hearted
in their demands as though we were free from lufferings, and
vol. i. 31

362 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
in affluent circumstances. The annoyance, the extortions
and oppressions, to Avhich Ave Avere subject during our sis
months' residence in Oung-pen-la, arc beyond enumeration or
description. It was some time after our arrival at Oung-pen-la that we
heard of the execution of the pakan-woon, in consequence of
which our lives were still preserved. For we afterwards
ascertained that the white foreigners had been sent to Oung-
pen-la for the express purpose of sacrificing them ; and that
he himself intended witnessing the horrid scene. We had fre
quently heard of his intended arrival at Oung-pen-la, but we
had no idea of his diabolical purposes. He had raised an
army of fifty thousand men, (a tenth part of whose advance
pay was found in his house,) and expected to march against
the English army in a short time, when he was suspected of
high treason, and instantly executed, without the least exam
ination. Perhaps no death in Ava ever produced such uni
versal rejoicings as that of the pakan-woon. We never, to
this day, hear his name mentioned but with an epithet of
reproach or hatred. Another brother of the king was appoint
ed to the command of the army now in readiness, but with no
very sanguine expectations of success. Some weeks after the
departure of these troops, tAvo of the woon-gyees were sent
doAvn for the purpose of negotiating. But not being success
ful, the queen's brother, the acting king of the country, Avas
prevailed on to go. Great expectations were raised in conse
quence ; but his cowardice induced him to encamp his detach
ment of the army at a great distance from the English, and
even at a distance from the main body of the Burmese army,
whose head quarters were then at Maloun. Thus he effected
nothing, though reports were continually reaching us that
peace was nearly concluded.
The time at length arrived for our release from the dreary
scenes of Oung-pen-la. A messenger from our friend, the
governor of the north gate of the palace, informed us that an
order had been given, the evening before, in the palace, for
Mr. Judson's release. On the same evening an official order

TRANSFERRED TO THE BURMESE CAMP. 363
arrived ; and, Avith a joyful heart, I set about preparing for
our departure early the following morning. But an unex
pected obstacle occurred, which made us fear that /should still
be retained as a prisoner. The avaricious jailers, unwilling to
lose theh prey, insisted that, as my name was not included in
the order, I should not go. In vain I urged that I was not
sent there as a prisoner, and that they had no authority over
me ; they still determined I should not go, and forbade the
villagers from letting me a cart. Mr. Judson was then taken
out of prison, and brought to the jailers' house, where, by
promises and threatenings, he finally gained their consent, on
condition that we Avould leaAre the remaining part of our pro
visions Ave had recently received from Ava. It was noon
before we were allowed to depart. When we reached Ama
rapoora, Mr. Judson was obliged to follow the guidance of the
jailer, who conducted him to the governor of the city. Hav
ing made all necessary inquiries, the governor appcruted
another guard, which conveyed Mr. Judson to the court house
in Ava, at which place he arrived some time in the night. I
took my oAvn course, procured a boat, and reached our house
before dark.
My first object, the next morning, was to go in search of
your brother ; and I had the mortification to meet him again
in prison, though not the death prison. I went immediately
to my old friend, the governor of the city, Avho now was raised
to the rank of a woon-gyee. He informed me that Mr. Jud
son was to be sent to the Burmese camp, to act as translator
and interpreter ; and that he was put in confinement for a
short time only, till his affairs were settled. Early the fol-
loAving morning I went to this officer again, who told me that
Mr. Judson had that moment received twenty ticals from
government, with orders to go immediately on board a boat
for Maloun, and that he had given him permission to stop a
feAv moments at the house, it being on his way. I hastened
back to the house, where Mr. Judson soon arrived, but was
allowed to remain only a short time, Avhile I could prepare
food and clothing for future use. He was crowded into a

364 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
little boat, wnere he had not room sufficient to lie down, and
where his exposure to the cold, damp nights threw him into a
violent fever, Avhich had nearly ended all his sufferings. He
arrived at Maloun on the third day, Avhere, ill as he was, he
was obliged to enter immediately on the Avork of translating.
He remained at Maloun six weeks, suffering as much as he
had at any time in prison, excepting he was not in irons, nor
exposed to the insults of those cruel jailers.
For the first fortnight after his departure, my anxiety Avas
less than it had been at any time previously since the com
mencement of our difficulties. I knew the Burmese officers
at the camp would feel the value of Mr. Judson's services too
much to allow their using any measures threatening his life.
I thought his situation, also, would be much more comfortable
than it really was ; hence my anxiety was less. But my health,
which had never been restored since that violent attack at
Oung-pen-la, now daily declined, till I Avas seized with the
spotted fever, with all its attendant horrors. I knew the na
ture of the fever from its commencement ; and, from the shat
tered state of my constitution, together with the want of med
ical attendants, I concluded it must be fatal. The day I was
taken with the fever, a Burmese nurse came and offered her
services for Maria. This circumstance filled me with grati
tude and confidence in God ; for, though I had so long and so
constantly made efforts to obtain a person of this description,
I had never been able ; when at the very time I most needed
one, and Avithout any exertion, a voluntary offer was made.
My fever raged violently, and without any intermission. I
began to think of settling my Avorldly affairs, and of commit
ting my dear little Maria to the care of a Portuguese Avoman,
Avhen I lost my reason, and was insensible to all around me.
At this dreadful period, Dr. Price Avas released from prison,
and hearing of my illness, obtained permission to come and
see me. He has since told me that my situation was the most
distressing he had ever Avitnessed, and that he did not then
think I should survive many hours. My hair was shaved, my
head and feet covered with blisters, and Dr. Price ordered the

IMPRISONED IN AVA. 365
Bengalee servant who took care of me to endeavor to per
suade me to take a little nourishment, Avhich I had obstinately
refused for several days. One of the first things I recollect
Avas seeing this faithful servant standing by me, trying to in
duce me to take a little wine and water. I was, in fact, so far
gone that the Burmese neighbors, Avho had come in to see me
expire, said, " She is dead ; and if the King of angels should
come in, he could not recover her."
The fever, I afterwards understood, had run seventeen days
Avhen the blisters were applied. I now began to recover
slowly, but it was more than a month after this before I had
strength to stand. While in this Aveak, debilitated state, the
servant who had folloAved your brother to the Burmese camp
came in, and informed me that his master had arrived, and
Avas conducted to the court house in toAvn. I sent off a Bur
man to watch the movements of government, and to ascertain,
if possible, in what way Mr. Judson was to be disposed of.
He soon returned with the sad intelligence that he saw Mr.
Judson go out of the palace yard, accompanied by two or
three Burmans, who conducted him to one of the prisons, and
that it Avas reported in toAvn that he Avas to be sent back to the
Oung-pen-la prison. I was too weak to bear ill tidings of any
kind ; but a shock so dreadful as this almost annihilated me.
For some time I could hardly breathe, but at last gained suf
ficient composure to despatch Moung Ing to our friend, the
governor of the north gate, and begged him to make one more
effort for the release of Mr. Judson, and prevent his being
sent back to the country prison, where I knew he must suffer
much, as I could not follow. Moung Ing then went in search
of Mr. Judson ; and it was nearly dark when he found him,
in the interior of an obscure prison. I had sent food early in
the afternoon ; but being unable to find him, the bearer had re
turned with it, which added another pang to my distresses, as
I feared he was already sent to Oung-pen-la.
If I ever felt the value and efficacy of prayer, I did at this
time. I could, not rise from my couch ; I could make.no ef
forts to secure my husband ; I could only plead with that
31*

366 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
great and poAverful Being Avho has said, " Call upon me in
the day of trouble, and I will hear, and thou shalt glorify me,"
and who made me at this time feel so powerfully this promise
that I became quite composed, feeling assured that my prayers
Avould be answered.
When Mr. Judson Avas sent from Maloun to Ava, it was
Avithin five minutes' notice, and without his knowledge of the
cause. On his Avay up the river, he accidentally saAV the
communication made to government respecting him, which
was simply this : " We have no further use for Yiidathan ;
Ave therefore return him to the golden city." On arriving at
the court house, there happened to be no one present who was
acquainted Avith Mr. Judson. The presiding officer inquired
from Avhat place he had been sent to Maloun. He was an
swered, from Oung-pen-la. " Let him, then," said the officer,
" be returned thither ; " when he was delivered to a guard
and conducted to the place above mentioned, there to remain
until he could be conveyed to Oung-pen-la. In the mean time,
the governor of the north gate presented a petition to the high
court of the empire, offered himself as Mr. Judson's security,
obtained his release, and took him to his house, where he
treated him Avith considerable kindness, and to Avhich I Avas
removed as soon as returning health Avould allow.
The advance of the English army towards the capital at
this time threw the whole town into the greatest state of
alarm, and convinced the government that some speedy meas
ures must be taken to save the golden city. They had hith
erto rejected ah the overtures of Sir Archibald Campbell,
imagining, until this late period, that they could in some Avay
or other drive the English from the country. Mr. Judson
and Dr. Price were daily called to the palace and consulted ;
in fact, nothing Avas done without their approbation. Two
English officers, also, Avho had lately been brought to Ava as
prisoners, were continually consulted, and their good offices
requested in endeavoring to persuade the British general to
make peace on easier terms. It was finally concluded that Mr.
ludson and one of the officers above nr entioned should be

MESSENGERS TO THE ENGLISH CAMP. 367
sent immediately to the English camp, in order to negotiate.
The danger attached to a situation so responsible, under a
government so fickle as the Burmese, induced your brother to
use every means possible to prevent his being sent. Dr. Price
was not only willing, but desirous of going ; this circumstance
Mr. Judson represented to the members of government, and
begged he might not be compelled to go, as Dr. Price eould
transact the business equally as well as himself. After some
hesitation and deliberation, Dr. Price was appointed to accom
pany Dr. Sandford, one of the English officers, on condition
that Mr. Judson would stand security for his return, Avhile the
other English officer, then in irons, should be security for
Dr. Sandford. The king gave them a hundred ticals each
to bear their expenses, (twenty-five of Avhich Dr. Sandford
generously sent to Mr. Gouger, still a prisoner at Oung-pen-
la,) boats, men, and a Burmese officer to accompany them,
though he ventured no farther than the Burman 'camp. With
the most anxious solicitude the court Avaited the arrival of the
messengers, but did not in the least relax in their exertions to
fortify the city. Men and beasts were at work night and day,
making new stockades and strengthening old ones, and what
ever buildings were in their way Avere immediately torn down.
Our house, Avith all that surrounded it, was levelled to the
ground, and our beautiful little compound turned into a road
and a place for the erection of cannon. All articles of value
were conveyed out of town, and safely deposited in some other
place. At length the boat in which the ambassadors had been sent
aves seen approaching, a day earlier than Avas expected. As
it advanced towards the city, the banks were lined by thou
sands, anxiously inquiring their success. But no answer was
given ; the government must first hear the news. The palace
gates were crowded, the officers at the lut-d'hau Avere seated,
Avhen Dr. Prior made the following communication : " The
general and commissioners will make no alteration in their
terms, except the hundred lacks [a lack is a hundred thou
sand] of rupees may be paid at four different times ; the first

368 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
v tAventy-five lacks to be paid within twelve days, or the army
will continue their march." In addition to this, the prisoners
Avere to be given up immediately. The general had commis
sioned Dr. Price to demand Mr. Judson, and myself, and little
Maria. This Avas communicated to the king, who replied,
u They are not English ; they are my people, and shall not
go." At this time I had no idea that we should ever be re
leased from Ava. The government had learned the value of
your brother's services, having employed him the last three
months ; and AA'e both concluded they would never consent to
our departure. The foreigners Avere again called to a consul
tation, to see Avhat could be clone. Dr. Price and Mr. Judson
told them plainly that the English Avould never make peace
on any other terms than those offered, and that it Avas in vain
to go doAvn again without the money. It was then proposed
that a third part of the first sum demanded should be sent
down immediately. Mr. Judson objected, and still said it
Avould be useless. Some of the members of government then
intimated that it Avas probable the teachers Avere on the side
of the English, and did not try to make them take a smaller
sum ; and also threatened, if they did not make the English
comply, they and their families should suffer.
In this interval, the fears of the government were consid
erably allayed by the offers of a general, by name Layar-
thoo-yah, who desired to make one more attempt to conquer
the Enghsh, and disperse them. He assured the king and
government, that he could so fortify the ancient city of Pugan,
as to make it impregnable, and that he Avould there defeat
and destroy the English. His offers were heard ; he marched
to Pugan with a very considerable force, and made strong the
fortifications. But the English took the city with perfect
ease, and dispersed the Burmese army ; Avhile the general fled
to Ava, and had the presumption to appear in the presence of
the king, and demand new troops. The king, being enraged
that he had ever listened to him for a moment, in consequence
of which the negotiation had been delayed, the English gen
eral provoked, and the troops daily advancing, ordered the

PEACE, AND RELEASE OF THE PRISONERS. 369
general to be immediately executed. The poor fellow Avas
soon hurled from the palace, and beat all the way to the court
house, when he was stripped of his rich apparel, bound Avith
cords, and made to kneel and bow toAvai ds the palace. He-
Avas then delivered into the hands of tie executioners, who,
by their cruel treatment, put an end to his existence before
they reached the place of execution.
The king caused it to be reported that this general Avas
executed in consequence of disobeying his commands " not to
fight the JEnglish."
Dr. Price was sent off the same night, Avith part of the
prisoners, and with instructions to persuade the general to
take six lacks instead of twenty-five. He returned in two or
three days, Avith the appalling intelligence that the English
general was very angry, refused to have any communication
with him, and was noAV Avithin a feAV days' march of the capital.
The queen was greatly alarmed, and said the money should
be raised immediately, if the English Avould only stop their
march. The whole palace was in motion ; gold and silver
vessels were melted up ; the king and queen superintended the
weighing of a part of it, and were determined, if possible, to
save their city. The silver was ready in the boats by the
next evening ; but they had so little confidence in the Eng
lish, that, after all their alarm, they concluded to send down six
lacks only, with the assurance that, if the English Avould stop
where they then Avere, the remainder should be forthcoming
immediately. The government now did not even ask Mr. Judson the
question whether he Avould go or not ; but some of the officers
took him by the arm, as he was Avalking in the street, and told
him he must go immediately on board the^oat, to accompany
two Burmese officers, a woon-gyee and Avoon-douk, Avho were
going down to make peace. Most of the English prisoners
Avere sent at the same time. The general and commissioners
would not receive the six lacks, neither would they stop their
march; but promised, if the sum complete reached them
before they should arrive at Ava, they Avould make peace.

370 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
The general also commissioned Mr Judson to collect the re
maining foreigners, of whatever coui try, and ask the question,
before the Burmese government, whether they wished to go
•or stay. Those Avho expressed a Avish to go should be deliv
ered up immediately,, or peace wrould not be made.
Mr. Judson reached Ava at midnight, had all the foreigners
called the next morning, and the question asked. Some of the
members of government said to him, " You will not leave us ;
you shall become a great man if you will remain." He
then secured himself from the oclium of saying that he wished
to leave the service of his majesty, by recurring to the order
of Sir Archibald, that whoever wished to leave Ava should
be given up, and that I had expressed a wish to go, so that he
of course must follow. The remaining part of the twenty-five
lacks Avas soon collected ; the prisoners at Oung-pen-la were all
released, and either sent to their houses, or down the river to
the English ; and in two days from the time of Mr. Judson's
return, we took an affectionate leave of the good-natured
officer who had so long entertained us at his house, and who
iioav accompanied us to the water side, and Ave then left forever
the banks of Ava.
It was on a cool, moonlight evening, in the month of
March, that with hearts filled with gratitude to God, and over-
floAving with joy at our prospects, we passed down the Irra
wadi, surrounded by six or eight golden boats, and accom
panied by all we had on earth. The thought that we had still
to pass the Burman camp would sometimes occur to damp
our joy, for we feared that some obstacle might there arise to
retard our progress. Nor were we mistaken in our con
jectures. We reached the camp about midnight, where Ave
were detained tAvo^ hours ; the woon-gyee and high officers
insisting that we should wait at the camp, while Dr. Price,
who did not return to Ava with your brother, but remained at
the camp, should go on with the money, and first ascertain
whether peace would be made. The Burmese government
still entertained the idea that, as soon as the English had
received the money and prisoners, they would continue their

OBLIGATIONS TO THE BRITISH COMMANDER. 371
march, and yet destroy the capital. We knew not but that some
circumstance might occur to break off the negotiations. Mr.
Judson therefore strenuously insisted that he AA'ould not re
main, but go on immediately. The officers were finally pre-
A'ailed on to consent, hoping much from Mr. Judson's assist
ance in making peace.
We now, for the first time for more than a year and a half,
felt that we were free, and no longer subject to the oppressive
yoke of the Burmese. And with Avhat sensations of delight,
on the next morning, did I behold the masts of the steamboat,
the sure presage of being within the bounds of civilized life !
As soon as our boat reached the shore, Brigadier A. and
another officer came on board, congratulated us on our arrival,
and invited us on board the steamboat, Avhere I passed the re
mainder of the day ; Avhile your brother went on to meet the
general, who, Avith a detachment of the army, had encamped
at Yandabo, a few miles farther down the river. Mr. Judson
returned in the evening, Avith an invitation from Sir Archibald
to come immediately to his quarters, where I was the next
morning introduced, and received with the greatest kindness
by the general, who had a tent pitched for us near his OAvn,
took us to his own table, and treated us with the kindness of a
father, rather than as strangers of another country.
We feel that our obligations to General Campbell can
never be cancelled. Our final release from Ava, and our re
covering all the property that had there been taken, was oav-
ing entirely to his efforts. His subsequent hospitality, and
kind attention to the accommodations for our passage to Ran
goon, have left an impression on our minds, which can
never be effaced. We daily received the congratulation
of the British officers, whose conduct towards us formed
a striking contrast to that of the Burmese. I presume to say
that no persons on earth Avere ever happier than Ave were
during the fortnight we passed at the Enghsh camp. For
several days, this single idea Avholly occupied my mind — that,
Ave were out of the poAver of the Burmese government, and
once more under the protection of the English. Our feelings

372 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
continually dictated expressions like this : What shall we
render to the Lord for all his benefits towards us ?
The treaty of peace was soon concluded, signed by both
parties, and a termination of hostilities publicly declared.
We left Yandabo, after a fortnight's residence, and safely
reached the mission house in Rangoon, after an absence of
two years and three months.
A review of our trip to and adventures in Ava often ex
cites the inquiry, Why were we permitted to go? What
good has been effected ? Why did I not listen to the advice
of friends in Bengal, and remain there till the war was con
cluded? But all that we can say is, It is not in man thai
walketh to direct his steps. So far as my going round to Ran
goon, at the time I did, Avas instrumental in bringing those
heavy afflictions upon us, I can only state that, if I ever acted
from a sense of duty in my life, it Avas at that time ; for my
conscience would not allow me any peace, when I thought of
sending for your brother to come to Calcutta, in prospect of
the approaching Avar. Our society at home have lost no prop
erty in consequence of our difficulties ; but two years of pre
cious time have been lost to the mission, unless some future
advantage may be gained, in consequence of the severe disci
pline to Avhich we ourselves have been subject. We are
sometimes induced to think that the lesson Ave found so very
hard to learn will have a beneficial effect through our lives,
and that the mission may, in the end, be advanced rather than
retarded. We should have had no hesitation about remaining in Ava
if no part of the Burmese empire had been ceded to the British.
But as it was, we felt it would be an unnecessary exposure, be
sides the missionary field being much more limited, in conse
quence of intoleration. We now consider our future mission
ary prospects as bright indeed ; and our only anxiety is, to
be once more in that situation Avhere our time will be exclu
sively devoted to the instruction of the heathen.
In a concluding paragraph, dated Amherst, July 27,
Mrs. Juds^" nAA~

TRIBUTE TO MRS. ANN H. JUDSON. 373
From the date, at the commencement of this long letter,
you see, my dear brother, that my patience has continued for
two months. I have frequently been induced to throw it
aside altogether ; but -feehng assured that you and my other
friends are expecting something of this kind, I am induced to
send it, with all its imperfections. This letter, dreadful as
are the scenes herein described, gives you but a faint idea of
the awful reality. The anguish, the agony of mind, resulting
from a thousand little circumstances impossible to be delineated
on paper, can be knoAvn by those only who have been in sim
ilar situations. Pray for us, my dear brother and sister, that
these heavy afflictions may not be in vain, but may be blessed
to our spiritual good, and the advancement of Christ's cause
among the heathen.
At the close of this long and melancholy narrative,
we may appropriately introduce the following tribute
to the benevolence and talents of Mrs. Judson, written
by one of the English prisoners who were confined
at Ava with Mr. Judson. It was published in a Cal
cutta paper, after the conclusion of the war.
Mrs. Judson was the author of those eloquent and forcible
appeals to the government which prepared them by degrees
for submission to terms of peace, never expected by any who
knew the hauteur and inflexible pride of the Burman court.
And while on this subject, the overflowings of grateful
feelings, on behalf of myself and fellow-prisoners, compel me
to add a tribute of public thanks to that amiable and humane
female, who, though living at a distance of two miles from our
prison, without any means of conveyance, and very feeble in
health, forgot her own comfort and infirmity, and almost every
day visited us, sought out and administered to our wants, and
contributed in every way to alleviate our misery.
While Ave were all left by the government destitute of food,
she, with unwearied perseverance, by some means or other,
obtained for us a constant supply.

374 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Whsn the tattered state of our clothes evinced the extrem
ity of our distress, she was ever ready to replenish our scanty
wardrobe. When the unfeeling avarice of our keepers confined us in
side, or made our feet fast in the stocks, she, like a minister
ing angel, never ceased her applications to the government,
until she was authorized to communicate to us the grateful
news of our enlargement, or of a respite from our galling op
pressions. Besides all this, it was unquestionably oAving, in a chief
degree, to the repeated eloquence, and forcible appeals of
Mrs. Judson, that the untutored Burman was finally made
Avilling to secure the Avelfare and happiness of his country, by
a sincere peace. Reminiscences of Conversations with Dr. Judson.
Mrs. Judson, in her letter to her brother, speaks of the cord
as an " instrument of torture " — used not merely to confine
the arms. It is small and hard, and may be so tied as to cut
through the flesh, as in Mr. Judson's case it did to some extent.
It is fastened around the two arms, at some distance above the
elbow, and left to be played upon at the pleasure of the
executioner. It may be drawn back with such force as to
suspend respiration, which 'is its more special office. Very
often a shoulder is dislocated ; and not infrequently the blood
gushes from the nostrils and mouth, and the poor victim drops
dead in a few moments.
Dr. Price, in his journal, mentions a bamboo pole, on
which, Avith more truth than elegance, he represents the
prisoners as being "strung." It was a substitute for the
stocks, all of Avhich had been already appropriated, and,
as it proved, a most torturing one. The foreigners were
loaded with three pairs of fetters each, which confined their
feet only a few inches apart. The bamboo was passed
between their legs, and fastened at the ends ; so that they
were all obliged to lie in a i-oav upon the floor, without a
mattress, or even so much as the wooden block, which they

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE DEATH PRISON. 375
begged might be granted them for a pillow. They were nine
in number, and so closely croAvded together, that the one who
occupied the end of the pole esteemed himself peculiarly
fortunate. One leg rested on the upper side of the long
bamboo, and with all its Aveight of shackles pressed upon
the limb below, producing, even after partial numbness had
supervened, almost unendurable agony.
The death prison was constructed of boards, and Avas rather
stronger than a common Burman dwelling house, though but
little confidence Avas reposed in its strength. Hence the array
of stocks and shackles, and the dreaded surveillance of insult
ing keepers. There were no windoAvs, nor other means of
admitting the air, except by such crevices as always exist in a
simple board house, and only one small outer door. The
common prison was crowded with occupants. The worst of
criminals were huddled down beside the highest of state
officers — perhaps the very judges Avho sat upon their crime
the day before ; for an autocrat, possessed of limitless and
irresponsible power, thinks it a small thing to punish even
a favorite by thrusting him temporarily into this place of
degradation. It is well understood that all Avho are cast into
the death prison are under the condemnation of death, though
they may yet be saA'ed by the clemency of the sovereign.
The missionaries were imprisoned in the month of June,
and though the rains, which are later and much lighter at
Ava than farther down the country, had commenced, theii-
cooling influence was insufficient to counteract the sickening
sense of suffocation to which the poisonous miasma rising
from the damp earth contributed in a most dangerous degree.
The prison was built on the ground, and so the consequences
of a lack of ventilation Avere rendered doubly serious.
Prisoners were continually dying of disease, as well as by
violent treatment, and yet the place was always full. They
came from the palace and from the robber's den ; from the
shop of the handicraftsman, whose power of execution had
fallen short of his monarch's conception ; a:id from the more
aspiring roof of the merchant, sacrificed to his reputed

376 MEMOIR OF DK. JUDSON.
wealth. Several sepoys, and occasionaUy English soldiery
swelled the lists of the miserable. These poor creatures,
having no regular supply of food, Avere often brought to
the very verge of starvation ; and then, on some worship
day, the women would come, as a religious duty, to the
prison, with rice and fruit ; and the miserable sufferers,
maddened by starvation, would eat and die. " 0, I dare
not tell you," said Mr. Judson to me one day, "half tlio
horrors I have seen and felt. They haunt me, when I am ill
or sad, even now, and the simplest relation of them would do
no good to either of our dreams."
The keepers of the prison were all branded criminals ;
some wearing ^he name of their crime burned into the
flesh of their foreheads or breasts ; others, with a dark ring
upon the cheek, or about the eye ; and others still with
mutilated noses, blind of an eye, or with their ears quite cut
away. They are called " children of the prison," and form
a distinct class, quite out of the way of reputable people,
intermarrying only among themselves, and so perpetuating
vice, while they are shut, both by their sentence and the
horror with which they are regarded by all classes, Avithout,
the pale of virtue. The cruelty, or other vicious inclination
which led to the perpetration of the first crime, is noAv deep
ened and rendered indelible by constant familiarity with
every species of human torture, until these creatures seem
really to be actuated by some demoniac spirit. The head
jailer, called by the prisoners the tiger cat, and branded in
the breast loo-that, or murderer, was one of the most hideous
and disgusting of his fraternity. He affected great jocularity,
and was facetious even in the commission of his worst cruel
ties, bringing down his hammer with a jest when fastening
manacles, putting his hated arms affectionately around the
prisoners, and calling them his beloved children, to get a
better opportunity to prick or pinch them, and withal study
ing torture as the most comical of arts.
One of the first things Mr. Judson inquired after, as soon
as he and Mrs. Judson Avere alloAved to meet and speak.

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE DEATH PRISON. 377
together in English, was the manuscript translation of the
New Testament. Part of it had been printed, but there Avas
a large portion, together with important emendations of the
printed part, still in manuscript. Mrs. Judson had secreted
it, with her silver and a few other articles of value, in the
earth under the house. It was now the rainy season, and if
the paper remained in this place any considerable length of
time, it would be ruined by the mould. It was thought unsafe
to allow a manuscript of this kind to remain in the house,
from which every article was subject at any moment to be
carried away, as, once examined, it would certainly be
destroyed. The final conclusion Avas to sew the manuscript
up in a pilloAv, so mean in its appearance, and so hard and
ancomfbrtable withal, that even the avarice of a Burman
would not covet it, while Mr. Judson himself should undertake
the guardianship of the treasure. In reply to a remark after-
Avards made to him with regard to it, he said, " When people
are loaded with chains, and sleep half the time on a baj-e
board, their senses become so obtuse that they do not know
the difference between a hard pillow and a soft one."
During the first seven months of Mr. Judson's imprison
ment, there Avas but little change. The white men all Avore
three pairs of fetters ; but they Avere suffered to Avalk about the
prison yard, as well as they could with Jheir ankles only a few
inches apart, and always followed by keepers. They were from
time to time subjected to almost innumerable annoyances, vexa
tions, and extortions ; and they were obliged to be the Avitnesses
of Avanton cruelties which they could not prevent, and of intense
sufferings which they could not alleviate. For the most of the
time, through Mrs. Judson's continual exertions, and by help
of occasional presents, they were allowed to spend the day in
the open shed in the yard, and Mrs. Judson was even permit
ted to build a little bamboo shelter for her husband, where he
could be, some portion of the time, by himself. Mr. Judson
was exceedingly nice in his personal habits, nice even to a
fault ; and this herding together, even if he had been permit-
ted to choose his associates, would have been exceedingly
32 *

378 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
unpleasant to him. They Avere not all, belonging as they did to
fiA e different nations, educated in his notions of cleanliness,
and even he was often, from necessity, offensive to himself.
Sometimes he was denied the use of water, and sometimes the
admission of clothing Avas forbidden ; and the act of dressing,
with the ankles made fast by fetters, proved to be no simple
art. With ah his efforts, and the care taken by his wife of his
Avardrobe, he was sometimes in a very forlorn state. His food
was such as Mrs. Judson could provide. Sometimes it came
regularly, and sometimes they Avent very hungry. Sometimes,
for weeks together, they had no food but rice, savored Avith
gnapee — a certain preparation of fish, not ahvays palatable to
foreigners. But once, when a term of unusual quiet gave her
time fojvthe^softer and more homely class of loving thoughts,
Mrs. .JV 'soli made a great effort to surprise her husband with
something that should remind him of home. She planned and
labored, until, by the aid of buffalo beef and plantains, she
actually concocted a mince pie. Unfortunately, as she thought,
she could not go in person to the prison that day ; and the din
ner Avas brought by smiling Moung Ing, who seemed aware
that some mystery must be wrapped up in that peculiar prep
aration of meat and fruit, though he had never seen the well-
spread boards of Plymouth and Bradford. But the pretty little
artifice only added another pang to a heart Avhose susceptibili
ties were as quick and deep, as, in the sight of the world, they
were silent. When his vrife had visited him in prison, and
borne taunts and insults with and for him, they could be brave
together ; when she had stood up like an enchantress, winning
the hearts of high and low, making saA'age jailers, and scarcely
less savage nobles, Aveep ; or moved, protected by her own dig
nity and sublimity of purpose, like a queen along the streets,
his heart had throbbed Avith proud admiration ; and he was
almost able to thank God for the trials which had made a
character so intrinsically noble shine forth with such peculiar
brightness. But in this simple, homelike act, this httle unpre
tending effusion of a loving heart, there was something so
touching, so unlike the part she had just been acting, and yet

RECOLLECTIONS OF THB DEATH PRISON. 379
so illustrative of what she really Avas, that he bowed his head
upon his knees, and the tears flowed down to the chains about
his ankles. What a happy man he might have been had this
heavy woe been spared them ! And what was coming next ?
Finally the scene changed, and there came over him a vision
of the past. He saw again the home of his boyhood. His
3tern, strangely revered father, his gentle mother, his rosy,
curly-haired sister, and pale young brother Avere gathered for
the noonday meal, and he Avas once more among them. And so
his fancy revelled there. Finally he lifted his head. O, the
misery that surrounded him ! He moved his feet, and the rat
tling of the heavy chains Avas as a death knell. He thrust the
carefully prepared dinner into the hand of his associate, and
as fast as his fetters would permit, hurried to his own lit
tle shed.
Mr. Judson was not naturally of an even temperament.
Hopeful and earnest he Avas, beyond most men, and Avithal
very persevering ; but at this period of his life, and up to a
much later time, he was subject to a desponding reaction, from
Avhich his faith in God, the ruling principle of his later years,
was not now sufficiently ripe to set him entirely free. His
peculiar mental conformation was eminently active ; so that the
passive suffering of his prison discipline was more galling than
to a mind differently constituted. So long as he could contend
Avith difficulties, he was appalled by nothing ; but whatever
he might have been in after life, he was at this time better
fitted to do than to endure. For some time previous to the
birth of poor httle Maria, he had been filled with the gloomiest
forebodings ; and not without cause. His wife, from the pecu
liar customs of this land of semi-civilization, was more alone
than she would have been among the wild Indian women of an
American forest ; and he could do nothing for her. When the
dreaded crisis was past, and a pale, puny infant of twenty
days was brought to his prison, no person, not thoroughly
conversant with the secret springs of feeling which made his
the richest heart that ever beat in human bosom, would be at
all able to appreciate the scene. His first child slept beneath

380 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
the Avaters of the Bay of Bengal, a victim to Anglo-Indian per
secution, a baby martyr, Avithout the martyr's conflict; the
second, his "meek, blue -eyed Roger," had his bed in the
jungle graveyard at Rangoon ; and here came the third little
Avan stranger, to claim the first parental kiss from the midst of
felon chains.
Mrs. Judson had long previous to this adopted the Burmese
style of dress. Her rich Spanish complexion could never be
mistaken for the tawny hue of the native ; and her figure, of
full medium height, appeared much taller and more command
ing in a costume usually worn by women of inferior size.
But her friend, the governor's wife, who presented her with
the dress, had recommended the measure as a concession
which would be sure to conciliate the people, and win them to
I"iii^an^~ft-e^r3ment of her. Behold her, then — her dark
curls carefully straightened, draAvn back from her forehead,
and a fragrant cocoa blossom, drooping like a white plume
from the knot upon the crown ; her saffron vest throAvn open
to display the folds of crimson beneath; and a rich silken skirt,
wrapped closely about her fine figure, parting at the ankle,
and sloping back upon the floor. The clothing of the feet
was not Burman, for the native sandal could not be Avorn
except upon a bare foot. Behold her standing in the door
way, (for she was never permitted to enter the prison,) her
little blue-eyed blossom wailing, as it almost always did,
upon her bosom, and the chained father craAvling forth to the
meeting !
The following verses, of which the writer says, "They
were composed in my mind at the time, and afterwards Avritten
down," commemorate this meeting : —

lines addressed to an Infant Daughter, twenty days old, in the condemned
Prison at Ava.
Sleep, darling infant, sleep,
Hushed on thy mother's breast ;
Let no rude sound of clanking chains
LAieturb thy balmy rest.

LINES TO HIS INFANT DAUGHTER. 381
Sleep, darling infant, sleep ;
Blest that thou canst not know
The pangs that rend thy parents' hearts,
The keenness of theii woe.
Sleep, darling-infant, sleep ;
Hay Heaven its blessings shed,
In rich profusion, soft and sweet,
On thine unconscious head !
Why ope thy little eyes ?
What would my darling see ?
Thy sorrowing mother's bending form ?
Thy father's agony ?
Wouldst view this drear abode,
Where fettered felons lie,
And wonder that thy father here
Should as a felon sigh ?
Wouldst mark the dreadful sighta,
Which stoutest hearts appal —
The stocks, the cord, the fatal sword,
The torturing iron mall ?
No, darling infant, no !
Thou seest them not at all ;
Thou only mark'st the rays of light
Which flicker on the wall.
Thine untaught infant eye
Can nothing clearly see ;
Sweet scenes of home and prison scenes
Are all alike to thee.
Stretch, then, thy little arms,
And roll thy vacant eye,
Reposing on thy mother's breast,
In soft security.
Why ope thy paly lips ?
What would my darling saj ?

382 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
"My dear papa, why leave us thus?
Why thus in prison stay ?
" For poor mamma and I
All lonely live at home,
And every day Ave watch and wait,
And wish papa would come ? "
No ; all alike to thee
Thy mother's grief or mirth ;
Nor know' st thou one of all the ills
Which mark thy mournful birth.
Thy lips one art alone,
One loving, simple grace,
By nature's instinct have been taught :
Seek, then, thy nestling-jilace !
Spread out thy little hand ;
Thy mother's bosom press,
And thus return, in grateful guise,
Her more sincere caress.
Go, darling infant, go ;
Thine hour has passed aAvay ;
The jailer's harsh, discordant voice
Forbids thy longer stay.
God grant that Ave may meet
In happier times than this,
And Avith thine angel mother dear
Enjoy domestic bliss.
But should the fearful clouds,
Which Burmah's sky o'erspread,
Conduct the threatened vengeance down,
On thy poor father's head, —
Where couldst thou shelter find ?
O, whither Avouldst thou stray ?
What hand would guide my darling's steps
Along their dangerous way?

PARAPHRASE OF THE LORD'S PRAYER. 383
There is a God on high,
The glorious King of kings ;
'Tis he to whom thy mother prays,
Whose love she sits and sings.
That glorious God, so kind,
Has sent his Son to save
Our ruined race from sin and death,
And raise them from the grave.
And to that gracious God,
My darling I commend ;
Be thou the helpless orphan's stay,
Her Father and her Friend.
Inspire her infant heart
The Saviour's love to know,
And guide her through this dreary Avorld,
This wilderness of woe.
Thou sleep' st again, my lamb,
Nor heed'st nor song nor prayer :
Go, sleeping in thy mother's arms,
^ Safe in a mother's care.
And when, in future years, .
Thou know'st thy father's tongue,
These lines Avill show thee how he felt,
How o'er his babe he sung.
To Maria Eliza Butterworth Judson, born at Ava, January 26, 1825.
The following versification of the Lord's Prayei
was composed a few weeks later. It illustrates the
nature of the subjects which occupied the thoughts of
the missionary during this long-protracted agony. It
is said by the author to be comprised in fewer words
than the original Greek, and in two more only than
the common translation : —
Our Father God, who art in heaven,
All hallowed be thy name.

384 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Thy kingdom come ; thy will be done,
In earth and heaven the same.
Give us, this day, our daily bread ;
And, as we those forgive
Who sin against us, so may we
Forgiving grace receive.
Into temptation lead us not ;
From evil set us free ;
The kingdom, pQAver, and glory, Lord,
Ever belong to thee.
Prison, Ava, March, 1825.

The foreigners had spent about seven months in prison,
when suddenly a change came. One day a band of men
rushed into the prison yard, and Avhile some seized the white
prisoners, and added two more pairs of fetters to the three
they already wore, others began tearing down Mrs. Judson's
little bamboo room, snatching up pilloAvs and mattresses, and
whatever other articles came within their reach. At last the
prisoners, after having half the clothing torn from their/ per
sons, were thrust into the common prison, and, with a bam
boo betAveen their legs, again stretched upon the bare floor.
Here were more than a hundred miserable wretches, shut
from every breath of air except such as could find its way
between the crevices in the boards, groaning with various
tortures, and rattling their chains, as they groped in the gray
light, and writhed and twisted themselves, as much as was in
their power, from side to side, in the vain endeavor to obtain
some ease by change of position. It Avas the commencement
of the hot season, and the heat Avas not lessened by the fevered
breaths of that crowd of sufferers, nor the close ah purified
by the exhalations which arose from their bodies. Night
came, but brought with it no rest. A Avhisper had passed
around the prison, whether through malice or accident, that
the foreigners would be led out to execution at three in the
night ; and the effect on the little band was not so much in

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE DEATH PEISON. 385
accordance with natural temperament as the transforming
principle of faith. Bold men were cowards, and weak men
grew strong. At first, Mr. Judson felt a pang of regret that
he Avas to go at last without saying farewell to his unsuspect
ing wife and child. But gradually the feeling changed, and
he would not have had it different if he could. She had left
him in comparative comfort that day ; she Avould come the
next, and find him beyond her care. It Avould be a terrible
shock at first ; but she would be spared much anxious suffer
ing, and he could almost fancy that she Avould soon learn to
rejoice that he was safe in glory. As for herself, the Bur
mans had always treated her with some respect ; she seemed
to have gained immunity from personal insult, while her intre
pidity had won their admiration ; and he did not believe that
even the rudest of them would dare to do her harm. No ;
fruitful in resources as she had proved herself, she would get
an appointment to carry some message of peace to the Eng
lish, and so place herself under their protection. It would be
a blessing to her and to his child, if he was removed from
them ; and he thanked God that his time was so near at hand.
He felt thankful, too, that the execution was to take place in
the night. He should pass his own door on the way. There
he might breathe his silent farewell, while she was spared the
parting agony. He thought of Burmah, too, even then. The
English Avould most likely be conquerors ; and then there
Avould be nothing to hinder the propagation of Christianity.
He even recollected — so calm and dispassionate were his
thoughts — some passages in his translation capable of a bet
ter rendering ; and then he speculated on the pillow he had
lost that day, weighing the probabilities of its ever falling into
his wife's hands, so that the manuscript would be recovered.
And then he imagined that she did not find it, and Avent off
into a visionary scene of its being brought to light years after
wards, which he smiled at Avhen he gave a sketch of these
emotions, and did not fully describe. At length the fatal hour
drew nigh. They had no means of ascertaining it precisely,
but they kneAv that it could not be very far distant. They
vol. i. 33

386 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
waited with increased solemnity. Then they prayed together
Mr. Judson's voice for all of them, and then he, and probably
each of the others, prayed separately. And still they waited,
in awful expectancy. The hour passed by, — they felt it must
be passed, — and there was no unusual movement in the prison.
Still they expected and waited, till finally there woke a glim
mering of hope, a possibility that they had been deceived.
And so, hoping, and doubting, and fearing, they lingered on,
till the opening of the door assured them of what they had
long suspected. It was morning. Then the jailer came ; and,
in answer to their questions, chucked them mockingly under
the chin, and told them, O no ; he could not spare his beloved
children yet, just after — kicking the bamboo as he spoke, till
all the chains rattled, and the five rows of fetters dashed
together, pinching sharply the flesh that they caught between
them — just after he had taken so much trouble to procure
them fitting ornaments.
After Mr. Judson had been about a month in the loathsome
inner prison, he was attacked by a slow fever, which threat
ened to destroy his life. His guardian angel was, as ever, on
the alert ; but it was in vain that she entreated permission to
rebuild his room in the prison yard. About this time the
poor sufferers Avere astonished by a most singular accession to
their numbers. Something like a year previous to the com
mencement of the war, the king had received from some for
eigner a present of a lion. The noble beast had been a par
ticular favorite Avith him, and an object of great interest at
court. But it was noAv whispered about, and Avith mysterious
meaning in the Avhispers, that the English bore a lion upon
their standard. The disgraceful defeat of Bandoola, his alarm
ing final fall, and the utter inefficiency of the hardiest Bur
man troops before these charmed warriors, were matters of
grave conference, and strange glances were cast towards the
king's noble pet ; but for a time no one dared to speak. The
matter was first broached by the queen's brother, an ignorant,
brutal fellow, who owed his elevation, from the lot of a com
mon fishmonger, entirely to his clever, intriguing sister's powei

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE DEATH PRISON. 387
over the king. He was positive that the Enghsh had a
demoniac ally in the palace, in the shape of this regal-looking
beast, which had entirely won the heart of the king. The
pakan-woon, a man of more sense, but, like all Burmans, su
perstitious, seconded his opinions ; and other counsellors, now
that they durst speak, came in with floods of argument and
testimony. The king repelled the idea of any connection be
tween his favorite and the enemy as absurd in the extreme,
but at last consented to the animal's being sent to the death
prison, though he expressly stipulated that it should not be
slain without his order. The queen's brother, however, gave
secret directions to the keepers not to furnish the animal with
food ; and so merciless was he well known to be in the execu
tion of his vengeance, that they dared not disobey him, even
to please the king. The cage, all newly ironed and barricaded,
as though some unusual resistance Avas expected, was placed
in the prison yard, close against the principal building. And
now commenced a neAv and fearful scene of misery. The un
happy prisoners had seen men starved, and beaten, and smoth
ered, and strangled to death, then dragged by the feet from the
door, and thrust, like dogs, into some shallow pit, or left for wild
dogs to devour ; and they thought they had gained a fearful
familiarity with every species of wretchedness. But there was
something almost supernatural in this new horror — a grad
ually starving lion. Day after day, the noble beast writhed
in the pangs of hunger, parched with thirst, and bruised and
bleeding with his fearful struggles, while his roarings seemed
to shake the prison to its foundations, and sent a thrill of in
describable terror to the hearts of the occupants. The jailer
said it was the British lion ineffectually struggling against the
conquering Burmans ; though even his facetious features were
somewhat elongated by superstitious fears. Sometimes a com
passionate woman Avould steal to the cage after dark, and
thrust a morsel of food between the bars ; but it was neces
sarily a trifle to the powerful beast, and served only to in
crease his ravings. At other times one of the keepers would
throw pails of Avater over him, which Avould be greeted Avith

388 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
almost h. man shrieks of pleasure, though it only served to
lengthen for a little the terrible term of suffering. At last
the scene was over. The skeleton of the poor beast was
dragged from its cage, and buried with more care than
many a poor human skeleton had been before.
The next time Mrs. Judson came to the prison door, and
her husband crawled to meet her — crawled with the upper
part of his body, having his feet still attached to the moveless
bamboo — he had a neAv plan to broach. He told her of the
empty lion's cage — what a comfortable retreat it might be
made for him, while the fever lasted, and begged her interces
sion with the governor ; for he had entreated the comic jailer
in vain. The " cat " refused to listen for a moment to such an
insult to royalty. Mrs. Judson's application Avas successful ;
and with feelings of deep gratitude to God for such a mercy,
the sick man was removed from his loathsome quarters to the
better accommodations of the lion's cage.
I ought to have stated before that the keeper, to whose
share Mr. Judson's old pillow fell on the day they were so
unceremoniously thrust into the inner prison, had afterwards
exchanged it for a better one, Avondering, no doubt, at the odd
taste of the white- man. When he Avas again robbed of his
clothes and bedding, on the day he was driven aAvay to Oung-
pen-la, one of the ruffians deliberately untied the mat which
was used as a cover to the precious pilloAA', and threw the
apparently Avorthless roll of hard cotton away. Some hours
after, Moung Ing, stumbling upon this one relic of the van
ished prisoners, carried it to" the house as a token ; and, sev
eral months from that time, the manuscript which now makes
a part of the Burmese Bible was found Avithin, uninjured.
It Avill be recollected that Mr. Judson, at the time of his
removal to Oung-pen-la, was very much reduced by fever,
and that this was the hottest season of the year. Having his
wife as a link betAveen himself and the humanity which could
not Avell find existence in such a den, he had avoided some of
the careless habits from which his fellow-prisoners had nothing
vithout to preseive them, and consequently he was exposed

RECOLLECTIONS OF OUNG-PEN-LA. 389
to greater suffering in that bloody, burning march. He had
always kept his person covered, so that, in a very short time,
his shoulders were blistered by the heat of the sun. His
companions had long ago thrown aside shoes and stockings
as a uselessi encumbrance ; but he had never parted from his
till that morning, when they were torn aAvay. The terrible
result I have no heart to tell. He carried the marks, as well
as those of the shackles on the ankles, to the last. He used
sometimes to speak to me of the time Avhen he was occasion
ally permitted to come from the prison to minister to his sick
Avife, and when he carried poor little wailing Maria from
door to door, still with but a few inches of chain between his
shackled feet, a beggar at the breasts of pitying mothers.
They remained at Oung-pen-la six months, Avhen Mr. Jud
son was, for the first time, releasee! from his irons, to be em
ployed as translator and interpreter to the Burmans. From
the first, he had been particularly careful not to take any part
in political affairs ; for, hoAvever the Avar might end, he did
not wish the Burmans to receive an impression that he was
in the interests of the English. He felt that it would be
wrong to endanger his influence as a religious teacher by
taking any step Avhich would be likely to render him obnox
ious even to a conquered people. But now he had no choice.
His own wishes in the matter Avere not consulted, any more
than they had been when he Avas first throAvn into prison.
He was probably selected for the office because there was no
one who could be better trusted, although it was evident that
not the slightest confidence was reposed in him. He Avas
carried to Ava under guard, kept in prison two days, and
then, Avithout being permitted to visit his own house but a
few moments, was guarded like a prisoner to the boat. • Mrs.
Judson had hastily prepared a few such articles as she thought
necessary to his comfort ; but either through the malice, or
cupidity, or carelessness of his keepers, nothing but his mat
tress, pillow, and one blanket could be found. The boat was
very small, without a cover, and so crowded that he had not
room to lie down. He remained here three days, exposed to
33*

390 MF.MOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
the scorching sun by day, and the heavy November dews by
night, with no sustenance but a bag of refuse rice, broken
and mildewed, for Avhich he Avas expected to evince the high
est gratitude. When he arrived at Maloun, he was so ill as
to be. almost helpless. The banks of the Irrawadi, at Ma
loun, as at Ava, are bordered for rods Avith beds of white,
glittering sand, which assumes, in the sunlight, an intense
metallic glare, and reflects such heat as might come from a
burning furnace. On this sand, half way between the river
and the camp, a small «bamboo hovel had been erected for the
reception of the still carefully watched and guarded trans
lator. There Avas no aperture for the admittance of air, and
he coulfcl-H ssri up the matting which composed the sides of
his little .shelter without admitting that intolerable white glit
ter ; while the heat reflected from the burning sand penetrated
the fragile bamboo braids, and aided in a more alarming
development of the fever contracted in his passage down the
river. It was in vain that he represented his condition to the
officers who came to summon him to the presence of the
Burman general. They chose to consider him stubborn, and
told him that means would be used to make him obedient to
their master's call, and make him work, too, in spite of his
pretences. But when they found that he really could not
move, they brought papers to his floorless hovel, and insisted
on an explanation ; while he writhed beneath the torture, and
wished himself back to Ava in his chains, or that the fever
Avhich was searing his brain would only make him quite mad.
The last wish was mercifully granted ; for he finally became
unconscious of every thing, except a coming and going of
sandalled feet, the solemn entrance of a shaven crown and
yellow robe, and a very indistinct impression that he was
being conveyed from the prison at Oung-pen-la, to be burned
alive. When his consciousness returned, he was lying alone
in a little room made by suspending a mat from the projecting
eaves of a cook house, Avhither he had been removed less,
probably, from compassion than selfish interest. With the
cessation- of intense physical suffering, even before strength

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE BI RMESE CAMP. 391
had begun to return, there came a feeling of intellectual vigor
and actiA'ity characteristic of his nature ; and long before
even his persecutors thought him fit for labor, he had been
busy in arranging his plans for the future. His thorough
appreciation of the Burmese character made it very easy to
see the mortal terror that the military leaders at Maloun
Avere in ; and he resolved by degrees to accustom their
thoughts to such concessions as he knew they would soon be
called on to make. The native mind, treacherous and aus
picious in the main, has yet a fine vein of truth and honesty
running through it ; and he believed that they would be able
in time to distinguish him, true friend as he really Avas, from
the designing agent of the enemy, which they supposed him
to be.
In the mean time, papers were occasionally brought to his
bed, for advice or explanation ; and so he had time to win a
large share of confidence before he was able to enter fully
upon the duties of a translator. These duties, with those of
interpreter and adviser, he soon found to be sufficiently ardu
ous ; for the suspicious Burmans obstinately withheld all con
fidence in the integrity of their conquerors, and, moreover,
invested every newspaper paragraph from Calcutta with the
dignity of a state document. It was a difficult task to set
forth to unaccustomed ears and hearts those high principles of
honor which actuate civilized nations ; and the attempt usu
ally won more admiration for the speaker than confidence in
the truth of his subject. He was often interrupted by such
remarks as, " That is noble," " That is as it should be ; " but
the exclamation would be immediately followed by an incred
ulous shake of the head, and, " But the teacher dreams ; he
has a celestial spirit, and so he thinks himself in the land of
the Celestials," One definite object he had in vieAv was, in
his estimation, more difficult than any other. He had no
doubt that the English would retain, if not the whole lower
country, at least the port of Rangoon, as, indeed, for the good
of both nations, they ought to have done ; and he labored to
prepare the way for this mortifying loss of territory.

392 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
In the mean time, he Avas far from being ovenvhelmed by
physical comforts. His allowance was only twenty ticals, and
this, with the utmost economy, Avas exhausted in a month. He
had long since become accustomed to the Burmese style of
cookery ; but his recent illness rendered the crude vegetable
diet, with its pungent acids and spices, more than usually
unsuited to him. The nights, too, were very cold ; and the
heavy fog, which rested on the river till nine in the morning,
s'semed, under cover of the darkness, to assume the chilliness
of ice. At last he was driven to the necessity of begging a
blanket. He was presented, as a special mark of esteem, --
because, as he was assured, it had been ascertained that he
was a true friend to Burmah, — with a thick cotton rug, about
large enough to cover a child of six years. Taking some
bamboo twigs for thread, and a penknife for a needle, he
stitched his neAv acquisition to the centre of his blanket, and
so, by dint of frequent sbiftings from side to side, alternate
drawings up of the feet, and crouchings of the shoulders, and
other little ingenious contrivances for lessening his bulk, he man
aged to keep half of his person at a time in a state of tolerable
warmth. Here he remained about six Aveeks, when, in con
sequence of the advance of the English from Prome, he was
hurriedly sent back to Ava. It Avas late in the night when he
arrived, and he was taken through the streets directly past
his own door. A feeble light glimmered within, assuring him
that it Avas not altogether deserted ; but yet what might not
have occurred in those six weeks ! He entreated permission
to enter but for five minutes ; he threatened, he bribed, he
appealed to their humanity, for he knew that even they, hard
as they seemed, must have humanity somewhere; but all
Avithout success. His conductors, Avith some show of feeling,
assured him that they had orders to take him directly to the
court house, and that they dared not disobey. He crouched
down in an outbuilding until morning, when, after a slight
examination, he was placed under guard in an out-of-the-way
shed, which served as a temporary prison. At night of the
same day, Moung Ivg found him in this obscure place, where

RECOLLECTIONS OF HIS RETURN TO AVA. 393
he had been ah day without food. While conversing Avith the
faithful Burman, Mr. Judson once or twice fancied there was
something in his words or manner, x>r perhaps both, a little
puzzling ; but the impression Avas only momentary, and the
very sight of this messenger from his wife relieved him of a
burden of apprehension. He immediately despatched Moung
Ing to the friendly governor, for aid in his new difficulties,
instructing him carefully as to his words and behavior, and,
in the joy of his heart, bade him tell the tsayah-ga-dau to
keep up courage one day more ; it was almost certain he
should be with her on the next. As soon as the messenger
Avas gone, Mr. Judson's thoughts immediately recurred to the
singularity of his behavior, scarcely observable at the time,
but noAV assuming much importance. His wife was doubtless
well, though Moung Ing had certainly not been very explicit
when inquired of; she must be well, for had she not sent sev
eral messages, and herself suggested the application to the
governor? The child, too, Avas well ; he had said that unhes
itatingly. Why had he hesitated in the other case ? Could
it be, could it really be, that any thing serious had befallen
her, and they had concealed it from him ? But no ; those
messages ! He remembered, however, (it all came to him too
clearly now,) how ostentatiously the good-natured Burman
had paraded one of those messages whenever he asked a
question ; and yet, think as he would, they all resolved them
selves into two — she longed to see him, and she recommended
an application to the governor. The messenger had certainly
behaved strangely, and he had been strangely blinded. These
two simple phrases had been repeated so often, and in such
variety of style, that they had been made to appear a dozen,
and to contain a world of meaning ; and for the time he was
fully satisfied. " She must be living," he repeated to himself;
" there is ample proof of that." " She must have been living,"
answered a withering doubt within, " Avhen she gave the
directions to Moung Ing." After that one thought, he had no
disposition to sleep. The tedious night at length dragged
itself away ; and, though the governor sent for him as early as

394 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
could reasonably be expected in the morning, a strange, vague
apprehension seemed to concentrate Avhole ages in those few
early hours. The kind old man had become his security with
the government, and set him free. With a step more fleet
than for the last two years he had practised, and in spite of
the maimed ankles, which sometimes almost refused their
office, he hurried along the street to his beloved home. The
door stood invitingly open, and, without having been seen by
any one, he entered. The first object which met his eye was
a fat, half-naked Burman Avoman, squatting in the ashes beside
a pan of coals, and holding on her knees a wan baby, so be
grimed with dirt that it did not occur to the father it could be
his own. He gave but one hasty look, and hurried to the next
room. Across the foot of the bed, as though she had fallen
there, lay a human object, that, at the first glance, Avas scarcely
more recognizable than his child. The face was of a ghastly
paleness, the features sharp, and the whole form shrunken
almost to the last degree of emaciation. The glossy black
curls had all been shorn from the finely-shaped head, which
Avas now covered by a close-fitting cotton cap, of the coarsest
and — unlike any thing usually coming in contact with that
head — not the cleanest kind. The whole room presented
an appearance of the very extreme of wretchedness, more har
rowing to the feelings than can be told. There lay the devoted
wife, Avho had followed him so unAveariedly from prison to
prison, ever alleviating his distresses, without even common
hireling attendance. He knew, by the very arrangement of
the room, and by the expression of sheer animality on the face
of the woman who held his child, that the Bengalee cook had
been her only nurse. The Avearied sleeper was awakened by
a breath that came too near her cheek. Perhaps a falling
iear might have been added ; for, steady as were those eyes in
difficulties, dauntless in dangers, and stern when conscience
froAvned, they were Avell used to tender tears.
Of Mr. Judson's employment by the goA7ernment I knoAV
but little more than Mrs. Judson has told. He was not in
clined to speak boastingly ; his fault Avas rather in the opposite

REMINISCENCES OF THE BRITISH CAMP. 895
extreme ; and yet, when he said any thing, it was always evi
dent that he was an important agent. He kept clear from
every thing of the sort as long as possible, for the reason before
mentioned — he did not Avish to implicate himself with the
suspicious Burmese as a friend of their enemies, lest it might
detract from his influence as a religious teacher. He emphat
ically wished " to know nothing among them save Jesus
Christ and him crucified." As soon as he did use his influ
ence, however, it was of av eight. His very reluctance in-
i-reased his importance, and his deep insight into character
generally, and especially that of the Burmese, led him usually
to touch the right key. One of the British officers of whom
Mrs. Judson speaks, Avhen Avriting of these things afterwards,
mentions Mr. Judson as " possessed of a quick, chivalrous
sense of honor, Avhich made him a noble representative of the
English character, and Avhich could not fail of impressing even
the rude barbarians among Avhom he Avas thrown."
One evening several persons at our house were repeating
anecdotes of Avhat different men in different ages had regarded
as the highest type of sensuous enjoyment ; that is, enjoyment
derived from outward circumstances. " Pooh ! " said Mr.
Judson ; " these men Avere not qualified to judge. I know of
a much higher pleasure than that. What do you think of
floating down the IrraAAradi, on a cool, moonlight evening,
Avith your wife by your side, and your baby in your arms,
free — all free ? But you cannot understand it, either ; it
needs a twenty-one months' qualification ; and I can never
regret my twenty-one months of misery, Avhen I recall that
one delicious thrill. I think I have had a better appreciation
of what heaven may be ever since." And so, I have no
doubt, he had.
The reception of a lady Avas an incident in the English
camp ; and Mrs. Judson's fame had gone before her. No one
better than a true-born Englishman can discern precisely the
measure of attention grateful to a woman in her situation ;
and there were innumerable minute touches in General
Campbell's conduct which fixed her gratitude, and more still

396 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
that of her husband on her account. It was not that his son
Avas sent with the staff officers who came to escort her from
the steamer ; nor that unexpected honors, in military guise,
waited her on the shore, where she was received by Sir Ar
chibald in person ; nor that her tent Avas larger and more com
modious than his own, with the very agreeable addition of a
veranda ; but it was a certain fatherly kindness and genuine
heart interest, which made her feel as though she was receiv
ing all these favors from a friend.
An incident that occurred a few days after the landing of
the prisoners is perhaps worthy of notice. General Camp
bell was to give a dinner to the Burmese commissioners, and
he chose to make it an affair of some pomp and magnificence.
At a given order, almost as by magic, the camp was turned
into a scene of festivity, with such a profusion of gold and
crimson, and floating banners, as is thought most pleasing to
an oriental eye. When the dinner hour arrived, the company
marched in couples, to the music of the band, toward the ta
ble, led by the general, Avho walked alone. As they came
opposite the tent with 'the veranda before it, suddenly the
music ceased, the whole procession stood still, and while the
Avondering Burmans turned their eager eyes in every direc
tion, doubtful as to Avhat Avould be the next act in the little
drama, so curious to them as strangers, the general entered the
tent. In a moment he reappeared Avith a lady on his arm, —
no stranger to the conscious commissioners, — whom he led
to the table, and seated at his own right hand. The abashed
commissioners slid into their seats shrinkingly, where they sat
as though transfixed by a mixture of astonishment and fear.
" I fancy these gentlemen must be old acquaintances of yours,
Mrs. Judson," General Campbell remarked, amused by what
he began to suspect, though he did not fully understand it ;
" and, judging from their appearance, you must have treated
them very ill." Mrs. Judson smiled. The Burmans could
not understand the remark, but they evidently considered
themselves the subject of it, and their faces were blank with
consternation,

REMINISCENCES OF THE BRITISH CAMP. 397
" What is the matter with yonder owner of the pointed
beard ? " pursued Sir Archibald ; " he seems to be seized with
an ague fit."
" I do not know," answered Mrs. Judson, fixing her eyes on
the trembler, with perhaps a mischievous enjoyment of his
anxiety, " unless his memory may be too busy. He is an old
acquaintance of mine, and may probably infer danger to him
self from seeing me under your protection."
She then proceeded to relate, hoAv, when her husband Avas
suffering from fever, in the stifled air of the inner prison, with
five pairs of fetters about his ankles, she. had walked several
miles to this man's house to ask a favor. She had left home
early in the morning ; but was kept waiting so long that.
it was noonday before she proffered her request, and re
ceived a rough refusal. She was turning sorrowfully away,
when his attention was attracted by the silk umbrella she car
ried in her hand, and he instantly seized upon it. It was in
vain that she represented the danger of her walking home
without it ; told him she had brought no money, and could not
buy any thing to shelter her from the sun ; and begged that, if
he took that, he would at least furnish her with a paper one,
to protect her from the scorching heat. He laughed, and turn
ing the very suffering that had wasted her into a jest, told her
it Avas only stout people who were in danger of a sunstroke —
the sun could not find such as she ; and so turned her from
the door.
Expressions of indignation burst from the lips of the listen
ing officers ; and try to restrain them as they would, indignant
glances did somewhat detract from that high tone of courtesy
Avhich it is an Englishman's, and especially an Enghsh officer's,
pride to preserve in ah matters of hospitality. The poor Bur
man, conscience-taught, seemed to understand every thing that
Avas passing, and his features were distorted with fear ; while
his face, from which the perspiration oozed painfully, appeared,
through his tawny skin, of a deathly paleness. It was not in
a woman's heart to do other than pity him ; and Mrs. Judson
remarked softly, in Burmese, that he had nothing to fear, and
vol. i. 34

398 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
then repeated the remark to Sir Archibald. The conversation
immediately became general, and every means Avas taken to
reassure the timorous guests, but Avith little success. There
sat the lady, whom all but one of them had personally treated
with indignity, at the right hand of poAver, and her husband,
just released from his chains, close beyond ; and they doubtless
felt conscious that if they and theh- lady Avives were in such a
position, they would ask the heads of their enemies, and the
request would be granted.
" I never thought I Avas over and above vindictive," remarked
Mr. Judson, Avhen he told the story ; " but really it was one of
the richest scenes I ever beheld."
A British officer, Major Calder Campbell, describing " an
adventure in Ava" in the year 1826, gives a beautiful and
affecting description of Mrs. Judson. Major Campbell, then a
lieutenant, when descending the Irrawadi River in a canoe
manned by Burmans, Avas attacked in the night, while asleep, t
by his faithless boatmen, and severely wounded and robbed.
When waiting on the beach with much anxiety and distress
for the passage of some friendly bark, a row boat was seen
approaching. Signals of distress were made, and a skiff sent to his assist
ance. The folloAving is the language of the writer : —
" We were taken on board. My eyes first rested on the thin,
attenuated form of a lady — a white lady ! the first white
Avoman I had seen for more than a year ! She was standing on
the little deck of the row boat, leaning on the arm of a sickly-
looking gentleman Avith an intellectual cast of countenance,
in whom I at once recognized the husband or the brother.
" His dress and bearing pointed him out as a missionary. I
have said that I had not beheld a white female for many
months ; and now the soothing accents of female Avords fell
upon my ears like a household hymn of my youth.
" My wound was tenderly dressed, my head bound up, and I
was laid upon a sofa bed. With what a thankful heart did I
breathe forth a blessing on these kind Samaritans ! With what
delight did I drink in the mild, gentle sounds of that sweet

REMINISCENCE OF AN ENCiLISII OFFICER. 399
woman's voice, as she pressed me to recruit my strength with
some of that beverage ' which cheers, but not inebriates'! ' She
was seated in a large sort of swinging chair, of American
construction, in Avhich her slight, emaciated, but graceful form
appeared almost ethereal. Yet, Avith much of heaven, there
Avere still the breathings of earthly feeling about her ; for at her
feet rested a babe, a little, wan baby, on which her eyes often
turned with all a mother's love ; and gazing frequently upon
her delicate features, Avith a fond yet fearful glance, Avas that
meek missionary, her husband. Her face was pale, very pale,
Avith that expression of deep and serious thought Avhich speaks
cff-rhe strong and vigorous mind within the frail and perishing
body ; her broAvn hair Avas braided over a placid and'hoiy
broAV ; but her hands — those small, lily hands — were quite
beautiful ;. beautiful they were, and very Avan; for ah, they told
of disease — of death — death in all its transparent grace —
Avhen the sickly blood shines through the clear skin, even as the
bright poison lights up the Venetian glass Avhich it is about to
shatter. That lady Avas Mrs. Judson, Avhose long captivity
and severe hardships amongst the Burmese have since been
detailed in her published journals.
" I remained tAvo days with them ; tAvo delightful days they
Avere to me. Mrs. Judson's powers of conversation were of the
first order, and the many affecting anecdotes that she gave us
of their long and cruel bondage, their struggles in the cause
of religion, and their adventures during a long residence at the
court of Ava, gained a heightened interest from the beautiful.
energetic simplicity of her language, as well as from the cer
tainty I felt that so fragile a floAver as she in very truth was,
had but a brief season to linger on earth.
" Why is it that we grieve to think of the approaching death
of the young, the virtuous, the ready ? Alas ! it is the selfish
ness of human nature that would keep to itself the purest and
sweetest gifts of Heaven, to encounter the blasts and the blights
of a world Avhere we see them, rather than that they should
be transplanted to a happier region, where we see them not.
" When I left the kind Judsons, I did so with regret

400 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
When I looked my last on her mild, worn countenance, as
she issued some instructions to my neAv set of boatmen, I
felt my eyes fill with prophetic tears. They were not per
ceived. We parted, and we never met again ; nor is it likely
that the Avounded subaltern Avas ever again thought of by
those Avho had succored him. Mrs. Judson and her child
died sooir. after the cessation of hostilities."

CHAPTER XI.
MISSION TRANSFERRED TO THE TENASSERIM PROVINCES — RE
MOVES TO AMHERST. — EMBASSY TO AVA. — SYSTEM OF MIS
SIONARY REGULATIONS.— DEATH OF MRS. JUDSON. — DEATH
OF HIS ONLY CHILD. — REMOVES TO MAULMAIN. — DEATH OF
II IS FATHER. 1826-1827.
Upon Dr. Judson's return to Rangoon, after leaving
the camp at Yandabo, he found the city invested by
the Peguans, who had seized this opportunity for
attempting to regain their independence. Every thing
was in utter confusion. The mission house was a
ruin ; the disciples had fled ; and it was evident that
some other place must now be selected as the scene of
missionary labor. It is true that the king had re
quested Dr. Judson to remain at Ava, and had prom
ised him honors and rewards ; but he had refused to
grant religious toleration to his subjects. For a long
time the lower provinces, which had been in pos
session of the British, must suffer severely from the
vindictive jealousy of the monarch. The portions of
Burmah which had been ceded to the British were
inhabited by the same races as the other parts of the
empire. In these the gospel might be preached ; here
missions might be established, not merely by sufferance,
but under the fostering care of a Christian government.
Every thing conspired to point out the Tenasserim
provinces as the future seat of thfe mission ; at least
until some change should take place in the political
condition of the Burman empire.
Dr. Judson, who had rendered so important services
at the treaty of Yandabo, and Avho was better ac
34 * 401

402 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
quainted with the Burman language and character
than any other European, was invited to proceed from
Rangoon with the civil commissioner, Mr. Crawfurd,
to select the site of the new capital for the ceded prov
inces. This invitation he accepted. Proceeding in
a steamer to the mouth of the Salwen, in company
with the commissioner, he examined various localities
from Point Kyaikamee to Maulmain. It was at the
former place that the most desirable situation was
found, and there it was determined that a town should .
be established. It was accordingly selected for that
purpose in ^he name of the British government, and
the Honorable East India Company, and, as a com
pliment to the then governor general, was named
Amherst. Here it was intended to establish the capital of the
Tenasserim provinces, and here it would have been
established but for an unfortunate misunderstanding
between the civil commissioner and the commander-
in-chief. Sir Archibald Campbell considered Maul
main, a small town twenty-seven miles farther up the
river, the most favorable military position. Here he,
therefore, established his head quarters, and erected
barracks for the troops. This determined the direction
in which population should flow. Maulmain became
the capital. Amherst declined, and, in spite of its
commercial advantages, has remained to the present
time an insignificant town. When the course of
events became thus determined, Mr. Crawfurd resigned
the civil government of the proA'inces, and the aid of
a most intelligent and competent officer was lost to
the mission.
As soon, however, as the site of Amherst was se
lected, Dr. Judson determined to remove thither with

AMHERST. 403
his family. On the 2d of July, 1826, he arrived there
with Mrs. Judson, who was very kindly received by
Captain Fenwick., the military officer of the station.
The following letters relate to these events : —
To the Corresponding Secretary. ,
Steam Vessel, off Kyaixamee, April 1, 132S.
My dear Sir : I left Rangoon about one o'clock yester
day, in company with Mr. Crawfurd, commissioner of the
governor general, on an exploring expedition to the upper
parts of the provinces lately ceded by the Burmese govern
ment to the British. This morning, made the Kyaikamee
temple, perched on the highest part of a ledge of rocks, which
projects into the sea from a high bluff crowned with large
trees, at the very entrance of the Salwen or Martaban River.
After several hours spent in examining the shoals and rocks,
and ascertaining a safe entrance, we found good anchorage,
inside the rocky promontory, about one hundred and fifty
yards from the shore. Just at night, set our feet on some of
the rocks, which at present impede the free entrance of a boat,
and with some difficulty reached the beach, ascended the high
ground, and looked round on a place, which, though noAV cov
ered with woods, and exhibiting no marks of having ever been
inhabited, except the remains of a few old pagodas and wells,
appears to be, from vicinity to the sea, good anchorage ground,
and connection with an extensive interior, well calculated to
be the site of a new town, the future seat of government.
April 2. Out early in the morning, with the animation of
new discoverers — Mr. CraAvfurd and other gentlemen of the
party aspiring to the honor of founding a town which shah
rival the most celebrated ports of the East, and extend the
interest and honor of their king and country ; myself, while
far from being indifferent to the same objects, yet animated by
higher hopes and more extended prospects. Discovered a
small river, two miles above the point, called the Kalyen or
Wagaree, from a small village of that name, a few miles from

404 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
its mouth. Proceeded up the river in the steam vessel,
viewed several places, on the banks, and at night returned to
our old station.
April 3. Went up tht- eastern branch "of the Salwen Rivei
to Martaban, on the Burmese, side, but still occupied by Brit
ish troops, nearly thirty miles from its mouth. Found not
sufficient water for large ships, and concluded, therefore, at
once, that no place up the river would answer for the new
settlement. Just below Martaban, the Ataran, Gyne, and
Salwen unite, and form a beautiful expanse of water ; on one
side the town of Martaban, on the other the district of Maul
main, where it had been originally proposed to form the new
settlement, the country appearing fertile, and the distant
prospects, on every side, bounded by ranges of high mountains,
covered with wood, and replete, as we Avere told, with mineral
treasure. All of us regretted the want of deep water in the
channel leading to this delightful spot, yet perfectly reconciled
to a port at Kyaikamee, from the assurance that all the pro
ductions of the interior maybe conveyed thither by these same
streams, with as much facility as to any part of Maulmain.
April 4. Went up the Salwen, about twenty miles above
Martaban. The features of the country, as Ave advanced,
became more marked and diversified, evidently capable also
of a high degree of cultivation. Villagers removing from the
Avestern to the eastern bank, to enjoy the protection of the
British government. Went ashore, and explored a very curi
ous temple, partially subterranean, and filled Avith a most
astonishing number and variety of images. At night returned
to Martaban.
April 5. Accompanied by Captain Fenwick, civil super
intendent of these parts, we retraced our course between the
fertile island of Balu and the eastern coast, and resumed our
old station off Kyaikamee, which, notwithstanding its present
rough and wild appearance, evidently possesses greater advan
tages and capabilities than any other place we have seen in
these parts,
April 6. Repaired to the beach under a bold cliff, on the

REMOVAL TO AMHERST 405
north-western side of the promontory, in company with the
civil and military authorities present, when, by command of
the commissioner, the British flag was hois'.ed, and, under fire
of a royal salute and discharge of musketry, the place was
taken possession of in the name of the King and the Honora
ble Company, and the ceremonies concluded by reading the six
tieth chapter of Isaiah, and presenting an appropriate prayer.
Designation of the new place — Amherst.
April 7. Traversed the woods, and marked out some of
the outlines. Observed the tracks of tigers, buffaloes, deer,
and wild hogs. Another trip up the Salwen. Towards night,
employed in translating into Burmese a proclamation of the
commissioner to the inhabitants of the adjoining districts.
April 8, afternoon. Took leave of Amherst, on return to
Rangoon. April 9. Having strong west Avind ah the way, made slow-
progress, and anchored just below Rangoon late at night.
April 14. Mrs. Judson and myself conclude to be the first
settlers in Amherst. I have taken down the zayat, (may
the blessing of God rest on it, as in days of old,) and intend
to send the boards by an early conveyance, to form a tempo
rary shelter during the approaching rainy season. We are
promised a passage in the steam vessel, which will leave this
in the course of ten days. Affectionately yours, A. Judson, Jr.
When the treaty of Yandabo was negotiated, it
was stipulated that an additional commercial treaty
should be contracted between the British and Burman
governments. Mr. Crawfurd was appointed envoy
on behalf of the governor general in council, to con
duct this negotiation. He had become intimately
acquainted with Dr. Judson, and was exceedingly
desirous of securing his assistance in this embassy
to Ava. For a long time Dr. Judson resisted every

406 MEMOIR OF Dl. JUDSON.
solicitation. At last, Mr. Crawfurd promis ed to use
every effort to proem 3 the insertion of an article in
the treaty which should guaranty to all the subjects
of the king the right of religious liberty. The hope
that so desirable an end might be attained decided
Dr. Judson, at last, to accept the appointment. He
Avould not, however, have come to this conclusion but
for the opinion of his wife, who decidedly favored it.
The emolument accruing from this service would,
however, be what missionaries would consider large.
Here, then, was a principle involved for which no pre
cedent existed in the management of American mis
sions. Ought a missionary to be allowed to enter, for
a time, into any other service ? and if this were, under
any circumstances, allowed, to whom should the remu
neration belong ? — to himself, or to the missionary
board ? A difference of opinion on this subject led to
a most unpleasant discussion between the missionaries
at Serampore and their brethren at home, which
terminated in a total separation of the parties from
each other. Dr. Judson saw that this was the time
for the settlement of the question. He conceived
that the whole time of the missionary was to be con
secrated to the work of propagating the gospel ; that
the board at home became responsible for his whole
support, and therefore that he could not, with pro
priety, enter into any other engagements without
their consent, or, in special emergencies, the consent
of his associates ; and that whatever remuneration
should accrue from his services was to be considered
not his own property, but the property of the board.
He saAV also that a decision on this subject would
become more universally binding, if it were proposed
by him on the eve of entering upon an engagement

SYSTEM OF REGULATIONS. 407
which would be both honorable and lucrative. With
these views he wrote immediately to the board, and
suggested the rules on this subject by which this and
all future cases should be decided. They were adopted
in this country without alteration, and remain un
changed to the present moment.
In consequence of this decision, Dr. Judson made
over to the board five thousand two hundred rupees,
the sum allowed him by the governor general in coun
cil, in consideration of his services at the treaty of
Yandabo, and as a member of the embassy to Ava,
and also two thousand rupees, the avails of presents
made to him at Ava. This was frequently spoken of
as a donation to the mission. He, however, never so
considered it. In conveying it to the board, he only
acted in conformity with the principles which he had
adopted, and by which he believed every mission
ary should be governed. If he had retained it, no one
could have found just cause of complaint; for during
these months but little could have been done for the
mission. He appreciated, however, the value of the
principle, and refused to receive any higher remunera
tion than was received by his brethren, considering
all the surplus the rightful property of the mission.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Rangoon, June 10, 1826.
Rev. Sir : It has, for some time, appeared to me necessary,
in order to prevent the improper appropriation and lavish
waste of the mission funds, and to prevent missionaries from
pursuing measures Avith a view to their own emolument, while
ostensibly engaged in missionary work, that a system of regu
lations should be adopted by the board or the managing com
mittee, and made binding on all the missionaries in their

408 MEAIOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
employ. Experience has shown that regulations adopted by
missionaries themselves, though subsequently sanctioned by
higher authority, are not sufficiently bindmg ; nor is that
mode of proceeding so proper as to have the regulations ema
nate from the managing powers.
With these views, I take the liberty of submitting to your
consideration the accompanying paper, No. I. The regula
tions therein contained may be thought by some too lax, and
by others too strict. I can only say that they are the result
of many years' experience, and a very extensive acquaintance
with missionaries of various denominations, the relations which
have subsisted between them and their employers, and the
rules by which they have been governed. In framing the
system of regulations now presented, I haA'e had a particular
view to the numerous difficulties and differences which have
arisen between missionaries and managers of missions, few
only of which are generally knoAvn, and have endeavored to
preserve the balance of power between the parties, so as to
infringe neither the natural rights of the one, nor the directing
and controlling poAver of the other.
The accompanying paper, No. II., contains a resolution which
I propose for adoption, conformably to the third article of the
regulations. The rates of allowance therein stated are rather
higher than those originally fixed by the missionaries in Ran
goon, where, on account of the exportation of money being
strictly prohibited by the Burmese government, the exchange
was generally twenty or thirty per cent, in favor of Bengal.
In the ceded provinces, as there will be no restriction on
the exportation of specie, the exchange will probably be
at par.
I have only to add that, if the regulations now submitted
meet your approbation, the sooner copies are forwarded to the
several missionaries for their signature, the sooner, I trust,
existing evils will be remedied. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson, Jr.

system of regulations. 409
No. I.
Regulations of the Managing Committee of the Board of
Missions of the American Baptist Convention. To be sub
scribed by all persons entering the service of the board, and
to be forwarded for signature to all persons previously in
service. 1. No missionary receiving pecuniary support from the
board shall engage in any secular business for the purpose of
personal emolument ; and not at all, unless, in the opinion of the
board, the great object of the mission can be best promoted
thereby. 2. No such missionary shall appropriate to himself the avails
of his labor, or the compensation he may receive for service
of any kind ; but all avails of labor, and all presents or pay
ments made in consideration of services performed, shall be
placed to the credit of the board : Provided, that nothing in
this article shall be construed to affect private property, in
heritances, or personal favors, not made in compensation of
service. 3. Ah missionaries supported by the board shall, with their
wives and children, be considered as having claims on the mis
sion fund for equal support in similar circumstances, the rates
of allowance being fixed by the board, and the claims of wid
ows and orphans being not invahdated by the death of the
head of their family.
4. In regard to missionaries who support themselves from
the income of their estates, or in any way not inconsistent
Avith their missionary profession, they shall be considered mem
bers of the mission equally with those who receive pecuniary
support, and, therefore, equally subjeet to the instructions and
general regulations of the board.
5. Every missionary, however supported, shah transmit to
the board, in a journal or series of letters, a regular account
of the manner in which he spends his time and performs the
duties of his profession.
6. Missionaries stationed in the same place or vicinity, who
vol. i. 35

410 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
shah form a voluntary compact for that purpose, si. all be a
committee of the board, for the appropriation and disposal of
money and property intrusted to them by the board, the Chris
tian public, or private individuals, and for the general manage
ment of missionary affairs.
7. If a missionary persist in violating any of the above reg
ulations, it shah be the indispensable duty of his associates in
the mission to give full information to the board.
No. II.
Resolution of the Board or the Managing Committee.
Resolved, That, in regard to missionaries stationed in the
provinces lately ceded to the British, south and east of the
Salwen River, the monthly allowance for their personal ex
penses, exclusive of appropriations for building or house rent,
conveyance on mission business, and other expenses of a pub-
he nature, be, for a single man one hundred and ten, for a
married man one hundred and fifty, for a child twelve, and for
a widow or single woman seventy -five rupees per month, pay
able in Bengal. To a Friend. Rangoon, July 12, 1826.
My dear Sir : Your very handsome present of three
hundred rupees arrived most opportunely to enable Mrs.
Judson to build a temporary mission house, and set up a small
school at Amherst ; for which purposes no appropriation had
been made by our managing committee at home. I left
her there, a few days ago, in the house of Captain Fen
wick, civil superintendent, who immediately on our arrival
vacated it for her present accommodation, and who exerted
himself in every possible way to render her situation com
fortable during my absence.
We found several of the native converts who had preceded
us to that place, and built the first native houses that en
croached on the jungle, and disturbed the deer and wild fowl
which had been the undisputed occupants of the peninsula.

EMBASSY TO AVA. 411
Tavo of the men, whose names you may recollect, Moung
Shwa-ba and Moung Ing, I have long intended for assistants
in the mission, and I have noAV advised that one of them be
immediately employed in the school, and the other as an itiner
ant missionary among the neAv settlers.
Mrs. Judson is delighted with her situation and prospects,
though all around her is yet wild, and she can expect but very
little society at present. There are about fifty houses, chiefly
native, exclusive of the military cantonment, and officers'
houses, about a mile distant, on the west side of the peninsula ;
but after the rainy season, the influx of native population will
probably be very great. The harbor proves to be safe and
commodious, and the place evidently possesses capabil
ities and resources which must render it, in time, a point of
considerable importance.
It Avas Avith great reluctance that I left Amherst and
returned to this place, to accompany the embassy to Ava,
according to my engagement with Mr. Crawfurd — an engage
ment which he obtained by long solicitation, and finally by
holding out a temptation that I could not, or rather thought it
not my duty to resist ; he pledged himself to use his utmost
interest to secure in the commercial treaty which he is com
missioned to negotiate with the court at Ava, an article in
favor of religious toleration, on principles of reciprocity ; the
Burman government engaging not to persecute their subjects
Avho may embrace the Christian religion, and the British gov-
3rnment securing a similar privilege to their subjects in behalf
of the religion of Gaudama. I sincerely hope that the busi
ness of the embassy will be accomplished in three or four
months, and that I shall reach Amherst and recommence mis
sionary operations in November next.
Your donation to the mission, and that of Mr.  , I
regard as peculiarly valuable, because uninfluenced by solici
tation, personal attachment, or desire of human praise, and
therefore affording assurance of having originated in those
motives which alone are acceptable in the sight of our blessed
Lord; assurance also of being accompanied and followed by

412 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
that sp.rit of prayer for the mission which invests the dona
tion wi;h its greatest value.
Mrs. Judson and myself feel much gratified that our mis
sionary efforts have attracted your notice, and obtained your
approbation ; and, begging for a continued interest in your
good wishes and prayers, I remain, my dear sir,
Yours with much affection and respect,
A. Judson, Jr.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Rangoon, July 31, 1826.
Rev. and dear Sir : At the date of my last, the 10th of
June, I was waiting for an opportunity of removing to Am
herst. Since then, the commissioner, Mr. Crawfurd, who is
appointed to negotiate a secondary treaty with the court of
Ava, renewed his proposal for me to accompany the embassy,
and pledged himself, in case of my complying, to use his
interest to procure the insertion of an article in the treaty
favorable to religious toleration — an object which I have had
at heart so many years, and which, though now, on account of •
the opening in the south provinces, not so necessary as for
merly, is yet greatly favorable to the gradual introduction of
religion into all parts of the country, from the station which
we propose occupying. With these views, I thought it my
duty to accept the offer. Desirous, however, of making a com
mencement in the new place as early as possible, and unwilling
to disappoint the native converts, who had left this in the full
sxpectation of our immediately following them, I accompanied
Mrs. Judson and family thither, in the end of last month ; and
after seeing them comfortably settled, in a temporary house be
longing to Captain Fenwick, civil superintendent of the place,
which he kindly vacated for Mrs. Judson's accommodation
I returned to Rangoon the 9th instant.
The new town has made some progress during the rains,
About fifty native houses, Burmese, Chinese, and India-Mus
sulman, and three or four European, exclusive of barracks for
the troops and officers' houses, compose the infant settlement.

EMBASSY TO AVA. 413
As soon as the favorable season commences, it will increase
rapidly, in consequence of large emigrations from Rangoon.
Numerous villages are even now springing up on the eastern
side of the Salwen, and there can be no doubt that the whole
region will eventually be filled Avith native population. The
harbor of Amherst proves to be safe and commodious ; large
forests of teak have been discovered in the interior, thereby
insuring it a place of trade ; the situation of the settlement,
exposed at all seasons to the sea breeze, must be healthy, and
the mission, I may venture to say, will receive the decided
patronage of government. The management of all the ceded
provinces will probably be intrusted to Mr. Crawfurd, one of
the most enlightened, intelligent, liberal men I have ever met ;
one most eminently qualified to discharge the highest and most
responsible duties of government.
The embassy will leave this for Ava on the receipt of final
orders from Bengal, which are daily expected. I hope that
the object of the embassy will be obtained in the course of
three or four months, and that I shall be able to reach Am-
. herst and recommence missionary operations in Novem
ber next. Yours faithfully, A. Judson, Jr.
Mr. Judson, on the 5th of July, left Mrs. Judson
and his family at Amherst, to embark for Rangoon on
his way to Ava, in the suite of Mr. Crawfurd, the
British envoy. It was not until the 30th of Septem
ber that he arrived at the capital, where the negotia
tions were to be conducted. He soon found, to his
mortification, that no provision in favor of religious
toleration could be secured. His labor, therefore, so
far as this result was concerned, was fruitless ; and
he was constrained to spend his time in a service in
which he felt very small interest, and which could con
tribute but very little to the happiness or prosperity of
eithel nation. The Burmans were ignorant of their
35*

414 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
own interest, incapable of appreciating honorable
motives, afraid of the wisdom, as they had been of the
prowess, of their conquerors, and seemed governed by
one maxim only, which was, to agree to as little as
possible. To labor in conducting a negotiation un
der such circumstances must have been, to a man of
Dr. Judson's aspirations, sufficiently irksome.
But the worst was yet to come. On the 24th of
November, he heard of the death of Mrs. Judson.
She died at Amherst, on the 24th of October, 1826,
in the thirty-seventh year of her age. The being
whom he loved better than all else on earth, who had
been so intimately associated with, him in all his plans
of benevolence, and who had borne so important a
part in their accomplishment ; to whose devoted love,
consummate tact, and heroic resolution, for twenty-
one months, he had been indebted not only for his
life, but for all that rendered life endurable ; a woman
who was the acknowledged ornament of every circle
in which she had moved, — had, in an unexpected mo
ment, been removed from him forever. She had sick
ened and died among strangers. A few native Chris
tian women were her only female attendants. The
voice which might have soothed her agony could not
administer to her the consolations of the gospel.
Other hands than his had smoothed her pillow, re
ceived her messages of love, closed her dying eyes,
and consigned her to the house appointed for all the
living. Her last words were spoken of him, and her
last request to Dr. Richardson, her medical attendant,
was, that he would convey to her husband her earnest
entreaty that he would never consent to enter the ser
vice of the British government, but confine himself
exclusively to the duties of his religious mission. It
's very rare that so many elements of exquisite sad-

DEATH OF MRS. JUDSON. 415
ness are concentrated in one bereavement. The narra
tive of these mournful events is best conveyed by his
own pen. To his Sister. Ava, December 7, 1826.
Weep with me, my dear sister and parents, for my beloved
wife is no more. She died at Amherst, the 24th of October
last, of remittent fever, and is buried near the spot where she
first landed ; and " they have put up a small, rude fence
around the grave, to protect it from incautious intrusion."
There lies, enclosed in a coffin, the form of her I so much
loved — the wife of my youth, the source and centre of my
domestic happiness.
She had just built a small house, and moved into it three
weeks before she was taken ill ; and she writes, " May God
preserve and bless you, and restore you in safety to your old
and new home, is the prayer of your affectionate Ann.'
Alas ! the new home only remains for me ; my old home is
broken up forever. Even httle Maria is too young to recog
nize her papa, and, before I see her, will have forgotten her
mamma, who loved her so much, and took such care of her.
Ah, httle, ungrateful babe, who will ever love you like your
OAvn mamma, whom you have so soon forgotten ? Let us go,
my child, to her grave, and plant some flowers there, and
water them with our tears, and wait for her resurrection at
the last day ; for her spirit has been conveyed by angels to
Abraham's bosom, and is now existing in paradise with the
spirits of the just made perfect. And she will come again,
and resume the form which now moulders in the grave.
Then she will be bright as the sun, beautiful as an angel,
immortal as the Saviour. And all of us who are entitled to '
immortality by a union to the same immortal Head will live
together with her in the enjoyment of everlasting hfe.
We will not, then, mourn as those who have no hope ; " for
if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them
also that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."

416 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Yet, notwithstanding the consolations of the gospel, grief
claims its right, ami tears their course ; and I must subscribe
myself Your broher, in the deepest sorrow,
A. Judson, Jr.
To the Corresponding Secretary, Rev. Dr. Bolles.
Ava, December 7, 1826.
Rev. and dear Sir : My last was dated at Rangoon,
while waiting to accompany the embassy to Ava. We were
detained until the 1st of September, and arrived here the
28th, though we were not admitted to an audience with the
king till the 20th of the ensuing month.
In the very commencement of negotiations, I ascertained
that it would be impossible to effect any thing in favor of re
ligious toleration, in consequence of the extraordinary ground
assumed by the Burmese commissioners. Reluctant as tha
government has ever been to enter into any stipulations with
a foreign power, they resolved to do nothing more than they
were obliged to by the treaty of Yandabo ; and as that re
quired them to make a " commercial treaty," they resolved to
confine the discussions to points strictly commercial ; so that,
instead of a treaty of twenty-two articles, calculated to place
the relations of the two countries on the most liberal and
friendly footing, the treaty just concluded is confined to four,
and those utterly insignificant.
So far, therefore, as I had a view to the attainment of reli
gious toleration in accompanying the embassy, I have entirely
failed. I feel the disappointment more deeply on account of
the many tedious delays which have already occurred, and
which we anticipate during our return ; so that, instead of
four or five months, I shall be absent from home seven or
eight. But, above all, the news of the death of my beloved wife
has not only thrown a gloom over all my future prospects,
but has forever imbittered my recohections of the present
iourney, in con sequence of Avhich I have been absent from

DEATH OF MRS. JUDSON. 417
her dying bed, and prevented from affording the spiritual
comfort which her lonely circumstances peculiarly required,
and of contributing to avert the fatal catastrophe which has
deprived me of one of the first of women, the best of wives.
I commend myself and motherless child to your sympathy
and prayers, and remain Yours, in the deepest sorrow,
A. Judson, Jr.
To Mrs. Hasseltine, of Bradford, Mass.
Ava, December 7, 1826.
Dear Mother Hasseltine : This letter, though in
tended for the whole family, I address particularly to you ;
for it is a mother's heart that will be most deeply interested
in its melancholy details. I propose to give you, at different
times, some account of my great, irreparable loss, of which
you will have heard before receiving this letter.
I left your daughter, my beloved wife, at Amherst, the 5th
of July last, in good health, comfortably situated, happy in
being out of the reach of our savage oppressors, and animated
in prospect of a field of missionary labor opening under the
auspices of British protection. It affords me some comfort
that she not only consented to my leaving her, for the purpose
of joining the present embassy to Ava, but uniformly gave
her advice in favor of the measure, whenever I hesitated con
cerning my duty. Accordingly I left her. On the 5th of
July I saAV her for the last time. Our parting was much
less painful than many others had been. We had been
preserved through so many trials and vicissitudes, that a
separation of three or four months, attended with no hazards
to either party, seemed a light thing. We parted, therefore,
with cheerful hearts, confident of a speedy reunion, and
indulging fond anticipations of future years of domestic
happiness. After my return to Rangoon, and subsequent
arrival at Ava, I received several letters from her, written in
her usual style, and exhibiting no subject of regret or appre
hension, except the declining health of our little daughter,

418 memoir of dr. judson.
Maria. Her last was dated the 14th of September. She
says, " I have this day moved into the new house, and, for the
first time siuce we were broken up at Ava, feel myself at
home. The house is large and convenient, and if you were
here I should feel quite happy. The native population is
increasing very fast, and things wear rather a favorable
aspect. Moung Ing's school has commenced with ten scholars,
and more are expected. Poor little Maria is still feeble. I
sometimes hope she is getting better ; then again she declines
to her former weakness. When I ask her where papa is, she
always starts up, and points toAvards the sea. The servants
behave very well, and I have no trouble about any thing, ex
cepting you and Maria. Pray take care of yourself, par
ticularly as it regards the intermittent fever at Ava. May
God preserve and bless you, and restore you in safety to your
new and old home, is the prayer of your affectionate Ann."
On the 3d of October, Captain F., civil superintendent of
Amherst, writes, "Mrs. Judson is extremely well." Why
she did not write herself by the same opportunity, I know not.
On the 18th, the same gentleman writes, " I can hardly think
it right to tell you that Mrs. Judson has had an attack of
fever, as before this reaches you she will, I sincerely trust, be
quite well, as it has not been so severe as to reduce her.
This was occasioned by too close attendance on the child.
However, her cares have been rewarded in a most extraor
dinary manner, as the poor babe at one time was so reduced
that no rational hope could be entertained of its recovery;
but at present a most favorable change has taken place, and
she has improved wonderfully. Mrs. Judson had no fever last
night, so that the intermission is now complete." The tenor
of this letter was such as to make my mind quite easy, both as
it regarded the mother and the child. My next communica
tion was a letter with a black seal, handed me by a person,
saying he was sorry to have to inform me of the death of the
child. I know not whether this was a mistake on his part, or
kindly intended to prepare my mind for the real intelligence.
I went into my room, and opened tl i letter with feelings of

DEATH OF MRS. JUDSON. 419
gratitude and joy, that at any rate the mother was spared. It
was from Mr. B., assistant superintendent of Amherst, dated
the 26th of October, and began thus : —
My dear Sir: To one who has suffered so much, and with
such exemplary fortitude, there needs but little preface to tell a tale
of distress. It were cruel indeed to torture you with doubt and
suspense. To sum up the unhappy tidings in a few words, Mrs.
Judson is no more.
At intervals I got through Avith the dreadful letter, and pro
ceed to give you the substance as indelibly engraven on my
heart : —
Early in the month she was attacked with a most violent fever.
From the first she felt a strong presentiment that she should not
recover, and on the 24th, about eight in the evening, she expired.
Dr. R. was quite assiduous in his attentions, both as friend and
physician. Captain F. procured her the services of a European
Avoman from the 45th regiment ; and be assured all was done that
could be done to comfort her in her sufferings, and to smooth the
passage to the grave. We all deeply feel the loss of this excellent
lady, whose shortness of residence among us was yet sufficiently
long to impress us with a deep sense of her worth and virtues. It
was not until about the 20th that Dr. R. began seriously to suspect
danger. Before that period the fever had abated at intervals ; but
its last, approach baffled all medical skill. On the morning of the
23d, Mrs. Judson spoke for the last time. The disease had ther.
completed its conquest, and from that time up to the moment of
dissolution, she lay nearly motionless, and apparently quite insensible.
Yesterday morning I assisted in the last melancholy office of putting
her mortal remains in the coffin, and in the evening her funeral was
attended by all the European officers now resident here. We have
buried her near the spot where she first landed, and I have put
up a small, rude fence around the grave, to protect it from incau
tious intrusions. Your little girl, Maria, is much better. Mrs. W.
has taken charge of her, and I hope she will continue to thrive
under her care.
Two days later, Captain Fenwick vrites thus to a friend in
Rangoon : — ¦

420 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
I trust that you will be able to find means to inform our friend
of the dreadful loss he has suffered. Mrs. Judson had slight attacks
of fever from the 8th or 9th instant, but we had no reason to appre
hend the fatal result. I saw her on the 18th, and at that time she
Avas free from fever, scarcely, if at all, reduced. I was obliged to
go up the country on a sudden business, and did not hear of her
danger until my return on the 24th, on Avhich day she breathed her
last, at 8 P. M. I shall not attempt to give you an account of the
gloom which the death of this most amiable woman has thrown over
our small society. You, who were so well acquainted with her,
must feel her loss more deeply ; but Ave had just known her long
enough to value her acquaintance as a blessing in this remote
corner. I dread the effect it will have on poor Judson. I am sure
you will take every care that this mournful intelligence may be
opened to him as carefully as possible.
The only -other communication on this subject, that has
reached me, is the following line from Sir Archibald Campbell
to the envoy : " Poor Judson will be dreadfully distressed
at the loss of bis good and amiable wife. She died the other
day at Amherst, of remittent fever, eighteen days ill."
You perceive that I have no account whatever of the state
of her mind, in view of death and eternity, or of her wishes
concerning her darling babe, whom she loved most intensely.
I hope to glean some information on these points from the
physician who attended her, and the native converts who must
have been occasionally present.
I will not trouble you, my dear mother, with an account of
my own private feelings — the bitter, heart-rending anguish,
which for some days would admit of no mitigation, and the
comfort which the gospel subsequently afforded — the gospel
of Jesus Christ, which brings life and immortality to light.
Blessed assurance, — and let us apply it afresh to our hearts,
— that, while I am Avriting and you perusing these lines, her
spirit is resting and rejoicing in the heavenly paradise, —
" Where glories shine, and pleasures roll
That charm, delight, transport the soul ;
And every panting wish shall be
Possessed of boundless bliss in thee."

RETURN TO AMHERST. 421
And there, my dear mother, we also shah soon be, uniting
and participating in the felicities of heaven with her for whom
we now mourn. " Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Amherst, February i, 1827.
Amid the desolation that death has made, I take up my pen
once more to address the mother of my beloved Ann. I am
sitting in the house she built, in the room where she breathed
her last, and at a window from which I see the tree that
stands s-t the head of her grave, and the top of the " small
rude fence " which they have put up " to protect it from
incautious intrusion."
Mr. and Mrs. Wade are living in the house, having arrived
here about a month after Ann's death ; and Mrs. Wade has
taken charge of my poor motherless Maria. I was unable to
get any accounts of the child at Rangoon ; and it was only on
my arriving here, the 24th ultimo, that I learned she was still
ahve. Mr. Wade met me at the landing-place, and as I passed
on to the house, one and another of the native Christians came
out, and when they saw me they began to weep. At length
we reached the house ; and I almost expected to see my love
coming out to meet me, as usual. But no ; I saw only in the
arms of Mrs. Wade a poor little puny child, who could not recog
nize her weeping father, and from whose infant mind had long
been erased ah recollection of the mother who loved her so much.
She turned away from me in alarm, and I, obliged to seek
comfort elsewhere, found my way to the grave. But who ever
obtained comfort there ? Thence I went tc the house, in which
I left her, and looked at the spot where we last knelt in prayer,
and where we exchanged the parting kiss.
The doctor who attended her has removed to another sta
tion, and the only information I can obtain is such as the
native Christians are able to communicate.
It seems that her head was much affected during her
last days, and she said but little. She sometimes com
plained thus : " The teacher is long in coming ; and the new
missionaries are long in coming ; I must di?. alone, and leave
vol. i. 36

422 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
my little one ; but as it is the will of God, I acquiesce in his
will, t am not afraid of death, but I am afraid I shall not be
able to bear these pains. Tell the teacher that the disease
was most violent, and I could not Avrite ; tell him how I suffered
and died ; tell him all that you see ; and take care of the
house and things until he returns." When she was unable to
notice any thing else, she would still call the child to her, and
charge the nurse to be kind to it, and indulge it in every
thing, until its father shall return. The last day or two, she
lay almost senseless and motionless, on one side, her head
reclining on her arm, her eyes closed ; and at eight in the
evening, with one exclamation of distress in the Burman lan
guage, she ceased to breathe.
February 7. I have been on a visit to the physician who
attended her in her illness. He has the character of a kind,
attentive, and skilful practitioner ; and his communications to
me have been rather consoling. I am now convinced that
every thing possible Avas done, and that, had I been present
myself, I could not have essentially contributed to avert the
fatal termination of the disease. The doctor was with her
twice a day, and frequently spent the greater part of the night
by her side. He says that, from the first attack of the fever
she was persuaded she should not recover ; but that her mind
was uniformly tranquil and happy in the prospect of death.
She only expressed occasional regret at leaving her child, and
the native Christian schools, before her husband, or another
missionary family, could arrive. The last two days she was
free from pain. On her attention being roused by reiterated
questions, she replied, " I feel quite well, only very weak."
These were her last words.
The doctor is decidedly of opinion that the fatal termination
of the fever is not to be ascribed to the localities of the new
settlement, but ehiefly to the weakness of her constitution,
occasioned by the severe privations and long-protracted suffer
ings she endured at Ava. O, with what meekness, and patience,
and magnanimity, and Christian fortitude, she bore those suffer
ings ! And can I wish they had been less ? Can I sacri

ADDITIONAL HELPERS. 423
legiously wish to rob her crown of a single gem ? Much she
saw and suffered of the eA'il of this evil world, and eminently
was she qualified to relish and enjoy the pure and holy rest
into which she has entered. True, she has been taken from
a sphere in which she was singularly qualified, by her natural
disposition, her winning manners, her devoted zeal, and her
perfect acquaintance with the language, to be extensively
serviceable to the cause of Christ ; true, she has been torn from
her husband's bleeding heart, and from her darling babe ; but
infinite wisdom and love have presided, as ever, in this most
afflicting dispensation. Faith decides that it is all right, and
the decision of faith eternity will soon confirm.
I have only time to add — for I am writing in great haste,
with very short notice of the present opportunity of sending to
Bengal — that poor little Maria, though very feeble, is, I hope,
recovering from her long illness. She began indeed to recov
er, while under the care of the lady who kindly took charge
of her, at her mother's death ; but when, after Mr. Wade's
arrival, she was brought back to this house, she seemed to
think that she had returned to her former home, and had
found in Mrs. Wade her own mother. And certainly the
most tender, affectionate care is not wanting to confirm her in
this idea. I remain, my dear mother,
Yours, in the deepest sorrow,
A. Judson, Jr.
Dr. Judson returned to Amherst January 24, 1827,
and joined the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wade, who
had arrived there November 23, 1826, about a month
after Mrs. Judson's death. Mrs. Wade had assumed
the charge of the feeble infant, and she watched over
it with a mother's fondness until its brief course was
completed. On the 7th of April, Mr. and Mrs. Board-
man joined the mission. The health of Mrs. Board-
man, however, soon rendered it necessary for them to
proceed to Maulmain for medical advice. It was

424 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
found desirable to establish a branch of the mission
in that place, and they remained for that purpose.
The fortunes of Amherst continuing to decline, Dr.
Judson, in August, removed thither. In November,
Mr. and Mrs. Wade, with the native Christians at
Amherst, followed them ; and henceforward Maulmain
became the chief seat of the Burman mission.
The work which had been so prosperously com
menced at Rangoon had now to be done over again.
A few of the converts, whom war and the cholera had
spared, were gathered around them ; but to the popula
tion at large the missionaries were entire strangers.
They were wild Burmans, such as they had at first met
at Rangoon. There were, however, now several Eu
ropean missionaries. The New Testament had been
translated, and portions of it, together with several
tracts, had been printed. A spirit of Christian zeal
had manifested itself among some of the converts,
which gave good promise of success. The work of
preaching the gospel was recommenced, and, as before,
converts were added to them of such as should be
saved. These events are narrated at large in the fol
lowing journals and letters : —
Journal.
January 24, 1827. Arrived at Amherst, and detached
myself from the suite of the envoy. Was happy to find that
Mr. and Mrs. Wade had previously arrived, and were occu
pying the house built by Mrs. Judson. Mrs. Wade had also
taken charge of my daughter Maria, now two years old. As
I passed from the landing-place to the house, the native
Christians came out to meet me, and they welcomed me with
the voice of lamentation ; for my presence reminded them of
the great lo£s they had sustained in the death of Mrs. Judson.
There are four only in the place, Moung Shwa-ba and Moung

BURMESE WORSHIP RECOMMENCED. 425
Ing, Mah Men-la and Mah Doke. The rest of the baptized
are scattered in different parts of the country. The teacher
Moung Shwa-gnong died of the cholera, on his way down
from Ava, at the close of the war. Three of the disciples
remained in Rangoon, until the place was evacuated by the
British, and then failed in their attempts to obtain a passage
hither. On our way we stopped a few days at Rangoon. The place
was invested by the Peguans, who have raised the standard
of rebellion, and taken possession of several towns in the
lower part of the country. From one of the highest roofs
within the stockade I obtained a view of the mission house,
which afforded us shelter so many years. It is now quite
in ruins, nothing remaining but the posts and part of the roof.
All the houses in the suburbs, and by the river side, are com
pletely swept away. It is not probable, however, that the
Peguans will succeed in establishing their independence, or
even in getting possession of Rangoon.
We find- Amherst in a state of decay, owing to Sir Archi
bald Campbell having fixed his head quarters at Maulmain,
twenty-five miles up the river. Most of the Burmese emi
grants have settled in that vicinity. But as the river is not
navigable for vessels of any size, Amherst must be the port,
and as soon as it receives the fostering care of government,
will probably become a flourishing town.
January 28, Lord's day. This day I recommenced worship
in Burmese, after an intermission of two years and a half.
About twenty persons were present, and among the rest Mah
Loon-byay, wife of a French trader from Rangoon, settled in
this place. She has been for some months in the habit of
meeting with the native Christians, for the purpose of worship.
February 3. Attended the funeral of Abby, daughter of
Moung Shwa-ba. She and her elder sister, Mary, were the
first girls with whom Mrs. Judson commenced the female
school, previous to the late war. They have been with us
ever since. Mrs. Wade intends to go on with the school, and
has now several girls under her care.
36*

426 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Febinary 4, Lord's day. Worship as last Lords day
Commenced commenting on the epitome of the Old Testa
ment. In the evening administered the Lord's supper. Seven
communicants present.
February 10. A few days ago, went up to Maulmain, to
pay my respects to Sir Archibald Campbell, and also to obtain
an interview with Dr. R., who attended Mrs. Judson in her
last illness. Sir Archibald encourages our removing to his
favorite station ; but as we are already settled here, we feel
disposed to wait a little, until we see what the supreme gov
ernment intends to do for the place.
February 11, Lord's day. After worship, had some par
ticular conversation with Mah Loon-byay, who intimated her
wish to become a full disciple by being baptized. Endeavored
to explain to her the necessity of the neAv birth, without which
baptism would avail her nothing.
February 13. At the evening meeting, which is attended
by the native Christians Tuesdays and Fridays, Moung Ing
expressed his desire to undertake a missionary excursion to
Tavoy and Mergui. We were all particularly pleased with
the proposal, as originating with himself, and indicating a state
of mind particularly favorable to the spread of the gospel.
February 25, Lord's day. After the usual worship, we
set apart Moung Ing for the work to which we trust he is
called by the Spirit of God, appointing him a preacher of the
gospel and teacher of the Christian rehgion, without the
charge of any church or power to administer the ordinances —
an appointment similar to that which, in our churches, com
monly precedes ordination as a pastor or evangelist, in the
higher sense of the word. And being thus commended to the
grace of God, he embarked on a native boat bound to Tavoy.
May the divine Spirit accompany, and guide, and prosper the
first Burman preacher we have ever sent forth.
March 13. Received a letter from Moung Ing, dated the
2d instant, informing us of his arrival at Tavoy, five days from
this place, and of his attempt to communicate the gospel to
the boat people, who listened in silence, Avithout contradicting
or raviling.

HOPEFUL INQUIRERS. 427
April 14. We have been much occupied of late in complet
ing the mat houses which Mrs. Judson had begun, and in
clearing away the trees and underwood in the vicinity of the
mission premises. We have now room for myself and broth
er Wade's family, and have nearly finished a house for the
female school, which will also afford temporary accommodation
for brother Boardman's family on their first arrival.
The case of Mah Loon-byay has become very encour
aging. In her latest conversation with Mrs. Wade, she gave
considerable eAddence of having received the grace of God.
One of her daughters, also, about twelve years old, professes
to be anxious for the salvation of her soul, and desirous of be
coming a disciple of Jesus Christ.
A letter from Moung Ing informs us that, after remaining a
few days at Tavoy, he proceeded by sea to Mergui, his former
residence. He met with a favorable reception from several
at Tavoy, and one householder said it would be a good plan to
build a zayat by the wayside for the preaching of the gospel.
April 20. Returned from Maulmain, whither I went in
quest of medical aid for my daughter, accompanied by Mrs.
Wade. Happy to meet with Mr. Boardman and family, who
had arrived during our absence.
April 22, Lord's day. Three hopeful inquirers, beside Mah
Loon-byay, deserve notice — Moung Dwah, husband of Mah
Doke, Moung Thah-pyoo,* a poor man belonging to Moung
Shwa-ba, and Moung Myat-poo, son-in-law o? a Peguan
chief, who emigrated from Rangoon with his followers, and
died in this place. They have regularly attended worship on
Lord's day, and thereby manifested some regard to religion.
At the close of the discourse to-day, which treated of the
wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption which
Christ is to all believers, Moung Myat-poo broke oat into
some audible expressions of satisfaction. This led to some
conversation after worship, iii which he professed a desire to
know more of this religion ; " for," said he, " the more I
understand it, the better I like it."
* Ko-Thah-byoo, the first Karen convert.

428 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
April 24. My httle daughter Maria breathed her last,
aged two years and three months, and her emancipated sphit
fled, I trust, to the arms of her fond mother.
April 29, Lord's day. In consequence of the funeral, sev
eral of our Burmese acquaintances in the village came a few
evenings in succession, according to their custom, and I en
deavored to improve the opportunity in preaching to them
Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life. Three respectable
men, friends of Moung Myat-poo, were of the number. They
all came again today, and attended both morning and evening
Avorship. They profess to be quite convinced of the truth of
the Christian religion, but I fear they are deficient in true
repentance. April 30. A letter from Moung Ing informed us of his
arrival at Mergui. He conducts pubhc worship every Lord's
day, and has commonly four or five 'auditors, some of whom
also attend the daily family worship. His present residence
being very obscure, he is about building a smah house by the
wayside, Avhich will cost, he says, fourteen or fifteen rupees ;
and, among other means of attracting company, he proposes
to prepare and suspend a religious writing in front of his
house. But, he adds, while man devises, God's pleasure
alone will be accomplished ; and under this impression he de
sires to persevere in his work.
May 6, Lord's day. Had a long conversation with Mah
Loon-byay," in which we became satisfied that she is a subject
of renewing grace. She received her first religious impres
sions in Rangoon, several years ago, during a season of great
domestic affliction, Avhen, not finding any comfort at the Bo-
man Catholic church, to which, in consequence. of some of her
ancestors being of foreign extraction, she considered herself
attached, she began to visit at the mission house. After her
removal to Amherst, her former impressions were deepened ;
and, though har religious experience has never been so clear
and decided as that of some others, we trust that she is a
growing Christian, and ought to be admitted to those sources
of nourishment which the Great Shepherd has provided for
the sustenance of his flock.

DEATH OF HIS ONLY CHILD. 429
* Moung Myat-poo, mentioned April 52 and 29, was, as
usual, present at worship. From being a noisy, talkative
man, of assumed airs and consequence, he has become quiet,
and modest, and docile. Mah Men-la, who lives near him,
speaks in his favor. She says that, ever since he began to at
tend worship, he has forsaken the habits of intemperance he
had contracted, and spends much of his time in reading our
books and conversing on religious subjects.
May 8. Returned from a visit to brother Boardman at
Maulmain, who went up, a few days ago, on account of Mrs.
Boardman's health, and now thinks of remaining there for the
present. Sir Archibald having offered us ground for a mis
sion station, we fixed upon a site about three quarters of a
mile south of the military cantonments, commanding a view
of the river, and contiguous to a large native town.
May 15. In the evening, at the stated prayer meeting, the
case of Mah Loon-byay was laid before the church, and we
agreed to receive her into fellowship, on being baptized.
May 20, Lord's day. Mah Loon-byay was accordingly
baptized. May 26. Brother Boardman and family have been with
us a few days, during which we have discussed many points
relative to our missionary operations, and made some arrange
ment concerning the outward affairs of the mission.

To Mrs. Hasseltine. Amhebst, April 26, 1827.
Dear Mother Hasseltine : My little Maria hes by the
side of her fond mother. The complaint to Avhich she was
subject several months proved incurable. She had the best
medical advice ; and the kind care of Mrs. Wade could not
have been, in any respect, exceeded by that of her own mother
But all our efforts, an I prayers, and tears could not propitiate
the cruel disease ; the work of death went forward, and after
the usual process, excruciating to a parent's heart, she ceased
to breathe on the 24th instant, at 3 o'clock, P. M., aged

430 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
two years and three months. We then closed her faded eyes",
and bound up her discolored lips, where the dark touch of
death first appeared, and folded her little hands on hei cold
breast. The next morning we made her last bed in the small
enclosure that surrounds her mother's lonely grave. Together
they rest in hope, under the hope tree, {hopia,) which stands
at the head of the graves ; and together, I trust, theh spirits
are rejoicing after a short separation of precisely six months.
And I am left alone in the wide world. My own dear
family I have buried ; one in Rangoon, and two in Amherst.
What remains for me but to hold myself in readiness to fol
low the dear departed to that blessed world,
" Where my best friends, my kindred, dwell,
Where God, my Saviour, reigns " ?
I remain, my dear mother, yours,
A. Judson.
To the Rev. D. Sharp. Amherst, May 5, 1827.
My dear Sir : You are doubtless acquainted with the
measures we have taken in regard to the formation of a new
mission station at this place.
The final disposal of the ceded provinces on this coast
is still rather uncertain, the question having been referred to
the decision of the Court of Directors. But it is generally
understood that the Burmese government has behaved so ill
since the war, in not complying with the terms of the»treaty
and in giving the envoy, Mr. CraAvfurd, a most ungracious re
ception at court, that these provinces cannot be restored to
their former masters, and that the difficulty attending their
erection into an independent principality, or transferring
them to any neighboring power, will render their final reten
tion necessary, though the British government uniformly pro
fess their reluctance to extend their Indian territories.
The fate of this port is still mora dubious, in consequence
of Sir Archibald Campbell's having fixed his head quarters at

PROSPECTS OF AMHERST. 431
Maulmain, twenty-five miles up the river, and of the uncer
tainty whether Mr. Crawfurd, or any person interested in the
prosperity of Amherst, will be placed in civil charge here.
When I first determined on settling here, it was under
stood that all the heads of government were unanimous in
the purpose of making this the capital of the ceded provinces ;
but an unhappy misunderstanding took place ; and though this
is admitted to be the most pleasant place, the most salubrious,
the most centrical, the best, and indeed the only port, (for
ships cannot go up the river,) Sir Archibald pronounced Maul
main the best military station, and the whole tide of Bur
mese emigration has flowed thither.
On brother Wade's arrival, and my return from Ava, as
we had a house here which Mrs. Judson had begun, we con
tinued to occupy it, and Avait for the openings of Providence.
On brother Boardman's arrival, he had occasion to go up to
Maulmain to obtain medical assistance for Mrs. Boardman,
and according to an arrangement we have made, he will prob
ably remain there for the present. Sir Archibald has re
peatedly offered us ground for a mission station ; and we are
pleased with having a footing at both places, that we may,
with greater facility, occupy that which will become the per
manent seat of government, or perhaps both, if the native
population of both, and other circumstances, shall appear to
warrant such a division of our strength.
The expense of building such mat houses as our present
necessities require is not large. We have expended about
three hundred dollars in Amherst, and have sufficient accom
modation for myself and brother Wade's family, besides a
commodious zayat for the female school. And even this ap
propriation has not been made from the funds furnished from
America, but from donations made us for the express purpose
of building. Since the close of the war, I have been able,
from money paid me by the British government, presents
lately made me at Ava, and donations to the mission, to pay
into the funds of the board above four thousand dollars,
which, after deducting such expenses as our regulations aUow,

432 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
together with the last donation from Madras, I have remitted
to Mr. Pearce, of Calcutta.
The long interruption of our missionary work, occasioned
by our troubles at Ava, the domestic calamities which have
since overwhelmed me in quick succession, and the hitherto
unfavorable circumstances of Amherst, have operated to pre
vent my returning with much ardor to my usual occupations.
I am, however, endeavoring to do a little. We have a small
assembly of twenty-five or thirty on Lord's days, and our daily
family worship is not unfrequently attended by a few inqui
rers. One woman desires to profess our rehgion, and has lately
given some satisfactory evidence that she is sincere. A few
respectable men declare themselves convinced of the truth of
the Christian rehgion ; but we discern yet no traces of the re
newing influences of the Spirit on their hearts.
Three only of the Rangoon converts are now with us. The
rest are dead or scattered in different parts of the country.
So far as I have been able to ascertain the circumstances of
those who died in my absence, and those who still remain, I
believe that, with the exception of two, who were excluded
from the church in Rangoon for neglecting to attend worship,
none of the baptized have disgraced their holy profession. I
do not, of course, speak of two or three cases which required
temporary church discipline.
Moung Ing lately went on a mission to Mergui, (Bike,) the
place of his former residence, where he has set up Christian
worship, and has, he writes me, several inquirers.
I commend my sorrows to your sympathetic remembrance,
and, begging an interest in your prayers, remain,
My dear sir, Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Amherst, June 21, 1827.
Rev. and dear Sir : When brother Boardman was last
here, we were on the point of writing a joint letter, recom

TENASSERIM PROVINCES. 433
mending a reenforcement of missionaries to be sent out to
these provinces. But it then remained doubtful whether Mr.
Crawfurd, the late envoy to Ava, and the founder of Amherst,
would be appointed to the government of this place — a meas
ure which we considered indicative of the intention of the
supreme government of Bengal, so far as the question rests
with them, to retain this part of the ceded provinces. We
have now ascertained that he is appointed, and may be ex
pected here in a feAv weeks. This circumstance, together
with the present state of negotiation between the British and
Burmese governments, too tedious to be detailed, and a va
riety of other considerations, render it quite certain in our
minds that these provinces, at least the seaports, will be per
manently annexed to the territories of the East India Com
pany. In this view we recommend them, as a very promising
field of missionary labor.
The principal towns are Maulmain, Amherst, Yay, Tavoy,
and Mergui. Maulmain itself contains a native population
of fifteen or twenty thousand. Amherst is still smah. Yay
contains perhaps three thousand, but no census has yet been
taken. Tavoy contains, according to the census, eight thou
sand ; the whole district twenty-five thousand. Mergui con
tains three thousand, and the adjoining villages about the same
number. It is not, however, the immediate population that
Ave would insist on, but the consideration that, while these
provinces contain a population sufficient for all missionary op
erations, they are really as much a part of Burmah as Ran
goon or Ava ; and therefore it is to be hoped that the influence
of the gospel preached here will ultimately be felt through the
whole country.
The climate of ah this coast is decidedly salubrious ; more
eo, perhaps, than any other part of India ; and communica
tion will always be maintained with Bengal, by way of Am
herst. In regard to the number required, we should say not less
than three. Five could be disposed of to the greatest advan
vol i. 37

434 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON,
tage, namely, two at Tavoy, two at Mergui or Yay, and one
more at Maulmain. We remain, Rev. and dear sir,
Yours faithfully,
A. Judson,
J. Wade.
P. S. We cannot wait to communicate with brother Beard-
man without losing the present opportunity of sending to Ben
gal, which, we are told, is the last that will occur for some
time. We know that his sentiments on the subject of this let
ter perfectly accord with ours.
Second postscript. Siam is also a noble field for missions.
The capita], Bangkok, is only twenty miles from the sea, and
is itself a port. Constant communication is maintained with
Singapore, just at the extremity of the Siamese and Malayan
peninsula ; and between Singapore and Bengal ships are con
stantly passing. See " Singapore," in Chapin's Missionary
Gazetteer. Bangkok is now unoccupied, but the London Independents
are looking that way.
I know not what to say about the coast of Arracan, it has
proved so extremely unhealthy. Sandoway, however, is said
to be salubrious ; and other places, when cleared and settled,
will doubtless be so. It was rumored that the insalubrity of
the climate would occasion the country being delivered up to
the Burmese, or erected into a separate principality ; but the
new title of the governor general, Earl of Arracan, shows that,
at home, they value the acquisition.
Dr. Morrison wrote, many years ago, that an American
mission, in his opinion, would be less suspected in China than
an English one. The Chinese perfectly understood the dif
ference between the two nations ; and the trade with America
is direct, furnishing means of constant communication.
I had the honor of submitting these considerations, many
years ago, to the former board, as well as the state of Siam

preparation of books. 435
and the Sandwich Islands, then unoccupied ; but they excitoi
no attention.
A. Judson.
Journal. Amherst, July 3, 1827.
For a month past I have been chiefly employed in revising
the New Testament, in several points which were not satis
factorily settled when the translation was made. Have also
completed two catechisms for the use of Burman schools, the
one astronomical, in thirty-eight questions and answers, the
other geographical, in eighty-nine, accompanied by a map of
the world, with Burman names.
5. Commenced a translation of the book of Psalms.
9. Received letters from Moung Ing, dated Mergui, June
12, in which he says that he is preaching the gospel to ah he
meets — in the streets, in houses, in zayats. Some contradict,
some revile, some say, " These words are good, but the reli
gion is too hard for us."
Among several little incidents mentioned by Moung Ing, I
select the following : " One day I met a woman who praised
the meritorious efficacy of religious offerings. I preached to
her the vanity of such offerings, and the truth of Jesus Christ.
The woman repeated my words to her husband. Soon after,
as I was passing by, the husband called me in, and invited me
to preach there. Next Sunday I went to the house, and found
they had invited about fifteen of the neighbors to hear me
preach. In the midst of preaching, some rose up and went
away ; some staid and listened till I had finished, among wkom
there are three or four persons who continue to appear well.
The householder's name is Moung Pyoo, and his wife's name
Mah Thwai." One Moung Nwai, also, a man of Portuguese
extraction, appears to be a sincere inquirer.
One of us having been requested by a friend in Bengal to
procure a cohection of sea shells, we mentioned it in writing
to Moung Ing, to which he replies, in a postscript, " In regard
to what you say about sea shells, if I can conveniently collect

436 memoir of dr. judson.
some, I vill do so; but- as this is a worldly concern, I shah
not bestjAv any effort upon it, and probably shall not effect
much " — a resolution not, perhaps, an worthy the attention of
missionaries of a higher order.
11. Received letters from America, the first that have
been written since my release from imprisonment. Was much
gratified to find that, in recommencing the work of translat
ing, I was anticipating the particular wishes of the board.
Maulmain, August 12, Lord's day. Yesterday came up
to this place, on a visit to brother Boardman. To-day, attempt
ed public worship, as usual, but had no native worshipper,
except Moung Myat-poo, from Amherst. He staid the greater
part of the day, and gave considerable evidence of being truly
attached to religion. In the afternoon, Moung Tau-lay, a
native chief in this village, and Moung Mau, brother Board-
man's teacher, of whom he has a little hope, came in, and
listened with some attention.
15. Spent several hours with Moung Bo, an old Rangoon
acquaintance, in discussing the external evidences of the Chris
tian religion. Some of the arguments appeared to convince
his understanding, but his heart remains unaffected.
19, Lord's day. Had a novel assembly of thirteen, all,
except Moung Mau, ignorant of the first principles of Chris
tianity. They paid uncommon attention, and proposed several
questions, which occasioned a desultory and animated conver
sation of some hours. One old Pharisee expressed his fear
that all his good works Avere nugatory, and declared his sin
cere desire to know the real truth.
September 9, Lord's day. Still at Maulmain, as Ave have
nearly given up all hope of Amherst's becoming a town, since
Mr. Crawfurd has declined the government of these provinces,
16, Lord's day. Had an assembly of about a dozen. One
man, by name Moung Pan-pyoo, a sedate, steady person, and
a strict observer of the Boodhist religion, listened and con
versed in such a manner as raised some hope that he is well
disposed tov/ards the truth.
This morning, heard of the death of our excellent sister

DEATH OF MAH-MEN-LA. 437
Mah Men-la, at Amherst — an event which we have been
expecting for several days. She was taken ill before I left
Amherst, with a species of dropsy. When her case became
dangerous, .she was removed to the mission house : " after
which," says a letter dated September 3, " she indulged but
little hope of recovery. She therefore made her will, and
gave up every worldly care. In her will she bequeathed fifty
rupees to her brother, the husband of Mah Doke, one hundred
and fifty to the missionaries, and the remainder (two hundred,
perhaps,) to her two adopted boys, with the exception of a few
articles to a niece in Rangoon, and a few other articles to be
given away in charity. She has left the boys in our charge,
most earnestly desiring and praying that they may be brought
up in the Christian religion. No one influenced her to give
us any part of her little property, nor had we the least idea
that she intended to do so, until she desired Moung Shwa-
ba to write an article to that effect.
" When her will was written, she said, ' Now I have done
with all worldly things.' Since that, she has enjoyed great
peace of mind. She does not express a doubt that her name
is written in heaven, and that she is hastening to a blissful im
mortality. She suffers considerable pain with much patience,
and, in order to fortify her mind, often compares her sufferings
to those of her divine Master. She is not inclined to converse
much ; but how delighted you would be to hear her, now and
then, talk of entering heaven, and of meeting Mrs. Judson,
and other pious friends ! The other day, after having dwelt
for some time on the delightful subject, and mentioned the
names of ah the friends she should rejoice to meet, not omit
ting dear little Maria, she stopped short, and exclaimed, '• But
first of all, I shall hasten to where my Saviour sits, and fall
down, and worship and adore him, for his great love in send
ing the teachers to show me the way to heaven.' She says
that she feels a choice in her mind to die now, rather than to
be restored to health, but desires that the will of God may be
done. She was much gratified with your letter to-day, and
37*

438 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
now seems more reconciled to the idea of not seeing you again
on earth. I feel it a pleasure to do any thing for her, she is
so grateful and affectionate." Letters received this morning
add, "While the funeral procession is moving towards the
house appointed for all living, I sit down to inform you that
last evening, about nine o'clock, Mah Men-la's happy spirit
took its flight to her native skies. Her departure was quiet
and serene, without a groan or sigh, or even a gasp, to distort
her smiling countenance. She had often said that, to her,
death had no terrors ; and, though insensible at last, she seemed
to bid him welcome. A large concourse of people attended
the funeral services ; and we have been much gratified by this
general respect shown to our departed sister."
October 2. We have been lately clearing up part of our
ground contiguous to the road, and removing some of the native
houses, with a view to building a house for brother Wade and
myself, as we have now concluded to abandon Amherst alto
gether, with the little enclosure, the hope tree, and the graves
Avhich contain the mouldering remains of all that were dearest
to me on earth. Maulmain, October 7, 1827.
Lord's day. A succession of company from morning till
afternoon. In the last party were some individuals who listened
with much seriousness, particularly Moung Gway, a man of
some distinction. This is his second visit, and his whole ap
pearance indicated real earnestness.
19. Had the pleasure of seeing Moung Ing, who has just
returned from Mergui. Spent the evening in hearing him
relate his adventures. The latter part of his residence there,
he daily occupied a zayat, in a central part of the town, and
made pretty extensive communications of the gospel. Beside
some cases mentioned in his letters, he now mentions the case
of Moung Nay, from Rangoon, who appeared the most prom
ising of ah. But he found none Avho was willing to accompany
him back to this place, though some expressed a desire to do

REMOVAL TO MAULMAIN. 439
so, in vder to see the foreign teachers, and become more
acquainted with their religion.
21, Lord's day. Moung Shoon and Moung Pan-pyoo, two
of our principal workmen, were with me a great part of the
day, and I cannot but hope that they are seriously inquiring
after the truth. I pressed them to attend a prayer meeting in
the evening, with myself and Moung Ing, but they were un
willing to commit themselves so far.
November 14. Have been extremely busy the last month,
in getting the new house ready to occupy. On the 10th, went
down to Amherst ; and to-day removed hither, with Mr. and
Mrs. Wade. Moung Shwa-ba, Moung Ing, and eleven of
the female scholars accompany us, as well as the two boys, left
in our charge by Mah Men-la. Mali Doke and her husband
will follow us in a few days, together with Moung Myat-poo,
and several families connected with him. As to Mah Loon-
byay, she is obliged to remain behind, on account of her
husband. 25, Lord's day. We have arranged a large room in the
front of the house, in the manner of a zayat, and to-day
set up worship, in the old Rangoon fashion ; and a busy day
it has been. About seventy persons, great and small, attended
worship in the forenoon ; after which twenty or thirty women
followed Mrs. Wade into another room, and listened to her
instructions. In the evening we had about thirty ; and after
Avorship some animated conversation ensued, in which Mah
Doke's husband, Moung Dwah, came out very decidedly on
the side of Christianity. Moung Ing has a good degree of
missionary spirit, and affords much assistance in the work.
26. This evening we had rather an encouraging season.
Several of the neighbors came in, so that there was an assem
bly of a dozen, beside the school. After Avorship, had some
particular conversation with Moung Dwah, in which he gave
considerable evidence of being a converted man. He declares
that he loves the religion of Christ, because he is sure it is the
true religion, and confers inestimable benefits. He says it is
about six weeks, or two months, -ince his mind became quite

440 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
decided. His wife says, that so long ago he began to read the
Scriptures more attentively, and requested her to pray for and
with him, which sh.3 did for some days, when he began to pray in
the family himself. These things she related, at the time, to Mrs.
Wade, with tears of joy. Moung Thah-oung also, an old Ran
goon neighbor, and violent opposer, has just come up from
Amherst, with a view to remo ring here, having, as he says,
become convinced that his former opposition was wrong,
and that the religion of Christ is Avorthy consideration and
acceptance. 9, Lord's day. I cannot help recording the name of
Ka-ning-tsoo. He is one of the most respectable of our
neighbors — a venerable, white-headed old man, called a
Thoo-dau-goung, (saint,) on account of his conscientious life
and meritorious deeds ; formerly rich, but now poor ; once a
pharisee, but lately disposed to change his character. He oc
casionally attends our evening worship, and seems to be opening
his mind to the influence of divine truth. We feel much in
terested in him, and daily pray for his precious soul.
11. Moung Noo, another of our neighbors, the youngest of
four brethren, came in last Sunday, just at night ; and after
hearing some plain truths, he staid during evening worship, and
paid uncommon attention. This morning he came again, and
this evening again. After worship, he inquired with feeling,
" What shall I do to be saved ? " " Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ." " I do believe. I do believe. This religion is right.
I have been all wrong. What shall I now do ? " " If you
have begun to beheve, let your faith increase. Attend wor
ship. Keep the Lord's day. Become the Saviour's servant.
Do all his will. Give yourself, soul and body, into his hands.
Will you do so ? " "I will, I will. But I do not know ah his
will." "Read the Scriptures." "I can read Talaing only,
not Burman." " Come then, an^'we will read to you. Come
every day to worship, and at all times of day, and we will
instruct you,"
The aase of this poor man is the case of a large majority of
the population of these parts. They understand the Scriptures

MEANS FOR SPREADING IUE TRUTH. 441
in Burman when read, but cannot read themselves. And I
feli the necessity of having the Scriptures constantly read in
some public place — in a Avord, of setting up a reading zayat,
to be occupied by one o" the native Christians.
12. Conversed with Moung Shwa-ba, on the project
of a reading zayat, and he entered into it with some in
terest. We concluded therefore to put up a shed on the
wayside, in the vicinity of the house, and employ him on
account of the mission half of the time, the other half of his
time being devoted to the female school. Moung Ing is to be
continued in the service of the mission exclusively, as an itin
erant throughout the place, and an assistant to brother Wade,
n the preaching -zayat, which he is about setting up.
16, Lord's day. Moung Shwa-ba commenced his opera
tions in the reading zayat, and had several listeners. In
the course of the day, had several opportunities of preaching
the gospel to a great many. In an excursion through the
north part of the place, met Moung Ing, engaged in the same
way. He is growing a most valuable assistant. He takes up
the business without instigation, and appears to be deeply in
terested in the spread of the gospel. Moung Dwah, also, is
growing in zeal and attachment to the cause. I trust it will
not be long before he is baptized.
31. Though considerable missionary work has been done
for several days past, I have noted nothing in the journal ;
but the close of the year reminds me of this as well as many
other delinquencies.
The means which are at present using for the spread of
truth, may be said to be four : 1st. Public worship on Lord's
days. This commences at half past ten o'clock in the fore
noon, and is attended by the members of the mission, the
scholars, the native converts, and inquirers, and occasionally
some of the neighbors and travellers ; the assembly A'arying
from twenty to seventy or more. The worship consists of a
set form of adoration and praise, followed by an extempore
disccurse, or rather harangue, for it is commonly very desul-

442 MLMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
tory, suited tc the nature of the assembly; ma the exercises
are closed with prayer. After the assembly breaks up, sev
eral remain, and we frequently have religious conversation
and discussion for several hours. 2d. The daily evening
worship. This is intended for our own family, the scholars, the
Christians that live around us, and such of the neighbors as
wish to attend. The attendance, including the children,
averages about twenty. We begin with reading a portion of
Scripture — explain — exhort — and conclude with prayer.
After worship I spend the evening with those who are wihing
to remain, particularly the converts, and endeavor to make the
conversation instructive and profitable to them. In the mean
time, the vtamen repair to another room, and receive the in
struction of Mrs. Wade ; and this, together with the female
school, conducted by Mrs. Wade and Mrs. Boardman, (brother
Boardman has also just commenced a school for boys,) may
be called the third means. The fourth is brother Wade's
zayat, about hah a mile south of the mission house, on the
principal road leading from Maulmain to Tavoy-zoo. He
goes regularly after breakfast, and spends the day. But his
adventures he will relate in his own journal. I hope in a few
days to be able to add the fifth head, namely, a small zayat at
Koung-zay-kyoon, about two miles and a half north of our
present residence, a very populous part of the town, where I
intend to spend the day, making an occasional exchange with
brother Wade.
As to success — our most hopeful inquirer, Moung Myat-
poo, Avith his extensive connections, has found it inconvenient
to remove from Amherst ; and for him we can only hope and
pray. Moung Dwah, brother of Mah Men-la, and husband
of Mah Doke, gives very satisfactory evidence of being a true
disciple. He is constant, in attending worship every day,
besides his own family Av;rship, and has lately requested to be
admitted into the church. He will probably be the first bap
tized in the waters of Maulmain. The second is Moung
Thah-byoo, (mentioned April 22,) a Xaren by nation, imper-

DEATH OF HIS FATHER. 443
fectly acquainted with the Burman language, and possessed
of very ordinary abilities. He has been about us several
months, and we hope that his mind, though exceedingly dark
and ignorant, has begun to discern the excellence of the reli
gion of Christ. The third is Mah Lah, concerning whom my
principal acquaintance is derived from Mrs. Wade. She is
most constant in improving every opportunity of attending
worship, and gives considerable evidence of loving the gospel.
Both the last have requested baptism. Next in order comes
the priest, whom brother Wade has doubtless mentioned in
his journal. He visits the zayat every day ; has been to the
house once, and spent a few hours with me. He appears to
be almost convinced of the truth, but cannot yet think of giv
ing up the merits of thirty-seven years of clerical austerity. Ka-
ning-tsoo, mentioned the 9th instant, remains about the same.
There are two or three more, who attend Avorship occasion
ally, and give us some reason to hope that their attention has
been so far excited as to consider the Christian religion, with
some conviction of its truth and excellence. I ought not to
forget the children in the school, two or three of whom, and
particularly one, by name Mee A, have manifested much ten
derness of feeling, and desire to obtain an interest in Christ.
To his Mother and Sister.
Maulmain, December 13, 1827.
My dear Mother and Sister: Yours of the 5th Febru
ary last reached me a few days ago, and gave me the particu
lars of that solemn event Avhich has laid the venerable head
of our family in the silent dust. " Death, like an overflowing
stream, sweeps us away" into the ocean of eternity. You
haVe heard, from iny letters of December 7, '26, and May 3,
'27, of the ravages which death has made in my own dear
family. I am left alone in this wide wilderness, to wait all
the days of my appointed time, till my own change come. I
pray earnestly that you may both enjoy much of the divine

444 memoir of dr. judson.
presence, in your solitary, bereaved circumstances, and that
both you and I may be preparing, under the repeated strokes
of our heavenly Father's hand, to follow the dear departed
ones, and enter upon the high enjoyment of everlasting life.
Your affectionate son and brother,
A. Judson.

CHAPTER XII.
LABORS AT MAULMAIN. — ORDINATION OF BURMESE PASTORS. -
MUNIFICENT GIFT. — LETTER TO SIR ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL.
— VllfWS OF HIGHER ATTAINMENTS IN RELIGION. — PREPARA
TION OF WORKS FOR THE PRESS. — SECLUSION.
1828-1830.
The period comprised in the present chapter is
marked by some of the most characteristic events in
the life of Dr. Judson. They are, for the most part,
narrated with sufficient minuteness in his journal and
letters. A few introductory remarks may, however.
serve to connect them together in a more continuous
whole. We have seen that Dr. Judson had succeeded in
establishing a nourishing church in Rangoon, and had
removed to Ava for the purpose of carrying the gospel
to "regions beyond," as well as to make an attempt
to secure to the empire some degree of religious toler
ation. These cherished prospects were all ruined by
the war. The church in Rangoon was dispersed ; the
missionaries whom he had left there barely escaped
with their lives ; the government had become imbit
tered against all foreigners ; and he and his wife had
passed through a trial such as has, I believe, hap
pened to no other modern missionaries. The whole
work was to be recommenced ; but with, the ad
vantage of a perfect knowledge of the language, and
under the fostering care of the British government.
This change of circumstances, however, made no
alteration in his plans of labor. Experience nad
taught him to adhere with greater strictness to the
vol. i. 38 445

446 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
example of missionary effort contained in the Acts
of the Apostles. Mr. Wade and he at once erected
zayats at different parts of the town, and each made
the viva voce preaching of the gospel his chief occu
pation. Dr. Judson was, of course, engaged con
stantly in the work of translation ; but he devoted tc
it only the intervals which occurred between his
preaching services and his conversations with passers
by. The result was the same as at Rangoon. Very
soon one and another became deeply interested in the
subject of personal religion. Some of the old con
verts from Rangoon removed to Maulmain, and aided
in extending the knowledge of the gospel. A Chris
tian chrcuv!: WP.Yi "oon formed, which continues until
the present day.
From the close of the war to his removal to Maul
main, Dr. Judson had been intimately associated with
many of the civil and military officers of the British
government. When the seat of the chief commis
sioner was established at that place, this intimacy for
some time continued ; and he was frequently the hon
ored and cherished guest of the gentlemen to whom
the care of the ceded provinces was committed. He,
however, soon perceived that engagements of this
kind, from being mere relaxation, began to engross
too much of that time the whole of which he had
devoted exclusively to the Burmans. In a matter of
duty, he was incapable of doing a thing by halves.
He immediately resolved to cut off every thing like
fashionable intercourse with his English friends — a
resolution to which he steadfastly adhered to the close
of his life. The first person to whom he communi
cated his intention of never again dining out of the
mission was Sir Archibald Campbell himself. The

CHARACTERISTIC EVENTS. 447
announcement created of course a variety of impres
sions in the small society of Maulmain. Some re
gretted that so agreeable a man should become a
mere devotee ; others believed that sorrow for the loss
of his wife had made him mad ; while others, who
understood him better, honored what they considered
his self-immolation in a good cause ; and, on the
whole, he was regarded with a sort of reverential
sympathy. In subsequent years, his separation from
general society came to be regarded, both by the
English and even by his brethren, as a personal pe
culiarity, resulting, in part, from religious asceticism,
and partly from want of interest in those around him.
This opinion was Avide of the truth. No one en
joyed intelligent and cultivated society more keenly
than he ; and he surrendered it only in obedience to
those principles by which he designed to govern his
life. He was, however, always punctilious in the per
formance of those simpler civilities which required no
sacrifice of precious time ; and he was on intimate
terms with nearly all the civil commissioners sta
tioned on that coast, standing to most of them in the
relation of a confidential adviser. -
As additional missionaries were sent out by the
board, they naturally came first to Maulmain. "Wiiile
there may have been some propriety in sending them
to that point to learn the rudiments of their missionary
work, and to become acquainted with the customs of
the East, Dr. Judson was, from the first to the last, most
earnestly opposed to the concentration of missionary
effort, either in this or in any other place. He was
in favor of attacking the enemy at every accessible
point. His eye was fixed on the whole heathen world ;
and he labored incessantly to induce his brethren to

448 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
occupy every promising field that presented itself in
that part of India. It was at his suggestion, I believe,
that Dr. Jones established the mission in Siam, Mr.
Brown that in Asam, and Mr. Boardman that at
Tavoy. These were all brethren to whom Dr. Judson
was strongly attached, and to be deprived of their
cooperation and society was to him a sore bereave
ment ; but he rightly judged them all to be eminently
qualified to lay the foundations of new missions, and,
as was his wont, he sacrificed all personal considera
tions to the cause in which he had embarked.
He applied to himself the same rule by which he
supposed every missionary should be governed. As
soon as there were men at Maulmain able to perform
the labor at that station, he left it to plant the gospel
in other districts. In this spirit, he removed to Ran
goon to aid Mr. and Mrs. Wade, who were there
laboring alone. Here, however, he was not satisfied,
but pushed on to Prome, the ancient seat of Burman
power, determining there to unfold the standard of
the cross. Here he labored with considerable prospect
of success, until he was ordered away by the govern
ment at Ava. He .went forth on this mission attended
only by a few native converts, in the spirit of an
apostle ; and his farewell to Prome, as he looked upon
it for the last time, reminds us of our Lord's pathetic
lamentation over Jerusalem.
When his mission here was abruptly terminated by
order of the government, he returned to Rangoon ;
and a great and an effectual door was, for a while,
opened for him in that city. The demand for tracts
and portions of the Scriptures was great beyond all
precedent. Persons from all parts of the empire were
earnestly desiring writings which would explain to

ZAYAT OPENED. 449
them the new religion. To this work he devoted him
self with characteristic energy, at the same time
translating the Scriptures, and preaching the gospel.
A knowledge of the new religion was thus carried
to the interior ; and from the seed then sown have
arisen those incipient churches found so frequently
in the lower part of the empire.
Journal.
Maulmain, January 2, 1828. Spent the day in brother
Wade's zayat, he being otherwise engaged. Considerable
company all day. The priest present most of the time. Tells
every body that he comes daily to investigate the new reli
gion, speaks in our favor on all occasions, but will not own
that he has any thought of changing his profession.
January 6, Lord's day. Not a very interesting day ; the
assembly rather thin, but in the evening had some gratifying
conversation with Mah Lah, and obtained satisfactory evi
dence that she, as well as Moung Dwah, has experienced
divine grace.
January 11. Commenced operations in the Koung-zay-
kyoon zayat, and had literally a crowd of company, without
any intermission, through the day. Among the rest, one
Moung San-lone, who has received some instructions from
Moung Ing, appeared to drink in the truth. Two others,
whose names I know not, staid from morning till night, and
manifested that inquisitive spirit which, I feel persuaded, will
bring them again.
January 12. The two last, Moung Tau and Moung Yay,
were with me nearly all day ; but San-lone, I am sorry to
find, has suddenly gone off to Rangoon on business, and will
be absent several days. In the evening, Moung Dwah and
Mah Lah were examined for admission into the church, and
fully approved.
January 13, Lord's day. A pretty full assembly at morning
worship Much gratified to see Moung Tau and Moung Yay,
38*

450 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
who, with Moung En, a very sensible young man from Koung-
zay-kyoon, and Moung Myat-kyau, brother of the chief of that
district, and two or three others, remained several hours, and
maintained a most interesting and profitable discussion of
many points cf Christian doctrine. Ah these that have been
named, together with Moung San-lone, may be considered
hopeful inquirers.
January 14. Company at the zayat through the day.
Towards night, Moung San-lone came in, having been disap
pointed in his attempt to go to Rangoon. He manifests a
spirit of sincere, anxious inquiry. He says that he desires,
above all things, to find the light ; but it seems to him that
the farther he advances the more dark and sinful he becomes.
After I left the zayat, he told Moung Ing that he wanted to
come and live near us, that he might devote himself more en
tirely to the investigation of religious truth.
January 15. A crowded zayat all day. Obliged to talk in
cessantly. One Oo San-lone, a blind man of some note among
his neighbors, took the lead in conversation. The other, Moung
San-lone, is evidently improving in disposition to the gospel.
January 17. Had worship in the house, as on Lord's
days. Not a very large assembby, but some of the most
promising inquirers were present. After the exercises,
Moung Dwah and Mah Lah received baptism. Moung
Thah-vyoo, who had been absent on business several days,
happened to come in at the time, and requested leave to join
them ; but we advised him to wait a little.
At night Moung San-lone declared that he fully approved
of the Christian religion in all its parts, but felt his mind so
Aveak and dark that he knew not how to encounter the re
proach and ridicule which would ensue on embracing it.
January 25. For several days past the attendance at
the Koung-zay-kyoon zayat has varied from ten to twenty
through the day. Moung Myat-kyau, brother of the chief of
the district, has been gradually advancing in religious knowl
edge and decision of character, until I begin to indulge a hope
that b; is a subject of divine grace. Mah Men, an old ac-

PROGRESS OP INQUIRERS. 451
quaintance of Mah Mee of Rangoon, came to the zayat a few
days ago, and listened with such eagerness and approbation as
inclined me to think that she had obtained some love to the
truth before she removed to this place. Her husband is a de
cided opposer. The opposition throughout the district and the
whole place is becoming more open. At the same time, the
number of listeners and inquirers is multiplying, and the ex
citement in favor of religion is evidently increasing. Moung
San-lone, the most hopeful inquirer, has gone to Rangoon, and
will be absent several days.
March 20. Since the last date, all the inquirers mentioned
then, and on the 17th preceding, have been advancing slowly.
Some or other of them attend the zayat every day. Moung
Shway-pan and Ko Man-poke must also be added to the list.
The latter, an elderly man of some respectability, appears to
be really attached to the truth, but is yet very timid in his
professions. Mah Men is treated harshly by her husband,
and seldom dares to come near us. Moung San-lone, on his
return from Rangoon, was accompanied by his father-in-law,
Oo Pai by name, a very active, intelligent old man, who
drank in the truth with singular avidity. On his return to
Rangoon he took an affectionate leave of me, promising to
remove his family hither, if at all practicable. We hear that
our old friend Moung Thah-a is now in Rangoon, and that
there are several of the old inquirers who listen to his Instruc
tions. But my particular object in taking up my pen this morning
Avas to mention the case of Moung Shway-pwen, a bright
young man of twenty, who professes to have received the
truth about fourteen years ago. On first hearing the gospel
at the zayat, it sank into his heart ; but as he lived at some
distance, we saw him occasionally only. A few days ago, he
removed hither, and took up his abode with Moung Ing, that
he might devote himself entirely to the attainment of the one-
thing needful. His experience has been uncommonly clear
and rapid ; and having outstripped all the older inquirers, he
this morning followed his Lord into the watery grave.

452 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
March 23, Lord's day. After the forenoon worshi i/z'oung
Myat-kyau, Moung San-lone, and Moung En, i quested
baptism ; and after the Lord's supper in the evening, they
were examined before the church, and approved.
March 29. Brother and sister Boardman left us for Tavoy,
with the cordial approbation of all the members of the mission,
accompanied by Moung Shwa-pwen, and Ko Thah-byoo, the
Karen, who also has lately been approved by the church, but
not baptized.
March 30, Lord's day. The three persons mentioned
last Lord's day were baptized. Three others, Moung Yay,
Moung Shway-pan, and Ko Man-poke> attended all the exer
cises of the day ; and they give considerable evidence of
being really converted. Mah Moo also, a poor woman, who
has occasionaiV attended the instructions of Mrs. Wade, must
be mentioned as a -tf-ery hopeful character. Mah Men is, I
hope, a decided Christian, but is seldom able to attend, on
account of her husband. Moung Tau, who has been some
times mentioned among the inquirers, has become rather
deistical of late ; but we do not despair of him. May the
Lord pour out his Holy Spirit upon our hearts, and upon the
Inhabitants of Maulmain.
April 20. Received a letter from Moung Thah-a, of Ran
goon, stating the names of thirteen men and three women who
are disciples of Jesus, " but secretly, for fear of the Jews."
In the number I recognize my old friend " the teacher Oo
Oung-det, of the village of Kambet," and two or three others
whom I formerly knew ; but most of them are new cases.
May 31. The last two months I have spent at the zayat,
with scarcely the exception of a single day ; and I seldom
have been without the company of some of the Christians, or
the hopeful inquirers. In the latter class we count eight or
ten, adding to those mentioned above Moung San-lone the
second, a young man of ordinary abilities, but warmly attached
to the cause, and Moung Bo, noticed once in the annals of
the Rangoon mission, a man of the first distinction in point of
talents, erudition, general information, and extensive influence.

MUNIFICENT GIFT. 453
His progress has been so slow that I have not mentioned him
before ; but he has attended me ever since the zayat was
opened, his house being on the opposite side of the street.
He was an intimate friend of Moung Shwa-gnong, and has
apparently been going through a process similar to what my
dear brother, now, I trust, in heaven, experienced. He has
relinquished Boodhism, and got through with Deism and Uni-
tarianism, and now appears to be near the truth. Many a
time, when contemplating his hard, unbending features, and
listening to his tones of dogmatism and pride, I have said in
my heart, " Canst thou ever kneel, a humble suppliant, at
the foot of the cross ? " But he has lately manifested some
disposition to yield, and assures me that he does pray in
secret. To conclude this paper, I hope that the light is gradually
spreading around us, more extensively, perhaps, from brother
Wade's zayat than from mine, that being in a situation to
catch visitors from all parts of the country, while mine is
chiefly confined to the immediate vicinity. And I hope also
that the Spirit of God is operating, in some cases, on the
minds of our hearers. All those who have been baptized in
this place, as well as those who came with us, give us great
and increasing satisfaction. It is, I think, rather characteristic
of Burman converts, that they are slow in making up their
minds to embrace a new religion ; but the point once settled is
settled forever. To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, May 31, 1828.
Rev. and dear Sir : When I left America, I brought with
me a considerable sum of money, the avails of my own earn
ings, and the gifts of my relatives and personal friends. This
money has been accumulating, at interest, for many years,
under the management of a kind friend to the mission, and
occasionally receiving accessions from other quarters, par
ticularly at the close of the late war, until it amounts to
twelve thousand rupees. I now beg leave to present it to the

454 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
board, or rather to Him " Avho loved us, and washed us from
our sins in his own blood." I am taking measures to have
the money paid to the agent of the board, and the payment
will, I trust, be effected by the end of this year.
I would suggest, lest a temporary suspension of the neces
sity of remitting money should occasion some relaxation of
the usual efforts made to meet the current expenses of the
mission, whether it may not be advisable to invest a sum
equivalent to that which I now pay the agent, viz., six
thousand dollars, as part of a permanent fund. But this I
leave entirely to the discretion of the board.
Yours, faithfully, A Missionary.
P. S. It is not from an affected desire of concealment
that the writer has subscribed himself " A Missionary." He
is sensible that the tenor of the letter will, to those who are
acquainted with the state of the mission, sufficiently betray
him. But this is not the case with the public in general;
and so far as it may be thought desirable not to throw away
the influence of example, it is quite sufficient to tell the
public that the money is given by a missionary, without
specifying the individual. Journal.
July 28, 1828. Yesterday, five persons were baptized,
whose names and characters are as follows : —
1. McDonald, a native Hindoo, twenty-eight years of age.
He renounced heathenism a few years ago, and was chris
tened by an English clergyman on the Madras coast. His
first profession of Christianity was probably sincere ; but,
within a few months, he became acquainted with some per
sons whose communications unsettled his mind, and reduced
him to a state of darkness and perplexity for several years.
When he came to this coast, about a year ago, he assumed
the English dress, and, in correspondence with his former
friends in Madras and Bengal, he made many attempts to

SKETCH OF five converts. 455
disseminate erroneous sentiments in all classes of sceiety, but
happily without the slightest success. One morning, about a
fortnight ago, he came to the zayat, and heard the doctrines
of implicit faith in the word of God, and of regeneration by
the power of the Holy Spirit — doctrines which were quite
new, and at the same time quite satisfactory to his soul. He
"yielded at once to the force of truth, and became, to all
appearance, a humble, teachable disciple of the divine Son.
He understands Burman enough to join in our worship, and,
on his requesting baptism, we had no hesitation about receiv
ing him into our little number. He brought with him, yes
terday, a large bundle, which, he informed us, contained the
tracts and publications which had given him so much trouble ;
. and when he was baptized, he buried them, with his former
character, in the watery grave.
2. Moung Shway-pan, whose name has been sometimes
mentioned in the journal as a hopeful inquirer. He has been
a constant attendant at the zayat ever since it was built, and
is a pretty fair specimen of a cautious Burman, who turns a
thing over ten thousand times before he takes it, but, when
once he takes it, holds it forever. He accordingly appears
now very firm and decided.
3. Mai Nyo, an aged female, above eighty. She says she
was a httle girl when the great Alompra subverted the king
dom of Pegu, and established the present Burman dynasty,
so that she has lived under eight successive monarchs. She
became acquainted with Mrs. Wade three or four months
ago ; and though she is bitterly opposed by her relatives, on
whom she is quite dependent, and though she has been, es
pecially of late years, a devotee in religious duties, she has
renounced all for Christ, and with tottering steps, bending
under the infirmities of age, has done homage to the King of
kings in the baptismal stream.
4. Mah-ree, (Mary Hasseltine,) about twelve years old,
daughter of Moung Shwa-ba, and the only girl that survives
of the female school which Mrs. Judson commenced at Ava.
5. Meh Aa, of the same age and standing as Mah-ree.

456 memoir of dr. judson.
These two girls are the first fruits of an incipient revival hi
the school, similar to those glorious revivals which distinguish
our beloved native land. May the Holy Spirit be poured out
more copiously on our own hearts, on the children of the
school, and on all the inhabitants of Maulmain.
While I have my Enghsh pen in hand, — an event which
rarely occurs, — I would say a word concerning Ko Myat-
kyau, who was baptized last March, especially as we have
considered him an assistant in the mission since that time.
He is, as I have mentioned, a brother of the first native
chief in the place, nearly fifty years of age, of most respecta
ble rank in society, more so than any other that has been bap
tized, possessed of a clear mind, considerable native eloquence,
and an uncommon degree of mental and bodily activity. His.
literary attainments are scanty ; but he has command of
handsome language, particularly that Avhich is current in
the higher classes of society. He has been an inquirer after
truth many years, and has diligently investigated the systems
of Boodh, of Brahma, and of Mahomet. At length, he
embraced the religion of Jesus Christ with all his heart and
soul, manifesting more zeal and ardor than commonly charac
terize his cool, considerate countrymen. He has suffered as
much persecution as can be openly inflicted under British
government. All his relations and friends joined in a most
appalling cry against him ; his wife commenced a suit for
divorce ; and his brother publicly declared that, if he had the
power of life and death, he would instantly wipe out with his
blood the disgrace brought upon the family. Our friend bore
it all with the meekness of a lamb, and conducted himself
with such forbearance and Christian love that the tide has
begun to turn in his favor. His Avife has relinquished her
suit, and begins to listen to the word ; his brother has become
silent ; and some few of the relatives begin to speak in our
favor. It ought to be added that Ko Myat-kyau has given up all
worldly business, and devoted himself to assisting us in our
missionary work. For this he is particularly fitted by his

REVIVAL IN THE FEMALE BOARDING SCHOOL. 457
nndissembled humility. It gives us great pleasure to see him
sometimes sitting on a level with some poor beggar woman,
endeavoring, in language intelligible to her dark mind, to
communicate some idea of the mysteries of redeeming love.
But in commending Ko Myat-kyau, I would not forget our
old tried friends, Moung Ing and Moung Shwa-ba. The for
mer says it is his meat and drink to preach the gospel, and
when, for some time, he has no good opportunity, he feels hke
a person deprived of his necessary food. The latter has been
lately growing in habitual self-denial and holiness of heart ;
his prayers savor of heavenly communion ; and it was through
a Avord from him, spoken in season to his daughter Mah-ree,
that the revival commenced in the female school.
August 3, Lord's day. We baptized Mee Tan-goung, Mee
Nen-mah, and Mee Nen-yay, three girls from the school,
whose cases are rendered interesting by the considerable
knowledge they have acquired, in the course of a fewr months,
by the distinctness of their religious experience, and by the
violent persecution they have suffered from their respective
parents and relatives. Mee Tan-goung's case is particularly
interesting, when contrasted with that of her elder sister, Mee
Lau, who, after experiencing very clear and pungent convic
tions of divine truth, has at length been induced, by alternate
promises and threatenings, deliberately to reject the Saviour
of sinners, and join her mother's party.
Another girl, Mee Pike, who gives us satisfactory evidence
of being converted, was brought before the church this day ;
but her mother being a member of the church, it was thought,
by some, that she was perhaps influenced by her mother's ex
ample, rather than by the convictions "of her own mind, and
we could not get a clear vote for her admission.
An elderly man, Ko Shan, was also presented ; but his re
plies were so indistinct, that he was rejected by an overwhelm
ing majority.
Moung San-lone the second, mentioned May 31, was ac-
septed for baptism next Lord's day.
4. Mee Tan-goung's mother came early in the morning,
vol. i. 39

458 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON
before any of us were up, and having made he: elder daugh
ter, Mee Lau, open the door of the school zayat. she fell upon
her younger daughter, abusing and beating her, until, fearing
that she should alarm the house, she went off. Soon after,
however, she came again, and finding her daughter outside,
she beat her on the head with an umbrella, and threatened to
sell her for a slave. She then went into town, and after rais
ing a tumult in the market-place, and declaring that her
daughter had entered into a religion which prevented her ly
ing and cheating, so that she was quite lost to all purposes of
trade, she carried the alarming tale to the mothers of the other
two girls who Avere baptized yesterday. One of them, the
mother of Mee Nen-mah, who has been most violent hereto
fore, came in a rage to Mrs. Wade, (brother Wade and myself
being absent at our zayats,) and after using as bad language
as she dared, she ran doAvn to the school room, seized her
daughter by the hair, and dragged her out doors towards a
pile of wood, where she Avould soon have armed herself with
a weapon, had not Mrs. Wade interfered, and rescued the vic
tim ; upon which the mother went off, muttering vengeance.
The girls bore all this abuse in silent submission, and really
manifested something of the sphit of martyrs. All three are
taken into the house for the present, lest their infuriated rela
tives should make an assault upon them by night.
Poor Mee Aa, baptized Sunday before last, lives in great
fear. She is daily expecting her mother from Amherst, who
will, no doubt, take her away instantly, and use all the means
in her power to make her renounce the Christian religion.
August 10, Lord's day. Ko Shan, having satisfied us all,
during the past week, that his unfavorable appearance last
Lord's day was owing more to his want of language to ex
press his ideas, (being a Taling, and but httle acquainted with
the Burman,) than to his want of grace was this day reexam
ined and accepted. Mee Pike also was accepted ; and these,
together with Moung San-lone the second, received baptism.
Two other girls, younger than those that have been bap
tized, appear to have obtained light and hope in Christ.

PLAN FOR SUPPLYING THE TREASURY. 459
" Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast per
fected praise." One of them, Mee Youk, about eight years
old, gives as clear, satisfactory evidence of real conversion as
any of the older girls. The other, Mee Kway, like our de
parted Meh Shway-ee, was rescued at Amherst from misera
ble slavery. She has hitherto given us very little pleasure,
but is now led to see that she has been an uncommonly wicked
child, and to feel a humble, penitent disposition.
24, Lord's day. Mee Youk received baptism, though her
brother, a young man, threatens to beat her to death.
September 21, Lord's day. We baptized Oo Peen-yah,
Pandarram, and Mee Kway ; the first a respectable person,
about fifty years of age, a native of Tavoy, by profession a
doctor; the second a Hindoo from the Madras coast, a doctor
also, and astrologer, quite ignorant of English and Burman,
and brought to the knowledge of the truth through the instru
mentality of McDonald, and the New Testament in Tamilj
which he has had in his hand, day and night, for the last six
weeks ; the third the little girl mentioned August 10.
In the afternoon we partook of the Lord's supper, with
twenty native communicants, four being absent from illness or
other causes, besides those at Rangoon and Tavoy.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, September 1, 1828.
Rev. and dear Sir : Since it is to be ascribed to the want
of money, rather than to that of men, that the Baptists in the
United States of America make such feeble efforts to send the
gospel through the world, inasmuch as the want of money pre
vents the managers of missions from presenting those invita
tions and encouragements which would be gladly embraced by
many young men who are waiting the call of Providence, we
feel the importance of recurring practically to the golden rule,
that every individual do his duty in furnishing those means
which are absolutely necessary to carry on the great war with
the prince of darkness and his legions in this fallen world.
Feeling, also, that missionaries and ministers are under pecu

460 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
bar obligations, beyond any other classes of Christians, to take
the lead in contributing of their substance, and encouraged by
our Saviour's commendation of the poor widow in the gospel,
we have entered on a course of living which will, we hope,
enable us to offer our two mites ; and Ave propose, therefore,
to relinquish annually one twentieth of the allowance which
Ave receive from the board of missions.
We respectfully suggest that a similar proposal be made to
the Baptist ministers in the United States ; and we engage
that, as soon as it shah appear that one hundred ministers,
including ourselves, have resolved to transmit annually to the
treasurer of the American Baptist Board of Foreign Missions
one twentieth of all their regular income, Avhether derived
from theh salaries or estates, we will relinquish a second twen
tieth of our allowance, that is, one tenth of the whole.
And lest it be said that we now receive high allowances,
and can therefore afford to make some retrenchment, we state,
not by way of ostentation, but merely to meet the remark,
that, considering our allowances cover all our personal ex
penses except building or house rent, conveyance on mission
business, and charges for medical attendance, we receive- less
than any English missionaries of any denomination, in any
part of the East, and as httle as any American missionaries in
those parts, notwithstanding the expense of living on this coast
is probably greater than at a majority of other stations.
We remain, Yours faithfully,
A. Judson,
J. Wade.
Journal continued.
October 6, 1828. We baptized Oo Pay, Mah Kai, Mah
Toon, and Mah Lan. The first is a respectable man, about
sixty years of age. He was obliged to leave his house day
before yesterday, and take refuge with us, his wife and family
made such an iproar about his heretical intentions. But last
Dight a pressing message came for him to return, upon which

ENCOURAGING REPORT FROM RANGOON 461
he made them a visit, and they promised to behave better.
They only begged that after he was baptized, he would not
go about the neighborhood proclaiming that Gaudama is not
the true God, as others who enter the new religion are apt
to do.
The second is the mother of Mee Aa, of whom the daugh
ter wa3 so much afraid, as mentioned under August 4. Soon
after tiat date, Mee Aa came trembling, one morning, to Mrs.
Wade, with the alarming news that her mother had just arrived
at the landing-place, with the intention, doubtless, of taking
her away by force ; and what should she do ? She was told
to go and meet her mother, and to pray as she went. But the
poor girl need not have been alarmed. She had been inces
santly praying for her mother ever since she had learned to
pray for herself; and God had heard her prayers, and soft
ened her mother's heart. So when she heard that her daugh
ter was actually baptized, she only made up a queer face, hke
a person choking, and said, " It was so, was it not ? I hear
that some quite die under the operation." This speech we ah
considered encouraging. And, accordingly, she soon settled
doAvn among us, drank in the truth from her daughter's lips,
and then followed her example.
The third is the eldest daughter of Mah Lah; and the
fourth, wife of our assistant, Moung Ing.
November 2. Ko Thah-a arrived from Rangoon. His
story is rather interesting, but too long to be given in detail.
At the close of the war, in the year 1826, he spent a few
months at a large village in the neighborhood of Shwa-doung ;
and there, devoting himself to the preaching of the word, he
produced a very considerable excitement. Several professed
to beheve in the Christian religion ; and three of the most
promising received baptism at his hands. Some others request
ed the same favor ; but he became alarmed at his own temerity,
and declined their repeated applications. The villagers, in
time, returned to the vicinity of Rangoon, whence they had
fled at the commencement of the war. He also returned to
Rangoon, his former residence, and continued to disseminate
39*

462 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
the truth, but in a more cautious and covert manner. He has
now come hither to inquire what he shall do with those who
wish to be baptized, and to get some instructions concernmg
his own duty. He says that he cannot stay long, for when he
came away the converts and inquirers begged him to return
soon, and his heart is evidently with his little flock, which he
has left in yonder wilderness. Let us pray for Ko Th^h-a,
and the remnant in Rangoon. For, though the tree seemed
for a time cut down, " the stump of the roots was left in the
earth, with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of
the field."
November 30. We baptized Moung Dwa, Moung Shoon,
and Matthew. Moung Dwa is a natiA^e of Arracan, formerly
a gross reviler and blasphemer, but now zealous for the truth.
Moung Shoon is a merchant of some property, and very
respectable connections. Matthew (ahas Ram Sammy, that
is, god Ram) is a Hindoo, of the same class with Pandarram,
mentioned September 21. We have not been in the habit of
changing Burman names, as they are generally destitute of
any bad signification ; but the names of the Hindoos are some
times (as in the present case) utterly abominable, and require
to be cast off, with all their other abominations.
December 7. We baptized Mah Tee, wife of Ko Man-poke,
who has been a very hopeful inquirer for nearly a year, but
cannot yet fully make up his mind. Mah Tee would have
joined the party last Lord's day, had not her husband, poor
man, been unwilling to have her go before him. She has
been very anxious about it several days ; and, though she is
of a most amiable disposition, and they have been a very
happy couple for twenty-five years, she told him that this was
a business which concerned her eternal interests ; that she
believed in Christ with all her heart, and could not wait for
him ; and upon this he gave a reluctant consent. She appears
to have attained an uncommon share of divine grace.
Deeember 14. We baptized Thomas, (making the thirtieth
received this year,) a Hindoo of the same class and character
with Matthew, mention ?d above.

ORDINATION OF THE FIRST BURMESE PASTOR. 463
The four Hindoo conAerts haAdng ah taken Burman wives,
without any ceremony of marriage at all, we thought proper
to require them to be married in a Christian manner ; but none
of their wives give any evidence of being piously inclined.
January 4, 1829, Lord's day. We commence this year
with an auspicious event — the ordination of Ko Thah-a as
pastor of the church in Rangoon, to which place he expects to
depart by an early conveyance. He has been so evidently
called of God to the ministry that we have not felt at liberty
to hesitate or deliberate about the matter. But, if it had
been left to us to select one of all the converts to be the first
Christian pastor among his countrymen, Ko Thah-a is the
man we should have chosen. His age, (fifty-seven,) his
steadiness and weight of character, his attainments in Burman
literature, which, though not, perhaps, necessary, seem desira
ble in one who is taking up arms against the religion of his
country, and his humble devotedness to the sacred work, all
conspire to make us acquiesce with readiness and gratitude in
the divine appointment.

Letter to Sir Archibald Campbell
Maulmain, January 8, 1829.
My dear Sir : A few days ago I heard of your intention
to leave this place on your return home.
When I reflect on your many kindnesses to me and my be
loved wife, noAV, I trust, in heaven, from the time I first saw
you at Yebbay to the present moment, and on the many pleas
ant interviews with which I have been honored, it is natural
that I should feel a desire to express my gratitude for your
goodness, and my regret at yojr departure. But, besides that
desire, I have, for a few days, had an impression on my mind
which I cannot avoid, and dare not counteract. I would fain
say a few words to you on a subject which you have probably
never had a friend faithful enough to present plainly to your
mind. I feel that I write under the influence of a higher
power ; and I beg that if my Avords offend you, you will still

464 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
have the charity to believe that I am influenced by none other
than the most disinterested, affectionate, and respectful senti
ments. And though you should at first be displeased, I can
not but hope that you will somstimes suffer the question to
intrude on your most retired moments, whether the words I
speak are not the words of eternal truth.
But why should I proceed with hesitation and fear ? Why
give way to an unbelieving heart ? He who inclines me to
write will incline your heart to receive my words. If even a
heathen monarch appointed one of his courtiers to accost him
every morning with the warning salutation, " Philip, thou
must die," surely Sh Archibald Campbeh, of a Christian
country and Christian habits, will be willing, for a moment, to
turn away his ear from the voice of flattery, and listen to the
monitory voice of sober truth.
And yet true religion is a very different thing from all that
you have probably been acquainted with. True religion is
seldom to be found among mitred prelates and high dignitaries.
It consists not in attachment to any particular church, nor in
the observance of any particular forms of worship. Nor does
it consist in a mere abstinence from flagrant crimes, a mere
conformity to the rules of honesty and honor. True rehgion
consists in a reunion of the soul to that great, omnipresent, in
finite Being, from whom we have all become alienated, in con
sequence of the fall. In our natural state, we spend our days
in seeking the wealth and honors of this hfe, which we yet
knoAv to be but short and transitory, and we become too for
getful of that awful eternity to which we are rapidly hastening.
So great is the blinding influence of sin, so successful are the
fatal machinations of the god of this world, that when we can
not stay the near approach of death and eternity, we still en
deavor to quiet our conscience and pacify our fears by vague
and indefinite ideas of the mercy of God, and by the hope that
it will be well with us hereafter, though the still voice within
Avhispers that all is wrong ; and thus Ave are apt to suffer
year after year to pass away, while we drink the intoxicating
draught of pk *sure, or climb the height, of human ambition.

LETTER TO SIR ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL. 465
0 Sir Archibald, the glittering colors of this world will soon
fade away ; the bubbles of life will soon burst and disappear ;
the cold grave will soon close upon our worldly enjoyments,
and honors, and asp rings ; and where then will our souls be ?
God's own eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, came down
from heaven to rescue us from the delusion of this world, the
power of sin, and the doom of the impenitent. But " unless
we have the spirit of Christ, we are none of his." His own
divine lips have declared, " Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God." And the ambassador of
Christianity must not hesitate to declare this solemn truth,
plainly and fearlessly, to the king and the beggar, the rich and
the poor, if he would clear his own conscience, and manifest
true love to their souls.
AUow me, then, to say to thee, Sir Archibald, Turn away
thine eye from the fleeting shadoAvs, and thine ear from the
empty sounds of earth. Open the eye of thy mind to the
uncreated beauties of that divine Being who is ever with
thee, and ever waiting to be gracious. Listen to the call of
his Holy Spirit. Give thine heart to the Friend and Lover of
man, who hung and died on the cross to redeem us from
eternal woe, and thou shalt find such peace and sweetness as
thou hast never yet conceived of. Thou Avilt be astonished that
thou couldst have lived so many years ignorant of such tran
scendent beauty, insensible to those excellences which fill
heaven with rapture, and in some instances make a heaven of
earth. But if thou wilt not give thy heart to God, thou wilt
never find true happiness here, thou wilt never see his face in
peace. I do not suppose that, amid your present hurry, you will
find leisure to pay any attention to the topic I now present.
But perhaps when oceans have intervened between us, when
resting in the bosom of your own native land, the truths of
this letter may, through the divine blessing, find their way to
your heart.
Farewell, Sir Arch bald, and while all around you flatter
and praise, while the j laudits of your king and country sound

466 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
in your ears believe that there is one person, humble and
unknown, wh i prays in his retirement for your immortal soul ;
whose chief dasire is to see you on the great day invested,
not with the insignia of earthly monarchs, but with the glori
ous crown of eternal life, and who desires ever to subscribe
himself, With heartfelt affection and respect,
Your sincere friend and faithful servant,
A. Judson.
To the Coiresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, January 27, 1829.
Rev. and dear Sir : Your letters of May and June,
1828, came to hand last evening. In my previous communi
cations, I have, I believe, anticipated every point that you
mention, except that of an application to the Bible Society ;
and even on that point it is rather singular, that, only three
days previous to receiving your last, I was conning over a
letter of the very purport that you suggest — with this differ
ence, however, that I thought of making apphcation for the
premium only, which is usually granted for the first translation
of the New Testament, viz., five hundred pounds. As to the Old
Testament, I am sorry that I have inadvertently led you to sup
pose that the translation was rapidly advancing. When I men
tioned commencing the Psalms, it was not with an immediate
view of doing any more than that book, though I hope, in time, if
life be spared, to go on with the rest. But even that book is not
yet done. The truth is, that when I settled here, I found, that
what with death, and Avhat with dispersion, I had no church
about me to read even the New Testament. I gave up study,
therefore, and spent nearly a year in a little shed, projecting
into one of the dirtiest, noisiest public streets of the place.
Brother Wade did the same in anothsr quarter. The conse
quence has be 3n, that as God owns the truth, though preached
by the most umvorthy creatures, a considerable impression has
been made on the place ; a small church has been collected ;
the number of inquirers is increasing ; and the opposition is

CHARACTER OF HIS WORK. 467
most outrageous. I never saw any thing like it in Rangoon, for
there we did nothing in public. The mass of the population,
particularly in parts where converts have been made, show all
the rage of chained wild beasts. But to return. My ideas of
translating are very different from those of some missionaries,
better men than myself, but mistaken, I think, in this particu
lar. I consider it the work of a man's whole life to procure a
really good translation of even the New Testament in an untried
language. I could write much on this subject, but I have
neither time nor disposition. I would only say that, in many
instances, missionary labor has been dreadfully misdirected,
and hundreds of thousands most foolishly thrown away. As
to us, we wish to proceed, sloio and sure, and to see to it that
Avhatever we do, in regard to the inspired word, is well done.
About four months ago, being convinced that the New Testa
ment, notwithstanding all my labor upon it, was stiU in a very
imperfect state, brother Wade and myself undertook a thorough
revision. We have now done one quarter of it ; and I have
some hope that by the time the printer and press arrive, Ave
shall be able to warrant the Avhole. After that, we propose to
work and rework at the precious book of Psalms, until we
can venture to warrant that also. And so, God willing, and
giving us life and strength, Ave hope to go on. But we beg
still to be ahowed to feel, that<bur great work is to preach the
gospel viva voce, and build up the glorious kingdom of Christ
among this people. To this end, we consider a good transla
tion of the New Testament, the Psalms, and some other por
tions of the Old Testament, essentially necessary — the whole
very desirable.
I am extremely sorry to hear that there are no young men
ready to come out. There are only three of us, and death is
hovering around. May I be allowed to say a word in favor of
brother  , though I have not heard of him for twc
years ? From some letters that I have seen, and the accounts
given by brothers Wade and Boardman, I cannot help regret
ting that circumstances prevented his being sent out. And
may I be allowed to add, though h is, perhaps, going beyond

468 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
my province, that possibly the board may have become too
particular in their choice of missionaries ? Good, humble, pious,
self-denying, judicious men will perhaps do more good than
brilliant geniuses and men of great literary attainment.
Yours, faithfully,
A. Judson.
Journal continued.
January 11, 1829. Pastor Thah-a took leave of us for his
charge in Rangoon. We love him as a brother missionary —
a humble, conscientious, faithful servant of the Lord Jesus.
During his visit he has endeared himself to us all ; and we
should gladly detain him here, were he not evidently called to
labor in another part of the vineyard. May he be made
faithful unto death, and then receive the crown of life.
25. Last Lord's day, another god Ram (see November 30)
was divested of his attributes, and rose out of the water plain
John. He is a Talinga man, but understands Tamil enough
to join with the other Hindoos who speak that language. To
day we expected another Hindoo, but he was detained for
some reasons unknown to us, and we made up a small female
party, consisting of Mah See, Mah Gatee, and Mah Kyan, all
decided and hearty in the cause, amid a torrent of threatening
and abuse. The first is the wife cf Moung San-lone, second ; but
her elder brother, and her priest, and other acquaintance are
all alive on the occasion. The husbands of the other two are
both opposers, and have threatened their wives with every
thing bad if they enter the new religion. They expect to
suffer as soon as their husbands hear of the deeds of this day.
We feel most for Mah Kyan, who has a child at her breast,
an only child ; and her husband has declared that he will not
only turn her off, but take the child away from her, and pro
vide it another nurse. After they were baptised, they said
(hat their minds were very happy ; come life, come death,
they were disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ for life and
forever. February 8. We baptized Moung Zu-thee, who has been

SECOND PASTOR ORDAINED. 469
an inquirer several months, but has only lately given us much
encouragement. He appears now to have embraced the reli
gion most cordiahy.
22. We baptized Thomas the second, (referred to January
25.) He has been kept back a month, through the opposition
of certain Roman Catholics, with whom he was in some way
connected. We have also ordained Moung Ing, pastor of the church
at Amherst. That church consisted of three — Mah Loon-
byay, who was baptized while we hved there, and has never
left the place; Mah Kai, and her daughter, Mee A, who
have lately moved thither. To these are now added Pastor
Moung Ing, and his wife, Mah Lan. May the five become
five hundred. May the seed formerly sown in weakness and
tears yet spring up and bear fruit. May the last efforts of
the one we have lost, whose setting rays sunk in death be
neath the hope tree, prove not to have been in vain ; and may
the prayers which ascended from her dying bed be yet heard
and answered in blessings upon Amherst.
26. A letter from Moung Thah-a, of Rangoon. He states
that he has baptized Ko Thah-doke, who has long given satis
factory evidence of piety ; and that two others, relatives of
Moung Kywet-nee, one of the three baptized up the country,
have requested baptism, and their case is before the church.
He divides his time between Rangoon and the villages of
Kam-bet and Anan-ben, Avhere the later converts live.
March 5. Several other letters from the members of the
church in Rangoon ; and among the rest, one from Mah Ing,
mentioned in the last pages of the history of the Burman mis
sion, in the year 1822, but not heard of for several succeed
ing years. She expresses her joy on meeting with the teacher
Thah-a, and receiving instruction from him concerning the reli
gion of Christ, to which she professes to have maintained a per
manent attachment.
8. We baptized Mah Zu-ga-len, a blind woman, related to
Mah Tee, a person of good sense and decided piety.
22. Three English soldiers followed their Lord and Mastei
vol. i. 40

470 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
into the watery grave. They have been in the habit of at
tending certain evening meetings, in which we have lately
indulged ourselves a little, though averse to every interruption
to native work. These soldiers we have not received into the
Maulmain church, but have recognized them to be the Baptist
church in his majesty's 45th regiment.
May 29. I perceive that I have neglected my journal for a
long time, having been chiefly engaged in going forward with
the revision of the New Testament. Brother and sister Wade
have done all the itinerating ; and many interesting tales they
have to tell at night, but I believe they put very httle on
paper. Truth is spreading slowly on every side ; prejudices
are weakening ; opposition is groAving more violent in some
parts, and in other parts it seems subsiding. The husband of
Mah Kyan, who tore his infant from the mother's breast, and
pursued his poor wife through the street with a great knife,
has become a lamb. He has made a comfortable place in his
house for Mrs. Wade to sit and receive company, to the great
annoyance of other opposers in that quarter. Mah Gatee has
persuaded her husband to come and live near us, that they may
attend the daily evening worship, though his mother is still
outrageous. They are a young, interesting couple, very fond
of one another. It was a great trial for poor Mah Gatee to
be baptized against his will.
We have received five since the last date — Moung Tau-
ma-gnay and Mah San, the first couple that we have had the
pleasure of baptizing together ; Moung Toot, brother of Mah
San, and Moung Gatee, a young man of some promise ; Mah
Poot, wife of Moung Zu-thee, wild as the woods, and formerly as
mischievous as possible ; and Ko Man-poke, husband of Mali
Tee, (see December 7,) a steady, excellent old man, a con
siderable scholar in the Taling language. He has translated
all our Burmese tracts into the Taling, and will perhaps be
encouraged to go on with some parts of the New Testament.
We consider him as one of the most valuable accessions to the
cause that we have ever received ; and his wife stands almost
unrivalled among the female converts. She always accompa-

APPLICANTS FOR BAPTISM. 471
nies Mrs. Wade, and is of inestimable use in explaining things
in the Taling to those who cannot Avell understand the Bur
mese ; and that is the case Avith a great part of the population
of British Pegu.
No case of church discipline has yet occurred ; but Mah Kai,
at Amherst, occasions us much sorrow. We hear that her hus
band forces her to follow him to the house of Rimmon, and that
she there bows down, when I fear she has not Naaman's ex
cuse for so doing. Two of the Hindoo members also give us
trouble, and we fear that their case must come before the church.
Instances of irregularity and sin do sometimes occur ; but our
efforts in the way of private exhortation and persuasion have
been hitherto blessed to the promotion of that repentance and
reformation which make amends for all.
June 7, Lord's day. Several applications for baptism have
lately been refused, the applicants being relatives of profess
ors of religion, and influenced, we fear, by the example and
persuasion of others, rather than by the impulse of grace.
To-day, however, a clear case occurred — an old lady, eighty
years of age, mother-in-laAV of a petty chief, who is one of our
bitterest opposers. She commenced her inquiries several
months ago with a great deal of timidity. And though she
has acquired a little courage, and is a person of considerable
presence, she almost trembles under a sense of the great respon
sibility of changing her religion. Such being her character,
the promptness with which she answered our questions, before
the church, affected us even to tears. " How old are you,
mother ? " " Eighty years." " Can you, at such an age, re
nounce the religion that you have followed all your life long ? "
" I see that it is false, and I renounce it all." " Why do you
wish to be baptized into the religion of Jesus Christ ? " "I
have very, very many sins ; and I love the Lord, who saves
from sin." " Perhaps your son-in-law, on hearing that you
have been baptized, will abuse you, and turn you out of doors."
" I have another son-in-law, to whom I will flee." " But he
also is an opposer : suppose that you should meet with the
same treatment there." "You will, I think, let me come and

472 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
live sear you." We made no reply, willing that she should
prove her sincerity by bearing the brunt alone. Her name ia
Mai Hlah. Behold this venerable woman, severing, at her
time of life, all the ties which bind her to a large circle of
connections and friends, hazarding the loss of a comfortable
respectable situation, the loss of character, the loss of a shelter
for her grey head, throwing herself on the charity of certain
foreigners, and all for the sake of " the Lord who saves from
sin." O, blessed efficacy of the love of Christ !
12. A letter from Ko Thah-a of Rangoon. Last Lord's
lay he baptized Moung Au and Moung Shwa-bo, inhab-
tants of Pah-zoon-doung, the former residence of Moung
Shwa-gnong. August 12. Since the last date, we have baptized two
persons — Ko Zen, a relative of Ko Man-poke, and Mah Ta-
kau, wife of Ko Shan. Mai Hlah, mentioned above, soon
after her baptism, left her son-in-law's house, where she had
been living, and took refuge with her elder daughter, Mah
Men, mentioned formerly as a hopeful inquirer, but subse
quently delinquent. She begins now to give some evidence
of grace ; and even her husband has become rather favorably
disposed. Letters from Rangoon mention the baptism of two more
persons, distant relatives of Thah-a. All the converts behave
well, and the number of inquirers is increasing. But the
chief of Kam-bet has commenced a course of petty oppres
sion, in consequence of Avhich the disciples are obliged to be
silent in that quarter.
The doctor Oo Yan, whose name sometimes occurred in the
annals of the Rangoon mission, is no more. He appeared
once to be very near the kingdom of heaven ; but, alas for
his poor soul ! the fear of man finally prevailed.
August 29. A letter from Rangoon mentions the baptism
of tv<o others, one of them a nephew of Mah Men-la. It
appears, also, that a nephew of Thah-a was baptized several
months ago, of whom we had not before heard ; so that the
church at present consists of eleven members baptized by the

FILIAL AFFECTION.

473

present pastor, besides three or four who remain of the old
stock. To his Mother and Sister.
Maulmain, March 19, 1829.
My dear Mother and Sister : Your letters of May
last I have just received. I think it probable that, soon after
you wrote, you received mine of December, 1827, in answer
tc yours of February, same year, and which contained, as
well as I knew how, a quitclaim, as you requested. In
regard to the twenty dollars, I have no occasion for the
money, and present it to you, my sister, in remembrance
of that handful of money which you gave me when we
parted in Boston for the last time. But I give it on
the express condition that you appropriate part of it to
purchase for yourself the Life of Lady Guion, a work which
was published in New York, in the year 1820, in one volume
8vo. Lincoln and Edmands will, doubtless, be able to get it
for you. And I hope you will read it dihgently, and endeavor
to imitate that most excellent saint, so far as she was right.
Two other books that I would particularly recommend to
you are Law's Serious Call, and his Treatise on. Christian
Perfection. As to you, my dear mother, do not think that I can ever
forget you. When I used to carry about my poor little
Maria, I thought how much my mother loved her little
Adoniram, and carried him about, and took care of him.
And though he has now grown almost out of her knowledge,
and been parted many years, and will probably see her no
more on earth, he never can forget how much he owes to his
own dsar mother. It is my comfort that, if truly united to
Christ, we shah, at last, meet on the bright plains of heaven,
where all our infirmities, and griefs, and sins will have fled
away forever.
I shah never need any pecuniary aid from either of you.
I thank you for your kind offers, but you can help me in no
other way than by your prayers.
40*

174 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
My dear sister, I shall never forget the years of childhood;
and now I r3gard you as a sister in Christ, and therefore
doubly dear. Perhaps, if mother should be taken away before
you, you might scrape together your httle property, and find
your way out to me. You would soon pick up enough of the
language to make yourself very useful in various ways, par
ticularly in the girls' school, which Mrs. Wade has been
obliged to give up, she has so much to do among the women.
Pray daily to God that he would show you the way in which
you can be most useful to his cause, the little Avhile you have
to live in this probationary state. Don't think of living for
yourself, but for Him who has died for your soul.
May God bless you both here below, and prepare you for
all his will, and for his heavenly glory, is the prayer of
Your ever affectionate, A. Judson.
May 14, 1829.
1. Observe the seven seasons of secret prayer every day.
2. " Set a watch before my mouth, and keep the door of
my lips."
3. See the hand of God in all events, and thereby become
reconciled to his dispensations.
4. Embrace every opportunity of exercising kind feelings,
and doing good to others, especially to the household of faith.
5. Consult the internal monitor on every occasion, and
instantly comply with his dictates.
6. Believe in the doctrine of perfect sanctification attain
able in this hfe. To his Sister. Maulaiain, May 28, 1829.
My dear Sister : Yours of October 16th last arrived yes
terday. In regard to the quitclaim, it is impossible for me to
ascertain, at this distance, what particular forms are required
by the laws of the United States. But if you, or brother, or
any person will send me such an instrument as the case re-

DESTRUCTION OF HIS PAPERS. 475
quires, I will complete and return it. I am rather glad, how
ever, that the first did not answer, because I have now a re
quest to make which I doubt whether you would comply with,
if I did not make your compliance a condition of my return
ing you the said instrument. My request is, that you will en
tirely destroy all my old letters which are in your and moth
er's hands, unless it be three or four of the later ones, which
you may wish to keep as mementoes. There are several rea
sons for this measure, which it would take too much time to
detail. Suffice it to say, that I am so very desirous of effect
ing a complete destruction of ah my old writings, that you
must allow me to say positively, (as the only means of bring
ing you to terms,) that I cannot send you the instrument you
desire until I have an assurance, under your hand, that there
is nothing remaining, except as mentioned above.
I should exceedingly rejoice to be once more in the old
mansion house at Plymouth, and sit and converse with my
own dear mother and sister ; but that time can never come.
Let us look forward to a happy meeting in the mansions of
our Father's house on high. I am afraid that poor Elnathan
Avill not be of our happy number. Let us all pray more fer
vently for him, and perhaps our prayers will at last be heard.
I have not had a letter from him for a long time.
With never-ceasing love to mother, I remain,
Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, June 19, 1829.
My dear Sir : I propose, from this date, to lessen my
usual allowance by one quarter, finding, from experience, that
my present mode of living will admit the retrenchment ; this
arrangement not to interfere with the proposals made under
date of September last, concerning the one twentieth and
one tenth. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.

476 memoir of dr. judson.
To Mrs. Hasseltine.
The Solitary's Lament.
" Together let us sweetly live,
Together let us die,
And hand in hand those crowns receive
That wait us in the sky."
Thus Anne and I, for many a year,
Together raised our prayer ;
One half reached Heaven's propitious ear,
One half was lost in air.
She found a distant, lonely grave,
Her foreign friends among ;
No kindred spirit came to save,
None o'er her death bed hung.
Her dying thoughts we fain would know
But who the tale can tell,
Save only that she met the foe,
And where they met she fell.
And when I came, and saw her not
In all the place around,
They pointed out a grassy spot,
Where she lay under ground.
And soon another loved one fled,
And sought her mother's side ;
In vain I stayed her drooping head ;
She panted, gasped, and died.
Thus one in beauty's bright array,
And one all poor and pale,
Have left alike the realms of day,
And wandered down the vale, —
The vale of death, so dark and drear,
"Where all things are forgot ;
Where lie they whom I loved so dear ;
I call — they answer not.

¦WORKS PREPARED FOR THE PRESS. 477
0, bitter cup whicl God has given !
Where can relief be found ?
Anon I lift my eyes to heaven,
Anon in tears they're drowned.
Yet He who conquered death and hell
Our Friend at last will stand ;
And all whom he befriends shall dwell
In Canaan's happy . and, —
Shall joyful meet, no more to part,
No more be forced to sigh,
That death will chill the warmest heart,
And rend the closest tie.
Such promise throws a rainbow bright
Death's darkest storm above,
And bids ns catch the heaven-born light,
And praise the God of love.

My dear Mother Hasseltine : I wrote the above
lines some time ago, and intended to add a longer postscript ;
but find myself pressed for time at the present moment.
It is a long time since I had a line from any of your family.
I hope you will not quite forget me, but believe me ever,
Yours most affectionately,
A. Judson.
August 17, 1829. Journal.
November 29, 1829. Since my last, we have finished re
vising the New Testament and the Epitome of the Old — a
work in which we have been closely engaged for above a
year. We have also prepared for the press several smaller
works, viz. : —
1. The Catechism of Rehgion. This has already passed
through two editions in Burmese. It has also been translated
and printed into Siamese, and translated into Taling or Peguan.
2. The View of the Christian Religion, thoroughly revised

478 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
for a fourth edition in Burmese. It has also been translated
into Taling and Siamese.
3. The Liturgy of the Burman Church.
4. The Baptismal Service.
5. The Marriage Service.
6. The Funeral Service ; the three last consisting chiefly
ff extracts from Scripture.
7. The Teacher's Guide ; or, a Digest of those parts of the
.Sew Testament which relate to the Duty of Teachers of Re
ligion, designed particularly for Native Pastors.
8. A Catechism of Astronomy.
9. A Catechism of Geography.
10. A Table of Chronological History, or a Register of
principal Events from the Creation to the present Time.
11. The Memoir of Mee Shway-ee.
12. The Golden Balance ; or, the Christian and Boodhist
Systems contrasted. This has been translated into Taling.
The Gospel of St. Matthew was also translated into Siamese
by Mrs. Judson, and is now being translated into Taling by
Ko Man-poke, our assistant in that department.
Mah Men, mentioned August 13, daughter of Mai Hlah,
has been baptized, and Mah Men-san, half sister of Mah Tee,
resident at Pah-ouk, a village between this and Amherst.
Four European soldiers also have joined the little church in
the English forty-fifth regiment. Between ten and twenty
attend our Enghsh worship Lord's day morning and evening,
and Friday evening, some of whom are very hopeful inquirers.
As to the Hindoo branch of the church, composed of six
members, we found them so ignorant of both English and
Burmese as to be neither capable nor desirous of attending
worship with us ; and we therefore set them off as a distinct
church. But the principal member, he who acted as inter
preter, and in whom we had most confidence, having proved a
very fickle, unsteady character, and ceased to be in the em
ploy of the mission, and some of the others having moved
away, we have no hope, at present, of doing any thing further
in that department.

BAPTISMS OF THE YEAR. 479
At Rangoon, five more have been baptized — tnree men and
two women. Poor Mah Ing, mentioned March 5, had finally
requested baptism, and been accepted by the church ; but pre
vious to the administration, she was taken ill with a fever, and
died. We have heard, also, of the baptism of three more
Karens at Tavoy, since brother Boardman's return.
In regard to Amherst, the prospect is quite dark. Moung
Ing has had no success at all, though he has not been wanting
in diligence and faithfulness. At length we advised him to
remove to Tavoy. He, however, preferred Rangoon, and is
now cooperating with Ko Thah-a. His wife remained behind.
Her conduct has been very exceptionable since her baptism,
and soon after her husband's departure, she became openly
vicious. She is now suspended from communion — the first
case of church discipline that has occurred amongst the native
members. December 31. Since my last, Moung Poo, husband of
Mah Men-san, mentioned November 29, has been baptized
at Pah-ouk, and last Lord's day three more soldiers were
baptized in this place, making twenty-eight individuals this
year ; not quite so many as were baptized last year, besides
which, ten of the number are Englishmen. However, Ran
goon furnishes a reenforcement of seventeen Burmans, (four
lately,) and Tavoy another reenforcement of eight, mostly
Karens, making a total of fifty-three.
Our Taling translator has added the Gospel of St. Matthew
to his httle stock of tracts, and we have just appointed a com
mittee to unite with him in examining and revising his Avork.
January 15, 1830. Brother and sister Bennett arrived last
night, with their two children — all quite well.
To his Sister. Maulmalv, December il, 1829.
My dear Sister : I have just received yours of May 25
last, giAong an account of Elnathan's death, and also Dr. Sew-
aU's detail of his dying exercises. Perhaps you have not

480 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
seen Dr. Sewall's letter. It closes thus : " A few hours before
his death, and when he Avas so low as to be unable to converse
or to move, he suddenly raised himself up, and clasping his
hands, with an expression of joy in his countenance, cried,
' Peace, peace ! ' and then he sunk down, without the power
of utterance. About ten minutes before he expired, it was
said to him, ' If you feel the peace of God in your soul, open
your eyes.' He opened his eyes, and soon after expired, and,
as we believe, in the triumphs of faith." When I read this
account, I went into my little room, and could only shed tears
of joy, my heart full of gratitude, and my tongue of praise. I
have felt most anxious about him for a long time ; to hear at
last that there is some good reason to conclude that he has
gone to heaven is enough. So we are dying, one after another.
We shall all be there, I trust, before long. I send you and
mother a little tract, which I beg you will study prayerfully.
Let me urge you frequently to reexamine the foundation of
your hope. O, it is a solemn thing to die — an awful thing to
go into eternity, and discover that we have been deceiving
ourselves ! Let us depend upon it that nothing but real faith
in Christ, proved to be genuine by a holy life, can support
us at last. That faith which consists merely in a correct
belief of the doctrines of grace, and prompts to no self-denial,
— that faith which allows us to spend all our days in serving
self, content with merely refraining from outward sins, and
attending to the ordinary duties of religion, — is no faith at all.
0, let me beg of you to look well into this matter ! And let
me beg my dear mother, in her old age, and in view of the
near approach of death and eternity, to examine again and
again whether her faith is of the right kind. Is it that faith
which gives her more enjoyment in Jesus, from day to day,
than she finds in any thing else ?
May God bless you both is the fervent prayer of
Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson.

, THE MEMOIR OF HIS WIFE. 481
To the Rev. Professor Knowles.
Maulmain, December 21, 1829.
Dear Brother Knoavles : Yours of October 9 and May
25 I have received, together with a dozen of the Memoir, and
the books pertaining to biblical criticism, &c, that you men
tion. The box containing the books and sundry articles for
the school has been forwarded from Bengal, where brother
Bennett remains, of whose arrival we have just heard.
For some of the books that have noAv arrived I have longed,
the past year or two, beyond the power of language to express.
We have just finished our final revision of the New Testa
ment; and I am contemplating a return to Rangoon. I have
felt a more than ordinary incitement to do so ; but whether it
is from God, and whether it is certainly my duty, I cannot
fully decide. My brethren approve of the measure ; but they
did not propose it, and I sometimes fear that their approba
tion is mere acquiescence. May the Lord direct.
In regard to the Memoir, it becomes me not to expatiate.
I would only say that I am extremely gratified, perhaps too
much so, with the execution of the work in all its parts. Some
inaccuracies will, of course, be noticed by those who are per
sonally acquainted with the scenes and events described ; but
they are not important. It may, however, be well for me to
mention, with a view to some future edition, that Amherst is
situated at the mouth of the river, and that the population of
all British Pegu, as we sometimes term the ceded provinces
on this coast, does not probably exceed one hundred thousand.
Yours most affectionately,
A. Judson.
To Mrs. J. W., a Friend of Mrs. Ann H. Judson, London.
Maulmain, December 22, 1829.
My dear Mrs. W. : The return of the birthday of my
beloved, sainted Ann, reminds me of her friends, and partic
ularly of you, one of her dearest and best. Your letter, also,
of the 10th of April last, is lying before me. The inquiries
VOL. i. 41

482 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
in that letter you will find all answered in the Memoir pub
lished by Mr. Knowles, a copy of which has doubtless reached
you. You will notice some inaccuracies in the accounts of
these provinces. For instance, Amherst is situated at the
mouth of the river, and the population of ah British Pegu
does not probably exceed one hundred thousand. The color
ing, also, of our present missionary prospects is much too
high. Concerning some other inaccuracies it becomes not me
to speak.
Mrs. Judson's accounts of you I have listened to, and your
letters to her I have read with much pleasure. But 0 that
you were as eminent in piety as you are distinguished by
beauty, talents, and elegant accomplishments. Let me beg of
you not to rest contented with the commonplace religion that
is now prevalent. Let me respectfully call your attention to
the example of such women as Madame Chantal, Madame
Bourignon, and Lady Guion. I have really learned to la
ment the early death of my beloved Avife, chiefly because it
has deprived me of an opportunity of leading her into paths
that I have but lately discovered myself; discovered, I say, not
entered. God give me grace for the latter. How much, my
dear madam, beloved friend of my beloved Ann, have I to
say to you on the subject I have now introduced ! But I must
forbear. I have relinquished almost all foreign correspond
ence for above a year ; and, really, my principal object in
taking up my pen just now is to enclose a little tract,* which,
being printed in Bengal only, you have probably not seen.
The author, it seems, from not affixing his name, desires to
remain unknown. Your affectionate brother in Christ, A. Judson.
Maulmain, October 24, 1828.
My dear Sisters M. and A. : You see from the date
that it is the second anniversary of the triumph of death over
* The Threefold Cord. See Appendix.

SECLUSION. 483
all my hopes of earthly bliss. I have this day moved into a
small cottage, which I have built in the woods, away from the
haunts of men. It proves a stormy evening, and the desola
tion around me accords with the desolate state of my own
mind, where grief for the dear departed combines with sor
row for present sin, and my tears flow at the same time over
the forsaken grave of my love and over the loathsome sepul
chre of my own heart. October 24, 1829.
And now the third anniversary returns, and finds me in the
same cottage, except it has been removed nearer the mission
house, to make way for a government building. I live alone.
When I wish to be quite so, Mrs. W. sends me my food ; at
other times I am within the sound of a bell that calls me to
meals. " Blest who, far from all mankind,
This world's shadows left behind,
Hears from heaven a gentle strain,
Whispering love, and loves again."
But O, that strain I have hitherto listened in vain to hear, or
rather have not listened aright, and therefore cannot hear.
Have either of you learned the art of real communion with
God, and can you teach me the first principles ? God is to me
the Great Unknown. I believe in him, but I find him not.
March, 1830.
Since writing the above, dear brother and sister Wade have
left me for Rangoon, and I have found new friends in brother
and sister Bennett. Thus one scene succeeds another, and
draws on to the final catastrophe. It is long since I have
had a line from B., and I fancy you have about forgotten
me Dy this time. So fare ye well, and may blessings ever
rest on you both, and on your parents, and on ah the branches
of the family. Your affectionate brother, A. Jtjdson.

484 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Continuation of his Journal.
March 4, 1830. Since my last we have baptized two na
tive women and two Europeans, Mrs. B. and a soldier from
the forty-fifth regiment. Dear brother and sister Wade left
us for Rangoon the 21st of last month. A day or two after
their arrival, brother Wade writes, " The Christians soon
heard of us, and Ko Thah-a and a number of his flock came
to see us, and appeared very well. Some who live at a dis
tance Ave have not yet seen." Sister Wade writes, " I have
been surrounded with visitors almost ah the time since we
arrived, and feel it such a luxury to have all the women un
derstand and speak good Burmese ! I had intended to have
given you a particular account of all the disciples, and others
whom we have seen, but I feel scarcely able to hold my pen,
from weakness and fatigue ; and, as we hope to see you soon,
I will only say that we are in genenl much pleased with the
state of things here, and think thai: God is with our native
broiher and the little church."

CHAPTER XIII.
REVISITS RANGOON. — PASSAGE TO PROME. — SOJOURN AT
PROME. — RESIDENCE AT RANGOON. — PROGRESS IN TRANS
LATING THE SCRIPTURES. — RETURN TO MAULMAIN. — RE
VIEW OF HIS AUSTERITIES. — THE KARENS.
1830-1831. Journal.
Maulmain, March 22, 1830. I am now contemplating a
visit to Rangoon. Mrs. Boardman is here, and we expect
that brother Boardman will remove hither shortly.
Our reentering Burmah is an experiment which we are
making with fear and trembling. Accounts from brother and
sister Wade are rather encouraging. They both give it as
their decided opinion that I ought to join them immediately ;
not merely with a view to Rangoon, but to the neighboring
towns, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shah render accessible.
The number of native inquirers in this place has lately
rather increased. There are about five or six that I hope are
near the kingdom of heaven, and as many more among the
Europeans. April 18. Some encouraging appearances of late have
made me unwilling to leave the place until brother Boardman
should have actually arrived. One more European, a soldier,
has received baptism, and two natives, Moung Dan, a young
man, related to several of the Tahng disciples, and Mah Poo,
wife of McDonald. To-day, two lads, whose parents are
members of the church, and who both give some evidence of
grace, received a final examination, but were rejected by a
few dissenting votes.
In the afternoon, we were surprised by a visit from brother
Wade, whc has had another severe attack of the liver com
plaint, and has come round for a change. Three persons
41 * 485

486 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
have been lately baptized in Rangoon, and there are many
inquirers. April 21. A letter from brother Boardman, informing us
that he will soon be here. I conclude, therefore, to accom
pany brother Wade on his return to Rangoon.
Rangoon, May 2. Arrived in this place, and took up my
abode for a few days, in brother Wade's hired house, in the
midst of the town, where we have a great deal of company,
some of whom Avih, we hope, hear and live.
May 18. Thinking it better to reside in different places,
for the more extensive diffusion of truth, we had a small
building put up, for about fifty rupees, just without the
snclosure of the toAvn, in a place of considerable resort ; but
the neighboring priests made so much opposition that we were
obliged to desist, and we conclude to remove the building to
the old mission premises, though the neighborhood is deserted.
The governor of the town, formerly the " a-twen-woon
Moung K.," has received me very kindly, and invited me to
stay under his protection.
Brother and sister Wade have several hopeful inquirers.
My principal one is a Thah-tay, a.person of some httle rank,
whom we formerly knew at Tsa^gaing. He is an intimate
friend of my old protector, the north commandant of the
palace, and is here, for a few days, on some government
business. He visits us almost every day, and appears, for the
first time, to be pleased with the truth, though he has heard
something of it for years. All the disciples that I have seen
in this place appear to have grace. A spirit of inquiry is more
prevalent, and more boldly indulged, than formerly, and I feel
that we have reason to thank God for all the past, .and take
courage for the time to come.
May 23. The Thah-tay is about leaving us for Ava. At
his suggestion, I send by him letters to my former acquaint
ance, the north commandant of the palace, and the Prince
Myen-zaing. May 25. I have not yet moved out to the new house, nor
oven seen it ; for every day deepens the conviction in my mind

PREP AK1JJ fcr AW vaoaa a^OME. 487
that I am not in the place where God would have me be. It
was to the interior, and not to Rangoon, that my mind was
turned long before I left Maulmain ; and while I feel that
brother and sister Wade are in the right place, I feel that I
am called elsewhere. Under these impressions, I am about
proceeding up the river, accompanied by Moung Ing, Moung
En, Moung Dway, Moung Dan, baptized April 4, and little
Moung Like, mentioned April 18, not yet baptized. The
boat on which we embark will take us to Prome, the great
half-way place between this and Ava, and there I hope and
pray that the Lord will show us what to do.
To Mr. C. Bennett. Eanqoon, May 25, 1830.
Dear Brother Bennett : I have received both yours of
May 9 and 14, with the specimens of types, &c. I think that
the new character is very handsome, and that it is extremely
desirable the whole fount should be finished in the same style.
But in regard to questions pertaining to the printing depart
ment, I do not feel competent to give any advice. I hope you
will act according to your best judgment, assisted by the advice
of brother Boardman and other brethren that may be with
you. ... I expect in a day or two to leave this for
the interior. The place that I have immediately in view is
Prome. Moung En goes with me ; and I wish to say to
you and Mrs. Bennett, in behalf of his wife, that, in case
she should cease to be in the employ of Mrs. Bennett, and
should be in need of some money for habitation or support,
you will please to let her have what is proper, and put it
to my account. Moung En is desirous of returning to take
care of his wife ; but he is also desirous of going with me ;
and as he is the only person of my party who has any ac
quaintance with that part of the country, I am desirous of
taking him. And, on my promising to write to you as above,
he has concluded to accompany me, with the expectation of
being absent from Maulmain about three months from the

488 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
present time. Moung Dway ailso accompanies me, and Moung
Dan and Moung Like. None tff these get any wages. The
latter is not yet baptized, but he appears pretty well. Pas
tor Ing wants to go up the country ; but he is just now taken
ill, and I think it will prove an', intimation of the will of
God that he is not to go at present- I asked Pastor Thah-a
to go ; but he thinks it quite impossible, on account of hav
ing so many irons in the fire, — than is, hopeful inquirers, —
that he must stay to bring forward aiid baptize. And he is
as sohcitous and busy as a hen pressing about her chickens.
It is quite refreshing to hear him j talk on the subject, and
see what a nice, careful old shepherd he makes. The Lord
bless his soul, and the souls of his (flock !
I am glad to hear that you are Jgetting on in the lan
guage. I beg you will always make\every thing yield to
that, until you find yoursetf^at home among the natives. I
trust that I need not exlf iow^ r sister /Bennett on this sub
ject. I should truly rejoicLe ygryi^TiP11/ all a little while. I
daily remember little ElsirJ^ . ^ ""pose she has forgotten
her old uncle. The Lord bless ^j-Caj evermore !
, A. Judson.
Letter to the Missionaries at Rangoon andK Maulmain, and the Corre
sponding Secretary in Boston, U. S.
i Peome, June 15, 1830.
Dear Brethren and Sisters : Foreseeing that, during
my residence in the interior of the country, I shall be desi
rous of writing many letters to my beloved! brethren and sis
ters in Rangoon and Maulmain, in addition to my usual cor
respondence with the board, and desirous of impending as little
time as possible in such employment, I propose to blend all
my communications in one ; and, as I lyave usually sent my
journal in duplicate, I shall now send/one copy to Rangoon,
to be transmitted thence to Maulmain,/ and thence to America,
and the other copy I shall send to America by the most direct
conveyance. I
I proceed, accordingly, to give /you some account of my

PASSAGE FROM RANGOON TO PROMI 489
adventures since leaving Rangoon on the 29th of last month.
The afternoon of that day, we reached Tix-theet, twelve or
fifteen miles distant, and, the tide being against us, we re
mained there several hours. I went on shore, entered into
conversation with several, and gave away a dozen of the old
tracts ; and it was amusing and gratifying to see the groups
of boatmen, about sunset, employed in reading and listening
to the truth ; and some would be constantly coming to oir
boat for a tract. I could have given away a hundred to
advantage ; for, though the village contains but very few
houses, it is a place of rendezvous for a multitude of small
trading boats. At midnight we reached the cluster of villages
about Pau-ling, containing, I should suppose, a population as
large as that of Rangoon. In the morning I went on shore
at Kat-tee-yah, and spent a couple of hours in preaching to
little assemblies, and distributed about thirty of the old cate
chism. I could have given away two hundred Avith perfect
ease, and to the greatest advantage ; for they would have
spread from this central place into every part of the country.
It is my way to produce a few tracts or catechisms, and after
reading and talking a little, and getting the company to feel
kindly, I offer one to the most attentive auditor present ; and
on showing some reluctance to give to every person, and on
making them promise to read attentively, and consider, and
pray, they get furious to obtain a tract, many hands are
eagerly stretched out, and " Give me one, give me one,"
resounds from all sides. On the 31st we reached Gnettong,
near the great river. Just became engaged with a feAv peo
ple, when the master of our boat concluded to proceed far
ther. Gave away two tracts. One of them fell into the
hands of a respectable elderly man, Avho, having read part of
it, followed us, in a small boat, to ask for something more ;
and I gave him a copy of Matthew. Just at dark, reached
Yan-gen-tsan-yah, at the entrance of the great river, the
Irrawadi, fifty or sixty miles from Rangoon.
For several days after entering the Irrawadi,. I did nothing,
scarcely, on account of the rainy weather and other unfavorable

490 memoir of dr. judson.
circumstances. At Hen-tha-dah, ninety miles from Ran
goon, I walked through the place, though it Avas very wet,
and gave away a few tracts. Moung En found some rela
tions on shore, at whose house he and another of the disciples
slept ; and they did something in the evening.
The night of the 6th of June we spent at Yay-gen, a pretty
large village, just below Ka-noung, on the opposite side of the
river. Here the native country of the tamarind tree com
mences, the banks of the river become high and pleasant,
nature assumes a more interesting and commanding aspect,
and, at this distance, even the character of the people always
seems to me to be a little more elevated. Immediately on
landing I went through the place, but without any success, and
was just coming off, Avhen I descried Moung Ing, with half a
dozen about him. I drew near, and very soon had a large
and respectable assembly, to whom I held forth, and distrib
uted about thirty tracts and catechisms. Several pursued us
to the boat, and begged very hard ; and we continued to give
away to small parties who came in succession, and occupied
an empty boat which lay between us and the shore, till late
in the evening, when our captain pushed off into the river to
get rid of the annoyance. However, it would not answer ;
for they came to the shore, and called out, " Teacher, are you
asleep ? We want a writing to get by heart." And, on
being promised one if they would come and get it, they con
trived to push off a long canoe which lay between us and the
said empty boat, and got so near that they could reach a
paper stuck in the end of a long pole. This continued till
nine o'clock at night. Once, during the evening, our captain
went on shore ; and he said that in almost every house there
was some one at a lamp, reading aloud one of our papers. I
felt some desire to pray that it might not be all in vain. It
cost us not less than sixty tracts and catechisms. Write to
Maulmain for several hundred, and ask brother Bennett to
get ready to print another edition. I have already given
away one quarter of my Avhole stock ; and I shall have to
send to you for a supply before long.

PASSAGE FROM RANGOON TO PROME. 491
We passed the large towns of Ka-noung, Myan-oung, and
Kyan-gen, without being able to do any thing. But at Kyee-
thai, a pretty large place, I went on shore, and got the start of
the boat by about an hour, which time I improved under a
shed, in the midst of an attentive crowd. I gave away several
tracts. Some of the people followed me to the boat, begging
the captain to stay all night. And after we had pushed off,
a little boat pursued us, with a small offering of rice and
beans, begging another tract. It was quite dark when we ar
rived at Shway-doung, one of the most populous places in the
country. Above Shway-doung, we came to the flourishing
villages of Pyouk-tsik and Mendai, divided by a small creek.
The latter is our captain's home, and he wished to stay a day
or two, before going to Prome, which is only a feAv miles dis
tant. The people at Mendai seemed disposed to cavil, and
some of them treated me rather uncivilly. I gave away not
many tracts. Moung Ing went out to Men-yoo-ah, near which
is the residence of the celebrated Toung-dwen teacher, the
head of a sect of heretics in this part of the country ; and in
that neighborhood he found our old friend Mah Zoo, baptized
formerly in Rangoon. The next morning she came to the
boat, accompanied by Mah Wenyo, widow of Moung Long,
the one-eyed metaphysician formerly mentioned in the annals
of the Rangoon mission, who now declares herself a Christian,
and one Mah Ping, a very hopeful inquirer. These women
all begged me to stop one day, while they could return and
consult their male relations, whether it would not be better to
invite me to come to their village at once, without proceeding
to Prome. So I consented, and they went off. In the after
noon of that day, I had a crowded zayat on shore. One man
appeared to be impressed. But there were many cavillers-,
and some discouraging signs. At night the women came
back, and with many tears said, that the chief men of the vil
lage were afraid to entertain a foreigner, lest, in case of war
with the English, they should be involved. The next morning
the wife of the governor in these parts, having heard of me,
sent to the boat for a tract ; several other people also came on

492 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
the same errand, until we left the place, which we did about
noon ; and at night, the wind being contrary, we reached this
place, about one hundred and seventy miles from Rangoon.
I landed, and found Mr. M., the only European residing here ;
and he invited me to stay with him a few days, until I could
get settled. The next morning I left the boat, and repaired to
his house. He immediately took me to the governess of the
town, whose husband has lately been summoned to Ava. In
her presence I found the deputy governor and a number of
people. I read and~preached to them. They applauded my
style of reading, &c, but seemed to be more taken with the
sound than the sense. The governess, however, was evidently
impressed. She begged for the tract, that she might get it
copied. I presented it to her, and she received it thankfully.
Thi. -9 I jjpo&jSfed to various places in search of a house to
be let, Cut was unsuccessful. The people are afraid to have
any connection with a foreigner. Ever since Major Burney
passed up to Ava, the country has been full of all manner of
rumors and fears. The very face of a white man spreads
general alarm. Mr. M. has been accused of being a spy,
though nothing can be more false ; and it was even proposed
to put him in confinement. I find that the same suspicion is
generally felt towards me. I foresee that people will be afraid
to come near me, and that my usefulness here will, on that ac
count, be greatly impeded. Add to this that the town has
been so dreadfully oppressed to pay their contingent of the
government debt, that poverty, distress, and terror, are the
order of the day. However, the walls of Jerusalem have
sometimes been built in troublous times.
Failing in my attempt to hire a house, I went in search of
a vacant spot to build on. Fell in with two of the first offi
cers of the place, and had a little friendly conversation.
Found, in the heart of the town, an old, dismantled zayat, in
front of a pagoda, with a httle vacant ground around it.
Went to the deputy governor, presented him with a tract, and
warned him not to be intoxicated with worldly splendor, for
hfe was skort, &c. He read part of the tract, and said that

SOJOURN IN "ROME. 493
my words were very proper. One of my people respectfully
requested leave to repair the old zayat for the residence of
the kalah pong-gyee, until he should proceed to Ava. The
governor was disposed to be kind ; but fearing, I suppose, for
the reasons above mentioned, to do any thing on his own re
sponsibility, said that he Avould bring forward my business in
the court house, the next day, before the assembled authorities
of the place.
Notwithstanding this promise, however, nothing was done
the next day ; and it being Lord's day, I staid at home, had
usual worship with my people, and tried to study patience and
Thomas a Kempis in the shattered house that Mr. M. occu
pies, with the rain beating in on every side.
On Monday, that is, yesterday, I went myself to the court
house, and found the magistrates assembled, each sitting at his
post, in Burman style, and the deputy governor in the centre.
He pretended not to see or know me. I waited some time
and in an interval of business addressed some of the inferior
magistrates. An inquiry rose who I was, and what I wanted.
The deputy governor began slyly to assist me ; and after con
siderable conversation, it was unanimously agreed that I should
be permitted to take possession of the old zayat, and repair it for
my present residence. From the court house I went ,to survey
my new estate. I find it to be forty-five feet long, and twenty
Avide. The posts and the main parts of the roof and floor, being
of teak, are still extant ; but it is all qvergroAvn with Avild creep
ers, and makes, on the whole, a pretty venerable ruin. It
stands on holy ground, occupying one corner of the enclosure
of a pagoda ; which corner I am to surround with a fence, and
thus have an enclosure about four times larger than the ruin
itself. This morning I am sending out people to beg materials
and engage workmen to make the place habitable as soon as
possible. I am very glad to hear that brother Bennett is leading the
worship of the European assembly, when brother Boardman 's
ill health prevents him. Go on in this good work. You have
an evident call from God and man. As to the ideas you
vol. i. 42

494 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
entertain of your own unfitness, they are quite correct ; but if
you thought you were fit, it would clearly prove that you
were more unfit than you are.
How much I love you all, dear brethren and sisters, and dis
ciples, I cannot tell. And did I not expect soon to meet you
in heaven, and be happy with you forever, I should be quite
un wihing to live an exile, far from you, in this dark land.
A. Judson.

Pb.ome, Jiir-e 26, 1830.
Dear Brethren and Sisters : To-day I have taken pos
session of the old zayat allowed me by government, as stated
in my last. Part of it we have enclosed in rooms, and the
other part we have left open for the reception of company.
Several people accosted us, as they passed. " So you have
moved, have you ? We shall come ant; see you before long."
There are at present no hopeful inquirers ; but some visitors
from Men-dai and Men-yoo-ah approximate towards that
character. June 27, Lord's day. After usual worship with the disci
ples, I went to spend the day, it being Burman day of worship,
at the great Shway San-dau pagoda, which is the same to
Prome that Shway Da-gong is to Rangoon, and Kyaik Than-
lan to Maulmain. The zayat which we occupied had many
visitors, and some heard with attention.
July 2. A great change has taken place in the minds of
government people towards me. Satan has industriously cir
culated a report that I am a spy in pay of the British. Last
night, the deputy governor sent to inquire my name and
title. This morning I waited on him, and on the lady govern
ess, but met with a very cold reception at both places. The
deputy governor is probably reporting me to Ava, and what
the consequences will be, I know not. Several visitors, who
began to listen with some favorable disposition, have suddenly
fallen off. To-day I have had no company at all.
July 3. Pastor Ing returned from a visit to Men-yoo-ah

sojourn in prome. 495
He says that the same suspicion is spreading all over the
country. Even the women mentioned in my last were afraid
to have any communication with him. By forcing his way, he
managed to sleep two nights at the house of the Toung-dwen
teacher, and had some conversation with him and his people
on the subject of j-eligion. But the teacher, though not a reg
ular Boodhist, feels his consequence, as the head of a sect, and
is perhaps as far from candid consideration as the most bigoted
priest. Pastor Ing says that the country is full of villages,
and there is some disposition to listen to religion, but that in
the present state of the public mind, if I should make the tour
of those parts, as I had some intention of doing, there is not a
house where the owner would dare to ask me to sit down at the
entrance of the door.
Feel extremely dejected this evening. Never so heartily
willing to enter into my rest, yet Avilling to offer, and I do,
with some peculiar feelings, offer, my poor life to the Lord
Jesus Christ, to do and to suffer whatever he shall appoint,
during my few remaining days. My followers feel some cour
age yet; for they have, I hope, a little faith, and they know, also,
that whatever storm comes, it will beat upon their teacher first.
July 4, Lord's day. Another Burman day of worship, and
a great day, being the first day of Lent, a season which con
tinues three months. After usual worship, took a stroll through
the place. Ah smiles and looks of welcome are passed away ;
people view me with an evil eye, and suffer their dogs to bark
at me unchecked. Near Shway San-dau, the zayats were
crowded with devout-faced worshippers. I found a vacant
place under a shed built over a large brick idol, and, sitting
down on the ground, I held converse with small parties, who
came around in succession. Some company, also, morning
and evening, at home. I cannot but hope that two persons
have this day obtained some discovery of the way of salvation
through a crucified Saviour. But it is really affecting to see
a poor native when he first feels the pinch of truth. On one
side he sees hell ; on the other side, ridicule, reproach, confis
cation of goods, imprisonment, and death.

496

memoir of dr. judson.

July 7 Moung A, one of the persons last mentioned, comes
every day. He seems to be quite taken with the Christian
religion, but says he cannot think of embracing it until the
learned and the great lead the way.
Tuly 8. Many visitors through the day, in consequence of
a festival held in the vicinity. Moung A begins to speak
decidedly for Christ.
July 9. Having agreed that two or three of our number
shall go out every day, in different directions, and preach the
gospel, whether the people will hear or forbear, my lot fell in
a public zayat, about a mile from home, near ShAvay San-dau,
where I had an uninterrupted succession of hearers from
morning till night. Pastor Ing and Moung Dway were suc
cessfully engaged in another quarter, and Moung En had some
company at home. I presume that a hundred and fifty people
have this day heard the gospel intelligibly, Avho never heard
it before. July 10. The same as yesterday, except that, being ill, I
left the zayat about noon. Moung A Avas with me in the
afternoon. His case is becoming extremely interesting. He
is a bright young man, with a small family, formerly belonged
to Cassar's household, and bore a considerable title, which was
forfeited through false accusation. He began last night to
pray to the eternal God.
July 11, Lord's day. Several came in during worship, and
behaved decently, though they would not put themselves into
a devotional posture, or join in the responses. One man, in
particular, professed to be excessively delighted with the new
and wonderful things which he heard. . Moung A present at
evening worship, but he remains in a very critical state. No
wine to be procured in this place, on Avhich account Ave are
unable to unite with the otner churches, this day, in partaking
of the Lord's supper.
July 12. A Burman day of worship. In the morning,
received private information that the deputy governor, as I
conjectured, did actually report me to Ava. If any order be
given immediately, whether favorable or unfavorable, it may

SOJOURN IN PROME. 497
be expected in the course of a fortnight. Felt rather deject
ed, but endeavored to put my trust in God, and resolve to
work while the day lasts. The zayats being all full of wor
shippers, I took my seat on a brick under the shed over the
great idol, and, from morning till night, crowd succeeded crowd.
Some became outrageously angry, and some listened with
delight. " Some said, He is a good man ; but others said,
Nay, he deceiveth the people." About noon, heard Moung
D way's voice on the other side of the idol. Pastor Ing was
busy in another quarter. At home, Moung En received a
visit from Myat-pyoo, one of the two persons mentioned on
the 4th. He is sixty-nine years old, a little deaf, very timid
and retiring. My expectations of him are not disappointed.
He says that he thinks this is the true religion, and the only
one that provides a way of escape from hell, of which he is
exceedingly afraid, in consequence of his many, many sins.
July 13. Took up my position at my favorite zayat. It
stands- at the crossing of two great roads, the one leading from
the river side to Shway San-dau, and the other from the town
to the place of burying, or rather burning, the dead. Several
funeral processions pass every day, and many of the follow
ers, in going or returning, stop at my zayat to rest. To-day
there was a funeral of distinction, and all the officers of gov
ernment, with their respective suites, attended. In conse
quence of this, the crowd around me was greater than ever
before. But they were not hearers of the right stamp. Most
of them, being adherents of government, were rude, insolent,
and wicked in the extreme. A few considerate persons
remained till night, particularly one man, on whose account I
also remained, though dreadfully exhausted. He has been
with me two days, and I have a little hope that he begins to
feel the force of truth.
July 14. Another day of hard conflict. The enemy begins
to be alarmed, and his forces come on fresh and fierce, while
we, few in number, have to sustain the combat without any
human reenforcement. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is
weak. At night, felt an entire prostration of strength, so
42*

498 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
much so that I was unable to go through with the evening
service as usual.
July 15. Staid at home, and had some company, who lis
tened well. Oo Myat-pyoo appears to have taken the religion
of Christ into his heart. He and Moung A bid fair to be the
first fruits of the mission here.
Moung Dway is about returning to Rangoon and Maulmain.
He will take Moung Like with him, so that I shah have no
other assistants besides Pastor Ing and Moung En, Moung
Dan being useful in the kitchen department only. I hope,
however, that Moung Dway's business will be facilitated by
ah parties, so that he will be able to rejoin me before long.
July 16. Moung San-lone has just arrived from Rangoon,
and proposes staying with me a while. I close this to forward
by Moung Dway. A. Judson.

Prome, August 23, 1830.
Dear Brethren and Sisters : Tired of minuting down
the events of each day, I have written nothing since my last
date, July 16. My time has been spent in the same way
as stated in the first part of that month. At one period the
whole town seemed to be roused to listen to the news of an
eternal God, the mission of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the way of salvation through his atonement. A consider
able proportion of the hearers became favorably disposed. At
length the enemy assumed a threatening aspect; the poor
people became frightened ; many sent back the tracts they had
received ; and there was a general falling off at the zayats. I
was summoned to undergo a long examination at the court
house, not, however, on the subject of religion, but concerning
ah my past life since I have been in Burmah. The result
was forwarded to Ava. The magistrates still preserve a
perfect neutrality, in consequence of the absence of the gov
ernor. At Ava I have been regarded as a suspicious char
acter ever since I deserted them at the close Of the war, and

sojourn in prome. 499
went over to Jie British. I know not what impressions the
governor of this place will there receive, or how he will feel
towards me when he is informed of the noise I have made in
Prome during his absence.
On hearing of the declining health of brother Boaidman, and
brother Wade's intention of leaving Rangoon for Maulmain, I
had some thoughts of returning immediately to Rangoon. But
on further consideration and prayer, I feel that I must work
Avhile the day lasts at Prome. I have some company at the
zayats every day, and crowds on days of Avorship. Most of
the hearers are opposers ; but I observe in distant corners
those who listen with eagerness. There are five persons who
have, I trust, obtained a little grace ; but in the present dark
time, they give no satisfactory evidence.
August 30. Since my last letters from Rangoon, I think
continually of brother Boardman, and the great loss we are
threatened with. May the Lord direct and support him and
our dear sister.
September 8. The rise of the river has, for several days,
prevented my going to the zayats ; they being situated in a
distant part of the town. I have employed myself in revising
brother Wade's Investigator, and send herewith a clean copy.
In return, I hope to be favored with a few hundred printed
copies. It is a piece of great merit, and ought to be brought
to bear on the enemy without delay. An edition of three
thousand will not be too large. I have already sent down
some corrections for brother Boardman's Ship of Grace.
That piece is well Avritten, but not so well adapted for present
service. It is, however, acceptable among the converts • and
I should be glad to see it in print, especially if the author
should be taken away, that, being dead, he may yet speak.
His Scripture extracts, I have no doubt, will be as judicious as
can be made ; and the work ought to be put into immediate
circulation. We have had one new inquirer of a most promising appear
ance, a secretary of the deputy governor. He had repeatedly
visited me at the zayats ; at length he came to the house, and

500 MEKOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
finally began to attend our evening Avorship. But alas ! as has
been the case with all our good inquirers, he met, I suppose,
with some violent threatening, and a few days ago, suddenly
and entirely disappeared. Old Oo Myat-pyoo, mentioned July
15, sends me word, that he reads our writings every day, and
thinks of us constantly, but begs we will never mention to
any person that he formerly visited us. As for Moung A, he
has privately left the place altogether, for what reason we
cannot ascertain. You can have no idea of the fear of gov
ernment which pervades all classes. I never saAV so much of
it before. My present expectation is, that the way will be clear for
me to leave this for Rangoon the latter part of this month.
A. Judson.
From Major H. Burney's Journal.
Ava, September 1, 1830.
The ministers requested my advice as to the measures
which they ought to pursue with respect to Dr. Judson, who,
they said, is come up to Prome, and is there distributing tracts
among the inhabitants, and abusing the Burmese rehgion,
much to the annoyance of the king. I told them that Dr.
Judson is now exclusively devoted to missionary pursuits;
that I possess no power or authority over him, but that I know
him to be a very pious and good man, and one not likely to
injure the Burmese king or government in any manner. The
ministers replied that the king is much vexed with Dr. Judson
for the zeal with which he is distributing among the people
Avritings in which the Burmese faith is held forth to contempt,
and that his majesty is anxious to remove him from Prome.
I said that the Burmese king and government have always
enjoyed a high reputation among civilized nations for the tol
eration which they have shown to all religious faiths ; that
there are thousands, in Europe and America, who would be
much hurt and disappointed to hear of any change in the lib
eral policy hitherto observed by the King of Ava, and that I
hoped the ministers would not think of molesting or injuring

DEPARTURE FROM PROME. 501
Dr. 3 udson, as such a proceeding would offend .and displease
good men of all nations. They replied that it was for this
reason, to avoid hurting Dr. Judson, that they had consulted
me ; and they proposed that I should write and advise Dr. Jud
son of the king's sentiments towards him. I reiterated my
assurances that Dr. Judson is in no way connected with me or
my government, and that I can issue no orders to him ; and I
begged the ministers to leave him alone, which, however, they
said they could not, as his majesty had expressed himself much
displeased Avith his conduct. I consented at last to write to
Dr. Judson, but I told the ministers to recollect that I had no
right to interfere with him, who would, notwithstanding any
letter he might receive from me, act in whatever manner his
own judgment and conscience might dictate. The ministers
begged of me only to recommend Dr. Judson to return to
Rangoon, and confine his missionary labors within that city.
Letter to the Missionaries at Rangoon and Maulmain, and the Corre
sponding Secretary in Boston, U. S,
Below Prome, September 18, 1830.
Afloat on my own little boat, manned by none other than
my three disciples, I take leave of Prome and her towering
god Shway San-dau, at whose base I have been laboring, with
not the kindest intentions, for the last three months and a
half. Too firmly founded art thou, old pile, to be overthrown
just at present ; but the children of those who now plaster
thee with gold will yet pull thee down, nor leave one brick
upon another.
The government writer Moung Kywet-nee, who recom
menced visiting us a few days ago, has been hanging about us
for two hours, lamenting our departure ; and he is now sitting
alone at the water's edge, looking after our boat as it floats
down the stream. " Mark me as your disciple ; I pray to
God every day ; do you f.lso pray for me ; as soon as I can
get free from my present engagements, I intend to come down
to Rangoon," are some of his last expressions.
The sun is just setting. We could not get our boat ready
earlier in the day ; and, as it is Saturday evening, we intend

502 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON. *
to proceed as. far as Men-dai, in order to spend the Lord's
day there. There is no period of my missionary hfe that I
review with more satisfaction, or, rather, with less dissatisfac
tion, than my sojourn in Prome. This city was founded sev
eral hundred years before the Christian era. Through how
many ages have the successive generations of its dark inhabit
ants lived and died, without the slightest knowledge of the
Great Eternal, and the only way of salvation which he has
provided ! At length, in the year 1830, it was ordered that a
missionary of the cross should sit down in the heart of the
city, and from day to day, for above three months, should pour
forth divine truth in language which, if not eloquent and ac
ceptable, was at least intelligible to all ranks. What a won
derful phenomenon must this have been to celestial beings,
who gaze upon the works and dispensations of God in this
lower world ! It was necessary to the accomplishment of the
divine purpose, that, after so many centuries of darkness,
there should be such an exhibition of light as has been made,
and no more. Thousands have heard of God who never, nor
iheir ancestors, heard before. Frequently, in passing through
the streets, and in taking my seat in the zayats, I have felt
such a solemnity and awe on my spirit as almost prevented
me from opening my lips to communicate the momentous mes
sage with which I was charged. How the preacher has
preached, and how the hearers have heard, the day of judg
ment will show. O, how many will find their everlasting
chains more tight and intolerable on account of the very
warnings and entreaties they have received from my lips !
But what- more can be done than has been done ? Though
warned and entreated, they have wilfully, obstinately, and
blasphemously refused to listen. But, blessed be God, there
are some whose faces I expect to see at the right hand of the
great Judge, The young man just mentioned, the carpenter
Moung Shway-hlah, a poor man, by name Mpung Oo, in ad
dition to some others mentioned in former letters, give us
reason to hope that they have received the truth in, good. and
honest hearts. Many, also there are who have become so
far enlightened that I am sure they never can bow the knee

ARRIVAL AT RANGOON. 503
to Shway San-dau, Avithout a distressing conviction that they are
in the wrong way. Farewell to thee, Prome ! Willingly would
I have spent my last breath in thee and for thee. But thy sons
ask me not to stay ; and I must preach the gospel to other cities
also, for therefore am I sent. Read the five hundred tracts
that I have left with thee. Pray to the God and Saviour that
I have told thee of. And if hereafter thou call me, though in
the lowest whisper, and it reach me in the very extremities of
the empire, I will joyfully listen, and come back to thee.
Men-dai, September 19.
Spent the day in the zayat which I formerly occupied.
The crowds were very noisy, but some listened with attention.
Distributed nearly a hundred tracts. Mai Goo came from
her village with two other women, one of whom appears to
have grace. But Mah Wen-yo and Mah Ping were not sea
sonably apprised of our arrival. Just at night, dropped down
to a small village below Men-dai, that we might have a httle
evening worship by ourselves. Near Rangoon, September 24.
We have distributed four hundred tracts between this and
Men-dai, having touched at many of the principal places, and
Spent an hour or two, or a night, as we could make it conven
ient. We should have stopped oftener and staid longer had
not our stock of tracts become exhausted. My people, also,
began to be impatient at the restless nights we were obliged
to spend, on account of the insufferable annoyance of mosqui
toes on the banks of the river in the lower country at this
season of the year.
September 25. Came in sight of my old acquaintance,
Shway Da-gong ; landed once more in Rangoon ; found letters
from Maulmain, saying that brother Boardman is considera
bly better, for which I desire to thank God; repaired to the
house lately occupied by brother Wade. Since his departure,
I find that some efforts have been made to check the progress
of religious inquiry. At one time men were stationed at a
httle distance, on each side of the house, to threaten those -who

504 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
visited the place, and take away the tracts they had received,
Reports were circulated that government was about to make
a public example of heretics ; the crowds that used to come
for tracts all disappeared, and Pastor Thah-a, who continued
to occupy the house, became intimidated, and retreated to his
own obscure dwelling. Things are, therefore, at a very low
ebb ; but we trust in God that the tide will flow again in its
own appointed time.
September 26, Lord's day. Very few present at wor
ship. All the women actuahy afraid to come, lest they should
be apprehended by government.
October 3, Lord's day. Have seen most of the disci
ples and several 'inquirers during the past week. The case
of Ko San deserves particular notice. He is a respectable
elderly ¦ man, residing in a Aillage north of Ava. Twelve
years ago a copy of the first edition of the first tract found
its way thither, and he treasured it up as the truth. At
subsequent times he occasionally met with disciples, particular
ly during the war, when some of them fled beyond Ava, with
the rest of the population. The more he heard of the Chris
tian religion, the better he liked it. He has now concluded
to remove to Rangoon. His wife is of the same mind with
himself; and when they arrive, will both, he- says, request
baptism. Moung Kywet-nee, one of Pastor Thah-a's disciples, bap
tized up the country, and now living at Kam-bai, (not Kam
bet, as written formerly,) in this vicinity, a disciple that I have
never seen before, pleases me much. He appears to be a
steady, conscientious Christian. Moung Bike, an inquirer
from Anan-ben, a village beyond Kam-bai, where there are
two disciples, has made me a visit for the first time, and spent
a night. He has twice requested baptism ; but Pastor Thah-a
says that he is deficient in humility and meekness, so that the
poor man is obliged to wait. In my view he appears pretty
well. Moung Thah-doke, another disciple from a village be
yond Anan-ben, appears well. But there are two of Thah-a's
flock that are very delinquent, and he has but little hope of
reclaiming them.

VISIT FROM AN ENGLISH ahjav jJLLER. 505
To-day my faithful Moung En leaves me for Maulmain,
where his wife is. Ko Ing and Moung Dan still remain with
me, and I have taken Moung Shway-too, a bright young man,
baptized by Thah-a, into the family, instead of Moung En.
October 8. Have just received intelligence that about the
1st of September the king issued an order that I should be
removed from Prome, " being exceedingly annoyed that I was
there, in the interior of the country, distributing papers, and
abusing the Burmese religion." The woon-gyees, being unwill
ing to proceed to extremities, made application to Major Bur-
ney, the British resident at Ava, who assured them that he
had no control over me ; that I was in no way connected with
the British government, but employed exclusively in the duties
of my profession ; and he begged them not to proceed to adopt
a measure which would be condemned as intolerant by good
men of all countries. They said, however, that his majesty's
order was peremptory, and that it Avas necessary for me to
confine my labors within the limits of Rangoon. Major Bur-
ney then consented to write me on the subject.
A. Judson.
A Visit to Mr. Judson in 1830.*
Being unexpectedly in Rangoon, in the autumn of 1830,
and hearing that the justly celebrated American missionary,
good Mr. Judson, was still there, with indefatigable zeal pros
ecuting his " labor of love " in the conversion of the Burmese,
I was extremely anxious to see him ; and, having informed
ourselves that a visit from English travellers would not be
deemed a disagreeable intrusion, the captain, his wife, and my
self, immediately proceeded to Mr. Judson's house.
It was a Burman habitation, to Avhich we had to ascend by
a ladder ; and we entered a large, low room through a space
like a trap door. The beams of the roof were uncovered, and
the window frames were open, after the fashion of Burman
* By Miss Emma Roberts, author of Scenes and Caaracteristics
»f Eindoostan. vol. i. 43

506 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
houses. The furniture consisted of a table in the centre of
the room, a few stools, and a desk, Avith writings and books
neatly arranged on one side. We were soon seated, and were
most anxious to hear all that the good man had to say, who,
in a. resigned tone, spoke of his departed wife in a manner
Avhich plainly showed he had set his affections " where alone
true joy can be found." He dwelt with much pleasure on the
translation of the Bible into the Burmese language. He had
completed the New Testament, and Avas then as far as the
Psalms in the Old Testament, which having finished, he said
he trusted it would be the wih of his heavenly Father to call
him to his everlasting home.
Of the conversions going on amongst the Burmans he spoke
with certainty, not doubting that Avhen the flame of Christian
ity did burst forth, it would surprise even him by its extent
and brilliancy. As we Avere thus conversing, the bats, which
frequent the houses at Rangoon, began to take their evening
round, and whirled closer and closer, till they came in almost
disagreeable contact Avith our heads ; and the flap of the heavy
wings so near us interrupting the conversation, Ave at length
reluctantly took our leave and departed. And this, thought
I, as I descended the dark ladder, is the solitary abode of Jud
son, whom after ages shall designate, most justly, the great
and the good. It is the abode of one of whom the world is not
worthy ; of one who has been imprisoned, chained, and starved,
and yet who dares still to prosecute his work in the midst of
the people who have thus treated him. America may indeed
be proud of having given birth to so excellent and admirable
a man, who, amidst the trials, sufferings, and bereavements
with which it has pleased Heaven to afflict him, still stands
with his lamp brightly burning, waiting his Lord's coming.
If there be any man of Avhom we may without presumption
feel assured that we will hear the joyful words, " Well done,
thou good and faithful servant," it is certainly the picus Jud
son, the great and persevering founder of Christianity in a
land of dark idolatry and superstition.

FAMILIAR LETTERS TO FELLOW-LABORERS. 507
To Mr. Bennett. Rangoon, September 20, 1830.
Dear Brother Bennett : I write a line to beg most ear
nestly that you will not, after receiving this, suffer a single
vessel to leave the port of Maulmain without having on board
five hundred of the View, and two hundred and fifty of the
Balance, also a few hundred of the Catechism of Religion. A
few copies of the Three Sciences will be acceptable, but there
is no demand at all for the Prayers. Don't hesitate about
paying for the freight. Better make some arrangement with
some mercantile person for the regular transportation of such
packages and boxes of tracts, &c, as we may from time to
time require. I began this letter in great haste, expecting
every moment a person to call for it. But I will con
tinue to write until he comes. Yours of August 28 is before
me. I rejoice in all your work. May you be strengthened to
go on. I am particularly glad to hear of the average of hours
per day. Adhere to such a rule, and you will ultimately pass
the highest Alps. I wrote to Maulmain last night, but did not
mention the want of tracts, thinking on my first arrival here
there was some stock on hand. But on rummaging the boxes
to-day, I find only about fifty of the new tracts, and a couple
of bundles of the old, and about twenty of the Balance ; so that
we shah be completely exhausted, however fast you run after
receiving this. But I must stop. Love to dear sister Bennett
and Elsina. Yours ever,
A. Judson.
Letter to Mrs. Bennett, with an Extract from Thomas a Kempis, Book IV.
Chapter VIII., translated from the Latin Edition.
Rangoon, October 11, 1830.
My dear Sister : I send you this extract, not because I
think you have not given yourself to God, (that is a matter
between him and your own soul,) but to stir up your pure
mind by way of remembrance. May the reading of it be more
blessed to your soul than the translating and transcribing of
it have been to mine. Remember, I pray ycu, that word of

508 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Brainerd, " Do not think it enough to live at the rate jof ccm-
mon Christians." True, they will call you uncharitable and
censcrious; but Avhat is the opinion of poor worms of the dust,
that it should deter us from our duty ? Remember that
other word of the same holy man, " Time is but a moment,
life a vapor, and all its enjoyments but empty bubbles and
fleeting blasts of wind." The first duty of every lover of
Christ is to enter constantly within the veil, offering himself
a sacrifice to God, to obtain some sensible communion with the
great Invisible; and his second, to come forth Avith a shining
face, as Moses, and be ready to speak and do whatever God,
by his word, providence, and indwelling Spirit, shall appoint.
If we reverse this order, and Avear out our lives in the most
indefatigable services, without an habitual sense of holy unc
tion and divine communion, God may, indeed, in mercy to
souls, bless our labors in some degree, but our own souls,
though just saved, will suffer great, irreparable loss, through
all eternity.
I sometimes try to pray for little Elsina, that the first dawn
of her intellect may be accompanied Avith the daAvn of heav
enly light. Perhaps, if you pray a few words with her alone
every day, and endeavor to direct the first thoughts of her
young and tender mind to the crucified Saviour, she wih grow
up a better saint than her own mother.
With love to brother Bennett, I remain
Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson
To the Missionaries at Maulmain, particularly Mr. Bennett.
Rangoon, November 13, 1830.
Dear Brethren : I wrote you lately by Ko Ing, since
which I have received yours by Moung En. We continue to
distribute about forty tracts a day, and should gladly double
the number if we could depend on a supply from Maulmain.
By tracts I mean not the single sheets or handbills,* contain
ing merely a scrap of Scripture, which, being wholly inade-
* Two pages tracts of Scripture Extracts.

FAMILIAR LETTERS TO FELLOW-LABORERS. 509
quate to give any full idea of the Christian religion, it is im
possible to mock any poor soul with, when he holds out his
hand for such spiritual food as his case requires. They do
well enough among the converts, and if you find they are use
ful in your parts, I shall be happy to send you back those I
have on hand, for there is no demand for that article here in
the present state of the mission. . . . But by tracts I
mean the View, the Catechism, the Balance, and the Investi
gator. I earnestly beg the brethren to wake up to the impor
tance of sending a regular supply of all these articles. Hoav
long we shall be allowed a footing in Rangoon is very uncer
tain. While a missionary is here, a constant stream ought to
be poured into the place. Rangoon is the key of the country.
From this place tracts go into every quarter. I could write
sheets on tke subject, but I trust that it is unnecessary. Six
weeks have elapsed since I wrote for the Balance, and for a
few only, as I did not wish to distress any one, and though it
was then out of print, it is not yet put to press. And why ?
Because the Epitome has been in the way. I am glad the
Epitome is printed ; but after ah, we shah not give away one
a week of that article. The state of things does not immedi
ately require it. But of the Balance I shall give away one
hundred a week. There are daily calls for it. During the
last six weeks I should have given away one thousand of the
Balance, and they Avould noAv be circulating all over the coun
try. I found twenty in the house on my arrival, and have been
dealing them out hke drops of heart's blood. There are few
left. I did expect some by Moung En ; but alas ! out popped
two bundles of scrippets* The book of Scripture Extracts,
however, I am thankful for. I do not Avrite this with any dis
position to find fault. I am sure you have done all for the
best ; and I feel for brother Bennett in his labors at the press.
I only blame myself that I have not been more explicit, and
written mo ?e urgently on the subject.
Yours ever, A. Judson.
* Tha two page tracts mentioned above.
43*

510 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
To the Missionaries at Maulmain.
Rangoon, November 16, 1830.
Dear Brethren : We were obliged to give away nine
ty-five tracts and Scriptures yesterday, besides refusing sev
eral. This morning I took twenty in my hand, as usual, and
though I avoided streets, and kept to the jungle, and walked
as fast as possible, yet, notAvithstanding every precaution, they
fleeced me of fifteen by sunrise. We shall not be able to
stand it longer than fifteen or twenty days at this rate. They
come from all parts of the country, and the thing is spreading
and increasing every day. I hope you will not fail me in the
hour of need. We Avant thousands of the Catechism, the
VieAv, the Balance, and the Investigator. Next to these we
shah want a thousand or two of the Gospel of Luke, that is,
after the Scripture Extracts are done, which will be shortly, if
you wih only send them along. I am more and more con,
vinced that Burmah is to be evangelized by tracts and por
tions of Scripture. They are a reading people beyond any
other in India. The press is the grand engine for Burmah.
Every pull of brother Bennett at the press sends another ray
of light through the darkness of the empire. I write in a
hurry, for I am in the middle of the sixty-fifth Psalm ; and
though I keep snug in the garret, I have had within an hour
one man from Mad-dee-yah, who has come for tracts, having
heard the gospel from one of the disciples at Prome, a writer
from Kyouk-mau, brought hither by your inquirer Moung
Louk, a disciple from An-au-len, and Moung Hming, from
Pan-ta-nau, who requests baptism, and brings also a message
and request for tracts from Nah-kau-dau, who says he heard
about Jesus Christ from a foreigner * at Prome. And, as I
am alive, here comes at this moment a priest and his followers.
So farewell. Yours,
A. Judson.
« " Judson himself," says Mr. Bennett, in a note.

TRANSLATION OF Triii jraALMS. 511
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Rangoon, Novemter 21, 1830.
Dear Sir : Since my return to this place, I have chiefly
confined myself to the garret of the house we occupy, in order
to get a little time to go on with the translation of the Psalms,
which was begun three years ago, but has been hitherto post
poned for more important missionary work, which was ever
pressing upon us. Some of the disciples occupy the front part
of the house below, and receive company and distribute tracts
and portions of Scripture. The more hopeful visitors are
shown the way up stairs. But notwithstanding this arrange
ment, I am interrupted above half my time. People find their
way to me from all parts of the country, and some, I trust, re
turn with that light in their heads, and that love in their hearts,
and that truth in their hands, which will operate as a little
leaven, until the whole mass is leavened.
Two have been lately added to the church in Rangoon —
one of them the husband of a female disciple, whom he former
ly persecuted for her religion, but whose example he has
now followed ; the other an old woman of seventy-four, who
has met with violent opposition from a host of children and
grandchildren, who for a time confined her, lest she should be
baptized ; and at last she was baptized by stealth. On her re
turn from the water, in wet clothes, she suddenly met three of
her sons, grown men, who, it seems, were suspecting some mis
chief. At first she thought of avoiding them ; but feeling very
happy that she was now a full disciple, life and death, praise and
abuse, became, at the moment, indifferent to her ; she met them
courageously, and to their rude questions, " What have you
been about, mother ? " she mildly and promptly rephed, " I have
been baptized into the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the
entire renunciation of the religion of our ancestors." The
young men appeared to be astonished, and, contrary to her
fears, refrained from all abusive treatment, and suffered her to
proceed home quietly, as if nothing had happened. There
are a few others, who seem to be near the kingdom of heaven ;
but weakness of faith an 1 the fear o :" men keep them baGk.

512 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Ko Ing left me-, a few days ago, on an excursion to Tavoy
and Mergui. I hope that he will accompany brother Board-
man in his proposed return to the former place, and assist him
in baptizing several Karens, who are waiting there to profess
the Christian religion. Moung En has returned from Maul
main, and taken Ko Big's place ; and of all the disciples I have
yet employed, he seems to be the best qualified to receive pro
miscuous company. He was, when I first knew him, extremely
irritable. He was frequently betrayed into a passion, at -the
Goung-zay-gyoon zayat. But now he bears with impertur
bable composure, and a smiling countenance, the floods of con
tradiction and abuse which sometimes pour upon him. Nor
is he ever so much in his element, as when surrounded by
a large company, some contradicting and some approving.
Moung Mo also, one of Ko Thah-a's converts, has been on a
visit to the villages on the other side of the river. He was
absent ten days, and distributed three hundred tracts. From
his account, the fields in that quarter also are quite ready for
the harvest. To Mrs. Bennett. Rangoon, December 10, 1830.
Dear Sister Bennett : It is with heartfelt pleasure that I
find myself able, at last, to beg your acceptance of a copy of the
Life of Lady Guion. And it is my most fervent prayer that
this and all other means of grace may be abundantly blessed
to you and dear brother Bennett. I love you both most sin
cerely, and hope shortly to be happy with you in the world of
light, where Ave shall understand many mysteries, which now
seem dark to our dark minds. However, we have a glimpse
of that light which shineth more and more to the perfect day.
. . I thank you for your kind letter, and wish I had
time and grace to make a more worthy return. I hope you
will pray for me, for you have not such inveterate habits to
struggle with as I have contracted through a long course of
religious sinning. O, my past years in Rangoon are spectres
tc haunt my soul; and they seem to laugh at me as they shake

declines returning home. 513
the chains they have riveted on me. I can now do little more
than beg my younger brethren and sisters not to live as I have
done, until the Ethiopian becomes so black that his skin can
not be changed. And yet I have sometimes sweet peace in
Jesus, which the world can neither give nor take aAvay. 0, the
freeness, the richness of divine grace, through the blood of
the cross ! Your affectionate, unworthy brother, A. JUDSONc
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Rangoon, December 20, 1830.
Rev. and dear Sir : I am happy to inform the board
that my health, which was rather impaired some time ago, is
now quite good ; so that I should not feel justified in accepting
their invitation to return home.
At the same time, the kind feeling which dictated the invi
tation, and the affection, though undeserved, which breathes in
every line, have made an indelible impression on my heart.
I must confess that, in meditating on the subject, I have felt an
almost unconquerable desire to become personally acquainted
with my beloved patrons and correspondents, the members of
the board, as well as to rove once more over the hills and
valleys of my own native land, to recognize the still surviving
companions of my youth, and to witness the Avide-spread and
daily-increasing glories of Emanuel's kingdom, in that land of
liberty, blessed of heaA'en with temporal and spiritual bless
ings above all others.
However, I anticipate a happier meeting, brighter plains,
friends the same, but more lovely and beloved ; and I expect
soon to witness, yea, enjoy, that glory in comparison of which
all on earth is but a shadow. With that anticipation I con
tent myself, assured that we shall not then regret any instance
of self-denial or suffering endured for the Lord of life and
glory.* Your affectionate friend and faithful servant,
A. Judson.

514 memoir oj dr. judson.
To Mr. Bennett. Rangoon, December 24, 1830.
Dear Brother Bennett : Your remittances of the need
ful, under dates the i4th and 19th instant, have relieved in
some measure my distresses, which, however, would not have
risen to such a degree, had not the people here told me that
the Hebe and La Belle were the only small vessels running
between the ports ; and I then concluded that you were all
gone to sleep. I beg ten thousand pardons for thinking so ;
and if you could only know hoAv grateful I feel for the present
kind supplies, and for the kinder promise of better things in
future, namely, the Balance, the Investigator, and the View,
you would be convinced that I am a very good creature. I
am happy to hear that you get on so Avell in reading ; I see
that you begin to spout Burman too. ... I am glad to
hear that you are enlarging the office, and writing for a col
league. Keep moving ; never doubt Ave shall bring up in the
right place.
I send you enclosed all the lampblack I can procure in
Rangoon. You see it purports to be of the " very best " kind.
You say you wrote for ink last September ! When you want
any thing from Bengal, you must learn to write six months
before you need the article, and send one letter per month
regularly until you receive it. I suppose you did not even
send a duplicate. However, you will learn in time how we
do things in the East. The Memoir of Payson that you speak
of I have. It is a most precious work.
With bve to Mrs. Bennett,
Yours affectionately, A. Judson.
Rangoon, January 6, 1831
Dear Brother Bennett : I have just received yours of
the 25th December, and the two parcels of tracts by the Hebe.
The contents of these parcels I value. . . . I 3o not .
object to a box of books occasionally, but I should prefffltL..-
parcels, as a general thing, for the reason mentioned formerly ;

w.

FAMILIAR LETTERS TO FELLOAV-LABORERS. 515
and for the same reason I should much prefer having them
sent by native boats ; but I knoAV not how you can manage
that, unless when native Christians giA'e information. If
once, however, some of the native boat owners, who continu
ally pass between the two places, should know that for every
parcel they conveyed from your house to my house they
would receive half a rupee, I presume you would frequent
ly have voluntary application ; and that arrangement would
save us both some trouble, besides avoiding the inspection and
hue and cry at the custom house. You can't send too many
of the Scripture Extracts, (together or in two parts,) the
Septenary, the Investigator, the. Balance, the View, and the
Catechism. Send by every opportunity. Don't be afraid
that I shall give away the large books without care, and as
fast as you send them. I Avant a stock on hand of the larger
articles ; and, indeed, I want to be laying in a stock of all the
articles against the great March festival, when, if things go
on prosperously, I shall want ten thousand on hand at the
very least.
I have had a good letter from sister Boardman, giving an
account of the wonders of divine grace at Tavoy ; but I sup
pose you have heard all.
With love to your dear wife,
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
To the Missionaries at Maulmain.
Rangoon, January 25, 1831.
Dear Brethren : I have attentively read your letter by
A, and formed some acquaintance Avith the man, and endeav
ored to lay the subject before God in prayer ; and I do not
find myself at liberty to attempt to remove the cross Avhich the
Lord Jesus has kindly laid upon your backs. I beg you will
be more grateful for the favor than you appear to be. Par
ticularly I would exhort brother Bennett to remember, among
other things, the example of the Abbe de Paris, who, after
having tried various modes of self-denial, in order to subdue his

516 MEMOIR OF dr. judson.
spirit, and gain the victory over the world, at length selected a
crazy man to be the inmate of his miserable hovel. Now,
though I am doubtful about self-inflicted austerities, I am quite
sure that evangelical self-denial eminently consists in bearing
patiently and gratefully all the inconveniences and pain which
God in his providence brings upon us, without making the least
attempt to remove them, unless destructive of life or health,
or, in one word, capacity for usefulness. Rangoon, February 1, 1331.
Dear Brethren : The great festival falls this year on
the 25th. Alas ! alas ! what shall I do ? I beg and entreat
that you wih not give any tracts in the vicinity of Maulmain
until after the 1st of March ; but let every thing that can possi
bly be got ready be sent with all possible expedition to this
place. I do beg you will all make one effort, and, if possible,
send me fifteen or twenty thousand tracts between this and
the 25th or 28th. The festival will last several days. I have
lost all hope of hoarding up my present stock. We have been
obliged to give away above one thousand within the last three
days. It is not here as at Maulmain, Avhere a great many are
destroyed. Here, I am persuaded, after a great deal of inquiry,
not one in a hundred is destroyed. The people are eager to
get tracts. We don't give to every one we meet, as you do,
but to those only Avho ask earnestly. Don't think the tracts
you print, and stitch, and trim, with a great deal of labor, and
send here, are lost. I trust thafthe most of them will come
to light at the day of judgment.
I send this by Sanlone, who goes around in Moung Gway's
boat. He, and perhaps the same boat, will return soon ; I hope
in time for the festival. Send every thing you possibly can,
and by every other boat or vessel after receiving this.
In great haste, yours,
A. Judson.

FAMILIAR LETTERS TO FELLOW-LABORERS. 517
To Mr. Bennett. Rangoon, .February 1831.
Dear Brother Bennett : I Avrote lately by Moung San-
lone, saying that the great festival falls on the 25th instant.
and begging that, until that time, no tracts might be circulated
in your quarter, but that every thing, that could be got ready
should be sent hither. If you listen to that petition, well; if
not, to repeat it, with all the urgency of a dying man, would
be of no use. We Avere giving away at the rate of three or
four hundred per day, until I became alarmed, and reduced
the allowance to two hundred. We are just, therefore, keep
ing our heads above water. But Ave have no hopes of being
ready for the festival unless you pour in fifteen or twenty
thousand more, between this time and that. We have had
none since the arrival of Moung En. He and A brought
good supplies ; but alas ! no Views, and but few Balances and
Investigators. O, when will the time come that I shall have
as much as I want, and of the right kind! I have labored to
very great disadvantage ever since I came down from Prome,
for want of the right kind of supply. If, instead of printing
such a variety, the brethren had aimed only at furnishing a
sufficient supply of the necessaries of life, how much better it
would have been ! I should not then have been left for months
without the Balance, or any equivalent, nor be left, as I now
am, month after month, without the View — the staple com
modity. Hoav distressing it is, when the poor people come
crying for the elements of the Christian religion, to be obliged
to give them one of the small numbers of the Scripture Ex
tracts, which singly can give them no idea ! By the way, I
beg you will send no more of No. 8 : it is just good for noth-
:ng, in the present state of things. I do not write thus by
way of finding fault with my brethren ; I am quite sure that
you have meant all for the best. I have made too many mis
takes, and criminal ones too, all my life long, to allow me to
find fault with others. I only hope that things will now be
kept in such a train as to prevent my being reduced agaJE to
the straits I have been in for several months. When you have
vol. i. 44

518 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
made arrangements to insure a supply of the four standard
articles, so that we can always have as many of such kind, and
of all the kinds, as the state of the market requires, I would
recommend to the brethren to issue a smah edition of three
thousand of the First Epistle of John. I once thought of
Luke ; but if you take hold of that, we shah be left to starve
again, for want of the necessaries of life. You say that
there are fourteen hundred of the Scripture Extracts re
maining ; and these, stitched together or in two parts, will
answer to give in cases where something more than the four
standards is required. As to the Septenary, I would suggest
that it is to be kept for special cases, and not distributed pro
miscuously, for you will not Avant to print another edition
immediate^*" It, was not intended -for general circulation,
but to be kept on hand for the converts and hopeful inquirers,
As to your plan of printing the Catechism and View together
it is most excellent. You cannot furnish too many of that
article. As to the Balance, it is now ah the rage, partic
ularly with the cut. I suppose you cannot clap the cut on the
covers of those, that have it not. It doubles the value. I
presume that from fifty to one hundred per day inquire partic
ularly for the Balance, and we are obliged to turn them off
with something very inadequate to their exigency. Is not this
most aAvful ? Only contrast the countenance of one who has
No. 8 forced upon him instead of the Balance, and goes away
feeling very " gritty," with the countenance of another, who
seizes upon the desired article, gloats upon the interesting
.Bennett cut, and goes aAvay almost screaming and jumping
for joy.
I see, on reperusing your letter, that you speak of a second
edition of the Septenary. I have no objection, provided it
does not deprive us again of the necessaries of life. I hope,
however, you will not abandon the study of the language.
The proverb of the " cat and her skin " I do not like. I have
a much better one from the first authority. " My son," said
the head jailer of the death prison at Ava to an under jailer,
who was complaining that they coult" get no mo;<3 out of a poor

FAMILIAR LETTERS TO FELLOW-LABORERS. 519
fellow whom they had been tormenting for several days, his
wife and house being completely stripped — " my son," said the
venerable old man, " be sure you have never wrung a rag so
dry but that another twist will bring another drop." . .
Love to Mrs. Bennett and family. Yours, A. Judson.
To the Missionaries in Maulmain. Rangoon, March 3, 1831.
Dear Brethren and Sisters : I am grieved that sister
Wade, after running down to Amherst, and deriving a little
benefit during a few days' stay, thinks she must return, and
probably has by this time returned, because sister Bennett is
quite worn out, " having every thing to do." Now, it appears
to me that the better way to have remedied that evil would
have been for sister Bennett to run away from all her cares,
and take the air at Amherst too.
Mrs. Jones, I hear, is also ill, and Mrs. Kincaid has not, I
believe, much health to spare. Now, as you have two months
of very trying weather to sustain, I earnestly beg that yor
will all take into serious consideration the propriety of repair
ing Landale's house forthwith, or some other, and placing one
or two of the ladies, by turns, to keep the post, until the rainy
season sets in. Mrs. Wade, I humbly conceive, ought to be
immediately apprehended and sent back as a deserter. And
certainly no one ought to hesitate a moment at leaving mission
or domestic cares for the preservation of health. When our
bast beloved are once laid in the cold grave, no cries, or tears,
or remorse, will bring them back. Many faithful servants
and handmaids of the Lord might have been spared many
years, had they only relaxed before they made their last
effort. If you have a house at Amherst during the hot season, some
of the brethren, too, may be benefited by an excursion thither.
Brother Bennett will certainly need a week's relaxation,
there or somewhere else. . . . However, I only sub
mit these hasty thoughts for your consideraJ ion. You are on

520 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
the spot, and knoAV better than I what is necessary and proper.
May God preserve your precious lives many years ; for,
though the prospect of death may not be grievous, but joyous,
" the harvest is plenteous, and the laborers are feAV."
Yours most affectionately,
A. Judson.
To Mr. Bennett. Rangoon, March 3, 1831.
Dear Brother Bennett : I am in great distress. The
View has been out several days. It failed us in the midst of
the festival. Why some were not ready to be sent by the
Hebe, when the arrival would have been so opportune, I can
not conceive. We had been on a short allowance of one hun
dred per day for several days, and were nearly exhausted,
when, on the morning of the 22d, the splendid consignment of
Moung San-lone arrived. On that day, Tuesday, we gave
away three hundred ; on Wednesday, eight hundred ; on
Thursday, nine hundred ; on Friday, the full moon, seven
hundred ; on Saturday, eleven hundred ; on Sunday, eight
hundred ; on Monday, fiveliundred. On Tuesday, the immense
crowd of boats began to move off. Moung San-lone, second,
had been petitioning for two thousand, Avith which to proceed
a feAV miles up the river, and supply the departing boats. I
could not listen to him, when, at the critical moment, the Hebe
hove in sight, with your second consignment, and I sent off a
couple of disciples with twelve hundred, but no View. On
the same day we gave away, at the house, six hundred ; on
Wednesday, seven hundred; on Thursday, to-day, five hun
dred. I have been trying for two days to reduce the alloAV-
ance, but in vain. And even if I could reduce it to two hun
dred, which is the utmost I hope for, how many days should 1
hold out ? I have no Views, only six hundred of the Balance,
ditto Catechism, about one hundred and fifty of the Investiga
tor, a few Septenaries and Scripture Extracts. That is all ;
for we do not consider the Epitome a suitable thing to give
away promiscuously to people who have never heard a word

FAMILIAR LETTERS TO FELLOW-LABORERS. 521
of the gospel. Now you see, do you not, that I am it dis
tress ? In a very few days, unless we have a fresh supply,
we shall have to shut up the house, and send away the hungry
souls without giving the crumb of a Catechism. It is true
that we have had a glorious festival ; but when a famishing
man sees pale hunger advancing with 'rapid strides, it affords
him no relief to reflect that he feasted sumptuously a week
ago. We have had a glorious festival, for which I feel under
infinite obligation to you ; and as you have begun to run well,
I hope nothing Avill hinder you from prosecuting the race. I
have ihe greatest hope that in a very feAV days a supply will
arrive. As to the Investigator, I begin to hesitate about giv
ing it promiscuously. It is an excellent work, but appears to
be rather too straightforward for the present state of Burmah.
It gives more offence than the Balance. The latter Avork,
being cast in a hypothetical shape, is less offensive. I think
of proposing a large edition of the Balance, say twenty thou
sand. . . . Yours affectionately, A. Judson.
Rangoon, March 16, 1831.
Dear Brother Bennett : Your last box of " pills " has
quite relieved my distress, and I perceive as yet no symptom
of a return, the thermometer being down to one hundred, in
consequence of a persevering application of refrigerants.
Pretty work for a missionary ! Next box of pills you send,
please enclose one compounded of five hundred Catechisms. March 30.
Your splendid consignment came to hand this morning. I
feel as rich as Croesus. But I am sorry to say (perhaps you
will be glad) that, for some reason or other, the tide seems to
be turning. There are now comparatively few applications
for tracts, and I shah not need any other supplies just at pres
ent. Never, however, hesitate to send a few, at least, when a
good opportunity offers, especially by native boats, if it is only
44 *

522 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
to encourage the trade. Little Sanlone Avent off with five
hundred a few days ago, to be present at the annual festival
of Shway Man-dan, in old Pegu, which took place the 21st
instant. If the present consignment had then arrived, he
would have taken two thousand or more. I expect him back
every day. Pastor Thah-a and Shway-too start to-morrow
morning with a few hundred for the villages of Kam-bai, Sec.
Poor httle Elsina seems to be ill all the time. I expect she
will be quite a shadow when I come to see her again, if that
ever takes place. However, if your children hve at all, it is
a fi .or that not every one enjoys in this chmate.
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
Rangoon, April 17, 1831.
Dear Brother Bennett : . . . The demand for
tracts at the house is much less than formerly ; but during my
morning Avalks I give away, every day, between forty and
fifty, on earnest solicitation. The priests are good customers.
Since the call for tracts is not so great as formerly, I do
hope that you will turn your attention to the language. Do
let me urge you to do a little task every day. The greatest
mountain wih in time disappear, if a cart load is taken aAvay
every morning. When you get the language, you will be
interested and happy in your work, but not without.
As to the other matter, the land of Beulah lies beyond the
valley of the shadoAV of death. Many Christians spend all
their days in a continual bustle, doing good. They are too
busy to find either the valley or Beulah. " Virtues they have,
but are full of the life and attractions of nature, and unac
quainted with the paths of mortification and death." Let us
die as soon as possible, and by whatever process God shah
appoint. And when we are dead to the world, and nature,
and self, Ave shall begin to live to God.
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.

INCREASING SPIRIT OF INQUIRY. 523
To thi Corresponding Secretary.
Rangoon, February 6, 1831.
Rev. ^.nd dear Sir : Since my return from Prome, I
have been chiefly employed in finishing the Psalms, the Song
of Solomon, and the book of Daniel, all of which were begun
some time ago. These, with an Epitome of History and
Prophecy, are all the parts of the Old Testament that are yet
translated. I propose next to enter upon Isaiah.
During the past year there have been baptized twelve at
Maulmain, seven at Rangoon, and twenty-eight at Tavoy ; in
all forty-seven, five of whom are Europeans, and the rest na
tives. Three have been finally excluded, and a few are under
lensure. Since the beginning of the year, one young man, by name
Moung Shway-gnong, has been baptized here, three or four
Europeans at Maulmain, and four Karens at Tavoy.
The most prominent feature in the mission at present is the
surprising spirit of inquiry that is spreading every where,
through the Avhole length and breadth of the land. I some
times feel alarmed, like a person who sees a mighty engine
beginning to move, over Avhich he knows he has no control.
Our house is frequently crowded Avith company ; but I am
obliged to leave them to Moung En, one of the best of assist
ants, in order to get time for the translation. Is this right ?
Happy is the missionary who goes to a country where the
Bible is translated to his hand.
When Ave can obtain a sufficient supply of tracts from Maul
main, which is not half the time, we give away between tAvo
and three hundred per day, giving to none but those who ask.
The government still preserve neutrality. We have been
once accused before the viceroy, by a deputation from two sub
ordinate departments of government ; but his excellency re
jected the accusation with indignation. He is not, however,
favorably disposed to the Christian religion, but merely wishes
to preserve peace, being a quiet, good-natured man. And it
is scarcely knoAvn to government that there are any native
converts, all our acts of worship being conducted in private.

524 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Rangoon, February 28, 1831.
Rev. and dear Sir : One of the brightest luminaries of
Burmah is extinguished ; dear brother Boardman has gone to
his eternal rest. I have heard no particulars, except that he
died on returning from his last expedition to the Karen vil
lages, within one day's march of Tavoy. He fell gloriously
at the head of his troops, in the arms of victory ; thirty -eight
wild Karens having been brought into the camp of King Je
sus since the beginning of the year, besides the thirty-two that
were brought in during the two preceding years. Disabled
by mortal wounds, he was obliged, through the whole of his
last expedition, to be carried on a litter ; but his presence was
a host, and the Holy Spirit accompanied his dying whispers
with almighty influence. Such a death, next to that of mar
tyrdom, must be glorious in the eyes of Heaven. Well may
we rest assured that a triumphal crown awaits him on the
great day, and " Well done, good and faithful Boardman, en
ter thou into the joy of thy Lord." I have great confidence
in sister Boardman, that she will not desert her husband's
post, but carry on the work which he has gloriously begun.
In connection with this subject, I would suggest a doubt on
the advisableness of sending out missionaries of a consumptive
habit. Three of my companions, noAV dead, Avere subject to
some pulmonary affection before they left America. Colman,
it is true, died prematurely of another disorder ; but I have
always thought that, if he had escaped the Arracan fever,
he would not have survived many years. Price also died of
consumption, though he had no symptoms of that disorder on
first arriving. I have understood, however, that it is hereditary
in his family. This mission, therefore, has been peculiarly
unfortunate. The four male missionaries who have died were
probably all of them consumptive before they left home. Such
persons, instead of laboring in their oAvn language, where they
might b j directly useful, spend their little span in toiling to
acquire a foreign language, and then sink into the grave.
Another consequence is, that Burmah, which is the healthiest

OBLIGATIONS OF CHRISTIANS AT HOME. 525
country of the East, next to Ceylon, is liable to be considered
peculiarly unhealthy, and some are perhaps deterred by this
consideration from offering themselves to the service. I
Avould further remark, however, that a slender, feeble habit
of body is perhaps no objection. A person of such a habit is,
indeed, more likely to survive in an eastern climate than one
who is very stout and fat. Freedom from hereditary taint,
particularly as it regards pulmonary affection, is the principal
desideratum. The idea that a Avarm climate is favorable to
persons of consumptive habit, is correct in some cases, but not
where a rainy season is to be encountered every year. Let
those young men who have a predisposition to consumption,
and this is the case with many of our theological students,
consider themselves debarred from the privilege of preaching
Christ to the heathen of the East. But at the same time, let
all the rest feel themselves under greater obligation to listen to
the heart-melting, soul-stirring cry, which the varied pop
ulation of this great country, the Shans, the Karens, the Ta
rings, the Burmese, and the Arracanese are now sending forth
from their towns, and villages, and hamlets, their mountains,
their valleys, and their woods, " Come and save us, for we
ARE SINKING INTO HELL."
March 4. The great annual festival of Shway Dagong is
just past, during wliich I have distributed nearly ten thousand
tracts, giving to none but those who ask. Priests and people,
from the remotest regions, are alike eager to get our writings.
I should have given aAvay double the number, if I could have
obtained sufficient supplies. But poor brother Bennett cannot,
single handed, with bad type, and not yet familiar with Bur
mese printing, answer all the demands which we make upon
him, from different quarters. May God forgive all those who
desert us in our extremity. May he save them all. But
surely, if any sin wih lie with crushing weight on the trem
bling, shrinking soul, when grim death draws near, if any sin
Avill clothe the face of the final Judge with an angry frown,
withering up the last hope of the condemned, in irremediable,
everlasting despair, it is the sin of turning a deaf ear to the

526 MEMOIR OF DK. JUDSON.
plaintive cry jf ten mihions of immortal beings, who, by their
darkness and misery, cry, day and night, " Come to our rescue,
ye bright sons and daughters of America, come and save us,
FOR AVE ARE SINKING INTO HELL."
I am, however, most grateful and happy that three new
missionaries, with their wives, have lately arrived, and are
now applying themselves to the language, and preparing to
come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. May he
preserve their lives many years, and make them more success
ful and blessed than their predecessors.
To Mrs. Boardman. Rangoon, March 4, 1831.
My dear Sister: You are now drinking the bitter cup
whose dregs I am someAvhat acquainted with. And though,
for some time, you have been aware of its approach, I venture
to say that it is far bitterer than you expected. It is common
for persons in your situation to refuse ah consolation, to cling
to the dead, and to fear that they shall too soon forget the dear
object of their affections. But don't be concerned. I can as
sure you that months and months of heart-rending anguish
are before you, whether you will or not. I can only advise
you to take the cup with both hands, and sit down quietly to
the bitter repast which God has appointed for your sanctifica
tion. As to your beloved, you know that all his tears are
wiped away, and that the diadem which encircles his brow
outshines the sun. Little Sarah and the other have again
found their father, not the frail, sinful mortal that they left on
earth, but an immortal saint, a magnificent, majestic king. What
more can you desire for them ? While, therefore, your tears
floAV, let a due proportion be tears of joy. Yet take the bitter
cup with both hands, and sit down to your repast. You will
soon learn a secret, that there is sAveetness at the bottom. You
will find it the sweetest cup that you ever tasted in all your
life. You will find heaven coming near to you, and familiarity
with your husband's voice will be a connecting link, drawing
you almost within the sphere of celestial music.

DEATH OF BOARDMAN. 527
I think, from what I know of your mind, that you will not
desert the post, but remain to carry on the work which he glo
riously began. The Karens of Tavoy regard you as their
spiritual mother ; and the dying prayers of your beloved are
waiting to be answered in blessings on your instructions.
As to little Georgie, who has now no earthly father to care
for him, you cannot, of course, part with him afrpresent. But
if you should wish to send him home, I pledge myself to use
what little influence I have in procuring for him alhjhose ad
vantages of education which your fondest wishes can desire.
Or if you should be prematurely taken away, and should con
descend, on your dying bed, to commit him to\ me, by the
briefest line or verbal message, I hereby pledge my\fidelity to
receive and treat him as my own son, to send him home in the
best time and way, to provide for his education, and to watch
over him as long as I live. More than this I cannot do,\ and
less would be unAVorthy of the merits of his parents. \
As to yourself, I knoAV of nothing that I can do for you. It
occurs, however, to say, that I hope you will feel no uneasi
ness, or think it necessary to make any inquiries, about your
support. By our regulations, a widow is entitled to seventy
rupees a month, and a child ten rupees. But as Mr. Beeby
may not understand this matter, I enclose a note to him, which
you can forward or suppress, as you think proper.
You will, moreover, receive ere long a reply from the board
to the application which Mr. Boardman made on this subject.
I remain, dear sister,
Your sympathizing brother,
A. Judson.
P. S. I should'be glad to know that my letter of six weeks
or two months ago reached brother Boardman before he died.

To the Rev. Mr. Grow, of Thompscm, Conn.
Rangoon, March 4, 1831.
Rev. and dear Brother : Your letter of the 19th July
•last- is before me, and your fifty dollars are in the hands of Mr.

528 memoir of dr. judson.
Jones, at Maulmain, who writes me that he is ready to pay it
to my order. The sentiments expressed in your letter are
cheering and encouraging to my heart. I wish that all Bap
tist ministers felt so, and would all make such presents, though
I should prefer their being made directly to the board. My
gratitude, however, in both cases is sincere.
The great annual festival is just past, during which multi
tudes come from the remotest parts of the country to worship
at the great Shway Dagong pagoda, in this place, where it is
belieA'^d that several real hairs of Gaudama are enshrined.
During the festival, I have given away nearly ten thousand
tracts, giving to none but those who ask. I presume there
have been six thousand applications at the house. Some come
two or -three months' journey, from the borders of Siam and
China — " Sir, we hear that there is an eternal hell. We are
afraid of it. Do give us a writing that will tell us how to es
cape it." Others come from the frontiers of Kathay, a hundred
miles north of Ava — " Sir, we have seen a Avriting that tells
about an eternal God. Are you the man that gives aAvay such
writings ? If so, pray give us one, for we want to know the
truth before we die." Others come from the interior of the
country, where the name of Jesus Christ is a little known —
" Are you Jesus Christ's man ? Give us a writing that tells
about Jesus Christ." Brother Bennett works day and night at
the press ; but he is unable to supply us ; for the call is great
at Maulmain and Tavoy, as well as here, and his types are
very poor, and he has no efficient help. The fact is, that Ave
are very weak, and have to complain that hitherto we have not
been well supported from home. It is most distressing to find,
Avhen we are almost worn out, and are sinking, one after an
other, into the grave, that many of our brethren in Christ at
home are just as hard and immovable as rocks ; just as cold
and repulsive as the mountains of ice in the polar seas. But
whatever they do, we cannot sit still, and see the dear Bur
mans, flesh and blood like ourselves, and hke ourselves pos
sessed of immortal souls, that wih shine forever in heaven, or
burn forever in hell — we cannot see them go down to perdl-

work of translation. 529
tion Avithout doing our very utmost to save them. And thanks
be to God, our labors are not in vain. We have three lovely
churches, and about two hundred baptized converts, and some
are in glory. A spirit of religious inquiry is extensively
spreading throughout the country, and the signs of the times
indicate that the great renovation of Burmah is draAving near.
0, if Ave had about twenty more versed in the language, and
means to spread schools, and tracts, and Bibles, to any extent,
Iioav happy I should be ! But those rocks and those icy moun
tains have crushed us down for many years. However, I
must not leave my work to write letters. It is seldom that I
Avrite a letter home, except my journal, and that I am obliged
to do. I took up my pen merely to acknowledge your kind
ness, and behold I have scratched out a long letter, which I
hope you will excuse, and believe me,
In haste, your affectionate brother in Christ,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Rangoon, May 22, 1831.
Rev. and dear Sir : I am surprised to see that my last
date is three months ago. The truth is, I have been so ab
sorbed in translating, that I have been hardly sensible of the
lapse of time. I am just finishing the books of Isaiah and Gen
esis, having kept them along together, the one by way of re
freshment after the toil of the other. I have done but httle
missionary work, except distributing tracts and superintending
the native assistants. But as Genesis, Psalms, Solomon's
Song, Isaiah, and Daniel, some of the most important books of
" the Old Testament, are now just done, I propose to change my
course of labor. Moung En is settled Avith me, having brought
hia wife, Mah Nen-yay, from Maulmain. His department is to
receive company at the house. His wife assists her husband,
and also teaches a small school of four children at present,
two of them belonging to Moung Sanlone, formerly of Maul
main, but now settled in Rangoon. Moung Sanlone the sec
ond, (or Tsan-lone, as I will write his name in future to distin-
vol. i. 45

530 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
guish it from the other) is becoming a valuable assistant. It
is his business to go about the place, distribute tracts, and con
verse wherever he can get an opportunity ; and he sometimes
make3 short excursions to the neighboring villages. He fre
quently meets with very rough treatment, which, as far as I
can learn, he bears well.
It has been my habit for several months past to perambu
late the streets every morning about sunrise, distributing tracts
to those who ask. At first I gave away fifteen or twenty a
day. The average has now risen to seventy. We think, from
inquiry and observation, that very feAV are destroyed. They
are in almost every house, and are read in private. The truth
is unquestionably spreading. Were it not for the fear of gov
ernment, I think the spread in this place Avould be rapid.
There are a good many hopeful inquirers, but when they ar
rive at a certain point, their visits become feAV and far between.
They see the Rubicon before them, and dare not pass. The
number of such persons is continually increasing. This cannot.
last always. God will, I trust, make a bridge to facilitate
their passage.
I hear that brother Wade has raised up a church of four
teen Karens, in the neighborhood of Maulmain, and that
brother Kincaid and brother Jones have large and attentive
assemblies from the army. Pour out, O Lord, thy Holy
Spirit upon ah our feeble efforts, that Ave may be more suc
cessful, and upon thy baptized people at home, that they may
begin at last to Avake up to the subject of missions, even
though they have been sleeping these eighteen yeais — not to
say centuries.*
June 6. I hear that three more natives and three Euro
peans have joined the church in Maulmain. But at the same
time, I am distressed to hear that Mrs. Wade is rapidly sink-
* The man of sin sleeps not, nor his father. Witness one bishop
and two priests lately arrived from Prome, by way of the Red Sea,
in addition to four others in the country. Two of them are just pro
ceeding to Ava. I hear also that they are building a church at
Maulmain.

NEED OF REENFORCEMENT. 531
ing, and that nothing can saA'e her life but a long voyage.
To this measure her attending physician, Dr. Brown, has long
urged her. But her extreme reluctance "to leave all she
loves below the skies, and go off," seemed to be an insuperable
objection. At length the brethren met, and formally advised
her to go home immediately, and brother Wade to accompany
her, partly on account of his own health, which is daily get
ting worse. A copy of their resolution they sent to me, and
I have sent back my entire approbation. I should not Avon-
der if they were now on their way to Bengal. I hope they are.
I have also written to the brethren to know what I shall do
with myself in the mean time. I know not whether they can
keep the press moving without me. And though they can,
what will become of the native flock in Maulmain ? What
of the Karens ? What of all the people in the ceded prov
inces, from Tenasserim to the frontiers of China ? What of
all the people from Rangoon to Ava ? I am startled and ter
rified to find that, by several unexpected moves, I am left, as
it were, alone ; there being not another foreigner in all the
country that can preach the gospel to the perishing millions,
north and south, or feed the infant churches, except, indeed,
Mrs. Bennett, Avho has begun to take the management of the
female meetings. My prayers to God and my entreaties to
my brethren at home seem to have equal efficacy. Since the
last missionaries left home, I perceive no further signs of life.
All seem to have gone to slumbering and sleeping. How
ever, it is a comfort that those last arrived are on the ground ;
and I cannot but sanguinely hope that dear brother and sister
Wade will, in due time, return Avith renovated health and a
fresh reenforcement.
A. Judson.
Journal.
Rangoon, June 18, 1831. I have been employed several
days in studying Professor Stuart's Commentary on the
Hebrews, and revising my translation of that Epistle.
I have received letters from Maulmain, in answer to my

532 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
inquiries. Brother Wade being obliged to leave for the
present, the brethren recommended my removing to Maul
main. I return the favor by recommending the removal of
one of the brethren to this place.
July 20. I have just finished the first part of Exodus,
that is, twenty chapters, as an appendix to Genesis. I now
shi.t up my translating books, having received the gratifying
intelligence from brother Jones, that he will be ready to re
lieve this post on the 25th, soon after which I shah embark
for Maulmain. Though we have had a very great number
of inquirers, and some of them very hopeful, we have had
but few baptisms. Many of them come from a distance, and
return, I trust, to spread the light around them ; but we see
them no more for the present.
I have sent Moung Shway-doke with three thousand tracts
up the Laing River, Avhich breaks off from the Rangoon out
let a little above Rangoon, and joins the great River Tingdau,
below Prome. It passes through a populous part of the
country, where the word of life has never yet been published.
Moung Sanlone has left me this morning, with twenty-five
hundred tracts, to visit the neighborhood of old Pegu, on
the east ; and Moung Shway-too Avill shortly leave with
three thousand, for the large towns of Pan-ta-nau and Bassein,
on the west. These disbursements have reduced me to my
last thousand, with which Ave shall endeaATor to hold out, in
expectation of the reenforcement Avhich is near at hand.
July 23. I had the pleasure of Avelcoming brother and
sister Jones.
Left Rangoon, July 26, and on the 11th of August, after
a very tedious passage, reached the mission premises at Maul
main, where I had no sooner set foot than I found myself sur
rounded by a crowd of native Christians, children of the
school and members of the mission ; and our joy Avas recipro
cal. Find there are continual accessions to the European
church under the care of brother Kincaid, some encouraging
news from the Karens in the north, but prospects among the
native population of Maulmain rather dark.

FRAGMENTS. 533
Pencilled Fragments, without Date.
Topics to encourage Prayer.
Wrestling Jacob.
Friend at midnight.
The unjust judge.
Satan fights neither with small nor great, save only with
the spirit of prayer.
An effort made in aridity, in wandering of thought, under
a strong tendency to some other occupation, is more pleasing
to God, and helps the soul forward in grace more than a long
prayer without temptation.
Whatever others do, let my hfe be a hfe of prayer.
Get the King's daughter, and you get all ; the grace of
devotion is the daughter of God.
1. Self-denial.
2. Do nothing from your own wih, but all from the will
of God.
3. The Holy Spirit is the soul of the ransomed soul. —
Fenelon. 4. Keep turning the soul to God until it habitually rest in
God. — Guion.
5. Strive after the sphit of prayer, rather than to pray.
— Kempis.
6. Keep the cross of Christ in view.
7. Listen to the voice within.
Points of Self-denial.
1. The passion for neatness, uniformity, and order, in ar
rangement of things — in dress, in writing, in grounds.
2. A disposition to suffer annoyance from httle improprie
ties in the behavior and conversation of others.
3. A desire to appear to advantage, to get honor and avoid
shame. " Come shame, come sorrow," &c.
4. A desire for personal ease and comfort, and a reluctance
to suffer inconvenience.
5. Unwillingness to bear contradiction.
45*

534 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
In several of the foregoing letters, it may have been
observed that allusion is made to the works of Lady
Guion and some other distinguished quietists of the
Catholic church. The attachment of Dr. Judson to
writings of this class, some of the sentiments which
he embraced; and the rules of living which he adopted,
were, at the time, a source of uneasiness to many of
his friends. Even now they are somewhat unwill
ingly called to remembrance, or are alluded to as
facts which prove that his tendencies were imagina
tive and mystical, and that the soundness of his judg
ment is by no means to be relied upon. I consider it
my duty — and I perform it with pleasure — to state
the facts of the case just as they occurred, offering at
the close such suggestions as the narrative has awa
kened in my own mind.
It will be borne in recollection that Dr. Judson
had, a short time before, suffered an imprisonment
of twenty-one months in Ava, under circumstances
which rendered the preservation of his life almost
miraculous. While his health was still suffering from
the effects of this captivity, his wife, whom he loved
almost to idolatry, was taken from him, and he re
turned to a desolate home, to lay by her side, under
the hope tree, the only child that she had left him.
He proceeded steadily and earnestly with his work, as
though none of this had happened ; but it is, I sup
pose, to be remembered that Christians and missiona
ries have the same physical nature, the same brain
and nen-es, and the same domestic, affections, as other
men. While Dr. Judson, in all this, bowed to the
will of his Father in heaven with unquestioning sub
mission, the pain which his sensitive nature endured
must have been as great as could be borne without

REVIEW OF HIS AUSTERITIES. 535
prodscing derangement. The world had lost for him
all its charms ; and he looked upon it only as a field
for the discharge of duty. His thoughts all tended to
the heaven where were gathered all, both created and
uncreated, that he most dearly loved. The realities
of eternity were ever present to his mind ; and there
naturally arose within him a desire, amounting to a
passion, to become assimilated as nearly as it was
possible to those whom he loved, who were now
without sin. He meditated on the delineations and
the examples of Christian character contained in the
New Testament, and compared them with the stan
dard of piety by which the moral efforts of the disci
ples of Christ are now limited ; and he became con
vinced that religious men might arrive at vastly higher
attainments in holiness if they earnestly and honestly
desired it. Having come to this conclusion, he at
once determined to reduce his theory to practice, and
seek for the nearest and most constant communion
with God of which his nature was capable.
He devoted himself to this work with characteristic
energy. It is to be observed, however, that the disci
pline to which he subjected himself was merely the
means to an end. He desired to subdue every im
pulse, and to conquer every habit, which interfered
with supreme love to God and disinterested love
to man. While he was thus mortifying the sensual,
he was also cultivating the spiritual by earnest devo
tion and the exercise of self-denying charity. The
means to which he resorted were such as proved him
to be most thoroughly in earnest, and singularly capa
ble of conforming his practice to the principles of
duty by which he was governed.
He resolved to overcome every form of selfishness

536 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and cultivate in his soul the largest measure of love
to man. He observed that missions were languishing
for want of funds, and, as no human being was de
pendent on him for support, he gave to the board his
whole patrimonial estate. His love of order and neat
ness was excessive, and liable to interfere with his
labors among the filthy Karens. He overcame this
tendency by ministering to the sick under the most
revolting diseases. In youth, he had cherished an in
tense desire for reputation ; and even his father had
cultivated, rather than repressed, this infirmity. The
severe dispensations which had been meted out to
him had, in a great measure, corrected this propen
sity ; but there yet lingered within him a desire for
posthumous reputation. To mortify this weakness,
he caused all his correspondence, so far as it was in
his power, to be destroyed, and committed to the
flames a letter of thanks for his services from the
governor general of India, together with several other
documents of a similar character. He went still far
ther. He desired to subdue every appetite that might
interfere with perfect consecration of the soul to God.
He therefore built in the edge of the jungle a bamboo
house, which he called the " hermitage," where he
lived upon rice for weeks together, mingling in no
society, and seeing only those persons who came to
him for religious instruction, that thus he might render
his intense love for his friends perfectly subordinate to
his love to God. This time was devoted to prayer
and the Avark of translating the Scriptures. To these
austerities was added the habit of frequent fasting,
which, in fact, he continued to the close of his life.
He had suffered much from a peculiar form of dread
of deoth — not the separation of the soul from the

REVIEW OF HIS AUSTERITIES. 537
body, or any doubt of ultimate acceptance with God,
but a nervous shrinking from decay and corruption —
the mildewing and mouldering in dark, damp, silent
ghastliness. He beieved this to be the result of pride
and self-love ; and, in order to mortify and subdue it,
he had a grave dug, and would sit by the verge of it,
and look into it, imagining how each feature and
limb would appear days, months, and years after he
had lain there. Once, when worn out with transla
tions, and really needing rest, he went over the hills
into the thick jungle, far beyond all human habitation,
though still overlooked by a moss-grown pagoda, so
distant that even the strictest devotee of Gaudama
never thought of visiting it. To this place he brought
his Bible, and sat down under the wild jungle trees
to read, and meditate, and pray, and at night returned
to the " hermitage." The next morning, when he
went to his retreat, he found a rude bamboo seat in
the place, and the branches of the trees woven for a
canopy over his head. He never knew to whom he
was indebted for this watchfulness ; but Ko En in
formed Mrs. Judson that it was Ko Dwah,* the dea
con, whose fear of tigers was so far overcome by his
* This man was devotedly attached to Dr. Judson. Both were
, taken sick at nearly the same time, so that during their illness they
met but once, and the old deacon could not, with the other disciples,
accompany the dying pastor to the wharf. As soon as Dr. Judson
removed, the house which he occupied, and which had long been con
demned by Dr. Morton for its unhealthiness, was removed. Ko Dwah
was not aware of the circumstance, though living in the vicinity, un
til the spot was left bare. He then insisted on leaving his bed to
look upon the ruin. He hobbled on his staff across the road, ascend
ed the chapel steps with great difficulty, and then sitting down, rested
his chin on his palms, and burst into a loud, wild sort of lamentation,
like the wailing at a funeral. Neither mind nor body ever recovered
from the shock, though he lingered on for some time longer.

538 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON
affection, that he braved the dangers of the dusk to
accomplish his pious purpose. This place of resort
was considered by the natives so dangerous, that Dr.
Judson's preservation during the forty days which he
spent there, partaking of no food except a little rice,
was regarded by them as a repetition of the miracle
of Daniel.
In this manner were several months of this part of
the life of Dr. Judson spent. The whole energy of his
nature was directed to the attainment of perfect self-
government and intimate communion with God. His
labors in the translation were, however, not intermit
ted. He strove to impose these austerities on no one
else ; but to his intimate friends he frequently spoke
of the necessity of aiming at a higher degree of sanc
tification than was commonly attained. He censured
no one — a virtue not always in practice, either by
ascetics or by self-indulgent Christians. The more he
examined his own heart, and tested his own motives,
the farther did he seem removed from that perfect
holiness to which he aspired. He did not, I believe,
ever conceive himself to have arrived at the perfection
which he sought ; but, had he been suffered to enter
tain any doubts of his acceptance with God, he must
have become instantly insane. He was spared this
trial. He had never any doubt of his title to a heav
enly inheritance ; and all his desire was, the better to
prepare himself to enjoy it. In subsequent life, though
he looked back upon this portion of his moral history
with trembling, yet he firmly believed that he had
derived from it benefits which could not, perhaps,
otherwise have been attained. Those who knew him
best trace to this period that unusual self-possession,
that victory ovei the allurements of the world, that

REVIEW OF HIS AUSTERITIES. 539
habitual tendency of the soul towards the realities of
eternity, and that loving trust in God under the most
discouraging circumstances, which so distinctly marked
the remainder of his career.
If, now, we reflect upon this passage in the life of
Dr. Judson, I think we shall be convinced that it is by
no means deserving of the sort of remark to '¦vhich it
has given rise. He was striving for the same attain
ments which President Edwards, Payson, Baxter,
Bishop Wilson, and a multitude of others, whose lives
are considered worthy models for Christian imitation,
most earnestly sought after. His labors were more
intense, and his austerities more painful, than many
of these holy men underwent ; but this arose from
the self-sacrificing energy of his nature, modified, at
the time, by the condition of his nervous system —
shattered almost to insanity by sickness, captivity,
torture, and the severest of all bereavements.
But we are not obliged to rest our defence of this
part of Dr. Judson's conduct even here. We may go
farther, and ask, What was the object which he so
earnestly desired ? It was the highest attainment in
virtue, in supreme love to God, and universal charity
to man. Can any object be more worthy of an intel
ligent and accountable being 1 By what means did
he attempt to cultivate his moral nature? By prayer,
the mortification of the appetites, and the practice of
charity. These are certainly suitable means, and
such as the Scriptures, and men who love the Scrip
tures best, have ever recommended. Our Saviour
declares that, unless we deny ourselves, we cannot
enter his kingdom. But it is said that Dr. Judson
carried his obedience to these precepts to excess. We
ask, Did he carry them to such a:i excess as to injure

540 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
his neighbor ? If not, his neighbor has surely no
reason to complain. Did he, in consequence of these
austerities, neglect any duty devolving upon him.
either as a Christian or as a missionary ? His visit to
Prome and Rangoon occurred during this very period ;
can any thing be more cheerful, more kind, or more
natural than his letters from these places ? But it
may be asked, Do you advise us all to live in this
manner ? I answer, Did Dr. Judson ever advise it ?
He held himself up as a model to no one. He never
even proposed to himself permanently such a mode
of life. He only adopted it for a time, as a means of
moral improvement by which the whole of his future
life might be rendered more in harmony with the per
fect example of the Saviour whom he worshipped. If
there is any thing in which a man should be left to
act specially for himself, it must be in that part of his
conduct which pertains to his relations to God. If
there be any course of action which he should be
allowed to pursue without censure, it must be that in
which he is striving to cultivate most assiduously love
to God and charity to man. If we believe the means
which a brother adopts to be unwise, let us, by our
example, teach him something better. But, whatever
opinion we may form of the means, certainly no
rightly-constituted mind can contemplate without rev
erence an immortal spirit making the most strenuous
efforts in its power to attain to near resemblance to
the Author and Exemplar of all moral perfection.
If, then, it be asked whether we advise disciples of
Christ to follow Dr. Judson's example in these re
spects, we answer, By no means. We do, however
advise them to seek as earnestly as he did the subju
gation of the appetites and passions, and the most

CHARACTER AND HABITS OF THE KARENS. 541
intimate communion possible between the soul and
God. As to the means to be employed, let each one
judge for himself. Among the most successful of
them will, I think, be found some modification of
those to which he resorted — self-denial, renunciation
¦j{ the maxims, amusements, and practices of the men
Avho are manifestly living for this present world, alms
giving, and persona labor in the various departments
of charity, all being pervaded by a spirit of fervent
devotion. In debating about the means, let us not
lose sight of the object to be attained ; and because
we disapprove of digging a grave and sitting by the
side of it, let us not yield ourselves without resistance-
to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the
pride of life.
In the preceding pages, mention is made of the
Karens, a people in whom Dr. Judson became deep
ly interested, and whom he frequently visited on
missionary tours in their native jungles. The follow
ing notice of their character and habits, taken from
Mrs. Emily C. Judson's Life of Mrs. Sarah B. Judson,
was made under the eye of Dr. Judson himself.
The Karens have for many years been known to Ameri
can Christians, and have shared deeply in their sympathies.
Different opinions respecting their origin have from time to
lime been advanced; but who they are, or whence they came,
if not indigenous to the Burmese wilderness, is still a mystery,
even to themselves. Distant resemblances have been traced
between the Karens and several mountain tribes to the north
of Burmah ; but nothing satisfactory with regard to their
identity has yet been ascertained, and the whole subject is
one of loose conjecture. Their numbers have also been va
riously estimated. By a census of the Tenasserim provinces,
taken in 1839 the Karens and Toung-thoos (the latter a
vol. i. 46

542 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
small hill tribe, not easily distinguished by a casual observer)
were ascertained to number thirteen thousand five hundred
and three. This estimate includes those of both races, from
the province of Maulmain on the north to Tavoy, and thence
to Mergui on the south ; but since that time the number of
Karens has been considerably increased by immigration, es
pecially in the vicinity of Maulmain. They are probably four
or five times as numerous in the southern part of Burmah,
AAiiere they occupy a strip of territory lying between Rangoon
and Bassein, and extending along the borders of Arracan ;
while a third division, still more numerous, people a range of
hills stretching off to the north-east, as far as Toung-oo, an in
land city half way between Rangoon and Ava. They are a
rude, wandering race, drawing their principal support from
the streams that flow through their valleys, and from the nat
ural products of their native mountains. They migrate in
small parties, and, when they have found a favorable spot, fire
the underbrush, and erect a cluster of three or four huts on the
ashes. In the intervals of procuring food, the men have fre
quent occasion to hew out a canoe or weave a basket ; and the
women manufacture a kind of cotton cloth, which furnishes
material for the clothing of the family. Here they remain
until they have exhausted the resources of the surrounding
forest, when they seek out another spot, and repeat the sama
process. The Karens are a meek, peaceful race, simple and credu
lous, Avith many of the softer virtues, and few flagrant vices
Though greatly addicted to drunkenness, extremely filthy and
indolent in their habits, their morals, in other respects, are su
perior to many more civilized races. Their traditions, like those
of several tribes of American Indians, are a curious medley of
truth and absurdity ; but they have some tolerably definite
ideas of a Great Being, who governs the universe ; and many
of their traditionary precepts bear a striking resemblance to
those of the gospel. They have various petty superstitions ;
but, with the exception of a small division, known to the
Burmans as the Taling Karens, and to the missionaries as

CHARACTER AND HABITS OF THE KARENS. 543
Pwos or Shos, they have never adopted Boodhism ; the op
pressive treatment which they have received at the hands of
their Burmese rulers probably contributing to increase their
aversion to idolatry.
Soon after the arrival of the first Burmese missionary in
Rangoon, his attention was attracted by small parties of strange,
wild-looking men, clad in unshapely garments, who from time
(o time straggled past his residence. He Avas told that they
were called Karens ; that they Avere more numerous than any
similar tribe in the vicinity, and as untamable as the wild cow
of the mountains. He was further told that they shrunk from
association with other men, seldom entering a town, except on
compulsion ; and that, therefore, any attempt to bring them
within the sphere of his influence Avould prove unsuccessful.
His earnest inquiries, however, awakened an interest in the
minds of the Burmese converts ; and one of them, finding,
during the war, a poor Karen bond servant in Rangoon, paid
his debt, and thus became, according to the custom of the
country, his temporary master. When peace was restored, he
was brought to the missionaries on the Tenasserim coast, and
instructed in the principles of the Christian religion. He
eventually became the subject of regenerating grace, and
proved a faithful and efficient evangelist. Through this man,
Avho will be recognized as Ko Thah-byu, access was gained
to others of his countrymen, and they listened with ready in
terest. They Avere naturally docile ; they had no long-cherished
prejudices and time-honored customs to fetter them ; and their
traditions taught them to look for the arrival of white-faced
foreigners from the West, who Avould make them acquainted
Avith the true God. The missionaries, in their first communi
cations with the Karens, were obliged to employ a Burmese
interpreter ; and, notAvithstanding the disadvantages under
which they labored, the truth spread with great rapidity.
Soon, however, Messrs. Wade and Mason devoted themselves
to the acquisition of the language, and the former conferred
an inestimable blessing on the race by reducing it to writing.
This gave a fresh impetus to the spread of Christianity. The

544 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
wild men and women, in their mountain homes, found a new
emp oyment ; and they entered upon it Avith enthusiastic avid
ity. They had never before supposed their language capable
of being represented by signs, hke other languages ; and they
felt themselves, from being a tribe of crushed, down-trodden
slaves, suddenly elevated into a nation, with every facility for
possessing a national literature. This had a tendency to
check their roving propensities ; and, under the protection of
the British government, they began to cultivate a few simple
arts, though the most civilized among them still refuse to con
gregate in towns, and it is unusual to find a village that
numbers more than five or six houses. Their first reading
books consisted of detached portions of the gospel ; and the
Holy Spirit gave to the truth thus communicated regenerating
power. Churches sprang up, dotting the wilderness like so
many lighted tapers ; and far back among the rocky fastnesses
of the mountains, where foreign foot has never trod, the light
is already kindled, and will continue to increase in brilliancy,
till one of the darkest corners of the earth shall be completely
Uluminated.

END OF VOL. I.

MEMOIR

LIFE AND LABORS

EEV. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D. D.
BY
FRANCIS WAYLAND,
PRESIDENT OF BROWN UNIVERSITY.
To preach the gospel In the regions beyond. — 2 Cob. x. 18.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
Vol. II.
NEW YOEK:
SHELDON & COMPANY.
115 NASSAU STREET.
I860.

CONTENTS

OF THE SECOND VOLUME.

CHAPTER I.

VIEWS OP MISSION AEY WOEK ILLUSTEATED. — PEEACH-
ING TOUES IN THE KAEEN JUNGLES. — PLAN FOR A MIS
SION TO PALESTINE 

CHAPTER II.
ADVICE TO CANDIDATES EOE MISSIONAEY LABOE. — THIED
TOUE AMONG THE KAEENS.— APPEALS EOE HELP. — TRANS
LATION OE THE BIBLE COMPLETED. — MAEEIAGE TO MES.
BOAEDMAN, ... . 

CHAPTER III.
IREVELTANISM. —VIEWS IlESPECTING THE METHOD OE CON
DUCTING MISSIONS. — REVISION OF THE OLD AND NEW
TESTAMENTS. — GROWTH AND RESULTS OE THE MISSION. —
.FIRST TWENTY-EIVE YEARS OE MISSIONAEY LABOR, . 84
VOL. II. 1 1

2 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
DECLINING HEALTH. - VISIT TO CALCU fTA. - PRINCIPLES
OE TRANSLATION. — MISSIONARY WORK. — REVISION OP
BURMESE SCRIPTURES COMPLETED. - CHARACTER OP THE
VERSION, ... • . . 131
CHAPTER V.
ILLNESS OP HIS FAMILY. — PASSAGE TO CALCUTTA. — BE
REAVEMENT AT SERAMPORE. — VOYAGE TO THE ISLE
OF PRANCE AND MAULMAIN. — INCIDENTS OP THE VOY
AGE. — BURMESE DICTIONARY,  169
CHAPTER VI.
ILLNESS OF MRS. JUDSON. —VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES.
-DEATH OP MRS. JUDSON. — BURIAL AT ST. HELENA. — OBIT
UARY NOTICE. — RECEPTION AND ADDRESSES IN THE UNI
TED STATES, . ¦ . . ... .196
CHAPTER VII.
MARRIAGE. - FAREWELL SERVICES AT BOSTON. — VOYAGE
TO MAULMAIN. — RECOMMENCES LABORS AT RANGOON.—
RETURN TO MAULMAIN. — REMINISCENCES OP HIS LAST
VISIT TO RANGOON,  249
CHAPTER VIII.
NUMBER OF MISSIONAEIES IN MAULMAIN —MODES IP MIS
SIONARY LABOE. — BURMESE DICTIONAEY. — STATE OF THE
MISSION, . .  . . . .304

CONTENTS. o
CHAPTER IX.
HIS LAST ILLNESS. - INTENDED VOYAGE TO THE ISLE OF
FRANCE. — THE CLOSING SCENES OF HIS LIFE — HIS DEATH
AND BURIAL. — NOTICES OP THE PRESS — ANECDOTES AND
SKETCHES,  331
CHAPTER X.
GENEEAL VIEW OF HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS, . 373

APPENDIX
DR. JUDSON'S OPINION ON SOME OF THE TENETS OF BUDDH
ISM,  407
PREVALENCE OF BUDDHISM, . .  409
BUDDH,  . .  410
KYOUNGS AND PRIESTS,  417
LETTER FROM EANGOON IN 1826,  420
DEPOSITION OF DR. JUDSON BEFORE COMMISSIONER CRAW
FURD,  . 422
THE GOLDEN BALANCE, TRANSLATED FROM THE BURMAN, 448
THE GOLDEN BALANCE IN PEGUAN,  457
THE THREEFOLD CORD,  459
A BURMAN LITURGY, TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH, . 467
LETTER ON ORNAMENTAL AND COSTLY ATTIRE, . . . .476
SERMON AT THE ORDINATION OF REV. S. M. OSGOOD, . 486
SKETCH OP ELEANOR MACOMBER, ... . 48S

4 CONTENTS.
SKETCHES OP SERMONS,  498
TO A LAI Y, AN INTIMATE FRIEND OF MRS. JUDSON, . 500
WAYSIDE PREACHING  502
OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST ^ LAST COMMAND A TEST OF PIETY, 519
THE MISSIONS OF THE AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONARY
UNION, ... . . . . . . S32

3M01B OE M. JUDSON,

CHAPTER I.

VlhWS OP MISSIONARY WORK ILLUSTRATED. — PREACHING
TOURS IN THE KAREN JUNGLES. — PLAN FOR A MISSION TO
PALESTINE. 1831-1832.
The events of the ensuing chapters illustrate still-
more clearly Dr. Judson's views of missionary labor.
He had made himself perfectly familiar with the Bur
man language, so that, as a medium of communica
tion, he seemed to prefer it to his native tongue. He
was aware that this knowledge imposed upon him the
duty of devoting a considerable portion of his time
to the work of translation; yet he considered his ap
propriate business as a missionary to be the preaching
of the gospel. He believed that Christianity was to
be promulgated by the contact of individual mind
with individual mind, and hence he diligently sought
every possible occasion for personally offering to men
salvation by Christ. And in this there was some
thing distinctive and almost peculiar. He did not de
vise any set of measures to operate, as it is said, on
the public mind, and change the views of the masses,

6 MEMOIR 01 DR. JUDSON.
and by a general and gradual process of illumination
prepare the way for the diffusion of the gospel. He
had little confidence in schools as a means for the
conversion of men. For a while he gave them a
modified aDproval ; but the more he saw of them and
their effects, the smaller was his confidence in them
as missionary work. It was sufficient for him to know
that Christ and his apostles had made it their great
work to proclaim to men every where the news of
salvation, and without conferring with ease, or taste,
or love of civilized society, he resolutely followed their
example. There is, it seems to me, something deeply interest
ing in the following narrative. Here was one of the
most learned and able men in India, that nursery of
great men, a man of refined manners and cultivated
tastes, surrounded by a company of native Christians
who had yet only begun to put off their habits of
barbarism, penetrating the recesses of the forest and
threading every accessible rivulet for the sake of
preaching to almost naked savages the gospel of our
salvation. Wherever he could find listeners, were
they many or few, there he stopped to discourse on
the message of redeeming love. Whether from his
boat or on the shore, whether by day or by night, he
was always ready to reveal to these wandering barba
rians the love of God in sending his Son for our re
demption. In this work he was remarkably success
ful. Rarely did he go into the jungle without, on his
return, " bringing his sheaves with him." It was,
moreover, the work in which, above all others, he de
lighted. He had a passion for saving souls, and he
had reason to believe that, by this labor, many souls
were saved who would be his joy and his crown in

VIEWS OF THM WORK ILLUSTRATED. 7
that heaven for which his whole life was a constant
preparation. Wnen, at .ength, he felt constrained to
listen to the repeated solicitations of the board, and
devote himself to the work of translation, it cost him
many a pang; and the paper which recorded his reso
lution to forsake the jungle, and devote himself to a
life of greater self-indulgence, was bedewed with his
tears. In another respect, his labors in this direction were
peculiar. He seems to have possessed a remarkable
facility for calling into active service all the gifts of
the native Christians. He saw that a nation can
never be evangelized except by means of its own pop
ulation. Foreigners can never supply it with minis
ters of the gospel. Strangers may carry to it the
truths of revelation, may transfer them into its lan
guage, and, by the blessing of God, may establish
churches. But it is from these churches themselves
that the preachers must be taken who are to carry the
gospel to their brethren. Impressed with these views,
he cultivated to the utmost the native talent. He
was ever surrounding himself with men whom he was
training up to this service. In Maulmain and Ran
goon, he always employed several assistants, whom he
sent daily to the different parts of the city and vicinity
to preach and converse with their countrymen, and
read and distribute tracts. When he went into the
jungle, a company of the same kind followed him.
These he would send away, two by two, into those
parts of the forest to which he could not himself pen
etrate, appointing to them their work, and receiving
their reports as they returned. He was thus greatly
multiplying his own efficiency, and training up the
most promising natives as preachers of the gospel.

8 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
The same method has been pursued with most
remarkable success by Rev. Mr. Abbott, in Sando-
way and the adjacent districts. Mr. Abbott has car
ried this plan farther than Dr. Judson. He has been
enabled to increase very greatly the number of native
preachers ; some of them he has ordained ; their labors
have been abundantly owned of God, and many of
the churches have already chosen their own pastors,
and are supporting them, in a great measure, by
their own contributions. When so much as this has
been accomplished, Christianity has taken root among
a people. They may need, and for a considerable
time they will need, the encouragement and direction
of a superior mind, more perfectly acquainted than
themselves with the Scriptures ; but after this, the
main labor of evangelization may be done by them
selves. Missionary efforts have been successful very
much in proportion to the prevalence of these ideas.
In the first instance, however, missionaries must show
how the work is to be done, by their own example.
Without this, it is not reasonable to expect that any
thing will be accomplished.
There is one feature of the following narrative
which may possibly require a brief explanation. It
will be seen that, on many occasions, Dr. Judson, in
his tours through the jungle, met with men and
women who requested Christian baptism ; and that,
after conversation with them, and what is termed " a
relation of their experience," with the approbation of
such native Christians as were present, he admitted
them by this ordinance, to the fellowship of the
church. It may be asked, How, from such a brief ac
quaintance could he know that they were suitable
candidates ibr ti.ie reception of ihis rite?

YIII.WS Ok' THE WORK ILLUSTRATED. 9
The answer to this question is briefly as follows :
Dr. Judson believed ihat when any man becomes a
Christian, or a real disciple of Christ, a specific moral
change takes place in his spiritual nature. The essen
tial elements of this change are, a deep and universal
"sorrow for the sins of his past life, an entire renuncia
tion of all hope of salvation by any merits of his
own, an unreserved surrender of himself to Christ,
relying on him alone for pardon and acceptance
with God, and an earnest desire to live henceforth in
obedience to all the requirements of the gospel ; and
that these spiritual exercises terminate in a radical
change of moral character, leading to a pure and holy
life. A man's fitness for membership of a church is,
therefore, to be learned, first, from the nature of these
exercises, of which he himself alone can be conscious,
and which, therefore, we must learn from his own
lips ; and, secondly, from the testimony of those who
know him, that his life has corresponded with these
professions. It was on this ground that Dr. Judson
acted in admitting men to baptism ; and he seems to
have acted with good reason. " If any man," saith
St. Paul, " be in Christ, he is a new creature." This
new creation must comprehend not only a change in
practice, but a change in motives, and in all the moral
affections. What is external may be known, in part,
from others ; what is internal, the source of all, being
apparent to his own consciousness alone, must be
known from himself. The personal narrative of this
change in moral character is frequently called the re
lation of a man's " religious experience." It was af
ter hearing this, and learning the character which the
candidate maintained among his neighbors, that he
tvas received to membership in the church.

10 MEMOIR 01 DR. JUDSON.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, August 7, 1831
Rev. and dear Sir : I have received very kind letters
from yourself, Deacon Lincoln, Mr. E. Lincoln, and Mr. Mal-
com, of last November, on the subject of my visiting Amer
ica ; but as brother and sister W-a,de have just left us, which
circumstance you could not foresee, and I remain almost
alone in the native department of the mission, and as my
health is now very good, I presume there will be no doubt in
the minds of any of the board abv^it the propriety of my
remaining where I am.
There is one point which I wish respectfully to suggest —
whether, in sending out future . V'lfVies to these parts, it
may not be best to assign them niw vf^e station, or limited
field of labor, but leave them to ii^ A. »e path of duty as it
may be opened by ^Erovidenera* Jpommended by their
brethren of the mission. The grea'ii^gpion whether Burmah
proper is open to missionary efforts or not, must essentially
affect all our movements. If it be open, we shall want to
direct every thing to the centre ; otherwise we must make
the most of the outskirts. Such events may transpire, in the
interval of your sending a missionary and his arrival, as may
embarrass him and us, in case of his having received very
definite instructions in regard to the particular field of labor.
And the effect on his own mind may also be very bad, if he
has fixed his regards on one object exclusively, and, on arriv
ing, finds that object unattainable. Would it not be safe to
send out missionaries to Burmah, to labor in any section, and
among any class of people, — Burmans, Talings, or Karens,
— as shall appear most advisable at the time ?
A. Judson.
Journal. Maulmain, August 14, 1831.
Since I left this, a year ago last April, nine persons have
been received into the native church by baptism, besides
fourteen Karens, most of them relatives of persons previously

FIRST TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 11
baptized ; but Moung Ouk-moo, a Taling, and Moung Shway-
moung, a Burman, are not of that description, and are both
very promising characters. To-day were added Mah Ike
ind Mah Kau-mee, widows, in the neighborhood ; the latter,
mother of Sarah Wayland, formerly a most abusive, wicked
woman, but now entirely changed ; the former outrageously
opposed by a large circle of connections, and, on that account,
enabled to give bright evidence of sincerity.
August 24. We have just opened a school for teaching
adults to read. Five scholars are engaged, two of them mem
bers of the church. "Wadesville, September 11.
At this place, destitute of a name, where brother Wade
baptized the first Karens, I arrived on the fifth, four days'
journey from Maulmain, up the Dah-gyne River. Moung
Doot has been stationed here three months, and endeavored to
do a little among the natives, though in the Taling language
only, which some of them understand. I have seen most of
the converts. They appear pretty well. Tau-nah is my inter
preter, the first baptized, an intelligent Christian, and compe
tent to the work. Eight more have this day been added to
the church.
September 12. I removed a few miles, to accommodate
some who could not visit me at the other place, and have here
baptized five more. There are many inquirers, and some
decided opposition.
September 17. Having left the Dah-gyne, I ascended an
other branch, called the Laing-bwai, hearing that there were
several disposed to embrace, the Christian religion through the
preaching of Ko Myat-kyau and Moung Zuthee, who have
visited these parts ; but soon after my arrival, I was taken
with the jungle fever, and rendered unable to do much. Nine,
however, from two different villages, have been examined and
baptized. To-day, finding myself hourly getting worse, I was
obliged, most reluctantly, to leave the field.
Maulmain, September 27. Am just recovering from the

12 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
fever, and able to record my gratitude to God for his sparing
mercy, and to brother and sister Bennett, and my attending
physician, Dr. Richardson, for their kind attentions and care.
by means of which another span is added to my forfeited life.
Renewedly would I devote it, whether longer or shorter, to the
service of my God and Saviour, —
" If so poor a worm as I
May to thy great glory live."
September 28. Three of the Karens whom I had selected
from all the baptized, namely, Tau-nah, Pan-lah, and Chet-
thing, have arrived, with their wives and children, and one
girl from another family — fifteen souls in all. It is our inten
tion to place the men in the adult school, and qualify them to
read and interpret the Scriptures to their countrymen. In
the mean time, their families will be acquiring a little civiliza
tion and Christian knowledge, which will render them useful
when they return to their native wilds. The plan will involve
some expense, as they must, of course, be supported while at
school. Each family will require six or seven rupees per
month. But I know of no way in which a little money can
be laid out to greater advantage, for the promotion of the cause
of truth among this people.
October 2. A Karen lad, lately baptized, applied for
admission into the school. He appears to be affectionate and
sincere, but uncommonly stupid. We are willing to give him
a trial. October 8. The ship in which brother and sister Wade
took passage for Bengal, on their way to America, having left
this place three months, without being heard of, was generally
supposed to be lost, and we were beginning to feel exceedingly
distressed, when we were astonished by the news that they
were on board a steam vessel at Amherst ; and yesterday morn
ing we had the happiness of seeing them walk into the house.
It appears that they had a most severe time in the Bay of
Bengal, and at length reached Kyouk Phyoo, on the Arracan

EVENTS AT MAULMAIN. 13
ooast, in a sinking condition. They rema.ned there two
months, during which time, and the preceding voyage, Mrs.
Wade's health was so essentially amended, that they relin
quished the design of prosecuting their voyage homewards,
and took passage in a steam vessel which touched at Kyouk
Phyoo, on her way from Bengal to the southern ports. At first
thev thought of proceeding to Tavoy ; but, having ascertained
that the vessel would touch at Mergui only, we all concluded
that it was advisable for them to visit that place, in hope that
a residence there of a few months will completely restore sis
ter Wade's health, and, through the divine blessing, issue in
the establishment of a church in that region. With a view to
the latter object, we are writing to Tavoy, requesting that Ko
Ing, who was originally destined to Mergui, his native place,
may immediately proceed thither. Brother and sister Wade
leave early to-morrow morning, in order to rejoin the vessel
at Amherst.
October 23. We baptized Moung Zah, a pure Burman,
from that favored district below Ava which is blessed with a
genuine impression in stone of the foot of Gaudama ! He
has been considering the Christian religion about two years,
being married to a Taling woman in this neighborhood, who
is a Christian. The opposition in this place was never more
steady and strong. The priests have all taken a most decided
stand ; . and the people seem to have resolved to stand or fall
with their priests. When any person is known to be consid
ering the new religion, all his relations and acquaintance rise
en masse ; so that to get a new convert is like pulling out the
eye tooth of a live tiger.
November 6. The school mentioned above does well. It
contains about twenty persons — men, women, and children.
Most of them are professors of rehgion, and six are Karens ;
the rest, inhabitants of Maulmain. Some of them are boarded
in whole, some in part, and some board themselves.
To-day the hundredth member was added to the Euro
pean church under the care of brother Kincaid, all baptized
by him except the first fifteen.
VOL. II. 2

14 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
In the printing office, brother Bennett has just completed a
new edition of the Septenary or Seven Manuals, and of the
Epistles of John, and of Paul to the Ephesians ; also, first
editions of brother Boardman's Ship of Grace, and brother
Wade's Awakener — a work which he wrote during his late
sojourn at Kyouk Phyoo, and which bids fair to be deserving
of its title. We intended to have printed an edition of ten
thousand ; but having concluded that brother Bennett must go
to Bengal to rectify the Burmese types, we must content our
selves with three thousand, as the ship on which he take3
passage is about leaving. I close this article to be forwarded
by him. To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, October 11, 1831.
Rev. and dear Sir : We are quite convinced that the
female boarding school in this place cannot be sustained
without more efficient aid in that department. The case
stands thus : Mrs. Mason has removed to Tavoy, and Mrs.
Jones to Rangoon. Mrs. Kincaid is afflicted with one of the
most dreadful scourges that human nature is subject to — the
chronic thrush, which incapacitates her for any business, and
will, in all probability, sooner or later, come to a fatal ter
mination. Add to which, that brother Kincaid, whose labors
were wonderfully blessed among the soldiers, has removed
into town, in order to be near them and the European popu
lation. He is baptizing every Lord's day, and his church
numbers nearly a hundred ; so that we have no present mis
sionary aid from that quarter. Mrs. Wade, who, having no
family, has, with occasional assistance from Mrs. Bennett,
done nearly all that has ever been done in the school, though
now returned in comparative good health, has gone with
brother Wade to spend a few months at Mergui ; and if I
should remain here, with a view to superintending the print
ing of the New Testament, &c, according to the latest instruc
tions of the board, there is no prospect that Mrs. Wade will
be able to resume her labors in the school for brother Wade

FEMALE BOARDING SCHOOL. 15
and I, being the only persons yet competent to preach in the
native language, cannot conscientiously remain long together
at the same station. Mrs. Bennett is therefore the only
female remaining on the mission premises, and she has a
young and increasing family, which requires vastly more at
tention than a family at home. Being, also, in a good degree,
acquainted with the language, she has the native female disci
ples and inquirers all on her hands. It is therefore evidently
impossible that she can do justice to a female school. When
I first arrived from Rangoon, I found a school of fifteen,
which she was endeavoring to keep alive, beyond her strength.
I advised her to give it up at once ; and we divided the girls
between two of our best assistants, Mee A and Mee Nenyay,
who were educated under Mrs. Wade, and both well compe
tent to the business of instructing. Such, however, is the
native prejudice in favor of white blood, that the arrangement
gave universal dissatisfaction. And one day, when I was
lying very ill, there was a general insurrection of the mothers,
Christian and heathen ; and they withdrew nearly all their
daughters from the schools, so that now there are three girls
only; and one of them is a wild Karen, that I picked up
lately in my travels.
There can be no doubt that a lady appointed to this depart
ment, especially one disengaged from family cares, would be
able, in the course of a few months' attention to the language,
to collect an interesting school, and that she would find her
self in a situation of usefulness to the cause of Christ beyond
almost any in her native land. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To Mr. Bennett, in Bengal.
Maulmain, December 19, 1831.
Dear Brother Bennett : This has been a very solemn
day. Mrs.  died about four o'clock in the morning,
and at sunset we consigned her remains to the silent grave.
She died clinging to life with an eagerness which it was

16 memoir of dr. judson.
frightful to witness ; and yet we have, upon the whole, a com
fortable hope that she is now at rest. Mrs. Bennett and I
have just been conversing about the importance of cutting off
our ties to this world before death cuts them off per force.
The scene we have witnessed reads us a most solemn lesson.
0, may we learn it well, and may it be sanctified to our
hearts ! . . . The children are all in perfect health.
Mrs. Bennett walks with me every morning between gun
fire and sunrise. I need not add that she is quite well.
She says that she has nothing to add to the accompanying
letters which she wrote a few days ago. I sent the maps
and a parcel from Mah A to her husband, by Captain Lan-
dale, who went from this to Rangoon, to take passage for
Calcutta, in the Indian Oak.
I expect to leave this for the Karen villages in the course
of a few days, but shall not probably be long from home.
We have heard nothing from you since your departure.
Yours very affectionately,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, December 29, 1831.
Rev. and dear Sir : One native only has been bap
tized since my last — Moung Hlau, the husband of Mah
Kyan, mentioned January 28, and May 29, 1829. Though
his violent opposition had long ceased, he did not, till lately,
become fully convinced of the truth of the Christian re
ligion, so as to receive it into his heart. He is a very igno
rant man, not even knowing how to read ; but he is now in
the school of Christ, and must grow in knowledge and grace.
On looking over the results of the past year, I find that
seventy-six persons have been baptized at Tavoy, one hun
dred and thirty-six at Maulmain, and five at Rangoon ; two
hundred and seventeen in all ; of whom eighty-nine are for
eigners, nineteen Talings or Burmans, and one hundred and
nine Karens ; one has been excluded from the native and one
from the European church in Maulmain.

RESULTS AND PLANS.

17

The following table exhibits the number baptized in Bur
mah from the beginning.
The mission commenced July 13, 1813.

1819 ~1
".820 I
1821 f
1822J
18231824
1825182618271828 1829"!1830 y
1831 J

Eangoon, .

Amherst, 
Amherst, 
Maulmain and Tavoy, 
Rangoon, Maulmain, and Ta
voy, 

Native.
T l!
None. War. 3 1
29
f 39
¦I 42
(.128

Foreign.

4
12

89

3 1
33
5150
217

Total, 373, of whom 260 are natives and 113 foreigners.
Of the whole number 11 have been excluded, and 11 have
died in the faith.
The adult school, which has prospered well, will be sus
pended at the close of the year, most of the scholars having
learned to read and committed to memory several important
portions of the tracts and Scripture.
In view of my leaving Maulmain, on a second tour among
the Karens, I have appointed the two deacons, Ko Dwah and
Ko Shway-ba to conduct the daily evening worship, and the
public worship on Lord's days. The former acts also as teacher
to Mrs. Bennett, and the latter is employed in copying trans
lations. Ko Man-boke, the other deacon, and his wife, I send
to the aid of brother and sister Wade at Mergui, where Pastor
Ing also is stationed. Moung San-lone and Moung Shway-
moung, I send to itinerate in the direction of Yay, and Moung
Poo, from the school, and Moung Zah, to itinerate between this
and Amherst, chiefly in the vicinity of Pah-ouk. Ko Shan
and family I send to reside at Tara-nah, a populous Taling
village, on the Gyne, a few miles above Maulmain, where
he has a son settled. Moung En expects soon to revisit
Rangoon. Moung Dway has gone to Bengal with brother
Bennett. The three Karen families who have been in the
2*

18 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
adult school, and Moung Doot, who is now here on a visit
from his station at Wadesville, I shall take with me, together
with Ko Myat-kyau, who speaks the Karen well, Moung
Zuthee, Moung Tau-ma-gnay, Moung Tsan-lone, the school
master, and Moung Ouk-moo, just from school, " all good men
and true."
Brother Kincaid lives in town, and is chiefly occupied with
the Europeans ; so that sister Bennett only remains in charge
of the homestead, and the female disciples, who mostly stay
behind, while their husbands are out on service. Scanty are
our resources, and we are obliged to put every thing in requi
sition. May the Lord soon send us more help from our native
land ; or, if that be not his will, may he cause his strength to
be made perfect in our weakness.

Journal. — Life in tlie Jungle.
"Wadesville, January 1, 1832.
We set out from Maulmain, as purposed in my last, and
leaving the Salwen on the west, and the Ataran on the east,
we followed the Gyne and the Dah-gyne, as it is termed
above its confluence with the Houng-ta-rau, which falls in
from the east, and in three days reached this place, the dis
tance being, by conjecture, above eighty miles. Accounts, on
first arriving, are rather unfavorable.
January 8. My people have been out for several days, in
different directions. One party has ascended the river to
Kau-nau's village, beyond which boats do not pass. Others
have been to Lausan's village, south-east of this, on the Pan-
ka-rong rivulet ; others have proceeded farther in the same
direction, to the head of the Patah River, which also falls into
the Dah-gyne. There are twenty-seven baptized disciples
in these parts, who were nearly all present to-day at worship,
and I am happy to find that they have all behaved well since
my last visit, though they have been obhged to encounter a
great deal of reproach and opposition from their unbelieving
Tountrym-en. But a number of circumstances, too tedious to

SECOND TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 19
detail, have conspired to damp the spirit of religious inquiry,
which appeared a few months ago ; and though, at one time,
there were reported to be a considerable number who were
ready to embrace the Christian religion, and though it is to be
hoped that many of them will prove to be sincere, there seems
to be a simultaneous understanding among them to consider
longer, before finally committing themselves. I have not,
therefore, had the happiness of adding a single individual to
the branch of the church in this quarter.
January 9. The disciples at this place being desirous of
changing their residence, and uniting with other disciples from
different parts in forming a new settlement, we went down th»
river a short distance, and on the western bank, just below the
mouth of the Pan-ka-rong rivulet, found a spot which, uniting
the suffrages of all parties, we commended to God, praying
him to come and make it his abode, and bless the inhabitants
with all temporal and spiritual blessings, and cause it to be a
spring whence living waters should flow into all the adjacent
parts. Having performed this service, and taken leave of the
disciples, we proceeded down the river.
January 10. We arrived early at the mouth of the Leing-
bwai, which falls into the Dah-gyne from the north-west,
and bent our course thitherward. At night, reached Ken-doot,
where they have repeatedly rejected the gospel.
January 11. Continued to work our way up the river, fre
quently impeded by the trees which had fallen across the
water, and through which we were obliged to cut a passage
for the boat. At night, came to a small cluster of houses,
where we found an elderly woman, who, with her daughter,
formerly applied for baptism, but was advised to wait. She
now received us joyfully, and united with her daughter and
son-in-law in begging earnestly that their baptism might be
no longer delayed. I directed them to meet me at Kwan-bee,
about a mile distant, where I formerly baptized nine disciples,
most of them from Tee-pah's village, a few miles to the
west. January 12. Proceeded to Kwan-bee. A few people came

20 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
together on the beach to stare at us, and we had a little meet
ing for worship before breakfast. We then proceeded to
investigate the case of Loo-boo, who was reported to have
joined, when his child was extremely ill, in making an offering
to a nat (demon) for its recovery. We at first thought of
suspending him from the fellowship of the church ; but he
made such acknowledgments and promises that we finally
forgave him, and united in praying that God would forgive
him. We do not hear of any other case of transgression ; but
on the contrary, in two instances of extreme illness, the disci
ples resisted all the importunities of their friends to join in
the usual offerings to propitiate the demons, who are supposed
to rule over diseases. In one instance, the illness terminated
in death ; and I have to lament the loss of Pan-mlai-mlo, who
was the leader of the little church in this quarter, and the first
of these northern Karens, who, we hope, has arrived safe in
heaven. I ought, perhaps, to except the case of a man and
wife near the head of the Patah River, who, though not bap
tized, and never seen by any foreign missionary, both died in
the faith ; the man enjoining it on his surviving friends to
have the View of the Christian Religion laid on his breast
and buried with him.
Some of the disciples have gone to Tee-pah's village to an
nounce my arrival ; and while others are putting up a small
shed on the bank, I sit in the boat and pen these notices.
In the evening, held a meeting in the shed, at which several
of the villagers were present.
January 13. My people returned from Tee-pah's village,
bringing with them several disciples, and one woman, the wife
of Loo-boo, who presented herself for baptism, with twelve
strings of all manner of beads around her neck, and a due
proportion of ear, arm, and leg ornaments ! and, strange to
say, she was examined and approved, without one remark on
the subject of her dress. The truth is, we quite forgot it,
being occupied and delighted with her uncommonly prompt
and intelligent replies. In the afternoon, sent the boat back
to Maulmain, with directions to proceed up the SalweD, having

SECOND TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 21
concluded to cross thither by land. Iv the evening, had a
pretty full shea ; but the inhabitants of the place do not ap
pear very favorably inclined.
January 14. The three persons mentioned on the 11th
presented themselves, with the decorated lady of yesterday.
Being formerly prevented by illness from animadverting on
female dress in this district, as I did in the Dah-gyne, I took
an opportunity of "holding forth" on that subject before-
breakfast ; and it was truly amusing and gratifying to see the
said lady, and another applicant for baptism, and a Christian
woman who accompanied them, divest themselves, on the spot,
of every article that could be deemed merely ornamental ; and
this they did with evident pleasure, and good resolution to perse
vere in adherence to the plain dress system. We then held
a church meeting, and having baptized the four applicants,
crossed the Leing-bwai on a bridge of logs, and set out for
Tee-pah's village, accompanied by a long train of men, women,
children, and dogs. Towards night we arrived at that place,
and effected a lodgment in Tee-pah's house. In the evening,
had a pretty full assembly.
January 15, Lord's day. In the forenoon I held a meet
ing for the disciples only, and, as I seldom see them, endeav
ored to tell them all I knew. Had more or less company
through the day. In the evening a crowded house. Tee-pah's
father, a venerable old man, came forward, and witnessed a
good confession. Some others, also, begin to give evidence
that they have received the truth into good and honest hearts.
January 16. In the morning Tee-pah's mother joined the
party of applicants for baptism, and her younger daughter-in-
law, whose husband was formerly baptized. But Tee-pah
himself, though convinced of the truth, and giving some evi
dence of grace, cannot resolve at once on entire abstinence
from rum, though he has never been in the habit of intoxica
tion. In the course of the forenoon, we held a church meet
ing, and unanimously received and baptized eight individuals
from this and a small villagf two miles distant.
Took an affectionate leave of the people, and prosecuted our

22 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON
journey towards the Salwen. Came to Zat-kyee's small village,
where one man and his wife embraced the truth at first hear
ing ; and the man said, that as there was no suitable place for
baptizing at that village, he would follow on, until he could
say, " See, here is water," &c. I gave him leave to follow,
not with that view, but to listen further to the blessed gospel.
At night, reached Shway-bau's village, where they afforded
ns a shelter rather reluctantly. In the evening, however, had
an interesting, though small assembly.
January 17. Pursued our way, and soon came in sight of
the Salwen, the boundary between the British and Burmese
territories. Arrived at Poo-ah's small village, consisting of.
three houses, not one of which had a leaf of covering. No
one welcomed our arrival; so we sat down on the ground.
Presently the- preaching <^vigPbh in tribe Karen disciples so
wrought upon one of? ""'^ 4b, we hops, a Burman with a
Karen wife, that he invpv .^> fexcept thn his floor ; and my
people spread a mat overh^r^? : Rivejvith my umbrella, made
me quite at home. The housebrfraer, in the interval of his work,
and one of the neighbors, began to listen, and were present at
evening worship.
January 18. Shway-hlah, the man who followed us from
the village day before yesterday, appearing to be sincere in
his desire to profess the Christian religion, we held a meeting,
though four disciples only could be present ; and on balloting for
his reception, there was one dissentient vote, so that I advised
him to wait longer. He appeared to be much disappointed
and grieved ; said that he should perhaps not live to see me
again, and have an opportunity of being initiated into the
religion of Jesus Christ ; and after a while the two Karen dis
ciples insisting that he should be reexamined, we gave him a
second trial, when, en cross questioning him in the Burman lan
guage, which he understood pretty well, (for we began to sus
pect the Karen interpreters of being a little partial to their
countryman,) some circumstances leaked out which turned the
scale in his favor, and he gained a clear vote. After his bap
tism, he went on his way rejoicing, resolving to tell all his

SECOND TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 23
neighbors what " great things the Lord had done for him."
At morning worship, our host and the neighbor mentioned
above, appeared to be very near the kingdom of heaven,
but the other people of this village decidedly reject the
gospel. January 1 9. The boat having last night arrived from Maul
main, we prepared to proced up the river. The two hopeful
inquirers requested us to make them another visit on our re
turn. Resolve to do so ; and hope to find that the seed now
sown in this and the neighboring villages will have sprung
up and be ripe for harvest.
Passed Panchoos' village, where we spent an hour, and
Nga-koung's, too far inland to visit.
January 20. Passed the head of Kanlong Island, and
breakfasted near Yetdau's village, where we found two or
three inquirers. One woman followed to the boat, and listened
attentively. Passed Kan-karet Island, beyond which the
Yoon-zalen empties into the Salwen from the west, and about
noon reached Tat-sau's small village. One man, who had
heard the gospel before, appeared very favorably impressed.
Crossed the river to Lee-hai's village on the Burman side.
In the evening, had a considerable assembly at his house.
He and his son-in-law, their wives and one or two others,
appeared open to conviction.
January 21. Recrossed the river to take in Ko Myat-kyau
and Chet-thing, whom I had sent away from Kwan-bee, with
directions to make a circuit to the north, and meet me at this
place. They have proclaimed the gospel in many places
where it was never heard before, and met with some instances
of hopeful inquiry. We then proceeded up the Salwen, and
in passing the mouth of the Yen-being, which falls in from
the east, I sent Moung Zu-thee and Tau-nah to make another
circuit, and meet me at Poo-ah's village ten days hence. At
night, sent the two remaining Karen disciples to a small vil
lage a few miles inland.
January 22. On their return we again set out, and at three
o'clock reached the landing-place called Toung Pyouk, where

24 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
trading boats from Maulmain are obliged to stop, on account
of the rapids in the river. No village near, and only two
boats. A most dreary place. Nothing but rocks and sand
hills. Sent two of my people forward by land, intending to
follow them to-morrow.
January 23. Followed the track of my people, and after
travelling five hours, came to Chanbau's village, in the midst
of the mountains. In the evening, had a pretty large, but
not very attentive assembly. Two pr three received the word
with apparent joy, and none manifested decided opposition.
January 24. Set out for Bau-nah's village, two days' jour
ney ; but after travelling an hour over dreadful mountains and
in the bed of a rivulet, where the water was sometimes knee
deep, and full of sharp, slippery rocks, when my bare feet,
unaccustomed to such usage, soon became so sore that I could
hardly step ; and having ascertained that such was the only
road for many miles, I felt that I had done all that lay in my
power towards carrying the gospel farther in this direction,
and therefore relinquished the attempt, and reluctantly re
turned to Chanbau's village. Not so many present at evening
worship as yesterday. The seed sown here appears, in some
instances, to have fallen on good ground ; but our short stay
deprives us of the pleasure of seeing fruit brought to perfection.
January 25. Returned to the boat, which we reached in
two and a half hours, by a more direct route, and proceeded
down the river. Soon came to a landing-place, where, observ
ing a few boats, we stopped, with a view to communicate the
gospel to the boat people. The two Karen disciples went to
a village about a mile inland. In the evening, had a consider
able assembly on the sand bank.
January 26. Some of the villagers came to the boat, and
after listening a while, invited me to return with them. I
found three houses only, but the inhabitants listened with the
best attention.
January 27. This little village may be said to have em
braced the gospel. At one time we had eight applicants for
baptism ; but two only were finally received, Ko Shway and

SECOND TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 25
his wife Nah Nyah-ban. They both understand the Burmese
language pretty well ; and the woman possesses the best intel
lect, as well as the strongest faith, that I have found among this
people. I invited them, though rather advanced in life, to
come to Maulmain, and learn to read, promising to support
them a few months ; and they concluded to accept the invitation
next .rainy season. They followed, us all the way to the boat,
and the woman stood looking after us until we were out
of sight.
In the afternoon, arrived again at the Yen-being River, and
sent some of my people to a neighboring village two miles
distant. The villagers listened a while, and then sent a re
spectful message, saying that they believed the religion of
Jesus Christ, that it was most excellent, &c, but begged that
the teacher would go about his business, and not come to dis
turb them.
January 28. Proceeded down the Salwen, touching at sev
eral villages, and on reaching Yet-dau's, found sufficient en
couragement to spend the night.
January 29. Four persons, two men and their wives, having
heard the gospel before, and being now quite settled in their
minds, and giving good evidence of having the grace of God,
were received into the Christian church by baptism. Enjoyed
a very pleasant Lord's day, having several seasons of worship,
in a httle shed pertaining to the village. Two other persons
request baptism, and their case will be considered to-morrow.
January 30. In the morning, held a church meeting by the
river side, and received the two last applicants. The chief of
the village, Yet-dau's father, and several other persons, are
very favorably impressed. Not a word of opposition to be
heard. Took an affectionate leave of this little church, now
consisting of six members, and went down the river on the
~ west side of Kanlong Island, having come up on the east side
from Poo-ah's village. Entered the Mai-zeen rivulet, in Bur
mese territory, and landed at Thah-pe-nike's village, where
we spent the day. In the evening, had a noisy assembly.
Some professed to beiieve, but pleaded the fear of povernment
VOL. II. 3

26 MEMOIR OF DR. JCDiON.
as an excuse for not prosecuting their inquiries. One youn"
man, Kah-lah by name, drank in the truth, and promised tc
come to Maulmain as soon as he could get free from some
present engagements.
January 31. Continued our course down the river, and
landed on the west side, at Ti-yah-ban's village. The chief
is said to be very much in favor of the Christian rehgion,
but, unfortunately, had gone up the river, and his people did
not dare to think in his absence. In the afternoon, came to
the " upper village," the first we found on Kanlong. They
listened well, but, about sunset, took a sudden turn, and would
give us no further hearing. We removed, therefore, to Yai-
thah-kau's village. Some of my people went ashore. The
chief was absent, and the principal remaining personage, a
Boodhist Karen, said that when the English government en
forced their religion at the point of the sword, and he had
seen two or three suffer death for not embracing it, he would
begin to consider, and not before ; that, however, if the teacher
desired to come to the village, he could not be inhospitable,
but would let him come. I sent back word that I would
not come, but, as he loved falsehood and darkness, I would
leave him to live therein all his days, and finally go the dark
way; and all my people drew off to the boat. While we
were deliberating what to do, something touched the old man's
heart ; we heard the sound of footsteps advancing in the dark,
and presently a voice. " My lord, please to come to the vil
lage." " Don't call me lord. I am no lord, nor ruler of this
world." " What must I call you ? Teacher, I suppose."
" Yes, but not your teacher, for you love to be taught false
hood, not truth." " Teacher, I have heard a great deal against
this rehgion, and how can I know at once what is right and
what is wrong? Please to come and let me listen attentively
to your words." I replied not, but rose and followed the old
man. He took me to his house, spread a cloth for me to sit
on, manifested great respect, and listened with '.ancominon
attention. When I prepared to go, he said, " But you will
not go before we have performed an act of worship and

SECOND TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 27
prayer?" We accordingly knelt down, and, during prayer,
the old man could not help, now and then, repeating the close
of a sentence with emphasis, seeming to imply that, in his
mind, I had not quite done it justice. After I was gone, he
said that it was a great thing to change one's religion ; that
he stood quite alone in these parts ; but that, if some of his
acquaintance would join him, he would not be behind.
February 1. Went on to Pa-dah's village, near the south
ern extremity of the island, where there is a Boodhist priest,
and the people generally are worshippers of Gaudama. Met
with a frigid reception. But one man, who had heard and
received the truth before, came forward boldly, and requested
baptism. He bore an excellent examination, and we received
him gladly. The opposition here is strong. None of the vil
lagers present at evening worship, except a brother of the
chief, and one other man ; but these spoke decidedly in favor
of the Christian religion, as did the old man of yesterday, who
followed hither by land. The priest, I hear, is very angry,
and, unfortunately for his cause, uses abusive language.
February 2. Went round, the northern extremity of Kan-
long, and up the eastern channel, to Poo-ah's village, where
we found the two disciples whom we sent away on the 21st
ultimo. They have met with a few hopeful inquirers. Some
who live near are expected here to-morrow. In the mean
time, went down the river a few miles, to Poo-door's village.
My people preceded me, as usual, and about noon I followed
them. But I found that the village was inhabited chiefly by
Boodhist Karens, and, of course, met with a poor reception.
After showing myself, and trying to conciliate the children
and dogs,, who cried and barked in concert, I left word that, if
any wished to hear me preach, I would come again in the
evening, and then relieved the people of my presence, and
retreated to the boat. At night the disciples returned, with
out any encouragement. One of them, however, accidentally
met the chief, who said that if I came he would not refuse to
hear what I had to say. On this half invitation, I set out,
about sunset, and never met with worse treatment at a

28 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
Karen village. The chief would not even invite us into his
house, but sent us off to an old deserted place, where the floor
was tco frail to support us ; so we sat down on the ground.
He then invited us nearer, and sat down before us, with a few
confidential friends. He had evidently forbidden all his peo
ple to approach us, otherwise some would have come, out of
curiosity. And what a hard, suspicious face did he exhibit !
And how we had to coax him to join us in a little regular wor
ship ! It was at least an hour before he would consent at all.
But in the course of worship his features softened, and his
mind " crossed over," as he expressed it, to our religion ; and
I returned to the boat inclined to believe that all things are
possible with God.
February 3. Some of my people who slept at the village
returned with the report that the place is divided against
itself. Some are for and some against us. The opposition is
¦ather violent. One man threatens to turn his aged father out
vf doors if he embraces the Christian religion. Perhaps this
i3 not to be regretted. Satan never frets without cause.
Turned the boat's head again to , the north, and retraced our
way to Poo-ah's village, where we spent the rest of the day.
But the two hopeful inquirers that I left here on the 29th have
made no advance.
February 4. Shway-hlah's wife, mentioned the 16th ultimo,
having been here three times to meet me, was this time exam
ined and received. She came accompanied by Tat-kyee, the
principal man in her village, who himself is half a Christian.
He had heard that I wished to have a zayat in these parts, and
invited me to go up to the mouth of the Chummerah rivulet,
now dry, where some of his people intend settling, and he
would assist in building the zayat. I regarded this as an inti
mation of the path of duty, and set out for the place, about three
mile? distant. It was an additional inducement, that Tee-pah's
village has been lately removed towards the Salwen, and
is now situated two miles inland from the spot recommended.
On our way we met a deputation from Tee-pah, inviting me
to fix on the same spot, and his people also would assist in

SECOND TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 29
building the zayat. On arriving at the place we were joined
by Tee-pah's father, and several other disciples, bringing with
them a lad who has for some time listened to the truth, and
now earnestly requested to be baptized. We held a church
meeting on the bank, twelve disciples present from different
parts, and unanimously received him. I then marked out a
place for the zayat, despatched Tau-nah to bring his family
from the Dah-gyne district, and build a house near the zayat,
as he is to be stationed here, by mutual consent of all parties ;
and having named the new place Chummerah, from the ad
joining rivulet, we took leave of the disciples, and again went
down the river tc Poo-door's village, where we arrived late at
night. February 5. Went to the village and had worship. The
chief was absent on some government business. Six persons
appeared to be near the kingdom of heaven, among whom is
the old man whose son threatens to turn him out of doors. In
the afternoon, proceeded down the river, and came to a village
of Toung-thoos, a race of people from whom we have never
yet obtained a disciple. They are strict Boodhists. Their
language is entirely different from the Karen, but the men
generally understand a little Burmese. We did all in our
power to gain their confidence, but in vain. They rejected
our overtures, and would not even allow us to sleep in their
houses. February 6. Went on our way ; entered the Maizeen riv
ulet, which falls into the Salwen from the east, and landed at
Kai-ngai's village, where we spent a few hours, but, not meet
ing with much encouragement, in the evening dropped down
to the mouth of the rivulet, where, finding some relations of
Pan-lah, who listened well, we spent the night.
February "" Proceeded down the river to Kappay's vil
lage, where some listened with delight ; thence to a small vil
lage on the Burman side ; thence to Pah-an, on the British
side ; and thence to Rajah's village, on the same side, where
we spent the night. The chief, who had heard the gospel be
fore, now listened with the utmost eagerness till after midnight.
3*

30 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
February 8. Rajah made a formal request to be admitted
into the Christian church, and we had no hesitation in comply
ing. He is the first Karen chief baptized in these parts. His
people show a strange aversion. Not one of them would ac
company us to the water, though he gave them an invitation.
They seem to take side with his eldest son, a grown man, who
has been a Boodhist priest, and is still strongly attached to
that religion. After the baptism, we went to a small village
below Rajah's ; thence to Taroke-lah, inhabited by Talings ;
thence to a village of Toung-thoos, where we found one man
that listened ; thence to a Karen village below Kan-blike. In
the evening, had a considerable assembly. Three persons pro
fessed to believe.
February 9. Visited Wen-gyan, Pah-len, and Zong-ing,
Taling villages, where we found a few Karens. At the latter
place, collected a small assembly for evening worship. A few
professed to believe ; others were violent in opposing.
February 10. Visited several Taling villages in succes
sion. Li the afternoon, reached the confluence of the Salwen
and the Gyne, upon which we turned into the latter, and
went up to Taranah, where Ko Shan resides, as mentioned
December 29. The inhabitants of this place, like the Ta
lings in genera], are inveterately opposed to the gospel, and
Ko Shan has had very little success. Two or three individ
uals, however, appear to be favorably impressed ; but the op
position is so strong that no one dares to come forward.
February 11. Left Ko Shan, with the promise of sending
him aid as soon as possible, and in the afternoon jeached
Maulmain, after an absence of six weeks, during which I
have baptized twenty-five, and registered about the same num
ber of hopeful inquirers. I find that brother and sister Jones
have arrived from Rangoon, brother Kincaid having conclud
ed tc take their place.
The two disciples who were sent to itinerate in the direction
of Yay went no farther than Amherst, on account of the ill
ness of one of them. They effected but little. The othe.
two spent a month in the vicinity of Pah-ouk, encountering

MISSION TO PALESTINE. . 31
a great deal ot bitter opposition, but occasionally cheered by
some encouraging appearances.
February 21. Some of the Karen disciples have just re
turned from a visit to their countrymen on the south part of
Baloo Island, where the gospel has never been preached.
They found many a listening ear, but none who were disposed,
on first hearing, to embrace the new religion.
February 23. Brother Kincaid leaves this for Rangoon,
with twelve thousand tracts, preparatory to the great annual
festival of Shway-dagong, which is near at hand.
February 26. Baptized a Burmese residing at Pah-ouk,
but now about removing to Maulmain, on account of the per
secution he receives from his old neighbors.
February 27. Have concluded to make another visit to
the Karens on the Salwen, and expect to set out day after to
morrow.

I have already alluded to the profound interest with
which Dr. Judson contemplated the progress of the
gospel in every direction. Many years ago, he had
urged upon the board at Boston the importance of
directing their attention to several parts of the hea
then world. He believed that a bold and aggressive
policy was demanded of the conductors of missionary
efforts, and that no other course will either arouse or
keep alive the benevolent spirit of the churches. On
a following page will be found two addresses to Chris
tians in this country in behalf of missions to the East,
which, in true eloquence and touching pathos, have
been exceeded by nothing with which I am ac
quainted that has been written on this subject.
It was not, however, for the heathen alone that his
sympathies were excited. He looked upon all men as
by nature the enemies of God, who could be recon
ciled to him only by the preaching of the cross ; and

&

32 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
he therefore labored and prayed for the universal dis
semination of the truths of the New Testament. In
a special manner were his desires awakened in favor
of the Jews. He once said that, though he believed
one soul purchased" by the blood of Christ as valuable
as another, he should esteem it a peculiar favor — a
favor directly from the hand of Him who understands
and sympathizes with his people through his own self-
imposed humanity — to be permitted to restore one
of the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Influenced by these sentiments, and having ob
served that his suggestions in respect to the occupa
tion of new fields had been unheeded, he made an
attempt to provide the means for establishing a mis
sion to Palestine, in a great measure from the circle
of his own friends. He interested in this plan Mr.
Nisbet, a pious and intelligent officer of high rank in
the East India Company's service, while he and sev
eral of his missionary brethren themselves contributed
largely to the object. The sum to be raised was ten
thousand dollars, which he hoped would form a per
manent basis for an independent mission. Having
secured so large an amount in India, he forwarded the
proposals to Boston, in the hope that the necessary
amount remaining would readily be provided. The
plan, however, did not meet with favor. For some
reason, he never received any reply from either of the
ministers addressed.
The letters which follow will present in detail the
steps which he took to accomplish this purpose.
Whether the design was or was not wisely conceived,
it is not necessary here to consider. It is enough that
it illustrates the earnest longing of Dr. Judson's soul
to carry the blessings of the gospel to every brother
of the human race.

MISSION TO PALESTINE. 33
To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, May 8, 1832.
Rev and dear Sir : Whereas there has been lately
remitted from Madras, to the agent of the American Bap
tist Board of Foreign Missions in Calcutta, between three
and four thousand Sicca rupees, and it is desirable that the
board should understand the specific purposes for which the
money has been given, I enclose a letter from Mr. Nisbet, the
principal donor, which will somewhat explain those purposes,
and would add more definitely, that so much of the whole
sum as is sufficient to cover nine shares in the Palestine mit>
sion concern, at two hundred dollars each, belongs to that con
cern, and is to be refunded in case the sum of ten thousand
dollars is not made up in the United States. I would here
add that the remaining three shares, which have been taken
by members of this mission, will be paid, as soon as we are
officially informed that all the shares are taken.
In regard to the one thousand rupees given to Mrs. Wade,
as she has requested my advice about the manner of disposing
of it, I do hereby advise her to let it remain for the present
in the funds of the board, subject to her order or her hus
band's, in the same way that- the few hundred rupees, the rem
nant of my property, is allowed to remain, (with this differ
ence only, that the latter sum appears every year in my annual
account ;) and that in case of death, without any particular
disposal, it ultimately become the property of the board. I
request, also, that this letter be preserved, in the archives of
the board, superseding the necessity of any further explana
tion. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
We accede to the ab-cve arrangement, in regard to the one
thousand rupees.
J. Wade,
D. B. L. Wade.
Rajtqoon, May 13, 1832.

34 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
To the Rev. Messrs. Mercer, Manly, Taylor, Brantly, Con<. Galusha, Pat-
tison, and Knowles.
Dear Brethren : I present you the accompanying sub
scription paper, in good hope that, as twelve shares of the
fifty are already taken, you will not hesitate to second the ef
fort, and procure five subscribers each.
Your faithful friend,
A. Judson.
Maulmain, February 20, 1832.
P. S. Much to write on this subject, from a full heart,
but no time. Excuse abruptness.
We, the undersigned, desirous of contributing to the revival of
true religion in those regions where our adorable Saviour and his
apostles labored and suffered, agree to raise the sum of ten thou
sand dollars, in fifty shares of two hundred dollars each, for the
permanent support of a missionary to be sent by the American
Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, in the direction of Palestine,
the particular field of labor to be determined by the board ; the
money to be paid to the treasurer of the board as soon as the sum
is completed. A. Judson, 1 share.
C. Bennett, 1 share.
J. Wade, 1 share.
J. Nisbet, 3 shares.
. A. Friend, 1 share.
R. Cathcart, 1 share.
W. K. Hat, 1 share.
E. B. Mills, 3 shaies
From J. Nisbet, Esq.
Dakwar, November 3, 1831.
Mr dear Mr. Judson : I am grieved to find that I have
allowed so long a space of time to elapse since the receipt of
your letter, regarding the sending of a missionary to Palestine.
You will, however, I hope, ere this have received intimation
from Mr. Van Someren that I was doing something for the
accomplishment of the object you have in view. Indeed he

MISSION TO PALESTINE. 35
has informed me of his having remitted the amount subscribed
by myself and others to Calcutta. In addition to the sum
subscribed by me on the paper, I have sent one thousand
rupees, which Mrs. Nisbet intended as an offering to Mrs.
Wade, in humble imitation of her devoted zeal in giving up
the things of this world. She said she felt, after reading the
delightful letter from Mrs. Wade to her sister which you
sent to me, as if she could have sent every trinket in her
possession, (not that she possessed many,) upon which we pro
posed to substitute one thousand rupees. A late letter from
you to Mr. Van Someren has just informed us of Mr. and
Mrs. Wade having gone home, sick. I therefore beg you
will dispose of the money, one thousand rupees, how you
please, or as you think Mrs. Wade would have done.
I make no apology for sending the subscription paper as it
is. Some very good men, but mistaken I think, objected to a
Baptist missionary going where there was no minister of the
same denomination, as he could not communicate with others.
Mr. Mills's answer suited me better. I therefore kept it, and
returned the conditional subscriptions, begging them to send
one of another denomination, which perhaps may be done.
I am sure you will rejoice if they should succeed in sending a
servant devoted to his heavenly Master, or such a one as I
feel confident the Baptist board will. Both Mrs. Nisbet and
myself have been unwell lately, and are going to the Cape
of Good Hope for a year. Thank God, we are not at present
seriously ill ; but it is thought that we might become so next
hot season. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with
you, and prosper exceedingly your labors. Pray that we may
be kept close to our dear Saviour, " in our going out and in our
coming in ; " and if an opportunity should occur of writing to ma
at the Cape, you will confer a great favor on me by doing so,
for, believe me, my dear Mr. Judson, I feel the warmest af
fection for you and the glciious cause in which you are so
diligently laboring.

36 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
I am, and trust I ever shall be, your brother in Christ Jesus
to whom be glory forever and ever. J. Nisbet.
Thus apparently ended Dr. Judson's effort on be
half of the Jews. It, however, pleased an all-wise
Providence to render his servant useful to the children
of Abraham in a manner which he little expected.
Two or three days before he embarked on his last
voyage, not a fortnight before his death, Mrs. Judson
read to him the following paragraph from Rev. Dr.
Hague's journal in the Watchman and Reflector : —
There * we first learned the interesting fact, which was
mentioned by Mr. Schauffler, that a tract had been published
in Germany, giving some account of Dr. Judson's labors at
Ava ; that it had fallen into the hands of some Jews, and had
been the means of their conversion ; that it had reached Treb-
izond, where a Jew had translated it for the Jews of that
place ; that it had awakened a deep interest among them ;
that a candid spirit of inquiry had been manifested ; and that a
request had been made for a missionary to be sent to them
from Constantinople. Such a fact is full of meaning, a com
ment on the word of inspiration : " In the morning sow thy
seed, apd in the evening withhold not thine hand: thou know-
est not which shall prosper, this or that."
Mrs. Judson, in her relation of these facts, continues,
" His eyes were filled with tears when I had done
reading, but still he at first spoke playfully, and in a
way that a little disappointed me. Then a look of
almost unearthly solemnity came over him, and,
clinging fast to my hand, as though to assure himself
of being really in the world, he said, ' Love, this
* At the house of Mr. Goodell, in Constantinople.

MISSION TO PALESTINE. 37
frightens me. I do not know what to make of it.'
' What ? ' ' Why, what you have just been reading.
1 never was deeply interested in any object, I never
prayed sincerely and earnestly for any thing, but it
came; at some time, — no matter at how distant
a day, — somehow, in some shape, — probably the
last I should have devised, — it came. And yet I
have always had so little faith ! May God forgive
me, and, while he condescends to use me as his in
strument, wipe the sin of unbelief from my heart. "
" If ye abide in me, and my words abice in you,
ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be ione anto
you." VOL. II 4

CHAPTER II.
ADV13E TO CANDIDATES FOR MISSIONARY LABOR - THJJSU
TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. — APPEALS FOR HELP —TRANS
LATION OF THE BIBLE COMPLETED. — MARRIAGE TO MRS
BOARDMAN. 1832-1834.
To the Foreign Missionary Association of the Hamilton Literary ana
Theological Institution, N. Y.
Maulmain-, June 25, 1832.
Dear Brethren : Yours of November last, from the
pen of your Corresponding Secretary, Mr. William Dean,
is before me. It is one of the few letters that I feel called upon
to answer, for you ask my advice on several important points.
There is, also, in the sentiments you express, something so con
genial to my own, that I feel my heart knit to the members
of your association, and instead of commonplace reply, am
desirous of setting down a few items which may be profitable
to you in your future course. Brief items they must be, for
want of time forbids my expatiating.
In commencing my remarks, I take you as you are. You
are contemplating a missionary life.
First, then, let it be a missionary life ; that is, come out
for life, and not for a bmited term. Do not fancy that you have
a true missionary spirit, while you are intending all along to
leave the heathen soon after acquiring their language. Leave
them ! for what ? To spend the rest of your days in enjoying
the ease and plenty of your native land ?
Secondly. In choosing a companion for life, hav e particu
lar regard to a good constitution, and not wantonly, or with
out good cause, bring a burden on yourselves and the mission.
Thirdly. Be not ravenous to do good on board ship. Mis
sionaries have frequently done more hurt than good, by inju
dicious zeal, during their passage out.
Fourthly. Take care that the attention you receive at home;
33

ADVICE TO MISSIONARY CANDIDATES. 39
the unfavorable circumstances in which you will be placed on
board ship, and the unmissionary examples you may possibly
meet with at some missionary stations, do not transform you
from living missionaries to mere skeletons before you reach
the place of your destination. It may be profitable to bear in
mind, that a large proportion of those who come out on a mis
sion to the East die within five years after leaving their
native land. Walk softly, therefore ; death is narrowly watch
ing your steps.
Fifthly. Beware of the reaction which will take place soon
after reaching your field of labor. There you will perhaps
find native Christians, of whose merits or demerits you can
not judge correctly without some familiar acquaintance with
their language. Some appearances will combine to disappoint
and disgust you. You will meet with disappointments and
discouragements, of which it is impossible to form a correct
idea from written accounts, and which will lead you, at first,
almost to regret that you have embarked in the cause. You
will see men and women whom you have been accustomed to
view through a telescope some thousands of miles long. Such
an instrument is apt to magnify. Beware therefore of the
reaction you will experience from a combination of all these
causes, lest you become disheartened at commencing your
work, or take up a prejudice against some persons and places,
which will imbitter all your future lives.
Sixthly. Beware of the greater reaction which will take
place after you have acquired the language, and become
fatigued and worn out with preaching the gospel to a disobe
dient and gainsaying people. You will sometimes long for a
quiet retreat, where you can find a respite from the tug of
toiling at native work — the incessant, intolerable friction of the
missionary grindstone. And Satan will sympathize with
you in this matter ; and he will present some chapel of ease,
in which to officiate in your native tongue, some government
situation, some professorship or editorship, some literary or
scientific pursuit, some supernumerary translation, or, at least,
some system of schools ; any thing, in a word, that will help

40 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
you, without much surrender of character, to slip out of real
missionary work. Such a temptation will form the crisis of
your disease. If your spiritual constitution can sustain it,
you recover ; if not, you die.
Seventhly. Beware of pride ; not the pride of proud men,
but the pride of humble men — that secret pride which is apt
to grow out of the consciousness that we are esteemed by the
great and good. This pride sometimes eats out the vitals of
religion before its existence is suspected. In order to check
its operations, it may be well to remember how we appear in
the sight of God, and how we should appear in the sight of
our fellow-men, if all were known. Endeavor to let all be
known. Confess your faults freely, and as publicly as circum
stances will require or admit. When you have done some
thing of which you are ashamed, and by which, perhaps, some
person has been injured, (and what man is exempt ?) be glad
not only to make reparation, but improve the opportunity for
subduing your pride.
Eighthly. Never lay up money for yourselves or your fami
lies. Trust in God from day to day, and verily you shall
be fed.
Ninthly. Beware of that indolence wliich leads to a neg
lect of bodily exercise. The poor health and premature
death of most Europeans in the East must be eminently
ascribed to the most wanton neglect of bodily exercise.
Tenthly. Beware of genteel living. Maintain as little in
tercourse as possible with fashionable European society. The
mode of living adopted by many missionaries in the East is
quite inconsistent with that familiar intercourse with the na
tives which is essential to a missionary.
There are many points of self-denial that I should like to
touch upon ; but a consciousness of my own deficiency con
strains me to be silent. I have also left untouched several
topics of vital importance, it having been my aim to select
such only as appear to me to h ive been not much noticed
or enforced. I hope you will excuse the monitorial style that
I have accidentally adopted. I assure you, I mean no harm.

THIRD TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 41
In regard to your inquiries concerning studies, qualifications,
&c, nothing occurs that I think would be particularly useful,
except the simple remark, that I fear too much stress begins
to be laid on what is termed a thorough classical education.
Praying that you may be guided in all your deliberations,
and that I may yet have the pleasure of welcoming some of
you to these heathen shores, I remain
Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson.
Journal.
February 29, 1832. Left Maulmain for the Karen vil
lages on the Salwen, accompanied by Ko Myat-kyau, whc
speaks Karen, three other Taling disciples, and the two Karen
assistants, Panlah and Chet-thing. The other Karen assistant,
Tau-nah, I expect to meet at Chummerah, according to the
arrangement of February 4. At night, reached Tong-eing,
and found that the few Karens near the place had concluded
to reject the gospel.
March 1. Touched at the village above Nengyan, and
fcund that the inhabitants have come to the same conclusion,
'¦ till the next rainy season." Passed by all the Taling towns,
and touched at the village below Rajah's, where we found
that the people still adhere to the new Karen prophet, Aree-
maday. Moung Zuthee unfortunately encountered a very
respectable Burman priest, with a train of novices, who, not
relishing his doctrine, fell upon him, and gave him a sound
beating. The poor man fled to me in great dismay, and, I
am sorry to say, some wrath, begging leave to assemble our
forces, and seize the aggressor, for the purpose of delivering
him up to justice. I did assemble them; and, all kneeling
down, I praised God that he had counted one of our nufnber
worthy to suffer a little for his Son's sake ; and prayed that
he would give us a spirit of forgiveness, and our persecutors
every blessing, temporal and spiritual; after which we left
the field of battle with cool and happy minds. Reached Ra
jah s late at night. He remains firm, though not followed by-
4*

42 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
any of his people. His wife, however, and eldest daughter,
after evening worship, declared themselves on the side of
Christ. March 2. Spent the forenoon in instructing and examining
the wife and daughter. The former we approved, but re
jected the latter, as not yet established in the Christian faith.
After the baptism, Rajah and his wife united in presenting
their younger children, that I might lay my hands on them
and bless them. The elder children, being capable of discern
ing good from evil, came of their own accord, and held up
ftieir folded hands in the act of homage to their parents' God,
while we offered a prayer that they might obtain grace to
become true disciples, and receive the holy ordinance of bap
tism. At noon, left this interesting family, and proceeded up
the river, stopping occasionally, and preaching wherever we
could catch a listening ear. Entered the Mai-san, and landed
at the village above Rai-ngai's, which Ko Myat-kyau has
formerly visited. In the evening,\had two very attentive
hearers. /
March 3. The two attentive hearers were up nearly all
night, drinking in the truth. One of them became urgent for
baptism ; and on hearing his present and past experience,
from the time he first listened to the gospel, we concluded to
receive him into the fellowship of the church. His wife is
very favorably disposed, but not so far advanced in knowledge
and faith. Returned to the Salwen, and made a long pull for
Poo-door's village ; but late in the evening, being still at a
considerable distance, were obliged to coil ourselves up in our
small boat, there being no house in these parts, and the
country swarming with tigers at this season, so that none of
us ventured to sleep on shore.
March 4, Lord's day. Uncoiled ourselves with the first
dawn of light, and soon after sunrise took possession of a
fine flat log, in the middle of Poo-door's village, a mile from
the river, where we held forth on the duty of refraining from
work on this the Lord's day, and attending divine worship.
.Sama ^staled to our words ; and in the forenoon we sue-

THIRD TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 43
ceeded in collecting a small assembly. After worship, the old
man mentioned formerly, whose son threatened to turn him
out of doors, came forward, with his wife ; and having both
witnessed a good confession, we received them into our fellow
ship. Poo-door himself absent on a journey ; but his wife
ready to become a Christian.
March 5. Spent the forenoon in examining and receiving
another couple, and then went on to Chummerah. The disci
ples from Tee-pah's village have built a zayat, and two or
three families, including Tau-nah's, have arrived, and are set
tling themselves. At night, went out to the village, four
miles distant, (instead of two, as first reported,) and had a
full assembly of disciples and inquirers at evening worship.
March 6. The truth is evidently spreading in this village ;
one inquirer after another is coming over to the side oi' Christ.
After morning worship, left some of my people to follow up
the work, and returned to the zayat.
March 7. In the forenoon above twenty discipleu assem
bled at the zayat ; and after worship we examined and
received five persons more, all from Tee-pah's village. Left
Zuthee in charge of the zayat, and took Tau-nah in his place.
Visited Pan-choo's village, where some listened in silence.
March 8. Went several miles inland, to visit Nye Koung's
village; but the people, being Boodhist Karens, would not
even treat us hospitably, much less listen to the word. In
the afternoon, reached Yah-dan's village, and visited the httle
church, chiefly to receive the confession of two female mem
bers, who have been implicated in making some offering to
the demon who rules over diseases — the easily-bosetting sin
of the Karens. Spent the rest of the day in preaching to
the villagers and visitors from different parts. Several pro
fessed to believe. Had a profoundly attentive though small
assembly at evening worship, on the broad sand bank of the
river, with a view to the accommodation of certain boat
people. We felt that the Holy Spirit set home the truth in
i peculiar manner. Some of the disciples were engaged in
religious discussion and prayer a great part of the night.

44 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
March 9. Several requested baptism. In the course of
the day, we held a church meeting, composed of the disciples
from Maulmain, and others from the neighboring village, and
received three persons into our communion, all men, formerly
disciples of the new prophet Areemaday. In the afternoon,
proceeded up the river, as far as Zat-zan's village, where two
old women, of some influence in these parts, listened with good
attention. At night several of the disciples went inland a few
miles, to Laidan, where the inhabitants are chiefly Boodhist
Karens ; but finding Mah Kee-kah, the widow of Pan-mlai-mlo,
whose death is mentioned January 12, her parents and sis
ters drank in the truth. Hope to visit them on my return.
March 10. Went on to the mouth of the Yen-being, and as
far as the great log, which prevents a boat from proceeding
farther. Providentially met with Wah-hai, of whom I have
heard a good report for some time. He was happy to see us,
and we were happy to examine and baptize him. We then
visited the village, whence they formerly sent a respectful
message, desiring us to go about our business, and found some
attentive listeners.
March 11, Lord's day. Again took the main river, and
soon fell in with a boat, containing several of the listeners of
yesterday, among whom was one man who declared his resolu
tion to enter the new religion. We had scarcely parted with
this boat when we met another, full of men, coming down the
stream ; and, on hailing to know whether they wished to hear
the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, an elderly man, the chief
of the party, replied that he had already heard much of the
gospel ; and there was nothing he desired more than to have
a meeting with the teacher. Our boats were soon side by side,
where, after a short engagement, the old man struck his colors,
and begged us to take him into port, where he could make a
proper surrender of himself to Christ. We accordingly went
to the shore, and spent several hours very delightfully, under
the shade of the overhanging trees, and the banner of the love
of Jesas. The old man's experience was so clear, and his de
sire for baptism so strong, that, though circumstances prevented

THIRD TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 45
our gaining so much testimony of his good conduct since be
lieving as we usually require, we felt that it would be wrong
to refuse his request. A lad in his company, the person men
tioned January 30, desired also to be baptized. But though
he had been a preacher to the old man, his experience was not
so decided and satisfactory ; so that we rejected him for the
present. The old man went on his way, rejoicing aloud, and
declaring his resolution to make known the eternal God, and
the dying love of Jesus, all along the banks of the Yoon-za-len,
his native stream.
The dying words of an aged man of God, when he waved
his withered, death-struck arm, and exclaimed, " The best of
all is, God is with us" I feel in my very soul. Yes, the great
Invisible is in these Karen wilds. That mighty Being, who
heaped up these craggy rocks, and reared these stupendous
mountains, and poured out these streams in all directions, and
scattered immortal beings throughout these deserts — he is
present by the influence of his Holy Spirit, and accompanies
the sound of the gospel with converting, sanctifying power.
" The best of all is, God is with us."
" In these deserts let me labor,
On these mountains let me tell-
How he died — the blessed Saviour,
To redeem a world from hell."
March 12. Alas ! how soon is our joy turned into mourn
ing ! Mah Nyah-ban, of whom we all had such a high opinion,
joined her husband, not many days after their baptism, in
making an offering to the demon of diseases, on account of the
sudden, alarming illness of their youngest child ; and they
have remained ever since in an impeniten'-, prayerless state
They now refuse to listen to our exhortation, and appear to
be given over to hardness of heart and blindness of mind. I
was, therefore, obliged, this morning, to pronounce the sentence
of suspension, and leave them to the mercy and judgment of
God. Their case is greatly to be deplored. They are quite
alone in this quarter, have seen no disciples since we left

46 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
them, and are surrounded with snemies, some from Maulmain,
who have told them all manne;1 of lies, and used every effort
to procure and perpetuate their apostasy. When I consider
the eviflence of grace which they formerly gave, together with
all the palliating circumstances of the case, I have much re
maining hope that they will yet be brought to repentance. I
commend them to the prayers of the faithful, and the notice
of any missionary who may travel that way. In consequence
of the advantage which Satan has gained in this village, the
six hopeful inquirers, whom we left here, have all fallen off;
so that we are obliged to retire with the dispirited feelings of
beaten troops.
I respectfully request, and sincerely hope, that this article
may be neither suppressed nor polished. The principle of
•' double selection," as it is termed, that is, one selection by the
missionary and another by the publishing committee, has done
great mischief, and contributed more to impair the credit of
missionary accounts than any thing else. We in the East,
knowing how extensively this principle is acted on, do scarcely
give any credit to the statements which appear in some peri
odicals, and the public at large are beginning to open their
eyes to the same thing. It is strange to me that missionaries '
and publishing committees do not see the excellency and effi>
cacy of the system pursued by the inspired writers — that of
exhibiting the good and the bad alike. Nothing contributes
more to establish the authenticity of the writing. A tempo
rary advantage gained by suppressing truth is a real defeat
in the end, and therefore fiovt] Bvteop alrjdeta*
Returned down the - river ; reentered the Yen-being ; had
another interview with the listeners of yesterday ; met with a
Taling doctor from Kan-hlah, near Maulmain, who listened all
the evening with evident delight.
March 13. Spent the day and night at Tatzan's, Se-hai's,
and the village of Lai-dan, where we failed of finding Mah
Kee-kah, but found her parents, who listened well. In thesfe
* We must sacrifice only to truth

THIRD TOUR AMONG THE KARENS. 47
parts I ha-\e a considerable number of hopefu- inquirers.
May the Lord bless the seed sown, and give us the pleasure
of reaping a plentiful harvest at no very distant period.
March 14. Touched at Yah-dan's, and went down the
west side of Kan-long, as before, to Thah-pa-nike's ; (15,)
proceeded to Ti-yah-bans, where we left a few hopeful inqui
rers ; and then went on tc Pa-dah's village. In the evening,
had worship at the chief's house.
March 16. The opposition here is violent, The man who
was baptized on my last visit has been obliged to remove to
the outskirts of the village, but he remains steadfast in the
faith ; and to-day another man came out, and having witnessed
a good confession, was received into the fellowship of the per
secuted. At night, ran down to Poo-door's village, about five
miles, found him at home, and spent the evening in persuading
him to forsake all for Christ. His language is that of Agrip
pa, — " Almost," &c. I have great hopes and great fears for
his immortal soul. Three of the disciples went several miles
inland, to a village where there are some hopeful inquirers.
March 17. Returned up the river to Chummerah. In the
evening, had a considerable assembly of disciples preparatory
to the administration of the Lord's supper.
March 18. Administered the Lord's supper to thirty-six
communicants, chiefly from villages on the Salwen.
March 19. Left Tau-nah and Moung Tsan-lone in charge
of the zayat and boat, and set out with the rest of my people,
and two or three new followers, on a journey, over land to the
Dah-gyne. In the evening, after marrying a couple at Tee-
pah's village, had an interesting assembly, with whom we en
joyed religious discussion till near midnight. Two opposers
came over, I trust, to Christ.
March 20. Went on our way, and in two hours and a
quarter, not including stops, reached Kwanbee, on the east of
the Leing-bwai. Two hours and a quarter more brought us
to Mai-pah, where the people, being prejudiced against the
gospel, gave us a poor reception.
March 21. In a neighboring village, found a few who lis-

48 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
tened well. After spending the morning in instructing them.
continued our journey eastwardly, and after two and a half
hours' hard walking, reached a small village near the Dah-
gyne, where the people received us hospitably, but, being
Boodhists, listened with no good disposition.
March 22. Reached the new place selected January 9,
which we call Newville, about forty miles distant, I conjec
ture, from Chtmmerah. Found two families only settled
here, but others are about joining them. Some of the disci
ples went to the neighboring villages to give information of
my arrival.
March 23. Most of the disciples visited me in the course
of the day. In the evening, had a pretty full room. Received
and baptized one couple, who applied for baptism on my first
visit, but were rejected.
March 24. Having removed Moung Doot from this station,
— who, though a good man, has grown cold and inactive, —
appointed Pan-lah in his place, and selected a few individuals
for the adult school, we set out on our return to Chummerah,
and at night reached Mai-pah, twenty miles distant, being
half way between the two stations.
March 25. In the morning, had a small, attentive assem
bly, from one of the neighboring villages. Then went on to
Tee-pah's village, wliich we reached in season for evening
worship. March 26. Three lads from Tee-pah's village, two of
them baptized, joined our company, with a view to the adult
school at Maulmain. Took the boat at Chummerah, and went
down the river. Spent the night at Rajah's village. Some
begin to listen.
March 27. Ran down the river without touching at any
place by the way. At night, reached Maulmain, after an
absence of nearly a month, during which I have baptized nine
teen, making eighty Karen Christians in connection with the
Maulmain station, of whom one is dead, and two are suspend
ed from communion. Am glad, yet sorry, to find that brother
Bennett arrived a fortnight ag> from Calcutta, with a com-

NEW TESTAMENT IN PRESS. 49
plete fount of types, and yesterday sent a boat to call me,
which, however, passed us on the way. Must I, then, relin
quish my intention of making another trip up the river before
the rains set in ? Must I relinquish for many months, and
perhaps forever, the pleasure of singing as I go, —
" In these deserts let me labor,
* On these mountains let me tell ? "
Truly, the tears fall as I write.
March 30. Corrected the first proof sheet of the New
Testament in Burman. Moung Sanlone has recommenced
his school, with about a dozen adults and children, mostly
Karens. April 1. Brother and sister Wade have touched here, on
their way from Mergui to Rangoon. They have laid the
foundation of a little church in Mergui, and left Pastor Ing in
charge of that station, assisted, for the present, by Ko Man-
boke and wife, from this place.
April 6. Despatched Ko Myat-kyau in the mission boat,
with instructions to proceed up the Salwen, touch at Chum
merah, take in the three Karen assistants who are waiting
there, and then follow the course of the Yoon-za-len, to the
residence of the new Karen prophet Areemaday, distant about
ten days from Maulmain.
May 16. The party sent up the Yoon-za-len have just
returned. They were well received by the prophet, an extraor
dinary young man of twenty, who, while he pretends to hold
communication with the invisible world, professes also to be
desirous of finding the true God, and becoming acquainted
with the true rehgion. Our people remained with him three
days, during which time they were surrounded with a crowd of
his followers, and were obhged to preach day and night. They
also visited several places on their return, where the gospel
was never preached before. One young man accompanied
them to this place, and requests to be baptized. We shall
recommend him to enter the school, and wait until he beromei
better acquainted with the new religion.
VOL. II. 5

50 MEMOIR OF DR JUDSON.
June 25. Two of our neighbors have lately been baptized
and one Karen, Pan-mir by name, the chief of Tee pah's vil
lage. He is now accompanying some of the Karen assistants
on a tour round the Island of Ba-loo.
Moung Tsan-lone's school numbers about twenty. Some
occasionally leave after learning to read, and new scholars
take their place. .
Since my last date, brother Wade, having had a violent
attack of disease, has been obliged to come hither in haste, for
medical aid ; and I have succeeded in persuading him to stay,
for the following reason : finding that I should be confined
to this place for several months, for the purpose of superin
tending the printing of the New Testament, I was led to tarn
my attention again to the Old, one third only of which is yet
done ; and on making a calculation, I found that I could finish
the whole in two ye%xs, if I confined myself exclusively to the
work ; otherwise it would hang on four years or more. Con
sidering the uncertainty of life, and the tenor of numerous let>-
iers lately received from home, I concluded that it was my
duty to adopt the former course ; in order to which, however,
it was necessary that one of my brethren, acquainted with the
language, should be stationed here, to take charge of the
church and people of Maulmain, and the Karens in this region.
On stating these things to brother and sister Wade, they con
cluded to remain, though nothing was farther from their minds
when they first came round. I have, therefore, retired to a
room which I had previously prepared, at the end of the
native chapel, where I propose, if life be spared, to shut my
self up for the next two years ; and I beg the prayers of my
friends that, in my seclusion, I may enjoy the presence of the
Saviour, and that special aid in translating the inspired word
which I fully believe will be vouchsafed in answer to hunble,
fervent prayer.

JOINT APPEAL TO THE BOARD FOR HELP. 51
To the American Baptist Board for Foreign Missions.
Maulmain, March i, 1832.
Respected Fathers and Brethren : At our nonthly
concert this morning, it was unanimously agreed that a joint
letter should be addressed to you, on the importance of send
ing out more missionaries to this part of the heathen world.
Being every one of us exceedingly pressed for want of time,
we cannot stop to prepare an elaborate statement, but must
come at once to the point in hand.
We are in distress. We see thousands perishing around
us. We see mission stations opening on every side, the fields
growing whiter every day, and no laborers to reap the har
vest. If each one of us could divide himself into three parts,
¦ happy would he be, not only to take leave of his native land
and beloved connections at home, but of still nearer and more
intimate connections. We want instantly to send aid to the
Tavoy station, where brother Mason is laboring, almost alone.
We want instantly to send a missionary to Mergui, a pleasant,
healthful town, south of Tavoy, where a small church has
been raised up, and left in charge of a native pastor. Our
hearts bleed when we think of poor Mergui and the Karens
in that vicinity, many of whom are ready to embrace the
gospel and be saved. But how can we allow ourselves to
think of that small place, when the whole kingdom of Siam
hes in our rear, and the city of Bangkok, at once a port for
ships and the seat of imperial government ? We want in
stantly to despatch one of our number to Bangkok. One ?
There ought, at this moment, to be three, at least, on their
way to that important place. Another ought to be on his
way to Yah-heing, a large town east of Maulmain, from which
there is a fine river leading down to Bangkok : there are many
Karens at Yah-heing. The Christian religion is creeping that
way, by means of our Karen disciples. North of Yah-heing
and the Thoung-yen River, the boundary of the British ter
ritory on that side, lies the kingdom or principality of Zen-
mai. There have been several communications between the

52 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
government of Maulmain and Lah-bong, the present capital
of that country. Moung Shway-bwen, one of our disciples,
formerly with brother Boardman at Tavoy, is a nephew of the
prince, or deputy prince, of that country, and is anxious to re
turn thither. But how can we send him, a very young man,
without a missionary ? If we had a spare missionary, what a
fine opportunity for introducing the gospel into that central
nation ! It would open the way to other neighbcaing nations,
not even mentioned in foreign geographies, and even to the bor
ders of China and Tartary. Between Maulmain and Zen-
mai are various tribes of Karens, Toung-thoos, Lah-wahs, &c.
The former are literally crying out aloud for a written lan
guage, that they may read in their own tongue the wonderful
works of God. From the banks of the Yoon-za-len, on the ¦
north-west, the celebrated prophet of the Karens has repeat
edly sent down messages and presents to us, begging that we
would come and instruct his people in the Christian religion.
But how can we think of supplying that quarter, when the
old kingdom of Arracan, now under British rule, and speak
ing the same language with the Burmese, is crying, in the
whole length and breadth of her coast, for some one to come to
her rescue ? In that country are one or two hundred converts,
and one country-born missionary, from the Serampore con
nection, who is laboring without any prospect of reenforce
ment from Bengal, and desirous that one of us should join
him. Kyouk Phyoo, lately established by the English, is es
teemed a healthy place. The commandant is disposed to wel
come a missionary, and afford him every facility. Our hearts
bleed when we think of Kyouk Phyoo, and the poor inquirers
that one of our number lately left there, ready to embrace the
Christian religion, if he would only promise to remain or send
a successor. From Kyouk Phyoo, the way is open into the
four provinces of Arracan, namely, Rek-keing, Chedubah,
Ramree, and Sandoway ; and what a grand field for our
tracts, and the New Testament, now in press ! Of all the
places that new cry around us, we think that Kyouk Phyoo cries

JOINT APPEAL FOR HELP. 53
the loudest. No ; we listen again, and the shrill cry of golden
Ava rises above them all. 0 Ava ! Ava ! with thy metro
politan walls and gilded turrets, thou sittest a lady among
these eastern nations ; but our hearts bleed for thee ! In thee
is no Christian church, no missionary of the cross.
We have lately heard of the death of poor Prince Myen
Zeing. He died without any missionary or Christian to guide
his groping soul on the last dark journey. Where has that
journey terminated ? Is he in the bright world of paradise,
or in the burning lake ? He had attained some knowledge
cf the way of salvation. Perhaps, in his last hours, he
turned away his eye from the gold and silver idols around
his couch, and looked to the crucified Saviour. But those
who first taught him were far away ; so he died and was
buried like a heathen. It is true that the one of our number
who formerly lived at Ava would not be tolerated during the
present reign ; but another missionary would, doubtless, be
well received, and, if prudent, be allowed to remain. Two
missionaries ought, at this moment, to be studying the lan
guage in Ava.
O God of mercy, have mercy on Ava, and Chageing, and
A-ma-ra-poo-ra. Have mercy on Pugan and Prome, (poor
Prome !) on Toung-oo, on the port of Bassein, and on all the
towns between Ava and Rangoon. Have mercy on old Pegu
and the surrounding district. Have mercy on the four prov
inces of Arracan. Have mercy on the inhabitants of the
banks of the Yoon-za-len, the Salwen, the Thoung-yen, and
the Gyne. Have mercy on all the Karens, the Toung-
thoos, the Lah-wahs, and other tribes, whose names, though
unknown in Christian lands, are known to thee. Have mercy
on Zen-mai, on Lah-bong, Myeing-yoon-gyee, and Yay-heing.
Have mercy on Bangkok, and the kingdom of Siam, and all
the other principalities that lie on the north and east. Have
mercy on poor httle Mergui, and Pah-Ian, and Yay, and Lah-
meing, and Nah-zaroo, and Amherst, and the Island of Ba-
loo, with its villages of Talings and Karens. Have mercy on
5*

54 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
our mission stations at Tavoy, Maulmain, and Rangoon, and
out sub-stations at Mergui, Chummerah, and Newville. Pour
out thine Holy Sphit upon us and our assistants, upon our
infant churches and our schools. Aid us in the solemn and
laborious work of translating and printing thine holy, inspired
word in the languages of these heathen. O, keep our faith
from failing, our spirits from sinking, and our mortal frames
from giving way prematurely under the influence of the cli
mate and the pressure of our labors. Have mercy on the
board of missions ; and grant that our beloved and respected
fathers and brethren may be aroused to greater effort, and go
forth personally into all parts of the land, and put in requisi
tion all the energies of thy people. Have mercy on the
churches in the United States ; hold back the curse of Meroz ;
continue and perpetuate the heavenly revivals of religion
which they have begun to enjoy ; and may the time soon
come when no church shall dare to sit under Sabbath and
sanctuary privileges without having one of their number to
represent them on heathen ground. Have mercy on the the
ological seminaries, and hasten the time when one half of all
who yearly enter the ministry shall be taken by thine Holy
Spirit, and driven into the wilderness, feeling a sweet neces
sity laid on them, and the precious love of Christ and of souls
constraining them. Hear, 0 Lord, all the prayers which are
this day presented in all the monthly concerts throughout the
habitable globe, and hasten the millennial glory, for which we
are all longing, and praying, and laboring. Adorn thy beloved
one in her bridal vestments, that she may shine forth in im
maculate beauty and celestial splendor. Come, O our Bride
groom ; come, Lord Jesus ; come quickly. Amen and Amen.
(Signed) C. Bennett,
Oliver T. Cutter,
John Taylor Jones,
A. Judson,
J. Wade.

ORIGINAL AND SECOND-HAND TRANSLATION. 55
To the Rev. Dr. Sharp. Maulmain, June 28, 1833.
Rev. and deaf. Sir : I ought to have written you long
ago ; but necessity aaa no law. I have lately entered upon a
plan by which I hope to finish the translation of the Old
Testament in two years. I find by experience that I can
dispose of twenty-five or thirty verses per day, by giving all
my time to the work. One third of the whole is already
done. You may, perhaps, wonder why I make such a tedious
work of translating, when some persons despatch the whole
New Testament, and perhaps part of the Old, within a year
or two after entering their field of labor. There are two
ways of translating — the one original, the other second hand.
The first must be adopted by a missionary whose lot falls in a
section of the globe where there is no translation of the Scrip
tures in any cognate language, or in any language known to
the learned men of the country. In that case, he must
spend some years in reading a great many books, and in
acquiring a competent stock of the language ; that, Hke as the
spider spins her web from her own bowels, he may be able to
extract the translation from his own brain. The other mode
may be advantageously adopted by a missionary who has in
his hand the Bible, already translated into some language
known by learned natives of the country. In that case, he
has only to get a smattering of their vernacular, enough to
superintend their operations, and then parcel out the work,
and it is done by steam. There have been but few original
translations. That by Ziegenbalg and his associates, in
Tamil, has served for all the dialects in the south of India.
That by Carey and his associates, in Sanscrit and Bengalee,
has been the basis of all the other translations which they
have conducted. Morrison's Chinese translation will probably
be transferred into all the cognata languages ; and the Taling,
Karen, and Lah-wah, together with the Siamese, and other
Shan translations, will be obtained more or less directly from
the Burman. I mention the above as specimens merely ; not
intending to imply that they are the only original translations

56 MEMOtt OF DR. JUDSON.
that have been made. Nor would I be understood to speak
disparagingly of second-hand translations. If the partners
employed are faithful, a second-hand translation may be
superior to an original one. At any rate, it will probably
be more idiomatic, and in all cases, when practicable, it ought
undoubtedly to be attempted as a first essay ; and as the mis
sionary advances in the language, he can gradually raise it to
any degree of perfection.
But I sadly fear that, if I prolong this letter, it will leave
my to-day's task of twenty verses in the rear. So I beg leave
to subscribe myself Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To the Baptist Churches in the United States of America.
Maulmain, November 21, 1832.
Dear Brethren and Sisters : I send this line by
brother Wade, who, having had ten attacks of his disease
within a year, the last of which reduced him to such a state
that his hfe was despaired of, is obhged, at the urgent advice
of his physician, to take a long voyage, as the only means of
prolonging his life.
Brother Boardman has left us altogether, having obtained
an honorable discharge from this warfare. Brother Jones has
gone hence to Siam. In suffering him to go, we cherished the
hope that in us would be fulfilled that saying, " There is that
scattereth and yet increaseth." Brothers Kincaid: and Mason,
though indefatigable in their application to the language, are
yet unable to afford much efficient aid. Brothers Bennett
and Cutter are necessarily confined to the printing house.
Permit us, therefore, in these straitened circumstances, with
all Burmah on our hands, once more to approach your
numerous and flourishing churches, sitting 3very man under
his vine and under his fig tree, laden with the richest fruit,
and to beseech you to take into compassionate consideration
the perishing millions of Burmah, ignorant of the eternal
God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the blessed way of salvation ;

APPEAI TO THE CHURCHES FOR HELP. 57
and, a consideration of the ruin impending on their immortal
souls, and in remembrance of the grace of the Saviour,' who
shed his blood for you and for them, to send out a few of your
sons and daughters to accompany brother and sister Wade, on
their return to this land.
I would add, as a very powerful inducement to embrace the
present opportunity, that it will not only insure the company
and instructions of brother and sister Wade, but the instruc
tions of two native converts, in consequence of which those
who now volunteer their services will be able, especially if
the study of the language be immediately commenced, to pro
claim the glad tidings almost as soon as they land on these
shores. We have now five native churches, and above three hun
dred communicants ; and a spirit of religious inquiry is spread
ing in all directions. Who will come over into Macedonia
and help us ?
Your brother and fellow-laborer in the kingdom and
patience of Jesus Christ,
A. Judson.
The following note was sent to Mrs. Bennett, while weeping
in her room, after Mr. Bennett had gone on board ship, with
her children, Elsina and Mary,* who were about to sail for
America. " Sovereign love appoints the measure
And the number of our pains,
And is pleased when we take pleasure
In the trials he ordains."
Infinite love, my dear sister, in the person of the Lord
Jesus, is even now looking down upon you, and will smile if
you offer him your bleeding, breaking heart. All created ex
cellence and all ardor of affection proceed from him. He
* The younger cf these daughters sailed for Burmah in company
with her mother aid missionary husband, in January of the present
year [1853.]

58 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
loves you far more than you love your children ; and he loves
them also, when presented in the arms of faith, far more than
you can conceive. Give them up therefore to his tender care.
He will, I trust, restore them to you under greater advantages,
and united to himself; and you, who now sow in tears, shall
reap in joy. And on the bright plains of heaven they shall
dwell in your arms forever, and you shall hear their celestial
songs, sweetened and heightened by your present sacrifices
and tears. Yours,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, December 19, 1832.
Rev. and dear Sir : As proposed in my last, I have spent
several months in prosecuting the translation of the Old Testa
ment ; and I made such progress that I hoped to finish it by
the end of 1833. But brother Wade having lost his health,
and been obliged to leave us for a time, I find myself under
the necessity of changing my plan. The New Testament is
out of press to-day, and to-morrow I leave this for the Karen
wilderness, where I expect to spend the next four months. It
is not my intention, however, to travel about as formerly, but
to remain at Chummerah, on the Salwen, and in the intervals
of receiving company, to go on with the translation, though not
so rapidly or to so good advantage as hitherto. During my
absence, the Digest of Scripture made by brother Boardman,
and remade by me, the Epitome of the Old Testament, a sep
arate edition of Luke and John, the Three Sciences, (revised,)
and sundry tracts, Burman, Taling, and Karen, as they are
required, will be carried through the press ; and on my return
next May, we hope to commence printing the Old Testament.
Since my last date, there have been nine natives baptized,
three of them Karens, and eleven Europeans. We have
also just has d of two more baptized at Rangoon. Ai Judson.

PROVIDING ASSISTANTS FOR TAVOT. 59
To the Rev. Francis Mason of Tavoy.
Maulmain, December 30, 1832.
Dear Brother Mason: We received your letters of the
loth this morning, and late this evening have just heard that
the Fortune will leave early to-morrow morning. And I
hasten to advise you to send two of your best Karen converts
by return of the Fortune. On their arrival here they will be
despatched to Chummerah, fifty miles up the river, whither I
expert to go in a very few days. In two months they will
have finished the spelhng book, and by that time I think I
shall be able to send back with them one, at least, who will be
qualified to teach his countrymen. At present, though there
are several who have just learned the spelling book, there are
only two men, Chet-thing and Pan-lah, who are capable of
writing the language according to rule, and therefore compe
tent to instruct. Chet-thing, the best, has gone with brother
Wade. If Pan-lah should leave us, we should be unable to
move a step, for I myself know nothing of the matter. Tau-
nah, one of our three Karen assistants, was unfortunately pre
vented joining the school till after brother Wade was taken
with his last illness, subsequent to which he was unable to
superintend their proceedings. There are two other men only
who have learned their spelling book.
It is quite impossible for me to comply with jrour request to
send you down two of our best men. For we have but one
who is qualified to instruct ; and he is now up the country.
Even him I should be unwilling to trust alone. He would
probably fall into some sad mistakes. But by assembling all
our little strength, and holding together for the next two or
three months, I hope that we shall make a little advance, so as
to be able to send you help, as specified above. Do not fail to
send us two of your best men as soon as possible, and I will
do the best I can for them. As to coming yDurself, I should
think it not advisable. You would spend your time here to very
great disadvantage, and I do not see, judging from your state
ments, how you could possibly be spared from the work in your
parts. I suppose you have heard that the Maulmain padre

60 MEMOIR OF DK. JUDSON.
has gone down to convert the Karens between Tavoy and
Mergui, and is now, I hear, at Pah-Ian. Is it so ?
Please .to tell Mrs. Boardman that I could not to-day do
any thing about her bills, even if I had heard before of the
Fortune ; but I shall endeavor to comply with her wishes as
soon as possible. I know not how I shall succeed. We have
all been without money for some time. I have lent my last
fifty to Bennett to keep the pot boiling, which is, you know, a
cause sine qua non. Journal.
December 31, 1832. Still detained in Maulmain by a variety
of circumstances, and do not expect to leave for the Karen
wilderness till the middle of next month.
During the past year there were baptized at Rangoon, three ;
at Maulmain, seventy ; at Tavoy, sixty-seven ; at Mergui,
three — in all, one hundred and forty-three, of whom one hun
dred and twenty-six are natives of this country, the majority
of them Karens, and seventeen are foreigners. The whole
number of natives baptized in this mission is three hundred
and eighty-six, of whom seven have been finally excluded, and
about as many remain suspended from communion. The
whole number of foreigners baptized is one hundred and
thirty, of whom about ten remain excluded, not counting a
few who were rather hastily excluded, and subsequently re
stored. Total, since the commencement of the mission, five
hundred and sixteen.
January 1, 1833. Brother Simons and friends have just
arrived, and brought us a multitude of letters and most inter
esting publications from our own beloved native land. On
many topics I could write all day and night, from a full heart,
but must employ myself in more pressing work. I will only
say, May God bless the Temperance Societies ! May he
bless the Tract Societies ! May he bless the efforts made to
save the valley of the Mississippi, and the efforts made to
restore the poor Africans to the land of their forefathers, and
to settle the tribes of American Indians together, and unite

SERIES OF RESOLUTIONS. 61
them in the bond of Christian love ! But where shall I stop ?
May God bless every soul that loves the Lord Jesus Christ
and may we all labor, to our latest breath, in making known
that love to all who know it not, that ere long the whole earth
may be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters
cover the sea.
January 10. Mrs. Bennett set out for the Karens on the
Dah-gyne, about eighty miles from Maulmain, accompanied
by Tau-nah, one of the Karen interpreters. Expects to be
absent about a fortnight. May the power of the Holy Spirit
go with her !
January 12. Brother Kincaid, in Rangoon, writes, " We
have just got a letter from Moung Nyen, who was sent to
Pegu, and there imprisoned, fined, and whipped, in a savage
manner. He is becoming more bold, and is almost ready to
be baptized. He writes that in the midst of his sufferings
Christ was his refuge, and he is now prepared to suffer all
that may come. We have many inquirers from a distance,
but the fear of government makes them timid." Query : Would
not a little of that same discipline that poor Moung Dan and
Moung Nyen have received be attended with some salutary
effects ? Maulmain, January 1, 1833.
1. Rise at light, (in general.)
2. Pray at morning, noon, and night.
3. Read nothing in English that has not a devotional ten
dency. 4. Never speak an idle word.
5. Check the first risings of anger.
6. Deny self at every turn, so far as consistent with life,
health, and usefulness.
7. Embrace every opportunity of doing any favor to a child
of God.
8. Learn to distinguish and obey the internal impulse of
the Holy Spirit.
Renewed May 5 ; also the 10*h ; also July 2.
VOL. II. 6

62 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
To tlie Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, January 1£, 1833.
Rev. and dear Sir : It is with regret and consternation
that we have just learned that a new missionary has come out
for a limited term of years. I much fear that this will occa
sion a breach in our mission. How can we, who are devoted
for hfe, cordially take to our hearts and councils one who is a
mere hireling ? On this subject all my brethren and sisters
are united in sentiment. We should perhaps address a joint
letter to the board ; but such a measure might not appear suf
ficiently respectful. May I earnestly and humbly entreat the
board to reconsider this matter, and not follow implicitly in
the wake of other societies, (I beg pardon,) whether right or
wrong. I have seen the beginning, middle, and end of several
limited term missionaries. They are all good for nothing.
Though brilliant in an English pulpit, they are incompetent
to any real missionary work. They come out for a few years,
with the view of acquiring a stock of credit on which they may
vegetate the rest of their days, in the congenial climate of
their native land. Do not a man and woman who cohabit for
a time quarrel and part the first opportunity ? And is it not
one end of the marriage tie for hfe to promote harmony and
love ? Just so in the case before us. As to lessening the
trials of the candidate for missions, and making the way
smooth before him, it is just what ought not to be done.
Missionaries need more trials on their first selling out,
instead of less.
The motto of every missionary, whether preacher, printer,
or schoolmaster, ought to be, "Devoted for life." A few days
ago, brother Kincaid was asked by a Burmese officer of gov
ernment how long he intended to stay. " Until all Burmah
worships the eternal God," was the prompt reply. If the lim
ited term system, which begins to be fashionable in some
quarters, gain the ascendency, it will be the death blow of

ALLOWANCKS TO ASSISTANTS. 63
missions, and 1 3tard the conversion of the world a hundred
years. Excuse my freedom of speech, and believe me to be,
With all faithfulness and respect,
Your " devoted for Hfe,"
A. Judson.
To the Rev. F. Mason.
Chummerah, January 31, 1833.
Dear Brother Mason : Your boys have just arrived,
and, the boat leaving on return to-morrow, I write a line to
be forwarded to you. The box of books about which you
inquire arrived a few days before I left Maulmain. I believe
that the people who brought it threw it down on the upper
wharf, or at the post office, and thereabouts it remained I
know not how long. At length somebody, seeing our names
on it, picked it up, and delivered it to one of our servants.
As to allowances to the Karens, we hit upon the same rate
that you did, and adhered to it for a long time ; that is, about
six [rupees] per month. But we at length concluded to raise it
to eight, in case of a full. assistant missionary, if he has a wife
and family to support, and engages, hke ourselves, to devote
himself entirely to missionary work, refraining from all trade,
and all worldly means of supporting himself. We intend,
in general, that this shall cover travelling expenses, building
houses, &c.
But I can assure you, from long experience, that you can
seldom, if ever, satisfy Burmans, Talings, or Karens, by giv
ing them stated, specified, known wages. However much
it be, they will soon be murmuring for " more 'bacco,'' hke
their betters. Few of the natives that I pay know how much
they get. No word on the subject ever passes between me
and them. I contrive, at unequal intervals, to pop a paper
of rupees — five, ten, or fifteen — into their hands, in the
most arbitrary way, and without saying a word. But I take
accurate note of every payment, and at the end of the year, or
of the period for which they are employed, I manage fo have

64 ME'IOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
paid them such a sum as amounts to so much per month, the
rate agreed upon with my brethren. This plan occasions less
trouble than one is apt to think at first ; at any rate, not so
much ti ouble as to be in hot water all the time about their
" wages." However, I only show you my anvil. Hammer
your tools on it, or on another of your own invention, as
you like.
There were seventy baptized at the Maulmain station dur
ing the past year; forty-seven Karens, seven Burmans or
Talings, and sixteen Europeans.
I am now occupying a zayat at this place, but confining
myself chiefly to the translation of the Old Testament, with
out being able to pay much attention to the poor Karens. A
few live around me who attend daily evening worship, which
is conducted in Burmese and Karen ; and a considerable num
ber of the converts live within a few miles, who attend Lord's
day worship ; but there does not seem to be much religious
inquiry among them at present. Three are suspended from
communion, and I hear bad accounts of three or four more.
The learning to read also drags very heavily. The fact is, I
am a mere nothing, as a Karen missionary, for not one in
fifty of these people understand Burmese ; the Wades have
gone, and there is nobody to do any thing. Yours ever,
A. Judson.
To Mrs. Bennett. Chummerah, March 7, 1833.
Dear Sister Bennett : I thank you for the last supply ;
think we have a sufficiency on hand for the ensuing month.
Expect to be in Maulmain between the 7th and 14th of April.
Please to purchase two pa-tsoes for the Tavoy students,* who
have now no change. Let them be the best of tl e common
kind ; that is, about a rupee and a half apiece. Please to
* These two students, Kaula-pau and Sau Quala, were, in 1851, the
only ordained Karen preachers at Tavoy.

FAMILIAR LETTERS TO FELLOW-LABORERS. 65
send them up by the first safe opportunity ; and if no oppor
tunity occurs, keep them till I arrive with the said students.
We have sixteen boarding scholars, and eight applicants for
baptism ; half of them will probably be reoeived next Sun
day. But appearances, on the whole, are not very encour
aging. Multitudes appear to have taken a decided stand
against Christianity. Our boat, with four assistants, has been
absent up the river eleven days. We are daily expecting
their return, and hope they will bring some good news. Next
Sunday is sacrament season. Pray for the poor httle church
around me. They are literally a flock of sheep in the wilder
ness. The first man baptized in these parts died lately of a
violent fever. He was removed here a few days before he
died. His end was rather peaceful and happy. Speaking
of fever, mine has left me for above a. fortnight.
As to Mrs. Wade's letters and the news from Bengal, so
many things crowd for utterance, that I am afraid to make a
beginning, and must defer them to the happy meeting that I
anticipate a month hence. However, it will not be a very
happy one ; for you and brother Bennett will be about going
off. What a miserable world is this ! No sooner does the
heart's pulse begin to take a little hold, than snap it goes !
How many times more shall I have to sing that melancholy
ditty, — "Had we never loved so kindly,
Had we never loved so blindly,
Never met, or never parted,
"We had ne'er been broken-hearted" !
Even those poor culprits, Elsina and Mary, do so frequently
squeeze out the tear, that it is painful to think of them. I
don't wonder that you say your heart is ready to break. I
almost wonder how you can breathe. And I don't think that
Mrs. Wade's sweet, but cruel letters have helped the mat
ter at all. But be patient, poor soul ! Heaven will be sweeter
for all this, though you may be unwilling to believe it. And
we have every reason to pray and to hope that the dear
absent ones will be with you to all eternity.
6*

66 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
I am glad to learn that the church difficulty is a little
relieved. If it had not been, I thought of advising Moung
D vay to give up eDnducting worship, and let it come on the
deacons, who should be obliged, from their office, to do it,
without calling to their aid some one whom no church or
teacher has yet called to preach. This would soon bring them
to terms. It was the deacons who formerly urged Moung
Dway to relieve them, because they were incompetent them
selves. Yours, A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, April 12, 1833.
Rev. and dear Sua : I left this on the 18th of January,
and returned on the 9th instant. The intervening time I
have spent at Chummerah, three days' journey up the Sal
wen, where we had previously built a zayat and rooms for the
occasional residence of any of the mission who might visit
that place, which is our principal station among the Karens,
north of Maulmain. This visit to the Karens has not, like
my former visits, been devoted to laboring among the people ;
but, according to a determination made some time ago, to suf
fer nothing to interrupt the translation of the Old Testament
until it was done, I took my books with me, and sat down to
my studies the same as if I had been in this place. I have,
therefore, done but little for the poor people, beside conducting
daily evening worship, and the usual Lord's day worship,
through interpreters. Eight only have been baptized, and, at
the same time, eight stand suspended, out of ninety-one. A
spirit of solid inquiry is extending through the whole wilder
ness, but no signs of a great change are yet visible. The
boarding school for teaching them to read and write their own
language, according to the elements given them by brother
Wade, has averaged about twelve, chiefly adults and young
people, not small children. Several have learned to read, and
left school to make way for others. The two most important
students have been a couple of young men from Tavoy, whom

FAMtllAR LETTERS. 6?
brother Mason sent up to learn to read, and become qualified
to teach their countrymen in that province. They have come
down with me, and will return to Tavoy by the first opportu
nity. The school is now left under the superintendence of
Miss Cummings, who has selected the Chummerah station,
with the intention of devoting herself to the Karen people.
Our two excellent assistants, Tau-nah and Pan-lah, also are
stationed there, to conduct worship, receive inquiring visitors,
instruct the school, and prepare elementary works in the Ka
ren language. Ko Myat-kyau also, and one or two others,
are prosecuting their itinerant labors in these parts. Brother
Kincaid having left Rangoon for Ava, brother and sister Ben
nett are about proceeding to Rangoon, for a time, to supply
the vacancy. Ko Thah-byoo also, the first Karen who em
braced the Christian religion, and his wife, a poor Karen
woman, whom we formerly supported on charity, having both
accompanied brother Boardman to Tavoy, and been instru
mental, in the hand of God, though the man is uncommonly
stupid and unamiable, of opening the way among the Karens
in that quarter, have now returned to this place, and having
learned to read and write their own language, are preparing
to go to Rangoon, with a view to the numerous population of
Karens in Burmah proper, whence they both originally came.
To the Bennetts in Rangoon.
. . . I never had a tighter fit of low spirits than for
about a week after you had gone. I sometimes went, after
dinner, to take a solitary walk in the veranda, and sing, with
my harmonious voice, " Heartless and hopeless, life and love
all gone." However I am rallying again, as the doctors say.
But I have not yet got the steam up in the Old Testament
machine. " Toil and trouble," &c. Heaven must be sweet
after all these things. I have no more to say.
Yours eger,
A. Judson.

68 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
To Mrs. Bennett. Maulmain, May 14, 1833.
Mi dear Sister : I thank you for your good long letter,
which I am going to repay with a poor short one, as you see
from tha paper I have taken. But it is near ten o'clock, and
I am worn out with the day's work. I really think I felt as
much relieved to hear your head was better, as if it had been
my own. I fear, however, that your relief was only temporary.
I had a somewhat remarkable instance of divine guidance
last Friday, in a private case of conscience, which had troubled
me for some time. It was as if I had seen with my bodily
eyes my own adorable Saviour pointing out the particular
passage, and shedding a flood of light on the sacred page.
And yet, alas ! must I add, that though I retain that guidance,
and trust I shall through life, I am in other respects the same
prayerless, heartless creature as ever. There was one time,
however, since you left here, in which I prayed a few moments
for Elsina and Mary ; and I thought it was the only time that
I had ever been enabled to pray for them, and I had a mo
mentary feeling that they would receive some saving impres
sion before they reached home. . . . May you both be
blessed in body and soul, and be burning and shining lights in
Rangoon and throughout Burmah; and you wiE be if you
venture to follow Christ throughout, and be holy, as he is holy.
Your ever affectionate brother,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, June 29, 1833.
Rev. and dear Sir : I have not made one minute in my
journal since the last number, dated April 12, and forwarded.
During the last six months, three have been added to the Ka
ren church north of Maulmain, the main stock of which is at
Chummerah, with one^principal branch at Newville. Of the
ninety-one baptized Karens, two are dead,' and eight suspended
srom communion, leaving eighty-one communicants.

TRANSLATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. 69
There have been no additions to the Burman church in
Maulmain ; but one member, Mee Tan-gan, a young woman
formerly belonging to the female boarding school, has been
finally excluded, for pertinacious neglect of worship and clan
destine marriage, according to native custom. Some cases of
restoration have taken place, so that there remains at present
not one member under censure in the Maulmain church. The
whole number of native communicants is sixty-three.
I have received your letters of December and January, and
heartily approve of all your suggestions, and hope that we
shall be more particular and definite in reporting events that
transpire in our respective departments.
I am toiling on in the Old Testament. Am now in the six
teenth chapter of Ezekiel. The minor prophets, and the his
torical books from 1 Kings to Esther inclusive, still remain.
Should I escape the fall fever, of which, however, I have no
reasonable hope, and encounter no other interruption, I
should certainly finish by the end of the year.
Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
Maulmain, September 24, 1833.
Rev. and dear Sir : I enclose a number of notes from
Ava. The Cutters embark this day for Rangoon, with a press
and several thousand tracts, for distribution on the way ; be
sides which we are putting up ten thousand tracts for brother
Bennett, to meet an extraordinary festival in Rangoon, just at
hand. Since the last of June, fifteen natives have been baptized
here, six of them girls from the Chummerah school, and two
from the Maulmain school. In the latter school there are
about fifty in daily attendance. On the departure of Mrs.
Cutter, the whole devolves on Mrs. Hancock, aided a little by
Mrs. Brown.
I have lost a month through a complication of ailments,
but am now better. Have no remaining hope of finishing the

70 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
translation of the Old Testament by the end of the year, but
shall do as well as I can. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
A Fragment — probably a Scrap tornfr >m the Close of a Letter.
Leaving one party to prove that the standard of Christian
morality is lowered since the days of the apostles, and another
party to assert and expect the restoration of miraculous pow
ers, let us adopt a middle course, the golden medium, — Holy
as the apostles, without their power, — and then
" the glory of this latter house shall be greater than that of
the former." Yours affectionately,
t~ " A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, October 11, 1833.
Rev. and dear Sir : The Karen people are scattered
all over Burmah and the neighboring Shan provinces. The
main body stretches away to the north. The Karens in the
Tavoy district are a small, struggling colony, separated by a
wide waste from the Karen nation, with whom they have no
communication. They have consequently lost, in some meas
ure, their national language, and come to speak a corrupt dia
lect, a mixture of Karen and Tavoyan, which again is a cor
rupt dialect of the Burmese. Many of these facts I learned
from the two Tavoy students that I had under my care a few
months at Chummerah.
It was so ordered that our first Karen convert, Ko Thah-
byoo, accompanied brother Boardman to Tavoy, and was dili
gent in bringing his countrymen to hear the gospel ; and
hence it has been supposed that there is some peculiar con
nection between Tavoy and the Karens. But all of us
here well know that there is no other of our stations so remote
from the Karen nation ; none where a missionary must inevi
tably Jabor among that people to so great disadvantage. In

FAMILIAR LETTERS TO FELLOW-LABORERS. 71
the Tavoy district, it is impossible for him to acquire the
language properly ; and he is completely insulated from the
great body of the Karen nation ; and lastly, he is cut off from
almost all intercourse with the handful of Karens in the dis
trict, during six months of the year, in consequence of the
intervening country being flooded, and there being no river
communication. I do not mean to intimate that the Tavoy station is not a
very important one. A glorious work is begun thare. A
church is founded which will never become extinct, but will
grow, and fill the whole region. The Tavoy station must be
supported at all events. And if it should be left vacant, and
none other of the brethren be willing to go there, I am ready
to volunteer my services. But I have now some hope that
brother  will remove to that station. I am correspond
ing with him on the subject. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To Mrs. Bennett. Maulmain, November 29, 1833.
Dear Sister : Here are Pallah, Tau-nah, Pah-boo-to, and
Pah-boo.* If Mr. Bennett wants any more, let him say so. I
hope you will take good care of these disciples. They are
all good creatures. Pah-boo-to has improved very much of
late. Pah-boo is a fine steady fellow, and an excellent scholar;
Mah Tee and Mah Heen are inquiring about a passage
in the same vessel, but it is doubtful whether they go.
. . . Great care ought to be taken in receiving the first
Karen converts, in any place. The best outward test is to
have refrained from rum, nat worship, &c, and to have kept
the Lord's day, and all this for a few months, on the testimony
of their Christian neighbors. And perhaps it is 'best to make
them ask for baptism several times. The first time asking
they may not know their own minds. In all these matters
* Karen assistants.

72 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Boardman has proceeded more wisely and judiciously than J
He has laid a safer foundation. The consequence is, there
are fewer suspensions in that quarter, and his successors will
have much less trouble than mine. Yours ever,
A. Judson.
To the Bennetts. Maulmain, December 9, 1833.
Dear Brother and Sister Bennett: Here are Ko
Man-boke, and Moung Ouk-moo. Do you want any more ?
The latter has settled his old transgression very properly
. . . A principal man from the village at the mouth of
the Houng-ta-ran, where there are several inquirers, is here,
and asking for baptism. He appears pretty well, and will be
baptized, I suppose, next Sunday. * I have taken old Rajah,
the evangelist of the said village, into the number of the
Karen assistants. He is full of the matter, and intends to
march forthwith upon the north pole, and clear away all the
intervening darkness. Toon-no will probably compose his tail.
We have nobody to send back with aunt Sarah, except Ko
Myat-kyau, who also wants to act the comet. The Karen
assistants ought to come back as soon as they can be spared.
Can't you find some good one, like Tau-nah and Pan-lah, well
acquainted with the Burmese language, who would come here
and qualify himself to be used as other assistants ? . . .
Yours ever,
A. Judson.
Maulmain, December 28, 1833.
Dear Brother and Sister Bennett : . . . I am
anxiously waiting to hear the next news from Rangoon, and
whether the-«torm has gone over. Moung En and Moung
Zoothy have gone with Miss Cummings to Chummerah. I
expect them back to-night. I don't think the former will re
turn to Rangoon at -present. He will be wanted here, espe
cially if I step out any where ; for there is no other person

familiar letters. , 73
[hat the church and I could agree to have conduct public
worship evenings and Lord's days. Better let his pay in
Rangoon stop with the month of November. I shall pay him
twelve rupees a month, beginning with the 1st instant.
I am seven hundred and eighty verses in debt ; but it is one
comfort that the debt cannot increase after the 31st instant.
I am pretty free from fever when I pour down the quinine.
Several letters from home, but none worth sending you, except
the two accompanying. ... I almost wish you were
here, in the httle triangular corner, which forms a little com
pound by itself, being fenced off from the school house, and
containing nothing but a cook house at the extreme angle.
At any rate, I wish Mrs. Bennett was here to take care of
the women, who now run wild, except that Mrs. H. does as
well as she can. The government has promised us fifty
rupees a month if we will get up an English and Burmese
school. We thought to have employed Delaney as an assist
ant ; but he is bent on going home. To-day Mr. M. men
tioned you, and says that, though he is going away, Mr. B.
will do any thing in this line. Mrs. Boardman has got a let
ter of thanks from " his lordship ; " and the government here
is authorized to expend five hundred rupees per month on
schools in these provinces. See some notice of schools in the
November and December numbers of the Calcutta Observer.
I have been in an error on this subject. The mismanage
ment and little success of schools have led me too hastily to
condemn the system altogether. What if you should both
think of things generally, and particularly, and abstractly, and
conjointly, and all other ways ? and believe me,
In haste, yours ever,
A. Judson.
To his Mother and Sister. #
Maulmain, December 29, 1833.
Mr dear Mother and Sister : I wrote you last by
Mr. Wade, and have just received yours in reply, dated 9th
of July, mentioning Mrs. Wade's visit to Plymouth, which
VOL. II. 7

74 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
was very kind in her. There is hardly a person in the world
whom I love so much as Mrs. Wade. You could not know
her many excellences in so short ar interview. She writes
me a very interesting account of her visit, and relates many
things of you, my dear mother and sister, that are very grati •
fying to my heart.
I have also received your other letter, of October 12, last
year, and the articles marked by your own hand, which I
value beyond any clothes obtained from another quarter
Mrs. Wade's letter brought many things fresh to my mind,
and made me long once more to visit Plymouth, and the old
mansion house, and the only near and dear relatives that
remain to me in this world. But the sea is too wide, and my
work too great and pressing, to be relinquished or deferred
for any worldly consideration.
I still live alone, and board with some one of the families
that compose the mission. After the Wades left, I boarded
with the Bennetts. After the Bennetts left for Rangoon, I
boarded with the Cutters. After the Cutters left for Ava, I
boarded with the Hancocks, where I now am. I have no
family or living creature about me that I can call my own,
except one dog, Fidelia, which belonged to little Maria, and
which I value more on that account. Since the death of her
little mistress, she has ever been with me ; but she is now
growing old, and will die before long ; and I am sure I shall
shed more than one tear when poor Fidee goes.
So Elnathan has gone, and all his family ! I hope they
are in paradise ; but as to little Anne, I know not what evi
dence she gave of having her heart touched with the love of
the Saviour. God does all things well — infinitely well.
About the time of your receiving this, the Wades and a
number of new missionaries will be coming out. I hope you
w,ill send me a long letter. I have no time to write much,
being overwhelmed with work of some sort o- other. I hcpe
you will daily pray for me. Yours ever,
A. Judson.

LAST LEAF OF THE BIBLE. 75
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, December 31, 1833.
Rev. and dbar Sir : The only noticeable change that
has occurred during the last six months among the members
of the mission at this station is the removal of brother and
sister Cutter to Rangoon and Ava. We are daily expecting
to hear of their arrival in the capital. Brother Kincaid will
inform you that the series of Christian baptisms at that place,
which will continue, we hope, to the end of the world, com
menced last month in the persons of two converts — one the
wife of Ko Hlai, an old Rangoon disciple, the other a respec
table inhabitant of Ava. Glory be to God !
During the said period ten have been admitted to the
native church in this place, of whom five are young men of
some promise, two are women whose husbands are uncon
verted, one is a widow, by birth a Karen, and two are
girls from the school. The church now consists of seventy-
three communicants. None have been excluded, and none
suspended from communion ; but there are two cases which
would probably be pronounced censurable, did not circum
stances, at present, preclude proper investigation.
Eight have also been added to the Karen church at Chum
merah, making ninety-nine who have been baptized from
among the Karens north of Maulmain. Of the said eight,
two are men, and six are young women or girls from the
Chummerah boarding school.
I did hope, at one time, to have been able to insert, under
this date, a notice of the completion of the Old Testament ;
but, though I have long devoted nearly all my time to that
work, I have found it so heavy, and my health (as usual this
season) so poor, that, though near the goal, I cannot yet say
I have attained. Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
P. S. January 31, 1834. Thanks be to God, I can now
say I have attained. I have knelt down before him, with the

76

MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.

last leaf in my hand, and imploring his forgiveness for all the
sins which have polluted my labors in this department, and
his aid in future efforts to remove the errors and imperfections
which necessarily cleave to the work, I have commended it to
his mercy and grace ; I have dedicated it to his glory. May
he make his own inspired word, now complete in the Burman
tongue, the grand instrument of filling all Burmah with songs
of praise to our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
P. S. 2d. The following tables may afford some satisfac
tion : —
Table of Persons baptized in Burmah previous to the Year 1833.

Maulmain, .
Tavoy,Mergui, . . .
Eangoon, . .

Total, .

Burmans. 68 7
3
50
128

Knrens. 83
174

Foreigners.

129 1

257

1
131

Total. 280 182 3
51

516

Table of Persons baptized in Burmah in the Year 1833.

Stations.
Maulmain, 
Tavoy, 
Rangoon, 
Ava  Total for 1833
Add Table 1st, . . .
Total 

Bunnana. 10 252

Knrens.

Foreigners. 18 31

16
14 5

19
128

35
257292

22
131 153

147

44 1911 2

76
516

592

N. B. Of the Burman converts, eight have been exclud
ed — two in Rangoon, two at Tavoy, four at Maulmain, besides
three or four in Rangoon on whom the sentence has not been
formally pronounced. Of the Karens, two have been exclud
ed in this district, and a few others remain suspended. Of the
foreigners, most of whom are removed to other countries, and
are destitute of proper pastoral supervision, many, it is said,
have fallen into sin, but not many cases of actual apostasy
have been ascertained.

FAMILIAR LETTERS TO EELLOW-LABORERS. 77
N. B. I respectfully request that, in publishing my com
munications, discouraging statements may not be suppressed.
Let the truth, the whole truth, be known, and let us put our
.trust in God. Ti the Bennetts. Maulmain, January 16, 1834.
Dear Brother and Sister Bennett : . . . I return
your lett 3rs, with one of mine that happened to be out of the
way when I sent you my last. I know not when I have en
joyed letters more than those from the children's grandparents.
I have read them over several times. But I am sadly afraid
that, handed about among their fond, flattering relatives, they
will suffer for want of constant, faithful supervision.
I have no particular thought of going to Rangoon at pres
ent. I have no idea what I ought to do, after finishing the
translation. I believe there is a great deal to be done in these
parts. I think a good deal of Mergui, if an opportunity should
occur at the right time. I know not what the Karens about
Rangoon will do. I -should suppose it would be exceedingly
imprudent for a foreign missionary to visit their villages just
now. It would be known at once to the Rangoon govern
ment, and be the very thing to induce such examinations and
persecutions as would put a stop to all their religious inqui
ries. If the Karen assistants need money, let them have
what is proper, keeping a minute of the same, that I may ar
range it hereafter. If Thah-byoo is refractory, and threatens
to perpetrate any enormities, such as baptizing and the like,
his allowance must be cut off. This will make him exceed
ingly reasonable. If the Karens will not come to Rangoon to
be baptized, they may stay at home. Ko Thah-a must never
be allowed to go to their villages and baptize by the dozen,
nor must he baptize in Rangoon, only on the conditions speci
fied in my letter to him. There have been so many aposta
sies in the south of India, that the Bishop of Calcutta has
positively forbidden even the missionaries under his jurisdiction
7*

78 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
from baptizing any natives without previously sending in their
names, and notifying the Bishop or Archdeacon of Madras.
If Thah-a is refractory, there is a way of taming him. In
deed, I am doubtful whether he ought to baptize any Karens
at all. He is pastor of the Burman church in Rangoon. If
he baptizes any Karens, it must be by special dispensation
from some missionary on the ground. . . .
Yours most affectionately, A. Judson.
Maulmain, February 9, 1834.
Dear Brother and Sister Bennett : To yours of the
second I reply that, in my opinion, it is best for you to re
move to this place, because, —
First. Brother Webb is competent to do the needful
in Rangoon, viz., to keep some assistant at work, to distrib
ute tracts, and to be a medium of communication between
this and Ava. He can also baptize, if Ko Thah-a is afraid to,
and he will be ready to proceed to Ava when the way is
open. Secondly. You may succeed in schools. . . .
Thirdly. If you come, I shall be able to go among the
Karens, and hither and thither, until the rainy season, and
leave you to take care of the native church, now numbering
seventy-three communicants, and to superintend the printing
of the Old Testament, beginning with the first of Samuel, the
commencement of the second volume, which I am now revising
for that purpose. However, this work will not probably last
long, for I shall not be able to travel during the rains. Still
it is possible I may want to go to Mergui or Rangoon, and if
you are here I can do so.
Fourthly. There is work enough for brother Bennett up
stream, and down stream, and athwart stream, among all the
villages on the river and in the interior.
Fifthly. There is work enough for Mis. Bennett up street,
and down street, among her old friends, who have all gone to
pfeep sinoe she and Mrs. Wade ?ft the place. Alas ! I am

RELUCTANOE OP MISSIONARIES TO LEAVE MAULMAIN. 79
going wrong, for I see a slight cloud of dissatisfaction gathering
on a certain fair forehead ; so we had better strike out this
article, and make a new fifthly, to wit : Mrs. B. will be able
to take her old place among the female disciples, which cannot,
of course, be filled by any person here, though possessed of the
best intentions. . . .
Better bring all the Karens who want to come ; for after my
tour, any of them can be sent back to Rangoon for the rains.
Yours ever,
A. Judson
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, February 10, 1834.
Rev. and dear Sir : There is a strange, unaccountable
reluctance among my missionary brethren to leave this place.
Not a soul will look towards Tavoy, though poor Mrs. Mason
has been here, and spent a week with us, imploring our aid.
Not a soul will look towards Arracan, though my last from
Mr. Fink, dated 30th November, implores our aid, and men
tions three stations — Kyouk Phyoo, Ramree, and Sandoway,
all occupied by British magistrates and troops, and all proving
to be healthy places. Not a soul will look towards any part
of the empire of Burmah.
The European church has been continually receiving acces
sions under successive missionaries. It may be well for a new
brother to take his turn of a few months at the English chapel,
while acquiring the rudiments of the language ; but it pains
me to see a brother, who has been here above a year, wholly
absorbed in the concern, and evidently determined never to
leave it, when there are so many openings for missionary labor
among the heathen, on every side. Perhaps, however, the
board may be pleased to employ him permanently in that de
partment. If so, I have not a word to say. The general reply
which I get from the brethren is, " We must stay and get the
language." But look at dear Boardman. In eleven months
after landing at Amherst, he was in Tavoy. And what a light
he kindled up during his short life ! Secondly, this language

80 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
can be got just as well at other places as at this ; much better
indeed at such places as Rangoon and Ava. The few books we
have are ever passing to and fro among the stations. And as
for the assistance which an elder brother can afford, it is not
worth much. The language is best acquired from native books
and native teachers. The chief service that predecessors can
afford is in the way of dictionaries and elementary works.
As to the seminary for instructing young men of promise,
as suggested by the board, this is a department which requires
more acquaintance with the language than any other. With
the New Testament in hand, and tracts and prayers all pre
pared, j young missionary can begin to preach and exhort very
soon. He can live by retailing stock furnished by others.
But to instruct a seminary, hke Poor at Ceylon, or Carey and
his coadjutors at Serampore, a man must be able to create his
own stock, especially when nothing scarcely has been done
in that department. How much better for a young mis
sionary to dash into Toung-oo, or some other place, get the
language from the living sounds, build up a church, kindle up
a bright light that will never go out ! And when, after a few
years' service, he shall be needed to take charge of a seminary,
he will be qualified at all points. How much better than to
be rusting here in Maulmain !
Now, since it is expected generally that brother Wade, hav
ing devoted himself to the Karen language, will, on his return,
be chiefly employed among that people, and that, consequently,
I shall be under the necessity, at least for a few years, of being
more or less at or about this place, chiefly with a view to
writing and printing work, any attempt to urge my brethren
to a distance comes with a very bad grace from me. It is like
saying to them, I wish to get rid of your company. But in
deed there is not a single one that I want to get rid of ; not
one that it would not cost me a bitter pang to have to consign
to the grave. May God safely bring back my dearest, best
beloved brother and sister Wade.
I remain, with every sentiment of love and respect,
Your affectionate friend and faithful servant,
A. Judson.

VISIT TO A KAREN CHURCH. 81
P. S. Perhaps you may have the curiosity to know what
disposition I would make of the present unoccupied forces. I
would advise brother  to proceed forthwith to Rangoon ;
keep company with brother Webb, assist one another a short
time, and then one proceed to Prome, make a beginning there,
and be ready — that is, one of them — to join the party at Ava
as soon as the door is open. I would prefer sending brother
 to Rangoon rather than Tavoy, that he may retain
the pure Burmese, and be better qualified, in due time, for the
professor's chair. One of the new ones I would despatch from
Amherst to Tavoy, without hardly allowing him to come up to
visit Maulmain. Another I would mark for Mergui ; but he
might spend a year at this place or Tavoy, before taking a new
station. Two more I would instantly send to Kyouk Phyoo, that
they might get the Arracanese dialect, which differs consider
ably from the Burmese, from the very first. And as there is
but one more, I should not know whether to advise him to
take some new station or strengthen some old one. At any
rate, he might stay at some old station one year. In this plan
I have not mentioned the Karens, partly for want of men, and
partly because I expect that brother Wade and brother Mason
will be the great Karen missionaries. . . .

Journal. Newville, March 12, 1334.
I have spent a few days in this place, Where, on my arrival,
I found the church consisting of fifteen members only, several
having removed to the vicinity of the Chummerah church,
which, though of later origin, is now five or six times larger
than the Newville. Day before yesterday, and to-day, nine new
members have been received at this place, and there are five
or six others with whom I feel satisfied, but, for various rea
sons, their baptism has been deferred. In the number received,
the most noticeable case is that of Lau-sau and wife. He is a
petty chi )f, and possesses more personal influence than any
Karen yet baj tized in these parts. He has been considering

82 mes.oir op dr. judson.
the Christian religion with approbation for three years; but
has had great difficulties to encounter, resulting from his fam
ily connections, and from his inveterate habits of temperate
drinking. Until the present time, he could never resolve on
adopting the principle of entire abstinence ; but I trust that
conviction of truth, and love of the Saviour, have enabled him
to gain the victory.
March 16. On leaving Newville, it was my intention to
go up the Patah River ; but not finding sufficient water this
season, I turned into the Houng-ta-ran, and, having visited a
village where there are several inquirers, returned to Maul
main. April 1. Have been closely engaged in revising a few
books of the Old Testament for the press, the regular printing
of the whole being now commenced. I say commenced, for
the edition, of the Psalms, which is out of press, we do not
consider as forming a part of the present edition of the Old
Testament, for it will probably be expended before long, and
have to be reprinted in course with the rest of the work.
To-day, despatched Pan-lah and three younger Karen assist
ants to the aid of Ko Thah-byoo, in the vicinity of Rangoon;
intending to proceed thither myself before long.
Tavoy, April 10. I arrived here on the evening of the
6th. Am delighted with this station, and every thing about
it. The few native Christians whom I have seen, and the
schools, appear excellently well. But the glory of this sta
tion, the two hundred Karen converts, and their village of
Ma-tah-myu, I found myself not at leisure to visit. Indeed,
I have hardly found time to step out of the mission enclosure
since my arrival ; and to-day, having received the fcenediction
of the Rev. Mr. Mason, I embark for Maulmain, accompanied
by Mrs. Judson,* and the only surviving child of the beloved
founder of the Tavoy station. Once more, farewell to thee,
Boardman, and thy long-cherished grave. May thy memory

* Dr. Judson was married at Tavoy, April 10, 1834, to Mrs. Sarah
H., widow of the late Rev. George D. Boardman.

MARRIAGE TO MRS. IiOA,RDMAN. 83
be ever fresh and fragrant, as the memory of the other beloved,
whose beautiful, death-marred form reposes at the foot of the
hopia tree. May we, the survivors, so live as to deserve
and receive the smiles of those sainted ones who have gone
before us. And at last may we all four be reunited before
the throne of glory, and form a peculiarly happy family, our
mutual loves all purified and consummated in the bright world
of love.

CHAPTER III.
TREVELTAN1SM. — VIEWS RESPECTING THE METHOD OE CON
DUCTING MISSIONS. — REVISION OF THE OLD AND NEW TES-
1AMENTS.— GROWTH AND RESULTS OE THE MISSION. — FIRST
TWENTY-FIVE TEARS OF MISSIONARY LABOR.
1835-1839.
While Dr. Judson was engaged in revising his
translation of the Scriptures, a proposition was
submitted to the missionaries of different denomina
tions in India for abandoning the native alphabets of
the country, and uniting in the formation of a new
one upon the basis of the Roman. The author
of this plan was Mr. Trevelyan, a most intelligent
and active friend of missions, at that time holding an
important office in the civil service. For a time it
was received with considerable favor, especially by
missionaries of more limited experience, who hoped
that, in this manner, the difficulties of printing would
be materially diminished. They seem, however, to
have forgotten that improved facility in printing can
be of but small consequence, unless what we print is
intelligible to our readers, and that to the hundreds
of millions of India our volumes would be sealed,
until we had taught them to acquire an alphabet
which, for several generations, they would naturally
consider inferior to their own. The subject has, I
believe, now passed out of notice. It is only alluded
to here for the purpose of directing attention to the
letter referring to it in the early part of the pres
ent chapter. It seems to me to present an admirable
specimen of clearness of judgment and strong com-

TREVELYANISM. 85
mon sense, arriving at once at the truth in a practical
matter, when many able and benevolent men had
been decidedly misled.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, June 30, 1834.
Rev. and dear Sir : During the last six months nine
persons have been added to the baptized Karens north of
Maulmain, as noticed in my last, and seven to the Burmese
church in this place. In the latter number is Mah Yay, wife
of the Moung Shway-moung who accompanied brother Wade
in his late visit to America.
I hoped that, after finishing the translation of the Old Tes
tament, I should have a little leisure ; but the endless labor of
revising it for the press, — about one quarter is now printed, —
the care of the Burmese church in this place, which now con
sists of eighty members, and the various avocations incident to
missionary work, keep me so closely engaged that I have no
time even to make such communications to the board as I
am in duty bound to do. Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
Maulmain, October 3, 1834.
Rev. and dear Sir : As you will probably hear more or
less about Trevelyanism, I wish to contribute my quota towards
bringing the subject fairly before you, and therefore enclose
you the documents which I have received from Mr. Trevel-
yan. Mr. T. is an assistant secretary to government in Ben
gal, a pious man, and much devoted to the improvement of the
natives. He has projected a plan to print school books, the
Scriptures, &c, in the Roman character, adapted to the vari
ous languages of the East, in hope that the eastern nations
will gradually adopt that character, anl have but one alpha
bet, like most of the nations of Europe. Mr. Duff, of the
Scotch mission in Calcutta, is his most powerful supporter,
and Mr. Pearce has undertaken to prepare types and print for
VOL. II. 8

86 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
the concern. The Calcutta School Book Society has, I un
derstand, furnished some funds, and Mr. Duff has j »st now
gone to Europe to raise more. Two of our brethren have en
tered into the plan with more ardor than, I think, its merits
demand, and have proposed to procure at once a set of type1!
and commence printing the Scriptures on Trevelyan's plan, at
the expense of the board, they engaging, at the same time, to
turn all the schools under our influence into the new channel,
put down the native character as fast as possible, and teach
the children to read their own language in the Roman letter.
Some of us, however, hesitated at embarking the mission
funds in this undertaking without the sanction of the board.
As to myself, I object to the plan as in all probability quite
impracticable. And though it should prove to be practicable
in some degree, by means of united, untiring efforts, made
from one generation to another, ^Mch its warmest advocates
admit to be indispensable, — thot*&n at the commencement of
the twentieth century it should appear that the end was
gained, — what great benefit, after all, would result ? Some
benefit, I admit, would be realized, particularly in the article
of printing. But is that sufficient to prompt and sustain such
a mighty effort ? What great benefit results to the people of
England and Spain, for instance, that their respective lan
guages are written in the same character ? Something we
should gain, it is true, by compressing the Scriptures into a
smaller compass, and rendering them less voluminous. But
when we see that Dr. Carey has brought his Bengalee Bible
into the compass of a single octavo, why should we despair
of doing the same thing to the Burmese Bible ? Brother
Hancock is of opinion that, by improving and diminishing the
types, it may be done. If, indeed, we could carry forward
the Trevelyan plan to such a state of perfection as to be able
to dispense with printing in the native character within a few
years, it might be well to make the effort. But how many
years, yea generations, must pass away before we could hope
for such a dispensation ? And all the intervenmg time we
must be printing in both characters ! Suppose that the plan

ACCESSIONS TO THE CHURCHES. 87
should succeed in Maulmain ; must we not continue to furnish
Bibles for Burmah proper ? And suppose that the children
of Maulmain should learn to read their language in the new
character ; would that relieve them from the necessity of learn
ing the native character also ? Could we dismiss a scholar
from our schools without being familiar with that character
in which alone he could communicate with his countrymen
throughout Burmah ?
But what I most regret is, that a man like brother  ,
so good and talented, with all Burmah perishing before him,
and several grand central stations unoccupied, should think of
devoting the ardor and energy of his mind to an object of com
paratively small importance, and of very dubious attainment.
I would not be understood to be a decided opposer of Tre-
velyanism. The thing is yet in embryo ; its merits and de
merits not yet developed ; and I should hesitate to pledge
prematurely either personal labors or pecuniary supplies in
support of an untried enterprise, which I cannot but view as
highly chimerical. But if the great directors of missionary
concerns in both hemispheres should, on full consideration,
see reasons sufficient to induce them to join their efforts in
support of the undertaking, I trust that the same reasons
wouid have a similar effect on my mind.
Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
P. S. I would add that I write this letter merely as a pri
vate individual, and not requesting any official reply.
Maulmain, December SI, 1834.
Rev. and dear Sir: Since last June, four members have
been added to the Maulmain Burmese church, which now con
sists of eighty-four communicants, two to the Newville Karen
church, and one to the Chummerah Karen church. There are
two cases of suspension from communion in the Burmese
church, and several in the Chummerah, some of which will, I
fear, terminate in final exclusion as soon as a missionary can
investigate them on the spot. There are a few applicants for
baptism at all the stations.

88

MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.

In April, 1833, Ko Thah-byoo, the missionary pioneer
amoi g the Karens at Tavoy and this place, was sent to Mau-
bee, a Karen district north of Rangoon, and in the course of
the year reported about thirty hopeful inquirers, five of whom
received baptism at the hands of Ko Thah-a, pastor of
the church in Rangoon. At the close of the year, we sent
Tau-nah, Pan-lah, and two younger assistants to the aid of Ko
Thah-byoo. They returned, after a stay of about three
months, and gave a still more encouraging account of the state
of religious inquiry in that quarter. Soon afterwards, we
despatched Pan-lah and three younger assistants. Tau-nah
was obliged to remain with Miss Cummings, in charge of the
Chummerah station. Pan-lah and his company spread them
selves over the district of Mau-bee, and each one acted as
schoolmaster aiicf preacher in his own circle, for the space of
seven or eight months. On their return, they reported several
hundred hopeful inquirers, out of whom two hundred and ten
had made the three several applications for baptism, being
examined and approved by Pan-lah and company, in council
with the previously baptized ; but were obhged to wait for
want of an administrator of the ordinance, Ko Thah-a, in
Rangoon, having become so timid, in consequence of being
imprisoned, fined, and otherwise abused, as not to venture to
appear so publicly as once, in the character of a propagator
of the new religion. On receiving this report, we at first
thought of ordaining Pan-lah pastor of the churches in Mau-
bee ; but considering again that brother Webb was in Ran
goon, and a missionary to the Rangoon Karens daily expected,
we concluded to defer that measure, and advise those who
desired baptism to come down to Rangoon, a few at a time,
and solicit baptism at the hands of brother Webb. Some of
them have taken this advice, and the whole number of
baptized Karens, north of Rangoon, including the first five,
is thirty-three. Brother and sister Howard have just sailed
for that place ; and to his communications and brother Webb's
I must refer the board for further information from that most
interesting department of missionary labor.

BEREAVEMENTS AND EXTENSION. 89
As for myself, I have been almost entirely confined to the
very tedious work of revising the Old Testament. The
revision of about one half is completed, and the books from
1st Samuel to Job, inclusive, have been printed in an
edition of two thousand. We should have put the first
volumB to press some time ago, had we not been obliged to
wait for paper, the London paper not matching the American ;
and now, though paper has arrived, brother Hancock contem
plates going to America for new founts of types, in several
languages, and brother Cutter has gone on another visit to
Ava, so that we shall not probably recommence printing the
Old Testament till his return. I am the more satisfied with
this arrangement from having just received a complete set of
Rosenmiiller on the Old Testament, and some other valuable
works, in studying which I am very desirous of going over
the whole ground once more.
The Chummerah station has been left vacant by the
lamented death of dear sister Cummings, of which I have
already given some account in a letter to her former pastor,
the Rev. Mr. Butler. Brother and sister Vinton intend to
depart for that station in a few days. The Mergui station
has also been left vacant by the death of Pastor Ing, one of
our most faithful, most beloved assistants. None have been
baptized there since brother Wade left. Though Ko Ing was
faithful and laborious until death, it did not please the Lord
to give him any present success. Mergui, however, has been
well sown with gospel seed, and I have no doubt the seed will
spring up and contribute to the abundance of some future
harvest, and the mutual joy of all the laborers, when the sower
and the reaper shall rejoice together.
None of the dear brethren and sisters, whose arrival glad
dened our hearts the first part of this month, contemplate
remaining here, except brother and sister Osgood, who are
attached to the printing department. Besides those already
mentioned, brother Wade is just leaving for Tavoy, and broth
er Comstock will take the earliest opportunity for commencing
a mission on the Arracan coast, southern division. Having
8*

90 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
bejn required by the board to select another missionary for
the Arracan coast, we have advised brother Simons to take
the northern division for his share. We have done this the
more readily, because Mr. Fink, the country-born missionary
from Serampore, stationed at Akyab, has been obliged to
accept a situation under government for his support, and can
not, therefore, devote so much time as formerly to missionary
labors. On subjects connected with the printing department, and the
mission schools, and the European church, you will doubtless
receive, communications from other pens.
During the last year of his life, Ko Ing was supported from
the donations of Mr. Colgate of New York. But at the close
of October, 1833, he wrote, that, on account of his unworthi-
ness and want of success, he declined receiving any further
allowance ; that his wife — of whose conversion he had been
the means — was able, by keeping a small shop, to support the
family ; but that he intended, however, to devote himself the
same as before to the work to which he had been called. Ac
cordingly, the same letter reports his labors and states his
plans for future operations. Such communications he con
tinued to make till his death. In order, however, to square
our accounts, we requested him to receive the usual allowance
for the remaining two months of that year. He did so, and
in acknowledging the receipt of the money, said that he re
garded it as a special gift from Heaven. We then determined
that, though he declined any stated allowance, we would oc
casionally make him presents; and brother Mason has sent
him money two or three times, amounting, I believe, to about
one third of his usual allowance. The following is an extract
from the letter of a pious sergeant in the detachment, stationed
at Mergui, dated December 7, 1834.
" I was with Ko Ing several times during his illness, and
conimon'.y took an interpreter with me ; but on account of his
extreme weakness and deafness, I could say but little to him.
Being anxious, however, to know his experience, I asked him
a few questions, as follows : Q. Do you wish to die or not ?

TABLES OP BAPTISMS.

91

Ans. I wish to die, if it is the will of God. Q. Why do you
wi"h to die ? Ans. I shall go to heaven and be happy. Q-
How do you know that you shall go to heaven? Ans. I
have read in the word of God, that those who serve him will
go there, and my own breast tells me of it, (placing his hand
on his breast and looking up.) Q. How have you served
God ? Ans. By forsaking my wicked ways, and piaying to
him for forgiveness. Q. Do you think all this will take ycu
to heaven ? Ans. Jesus Christ came down from above, and died
for sinners ; and those .that are sorry for and forsake their sins
shall be saved, because Christ died for them. Q. You don't
think, then, that your works and your own goodness will take
you to heaven. Ans. No. All my works are but filthy rags.
He was so much exhausted that I asked him no more ques
tions. I think I told you, in a former letter, that he had his
coifin made some days before his death ; that our lads carried
him to the grave ; and I read the funeral service over him.''

Table of Persons baptised in Burmah previous to the Year 1834.

Stations.
Maulmain 
Tavoy, 
Mergui, 
Rangoon, 
Ava, 
Total, 

78 93
55 2

147

99
188

5
292

Foreigners.

147 4

153

Total. 324201 3
62 2

592

Table of Persons baptised in Burmah during the Year 1834.

Stations.

Burmans. 11 2

Karens.

Foreigners. 7 1
1

Total.

¦ 12 4
28
44
292
336

30

¦>g

8
21
147
9
Total, 
9
153
162
74
592
16S
666
92 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
Eight of the Burmese converts have been excluded, and
two of the Karens ; and several of both classes remain
suspended. Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
P. S. It may be gratifying to the friends of the mission
to have a correct idea of the population of the province of
Maulmain; that is, the country unier British rule, north of
Yay and Tavoy. A new census has just been completed, and
the second member of government has- communicated to me
the result, as follows : Town of Maulmain, 15,000 ; surround
ing country, 30,000, of which 7,000 are Karens. He added,
that, on account of the difficulty of taking a census of the
Karen population, the real number might be fairly estimated
at 10,000, but that the other results of the census might be
dspended on as correct. Card.
A. Judson desires to present, through the American Baptist
Magazine, his thanks to the many kind friends of himself and
the mission, who have sent him, by the hands of brother and
sister Wade, and their associates, various donations of wearing
apparel, books, stationery, &c. Some of the articles are of
great value, and all of them are very acceptable, being such
as he requires for daily use. The faces of the donors he
knows not ; but many of their names he has marked, and the
notes and letters accompanying the presents have repeatedly
called forth the tear of gratitude and love. The acquaintance
thus commenced, though not personal, he expects will be per-
fscted in that world where there is no sea to separate friends,
no barrier to impede the interchange of mutual love. And
he rejoices in the behef that every distant expression and
recognition of fraternal affection here below will form an ad
ditional tie, binding heart to heart, in the world above ; that
every cup of cold water given to a disciple will become a
perennial stream, flowing on from age to age, and swelling
the heavenly tide of life and gladness.

SEMINARY FOR NATIVE PREACHERS. 93
He would take this jpportunity of saying to the friends of
the mission, that no presents would be more acceptable than
medicines — those of the most common kind. He would re
spectfully suggest to pious physicians and apothecaries, that
any paciage or box of medicines, however small, would ever
be highly prized. And as he expects to be stationed for the
present in Maulmain, he would be most happy to be their
almoner, and enjoy the privilege of dispensing their bounty
to his brethren and sisters at the several stations, who some
times suffer in their own persons, and more frequently see
the natives, particularly the poor Karens, suffering around
them for want of the simplest, cheapest medicines.
Maulmain, January 3, 1835.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, January 3, 1835.
. . . My ideas of a seminary are very different from
those of many persons. I am really unwilling to place young
men, that have just begun to love the Saviour, under teachers
who will strive to carry them through a long course of study,
until they are able to unravel metaphysics, and calculate
eclipses, and their souls become as dry as the one and as dark
as the other. I have known several promising young men
completely ruined by this process. Nor is it called for in the
present state of the church in Burmah. I want to see our
young disciples thoroughly acquainted with the Bible from
beginning to end, and with geography and history, so far as
necessary to understand the Scriptures, and to furnish them
with enlarged, enlightened minds. I would also have them
carried through a course of systematic theology, on the
plan, perhaps, of Dwight's. And I would have them well
instructed in the art of communicating their ideas intel
ligibly and acceptably by word and by writing. So great is my
desire to see such a system in operation, that I am strongly
tempted, as nobody else is able to do any thing just now, to
make a beginning ; and perhaps after bfi ther Wade, who ia

94 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
excellently well capacitated for this department, has settled
the Karen language with brother Mason, he will carry on
what I shall begin, having both Karen and Burmese students
under his care. . . . Yonis faithfully,
A. Judson.
To his Sister. Maulmain, January 6, 1835.
My dear Sister : I wrote you a line lately, enclosing the
quitclaim deed, signed and attested. I hope it will reach
you safely. Your letters of October 15 and June 20 came
together by the hand of brother Wade. My last to you
was dated December 29, 1834, about a year ago, since when
I have received none, till brother Wade arrived the other
day. The articles which you and mother sent by the same
opportunity, I accept as refreshing tokens of that love which
no lapse of years nor intervention of wide seas can destroy
or weaken. It is a love not merely founded on natural rela
tionship, but sanctified, and elevated, and destined to perpetuity
by our common union to the glorious Saviour.
Mother is now in her seventy-sixth year. I hope and
pray that, as she gradually draws nearer and nearer to the
grave, her faith will become stronger and stronger, and her
views of heaven more and more animating. It is a privilege
which neither of your brothers has enjoyed, to support the
declining state of our parents. May this privilege be especial
ly blessed to your soul.
You will have heard of my marriage to Mrs. Boardman of
Tavoy. She says she remembers seeing you in Salem, when
she was Miss Hall. Perhaps you will remember her. She
saw our father a little before he died ; and he took her by the
hand, and talked to her some time. I am very happy with her.
She is possessed of a very affectionate, amiable, pious spirit ;
is well acquainted with the Burmese language, and is a great
help to me in all respects. We keep house by ourselves, and
shall probably remain in Maulmain for the present, perhaps all
lhs rest of our lives. I have a church of eighty-four con rerted

METHOD OP CONDUCTING MISSIONS. 95
natives under my care, and am also revising and superintend
ing the printing of the Old Testament. Brother and sister
Wade and Miss Gardiner have gone to Tavoy. The other
new ones and some of the old ones are gone or going in different
directions. I am now in my forty-seventh year ; and as we
cannot expect to live so long in this climate as at home, I be
gin to feel that my work is mostly done, and to look upwards
to that blessed world where I trust we shall all meet before the
throne. You may have heard of the death of Dr. Carey and
of Dr. Morrison. There are now only three missionaries in
the East who have been out longer than myself — Marshman,
Robinson, and Moore. One after another fills up, as a hire
ling, his day, and then passes away in the darkness of the
night of death, thence to emerge and ascend to the bright re
gions of everlasting day. I am always glad to get a letter
from you, and hope you will write often ; and if mother would
add a line or two, it would be a great gratification to me. At
any rate, we can pray for one another. Let us continue to do
so as long as we live. Your most affectionate brother, A. Judson.
In the following pages the views of Dr. Judson
respecting the proper method of conducting missions
are more fully developed. After some hesitation, I
have resolved to insert every thing in his writ
ings with reference to this subject that could be
of use to missionaries and the directors of missions.
Dr. Judson was, by universal consent, one of the
ablest missionaries of his time, of remarkable single
ness of purpose and large opportunities of observation.
It has seemed to me that all the matured opinions cf
such a man on the subject to which his whole life
was so exclusively devoted should be spread before
the public. The cause of missions is, at present, ar
resting the attention of Christians in a remarkable

96 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
manner. Every denomination is coming forward to
bear its part in the work of evangelizing the world. Ii
is of inconceivable importance that all possible light
be thrown upon the counsels of those who direct
these efforts. It behooves all our societies maturely
and earnestly to inquire for the manner in which the
labors of their brethren abroad will be most successful.
The same remark may be made in respect to mission
aries themselves. They have devoted their lives to
this noble and most Christian undertaking. They
will naturally desire to see every plan thoroughly
canvassed, and to learn wisdom from the experience
of those who have enjoyed the largest opportunities
for accurate observation.
It will be seen that Dr. Judson, after mature reflec
tion, was decidedly opposed to large missionary sta
tions. He believed them to be adverse to that spirit
of self-denying effort without which missions must
soon become a nullity. He believed that they served
to divert the attention of missionaries from their
proper work — the preaching of the gospel — to indi
rect, subsidiary, and questionable modes of effort,
such as in-door labor, school teaching, English preach
ing, book making — things in themselves good, but
not distinctively missionary. Instead of concentrating,
he was for scattering missionaries, and sending them
in every direction to establish new stations. Nor was
he alone in this opinion. The most cautious and
efficient conductors of missions with whom I am ac
quainted are coming to the same conclusion. After
trying a variety of plans themselves, and observing
carefully the plans of others, they have been con
vinced that the New Testament itself is the great
directory for missionary labor, and that he is likely to

THE FIELD TO BE POSSESSED. 97
oe the most successful propagator of Christianity who
follows most carefully the examples recorded for our
instruction in this matter in the Acts of the Apostles.
It will be seen that it was the preaching of the
gospel which Dr. Judson considered the great busi
ness of his life. He became a translator because he
teemed called to this work by the providence of God
*nd the directions of the board. But his chosen field
was the jungle or the zayat. While engaged in
ranslation, he labored among the natives as far as
he was able ; and, as soon as his in-door work inter
mitted, he turned to preaching with the whole energy
of his character. This continued until the failure of
his voice deprived him of the power of public speak
ing. It was not until this affliction rendered him
useless as a preacher that he could be brought to
listen to the proposal to undertake the Burman dic
tionary. It was a work for which he had no love,
and which he considered as aside from his missionary
calling. Indeed, when he could no longer preach, he
oelieved his appropriate labor completed, and looked
forward with increasing earnestness for the day of his
release. To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, April 7, 1835.
I enclose two letters from Kyouk Phyoo, and beg to call your
attention again to the important coast of Arracan. The dis
trict of Ramree itself contains, according to brother Comstock's
letter, a population nearly or quite as great as all these southern
provinces. Mr. Fink, from the inadequacy of the Serampore
funds, has been obliged to accept a sub-collectorship under
government. The whole country is thrown into the hands of
the American Baptist Board of Foreign Missions. If they
take immediate possession, it is theirs ; but if the present " tide
of fortune " is suffered to pass unimproved, it will probably
VOL. II. 9

98 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
never be recovered. If I were not tied to the press and the
native church here, and had not, I must lonfess, the habit of
keeping an eye always towards Ava, I would be off for Arracan
by the first ship. I do not mean to say that the country is sc
important as Burmah proper ; but in Burmah the prospect al
present is very dark.
Mergui also is a valuable little station, the population of the
town itself being nearly six thousand, and including the sur
rounding villages, above eight thousand by census. O that one
of the brethren would take possession of Mergui, and do there
what Boardman did at Tavoy ! But whatever disposition of
men the board shall be pleased to make, or whatever other orders
to issue, I beg that nothing of importance be left discretionary
with us, at least so far as I am concerned. We shall all obey
orders from home ; but if left to ourselves, I fear, from past ex
perience, that we shall sometimes manage to help one another
to do that which is most pleasing in our own eyes.
Since beginning this letter, I have received yours of October
last. I have very little hope of the practicability of an over
land route to China, but have not yet received an answer
from brother Kincaid.
As to the subject of schools, and the preparation of young
men for the ministry, my views are the same with those you
have expressed. But I doubt the practicability of a " semi
nary " all of a sudden. In looking at the subject in its various
bearings for a considerable time, I see but one way ; and I
would respectfully propose that instructions be issued to every
missionary, at every station, to collect around him a few boys
and young men who may appear promising, and give them such
instruction as may be consistent with his other duties ; with a
view of obtaining, in the course of a year or two, a contribution
from each station of at least two or three students, who shall
be sent to Maulmain, or Tavoy, or some other station, and thus
gradually form a seminary, which shall contirue to be sus
tained by supplies from the several stations, in the same way
it was commenced. Yours faithfully, A. JUDSON.

DISTRIBUTION OP MISSIONARIES. 99
Maulmain, May 6, 1835.
Rev. and dear Sir : At the general meeting of the
brethren in December last, I was appointed a committee to
correspond with brother Kincaid on the subject of an over
land route to China. I have lately received an answer, the
contents of which it is not necessary for me to communicate,
as he says in the same, that he has already made a full com
munication to the board, in answer to an application made
direct to him. I have only to say, therefore, that, as the route
appears to be practicable, it remains for the board to send out
a man for that express purpose. . . .
Formerly, having spent many years alone, I felt desirous of
missionary society, and was disposed to encourage a few to
stay together, not doubting but that we should all find enough
to do. But I have now learned that one missionary standing
by himself, feeling his individual responsibility, and forced to
put forth all his efforts, is worth half a dozen cooped up in one
place, while there are unoccupied stations in all directions,
and whole districts, of thousands, and hundreds of thousands,
perishing in the darkness of heathenism. You will perhaps
wonder that I am frequently writing in this strain. But when
I think of seven families, — eight when the  s are here,
which will probably be every rainy season — my spirit groans
within me. I feel that I cannot spend my time to better pur
pose than in endeavoring to effect some change in our present
arrangements. I have seen this subject more clearly, from
month to month, ever since my marriage. Mrs. Judson says,
that at Tavoy she was obliged to be ever on the alert, and
sometimes had to run away to Ya-lah, to get leisure to write
a few letters. But here there are so many in the way of one
another, that she can hardly find enough to do. I can trrly
say that all the real missionary work done by all the sisters at
this station, from day to day, might and would be done by any
two of them, if left to themselves ; and this not because they
are disposed to indolence or self-indulgence, but simply be
cause there are so many together. Place any one of them in

100 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
a station by herself, with her husband, and she would become
a new creaiure. In a letter just received from brother Jones,
he says, " I want to see a chain of missions proceeding from
Rangoon, by Bassein, Cape Negrais, Kyouk Phyoo, Chitta
gong, Kathay, Asam, through the Shan and Laos country
into China." O that all the brethren felt as he does, or had
the missionary ardor which characterizes  and  !
It is not for me to dictate. But I would respectfully suggest
that one of the printers be ordered to join the mission at
Bangkok ; that one of the missionaries, beside brother  ,
be ordered to Arracan or Bassein.
Bassein is the only port besides Rangoon in the Burman
empire. It has a European collector of duties, appointed by
the king, who annually visits .Ava. With Ava Bassein com
municates by one branch of the Irrawadi, as Rangoon does
by another. The only advantage that Rangoon has over
Bassein is, that it has, of late years, become the principal
resort of foreign shipping. There is no other reason whatever
why a missionary should not settle at Bassein, and make such
a beginning there as has been made in Rangoon. However,
Arracan has perhaps stronger claims to immediate attention.
The whole country is ripe and ready for us. And the Khyeen
nation is contiguous, bearing the same relation to Arracan
that the Karens bear to Burmah. After a long conversation
with Mrs. Judson, this morning, we are ready to say that, if
it be thought best for us to remain in Maulmain, we feel com
petent, while life and health are spared, to take charge of this
station, with those that remain after the above deductions are
made ; and indeed we could afford to make some further de
ductions. I have now five native assistants, who spend an
hour with me, every morning, in reporting the labors of the
"preceding day, in receiving instructions, and in praying to
gether. These men penetrate every lane and corner of this
place and the neighboring villages ; and since I have adopted
this plan, — about four months, — there are some very encour
aging appsarances. As soon as I get through with the Old

THE MISSION TO ASAM. 101
Testament complete, I want to double their number, and devote
part of my time to instructing them systematically. Now, ten
such persons, half students, half assistants, cost no more than
one missionary family ; and for actual service they are cer
tainly worth a great deal more. This is the way in which I
think missions ought to be conducted. One missionary, or
two, at most, ought to be stationed in every important central
place, to collect a church and an interest around him ; to set
the native wheels to work, and to keep them at work. Very
few native assistants will hold out well unless well instructed,
and kept under rigid supervision. An additional missionary
would doubtless do good ; but nearly all the good he would do
would probably be done if he were away, laboring in some
other place, which, but for him, would be unoccupied, and
where, of course, all that he should effect would be so much
net gain to the cause.
But if, on the other hand, it be thought best for  ,
and  , and the rest to remain here, pray let me remove.
If no one else is willing to go to Arracan, I am. It is true,
there are some plans which I should hke to carry into execu
tion at this place, where I have my work before me, and some
things that I should be glad to prepare for the press; but
other brethren will, in time, be competent to do these things.
I am, therefore, ready to obey orders. And may God give
the board wisdom to direct aright. Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
Maulmain, June 11, 1835.
The letters of Pearce, Trevelyan, and Jenkins, copies of
which have been forwarded to you from Bengal, have opened
to us a new missionary field, blessed with a very healthful
climate, and the protection of English government.
Brother Brown embraced the proposal with instant enthu
siasm, not merely because of the above advantages, for Asasn
presents a splendid opening for missionary efforts, and brother
Brown is excellently well qualified to take the lead in that

102 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
great and important mission. My heart leaps for joy, and
swells with gratitude and praise to God, when I think of
brother Jones at Bangkok, in the southern extremity of the
continent, and brother Brown at Sadiya, in Asam, on the
frontiers of China, immensely distant points, and of all the
intervening stations, Ava, Rangoon, Kyouk Phyoo, Maulmain,
and Tavoy, and the churches and schools which are spring
ing up in every station, and throughout the Karen wilderness.
Happy lot to live in these days ! O, happy lot to be allowed
to bear a part in the glorious work of bringing an apostate
world to the feet of Jesus ! Glory, glory be to God !

Maulmain, June 30, 1835.
Rev. and dear Sir : Since the beginning of the year,
we have received six into the Maulmain native church. One
has been removed by death, and one has been finally ex
cluded ; so that the present number is ninety-two. The state
of the Chummerah and Newville churches, which I have
hitherto included in my report, I leave to be reported by
brother Vinton. I have lately adopted the plan of employing
several native assistants to itinerate in the town and the
neighboring villages, for the purpose of making known the
gospel and distributing tracts. They meet every morning in
my study to pray, and to report the labors and successes of
the preceding day. This gives me an excellent opportunity
for correcting their mistakes, and furnishing them with new
topics of argument and exhortation. I have never adopted
a plan which pleased me so much, and appeared to be fraught
with so many benefits both to the assistants and the people
at large. I judge, from the daily reports I receive, that a
spirit of inquiry and a disposition to listen are gradually
gaining ground in this uncommonly stupid, obstinate place.
As to myself, I am never at leisure to go out, being closely
employed in revising the translation of the Old Testament,
and reading proof sheets of Scripture and tracts. The first
volume of the Old Testament was completed, in an edition of

REVISION OF THE BIBLE. 103
two chousand, on the 4th instant, the second volume having
been, previously done. The third and last, from Psalms to
Malachi, will, we hope, be completed, in an edition of three
thousand, before the end of the year. Besides the Old Testa
ment, the presses have been employed in printing our standard
tracts, in editions of thirty and forty thousand. I hope, as
soon as the whole Bible is out of press to be at leisure to add
a few new tracts and elementary works to our present scanty
stock, and also to attend to the more systematic instruction of
the assistants, particularly the younger ones.
The translation of the New Testament into the Taling
language has proceeded to the end of the 2d Corinthians.
The principal tracts also are translated. Mrs. Judson is
endeavoring to prepare herself to assist in that department.
And as soon as the new Taling types are ready, we intend to
commence printing tracts and portions of the New Testament,
for the use of the numerous population in this place, and all
the country east of Rangoon, very few of whom can read any
other language. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
Resolutions renewed September 26, 1835, the Era of finishing the
Revision of the Old Testament. — Resolved, —
1. Strictly fo observe the three seasons of prayer.
2. To read no useless thing.
3. To consult the internal monitor on every occasion.
4. To live under a constant sense of the presence of God.
From Mrs. Sarah B. Judson to Dr. Judson's Mother.
Maulmain, October 30, 1835.
My dear Mother : There are four mission families in
Maulmain, besides the one devoted to the Karens, in the
vicinity. Mr. Hancock has charge of the printing establish
ment, and prints in Burman, Taling, and Karen, for all the
different stations. Mr. Bennett has charge of the govern
ment school. Mr Osgood, lately arrived, is studying the

104 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
language, and meanwhile is occupied a part of the time in
preaching to the Europeans. Thus you perceive that the
native work devolves upon your son and myself. Mr. Judson
preaches every Lord's day to a crowded assembly, and every
evening to a congregation averaging thirty. We find our old
chapel too small, and are about having a new one erected.
The native assistants go about the town every day preaching
the gospel, and Mr. Judson holds a meeting with them every
morning before breakfast, when he listens to their reports,
prays with them, gives them instruction, &c. Besides this,
the care of tfce Burman church, ninety-nine in number,
devolves upon him, as does all the revision, superintendence
of the press, &c, &c, &c. He has lately baptized eighteen
persons — seven English soldiers, five Indo-Britons, three
Burmans, one Hindoo, one Arracanese, and one Mahometan.
The latter is- faithful old Koo-chil, the Hindoo cook mentioned
in Mrs. Judson's " Narrative." The poor old man resisted
long and stubbornly the truth, and we were sometimes almost
discouraged about him. But divine grace was too mighty for
him, and on last Lord's day we saw him bow beneath the
Salwen's yielding wave, and rise, I trust, to " newness of hfe."
Two others have applied for baptism, and there are many
nopeful inquirers both among Europeans and natives.
To his motlier and Sister.
Maulmain, November 1, 1835.
Dear Mother and Sister : Since I have attained, in
some measure, the great objects for which I came out to the
East, and do not find it necessary to be so exclusively and
severely engrossed in missionary labors as I have been for a
long course of years, my thoughts and affections revert more
frequently, of late, to the dear home where I was born and
brought up ; and now especially, after having been childless
many years, the birth of a daughter, and the revival of parental
feelings, remind me afresh of the love with which my dear
mother watched over my infancy, and of all the kindness with
which she led me up from youth to man. And then I think

HIS CHIEF OBJECTS ALMOST ATTAINED. 105
of niy earliest playmate, my dear sister, and delight to retrace
the thousand incidents which marked our youthful intercourse,
and which still stand, in the vista of memory, tokens of recip
rocated brotherly and sisterly affection. Surely, I should have
to call myself a most ungrateful son and brother, had I aban
doned you forever in this world, as I have done, for any other
cause than that of the kingdom of the glorious Redeemer.
It is a great comfort, however, that, though separated in this
world, we are all interested in the covenant love of that
Redeemer, and can therefore hope that we shall spend our
eternity together, in his blissful presence. It is my particular
object, in writing at the present time, to engage your prayers
for our little Abigail, that she may become early interested in
the same divine love, and be one of our happy number in the
bright world above. Her mother and myself both hope that
the little circumstance of her being your namesake will tend
to bring her more frequently to your remembrance at the
throne of grace, and secure your prayers in her behalf.
I alluded above to the attainment of the great objects of
my missionary undertaking. I used to think, when first con
templating a missionary life, that, if I should live to see the
Bible translated and printed in some new language, and a
church of one hundred members raised up on heathen ground,
I should anticipate death with the peaceful feelings of old
Simeon. The Bible in Burmese will, I expect, be out of the
press by the end of this year ; and — not to speak of several
hundred Burmans and Karens baptized at different stations —
the Burmese church in Maulmain, of which I am pastor, con
tains ninety-nine native members, and there will doubtless be
several more received before the end of the year. Unite with
me, my dear mother and sister, in 'gratitude to God, that he
has preserved me so long, and, notwithstanding my entire un-
worthiness, has made me instrumental of a little good.
Do write, and without waiting for an opportunity, send
your letters to the cxre of Dr. Bolles.
Yours ever, affectionately,
A. Judson.

106 MEMOIR OF Dii. JUDSON.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, December 31, 1835.
Rev. and dear Sir : During the last six months, we have
received into the native church in this place nine by baptism,
and two by removal from Rangoon, and lost one by death ; so
that the present number is one hundred and two. Among the
number baptized is Koo-chil, the Mahometan servant who was
so faithful to us at Ava during the late war. He came from
Bengal with the first Mrs. Judson, on her return to this coun
try, in the year 1823, and since that time has been in the
employ of some one of the mission families. Though a faithful,
good servant, he persisted for years in rejecting all religious
instruction, and maintained his allegiance to the false prophet.
His wife, a Burmese woman, was baptized a year and a half
ago, and that circumstance probably combined with all he saw
and heard to bring his mind over to the Christian religion.
But the process was slow, the struggle strong ; he felt deeply
the responsibility of changing his religion, and when he made
his formal request for baptism, he trembled all over. Poor
old man ! he is above sixty ; his cheeks are quite fallen in ;
his long beard is quite gray ; he has probably but a short
time to live. May he prove to be a brand plucked out of the
fire at the eleventh hour ! He affectionately remembers his
old mistress, and frequently sheds tears when speaking of the
scenes of Ava and Amherst, where he saw her suffer and die
I hope now that they will have the pleasure of meeting again
and of renewing the old acquaintance under happier auspices.
The printing of the whole Bible was finished on the 29th
instant. I am now revising the Psalms for a second edition,
the first edition, which was printed long ago, being nearly
expended ; and as we intend to bind up the new edition with
the last volume of the Old Testament, we shall have no copies
for distribution until the whole is completed. A large edition
(thirty thousand) of the Epitome of the Old Testament revised
has also been lately issued. Tracts, &c, as usual. Three
presses constantly at work, besides one employed in taking
proof sheets Tbe Taling types not yet finished, and no print-

RESULTS OF THE YEAR.

107

ing, therefore, done in that language. The translation of the
New Testament is advanced to the end of Hebrews.
More preaching has been done in Maulmain and the vicin
ity, during the past year, than all the previous years together
which we have spent in the place. Five or six native assist
ants have been kept constantly at work. They have brought
in several converts, and excited more religious inquiry and
disposition favorable to the reception of truth than we have
ever known before. Thousands and thousands of tracts also
have been distributed through the town, chiefly by some of the
newly-arrived brethren, during their morning walks.
Table of Persons baptized in Burmah previous to 1835.

Stations.
Maulmain, 
Tavoy, 
Mergui, 
Rangoon 
Ava, 
Total 

Burmans. 89 11 3
55 10

Karens.

Foreigners. 154 5

m188

33

2 1

168

336

162

354208

11

Table of Persons baptized in Burmah during the Year 1835.

Maulmain, .
• Tavoy, ....
Rangoon, . .
Yat-toung, .
Ava 

Total 
Add Table 1st,

Total,.

Burmans.

Karens. 7
61 2

Foreigners.

15 2

27 3

1
2
20
168
188

70
336

30
162
192

406

49 66 2 1
2

120
666

786

Yours faithfully,

A. Judson.

108 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
To Mr. Amariah Joy, WaterciUe, Maine,
Maulmain, February 8, 1836.
My dear Brother : I have received two letters from you,
of July, 1833, and May, 1834. I proceed at once to answef
the questions proposed in your last, not knowing how much
time I shall have to write. The grand means of converting
the heathen world is to preach the glorious gospel of our great
God and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the vernacular language of
the people ; avoiding, as much as possible, all literary and
scientific pursuits* to which missionaries have a strong tempta
tion ; resolving, in a word, with the great apostle of the Gen
tiles, to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified.
" The prospect of usefulness in travelling throughout Bur
mah, preaching and distributing tracts," is rather dubious at
present, owing to the intolerance of the government ; but in
the ceded provinces, on the south and west, there is no ob
struction to be feared.
I should certainly think it exceedingly desirable that a per
son contemplating a missionary life should pursue a regular
course of theological study, though he had received a colle
giate education ; for the better his mind is disciplined and
stored with knowledge, the more efficient workman he may
humbly hope to become ; but I do not know that I can men
tion any particular branch of study to which, as a general
rule, it is desirable to devote special attention. It is difficult,
also, to mention the average time requisite to acquire the Bur
mese language ; but it may be safe to say that, with the Bible
and tracts, a young missionary will be able to labor effectively
within two years.
I should be unwilling to say a word to encourage private in
dividuals to come out to Burmah " as schoolmasters, mechan
ics, or farmers." Without the language, their lives would be
almost thrown away. But in regard to single females, who
intend to acquire the language and instruct their own sex and
the rising generation, if they are as good as those who have
already come, I can only say, the more the better.
I am rejoiced to hear that there are so many at Waterville

A WORD OF CAUTION. 109
who are considering the subject of missions. I hope, if it is
the will of God, to welcome you and many others to these
shores. We have Newtonians, and Hamiltonians, and Ando-
verians, but no Watervillians. We had one, but he is gone.
Perhaps Waterville thinks that in sending him she did all
her duty.
If this finds you in Waterville, please to present my affec
tionate respects to your excellent president, and to S. F.
Smith, better known by that name than any other, who is of
ficiating, I believe, as tutor in your college, and please to give
my love to all your fellow-students who love the cause of
Christ and the cause of missions. Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
To the Rev. James M. Haswell, of Amherst.
Maulmain, July 4, 1836.
Dear Brother Haswell I hear that there is a boat
just going off to Amherst, and as 1 have lost two opportuni
ties of writing, by not being apprised in season, I drop a hasty
line, just to say, How do you do ? and to wish you every bless
ing in your soul, family, and work, that a gracious God can
bestow. You inquire about the advisableness of setting up a school
at Amherst. If practicable, every thing in that line is to be
encouraged, taking care, however, to avoid the rock that many
missionaries have split upon — suffering school keeping to eat
up all their time and energies. If you intend a Peguan
school, I have a man ready for you ; not the best in the world,
but the best that I can find for you at present. He is a Pe
guan, and was employed a httle while by Mrs. Judson in
teaching a few Peguan women. . . .
Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson
vol. II. 10

110 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
To George D. Boardman. Maulmain, August 23, . / ,.
Vert dear George : I send -you a little idol, that you
may not forget what sort of gods they worship in this coun
try, and your mother is sending you another. But, what is
better, I send you a httle book, called the Only Son, which I
took so much pleasure in reading that I want to have you
read it through two or three times. I am afraid you will for
get how much your mother loves you. This book will help
you to remember. I am not much afraid that you will ever
become like poor Jonah, whose history you will find in the
book. But when any companions shall attempt to persuade
you to join them in doing some bad thing, remember poor Jo
nah, and remember his poor mother, and remember how
dreadfully your own mother would suffer, and how she would
go down to the grave in sorrow, if you should become a bad
boy. You cannot tell how much she- loves you. She talks
about you every day ; and we never pray together without
praying for you. And though it cannot be that I should love
you as much as your mother does, yet I love you very much,
my dear George. And I am always sorry that I was so
closely engaged in study, that I was able to spend but very
little time with you, after we came up from Tavoy. When
I think of that last pleasant, sad afternoon I carried you down
to Amherst, and left you on board the Cashmere, I love you
very much, and want to see you again. Perhaps we shall five
to see you come out a minister of the gospel of the Lord Jesus
Christ. We sometimes pray that, if it be the will of God, it
may be so.
Your little sister Abigail is a sweet, fat baby. You would
love her very much if you were here. Pray for her, that she
may live, and may become a child of God.
Your affectionate father,
A. Judson.

REVISION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Ill
Prayer for Little George.
Remember, Lord, my mother dear,
Who lives in distant heathen land ;
By day and night wilt thou be near,
To guard her with thy powerful hand.
And since another babe is come,
To fill the place which once was mine,
In mother's arms to find a home,
And soft on mother's breast recline, —
O, listen to me from thy throne,
And let a brother's prayer prevail,
To draw the choicest blessings down
On little sister Abigail.

To tlie Rev. Professor Knowles.
Maulmain, December 25, 1836.
Dear Brother Knowles : Yours of April last is before
me, and we have also received the first two numbers of the
Christian Review, and are highly gratified by the perusal of
the work. I sincerely hope that you will be well sustained in
this important undertaking. Whether I or any of my brethren
will find time or ability to contribute our mite, time must show.
My " practised pen " is sadly unpractised in English. A mis
sionary who would become familiarly acquainted with a foreign
tongue must, in a great measure, sacrifice his own.
After finishing the revision of the Old Testament, and spend
ing a few months in preparing and revising some smaller works,
I, last May, commenced the revision of the New, in connection
with the Life of Christ, two hundred pages, 8vo., and hope to
finish it in about six weeks. The Life is printed in an
edition of about fifteen thousand ; and the whole New Testa
ment is being printed in an edition of ten thousand, which we
should double, but for want of paper.
When I get free from my present engagements, I intend, Deo
volente, to attempt to do a little missionary work ; for there has
been none done in this place for several years, — that is, since the

112 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Wades left, — except by the native assistants ; and there are but
few of them left, most of them having gone to other stations.
In regard to our treatment of infants, concerning which you
inquire, it was formerly my custom, and that of some of my
brethren, to invite the parents, and relatives, and particular
friends of a new-born child to hold a prayer meeting, for the
purpose of commending it to God, and imploring his blessing
upon it. A name was sometimes given when particularly re
quested, but not generally. The meeting was sometimes held
in a private house, and sometimes in a place of public wor
ship ; but we endeavored to avoid holding it before a public as
sembly, lest it should degenerate into a church rite. Finding,
however, that the practice became troublesome as the converts
multiplied, and not perceiving so many good results as we ex
pected, and fearing that in future hands it might be misunder
stood and perverted, we agreed, two or three years ago, to
discontinue it; and the recognition of it, which had been
attached, by way of appendix to the marriage service, was in
the next edition omitted. I never, however, until your letter
arrived, knew that any one of my brethren had made the least
objection to the practice.
In regard to the mode of baptizing, some of us bow the
person forward, instead of laying him down backwards. We
do not recommend kneeling, unless the water is very shallow.
How I came to adopt this mode, and my reasons for preferring
it, I should like to state, but neither paper nor time allow.
Perhaps at some future time I shall be able to gratify you.*
I say gratify, because I am pretty sure that my statement
would afford you more gratification than you expect. In the
mean time, let us remember that it is the glory of the Baptists
not to contend about modes and forms. Give us the thing,
they say, and we are content. — See Ripley's Christian Bap
tism, page 120, line 11.
I beg you will write me again, though I am but a poor cor-
* Dr. Judson's views on this subject may be found at the close of
his sermon on baptism.

ACCESSIONS TO THE CHURCHES.

113

respondent, and freely mention any thing which you think will
be beneficial to me or any of my brethren. I frequently feel
the need of faithful, impartial advice. I am sometimes placed
in circumstances where I would give any thing for one hour's
free conversation with the members of the board. And if I
could occasionally meet with the Newton professors, how many
points of biblical criticism, and some of theology, I should
want to hear discussed ! But " if any man lack wisdom, let
liim, ' &c. To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, January 31, 1S37.
Rev. and dear Sir : The revision of the New Testament,
on which I have been closely employed about seven months,
is just finished. The printing is advanced to the end of
2d Corinthians, and will be finished in about two months.
The following tables exhibit the number baptized at the
several stations, at the close of last year : —
Baptized previous to 1836.

Maulmain, .
Tavoy, ....
Rangoon, . .
Ava 
Scattering, .
Total, .

Burmans.

Karens.

Foreigner.

104

118

181

13

253

8

55

35

2

12

1

4

188
406
192
403 274 92 13 4
786
Baptized in 1836.
Maulmain, 
Tavoy, 
Rangoon 
Ava, 
Total 
Add Tafcle 1st,
Total 
19
188
207
29
88
206
323406729
Foreigners. 16
16
192
208
Total. 54 91
206 7
358786
1144
10*
114 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Miscellaneous Resolutions. March 22, 1837.
1. • Use no intoxicating liquor as a beverage.
2. Indulge in no foreign — that is, English or American —
newspaper reading, except a regular course of some one re
ligious paper, and sometimes an occasional article from other
papers. 3. Observe the seasons of secret prayer every day, morn
ing, noon, and night.
4. Embrace every opportunity of preaching the gospel to
every soul.
5. Endeavor to keep the " resolution for promoting broth
erly love."
6. Read a certain portion of Burmese every day, Sundays
excepted. 7. Go and preach the gospel, every day.
Second vow, August 6, Lord's day, 1837.
Recollected and renewed, July 12, 1838.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, March 29, 1837.
Rev. and dear Sir : I thought that I had finished the
revision of the New Testament above a month ago ; but there
is no end to revising, whiie a thing is in the press ; so I con
tinued working at it, until I went to Dong-yan, and even later ;
for it was not till the 22d instant that the last proof sheet went
to press.
At Dong-yan, Miss Macomber's residence, I baptized three ;
so that the httle church which she has been instrumental of
raising up in that place consists of ten ; and though the oppo
sition is extremely violent, there are some hopeful inquirers.
On my return, I was taken very ill, in consequence of im
prudent exposure to the sun, and was hardly able to participate
in the joy diffused through our little society by the arrival of
the Rosabella, or to contribute to entertain the new missiona
ries during their transient visit.

SI.NGLE WOMEN IN THE MISSIONS. 115
I am now writing in a zayat by the wayside, not far from
the mission house, where I daily sit to receive company. I
have some hopeful inquirers, and a few applicants for baptism.
It is my earnest desire to spend the rest of my days in more
direct missionary work than my studies for many past years
have permitted. May the Lord grant my desire, if it accord
with his blessed will, and fit me to be a faithful missionary.
Yours, &c,
A. Judson.
Maulmain, April 18, 1837.
Rev. and dear Sir : We have, for some time, understood
that it is a general rule of the board not to appoint any single
women to missionary work, and as a general rule, it is prob
ably a good one. But on conversing with my brethren of
the Tavoy station and others in this place, we have thought
that if any station, or individual missionary, should point out
some particular sphere in which a single female could be
placed to advantage, and at the same time could recommend
some individual from personal acquaintance, or the testimony
of others, the board would probably approve of such an ap
plication. From what I have observed in the cases of Miss Cum-
mings and Miss Macomber, I am persuaded that I could locate
two or three such persons to very great advantage. You
know what Miss Macomber is doing among the Pwo Karens.
The Toung-thoos are a small people in this neighborhood,
similarly situated. In the present paucity of missionaries, we
could scarcely think of giving them a missionary and family.
The labors of a single woman might be blessed to introduce the
gospel among them. The northern suburbs of Maulmain,
called Oo-bo, and the southern suburbs, called Moung Gnan's
village, each about a mile and a half or two miles from the
mission establishment, are both excellent situations, where,
though we could not afford to place missionaries, single women
might occupy houses, in connection vr'-\ some of our best

116 memoir of dr. judson.
assistants and their families, set up schools, instruct their neigh
bors, furnish a place where missionaries could occasionally
resort and hold meetings, and thus become valuable auxiliaries
to the main station. Another situation for a single female
will probably be furnished by brother Hancock's boarding
school, wliich, in the female department, will require more
labor than Mrs. Haecock, with her large family and other
cares, will be able to bestow.
If well qualified persons could be found, I should not object
to three or four. But they must not come with the expec
tation of finding snug quarters in some family, and all things
ready to their hands. They must come expecting, yea, desir
ing, to occupy some solitary, perhaps remote post, destitute of
all resources for daily comfort but such as they shall find in
God and their work. Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
Maulmain, June 30, 1837.
Rev. and dear Sir : We have received eight members
into the Burman church by baptism since the beginning of
the year ; three of whom, being young men of some promise,
have been sent to the Tavoy seminary.
The last sheet of the revised New Testament, for an edition
of ten thousand, was sent to press, on the 2 2d of March.
We are also reprinting the Life of Christ, in an edition of
forty thousand, two hundred pages, 8vo. A Father's Ad
vice, a tract written in English by Mr. Boardman, and lately
translated into Burman by Mrs. Judson, and four of our stan-
lard tracts, translated into Peguan, have also been carried
through the press, in editions of ten thousand each. Bible
Questions, which will make a voluminous work, prepared by
Mrs. J., are gradually printed as fast as required for Bible
classes and Sunday schools.
My days are commonly spent in the following manner :
the morning in reading Burman ; the forenoon in a public

TRIBUTE TO MRS. OSGOOD. 117
zayat, with some assistant, preaching to those who call ; the
afternoon in preparing or revising something for the press,
correcting proof sheets, &c. ; the evening in conducting wor
ship in the native chapel, and conversing with the assistants,
and other native Christians or inquirers. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
Maulmain, October 6, 1837.
Rev. and dear Sir : We have just returned from the
new-made grave of our dear sister Osgood, who closed her
mortal pilgrimage last evening, after suffering above a year
and a half with pulmonary consumption. She arrived here
in December, 1834 ; so that the greater part of -her mission
ary life has been a scene of suffering and gradual decline.
But so quietly and sweetly did she accept the will of her heav
enly Father, that no one of us seemed to pass time more
pleasantly, or contribute more to the general happiness of
our little circle. And this, in connection with her unwearied
diligence and rapid proficiency in acquiring the language,
makes us feel her loss most deeply. She has certainly
left no one behind her, who is more universally beloved,
or whose death would be more tenderly regretted. The
equanimity of temper and quietness of spirit, which pe
culiarly distinguished her, shone out with uncommon beauty
and brilliancy during the closing scene. Though her mind,
for a few of the last days, was much deranged, we were sure,
whenever a lucid interval occurred, to find her in the same
place, trusting in Jesus, resigning all into the hands of God
— no clinging to life, no impatience to depart. Her will
seemed to be lost in the will of God, and she enjoyed in an
unusual degree that peace which passeth all understanding.
I do think that no person ever descended the banks of Jordan
with a more even step ; none ever felt the cold waves dashing
higher and higher, with less shrinking from the chill, less ap
prehension of being lost in the gulf beneath. The last senti-

118 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
men*., which I am aware she made intelligible to us, were,
that h er mind was happy, and that she was ready to go. How
sure we all feel that, the moment her mortal eyes were closed
in death, the eyes of her spirit were opened to behold the face
of Jesus in the paradise of the blessed !
Dear sister ! we feel sad to leave thee remote and lonely
in yonder burial ground. But we know that thou sleepest in
Jesus, and that when the night of death is passed away, and
the resurrection morn appears, thou also wilt again appear,
blooming in celestial beauty, and arrayed in thy Saviour's
righteousness, a being fitted to love and to be beloved,
throughout the ever-revolving hours of an eternal day.
A. Judson.
Maulmain, December 31, 1837.
Rev. and dear Sir : We have received seven by bap
tism since June, making fifteen through the year, but, in the
mean time, have been obliged to exclude three from commu
nion ; and some of them will probably become excluded from
the church. A few also have removed to Tavoy, and some have
died; so that the present number of native communicants is
only one hundred and fifteen.
My principal work in the study, beside correcting a part of
the Old Testament, has been a Digest of Scripture, consist
ing of Extracts from the Old and New Testaments, partly
taken from Brown's Selection, Boardman's Digest, and other
similar Works. Upon this Digest I have spent nearly four
months, intending, according to the best of my ability, to make it
an elaborate work, containing the most imjjortant passages of
Scripture, arranged under successive heads, beginning with
" The Scripture of Truth,'' and closing with " The Retribu
tions of Eternity." I trust this work will be as valuable as
the Life of Christ, and perhaps more useful, -as a book of
reference. The Life of Christ, in Peguan, Mrs. Judson has nearly car
ried through the press ; first edition, five thousand copies. It

PLACES AND RESULTS OF LABOR.

119

would have been done by the end of the year, had not both
the Peguan compositors been taken ill. We have had no
other work in press for a long time, for ivant of paper.
Brother and sister Hancock have removed to Mergui.
They had both become so well versed in the language, that it
seemed desirable to them, and to us all, that they should com
mence operations in a new place, where they might have full
scope for their exertions. We exceedingly regretted to part
with them ; but we did not come out to this country to enjoy
one another's company. Brother Osgood in the printing office,
brother Howard in the school department, and brother Ingalls
in the English chapel, and beginning to preach in Burmese,
are, at present, with myself, the only resident members of the
Maulmain station. We have six assistant preachers, viz.,
Ko Shway-ba, Ko Shwai, Moung Shway-moung, Moung
Shway-gnong, Moung Shway-goon, and Moung Ouk-moo.
Some other assistants are employed in revising our publica
tions, copying for the press, and reading proof sheets in Bur
mese and Peguan.
Brother Vinton, who may be said to belong to this station,
though here occasionally only, is employed among the north
ern Karens, his residence being New Chummerah, as much
perhaps as any place ; Miss Macomber resides chiefly among
the Pwo Karens, at the foot of the Zwai-ka-ben Mountain ;
and brother Haswell, beginning to preach in Peguan, has his
house at Amherst.

Table of Persons baptized in the Maulmain Mission.

Previous to 1837.

During 1SS7.

Total.

Burmese and Peguans, . .

113147

15
42 1519

128189

15

197

216

Total, 
457
91
548
Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
120 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON

To his Mother and Sister.

Maulmain, March 16, 1838.
Ever dear Mother and Sister : I remember you in
my prayers every day, and hope that you do not forget me,
my wife, and dear little Abby and Adoniram. Yours of
October 15, 1837, 1 received on the arrival of Mr. and Mrs.
Stevens in the Rosabella, the 19th of last month. They gave
me an account of their visit to Plymouth, and their interview
with you both, and how you looked and what you said, and
he remembered the exhortation to " preach the three R's."
He remarked, that my mother was the very picture of the
venerable, and she observed that every thing about the house
tvas kept in remarkably nice order. And they both thought
that, from your appearance and remarks, you were in the en
joyment of much religious feeling. How I wish I could see
you once more ! ¦ I send you a copy of the Burman New
Testament, which may be a gratifying curiosity, if nothing
more. We have just carried Adoniram through the small-pox by
inoculation. He had it very lightly, and is now quite recovered.
He is one of the prettiest, brightest children you ever saw.
His mother says that he resembles his uncle Elnathan. Abby
is growing fast. She runs about, and talks Burman quite
fluently, but no Enghsh. I am not troubled about her not
getting Enghsh at present, for we shall have to send her home
in a few years, and then she will get it of course. She at
tends family and public worship with us, and has learned to
sit still and behave herself. But Fen, or Pwen, as the natives
call him, when he is brought into the chapel, and sees me in
my place, has the impudence to roar out Bah, (as the Bur
mans call father,) with such a stentorian voice, that his nurse
is obliged to carry him out again.
Many thanks, dear sister, for your last present of fifty dol
lars, which I have received. I am obliged to look after the
rupees a little more carefully now than when I had no
little ones to provide for.

GROWTH AND CLAIMS OF MAULMAIN. 121
I suppose you take the Magazine ; so I do not introduce
missionary affairs into my private letters.
Yours ever, affectionately,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, March 19, 1838.
Rev. and dear Sir : . . • I am accused of being a
discourager of schools, and perhaps the charge is partly
just. ...
In regard to a dictionary, I do not see how I can possibly
undertake it. And if you consider my situation a moment,
you will, I am persuaded, be of my opinion. Brother 
is wholly employed in the printing office, and in a great
variety of work resulting from our connection with the other
stations ; and if not, his voice has so failed him, that he is able
to do nothing in English or Burmese preaching. Brother
 is, or ought to be, absorbed in the school, if he wishes
to make it a prosperous, efficient establishment. I have to
spend the greater part of my time in preparing manuscripts,
revising former editions, reading proof sheets, &c. Must
this population of twenty thousand be left to perish without
any effort to save them, except what is made by a few very
inefficient native assistants ? Ought there not to be a preach
ing missionary in this great, growing place ? Circumstances
have essentially changed within a few years. The popula
tion has doubled, and is increasing in an accelerated ratio.
Is it not important that, since an encouraging beginning is
made, our efforts should keep pace with the increasing popu
lation, lest soon we be swallowed up and lost? For a few
months past, having some respite in the printing department,
for want of paper, I have been able to set up evening meet
ings all over town, five or six in a week, and to do some zayat
preaching also. Brother Ingalls now assists in the chapel,
in evening meetings, and in zayat preaching ; and if I have a
preaching colleague, I can prosecute my labors in the book
line ; but if not, how can I think of devoting my time to
vol. n. 11

122 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
making books, as I have done for some years past 5 How
can I think of leaving this population to perish before me,
while I am poring over manuscripts and proof sheets ? I
must not do it ; I cannot do it, unless the board expressly
order it ; and then I will obey, believing that vox senatus vox
Dei. But before they order the only preaching missionary
in the place to spend his time in making books, and above all
a, dictionary, I beg they will deeply consider the propriety of
appointing him a preaching colleague.
As to my health, the annual fever, which I have had for
nine years in succession, from November to March, — except
the year I spent in Burmah, — has been gradually growing
lighter; but it still hangs on, and deprives me of a good
deal of time. And if there should be some opening in Bur
mah or Arracan, where I could labor away from this coast,
I should be glad to have the liberty of doing so, at least as a
temporary arrangement. Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
Maulmain, June 30, 1838.
Rev. and dear Sir : Since my last, my time has been
chiefly employed in revising parts of the Old Testament, for
a new edition of the whole Bible, to be comprised in one
volume quarto. This work will employ all my time for a
year to come. I am anxious to make a thorough revision of
the Psalms and the prophets, with the help of the latest exe-
getical works that I have been able to procure.
The usual worship has been conducted in the native chapel
every evening, and in the forenoon of Lord's days. For a
few months I attended evening meetings in different parts of
the town, the native chapel being supplied by other members of
the mission. But as the rainy season approached, and work
also increased in the printing office, I found it necessary to
return to my old routine.
The church is slowly increasing. About twelve a year is
the small allowance which God grants us ; and this, I suppose,

BURMESE ASSISTANTS. 123
must be taken as the measure of our scanty faith. Lord, in
crease our faith ! I am sorry to have to add, that we have
no less than eight members excluded from communion ; and
some )f them will probably come to be excluded from the
church altogether. Several have been dismissed to join other
churches; so that the whole number of communicants at
present is one hundred and eighteen, including five foreigners.
Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
P. S. I have three preaching assistants only in my em
ploy — Ko Shway-ba, Moung Shway-gnong, and Moung
Ouk-moo. The first is the oldest Christian in the church,
having been baptized in 1820. He is a good, steady man, not
very talented or active ; but being, I trust, a man of some
prayer, his labors have been rather blessed. The second is a
Burmo-Chinese, the best extempore preacher we have, very
active and useful. The third is very energetic and enterpris
ing, for a native, distinguished by a bold, proselyting spirit ;
but he has not been long employed, and I do not recollect
much fruit. Ko En is my assistant in the book line, and Ko
Man-boke Mrs. Judson's. The assistants in the employ of
other brethren, either here or at other stations, among the
Karens, I am not so competent to give an account of as those
who employ them.
Rev. Solomon Peck, Corresponding Secretary, to Dr. Judson.
Baptist Missionary Rooms,
Boston, July 14, 1838.
Dear Brother : The inquiry is sometimes made, Why
have we so few communications from Mr. Judson in the Mag
azine ? I need not assure you that any thing you may find
time to prepare for the Magazine would be read with Uvely
interest, and tend, doubtless, to foster the spirit of missions,
while it would remove the necessity of giving explanations, as
if some coolness could have found place between yourself and

124 MEMOIR OF dr. judson.
the conductors of the missions at home. Of the desirableness
of such communications I could say much, and, from youi
intimate knowledge of Burmah, and of the establishment and
prosecution of the mission, their authenticity to us would be
only equalled by their facility of preparation to you. At the
same time, I would not encroach on time sacred to strictly
missionary work. All we could reasonably ask would be
results of occasional fragmentary efforts.
In this my first communication to you, I cannot deny my
self the pleasure of a personal introduction. Your beloved
companion will have some remembrance of me, as a friend
and correspondent of the lamented Boardman. Shut out by
irremovable hinderances from participating in your labors in
the foreign field, I esteem myself happy in contributing, in
any measure, to your efficiency and comfort from here. The
cause, the object, is one, however diverse and distant our _
spheres of operation ; and whether it suffer, we both suffer
with it, or be. honored, we rejoice together.
We send by this conveyance Robinson's Hebrew Lexicon
and Ripley's Notes, for the mission library, with other books
ordered by individuals of the mission, and periodicals, &c.
I should be glad to write to several of them, but the ship
sails to-morrow, (Sunday,) and it will be impracticable.
To his Sister. July 20, 1838.
I have lately had the happiness of baptizing the first Toung-
thoo that ever became a Christian. I hope he will be the
first fruits of a plentiful harvest. God has given me the priv
ilege and happiness of witnessing and contributing a little, I
trust, to the conversion of the first Burmese convert, the first
Peguan, the first Karen, and the first Toung-thoo. Three of
them I baptized. The Karen was approved for baptism ; but
just then, brother Boardman removing to Tavoy, I sent the
Karen with him, and he was baptized there.
There are now above a thousand converts from heather

FIRST QUARTER OP A CENTURY. , 125
ism, formed into various churches throughout the country.
And I trust that the good work will go on, until every vestige
of idolatry shall be effaced, and millennial glory shall bless the
whole land. The thirteenth day of this month finished a quar
ter of a century that I have spent in Burmah ; and on the
eighth of next month, if I live, I shall complete the fiftieth
year of my life. And I see that mother, if living, will enter
on her eightijth year next December. May we all meet in
heaven. Youra ever, affectionately, A. Judson.

Maulmain, November 18, 1838.
My dear Sister : I wrote you last July, since which I
have received yours of April 2. I have also received one
hundred dollars last year, and one hundred dollars this year,
from mother and you, through the treasurer of the board.
These sums were very acceptable indeed, not, I trust, because
I have grown avaricious, but because I have an increasing
family of dear httle ones, for whom it is my duty to provide ;
and you will readily suppose, too, that money is more accept
able, coming from the only two individuals who, with my pres
ent family, constitute the dearest society that remains to me
on earth. 0 that we may all be so blessed as to form one
happy family in the world above ! ... If it were not
for my missionary obligations, and duty to the perishing
heathen, how happy 1 should feel if we were all settled with
you in the old mansion house at Plymouth! I feel, more
desirous than I did formerly to do something to express my
gratitude to dear mother for the love she felt, and the pains
she took for me when I was a little one. But I can do noth
ing but pray that her last days may be illuminated by the light
of God's countenance, and that an abundant entrance may be
administered to her into the kingdom of our Lord. As for
you, dear sister, I cannot help thinking that we shall yet meet
in this world. But God knows, and his will be done. It
11 *

126 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
seems an unnatural thing that families should be broken up
and scattered, as ours has been. This missionary work, though
a blessed work, is attended with severe trials and sacrifices,
especially of a domestic kind. These dear children I shall
have to part with, I suppose, and send to America, to be edu
cated ; and what a heart-rending trial that will be !
You observe that you look in vain for my journal. I have
been employed, for some time, in revising the translation of
Scripture, and in the ordinary details of pastoral duties, with
out itinerating or doing much missionary work, properly
•speaking; so that I have but few materials, and less inclina
tion, for journalizing, especially as there are so many younger
missionaries, who, I observe, are very handy with their pens ;
and therefore I only write a short semiannual letter to the
board, just to let them know what I am doing, and satisfy
them that I am not eating up my allowance for nothing.
I hope you will write me at least as often, and let me know
how you live, and what you are doing from time to time, and
all about your and mother's health and circumstances. You
must believe that the minutest items are interesting to me,
your only brother and son. Dear wife sends her best love,
and begs you will daily pray for the children, that they may
early obtain divine grace. Ever yours,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, December 21, 1838.
. . Modern missions have been distinguished from the
Roman Catholic, and indeed from all former missions, since
apostolic times, by patronizing and honoring the word of God.
And I do believe that those missions which give the highest
place to the divine word will be most owned of God, and
blessed. There is only one book in the world which has
descended from heaven, or, as I tell the Burmans, there is
only one golden lamp which God has suspended from heaven
to guide us hither. ShaV we missionaries throw a shade

CHURCH DISCIPLINE. 127
around it, or do ought „o prevent the universal diffusion of its
life-giving rays ? 0 that ene complete volume of the Bible,
and not m.erely the New Testament, — for the word of God,
though not such a book as human philosophy and logic would
have devised, is doubtless, in the eye of infinite Wisdom, a
perfect work, and just fitted to answer the great end which
God has in view, — O that one copy of the Burman Bible were
safely deposited in every village where the language is under
stood ! Burmah is now shut against us ; but it will not be so
always, and where there is a will there is a way. And Arra
can, with her two thousand villages or more, is open for the
reception and deposit of two or three thousand Bibles.
I would not be understood to depreciate the preaching of
the gospel, the grand means instituted by Christ for the con
version of the world. But all our preaching must be based
on the written word; and when the voice of the living
preacher is passed away from the village, the inspired volume
may still remain to convict and to edify. I would say, there
fore, that the preached gospel and the written word are the
two arms which are to pull down the kingdom of darkness
and build up the Redeemer's. Let us not cut off one of these
arms ; for the other will, by itself, be comparatively powerless,
as the history of the church in every age will testify.
To the Rev. J. M. Haswell.
Maulmain, January 4, 1839.
Dear Brother Haswell : I send you the accompanying
copy of the Articles, &c, of our English church, as affording
the best reply I can give to your inquiries. The exclusion
from communion, defined in the 11th rule, is one act only,
though repeated and communicated to the offending party at
three successive communion seasons. This, in cases where, as
in the native church, we have the communion once in four
months, gives ths offender a whole year to repent in, and the
church a whole year to labor with him. This process also
makes the final exclusion from the church a more solemn and

128 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
dreaded infliction. I have known several cases in which the
offender would hold out under exclusion from communion
declared the first, second, and even the third time, but would
break down at the approach of the final exclusion from the
church. In the English church, where they receive the com
munion every other month, the process contemplated in the
said rule is confined to six or eight months. I prefer the
former for a native church, but think the latter is sufficient for
a European church. I- do not suppose that I have attained
unto perfection. But my plan is the result of some experi
ence and trying several other plans. Nor am I a great stick
ler for uniformity, though I suppose that some understanding
among neighboring churches, especially among the heathen,
is desirable. The Articles of Faith and Covenant con
tained in the accompanying pamphlet, are from Professor
Chase. I found them in the Christian Review; but I do
not think they are near so well adapted to a native church, as
those which we have adopted.
After all, one touch of the Spirit of God is worth more
than all our plans and contrivances for the promotion of
church order. " Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly dove."
Yet we must not only partake of the feasts which Jesus fur
nishes, but we must also gather up the fragments, that noth
ing be lost. Yours most affectionately,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Sectary, Rev. S. Peck.
Maulmain, January 5, 1839.
. . . I wish it was in my power to make more copious
and more interesting communications for the Magazine ; but
what can be expected from a man who spends his days at a
study table, poring over Hebrew and Greek, and Gesenius

need of exegetical works. 129
and Rosenmiiller, &c, &c, and Burmese manuscripts inter
lined to illegibility ?
I .warded off the translation of the Bible for several years,
thinking it would fall to Boardman, or Jones, or some other ;
but the providence of God, at length, laid it upon me. And
seeing how some eminent missionaries divided their attention
among several objects, at the risk of doing nothing well, I
thought it incumbent on me, with less capacity, to aim at more
singleness of object. And I now feel that it is one main duty
of the remnant of my life to study and labor to perfect the
Burmese translation of the Bible.
I know much of your history from Mrs. Judson, and some
of my brethren who are acquainted with you, and I rejoice in
the privilege of corresponding with you. May our corre
spondence be a mutual blessing, which we shall appreciate and
thank God for in the happy world to which we are hastening.
Yours affectionately, A. Judson.

Maulmain, January 21, 1839.
My dear Sir : Allow me to suggest whether the exegeti
cal works of Stuart, Robinson, Stowe, Ripley, Bush, Noyes,
and such like, with some of the best German works, ought
not to be sent out to the library, as soon as they come from
the press, without waiting for an application to be made for
them. I frequently see a sterling work on the cover of the
Herald or Magazine, and am ready to scream, with some
variations, " The book, the book ! my kingdom for the book ! "
Yes, a kingdom, if the same ship which brought tbe notice
had brought the work too ; whereas I have to wait for letters
to cross the ocean twice or three times, at least, and thus two
or three years' use of the book is lost, during which time I am,
perhaps, working upon that very portion of Scripture which
that book is intended to illustrate.
Could a very small portion of the funds contributed to the

130 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Bible cause be better spent than in sending such works as the
above, without the least delay, to the several mission libraries
where translations of the Scriptures are ir progress ? Indi
viduals might send, at their leisure, for sucl. of the works for
their private uss, as they could afford to purchase.
Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.

CHAPTEL IV.
DECLINING HEALl'H — VISIT TO CALCUTTA. — PRINCIPLES OF
TRANSLATION. -MISSIONARY WORK — REVISION OF BURMESE
SCRIPTURES COMPLETED — CHARACTER OF THE VERSION.
1839-1840.
With the following letter commences the record of
those attacks of pulmonary disease which followed
Dr. Judson through the remainder of his life. They
commenced with a loss of voice, pain in the organs
of speech, and soreness in the lungs, betokening the
approach of ordinary consumption. He was obliged
to take several voyages for the restoration of his
health, but seemed to derive from them only tem
porary benefit. Preaching, generally in the. course
of a few months, brought on a relapse ; and hence
forth the greater portion of his life was, from neces
sity, spent in solitary labor with the pen. The letters
which were written during these absences from home
present a lovely picture of his domestic character, and
prove that his entire devotion to one object for life
had dried up none of the springs of human kindness,
but that his affections as a husband, father, son, and
brother, instead of being chilled and stupefied, were
warmed and animated by the daily labors of general
Christian benevolence. To Mrs. Judson.
Near Amherst, February 20, 10 o'clock, A. M., 1839.
My dear Love : I have felt but little disposition to cough
since I have been on board ; but as we are not yet out of the
river, I cannot expect any special change. I conform myself
to all the habits of the people on board in regard to eating
131

132 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and drinking, except that I do not take beer or wine. Tea
did not at all prevent my sleeping. My cot is very comfort
able, and my cabin, though small, answers every purpose. I
think I was never, on shipboard, situated so comfortably in
all respects. I spent this morning in sorting all my things,
and found it as good exercise as going up the hill. There is
a little Hd table at the side of the cabin, used formerly as a
washing stand, on which I have placed the writing desk, and
the chair stands between that and the cot, and just fills up the
place, so that I am quite snug and secure in case the vessel
rolls ; and you can judge from this arrangement of the size of
the cabin. Right before me, and over the said table, is a long
shelf, on which I have arranged my library and other utensils.
The trunks that I don't use are stored under the cot ; and the
green box, containing things for the voyage, is placed at my
feet, by the side of the table. Now I think you can look in
and see me pretty clearly. I only wish you were sitting in
another chair, for which there is just room, or lolling on the
cot. I now turn my head around, and fancy how it would
seem if I could see you there, and the dear children, over
whom my feelings yearn.
Mrs.  seems to be a quiet woman, chiefly employed
with her children, " Miss Polly," four years old, and Ed
mund, six months. Captain  does the talking chiefly,
and is a pleasant young man. Mr.  is fifty years old ;
but certainly, if my new glass does not flatter me, I do look
ten years younger than he. He is probably in an incurable
consumption, but says he is infinitely better than he was be
fore coming to sea. This is his second trip to Maulmain in
the Snipe. He is very ready to enter into a detailed account
of his ailments, and laughs at me for pretending to be consump
tive when I have only a slight cough, without raising any
thing. He says he has no doubt the trip will cure me. Mr.
D., the chief officer, I see only on deck. No religious person
in the company. Koon-gyah behaves very well, and tries to
make himself useful. He is always ready, but not officious,
so that I like him well. The captain expects a fortnight's

VOYAGE TO CALCUTTA. 133
passage. I hope to enjoy some religious meditation and lead
ing, and shall perhaps write two or three letters, but intend to
spend most of my time idly, on deck, snuffing in the sea air.
Some servant has been teasing this half hour to come in
and wash my cabin ; so that I shall not be able to write much
more before the pilot leaves. We are how off Amherst. The
Enterprise has just passed us, on her return from Rangoon.
Tell Mrs. Hough and daughter that the vessel was under
way in the morning of the 29th before we were aware ; and
in the hurry of getting off, I was sorry to miss taking her let
ters. My love to Mrs. Howard, and tell her I commenced
operations on her cakes last evening, and found them most
excellent. Particular love to dear brother and sister Stevens,
and sweet little Edward. I had a most affectionate parting
with brother Osgood. I hope you will get Na Hee-moo off to
Amherst without delay. Tell Moung En that I remember
him, and all the Christians, as occasion may offer, and ask
them to pray for me. I hope that you and the children will
enjoy health, and that we shall all live to meet again. You
know I love you more than all the world beside.
A. Judson.
On Board the SNir-E, bound to Calcutta, February 21, 1839.
» My dear. Love : I wrote you yesterday, by the pilot, and
enclosed my letter, with one to brother Haswell. The after
noon we lay at anchor, outside the buoy ; and though in the
face of the sea breeze, my cough was rather troublesome all
day and evening. Perhaps it was one of my bad days. I
passed a poor night, a little sick from the motion of the vessel ;
and this morning put on Dr. Richardson's pitch plaster, which
my fellow-consumptive assures me is the best thing in the
world. I have begun this letter more for my own amusement
than yours ; for what can a poor invalid, in my circumstances,
write that will be interesting, even to an affectionate wife ?
We are now moving forward with a light wind. The slower
the better, I suppose, for me. How did you and the children
pass the night, or rather the two nights, that we have 'peen
VOL. ii. J 2

134 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
separated ? I think of you, and the house, and fbr. chapel,
and the compound, and all the scenes, and occupations, and en
dearments that are passed — passed, perhaps, never to return ;
but they will return, if not in this world, yet in another, puri
fied, exalted, when all this mortal shall be invested with im
mortality. February 22. Much better since last. Very little cough.
Spent all the evening, till nine o'clock, on deck, without any in
convenience. Wished you were with me, basking under the
clear moonlight, and inhaling the soft sea air.
March 3, Sunday. Have not attempted to write since the
last date, in consequence of the motion of the vessel, occa
sioned by a light cargo and a head wind. We are now steer
ing north, and expect to reach the pilot ground in three or
four days. My cough has almost left me. But there is a
soreness remaining which I feel particularly when the air is
cold. I have taken off the plaster and done with licorice. I
am decidedly convalescent at sea. Whether my complaint
will return on land, remains yet to be seen. If I continue to get
better, I shall probably return in this vessel. I hope to hear
from you by a steamer, as soon as I arrive in Calcutta. It
seems an age since I left Maulmain. The entire change of
scene, succeeding such a monotonous life as mine has been for
several years, contributes to the illusion. I have found your
beautiful braid of hair ; and I hunted for some further note or
token, but in vain. Every thing about me reminds me of
your care and love. I feel that no wife ever deserved her
husband's gratitude and love more than you. May God pre
serve you and the children until we meet again, or prepare
me to bear whatever • distressing dispensation he may have
decreed. March 5. Within a hundred miles of the pilot ground. No
wind. I don't care how long we he here. Yesterday I had a
flight touch of cough, which I fancied was brought on by the
vicinity to land. But perhaps not. I have written letters to
your parents and to George, also to Comstock and Cutter,
Dr. Anderson and Mr. Peck.

VOYAGE TO CALCUTTA. ..35
March 7. A pilot came on board last night. We are not
far from Saugur. The fourth and fifth I had some cough.
Yesterday none, nor this morning. I feel well in body, but
very low in spirits. It is sad, dull work to go to a place which
you have no wish to see, and where you have no object scarce
ly to obtain. I hope to be on my return before long. The
bosom of my family is almost the only bright spot that remains
to me on earth. O that my desires were more ready to as
cend to heaven ! But I seem to be at the very lowest ebb in
religious exercise. I shall fold up this letter, and have it ready
to send by any vessel we may happen to pass.
March 8. We have passed Kedgeree, and are running up
fast to Calcutta. Shall probably arrive this evening, or some
time to-morrow. We expect to meet the Elizabeth on her
way to Maulmain, and I shall endeavor to put this letter aboard
of her. I have told Captain S. to-day that, if nothing happens,
I shall return with him. To George D. Boardman.
On Passage from Maulmain to Calcutta, March 3, 1839.
Dear George : I am taking a voyage for the benefit of ¦
my health, and being alone on board ship, separated from
your mamma and her family, I thought I would write a few
lines to you. I left her the 19 th of last month, and then she
was well, and Abby Ann, Adoniram, and Elnathan. Would
you like to see them all ? Every body says that Adoniram
looks just like you at that age. I think there is a most strik
ing resemblance. Elnathan has blue eyes, and looks more
like his mother. I hope you will frequently pray that your
sister and brothers may, as well as yourself, become partakers
of divine grace. We are all, you know, born with a depraved
nature, destitute of the true love of God, full of self-love,
and wholly under the influence - of self-will. And we are
also blind, as well as depraved, and do not at first see our de
pravity. Perhaps this is your case, and you do not yet know
how depraved and sinful you are. But yoo must depend on
the word of God, rather than on your own poor discernment,

136 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and cherish feeli :gs of repentance and earnest desire to put
your trust in the Saviour, who has died for all of us, and will
certainly save every one who puts his trust in him. Such
feelings of repentance and faith in the Saviour constitute a
new heart. If you get a new heart, you will, when you die,
go to heaven, where your sainted father doubtless is, and
where your mother and I hope to go. But if not, you will
never reach our happy company, and we shall look around in
vain for George. Do not forget these things ; and while you
are engaged in your studies, take care to secure the one thing
needful. Your mother and I remember you every day in
our family prayers and in our secret devotions. There is
nothing we so much long to hear as that you have given your
heart to the Saviour, and made a profession of religion in
holy baptism.
We are glad to learn from your letters that you are happy
in the family of Captain Childs. You must be very obedient
and grateful for all the attentions and kindnesses you receive.
I have had an attack of the same complaint that your "own
father died of; but I am deriving much benefit from the sea
air. If I should recover, I shall have returned to Maulmain
when you receive this, and be again happy, I hope, in the
society ;f your mamma. Your affectionate father, A. Judson.
Verses written for his Children.
Prayer to Jesus.
Dear Jesus, hear me when I pray,
And take this naughty heart away ;
Teach me to love thee, gracious Lord ,
And learn to read thy holy word.
Another.
Come, dearest Saviour, take my heart,
And let me ne' er from thee depart ;
From every evil set me free,
And all the glory be to thee.

VOYAGE TO CALCUTTA. 137
For Abby Ann.
Look down on little brother dear,
Safe may he sleep while thou art near,
Preserve his life to know thy love,
• And dwell at last in heaven above.
A Morning Prayer.
My waking thoughts I raise to thee,
Who through the night hast guarded me j
Keep me this day from every ill,
And help me, Lord, to do thy will.
Duty to Others.
Love others as you love yourself ;
And as you would that they
Should do to you, do you to them,
That is the golden way.
The Dying Child.
" 0, grant that Christ and heaven be mine :
What can I want beside ?
Hark ! hear ye not that voice divine ?
' My daughter, Christ and heaven are thine ' '
And see ! the glorious portals shine ! "
She sweetly sang, and died.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
On Passage from Maulmain to Calcutta, March 3, 183B.
Rev and dear Sir: I had been subject to a cough several
months, and some • kind of inflammation of the throat and
lungs, which, for a time, almost deprived me of the use of my
voice ; and lest the complaint should become confirmed con
sumption, I was advised to try a voyage to sea. I left Maul
main, therefore, on the 19th of last month, and my cough is
now much better. I hope that I shall sufficiently recover, if
it be the will of God, that I can return in the same vessel,
and not have to proceed to other places, as mentioned in the
accompanying note. Indeed, I did not at at first think of tak
ing such a voyage as the Dresent, but proposed a trip up
12*

138 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and down the coast to Rangoon, Tavoy, &c. It was, however,
thought not sufficient, and I acquiesced in the present arrange
ment. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To Mrs. Judson. Calcutta, March 9, 1839.
My dear Love : My first business in my new lodgings is
to take up my pen for you. I sent a letter on board the
Elizabeth yesterday, after which the Snipe came up nearly tc
town, and quite, this morning. I took a palanquin, and came
out to Mr. Thomas's, to whom I had written a line from
Kedgeree ; and he, being full, sent me to Mr. Ellis's, who has
hospitably received me, and given me a room, in which I am
now writing.
My cough has not returned on shore, as I feared it would.
The soreness remains about the same. I expect to return in
the same ship, which will stay here a fortnight or three weeks,
so that you will probably see me as soon as this letter. But,
as we know not what a day may bring forth, I shall occasion
ally minute down my adventures, that, if you should not see
me again, you may get some shadow of me. And then, I take
a greater pleasure in writing to you than in any thing else.
" Where'er I roam, whatever realms I see,
My heart, untravelled, fondly turns to thee " —
thee, my most beloved wife, and you, my dear children,
Abby Ann, Adoniram, and Elnathan.
March 11. For two days I have had a return of soreness,
accompanied with some cough. I fear that the atmosphere of
this place, loaded with dust and smoke, will bring on a relapse.
I have thought of you a great deal to-day, and I long to get
back, though I do not entertain so sanguine hopes of ultimately
recovering as I did at sea. Brother and sister Ellis are ex
tremely kind, and all the missionaries here treat me with
much moi>e attention than I expected. Yesterday I went to

THREE WEEKS IN CALCUTTA. 139
the Circular Road chapel, in the forenoon, and heard Mr.
Brooks, a General Baptist, from near Orissa. In the after
noon attended Mr. Ellis's native worship. A native convert
preached. In the evening, staid at home, rather ill. To-day,
also, I have staid at home ; missionary company in the even
ing — the Baynes and the Parsonses, Baptist missionaries,
lately arrived.
March 12, Tuesday, A. M. Went with Mr. Ellis to attend
a meeting of the committee of the Tract Society; then to
the auction rooms and the watchmaker's ; left my watch.
In the evening, missionary company. No better in health.
March 13, Wednesday. Early in the morning, saw a notice
of the arrival of the steamer Enterprise. Hope to get a
letter from you at night. Set off for Serampore with the
Ellises and Mrs. Parsons. Just saw the Marshmans, Macks,
&c. On return, visited Mrs. Wilson's celebrated girls' school.
Will tell you particulars if ever I get back. In the even
ing, missionary company. Sadly disappointed in not finding
any letter from you.
March 14, Thursday. Early in the morning, your precious
letter of five sheets was brought in. I was just dressed, and
sat down to the feast before breakfast. How much'I enjoyed
it, and how much I loved you, during the perusal, I cannot
stop to detail. No one can tell the value of such a letter b'lt
an absent husband and father, whose heart is wrapped up in
his family. I will only say that I rejoiced in your narrow
escape from fire, and that I entirely approve of your invita
tion to the Hancocks.
Took a palanquin and went into town. Called on Mr. Rob
erts and Captain Spain. The Snipe is to sail on the 25th
Came home, put your letter in my pocket, and called at Yates's,
Thomas's, &c. They all knew that I was expecting a letter,
and was disappointed last night ; gave them a peep at the five
sheets. Showed some of the sisters the Burman writing, and
explained a httle what the children said. They all tnought
that you must be a wonderful woman to make books as you
do ; and they all say, particularly Mrs. Ellis, how sorry they

140 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
are that you did not come with me. I almost think that if I
had known all things, and what good accommodations we could
have had in this house, we should have come together. I
should have been so happy tc have had you with me. If such
exquisite delights as we have enjoyed with those now in par
adise, and with one another, are allowed to sinful creatures on
earth, what must the joys of heaven be ? Surely there is not
a single lawful pleasure, the loss of which we shall have to re
gret there. What high and transporting intercommunion of
soub we may, therefore, anticipate, and that to all eternity ! —
intercommunion between one another, and between the " Bride
groom " and the " Bride," of which wedded love on earth is but
a type and shadow. " Thanks be unto God for his unspeak
able gift."
I forgot to mention, yesterday, that no sooner had I left the
shores of Calcutta than my soreness of lungs and cough fled
away. I was quite well all day, and have continued pretty
well to-day, but have a little relapse this evening, on which
account I am staying at home, while the rest have gone to
the chapel.
March 15, Friday. Read your letter again this morning.
I long to be once more in the bosom of my family. It seems
an age since we exchanged the parting kiss. Spent the day
at home. A large missionary party at tea in the evening, the
Mortons, the Baynes, the Parson ses, Yates, and Macdonald. A
very pleasant season. But I wanted to see you present. You
would have enjoyed a debate between Mrs. Ellis and Mrs.
Morton on schools. Morton, Yates, and I had a long discus
sion about the standard text of Scripture ; while Macdonald
and the rest were chiefly employed, as I occasionally overheard,
in settling the chronology of the sacred records.
Not much tendency to .cough ; but the climate of Calcutta
does not agree with me, and I intend going to Serampore to
morrow for a change of air. Farewell, until I return, which
will probably be on Monday.
March 18, Monday. Here I am again. I went up in two
hours, Saturday afternoon, and came down in two hours, this

THREE WEEKS IN CALCUTTA. 141
morning. 1 staid at old Mrs. Marshman's, and visited John
Marshman and wife, and Mr. and Mrs. Mack. Heard Mr.
Mack and Mr. Pickanee preach on the Sabbath, and with Mrs.
Marshman and her daughter, Mrs. Voight, visited a meeting
of female converts. But the glory has departed from Seram
pore. Glad to return. Health pretty good. Captain and
Mrs. Spain called in the evening. He says he shall sail on
the 27th. Scarcely any cough nowadays.
March.19, Tuesday. Went to the Calcutta bazaars, and spent
the forenoon in shopping. Mrs. Ellis has undertaken to get
the shoes and the children's clothes made. Towards night
and in the evening, called on all the Baptist missionaries in
succession ; also on Mr. and Mrs. Sykes, and saw their school,
and Dr. R.'s five children.
March 20, Wednesday. I sometimes amuse myself with
Mrs. Hemans's poetry, with which Mr. Ellis has furnished me.
Beautiful — but to my disappointment, entirely destitute of re
ligion ! Among several pieces that I want to transcribe for
you is the following : — The Invocation.
O, art thou still on earth, my love t
My only love !
3r smiling in a brighter home,
Far, far above ?
3, is thy sweet voice fled, my love,
Thy light step gone ?
A.nd art thou not, in earth or heaven,
Still, still my own ?
I see thee with thy gleaming hair,
In midnight dreams ;
But cold, and clear, and spirit-like
Thy soft eye seems.
Peace, in thy saddest hour, my love,
Dwelt on thy brow ;
B it something mournfully divine
There shineth now J

142 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
And silent ever is thy lip,
And pale thy cheek ! —
O, art thou earth's, or art thou heaven's ?
Speak to me, speak !
Two o'ekwk, P. M. I have spent the forenoon in visiting
the " Central School," containing three hundred girls, and
the General Assembly's Seminary, containing- six hundred
boys and young men.
Nine o'clock. Spent the whole evening at Mr. Yates's, in
comparing the principles which we have respectively adopted
in translating Scripture. Remarkable agreement.
March 22, Friday. Yesterday, took breakfast at Mr. Mor
ton's, and in the evening, heard Mr. Yates preach at the Cir
cular Road chapel. This morning, saw a notice in a newspaper
that the Snipe was loading for Mauritius. Was more misera
ble for an hour than since I left Maulmain. But having writ
ten immediately to Captain Spain, got the following joyful in
telligence : " The Snipe will leave town on Tuesday for Maul
main. Let me know if you take the same cabin back." I
am so well now that I do not hesitate about returning in the
same vessel. How joyfully do I hope to embark ! How joy
fully retrace my way, and at length see the hills of Amherst
and Maulmain rising in the distant perspective ! And how
joyfully do I hope to see your dear face, and take you to my
longing arms, and find again " that home is home."
March 23, Saturday. Breakfast at Mr. Macdonald's. Tea
and evening at Mr. Bayne's. Much of my time, through the
day, in thinking of " home, sweet home," and depicting joys
past, not never, but soon, I hope, to return.
Marcn 24, Lord's day. Heard Mr. Parsons in the forenoon,
and Mr. Yates in the evening. Dined at Mr. Bayne's.
March 25, Monday. In the morning, called on Archdeacon
Dealtry, where I saw the oldest East Indian in the country —
Mrs. Ellerton, who has been out sixty years. Spent most of
the day at Mr. Thomas's printing office, &c.
March 26, Tuesday. Went with Mr. Dealtry to Bishop's
College, two miles down the river, on the opposite side.

RETURN TO MAULMAIN. 143
Breakfasted with the bishop, and spent the forenoon in attend
ing worship, viewing the college, &c. There are fifteen stu
dents only.
March 27, Wednesday. Called on Mrs. Locke, an Ameri
can lady, from Boston, member of Mr. Stow's church, and
on Captain Spain, who says the Snipe will drop down to-mor
row. In the evening all the missionary brethren and sisters
assembled at Mr. Bayne's, on account of my approaching de
parture from Calcutta.
March 28, Thursday. In the forenoon, put my boxes on
board the vessel. Took tea at Mr. Thomas's, and heard Mr.
Yates preach in the evening.
March 30, Saturday. Called on all the Baptist 'missiona
ries in Calcutta, and took leave of them — a lovely set of
brethren and sisters. Wish you had come with me, and formed
an acquaintance with them. They all say that I must bring
you the next time, or send you alone. Took another run
through the bazaars. At night, left town, in a boat with Cap
tain Spain and Captain Major, the only passenger beside my
self ; but the tide turned against us about midnight, so that
we were obliged to anchor, and sleep in the boat.
March 31, Lord's day. Reached the Snipe at daylight,
near Fultah, and took possession of my old cabin.
Ever thine,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, April 24, 1839.
Dear Brother : My last informed you that I was on a
passage to Calcutta for my health, by the direction of a phy
sician and the recommendation of the brethren at the station.
I derived great benefit from the voyage ; and my health con
tinued generally to improve during my stay in Calcutta of
three weeks, and on the return voyage, until the Sunday pre
ceding my arrival here, when I made trial of my voice, by
attempting to conduct Burmese worship in my cabin, with the
only native convert on board. And though the effort was

144 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
very small, I was dismayed to find, in the course of the after
noon, the old soreness of lungs and tendency to cough come
on ; and for three days I was rather worse than I had been
for six weeks. Being at sea, however, I partially recovered
from the relapse before I reached home, but am not so well
as at my last date. It is a great mercy that I am able to use
my voice in common conversation without much difficulty ; but
when I shall be able to preach again I know "not. The ap
proaching rainy season will probably decide whether my com
plaint is to return with violence, or whether I am to have a
further lease of life. I am rather desirous of living, for the
sake of the work and of my family ; but He who appoints all
our times, and the bounds of our habitation, does all things
well ; and we ought not to desire to pass the appointed limits.
During my absence the Digest of Scripture, one hundred
and thirty-six pages, octavo, which I left in press, has been
printed, except the Index, which is now in press ; and the
printing of the new edition of the Bible, which was suspended,
is just recommencing, at the twenty-sixth chapter of the 1st
of Samuel.
I am anxiously hoping to receive a copy of Bloomfield's
Greek Testament before I come to the final revision of that
part of the Bible, and whatever other helps to biblical exe
gesis may have been recently published.
Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To the Hon. Heman Lincoln. Maulmain, May 1, 1S39.
Dear Brother : On the arrival of the Apthorp, a few
days ago, T received the India rubber pantaloons, and felt
much obhged to you for your kindness ; but they have prob
ably come too late for me, and I hardly expect to use them.
My throat complaint, which seemed to be nearly removed by
a voyage to Calcutta, has returned with fresh violence since
the commencement of the rains, three days ago. Some adviso
me to take another voyage, as before ; but I have no heart to

HAVING A DESIRE TO DEPART. 145
do so, thinking that the benefit will he but temporary. Oth
ers suggest a voyage home to America, and a residence there
for a year or two ; but to this course I have strong objections.
There are so many missionaries going home for their health,
or for some other cause, that I should be very unwilling to do
so, unless my brethren and the board thought it a ca«e of ab
solute necessity. I should be of no use to the cause at home,
not being nble to use my voice. And lastly, I am in my fifty-
first year. I have lived long enough. I have lived to see
accomplished the particular objects on which I set my heart
when I commenced a missionary life. And why should I
wish to live longer ? I am unable to preach ; and since the
last relapse, the irritation of my throat is so very troublesome
that I cannot converse but with difficulty, or even sit at the
table, as I have done to-day, and prepare copy for the press.
My complaint, it is said, is very much like that of which the
late Mrs. Osgood died — not common pulmonary consumption,
but something in the throat, which puzzled even her attend
ing physicians, one of whom maintained, till near her death,
that she was not in a consumption, and would recover.
My present expectation is, to use medicinal palliatives, and
endeavor to keep along for a few months, until I see the pres
ent edition of the Bible completed, and then be ready to rest
from my labors. But the very thought brings joy to my soul.
For, though I am a poor, poor sinner, and know that I have
never done a single action which can claim the least merit or
praise, glory is before me, interminable glory, through the
blood of the Lamb, the Lamb for sinners slain. But I shrink
back again, when I think of my dear wife and darling chil
dren who have wound round my once widowed, bereaved
heart, and would fain draw me down from heaven and glory.
And then I think, also, of the world of work before me. But
the sufficient answer to all is, The Lord will provide.
I remain, Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
vol. II. 13

146 MEMOIR O: DR. IUDSON.
To tlie Cort isponding Secretary. Maulmain, July 12, Sir
Dear Brother : As Mr. Malcom and myself have kau
some conversation and correspondence about the Burman
translation of the formula of baptism, I will now give you the
sequel. Though, in the year 1836, I altered the translation to
" baptizing them in the religion of the Father," &c, I was
never well satisfied with that rendering, especially as the
elder brethren, Wade and Mason, preferred retaining the
old rendering, which had been objected to by some of the later
brethren, and which conveyed the idea of introducing into the
religion. So, after much correspondence with different breth
ren of the mission, and discussion with the best scholars within
my reach, I concluded, last year, to render thus, " baptizing
them in, that is, into the name of the Father," and thus de
parting from the common English version, which renders " in
the name, that is, by the authority of the Father," &c, which
is unsupported by the Greek, and unanimously discarded by
all modern biblical critics, Enghsh, American, and German.
Brother Mason has adopted the same in the Karen, and
brother Yates in the Bengalee, Hindoostanee, &c, and it is
approved by brother Comstock of Arracan and brother Ste
vens with me, nor have I yet heard a single objection to it
from any quarter. It was so printed in the Digest of Scrip
ture, before my late voyage to Calcutta.
I take this occasion to say that I heartily approve of the
resolution of the American Baptist Board of Foreign Mis
sions, passed April, 1833 : " That all the missionaries of the
board who are, or who shall be, engaged in translating the
Scriptures, be instructed to endeavor, by earnest prayer and
diligent study, to ascertain the exact meaning of the original
text, and to express that meaning as exactly as the nature of
the language into which they shall translate," &c.
And I approve also of the principles on which the American
and Foreign Bible Society was founded, and wliich are repeat
edly recognized in their first annual report, particularly that

PRINCIPLES OP TRANSLATION. 147
foreign translations are not to be conformed to the common
English version. See, also, the " Resignation," page 57 of the
said report, beginning with, " He is bound to express ; '' the
letter of Mr. Hinton to Lord Bexley, page 66, beginning with,
" In the name of all that is honest ; " and the fifth reason of
the " Protest," page 31 of the Constitution of the American
and Foreign Bible Society.
I would here respectfully suggest what I conceive to be the
proper course to be pursued, in case of dissatisfaction with any
instance of translation into a foreign language.
1. State the objection to the translator, and request him to
reconsider the subject.
2. If he be unable to remove the objection satisfactorily,
and still decline altering, call upon the missionaries who arc
acting in concert with him in publishing and circulating the
work which contains the said controverted passage, to appoint
a committee, including the translator, of course, to examine
the subject, and report.
3. If the translator be still " conscientiously obstinate," and
the subject be of sufficient importance, let the work which
contains the obnoxious passage be suppressed. But such an
extreme case, we may safely suppose, would never occur.
I remain, Yours faithfully and affectionately,
A. Judson
To his Mother and Sister.
Maulmain, August 9, 1839
Dear Mother and Sister: On this day I enter my
fifty-second year. Fifty-one years have rolled over my head,
twenty-six of which have been spent in this heathen land. I
believe I write you more frequently than I used to. I am
not so much driven in my studies as formerly, and the weak
ness and irritability of my lungs, though much better, do not
yet suffer me to use my voice in public. Add to which that I
have a family of young children growing up around me,, so
that my mind has become more domesticated, and returns

148 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
with more readiness and frequency to the scenes of my own
childhood. Twenty-seven years and a half have passed since
we parted in Plymouth and in Boston, during which time my
father and brother, and his family, and my first family, have
all been swept away by death. You two only remain, and
my present family, whom you have never seen. I sometimes
feel concerned for my three little children, from the fact that
I was advanced in life when they were born, and cannot, there
fore, expect to live to see them grown up and happily settled
before I shall be removed. Even if my present complaint
should not terminate in consumption, I can hardly expect to
hold out many more years in this climate ; so that I have the
prospect of leaving them fatherless in the very bloom of youth,
when they will especially need a father's support and care.
. However, I endeavor daily to commend them to God, and
trust that, when I come to die, I shall be enabled to avail my
self of the command and promise, " Leave thy fatherless chil
dren ; I will preserve them alive ; and let thy widows trust
in me." Jer. xlix. 11.
Abby Ann has begun to go to school, with Julia Osgood, t&
Mrs. Simons, who, with her husband, is here from Rangoon,
expecting a war with Burmah, and has set up an English
school. Abby attends every forenoon, and just begins to
read words of one syllable. Adoniram says, " I want go
school ; " but he stays at home, and deports himself hke a
little man. Elnathan has been very ill. We thought we
should lose him ; but he is now better, and begins to be bright
and playful.
I do wish you could call in and make us a visit. We would
try to make you so comfortable that you would not wish to
return to old Plymouth. However, it is of little consequence
where we spend the short remnant of life. Heaven is before
us. Let us pray much, and live devoted to God, and we
sha... soon be united in that happy world where there is no
dividing sea.
Can't you give me some account of your house, and furni-
'ur.', and neighbors, and street, so that I can form a little idea

sabbath preaching resumed. 149
how you are situated ? I have tried to glean some particulars
from the Stevenses ; but transient passers cannot be expected
to give much satisfactory information. And when you write,
leave a good place for the wafer of your letter, as you see I
do; otherwise there are sometimes words which I cannot
make out My wife has been intending to write you, and
would by the present opportunity, but she has been . afflicted
with very sore eyes for about two months. I shall be glad
when any of the little ones shall be able to conjure out a
scrawl to their grandmother and aunt. Pray for them, that
they may be early converted to God. Perhaps mother will
add a line with her own hand, when you write. Dear mother,
I wish I could make you some return for all the trouble I
once gave you. Yours ever,
A. Judson.
Mrs. Sarah Judson, to Dr. Judson's Mother.
Maulmain, October 30, 1839.
My dear Mother: ... I have during the pasl
year suffered deep anxiety and gloomy foreboding on account
of my dear husband's health. But God has been merciful
beyond our fears, and so far restored him that he was able to
preach last Lord's day, the first time for about ten months.
His discourse was short, and he spoke low. I felt exceedingly
anxious respecting his making the attempt, but he has expe
rienced no ill effects from it as yet. How pleased you would
have been to see the joy beaming from the couutenances of
the dear native Christians, as they saw their beloved and
revered pastor once more take the desk ! He applies himself
very closely to study, though he is still far from well. He
takes cold very easily, and still feels a slight uneasiness in the
chest and left side. But he is so much better than he was,
that I am comforted with the hope that he will soon be
entirely restored to health. He is now revising the Scrip
tures foi a second edition, quarto. They have already pro
ceeded in printing as far as Psalms. He revises as fney print,
13*

150 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
and often finds himself c^sely driven. But God gives him
strength equal to his day. With much love to sister Abigail,
I remain, my dear mother Your affectionate daughter,
Sarah Judson.
To his Sister.
Dear Sister : I avail myself of the margin of this letter
tc mother, to say good morning to you, across the wide world
that divides us. Life is wearing away, and the time drawing
on, when, I trust, we shall all be reunited in one family, enjoy
ing together eternal life and glory. Till then I hope we shall
daily remember one another at the throne of grace, and
especially the little ones who have not hearts to pray for
themselves. Do write often, long, and particularly.
Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson.
To W. Crane, Esq., Baltimore.
Maulmain, December 9, 1839.
Dear Brother : Your kind favor of May last, with the
accompanying magazines and newspapers, reached me via
Calcutta, on the 28th of September, and they brought us the
latest intelligence from our native land, and what is rather
singular, the latest intelligence that has reached any individual
of the mission to the present time ! Your papers and maga
zines were well read, I assure you ; and after they were nearly
worn out, I packed them up carefully, and sent them down to
Tavoy, as I was not sure that the parcel you mention as
directed to Mr. Wade ever reached its destination. I recol
lect no parcel ever received from America, that did such ex
tensive and lasting service to us missionaries. Only think,
had it not been for your kindness, not one of us would have
had the least item of intelligence, down to the present time,
of the proceedings of the last annual meeting of the board,
and of the other most interesting meetings in Philadelphia.
in April. Several have asked me, " Have you sent a letter of

PERSEVERING PRAYER. 151
thanks ty Mr. Crane ? " I have replied, " No, not yet ; but I
intend to is soon as I get time." And this is the first letter
that I have written to America since the receipt of yours.
I have another letter before me of yours, dated June 12,
1834, which I ought to have answered, and thanked you for
the nice and very useful articles which accompanied it, by the
hands of Mr. and Mrs. Wade ; but I received so many letters
about that time, that I could not well find time to answer them ;
but I hope that I have frequently felt thankful to God for
putting it into the hearts of yourself, and other dear friends
of the cause, to remember us in this distant land.
It is interesting to hear of your efforts to revive the state
of true religion in the great city to which you have lately
removed. I used to hear formerly, from the first Mrs. Price,
of the low state of the cause in that city, and the great need
of faithful and persevering labors to counteract the over
whelming tide of immorality and false religion. May the
Lord in infinite mercy pour out his Holy Spirit in Baltimore,
and may you and your brother live to see a great ingather
ing of precious souls into the fold of the Good Shepherd.
" Nothing is impossible to industry," said one of the seven
sages of Greece. Let us change the word industry for per
severing prayer, and the motto will be more Christian, and
worthy of universal adoption. I am persuaded that we are
all more deficient in a spirit of prayer than in any other
grace. God loves importunate prayer so much that he will
not give us much blessing without it ; and the reason he loves
such prayer is, that he loves us, and knows that it is a neces
sary preparation for our receiving the richest blessings which
he is waiting and longing to bestow.
I have been laid aside from preaching for nearly a year,
by an affection of the muscles of the voice, which threatentd
to terminate in pulmonary consumption. But through great
mercy I have lately beea allowed to recommence the delight
ful work. During the past year I have confined myself
almost exclusively to revising the translation of Scripture, as
the work is going through the press in a new quarto edition

152 ' MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
of the whole Bible. The printing is just now advanced as
far as Isaiah. I hope to see the work through the press by
the 13th of next July the twenty-seventh anniversary of the
Burman mission. Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
From tlie Corresponding Secretary.
Baptist Missionary Rooms,
Boston, December 18, 1839.
My dear Brother : At the meeting of the board on the
2d instant, your letter to Mr. Lincoln, of May 1, having been
read, it was unanimously resolved to invite you to revisit this
country, with a view to the restoration of your health. The
invitation was intended to extend to your wife and children,
should you judge it advisable for them to accompany you.
This resolution, it gives me much pleasure to add, was
adopted not only with great cordiality, but with many expres
sions of the kindest interest and sympathy, and with the uni
versal desire that, if your health should continue as it was at
the date of your letter, you would comply with it by the
earliest opportunity. It is due not only to you, but to us,
and to the general cause of missions, that all suitable means
be employed to reestablish your health, and no considerations
af expense or obloquy, incurred by the frequent return of
missionaries, should deter you from adopting them.
You will perceive that, in making this proposal, the board
have no respect to the good which might result from your per
sonal intercourse with them, or others who are interested in
missions, but which, they trust, would be of great service to
them, and to the cause at large. The main object would be
gained, if, by a double voyage, your health should be so far
restored as to enable you to continue your labors at the desk,
and for at least a few years longer supervise the publication
of the Scriptures, and such other works as your knowledge
of Burman and of the Burmese character peculiarly oualify
you tc nrcpan;.

BURMESE CHURCH AT MAULMAIN. 153
May the God of missions guide you by his good Spirit in
all your way, and of his great goodness restore and preserve
yo ir health and usefulness for a long time yet to come.
Affectionately and truly yours,
S. Peck, For. Sec.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, December 31, 1839.
Rev. and dear Sir : For many months past, my labors
have been entirely devoted to the revision of the Old Testament,
as the work has passed through the press. Owing to my ill
ness and voyage to Calcutta, and some difficulties in the print
ing establishment, the work has not proceeded so rapidly as 1
expected. We are just finishing Isaiah ; and several months
must yet elapse before we come to the end of the New
Testament. I began to preach again in the native chapel last October,
after an interval of nearly ten months. As yet I have at
tempted to conduct the forenoon worship on Lord's days only ;
but I hope, if the present cold season passes away without
occasioning a return of my complaint, to resume the daily
evening worship.
During the past year, fourteen have been added w the na
tive church by baptism, and five by letter. Seven have been
dismissed to form the church in Arracan, four excluded, and
one deceased. Not counting a few who stand excluded from
communion, the present number of native members is one
hundred and thirty-three. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To the Rev. F. Mason.
Maulmain, January 16, 1840
Dear Brother Mason : Brother Wade will tell you that,
so long ago as when we were living together, we made sundry "T
resolutions to preach the gospel, and not anti-Boodhism, and to
persuade our assistants to do the same. But I have found it

154 memoir of dr. judson.
exceedingly diffic ult to keep such resolutions, either in regard
to myself or others. I rather think that it is a sound princi
ple in missions, that the degree of success is proportionate to
the quantity of gospel preached.
We are in Jeremiah. Hope you will send up corrections
speedily. I have finally adopted all your suggestions on the
thirty-first of Proverbs.
I have again begun to preach a little ; but my fall fever is
pretty bad this year, and I lose a good deal of time. My eyes
are now burning so that I can hardly see to write.
Master Henry came into notice the last day of the year ;
but there was no earthquake, nor any thing.
Does the bibliomania rage in Tavoy ? It is very prevalent
in these parts. Do you think it contagious, or is it communi
cated by the saliva of a rabid animal ? What animal ? I
should define man to be, not a creature that stands on two legs,
but on two extremes, one at a time. When one aches, he
pulls it up, and puts down the other. Yours affectionately, A. Judson.
Memoranda of a Trip to Rangoon.
February 4, 1840. Left Maulmain in a boat, with Captain
Boothby, at ten o'clock in the morning, passed the Wave at
anchor, and reached Nat-mau about noon. Captain N  ,
Mr. H  . Went about the premises. Two vessels on the
stocks — one to be launched to-morrow. Dinner at four
Mrs. N  . Evening in conversation wifci one and another,
5. Up at five o'clock, and off with Boothby. Rainy morn
ing. Caught the Wave off Amherst at nine or ten. Captain
Venture. Out to sea. Captain Antonio passenger. A little
seasick all day.
6. Court and Camp of Bonaparte. A history of internals.
Rich source of meditation. At night, sighted the Elephant.
7. Life of Bonaparte, ditto. Rangoon River. At night,
landsd. Slept iX Cantain Spiers's.
8, Lord's da; . Took a stroll about town. Called on Mr.

TRIP TO RANGOON. 155
S  . Rather pleased with liim. My boys got thii gs from
the ship. Took up my residence at the old Brick, but to mess
at Spiers's. Sent Ko En to inform the disciples of my arrival.
P. M. Ko Thah-a came, from whom I ascertained the state
?f all the disciples.
9. Monday. In the morning went to the great pagoda, and
through the new section of the town. Rangoon considerably
improved. I should judge the place about twice as large
as Maulmain. Forenoon with S — — ; afternoon, with some
of the disciples ; evening with Spiers and Brown, discussing
the evidences of Christianity, and answering their objections.
10, Tuesday. Various native company. Evening at Crisp
aud Trill's, where Boothby puts up.
11, Wednesday. Most of the day with S  .
12, Thursday. Began to distribute tracts at the house.
People greedy to get them. After about one thousand were
given out, Ko En was summoned away by the head of the dis
trict, and detained. Obliged to go to the government house
to find S  , who was not at home. At night Boothby and
Staig went to the ray-woon, and procured Ko En's release,
and glad enough was I to see him again.
13, Friday. Looked at the Water Witch. Dined at
Crisp and Trill's. Took a walk with the former and Biden,
discussing the evidences. Spent the evening with the above
gentlemen and Boothby in religious conversation. May God
grant his blessin? !
15, Lord's day. Worship with a few of the Christians, Ko
Hlay, Ko Kywet-nee, and some others. Dined at Crisp's.
16, Monday. In the morning, went cut towards the pagoda,
on the east road. Returning, took a view of the old mission
premises and the graves. Sent things on board the Susan. At
night, no pass obtained. Slept on-board.
17, Tuesday. Spent the day at Crisp and Trill's. At
night, took departure from Staig's, and faund the vessel at
anchor below the town. In the evening, dropped down the
river, and anchored into the Elephant.
18, Wednesday, and 19, Thursday. Stretched along, the

156 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
2oast. Desultory reading. Came in sight of Amherst. Hopo
to get up to Maulmain some time in the evening or night — ¦
out farewell till then.
20, Friday, nine o'clock, A. M. Is not this too bad ? Last
night, instead of getting up anchor at the turn of tide, the
lubbers slept till three o'clock, in consequence of which we
met the ebb tide a little below Mopoon, and came to anchor
about sunrise. And here we must lie till noon, not even in
sight of our home, though so near. But I hope we shall meet
in a few hours. You will have learned that the Wave re
turned to Maulmain, instead of proceeding to Calcutta, and
that Captain Boothby wrote by her. But strange as it may
seem, I never heard of her leaving till some days after, or I
should not have let the opportunity pass without a line to you.
Boothby is much attached to his family — says they are not
out of his mind an hour in the day, and I can sympathize
with him in this matter. I hope to find you all well.
Yours ever,
A. Judson.
Mrs. Sarah Judson, Maulmain.
Extract from a Letter of Mrs. Stevens.
Maulmain, May 12, 1840.
We had a pleasant visit last evening from Mr. and Mrs.
Judson. Mr. Judson feels sadly about the state of the church :
many of the young members falling into open sin, and the
older ones cold and negligent of religious duties. He is
desirous of doing something for its improvement, and has
thought of several plans. He has framed a covenant of
eight items, taken from the New Testament, which all must
sign. The quarto Bible is now complete, a copy of which
Mr. Judson intends to present to each head of a family, in
rather a formal manner, carrying it himself to the house, and
there solemnly enjoining its daily perusal, and the habit of
morning and evening family worship, which has been much
neglected by the church. He intends having henceforth three
services for the natives on the Sabbath, which will probably

ROMAN AND BURMESE LETTERS. 157
supersede the brethren's prayer meeting at Mr. Osgood's.
Mr. Stevens is expecting to take his turn in preaching on the
Sabbath. Conversation on this point led to an interesting
discussion between Mr. Judson and Mr. Stevens upon the
institution of the Sabbath, and the grounds of its obligation
under the Christian dispensation. The rule about temper
ance gives the most trouble, from the difficulty of rightly
framing it. To the Rev. F. Mason. Maulmain, May 27, 1840.
Dear Brother Mason : I hear that the mail is still
open, and as I have just received a letter from brother
Brown, which I thought you would like to see, I enclose it,
for the perusal of yourself and fraternity, which being effect
ed, please to return it. You will see that I have some chance,
though undeserving, of coming in for a share of your blushing
honors. As to " the comparative facility of writing the Roman
character and the Burman," if you mean the real Roman
character, as the term is generally taken, I should say there
was little or no choice, and I should think that the one would
be acquired about as quick as the other, by " a person ignorant
of both ; " for though there is a greater variety in the Bur
mese character to learn, there is a still greater variety of
sounds, capriciously attached to the Roman letters, as we use
them. But if you mean the Trevelyanized Roman charac
ter, according to which a hundred, and indeed many hundred
letters can be made out of twenty-six, in what I conceive to be
the very worst possible way of making new letters, — that is,
by all manner of diacritical marks attached hither and thither,
and yon, to the main letter, making confusion worse confound
ed to the eye and the memory of learner, reader, writer, or
printer, worse in some respects than the Hebrew with points,
which every printer execrates from the bottom of his soul, —
if, I say, such is your meaning, you have my answer already.
I would not say, however, but that there are some simple
VOL. II. 14

158 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
languages in the world which can be advantageously expressed
by the Roman letters ; that is, without nujch alteration. The
language of the Sandwich Islands may be such a one.
Whether this is the case with the Karen, I am not competent
to judge, without some further acquaintance with the language
than I possess. I suspect, however, that fifty-four vowel
sounds would require such an awful alteration of the five
Roman vowels, as to present, in my view, an insurmountable
objection. As to " the propriety of changing the Karen to the Roman,
at this late date," I can only say that I fear it is one of the
deep stratagems of the devil to destroy the Karen department
of the mission, as he has nearly destroyed the Burmese depart
ment by another set of stratagems. But necessity has no
law. What cannot be cured must be endured. We must
learn to regard certain proceedings in the hght of disease,
restrictions imposed by an intolerant government, and other
ills which flesh is heir to. If we cannot do all the good we
would, let us do all the good we can, and not fret because our
means are limited. " God is great," is a saying which they
use even in Algiers. He can bless a Paul, though afflicted
with a thorn in the flesh and a chain on his arm ; and he can
bless a tract too, though almost strangled in its protracted
birth, through the self-conceit and imbecility of superintending
accoucheurs. In haste, fearing I shall be too late for the mail.
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
To George D. Boardman.
Maulmain, December 24, 184C.
My dear George : Your letter of January 9 gave us
great pleasure, as it furnished proof of your proficiency in
learning, and of your affectionate remembrance. Truly we
remember you every day, especially in our prayers. Every
morning we come around the family altar, your mother and
myself, your sister Abby Ann, and your br sthers Adoniram

ADVICE to a son. 159
and Elnathan — Henry is too young to attend — and it is our
earnest prayer that all our children may early become par
takers of divine grace. I hope you will never neglect the
duty of secret prayer. Never let a morning or evening pass
without going into some room or place by yourself, and kneel
ing down and spending five or ten minutes at least in praying
to God, in the name of Jesus Christ. Pray earnestly that
you may have a new heart, and become a child of God, and
that you may have satisfactory evidence that such is your
happy state.
You observe in your letter that you are sometimes dis
turbed by frightful dreams, and we hear in other ways that
your health is rather delicate. I warmly recommend you
to rise every morning between light and sunrise, and take a
quick walk of a mile or more, and to the top of some hill, if
there be one in the vicinity that will suit /our purpose ; and in
the winter, when you may not be able to walk, get some equiv
alent exercise in cutting wood or some other work. This is the
course that, with some intermissions and with various modifica
tions, I have pursued for thirty-five years ; and to this, under
God, I ascribe the good health and the long life I have en
joyed in this unpropitious climate. Your mother frequently
accompanies me over the Maulmain hills, and she enjoys
much better health than she did at Tavoy, where she took no
exercise, scarcely. Do, my dear George, take this matter
into serious consideration. You may not like it at first. You
will perhaps feel tired and sleepy for a few days, but when
you become a little used to it, you will enjoy it exceedingly.
You will find your appetite improving, your health becoming
firm, and your repose by night undisturbed. I have now
given you the two best pieces of advice in my power. The
first relates to your soul, the second to your body. Follow
them, and be virtuous and happy. I hope to hear that you
have professed religion, and devoted yourself to the ministry.
Who knows but that I shall live to introduce you into mis
sionary work in this country, where your own father labored,
and where his remains are entombed. Folio iv your father,

160 memoir of dr. judson.
my daar George ; and we will all, ere long, be ,o happy in
heaven tc gether, even in the presence of the dear, lovely, glo
rious Saviour, the Friend of sinners, who died for us.
Your affectionate father,
A. Judson.
To the Rev. Dr. Cone, of New York.
Maulmain, December 25, 1840.
Dear Brother Cone : By brother Hancock, who returns
to America on account of his wife's health, I send copies of
the new edition of the Burmese Bible. The work was fin
ished — that is, the revision and printing — on the 24th October
last, and a happy day of relief and joy it was to me. I have
bestowed more time and labor on the revision than on the first
translation of the work, and more, perhaps, than is propor
tionate to the actual improvement made. Long and toilsome
research among the biblical critics and commentators, especially
the German, was frequently requisite to satisfy my mind that
my first position was the right one. Considerable improve
ment, however, has been made, I trust, both in point of style
and approximation to the real meaning of the original. But
the beau ideal of translation, so far as it concerns the poetical
and prophetical books of the Old Testament, I profess not to
have attained. If "I live many years, of which I have no ex
pectation, I shall have to bestow much more labor upon those
books. With the New Testament I am rather better satisfied,
and the testimony of those acquainted with the language is
rather encouraging. At least, I hope that I have laid a good
foundation for my successors to build upon.
We are now about to shut up our printing office, having a
sufficient supply of books on hand, so long as Burmah is
closed against missionary operations. There is no prospect
of war, nor ever has been, nor any preparation for war on
either side, except in the fancies of certain individuals. I re
gret that, in some cases, zeal has not been tempered with prM-
1ence ; and we are all now suffering in consequence.
I rejoice in the formation of the Bible Translation (society

REVISED EDITION OF BURMESE BIBLE. 161
in England, and in the continued prosperity of the American
and Foreign Bible Society. I verily believe that it was by
the special providence of God that the old Bible societies
were left to take the unjustifiable course * they did, in order
that the peculiar truths which distinguish the Baptist denom
ination might be brought forward in a manner unprecedented,
and ultimately triumphant. O the depth of the riches, both
of the wisdom and knowledge of God !
Yours most affectionately,
A. Judson.
T: the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, December 28, 1840.
Rev. and dear Sir : Your very kind letters of December
and May last, inviting me to return to America, have been
received ; but my health is now so far recovered that I cannot
persuade myself to think of such a measure at present. On
this subject I have just written more particularly to Deacon
Lincoln, and to that letter I beg leave to refer you.
On the 24th of October last, I enjoyed the great, happiness
of committing to the press the last sheet of the new edition
of the Burmese Bible. It makes about twelve hundred pages,
quarto. We are sending you several copies by the present
conveyance. In the first edition of the Old Testament, I paid too much
regard to the critical emendations of Lowth, Horsley, and
others. In the present edition, I have adhered more strictly
to the Hebrew text. In my first attempts at translating por
tions of the New Testament, above twenty years ago, I fol
lowed Griesbach, as all the world did then. And though,
from year to year, I have found reason to distrust his author
ity, still, not wishing to be ever changing, I deviated but Ktile
from his text, in subsequent editions, until the last ; in pre
paring which I have followed the text of Knapp, though not
* Dr. Judson's view of the eouraa of the American Bible Society
was, in my judgment, formed on an imperfect knowledge of the facts.
14*

162 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
implicitly, as, upon the whole, the safest and best extant ; in
consequence of which, the present Burmese version of the New
Testament ascords more nearly with the received English.
As to the merits of the translation, I must leave others to
judge. I can only say that, though I have seldom done any
thing to my own satisfaction, I am better satisfied with the trans
lation of the New Testament than I ever expected to be. The
language is, I believe, simple, plain, intelligible ; and I have
endeavored, I hope successfully, to make every sentence a
faithful representation of the original. As to the Old Testa
ment, I am not so well satisfied. The historical books are,
perhaps, done pretty well ; but the poetical and prophetical
books are doubtless susceptible of much improvement, not
merely in point of style, but in the rendering of difficult pas
sages, about which the most eminent scholars are not yet agreed.
I commend the work, such as it is, to God, to the church in
Burmah, and to my successors in this department of labor,
begging them not to spare my errors, and yet not prematurely
to correct a supposed error, without consulting the various
authors whom I have consulted, and ascertaining the reasons
of my position ; and especially not to adopt a plausible correc
tion, in one instance, without inquiring whether it is admissi
ble and advisable in all parallel and similar passages.
In prosecuting the work, I have derived valuable aid from
several of my missionary brethren, formerly especially from
brother Wade and brother Jones, now of Bangkok, latterly
from the brethren Mason, Comstock, and Stevens. Of several
hundred suggestions that have been sent me from different
quarters, I have sooner or later adopted by far the greater
part, though, in many cases, with some modification. Nor
ought I to forget my native brother, Moung En, my faithful
fellow-laborer for many years, even before the present revision
was begun — one of our most judicious and devoted assistants.
We expect now to suspend our operations in the printing
department, as soon as two or three small thiags in the press
are completed; and we have requested brother Osgood to
devote hio attei.tion, for the present, to preaching and distrib-

his life's work finished. 163
uting Scriptures aid tracts. We have an ample supply of
books on hand for immediate use, especially as Burmah is
closed against all missionary operations.
There is no prospect of war, nor ever has been, nor any
preparation for war on either side, except in the wishes and
imagination of certain individuals, here called " the wai
party," who, having ruined their interest in Burmah, see nr
hope of retrieving their affairs, but by a war.
Since finishing the revision of the Bible, I have resumeo
the charge of the native assistants, and turned my attention tc
the church, which has been sadly neglected for a long time
The assistants are employed in going about the town and
neighboring villages, occupying zayats, and making known the
gospel to all who will give them a hearing. They meet me
at the native chapel every morning, after breakfast, and leport
the labors of the preceding day, and pray for the divine bless
ing on the day before them.
The church contains one hundred and forty-five native mem
bers, eight of whom are suspended from communion. Sixteen
have been received during the year past, and there are sev
eral applicants for baptism, some of whom have been approved
by the church. Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
On the 26th of September, 1835, Dr. Judsoi: fin
ished the revision of the Old Testament ; on the 22d
of March, 1837, he sent to the press the last sheet of
the revised edition of the New Testament ; and on
the 24th of October, 1840, he completed the revision
of the quarto edition of the Burmese Bib.e. The
labor which he had marked out as his life's work was
finished. He had always hoped to be permitted to
execute a translation of the Scriptures into a lan
guage in which they had never before been known, and
to collect a church among the heathen of one hundred

164 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
members. His p ayer had been more than granted.
The translation, in several editions, had been already
published ; and he found that the natives themselves
considered it pure Burman, and perfectly intelligible.
He had long since baptized his hundredth convert ;
a church far exceeding that number had been gath
ered around him, well supplied with native preachers,
and thus capable of extending itself in all directions.
It seemed as if the work to which he had consecrated
himself was done, and the objects for which he desired
to live had become fewer and less interesting. His
love for his family was ardent, and for their sakes
alone did this world possess any attractions. His
thoughts, which were ordinarily fixed with unusual
continuity on heaven, seemed to turn thither with a
more resistless longing, now that he had accomplished
the work which he believed had been appointed to
him ; and the condition of his lungs and throat seemed
to preclude the possibility of preaching to the heathen.*
Of the translation thus completed it may be proper
here to offer a few remarks.
From the incidental allusions to it in Dr. Judson's
letters and journals, we may form some conception of
the labor which he spent upon this work. He had
enjoyed the best opportunities which this country then
afforded for the study of interpretation ; and his prog
ress in this department of knowledge had awakened
the highest expectations of his future success as a
translator. He had mad^ himself familiar with the
* I observe by the latest accounts, that the excellent Dr. Seudder,
who has devoted his life s) successfully and unreservedly to the
heathen, is at present threatmed with blindness. He, however, con
gratulates himself that his affliction is not the loss of his voice, since,
though blind, he may yet continue, as before, to preach the gospe1
"o the perishing idolaters around him.

CHARACTER OF HIS VERSION. 165
Burmes: language to a degree never before attained
by a foreigner. He determined, if it were possible, to
transfer the ideas of the Holy Scriptures, from their
original languages into Burman, in such a manner
that his work should need as little revision as possible
by his successors. He had an intense desire for ren
dering perfect every labor which he undertook ; in
deed, he said of himself that one of his failings was
" a lust for finishing." Hence he availed himself of
all the means of information which the progress of
biblical science, either in Germany or America, placed
within his reach. As early as the visit of Mrs. Ann
Judson to this country, his demand for books was
large, and it was all for the very best, the foundation
books. I well remember the pleasure with which I
stripped my library of what I considered some of its
choicest treasures, to supply a part of his most urgent
necessities. Thus he continued until he had sur
rounded himself with a most valuable apparatus for
carrying on his work in the manner which its impor
tance deserved.
While, however, he thus sought for aid from all the
sources of modern and ancient learning, it is manifest
from the whole of his correspondence that he used
them all with the discretion of a master mind. It
was not in his power to substitute the working of
other intellects for the working of his own. He
weighed with critical caution every recension of the
text. He adopted no interpretation unless either con
vinced of its truth, or else sure that it was the nearest
approximation to the truth that could be made in the
present "state of our knowledge. In order to reach
this result, no labor was too great, and no investiga
tion too protracted. United with all this that was

166 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
intellectual, there was, in his case, a mind deeply
impressed with its own fallibility, an 1 turning with
unutterable longing to the Holy Spir.t for guidance
and illumination. The importance of his work to
millions of immortal souls was ever present to his
view. He had been called by the providence of God
to unfold to a whole nation, in their own language,
the revelation of the Most High. He conceived it to
be a momentous undertaking ; and a heavy weight
would have rested on his soul if a single idea in the
Scriptures had been obscurely rendered in consequence
of haste, impatience, negligence, or culpable ignorance
on the part of the translator.
But after he had satisfied himself as to the meaning
of the original, a most difficult labor yet remained to
be accomplished. It must be now transferred into a
language peculiar and strongly idiomatic, and, more
over, a language destitute of terms in which to ex
press the elementary and peculiar ideas of the New
Testament. To furnish himself in this' respect was
the daily labor of his life. He read Burmese prose
and poetry wherever he could find it. He was always
surrounded by Burmese assistants and transcribers.
As fast as his missionary brethren became acquainted
with the language, he was incessantly calling upon
them for corrections. They cheerfully aided him in
this respect to the utmost of their power. Every cor
rection or emendation he examined with the minutest
care. Many — I think he says most — of them he
adopted ; and none of them were rejected without the
most oareful and diligent inquiry.
The result of this able and indefatigable labor was
such as might have been expected. Competent judges
affirm that Dr. Judson's translation of the Scriptures

CHARACTER OF HIS VERSION. 167
is the most perfect work of the kind that has yet
appeared in India. On this subject it wLl not be
inappropriate to introduce a few sentences from the
pen of a gentleman high in rank in India, himself a
distinguished linguist, and a proficient in the Burmese
language. To Judson it was granted, not only to found the spiritual
Burman church of Christ, but also to give it the entire Bible
in its own vernacular, thus securing that church's endurance
and ultimate extension ; the instances being few or none, of
that word, after it has once struck root in any tongue, being
ever wholly suppressed. Divine and human nature alike
forbid such a result ; for, when once it has become incorporated
in a living tongue, holiness and love join hands with sin and
weakness to perpetuate that word's life and dominion. We
honor Wickliffe and Luther for their labors in their respective
mother tongues ; but what meed of praise is due to Judson
for a translation of the Bible, perfect as a literary work, in a
language so foreign to him as the Burmese ? Future ages,
under God's blessing, may decide this point, when his own
forebodings, as he stood and pondered over the desolate, ruin
ous scene at Pugan, shall be fulfilled.
One and twenty years after his first landing at Rangoon,
Judson finished his translation of the whole Bible ; but, not
satisfied with this first version, six more years were devoted
to a revision of this great work ; and on the 24th of October,
1840, the last sheet of the new edition was printed off. The
revision cost him more time and labor than the first transla
tion ; for what he wrote in 1823 remained the object of his
soul : " I never read a chapter without pencil in hand, and
Griesbach and Parkhurst at my elbow ; and it will be an
object to me through life to bring the translation to such a
state that it may be a standard work." The best judges1 pro
nounce it to be all that he aimed at making it, and also, what
with him never was an object, an imperishable monument of
the man's genius. We may venture to hazard the opinion

168 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
that as Luther's Bible is now in the hands of Protestant
Germany, so, three centuries hence, Judson's Bible will be
the Bible of the Christian churches of Burmah.
The following extract from a letter written in No
vember, 1852, by a missionary in Burmah, has been
placed in my hands by the friend to whom it was
addressed. It expresses very fully the estimation in
which this version is held by those who are daily in
the habit of using it, and of commending it to the
natives. " The translation of the Holy Scriptures into
the Burman language by the late Dr. Judson is ad
mitted to be the best translation in India ; that is,
the translation has given more satisfaction to his con
temporaries and successors than any translation of the
Bible into any other Eastern language has done to
associate missionaries in any other parts of India.
It is free from all obscurity to the Burmese mind. It is
read and understood perfectly. Its style and diction
are as choice and elegant as the language itself, pe
culiarly honorific, would afford, and conveys, doubt
less, the mind of the Spirit as perfectly as can be."
Judson might well have adopted the words of the
blessed Eliot, the apostle to the Indian tribes, when
he had finished his translation of the Scriptures into
their dialect — "Prayer and pains, with the t leasing
of God, can accomplish any thing."

CHAPTER V.
IIJjNESS OF HIS FAMILY. - PASSAGE TO CALCUTTA. --BEREAVE
MENT AT SERAMPORE. — VOYAGE TO THE ISLE OF FRANCE
AND MAULMAIN. — INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE. — BURMESE
' DICTIONARY. 1841-1845.
The ensuing chapter contains little else than a
record of painful illness and a succession of voyages
for the recovery of health. Mrs. Judson's constitution
had already begun to fail, and the disease which
completed its fatal work at St. Helena, though occa
sionally arrested for a short time, advanced with
steady and resistless progress. The children were all
alarmingly sick with similar complaints. The only
remedy which remained was a sea voyage. It there
fore became necessary to embark the whole family on
board a vessel bound for Calcutta. They left Maul
main June 26, 1841, and arrived in Calcutta on the
11th of the following month. Here their youngest
child, Henry Judson, died, and was buried in the
mission burying ground at Serampore. From Seram
pore they took passage to the Isle of France, and
thence to Maulmain. They arrived at the latter port
on the 10th of December, 1841. The incidents of
this voyage will be found to be both interesting and
characteristic. On his return, Dr. Judson, as usual, devoted him-
Belf to preaching, as far as the state of his lungs and
throat would permit, and continued his labor on the
vol, n. 15 169

170 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
Burmese dictionary, in compliance witn the instruc
tions of the board.
Sickness, however, soon broke up his plans, and
crippled his efforts. Mrs. Judson's health sank again,
She was obliged to take various short voyages along
the Tenasserim coast ; but they were attended with
only transient benefit. The letters which follow re
cord these sad experiences.
To the Rev. G. S. Comstock of Arracan.
Maulmain, June 1, 1841.
Dear Brother Comstock : I received thankfully yours
of 28th January, accompanied by a list of corrigenda. Some
of them, or rather the greater part, I have adopted. Some
of them, relate to some of the most knotty questions in bibli
cal criticism ; and though not satisfied with my present posi
tion, I do not feel clear in changing it for yours, but must wait
for further light. I hope you will go on with your corrigenda.
Life is short, and every one ought to contribute all he can to
ascertain and promulgate the precious truths of the inspired
word. I hear, through a native letter, that you have baptized
one person in Ramree. May it be the beginning of a glorious
series. I trust you will live to see a great shaking among the
dry bones of that valley, and that the Burmans around yo"i
will yet flock into this church as readily and as numerously as
the Karens south of you. What is the prospect among the
Ke-mees ? I perceive that brother Stilson is again with
you. I hope that he met with so much encouragement during
his late visit as to induce him to return. My family are, at
present, in the enjoyment of pretty good health. My own
health is poor. I am ever and anon subject to some ailment ;
and every cold I take touches the sore place, and breaks
down my voice. I have begun to dabble at the dictionary, as
you advised, for want of ability to do something better ; but
it is such a chaotic affair, and seems to me so unmissionary,
that I am constantly hoping thf t s )mething will t *rn up to

PASSAGE TO CALCUTTA. 171
relieve me from the work. Yes, I received a copy of Bicker-
steth, but without an accompanying line. I was pretty sure,
however, that it came from you, and valued it highly. 0 that
we all had more of a spirit of prayer ! Your similitude just
meets my ideas. It was such considerations that helped sustain
my mind while laboring in Rangoon many years, almost or quite
alone, and without any success. It is certain that in due time
we shall reap, if we faint not. Or, which is the same thing,
if we sow faithfully, we shall, in due time, rejoice together
with the Reaper. Best love to sister Comstock.
Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
At Sea, neak Calcutta, July 9, 1841.
My dear Sir : I have been in great distress for several
months, and think I have not written a letter to America, ex
cept one to my mother and sister, since the beginning of the
year. Early in March, Mrs. Judson fell into a decline, and
became quite confined to her bed. Three of the children had
been, for some months, subject to a bowel complaint, which at
length terminated in dysentery ; and the two eldest were re
peatedly at the point of death. The physicians, missionary
brethren, and all my friends in Maulmain, became clamorous
that I should try a voyage, as the only remaining means of
saving the lives of the greater part of my family. But, ex
tremely reluctant to incur the expense and encounter the
breaking up which a voyage would occasion, I suffered myself
to be beguiled by transient symptoms of convalescence, until,
having lost two opportunities, and seeing most of my family
in absolutely desperate circumstances, I consented to embrace
the present opportunity, and embarked on the 26th ultimo.
The voyage has had a beneficial effect on all the invalids, par
ticularly on Mrs. Judson ; but the two eldest children are sub
ject to frequent relapses, and we have many fears about their
ultimate recovery. I pay four hundred and thirty rupees for
the present passage, and the return will probably cost ns much

172 memoir of dr. judson.
more. I propose remaining a few months at Serampore, as a
more Jja.thy location than Calcutta, and hope to return to my
station as soo'i as a prudent regard to the health of my family
shall psrmit. My own health is good, except that my voice
has never recovered its natural strength and tone, and I am
under the necessity of refraining from much exertion.
Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To his Mother and Sister.
Sekampoue, July 24, 1841.
Dear Mother and Sister : We have suffered a great
deal of sickness since I wrote you last, in April. Wife was
confined to her bed for a long time, and appeared to be in a
decline. Abby Ann, Adoniram, and Henry became worse
with chronic dysentery, until the two eldest were, at dif
ferent times, considered past recovery. When they were
very ill, no one could take care of them but me ; so that I was
up every hour of the night, and sometimes scarcely lay down
the whole night. The doctors then ordered us to sea, as the
only means of saving life ; and all my brethren and friends
were very urgent to have us go, though no one hardly hoped
that we could all get on board ship alive. How I managed
to break up housekeeping, and pack up, and get my sick
'amily and all the things aboard, I can hardly tell, now it is
passed. But it was done somehow, and the children were
stowed away in a range of berths I had made on one side of
the cabin, and wife on the other, while I occupied a movable
cot between the parlies. The motion of the vessel and the
sea air soon had a good effect on all the invalids ; I left off
giving medicines, anc1 they daily improved. We embarked
on the 26th of June and arrived before Calcutta the 11th
of July. But as soon as we came within the influence of the
hot climate of Bengal, we began to relapse ; and though we
came up to this comparatively healthy place, and hired a nice
.Iry houss, on the very bank of iXie river, at forty rupees a

AFFLICTION AT SERAMPORE. 173
month, I soon began to despair of attaining any radical and
permanent recovery by remaining here. While looking about
and considering what to do next, a pious captain called on us,
with whom we had some acquaintance at Maulmain, whose
vessel was going to the Isle of France and thence to Maul
main ; and he made us such a kind proposal, that we thought
we could go the circuitous voyage at no more expense than
we had calculated it would cost to return direct. We should
then have the benefit of being at sea two months or more,
and a few weeks' residence at the Isle of France, the most
healthy part of the East. We expect to break up once more
and embark in the course of ten days. Thus we are tossed
about when we would fain be at our work ; but God orders
all things for the best. At present no one of the family is
dangerously ill. Abby is much better ; Adoniram is consider
ably better, though he looks very thin and pale ; Henry is
still very poorly ; their mother is sometimes better, sometimes
worse. I dread going to sea next month, in the Bay of Ben
gal, it being a very dangerous month ; but there seems to be
no alternative. May God preserve us safely, and give me
the pleasure of writing you from Port Louis, the place, you
may recollect, to which I once repaired when driven away
from Bengal, nearly thirty years ago.
Is it possible that my last from you is June, 1839, above
two years ago ? Yet so it is, by my record. And how many
nave I written you since that date ? Four ! and this is the
fifth ! When you see Mrs. Stevens again, don't complain to
her how seldom you get letters from me, will you ? I sup
pose, however, that you have not written me lately, expecvwg
that if I was not better, I should accept the invitation of the
board, and come home. My health is row good. I am
astonished at what I have gone through the last four months.
Frequently I have hardly known what sleep and regular
meals meant ; only my lungs are still weak, and I am obliged
to be careful how I use them in public. I want very much
to hear from you. The latest indirect intelligence is the fcl
15 *

174 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
bwing liae from the Mission Rooms, dated June 11, 1840 :
"We have the pleasure to inform you that Mrs. Abigail
Judson sent to the rooms, in cash, seventy-five dollars for your
personal benefit, which sum is passed to your credit, in our
books of date May 22, 1840." You may depend we take
great care of such presents, spending only what is necessary,
and layine by the remainder for a rainy day. And there has
been no scarcity of such days lately. However, we have
quite a sufficiency of the good things of this life, and beg you
will never embarrass or stint yourselves to help us. We
sometimes feel anxious about the poor children, in case they
should be left orphans ; but we endeavor to commit them to
the care of our and their heavenly Father. May they, and
all our posterity to the latest time, belong to Christ, and be
devoted to his service. I should be glad to see your faces
once more in the flesh, but it will probably never be. May
God dwell in your house and your hearts ; may he bless you
by day and by night, in body and in soul, in time and in eter
nity. Wife desires to be kindly remembered, and I remain,
as ever, Your affectionate son and brother, A. Judson.

Serampoke, August 1, 1841.
DearMother and Sister: I wrote you on the 24th ultimo.
Perhaps this letter will go by the same conveyance. Wife
went down to Calcutta, for a few days, to do a little business,
leaving the two younger children with me. On the 27 th dear
little Henry's disorder took an unfavorable turn. He had
derived less benefit from the voyage and change than the
other children, being too young to have his mind engaged and
diverted, which greatly contributes to bodily recovery ; and
being considered less dangeously ill than the others, had, per
haps, less attention paid him than was desirable. His disordei
had continued to hold on, though at times greatly mitigated
On the 28th he grew worse, and I wrote down for his mother

death of his youngest child. 175
and in the evening began to despair of his life. On the 29th
the do;tor gave him up, and we ceased from giving him any
more medicine, for he could keep none on his stomach a single
minute ; and my only prayer was, that he might not die before
his mother arrived. O, what heavy hours now passed ! She
arrived with the other children in the night, about two o'clock,
and sprang to the cradle of the little sufferer, and could not
think that he was really in a dying state. I let her take her
own way, and she contrived to give him a little wine and
water, which, however, could be of no avail; and when
morning came, the marks of death on the countenance were
too visible for even the unwilling mother to refuse to acknowl
edge. We spent the day hanging over our dying babe, and
giving him some liquid, for which he was always calling, to
relieve his burning thirst. When I said, " Henry, my son,"
he would raise his sinking eyelids, and try to stretch out his
little arms for me to take him ; but he could not bear to be
held more than a moment before he would cry to be laid
down again. O, how restless did he spend his last day, rolling
from side to side, and crying out, " Nahnee" his imperfect pro
nunciation of naughty, by which term he was in the habit of
expressing his disapprobation or dissatisfaction. In the after
noon he became convulsed for a few moments, and our hearts
were rent to witness the distortion of his clear little mouth
and face. After that he was more quiet ; but towards even
ing he probably had some violent stroke of death, for he sud
denly screamed out in great pain. In the evening he had
another turn of convulsion. His mother lay down by his
side, and, worn out with fatigue, fell fast asleep. About nine
o'clock I had gone into another room, and was lying down,
when a servant called me. He began to breathe loud, indica
tive of the closing scene. I let the mother sleep — sat down
by his side, and, presently called, as usual, " Henry, my son ; "
upon which he opened his eyes, and looked at me more intel
ligently and affectionately than he had been able to do tor
some time but the effort was too great, and he ceased to
breathe. I instantly awoke his mother ; he then gave two

176 memoir of dr. judson.
or three expiring gasps, and it was all over. I stripped the
little emaciated body, and washed it, while his mother, with
the help of a servant, made a suitable gown ; and by eleven
o'clock he was laid out in the same cradle in which he died.
For a few days Elnathan had been ill with a severe cough
and fever, and my attention had been divided between the two.
After poor Henry was quiet, we turned all our attention to
the others. The two elder children were much better. Next
morning we had a coffin made, in which we placed our dear
child ; and sometimes, when other avocations permitted, looked
at him through the day. And O, how sweet was his dead
face ! though there was an expression of pain lurking in some
of the features. At night, a few of our friends came together,
and we carried the coffin to the mission burial ground, where,
after a prayer by Mr. Mack, the body was deposited in its
final resting-place. Farewell, my darling son Henry. While
thy little body rests in the grave, I trust that thy spirit,
through the grace of Jesus Christ, is resting in paradise. Wo
intend to order a small monument erected with this inscrip
tion : " The grave of Henry Judson, youngest son of the Rev.
A. Judson, of Maulmain, who died July 30, 1841, aged
one year and seven months."
Elnathan was very ill last night, and is not much better to
day. We tremble for him. The vessel in which we are
going to the Isle of France, we hear, is to remain a few
days longer, so that I will add a further line before leaving.
Calcutta, August 6. We have come down to this place with
a view to embarking ; but the vessel is still detained. Elna
than appears to be very ill, with a complication of complaints.
We are in great distress about him. The two elder children
continue better. In haste, yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
August 13. We are still waiting the moving of the vessel,
but-shall positively go on board the 16th. Elnathan is much
oettcr, so that we hope the danger of losing him is past.

VOYAGE TO THE ISLE OF FRANCE. 177
The other children continue to improve. Farewell for the
present. P. S. I enclose a small lock of poor dear Henry's hair.
We are very sad whenever we think of that bright, sweet boy.
It was the will of God that he should be taken from us ; so
we must be resigned, and I hope that he is now waiting to
welcome us to the paradise where, we trust, he has safely
arrived. Two vessels have just come in from America, but
we have got nothing from you. Perhaps there may be a
letter or some box which will be forwarded to Maulmain.
To a Friend. Off Sauguu, August 22, 1841.
Dear Mrs. H. : We are on board the Ramsay, pitching
aiost fearfully. We have been lying several days waiting for the
weather, and have now got up anchor, so that I am writing a
line or two to send back by the pilot.
The three surviving children are getting better, though
Pwen is still far from well. We received the greatest kindness
at Serampore, and became much attached to them all. At
Calcutta, we lived with Mr. S., a young missionary who has
succeeded to the place of Mr. E. He and his wife were inde
fatigable in their endeavors to make us comfortable. We
became acquainted also with Mr. Mackay, one of the most
estimable men hi Calcutta ; but he is in a most miserable state
of health. Mrs. Judson looks as thin and pale as ever; but I
hope the long voyage before us will restore her and the
children to perfect health.
A. Judson.
To his Mother and Sister.
Port Louis, Isle of France, October 18, 1841.
Dear Mother and Sister : My last was dated on the
i.'ve of embarking at Calcutta, which we did on the 16th of
August, and arrived here on the first instant ; so that we were
6ix weeks on the passage ; and it was one of the most stormy
voyages I ever experienosd. At one tim we lost half oui

178 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
masts and sails, and the rolling and pitching of the ship were
dreadful. We, however, refitted, though at sea and suffering
under very rough weather, and came at last into port in good
condition. In other respects we were very comfortable on
board. The captain was a pious man, and we had worship
every Lord's day and every evening. Most of the crew, who
were Europeans, attended worship ; and I hope that some
good was done. Sixteen, besides the captain and myself, sol
emnly subscribed their names to a resolution to serve the
Lord ; and though they have been exposed to some temp
tations since their arrival in port, I do not hear that a single
one has fallen. In the early part of the voyage, Abby Ann
and Elnathan recovered from the complaint with which they
had been ill ; but poor Adoniram remained the same, suffering
under chronic dysentery, unaffected by any course of medi
cine or change of climate. A few days before our arrival here,
some favorable symptoms began to appear ; but latterly lie
has had some severe relapses, so that we are still trembling
for the result. The poor boy has been ill so long, that he
seems to have stopped growing. . . . Elnathan, on the
contrary, who has had but little illness, is nearly as thick as long,
has a broad back and face, is actually stouter and stronger than
his elder brother. . . . Adoniram has lately improved in
reading. May he be spared to grow up and become a true
Christian and a minister. You see I still harp upon the chil
dren when writing to you. But, in fact, I have little else to
harp upon in this place. Port Louis contains about thirty
thousand inhabitants — a French place, though now under
English government, and a very wicked place ; very few re
ligious people, not more than eight or ten that speak English.
We are living in the house of Mr. Kelsey. We have a
small room, and board at his table. Every article of food and
clothing is most exorbitantly dear. A fowl is one dollar, and
iv common pair of shoes three dollars, and every other article
almost in the same proportion. I hope we sha.i get away be
fore long, for we have been at so much expense the past year,
on account of sicknes; and travelling, that I expect, at the end

RETURN VOYAGE. 179
of it, we shall be pietty deeply in debt. However, poor Hen
ry is gone, so that we have not him to provide for. And yet
how gladly should we undertake to provide for him, if he could
only be restored to us ! But no. He is gone forever. The
far-distant burial ground of Serampore contains his precious
remains. May the three remaining ones be spared to us !
How could we sustain another and a severer bereavement?
The ship in which we are sailing will leave this for Maulmain
in about ten days. There is one vessel here bound to New
York, and expected to sail in three or four days ; so I will keep
this letter open, in hope of adding a further line, before
she sails.
October 20. I hear that the New York vessel sails to-day ;
so that I have but little more to add, except that Adoniram
seems to be really getting better. His symptoms are certainly
better, for a few days, than they have been since he was first
taken. We trust the return voyage will effect his com
plete cure.
We expect head winds most of our way back, and shall not
be in Maulmain much before the end of the year. I hope to
find letters from you waiting me there. My last from you
was dated June 17, '39, and received December 11, nearly
two years ago ! Is not that too bad ? Whereas this is my
sixth, since I received your last ! Do pray write oftener, with
out reference to opportunities of sending, and forward your
letters to the care of Mr. Peck, and they will reach me in
due time.
Farewell once more. It is so long since I heard from you,
that I know not whether you are both living. May we all
meet at last in heaven. Pray for the children, that they may
be early converted, and meet us there. Abby Ann shows
much tenderness of feeling on the subject of religion.
Your ever-affectionate son and brother. A. JtrtsoN.

180 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Port Louis, Isle op France, October 18, 1841.
My dear Sir : The complaint to which most of the mem
bers of my family became subject in Maulmain has proved
most obstinate. But during our long and tedious voyage to
this place, which we accomplished on the 1st instant, about six
weeks after embarking, we all recovered our health, except
Adoniram, the eldest son, who seemed to derive no benefit
from any course of medicine or change of climate until we
were near this island, when some favorable symptoms began
to appear. Still he is subject to severe relapses, and we almost
despair of his final recovery. Mrs. Judson has quite recovered
from the dreadful prostration she suffered in Maulmain ; and I
hope that, whatever may be the fate of some of the children,
we shall be able ere long to return to our station, and resume
our labors with renewed strength, during the period that may
yet be allowed us to labor on earth. Yours faithfully, A. Judson.

Maulmain, December 17, 1841.
Rev. and dear Sir : My last was dated October 18, at the
Isle of France. We left that place the 1st of November, and
arrived here the 10th instant, the health of my family greatly
improved, though the eldest son is yet subject to severe re
lapses. Still, we hope that he is decidedly convalescent.
Captain Hamlin, of the ship Ramsay, has declined taking any
compensation for our passage from Calcutta to Port Louis and
thence to this place. The double passage would have cost above
two thousand rupees, if he had made a fair charge. Indeed,
we should not have thought of attempting such a circuitous and
expensive voyage, though necessary to save life, had he not
given us to understand that it should cost the board little or
nothing. On arriving here I sent him four hundred rupees,
the sum which it would have cost us to have returned direct
from Calcutta, saying that I considered it no adequate compen-

INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE. 181
sation, but a small expression of gratitude. He, however, sent
it back, saying that he considered it a privilege to have been
able to show some kindness to the servants of Christ. His
kindness tc us has, indeed, been unwearied; and I feel wholly
unable to repay the great obligation under which he has laid
us. I presume, from what I have heard him say, that he would
have done the same favor to any other missionary of the board.
I propose, therefore, that you send him a formal letter of thanks,
accompanied with what he would prize more than money —
some valuable religious books, say a set of the Comprehensive
Commentary, or such other as you shall think suitable. If you
think proper to adopt my suggestion, please to address to
" Captain Thomas Hamlin, Jr., Greenock, Scotland," and
oblige me with a copy of the letter, which I should like to
show to my friends here. He will leave this in about a month,
with a cargo of timber, on his way home, touching at the Isle
of France ; so that your communication would probably reach
him before leaving Greenock on another voyage.
It afforded me much gratification, last Sunday, to lead him
into the Maulmain baptistery, with the first officer of the ship
and two of the seamen. A native woman also, who had just
been received by the church, made one of the party. Several
other officers and seamen of the ship are hopefully pious
There are nineteen of us in all, who have affixed our names
to a covenant in the ship's great Bible, to serve the Lord ; but
two of the number who signed, on the passage out, yielded to
temptation at Port Louis. Many of them have been converted,
or had previous impressions deepened, through the faithful
dealing of Captain Hamlin. He is, indeed, one of the most
consistent, zealous, devoted Christians I have met in this part
cf the world.
You will readily conceive how happy we are on finding our
selves once more in the bosom of the mission — the society of
our dear missionary associates', and the native Christians. We
are only sad when we remember the sweet little one, whom we
were obliged to leave behind, in the burial ground at Ser
ampore. VOL. II. 16

182 MEMOIR OF DR Jl'DSON.
I have but little to add in regard to the native church. Two
persons have been added during my absence, and a few indi
viduals have misbehaved and been suspended from communion ,
but the church, as a body, have behaved well, and the assist
ants lave been diligent and faithful. Yours affectionately, A. Judson.
The following account of Dr. Judson's labors during
his voyage to Port Louis and Maulmain is extracted
from a pamphlet published in Greenock, entitled " A
Brief Narrative of the last Voyage of the Ship Ram
say, of Greenock ; illustrative of the Beneficial Effects
of Total Abstinence, and the Success of the Gospel
in the Conversion of a Number of the Crew, the For
mation of a Church on Board, «fec, &c. Compiled by
John Simpson, Minister of the Gospel. Greenock."
I have inserted only that part of this narrative which
refers to the labors of Dr. Judson. It illustrates most
forcibly the steady bias of his mind, and his incessant
labor for the salvation of his fellow-men. Whether
on land or at sea, surrounded by his family at home
or watching over their sick beds on shipboard, he was
ever striving to win those around him to Christ. In
this, as in other cases, he seems to have labored with
remarkable success ; and the Lord graciously gave
him many of the souls of those who sailed with him.
After remaining about four weeks in Bombay, the Ramsay
sailed for Maulmain, in Burmah, and from thence to Calcutta.
During these passages, some favorable impressions seemed to
have been produced in the minds of the crew ; and on their
arrival at Calcutta they conducted themselves with greater
propriety than at any of the former ports : here they regularly
attended the floating chapel. Whilst the ship was at Calcutta,

INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE. 183
the captain paid a visit to the Baptist missionary establishment
at Serampore. There he fell in with the indefatigable mission
ary, Dr. Judson, from Burmah, who was at Serampore with his
family, for the improvement of their health. As the Ramsay
was shortly to sail for the Island of Mauritius, and from thence
to Maulmain, — Dr. Judson's residence, — Captain Hamlin
kindly offered them a passage, in the hope that it would be con
ducive to the object they had in view. Having accepted the of
fer thus generously made to him and his family, Dr. Judson felt
a strong desire to be useful to the seamen, in whose dangers
he was about to share. He made it a matter of prayer to
God that he might be instrumental in turning some of them
from the error of their ways ; and, before going on board, ex
pressed a conviction that God had heard him, and that he
would answer him in communicating his grace to some, if not
to all, of the crew. After putting to sea, worship was con
ducted by Dr. Judson and the captain alternately ; but on the
Sabbaths the whole of the services were conducted by the
doctor. Possessing all his mental vigor, and his ardent love
for souls having suffered no abatement, he availed himself of
these opportunities, in addition to private instruction, to pro
mote the great end he had in view, and for which he had so
earnestly prayed, previous to his embarking on board the
Ramsay. His manner of address was of the most touching
description, and seldom failed in making the big tear roll
down the weather-beaten cheeks of his hardy auditory. It
soon became apparent that he was not laboring in vain, nor
spending his strength for nought. Before their arrival at the
Mauritius, three of the seamen gave pleasing evidence of be
ing converted to God. During their stay at the Mauritius,
public worship was held on board every Sa'.ibath, and was
well attended, both by seamen and landsmen. Religion was
in a languid state amongst the inhabitants generally. There
were, however, a few who seemed concerned for the advance
ment of Christ's kingdom, and by them it had been in cod
templation to lit up a seaman's chapel. They had even gone
so far as to make application to the late benevolent governor,

184 MFMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Sir Lionel Smith, for the use of an old ship lying there, ber
longing to government ; the application had been favorably
received ; still nothing had been done towards effecting the
object they had ia view, till the captain of the Ramsay, hear
ing how matters stood, set about raising subscriptions towards
fitting up the said vessel as a Bethel : he likewise presented
another memorial to the governor, but was obliged to leave at
this time, without seeing the work accomplished.
Leaving the Island of Mauritius, their next port of destina
tion was Maulmain, in Burmah. On the passage, the usual
religious services were attended to ; and, in addition to the
ordinary meetings, an extra one, for prayer and exhortation,
was held every Wednesday evening, and conducted by the
seamen who had professed the name of Christ. This meeting
was the means of effecting much good. Amongst other things
which came before their minds was the subject of baptism.
By a diligent perusal of the word of God, and the instructions
of Dr. Judson, the new converts were convinced that baptism
by immersion was the scriptural mode, and that it was their
duty, as believers in Christ, to be baptized in his name.
Hence they determined, with the captain, — who had doubts
regarding the truth of infant baptism, before his leaving
home, — to be baptized on the first convenient opportunity
after reaching Maulmain. Accordingly, on the first Sabbath
after their arrival, the captain, mate, and two of the seamen,
together with a Burmese female, were " buried with Christ
by baptism," in presence of a large assemblage of natives and
others, who appeared to take a deep interest in all the solemn
services that were attended to. The ordinance was adminis
tered by Dr. Judson.
At Maulmain there are two Baptist churches — one for the
natives, which is supplied by Dr. Judson ; the other for Euro
peans, &c, which is supplied by assistant missionaries. Both
churches were in a flourishing condition. The missionary
work was being zealously prosecuted, and many of the
heathen were renouncing their idols and en bracing the Sa
viour The labors of the missionaries hat been eminently

INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE. 185
successful among the Karen tribe. Whilst at Maulmain, the
captain and mate paid a visit to one of the villages of these
interesting people. On their arrival they found the chief,
— who acts also a« their spiritual teacher, — with nearly the
whole of the villagers, busily engaged in their rice fields.
On the gong being sounded, which was the signal for the ar
rival of the missionaries, they flocked into the native chapel ;
and, after greeting affectionately their teachers, they turned to
the captain and mate, and asked their chief, " Do these men
love Christ ? " Being answered in the affirmative, they re
ceived them with much cordiality, and, on their departure,
loaded their boat with fruit, &c, &c.
The Ramsay remained at Maulmain eight weeks, during
which time the intercourse of the crew with the Christians on
shore was of the most pleasing description. The evening
before they sailed from this place, Dr. Judson delivered a
farewell address on board the Ramsay, which produced a
deep and solemn impression. All were melted into tears, as
was the case with Dr. Judson himself. He alluded to the
providential manner in which he had been brought amongst
them, the many happy and profitable hours he had spent in
their society, the converting grace of God which they had all
been privileged to witness, and some to experience; and
those who professed the faith he exhorted " that with purpose
of heart they would cleave unto the Lord ; " and those who had
still held out against the entreaties of melting mercy he
besought to be reconciled to God. After engaging in solemn
prayer for all on board, and giving them his parting blessing,
he retired, whilst, like Paul's Christian brethren at Ephesus,
"they sorrowed most of all for the words which he spake,
that they should see his face no more."
The following is a copy of the engagement entered
into by the persons on board the Ramsay, to whicn
reference is made in the preceding letters.
We, the undersigned, on board the .ship Ramsay, agree with
16*

186 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
one anotb^v and promise before God that we will endeavor
to live as sincere Christians ought to live, avoiding all known
sins so far as possible, and striving to keep all the commands
of God, in humble dependence on the grace and strength
which he may be pleased to impart unto us.
Thomas Hamlin, John Charley,
A. Judson, Donald McIntyre,
John Nevin, James Stephenson,
John Laing, Alexander Kiddock,
John Rennie, David Morrison,
Robert Anderson, George Williams,
Alexander Bowers, George Johnson,
Archibald Sutherland, George Craddie,
James Farquhar, Hugh McKenyan,
James Smylie,  Broadhead,
Duncan • Gray,  Kelly.
David Carbet,
To his Mother and Sister.
Maulmain, December 26, 1841.
Dear Mother and Sister : My last to you was dated
October 20, at Port Louis. We left there on the 1st of
November, and arrived here on the 10th instant. Adoniram
is, we trust, really convalescent, though subject to relapses.
Whether he will ever perfectly recover in this climate, is.
somewhat doubtful. It is now the cold season, and he is
generally pretty well ; but unless he gets perfectly well, so
that the disorder is quite eradicated before the hot season,
which comes on in March and April, we fear for the result
The other children are quite well, and their mother, excepi
that she is not so stout and strong as formerly. Abby can
read any easy reading, and delights to commit verses to mem
ory, and is very careful to pray morning and evening. Ado
niram can read a little, but on account of his illness his educa
tion has been very much neglected. Elnathan can boast of
no great proficiency in literature, being only three and a half

FRUITS OF THE VOYAGE. 187
years old . I don't know which we love the most. We
were all mc. t happy to get back to our old home, after nearly
six months' wandering. We found all well. The church
remained in a pretty good state. Two had been added by
baptism, and one more I baptized the next Sunday after my
arrival. At the same time I had the pleasure of leading into
the Maulmain baptistery the pious captain of the Ramsay, his
first officer, and two of the crew. Several others, also, of the
officers and crew of the ship are, I hope, partakers of divine
grace. Captain Hamlin has declined taking any compensa
tion of the board for our circuitous passage. Was not this
very kind ? He is truly one of the most devoted, excellent
Christians I have ever met in this part of the world.
I was disappointed not to find any letter from you on my
arrival here. It is now a long time since I heard even indi
rectly from you. When I remember mother's great age and
feeble state of health, I should not be surprised any time to
hear that her probation was passed, and that she had gone to
paradise. And what would become of you, my dear sister,
if you should be left alone ? I should wish you were with
me. Could you not come out ? The board would pay your
passage with that of their missionaries who might be coming
out ; and you might always depend on a room and a place at
my table, and all such necessaries and comforts of life as I can
obtain myself, in this foreign land. And my dear wife would
be happy to welcome you, and the children would run to see
their aunt, of whom they hear so frequently. But still I hope
that mother may yet live many years to diffuse a salutary
influence around her, and grow more mature for thai, blessed
world to which she is hastening, and where, I trust, we shall
all meet, when the trials ami troubles, the separations and
bereavements, of this life are passed forever. I wonder
whether I should know you. if we met ? I think I should
know mother. Probably ne ther of you would know me.
How long it is since we parted ! Thirty years next Febru
ary, on Ihe 31 of the mcith, I took leave of my parents, in

188 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Plymouth, and on the 7th of my sister and brother, in Bos
ton; and on the 19th embarked for the East. Farewell, my
dear mother and sister. If we are not to meet in this world,
may we have a happy meeting in eternhy, to part no more.
Your ever affectionate son and brother, A. Judson.

Maulmain, May 8, 1842.
Dear Mother and Sister : Since my last to you, dated
December 26, 1841, 1 have received yours of July 21, 1841,
containing many interesting items concerning yourselves and
townspeople and distant relatives. You remark that you
delayed writing for want of information from Boston. You
never need wait a day for such information. You have only
to direct your letter thus, " Rev. A. Judson, care of Rev. S.
Peck, 17 Joy's Buildings, Washington Street, Boston," and
put it into the post office at Plymouth. Mr. Peck will erase
the latter part of the direction, and re-direct to Maulmain,
and forward with other letters, which are always accumulating
at the Mission Rooms.
It is very trying weather with us at present. The rains,
which commonly commence the 1st of May, still hold off,
except an occasional shower ; and in the intervals it is melting
hot, and sometimes dreadfully oppressive.
The house which we occupied has been removed, to form,
with other materials, a house for Mr. Stevens, on an adjoining
lot ; and we have moved into his old house, considerably im
proved, and find it much more cool and comfortable than the
other. At the corner of the house we now occupy, I have
put up a small one, containing a bed room, and small bathing
room adjoining, partly with a view to accommodate company,
and partly in the hope that dear sister, if left alone, will think
of coming out to see us. So, if the people of Plymouth get
tired of you, you may be sure of a home with your most
affectionate brother.

PROPOSAL TO ENTER BURMAH. 189
My tough still troubles me. I was lately obliged to stop
preaching entirely ; but I am now better, and preach half the
time — that is, one sermon on Sundays, and conduct worship
every other evening in the week. The other half is taken
by brother Osgood, assisted by some of the other brethren.
There have been very few additions to the church lately. It
stands at about one hundred and sixty.
Once more farewell. How happy it will be to meet safe in
heaven at last ! Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, June 28, 1842.
. . . But the board does know that Burmah proper has
Leen long abandoned, and abandoned in such circumstances as
renders it impossible even to circulate tracts, or employ a
native assistant ; nor do I see any prospect of the country's
being reoccupied, unless there should be an opening for me
to make an attempt, of which I entertain some faint hope. I
request, therefore, that the board would say whether they
think such an attempt advisable, and whether they would
sncourage me in making it or not. I should be glad if they
would take the subject into immediate consideration, and let
me have an answer as early as possible ; for I know not how
soon an opportunity may occur, though I have no definite ex
pectation, nor, indeed, any but the faintest hope. And such
being the case, I wish no public expectation to be excited.
I received your kind letter of February 1. Your sympa
thizing wishes are realized in the restoration of my family to
health, after a long year's continu 3d illness. We lost but one
out of the number, though there were times when I expected
to lose them all.
The complaint of my throat and lungs is much better. 1
have had but one relapse, and that comparatively slight, since
my return ; so that I can preach with but little difficulty,

190 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSCN.
though, from prudence, I preach but once on Lord's days, and
conduct worship every other day in the week.
Yours faithfully and affectionately,
A. Judson.
Rides of Life. August 9, 1842.
1. Bs more careful to observe the seasons of secret prayer.
2. Never indulge resentful feelings towards any person.
3. Embrace every opportunity of exercising kind feelings,
and doing good to others, especially to the household of faith.
4. Sweet in temper, face, and word,
To please an ever-present Lord.
Renewed December 31, 1842.
December 31, 1842. Resolved to make the desire to please
Christ the grand motive of all my actions.
To George D. Boardman. Maulmain, April 7, 1843.
My dear George : You cannot tell how rejoiced we
have been, and thankful to God, on hearing that you have pro
fessed religion and given yourself to the Saviour. Your
fond mother has shed many teal's of joy over this happy event.
May you be a growing Christian, and become a faithful minis
ter of the gospel, and follow the footsteps of your sainted
(ather, as he followed Christ. Perhaps I shall live to intro
duce you into the missionary field. Who knows but that you
will yet be my colleague and successor in the pastorship of the
\Iaulmain church ?
I think we have not written you since the birth of your
youngest brother, which took place the 8th of July last. We
have named him after the one that died at Serampore. The
names of your sister and brothers now stand thus : Abby Ann,
Adoniram, Elnathan, and Henry Hall. I hope that, since you
now know the way to the throne of grace, you will pray for
them, that they Hay all, in early life, become acquainted with

I LAN OP THE BURMESE DICTIONARY. 191
the Saviour's dying love, and be prepared to meet you in
heaven. Your mother sends you herewith a copy of her translation of
the first part of the Pilgrim's Progress. If you have not yet
read the work in English, you will find it a most interesting
and profitable book.
Give our warmest love to your dear and excellent friends,
Mr. und Mrs. Newton. You cannot love, and esteem, and
revere them too much. Yet we hope you will not bestow all
your love upon them ; but remember that you have an own
mother in this remote land, who thinks of you, her eldest son,
every day ; and do write us a letter on every returning
birthday. Do you remember how I carried you down to Amherst,
and put you on board the ship that took you far away ?
Your affectionate father,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, July 13, 1843.
Dear Brother : I never think, without some uneasiness,
of the infrequency of my communications to the board ; and
if I had not an apology at hand, I should feel self-condemned.
A person employed in direct missionary work among the na
tives, especially if his employ is somewhat itinerant, can easily
make long and interesting journals. The first epithet, at least,
may be applied to some of my earlier communications. But
it has been my lot, for many years past, to spend most of my
time over the study table ; and my itinerating has scarcely ex
tended beyond the limits of my morning walks and the pre
cincts of the mission enclosure. Several years were spent in
translating the Bible, and several more in revising it and car
rying the last edition through the press. After which, in
May last year, I commenced a dictionary of the language, a work
which I had resolved and re-resolved never to touch. But
it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. The board
and my brethren repeatedly urged me to prepare a dictionary

192 memoir of dr. judson.
the one printed in 1826 being exceedingly imperfect ; and as
Burmah continued shut against our labors, and there were
several missionaries in this place, I concluded that I could not
do better than to comply.
We are apt to magnify the importance of any undertaking
in which we are warmly engaged. Perhaps it is from the in
fluence of that principle, that, notwithstanding my long-cher
ished aversion to the work, I have come to think it very im
portant; and that, having seen the accomplishment of two
objects on which I set my heart when I first came out to the
East, the establishment of a church of converted natives, and
the translation of the Bible into their language, I now beguile
my daily toil with the prospect of compassing a third, which
may be compared to a causeway, designed to facilitate the
transmission of all knowledge, religious and scientific, from
one people to the other.
It was my first intention to make a single work, Burmese
and English ; but as I proceeded, I discovered many reasons
for constructing a double work, in two parts, the first Enghsh
and Burmese, the second Burmese and English. I hope, by
daily, uninterrupted labor, to have the whole ready for the
press by the end of 1845. Not, indeed, that I count on living
so long. Above thirty years spent in a tropical climate — to-day
is the twenty-ninth anniversary of my arrival in Burmah —
leaves but little ground to build future plans upon. But I feel
it my duty to plod on, while daylight shall last, looking out for
the night, and ready to bequeath both the plodding and the
profit to any brother who shall be willing to carry on and com
plete the work, when I shall have obtained my discharge. 1
try thus to make out an apology for my apparent delinquen
cies, which I beg the board to accept ; and beheve me
Yours faithfully, A. Judson.
P. S. Your favor of the 23d March has been duly re
ceived. In regard to the subject mentioned, I shall be ready
to do whatever the board and my brethren, to whom you have
referred the subject, shall recommend.

HOME CARES. 193
To his little Daughter, at Mergui.
Maulmain, Match. 9, 1845.
My dear Daughter : Your letters to me and your broth
ers, together with the shells from Mergui, arrived this after
noon in the Burmese box, which mamma sent by the steamer.
The boys are delighted with the shells, and Henry has picked
out some for his own ; and they have agreed to give me for
my share the large coral shell. They have already written
some letters to you, and mamma, and Charlie, which ¦ I shall
send by return of steamer ; and perhaps they will add some
more, as this is such a favorable opportunity. It. is now be
tween eight and nine o'clock in the evening. I have had a
httle meeting with Adoniram and Elnathan, and now they are
asleep. Edward has become a fat little fellow ; I am sure
you would not know him again. He begins to look pleased
when he is played with. But he has not yet made any
inquiries about his absent mother and sister. Indeed, I
doubt much whether he is aware that he has any such rela
tives. Or if he ever exercises his mind on such abstruse
topics, perhaps he fancies that black Ah-mah is his mother,
since she nurses him, and does not know what a fair, beautiful,
fond mother he has at Mergui, who thinks of him every
day. However, when he gets larger, we will tell him all
about these matters.
I am getting the carpenters to make a new cot for you,
longer than your old one. That I have given to Adoniram,
and his to Elnathan. Both the kittens are dead, and the old
yellow cat has been missing for several days. She was very
thin, and apparently very ill, when we last saw her. So I sup
pose she crept away into some secret place, and lay down and
died. Alas ! poor pussy !
I pray every day that somewhere during your travels with
dear mamma, you may receive a blessing from God, so that you
will return a true Christian, and set such an example before
your brothers as will induce them to try to follow your steps.
Think of the dear Saviour every day, and frequently lift up
your heart in fervent prayer to God, that he will give you his
vol. n. 17

194 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
converting, sanctifying grace, and make you his cwn child.
Try to subdue every evil passion, and avoid all bad conduct.
If you trust in the Saviour and try to be good, he will make
you good. In your daily deportment and intercourse with
others, remember these two lines : —
" Sweet in temper, face, and word,
To please an ever-present Lord."
Your affectionate lather,
A. Judson.
Love to' dear Charlie. To Mrs. Judson, at Tavoy.
Maulmain, March 23, 1845.
My dearest Love : Your short letter from Goodrich's
Plains came in this afternoon most unexpectedly. I am sorry
that your short account of yourself is unsatisfactory. My first
impression was to go down in the steamer, fearing what the
result of another relapse may be, and hoping to be some com
fort and use to you in your weak state. But since worship at
the English chapel, I have sought an interview with Captain
Briggs ; and from his account, and from the fact that the
steamer expects to leave Tavoy, next time, almost immediately
on rearriving, I have concluded not to go ; especially as the
nurse, though she does well by the baby, is frequently quar
relling with A-moo and others, and threatening to quit. I
don't think she really will quit ; but I should be most unwill
ing to leave the baby under these circumstances. Captain
Briggs confirms what you write, that you think your disease
is really checked, so that I have now sanguine hopes of your
speedy recovery. Whether we conclude to spend a month at
Amherst or not, I think you had better come up at once in the
steamer. We can arrange all things more comfortably, and
provide a house, and go down in boats at any time. We can
not, however, pursue the boat system half so well at Amherst
as here, on account of the difficulty of landing. And if you
do not return pretty well, I have all along thought that that

anxiety for his absent wipe. 195
course would be the most beneficial to you. However, we must
be guided by circumstances. At any rate we must do that
which will be most conducive to your recovery. I am afraid
that Charlie's eye teeth will pull him down lower. Glad to
hear such good accounts of Abby Ann. I am sure she has
been a great comfort to you.
March 24. Captain Russell has just kindly called on me —
says I had better send letters on board this afternoon, as he
expects, though not certain, to leave to-morrow morning. He
thinks he shall be back next Monday. I have given out that
you may be expected at that time, and the news occasions gen
eral joy. I am still dreadfully anxious about your health. I
fear that Briggs and Russell show me the fair side to keep me
quiet. Captain Russell admits that you are thinner and
weaker than when you left here. But if your complaint is
actually subdued, you will soon recover. We are all well.
Miss Latbrop teaches the children during Miss Newlove's visit
at Amherst. We hear that Tremenheere has now a better
appointment at Calcutta, which he will accept. The pious
officers are all gone, and the 84th regiment is going off as fast
as vessels are ready for them. No new troops yet arrived.
I have nothing in particular to say to Abby, only that I
hope she will return improved in every respect, and set a good
example before her brothers, who have not had her advan
tages. My love to the dear Masons, with whom I suppose you
are living. Ever most affectionately,
A, Judson.

CHAPTER VI.
yLNESS OF KRS. JUDSON. — VOYAGE TO THE UNITED STATES.—
DEATH OF MRS. JUDSON. — BURIAL AT ST. HELENA  OBITUARY
NOTI :E. — RECEPTION AND ADDRESSES IN THE UNITED STATES.
1845.
The health of Mrs. Judson, which had been for
some time declining, had now become so thoroughly
prostrated that a protracted sea voyage to a northern
climate offered to her the only hope of restoration.
She had become so weak that Dr. Judson was obliged
to accompany her. Strong as were his domestic af
fections, he would have remained at Maulmain prose
cuting his missionary work, if she had been able to
undertake the voyage alone. As, however, this could
not be done, he was unwilling to allow his labor to
be suspended. He therefore took with him two of
his assistants, by whose aid he could pursue the work
of the dictionary, either on shipboard or in the United
States, and embarked with his wife and three of his
children for England in the ship Paragon, April 26,
1845. They arrived at Port Louis, Isle of France, on the
5th of the following July. Here the health of Mrs.
Judson appeared so much improved that Dr. Judson
and she determined to separate, he to return to Maul
main, and she, with the children, to prosecute her
voyage to this country. A more marked example of
self-sacrificing adherence to principle than this can
scarcely be conceived. They were most tenderly
attached to each other, and had both known the pains
of lonely mi;-3ionary labor ; but if she was able to
196

ILLNESS OP MRS. JUDSON. 197
prosecute the voyage alone, much as he yearned once
more to behold his native land, and much as he
wished to accompany her, he did not feel himself at
liberty to lea ye his post of duty. A distinct voice of
Providence had placed him there, and the same voice,
unmoved by his own likes or dislikes, must recall him,
before he felt himself at liberty to move.
These appearances, however, proved deceptive.
Mrs. Judson's complaints returned with renewed vio
lence within a few days after their arrival at Port
Louis ; and it became necessary for her husband to
accompany her. At this juncture the ship Sophia
"Walker, of Boston, touched at the Isle of France,
and her commander, Captain Codman, very kindly
invited them to take passage with him directly for
the United States. They accepted his proposal, and
embarked on the 25th of July for Boston.
Mrs. Judson continued to decline very rapidly, until
they arrived at St. Helena, where she expired on the
1st of September, 1845. A brief account of the life
and labors of this talented and accomplished woman,
from the pen of Dr. Judson, will be found in the fol
lowing pages.* On the evening of her burial, Dr.
Judson and his motherless children sailed from St.
Helena, and arrived in Boston on the 15th of October
following. To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, April 13, 1845.
My dear Brother : The hand of God is heavy upon
me. The complaint to wliich Mrs. Judson is subject has be
come so violent, that it is the unanimous opinion of all the
* A most interesting Memoir of Mrs. S. B. Judson has been writ
ten by Mrs. E. C. Judson. 17*

198 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
medical men, and indeed of all our friends, that nothing but a
voyage beyond the tropics can possibly protract her life be
yond the period of a few weeks, but that such a voyage will,
in all probability, insure her recovery. All medical skill has
been exhausted. She has spent six weeks with our commis
sioner and his lady in a trip down the coast, touching at Tavoy
and Mergui, and returned weaker and nearer the grave than
when she set out. She is willing to die, and I hope I am will
ing to see her die, if it be the divine will ; but though my
wife, it is no more than truth to say that there is scarcely an
individual foreigner now alive who speaks and writes the Bur
mese tongue so acceptably as she does ; and I feel that an ef
fort ought to be made to save her hfe. I have long fought
against the necessity of accompanying her ; but she is now so
desperately weak, and almost helpless, that all say it would be
nothing but savage inhumanity to send her off alone. The
three younger children, the youngest but three months and a
half old, we must leave behind us, casting them, as it were,
on the waters, in the hope of finding them after many days.
The three elder, Abby Ann, Adoniram, and Elnathan, we take
with us, to leave in their parents' native land. These rend-
ings of parental ties are more severe, and wring out bitterer
tears from the heart's core, than any can possibly conceive,
who have never felt the wrench. But I hope I can say with
truth that I love Christ above all ; and I am striving, in the
strength, of my weak faith, to gird up my mind to face and
welcome all his appointments. And I am much helped to
bear these trials, by the advice and encouragement of all my
dear brethren and sisters of the mission.
It is another great trial to leave my dear church and people.
I never knew till now how much I loved them, and how much
they loved me. " And 'tis to love, our farewells owe
All their emphasis of woe."
But I leave them in the hands of my dear brethren, and
there are no persons in the world to whom I should be so
willing to commit so dear a charge.

PREPARATION FOR HOMEWARD VOYAGE. 199
Another great trial, not so much as it regards feeling as it
regards the anticipated result of long-protracted labor, is the
interruption whijh the heavy work of the Burmese dictionary,
in which I have been engaged for two or three years, must sus
tain ; and such is the state of my manuscripts, that if I should
die before this work is completed, or at least carried forward
to a much more advanced stage, all my previous labor would
be nearly or quite lost. But I am endeavoring to obviate this
difficulty in some degree, by taking with me my two assistants
in that department, whose hearts God has graciously inclined
to leave their families and accompany me. They are both
Christians, the one a settled character, a convert of long stand
ing, formerly a government writer in Rangoon ; the other a
nephew of the late premier of the court of Ava, a person of
noble extraction, and though not a tried Christian, I hope a
sincere one. And it is my purpose to devote some hours every
day, whether on the sea or land, to the work mentioned. I
shall be induced to persevere in this purpose while in Amer
ica, from the fact that I am unable to travel about the country
as an agent, and preach in the English language. The course
that I have uniformly pursued, ever since I became a mission
ary, has been rather peculiar. In order to become an accept
able and eloquent preacher in a foreign language, I deliber
ately abjured my own. When I crossed the river, I burned
my ships. For thirty-two years I have scarcely entered an
English pulpit, or made a speech in that language. Whether
I have pursued the wisest course, I will not contend ; and how
far I have attained the object aimed at, I must leave for others
to say. But whether right or wrong, the course I have taken
cannot be retraced. The burned ships cannot now be recon
structed. From long desuetude, I can scarcely put three sen
tences together in the English language.* I must therefore
beg the board to allow me a quiet corner, where I can pursue
my work with my assistants, undisturbed and unknown.
This reqiest I am induced to urge from the further consid
* That is I presume, in a, public address.

200 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
eration, that my voice, though greatly recovered from the
affection of the lungs, which laid me aside from preaching
nearly a year, is still so weak that it can only fill a small
room; and whenever I attempt to raise it above the con
versational tone, the weak place gives way, and I am quite
broken down again for several weeks. I hope, therefore,
that no one will try to persuade me to be guilty of such im
prudence while in America ; but since there are thousands of
preachers in English, and only five or six Burmese preach
ers in the whole world, I may be allowed to hoard up the
remnant of my breath and lungs for the country where they
are most needed. . . .
Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson.
To his Sister. Maulmain, April 13, 1845.
My dear Sister : I write a line in the greatest hurry
and confusion. Mrs. Judson returned from her trip down the
coast, weaker and nearer dying than when she set out. Noth
ing more can be done for her in this country ; but the doctors
say decidedly that a voyage to a cold climate will cure her.
The only opportunity that we can avail ourselves of, before it
be too late, is a ship bound to London, which sails in about a
week. All say that she is too weak, and in too precarious a
state, to go alone ; so I have concluded to accompany her, and
once more see my native land, and you, my dear sister — the
only surviving near relative that remains to me on earth.*
We leave the three younger children with our friends here.
The three elder, Abby Ann, Adoniram, and Elnathan, we
shall take with us, intending to leave them in America, when
we return. It is said that we shall have a five months'
voyage to England. There I shall not make any stay, but
embrace the first opportunity of passing over to the United
* Dr. Judson's mother, Mrs. Abigail Brown Judson, died at
Plymouth, Massachusetts, January 31, 1842, at the advanced age
of eighty-two years.

DEATH OF MRS. JUDSON. 201
States. I send this over land ; and when you receive it, I
shall probably be half way on my passage.
Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson.
To t/ie Corresponding Secretary.
Barque Sophia Walker, at Sea, September, 1815.
Mr dear Brother: I wrote you the 13th of April, and
the treasurer on the 1st of May, just before sailing from
Amherst. The first part of the voyage was very rough ; we
suffered a good deal from seasickness ; and my time was
much occupied in taking care of Mrs. Judson. Having my
assistants, however, I endeavored to make some progress in
my work, though under, great disadvantages. During the
second month, Mrs. Judson began to improve, and I had the
most sanguine hopes of her recovery. After crossing the
line, the ship sprung a leak, and the captain determined to
put in at the Isle of France. Before reaching the island,
Mrs. Judson became so decidedly convalescent, that it ap
peared clearly to be my duty to return to Maulmain, and leave
her to proceed alone. On our arrival, we found a vessel bound
to Maulmain ; and though I was unwilling to leave her until I
should see her fairly on her way, I was so sure of returning
myself, that I sent off the assistants by that vessel, and par
tially engaged my own passage in another, which would sail
for Calcutta in two or three weeks.
In the mean time we met with Captain Codman, of the
Sophia Walker, who invited us to take passage with him, and
kindly offered such terms as induced us to leave the Paragon.
The change furnished also an additional encouragement for
me to return ; as the Sophia Walker would take Mrs. Judson
to the very doors of her friends, where also she would arrive
a month earlier than if she went by the way of England.
But all our plans were frustrated by an unforeseen event.
Mrs. Judson experienced a dreadful relapse, which reduced
her lower than ever before, and soon convinced me that it
would be impossible fr me to leaw her , so that, though I

202 MEMOIR OF DR JU1 50N.
bitterly regretted the loss of my assistants, I felt obliged, aftei
having remained three weeks at Port Louis, to reembark
with her ; and we finally sailed on the 25th of July. After
a time she again appeared to be recovering, and in the cold
weather off the Cape of Good Hope, my hopes became again
very sanguine. But she never really recovered from her last
prostration, and, though sometimes better, continued, on the
whole, to decline, until we neared St. Helena, when I gave
up all hope of her recovery. She lingered a few days, while
the vessel was detained in port, until the 1st instant, when, at
three o'clock in the morning, she obtained her release from
further suffering, and entered, I trust, into the joy of her
Lord. She was buried in the afternoon of the same day;
and in the evening we were again at sea.
Had Mrs. Judson lived to reach home, and especially if my
assistants had been with me, I should have expected to
remain some time in America, that her health might become
confirmed. But since the object is lost, I am desirous of
returning as soon as possible. I hope that no objection will
be made to my leaving before the winter sets in. I dread
the effects of a northern winter, not so much on my general
health as on my lungs. An attack of my complaint in the
winter season would probably prove fatal. And though I
refuse not to die, I have so much desire, in submission to the
will of God, to finish my work in Burmah, that I must con
fess I am. unwilling to expose my poor life, though in other
respects of no worth, to any unnecessary hazard.
I remain yours affectionately,
A. Judson,
To Mr. Anderson Port Louis, Isle of France.
On Passage from St. Helena, September 2, 1845.
My dear Friend : I shall have no opportunity of sending
this till after my arrival in the United States ; so that you
will probably have heard of Mrs. Judson's death before re
ceiving this line. I was so overwhelmed with my distress
while at St. Helena that it never occurred to me to write

BURIAL AT ST. HELENA. 203
a line to any of my friends. My dear wife continued to decline
after leaving the Isle of France. Neither the best medical
advice, nor the most careful nursing on my part, nor any
change of climate, seemed to have much salutary effect. When
we reached St. Helena, I had given up all hope of her recov
ery. That took place on the 26th of August. The vessel
remained a few days. She lingered along till the first, that is,
yesterday,"at three o'clock in the morning, when her spirit
took its final flight. The body was carried on shore in the
afternoon, and interred in the public burial ground, by the side
of Mrs. Chater, long a missionary at Ceylon, who died on her
passage home. The funeral was attended by a crowd of
friends, though we were entire strangers in the place. We were
surprised to find several pious persons under the pastoral care
of the Rev. Mr. Bertram, an excellent, zealous missionary.
They took me and the children to their houses and their hearts,
and their consoling conversation and sympathizing prayers, in
the hour of my distress, afforded wonderful relief. Would you
believe that these pious friends and the captain of our ship
defrayed all the expenses of the funeral ? They even had
mourning suits made for the children, and sent off to the
ship ! But I was obliged to leave them all the same evening ;
and this morning, the rock of the ocean, where reposes all that
is mortal of my dear, dear wife, was out of sight. And 0, how
desolate my cabin appears, and how dreary the way before
me ! But I have the great consolation that she died in peace,
longing to depart and be with Christ. She had some desire,
being on her passage home, to see her parents, and relatives,
and friends, after twenty years' absence.; but the love of
Christ sustained her to the last. When near dying, I congratu
lated her on the prospect of soon beholding the Saviour in all
his glory ; and she eagerly replied, " What can I want beside ? "
I have no doubt she is now leaning on her Saviour's bosom,
in company with the first Mrs. Judson. I hope I feel thankful to
God that he has granted me, during my pilgrimage, the soci
ety of two of the most excellent women and best of wives
that ever man was blessed with, Heaven seems nearer, and

204 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
eternity sweeter, when I think of them and of other dear
friends who have gone before. May we who remain have
grace to follow those who, through faith, inherit the promises.
I remember with gratitude your and your wife's kindness
to the dear departed, and especially that of dear Mr. Kelsey.
I should write to him, but presume he will have left the island.
If you should be writing to him, please to mention some of
these things, and give him my warmest love. Give my love
also to Mr. and Mrs. Lebrun, and to Mrs. Ledo, and to Mr
Chevalyay. May God bless you, my dear friend, through life ; may he
give you a peaceful and joyful death ; and may we have a hap
py meeting in his blissful presence, is the fervent prayer of
Your affectionate friend and brother,
A. Judson.
Obituary of Mrs. Sarah B. Judson.
The subject of the following brief obituary notice, Sarah
Boardman Judson, was born at Alstead, in the State of New
Hampshire, November 4, 1803. She was the eldest child of
Ralph and Abiah. Hall, who still survive her, and are at present
living at Skaneateles, in the State of New York. While
Sarah was but a child, her parents removed from Alstead to
Danvers, and subsequently to Salem, in the State of Massa
chusetts. In the latter place she received her education, and
continued to reside until she was married to the Rev. George
Dana Boardman, July 4, 1825, with whom she embarked in
the same month for the East Indies, to join the American
missionaries in Burmah. After residing some time at Calcutta
and at Maulmain, they settled at Tavoy, April 1, 1828.
During her residence in Calcutta and Tavoy, she had three
children, of whom one only, George Dana Boardman, Jr.,
born August 18, 1828, survives her. She lost her husband
February 11, 1831, and was married again to Adoniram
Judson, of Maulmain, April 10, 1834. At Maulmain she
became the mother of eight children, of whom five survive

TRIBUTE TO MRS. SARAH B. JUDSON 2C5
her. After the birth of her last child, in December, 1844,
she was attacked with chronic diarrhcea, from which she had
suffered much in the early part of her missionary life. When,
in the progress of the disease, it became evident that nothing
but a long voyage and an entire change of climate could save
her life, she embarked, with her husband and three elder chil
dren, for the United States, April 26, 1845. The voyage was
at first attended with encouraging results, but finally proved
unavailing, and she departed this life on shipboard, in the port
of St. Helena, September 1, 1845.
Like multitudes in the highly-favored land of her nativity,
the subject of this notice was blessed with early religious
advantages, and in her youth became the subject of serious
impressions. When about sixteen years of age, during a
revival of rehgion in Salem, she entertained a hope, received
baptism at the hands of her pastor, the Rev. Dr. Bolles, and
became a member of his church. Her religious attainments,
however, were not of a distinguished order, and though her
amiable disposition and her deep interest in missions, espe
cially after her acquaintance with Mr. Boardman, gave her an
elevated tone of character, she subsequently felt that at that
period she hardly deserved the name of a sincere Christian.
And it was not until she was called to part with her eldest
child, at Tavoy, in 1829, and to pass through scenes of great
danger and suffering during the Tavoy rebellion, that she was
enabled to live a life of faith on the Son of God.
" Sweet affliction, sweet affliction,
That brings near to Jesus' feet."
In regard to her missionary qualifications and labors, I may
state, that she applied herself with great assiduity to the study
of the Burmese language, in which, in conversation, prayer,
and writing, she acquired an uncommon degree of correctness,
fluency, and power. She was in the habit of conducting a
prayer meeting of the female members of the church every
week, and also another meeting for the study of the Scriptures.
VOL. II. 18

206 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
Her acquaintance with and attachment to the Burmese Bible
were rather extraordinary. She professed to take more
pleasure and derive more profit from the perusal of that
translation than from the English, and to enjoy preaching in
the native chapel more than in any other. Her translation of
the Pilgrim's Progress, part first, into Burmese, is one of the
best pieces of composition which we have yet published. Her
translation of Mr. Boardman's Dying Father's Advice has
become one of our standard tracts ; and her hymns in Bur
mese, about twenty in number, are probably the best in our
Chapel Hymn Book — a work which she was appointed by
the mission to edit. Besides these works, she published four
volumes of Scripture questions, which are in constant use in
our Sabbath schools. The last work of her life, and one
which she accomplished in the midst of overwhelming family
cares, and under the pressure of declining health, was a series
of Sunday cards, each accompanied with a short hymn,
adapted to the leading subject of the card.
Besides her acquaintance with the Burmese language, she
had, in past years, wheji there was no missionary in the Pe
guan department, acquired a competent knowledge of that
language, and translated, or superintended the translation of,
the. New Testament and the principal Burmese tracts into
Peguan. But when a missionary was appointed to that de
partment, she transferred her work to him, and gladly confined
herself to the Burmese.
Something, also, might be said with regard to her labors in
the Karen wilderness east of Tavoy, especially during the
years of her widowhood, when she made toilsome journeys
among the mountains, sometimes amid drenching rains, and
always with many privations, and where, notwithstanding that
she was wholly opposed to the principle of females acting the
part of ministers, she was frequently obliged to conduct wor
ship in the Karen assemblies.
Her bereaved husband is the more desirous of bearing this
testimony to her various attainments, her labors, and her

TRIBUTE TO MRS. SARAH B. JUDSON. 207
worth, from the fact that her own unobtrusive and retiring
disposition always led her to seek the shade, as well as from
the fact that she was often brought into comparison with one
whose life and character were uncommonly interesting and
brilliant. The memoir of his first beloved wife has been long
before the public. It is, therefore, most gratifying to his feel
ings to be able to say, in truth, that the subject of this notice
was, in every point of natural and moral excellence, the wor
thy successor of Ann H. Judson. He constantly thanks God
that he has been blessed with two of the best of wives ; he
deeply feels that he has not improved these rich blessings as he
ought, and it is most painful to reflect that, from the peculiar
pressure of the missionary life, he has sometimes failed to
treat those dear beings with that consideration, attention, and
kindness, which their situation in a foreign heathen land ever
demanded. But, to show the forgiving and grateful disposition of the
subject of this brief sketch, and somewhat to elucidate her
character, he would add that, a few days before her death, he
called her children to her bedside, and said, in their hearing,
" I wish, my love, to ask pardon for every unkind word or
deed of which I have ever been guilty. I feel that I have,
in many instances, failed of treating you with that kindness
and affection which you have ever deserved." * " 0," said she,
" you will kill me if you talk so. It is I that should ask par
don of you ; and I only want to get well that I may have an
opportunity of making some return for all your kindness, and
of showing you how much I love you."
This recollection of her dying bed leads me to say a few
words relative to the closing scenes of her life. After her
prostration at the Isle of France, where we spent three weeks,
* " I always regretted that this paragraph should have been writ
ten, because it is calculated to mislead the reader. To my mind it
seems utterly impossible that Dr. Judson could ever have spoken,
much less acted, unkindly, or even thoughtlessly, to his wife. I
never saw any one so constantly considerate and so uiu'eservedly de«
voted."— E. C. J.

208 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
there remained but little expectation of her recovery. Her
hope had long been fixed on the Rock of Ages, and she had
been in the habit of contemplating death as neither distant
nor undesirable. As it drew near, she remained perfectly
tranquil. No shade of doubt, or fear, or anxiety, ever passed
over her mind. She had a prevailing preference to depart
and be with Christ. " I am longing to depart," and, " What
can I want beside ? " quoting the language of a familiar
hymn, were the expressions which revealed the spiritual
peace and joy of her mind ; yet, at times, the thought of her
native land, to which she was approaching, after an absence
of twenty years, and a longing desire to see once more her
son George, her parents, and the friends of her youth, drew
down her ascending soul, and constrained her to say, " I am
.n a strait betwixt two — let the will of God be done."
In regard to her children she ever manifested the most sur
prising composure and resignation, so much so that I was
once induced to say, " You seem to have forgotten the little
ones we have left behind." " Can a mother forget ? " she re
plied, and was unable to proceed. During her last days she
spent much time in praying for the early conversion of her
children. May her living and her dying prayers draw down
the blessing of God on their bereaved heads.
On our passage homeward, as the strength of Mrs. Judson
gradually declined, I expected to be under the painful neces
sity of burying her in the sea. But it was so ordered by
divine Providence, that, when the indications of approaching
death had become strongly marked, the ship came to anchor
in the port of St. Helena. For three days she continued to
sink rapidly, though her bodily sufferings were not very
severe. Her mind became liable to wander ; but a single
word was sufficient to recall and steady her recollection. On
the evening of the 31st of August, she appeared to be draw
ing near to the end of her pilgrimage. The children took
leave of her, and retired to rest. I sat alone by the side of
her bed during the hours of the night, endeavoring to admin
ister relief to the distressed body, and consolation to the

TRIBUTE TO MRS. SARAH B. JUDSON. 209
departing soul. At two o'clock in the morning, wishing to ob
tain one more token of recognition, I roused her attention, and
said, " Do you siill love the Saviour ? " " O, yes," she
replied, " I evei love the Lord Jesus Christ." I said again,
" Do you still lcve me? " She replied in the affirmative, by
a peculiar expression of her own. " Then give me one more
kiss ; " and we exchanged that token of love for the last
time. Another hour passed, life continued to recede, and she
ceased to breathe. For a moment I traced her upward
flight, and thought of the wonders which were opening to her
view. I then closed her sightless eyes, dressed her, for the
last time, in the drapery of death ; and being quite exhausted
with many sleepless nights, I threw myself down and slept.
On awaking in the morning, I saw the children standing and
weeping around the body of their dear mother, then, for the
first time, inattentive to their cries. In the course of the day
a coffin was procured from the shore, in which I placed all
that remained of her whom I had so much loved ; and after
a prayer had been offered by a dear brother minister from the
town, the Rev. Mr. Bertram, we proceeded in boats to the
shore. There we were met by the colonial chaplain, and
accompanied to the burial ground by the adherents and friends
of Mr. Bertram, and a large concourse of the inhabitants.
They had prepared the grave in a beautiful, shady spot, con
tiguous to the grave of Mrs. Chater, a missionary from Ceylon,
who had died in similar circumstances on her passage home.
There I saw her safely deposited, and in the language of
prayer, which we had often presented together at the throne
of grace, I blessed God that her body had attained the repose
of the grave, and her spirit the repose of paradise. After
the funeral, the dear friends of Mr. Bertram took me to their
houses and their hearts ; and their conversation and prayers
afforded me unexpected relief and consolation. But I was
obliged to hasten on board ship, and we immediately went to
sea. On the following morning no vestige of the island was
discernible in the distant horizon. For a few days, in the
solitude of my cabin, with my poor children crying around
18*

210 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
me, I could not help abandoning myself to heart-breaking
sorrow. But the promises of the gospel came to my aid, and
faith stretched her view to the bright world of eternal hfe,
and anticipated a happy meeting with those beloved beings
whose bodies are mouldering at Amherst and St. Helena.
I exceedingly regret that there is no portrait of the second,
as of the first Mrs. Judson. Her soft blue eye, her mild
aspect, her lovely face, and elegant form have never been
delineated on canvas. They must soon pass away from the
memory even of her children, but they will remain forever
enshrined in her husband's heart.
To my friends at St. Helena I am under great obligation.
I desire to thank God for having raised up in that place a
most precious religious interest. The friends of the Redeemer
rallied around an evangelical minister immediately on his
arrival, and within a few months several souls were added to
their number. Those dear, sympathizing, Christian friends
received the body of the deceased from my hands as a sacred
deposit, united with our kind captain, John Codman, Jr., of
Dorchester, in defraying all the expenses of the funeral, and
promised to take care of the grave, and see to the erection of
the gravestones which I am to forward, and on which I pro
pose to place the following inscription : —
" Sacred to the memory of Sarah B. Judson, member of
the American Baptist mission to Burmah, formerly wife of
the Rev. George D. Boardman, of Tavoy, and lately wife of
the Rev. Adoniram Judson, of Maulmain, who died in this
port, September 1, 1845, on her passage to the United States,
in the forty-second year of her age, and in the twenty-first of
"lor missionary life.
" She sleeps sweetly here, on this rook of the ocean,
Away from the home of her youth,
And far from the land where, with heartfelt devotion,
She scattered the fcright beams of truth."

"WE PART ON THIS GREEN ISLET." 211
To the Editor of the Mother's Journal, New York.
My dear Sister : I send you the accompanying lines by
my late beloved wife, written on board ship, near the Isle of
France, when she was so decidedly convalescent that it ap
peared to be my duty to return to Maulmain, and leave her
to prosecute the voyage alone. After we arrived, however, at
the island, she became worse, and I was obliged to relinquish
my first purpose. She continued to decline until we reached
St. Helena, when she took her departure, not for the " setting
sun," but the sun of glory that never sets, and left me to pur
sue a different course, and under very different circumstances
from tl.os5 anticipated in the lines.
We part on this green islet, love, —
Thou for the eastern main,
I for the setting sun, love,
O, when to meet again !
My heart is sad for thee, love,
For lone thy way will be ;
And oft thy tears will fall, love,
For thy children and for me.
The music of thy daughter's voice
Thou'lt miss for many a year,
And the merry shout of thine elder boys
Thou'lt list in vain to hear.
When we knelt to see our Henry die,
And heard his last, faint moan,
Each wiped the tear from other's eye :
Now each must weep alone.
My tears fall fast for thee, love :
How can I say, Farewell !
But go ; thy God be with thee, love,
Thy heart's deep grief to quell.
Yet my spirit clings to thine, love ;
Thy soul remains with me,

212 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON-
And oft we'll hold communion sweet,
O'er the dark and distant sea.
And who can paint our mutual joy,
"When, all our wanderings o'er,
We both shall clasp our infants three
At home, on Burmah's shore !
But higher shall our raptures glow,
On yon celestial plain,
When the loved and parted here beloif
Meet, ne'er to part again.
Then gird thine armor on, love,
Nor faint thou by the way,
Till Boodh shall fall, and Burmah's sons
Shall own Messiah's sway.
And so, God willing, I will endeavor yet to do ; and while
her prostrate form finds repose on the rock of the ocean, and
her sanctified spirit enjoys sweeter repose on the bosom of
Jesus, let me continue to toil on all my appointed time, until
my change, too, shall come. Yours affectionately, A. Judson.
Dr. Judton arrived in Boston on the 15th of Octo
ber, and remained in this country until July of the
following year, or a little less than nine months.
Of the manner of his reception here it is hardly
necessary to speak. His sufferings at Ava, and his
labors as a missionary for more than thirty years,
had made the world conversant with his history. In
the United States his name had become a familiar
word. He was the only missionary remaining in a
heathen land of those who had first left America for
India, and, with a single exception, the only one of
that number now living. But of the millions here

RECEPTION IN iHE UNITED STATES. 213
wh.} had known of his labors, and revered his charac
ter, probably not fifty had ever seen him. A new
generation occupied the places of those venerated
men who were the active supporters of missions at
the time of his embarkation. Hence the desire to see
him was intense. The largest houses of public wor
ship were thronged long before the usual hour of
divine service, if it was known that he was to be
present. Men of all professions and of all beliefs
were anxious to make his acquaintance. His move
ments were chronicled in all the papers, both religious
and secular. In a word, a spontaneous tribute of
homage, love, and veneration awaited him in every
village and city that he visited.
But never was a man more completely out of his
element on occasions of this kind. The manner of
his reception was wholly unexpected to him. When
he arrived in Boston, before coming on shore, he was
much troubled with the apprehension that he should
not know where to look for lodgings. The idea that
a hundred houses would at once be thrown open to
him, and that as many families would feel honored to
receive him as a guest, never entered his mind. He
had, but six weeks before, buried a beloved wife amid
the rocks of St. Helena. His own health was exceed
ingly delicate, and our rough aatumnal winds brought
back, with renewed violence, the disease of his throat.
Public speaking greatly aggravated his complaint.
Simple attendance upon the evening meetings which
were summoned to welcome his return agitated his
nervous system painfully, and frequently deprived him
of quiet rest for the whole of the following night.
Nor was this all. He shrunk with instinctive deli
cacy from crowded assemblies where he himself

214 MEMOIR OF Dft JUDSON.
was the theme on which every speaker dilated. He
seemed to himself to stand up, for he could not speak,
merely to be exhibited. In this matter he appeared
to me a little nervous, and somewhat to err in judg
ment. When earnest Christian men sought to make
his acquaintance, — men who would never have done
it but because they honored his services for Christ, —
his manner of receiving them was sometimes chilling,
if not repulsive. He seemed to himself to have done
nothing that called for any special token of respect ;
and he therefore too readily concluded that he was
only looked at as. a somewhat unusual specimen. I
witnessed myself some instances of this kind, and
regretted to perceive that he had, as I thought, mis
taken the motives of those who really honored him as
a man who had borne hardness for the sake of Christ.
The real explanation of cases of this kind is to be
found, I believe, in the feeling of self-depreciation,
which was habitual to him, combined with a nervous
shrinking from being made an object of general ob
servation, and not unfrequently of excessive praise.
Of his humility no one who observed the tone of his
religious sentiments could entertain a doubt. He was
my guest during his brief visit to Providence ; and
conducted family worship on the evening after a
meeting to welcome his return had been held in the
First Baptist Church. His prayer on that occa
sion can never be forgotten by those who heard it.
So lowly abasement in the presence of unspotted
holiness, such earnest pleadings for pardon for the
imperfection of those services for which men praised
him, so utter renunciation of all merit for any thing
that he had ?ver done, and so entire reliance for ac
ceptance with God only on the merits and atonement

RECEPTION IN BOSTON. 215
of the gospel sacrifice for sin, I think it was never my
happiness to hear on any other occasion. Such, I
believe, was the habitual temper of his mind, that
the more his brsthren were disposed to exalt him, the
more deeply did he seem to feel his own deficiencies,
and the more humble was his prostration at the foot
of the cross.
On several occasions, he addressed his brethren in
public assemblies through the medium of some indi
vidual, who, standing by his side, would repeat to the
audience the sentiments which he uttered almost in a
whisper. On one or two occasions, he wrote out in
full the address, which was read by another. Several
of these addresses will be found in the following
pages. They all breathe the same spirit. They are
the words of a man whose efforts are all in one direc
tion, and who is living in simplicity of heart for no
other purpose than to advance the interests of the
kingdom of Christ, and to advance them by saving
souls from eternal death. The sentiment of the apostle
expressed the feeling which seemed ever uppermost in
his mind — "For me to live is Christ, and to die is
gain." On the evening of October 17, the second day after
his arrival, a meeting, verbally notified, was held in the
Bowdoin Square Church, Boston, to extend to him a
public welcome. The word passed so rapidly from
one to another, that at an early hour the edifice was
crowded. After appropriate devotional exercises, the
Rev. Dr. Sharp arose with Dr. Judson before the con
gregation. The following report of the addresses and
incidents of the occasion is taken from contemporary
journals.* * Christian Watchman, and Christian Reflector, October 23, 24,
1840.

216 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
" There are some feelings," said Dr. Sharp, " which are
too sacred for public utterance. There are sentiments of re
spect and regard which, when whispered to the ear, 01
spoken in the privacy of confidential intercourse, are pleasant
and refreshing as the breath of spring, but which lose their
fragrance in the atmosphere of a public assembly. Were I
to express my own feelings towards yourself, — my admira
tion, my confidence, my gratitude, my regard, — I should say
many things that in this assembly would seem out of place.
I may, however, without violating Christian propriety, speak
in behalf of the public in the presence of the public.
" I may say, without the semblance of flattery or adulation,
the denomination have cherished a deep, and affectionate, and
grateful interest in your labors. They have wondered at
your steady and unfaltering perseverance ; they have admired
your disinterested and self-denying course ; and they have
tenderly sympathized with you, and prayed for you, when
they heard of your personal sufferings, your imprisonment,
and loss of personal liberty, and when they have heard of
those greater losses, to which, in the death of loved and cher
ished ones, you have been subjected. And they have rejoiced
with you, not, indeed, that all your work was done, but that a
glorious work was done, when, in humble prostration before the
beneficent Author of revelation, you devoutly thanked him
that you had completed the translation of the Holy Scriptures
in the Burman language. That was a memorable day, not only
in the history of your own life, but in the history of missions.
" We can only pray, dear brother, that, after a still more
extended and critical knowledge of the Burman language, the
result of patient and laborious study and research, your
life may be prolonged to revise and amend your translation
of those soul-sanctifying and soul-comforting truths which tell
with wondrous power in any language in which a version
of them is given. Your prosecution of that other great work,
to which your mind, and pen, and days are given, — a Burman
dictionary, — at the completion of which you may well rest
from your labors, will aid you greatly in giving your last cor-

RECEPTION IN BOSTON. 217
recting touch to the Burman Scriptures. Our prayer will be.
m submission to God's will, that you may live until you have
sent out to the world the volumes which will not only shed
their radiant light on the Scriptures, but will quicken and
elevate the common mind of India.
" And now, dear brother, withdrawn as you have been, by
an afflictive dispensation of Providence, from your chosen and
loved labors, allow me to say, in behalf of your ministering
brethren, and other brethren and friends, We welcome you to
your native land ; we welcome you to the scenes of your early
and manly youth ; we welcome you to our worshipping assem
blies ; we welcome you to our hearts. As the representative
of the ministers and private Christians present, I give to you
this hand of cordial welcome, of sympathy, of approbation,
and of love. And I believe, could all our denomination be
collected in one vast assembly, they would request and em
power some one to perform this service for them ; or, rather,
each one would prefer to give this significant token of love,
and respect, and good wishes, for himself. Were it possible,
and could your strength hold out, and your hand bear the
grasp and the cordial shake of so many, I could wish that
every one who loves the Bible and missions might be his own
representative, and give to you, as I do, the hand of an hon
est, unchanging, and cordial good will."
Dr. SMrp, having thus concluded his welcome, in which all
heartily participated, turned to the congregation, and con
tinued as follows : —
"I trust I shall not be regarded as violating any rule of pro
priety, if, in accordance with the suggestion of my brethren, 1
give a brief review of the facts which the return and sight of
our brother has called up to my recollection. Well do 1
remember the emotions which filled my own bosom, when, in
the month of October or November, 1812, we heard that our
respected brother, then a young man, had attached himself to
our denomination. The pleasure in my own mind was not so
much that he had become a Baptist, as that the event would
be the means of inducing the denomination to engage in the
VOL. II. 19

218 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
cause of missions among the heathen. A conference o'
brethren was immediately held, and there was not a momtjit'*
hesitation to sustain our brother, should his connection witn
another respectable body of Christians be dissolved. Thi?
fact being ascertained by correspondence with the Americap
board, he was adopted by brethren in this city and a neigh
boring town as their missionary, so far as to sustain him.
But whether it would be best to form a foreign missionary
organization here, or simply to request the English Baptist
Missionary Society to receive him, he being supported by
us, was for some time an unsettled question."
Dr. Sharp then read two letters written by himself in the
spring of 1813 ; the first to the Rev. Andrew Fuller, in be
half of the Baptist Society for propagating the Gospel in
India and other Foreign Parts, then recently formed in
Boston, soliciting that Mr. Judson, whose change of views on
the subject of baptism, and desire to be supported by a Bap
tist society, had just become known in this country, might be
taken into the society of the English Baptist brethren in
India, under the direction of Carey, Marshman, and Ward ;
a plan which was afterwards abandoned, and a separate mission
was undertaken, under the care and patronage of the Baptists
in this country. The second letter was addressed to Mr.
Judson, welcoming him as a member and a missionary of the
Baptist denomination in America, and giving some sugges
tions respecting his plans of proceeding.
Rev. Mr. Hague now arose with Dr. Judson, and said that,
as the voice of the beloved brother would not permit him
audibly to address the congregation, he would, by request, act
for him somewhat as an interpreter, repeating his remarks so
that all should be able to hear them.
Dr. Judson then said, " Through the mercy of God I am
permitted to stand before you here, this evening, a pensioner
of your bounty. I desire to thank you for all your sympathy
and aid, and I pray God's blessing to rest upon you. . . .
All that has been done in Burmah has been done by tho
churches, through the feeble and unworthy instrumentality of

RECEPTION IN BOSTON. 219
myself and my brethren. . . . It is one of the severest
trials of my life not to be able to lift up my voice, and give
free utterance to my feelings before this congregation ; but
repeated trials have assured me that I cannot safely attempt
it. And I am much influenced by the circumstance that it
was a request of my wife, in her dying hour, that I would
n ot address public meetings on my arrival. ... I will
only add, that I beg your prayers for the brethren I have
left in Burmah; for the feeble churches we have planted
there ; and that the good work of God's grace may go on
until the world shall be filled with his glory."
Mr. Hague continued, in a strain of highly appropriate and
impressive remarks, to give a brief view of some of the striking
events connected with the history of Mr. Judson's mission, and
his return to his native land, where a new generation had risen
up since his absence, and the places and scenes familiar to his
youth had so entirely changed.
While Mr. Hague was speaking, a gentleman was making
his way from the farther part of the house towards the pulpit.
He was welcomed there with surprise and delight, and was
immediately introduced to the congregation by Dr. Sharp, as
the Rev. Samuel Nott, the only survivor, excepting Dr. Judson,
of the five missionaries who first went out to India from Amer
ica, and the very man, who, when Judson became a Baptist,
stood up and shielded him with the mantle of Christian love.
" For this," said Dr. Sharp, " I have always respected him,
and I am sure you will be glad to hear him."
It is hardly possible for us to describe the scene which fol
lowed. For thirty-three years Nott and Judson had been
separated. They met at this moment for the brst time since
that separation ; and as they now embraced each other with
deep affection and grateful joy, tears started from many an eye
Mr. Nott proceeded to speak with much emotion. More than
thirty years ago he gave his brother the right hand of fellow
ship, and when he became a Baptist it was not withdrawn
One reflection most solemnly impressed him — of the five who
went out to India, three are dead. The gra?s withereth, the

220 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand forever. In
a little while they would all be gone, and every agency now
employed pass away ; but God's word will stand fast, and pre
vail over all the earth. Mr. Nott referred to the small begin
ning of the American Board, as well as the Baptist, their trust
in God, and the present great and glorious work which is ex
hibited to us in contrast. The missionary movement in this
country originated simultaneously in different hearts ; the
spirit of the Most High, and not human influence, gave it birth.
He deemed it a very trifling question whether Adoniram
Judson or Samuel J. Mills was the originator of foreign mis
sions. Samuel Nott, Jr., certainly was not. They were all
mere boys, but with God's blessing on their puerile efforts,
they had begun an influence which is spreading over the
world. '^
It was now* discovered that Mr. Bingham, a pioneer mission
ary to the Sandwich Islands, was unexpectedly present ; and
another thrill of pleasure went through the congregation as his
name was also announced by Dr. Sharp. He addressed the
assembly, congratulating his missionary brethren, referring to
his own early toils and to the great success of the Sandwich
Island mission, and exhorting the people generously to sustain
the glorious cause of missions.
Special Mtsetinp~of the Acting Board.*
A special meeting of the Acting Board was called at the
Missionary Rooms, Boston, October 20, the Hon. Richard
Fletcher, one of the vice presidents, in the chair. The meet
ing was opened with prayer, after which the Corresponding
Secretary, the Rev. S. Peck, announced the arrival of the Rev.
Dr. Judson, on the 15 th instant, in the ship Sophia Walker,
and also the death of Mrs. Judson, on the 1st of September, at
St. Helena. The following resolutions were unanimously
adopted : —
Whereas the Rev. Dr. Judson, the earliest missionary of
* Macedonian, November, 1845.

MEETING WITH THE ACTING BOARD. 221
this board, has been led by divine Providence to revisit his
native country, after the lapse of more than thirty-three years,
and is expected to be present with us this morning, —
Resolved, 1. That it is a fit occasion to record our sense of
the goodness of God, and of his claims to our devout and fer
vent praise. Through all the scenes of that eventful period,
— in toil, in solitude, in manifold privations, in sickness, in im
prisonments, in bereavements, — God has been ever with and
around his servant ; has sheltered, rescued, strengthened,
comforted him ; has given him the desire of his heart in com
pleting a revised translation of the Bible in the Burmese lan
guage, now multiplied and circulated by thousands has
enabled him to gather a church of Burmese converts — be
lievers in Christ, the seal of his apostleship to the heathen ;
and having filled up more than twice the ordinary term of
missionary service, allows him to cherish the hope of prose
cuting to its completion the great work in which he is now
engaged — the preparation of a dictionary, the first attempted,
of the Burmese language.
Resolved, 2. That, in the afflictive circumstances which
more immediately occasioned the return of Dr. Judson, this
board are conscious of a personal and deeply painful interest ;
and especially do we sympathize with our bereaved brothei
under the visitation of God which has separated from him
helper and friend, the partner of his life and the mother of
his children, and assigned a resting-place to her remains in
a solitary island of the sea. But we sorrow in hope. She
was almost twenty years a diligent and honored laborer in the
missionary field ; and many a Karen and Burman, saved
through her instrumentality, will rise up in the judgment and
call her blessed.
Resolved, 3. That it gives us an unwonted joy to see the
face of our beloved brother Judson in the flesh, to take him by
the hand, to mingle our mutual congratulations, to bow with
him in prayers and thanksgivings before the Lord of missions,
both his Lord and ours. We welcome him to this our com
mon native land, to our places of religious concourse, to our
19*

222 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
council boards and our altars ; we welcome him to our homes
and our hearts.
Resolved, 4. That the president be requested, on behalf of
the board, to communicate the above resolves to Dr. Judson, on
his presentation.
Dr. Judson was then introduced to the board, and the fore
going resolutions were read. He made a brief reply, expres
sive of his feelings towards the board — feehngs of gratitude,
confidence, and love. The president followed, assuring him,
in behalf of the board, that his sentiments were fully and cor
dially reciprocated.
A free conversation ensued, in which Dr. Judson made
many interesting statements. To the Corresponding Secretary.
Bradford, October 28, 1845.
Mi dear Brother : I came here from Salem, in the
stage coach, yesterday forenoon. My throat is getting much
worse, not so much, I hope, from continual conversation, as
from a severe cold, which I increase every day, and especially
every evening that I go out to meetings. Last night I suf
fered a good deal through the night, and thought I should be
quite disabled to-day ; but now I am a little relieved. I dread
the meeting this evening at Haverhill ; but as it has been ap
pointed, I suppose I must attend. My chief object in writing
is to beg that I may be excused from attending any more such
meetings, until I get a httle better. I expect to be in Boston
to-morrow, and shall want two or three days for some neces
sary business, and propose to go to Worcester Friday or Sat
urday ; and if I could spend the next Sabbath alone in some
chamber, I should feel it a great privilege, both as a refresh
ment to the soul and a relief to the body. And I should then,
perhaps, be better able to prosecute my journey westward.
May the. Lord bless and direct us in all our ways.
Yours most affectionately,
A. Judson.

VISIT TO PROVIDENCE. 223
Visit to Providence and Brown University.
In N .vember Dr. Judson visited Providence, and
spen. a day in Brown University, the place of his
early education. The following notices of his visit
are taken from the papers of the day.
Providence, November 17, 1845.
The presence of Dr. Judson in our city has thrilled many a
Christian heart with gratitude and joy. It is good, indeed, to
behold the face, and listen to the voice, though it be only in
whispering tones, of one whose name and worth have long
had a cherished place in our hearts, and whom the whole
Christian world reveres and loves. The missionary meeting
that was held here on Sunday evening, on the occasion of Dr.
Judson's presence, will long be remembered by all who
were there. It was not the least interesting feature of the oc
casion, that it was a union missionary meeting of all the evan
gelical denominations ; and, though it was held in the First
Baptist Church, you will not be surprised to learn that at a
very early hour every part of that large house was crowded
to overflowing. Not a pew in any part of the house, not a
place in all the aisles, not the remotest corner, above or below,
remained unoccupied. After an appropriate anthem from the
choir, selections from the Scriptures were read, and prayer
was offered by Rev. Mr. Granger. Dr. Wayland then addressed
the audience. He gave a rapid and interesting sketch of the
life and labors of Dr. Judson, and of the origin and progress of
the Burman mission, and then, with words of welcome and con
gratulation, introduced Dr. Judson to the audience. Dr. Jud
son arose, and, as his voice would not allow him audibly to
address the congregation, the Rev. Dr. Caswell stood by his
side and acted as an interpreter. The first wish of his heart
on this occasion, Dr. Judson said, was to express, in behalf of
himself and his missionary brethren, his deep sense of gratitude
to the church usually worshipping in that house, as one of the
foremost of the Baptist churches in the work of missions, and
especially for their contr 'buttons to the support of the pastor

224 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
of the native church in Rangoon. In the early part of his
residence in Rangoon, he went on to relate, a Burman philos
opher, attended by his pupils, on their way to a neighboring
pagoda, was wi;nt to pass the place where he lived, and
from which he instructed the people. On one occasion, the
philosophei was stopped by the crowd gathered about Dr.
Judson, and his eye accidentally fell upon the first tract that
was publiahed in the Burmese language, the opening words
of which announced the existence of a living, eternal God.
These significant words arrested his whole attention, and he
stood a long time, as in profound thought, his whole soul ab
sorbed with the great truth which they taught. To himself,
as well as the whole nation, this was a new idea, and it led to
a long course of study and investigation, which finally resulted
in the renunciation of the religion of his country, and the
adoption of Christianity.
He was baptized, and commenced a course of zealous labor
as a Christian teacher. He soon became obnoxious to the
government, and was tried and condemned to death. But be
fore the day of execution came on, he effected his escape, and
fled from the city. Since that time Dr. Judson had never
seen him, nor learned any particulars of his life, but had fre
quently heard of him, through persons who came a long dis
tance from the interior, in search of tracts and Bibles, having
been awakened to inquiry, and converted to the Christian
faith, by his instructions. The native pastor, to whom refer
ence had been made, was once a pupil of this Burman phi
losopher, and afterwards his disciple in the better school of
Christian truth. After this interesting allusion to this signal
instance of the effect of Christian missions, Dr. Judson ob
served that for more than thirty-three years he had been liv
ing in the midst of a people of practical atheists, whose sole
object of worship was the image of a being called Gaudama,
who had lived some two thousand years ago.
The image of this being they were taught to worship from
their earliest infancy ; mothers bringing to it their little chil
dren in their arms, and teaching them to clasp it with the

VISIT TO BROWN UNIVERSITY. 225
affection ot infantile devotion. Through the blessing of God
much good had been done, multitudes converted, and churches
formed ; ar,d nothing but the toleration of government seemed
wanting to give the blessings of Christianity to the whole na
tion. On returning to his native land after so long an ab
sence, he saw on all sides much to admire and love ; but he
must confess that the conversion of one immortal soul on
those heathen shores awakened within him deeper emotion
than all the beauty of this glorious land. The greatest favor
he could ask of his Christian friends was, to permit him to
return as soon as possible to his home on the banks of the
Salwen ; those banks from which he had led so many happy
converts into the baptismal waters ; those banks which had
so often resounded with the notes of a baptismal song, com
posed by her whom he had so lately lost, who had now left
her task of making hymns on earth for the higher and better
one of singing with angels and ransomed spirits that " new
song of Moses and the Lamb." " May it be ours," were the
last words of the speaker, " to meet her there at last, and join
that holy throng whom no man can number, who rest not day
and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty ! "
Addresses were then made by Dr. Caswell, Rev. Mr. Jame
son, and Rev. Mr. Leavitt ; and the exercises of the meeting
were closed by prayer, and the singing of the Missionary
Hymn. On Monday Dr. Judson visited Brown University. The
return of this distinguished man to this seat of learning, in
which he was graduated in 1807, and from which he has been
absent in a heathen land more than thirty years, awakened
the deepest interest in all the members of the university.
The students assembled in the library room, and, after bulng
introduced, were addressed by him in a few words, ex
pressing the thoughts and feelings which thronged in upon
him on revisiting the place of his education. He expressed his
admiration at the improved condition of all that he saw around
him in the external condition of the college, as well as its in
ternal arrangements, its increased means of education, and the

226 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
quiet and gentlemanly deportment of the students, and in clos
ing paid a high compliment to the distinguished president of
the university, who was known, he said, as a scholar and a
friend of missions, wherever American missionaries had gone.
Dr. Judson was also present at a special meeting of the
Philermenian Society, of which he was a member when
an undergraduate. On being introduced by one of the
officers of the college, he was welcomed in an appropriate
speech by the president of the society. The secretary
then read the records of the meeting in 1804, at which
time Mr. Judson joined the society. The reading of this record
awakened many old associations of Dr. Judson's college life,
and rising under the influence of deep emotion, he said a few
earnest and affectionate words, expressive of his continued in
terest in the society, and his warm wishes for the intellectual
and spiritual welfare of all its members.
The society was also addressed by Rev. Thomas Williams,
who was well acquainted with Dr. Judson when in college.
He spoke with deep feeling of the early character of Dr. Judson,
and after adverting to his subsequent life and labors, exhorted
the members of the society to place before them for imitation
his bright Christian example. The whole occasion was one
of the deepest interest, and will long be remembered by all
who were present.
The following comprises the substance. of Dr. Jud
son's address to the Society for Missionary Inquiry,
in Brown University, during his visit : —
Dr. Judson, accompanied by Dr. Wayland, met the members
at the society's room, where he was apprised of the object of
the association, the general character of its meetings, and of
the -provision in its constitution which requires from every
member a pledge that he will make it a matter of serious
inquiry and earnest prayer, to ascertain whether it be not his
duty to go in person as a missionary to the heathen.
On the table befor* him lay the " Holj Bible in Burmese."

MEETING WITH SOCIETY FOR MISSIONARY INQUIRY. 227
He held in his hands the book containing the constitution and
the names of members, some of whom are now in the mis
sionary field. He examined it for a moment, and then in a
low voice, but with a most impressive manner, expressed
himself in language very nearly as follows : —
My dear young Brethren : There is one, and only one,
right path for every man, — foi each one of you to follow,
in order to insure the full appn ib.'ition of God, and the great
est success in your efforts to do good and glorify him. Seek
that one path. There may, indeed, be some other path, not
very far from the right one, in which you can accomplish
something for the cause of truth ; but nowhere can you do so
much as in that one. Do not, my brethren, content your
selves with any thing short of finding the one path marked
out for you by the will of Heaven ; and when you have found
it, walk in it, straight forward, and let nothing turn you aside.
But to find that path : that is the question, and one not to
be settled without diligent inquiry. To determine this point
in your own case, in the first place, try all your schemes by
the unerring word of God. Reject, at once, whatever has
not a firm basis there. Let this blessed word be to you the
golden lamp of heaven, hung out to guide you into and along
the pathway of duty, and do not for a moment turn your
backs upon this glorious light, to follow the feeble tapers of
your own lighting. But you are not to suppose that this of
itself, independent of all other considerations, will decide you
to your particular sphere of labor. Next, then, look for the
developments of God's providence in your own characters,
and in the circumstances in whi :h you are placed. Watch
for the expression of his will in the opinions and advice of
your most pious and judicious brethren respecting you, and
by all means humbly and earnestly pray f:r guidance from
above. Finally, seek for a deep and abiding conviction of duty.
Do not act from the impulse of mere feeling. There is great
danger here. Feelings often mislead us. Good men some
times mistake transient impressions, or the whisperings of

228 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
their own vain imaginations, for a sense of duty, and follow
some satanic influence, instead of the Spirit of truth. You
must be very cautious here. I well recollect when I and
other young men stood before the association in Bradford, to
petition that body for aid in prosecuting our missionary
scheme. Inquiry was made respecting the motives which
prompted us to engage in this work. Samuel J. Mills replied,
with great emphasis, " I feel myself impelled to go — yea,
woe is me if I preach not the gospel to the heathen.'' It is this
settled conviction of duty to Christ, a feeling that necessity is
laid upon him, and this only, that will sustain a man under
the severe trials and labors of the missionary life. Without
this he will soon be discouraged, and faint by the way. But
with the assurance that, having humbly submitted himself
to the divine teaching, he has the approval of Christ, he is
prepared for any event. With this he can labor ; by this he
can die. If brought into difficulties, from which there seems
no escape, he feels that he has gone thus far in obedience to
his Lord's command ; that he is doing his Master's work ; and
that, whatever befalls him, all is well : it is the will of Christ.
If you can have this unwavering conviction, my dear
brethren, that God requires you to go as missionaries to the
heathen, go. But do not go without it. It is indispensa
ble to your success. I have known more than one missionary
break down for want of this assurance.
If it be the will of God, may many of you go, constrained
by the love of Christ, and lead many more to love him ; and
when our work is done on earth, may we all be raised to
heaven, where we shall know more of his love to us, and love
him more.
A short but fervent prayer by Dr. Judson closed this deep
ly interesting interview ; and I doubt not all present felt, as
the man of God turned to depart, what it was to live and
labor for Jesus Christ, as they never felt it before.
A special meeting of the Triennial Convention
was held in the city of New York, on the 19th of

MEETING WITH THE TRIENNIAL CONVENTION. 229
November, 1845. At this meeting, the following res
olutions, prefaced with a brief and -eloquent address,
were offered by the B,ev. Dr. Cone, of New York : —
Resolved, That this convention regard as a special occa
sion of gratitude to the God of all grace, that he has so long
preserved the life of our senior missionary, the Rev. Adoni
ram Judson, D. D., and has strengthened him to perform ser
vices of inestimable value to the perishing heathen.
Resolved, That the president be requested to express to our
brother Judson assurances of the pleasure with which we
welcome him to his native land, and of our heartfelt sympathy
with him in the painful circumstances which have withdrawn
him, as we hope, only for a season from the field of his mis
sionary labors.
The resolutions having been unanimously adopted,
Dr. Judson rose, in the presence of a deeply-affected
assembly, when the president addressed him as fol
lows : —
Tt is with no ordinary feelings, my beloved brother, that I
rise to discharge the duty imposed upon me by the resolution
which you have this moment heard. My own heart assures
me that language is inadequate to express the sentiments of
your brethren on the present occasion.
Thirty-three years since, you and a few other servants of the
most high God, relying simply upon his promises, left your
native land to carry the message of Christ to the heathen.
You were the first offering of the American churches to the
Gentiles. You went forth amid the sneers of the thoughtless,
and with only the cold and reluctant consent of many of your
brethren. The general voice declared your undertaking fa
natical, and those who cowered under its rebuke drew back
from you in alarm. On the voyage your views respecting
Christian ordinances became changed, and this change gave
rise to the convention now in session before you.
vol. ii. 20

230 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
When at length you arrived in India, more formidable ob
stacks than those arising from paganism were thrown in your
path. The mightiest empire that the world has ever seen
forbade every attempt to preach Christ to the countless mil
lions subjected to her sway, and ordered you peremptorily
from her shores. Escaping from her power, you took refuge
in the Isle of France, and at last, after many perils, arrived
at Rangoon, where, out of the reach of Christian power, you
were permitted to enter upon your labors of love.
After years of toil you were able to preach Christ to the Bur
mans, and men began to inquire after the eternal God. The
intolerance of the government then became apparent, and you
proceeded to Ava, to plead the cause of toleration before the
emperor. Your second attempt was successful, and permis
sion was granted to preach the gospel in the capital itself. But
how inscrutable are the ways of Providence ! Your labors
had just commenced when a British army took possession of
Rangoon, and you and your fellow-laborer, the late Dr. Price,
were cast into a loathsome dungeon, and loaded with chains.
For nearly two years you suffered all that barbarian cruelty
could inflict; and to the special interposition of God alone is
it to be ascribed that your imprisonment was not terminated
by a violent death. On you, more than any other missionary
of modern times, has been conferred the distinction of suffering
for Christ. Your limbs have been galled with fetters, and
you have tracked with bleeding feet the burning sands between
Ava and Oung-pen-la.
With the apostle of the Gentiles you may say, " Henceforth
let no man trouble me ; I bear in my body the scars of the
Lord Jesus." Yet even here God did not leave you comfort
less. He had provided an angel to minister to your wants,
and when her errand was accomplished, took her to himself,
and the hopia tree marks the spot whence her spirit ascended.
From prison and from chains, God, in his own time, delivered
you, and made your assistance of special importance in nego
tiating a treaty of peace between these two nations, one of
whom had driven you from her shores, and the other had in
flicted upon you every cruelty but death.

MEETING WITH THE TRIENNIAL CONVENTION. 231
Since this period, the prime of your life has been spent in
laboring to bless the people who had so barbarously perse
cuted you. Almost all the Christian literature in their lan
guage has proceeded from your pen ; your own hand has
given to the nation the oracles of God, and opened to the mil
lions now living, and to those that shall come after them to the
end of time, the door of everlasting life. That mysterious
Providence which shut you out from Burmah proper has in
troduced you to the Karens — a people who seem to have
preserved, from remote antiquity, the knowledge of the true
God, and who were waiting to receive the message of his Son.
To them you, and those who have followed in your footsteps,
have made known the Saviour of the world, and they by thou
sands have flocked to the standard of the cross.
After years spent in unremitted toil, the providence of God
has brought you to be present with us at this important crisis.
We sympathize with you in all the sorrows of your painful
voyage. May God sustain you in your sore bereavement,
and cause even this mysterious dispensation to work out for
you a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
How changed is the moral aspect of the world since you
first entered upon your labors ! Then no pagan nation had
heard the name of Christ from American lips; at present,
churches of Christ, planted by American benevolence, are
springing up in almost every heathen nation. The shores of the
Mediterranean, the islands of the sea, the thronged cities and
the wild jungles of India, are resounding with the high praises
of God, in strains first taught by American missionaries. The
nation that drove you from her shores has learned to foster
the messenger of the cross with parental solicitude. You
return to your native land, whence you were suffered to depart
almost without her blessing, and you find that the missionary
enterprise has kindled a flame that can never be quenched
in the heart of the universal church, and that every Christian
and every philanthropist comes forward to tender to you the hom
age due to the man through whose sufferings, labors, and exam
ples, these changes have, to so great a degree, been effect sd. In

232 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
behalf of our brethren, in behalf of the whole church of Christ,
we welcome you back to the land of your fathers. God grant
that your life may long be preserved, and that what you have
seen may prove to be but the beginning of blessing to our
churches at home and to the heathen abroad.
Dr. Judson briefly expressed his thanks for the kind
manner in which he had been uniformly welcomed
since his return, and earnestly hoped that all this
would be overruled and blessed to promote his humili
ty, and the more faithful discharge of his duty among
the heathen.
The following addresses were delivered by Dr. Jud
son on several occasions during his visit to the United
States. Address at a Missionary Meeting in Philadelphia.
Be ye imitators of me, as I am of Christ, is a divine com
mand. There is one Being in the universe who unites in
himself all the excellences of the human and divine nature —
that being is Jesus Christ. To become like Jesus Christ, we
must be like him, not only in spirit and character, but in the
whole course and conduct of life ; and to become like him
ought to be our whole aim. In order to this, it is necessary
to ascertain the leading characteristics of that glorious Being.
It appears from the inspired writings, that one leading charac
teristic of Christ was, that " he went about doing good." To
be like him, we must go about — not merely stay and do good,
but go and do good. There is another characteristic which
we should consider. He led the life of a missionary. In order,
therefore, to be like him in this particular, we must endeavor,
as far as possible, to lead the life of missionaries. Before my
arrival in Burmah, there were about seven millions of men,
women, and children, who had no knowledge of the true Gcd,
and of salvation through Jesus Christ. They did not believe
in the existence of an eternal God. They believed that wher

ADDRESS IN PHILADELPHIA. 233
they died they would be changed into beasts, or be annihilated.
Their only object in worship was to obtain some mitigation of
suffering. They never expected to meet their friends again
after death. Imagine yourselves, my Christian friends, in
their state without a knowledge of God. Suppose, while in
that state, you heard that in some isle of the sea were those
who had received a revelation, informing them that God had
sent his own Son to open a way to everlasting life ; would you
not rejoice, if some one should come to show you that way to
heaven ? Would not some of you believe ? Would you not
leap with joy, and kiss the feet of those who brought you the
good tidings ? Would you not, under these circumstances,
desire that a messenger should come to you ? " As ye would
that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." I should
rejoice to address the assembly at large, but my physicians have
forbidden me, and I must commit this duty to others who are
to follow. But allow me to say, that I regard the office of the
missionary as a most glorious occupation, because the faithful
missionary is engaged in a work which is like that of the Lord
Jesus Christ ; and a missionary who is unfaithful sinks the
lowest of his species in guilt and ignominy. Happy are they
who can in this respect follow Christ. But the Lord Jesus is
not now a missionary. He has retired from this employment,
and now eniploys himself in sustaining his missionaries, with
the promise, " Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end."
If you cannot, therefore, become a missionary, sustain by your
prayers, your influence, and your property, those who are. In
these ways Jesus Christ now sustains them. By his prayers,
as Advocate and Intercessor with the Father; by his influence,
as he is vested with all power in heaven and earth ; by his
property, by pouring out fresh supplies of his Spirit, and open
ing the hearts of his children to contribute. In order, there
fore, to be .like Christ, go about doing good ; and if it is not in
your power to give yourselves to this work, give your prayers,
your influence, and your property. So far as we are like
Christ in this world, so far shall we be like him through eter
nity Sc far as we sustain this cause, which is peculiarly
20 *

234 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
the cause of God, so far shall we be happy through end
less ages.
Remar7cs . efore the Boardman Missionary Society at Waterville College.
At the appointed hour the society, together with the faculty
and the remainder of the students, assembled in one of the
recitation rooms, where ensued a scene of such solemn interest
as has seldom occurred among us.
The crowded room was hushed into the most death-like
stillness, in order that not a syllable should be lost to any ear ;
and as the low, earnest and melodious tones fell upon us, it
seemed hardly sacrilegious to be reminded of the " still
small voice" that addressed the prophet Elijah. Copious
notes of his remarks were taken by some of the brethren,
which may be read with interest by those who love to treasure
up every word that drops from the lips of this modern apostle.
He began, with manifest signs of deep feeling : " Upon an
occasion like this, dear brethren, a multitude of thoughts crowd
upon me, so that I know not where to begin or what to select.
Probably many of you have the ministry in view, and some
perhaps look forward to a missionary life. You will expect
me to speak of missions and missionary life. I have seen so
much of the trials and responsibility of missionary labors, that
I am unwilling to urge any one to assume them. The urging
must come from a higher source. One important thought just
occurs to me. You have but one life to live in which to pre
pare for eternity. If you had four or five lives, two or three
of them might be spent in carelessness. But you have one,
only. Every action of that one life gives coloring to your eter
nity. How important, then, that you spend that life so as
to please the Saviour, the blessed Saviour, who has done every
thing for you !
" If any of you enter the gospel ministry in this or other lands,
let not your object be so much to ' do your duty,' or even to
' save souls,' though these should have a place in your mo
tives, as to please the Lord Jesus. Let this be your ruling
motiv; in all that you do. Now, do you ask how you shall

ADDRESS BEFORE THE A. AND F. BIBLE SOCIETY. 235
please him ? How, indeed, shall we know what will please
him, but by his commands ? Obey these commands, and you
will not fail to please him. And there is that ' last command,'
given just before he ascended to the Father, ' Go ye into all
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' It is not
yet obeyed as it should be. Fulfil that, and you will please
the Saviour.
" Some one asked me, not long ago, whether faith or love sa-
luenced me most in going to the heathen. I thought of it
a while, and at length concluded that there was in me but littl%
of either. But in thinking of what did influence me, I remem
bered a time, out in the woods back of Andover Seminary,
when I was almost disheartened. Every thing looked dark.
No one had gone out from this country. The way was not
i. pen. The field was far distant, and in an unhealthy climate.
I knew not what to do. All at once ' that ' last command '
seemed to come to my heart directly from heaven. I could
doubt no longer, but determined on the spot to obey it at all
hazards, for the sake of pleasing the Lord Jesus Christ.
" Now, my dear brethren, if the Lord wants you for mission
aries, he will set that command home to your hearts. If he
does so, you neglect it at your peril."
Dr. Judson spoke, in a most impressive and glowing manner,
of the reward laid up on high for those who endeavored to
please the Saviour, and then offered a prayer which I can
only describe by saying, it was one of Judson's prayers. I had
enjoyed a previous opportunity of uniting my petitions with
his before the throne- of grace, and can say that the repetition
of the privilege caused me to admire yet more the exceeding
simplicity and humility which adorn this great man's character.
Address before the American and Foreign Bible Society-
Go ye into all the world and preach the gospelj or rather
proclaim the good news, to every creature. The word preach
has in modern usage acquired a meaning rather too specific
for the original. Oral communication may be the first and
most obvious, but is certainly not the exclusive meaning of the

236 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
original word. It is more faithfully represented in English
bv the word proclaim. If a messenger from a king or supe
rior government should be sent to a rebellious province, to
proclaim pardon to the inhabitants, he would evidently be ful
filling his commission, whether he communicated the intel
ligence by addressing the people in his own person, or by in
serting notices in the public prints, or by circulating handbills,
or by distributing authentic documents from the sovereign,
declaring the terms of pardon. The apostle Paul did as
, really and csrtainly, as effectually and extensively, proclaim
the gospel, when he penned the Epistles to the Hebrews and
ihe Romans, as when he addressed the Jews in their syna
gogues, or received co.npany in his own hired house at Rome.
The earlier communications of a missionary, sent to impart
the gospel to an unenlightened people, will probably be of
an oral kind ; but he will have very imperfectly fulfilled his
commission, if he leave them without the written word. The
mischievous consequences also of such neglect are abundantly
manifest in the missions conducted by the man of sin. Prot
estant missions have patronized the translation and distribu
tion of the Scriptures ; but of late years there has appeared,
in one or two instances, a tendency to promote the oral com
munication of the gospel, not indeed to an undue preeminence,
but in such a manner as to throw a shade over the written
communication, by means of tracts and Scriptures. In ex
amining the annals of modern missions, it is difficult to ascer
tain which mode of communicating the gospel among a read
ing nation has received the greatest share of divine blessing,
and been instrumental of bringing most souls to the knowl
edge of the truth. And however the preaching of the gospel,
in its common acceptation, and the distribution of tracts, may
secure earlier effects, and be regarded as more popular, all
missionary operations, to be permanently successful, must be
based on the written word. Where that word is most
regarded and honored, there will be the most pure and per
manent success.
The word of God is tJ e golden lamp hung out of heaven,

ADDRESS BEFORE THE A. AND F. BIBLE SOCIETY. 237
to enlighten the nations that sit in darkness, and to show them
the path that leads from the confines of hell to the gates of
paradise. The Bible, in the original tongues, comprises all
the revelation now extant which God has given to this world.
It is, in all its contents, and parts, and appendages, just the
book, the 01:3 book, which infinite wisdom saw best adapted
to answer the end of a written revelation. It may not be
reducible to the rules of human philosophy or logic, for it
transcends them all. It is just as clear and obscure, just as
copious and scanty, has just as many beauties and blemishes,
is replete with just as many difficulties and apparent contra
dictions, as infinite wisdom saw necessary, in order to make
it, like all the works of God, perfect and unique. This one
perfect book is the sacred deposit in the hands of the church.
It has been deposited with the injunction, " Freely ye have
received, freely give." Woe be to that man who withholds
the treasure from his neighbor. Woe be to him who attempts
to obscure the light of the lamp of heaven. It is the peculiar
glory of the last half century that the Christian world has
awaked to the duty and importance of giving the sacred
word " to all lands." Praised be God for Bible and Mis
sionary Societies, the peculiar institutions of modern times.
May their efforts be continued and enlarged a hundred fold,
until their work is consummated — until the Bible is translated
and published in every language under heaven, and a copy of
the sacred volume deposited in every palace, and house, and
hut inhabited by man.
In this momentous era, can any believer in the Christian
religion hope to lie down in the grave, and pass quietly
to paradise, without having made some effort to diffuse the
light of the Bible throughout the world ? Before he cherishes
such a hope, and makes up his mind for such repose, let him
consider how many millions there are who have never seen so
much as one leaf of the sacred volume, never tasted so much
as one drop of the water of that well from which he is draw
ing and drinking every day. Let him consider how much
money must be sxpenda 1, how many toilsome efforts made,

238 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and how many lives sacrificed, before the book can be trans
lated, printed, published, and distributed, before the well can
be unsealed, and the water of life drawn and presented to all
mankind. And then let him inquire of his conscience what
he has done towards accomplishing this great work, during
the years that have passed since he ventured to hope in the
Saviour. He will then be unable to refrain from lifting up
his cry, God of mercy, have mercy on me, and help me from
this moment to spring forward to the work, with such alacrity,^
and resolution, and self-devotement, as will secure the approv
ing smile of the Saviour, and afford my own soul satisfaction
on the great day. Address at a Meeting in JJtica, New York.
When mingling in scenes like the present, and like that in
which he participated on the preceding evening, at which he
believed some then listening to him were present, he was led
into trains of meditation which excited the most deep and
subduing emotions. At such times he involuntarily recalled
many spots memorable in his history. One of these was the
prison at Ava, to which allusion had already been made. In
that gloomy place, on one night when he was more heavily
fettered and was enduring more suffering than usual, he rose
from the painful posture in which he reclined to lean, for an
interval, against the wall. As he cast his eyes around upon
the mass of wretchedness before him, he was able, by the
dim light which was always kept burning in the prison, to
observe the condition of the miserable beings among whom
he was confined. It was an appalling sight. About a hun
dred condemned felons were before him, some sentenced for
murder, all for atrocious crimes. While looking on that spec
tacle, he felt that if ever, by God's mercy, he should obtain his
freedom, he would endeavor to bear without repining the ills
he might be called to endure. Another spot brought to his
recollection was that where he stood to witness the worship
of the Bengalee Juggernaut, — not the great Juggernaut of
Orissa, — for there are several in India, — but one in the

MEETING- Al UTICA. 23S
province of Bengal. The idol car moved onward. Before
him, extending as far as the eye could reach, was a vast ex
panse, a sea of human heads. The whole concourse of de
luded worshippers were shouting as with one voice. Again
his mind reverted to a scene that fell under his observation,
not many years since, in the Karen jungles. It was one of
the festivals of the Karens. He saw three hundred persons,
prostrate upon the earth, men, women, and children, promis
cuously mingled, covered with filth, in a state of brutal intox
ication — a spectacle not to be described to a Christian audi
ence. Scenes like these forced themselves upon his recollec
tion, in view of our places of worship and happy homes.
When coming among us, and seeing the contrasted comfort,
elegance, and refinement, that make our dwellings so inviting
and their inmates so happy, the question spontaneously arose,
What is the cause of all this difference ? O, it is the gospel
— the gospel ! While surrounded with these manifold bless
ings, we could but very imperfectly appreciate the sole cause
of them all.
It was to a world suffering under such wretchedness as
had been spoken of, that the Lord Jesus Christ, in compas
sion for mankind, descended in the reign of the despotic and
abandoned Herod. Amid such scenes he mingled, till he ex
pired on the cross. If his gospel is able to effect all that we
have seen, to transform the ignorant, sensual, and degraded
heathen, and to elevate a nation to such a height of dignity
and enjoyment, and all this in a world still so full of sin,
how will its power appear in the world to which we are ad
vancing ? If here, where sin yet reigns, so great a contrast
can be wrought, how much greater the contrast between this
imperfect state and heaven, free from every defilement !
In Burmah, after all that has been done, there is still the
same prison at Ava, with its manacled convicts. The same
Bengalee Juggernaut is still surrounded by its countless wor
shippers. The same orgies are still celebrated in the Karen
jungles ; and scenes innumerable, as revolting as these, are

240 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
witnessed in all heathen lands. 0, let us pray for the millions
who know nothing of a God or a Saviour, a heaven or a hell.
Address at Washington, D. C.
It has been said that human praise to human ears is always
sweet ; but to me, as a missionary of the cross, it is only so
when offered through me to my Lord. I feel that I am a mis
erable sinner, and desire that my brethren here will unite and
pray for me, that all my past unfaithfulness may be pardoned.
What was the missionary's work ? Some of its responsibili
ties, and the encouragements we had to prosecute it, Dr. Jud
son said, had been declared to us in the discourse to which we
had listened this evening.* When he first visited Burmah,
the idea of an eternal God was not believed nor entertained
by any of the Burmans ; and nothing more than this idea was
entertained by the Karens ; but now the former had in their
own language the whole word of God ; and the New Testa
ment, and parts of the Old, had been translated, by American
missionaries, into several other languages of the East. He
spoke of our missions as expensive, as requiring much for the
outfit of missionaries, and for sustaining them in that field ;
but sacrifices of a pecuniary character were not the only or
the greatest ones to be encountered. There was the sacrifice
of domestic and social comforts here enjoyed, and the sacrifice
of life. He remarked that the average life of American mis
sionaries to the East was only about five years. But we must
have men and money for this work ; and we must all cooper
ate and make sacrifices together. If men were found willing
to go, the church at home should feel willing to send them
out, and support them, that they might give themselves wholly
to their work. Dr. Judson said that his heart was full, and it
was a great privation to him that he was not able to speak
out, and unburden himself, to the satisfaction of himself and
of the audience ; but this the providence of God prevented
him from doing, and he must submit.
* By the Rev. G-. W. Samson.

1ETTERS TO HIS CHILDREN. 241
To his Sons.
Dear Adoniram: and Elnathan : You know not how
much I love you, and how much I think of you. I pray for
you every time I pray for myself. I hear that there are
revivals of religion beginning to appear in different parts of
the country. It would be a blessed thing if you should both
experience religion, and have the privilege of beginning a
revival in Worcester. Cherish this desire in your hearts, and
pray in faith that the blessing may come. If you begin to
feel sorry for your sins, and afraid of the wrath to come, and
begin to love the dear Saviour, because he has died to save
you, and feel some desire to commit your immortal souls to
him,. and be forgiven and accepted, you may begin to hope
the grace of God is reaching you, and that the blessed work
is just beginning. Hold on, then, and cherish those impres
sions, until you get full light and hope.
Dear children, remember your father in his solitary wander
ings, and forget not your dear mother, whom we buried at St.
Helena. Pray for your sister, and your httle brothers beyond
the sea. Your ever affectionate father,
A. Judson.
To G.. D. Boardman. Washington, January 26, 1846.
My dear George : I write to say that I expect to leave
this for Richmond, Virginia, in a few days ; and if you write
me, to the care of Mr. Archibald Thomas, of that place, I
shall get your letter before proceeding farther south, or re
turning north. I am doubtful which course I shall take.
The cold weather is moderate in these parts, and I bear it
very well. My throat also is getting better, in consequence
of never speaking in public. Certain medicines also have, I
suppose, done me some good.
Mr. Peck writes me that there will be an opportunity of
Bailing direct to Maulmain, about the 1st of July. Several
vol. ii. 21

242 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
of us will probably go out together, On this account, I vant
to spend more of my time at the north.
It is my daily prayer that you may be a growing Chris
tian ; that your faith may become stronger, your love more
ardent, and your whole soul and body more consecrated tc
the service of your adorable Lord.
To his Sons.
Dear Adoniram and Elnathan: It is most painful to
reflect that I shall never, in all probability, live with you
much more — only a few days, now and then — before I
embark for Burmah — you, my two dear boys, that I have
loved so much, and tried to take care of, by day and by night,
for so many years. But this separation must take place, and
I must commit you to the kind friends who now take charge
of you, in hope that God will incline their hearts, as hitherto,
to do all for you that is necessary and best, and in the most
precious hope that you will become children of God, and be
prepared to meet me and your departed mother before the
throne of God, with exceeding joy. When George writes,
add a few lines, each of you, that I may see your writing,
though I cannot see your sweet faces.
To Mrs. Newton, of Worcester, Mass.
My dear Mrs. Newton : I thank you for the few lines
that you appended to George's last letter. I need not ask
you to take care of my poor boys. I know you will do so.
And I only hope that they will ever be obedient and grateful.
We had splendid meetings in Philadelphia. You will see,
by the papers, that above fifteen thousand dollars were raised
in that city ; and they will probably raise ten thousand dol
lars every year, perhaps more ; but my nervous system
became deranged again, and I passed many sleepless nights
After a few days I recovered, and am now pretty well. With
love to Dr. Newton, Most affectionately,
A. Judson.

MEETING AT RICHMOND. 243

To the Rev. Dr. Johnson.

Richmond, February 6, 1846.
Rev. and very dear Brother : I have heard so much
of you from all quarters, and especially from my missionary
associate, brother Binney, that when I received your kind
letter of the 23d of December last, I felt that I must come on
and see you and Dr. Fuller, of Beaufort. But I now find it
impossible. The heavy press of business lying "on me in the
Northern States, which must be disposed of previous to sail
ing for the East, the prospect of which is now drawing near,
the increasing complaint of my throat, and the urgent advice
of the most eminent doctors that I desist from visiting new
places, and continuing to aggravate the disease, which, they
say, is even now ready to settle on my lungs, seem to present
an insuperable barrier to my proceeding farther south than
this city. This city I determined at all risks to visit, as it is
the seat of the Southern Convention, in the welfare and pros
perity of which I feel deeply interested. But farther south I
cannot. I turn my face to the north with great reluctance ; but
the bright hope of soon turning my face to the East, my conn-
try, my home on earth, dispels all reluctance to leave any part
of this country, and cheers me with the prospect of spending the
remnant of life where I have spent the greater part of it.
Dear brother,
Most affectionately and respectfully yours,
A. Judson.
Rev. Dr. Johnson, Pres. S. Carolina Bap. State Convention, &c.
On the 8th of February, 1846, a meeting was held
at Richmond, Virginia, to welcome the return of Dr.
Judson to this country. At this meeting the Rev. Dr.
Jeter, pastor of one of the Baptist churches in that
city, and president of the Board of the Southern Bap-
tist Convention, addressed him as follows : —

244 MEMOIR O ' DR. JUDSON.
Brother Judson : I address you on behalf of the Foreign
Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, in Rich
mond, and, I may add, of the whole Baptist denomination in
the south. The service is at once pleasing and painful — •
pleasing, because we had scarcely expected to enjoy the privi
lege of seeing your face and grasping your hand; painful,
because your want of voice prevents you from imparting to
us the instruction and encouragement which you are well
qualified to communicate ; and the brevity of your visit will
make the pain of separation almost equal to the pleasure of
meeting. I seize the present opportunity to present a few remarks ;
and I do it the more readily, as the state of your health does
not permit us to expect many from yourself.
It is interesting to stand at the head spring of a great river,
which, traversing a continent, spreads through kingdoms fer
tility and all the blessings of commerce. The position awakens
emotions of sublimity. It cannot be less interesting and in
spiring to contemplate events wliich, in themselves seemingly
unimportant, have produced momentous results. To such an
event our attention is drawn by your presence.
When you and your honored associates, Nott, Mills, and
Newell, presented to the General Association of Congrega-
tionalists in Massachusetts, assembled in Bradford, in 1810,
a paper expressing your desire to engage in the work of for
eign missions, and asking their advice and aid, who could have
anticipated the result of the application ? At that time the
churches were slumbering profoundly on the subject of mis
sions ; there were no missionary societies, no plans matured
for conducting missions, and no funds collected for the support
of missionaries.
The application originated the American Board of Com
missioners for Foreign Missions. A noble institution it is,
superior to any in our own land, and vying, in the wisdom of
its measures and the success of its efforts, with the best ordered
and most ranowned missionary organizations of the old world.
Its annual expenditure is not far. if at all, short of one

MEETING AT RICHMOND. 246
third of a million of dollars ; and its mission stations have
dotted almost the whole extent of heathendom.
Under the patronage of this board, after considerable hesi
tation and delay on their part, you embarked, with your com
panion and revered associates, in 1812, for the East. On
your arrival there, an event occurred deeply affecting your
own course, and the cause of missions. You, Mrs. Judson,
and the lamented Rice, became Baptists. Whatever may be
said or thought of the change, your sincerity in making it can
not be reasonably called in question. You abandoned a
Christian denomination, wealthy, with whose members you
were intimately acquainted, to whom you were tenderly at
tached, and from whom you expected a liberal support, and
connected yourself with one comparatively poor, to whose
members you were a stranger, and from whom you had no
prospect of receiving assistance. The hand of God was in it.
The change was the means of arousing among the Baptists
of the United States the missionary spirit, and forming the
Baptist Triennial Convention, under whose patronage you
have so long labored.
By a remarkable train of events, among which was the
breaking out of the war between this country and Great Brit
ain, you were led, or rather driven, into Burmah. God had
selected that field for you, and desigred that you should
accomplish a great work there.
I pass over the story of your toils and sufferings, youi
chains and imprisonment, and the almost superhuman fortitude
of your now sainted companion. It is familiar to every
American, and, indeed, every Christian reader. It forms an
essential and thrilling chapter in the history of missions.
And now, my brother, — to say nothing of what has been
effected by the missionaries of the Baptist Triennial Conven
tion among the aborigines of America, in France, in Ger
many, in Denmark, in Greece, in Africa, in China, in Siam,
in Hindoostan, in Asam, — behold what a change God hath
wrought in Burmah, and in the contiguous provinces ! The
Bible has been translated into the Burman language, carefully
21 *

246 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
revised, printed, put into circulation, and read by thousands.
We watched with intense interest the progress of the translation.
We prayed that your life might be spared to complete it. We
saw you, when, having finished the last leaf of the precious
volume, you took it in your hand, and bowing beside your
desk, gave thanks to God that he had enabled you to accom
plish tha work. To that thanksgiving we subjoined our
hearty amen ! In that land, so recently enveloped in the
darkness of heathenism, churches have been founded, to wor
ship the name and keep the ordinances of Jesus. Native
preachers have been raised up to proclaim, in their own
tongue, and among their own countrymen, " the unsearchable
riches of Christ." The Karens, a simple-hearted and singu
lar people, are turning by hundreds and thousands to the
Lord. Among them the gospel has had a success rarely
equalled since the days of the apostles. On Burmah " the
morning light is breaking." The time to favor her has fully
come. We cannot penetrate futurity. I pretend not to be skilled
in prophetic interpretation. But in the next half century we
may anticipate great accessions to Christianity. We found
our hope on past success. Wherever the gospel has been
preached plainly and faithfully, from the equator to the poles,
among civilized or savage men, it has been the "power of
God unto salvation." The success of the missionary enter
prise has every where corresponded, in a remarkable manner,
with the measures of ability, zeal, and diligence employed in
its prosecution. We base our expectation on the increasing
prevalence of the missionary spirit. When, more than half
a century ago, the work of foreign missions commenced among
the Anglo-Saxon Christians, led on by the immortal Carey,
it was predicted that its advocates would soon grow weary,
and relax their efforts. The prediction has not been fulfilled.
At no previous period has it been so much the settled policy
and purpose of the churches to make efforts and sacrifices in
the work of evangelizing the world as it is now. And, above
all, we found oui hope on the divine premises. Unless we

MEETING AT RiCHMOND. 247
havs misconceived their import, they point to a time of greater
light, purity, and triumph in the church than the world has
yet seen. This sin-darkened earth is to be filled with the
knowledge of the glory of God. From the rising of the sun
even unto the going down of the same, the name of Christ
shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense
shall be offered unto his name, and a pure offering.
Henceforth, my brother, you and we shall labor in connec
tion with different boards. Events which neither you nor we
could control produced the separation ; and God, we trust,
will overrule it for good. One thing is certain : the southern
Baptists have no thought of abandoning the missionary field.
We are buckling on our armor, and marshalling our hosts for
a stronger onset on the powers of darkness than we have yet,
made. We have selected China as our battle field ; a vast,
interesting, and inviting field it is. It contains one half, if
not two thirds, of the heathen population of the globe. The
wall which for centuries presented an insuperable barrier to
the introduction of Christianity has recently been levelled
with the dust ; and the banner of the cross now floats in tri
umph in Canton.
But I must close my remarks. Brother Judson, we are
acquainted with your history. We have marked your labors,
have sympathized in your various sufferings, have shed many
a tear at the foot of the " hopia tree," have gone, in fancy,
on mournful pilgrimage to the rocky Island of St. Helena,
have rejoiced in your successes and the successes of your
devoted associates, and have long and fervently wished to see
your face in the flesh. This privilege we now enjoy. Wel
come, thrice welcome are you, my brother, to our city, our
churches, our bosoms. I speak as the representative of
southern Baptists. We love you for the truth's sake, and
for your labors in the cause of Christ. We honor you as the
father of American missions.
One thought pains us. To-morrow morning you will leave
us. We shall see your face no more. You will soon return
to Burmah, tlv land of your adoption. There you will con-

248 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
tinue your toils, and there, probably, be buried. But this
separation is not without its solace. Thank God, it is as near
from Burmah to heaven as from Richmond, or any other
point on the globe. Angels, oft commissioned to convey to
heaven the departing spirits of pious Burmans and Karens,
have learned the way to that dark land. When dismissed
from your toils and sufferings, they will be in readiness to
perform the same service for you. God grant that we may
all meet in that bright world. There sin shall no more annoy
us, separations no more pain us, and every power will find full
and sweet employ in the service of Christ.
And now, my brother, I give my hand in token of our
affection to you, and of your cordial reception among us.

CHAP'l ER VII.
MARRIAGE -FAREWELL SERVICES AT BOSTON.- VOYAGE TO
MAULMAU:. — RECOMMENCES LAB .IRS AT RANGOON. — RETURN
TO MAULMAIN.— REMINISCENCES OF LAST VISIT TO RANGOON
1846-1847.
It was manifest to all the friends of Dr. Judson,
that, much as he was interested in all that he saw in
this country, his heart was in Burmah. He longed to
escape from the whirl of even agreeable excitement,
in which, from the kindness of friends, he could not
but move, and resume his quiet labors for the salva
tion of the heathen. He therefore embraced the first
opportunity that offered to return to Maulmain. This
was undoubtedly unfortunate. Had he remained here
for two years at least, his health might have been per
manently reestablished.
On the 2d of June, 1846, he was married, at Hamil
ton, New York, to Miss Emily Chubbuck, a native of
Eaton, in the same state. He proceeded immediately
to Boston, to prepare for his departure. On the 11th
of July he embarked, with Mrs. Judson and several
other missionaries, on board the ship Faneuil Hall,
Captain Hallet, bound to Maulmain. They arrived
there, after a pleasant passage, on the 30th of Novem
ber following.
Dr. Judson, as soon as possible, resumed his labor at
the dictionary. He, however, found that Maulmain
was fully supplie 1 with missionaries in both the Bur
man aid Karen departments. No missionary had
249

250 memoir of dr. judson.
for a long time attempted to establish himself in Ran
goon. He could prosecute his dictionary work as
well in Rangoon as in Maulmain, and, 'n some re
spects, with greater facilities. Besides this, he could
do something for the salvation of those who were in
the thick darkness of paganism, without any means
of religious instruction. At Rangoon, moreover, he
could avail himself of any favorable opportunity that
might offer for proceeding to Ava, and making another
attempt to secure to the disciples some degree of re
ligious toleration.
With these views he proceeded to Rangoon in Jan
uary, 1847, explored the ground, and made arrange^
ments for the removal of his family. As soon as
these were completed, he returned to Maulmain, and
ree'mbarked for Rangoon February 15, 1847.
He found the government exceedingly intolerant on
the subject of religion, although he, as a Protestant
preacher, and maker of the dictionary, was kindly
received. The governor was a member of the royal
family, with whom he had been acquainted during his
former residence at Ava ; and he not only favored the
proposal of Dr. Judson's visit to Ava, but offered him
letters to the emperor himself. Encouraged thus to
hope that the set time to favor Burmah had come, he
commenced his preparations for a voyage to the capi
tal of the empire.
This hope was, however, destined to a speedy ex
tinction. Before his arrangements had been com
pleted, he received information from Maulmain that the
board had been obliged to curtail their appropriations
for the Burman mission, and left it to the discretion
of the missionaries there to adjust the plan of re
trenchment. The missionaries did not feel themselves

FAREWELL SERVICES IN BOSTON. 251
authorized to supply the funds needed for the support
of the mission at Rangoon. Under these circum
stances, but one course seemed open to him ; and that
was, to return to Maulmain. The hostility of the
government to Christianity had greatly interfered with
his efforts, and now the very possibility of laboring
among them was cut off. With deep sadness of spirit
he therefore bade farewell to the few disciples whom
he had again gathered in Rangoon, and turned his
face towards his former station. This unfortunate
necessity he regretted to the close of his life. There
appeared to him, at this crisis, a slight opening for fur
ther missionary effort in Burmah. Could it have been
improved, he hoped that something important might
have been accomplished. The opportunity, however,
soon passed away, and during his lifetime it never
again reappeared.
Returning to Maulmain, he continued, with his
characteristic energy, the work of the dictionary ; unit
ing with it, as his health would permit, the stated
preaching of the gospel in Burmah, and the pastor
ship of the Burman church. In this manner the
year 1848 and part of 1849 passed away, until his
health began to decline, and that illness commenced
which terminated in his death.
The following account of the farewell services on
the occasion of the return of Dr. Judson to Burmah, is
taken from one of the religious papers of the day.* „
Farewell Missionary Services.
Public exercises of a deeply interesting character were
held in Baldwin Place, on Tuesday afternoon, 30th ultimo, in
* Christian Reflector, July 9, 1846.

252 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
reference to the departure for Burmah of the Rev. Dr. Jud
son and a number of new missionaries. A portion of Scrip
ture was read by Rev. Mr. Neale, and prayer offered by Pro
fessor Ripley ; after which the meeting was addressed by
Rev. Mr. Stow. It was not, he said, his object to glorify man,
but to honor God — not to laud and magnify those Christian
heralds who were about to depart for the distant East, but
to commend them to the divine protection and blessing. He
said his present design would be to trace some of the evi
dences of special divine favor manifested towards the board,
in foreign lands, and particularly in Burmah.
The peculiar origin of their first mission, he said, was
worthy of notice, as indicating an overruling Providence,
whose ways are not as our ways. It was commenced in 1813,
by Mr. and Mrs. Judson, who had been sent out by another
denomination ; but their views of Christian ordinances un
dergoing a change, their relations were of necessity changed.
Proceeding to Rangoon, in Burmah, they commenced opera
tions, and soon after were adopted by a society formed among
the Baptists of this country, and, as is well known, an
extensive interest was awakened in the denomination by
these unlooked-for and providential occurrences.
Mr. Stow adduced the character and efficiency of the men
employed, as another proof that the mission was owned of
Heaven. Not one, of all the missionaries of the board, from
its commencement, had, by any moral delinquency, dishonored
the Christian profession.
Another proof, also, was found in the severe but healthful
discipline through which the missions and the board had
frequently passed. These trials had furnished abundant
evidence of the approbation of Heaven — of his benevolence,
as well as paternal discipline and faithfulness. In support of
this assertion, Mr. Stow took a rapid survey of some of the most
trying scenes in the early history of the Burman mission, and
of the manner in which they had been made to contribute to
the furtherance of the gospel. He also showed, that these
missions had been eminently successful. Every mission com-

FAREWELL SERVICES IN BOSTON. 25b
menced had been sustained. More than two hundred and fifty
missionaries and assistants, besides native preachers, had been
appointed, most of whom had already entered the field. Up
wards of nine hundred thousand dollars had been contributed
and expended. The entire Bible had been translated into the
Burmese language, and portions of it into other languages and
dialects, spoken by hundreds of millions. Churches had been
formed, and at least eight thousand pagans had been converted
co Christianity, by the blessing of Heaven on the labor of this
board. A large amount of work had been upon founda
tions, out of sight, but the apparent results had not been
insignificant. He alluded also to the important reflex influence of mis
sions on the literature, piety, public spirit, and benevolence of
the churches at home, and the great change of public sentiment
in reference to foreign missions. Formerly, he said, the
press, and, to some extent, even the pulpit, spoke of them
with suspicion, distrust, and scorn ; but now, respectable
journals, every where, seemed cordially interested in their
progress, and the community generally contemplated their
success with surprise and pleasure.
He concluded with brief remarks to each of the departing
missionaries; uttering, with his accustomed ardor and elo
quence, the words of fraternal sympathy and encourage
ment. Rev. Mr. Peck, secretary of the board, stated that Dr.
and Mrs. Judson, together with Rev. Messrs. Norman Harris
and John S. Beecher, and their wives, and Miss Lydia Lilly-
bridge, an assistant teacher, were expected to leave this port,
next week, in the ship Faneuil Hall, direct for Maulmain,
Burmah. He then gave the committee's instructions to the
new missionaries. Their designation was to the Karens of
the Burman empire, among whom the Baptist missions have
made great advancement during the fifteen years of their
prosecution. In the neighborhood of Maulmain, in Arra
can, and in Bassein, a province of Burmah proper thousands
of converts to Christianity, he said, had been made, and nu-
vol. n. 22

254 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
merous churches had been organized, and some of them placed
under the care of native pastors. But the number of foreign
missionaries is so inadequate, that they are in danger of
falling into such heresies and corruptions as have marred the
church in all ages. The special object of these new mission
aries, he said, would be to have the oversight of these native
churches and pastors, and to build them up in faith, virtue,
and charity. He closed with a brief but very appropriate
address to the venerable pioneer in these missions.
Rev. Dr. Sharp then offered solemn prayer on behalf of
the departing missionaries.
Dr. Judson, unable to address so large an audience at any
length, had prepared a parting address, which was read by
Rev. Mr. Hague, presenting a vivid exhibition of Christian
feeling in view of the many changes that had occurred since
he left America, in 1812. He had increasing confidence in
the wisdom and practicability of the missionary enterprise, and
carried forward the immense audience in sublime contempla
tion of the far greater changes to be looked for during the
next third of a century ; exhorting all to labor on, and hope
on, fully assured that, the victory, though delayed, would be
certain, and the results unspeakably glorious.
Oral Remarks.
The numerous congregation experienced unusual satisfac
tion in hearing the following remarks from Dr. Judson,
which were very distinctly and audibly uttered, and which he
has kindly furnished for our columns : —
My friends are aware, that it is quite impossible for me,
without serious injury to myself, to sustain my voice at such
a height as to reach this large assembly, except for a few
sentences. I have, therefore, taken the liberty of putting
some thoughts on paper, which the Rev. Mr. Hague will do
me the honor of reading to you.
I wish, however, in my own voice, to praise God for the
deep interest in the cause of missions man' fested by the friends

FAREWELL SERVICES IN BOSTON. 255
of the Redeemer in this city and the vicinity, and to thank
them for all their expressions and acts of kindness towards me
during my brief sojourn among them. I regret that circum
stances have prevented my spending more time in this city,
and forming a more intimate acquaintance with those whom
a slight acquaintance has taught me so much to love.
It is as certain as any future event can be, that I shall never
again revisit the shores of my native land ; that, after a few
days, your beautiful city, this great and glorious country, will
be forever shut from my view. No more shall I enter your
places of worship ; no more shall I behold your faces, and ex
change the affectionate salutations of Christian love.
The greatest favor we can bestow on our absent friends is
to bear them on our hearts at the throne of grace. I pray
you, dear friends, remember me there, and my missionary
associates, and our infant churches, and the poor heathen,
among whom we go to live. And though we do meet no
more on earth, I trust that our next meeting will be in that
blessed world where " the loved and the parted here below
meet ne'er to part again." Address.
There are periods in the lives of men, who expi rience much
change of scene and variety of adventure, when they seem to
themselves to be subject to some supernatural illusion, or wild,
magical dream ; when they are ready, amid the whirl of con
flicting recollection, to doubt their own personal identity, and,
like steersmen in a storm, feel that they must keep a steady
eye to the compass and a strong arm at the wheel. The scene
spread out before me seems, on retrospection, to be identified
with the past, and at the same time to be reaching forward
and foreshadowing the future. At one moment the lapse of
thirty-four years is annihilated; the scenes of 1812 are again
present ; and this assembly — how like that which com
mended me to God on first leaving my native shores for the
distant East! But, as I look around, where are the well-

256 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
known faces of Spring, and Worcester, and D wight? Where
are Lyman and Huntington, and Griffin ? And where are
those leaders of the baptized ranks who stretched out their
arms across the water, and received me into their communion ?
Where are Baldwin and Bolles ? Where Holcombe, and
Rogers, and Staughton? I see them not. I have bten to
their temples of worship, but their voices have passed away
And where are my early missionary associates, Newell, and
Hall, and Rice, and Richards, and Mills ? But why inquire
for those so ancient ? Where are the succeeding laborers in
the missionary field for many years, and the intervening gen
eration who sustained the missions? And where are those
who moved amid the dark scenes of Rangoon, and Ava, and
Tavoy ? Where those gentle, yet firm spirits, which ten
anted forms — delicate in structure, but careless of the storm
— now broken, and scattered, and strewn, like the leaves of
autumn, under the shadow of overhanging trees, and on re
mote islands of the sea ?
No, these are not the scenes of 1812 ; nor is this the assem
bly that convened in the Tabernacle of a neighboring city.
Many years have elapsed ; many venerated, many beloved
ones have passed away to be seen no more. " They rest from
their labors, and their works do follow them." And with
what words shall I address those who have taken their places,
the successors of the venerated and the beloved, the genera
tion of 1812 ?
In that year American Christians pledged themselves to
the work of evangelizing the world. They had but little to
rest on, except the command and promise of God. The at
tempts then made by British Christians had not been attended
with so much success as to establish the practicability, or vin
dicate the wisdom, of the missionary enterprise. For many
years the work advanced but slowly. One denomination after
another embarked in the undertaking ; and now American
missionaries are seen in almost every clime. Many languages
have been acquired ; many translations of the Bible have been
made ; the gospel has been extei sively preached ; and churches

FAREWELL SERVICES IN BOSTON. 257
have been established containing thousands of sincere, intelli
gent converts. The obligation, therefore, on the present gen
eration, to redeem the pledge given by their fathers, is greatly
enhaneed And it is an animating consideration, that, with the
enhancement of the obligation, the encouragement to persevere
in the work, and to make still greater efforts, is increas
ing from year to year. Judging from the past, what may we
rationally expect during the lapse of another thirty or forty
years s Look forward with the eye of faith. See the mis
sionary spirit universally diffused, and in active operation
throughout this country ; every church sustaining, not only
its own minister, but, through some general organization, its
own missionary in a foreign land. See the Bible faithfully
translated into all languages ; the rays of the lamp of heaven
transmitted through every medium, and illuminating all lands.
See the Sabbath spreading its holy calm over the face of the
earth, the churches of Zion assembling, and the praises of
Jesus resounding from shore to shore ; and, though the great
majority may still remain, as now in this Christian country,
without hope and without God in the world, yet the barriers
in the way of the descent and operations of the Holy Spirit
removed, so that revivals of rehgion become more constant and
more powerful.
The world is yet in its infancy ; the gracious designs of God
are yet hardly developed. Glorious things are spoken of
Zion, the city of our God. She is yet to triumph, and become
the joy and glory of the whole earth. Blessed be God that
we live in these latter times — the latter times of the reign of
darkness and imposture. . Great is our privilege, precious our
opportunity, to cooperate with the Saviour in the blessed
work of enlarging and establishing his kingdom throughout the
world. Most precious the opportunity of becoming wise, in
turning many to righteousness, and of shining, at last, as the
brightness of the firmament, and as the stars, forever and ever.
Let us not, then, regret the loss of those who have gone be
fore us, and are waiting to welcome us home, nor shrink from
the summons that must call us thither. Let us only resolve
22*

258 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
to follow them who, through faith and patience, inherit the
promises. Let us so employ the remnant of life, and so pass
away, that our successors will say of us, as we of our pred
ecessors, " Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. They
rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."
The following farewell address was presented to
Dr. Judson by the Executive Committee of the board,
a few days before his departure.
From the Corresponding Secretary Boston, June 30, 1846.
Rev. and dear Sir: The occasion demands, at least, a brief
valediction to our beloved and honored brother who is about to
return to the field of his labors. We congratulate you, dear
brother, that the time of your reembarkation is at hand. Your
heart, we know, has all the while, with a holy impatience, yearned
towards the land of your adoption, and towards the people among
whom, for the greater portion of your life, you have chosen
to suffer and toil. But God had cast you once more upon your
native shores by his own sovereign hand, and we could not
justify it to our own hearts, nor to our sense of duty to your
American brethren, to consent to your departure, without at
testing to you, in some faint measure, our veneration for your
character, our appreciation of your services, our affection for
your person, and our gratitude to God, both for the grace he
has bestowed on you, and for our right of participation in all
that concerns you, whether of suffering or of joy. We thank
God that he has given us this opportunity. And we give
thanks to him that he has so directed the times and seasons
of your short sojourn with us. Debarred the pleasure of lis
tening to your voice in " the great congregation," we have still
felt the delightful, the elevating influence of your presence ;
and we have known that you were with us ; and the sight of
your countenance and the pressure of your hand have given
life and substance to what before seemed almost as a vision,

PARTING WORDS. 259
and have brought Burmah near to us, with all its moving inci
dents of the last thirty years. Burmah henceforward, as it is
yours, so be it ours ; ours for Christ and his church. We
join our hands. We pledge you our hearts and our lives.
We meet not again on the earth : we shall see your face no
more. But we shall meet you when your work is done ; when
Burmah is redeemed ; when her millions of now degraded,
benighted people shall have seen that Star in the East which
has already risen upon her, and shall have come to the bright
ness of its rising ; when a nation saved from sin and eternal
death through the ministration of the gospel of the Son of
God, by the faithful missionary, shall come up in long array,
and cast their crowns of heavenly glory before the throne of
God and the Lamb.
On behalf of the Executive Committee,
Solomon Peck, Cor. Sec.
To his Sons. Boston, July 10, 1846.
My dear Sons : Farewell. We embark to-morrow about
noon. Many a time I shall look at your likenesses, and weep
over them, and pray that you may early become true Chris
tians. Love your brother George, and your uncle and aunt
Newton. Pray every morning and evening. Your new
mamma sends you her best love. Forget not
Your affectionate father,
A. Judson.
To his Sister. BqsTON, July 10, 1846.
Dear Sister : Farewell. We embark to-morrow about
noon. I have two likenesses of Abby Ann. One I take my
self. The other I hand to George, that he may take it to
Worcester, and keep it with the boys, until he visits Plymouth,
in about a month or six weeks, when he is to give it to you. I
left Abby Ann at Bradford yesterday forenoon ; gave the twenty
dollars, which they will place to your credit. Take care of

260 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
yourself, dear sister, and spare no expense that is necessary
for your health and comfort.
Emily sends her best love. Every blessing rest upon you,
until we meet in heaven. Ever most affectionately,
A. Judson.
To his Daughter. Boston, July 10, 1846.
My dear Daughter : Farewell. We embark to-mor
row about Eoon. I think the likenesses taken of your face
very good. I shall take one with me, and shall many a time
look at it, and weep over it, and pray that you may early be
come a Christian. The other I shall give to George, to keep
a while at Worcester, and finally give to your aunt Judson,
when he visits Plymouth.
Love your dear aunts and cousins, with whom you live ; pray
every morning and evening ; and may we meet again on earth,
and if not, O, may we meet in heaven, and be happy together.
Y( ur new mamma sends her best love.
Your affectionate father, A. Judson.
Write me once in three months.

To the Corresponding Secretary. Boston, July 10, 1846.
My dear Brother : The accounts of the late revolution
in Burmah are so contradictory, and the prospect of more tol
eration so indefinite, that no certain expectation can well be
entertained. It is possible, however, that, on my arriving
in Maulmain, there may be an opening for me to proceed
to Ava. There is sometimes a tide in affairs, which, once
lost, returns not again. Have the board sufficient confidence
in me to authorize me, by an overland despatch which shall
meet me on arriving' in Maulmain, to attempt a mission at
Ava, without waiting for further permission, or being under the

OFF ST. HELENA. 261
necessity of debating the matter with other missionaries, who
may demur, for want of something express from the board?
Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
P. S. The dictionary would not be done so soon, if I should
go to Ava ; but it would be done much better, by means of the
aids which the capital would furnish.
To the Editors of the Christian Reflector, Boston, Mass.
Ship Faneuil Hall,
Off St. Helena, September, 1846.
Dear Brethren : In the hurry of leaving America, I
neglected to thank my unknown friend, who, under his initials,
sent me a note, through you, suggesting some corrections in the
lines prepared for inscription on the headstone of the grave at
St. Helena. I received his favor just in time to avail myself
of his suggestion ; and the lines now stand thus : —
She sleeps sweetly here, on this rock of the ocean,
Away from the home of her youth,
And far from the land where, with heartfelt devotion,
She scattered the bright beams of truth.
The gravestones were shipped for the Cape of Good Hope
about the middle of April last, and have probably by this time
reached their destination. Having pen in hand, I am tempted
to add a line, being, as the date indicates, " off the island,"
though several hundred miles distant, for it lies not in the
track of outward-bound ships. The precipitous, rocky cliffs,
however, that form the outline of that spot on the ocean, the
narrow ravine winding between them and leading to the
walled mansion of the dead, the low, overshadowing tree, and
the swelling turf, marked, perhaps, by the white gravestones,
are all distinctly before me. And, did the misty mythology
of antiquity still obtain, I could fancy the spirit of the de
parted sitting on one of the cloud-wrapped peaks that over
hang her grave, an I pensively observing the Faneuil Hall on

262 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
her circuitous route to the south-east. ' Why are you wheel
ing away at such a distance from me and my lonely dwelling ?
The dear little ones that I left in your charge, where are
they ? And who — what slender form is that I see at your
side, occupying the place that once was mine ? " But the
mistiness and darkness of pagan mythology have been dis
pelled by beams of light from those higher heights where she
is '•eally sitting. And thence, if departed spirits take cogni
zance of things on earth, she sees, with satisfaction, that I am
hastening back to the field of our common labors. She sees,
with delight and gratitude to God, that all her children are
situated in precise aeeordance with her last wishes and prayers.
And glad she is to see me returning, not unattended.
Farewell, rock of the oeean. I thank thee that thou hast
given me a " place where I might bury my dead." Blessings
on the dear friends of the Saviour who dwell there. And, if
any of the surviving children of the departed should ever
enjoy the privilege, which is denied me, of visiting and shed
ding a tear over her grave, may a double portion of her heav
enly spirit descend and rest upon them.

Off the Isle of France, October, 1846.
Above thirty-three years ago, I went with my dear wife
(the first Mrs. Judson) to the populous city of the dead in
Port Louis, on the adjacent island, to visit the new-made
grave of Harriet Newell, the first American missionary who
left this world for heaven. It has been my privilege, twice
since, to make a pilgrimage to the same spot. The last time,
my second departed one expected to find her resting-place by
the side of Mrs. Newell ; but her grave was digging in an
other island.
It is a thought that presses on me at this moment, how
little the missionary who leaves his native land can calculate
on his final resting-place. Out of twenty-five missionaries,
male and female, with whom I have been associated, and who
bave gone before me, five or six only found their graves iu

OFF AMHERST. 263
those places to which they were first sent. Strangers and
pilgrims, they had no abiding-place on earth ; they sought a
permanent abode beyond the skies ; and they sought to show
the way thither to multitudes who were groping in darkness
and saw it not. Off Amherst, November 27, 1846.
The wide expanse of the ocean is again crossed ; the Maul
main mountains loom in the distant horizon ; the Kyaik-a-mee
pagoda indicates the promontory of Amherst* and now, on
the green bank just beyond, I diseern, with \ telescope, the
small enclosure which contains the sleeping-place of my dear
Ann and her daughter Maria. Like my mission ry asso
ciates, the members of my own family are scattered far and
wide ; for the mounds that mark their graves stud the burial-
places of Rangoon, Amherst, Maulmain, Serampore, and
St. Helena. What other place shall next be added to the
list? Above eighteen months ago, I sailed from these shores
with a heavy heart, distressed at leaving my friends and my
work, and appalled at the prospect of impending death.
With mingled emotions I now return. But these things
suit rather the eye and the ear of private friends. I will
only add my fervent wish that the Heaven-blessed land where
I have been so warmly received during my late brief visit
may pour forth her representatives, her wealth, and her
prayers, to enlighten and enrich this my adopted land, whose
chores are just now greeting my eyes.
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson
To his Sister. At Sea, September 11, 1846.
My dear Sister : Just two months ago we sailed from
B jston, and we are about half way to Burmah. I begin this

264 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
letter with the intention of closing it after arriving, that I
may be able to forward it by the first opportunity that occurs ;
for I know you will be anxious to hear from me. We have
had a pleasant passage. All have enjoyed good health thus
far, except Emily, who, you know, is rather delicate. But
she has not suffered so much from seasickness as we appre
hended, and I see no reason to doubt that she will find a
warm climate congenial to her constitution.
My heart sinks within me when I think of you, living
alone in the old mansion house, many of the family dead, and
the rest removed to a distance. But I do not know that any
better arrangement could have been made. I almost wish that
I had tried more to persuade you to accompany me back to
Burmah ; and yet I fear that you would not have been com
fortable there. It is a mercy that our times are in God's
hands. Let us live prayerfully and conscientiously, and ere
long we shall all meet in glory. Maulmain, December 16.
\v e are hure at last ; arrived the 30th of November, a
long passage — one hundred and forty days to Amherst.
Found dear Henry and Edward alive and well. Charlie,
you know, sleeps in the grave. ... I have set up
housekeeping in my old house ; and it seems like home, not
withstanding the devastation that death and removal have
made. Emily makes one of the best wives and kindest
mothers to the children that ever man was blessed with. I
wish you were here to make one of the family ; but I suppose
that cannot be. 1 shall now go on with the dictionary and
other missionary work as usual. Your likeness is an excel
lent one. I keep that and the children's by me constantly.
Shall I ever forget that last parting in Boston ? No, never,
till we meet in heaven. Yours ever,
A. Judson.

ARRIVAL AT MAULMAIN. 265
To his Sons. At Sea, September 11, 1846.
Dear Adoniram and Elnathan : I begin this letter
with the intention of finishing and forwarding it after arriving
in Maulmain. I think of you both many times every day.
I never pray for myself without praying for you ; and I fre
quently look at your beautiful likenesses, and feel that I could
not endure the thought that I shall probably never see you
agair in this world, were it not for the precious hope that
I shall soon hear that you have become true Christians, and
interested in that divine love -which will not fail to bring us
safely together in the future world of life and glory.
We have had a very pleasant passage, and are now half
way to Maulmain. I hope to add something at my next date
about your little brothers, Henry and Edward. Charlie sleeps
in the grave, and you can receive no further news of him.
And your own dear mamma — she is sleeping, you know, —
for you saw her laid in the grave, — at St. Helena. Try to
tetain in your remembrance how she looked, what she used
to say to you, how kind she was, and how much she loved
you. Talk to one another about her and about me, and that
wil1 help you to remember us. I hope you will keep up a
correspondence with your dear sister Abby Ann, at Bradford ;
and when you write to me, tell me all you hear about her,
and give me some extracts from her letters to you.
Maulmain, December 20, 1846.
1 can hardly realize that I am sitting in the old house,
where we all lived together so long ; and now your mamma,
yourselves, your sister Abby Ann, and httle Charlie are gone.
It is now evening. I am writing in the hall where I used to
sit and study when your mamma had gone down the coast
with Captain and Mrs. Durand. Your new mamma has just
put your little brothers, Henry and Edward, to bed. They
lie in the room where you used to sleep before you removed
vol. n. 23

266 memoir oi dr. judson.
to the corner room. Henry is singing and talking aloud to
himself; and what do you think he is saying? Your new
mamma has just called me to listen. " My own mamma went
away, away in a boat. And then she got wings and went up.
And Charlie, too, went up, and they are flying above the
moon and the stars." I preach in the chapel, as I used to do,
but have not yet begun to work at the dictionary ; for we
have been very busy seeing company and getting our house
and things in order. Every thing looks as it used to when
you were here. Eddy and Sarah Stevens are just so, and
Emily, Mary, and David Howard. James and Julia Ann Has
well are living with their parents in Mr. Vinton's old house :
so that we found Henry in this place, not at Amherst, when
we arrived. My dear boys, I don't know when I shall see
you again. If I ever should, you will not be the dear little
fellows I left at Worcester. But I hope that as you grow
larger, and change the features that are now so deeply en
graven on my heart, you will also grow wiser and better, and
become more worthy of my fondest love. That you will give
your hearts to the Saviour is my most earnest desire. Love
your dear uncle and aunt Newton. Mind all they say, ar.d
ever try to please them. I enclose a hymn that I found with
Elnathan's name upon it. Your fond father,
A. Judson.

To Gardner Colby, Esq., of Boston.
Land, Ho ! November 27, 1846.
My dear Mr. Colby : One hundred and thirty-nine daj. !
from Boston, and the mountains of Burmah appear in the
horizon. None ever had a pleasanter passage than we have
been favored with, though rather long, from the prevalence of
head winds. The Faneuil Hall was a good sailer, an excel
lent sea boat, and furnished with the best accommodations. The
table was well supplied, and the captain endeared himself to us,

recommencing missionary work. 267
no"; only by unremitting kindness, but by the interchange of
congenial sentiments and feelings on the subject of religion.
Two services on Lord's days, the one a Bible class in the
saloon, and the other, public worship on deck, with the crew,
together with evening worship every day, have given the char
acter of a Bethel to our floating home. We have all enjoyed
good health, except Mrs. Judson. She suffered, indeed, less
from seasickness than we had apprehended ; but the cold air
of the sea, during most of the voyage, has not been congenial
to her temperament and constitution ; yet we feel that we
have as much ground as ever to hope that, once settled in a
tropical climate, she may enjoy good health.
In regard to myself, I took a bad cold about the time of
sailing, which increased the irritation of throat occasioned
by some small attempts at public speaking, and the result was
a severe cough, which continued for above a month ; but since
that passed away, my throat has been recovering, and now I
seem to myself to be quite well. In regard to my studies, I
have not much to boast of. Not having my native assistants
with me, I have not ventured to go forward in the dictionary,
but have employed myself in revising and transcribing for the
press the first half of the English and Burmese part, that had
been previously sketched out. This work I had hardly com
pleted when the cry of Land, ho ! saluted my ears.
I wrote you in August, and forwarded by a passing ship
bound to Genoa. I hope, in my next, to give you some ac
count of the state of the mission and the position of things in
Burmah proper. Yours most affectionately, A. Judson.
Maulmain, December 15. I am once more in my old
domicil, have picked up my two surviving children, and en
deavored to reunite my family and recommence missionary
operations.

268 memoir of dr. judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, December 29, 1846.
Mi dear Brother : I have enjoyed the great happiness
ul landing once more on these shores, and meeting with my
dear missionary associates and the native Christians ; and
it is peculiarly gratifying to find that there has been an evident
advance in every department during my absence. The native
church, under the care of brother Stevens, is not much enlarged,
but it is much improved, in consequence of the exclusion of
several unworthy members, and the admission of more prom
ising characters, chiefly from among the children of the con
verts. Brother Howard's school has greatly improved both
in numbers and in qualifications. Brother Binney's school,
which was just beginning when I left, has attained a high
degree of respectability and usefulness. The Karen mission
aries and their disciples are mostly absent from Maulmain at
this season ; but I understand that prospects in that depart
ment of the mission were never more encouraging. The
printing office and the secular business of the mission are
managed by brother Ranney with promptitude and efficiency.
Brother Haswell resides here at present, superintending the
printing of the New Testament in the Peguan, and is preach
ing on all occasions. Brother Stilson is also here, making and
superintending the printing of elementary books for schools in
the Burman — a work for which he has a peculiar tact and
penchant. As to myself, I am looking towards Burmah proper. Both
¦ be dethroned kings are dead, and the eldest surviving son of
the latter, who, during his father's life, acted as prince regent,
has just ascended the throne. He is said to be not well dis
posed towards foreigners, and the present administration is thus
far as decidedly unfavorable to the propagation of the Christian
religion as the preceding. This is evident from the severe
persecution which the Karen converts north of Rangoon are
even now undergoing. But in Maulmain all the departments
of labor are well supplied. In Rangoon there is not a single

LOOKING TOWARDS BURMAH PROPER. 269
missionary, nor in all Burmah proper. If one can find en
trance and shelter there, he may be instrumental of saving a
few souls, who would otherwise be lost.
' Secondly. My time for the next two or three years must
be chiefly expended on the Burmese dictionary. If I am
allowed to live in Rangoon without perpetual annoyance, I may
as well spend the time there as here, and, indeed, should be
able to carry on that work to greater advantage in a place
where I could better avail myself of learned men and books
than is possible in Maulmain.
Thirdly. In Rangoon, I shall be in the way of the openings
of Providence into the heart of the country. It may be that
the time for opening Burmah to the gospel is near. In that
case it would be a pity if any delinquency on our part should
retard the divine operations. My faith, however, is not very
strong, nor my expectations very sanguine. The first motive
is my leading one. There are some souls in Rangoon who are
grdping in the dark and feeling after the truth. Let there be
at least one hand on which they can lay hold and be assisted
in their researches. I expect to leave this place with my fam
ily in a ship which will probably sail in about a fortnight. I
know not whether I shall find any footing or place of residence ;
but this can be ascertained in no other way than by making
an attempt. I would that the friends of the mission, those dear
souls with whom I so lately enjoyed sweet communion in my
native land, knew what I am about, that they might aid me in
this dark attempt, and pray for light to be shed down on my
future pathway; but I will trust that I am not forgotten,
and remain Your affectionate brother,
A. Judson.

To his Sister. Maulmain, January 1, 1847.
My dear Sister : The accompanying Bible was packed in
a large box that was never opened till my arrival hern, jr I
23*

270 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
should probably have left it with you, and saved it a double
voyage, to which it is now consigned, in the hope that it
will find a resting-place at last in the old mansion house,
and frequently meet your eyes, and be received into your
heart. Edward, my youngest, is just now sitting in a little chair to
keep him still. He is just two years old. ... A day or
two ago I went out to the' graveyard, and erected the grave
stones that I procured in Boston, in memory of poor little
Charlie — the last act of duty and kindness that I can ever
do for him.
Emily loves the children as if they were her own. We
should be very happy here, but the interests of the mission
seem to require that we should remove to Rangoon, and
endeavor to gain some footing in Burmah proper. We are
now making arrangements for such a removal, and expect
to leave this before long. It seems to me harder to leave
Maulmain for Rangoon than to leave Boston for Maulmain.
But here there are several missionaries ; not one there ;
and doubtless there are some inquiring souls who need a
missionary to take them by the hand and guide them into
the paths of truth and salvation. How long we shall be
tolerated there under a despotic government, we know not ;
but we desire to commit our future destiny into the hands of
our heavenly Father, with full confidence that he will order
all things well.
We are always meeting with some article of clothing, or
other use, to remind us of your kindness. The two large silver
spoons you gave me are the only ones on our table ; but I
have found half a dozen of more common metal to supply the
deficiency. I did not think of writing you a letter just now ; but as I
was doing up the box containing the Bible, I thought I would
just write a line that will cost you no postage. I shall send
the box to Mr. Colby, 22 Pemberton Square, Boston, and he
wiU forward it to you. I have not yet heard a word from

LETTERS TO HIS CHILDREN. 271
you, or tlit; children, since I left you. Wrote you lately by
overland mail.
Give my love to Mr. Harvey and family, and to other
friends. My dear sister, I often think of you in your
solitude. May God ever be with you, to protect and bless
you. Do write me often, and tell me all about affairs in
Plymouth, and the friends about you. Let us ever pray for
;,ne another. My late visit has endeared you to my heart far
more than ever before.
Let me know whatever you hear about the children ; and
try, if possible, to visit Bradford and Worcester. You would
be joyfully received at both places ; and I have written to
Miss Hasseltine to allow Abby Ann to visit you.
Ever your own brother, A. Judson.
Emily sends best love. To his Sons. Maulmain, January 11, 1847.
My dear Boys : I send you a few books in a little box,
among which are some that you particularly wanted, and I
took a memorandum of, when I divided the few books you
had aboard ship. I send Elnathan the toy box that I prom
ised. It is really good for nothing; but he will, perhaps,
recollect the circumstance, affecting to me, under which the
promise was given ; and it may afford him a moment's gratifi
cation to look at it, and remember old times. O my dear
boys, how much I love you, and think of you, you can never
know in your present circumstances; but perhaps you will
know hereafter. In the toy box you will find two penknives ;
one for each of you. They are very slender, and must be
used for pens only, not for whittling, or you will scon break
them. We are still here waiting for a ship to take us to Ran
goon. Henry and Edward are quite well. May God bless
you now and forevermors. Your affectionate father,
A. Judson.

272 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
On board the Cecilia, bound to Rangoon, January 18, 1847.
My dear Brother : At the date of my last, I expected to
have been in Rangoon, with my family, by this time. But
the ship in which we expected to take passage has not yet
arrived, though long due ; and while waiting for her, repeated
news from Rangoon has been of the most unfavorable kind ;
so that I have concluded to go over myself, and endeavor to
ascertain the state of things in Burmah more definitely, before
making an attempt to settle there at once. It appears that old
Rangoon, the only spot in which foreigners are allowed to reside,
is more dismantled and desolate than ever ; that the new king
is more afraid of foreign. influence than his predecessors even;
and that the whole country is in a very unsettled state just at
present, in consequence of all the authorities being summoned
to the capital, according to custom, to attend the approaching
coronation. From all accounts, it appears that the former ex
clusive system of the Chinese is becoming more and more
prevalent in Burmah ; and this will naturally have a most un
favorable bearing on the introduction of a foreign religion.
But I hope I shall be able to give you more definite informa
tion after visiting Rangoon. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To Mrs. Judson.
Off Rangoon, January 23, 1847.
My dearest Love : We are just anchoring, and I write
a line to be ready for any vessel that may be going out, as I
go ashore. We have had a pleasant passage ; but very light
winds have kept us on our way till this Saturday morning,
though, as you recollect, we went on board, at Maulmain,
Monday forenoon. I know not what reception awaits me on
shore, but shall endeavor to let you know before I close th«
'etter.

AGAIN IN' RANGOON. 273
• Four o'clock, P. M. Dreadfully tired in getting my few'things
from the ship and through the custom house. I am now
writing in Captain Crisp's brick house, who invites me to stay
and make myself at home. Have yet seen no government
people, nor any house that is to be let ; so that I can write
nothing definite about future prospects. I would not close
this letter without something more satisfactory, but 1 hear
that a vessel is just leaving for Maulmain ; and I know you
vill be anxious to hear from me. You may be sure my heart
remains in the right place ; but I am too much exhausted to
say how much I miss your presence, and long to see you once
more. Yours ever, A. Judson.
Evening. I have seen a large brick house, the one we
heard of in Maulmain, for the upper part of which the
owner demanded one hundred rupees a month, but I beat him
down to fifty. It contains six or eight rooms, some quite
large ; but there are but few lights, and the place looks as
gloomy as a prison. It is situated in a street of Mussulmans
— not a foot of ground belonging to the upper story, except
a path to a spacious cook house, and a shabby horse stable,
but which might be improved. I shrink at taking you and
the children into such a den, and fear you would pine and die
in it. But the old town — the new I have not yet seen —
looks much better than I expected, though very much infe
rior to Maulmain. No dust in the streets, which are paved
most unevenly with brick, so that it is very difficult walking
or riding. T>morrow is Sunday, and I shall not go out
much. Expect to have an interview with the governor, on
Monday. The Portuguese magistrate, who tried to annoy the
brethren last here, is absent at Amarapoora. It is after ten
o'clock : you have already retired, and I am going to creep
under the curtains that were dear Abby's. 0 my poor heart !
It is torn into ten thousand pieces. How happy we shall be
when we rest in the grae, and find ourselves together in

274 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
paradise ! Had a long discussion with  , and hope
that he will gire up his infidelity. Farewell, dear love.
When I turn away from all the filth and wretchedness around
me, and think of you, it seems like looking from hell tc
heaven. How can I take you from all the comforts of Maul
main, and shut you up in this den ?
Sunday morning. Have taken a stroll through the place
with Crisp. Great, crowded population. Immense field for
quiet missionary operation. Several of the converts are
coming to see me. Unless I meet with a decided repulse
from the governor to-morrow, which nobody anticipates, my
mind is about made up to prosecute the " Pass of Splugen."
I am going to have a little worship with the converts, but
must send off this letter without further delay. Expect to
take return passage in the Gyne, wliich sails in three, or four,
or five days. Farewell again, dearest love.
A. Judson.

Rangoon, January 28, 1847.
My dearest Love : The Erwin has just come in, and I
have received your sweet letter. I expected to have left
to-day in the Gyne ; but there is no depending on any thing
you hear in this country of lies. Whether she will go to
morrow, or the next day, or the day after, I know not ; and,
what is worse, here are  , and  , and  — , who
have just arrived. All want to crowd into the one only cabin
of the Gyne, which I had engaged, and I cannot refuse them.
I found another little vessel that is going to-morrow, by which
I shall send this letter ; but it has no cabin at all, nor any
place where one could sustain hfe. But God orders all things
well — the comforts and the discomforts, the bitter and the
sweet, of this short, flitting life. Among the little vexations
I meet with, your letter lies like a cordial in my inmost heart.
I will not complain while you are alive, an<i well, and happy,

PROSPECTS IN RANGOON. 275
my precious, darling wife. I am glad, too, to hear such good
accounts of the children. Give my love to L. I cnly wish
that  was out here ; but how it can be brought about,
and how we could manage to have her with us in this country,
I cannot tell.
Since I wrote last, I have seen the governor. He re
ceived me remarkably well — invited me to settle here —
promised to give me a place for an English church, that the
English might be induced to come to the place, and enjoy
the " benefit of clergy " ! He approved also of my prose
cuting the dictionary, and spoke favorably of my going up to
Amarapoora and seeking royal patronage. I have engaged
the brick house I mentioned in my last ; but I am afraid your
spirits will sink to zero when you see it. We shall, however,
be together ; and we will try to keep one another's spirits up.
Living here is more expensive than I thought. Two or three
bottles of milk for a rupee, and eight loaves of very poor
bread ; but fowls and fish are cheaper. The police is well
administered ; and it is nearly as safe living here as in Maul
main. As to missionary efforts, nothing can be done openly.
The system of intolerance is enforced more rigidly than ever.
It is not as a missionary or " propagator of religion," but as a
minister of a foreign rehgion, ministering to the foreigners in
the place, that I am well received and patronized by the gov
ernment. The young heir, and his younger brother, who is
premier and heir apparent, are rigid Boodhists, particularly
the latter. Boodhism is in full feather throughout the em
pire. The prospects of a missionary were never darker.
But let us aim to obtain the praise bestowed upon Mary
— " She has done what she could." I have been to little
Roger's grave. There is room for the other children, and for
either of us ; and I fancy that he sleeps just as quietly here,
as those who lie under the British flag.
Evening. I must put a stop to this scrawling letter, ard
send it to Brown's, in hope that it will reach you somehow.
Farewell, my darling love. This separation has taught me
more than ever how dear you are to me. May we live to be

276 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
sources of happiness and promoters of holiness to each other.
If we give up all to God, he will take care of us, and bring
light out of darkness, and good out of evil, I do beheve ; and
we shall praise him forever, that he led us through some dark
ways in his blessed service.
How many expressions in your letter go to my heart, and
take it captive ! May the light of love and happiness shine
around thee evermore is the prayer of
Your ever affectionate husband,
A. Judson.

To the Corresponding Secretary.
On board the City of London, February 15, 1847.
My dear Brother : I intended to write you a de
tailed account of my late visit to Rangoon ; but on reenter
ing the mouth of the Maulmain River, we met the City of
London just coming in ; and as I had engaged my passage
back on that ship, and had only about a week to move my
family and furniture, and get on board, I was obliged to keep
myself in a great hurry. We have just joined the ship, off
Amherst, and have a short time before the pilot leaves us to
write a few of the most necessary letters. The most rigid
system of intolerance in regard to religion is maintained by
the new monarch of Burmah ; but a more friendly feeling
towards foreigners is professed and exemplified than charac
terized the last reign. The governor of Rangoon, appointed
by the present king, with whom I had some friendly acquaint
ance about twenty years ago, received me in the most kind
and encouraging manner, but only in the character of a minis
ter of the Protestant religion, coming to minister to the for
eigners, English, Americans, &c, residing in the place. He
approved also of my coming into the country to complete my
Burmese dictionary, for which I should enjoy greater facili
ties than in Maulmain. He said it was a work which would
promote the benefit of both countries, and which he should
be willing to mention favorably to his majesty. Thus en-

LOSS OF PROPERTY. 277
couraged, I concluded to hire the upper story of a brick
house, — for which I am obliged to pay fifty rupees a month,
— and bring my family around to a place dreary indeed, and
destitute of almost all outward comforts, but one which will
afford an opportunity of building up the feeble church by
private efforts, and of seizing the first opening for more pub
lic efforts that God in his providence may present, in answer
to the pravers of his people in beloved, far-distant America.
Yours most affectionately,
A. Judson.
To the Rev. A. D. Gillette, Philadelphia. Rangoon, March 2, 1847.
Dear Brother anjj Sister Gillette : " Out of the
abundance of the heart," &c. ; and just as we were getting set
tled down in this dreary place, and counting on a little com
fort in ourselves and in the work before us, we hear that the
house in Maulmain where we deposited our best clothes and
most valuable goods — many of them presents from dear friends
that we shall see no more — has taken fire and burned down,
with all its contents. We brought but few things with us,
not liking to trust this rapacious government, but thought
it would be better to draw our supplies from Maulmain, as
they should be needed. We left our things in two places ;
and it has been so ordered that the most valuable assortment
has gone to ashes. Half of your beautiful parting present is
gone ; but thankful we are that the other moiety is safe with
us. So it is with human calculations. We thought our valu
ables safe in Maulmain ; and the house was set on fire by an
incendiary in the dead of night, and brother Stevens and
family just escaped with their lives. And here, under this
barbarous government, we have not yet been at all molested.
Not a pin has been taken from us, except a few things begged
and pulled away, in passing through the custom house — the
most vexatious, perhaps, in the whole world.
We are living in our own hired house, without much annoyance
vol. ii. 24

278 MEMOIR OF DR. /UDSON
from without, and contrive to get thi necessaries and many
of the comforts of life. Truly God tempers the wind to the
shorn lamb. We are not allowed to make any public efforts
to proselyte the natives of the country ; but we can do a good
deal in private, and Emily can get the language, and we can
hold ourselves ready for better times. We both send you
both our " heart of hearts." Yours ever,
A. Judson.
To the Rev. E. A. Stevens, of Maulmain.
Rangoon, March 2, 1847.
Dear Brother Stevens : " The Lord gave and the
Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord." My
heart overflows with gratitude, and rdy eyes with tears, as I
pen these precious inspired words. There are some other
lines, quaint in garb, but rich in core, that are worth more
than all your house and contents : —
" Blessed be God for all,
For all things here below ;
For every loss and every cross
To my advantage grow."
But I sympathize with you and dear sister Stevens,
Brother Bullard has also sustained a heavy loss. Brother
Brayton's will not, on the whole, be any great loss. As to
me — the leeks and onions that were packed up in those two
valuable boxes, worth about seven or eight hundred rupees,
were very bright to the eye, and soft to the feel ; and many
of them we shall greatly need, if we live a year or two longer ;
but they have gone to dust and ashes, where I have seen
many bright, dear eyes go, to rescue any pair of which I
would have given those boxes ten times over.
I am glad and thankful that the New Testament and the
manuscripts are not wholly lost, though some are. And I am
glad that so much interest has been excited in the Christian

THE FIRE AT MAULMAIN. 279
community at Maulmain. I am glad also that my house was
empty, and ready to afford you immediate shelter.
We arrived here the Saturday after leaving Maulmain,
and got our things through the custom house on the next
Monday, a week ago yesterday. We now begin to feel a
little settled, and are about commencing a routine of study,
and I may add, missionary labor ; for though the Burmese
converts are few and timid, the Karens flock in from different
parts, and occupy a good deal of my time. All the men un
derstand Burman pretty well, and I have had some interest
ing meetings among them. Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.

To Mr. Thomas S. Ranney, of Maulmain.
Rangoon, March 2, 1847.
Dear Brother Ranney : I thank you for your circum
stantial account of the fire, which, with brother Stevens's,
gives me a pretty vivid idea of the affair. It was truly a
dreadful affair. My loss is probably heavier than that of
any other person, except brother Stevens himself. My best
clothes and wife's, together with our most valuable utensils of
various sorts, were packed in the two boxes that are burned.
I estimate the value about seven hundred rupees ; wife says
nearer one thousand. But all these things are ordered well.
The parcel of letters and papers you sent me by a native
boat lay several days in a native house. Captain Crisp hap
pened to hear from his dubash, that there were such parcels
for somebody, and thinking that they might be for me, — as I
had received nothing from Maulmain, and every body else
had heard all about the fire, — sent me word. I sent a man to
search for them, when the syrang gave them up, saying he did
not know whom they were for, as he could read neither English
nor Burman, in which the parcels were inscribed. Is there
any objection to sending all letters and newspapers generally
through the post office? Cannot the Maulmain Chronicle,

280 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
after it has gone the rounds of the brethren, as usual, be regu
larly sent me through the post office. ? and the Free Press ?
We shall soon ascertain whether transmission through the post
office can be depended on. My letter to Crisp, which you
mailed while I was in Maulmain, has but just arrived !
However, it has arrived ; that is something. Perhaps the
postmaster could tell how it came to be detained so long in
Maulmain. Each of the brethren used to receive five or six
copies of the native newspaper. Please to send mine regu
larly. I want to distribute them here. Let me have them
from the beginning of this year. I want also two copies of
the whole work from the beginning, bound together like the
copy you gave me, which, however, I have been obliged to
part with already.
I send you the only pair of silver-mounted spectacles that
I can now boast of, with a pair of glasses. Perhaps Avung
will be able to mend the frame, which is broken. If so, please
to let him observe that one of the glasses has a flaw in it, and
is to be so placed that the flaw may be on the upper side. If
Avung is not competent, I suppose we must send the article to
be mended in Calcutta.
We have had a grand bat hunt yesterday and to-day —
bagged two hundred and fifty, and calculate to make up a
round thousand before we have done. We find that, in hiring
the upper story of this den, we secured the lower moiety only,
the upper moiety thereof being preoccupied by a thriving
colony of vagabonds, who flare up through the night with a
vengeance, and the sound of their wings is as the sound of
many waters, yea, as the sound of your boasted Yankee Niag
ara ; so that sleep departs from our eyes, and slumber from
our eyelids. But we are reading them some lessons which
we hope wll be profitable to all parties concerned, and remain,
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.

THE DICTIONARY RECOMMENCED. 281
To the Rev. E. A. Stevens. Rangoon, March 11, 1847.
Dea.r Brother Stevens : Yours of the 6th has duly ar
rived, and I write a line in reply, to send by Ko Woon's son,
and Mee Shway-yeet, who are returning to Maulmain.
I have recommenced the work of the dictionary, which has
jecn suspended nearly two years. Why has this grievous in
terruption been permitted, and all this precious time lost?
And why are our houses and property allowed to be burned
up ? And why are those most dear to us, and most qualified
to be useful in the cause, torn from our arms, and dashed into
the grave, and all their knowledge and qualification with
them ? Because infinite wisdom and love will have it so.
Because it is best for us, and best for them, and best for the
cause, and best for the interests of eternity, that it should be
so. And blessed be God, we know it, and are thankful, and
rejoice, and say, Glory be to God.
We had a good communion season last Sabbath. Ten Bur
mans present, one Karen, and two foreigners. The converts
are very timid, but there are two or three good inquirers
among the Burmans, and several among the Karens.
We have plenty to do. What with a little missionary work,
and what with our studies, and what with visiting, our hands
are full. For we can't get rid of company even here. Wife
and I occupy remote ends of the house, and we have to visit
one another, and that takes up time. And I have to hold a
meeting with the rising generation every evening, and that
takes time. Henry can say, " Twinkle, twinkle," all nimself,
and Edward can repeat it after his father ! Giants of genius !
paiugons of erudition ! With best love,
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
24*

282 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
To the Hon. Heman Lincoln and Family.
Rangoon, March 14, 1847.
. . . From this land of darkness and intolerance I
address a line to you, my dear, very dear friends, in blessed
America, in bright, beautiful Boston and vicinity. It seems
like an Elysian vision, that I have so lately seen your happy
dwellings and elegant surroundings — a vision, however, dis
pelled instantly by a crushing nightmare feeling, on looking
round upon the wretched habitations, the rude, filthy popula
tion, the towering pagodas, and the swarms of well-fed priesti
which every where here pain the eye and the heart. Boodhism
has come out in full bloom. The few traces of Christianity
discoverable in the early stages of the mission seem almost
obliterated. The present king and his brother, the heir pre
sumptive, are devoted Boodhists, especially the latter. He
begs his elder brother to allow him to turn priest, that he may
gratify his pious propensities ; and on being refused, he does,
poor man ! all that he can. He descends from his prince-regal
seat, pounds and winnows the rice with his own hands, washes
and boils it in his own cook house, and then, on bended knees,
presents it to the priests. This strong pulsation at the heart
has thrown fresh blood throughout the once shrivelled system
of the national superstition ; and now every one vies with his
neighbor in building pagodas and making offerings to the
priests. What can one poor missionary effect, accompanied
by his yet speechless wife, and followed by three men and one
woman from Maulmain, and summoning to his aid the aged
pastor of Rangoon and eight or ten surviving members of the
church ? But as the Mussulman says, God is great. He sit-
teth on the heavens, he setteth his foot on the earth, and the
inhabitants are as grasshoppers before him. He dwelleth also
in the humble and contrite soul ; and the rays of indwelling
glory appear more resplendent, gleaming through the chinks
of the humble tenement. 0 for that humility and contrition,
0 for that simplicity of faith, which will secure the indwelling
glory ! May such sinners as we are hope for such a blessing ?

THE LORD'S SUPPER CELEBRATED. 283
0, help us with your prayers, ye who sit under the droppings
of the sanctuary, and are sometimes allowed to approach the
presence ; and 0 Thou that hearest prayer, help thou our un
belief! Last Sabbath was our stated communion season, occurring
once in four months. No alcoholic liquor can be procured in
this place, the importation of all such being strictly forbidden.
Our wine was a decoction of raisins, the unadulterated juice
of the grape. Ten Burmans, one Karen, and two Americans,
came around the lowly, glorious board. To-day I had about
the same number of disciples, and several listeners, two of
whom remained long after worship, and, with two others whom
I have found since arriving here, make up the small number
of four hopeful inquirers. But all our operations are con
ducted in secrecy. I have been introduced to the government,
not as a missionary, — though the governor and the vice-gov
ernor both knew me well from old acquaintance, — but as a
minister of a foreign religion, ministering to foreigners in the
place, and as a lexicographer, laboring to promote the litera
ture of both nations ! In one room, therefore, of the upper
story of the brick house, — for which upper story I am obliged
to pay fifty rupees a month — will the Christian public bear
me out in this extra expense ? — I have paraded my lexico
graphical apparatus, and commenced hammering at the anvil
of the dictionary, which has hardly resounded with my blows
for two years past ; two years, alas ! lost, lost, in tossing on
the sea, closing dear eyes, digging graves, rending heartstrings,
and feeling about for new ones. Thanks be to God. I have
a sweet little family around me once more — F. F., Harry,
and Eddy. God is not only " great," but good. God is love.
And he can change our hard, selfish hearts, and make them
full of love. Do I not love you, dear friends ? Shall I see
you no more ? Yes, in heaven, whither we are fast hastening.
Dear Mrs. Bacheller, of Lynn, has gone already. Blessings
on her memory ! You will have heard from brother Stevens
of our sad loss by fire. All our best clothes and valuables
gone. But it is doubtless for the best. Love to all of you.

284 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
I have not heard a word directly from any of you since I
left, not even from my children. I should think that some
one of you could drop me a line.

To the Corresponding Secretary. Rangoon, March 28, 1847.
Dear Brother : I have just returned from baptizing a
Burman convert, in the same tank of water where I baptized
the first Burman convert, Moung Nau, twenty-eight years ago.
It is now twenty-fiVayears since I administered baptism in
Rangoon, the few convei^that have been made during that
period being generally baptized By-<)i\?,8J$Ly£. pastor. My
time has been mostly spent in Maulmain, where, having been
instrumental, with others, of raising up a few Burmese and
Karen churches, I have left them, since my return from
America, in the care of my dear and excellent missionary
brethren, and am now making a small attempt in Burmah
proper. The attempt, however, is made under very discouraging
circumstances. The present administration of government,
though rather more friendly to foreigners, is more rigidly in
tolerant than that of the late king, Tharawadi. Any known
attempt at proselyting would be instantly amenable at the
criminal tribunal, and would probably be punished by the im
prisonment or death of the proselyte and the banishment of
the missionary. The governor of this place has received me
favorably, not as a missionary, though he well knows, from old
acquaintance, that that is my character, but as a minister of
a foreign religion, ministering to foreigners resident in the
place, and a dictionary maker, " laboring to promote the wel
fare of both countries." Our missionary efforts, therefore,
being conducted in private, must necessarily be very limited.
It is, however, a precious privilege to be allowed to welcome
kito a private room a small company, perhaps two or three
individuals only, and pour the light of truth into their immor
tal souls souls that, but for the efficacy of that light, would

A POPULAR OBJECTION TO MISSIONS. 285
be covered with the gloom of darkness — darkness to be felt to
all eternity.
Another discouraging circumstance is the very low state of
the Burman church in this place. There are about twenty
nominal members still surviving ; but they are much scattered,
and not half of them appear to be living members. I have,
therefore, been making an attempt to reorganize the church,
and have found four individuals who have united with myself
and wife in renewing our church covenant, and establishing a
new church. We have this day received one new member,
and we hope to find a few more of the old members who will
come up to our standard.
This is indeed a day of small things ; yet, in view of the
great success which attends all our efforts among the Karens,
both in the provinces, and, by means of native assistants, in
Burmah proper, I should be almost discouraged in regard to
future efforts among the Burmans, were it not for certain con
siderations, some of which are contained in the following state
ment, which was once laid before an assembly in Brooklyn, New
York, and which is now transcribed for the Magazine, in the hope
that it may present to other minds what appears to me to be
the true view of the case, and assist to check that discourage
ment in regard to the Burmese department of the mission,
some symptoms of which I discovered during my late visit to
the United States.
The greatest popular objection to the missionary enterprise
is drawn from the small success which has attended missionary
efforts among the great nations of the earth. Some progress
has been made in converting the ruder tribes of man ; but it
must be confessed that very little impression has buen made
on any great and partially civilized people. The subject of
missions has taken too deep hold of the public mind, and is too
severely scrutinized, to allow this objection to pass without an
effort to meet it fairly, and in such a way, if possible, as to en-
sourage the well disposed, and conciliate the rest.
The nations and. tribes of man that call for missionary efforts
may .be ..considered mc'er several divisions. One division

ZOO MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
comprises those who have no religioi., no literature, not even a
written language, no priesthood of influence or prescriptive
right, and no imposing, long-established, powerful government.
Such a people will be evidently less prejudiced, their minds
more open to the solicitations of our religion, and there will
be fewer barriers in the way of their embracing it. In human
view, therefore, success might be expected ; and in the divine
view, a people not crushed under the weight of idolatry, not
deeply stained with the sin of hereditary enthusiastic worship
of false gods, may appear less repugnant and more accessible
to the influence of the Holy Spirit. These remarks seem to
be justified by the success which has crowned the efforts of
.nissionaries among the Greenlanders, the Karens, the South
Sea Islanders, and the people of color in the West Indies and
other parts.
Another division comprises those nations where the Chris
tian religion once flourished, but subsequently passed away,
leaving the form of godliness, without the power. Among such
people we might expect that the opposition of rulers and priests
to the introduction of vital Christianity would assume a fero
cious, bloodthirsty character, and for a time present very formi
dable and appalling barriers ; but that the knowledge of divine
truth, extensively diffused among the people, and some hered
itary reverence for the word of God, aided by the prayers of
a pious ancestry, would ere long roll back the tide of opposition,
and send forth judgment unto victory. Such appears to be the
course of events in the northern parts of Germany, and among
the Armenians ; and such will probably be the course among
the Greeks and the Roman Catholics.
The third division of the human family, the lowest class, that
is, the last in the order of time, — the class whieh will tire out
the wavering and the faint-hearted, and send to their homes
all but the few who have put their hands to the plough with a
grasp that no discouragement, not death itself, can unloose, but
who bring up their children to the same work, and swear them
at the same altar, — that class comprises, alas ! three fourths
of the family of man -^ all the Mahometan, the BrahminicaL

INCIPIENT SUCCESS. 287
and the Boodhistic . lations, and all those numerous tribes and
subdivisions where those false religions prevail, under some
modification. These nations have generally a literature erudite
and extensive, closely interwoven with their religion. Their
priesthood is hereditary, or invested with the most sacred, im
posing credentials, and supported by all the power of the
government. Their governments are monarchical, despotic,
intolerant, hostile to all free inquiry, opposed to all reform, and
their police well organized, and extending to almost every
house and person. Shall we wonder, shall we be dismayed,
shall we lose all heart, and relinquish the work in despair,
because the Christian religion is not welcomed by such people ?
because the first missionaries cannot, within a few years, enroll
thousands among their converts ? . Is it nothing that they
have obtained entrance and foothold in almost every one of
those nations ? that they have acquired the languages, even the
most difficult ? that they have compiled grammars and diction
aries ? that in the most important of those languages they have
translated the New Testament, and in some cases the whole
Bible ? that they have prepared tracts, and hymn books, and
elementary works for the purposes of education ? that they
have organized various orders of schools, and even theological
seminaries, though yet in a quite incipient state ? that they
have planted churches in many parts of the Brahminical and
the Boodhistic countries, containing, not indeed thousands, but
yet hundreds of penitent, believing, praying souls ? that angels
have found their way to those long-abandoned regions commis
sioned by the Saviour to gather in the first fruits, most precious
in his eyes ? Is it nothing that the ideas of the eternal God
and of the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, are daily spreading
throughout those countries, commending themselves to the con
sciences of men, gradually undermining the reigning supersti
tions, and preparing the way for the triumph of truth, the full
ushering in of millennial glory ? Yes, the success is small ; but
it would have been greater if the Christian world had put forth
a little more strength, and if missionaries had been more faith
ful. But I submit whether it has not been great ene ugh to £how

288 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
us where our fault lies, great enough to prompt us to endeavoi
to correct it, great enough to encourage us to adopt the motto
of my venerable father, as he was drawing near the grave —
'' Keep straight forward, and trust in God."
Perhaps, finally, it will be asked whether we had better not
pass by the more difficult fields, until the easier are won. I
reply, Better have no plans of our own. Better that mission
ary societies and individuals follow the openings of divine
Providence and the leadings of the Holy Spirit. All nations
must be converted to the true faith, and that before long. To
accomplish this, God has his own infinitely wise and eternal
purpose. He will provide the instruments, he will furnish
the means, he will open the way. Let us only look up to
him with unwavering faith, and unreservedly commit our
selves and our services to his direction. And whether we are
called to sow or to reap, whether to build the temple or only
to furnish materials to our successors, his glory will be se
cured, the great end will be attained, and it will be well with
us in time and in eternity. Yours faithfully, A. Judson.

Rangoon, May 30, 1847.
My dear Brother : This is the first Lord's day on which
I have had no regular worship. A private order of govern
ment was issued, day before yesterday, to have the house 1
occupy watched by police officers, in order to apprehend any
who might be liable to the charge of favoring " Jesus Christ's
religion." Seasonable information was communicated to me
and the disciples, by " friends at court," so that they have all
escaped at present. None came near me, qxcept two from the
country, and with them I had a very interesting and affecting
time, in a private room ; and they got off undiscovered. Four
Karen lads, who had been waiting for a passage to Maulmain,
decamped before light this morning. for their native jungle.

HOSTILE INFLUENCES. 288
The vice governor of the place, who is, indeed, the acting
governor at present, is the most ferocious, bloodthirsty mon
ster I have ever known in Burmah. It is said that his house
and court yard resound, day and night, with the screams of
people . under torture. Even foreigners are not beyond his
grasp. He lately wreaked his rage on some Armenians and
Mussulmans, and one of the latter class died in the hands of a
subordinate officer. His crime was quite a venial one; but in
order to extort money, he was tortured so barbarously that
the blood streamed from his mouth, and he was dead in an
hour. I am afraid that, while the present monster is in power, I
shall not be able to convene the disciples for worship as hith
erto. He is, however, only acting on the orders which are
understood to be in force all over the country, proscriptive of
the Christian religion. I feel the blow most deeply, for 1
had just succeeded in reorganizing a little church, out of old
materials and some lately baptized, amounting in number to
eleven, nearly all pure Burmans ; and last Sunday I had an
assembly of above twenty. Several new ones wefe expected
to-day, and two would probably have been baptized. I had
become so attached to the little church and assembly, and so
glad on every returning Lord's day to lay aside my tedious
dictionary labors, and spend all the day in obtaining and com
municating spiritual refreshment, that the present interruption
seems almost too hard to bear. However, I hope to do some
thing yet, in private, to aid a few perishing souls, who are
struggling, through darkness and terror, to find a way of es
cape from the more dread darkness and terror of eternal
death. But every thing must be done in private. Not even
a tract can be given publicly. That point I ascertained a
few years ago, on a visit to the place, which I believe I never
mentioned in writing home. In order to test the real extent
and efficiency of the king's order prohibiting the distribution
of books at Ava, I opened a box of tracts in the front part
of the house where I was a guest for a few days. The peo
ple took them greedily ; but in less than an hour my assistant,
vol. n. 25

290 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Ko En, was arrested and placed in 'confinement. It cost :tie
a great deal to get him free ; and when he was released, it
was on condition that he would give no more tracts. This
time, therefore, I brought no tracts for distribution, and have
confined myself to private conversation, except convening an
assembly for worship — and that in an " upper room " —
every Lord's day.
June 6, Lord's day. No formal worship ; but a fine young
man whom we had concluded to receive into the church, son
of one of the oldest converts, spent the day with me, in com
pany with two or three others ; and just at night we repaired
to the remote side of the old baptizing place, and, under cover
of the bushes, perpetrated a deed which, I trust, our enemies
will not be able to gainsay or invalidate to all eternity.
June 8. Yesterday morning the young man, on returning
to his residence, a few miles distant, met his father under ar
rest, in the hands of the myrmidons of government, on their
way to the court of the governor, — not, I was glad to learn,
the ferocious vice governor, above mentioned. One of the
converts came to give me notice ; and for two or three hours
I sat expecting the worst. But the blow was averted as
suddenly as it was aimed. "What have you brought the
man before me for ?" said the officer. "To he examined on a
charge of heresy and frequenting the house of Jesus Christ's
teacher," said the leading accuser. "On what authority?"
" Here is your written order." " What ! Who ? I have
given no order. It must be one of my petty clerks. It is
aU a mistake. Go about your business." "I thought it
strange," rallied the arrested, " that you should summon me
on a charge of heresy, as it is well known that I worship the
true God." "God," said the officer, rather nettled; "worship
any God you like ; " — " Or the devil," promptly added a virago
sitting on an official cushion at his side ; — "if you villagers
just pay your taxes, what more do we want of you ?"
As near as we can ascertain the truth of this strange affair,
the officer, after sending off the order early in the morning,
not entertaining the least doubt that the meas ire would be

COUNTENANCE FROM AVA. 291
approved, as the religion of Jesus Christ is understood to be
universally proscribed, stepped, however, into the government
house, and reported what he had done ; and the governor, re
membering his pledge to me on my first arrival, quashed the
proceeding. Thanks be to God !
And this is not the first favor he has done me, as I have
just learned by a very private confidential communication from
a sworn employe of government, a friend of mine, though not
of the cause. A few days ago, one of the highest members of
government represented to his excellency, that two or three
years ago, under the administration of his predecessor, three
of these heretical teachers came from Maulmain with the in
tention of effecting a settlement in the empire ; that he men
tioned their arrival to the then governor, who left their disposal
entirely in his hands, on which he ordered them out of the
country ; and that the said teachers then pretended they had
not come to stay, and immediately took their departure. On
hearing this, the governor kept his head bent over his break
fast, and made no reply. And the officer, feeling that he had
no.' sufficient encouragement to bring forward my case, with
drew to wait for a more convenient season. But the term of
this governor's rule is drawing to a close ; and it is expected
by many that he will be succeeded by the ferocious vice
governor. June 13, Lord's day. Not an individual ventures to come
near me. I am advised to make friends with the vice govern
or, by whose orders the house is watched, and whose author
ity is now paramount to that of the governor, a weak old man,
who suffers himself to be set at defiance ; but I think that an
attempt of that sort would but expose the cause to greater
danger. I am persuaded, as I have been for years past, that the only
way to keep footing in Rangoon is to obtain some countenance
at Ava. My principal object in coming hither was to ascer
tain the practicability and probable advantage of proceeding
to the capital. The present governor has given his permis
sion, and the season favorable for going up the river is not far

292 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
distant. But a/, the approaching crisis, I find myself destitute
of the requisite means. The board have approved the meas
ure, but have not been able to accompany their approval with
the needful remittance. On the contrary, I learn from my last
letters from Maulmain, that the annual appropriation for the
Burman mission is ten thousand rupees less than the current
expenses require. The brethren have been obliged to retrench
in every department, instead of being able to make an appro
priation for a new enterprise. My extra expense in Ran
goon for assistants and house rent is eighty-six rupees a month,
and they have been able to allow me seventeen and a half
only. The mission secretary writes me, that for any thing
beyond that sum, I must look, not to their treasury, but to the
board. Instead, therefore, of entering on a new and expen
sive undertaking, I find myself unable to remain in Rangoon,
But no ; I might hope that an appeal home would provide
means for remaining here ; but in present circumstances, un
able to remain to any advantage without making friends at
Ava, and having no hope that the board will be able to com
mence a new station, or even sustain the old ones much longer,
there remains nothing for me but to fall back upon Maulmain.
It is my growing conviction that the Baptist churches in
America are behind the age in missionary spirit. They now
and then make a spasmodic effort to throw off a nightmare
debt of some years' accumulation, and then sink back into un
conscious repose. Then come paralyzing orders to retrench ;
new enterprises are checked in their very conception, and ap
plicants for missionary employ are advised to wait, and soon
become merged in the ministry at home. Several cases of
that sort I encountered during my late visit to the United
States. This state of things cannot last always. The Baptist
missions will probably pass into the hands of other denomina
tions, or be temporarily suspended ; and those who have occu
pied the van will fall back into the rear. Nebuchadnezzar
will be driven out from men, to eat grass like an ox, until seven
times pass over him. But he will, at length, recover his

MULTIPLIED AFFLICTIONS. 293
senses, and be restored to the throne of his kingdom, and reign
over the whole earth. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To Mrs. Stevens, q Maulmain. Rangoon, June 30, 1847.
Dear, Sister : I have heard Mrs. Judson say, two or three
times, that she ought to write you ; so I thought I would supply
her deficiency. She has been very ill, with a combination of
nervous complaints, and become " as thin as the shad that went
up the Niagara." I was taken with dysentery two or three
weeks ago, and had the hardest time that I ever knew since I
have been in the mission. Henry lost his appetite, and grew
thin with fever. . . . And in the midst of it, poor little
Edward was seized with the erysipelas, and his eyes and face
swelled so that he was not recognizable. At length several
frightful sores opened, and are still discharging. Government
troubles came thick upon us and the converts. The season
of Lent arrived, and for four months no flesh or fowl — nothing
but fish — is procurable, except by stealth, and at a great price.
We had depended chiefly on fowl soup, and now it seemed as
if we must die. However, we kept on breathing. . . .
Only think that next July 11, will be the anniversary of
our sailing from Boston, and I shall not then have received —
except two short letters from Abby Ann, and ditto from Mr.
Peck — a single communication from the thousands of warm
friends I left at home !
Better sing " Vive,"- &c, over the graves of friendship, and
all things here below, except — except what ? love ; and that
we will cherish in the young corner of our hearts, an oasis in
the desert. Yours affectionately, A. Jur son.
25*

294 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
To Mr. Thomas S. Ranney. Rangoon, July 21, 1847.
My dear Brother : The accompanying heavy parcel for
Colby, with the letter, is to go by the August steamer to Cal
cutta, with direction to be forwarded overland to the agent in
London. The postage will, of course, be heavy ; but the
thing is the property of the board, and it is very important
that it should reach home as soon as it can be conveyed by the
overland. I received your kind letter of yesterday, the missing Her
ald, &c. We are all creeping up the valetudinarian hill with
the utmost assiduity. We had the happiness of nabbing fifty
fowls by the help of a government man in the neighborhood,
whose favor we propitiated ; and to such a degree that he let
us have them for seventy-two rupees per hundred. Three
nights after we had cooped them, our friend's jackals, we
know, stole twenty of them ; and soon after our friend him
self borrowed eight more, because he let us have them so
cheap, I suppose. The rest we are bolting as fast as possible,
for fear he will want to borrow them too. By we, I mean I,
for wife has become a sort of Grahamite, living chiefly, or
vegetating rather, on Mrs. Stevens's gingerbread, your coffee,
and the scrapings of yams which we pick up now and then —
the article being now out of season. 0 ye frequenters of As-
tor and Tremont ! O ye shades of strawberries and ice
creams! But I will spare your feelings and my own. May
you be happy in devouring and being devoured. I see you
are getting up a school of shadows in Maulmain. Please tell
the superioress that we are assiduously qualifying ourselves
for an early admission.
I remain, that is, what does remain,
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.

SOWING AND REAPING. 295
To Miss Lillybridge, of Maulmain.
Rangoon, August 12, 1847.
My dear Lydia : I have never written you, because I
know that Emily is frequently writing you, and that you will,
or ought to, take all she writes as coming from us both. For
the same reason I have never written to  till just
now, in answer to a note from her. So, having perpetrated
that anomaly, I am now venturing on another, like the monkey
who, having in an unlucky hour said A, was whipped to make
him say B. However, the comparison is imperfect, in that
there is no whipping needed to make me write to those I love.
We have frequently wanted you with us here, and once se
riously thought of it, in connection with a projected school ;
but the folly of the thought soon became apparent in the more
evident precariousness of our own situation. I hope you pass
your time not sadly or unhappily, though the study of a for
eign language and getting used to a new school in a foreign
land are not very epicurean occupations. But we must sow
before we reap ; and though our whole life should prove to be but
sowing time, the harvest of eternity will produce ample returns.
You are enough acquainted with Emily to know how happy
I must be in her society. My sojourn in Rangoon, though
tedious and trying in some respects, I regard as one of the
brightest spots, one of the greenest oases in the diversified wil
derness of my life. May God make me thankful for all the
blessings which have hitherto fallen to my lot, and for the hope
of those richer blessings which are just concealed by the cloud
of sense from our spiritual vision. If this world is so happy,
what must heaven be ? And as to trials, let us bear up under
them, remembering that if we suffer for Christ's sake, with
him we shall reign. Y^'.irs affectionately,
A Judson.

296 memoir of dr. judson.
Reminiscences of Dr. Judson's last Visit to Rangoon.*
While we were stopping in Boston, previous to sailing,
Dr. Judson first mentioned to me the subject of going into
Burmah proper, on his return. He said there was a wide
difference between Maulmain and Rangoon or Ava ; and un
til I could have some opportunity of understanding this differ
once, he did not wish me to decide whether I would go or
not. He was thinking very seriously of the undertaking,
however, and wished me to say whether I was willing that he
should make such an arrangement with the board as would
place him at liberty to go, provided we both thought it best,
on our arrival at Maulmain. He had no great confidence in
the change that had taken place in government ; still, it might
possibly be the " accepted time " for Burmah ; at any rate, he
wished to make one more effort, to present the gospel to the
blinded people, leaving the result in the hands of God. His
own circumstances, he said, were peculiarly favorable. His
family was smaller than it had been for many years; and
during his absence, the church which he had founded, and
watched over so long, had become so weaned from him, that
he thought he and they would be able to live without each
other. He also felt the need of better assistance in complet
ing his dictionary of the language, than he thought he could get
at Maulmain ; and though this was not his impelling motive, it
was yet in his mind of sufficient weight to warrant the step,
and much more presentable to the minds of others than the
dearer object, into which even his hopeful nature could infuse
but little of the enthusiasm of probable success. Thus, prob
ably without his being aware of it, the dictionary received
almost undue prominence in his general communications with
others, while to me it was seldom mentioned.
* The following notes were furnished by Mrs. Judsou, not for pub
lication, but for my own personal use. They, however, possess so
much interest, and illustrate so forcibly the motives of Dr. Judson in
making this last attempt to carry the gospel to the interior of Bur
mah, that I have inserted them on my own responsibility.

REMINISCENCES OF HIS LAST -VISIT TO RANGOON. 297
When we arrived at Maulmain, we found quite a little mis
sionary coterie gathered there, and every department well
filled. An over land letter from the board awaited us, with
permission to go to Rangoon ; and so we went. Dr. Judson
seemed to think that he was under no obligation to ask of any
human government permission to preach the gospel of Christ,
having probably changed his mind after his first visit to Ava ;
but as a matter of courtesy, and to invite protection as a resi
dent, he did ask permission to take a house, and bring his fam-
ly. The matter of the dictionary was also mentioned, and
i eceived with great respect ; but from the fact of Dr. Jud
son's being a foreign priest, the propriety of his ministering
to the religious wants of foreigners settled in Rangoon was
rather tenaciously insisted on by the governor. Dr. Judson
perfectly understood the implied interdiction couched under
this seeming generosity, and politely abstained from a reply,
while the governor returned again and again to his old po
sition, with the evident determination of obtaining a pledge
from his visitor, which the latter was as fully resolved not to
give. When they parted, it was perfectly understood by the
lookers-on, that the foreign teacher would be protected in his
character of scholar and foreign priest, but that if he at
tempted the conversion of Burmans to his rehgion, he at once
became lawful prey. He had scarcely expected more. He
had known the kind governor, however, in years gone by ; and
there was something in the friendly glance of the old man's
eye wliich promised as much as, in the precarious state of his
own affairs, could reasonably be expected.
The first business of my hnsband, on arriving in Rangoon,
was to collect the Christians together ; but so scattered was
the little flock, and so doubtful their state, that he was obliged
to reorganize the church, commencing the new organization
with about a dozen members. For a time every thing went
prosperously with us. Frequent meetings were held at our
house, and rsgular worship on the Sabbath. Gradually, the
congregation enlarged to twenty, to thirty, and still upward,
until it attracted the attention of government. It must not be

298 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
supposed that these men were so imprudent as t . come in of
a morning, or leave the house after worship, in a company
They came at all hours between daylight and ten o'clock, and
dispersed as gradually. Some brought parcels, some dishes
of fruit, some came with their robes tucked up like coolies,
and some, scorning concealment, or believing it unavailing,
appeared in their usual dress, as though on a matter-of-course
visit to the foreigner. When they were assembled, the outer
door was barred, and it was with great difficulty that any one
could gain admittance afterwards. Dr. Judson sometimes
smiled at these precautions ; but he considered that this was
the first time since the war that any missionary had been
stationed in Burmah, without the protection of an English
resident at Ava, and was assured that there never had been a
time of such intolerance, throughout the land, as under the
new king. , Meantime the Karens had been apprised of our
arrival, and they came down from the jungle in parties of
three, four, or a half dozen, remaining at our house till one
of the Burmese assistants could procure them passports
thence to Maulmain. (Previously they had escaped, over
land.) All this coming and going attracted attention to our
house, and would have done so much earlier, but that it
chanced to be on a Mussulman street.
One Saturday morning we were startled by some private
intimations that the bloody ray-woon, as one of the vice-gov
ernors was called, had his eye on us; and a little before
evening, the hints were fully confirmed. We learned from an
undoubted source, that a police guard had been stationed in
the vicinity of our house, with orders to seize every native, not
known to be a servant of the house, seen coming out of it.
We inferred that their policy was not to disturb us, at present,
but the blow was first to fall on the poor Christians. Several
Karens were stopping with us, and in addition to our usual
company of worshippers, quite a number of invited friends
and strangers had promised to be with us on the next day.
The church had been making individual efforts to enlarge the
congregatj in. I shall never forget tl e expression of my hus-

REMINISCENCES OF HIS LAST VISIT TO RANGOON. 299
band's face, as though really piercing to the invisible, when he
exclaimed, " I tell you, if we had but the power tc see them,
the air above us is thick with contending spirits — the good
and the bad, striving for the mastery. I know where final
victory lies, but the struggle may be a long one." There was
not much time for talking, however. He communicated the
state of things, as far as he thought expedient, to his two na
tive assistants, and sent them out to warn the nearer worship
pers. In this, great caution was necessary, in order to prevent
a panic ; and I suppose that the Rangoon Christians have
never, to this day, known the extent of their danger. As the
assistants, by an especial arrangement, did not return till af
ter our landlord's hour for closing the gate, Dr. Judson, with
some difficulty, got the key into his own possession ; and so,
in the first gray of morning, the Karens were guided out of
town, and advised to return to the jungle. The last place to
which the assistants earned their warning, on Sunday morn
ing, was a little village five miles from Rangoon, where they
remained till towards evening. Dr. Judson was afraid of
compromising the Christians by going to any of their houses
that day ; but he had advised them, through the assistants,
how to hold worship, and we knew of several places where
little knots of men and women were gathered for prayer.
These demonstrations on the part of government were fol
lowed up by a series of petty annoyances and insults, which
effectually precluded the possibility of accomplishing much
good. The governor was friendly, but weak and cowardly ;
and we soon found that his protection was really worthless,
except as he could hold the petty officers in awe. The bloody
ray-woon laughed at his authority, and once actually assembled
the troops against him, when the poor governor yielded. Both
Christians and inquirers, however, still came to us in private ;
and many a man, who refused to take even a book from the
teacher's hands, would watch his opportunity, when going out,
to snatch one from a box placed near the door for that pur
pose, and hide it in his dress, congratulating himself, no doubt,
that he was unsuspected even by us.

300 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
In the mean time, the rainy season set in ; and it proved a
season of unusual sickliness, even for that sickly place. To add"
still more to the uncomfortableness of our situation, the season
for the Buddhistic Lent, which continues several months, came
round ; and, probably for the first time in fifty years, foreign
ers were so far compelled to observe it as to abstain from eat
ing flesh or fowl. If we had known of the prohibition in sea
son, we could have been prepared ; but it took us quite by sur
prise. A few fish were exhibited in the bazaar ; but it was so
disreputable to trade, even in these, that they could scarcely be
found, except in a half-putrid state. The only baker in town
left soon after our arrival ; and we were forced to live almost
exclusively on boiled, rice and fruits. To the former I unfor
tunately took an unconquerable disgust ; and the latter proved
unwholesome to all of us. One child was seized with erysip
elas ; the other with a complication of diseases brought on, as
we supposed, by the meagre diet, and exposure to the damp
winds ; and Dr. Judson himself had a most violent attack of
dysentery, which kept him from his study table six weeks.
For myself, my appetite had failed in proportion to the
means of gratifying it ; so, without being ill, I was so reduced
in strength as often, in walking across the room, to fall, or
rather slide, down on the floor, not from faintness, but sheer
physical weakness. One of the assistants also took the fever;
and the nurse I brought from Maulmain, the only woman be
sides myself in the household, became seriously ill. Of course,
we had no medical adviser ; and if we had desired it ever so
much, we could not get away, as the monsoon was now at its
height, and the small native vessels in the harbor were not
only without accommodations for invalids, but too frail to be
trusted with the freight of human lives.
With all the rest, the police regulations of the city were in
the worst condition possible, indeed quite nugatory, and nightly
robberies were taking place all over the city, often in our im
mediate vicinity. We learned afterwards that the captains of
the band were the ray-woon, and a nephew of the governor,
and that the old governor himself winked at the wickedness —

REMINISCENCES OF HIS LAST VISIT TO RANGOON. 301
facts of which we were happily ignorant at the time. Dr.
Judson, when he could keep down his groans, used to speak of
our position as " the pass of the Splugen," and say he had no
doubt we should find sunny vales and fruited vineyards the
other side. The government was certainly very bad, and our
prospects, at the best, misty ; yet as soon as his health and the
children's began to amend, our courage revived. We could
not bear, now we had gone so far, and been through so much,
to think of retreating, without an effort to get to Ava. For
myself, as I believe is natural to the practical minds of women,
I sat down to examine the worst features of the case in detail.
We should of course be subjected to inconceivable annoyances
but we must trust Providence to give us wise thoughts. We
very likely might be banished ; but we could always hold
ourselves in readiness to go, and the loss of the few goods we
had would not be much. Possibly we should be imprisoned ;
but I did not think that very likely, and we should always
have means of informing our friends in Maulmain. Death
was the worst. We must endure it some time. If it came a
little earlier, it would be in a good cause ; and there would be
faithful Christians about us, who would never rest till they
had taken the children to Maulmain. The way seemed clear
to me. Dr. Judson said it was scarcely possible for us to en
counter the complication of troubles that we had already passed
through in Rangoon. Ava, he said, was always better gov
erned than Rangoon ; and this starving of people during Lent
had never occurred before in all his missionary life, and was
not likely to occur again ; besides, the rains were less heavy,
and consequently the rainy season less sickly. In addition
to this, he had a friend at court — a Burman of rank, who
loved him, and was exerting himself to the utmost to gain
respect for the " wise man," and to explain that Americans
were not Englishmen. The plan of going to Ava really
seemed, on the whole, feasible. Accordingly Dr. Judson used
his first returning strength to call on the governor, to obtain
permission to go. Not that we could not go without permis
sion ; but it was polite and conciliatory to ask and in the per-
VOL. n. 26

302 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
mission would be an implied exemption from annoyance in get
ting away, and protection — probably that of a government flag
or official umbrella — on the river. The Lent was not yet over ;
but what with boxes of biscuit from Maulmain, bribing a Mus
sulman — a rascally fellow, who afterwards came and robbed us
of our dearly-bought treasure — to obtain fowls for us secretly,
and the improved health of some of us, we began to be quite
valorous. As Dr. Judson expressed it, " our faces began to
shine." Indeed, we had not been very desponding any of the
time. Never, except during an occasional hour, when his
illness was most alarming, did his courage falter. It was
delightful to be so directly in the hands of God. Then, we
had not expected much when we left Maulmain. The church
in Rangoon had been aroused, a few baptisms had taken
place, and several more hopeful conversions ; and the way
to Ava, if not the golden city itself, was open before us.
The letter from Maulmain with no appropriation for our
contemplated expedition, and giving us only twenty rupees to
cover the eighty-six rupees we were even then monthly ex
pending, came upon us like a sudden tornado in a sunny day.
Oddly enough, it had not once occurred to us that the money
could be wanting. You will readily appreciate the one broad
feature of the case, which wrould have made the blow heavy
to any sincere Christian having much of the missionary spirit ;
but to my husband there was additional bitterness in the
manner of his disappointment, and in the hands from which it
came. " I thought they loved me," he would say, mournfully,
" and tb.ey would scarcely have known it if I had died."
"All through our troubles, I was comforted with the thought
that my brethren in Maulmain, and in America, were praying
for us, and they have never once thought of us." At other
times he would draw startling pictures of missionaries aban
doning the spirit of their mission, and sacrificing every thing
to some darling project; and at others he would talk hopelessly
of the impulsive nature of the home movements, and then
pray, in a voice of agony, that these sins of the children of
God might not be visited on the heathen. This was an un-

REMINISCENCES OF HIS LAST VISIT TO RANGOON. 303
natural state of excitement, — for him peculiarly unnatural, —
and he was not long in recovering from it. He very soon
began to devise apologies for every body, and said we must
remember that so far as we were concerned, or the mission
ary cause itself, God had done this thing, and done it, as he
always does, for good. It was not his will that we should go
to Ava then, and we had no right to complain of the means
he made use of to prevent it. He insisted, too, that our obe
dience was not to be yielded grudgingly ; that it must be a
cheerful acquiescence in all that God had done, and a sincere,
careful study of the indications of his providence afterwards,
without any suspicion that our ways were hedged by any
thing harder or thornier than his love and mercy. By the
time he had an opportunity to send letters to Maulmain and
Boston, his mind was restored to its usual serenity. My im
pression, however, is, that his first letter to the board was writ
ten in a slightly discouraged tone. He wrote more hopefully
to Maulmain, but I have sometimes thought that his generosity
took the point from his letter, and that his meaning was not
understood in saying that it was for the best. I think
now that they mistook resignation to God for a personal
willingness to abandon the enterprise. After our return to
Maulmain, we remained for a half year at some distance from
the chapel ; Dr. Judson being desirous of keeping aloof from
pastoral duties, lest he should become so entengled with the
church an to make it difficult to leave. He n-tver afterwards
assumed the full pastorship.

CHAPTER VIII.
NUMBER OF MISSIONARIES IN MAULMAIN. — MODES OF MISSION
ARY LABOR. — THE BURMESE DICTIONARY. — STATE OF THE
MISSION. 1847-1849.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, September 25, 1847.
Dear Brother : There are twenty-four missionaries, male
and female, congregated in this place ; eleven in the Karen
department, nine in the Burmese, two in the Peguan, and
one couple in the printing department.
You have one single missionary in Arracan, where there is
a population much larger than in all the Tenasserim provinces,
and two married missionaries in Tavoy, — the Wades being
about leaving. Mergui has passed out of your hands;* so that
nearly all your missionaries to Burmah and its dependencies
— that is, twenty-four out of twenty-nine — are in Maulmain,
where, I am sure, from being pretty well acquainted with the
whole ground, that one half the number would be sufficient,
and indeed work with more efficiency.
Many, who once belonged to or were intended for other mis
sions or stations, have removed or are removing hither, and
all, as they conceive, for the most substantial reasons.
If I might presume so far, I should be inclined to advise
the board to send out no more missionaries to these parts, un
til they can devise some way of making men go where they
are sent, and stay there.
The above sentiments I have frequently heard from the Bur
mese missionaries in regard to the Karen department, and
from the Karen missionaries in regard to the Burmese depart-
* Mergui was occupied by a missionary of the New Brunswick and
Nova Scotia Baptist Associations ; but the withdrawal of the Mission
ary Union -vas temporary, and the station has been since resumed bj
-he board. nn<

WITH AND WITHOUT A NATIONAL RELIGION. 305
ment, though each party is bent on increasing its own. I feel
equally interested in both parties ; and though I certainly find
it very pleasant to enjoy such a large and agreeable society, I
feel impelled to make this communication from a mere sense
of duty. I request that it may be made known, in some way, to
the members of the Acting Board; and if they take a different
view of the subject from mine, I shall cheerfully acquiesce.
Yours faithfully,
A. .Judson.
Mrs. Stevens to her Mother.
In a letter dated January, 1848, Mrs. Stevens writes, "Yes
terday Dr. Judson gave us one of his striking discourses."
. . . In comparing labors among a people without a
national religion to labors among idolaters or Mussulmans, Dr.
Judson used a figure which ought to be published in the Ma
cedonian in reply to some things which have appeared there
and elsewhere, to the import that difference of success among
Burmans and Karens is owing to difference of labor performed
among them. He supposed a man offering to fill two jars, one
of which stands empty, the other filled with earth oil. Now-
the force of the illustration will not appear to you as v
us, because we are so familiar with this oil; and you aio
not, as we are, obliged to nfake frequent use of it ; but you
can judge of its character by a translation of the Burman name
for it, " stinking water." The smell of it cannot be extracted
from a jar which has been emptied of it, except by burning-
I should never think of using a vessel which had once con
tained it for any other purpose. To return to the illustration.
A man goes to the owner of the empty jar, and asks if he may
fill it with pure and sweet water. " 0, yes, I shall consider
it a favor." So the Sandwich Islander, so the Karen receives
the truth, the benefits of a written language, and instruction
in books, and the elevation that follows, as favors conferred ;
and as there are no stains of ancient superstitions, they are
better Christians than converts from heathenism. When I
say no stains, of course comparatively is meant.
Let the missionary next go to the owner of the jar filled
26*

306 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON
with earth oil. He must first empty it, which the owner con
siders robbery. He would say, " You are taking away my
property ; this is my merit, which I have been many years
gathering. You wish to deprive me of my offerings. I
will apply to the king and priests to uphold me in cling
ing to my property." But the missionary says, " If you drink
that oil it will be poison to you ; let me give you water,
which will insure life eternal." " 0, my ancestors have
all drank of this, and I wish to do the same ; this is good for
me, and yours for you. My books are good for me, and my
religion, and so yours for you." But after long argument
and persuasion, he gains the man's consent to give up his
earth oil, and he labors through the process of dipping it
out, and cleansing the jar ; he rubs and washes ; the man all
the while begging him not to deprive him of all of it ; to al
low him some of his former customs, and some of the practices
of his worldly neighbors and relatives ; and often so much of
the oil is left, that the water is very offensive, and bystanders
say, " We do not perceive that the water is any sweeter than
the oil." Sometimes the man himself joins in, and says he
does not know but the smell is as bad as before, and the change
has been of no use ; so he upsets the jar and apostatizes.

To the Corresponding Secretary. Maulmain, May 21, 1848.
Dear Brother : I have just returned from the Burmese
chapel, where I have been endeavoring to do something anal
ogous to what I suppose many ministers are doing before their
respective churches on this the first Sabbath subsequent to
the annual meeting of the Union. I improved the occasion
to impress on my hearers their obligations to the Christians in
America for having sustained this mission through the long
period of thirty-five years, and not this mission only, but mis
sions throughout the world ; so that there are, at present, above
a thousand American missionaries of different denominations
scattered over the habitable globe. It is true that the relative

OBLIGATIONS TO BENEFACTORS. 307
position of the parties would not allow them to manifest their
gratitude in such a manner as the Christians of Macedonia
and Achaia manifested their gratitude to the poor brethren in
Jerusalem, (Rom. xv. 2 6, 27 ;) but they could be convinced
of their obligations, they could ponder on them, and converse
about them, until their hearts burned with gratitude and love
to their American brethren, and to the Saviour, the Lord of
missions. They could, though separated by wide oceans, meet
.-,t the same throne of grace ; and, though they could not
extend their own hands in kindness, they couid open that
hand which is replete with every good and perfect gift, and
cau/e a shower of blessings to descend on their distant bene
factors. They could gladden their hearts, and the heart of
their Saviour, by living according to the precepts of the holy
religion which had been sent them ; and is there any thing
sweeter and nobler in this world than to gladden the hearts
of our benefactors, especially of our great Benefactor, who
laid down his life for us ? And, lastly, they could second the
intentions of their American brethren by making every effort
to spread the gospel around them. " Freely ye have re
ceived ; freely give."
I never had a more attentive audience. May God bless the
feeble effort, and the efforts of my brethren during the past
week, in drawing into closer union the far-separated members
of Christ's body, until we become one in him forevermore.
Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To his Sons. Maulmain, May 21, 1848.
My dear Sons : Is it possible that I have letters from
you at last ? I had waited so long that I began to think it
would never be. And I am so glad to hear of your welfaie,
and especially that you have both been under religious im
pressions, and that Elnathan begins to entertain a hope in
Christ ! O, this is the most blessed news. Go on, my dear
boys, and not rest until you have made your calling and elec-

308 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
tion sure. I believe that you both and Abby Ann will be-
coms true Christians, and meet me in heaven ; for I never
pray without praying for your conversion, and I think I pray
in faith. Go to school, attend to your studies, be good schol
ars, try to get a good education ; but, O, heaven is all. Life,
life, eternal life ! Without this, without an interest in the
Lord of life, you are lost, lost forever. Dear Adoniram, give
your heart at once to the Saviour. Don't go to sleep without
doing it. You may wake up in hell. Try, try for your life.
Don't mind what any body may say to the contrary, nor how
much foohsh boys may laugh at you. Love the dear Saviour,
who has loved you unto death. Dear sons, so soon as you
have a good hope in Christ that your sins are pardoned, and
that Christ loves you, urge your pastor and the church to
baptize and receive you into communion. They will hold
back, thinking you are too young, and must give more evi
dence. But don't be discouraged. Push on. Determine to
do it. Determine to stand by Christ, come what will. That
is the way to get to heaven. . . . Will Elnathan tell
me what little book it was that was so much blessed to him ?
I have forgotten what I sent him. I have sent you copies of
your mother's Memoir. You will be delighted to read it, so
beautifully and so truthfully is it written. Ever love to cherish
the memory of your own dear mother, — how much she loved
you to the last gasp ; — and prepare to follow her to heaven.
Your fond father,
A. Judson.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. Maulmain, July 29, 1848.
Dear Brother and Sister Bennett : I do " recollect
that there is a station at Tavoy," and that you and the C  s
are there, and I suppose some dozen of the rising generation
that I have never set eyes on. Pretty much all I recollect of
the C  s is, that she is a very interesting lady, and has sis
ters and parents in America, whom I saw — just saw. Of

PERSONAL AFFAIRS 309
yc.u two, my recollections extend back nto the misty past,
and partake somewhat of the nature of the shadows with
which they are blended. We did once live together in this
place, and mingle with many others who are far removed, some
to distant countries, and some to distant worlds, and we are in
the same way. The ever-advancing, sweeping tide will soon
carry us away, and the places that now know us will know us
again no more. I hope I am willing to die, but was never
more willing to live. My present family is all that I could
wish. . . . My brethren all love me more than I deserve,
and I am sure I love them. I could wish to see more success
among the Burmans ; but we live in hope, and try to enjoy,
by way of a succedaneum, the great success which attends
every effort among the Karens. If I had a little spare money,
I should like to run down to Tavoy, and make you a visit, and
renew my old acquaintance, and tell you how much I love
and revere your excellent father, and how much I was inter
ested in your children whom I saw at home. E  , I hear,
is married to a pious person, and that is the great thing.
Better so than to have married the most distinguished per
sonage in the country destitute of religion. . . . When
I get through the dictionary, if I could only get a little foot
hold in Burmah, I would be off at once ; that is, if the
board would give me assurance that they will behave better,
in regard to money, than they did the last time I went there.
However, there cannot be many links of my chain remaining.
In ten days I step into that dim space that lies between sixty
and seventy, or, in other words, I shall enter my sixty-first
year. Time to set my house in order, and take leave of all
further earthly aspirations.
I was very glad, by the last accounts, to learn that Mrs.
Bennett is much better. May she still be spared. You are
very weak in numbers at Tavoy, and her death would be an
irreparable loss, not only to her family, but to the mission.
Emily has prepared a small Memoir of her predecessor,
chiefly from information communicated by me. I hear it is just
published, and I will send you a copy as soon as I get any.

310 memoir of dr. judson.
They talk her 3 of printing a small preparatory edition of my
dictionary, — that is, the Enghsh and Burmese part, — as soon
as it is done, which will be in about three months. Mrs. Judson
intends to write you by this opportunity, if she is able ; but she
is frequently ill, and unable to fulfil her engagements.
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, September 23, 1848.
Dear Brother : The preparation of the English and Bur
mese part of my dictionary is so far advanced, that I hope to
commence printing a small edition next month, preparatory to
a larger and uniform edition of both parts, when the Burmese
and English part is completed. But as I advance in the latter
part, I feel more deeply the desirableness and importance of
making a visit to Ava, and availing myself of the learned men
and the literary works that are to be found at the capital alone.
The government interpreter of Rangoon, who greatly be
friended me during my visit to that place last year, lately wrote
me that he hoped I would bear in mind the necessity of going
to Ava before I printed the work, and ttiat if I did not, it would
be impossible for me to make it what it ought to be. I pre
sume that no person, acquainted with the circumstances of the
case, would dissent from that opinion. But the difficulty of
penetrating into the country, and staying long enough to im
prove the dictionary, is very great, while the importance of the
undertaking will appear still greater, if some view be had to
the welfare of the scattered church, and the necessity of con
ciliating the government, and obtaining, if possible, some reli
gious toleration.
When last in Rangoon, I lost a favorable opportunity, such
as may not occur once in a hundred years. The governor
of Rangoon was the very last of all my old court acquaintances ;
and he was ready to clear my way to Ava, by a letter of intro
duction, into the very presence of the king. But I had no

HOPE OF REACHING AVA. 311
money to buy a boat, pay the boatmen, and defray the other
inevitable expenses of the undertaking, nor even to pay my
house rent in Rangoon ; and so I was obliged to return to this
place. The committee have since kindly defrayed the debt
contracted on the latter account ; but that is all. I suppose
they thought with me, that such a good opportunity would
never occur again, and that no benefit would result from la
menting over the past, or providing for the future — a future so
utterly improbable. There is, however, at the present moment,
a small prospect in the horizon, whiph may, in a few months,
disclose an open path to Ava. If such should be the case, the
committee, as well as myself, would regret that my hands were
still left tied, and another opportunity be irretrievably lost. I
request, therefore, that they will take into immediate consider
ation the question of appropriating a sum — say one thousand
rupees — to defray the expenses of such an undertaking as I
speak of ; and they may depend that I shall render, as in for
mer times, a minute, and I hope satisfactory account of the way
in which the money shall be expended.
I should endeavor to make it a point, before leaving this,
not only to see one part of the dictionary out of the press, but
the other part brought to such a state that it may be tran
scribed, and a copy left with the mission, in case of ulterior
accidents. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To his Daughter. Maulmain, November 26, 1848.
. . . We are a deliciously happy family ; but we think
much of the three dear absent ones, and my tears frequently
fall for your dear, dear mother in her lone bed at St. Helena.
And any time I enter the burial-place here, I see the white
gravestone of poor little black-eyed Charlie. Ah, we had to
leave the poor little fellovr to die in the arms of Mrs. Osgood.

312 memoir of dr. judson.
It was hard, but we could not help it. God's will be done.
He is now happy with his mother. If you should die, would
you go to them too ? O that I could hear of your and your
brothers' conversion !
You can never know how much I want to see you, how much
I think of you, how much I pray for you, always when I pray
for myself. O my dear daughter, my motherless daughter,
meet me at the throne of grace ; meet me in the bosom of
Jesus, and we shall live in his blessed presence on high, to
gether with your dear mother, lost to us for a time, but not
forever ; whose spirit ever watches over you, and will rejoice
with joy yet unfelt, when you turn to the Saviour and give
your heart to him. Your longing, hoping father,
A. Judson.

To Mr. and Mrs. Robarts, of Philadelphia.
Maulmain, December 18, 1848.
My very dear Friends : Have I written you since the
birth of little Emily Frances ? I was sure I had, until look
ing in my letter book, I find not your name where I expected
to see it. The little thing will be one year old on the 24th
instant. She is a great pet of her brothers, Henry and Ed
ward ; and her mother has taken to the two boys, as if they
were her own, so that we are a very happy family ; not a hap
pier, I am sure, on the broad earth. For a few months we
have been occupying the same house that my late family occu
pied ; I have the same church and chapel ; I am sitting at the
same study table ; and I can hardly realize that I have been
through such a whirl ; that the strange American dream has
intervened; that I am writing to certain persons of whom, before
I had that dream, I had never heard, but whom I now have in
my heart ; and their house, and the way to the " publication
office," and that office, and the Gillettes, and Philadelphia, are
all before my eye, as plain as if I saw them again ; and that cold

TRUTH GAINING GROUND. 813
winter, and your gaslights, and little Mary rigged out to go to
school through the snow — ah, the snow, that curious article,
drifting in at the slightest opening of a window, and that bro
ken pane that I bumped my unlucky head against, I see it,
looking at me reproachfully. O, wouldn't I give something
to be able to walk into your house, and spend a day or two
with you once more ! But that can never be. I suppose that
by this time you have our dear Utica friends with you in
Philadelphia. I hope they will be appreciated ; and they will,
I am sure, be a great accession to your society and church.
Do write me, and tell me all about my friends in Philadelphia
by name. I directed copies of the Memoir of the late Mrs.
Judson to be sent you, and Mrs. Gillette, and Mary Anna Long-
streth, and Mrs. President Dagg, all under cover to you, which
I mention, because I find that copies, which I sent to friends,
have, bv some accident, failed of reaching their destina
tion. The work of the Lord is going forward in every direction,
though much slower than we desire. Scarcely a month
elapses without witnessing the baptism of some Burmans, or
Peguans, or Karens, or descendants of Europeans, in some
of our churches in this place and vicinity. And beside the
actual evident conversions, we believe that the truth is spread
ing and gaining ground through the country ; and we expect
to meet many in heaven, whom we never met on earth. And
we are endeavoring to labor not only for the present genera
tion, but for all future generations ; and for this purpose are
preparing a great variety of elementary books in the various
departments of science and religion.
" Cheerly, cheerly ply the lever ;
Pause not, faint not, falter never,"
is our song, and in that chorus we all join, with joyful hearts.
Even the " young romance writer "»has made a little book,
completing her predecessor's series of Scripture Questions on
the Historical Parts of the New Testament ; and she manages
to conduct a Bible class and native female prayer meetings ;
vol. n. 27

314 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
so that I hope she will yet come to some good. Pray fcr us,
my dear friends ; and may we all be prepared to meet in
heaven. With Mrs. Judson's love,
Yours most affectionately, A. Judson.
The following letter, with two others, which will be
found on subsequent pages of this chapter, was writ
ten to Dr. Judson by the then prince royal of Siam,
who has since succeeded to the throne — an intelligent
and learned Buddhist, who had become acquainted in
Bangkok with the character of the missionary. They
are mainly interesting from the indications which they
exhibit of intellectual cultivation in a native prince,
and of the respect in which the labors of Dr. Judson
were held in every part of India.

To Rev. Mr. Adoniram Judson,' the American Missionary of Maulmain.
Bangkok, Siam, December 23, 1848.
Venerable Sir : Having received very often your far-
famed qualities, honesty, faithfulness, righteousness, graceful
ness and very kindness to poor nation, &c, from reading the
book of your's ancient wife's memoir and journal, with some
newspapers, and from conversation with your missionaries,
Mr. John T. Jones and Mr. Chandler, I trust that you will
be glad and satisfacted to receive my correspondence, if I ad
dress to you, declaring that I am affectionate friend of Rev.
Mr. J. T. Jones along during seventeen or sixteen years since
he came to this country, and that I am acquired on some way,
with the knowledge of English. Therefore I was br&ve with
out hesitating to write you this first letter to communicate
with you, through the care of my friend, the Rahany Chief
nobleman who is minister of my eldest Brc<her, His Majesty,
the king of Siam.
I am now acquainted with several Singhalese fiends of

LETTER FROM THE PRINCE ROYAL OF SIAM. 315
Ceylon, some of whom are still Buddhist as I am, and re
spectful to their Burmese teachers whose fraternity they have
had been entered, and desirous to pronounce by manner of
their sound, but they do not ascertain because they did not
meet with Burmese more than forty years ago. I wish there
fore show them some tracts or books of pronunciation of Bur
mese alphabet and its division which recently and exactly
printed with English and Burmese characters to let them be
ascertain in manner of Burmese pronounce.
I hope you will supply me with a few books or tracts of
the such account with much pleasure for sake of your mis
sionaries in Siam who are my friends. I beg to show this my
necessity please pardon me if it is not proper for you.
I desire also to be acquainted with certain gentlemen of
European resident of Maulmain to correspond mutually with
for know somethings and matters which perhaps sometime
may be in my necessity in future, but I did not hear of any
person of that place except yourself alone.
You shall direct my name by the following Siamese charac
ters on the back of parcel or envelope of my address, if you
would send to me by ' Rahany ' or other northern state of
Siam, then it will be reached my hand very soon, or you shall
send it to care of your missionaries herein.
Siamese Direction :
To His Royal Highness, T. Y. Chaufa Mongkut, of Bangkok, Siam.
I am a Buddhist high priest, and have the honour to he
your friend
Prince T. Y. Chaufa Mongkut .
Perhaps you might ever hear of my name formerly from
your missionaries. To his Sister. Maulmain, January 22, 1849.
My dear Sister : My last to you was July 21, 1848, and
yours of August 15, has just come to hand. I had previ-

316 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
ously receiv 3d 3 our present of one hundred dollars, sent to
tje treasurer of the board, about March, I believe, and for
warded by him a few months after. For this fresh proof of
your kind remembrance, accept my cordial thanks, and also
for your repeated kindnesses to my children in America;
though, as to that matter, I fancy they are about as much
your children as mine. At any rate, you can see them and
hear from them much oftener than I can. I am very much
concerned about Adoniram, since hearing from you of his ill
ness ; and I am so much concerned about the spiritual welfare
of all three ! 0, if I could only hear that they are truly con
verted, I could lie down and sleep in peace, so far as they are
concerned. But here are three others to pray for and trem
ble over. Poor little Emily Frances has been dangerously
ill with a species of cholera ; but we hope she is now better.
No change has taken place in my outward circumstances
since I wrote last, excepting that, in consequence of Mr. Has-
well's going home on account of his health, the care of the.
Burmese native church has again devolved on me, though Mr.
Stevens assists me much in the preaching department, and in
other ways. I may mention, also, that the Enghsh and Bur
mese part of my dictionary is done, and is now printing in a
small edition of three hundred. It will make a volume of
about six hundred pages quarto. I have now entered upon
the Burmese and English part ; and that will make another
volume about .as large. I hope to get through with this tedi
ous work in a year and a half more — perhaps two years, if
I should live so long. You don't mention receiving a copy
of the Memoir of the late Mrs. Judson. I directed the pub
lishers to send you one. Please mention whether you got it.
. . . Emily is now preparing notes for a new edition of
the work. And she has made some progress in the Burmese
language, so as to finish the Questions on the Acts, for
Sabbath schools, left unfinished by her predecessor. But the
language is not, of course, equal to that of the first part of
the work. I could have improved it, but thought it was best
to let. her hammer it out herself. She will do better by and. by.

MODE OF CONDUCTING MISSIONS. 317
O, how I wish I could make you a visit in your solitude !
I am glad you have repaired the house. Don't spare any
expense to make yourself comfortable. Don't think of laying
jp any thing for me and mine, so as to abridge your own
comforts. Emily sends you her best love.
Your ever affectionate brother, A. Judson.
The following letter relates to a subject most inti
mately connected with the prosperity of missions, and
it deserves additional consideration from the fact,
that Dr. Judson did not write it in haste, but after
deliberation ; and, after having written it, laid it aside
for several months before he finally resolved to send it
to the board. It may therefore be esteemed his last
testimony as to the manner in wliich missionary efforts
should be conducted. While these pages are passing
through my hands, I have received a letter from a friend
in Hindoostan on this very subject, from which it ap
pears that the worst apprehensions of Dr. Judson are
likely to be more than realized in some of the most
important missions in India. Good men have aban
doned the preaching of the gospel, and have employed
themselves in teaching, in order to prepare the natives
to receive the gospel; and the pupils of these very
schools are found to be the worst opponents of Chris
tianity. To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, March 16, 1849.
Dear Brother : When I spoke of brother

school, in my letter to you of the 22d November, 1847, as one
of our most effective engines for the renovation of these prov
inces, I had not become aware of the great change which
the school had gradually undergone.
27*

318 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
. . . The propriety of bestowing much missionary labor
and expense upon country-born children is very questionable,
that class of the population being found throughout India to
have less influence on the population at large than any other.
Their influence, for obvious reasons, is generally confined to
themselves. The propriety of teaching English to the natives,
to the exclusion and depreciation of their own vernacular, is
still more questionable.
. . . I am more and more convinced of the truth of a
remark which I made some years ago, that English preach
ing, English teaching, and English periodicals are the bane
of missions at the East. There are several missionaries —
more, it is true, from Great Britain than from America — who
never acquire the languages, except a mere smattering of
them, of the countries to which they are sent, but beguile
their time and expend their labors among their own country
men and the country-born population, under the fallacious
idea that through them the Christian rehgion will gradually
reach the masses of the native population. There are, how
ever, some symptoms of an approaching change in public
sentiment throughout the East, in regard to the mode of con
ducting missionary operations. It begins to be found that
popular English schools, containing hundreds of pupils, and
instructed by great and powerful men, — but men ignorant of
all native languages, — will never convert the millions of the
heathen. " Such schools," as the senior missionary of the
Kishnagur mission lately observed to me, on visiting this
place, " are very pretty things to amuse English visitors with,
and make interesting reports for people at a distance, who
cannot enter into the merits of the case."
Still, some good results from every good effort, though not
the most judiciously directed ; and I have always endeavored
to keep myself free from strong party feelings. Live and let
live is not a bad motto, nor should I have written a word of
the above, had I not felt for some time past that I had com
mitted myself too far in what I had said about one of the
the mission schools, and made myself somewhat responsible

DECLINING HEALTH OF MRS. JUDSON. 319
for what I cannot regard as the most judicious expenditure of
labor and funds. Yours faithfully,
A. Judson.
To Miss Anable, of Philadelphia. Maulmain, March 18, 1849.
Dear Anna Maria : I know not how to begin to write
you. A dark cloud is gathering around me. A crushing
weight is upon me. I cannot resist the dreadful conviction
that dear Emily is in a settled and rapid decline. For nearly
a year after the birth of baby, she enjoyed pretty good health,
and I flattered myself that she would be spared for many
years. But three or four months ago her appetite almost
entirely failed her. Soon after, baby was taken very ill, and
in the midst of it, our usual help left us, and she was obliged
to undergo a great deal of severe fatigue ; and I see now that
she has been declining ever since. She soon became unable
to take our usual walks, and I procured a pony for her,
and she tried riding, but without any good effect. I next
sent her to Tavoy in a steamer, on a visit to the mis
sionaries there. She was gone ten clays, and returned thin
ner in flesh and weaker than ever. I now take her out every
morning in a chaise, and this is all the exercise she can bear.
She is under the care of a very skilful doctor, who appears to
be making every possible effort to save her ; but the symp
toms are such that I have scarcely any hope left. She is
thinner than she has ever been ; strength almost gone ; no
appetite ; various pains in the region of the lungs ; a dry
cough, which has hung on pertinaciously for two or three
months. She was preparing some " Notes," to append to the
Memoir, but has been obliged to leave them unfinished, being
unable to write, or even read, without aggravating her pains.
I look around in despair. If a change to any place promised
the least relief, I would go any where. But we are here
in the healthio it part of India, and in the dry, warm season ;

320 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and she suffers so much at sea that a voyage would hardly be
recommended for itself. My only hope is, that the doctor
declares that her lungs are not seriously affected, and that as
soon as her system is fairly brought under the influence of
the course of medicine he is pursuing, — digitalis being a prin
cipal ingredient, — there will be a favorable result. I shall
dissuade her from writing by this month's mail, though she
has mentioned that she wants to write to you and her family.
Nor does she know that I am writing to you. Her family I
don t want to distress at present. She may get better. But
I suffer so much myself, that I felt it would be some relief to
sit down and tell you all about it. . . . When she was at
Tavoy, she made up her mind that she must die soon, and that
is now her prevailing expectation ; but she contemplates the
event with composure and resignation. Within a few months
she has grown much in devotional feelings, and in longing de
sires to be wholly conformed to the will of Christ. She had
formerly some doubts about the genuineness of her early con
version, but they have all left her ; and though she feels that
in her circumstances prolonged life is exceedingly desirable,
she is quite willing to leave all, at the Saviour's call. Praise
be to God for his love to her. Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
March 23. Glad I am that the mail is still open, so that
I can add that Emily is better. The medicine seems really
to have taken effect, and the crisis to have passed. But
though the deadly pressure is a little removed from my heart,
I do not venture to indulge very sanguine hopes, after what I
have seen ; for a few days may prostrate all again. Do re
member us in your prayers. I feel more than ever that God
heareth prayer.
The Philadelphia box has just arrived. I have opened it,
and shown Emily the things. May she be able to write next
month, and acknowledge the kindness of her friends.

SYMPATHY with a bereaved mother. 321
To Mr;. Moore, of Maulmain. April 2, 1849.
Dear Sister : I do sympathize with you while suffering
under the loss of your little babe. It is true that it breathed
the breath of life a day or two only ; but your heart — a
mother's heart — feels anguish never before conceived of;
and as the coffin lid shuts out the sweet face from your long
ing gaze, and bars all further maternal care, the tears you
shed will be, O, so bitter !
You need not my suggestion that God has done this thing
in infinite wisdom and love. While, therefore, you mourn, be
thankful. A part of yourself has gone before you to heaven.
Yours is the early privilege of furnishing a httle seraph to
occupy its place in paradise. There it will wait to welcome
its mother's arrival. The prayers you have frequently offered
for the little creature will yet all be answered ; the warm
affections now apparently crushed in the bud will expand and
bloom in heavenly glory ; and every succeeding age of eter
nity will heighten your song of praise to God for making you
the mother of a little immortal, and then, for some special
purpose, bearing it away thus early to the grave, and to
heaven. Your sympathizing friend and brother,
A. Judson.
To Mrs. Bennett. Maulmain, April 12, 1849.
My dear Sister Bennett : Mrs. Judson has sent over
to the office some books for you, . . . which she begs
you will accept. She would be glad to write you a line, but,
though much better than when at Tavoy, the doctor forbids
her the use of either needle or pen. She drives out every
morning in a gharry, and her appetite is greatly improved.
Whether her illness before and at Tavoy will prove to be an
incipient decline, destined to terminate fatally, or only the
result of incautiously-increased fatigue, aggravated by a severe

322 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
cold, remains yet to 1 3 seen. We and all we love are in the
hands of God for life and for death. Mrs. Judson frequently
speaks of the very happy acquaintance she formed with you
at Tavoy ; and would that it might be frequently repeated
and perpetuated in a brighter and better world. Please to
give our love to Dr. Van Someren, and thanks for his very
kind attentions while Mrs. Judson was at Tavoy.
Yours ever affectionately,
A. Judson.

From Letters to his Daughter. Maulmain, April 20, 1849.
When I think of you and your brothers at Worcester, 0,
I have such a longing to see you that it seems as if I could
not always stay on the other side of the globe, " severed from
you by stormy seas and the wide world's expanse." But O,
if you are not in Christ, a wider expanse — even the im
passable gulf — will soon lie between us, and the wide expanse
of eternity itself will show no point of meeting, no spot where
I and your departed mother will be able to take you to our
longing arms. Maulmain, October 1, 1849.
I have just received your very nice letter of 19th of July
last, and am much pleased with your proficiency in all things,
except that you have not yet given your heart to the Saviour.
Beheve me, that every year, every month, you live without
grace, will occasion you a loss that will be irreparable through
all eternity.
We have all bsen ill with a sort of influenza, but are now
better. Emily Frances is the sweetest little fairy you ever
saw. I hope sh ? will one day come under your instruction
and care.

SECOND LETTER FROM THE PRINCE ROYAL. 323
From his Royal Highness, the Prinze of Siam. August 1849.
. . I put together with my box, comprising a few
artificial flowers, two passion flower, one mogneyet, or sur-
named flower, and three roses, manufactured by most cele
brated princess the daughter of late second king, or sub-king,
who was my royal uncle, for your memorial, but are, indeed,
that I don't know what would be in your necessity from me,
beg to let me know without hesitation, I shall endeavor for
your desire how my power would allow.
If you desire to visit Siam some time, don't come by land,
as the strangers are prohibited to come by northern way from
command of his majesty, and you would be tributed for com
ing by way of three pagodas, though traveling of strangers
by it was allowed by political authority. It would be best if
you embark on board the steamer for Singapore, and lodge
little while at residence of my beloved friend Tan Tock Sing,
whom I can request to comfort or make attention to you
respectfully, and take passage by Siamese vessels that visit
the Singapore almost every month to our country, and on
your ascending and descending to and fro between this post
and Singapore you need not expend any of your own, as I
can pay or request the owners of ships for you if you let me
be aware.
Whenever do you please to send me packet or letters, or to
certain of your friend herein, you shall send by sea to Singa
pore with the direction thus : —
To His Royal Highness, T. Y. Chaufa Mongkut, of Bangkok, Siam.
Kind care of Tan Tock Sing, of Singapore.
If you have opportunity to send by land, you shall send by
hand of Rahany messengers, or credible traveling trademen
of the same, for care of my friend the Rahany chief governor,
with Siamese characters in direction as follows : —
[Here is inserted the direction in Siamese.]

324 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
because there is none interpreter of English. I am not pleas
ing the Pegucn, or Pegunese, or Mons messenger, who were
dignified and appointed to visit Maulmein once for a year
from our court, as they generally are proud in vain and igno
rant of foreign custom, and wondering or surprising them
selves that they are embassadors from the king improper to
carry letters from others. I think if you commit your letter
or pack to them, lest they might say or do any laughable.
All white race at Bangkok, both clergymen and merchant,
are well during time of cholera, as the missionaries were gen
erally prevented themselves from filling of disease by using
of drinking the dissolved mixture of calomel and opium with
some spirit and oil put in water, and others by generally use
of brandy.
On the ninth day of the current month, eight of Roman Cath
olic French priests disputed away from Siamese kingdom, on
account of disagreement with the king, for ordinance the an
nual taxes, which were ordained upon all inhabitants of dis
trict of Bangkok. You will hear exactly from letters, per
haps, of your friends. I have no time to write you more.
I wrote you so long to fulfill your desire to hear from again
as you had requested, in your addressed, as I am seeming to
be, your curious but httle as I was just studied of some way
of English 4 years ago, commencing June, 1845, during one
less of which I learned from mouth of my teacher, and on
rest but by reading only.
I have the honour to be your friend,
T. Y. Chaufa Mongkut.

To Mr. Anderson, of Port Louis.
Maulmain, August 5, 1849.
My dear Brother Anderson: Yours of January, 1848,
I received with much pleasure, and have just reperused with
much interest. But I should have been more gratified if I
could have perused one of later date, giving me an account of
the state of things at Port Louis down to the present time. I

STATE OF THE MISSIONS. 325
really don't know that I have heard a word from your island
since the date of your letter.
Since my return from America, with the exception of a
visit of a few monthsat Rangoon, I have been occupying my
old stand, engaged chiefly in preparing a Burmese dictionary,
which is now in the press ; that is, the English and Burmese
part. The Burmese and English part will, I hope, be ready
for the press in the course of another year. They will make
two quarto volumes of five or six hundred pages each. There
are three Baptist churches in this town : a Burmese church,
containing about one hundred and fifty members, of which I
am pastor; a Karen church, containing about one hundred
members, of which Mr. Binney is pastor ; and an English
church, containing about twenty-five members, of which Mr.
Simons is pastor. There are two other Burmese churches in
Jiese regions, and above a dozen Karen churches. I suppose
there are between fifteen hundred and two thousand baptized
communicants in all the churches under our supervision in
these parts, besides double that number, or more, exclusively
Karen, attached to the Arracan mission. There is also a
flourishing little church of some thirty or forty Burmese at
Akyab, on the Arracan coast, under the care of brother
Ingalls. We find it impossible, at present, to penetrate into
Burmah proper, though my earnest view and ardent wishes
are always directed thither. But now and then we baptize an
individual from the empire ; so that we trust the seed is sow
ing there, which will finally spring up in large and flourishing
churches to the glory of God. At my age, (entering my sixty-
second year on the 9th- instant,) I can hardly expect to see the
long-desired and long-prayed-for triumph of the Redeemer's
kingdom in Burmah ; but I trust I shall see it from the win
dows of paradise. Notwithstanding the remark above, I have
sometimes heard, through the religious periodicals, of the state
of things in Madagascar ; and I look forward to the time
when that great island shall submit to Christ. We live in
wonderful times. Every revolution among the kingdoms of
VOL. ii. 28

326 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
the earth seems to be designed to prepare the way for the uni
versal establishment of the kingdom of Christ.
I have a httle family once more around me — ¦ my present
wife, a worthy successor of her predecessors ; two little boys,
remaining from the wreck of my last family ; and a little girl, a
year and a half old, just the age of the httle one you lost.
My three elder children are in America; and I have some
hope that one of them has given his heart to God, though he
has not yet professed rehgion. I shall send you, by the first
opportunity, a copy of the Memoir of my late wife, by my
present one, as a small token of my affectionate remembrance
of you and Mrs. Anderson. There is nothing I should hke
better than to revisit the Isle of France ; and you may depend
that, if convenient to you, I should come straight to your
house, according to your kind invitation. And as I have, in
a good measure, recovered the use of my voice, I hope I
should be able to do a httle in your English prayer meetings
that you speak of. But this will probably never be. May
every blessing rest on you, and your family, and the precious
circle of praying souls around you. Truly my heart is
with you. Your affectionate brother in the Lord,
A. Judson.

To the Corresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, August 20, 1849.
Dear Brother : As you see from the date, I am still at
Maulmain. Before receiving yours of the 20th of February
last, with the appropriation for the expenses <of a journey to
Ava, the " small prospect in the horizon," mentioned in mine
jf the September preceding, had passed away ; and since that,
nothing encouraging has occurred. Were it not, however,
for the following reason, I should prosecute my first intention ;
for so far as a mere journey to Ava is concerned, I know of
no obstacle in the way of any foreigner who wishes to proceed
thither.

THE DICTIONARY HIS CHIEF CARE. 327
Just as I had finished the English and Burmese part of the
dictionary, at the close of last year, and was about commen
cing the Burmese and English part, Providence sent me, with
out my seeking, an excellent Burmese scholar, once a priest
at Ava, and recommended by a gentleman quite competent to
appreciate his qualifications — since deceased — as " the most
profound scholar he had ever met with." I took him at once
into my employ, and his aid, united with that of my two other
assistants, proves to be invaluable, and, in my opinion, obviates
much of the necessity of going to Ava, so far as the dictionary
is concerned.
Considering, therefore, the uncertainty of life, and the state
of my manuscripts, so effaced by time, or so erased and inter
lined as to be illegible to any other person but myself, I have
thought it was my duty to forego, for the present, what I can
not but regard as an interesting expedition, in order to drive
forward the heavy work of the dictionary in the most satisfac
tory manner, and without increasing the hazard of any serious
interruption ; provided always, that in the mean time nothing
particularly encouraging in the direction of Ava should occur.
I hope, however, that the appropriation of the Executive
Committee will not be withdrawn, but that I may be allowed
to consider it available at the very earliest opportunity.
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
To the Rev. Mr. Gillette.
Maulmain, October 21, 1849.
Dear Brother Gillette : I hope that dear wife keeps
up the correspondence with you and your family properly ; if
she does not, please to drop me a line, and I will see to her.
However, I feel as if it would do my heart good to write you a
short letter myself. How glad I should be to step into your
house, and spend an evening with you and dear Mrs. Gillette !
It seems to me that I should enjoy your company far more

328 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
than when I was with you. I was then so taken up with ok
tain other matters, that I cannot help thinking I never becani<
well acquainted with you. I should like very much to hav(
you find a spare hour to sit down and write me about your
family, and church, and brother ministers, in Philadelphia, "and
particularly those individuals that I knew. I suppose that
death has been at work there, as well as every where else. I
am glad to hear that your university affairs are well settled,
and that brother Kincaid is coming out again.
Emily's health is very delicate — her hold on life very pre
carious. Yet she may live on many, many years. She has
already outlived several whose health was much more robust.
And while she does live, she will be a blessing to all, whether
near or remote. I never cease to thank God that I found her,
accidentally as it were, under your roof.
I am still hard at work on the dictionary, and shall be for above
a year to come, if I live so long. The work will make two vol
umes quarto, containing above a thousand pages. No one can
tell what toil it has cost me. But I trust it will be a valuable
and standard work for a long time. It sweetens all toil to be
conscious that we are laboring for the King of kings, the Lord
of lords. I doubt not we find it so, whether in Maulmain or
in Philadelphia.
Love to the Robartses, and all your and their friends.
Most affectionately yours,
A. Judson.

To tlie Rev. Mr. Osgood, formerly of Maulmain.
Maulmain, October 21, 1849.
So the light in your dwelling has gone out, my poor brother,
and it is all darkness there, only as you draw down by faith
some faint gleams of the light of heaven ; and coldness has gath
ered round your hearthstone ; your house is probably desolate,
your children scattered, and you a homeless wanderer over
the face of the land We have both tasted of these bitter

SYMPATHY WITH A BEREAVED HUSBAND. 329
cups once and again ; we have found them bitter, and we have
found them sweet too. Every cup stirred by the finger of
God becomes sweet to the humble believer. Do you remem
ber how our late wives, and sister Stevens, and perhaps some
others, used to cluster around the well-curb in the mission
compound, at the close of day ? I can almost see them sit
ting there, with their smiling faces, as I look out of the win
dow at which I am now writing. ' Where are ours now ?
Clustering around the well-curb of the fountain of living
water, to which the Lamb of heaven shows them the way —
reposing in the arms of infinite love, who wipes away all
their tears with his own hand.
Let us travel on and look up. We shall soon be there.
As sure as I write or you read these lines, we shall soon be
there. Many a weary step we may yet have to take, but we
shall surely get there at last. And the longer and more
.sdious the way, the sweeter will be our repose.
I never wanted to hear from you so much as at the present
moment. I hope you will have written me before receiving this.
If not, do not delay giving me a long letter, and telling me
all about yourself and your children, your circumstances and
your prospects.
I am still hard at work, and shall be for a year more if I
live so long. I hope then to get into more congenial employ.
However, I would not choose for myself. Work of all sorts
must be done, and it is a great privilege to be allowed to
do any thing for the King of kings, the Lord of lords.
Dear wife has comfortable health just now, but her hold on
hfe is very precarious. Yours ever,
A. Judson.
28*

330 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
From the Prince of Siam.
To Rev. Mr. Adoniram and Mrs. Emily Judsons, of Maulmain.
Dated Wat Pawarnwees, Bangkok, Siam, March 13, 1850.
Sir and Madam : Your's letter addressed me under the
date of loth December ultimo, together another addressed to
Rev. Mr. J. T. Jones, was received on 8th March as long as
it was detained at the hand of His Honor Phy tuck the Governor
of Rahany, who was much engaged in the great funeral ser
vice of his old mother on last month.
I have forwarded the latter to Rev. J. T. Jones on the same
day, who (J. T. Jones) wrote me the note that he was suf
fering for the considerable fever during a week so painful as
he could not write you on this opportunity, but his sickness is
not dangerous, he hope he will write you on next opportunity.
On the 10th March, before this date three days, I wrote
you another letter and sent by hand of my messenger who
was sent to visit Arracan by our Barque " Lion," according
to counsel of the principal of our partical priesthood and
superintendent gentlemen of our society, to let you know
the news of the same depution that we wish to negotiate or
communicate with the Buddhist people of the same land
as we had ever done with Singhalese a few years ago.
Please receive a copy of the Calendar for the current year,
the ending part of which was prepared myself and printed by
Mr. II. Chandler, at mission press.
I shall be very glad to have from you, on return of
Pegunese Messengers of our country, or of Northern
Siamese messenger Rahany, some newspapers relating the
news of Burman Golden city, or Capital, which might be
printed and published at Maulemien by which we must be very,
interested in reading. I am also eagerly desirous of having
a tract of pronunciation of Burman letter which you had pre
paid and printed longly, trusting you would be able to get
one ft*m any where, even one old book in present.
Your fp.ithful
Prince T. Y. Chaufa Monukut.

CHAPTER IX.
HIS .AST ILLNESS. — INTENDED VOYAGE TO THE ISLE OK
FRANCE. — THE CLOSING SCENES OF HIS LIFE. — HIS DEATH
AND BURIAL. — NOTICES OF THE PRESS —ANECDOTES AND
SKETCHES. 1849-1850.
Our narrative now hastens rapidly to its close. Dr.
Judson employed himself, without intermission, upon
the Burmese dictionary, until the month of November,
1849. He then took a violent cold while engaged,
during the night, in assisting Mrs. Judson in the care
of one of the children, that had been suddenly taken
ill. This was followed by an attack of the fever of
the country of a much graver character than he had
ever before suffered. He had been so much accus
tomed to seizures of this kind, that neither he nor his
friends became alarmed until the disease had reached
the springs of life. At length he was persuaded to
try the effect of a trip down the coast, and sailed
in the steamer to Mergui. This afforded but partial
relief, and he was advised to remove, for a season, to
Amherst, for the benefit of the sea air. Here he rap
idly sank, and it became too apparent that the only
remaining hope of his recovery would be in a protracted
sea voyage. To this proposal, however, he was for a
long while strongly opposed, more especially, because
it was impossible for Mrs. Judson to accompany him.
After much deliberation, he resolved to make the trial,
and engaged a passage in the Aristide Marie, a
331

332 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
French bark, bound to the Isle of France. He em
barked on the 3d of April, 1850, accompanied by Mr.
Ranney, of the Maulmain mission. Some unfortu
nate delays occurred in their progress down the river,
and several days elapsed, after leaving Maulmain, be
fore they proceeded to sea. Dr. Judson never rallied,
out gradually sank under the agonizing distress that
oreceded the fatal termination. The pilot left the ves
sel on Monday, April 8. Baffling winds and sultry
weather supervened, and the distress of the sufferer
•oecame intense. The scene was closed by death on
Friday, the 12th of April ; and on the same day all
that was mortal of Dr. Judson was committed to the
deep. From a Missionary.
. . . I saw Dr. Judson occasionally, and have seen
no man in India, or elsewhere, whom I thought riper for
heaven. I was particularly impressed with his firm reliance
on the promises of God. He used the word grace very fre
quently, and in a way somewhat peculiar to himself. " I am
sorry," said he on one occasion, " to learn that  is doing
so badly. Yet his evidences were clear. I think he has
grace, and will go safe at last." Speaking of the dubious con
duct of a native assistant, he said in substance, " My assistants
think meanly of him — not that he is wholly without grace,
but he is too willing to find excuses for neglecting his duty."
" I think he has grace," " I fear he is without grace," were
very. common expressions with him.
I once, in conversation with Dr. Judson, referred to  's
sermon, and remarked that I considered that sermon a fair
sample of the author — a production full of brilliant paradox,
with little sober and safe reasoning. I afterwards sent him the
sermon with a letter The following was his reply : —

HIS LAST ILLNESS. 333
Maulmain, July 1, 1849.
Dear Brother  : Accompanying I return
with thanks for your kindness. I presume,

from what passed in a little conversation between us, that our
sentiments on the discourse and on the character of the author
perfectly accord. Eccentricity and ultraism have ruined
many a genius. The longer we live, the more we learn to
value plain, practical common sense, in rehgion, in politics,
and in the ordinary affairs of life.
There were some touches in your letter which called forth
all my sympathy. May God bless you and your dear wife,
and be your never-failing portion. You must endeavor to
look away from all outward things — from the satisfactions
and discomforts, the commendations and Censures, which are
the common lot of man, and find your happiness in your own
bosoms, in your work, in communion with God, and in the
joyful anticipations of that blessed state, the heavenly Jeru
salem, the " happy home " to which we are travelling.
I must add that, from the httle acquaintance I formed with
you and Mrs.  , I should feel very happy if our lot
could have fallen in the same station. However, what we
have not now we shall have, I trust, hereafter.
Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.
To the Coiresponding Secretary.
Maulmain, February 21, 1850.
My dear Brother : I cannot manage a pen ; so please to
excuse pencil. I have been prostrated with fever ever since
the latter part of last November, and have suffered so much,
that I have frequently remarked that I was never ill in India
before. Through the mercy of God, I think I am convales
cent for the last ten days ; but the doctor and all my friends
are very urgent that I should take a sea voyage of a month
or two, and be absent from this a long time. May God diree':

334 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
in the path of duty. My hand is failing ; so I will beg to
remain Yours affectionately,
A. Judson.

From Mrs. Judson to the Children in America.
Maulmain, April 11, 1850.
My very dear Children : I have painful news to tell
you — news that I am sure will make your hsarts ache ; but I
hope our heavenly Father will help you to bear it. Your
dear papa is very, very ill indeed, so much so that the best
judges fear he will never be any better. He began to faii
about five months ago, and has declined so gradually that w;
were not fully aware of his danger until lately ; but within t
few weeks those who love him have become very much
alarmed. In January we went down to Mergui, by the
steamer, and when we returned, thought he was a httle better ;
but he soon failed again. We next spent a month at Amherst,
but he received httle, if any, benefit. Next, the doctors pro
nounced our house — the one you used to live in — unhealthy,
and we removed to another. But all was of no use. Your
dear papa continued to fail, till suddenly, one evening, his
muscular strength gave way, and he was prostrated on the
bed, unable to help himself. This occurred about two weeks
ago. The doctor now became alarmed, and said the only hope
for him was in a long voyage. It was very hard to think of
such a thing in his reduced state, particularly as I could not
go with him ; but after we had wept and prayed over it one
day and night, we concluded that it was our duty to use the
only means which God had left us, however painful. We
immediately engaged his passage aboard a French bark
bound for the Mauritius ; but before it sailed he had become
so very low that no one thought it right for him to go alone.
They therefore called a meeting of the mission, and appointed
Mr. Ranney, the superintendent of the press, to accompany
him. It was a great relief to me, for he is a very kind man,

his last illness. 335
and loves your dear papa very much ; and he will do every
thing that can be done for his comfort. The officers of the
vessel, too, seemed greatly interested for him, as did every
one else. He was carried on board a week ago yesterday, in
a litter, and placed on a nice easy cot, made purposely for
him. I staid on board with him all day, and at dark came
home to stay with the children. The next day I found that
the vessel had only dropped down a little distance, and so I
took a boat and followed. I expected this would certainly be
the last day with him ; but it was not. Friday I went again ;
and though he did not appear as well as on the previous days,
I was forced to take, as I then supposed, a final leave of him.
But when morning came, I felt as though I could not live
through the day without knowing how he was. So I took a
boat again, and reached the vessel about two o'clock, P. M.
He could not speak, except in whispers, but seemed very glad
that I came. The natives that I had sent to fan him, till he
should get out of the river, came to me, and begged to have
him taken ashore again ; and so small was my hope of his
recovery, that my heart pleaded on their side, though I still
thought it duty to do as the doctor had ordered. I came
away at dark, and though his lips moved to say some word of
farewell, they made no sound. I hope that you, my dear
boys, will never have cause to know what a heavy heart I
bore back to my desolate home that night. The vessel got out
to sea about four o'clock on Monday, and last night the na
tives returned, bringing a letter from Mr. Ranney. Your
precious papa had revived again, spoke aloud, took a little tea
and toast, said there was something animating in the touch
of the sea breeze, and directed Mr. Ranney to write to me
that he had a strong belief it was the will of God to restore
him again to health. I feel somewhat encouraged, but dare
not hope too much.
And now, my dear boys, it will be three, perhaps four long
months before we can hear from our loved one again ; and we
shall all be very anxious. All that w « can do is to commit
him to the oa^e of our heavenly Father, and if we never see

336 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
him again in this world, pray that we may be prepared tc
meet him in heaven.
Your dear little brothers and sister enjoy excellent health.
They are so young that they do not understand much about
their papa, though they sometimes cry when I talk to then
about him. I shall write to you just as quick as I hear from
your papa, and wish you to write to me, for I love you very
much for his sake, though I saw so little of you at Worcester.
Give love to Dr. and Mrs. Newton, and believe me
Your most affectionate mamma,
Emily C. Judson.

Closing Scenes in Dr. Judson's Life, communicated to his sister, by Mrs.
Judson. Maulmain, September 20, 1850.
My dear Sister : Last month I could do no more than
announce to you our painful bereavement, which, though not
altogether unexpected, will, I very well know, fall upon your
heart with overwhelming weight. You will find the account .
of your brother's last days on board the Aristide Marie, in a
letter written by Mr. Ranney, from Mauritius, to the secretary
of the board ; and I can add nothing to it, with the exception
of a few unimportant particulars, gleaned in conversations with
Mr. Ranney and the Coringa servant. I grieve that it should
be so — that I was not permitted to watch beside him during
those days of terrible suffering ; but the pain which I at first
felt is gradually yielding to gratitude for the inestimable priv
ileges which had previously been granted me.
There was something exceedingly beautiful in the decline
of your brother's life — more beautiful than I can describe,
though the impression will remain with me as a sacred legacy,
until I go to meet him where suns shall never set, and hfe
shall never end. He had been, from my first acquaintance
with him, an uncommonly spiritual Christian, exhibiting his
richest graces in the unguarded intercourse of private life ; but
during his last year, it seemed as though the light of the world

CLOSING SCENES. 337
on which he was entering had been sent to brighten his up
ward pathway. Every subject on which we conversed, every
book we read, every incident that occurred, whether trivial or
important, had a tendency to suggest some peculiarly spiritual
train of thought, till it seemed to me that, more than ever be
fore, " Christ was all his theme." Something of the same
nature was also noted in his preaching, to which I then had not
the privilege of listening. He was in the habit, however, of
studying his subject for the Sabbath, audibly, and in my presence,
at which time he was frequently so much affected as to weep,
and sometimes so overwhelmed with the vastness of his concep
tions as to be obliged to abandon his theme and choose another.
My own illness at the commencement of the year had brought
eternity very near to us, and rendered death, the grave, and
the bright heaven beyond it, familiar subjects of conversation.
Gladly would I give you, my dear sister, some idea of the share
borne by him in those memorable conversations ; but it would
be impossible to convey, even to those who knew him best, the
most distant conception of them. I believe he has sometimes
been thought eloquent, both in conversation and in the sacred
desk ; but the fervid, burning eloquence, the deep pathos, the
touching tenderness, the elevation of thought, and intense
beauty of expression, which characterized those private teach
ings, were not only beyond what I had ever heard before, but
such as I felt sure arrested his own attention, and surprised
even himself. About this time he began to find unusual satis
faction and enjoyment in his private devotions, and seemed
to have new objects of interest continually rising in his mind,
each of which in turn became special subjects of prayer.
Among these, one of the most prominent was the conversion
of his posterity. He remarked, that he had always prayed for
his children, but that of late he had felt impressed with the
duty of praying for their children and their children's children
down to the latest generation. He also prayed most fervently
that his impressions on this particular subject might be trans
ferred to his sons and daughters, and thence to their offspring,
so that he should ultimately meet a long, unbroken line of
vol. ii. 29

338 'memoir of dr. judson.
descendants before the throne of God, where all might jtiii
together in ascribing everlasting praises to their Redeemer.
Another subject, which occupied a large share of his atten
tion, was that of brotherly love. You are, perhaps, aware that,
hke all persons of his ardent temperament, he was subject to
strong attachments and aversions, which he sometimes had
difficulty in bringing under the controlling influence of divin6
grace. He remarked that he had always felt more or less
of an affectionate interest in his brethren, as brethren, and
some of them he had loved very dearly for their personal qual
ities ; but he was now aware that he had never placed his
standard of love high enough. He spoke of them as chil
dren of God, redeemed by the Saviour's blood, watched over
and guarded by Ids love, dear to his heart, honored by him in
the election, and to be honored hereafter before the assem
bled universe ; and he said it wras not sufficient to be kind and
obliging to such, to abstain from evil speaking, and make a
general mention of them in our prayers ; but our attachment
to them should be of the most ardent and exalted character :
it would be so in heaven, and we lost immeasurably by not
beginning now. " As I have loved you, so ought ye also to
love one another," was a precept continually in his mind ; and
he would often murmur, as though unconsciously, " ' As I
have loved you ' — ' as I have loved you,' " — then burst out
with the exclamation, " O, the love of Christ ! the love of
Christ ! "
His prayers for the mission were marked by an earnest,
grateful enthusiasm, and in speaking of missionary operations
in general, his tone was one of elevated triumph, almost of ex
ultation ; for he not only felt an unshaken confidence in their
final success, but would often exclaim, " What wonders — O,
what wonders God has already wrought ! "
I remarked that during this year his literary labor, which he
had never liked, and upon which he had entered unwillingly
and from a feeling of necessity, was growing daily more irk
some to him ; and he always spoke of it as his " heavy work,"
his " tedious work," " that wearisome dictionary," &c, though

CLOSING SCENES. 339
this feeling led to no relaxation of effort. He longed, however,
to find some more spiritual employment, to be engaged in what
he Considered more legitimate missionary labor, and drew de
lightful pictures of the future, when his whole business would
be bat to preach and to pray.
During all this time I had not observed any failure in phys
ical strength ; and though his mental exercises occupied a large
share of my thoughts when alone, it never once occurred to me
that this might be the brightening of the setting sun ; my only
feeling was that of pleasure, that one so near to me was be
coming so pure and elevated in his sentiments, and so lovely
and Christ-like in his character. In person he had grown
somewhat stouter than when in America , his complexion had
a healthful hue, compared with that of his associates generally ;
and though by no means a person of uniformly firm health, he
seemed to possess such vigor and strength of constitution, that
I thought his life as likely to be extended twenty years longer,
as that of any member of the mission. He continued his sys
tem of morning exercise, commenced when a student at An
dover, and was not satisfied with a common walk on level
ground, but always chose an up-hill path, and then frequently
went bounding on his way with all the exuberant activity of
boyhood. He was of a singularly happy temperament, although not
of that even cast which never rises above a certain level, and
is never depressed. Possessing acute sensibilities, suffering
with those who suffered, and entering as readily into the joys
of the prosperous and happy, he was variable in his moods ;
but religion formed such an essential element in his character,
and his trust in Providence was so implicit and habitual, that
he was never gloomy, and seldom more than momentarily dis
heartened. On the other hand, being accustomed to regard
all the events of this life, however minute or painful, as oidered
in wisdom, and tending to one great and glorious end, he lived
in almost constant obedience to the apostolic injunction, " Re
joice- evermore ! " He often told me that although he had
endured much personal suffering, and passed through many

340 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
fearful trials in the course of his eventful life, a kind Provi
dence had also hedged him round with precious, peculiar
blessings, so that his joys had far outnumbered his sorrows.
Towards the close of September of last year, he said to me
one evening, "What deep cause have we for gratitude to
God ! Do you believe there are any other two persons in the
wide world so happy as we are ? " enumerating, in his own
earnest manner, several sources of happiness, in which our
work as missionaries, and our eternal prospects, occupied a
prominent position. When he had finished his glowing picture,
I remarked, — I scarcely know why, but there was a heavy cloud
upon my spirits that evening, — " We are certainly very happy
now, but it cannot be so always. I am thinking of the time
when one of us must stand beside the bed, and see the
other die."
" Yes," he said, " that will be a sad moment ; I felt it most
deeply a little while ago, but now it would not be strange if
your life were prolonged beyond mine — though I should wish,
if it were possible, to spare you that pain. It is the one left alone
who suffers, not the one who goes to be with Christ. If it
should only be the will of God that we might go together, like
young James and his wife ! But he will order all things well,
and we can safely trust our future to his. hands."
That same night we were roused from sleep by the sudden
illness of one of the children. There was an unpleasant, chill
ing dampness in the air, as it came to us through the openings
in the sloats above the windows, which affected your brother
very sensibly ; and he soon began to shiver so violently that he
was obliged to return to his couch, where he remained under
a warm covering until morning. In the morning he awoke
with a severe cold, accompanied by some degree of fever ; but
as it did not seem very serious, and our three children were all
suffering from a similar cause, we failed to give it any especial
attention. From that time he was never well, though in writ
ing to you before, I think I dated the commencement of his
illness vom the month of November, when he laid aside his
'todies I know that he regarded this attack as trifling ; and

CLOSING SCENES. 341
yet one evening he spent a long time in advising me with re
gard to my future course, if I should be deprived of his guid
ance, saying that it is always wise to be prepared for exigen
cies of this' nature. After the month of November, he failed
gradually, occasionally rallying in such a manner as to deceive
us all, but at each relapse sinking lower than at the previous
one, though still full of hope and courage, and yielding ground
only inch by inch, as compelled by the triumphant progress
of disease. During some hours of every day he suffered
intense pain ; but his naturally buoyant spirits and uncom
plaining disposition led him to speak so lightly of it, that I
used sometimes to fear that the doctor, though • a very skilful
man, would be fatally deceived.
As his health declined, his mental exercises at first seemed
deepened ; and he gave still larger portions of his time to
prayer, conversing with the utmost freedom on his daily prog
ress, and the extent of his self-conquest. Just before our
trip to Mergui, which took place in January, he looked up
from his pillow one day with sudden animation, and said to me
earnestly, " I have gained the victory at last. I love every
one of Christ's redeemed, as I believe he would have me
love them — in the same manner, though not probably to the
same degree as we shall love one another in heaven ; and
gladly would I prefer the meanest of his creatures, who boars
his name, before myself." This he said in allusion to the text,
" In honor preferring one another," on which he had frequent
ly dwelt with great emphasis. After further similar conver
sation, he concluded, " And now here I lie at peace with all the
world, and what is better still, at peace with my own conscience.
I know that I am a miserable sinner in the sight of God, with
no hope but in the blessed Saviour's merits ; but I cannot
think of any particular fault, any peculiarly besetting sin,
which it is now my duty to correct. Can you tell me of
any?" And truly, from this time no other word would so well ex
press his state of feeling as that one of his own choosing
—peace. He had no particular exercises afterwards, but
29*

342 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
remained calm and serene, speaking of himself daily as a great
sinner, who had been overwhelmed with benefits, and declaring
that he had never in all his life before had such delightful views
of *he unfathomable love and infinite condescension of the
Saviour as were now daily opening before him. " O, the love
of Christ ! the love of Christ ! " he would suddenly exclaim,
while his eye kindled, and the tears chased each other down
his cheeks ; " we cannot understand it now — but what a beau
tiful study for eternity ! "
After our return from Mergui, the doctor advised a still fur
ther trial of the effects of sea air and sea bathing ; and we
accordingly proceeded to Amherst, where we remained nearly
a month. This to me was the darkest period of his illness —
no medical adviser, no friend, at hand, and he daily growing
weaker and weaker. He began to totter in walking, clinging
to the furniture and walls, when he thought he was unobserved,
(for he was not willing to acknowledge the extent of his debil -
ity,) and his wan face was of a ghastly paleness. His sufferings
too were sometimes fearfully intense, so that, in spite of his
habitual self-control, his groans would fill the house. At other
times a kind of lethargy seemed to steal over him, and he would
sleep almost incessantly for twenty-four hours, seeming an
noyed if he were aroused or disturbed. Yet there were por
tions of the time when he was comparatively comfortable,
and conversed intelligently ; but his mind seemed to revert to
former scenes, and he tried to amuse me with stories of his
boyhood, his college days, his imprisonment in France, and
his early missionary life. He had a great deal also to say
on his favorite theme, " the love of Christ ; " but his strength
was too much impaired for any continuous mental effort. Even
a short prayer, made audibly, exhausted him to such a degree
that he was obliged to discontinue the practice.
A length I wrote to Maulmain, giving some expression of
my anxieties and misgivings, and our kind missionary friends,
who had from the first evinced all the tender interest and
watchful sympathy of the nearest kindred, immediately sent
for us — the doctor advising a sea voyage. But as there was

CLOSING SCENES. 343
no vessel in the harbor bound for a port sufficiently distant,
we thought it best, in the mean time, to remove from our old
dwelling, which had long been condemned as unhealthy, to
another mission house, fortunately empty. This change was,
at first, attended with the most beneficial results ; and our
hopes revived so much, that we looked forward to the ap
proaching rainy season for entire restoration. But it lasted
only a little while ; and then both of us became convinced that,
though a voyage at sea involved much that was exceedingly
painful, it yet presented the only prospect of recovery, and
could not, therefore, without a breach of duty, be neglected.
" 0, if it were only the will of God to take me now — to let
me die here ! " he repeated over and over again, in a tone of
anguish, while we were considering the subject. " I cannot,
cannot go ! This is almost more than I can bear ! Was there
ever suffering like our suffering ? " and the like broken expres
sions, were continually faUing from his lips. But he soon
gathered more strength of purpose ; and after the decision was
fairly made, he never hesitated for a moment, rather regard
ing the prospect with pleasure. I think the struggle which
this resolution cost injured him very materially"; though
probably it had no share in bringing about the final result.
God, who saw the end from the beginning, had counted out
his days, and they were hastening to a close. Until this time
he had been able to stand, and to walk slowly from room to
room ; but as he one evening attempted to rise from his chair,
he was suddenly deprived of his small remnant of muscular
strength, and would have fallen to the floor bui for timely
support. From that moment his decline was rapid. As he lay help
lessly upon his couch, and watched the swelling of his feet,
and other alarming symptoms, he became very anxious to
commence his voyage, and I felt equally anxious to have his
wishes gratified. I still hoped he might recover ; the doctor
said the chances of life and death were, in his opinion, equally
balanced. And then he always loved the sea so dearly ! There
was something exhilarating to him in the motion of a vessel,

344; MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
and he spoke with animation of getting free from the almost
suffocating atmosphere incident to the hot season, and drink
ing in the fresh sea breezes. He talked but little more, how
ever than was necessary to indicate his wants, his bodily
sufferings being too great to allow of conversation ; but several
times he looked up to me with a bright smile, and exclaimed,
as heretofore, " O, the love of Christ ! the love of Christ ! "
I found it difficult to ascertain, from expressions casually
dropped from time to time, his real opinion with regard to his
recovery; but I thought there was some reason to doubt
whether he was fully aware of his critical situation. I did not
suppose he had any preparation to make at this late hour, and
I felt sure that, if he should be called ever so unexpectedly, he
would not enter the presence of his Maker with a ruffled spirit ;
but I could not bear to have him go away, without knowing
how doubtful it was whether our next meeting would not be
in eternity ; and perhaps too, in my own distress, I might still
have looked for words of encouragement and sympathy to a
source which had never before failed.
It was late in the night, and I had been performing some
little sick-room offices, when suddenly he looked up to me, and
exclaimed, " This will never do ! You are killing yourself for
me, and I will not permit it. You must have some one to
relieve you. If I had not been made selfish by suffering, I
should have insisted upon it long ago."
He spoke so like himself, With the earnestness of health,
and in a tone to which my ear had of late been a stranger,
that for a moment I felt almost bewildered with sudden hope.
He received my reply to what he had said with a half-pitying,
half-gratified smile ; but in the mean time his expression had
changed — the marks of excessive debility were again appar
ent, and I could not forbear adding, " It is only a little while,
you know."
" Only a little while," he repeated mournfully ; " this sep
aration is a bitter thing, but it does not distress me now
as it did — I am too weak." " You have no reason to be dis
tressed," I answered, " with such glorious prospects before you.

CLOSING SCENES. 345
You have often told me it is the one left alone who suffers,
not the one wl'io goes to be with Christ." He gave me a
rapid, questioning glance, then assumed for several moments
an attitude of deep thought. Finally, he slowly unclosed his
eyes, and fixing them on me, said in a calm, earnest tone, " I
do not believe I am going to die. I think I know why this
illness has been sent upon me ; I needed it ; I feel that it has
done me good; and it is my impression that I shall now
recover, and be a better and more useful man."
" Then it is your wish to recover ? " I inquired. " If it
should be the will of God, yes. I should like to complete the
dictionary, on which I have bestowed so much labor, now that
it is so nearly done ; for though it has not been a work that
pleased my taste, or quite satisfied my feelings, I have never
underrated its importance. Then after that come all the plans
that we have formed. O, I feel as if I were only just begin
ning to be prepared for usefulness."
" It is the opinion of most of the mission," I remarked, " that
you will not recover." " I know it is," he replied ; u and I
suppose they think me an old man, and imagine it is nothing
for one like me to resign a life so full of trials. But I am not
old — at least in that sense ; you know I am not. O, no
man ever left this world, with more inviting prospects, with
brighter hopes or warmer feelings — warmer feelings ; " he
repeated, and burst into tears. His face was perfectly placid,
even while the tears broke away from the closed lids, and
rolled, one after another, down to the pillow. There was no
trace of agitation or pain in his manner of weeping, but it was
evidently the result of acute sensibilities, combined with great
physical weakness. To some suggestions which I ventjred to
make, he replied, " It is not that — I know all that, and feel it
in my inmost heart. Lying here on my bed, when I could
not talk, I have had such views of the loving condescension
of Christ, and the glories of heaven, as I believe are seldom
granted to mortal man. It is not because I shrink from death
that I wish to live, neither is it because the ties that bind me
here, though some of them are very sweet, bear any compari-

346 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
son with he drawings I at times feel towards heaven ; but a
few years would not be missed from my eternity of bliss, and
I can well afford to spare them, both for your sake and for the
sake of the poor Burmans. I am not tired of my work,
neither am I tired of the world ; yet when Christ calls me
home, I shall go with the gladness of a boy bounding away
from his school. Perhaps I feel something like the young
bride, when she contemplates resigning the pleasant associa
tions of her childhood for a yet dearer home — though only
a very little like her, for there is no doubt resting on my
future." " Then death would not take you by surprise," I
remarked, " if it should come even before you could get on
board ship ? " " O, no," he said, " death will never take me
by surprise — do not be afraid of that — I feel so strong in
Christ. He has not led me so tenderly thus far, to forsake
me at the very gate of heaven. No, no ; I am willing to live
a few years longer, if it should be so ordered ; and if otherwise,
I am willing and glad to die now. I leave myself entirely in
the hands of God, to be disposed of according to his holy will."
The next day some one mentioned, in his presence, that the
native Christians were greatly opposed to the voyage, and that
many other persons had a similar feeling with regard to it. I
thought he seemed troubled, and after the visitor had with
drawn, I inquired if he still felt as when he conversed with
me the night previous. He replied, " O, yes ; that was no
evanescent feeling. It has been with me, to a greater or less
extent, for years, and will be with me, I trust, to the end. I
am ready to go to-day — if it should be the will of God, this
very hour ; but I am not anxious to die ; at least when I am
not beside myself with pain."
" Then why are you so desirous to go to sea ? I should
think it would be a matter of indifference to you." " No," he
answered quietly, " my judgment tells me it would be wrong
not to go ; the doctor says criminal. I shall certainly die
here ; if I go awa;" I may possibly recover. There is no
question with regard to duty in such a case ; and I do not like
to see any hesitation, ever, though it springs from affection."

CLOSING SCENES 347
He several times spoke of a burial at sea, and always as
though the prospect were agreeable. It brought, he said, a
sense of freedom and expansion, and seemed far pleasanter
than the confined, dark, narrow grave, to which he had com
mitted so many that he loved. And he added, that although
his burial-place was a matter of no real importance, yet he
believed it was not in human nature to be altogether without
a choice. I have already given you an account of the embarkation, of
my visits to him while the vessel remained in the river, and
of our last sad, silent parting ; and Mr. Ranney has finished
the picture. You will find, in this closing part, some dark
shadows, thp.t will give you pain ; but you must remember that
his present felicity is enhanced by those very sufferings ; and
we should regret nothing that serves to brighten his crown in
glory. I ought also to add, that I have gained pleasanter im
pressions in conversation with Mr. Ranney than from his
written account ; but it would be difficult to convey them to
you ; and, as he whom they concern was accustomed to say of
similar things, " you will learn it all in heaven."
During the last hour of your sainted brother's life, Mr.
Ranney bent over him, and held his hand, while poor Panapah
stood at a little distance weeping bitterly. The table had
been spread in the cuddy, as usual, and the officers did not
know what was passing in the cabin, till summoned to dinner.
Thep they gathered about the door, and watched the closing
scene with solemn reverence. Now — thanks to a merciful
God ! — his pains had left him ; not a momentary spasm dis
turbed his placid face, nor did the contraction of a muscle
denote the least degree of suffering ; the agony of death was
passed, and his wearied spirit was turning to its rest in the
bosom of the Saviour. From time to time, he pressed the
hand in which his own was resting, his clasp losing in force at
each successive pressure ; while his shortened breath — though
there was no struggle, no gasping, as if it came and went with
difficulty — gradually grew softer and fainter, until it died upon
the air — and he was gone. Mr Ranney closed the eyes, and

348 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
composed the passive limbs ; the ship's officers stole softly
from the door, and the neglected meal was left upon the
board untasted.
They lowered him to his ocean grave without a prayer.
His freed spirit had soared above the reach of earthly in
tercession, and to the foreigners who stood around it would
have been a senseless form. And there they left him in his
unquiet sepulchre ; but it matters little, for we know that
while the unconscious clay is " drifting, on the shifting currents
of the restless main," nothing can disturb the hallowed rest
of the immortal spirit. Neither could he have a more fitting
monument than the blue waves which visit every coast; for
his warm sympathies went forth to the ends of the earth, and
included the whole family of man. It is all as God would
have it, and our duty is but to bend meekly to his will, and
wait, in faith and patience, till we also shall be summoned
home. The Last Days of Dr. Judson, as derived from a Letter of Mr. Ranney to
the Corresponding Secretary.
Dr. Judson was carried on board the French bark Aris-
tide Marie, bound for the Isle of Bourbon, with the reluctant
assent of his friends, his physician having recommended such
a voyage as the only possible means of restoration. It being
desirable to get to sea as soon as practicable, application was
made to the commissioner of the provinces, to permit the
bark to be towed out of the river by the steamer Proserpine,
which was that morning to proceed southward with troops. Per
mission was granted, and on Wednesday, April 3, by the kind
ness of Captain Lawford, commandant of artillery, a palanquin
and bearers took Dr. Judson, then too weak to stand, and car
ried him on board. There they learned, with surprise and sor
row, that the steamer would not take them in tow. The com
mander of the troops claimed that, while employed as a military
transport, the vessel was not subject to the commissioner's order,
and on the ground that it might endanger the lives of the
soldiers, declined to comply with it. The consequence of this

CLOSING SCENES. 349
collision of authorities was, that, instead of getting to sea in
twenty-four hours, they were five days in reaching Amherst,
and it was six days before the pilot left the vessel. How
much was thus lost it is impossible to conjecture.
The delay permitted Mrs. Judson, (who would gladly have
accompanied her husband, though at the hazard of her life,
if he had consented,) and Mr. Stilson, and Mr. and Mrs.
Stevens to visit him repeatedly, and minister to his comfort.
He bore the fatigue of embarkation very well, and on Thurs
day took more refreshment than for several days previous.
This gave hope of a favorable change ; but on Friday he was
not as well, and his two Burmese assistants, Ko En and Ko
Shway Doke, disciples of many years' standing, who remained
on board till the pilot left the vessel, requested that he might
be taken back to Maulmain. They were confident he was
near his end, and could not endure the thought of his burial
in the ocean ; they wanted his grave to be made where they
and the other disciples could look upon it. But any attempt
to do this would have proved fatal, and there was no choice
but to fulfil their original purpose, Mr. Stilson reminding the
affectionate disciples of the death and unknown burial-place
of Moses.
On Saturday he was perceptibly weaker. Such was his
pain that he said he would willingly die, if he could. On
Sunday, being more calm and free from pain, he conversed
freely and more at length than he had been able to do, describ
ing somewhat minutely the causes of his pain. He said that
no one could conceive the intensity of his sufferings. Death
would have been a glad relief. The idea of death caused no
peculiar emotion of either fear or transport. His mind was
so affected by suffering that he could not think, or even pray.
Nay, he could not think of his wife and family. He had
bitter sorrow in parting with them at first ; but in Mrs. Judson's
subsequent visit, speech had been almost denied him; and
when they parted the day before, perhaps the last time on
earth, it was without a word, and almost without a thought, so
entirely had pain absorbed every faculty Yet he felt he had
vol. n. 30

350 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON
nothing to complain of. He knew it was the will of God,
and therefore right. Alluding to the swelling of his feet, he
said, " The natives are frightened when they see this. They
regard it as a sure sign of approaching death ; but I do not. I
have talked with the doctor about this, and have myself re
marked, at different times, the swelling and subsiding. I
still feel that there is so much of life in me that I shall
recover." On Monday, the 6th, at half past three o'clock, P. M., the
pilot, with the two assistants above named, and Moung Shway-
moung, of the Amherst church, left the ship. At the request
of Dr. Judson, Mr. Ranney wrote to Mrs. Judson his opinion
of himself, that " he went out to sea with a strong feehng that
he should recover." But on the same day the violence of
his pains returned, and his left side was swollen much, from
which he gained partial relief. On Tuesday morning,
the Tenasserim coast being yet visible, they enjoyed a
fresh and invigorating breeze ; but a violent thunder storm
came on, followed by a calm. For a short time Dr. Judson
suffered less pain ; but a hiccough increased upon him. He
said, " This hiccough is killing me ; can you think of any
thing to do for it ? " He afterwards slept considerably, and.
took some slight refreshment; but in the afternoon a new
symptom appeared, which continued to the last — frequent
vomiting and an inability to retain any thing upon his
stomach. During the night and the next day the weather was exceed
ingly hot. Dr. Judson refused all nourishment, and inclined
to sleep, probably on account of the laudanum and ether ad
ministered. He said he should weary them but little longer.
The captain gave several prescriptions without effect ; on
which he said, "It is of but little consequence. I do not
wish any one to think I died because all was not done that
could be done for me. Medicine is of no use. The disease
will take its course." While suffering the acute pain which

CLOSING SCENES. 851
On the evening of Wednesday, as Mr. Ranney was sitting
by his bedside, he said, " I am glad you are here. I do not
feel so abandoned. You are my only kindred now — the only
one on board who loves Christ, I mean ; and it is a great com
fort to have one near me who loves Christ." " I hope," said
Mr. Ranney, " you feel that Christ is /low near, sustaining
you." " O, yes," he replied, " it is all right there. I believe
he gives me just so much pain and suffering as is necessary
to fit me to die — to make me submissive to his will." The
captain — who spoke but little English, but took unwearied
pains to make himself understood by a frequent resort to a
French and English dictionary, and was a pattern of kindness
and benevolence — offered another prescription ; but Dr. Jud
son thanked him, and declined. He spoke of the invigorating
influence of' the wind, and expressed a fear, that they would
lose it during the night ; which proved true. After midnight
there was a dead calm, and a very oppressive atmosphere.
At two o'clock his breathing became very difficult ; but after
wards he breathed more freely.
On Thursday morning his eyes had a dull appearance,
remained half closed while sleeping, and seemed glassy and
death-like. His stomach rejected all refreshment. At ten
and twelve o'clock he took some ether, which he said did him
good. After vomiting, with the suffering which preceded
it, he said, " O, how few there are who suffer such great tor
ment — who die so hard!" During all the night his suf
ferings increased, so that it was inexpressibly painful to behold
his agony — sometimes calling for water, which gave relief
only while he was drinking it, to be followed by the pain of
ejecting it. At midnight he said his fever had returned. His
extremities were cold, his head hot. It was the fever of death.
His weakness was such that he now seldom spoke, except to
indicate some want, which he more frequently did by signs.
During the forenoon of Friday, the 12th, his countenance
was that of a dying man. About noon he showed some
aberration of mind ; but it was only transient. At three
o'clock ho said, in Burman, to Panapah, a native servant, "It

352 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
is done ; I am going." Shortly after he made a sign with his
hand downwards, which was not understood ; drawing Mr.
Ranney's ear close to his mouth, he said, convulsively,
" Brother Ranney, will you bury me ? bury me ? — quick !
quick ! " These words were prompted, perhaps, by the thought
of burial in the sea crossing his mind. Mr. Ranney here
being called out for a moment, Dr. Judson spoke to the servant
in English, and also in Burman, of Mrs. Judson, bidding him
" take care of poor mistress ; " and at fifteen minutes past
four o'clock he breathed his last. " His death," says Mr.
Ranney, " was like falling asleep. Not the movement of a
muscle was perceptible, and the moment of the going out of
life was indicated only by his ceasing to breathe. A gentle
pressure of the hand, growing more and more feeble as life
waned, showed the peacefulness of the spirit about to take its
homeward flight."
It was first determined to keep the body until Saturday
for burial ; but Mr. Ranney was admonished of the necessity
of immediate preparations. A strong plank coffin was soon
constructed ; several buckets of sand were poured in to make
it sink ; and at eight o'clock in the evening the crew assem
bled, the larboard port was opened, and in perfect silence,
broken only by the voice of the captain, all that was mortal
of Dr. Judson was committed to the deep, in latitude thirteen
degrees north, longitude ninety-three degrees east, nine days
after their embarkation from Maulmain, and scarcely three
days out of sight of the mountains of Burmah.
Action of the Executive Committee.
The facts in the preceding statement having been commu
nicated to the Executive Committee on Monday, September
9, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously
adopted : —
As God, in his righteous administration, has been pleased to
remove, by death, the senior missionary of the American Bap
tist Missionary Union, the Rev. Adoniram Judson, D. D-,

CLOSING SCENES. 853
and as thi, event is one of such peculiar importance as to
demand of this committee a more than ordinary expression of
interest, therefore, —
Resolved, That we recognize with devout gratitude the
special grace of the Head of the church, in providing for us
such a pioneer of our missionary enterprise ; in endowing him
with such eminent qualifications for the service ; in preserv
ing him so long through a series of extraordinary labors,
sufferings, and perils ; and in enabling him to execute so
much for the glory of Christ and the welfare of the heathen.
Resolved, That, while we bow submissively to the will of
Him \\ ho has thus, in a mysterious way, elevated his servant
from the work of earth to the reward of heaven, we are hap
py to cherish a grateful recollection of the many excellences
of our beloved brother, and to place on permanent record
our cordial and unqualified testimony to the great purity of
his personal character ; to the singular uniformity with which
he has exemplified the spirit of his vocation ; and to the dis
tinguished patience, perseverance, and fidelity with which,
ever since the date of his appointment, May 25, 1814, he has
prosecuted his appropriate work.
Resolved, That, in the absence of the Foreign Secretary, the
Home Secretary be requested to address to Mrs. Judson a let
ter of condolence, assuring her of the tenderest sympathy of
the committee in her most afflictive bereavement ; of the
high estimation in which they held the eminently good man
of whom she has been thus painfully deprived ; and of their
readiness, should she so desire, to facilitate the return of her
self and family to her native land.
Resolved, That the Home Secretary be requested to commu
nicate to the mission with which Dr. Judson was connected, a
fraternal expression of our sympathy with them in the severe
loss which they have sustained, and of our fervent desire that
this dispensation of Providence may be so graciously over
ruled as to subserve the advancement of that cause to which
they and we are mutually pledged.
R :solved, That the secretaries be requested to take the
30*

354 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
steps necessary to secure the materials for the preparation of
a Memoir of Dr. Judson.
Resolved, That immediate arrangements be made for a pub
lic discourse, and other religious services appropriate to this
afflictive occasion.
Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be forwarded to
Mrs. Judson, and to the Maulmain mission; also to Miss
A bigail B. Judson, the only surviving sister of the deceased.

From the Right Reverend the Bishop of Calcutta to Mrs. Judson.
Maulmain, December 17, 1850.
Dearest Sister in the Lord : I cannot express to you
with what feelings of tender remembrance I have received
ihis double present — the one from heaven, as it were, the
other from the beloved widow of that sainted one now gone
before us to glory.
I have always considered Dr. Judson as one of the most
devoted, wise, learned, and truly charitable missionaries I
have ever known. I rank him with Brainerd, Eliot, Schwartz,
H. Martyn, D. Brown, Bishop Corrie, &c, &c.
Will you allow me to offer to your dear children two small
testimonies of love ?
And if any Memoir of Dr. Judson should appear, may I
beg the great favor of a copy ?
My time must soon come. I am ten years older than your
dear husband, having been born July 2, 1778 ; and I am now
in the fiftieth year of my ministry. May I have grace to
''¦ end well," as Bible Scott used to say !
I commend myself to your prayers and those of all Ameri
ca, an3 am You: most affectionate
D. Calcutta.

LETTER FROM REV. MR. 1NGALLS. 355
From the Rev. L Ingalls, Missionary at Akyab.
Aktab, May 18, 1852.
Rev. Francis Wayland, D. D.
My dear Brother : I perceive, by a notice in the Mace
donian, that you have been appointed to write the Memoir of
the lamented Dr. Judson. I have felt anxious to make' a few
remarks with reference to that good man. He possessed, in
an eminent degree, the missionary spirit. This I ascertained,
not from his writings, but personal observation. During my
first year in the mission, I was for some time connected with
him at Maulmain. He was then upon the great work of his
Jife, the Burmese Bible. If I wished to see him, I always
knew where to find him — in the study. His conversation
was ever upon the theme of the soul's salvation. The Bur
mans lay near his heart; he was accustomed to spend a por
tion of each day in secret prayer for them. I had the privi
lege of enjoying some of these seasons, and shall never forget
those hallowed hours. He not only prayed, but labored ; the
zayat was the place of his delight, and he had a peculiar tact
to arrest the attention of the Buddhists. His mild, winning
manner gained an influence over them. The disciples loved
and revered him; they reposed in him the confidence the
child does in a father. It was thus he had a power to build
and sustain a Burmese church. He was ever anxious for the
salvation of souls ; hence his constant desire to be preaching.
It was a great self-denial to be shut up in his study, and he
anticipated, with exulting feelings, the completion of the Bur
mese Bible. He sighed bitterly when he was required to
compile a Burmese dictionary. But he is gone. Burmah's
best, dearest earthly friend is removed. He will no more
cheer the new missionary as he steps upon the p&gan field.
I doubt not but you will so bring out his peculiar traits as a
missionary, that his Memoir will be the means of imparting
a new and fervent missionary spirit in the rising ministry, and
that thousands will enter the field of his choice, and labor,
suffer, and di 3 hke the illustrious Judson.
Affectionately and sincerely yours,
L. Ingalls.

356 memoir Of dr. judson.
P. S. The reason I have sent you these few lines above,
is, I have felt exceedingly lonely since my return, while re
flecting upon the loss of brother Judson to the Burman mis
sion. Is Burmah to have no more Judsons ?
From the various notices of the public press, which
the death of Dr. Judson occasioned, we select the fol
lowing : —
From the Christian Register, the Organ of the Unitarians of New England.
We cannot let so great and good a man pass from the cata
logue of the living without a few words of commemoration.
Human history contains no more glorious records of Christian
heroism than are to be found in the narrative of the Baptist
missionary transactions in Burmah. We have read, over
and over again, with intense and admiring interest, the story
of Boardman, consciously the victim of consumption, yet
toiling only with the greater earnestness as the time drew
near for his departure, borne in a litter across swollen torrents
and over rough mountain passes, that the closing moments of
his life might not be lost for his Master's work ; usurping the
last energies of dissolving nature in expounding to his newly
baptized converts " the way of the Lord more perfectly," his
hands lifted in prayer or spread in blessing for his flock, till
they grew rigid in death. With no less delight and reverence
have we traced the course of his young widow, who took up
he cross so dear to the departed, encountered perils from
which the stoutest heart, unfortified by divine grace, might
shrink — "perils of waters, perils by the heathen, perils in the
wilderness, perils among false brethren ; " with more than
nanly perseverance and more than womanly tenderness, bore
About the message of redeeming love ; and was personally
ihe means of keeping from dispersion, and enriching in num
bers and in spiritual gifts, numerous and widely scattered com
munities of native Christians. Nor are we ever made more
sensible of the presence and influence of the divine Spirit

NOTICES OF the press. 357
than in the ] reternatural endurance and energy of the first
Mrs. Judson, when, in the seat of war, alone and friendless,
with a helpless babe at her bosom, she ministers to her hus
band and the partner of- his horrible captivity, staves off the
bhnd fury of their savage jailers, sustains in their hearts and
her own the hope of deliverance, and at length becomes, un
der God, the author of their liberty, and their return to their
long-suspended walk of missionary duty.
Dr. Judson was not only the pioneer in this holy work, and
the father of this devoted band, but his life spans the history
of foreign missions from America. He was the writer and
one of the four signers of the first appeal to the churches in
behalf of this work. He was then a theological student in
Andover, and sailed for India under the auspices of the
Orthodox Congregationalists of New England. On his out
ward voyage he became convinced of the scriptural validity
of adult baptism by immersion as the only authorized form
of initiation into the Christian church, and shortly after his
arrival was baptized by one of the English Baptist mission
aries. He threw himself for support on the then feeble body
of American Baptists, who, in their efforts to sustain and
reenforce him, were led to the surest possible means of
strengthening the spirit of piety and philanthropy among
themselves at home, and may date from their zeal in his be
half the dawn of their own rapid enlargement and culmi
nating prosperity. With an iron constitution, with indomita
ble strength of purpose, with apostolic energy of faith and
love, with devotedness as entire as ever marked a servant of
Christ ; he has given youth, manhood, and vigorous old age
to the ministry among the heathen. Two * brief visits to his
native country, absolutely necessitated by the condition of his
health, and consecrated to the furtherance of his work among
the churches that sustained him, have been the only intermis-
• Dr. Judson ma le but one visit to his native lanl I after he first left
it for India.

358 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
sion to labors as abundant, hardships as severe, sufferings as
intense, as have fallen to the lot of a Christian soldier since
the martyrdom of St. Paul. And sow he has died with his
harness on, and left a name which must be a watchword for
successive ranks of the " sacramental hosts," till they have
won their last victory, " and the kingdoms of this world have
become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ."
Had the missionary enterprise only served to develop such
characters, to bequeath such examples, to manifest in such
strong and beautiful relief the full power of the gospel in and
over the individual soul, this alone would have been a work
and glory amply worth all that it has cost.
But we believe that it has done immeasurably more. We
like not that its fruits should be measured by a numerical
standard. That in its earlier stages reliable converts should
be few, was no more than should have been expected. The
kingdom of Christ could be built up over the waters of hea
thenism only on a sunken foundation. A vast amount of pre
liminary work was to be wrought wliich could make no sta
tistical show.
The mastery of languages which had no grammars, vocab
ularies, or qualified teachers, was a sufficient labor for one
generation. The translation of the Scriptures, without which
no permanent benefit could be conferred, demanded a large
apparatus of effort and of mind. It was no slight task to
become so conversant with the characters, customs, and re
ligions of nations previously unknown, as to devise appropriate
measures for their evangelization. Taking these things into
the account, we have no reason to think lightly of the results
already obtained ; but, on the other hand, are constrained to
marvel that they should have been so substantial and so sat
isfying. In Burmah the chief obstacles have now been re
moved ; the dominion of old superstitions has been effectually
shaken ; bands of native Christians form with the missionary
stations a cordon of religious influence, belting the empire in
every etirestior ; and the laborer who f rsi broke up the fallow

NOTICES Oi' THE PRESS. 859
ground could behold in death the fields alreidy white for
the harvest.
Extraci,from a Biographical Sketch of Dr. Judson by John Marshman,
Esq., Editor of the Friend of India.
Thus lived and died the Apostle of the Burmese. Tc this
distinguished title Dr. Judson is fully entitled by his long, ar
duous, and successful labors in the Burmese mission, of which
he was the founder. He was the last of the great men whose
name was associated with the early struggles and exertions of
the Serampore missionaries, with whom he lived on terms of
the most cordial sympathy and affection to the close of their
respective lives. His natural genius would have rendered
him eminent in any position of life. He had all that spirit of
zeal and perseverance whijh contributes to form a truly great
man. He possessed that energy of character, which a great
enterprise develops, and which great difficulties serve to in
vigorate. He set before himself, as the one object of pursuit
through life, the promotion of a sacred and animating cause,
which afforded the fullest scope for the warmest affections of
his heart, and the noblest efforts of his mind. On this effort
was concentrated all the enthusiasm of his character, and he
has left behind him an example which will long continue to
stimulate others in the same noble career. His views were
always elevated and comprehensive ; his powers of observa
tion very acute ; and his knowledge and appreciation of char
acter, more especially of the Burmese, "singularly correct.
His acquaintance with the Burmese language and literature
was more complete than that of any other foreigner ; and it
is through his labors that the language has been unlocked to
the future evangelist and philanthropist. He was exemplary
in all the domestic relations of life, a fond husband, an affec
tionate father, and a cordial friend. Those who laave enjoyed
the advantage of personal intercourse with him will not read
ily forget his ever-cheerful dispositica, his countenance always
lighted with a smile, and his animate d and instructive conver
sation. But his best eulogy is to be found in the simple

360 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
enumeration of those noble and arduous labors to which he
consecrated thirty-eight years of his life.
Extract from a Letter of the Rev. W. S. Mackay, of the Scotch Free Church,
Calcutta, to the Editor of tlie Friend of India.
Sir : I have read with sincere pleasure the admirable bio
graphical sketch of Dr. Judson in your issue of November 21.
He may indeed be called, truly and worthily, " the Apostle of
Burmah." He labored in that country for thirty-seven years.
He mastered its language, and made it his own, and smoothed
its difficulties for his successors. He translated into the lan
guage of the people the whole word of God, with such skill,
patience, and judgment, that his version bids fair, in the opin
ion of competent judges, to be the standard Bible of Burmah.
He made the first Burman converts, and gathered together the
first Burman congregation of Christians ; and, with full assur
ance that the good seed had taken root, and would spring up
vigorously in the land of his adoption, he died " in his har
ness," young in spirit, but ripe in years and honors. To me
he has always stood out as the most remarkable man in the
modern era of missions. Tried by every vicissitude of hu
manity, he came out like pure gold : chained in a dungeon,
and face to face with the executioner, or swimming on the top
most wave of popularity, the idol of all that was holy and
good in his native land ; in the extremes of household hap
piness and household bereavements ; driven again and again,
as it seemed, forever, from the mission field, or rejoicing
over his little flock and his completed Bible ; in the pulpit,
on the platform, or in cheerful, social intercourse, — Adoniram
Judson was always true to his own high nature, combining the
warm affections of a man with the strength, simplicity, and
directness of an apostle of the living God.
His name alone is a tower of strength to the missionary
cause ; but his name is not alone. He was the centre of a
family group, to which, so far as I have read, no parallel can
be found in ancient or in modern history. Ann, Sarah, and
Emily Judson — all three, noble, intellectual, and Christian

ANECDOTES AND SKETCHES. 361
women, all three devoted and affectionate — sympathized with,
and shared in all his labors, rose to his height, and shine even
oeside him.
Such a noble group warms our hearts to America, and
makes us feci proud that the same blood runs in our veins.

Anecdotes and Sketches of Dr. Judson, by Mrs. E. C. Judson.
Dr. Judson used often to remark that the religion of the
Romanists could not prevail very extensively in Burmah, as
it is unsuitod — at least as presented by the Portuguese and
Italian priests — to the character of the people. It is seldom
that a pure Burman enters their church, which consists
almost exclusively of Portuguese half-castes. That is the
reason, also, why they remain with safety under the Burmese
government — proselytism being the only thing in foreign
religions to which the Buddhists object. In illustration of the
common misapprehension of Burmese character by Romish
priests, he one day related an anecdote. In the early days of
the mission, two of his native assistants came to inquire if it
would be wrong for them to visit the Roman Catholic priest,
and learn something of his doctrines. After ascertaining that
their object was not to annoy, but really to seek information,
he assured them that it would be quite right to go, and that he
had not the slightest objection. The next time he met them,
they declared, with some degree of mortification, that they had
never been treated so like silly little children in all their lives.
The priest had received them very kindly, calling them his
children, and was overjoyed to learn that they wished to know
something of his religion. He then retired into an inner
room, and soon came out, with one hand hidden under his robe,
and very softly and smilingly inquired, " What think you, my
dear children, I have here ? " at the same time assuring them
it was something " very precious," " more precious than gold,"
something he would not part with for his life, &c. After a while
he cautiously gave a slight peep, then a little more, and a little
more, till- finally the' whole of some saintly reli(,of which bis
VOL. II. 31

862 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
visitors could not have the slightest appreciation, wf.s held up
before their eyes. The Burmans owned, that, uncivil as it
might appear, they remained silent, uncertain whetler it was
not the object of the priest to insult them. Presently Le dis
covered that something was wrong, and returned to his room.
When he again appeared, he was robed anew, and with the
same soft, insinuating smile, he inquired, " Now, my dear chil
dren, what do you think I have brought you ? " The men
shook their heads. " O, no," he continued, " you need not
try to guess ; you could never guess : it is one of the loveliest,
the most beautiful things in the universe." Gradually, little
by little, his robe was again opened, and the wonder permitted
to peep forth, though still concealed by his hand, while he
whetted curiosity by lavishing upon it the most extravagant
praises. At last the treasure was fully exposed, and proved
to be a small statuette of her whom the priest assured them
was " the mother of God." The newly converted Christians
were shocked, and still more so at being called on to shiko to
this doll, as they called it. They went from the priest's dwell
ing with the conclusion on their minds, that, if they were ever
left to the sin of idolatry, their own Gaudama, with the god-
ship wrought out by his own persevering self-discipline, was a
more dignified object of worship than this Jewish woman.
And they used afterwards to allude not infrequently to the
time when they went to inquire after grave matters of religion,
and were amused by children's playthings.
A native Christian woman told me that she was at one time
about to engage in something which Dr. Judson considered not
conducive to her spiritual good. He sent for her, and remon
strated ; but she would not give up her darling project. " Look
here ! " said he, eagerly snatching a ruler from the table, and
tracing not a very straight line on the floor ; " here is where
you have been walking. You have made a crooked track, to
be sure — out of the path half of the time ; but then you
have kept near it, and not taken to new roads, and you have —
not so much as you might have done, mil d, but still to a cer
tain extent — grown in grace; and now, tvi'hall this growth

ANECDOTES AND SKETCHES. 363
upon your heart and head, in the maturity of jour years,
with ripened understanding and an every day deepening sense
of the goodness of God, here," bringing down the ruler with
emphasis to indicate a certain position, " here you stand. You
know where this path leads. You know what is before you
— some struggles, some sorrows, and finally eternal life and a
crown of glory. But to the left branches off another very
pleasant road, and along the air floats, rather temptingly, a
pretty bubble. You do not mean to leave the path you have
walked in fifteen years — fifteen long years — altogether ; you
only want to step aside and catch the bubble, and think
you will come back again; but you never will. Woman,
think ! Dare you deliberately leave this strait and narrow
path, drawn by the Saviour's finger, and go away for one mo
ment into that of your enemy ? Will you ? will you ? will
you ? "
"I was sobbing so," said the woman, "that I could not
speak a word ; but he knew, as he always did, what I meant ;
for he knelt down, and prayed that God would preserve me
in my determination. I have made a great many crooked
tracks since," she added, tearfully ; " but, whenever I am
unusually tempted, I see the teacher as he looked that day,
bending over in his chair, the ruler placed on the floor to
represent me, his finger pointing along the path of eternal
life, his eye looking so strangely over his shoulder, and ihat
terrible ' Will you ? ' coming from his lips as though it was
the voice of God ; and I pray just as Peter did, for I am
frightened." One of the native assistants, speaking of Dr. Judson's
knowledge of Burmese character, said that it was particularly
impossible to conceal a sin from him ; and, while a culprit
was exulting in fancied security, he would suddenly find an
eye fixed upon him that was perfectly irresistible, an-3 would
be obliged, in spite of himself, to go to the teacher and confess.
He also said that Dr. Judson never accused except upon an
absolute certainty, never insinuated a suspicion, and never
placed any reliance on a mere hearsay. He always inter-

864 memoir of dr. judson.
rupted any communication of one Christian against another
with, " Have you told him his fault between you and him
alone?" Most likely this had not been done; and the in
former would always have some good reason for not taking
up the matter himself, but he " thought the teacher ought to
know," &c. Probably hints like these, never openly acted
on, gave the peculiar expression to the eye which the Burman
considered so very remarkable. " He knew us," the man
continued, " through and through, much better than we know
ourselves. If we had done any thing amiss, he called us
pleasantly, talked so," — taking up, by way of illustration, a
toy that lay upon the floor beside him, and passing his finger
gently around the rim, — " talked, and talked, and talked, till
suddenly, before we knew it, he pounced upon us there," —
striking his finger violently on the centre of the toy, — " and
held us breathless till we had told him every thing. Ah, no
one will ever know us poor Burmans so again," added the old
man, mournfully.
There is a class of people in the East, — soldiers and oth
ers, — who, by reason of their social position, are not amena
ble to the rules of society which protect, even while they
embarrass, more cultivated classes. These people meet the
missionary on the common platform of religion, and are
very apt to make such draughts on his time as to render
themselves really troublesome. Dr. Judson had one invaria
ble rule for all who called upon him in his ministerial capacity.
He appeared, as he felt, glad to see them, made a few inqui
ries as to their temporal welfare, ascertained in the same
manner their spiritual state, read a half dozen suitable verses
from the Bible, made a short but singularly appropriate
prayer, and, with a cordial shake of the hand, dismissed the
well-pleased visitor, without a single moment's having been
wasted. A pious officer called on Dr. Judson, one day, just as his
fever was coming on.
" Why, I can't do him any good. Must I see him ? " he
said, with a deprecatory smile. " Well, show him in.''

ANECDOTES AND SKETCHES. 365
I soon discovered, however, that my husband was suffering
intense pain, as he very often did during the hours of his
fever, and was about to repair my mistake as well as I could,
when the visitor chanced to mention the- name of a common
friend. Dr. Judson's countenance instantly brightened. " You
knew Major  , then ? " he exclaimed, with warmth.
" Yes ; one of nature's own noblemen, is he not ? "
" The nobility of nature, or grace, do you consider it ? "
asked Dr. Judson ; and then both of them smilingly agreed
that there was something of both in their friend.
" I loved him like a brother," continued Dr. Judson, rather
sadly ; " but, poor fellow ! many are the tears I have shed
for him of late."
" Indeed ! " exclaimed the visitor, in amazement.
" I suppose you know he has taken to certain wild courses."
" Impossible ! "
"Both possible and true. You know something of the
Plymouth Brethren, of course ? "
Our visitor's features relaxed, though his color was very
manifestly heightened — a demonstration which I understood,
but was afraid my husband did not.
" Well, they got hold of poor Major  ," he continued,
" and have utterly ruined him — that is, his usefulness in this
world ; I believe his eternal salvation is secure."
" Then you have no very high opinion of the doctrines of
the Plymouth Brethren ? "
"Most assuredly not. They do not believe the promises
of God to his people, and their influence goes to discourage
and paralyze all missionary enterprise ; they do not believe
in church organizations, and so the poor, ignorant soldiery,
and Protestant half-castes, coming under their influence, are
scattered as sh&sp without a shepherd."
" But there seem to me to be many good, spiritually-mind-
od Christians among them."
"Have you never observed that when seekers after sanc
tification attain to a certain degree of spirituality, they are
peculiarly liable to fall into errors of form ? Why, it is in
31 *

366 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
this way that the wildest impostors have sometimes gained
their most deluded and unquestioning followers. Men long
for what they have not, and instead of sitting down at the
Saviour's feet, and drinking in his words, they go away to
furnish themselves with swimming bladders, the work of their
own invention."
" This cannot, however, be said of the Plymouth Brethren.
They are especially opposed to forms."
" That is, they throw away the forms of every other sect,
and adopt a new set, peculiar to themselves."
" I see," said the visitor, good humoredly, " that you have
no mercy." Dr. Judson smiled. " Shall I tell you, my dear'
 , at the risk of being written down a bigot, what my
real, candid opinion is in the matter ? When the arch ene
my of souls finds a Christian so weaned from the world as to
be inaccessible to all the grosser modes of temptation, he just
dons this sheep's clothing of Plymouth Brethrenism, and in
despair of getting this particular soul, puts a veto on the
man's usefulness, to the serious detriment of hundreds and
thousands of others."
" Did you know," I inquired, as soon as the visitor had
withdrawn, " that  is said to have a strong bias towards
Plymouth Brethrenism, so much so that his best friends are
trembling for his stability ? "
" Of course I know it," came a faint voice up from the
pillow, where the tired invalid had sunk down in utter ex
haustion. " You do not fancy me so overburdened with
strength as to throw away any in warning men who are not in
danger ? "
" People will call it a strange providence," Dr. Judson re
marked, one day, " if I do not five to finish my dictionary.
But to me it will be a strange providenc$jgdf I do. Men
almost always leave some work, that they or their friends
consider vastly important, unfinished. It is a way God has
of showing us what really worthless creatures we are, and
how altogether unnecessary, as active agents, in the working
out of his plans."

ANECDOTES AND SKETCHES. 367
Soms ladies were conversing one day on the subject of
sailors' superstitions with regard to clergymen, and especially
missionaries, and finally added it was remarkable that, among
all the missionaries our board had sent out, not one had been
lost at sea.
"And so you incline to the opposite superstition, I pre
sume," Dr. Judson said, smilingly.
" I think that God exercises a peculiar care over his
people,'- was the rejoinder.
" True," said he, with one of those beaming looks which
usually broke forth and passed away with the expression of
some characteristic sentiment — " true ; so ' though he slay
me, yet will I trust in him ; ' not because I have wrought
myself into an unwarrantable belief that he will carry me
over smooth waters. He may cast us in a burning fiery fur
nace, or precipitate us to the lowest depths of the sea, but
his care, his tenderness, his love, are still the same."
The news of the loss of Dr. and Mrs. James, of the South
ern board, in the China seas, struck us with consternation.
Dr. Judson had met young James in America, and he enter
tained for him a tender personal regard. He was much af
fected, and I think wept at the intelligence, but never spoke
of it as a mysterious providence, a dark dispensation, or any
thing that was in the least difficult to be understood. When
some one remarked that this event was likely to chill the
ardor of the patrons of missions, he repelled the suggestion
with great earnestness, at. first ; and when finally compelled
to admit the possibility of such a result, he remained in sad
silence for some time. " O, when will Christians learn," he
at length broke forth, " that their puny, polluted offerings of
works are not necessary to God ? He permits them to work,
as a favor, in order to do them good, personally, because he
loves them, and desires to honor them, not because he needs
them. The withdrawal of any man from his harvest field,
however learned, and wise, and good, however well prepared,
even by a life-long discipline for that particular part of the
field, is no loss to Him. As though the omnipotent God had

368 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
so few weapons in his armory, that we must tremble and
faint at the loss of one ! — I have thought for years," he
added, " that God, in his dealings with us, aims particularly at
our individual development and growth, with the ultimate
object of fitting each one of us personally for the life to
come ; and when, in his infinite wisdom, he sees that the re
cast of our original natures is so filed, and rasped, and pol
ished, as to be ready for the position he designs us to occupy,
he graciously removes us thither."
Dr. Judson used often to speak of God's having honored
him, through the Saviour's worthiness, with a commission to
the Burmans ; of Christ's having permitted him to do a little
work in his name, and be the means of saving a few souls ;
and he always prayed most fervently, both in his own behalf
and that of his children, for a long life of labor and self-
denial. Dr. Judson was not at all given to admonishing people not
connected with him, or, indeed, those that were, much ; but
there were some things that he seldom allowed to pass without
attention. If I said I disliked a person, he would inquire, " Is
she a Christian ? " If he got one answer, the conclusion would
be, " Poor creature ! you ought to pity her too much for dis
like ; " and if the other, he would say, " Then Christ loves
her dearly — cannot you ? "
I recollect one day showing my husband two different
newspaper articles, in one of which he was compared to the
apostle Paul, and in the other spoken of as the "beloved
John.'-' Instead of being amused, as I had expected, at the
contradiction, he exclaimed, with a sorrowfulness which made
me regret having called his attention to the subject, " O,
how little — how little do they know me ! 'Who shall deliver
me from the body of this death ? ' " I believe he was not in the
least aware of whose words he had used ; and I had ample rea
son for wishing to divert his thoughts, for he was not strong
enough to indulge in deep emotions. " It is very evident,"
I said, carelessly, " that they do not know you. One day you
are Peter, or Paul, or Luther, and the next, gentle John, or
mild Mclanclhon."

ANECDOTES AND SKETCHES. 369
" And I d o not want to be like any of them," he said,
energetically — " Paul, nor Apollos, nor Cephas, nor any
other mere man. I want to be like Christ. We have a
great many aids and encouragers along the Christian path ;
but only one perfectly safe Exemplar — only One who, tempt
ed like as we are in every point, is still without sin. I want
to follow him only — copy his teachings, drink in his spirit,
place my feet in his footprints, and measure their short com
ings by these, and these alone. It is not safe to take any
man, not even an inspired apostle, for a pattern. 0, to be
more like Christ ! "
A short time before Dr. Judson left this country, he took
considerable pains to visit my native village, and the church
with which I first united, though I had long since removed
my membership. As the house was small, he had consent
ed to address the congregation ; and this, although the day
was rainy, brought together quite a crowd. After the usual
sermon was over, he spoke for about fifteen minutes, with
singular simplicity, and, as I thought, with touching pathos,
of the " precious Saviour," what he has done for us, and
what we owe to him. As he sat down, however, it was evi
dent, even to the most unobservant eye, that most of the
listeners were disappointed. After the exercises were over,
several persons inquired of me, frankly, why Dr. Judson had
not talked of something else ; why he had not told a story,
&C- ; while others signified their disappointment by not al
luding to his having spoken at all. On the way home, I men
tioned the subject to him.
" Why, what did they want ? " he. inquired ; " I presented
the most interesting subject in the world, to the best of my
ability." " But they wanted something different — a story."
" Well, I am sure I gave them a story — the most thrilling
one that can be conceived of."
" But they had heard it before. They wanted something
new of a man who had just come fre-m the antipodes."
"Then I am glad they have it to say, that a man coming

370 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
from the antipodes had nothing better to tell than the won
drous story of Jesus' dying love. My business is to preach
the gospel of Christ, and when I can speak at all, I dare not
trifle with my commission. When I looked upon those people
to-day, and remembered where I should next meet them, how
could I stand up and furnish food to vain curiosity — tickle
their fancies with amusing stories, however decently strung
together on a thread of religion ? That is not what Christ
meant by preaching the gospel. And then, how could I
hereafter meet the fearful charge, ' I gave you one opportu
nity to tell them of me — you spent it in describing your
own adventures ! ' "
He acknowledged that the diffusion of missionary informa
tion was a thing of great importance, but said that the good
of the cause of missions did not require a lowering of the
standard of gospel preaching ; and that whatever was done
for missions at the expense of spirituality in the American
churches, was lost on the world.
He used frequently to speak of the tendency of cultivated
people to visit the house of God in search of intellectual
gratification, rather than for the purposes of worship, or the
promotion of their spiritual good, and mentioned it as the
most dangerous snare in the path of the rising ministry.
When once asked, in private, how he liked a sermon that had
just been eliciting warm praises from a parlor circle, he an
swered, " It was very elegant ; every word was chosen with
care and taste, and many of the thoughts were exceedingly
beautiful. It delighted my ears so much, that I quite forgot
I had a heart, and I am afraid all the other hearers did
the same."
At another time, when speaking in glowing terms of a ser
mon to which he had listened with evident interest, he suddenly
broke off with, " But such are not the sermons to arouse a
dead sinner, or to feed the sheep. No man could say there
to-day, ' The poor have the gospel preached.' "
Dr. Ji-dson could never bear to hear missions spoken of as
•laving accomj: lisbjd but little, even by the best friends of the

ANECDOTES AND SKETCHES. 371
cause, who sometimes will complain with the best intentions. A
lady in India, herself a missionary, was remarking with some
severity on the character of the missionary gatherings common
at home, where she said a great crowd of people met to " glo
rify missionaries, make mutual admiration speeches, and sing
millennial hymns."
Dr. Judson replied that glorifying, and even mutual admira
tion, in such a connection, was robbery of God, but that —
thanks to his grace ! — the day for millennial hymns was dawn
ing. For his part, he thought there could not be too much
rejoicing over what had been accomplished ; and the very dis
position to rejoice was to him a pledge of interest which would
lead to future results far more glorious.
The lady was very sure the condition of things at present
was any thing but glorious, and drew a ludicrous picture of
missionary delving and home exultation — an ear of corn for
famishing millions, &c.
" To be sure," said Dr. Judson, " our oak is a tiny sapling
yet ; but it is a real live oak, and well out of the ground ; and
when I think of that, and know that He who fashioned it will
unfailingly bring it to its perfect stature, my heart thrills with
joy indescribable."
" But really, candidly," inquired the lady, " do you not think
the idea so prevalent among uninformed people, and indeed
among many who ought to know better, that the world is
almost converted, has a tendency to make them fold their hands,
and think they have nothing more to do ? "
" No, I do not. On the principle that a work well begun is
half clone, the world is considerably more than half converted
already ; and this very consideration has something in it so
spirit-stirring, that, when allowed to take its proper hold upon
the heart, it will bind us anew to labors, to sufferings, to sacri
fices of every kind, so that life itself will seem nothing in the
balance. Why, I would pour out my blood like water in such
a cause ; and so would you, and so would hundreds and thou
sands, both at home and in the mission field."
" Ah," sighed the lady, " why don't they do it then ? "

372 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
*' Many pour put what is much better — the incense of prayer
ful hearts. There is many a martyr spirit at the kitchen fire,
over the wash tub, and in the plough field ; many obscure
men and women make personal sacrifices, beside which ours —
yours and mine — will appear in the great day very small indeed.
But it must be acknowledged that by far the greater part
hear the command of the Saviour faintly, as in a dream, and
regard it with slumberous indifference. I am always glad to
see Christians so much awake to the importance of extending
the Master's kingdom, as to rejoice, even though it be in the con
version of but a single soul. ' There is joy in heaven ; ' why not
among the redeemed of earth ? Look here ! " He turned
suddenly to a little map of the world, lying on his study table,
and passing his finger rapidly from town to town, and from one
continent to another, exclaimed, " See how the gospel light is
girdling the world ! It is base ingratitude to be blind to all
these wonders."
After our return from Rangoon, Dr. Judson's missionary
life was not of that settled character it had been for many
years previous to his visit to America. He regarded his resi
dence in Maulmain as a mere temporary arrangement, and
said that his future prospects looked to him as Abraham's must
nave appeared when he went out not knowing whither. But
expressions like the following were continually dropping from
his lips : " We must look up for direction ; " ¦" If we only
please Christ, no matter for the rest ; " " If God has designed a
work for us to do, he will arrange all the little particulars, and
we have only to trust in him ; " " If it be the will of God, never
fear for the consequences," &c. And the way he learned the
will of God, was prayerfully to look for manifestations of it ;
not in any wonderful way, but as an affectionate child almost
intuitively seems to know what will please a parent.

CHAPTER X.
GENERAL VIEW OF HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS.
It is commonly expected that a volume of this kind
will close with an estimate of the character anl
services of him whose life it has recorded. In order to
satisfy this expectation, it is, I suppose, necessary for
me to attempt a sketch of the character of Dr. Judson.
I do it with diffidence, for it is a work in which I am
unpractised, and for which I have but small facilities
beyond the record found in the preceding pages.
Sensible of the imperfections which must attach to
my attempt, I will, nevertheless, present, as clearly as
possible, the impression which, at the close of my labor,
abides upon my own mind.
The intellectual endowments of Dr. Judson were
unquestionably of a very high order. In boyhood he
astonished his teachers by the rapidity of his acquisi
tions. In youth, during his residence at the univer
sity, he left behind him every competitor. In early
manhood he never seems to have held a second place
among his contemporaries ; and when, in maturer
years, he was called to associate with military com
manders, civilians, and diplomatists in India, that
cradle of great men, his talents placed him on a level
with the ablest of them. I cannot recall the name of
any modern missionary, the noble old Schwartz only
excepted, who has occupied so great a variety of promi
nent positions, and has occupied them all, not merely
with honor to himself, but in such a manner as tc give
vol. n. 32 373

374

MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.

to others the assurance that he was capable of miuh
greater things.
The intellect of Dr. Judson was eminently cles.r and
discriminating. It instinctively sought, for precision
in all that it attempted to know. He could not; believe
unless the reasons of his belief had been thoroughly
examined ; and hence he was a diligent and earnest
student; but when he did believe, it was with his
whole heart. His power of acquisition was great, and
his memory unusually retentive. His mind, however,
was as far as possible from being a mere receptacle, a
storehouse of knowledge. It instinctively formed its
own judgments on the opinions and reasonings of
others, and carried out the truth thus purified to its
generalized results. It never allowed knowledge to
rest as an end, but made it ever the seed from which
other and richer knowledge might be produced. It is,
I think, this type of mind, which, having within itself
the element of self-expansion, men have generally
honored with the name of genius.
The powers of Dr. Judson seem rather to have
belonged to the logical than the imaginative. His
style is a model of exact and perspicuous English. I
do not remember an ambiguous sentence, or one that
does not express precisely what he evidently intended,
in all that he has written. The almost entire absence
of figurative language is remarkable, especially in a
man of so strong and various impulses. It is probable
that his power of imagination was more vigorous in
youth, but that his labor in translation, fixing his mind
exclusively on absolute distinctness of thought and
perfect clearness of expression, tended to disincline him
from frequent exercise of the fancy. Yet his friends
describe his conversation as unusually graphic, and

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 375
playful, and at times poetic. In his preaching he
seems to have been eminently successful, at the same
time convincing the intellect by the most condensed
argument, arousing the conscience by irresistible ap
peal, and entrancing the attention by aptness of illus
tration, and sometimes by splendor of imagery. A
few specimens of poetry are found among his papers,
which display a talent for versification, sometimes
called into action by the humorous, and at other times
by the devout or the pathetic. The verses written in
the prison at Ava, and addressed to his babe, are ex
ceedingly affecting.
Highly as I estimate the intellectual elements of
the character of Dr. Judson, I think that its motive
forces, — if I may use the expression, — were yet more
remarkable. Of these, the most conspicuous in the
early part of his life was the intense love of superior
ity. He was ever striving to do what others had not
done, or could not do, Every where it was his aim,
though always by honorable means, to be first. This
disposition, instead of being checked, was cultivated
by his father. Hence the excessive exultation which
both of them felt when he received the first appoint
ment in his class. This element of character, though
modified and purified by religion, remained with him
to the last. Hence his preference to preach Christ
where he had never been named. Hence his desire
to give to a nation that had never known of an eter
nal God their first version of his revealed will.
Hence, too, his extreme care in the translation, and
his ceaseless labor in revision. No pains seemed to
him too great, if they only tended to realize his idea
of a perfect version ; that is, a version that conveyed,
in language clearly intelligible to the people, the pre
cise mind of the Spirit. Thus we see how those tem-

876 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
pers of mind, which, if left ungoverned by Christian
principle, tend to nothing but strife and selfish aggran
dizement, when sanctified and refined by the love of
God, work powerfully in promoting the interests of
the most elevated Christian benevolence.
But this inherent love of excellence reposed on the
basis of indomitable perseverance. "When once he
had deliberately resolved upon a course of action, it
was a part of his nature to pursue it to the death.
His spirit clung to it with a grasp that nothing seemed
to relax. Difficulties did not discourage him. Ob
stacles did not embarrass him. Hence, when he
observed that the friends of missions began to be
disheartened because no converts had been made, after
his residence of several years in Rangoon, the idea of
failure never once occurred to him. Instead of sym
pathizing in the despondency of those who were
merely giving of their abundance, without making a
single personal sacrifice for the mission, he replied by
sending back words of lofty cheer, which struck upon
the ear of the churches at home like the sound of a
trumpet ; adding the memorable request to be permit
ted to labor on in the name of the Lord of Hosts, and
then, perhaps, said he, " at the end of some twenty
years you may hear of us again."
But it sometimes happens that great talents, even
when united with a considerable measure of persever
ance, fail from the want of power in other elements
of character. Such men have large ideals, and they
strive to realize them ; but they break down before the
course is completed, and arrive at the goal only to
confess that they have been distanced. They are un
able to concentrate their efforts on a prolonged and
agonizing struggle. They never come to the full and
unreserved resolution to do or die. Their will fails af

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 377
the critical point, and they fall back disheartened and
beaten in the warfare of life. In this respect, Dr.
Judson was peculiarly favored. He was endowed
with a will of the very highest order. It was capable
of controlling his physical nature, so that his body
would do or suffer whatever it was commanded. It
subjected the material to the spiritual in a degree very
rarely attained. Its power over his spiritual faculties
was equally worthy of observation. It held them
steadily to their work, without cessation, under every
mode of discouragement, and most of all at the very
moment when inferior natures would most readily
yield to the pressure of difficulty. Nor was this all :
it was capable of moulding the faculties themselves
into any form which the exigency of the case demand
ed. He could have made himself a mathematician, a
philologist, a diplomatist, a statesman, an impassioned
orator, and perhaps a poet, by the strenuous exertion
of his will. This is, I think, one of the rarest of human
endowments, and it is bestowed only upon men who
are eminently gifted. It has seemed to me that the
highest range of human talent is distinguished, not by
the power of doing well any one particular thing, but
by the power of doing well any thing which we reso
lutely determine to do.
To this we may add, that, in common with other
men of a similar character, he was capable of relying
with great confidence upon the decisions of his own
judgment. Satisfied that he was acting from motives
with which selfishness did not intermingle, and con
scious that with pure intentions he had sought for
truth wherever it was within his reach, he came to his
conclusions with remarkable distinctness, and he was
always ready to carry them into practice at the cost
32*

S7& MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
of ajiy personal sacrifice. From this element of his
character it resulted that he rarely asked advice, and
that he as rare.y proffered it. Acting from the dictates
of his own judgment, and taking it for granted that
other men did, or ought to do the same, he was not
forward in obtruding his opinions upon others, though
perfectly willing to give to others the benefit of his
counsel whenever it was desired. On this account,
perhaps, it was frequently said, that he was peculiarly
secretive, never revealing his plans or his counsels to
his brethren. In how far this was the case I know
not ; but I can readily conceive that a man who was
so prone to act on the decisions of his own judgment
would not be forward in soliciting the opinions of
others. Such seem to me to have been some of the promi-
rent elements of Dr. Judson's natural character. When
he yielded himself, with his whole heart, as a servant
of God, he became a new creature in Christ. He
renounced the dominion of selfishness; and became
the disciple of Him who went about doing good.
The change in his character was marked, and, with
Saul, his language at once became, " Lord, what wilt
thou have me to do?" The answer to this question was
received in the grove at Andover, where, as though an
audible voice addressed him, the command reached his
inmost soul, " Go ye into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature." He " was not disobedient
unto the heavenly vision," but at once consecrated
himself, with all his powers, to the missionary service.
His piety was in some respects peculiar. The
change that was wrought in him was so great that
through life he never doubted either of its reality or
of his litis to a heavenly inheritance. This at all

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 379
times cheered and animated him in the hours of most
depressing loneliness. Never after his conversion did
he look upon God as any other than a reconciled
Father in Christ. Every thing that happened to him
was sent in parental love, and he was content. Thus,
emphatically, " the joy of the Lord was his strength."
While this, however, was true of the relation which
his religion bore to the outward circumstances of his
life, it was by no means true that his inner life was des
titute of wars and fightings. He seems from the begin
ning to have labored, with a rare earnestness, to
subdue every thing within him to the obedience of
Christ. It was not enough that he abstained from out
ward transgression, and felt assurance of his adoption
into the family of Christ. He labored incessantly to
achieve more and more signal victories over sin and
selfishness, so that neither love of ease, nor ambition,
nor social affection, nor dread of pain, or persecution,
or death, could, in any manner, interfere with his love
to God, and his cheerful obedience to the divine will.
He seemed to have ever in his mind's eye the saying
of Christ, " If any man come to me, and hate not his
father and, mother, and wife and children, and brethren
and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my
disciple ; " " And whosoever doth not bear his cross
and come after me, cannot be my disciple." His inner
life seems to have witnessed a struggle, in simple
earnest, to realize in his moral affections an habitual
obedience to this precept. And he carried on this
warfare in a remarkably practical manner. If ho
found that any desire or appetite was usurping an
undue place in his affections, he proceeded at once to
effect its entire subjugation. If the love of ease
and comfort was creeping over him, he would spend

380 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
weeks in a cabin in the jungle. If friends were
becoming so dear as to becloud his consciousness
of the love of Christ, he would live for weeks alone.
If the dissolution of the body distressed him, he
would sit for hours by the side of a grave, in order to
overcome it. Nor were his labors unsuccessful. His
dearest affections seem to have been subordinated
in an uncommon degree to his views of religious
duty. When his first wife, whom he loved so in
tensely, was obliged to return home for a season, he
parted with her at Rangoon, leaving her to pursue her
voyage alone, because he did not dare to leave the
work which God had assigned to him, so long as he
was able to perform it. When the second Mrs. Jud
son was obliged to flee to a northern climate, he
would not have accompanied her, much as ho longed
to see his native land once more, had she been able to
go without him. And when she had apparently so
far recovered as to be able to proceed without him,
f,hey had both resolved to separate, he to return to
Maulmain and resume his labor ; she, with the chil
dren, to pursue the voyage to America. That must
surely have been successful and vigorous training
which enabled a soul to achieve such moral victories
as these, and attain the habit of so athletic Christian
virtue. It may be supposed that the faith of such a man
was in a high degree simple and confiding. In this
respect I have rarely seen it equalled. It seemed to
place him in direct communication with God. It
nevei appeared to him possible, for a moment, that
God could fail to do precisely as he had said ; and he
therefore rel led on the divine assurance with a con
fidence that excluded all wavering. He believed that

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 381
Burmah was to be converted to Christ, just as much
as he believed that Burmah existed. He believed that
he had been sent there to preach the gospel, and he as
much believed that the Holy Ghost would make his
labors, in some way, or- at some time, the means of
the salvation of the nation, as he believed that there
was a Holy Ghost. During his visit to Boston, the
late venerable James Loring asked him, "Do you
think the prospects bright for the speedy conversion
of the heathen ? " " As bright," was his prompt
reply, " as the promises of God." And this same
spirit of unshaken confidence in God was manifested
in all the affairs of life. In prayer he asked not as a
duty, nor even as a pleasure, but he asked that he
might receive. He acted on the assurance that his
heavenly Father delighted to bestow upon him what
ever was for his best good. It was a common thing
for him to ask until he received in his own conscious
ness an assurance that his requests would be granted.
Thus he prayed that he might be useful to the crew
of the ship in which he' sailed to the Isle of France
and to Maulmain ; thus he prayed and labored for the
conversion of the Jews, and his prayers were, in a
remarkable manner, answered. Thus he ever prayed
for the early conversion of his children ; and it is
worthy of remark that, since his death, three of them
have, as we hope, become heirs of eternal life.
In treating of his religious character, it would be an
omission not to refer to his habitual heavenly minded-
ness. In his letters, I know of no topic that is so fre
quently referred to as the nearness of the heavenly
glory. If his loved ones died, his consolation was,
that they should all so soon meet in paradise. If an
untoward event occurred, it was of no great conse«

382 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
quence, for soon we should be in heaven, where all
such trials would either be forgotten, or where the recol
lection of them would render our bliss the more intense.
Thither his social feelings pointed, and he was ever
thinking of the meeting that awaited him with those
who with him had fought the good fight, and were
now wearing the crown of victory. So habitual were
these trains of thought, that a person well acquainted
with him remarks, that " meditation on death was his
common solace in all the troubles of life." I do not
know that the habitual temper of his mind can in
any words be so well expressed as in the following
lines, which he wrote in pencil on the inner cover of a
book that he was using in the compilation of his
dictionary : — " In joy or sorrow, health or pain,
Ovir course be onward still ;
We sow on Burmah's barren plain,
We reap on Zion's hill."
But while I thus speak of his high attainments in
Christian character, it is proper to remark, that they
were not made without great and long-continued
moral effort. The Judson of maturer life was a very
different character from the Judson of youth and early
manhood. At first, religion had but imperfectly con
quered his fiery ambition, his love of precedence, and
that confidence in his own opinions which was unbe
coming a man of his limited experience. From the
imperfection of his character at this period arose his
unfortunate difference with the Board of Commis
sioners, to which I have already referred. He did not
obey their instructions in his visit to England, doubt
less believing that he was better fecquainted with the
subject of missions than they. When they justly

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 383
admonished him, he thought so little of the occurrence,
in the joy of accomplished purpose, that for a long
time he could recall nothing which indicated any
displeasure at the course he had pursued. As he ad
vanced in years and improved in piety, these imper
fections were so thoroughly subdued, that, by tne
testimony of the officers of the Baptist board, they
have sent no missionary from this country who has
yielded more implicit compliance to all their regu
lations. I am aware that when I present the character of
Dr. Judson in this light, some abatements on specific
grounds will be suggested. I will not pass them over,
but will meet them here, lest it should be said that my
object has been to write a panegyric, and not a biogra
phy. I have heard it said, by way of depreciation,
that Dr. Judson was eccentric. As instances of this,
his modes of self-mortification above alluded to are
mentioned. It is also said that at one time he wore
at Rangoon a yellow robe, in apparent imitation of
the Burmese priesthood, and that when he, for the
first time, appeared before the emperor at Ava, he was
arrayed in a white garment, like a surplice. Let us
examine this subject carefully.
A man is eccentric who deviates from the ordinary
or established course of conduct of those who are
around him. In this sense every Christian is bound to
be eccentric in his relations to the world which lieth
in wickedness. " Ye are a chosen generation, a pecu
liar people." " Be ye n?t conformed to the world, but
be ye transformed." " Because ye are not of the
world, therefore the world hateth you."
Or, again : a Christian who aims at higher attain
ments in piety, at sterner self-denial, or at more per*

384 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
feet conformity to Christ than his brethren, must be,
by so much, eccentric. How often is such eccentricity
urged upon the members of the Jewish church by the
prophets, and upon professors of religion in the later
epistles by the apostles ! If this be so, eccentricity is
not by necessity either a fault or a failing. It only
becomes either when it is assumed for the sake of
oddity, or love of singularity, or a desire to attract
notice. Now, in the cases before us, I can see nothing that
marks either a weak or a fanatical mind. Abstract
from Dr. Judson's self-mortification what properly
belongs to a nervous system shattered by nearly two
years of horrible and incessant suffering in the death
prisons of Ava, and then by a bereavement rendered
more intensely painful by these agonizing reminis
cences, and what remains but the earnest striving of a
resolute soul after perfect victory over every sin of the
flesh and of the spirit ? What shall we discover that
will not find its parallel in the lives of Edwards,
Brainerd, Payson, Schwartz and Henry Martyn ? It is
also the fact that for a short time Dr. Judson wore a
robe of the color, though not in the form, of that worn
by the Buddhist priesthood, and that he appeared before
the emperor in a white garment. But let us consider,
in the first place, that he was a pioneer in an untrod
den field, where he had no precedents to guide him.
To expect that a man who is feeling his way in the
dark will make no movement in a wrong direction, is
a demand so unreasonable, that simply to mention it
is to exhibit its absurdity.
But let us hear Dr Judson's own account of this
matter. He said, in conversation on this subject, that
he had~ reason to doubt if the character of previous

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 385
missionaries, as public teachers of religion, had ever
been known to the Burmans, and specially he be
lieved that Mr. Carey had never been known in this
character at Ava. He desired to remove all doubt on
this subject, and to make himself to be distinctly
recognized as a " religion-propagating teacher." For
this purpose he put on in one case a distinctive dress,
and at another a garment of the color peculiar to the
priesthood. He found, however, no advantage result
ing from the experiment ; and he at once laid aside
every distinction of this kind, never to resume it.
The eccentricity in this case is certainly very pardon
able. But it has been said by some persons that Dr. Jud
son was a manager, accomplishing his purposes by
indirect and tortuous measures. A word or two on
this subject may not be out of place.
The accusation of management and intrigue is often
and very naturally brought against far-seeing men.
He who judges by general principles will, of course,
anticipate coming events much sooner than his breth
ren. If he shapes his conduct and forms his plans
with reference to what he sees must soon occur, it
will be easy to imagine that the occurrences, as they
transpire, were the work of his hands and the product
of his contrivance. Napoleon has a remark which
bears somewhat on this subject. He says that people
frequently puzzled themselves to no purpose in endeav-
ing to ascertain his plans, and divine the hidden mo
tive for his combinations, always supposing that he
had some deep-laid scheme .which governed his con
duct, when, in fact, he had no plan at all. " I had,"
said he, " some general principles by which I was
guided, some general objects which I desired to ac-
vol. n. 33

386 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
complish. Whenever I saw any oppoitunity for ad
vancing them, I availed myself of it in any direction."
I have no doubt the same may be said of men in less
prominent situations.
But while it is easy to be misunderstood in a mat
ter of this kind, I apply myself to the facts which come
within my knowledge. I have read every thing that
could be collected of Dr. Judson's writings, both in
print and in manuscript. I have never read any record
of acts and opinions more distinctly marked by direct
ness of aim and entire simplicity of purpose. I have
withheld nothing of any importance which I have
found among his papers. The evidence is therefore
before the world, and let the world judge of it.
With these elements of character, intellectual and
moral, cultivated by internal discipline and external
affliction, it might well be anticipated that Dr. Jud
son's career as a missionary would be worthy of ob
servation. It has been necessary for me, in the prep
aration of the preceding pages, to consider this subject
with attention. The impression which it has made
upon me is, I will confess, somewhat unlike that which
many men would expect to find in the history of one
of the most able and original of modern missionaries.
I perceive in his missionary life, from beginning to
end, no bold strokes of policy, no train of masterly
combinations, nothing that would liken a man to the
statesmen and soldiers who have filled the world with
their renown ; but I behold something far greater — a
man of decided ability, and probably capable of doing
what soldiers and statesmen have done, planting the
standard of the cross on a heathen shore, and esteem
ing his own wisdom foolishness, meekly laboring pre
cisely as Christ and his apostles had given him an

HIS CHARACTER AND LAEORS. 387
example. Though able to have struck out magnifi
cent schemes of missionary labor, he never suggested
one. Though he might have claimed the least labo
rious position, he always placed himself in the most
laborious. Being the senior missionary of the Baptist
churches, and by far the most conspicuous, he illustrat
ed the conception he had formed by setting an exam
ple which all subsequent missionaries might most
profitably follow. Old John Leland used to say,
" There are many men little enough to be great —
there are few men great enough to be little."
His first effort was, of course, to acquire a knowl
edge of the Burmese language. In this he was emi
nently successful. He wrote it and spoke it so
much, that, in the later years of his life, he was more
at home before an audience in Burman than in Eng
lish. As soon as he had acquired any competent
knowledge of the language, he commenced his labor
as a preacher of the gospel. The view which he took
of his work was that which had long before been taken
by Christ and the apostles. He began by telling every
one whom he met,*that Christ had died for him, and
now offered to him eternal life. He built a zayat by
the wayside, and proclaimed these truths to every
passer by. No one paid any attention to his message ;
but Christ had- commanded him to preach the gospel
to every creature, and therefore he continued preaching.
The more discouraging his prospects became, the more
earnestly he fasted and prayed for the coming of the
Holy Spirit. He did not faint, and in due season he
reaped. One and another was spiritually renewed,
and thus a church of believers was formed. These he
employed, according to their several gifts, in proclaim
ing the truth ; and thus this church embraced within
itself the elements of self-extension.

888 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
This was Irs chosen employment, and that which
he consider© 1 oreeminently missionary. Until the dis
ease in his fnroat laid him aside from out-door labor,
he steadfastly continued it, unless interrupted by the
express directions of the board. When compelled to
leave it for the work of translation, he did it with re
gret, and always returned to it with alacrity as soon as
his circumstances would permit. It is true that early
in the history of the mission he translated the Gospels,
a few of the Epistles, and wrote one or two tracts in
Burman ; but he states that he always had hoped that
the completion of the translation might fall into other
hands. He seems to have believed most fully that
the world was to be converted by the simple process
of telling man after man " that God so loved the world
that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth on him should not perish, but have everlast
ing life ; " always relying with earnest prayer on the
power of the Holy Spirit to make the truth effectual
for the regeneration of men. Such was his labor
in the zayat and in the jungle ; and to the success
which attended it the preceding* pages bear ample
¦testimony. It is, however, only stating the truth very imperfectly
to speak of Dr. Judson's ability to use the Burman
language with remarkable skill. He went vastly far
ther, and became in that language a most eloquent
preacher. Those who knew him only in this country
can have, it is said, no conception of his power over' a
Burmese assembly. The following extract from a letter
of Mr. Vinton, on his arrival in Maulmain, is said to
convey a correct idea of Dr. Judson's Burman preach
ing : " The first Sabbath after our arrival, we were
privileged to lear the man whose praise is in all our

HIS CHARACTER AiND LABORS. 389
American churches. True, he preached in Burman;
but though I did not know the meaning of a single
sentence he uttered, still my attention was never more
closely riveted on any sermon I ever heard. Were I
to fix upon any one characteristic of the preacher
which, perhaps, more than any other, rendered his dis
course interesting and impressive, I should say it was
earnestness of manner. It was impossible for any
one to escape the conviction that his whole soul was
in the work. Every tone, every look, every sentence,
spoke out in the most emphatic language, to tell us
that the man was seriously in earnest, and himself
believed the truths he uttered. But what contributed
not a little to the interest of the occasion, was the ap
pearance of the assembly. Every hearer sat motion
less, every eye was fixed immovably upon the preacher,
and every countenance seemed to change with every
varied expression of sentiment ; now beaming forth
joy, as though some joyous news from the other world
had just reached them, which before had never glad
dened their hearts ; now depicting a feeling of anxiety,
as though their immortal all, or that of their friends,
was at stake ; and next of deep solemnity, as though
standing before their final Judge."
A missionary, who knew him intimately, remarks
in a private letter, " I fear that no one at home will
be able to do him justice, in the biography, on the
point of pulpit eloquence. People at home had no
opportunity of judging, as Dr.. Judson's health was so
poor, and moreover his thoughts had so long run in
Burman channels, that it required a Burman pulpit in
which to exhibit them."
Mrs. Judson gives the following account of the
manner in which he prepared for the pulpit : " He
33*

390 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
used to rise somewhat earlier on Sunday mornings
than on other days, — I speak now of the time when
he. was able to preach only once a day, — and take his
usual walk over the hill. He occupied his walking
time generally in devotion, and after his return, spent ¦
some time in prayer in his study. He would then
call me, and we would walk up and down the veran
da together until breakfast, occupying in this man
ner from an hour to an hour and a half. His text
was sometimes selected on the previous evening, and
sometimes in the morning before he went out ; but
oftener several texts occurred to him while walking,
and the first business on the veranda was to choose
between them. Then arose quite an animated discus
sion, if that can be called a discussion which has the
wisdom all on one side. These Sunday morning
walks in the veranda were very profitable to me, for
there was always matter for a dozen sermons in the
suggestions of the hour. He was rather fond of spec
ulation on these occasions, but never introduced any
thing of this kind into the pulpit. He did not plan
his sermon during the morning walks, but disentan
gled and sifted the text, making himself familiar with
all its bearings, and possible as well as obvious appli
cations. Afterwards the topics chosen were adapted
to the congregation before him ; and before I under
stood the language, I used to take great interest in
ascertaining, by his manner and the faces of his audi
tors, the peculiar train of thought which he had fol
lowed out. He preached with great fervor and ear
nestness ; but besides this, there was a touching sim
plicity in the matter and language, which it was
long before I could appreciate. His figures, which I
understood sooner, were drawn from immediately

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 391
surrounding objects. Of these, in accordance with
eastern taste, he made great use. He often remarked
that ' Christ was the model preacher, and that he
never preached great sermons.' Whether Dr. Judson
preached great sermons or not, his preaching was pe
culiarly effective there, and I think would have been
so any where."
Such was Dr. Judson as a preacher. As to his
success as a translator, I have already spoken. I can
not, however, feel satisfied without quoting the fol
lowing passage from the Calcutta Review; since it
so well exhibits the difficulties which were to be en
countered in the accomplishment of this great work.
" Some languages, however, — and the Burman is one,
— seem to mould themselves with great difficulty to the
elimination of thought, in the intermediate stages of
a continued chain of close argument. In such lan
guages an argument, or train of reasoning, appears to
advance with abrupt steps, the mind being left to
trace and fill up their connection. The resulting for
mula has to be reached, dropping out, as it were, some
of the intermediate equations. Let our readers dwell
for a moment upon the difficulty, in their own powerful
Saxon tongue, of discoursing upon free will, predesti
nation, and many other such subjects, and then en
deavor to realize to themselves how infinitely more
difficult the attempt must be in a language of mono
syllabic formation and structure; its very polysylla
bles being the roughest possible mosaic of monosylla
bles, and the genius and construction of the tongue
such, that even the simple language of the Gospels —
the sentences of which are in general so remarkably
plain and free from complication, — is beyond its
flexibility, the simplest sentences in the Gospels of

392 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
Mark or John having to be chopped up and decom
posed, in order to adapt them to this peculiar language.
Let our readers imagine, if they can, the wonderful
command requisite of so awkward an instrument, in
order to be enabled to answer an Oo Yan — ' How
are sin and eternal misery reconcilable with the char
acter of an infinitely holy, wise, and powerful God ? '
or to meet the subtleties of a Moung Shwa-gnong,
arguing on his fundamental doctrine, that divine wis
dom, not concentrated in any existing spirit, or em
bodied in any form, but diffused throughout the
universe, and partaken in different, degrees by various
intelligences, and in a very high degree by the Buddhs,
is the true and only God. Yet so completely was
Judson master of this very difficult tongue, and of the
modes of thought of its people, that he could, by his
replies and arguments, impart to an Oo Yan intense
satisfaction, and a joy which exhibited itself by the
ebullitions natural to a susceptible temperament ;
and, in the end, could force a subtle Moung Shwa-
gnong to yield to the skill of a foreign disputant." *
Such were the difficulties to be encountered in the
translation of the Scriptures into Burman ; and yet
so completely were they overcome, that not only the
natives read the version with delight, but even Ameri
cans have affirmed that they studied it with a clearer
understanding, and a greater pleasure, than that in
their own vernacular.
Such was Dr. Judson's success in the great work to
which he had consecrated his life — the founding of a
Burman church, and the translation of the Scriptures
into the language of that people. To this he bad
* Calcutta Review for December, 1850.

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 393
sacrificed every other pursuit, with a simplicity of
purpose which was worthy of an apostle. He abjured
English preaching, English reading, English society,
and", by devoting every energy to this great purpose,
accomplished a work which has few parallels in the
history of modern missions. So exclusively did he
consider Burmah his field of labor, that he for a long
time refused to give religious instruction even to the
British soldiers at Maulmain. It was not until they
were really seeking the salvation of their souk that
he felt at liberty to devote to them any portion of his
time. Then he so far deviated from his rule as to
receive them at his study for conversation; and he
had the pleasure of introducing many of them into
the Christian church by baptism. He, however, con
sidered this to be aside from his legitimate work,
and relinquished it at the earliest opportunity. He
esteemed missionary service to be in its nature
peculiar, — unlike the labor of a pastor at home, a
teacher, or a general philanthropist; and with this
h:.gh view he consecrated himself exclusively to it.
From the preceding pages, the views of Dr. Judson
respecting the present aspect of the missionary enter
prise may be pretty distinctly learned. It may be
observed that there were many views which nave
been gradually gaining favor with which he did not
cordially sympathize. " He thought that greater bold
ness of effort, sustained by a simple trust in God, was
demanded of those who direct the missionary enter
prise, rather than the study of perfect immunity from
danger. It seemed to him that, in the Christian
world at large, there was a lack of a proper apprecia
tion of the missionary work as instituted by the Sa
viour, but that a higher view could be obtained only

394 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON
through the teachings of the Spirit, and was incom
patible with a low state of piety. In the conduct of
missions there seemed to him too strong a tendency
to rely on human contrivances, and to waste time,
and strength, and money, on inferior interests — too
much whetting of the scythe and building of the
granary, while the ground was yet fallow, and the
seed lying useless for want of a scatterer. He used
to remark that missionaries had forgotten that the
earth was to help the woman, and that they kept the
woman so long helping the earth, that she could not
look after her own children."
These views, however, in no degree affected his ap
preciation of the glory of the enterprise in which he
was engaged. Only let the work go on, he would say,
and in time it will rectify itself. He used to speak in
a tone of exultation of the wonders that had been ac
complished in the midst of weakness and errors — errors
that exist in every department of modern missions and
under every society, and he seemed to glorify God the
more that there was so much to be ashamed of in the
conduct of his instruments, never failing to class him
self among the most erring of -all. When the Spirit of
God should come down as on the day of Pentecost,
men would not contrive machines, or lay wise plans
for extensive school operations, or labor to Anglicize
eastern nations, either in habits or language, or gather
together in large stations ; but they would go forth as
the apostles did, and the renovation of the world would
follow. In the social relations of life, the character of Dr.
Judson was eminently worthy of imitation. His let
ters to his family all breathe the spirit of impassioned
affection. While h<- made every personal sacrifice to

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 395
the work which occupied his whole energies, he was
ever ready, at any expense of time and labor, to pro
mote the happiness of his wife and children. In sick
ness he was their ever-vigilant and tender nurse, and
in health their associate and playmate. A lady ex
ceedingly well qualified to form an opinion on this
subject, both from her intimate knowledge of Dr. Jud
son and her familiarity with the best society in India,
remarks, respecting his domestic character, as follows :
" I have seen something of married life, and I never
saw a husband so entirely devoted to a wife as dear
Judson. I speak from personal acquaintance. Many
are loving enough in their way, who would not sacri
fice an hour's ease to relieve a wife of care, or attend
her in sickness. Judson would allow nobody but him
self to relieve his wife in any way, and I have felt hurt
at his refusing my aid, as it looked as though he
thought me unequal to the duty."
There was a feature in Dr. Judson's affection as a
husband, which was, I think, peculiar. He was, as it
is well known, married three times, and no man was
ever more tenderly attached to each of his wives.
The present affection, however, seemed in no respect to
lessen his affection for those for whom he mourned.
He ever spoke of those that had gone before with
undiminished interest. In one of his letters to his
daughter, after saying that he did not believe there
existed on earth so happy a family as his, he soon
after adds, " My tears frequently fall for her who lies
in her lone bed in St. Helena." It was at his sugges
tion that Mrs. Emily Judson wrote the life of her pred
ecessor. He frequently refers with delight to the time
when he, and all those whom he so much loved, shall
meet in paradise, no more to part, but to spend an

396 MEMOIR OP DR. JUDSON.
eternity together in the presence of Christ. Those
that were once loved were loved to the. end ; but this
did not prevent the bestowment of an equal amount
of affection on a successor.
In a letter to Mrs. E. Judson he writes as follows :
" Heaven will be brighter to me for thy presence.
Thou wilt be with Ann and Sarah. We shall join in
the same song of love and praise ; and how happy shall
we be in beholding each other's faces glow with heav
enly rapture, as we drink in the life-giving, joy-inspir
ing smiles of Him whom we shall all love above all ! "
As might be expected, Dr. Judson spent but little
of his time in social intercourse, beyond the limits of
his own home. He had no time for it, and he consid
ered his work of far too engrossing a nature to allow
of it. He was always ready to go abroad to attend a
meeting for prayer among the Burmans of his church,
or to visit any family in the mission that happened to
be in affliction. But beyond this he did not go.
Hence he was, I believe, sometimes considered un
social. When, however, he could alleviate sorrow, or
bind up the broken in heart, no one in the mission
was more prompt in his attentions, or more accepta
ble in his sympathy. That this should have been the
case, is perfectly in harmony with his character. He
felt that he was doing a great work, which allowed no
time for trifling or ceremony. To do good to all men,
especially to the disciples of Christ, was, however, a
part of that work which he above all delighted to
accomplish. His conduct while in this country was governed by
the same principles. While he showed himself ex
ceedingly indifferent to what he considered merely
visits of ceremony or curiosity, he was ever ready to

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 397
devote his time and attention to any person whom he
could serve by his advice, counsel, or sympathy. In
stances of this kind, in any number, might be men
tioned, were it desirable ; and although in Burmah he
avoided English society, whenever it would interfere
with the great object of his life, he was always ready
to render to the officers of government any service in
his power, when, by so doing, he could advance the
best interests of the people. Says the writer above
alluded to, " We have made no allusion to the very
important services which he rendered to the British
government, our attention being engaged by other and
higher considerations ; yet we should fail to convey
even a faint sketch of the character and qualities of
the man, were we to omit all notice of the aid he
afforded, first to Sir Archibald Campbell, afterwards
to Mr. Crawfurd, and subsequently to every commis
sioner on the Tenasserim coast who had occasion to
solicit either information or advice. To the last he
clung to the hope that, through the instrumentality of
our influence and power, Burmah would, sooner or
later, be opened as a field for the exertion of mission
ary labor ; and to a commissioner who was leaving
Maulmain, and bidding farewell to Judson, his last
words were, ' In case of difficulties, or of war, arising
between the British government and Burmah, I expect
to see you again on this field ; and mind, if ever you
are sent, and you think I can be' of any use to your
mission to Ava, if alive I shall be happy to join you,
and be of every assistance in my power.' That which
had induced him to accompany Crawfurd, and to
afford him invaluable aid, — the hope of securing in the
treaty concluded with Burmah a proviso favorable to
religious toleration, — would, to the close of his career,
vol. n. 34

398 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
have led Judson again to come forward as a powerful
auxiliary to a diplomatic mission, and to devote his
great abilities, and thorough acquaintance with Bur
mah, its princes and its people, to aid in the conduct
of negotiations, which, if successful on the one point
he had at heart, would, he felt assured, prove for the
enduring advantage of Burmah, and therefore would
richly recompense him for the sacrifices which such
a journey and occupation must inevitably entail.
Other reward, it is needless to add, found no place in
his thought. The sum of money presented to him by
the British government after Crawfurd's embassy went,
every farthing, into the American Baptist mission
fund, but swollen in amount by the addition of what
constituted the whole of Judson's private property." *
In person, Dr. Judson was of about the medium
height, slenderly built, but compactly knitted together.
His complexion was in youth fair ; but residence in
India had given him the sallow hue common to that
climate. His hair, when in this country, was yet of a
fine chestnut, with scarcely a trace of gray. The
elasticity of his movement indicated a man of thirty,
rather than of nearly sixty years of age. His deport
ment was, in a remarkable degree, quiet and self-pos
sessed, and his manner was pointed out as perfectly
well bred, by those who consider the cultivation of so
cial, accomplishments the serious business of life. The
reviewer alluded to writes on this subject as follows :
" A person overtaking Judson in one of his early
morning walks, as he strode along the pagoda-capped
hills of Maulmain, would have thought the pedestrian
before him rather under-sized, and of a build showing
* Calcutta Review, Dec, 1850, p. 454.

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 399
no great muscular development ; although the pace
was good and the step firm, yet there was nothing to
indicate great powers of physical endurance, in the
somewhat slight and spare frame tramping steadily in
front of the observer. The latter would scarcely sup
pose that he had before him the man who, on the
25th of March, 1826, wrote, ' Through the kind interpo
sition of our heavenly Father, our lives have been pre
served in the most imminent danger from the hand of
the executioner, and in repeated instances of most
alarming illness during my protracted imprisonment
of one year and seven months ; nine months in three
pairs of fetters, two months in five, six months in one,
and two months a prisoner at large.' Illness nigh
unto death, and three or five pairs of fetters to aid in
weighing down the shattered and exhausted frame,
seemed a dispensation calculated for the endurance of
a far more muscular build. ' But meet the man,
instead of overtaking him, or, better still, see him enter
a room and bare his head, and the observer at once
caught an eye beaming with intelligence, a counte
nance full of life and expression. Attention could
scarce fail of being riveted on that head and face,
which told at once that the spiritual and intellectual
formed the man ; the physical was wholly subordinate,
and must have been borne through its trials by the more
essential elements of the individual, by the feu sacre
which predominated in his disposition. Nor was this
impression weakened by his conversation. Wisdom
and piety were, as might be expected ir such a man,
its general tone ; but there was a vivacity pervading
it which indicated strong, buoyant, though well, it may
be said very severely, disciplined animal spirits. Wit,
too. was there, playful, pure, free from malice, and a

400 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
certain quiet Cervantic ha mor, full of benignity, would
often enliven and illustrate what he had to say on
purely temporal affairs. His conversation was thus
both very able and remarkably pleasing." *
Of his personal habits, Mrs. Judson gives the fol
lowing account : " His predilection for neatness, uni
formity, and order, amounted, indeed, to a passion.
Then he had an innate sort of refinement about him,
which would subject him to annoyance when a less
sensitive person would only be amused — a most incon
venient qualification for a missionary. This passion
for order — which I should rather consider an uncon
querable love for the beautiful and elegant, studiously
perverted — displayed itself rather oddly after the
means for its natural gratification and development
were cut off. Nobody ever luxuriated more in per
fectly spotless linen, though, partly from necessity,
and partly because there was a suspicion among his
friends that he would wear no other, it was always
coarse. The tie of the narrow black ribbon, which
he wore instead of a neckcloth, was perfect, and
the ribbon itself would not have soiled the purest
snow, though it was often limp and rusty from fre
quent washing. His general dress was always clean,
and adjusted with scrupulous exactness, though it
often looked as if it might have belonged to some
rustic of the last century ; being of the plainest mate
rial, and in fashion the American idea of what was
proper for a missionary, perpetuated in broad carica
ture by a bungling Bengalee tailor. Most people
thought that he dressed oddly from a love of eccen
tricity ; but the truth is, he was not in the least aware
• Calcutta Review.

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 401
of any thing peculiar in his costume, never seeing him
self in a mirror larger than his pocket toilet glass.
He could see his feet, however ; and his shoes never
had a spot on their polish, nor the long, white, care
fully-gartered stockings a wrinkle, much less a stain.
In the construction and arrangement of his unique
studying apparatus, which was composed of two
long, narrow boxes mounted on a teak table, there
was the same mixture of plainness with neatness and
order, and, what was rather conspicuous in all his
arrangements, a wonderful capacity for convenience.
No one ever thought of invading his study corner ; for
he dusted his books and papers himself, and knew so
well where every thing was placed, that he could have
laid his hand upon the smallest article, in the darkest
night." *
I do not know that I can close these remarks, al
ready I fear too far protracted, more appropriately
than by introducing a paragraph from the review of
his life and labors, to which I have already been so
largely indebted. " He, [Dr. Judson,] from the dawn
to the close of his eventful career, could contemplate
She millions still under the yoke of Buddhist error,
with the hope and assurance of ultimate victory for
the cause of truth. Strong in this hope, like a good
* One little circumstance in Ms personal habits is perhaps worth re
cording, as it may be useful to young men. It was a great wonder to him
that men should be willing to suffer inconvenience all their lives, rather
than spend half an hour in mastering the simplest art in the world. He
made no secret of the fact that, from the time when his mother first
fitted him out with a needle book and its accessories, when he went
to college, he had been independent of womankind in the matter of
tapes and buttons ; and he used somewhat boastingly to affirm thtft
he could achieve a patch or darn with lady-like neatness, if circum-
stances should ever warrant the draught on his time.
34*

402 MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.
soldiei of the cross, he unfurled his standard on the
enemy's ground, and, though in the contest it was at
times struck down, yet the standard bearer's heart and
courage were proof, and the banner, triumphing in
such hands over every struggle, soon rose and floated
again in the breath of heaven. We may well say with
the Psalmist, ' How are the mighty fallen in the midst
of the battle!" But in this instance, though the
mighty are fallen, the weapons of war are not per
ished, A champion of the cross, and a notable one too,
has, indeed, after waging a severe and thirty years'
conflict with the powers of darkness, fallen at his
post; but he has fallen gloriously, leaving a well-
furnished armory to his seconds and successors in the
'.ight — weapons sound of temper, sharp of edge, and
- gleaming brightly with the light of heaven. He was,
indeed, a mighty champion ; mighty in word, mighty
in thought, mighty in suffering, mighty in the elasti
city of an unconquerable spirit ; mighty in the entire
absence of selfishness, avarice, and of all the meaner
passions of the unregenerate soul ; mighty in the yearn
ing spirit of love and affection ; above all, mighty in
real humility, in the knowledge and confession of the
natural evil and corruption of his own heart, in the
weakness which brings forth strength ; mighty in ful
filling the apostolic injunction, ' Whatsoever ye do,
do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men ; '
mighty in the entire devotion of means, time, strength,
and great intellect to his Master, Christ."
Such was the man who is known throughout the
East as the Apostle of Burmah. He went forth alone,
trusting simply in the promises of God, and buried
himself in the thickest darkness of Buddhism, until
" righteousness came forth as brightness, and salvation

HIS CHARACTER AND LABORS. 403
as a lamp that burnetii." Crucified to every desire
for human applause, God has given him a name that
is spoken with affectionate reverence by every house
hold in Christendom. Driven with indignity from
British India, he lived to receive the thanks of the
governor general in council, for the services which lie
had rendered to the government. That his motives
might be purified from every trace of ambition, he de
stroyed every line within his power that might minister
to posthumous fame ; and God has indelibly inscribed
his name on every tablet of the future history of Bur
mah. He left behind him all that he loved in his
native land, and only asked, as his reward, that he
might gather a church of a hundred members from the
worshippers of Gaudama, and see the Bible translated
into their language. All this, and more than this, was
granted, and the Karens also were given to him — a
people of whose existence no Christian had heard,
whom he beheld by thousands flocking to the standard
of the cross. He asked that he might redeem a few
immortal souls from eternal death, and it was granted
to him to lay the foundations of Christian civilization
for an empire. When the kingdoms of the world
shall become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his
Christ; when every pagoda shall have been levelled,
and every hilltop, from the Bay of Bengal to the foot
of the Himalaya, shall be crowned with a temple to
Jehovah ; when the landscape shall be thickly studded
with schools, scattering broadcast the seeds of human
knowledge ; when law shall have spread the shield of
its protection over the most lowly and the most ex
alted; when civil and religious liberty shall be the
birthright of every Burman, — then will the spot where
stood the prison at Oung-pen-la be consecrated

404

MEMOIR OF DR. JUDSON.

ground ; thither will pilgrims resort to do honor to the
name of their benefactor ; and mothers, as they teach
their children to pray to the eternal God, will remind
them of the atheism of their forefathers, and repeat
to them the story of the life and labors of Adoniram
Judson. Such honor loth God bestow upon holy,
HUMBLE SELF-DEN YINO, AND LONG-SUFFERING LOVE.

<s;

A Select List

PUBLICATIONS.

Messrs. Sheldon & Company beg leave to say that their
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S|d®©«t mfo d®.'« &M.

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History of the English Bible. i2mo., . . 1 25

zmo-.,

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75

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Sfe>eEH®tc oh® <!©?»« %M.

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Sfydftim mb <S®*'* %m.

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izmo.,

Robert Turnbull, D.D.
Life Pictures from a Pastor's note book,
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Wonders of History. 8vo.,

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Homceopathic Practice, by M. Freleigh, M.D.,
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45

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1 25

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63

D.,

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2 50
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60
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