LIVES OF THE
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
<r
THE
THREE MRS. JUDSONS,
THE CELEBRA1ED
FEMALE MISSIONARIES,
A NEW AND CAREFULLY REVISED EDITION,
BY CECIL B. HARTLEY.
IU.USTRATED WITH STEEL PORTRAITS.
NEW YORK :
TTNITED STATES BOOK COMPANY
SUCCESSORS TO
JOHN W. LOVELL COMPANY
150 WORTH ST., COR. MISSION PLACE
37/AtfS"
PREFACE.
TT is one of the most striking instances of modern progress
that the missions of women are beginning to be so clearly
recognized It is not long, since a woman who dared to step
beyond the circle of home and social duties was looked upon
with timid wonder by her own sex, and disapprobation by the
other; but in this more enlightened age her usef'ulnefls is
readily acknowledged.
England holds up her Florence Nightingale, that courag :ous,
noble woman, whose name is heard with love and revei mce
through the whole civilized world. Can we not, in Am< rica,
point out our bright stars in the galaxy of heroines ? Flor 2nce
Nightingale went to minister to the bodily wants of men en-
gaged in war, and whose trade was bloodshed. Our hen ines,
the Mrs. Judsons, went to minister to the sinking sou's of
heathens, who repaid their efforts, in many instances, by iruel
persecution. Florence Nightingale went amongst her own
countrymen, into a civilized land. The Mrs. Judsons w at to
a far-distant shore, to study an unknown tongue, to teach those
whose mere earthly claim upon them was nothing.
The names of those amongst women, who, standing bravely
3
30S0138
4 PREFACE.
forth, have taken prominent places in the missionary ranks, and
who are increasing every year, must all give place to Mrs. Ann
Judson, who alone can claim the first rank as pioneer of her
MX in America ; the first who resolved to leave her home here
to minister to the heathen abroad.
In my pleasant task of writing* the lives of the Mrs. Jud-
sons, I am indebted, for valuable information, to the Lives of
the Mrs. Judsons by J. B. Knowles and Fanny Forester, and
Wayland's interesting Memoirs of Dr. Judson.
Care has been taken in the present volume to place the do-
mestic life of the Mrs. Judsons, as much as was practicable,
before the reader, and to show, as far as possible, the result of
their individual labors. They stood as high for conjugal and
maternal loveliness and devotedness as they did in their more
public character as missionaries.
If one young girl lay aside our little volume, conscious of
feeling a higher love for Christian duty, and greater emulation
to fulfill her own mission, be it public or private, at home or
abroad, the author will be more than repaid for any effort*
made in writing these memoirs
CONTENTS.
SKETCH OP LIFE OF KEY. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D 9
LIFE OF MRS. ANN H. JUDSON.
CHAPTER I.
Birth Parentage Education, and Conversion 25
CHAPTER II.
Marriage, and Voyage to India Change of religious sentiments Ar-
rival at Calcutta Difficulties with government Voyage to Isle of
France Death of Mrs. Newell Voyage to Rangoon 30
CHAPTER III.
Description of the Burman Empire, and the Burmese religion 45
CHAPTER IV.
Lenrning the Language Visit to the Viceroy's wife Mrs. Judson's
illness Voyage to Madras Return to Rangoon Birth and death
of a son Mr. Judson's illness Arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Hough at
Rangoon Mr. Judson leaves Rangoon Trouble Mr. and Mrs.
Hough leave Rangoon Mrs. Judson's fortitude Return of Mr.
65
8 CONTENTS.
CHAPITER V.
Erection of a zayat Conversion and baptism of a native Death of
Mr. Wheelock Messrs. Judson and Column start to visit Ava 81
CHAPTER VI
Visit to Ara Return to Rangoon First female convert bnptized
Mri. Judson's illness Mr. and Mrs. Judson sail for Bengal 9t
CHAPTER VII.
Return to Rangoon Mrs. Judson's renewed illness Voyage to Eng-
land Visits in England and America Return to India 98
CHAPTER VIII.
Messrs. Judson and Price visit Ava Return to Rangoon Mrs. Jud-
on's arrival Removal to Ava 115
CHAPTER IX.
War in Bunnnh Mrs. Judson'g account of the missionaries' suffering*
Tribute to Mrs. Judson from prisoners 124
CHAPTER X.
Death of Mrs. Judson and her daughter 171
LIFE OF MRS. SARAH B. JUDSON.
CHAPTER I.
Birth Parentage, and Early Life 1*1
CHAPTER II.
Profession of religion Poetry on death of Col man Marriage De-
parture for India 19f
CONTEXTS. 7
CHAPTER III.
no
Removal to Maulioain First peril in their new home Removal to
Tavoy Missionary labors Interest in the Karens 204
CHAPTER IV.
Bath of the first born , 2H
CHAPTER V.
Revolt at Tmroy Birth and death of second son 215
CHAPTER VI.
Dlness of Mrs. Boardman Mr. Boarduian's failing health 221
CHAPTER VII.
Death of Mr. Boardman 227
CHAPTER VIII.
The widow Missionary.... 240
CHAPTER IX.
Marriage to Mr. Judson Declining health Literary labors Separa-
tion from her son ...,. 248
CHAPTER X
Mr. Judson's illness ...-...,,. 251
CHAPTER XI.
A jear of trial 261
CHAPTER XII.
Mr. and Mrs. Judson, and children leave India Death of Mrs. Jud-
on.... .. 2T
8 CONTENTS.
LIFE OF MRS. EMILY C. JUDSON.
CHAPTER I.
Mi
Birth Early life Literary career Marriage and departure for India
Farewell to Alderbrook 274
CHAPTER II.
Arriral in India Literary labors Poem written on the birth of a
daughter Domostio life 382
CHAPTER III.
)fn. Judson'i illness Dr. Judson's death Mrs. Judson'i return to
America Death Pcmi ................ .. H)f
SKETCH
LIFE OF REV ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D.
BEFORE entering upon the memoirs of the three distin-
guished women, whose career of usefulness forms the subject
of this Volume, let me give a short sketch of the Rev. Dr. Jud-
eon, their husband, the leader in the self-sacrificing work to
which they devoted their lives, and the pioneer in that extended
field of Missionary labor, the Burman Empire.
Adoniram Judson, the eldest sou of Adoniram and Abigail
Judson, was born in Maiden, Massachusetts, August 9th, 1788.
His father, the Rev. Adoniram Judson, was pastor of different
Congregational churches until the year 1817, when his views
upon the subject of baptism having changed, he left the min-
istry. He died at Scituate, in 1826, at the advanced age of
seventy-six.
Adoniram, the subject of the present memoir, gave, at a
very early age, promise of great talent, having a powerful and
quick intellect, astonishing perseverance, and a great love of
study. When only three years old, his mother taught him to
read, and this power once acquired, he soon gave evidence of
an intense love for study. His father, though seeking no high
office for himself, was proud of the talents developed in his
children, and constantly stimulated his son to further efforts, by
promises of future fame.
9
10 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
You are a very acute boy, Adoniram," he said to him, on
one occasion, " and I expect you to become a great man." Mr.
Judson himself owned, later in life, that all his early dreams
were stimulated by this hope for future fame, yet in the midst
of these ambitious soarings, into his heart crept the Scripture
passage :
" Not unto us, not unto us, but to Thy name be the glory."
Even then, he adds, he feared to look further into his own
heart, lest he should find it rebellious against the injunction.
He hoped to be a religious and God-fearing man, but his father
said he should become a great man, and he was resolved to fulfill
the prophecy.
His career at school was marked by great love of study,
perseverance, and most rapid progress in every task. In math-
ematics and the classics his proficiency was the subject of com-
mendation from all his instructors, and admiration with his
schoolmates.
At sixteen years of age, Mr. Judson entered Brown Univer-
sity, then Providence College, one year in advance. His ambi-
tion here stood him in good stead. Throughout the college he
was distinguished for his closely studious habits, his perfection
in every exercise, and his punctual attendance in every class.
A letter written during his collegiate term, by the late Rev.
Dr. Messer, to his father, speaks in the highest terms of his
" uniform propriety of conduct, as well as an intense applica-
tion to study."
While he was in college, French infidelity swept like a nox-
ious blast over the land. In the class above the young Adon-
iram, was a young man of great talent, and prepossessing man-
ners, named E . He was a confirmed Deist. A warm
attachment existed between Judson and E , and in a short
time, the future missionary was, professedly, as great an unbe-
liever as his friend. Together they discussed future worldly
prospects, and argued on the most favorable profession for the
attainment of fame. Mr. Judson graduated Bachelor of Arts
in September, 1807, receiving for commencement the highest
appointment, an English oration, with the valedictory addresses,
REV. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D. D. ll
proving him, in the opinion of his instructors, the first scholar
in his class.
During his college course he kept school, through the vaca-
tions, and in 1807 he opened a private school in Plymouth.
During the year 1808, he published two works for schools,
his " Elements of English Grammar," and " The Young
Lady's Arithmetic," both of which were highly commended by
the press, and also in private letters by teachers.
In 1808 he closed the school in Plymouth, and made a tour
through the Northern States. During this trip, he heard of
the death of his college friend, E , the Deist, and scoffer at
religion. A great revulsion of feeling followed this announce-
ment, and humbled, saddened, feeling deeply how erroneous
had been his former views, Judson returned to his home,
deeply impressed with the necessity of religion for himself.
He taught school in Boston for a short time after his return,
and then entered the Theological Seminary at Andover, com-
mencing his course, as in his previous entrance in college, a
year in advance. On the 28th of May, 1809, after seven
months spent in the college, he made a public profession of
religion, and joined the church of which his father was then
pastor, the Third Congregational Church in Plymouth. It
was during his residence in Andover College, that he first began
to turn his thoughts to that great work he afterwards so faith-
fully undertook, the subject of Foreign Missions. His own
letter, written to Dr. Chapin, whilst prosecuting his missionary
labors, gives so full an account of his views upon the subject
of missions, that I quote it entire.
TO THE REV. DR. CHAPIN, PRESIDENT OP COLUMBIAN COLLEGE,
WASHINGTON.
MAULMAIN, December 18, 1837.
YERY DEAR BROTHER : Yours of March 21st I have re-
ceived with great pleasure, and shall be glad to answer youi
inquiries, and give you any information in my power.
I had addressed a letter to brother Rice, dated July 13
12 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
1836, which could not, however, have reached him before b<3
death. As that letter contains considerable information which
has a bearing on the subject of your inquiries, I will first
transcribe it, and chen subjoin remarks on some other points.
" My dear brother Rice : 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 the studies of my class, and spent my time in wondering at
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, perhaps, necessary, in the first instance, to enable
me to break the strong attachment I felt to home and country,
and to endure the thought of abandoning all my wonted pur-
Buits 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 encouragement;
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
REV. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D. 13
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, Richards, 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 be-
fore 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.
" 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, Rice, Richards,
and myself, though, at the suggestion of Dr. Spring, your
name and Richards'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
14 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
had led them in a different way ; and when we all met at the
.-;imr 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-
l>ose, more firmly than ever. How evident it is that the Spirit
of God had been operating in different places, and upon differ-
ent 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 king-
doms of our Lord and of his Anointed !"
LETTER TO HIS PARENTS.
ANDOVER, June 29, 181(JP
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
conviction that it is my duty personally to engage in this ser-
vice. Several 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, Tar-
tary, or any part of the eastern continent, as will induce the
directors of the London Missionary Society to engage new mis-
sionaries ; whether two or three young, unmarried men, having
received a liberal education, and resided two years in this Di-
vinity 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 direc-
tors, and placed at the seminary in Gosport, if that be judged
KEY. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D. 15
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 reim-
bursed by supplies from the American churches.
We have consulted our professors on this subject, particu
larly Dr. Griffin, professor of oratory. He intends writing tc
several in England, and perhaps to Dr. Bogue. But his en-
gagements being such as will prevent his writing at present
and wishing myself to receive a letter from you immediately.
containing the desired information, I have written myself. I
close with an earnest request that you will please 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.
Rev. Dr. Bogue, Gosport, England.
P. S. I shall deem it a favor if you do not confine your re-
marks to 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 Connecticut :
The undersigned, members of the Divinity College, respect-
fully request the attention of their reverend fathers, convened
in the General Association at Bradford, to the following state-
ment 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 consid-
eration of the subject in its various attitudes, particularly in
relation to the probable success and the difficulties attending
16 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
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
present views and feelings, they ought to renounce the object
of missions, 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 them-
Belves to the direction of a European society ; and what pre-
paratory measures they ought to take, previous to actual en-
gagement.
The undersigned, feeling their youth and inexperience, look
up to their fathers iu the church, and respectfully solicit their
advice, direction, and prayers.
Signed, ADONIRAM JUDSON, JR.
SAMUEL MOTT, JR.
SAMUEL J. MILLS.
SAMUEL NEWELL.
The petition quoted in the preceding letter was referred by
the General Association of Massachusetts to a committee con-
sisting of Rev. Messrs. Spring, Worcester, and Hale. The
following report was made the next day by this committee, and
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 fol-
lowing report :
The object of missions to the heathen cannot but be re-
garded, by the friends of the Redeemer, 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 direo-
REV. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D. 17
tion, " Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
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 object : 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 prosecut-
ing 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 As-
sociation ; and afterwards, annually, five of them by this body,
and four of them by the General Association of Connecticut.
Provided, however, that, if the General Association of Con-
necticut do not choose to unite in this object, the annual elec-
tion of all the commissioners shall be by this General Associa-
tion.
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 oi
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 Com-
missioners for Foreign Missions, humbly to wait the openings
and guidance of Providence in respect to their great and excel-
lent design.
2
18 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
A subsequent meeting was afterwards held by the General
Association, and the subject of Foreign Missions, with the pe-
tition quoted above, more fully discussed. It was then decided
to attempt an arrangement with the English Missionary So-
ciety, to join with them in their efforts for diffusing Chris-
tianity amongst the heathen, and Mr. Judson was appointed
to go to England to ascertain whether such an arrangement waa
practicable. His letter of instructions was as follows :
LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE PRUDENTIAL COMMIT-
TEE TO MR. JUDSON.
MR. ADONIRAM JUDSON : As you and your brethren,
Samuel 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
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 re-
gard to your qualifications severally for the contemplated ser-
vice, 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 rela-
tion to the general object. For this purpose they have deter-
mined on sending you, dear sir, to England, under the follow-
ing instructions :
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 Rev. 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 the
best manner, the design now in view. A principal object cf
REV. ADONIRAM JUDSOX, D. D. 19
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 London
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 directors of the
London society, and receive their propositions for our consid-
eration. You will also, during your stay in England, 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 eligible
methods of executing missions, and generally to whatever may
be conducive to the missionary interest ; and the most impor-
tant parts of such information as you may obtain you will com-
mit to writing for the use of the American Board.
As it is 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
M issions,
Yours, dear brother, with great affection.
SAMUEL WORCESTER.
FROM THE REV. DR. WORCESTER, TO THE REV. GEORGE
BURDER.
SALEM, January 3(7, 1811.
REV. AND DEAR SIR : Enclosed with this you will receive
a printed paper, in which you will see in general what has
20 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
recently been done in this country in relation to foreign mi*
eious. Four young gentlemen, Messrs. Adoniram Judsun, Jr.,
Samuel Newell, and Samuel Nott, whose names you will flnd
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 ull
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
the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missiona
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 estab-
lished in the theological institution, a copy of which you will
receive ; and the Prudential Committee have great confidence
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 fur-
therance of the great design in which their brethren in Eng-
land have been so nobly and so exemplarily engaged.
REV. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D. 21
< Jn our own continent, indeed, there are many millions of
men " sitting in darkness and in the ^gion 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
is entertained, that the time is coming when the benevolent
exertions of the Redeemer'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
the support of distant and expensive missions. What may be
done in the course of a short time we know not. It is the
desire and the prayer of many, that American missionaries
may have American support ; asd 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 considerable
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 know
ledge, and who has been favored with a letter from you, has
been appointed to go to London. To your courtesy and Chris-
tian attention he is most affectionately and respectfully recom-
mended ; and for the particular objects for wuich he is sent, J
beg leave to refer you to his letter of instructions.
22 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
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 insti-
tution which, though young, is fast rising in importance, and
in which, both on account of the principles on which it ia
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 ha\v 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
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.
Rev. George Burder, Sec. London Miss. Soc.
Mr. Judson sailed in the ship Packet for London, in Jan-
uary, 1811, but on their voyage the vessel was captured by L'
Invincible Napoleon, and Mr. Judson, with other prisoners,
taken to France. He was detained for several weeks, but,
crossing the channel, finally reached Dartmouth, in May, in
safety. He immediately proceeded to London, presented hi*
REV. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D. 23
letters, and was received with every mark of kind esteem by
the directors of the London Missionary Society.
The result of his" errand was briefly this :
The London Society gave no encouragment upon the sabjecl
of joining with an American Board for Foreign Missions, but
were willing to receive the young candidates for missionary
service into their own number.
A society for the support of Foreign Missions being subse-
quently formed in America, Messrs. A. Judson, Jr., S. Nott,
Jr., S. Newell, and G. Hall were appointed missionaries, under
the direction of the Board, to labor in Asia.
During the year 1810, while on a visit to Bradford, Mr.
Judson became acquainted with Miss Ann Hasseltine, who,
on the 5th of February, 1812, became his wife.
At this point this sketch concludes, as the remainder of Mr
Judson's useful career is best told in the lives of Ann, Sarah,
and Emily, his helpmates and co-operators in hi great la 1 v
of love amongst the heathen.
LIFE OF
ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON,
FIRST WIFE OF
REV. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D.
CHAPTER I.
BIRTH, PARENTAGE, EDUCATION, AND CONVERSION
ANN HASSELTINE, better known as Mrs. Ann H. Jud
son, was born at Bradford, Massachusetts, Dec. 22d,
1789. She was the daughter of John and Rebecca Has-
seltine.
Of her early life but little can be gathered from the
sources before me, until she entered the Academy at
Bradford, where she was the companion and friend of
the martyr missionary, Harriet Newell, then Harriet
Atwood, one who shared with Mrs. Judson the glory of
being the first female missionary, who left America to
carry into heathen darkness the great truths of Chris
tianity.
Ann Hasseltine gave promise very early of superior
intellectual powers, and although the published works
25
2o LIFE OF ANX HASSELTIXE JUDSON.
froir, fcer pen were written under -the most unfavorable
eircu-istances, in suffering, sickness, and heavy grief,
they i resent unmistakable evidences of a vigorous intel-
lect, r<ady pen, and deep religious feeling.
Duriig her first years at school, a lively, gay disposi-
tion, wii h much wit, added to a loving, amiable heart, made
her a g eat favorite both in her school and in society.
Having had, at that time, no especial religious education,
although taught that it was her duty to pray daily, and
attend divine service on the Lord's day, she gave her
whole attention to worldly pursuits. Full of life and
vivacity, petted and courted by her .young companions,
she plunged with a keen relish into a giddy whirl of
pleasure. Night after night found her the centre of some
gay circle of young companions, thoughtless as herself,
and religion, as a subject of vital importance, did not
enter into her thoughts. In her journal, in speaking of
this period of her life, she says :
" I now began to attend balls and parties of pleasure,
and found my mind completely occupied with what I
daily heard were ' innocent amusements.' My conscience
reproved me, not for engaging in these amusements, but
for neglecting to say my prayers, and read my Bible on
returning from them ; but I finally put a stop to its re-
monstrances, by thinking that, as I was old enough to
attend balls, I was surely too old to say prayers. Thus
were my fears quieted ; and for two or three years, I
scarcely felt an anxious thought relative to the salvation
of my soul, though I was rapidly verging towards eternal
ruin. My disposition was gay in the extreme ; my sit-
uation was such as afforded me opportunities for indulg-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 27
rhg it to the utmost ; I was surrounded with associates
wild and volatile like myself, and often thought myself
one of the happiest creatures on earth."
The change from this state of mind to one anxious
for her soul's eternal welfare, was gradual. Deeply
conscious of the neglect of spiritual good, manifested in
the gay career above alluded to, her firsfmonths of reli-
gious impressions were full of dark forebodings, despair,
and struggles against the temptations constantly thrown
before her, to rejoin the gay group of which she formed
so beloved and important a member.
As, however, she had been foremost in the gay throng,
so, now, with the same concentration of energy, she re-
solved to break through these temptations, and become
a worthy servant of the God who invited her to join his
band of followers. Passing out of the dark valley of
doubt and despair, she began to love the Lord with all
the fervor of a warm, impulsive heart, and turning
utterly from her old pursuits, she became a true professor
of religion, dedicated to serve the God whose name she
exalted, and whose word she carried into the heart of a
heathen country.
On the 14th of September, 1806, she became a mem-
ber of the Congregational Church in Bradford. In her
journal she speaks of this event with the solemn, earnest
feeling manifested in her whole life, in spiritual mat-
ters :
"Sept. 14<A, 1806. I have this day publicly professed
myself a disciple of Christ, and covenanted with him at
his sacred table. I am now renewedly bound to keep
his commandments and walk in his steps. Oh, may this
28 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSOX.
solemn covenant never be broken ! May I be guarded
from the vanities of this life, and spend all my days in
the service of God. Oh, keep me, merciful God, keep
me ; for I have no strength of my own ; I shall dis-
honor thy cause, and ruin my soul, unless guided by
thee!"
On leaving the academy, deeply imbued with religious
feeling, love for the living God, and an earnest desire to
be useful to her fellow-creatures, she opened a school,
feeling, she said, that " as Providence has placed me in
a situation of life, where I have an opportunity of get-
ting as good an education as I desire, I feel that it would
be highly criminal in me not to improve it. I feel, also,
that it would be equally criminal to desire to be well edu-
cated and accomplished, from selfish motives, with a
view merely to gratify my taste and relish for improve-
ment, or my pride in being qualified to shine. I there-
fore resolved, last winter, to attend the academy, from
no other motive than to improve the talents bestowed by
God, so as to be more extensively devoted to his glory
and the benefit of my fellow-creatures. On being lately
requested to take a small school for a few months, I felt
very unqualified to have the charge of little immortal
souls ; but the hope of doing them good, by endeavor-
ing to impress their young and tender minds with divine
truth, and the obligation I feel, to try to be useful, have
induced me to comply."
Actuated always by these same pious impulses, seek-
ing strength and wisdom for her new duties in frequent,
earnest prayer, she kept school at different times in
Salem, Ilaverhill, and Newbury. Never, in her anxiety
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON 29
to cultivate the intellects of her pupils, did she forget
for an instant the higher interest she had undertaken, to
guide their souls to heaven. Opening her first school
with prayer, she always kept before her scholars the im-
portance of seeking Christ early.
During the years which followed her conversion, and
those in which she taught school, she read constantly the
religious works within her reach. Guise, Orton, Scott,
Edwards, Hopkins, Bellamy, Doddridge, Brainerd, &c.,
were, with her, books for daily study and contemplation.
Her mind was now fully engrossed with religious
ardor, and, as with her studies, her gaieties, and her
search for truth, she gave her heart entirely to the ob-
ject before her, so now, having once laid aside worldly
hopes, she bent the whole energy of a cultivated intel-
lect, solemn conviction of truth, and ardent and enthu-
siastic temperament, and great decision of character, to
the one great object of life, to honoring and glorifying
the name of her Saviour.
Thus was laid the foundation of that pre-eminent piety
and love of usefulness, which carried the self-sacrificing
woman through fearful scenes and severe trials, sufficient
to appall the stoutest heart, and turn back any laborer
in ihe missionary field governed by a spirit one whit less
demoted than hers.
80 LIFE OF ANX HASSELTINE JUDSON.
CHAPTER II.
MARRIAGE AND VOYAGE TO INDIA CHANGE OF FKLIGIOC8
SENTIMENT ARRIVAL AT CALCUTTA DIFFICULTIES WITH
GOVERNMENT VOYAGE TO ISLE OF FRANCE DEATH Of
MRS. NEWELL VOYAGE TO RANGOON.
DURING the session of the Massachusetts Association
at Bradford in 1810, Miss Hasseltine first met the young
Adoniram Judson, then in all the fervor of his desire to
go forth as a missionary. The friendship then formed
ripened into a warm mutual attachment, and Mr. Judson
made Miss Hasseltine an offer of marriage, proposing
that she should accompany him in his missionary enter-
prise.
It was not without much prayer and long meditation
that this offer was accepted. There was before Miss
Hasseltine no example of female missionaries from her
own country. Humble in her spirit, ever doubtful of
her own efforts, and ever seeking, in the daily routine
of home duties, strength from the Most High, what won-
der that she hesitated to become the pioneer of her sex
in America, to the far distant heathen ?
Amongst her friends-, the scheme was, with few excep-
tions, looked upon as foolishly romantic and Quixotic,
and every dark side was presented to her in its deepest
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 31
colors to discourage the idea. With a heart overflowing
with love for her parents and relatives, she was called
upon to decide to leave them, never, probably, to meet
again on this side of the grave. An extract from her
journal, written at that time, shows the conflict of her
spirit, and the high, pure motives by which her decision
was governed.
" Sept. 10, 1810. For several weeks past, my mind
has been greatly agitated. An opportunity has been
presented to me, of spending my days among the hea-
then, in attempting to persuade them to receive the Gos-
pel. Were I convinced of its being a call from God,
and that it would be more pleasing to him for me to
spend my life in this way than in any other, I think I
should be willing to relinquish every earthly object, and,
in full view of dangers and hardships, give myself up to
the great work.
"A consideration of this subject has occasioned much
self-examination, to know on what my hopes were founded,
and whether my love to Jesus was sufficiently strong to
induce me to forsake all for his cause. At times I have
felt satisfied that I loved him, on account of his own glo-
rious perfections, and have been desirous that he should
do with me as he should please, and place me in that
situation, in which I can be most useful. I have felt
great satisfaction in committing this case to God, know-
ing that he has a perfect understanding of the issue of
all events, is infinitely wise to select the means best cal-
culated to bring about the most important ends, and is
able and willing to make the path of duty plain before
me, and incline me to walk therein. At other times, I
82 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
have felt ready to sink, being distressed with fears about
my spiritual state, and appalled at the prospect of pain
and suffering, to which my nature is so averse, and ap-
prehensive, that when assailed by temptation, or exposed
to danger and death, I should not be able to endure, as
eeoing Him who is invisible. But I now feel willing to
lewe it entirely with God. He is the fountain of all
grace ; and if he has designed me to be a promoter of
his cause, among those who know him not, he can qualify
me for the work, and enable me to bear whatever he is
pleased to inflict. 1 am fully satisfied, that difficulties
and trials are more conducive than ease and prosperity,
to promote my growth in grace, and cherish an habitual
sense of dependence on God. While the latter please
my animal nature, and lead me to seek happiness in
creature enjoyments, the former afford convincing proofs
that this life is designed to be a state of trial, and not a
state of rest, and thus tend to wean me from the world
and make me look up to heaven as my home. Time ap-
pears nothing when compared with eternity, and yet
events, the most momentous, depend on the improvement
of these fleeting years. Jesus, direct me, and I am
eafe ; use me in thy service, and I ask no more ! I would
not choose my portion of work, or place of labor ; only
let me know thy will, and I will readily comply.
" Oct. 28. My mind has still been agitated for two
or three weeks past, in regard to the above mentioned
subject. But I have, at all times, felt a disposition to
leave it with God, and trust in him to direct me. I have,
at length, come to the conclusion, that if nothing in pro-
vidence appears to prevent, I must spend my days in a
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 33
heathen land. I am a creature of God, and he has an
undoubted right to do with me as seemeth good in his
sight. I rejoice that I am in his .hands that he is
everywhere present, and can protect me in one place as
well as in another. He has my heart in his hands ; and
when I am called to face danger, to pass through scenes
of terror and distress, he can inspire me with fortitude,
and enable me to trust in him. Jesus is faithful ; his
promises are precious. Were it not for these considera-
tions, I should, with my present prospects, sink down
in despair, especially as no female has, to my knowledge,
ever left the shores of America to spend her life among
the heathen ; nor do I yet know that I shall have a sin-
gle female companion. But God is my witness, that I
have not dared to decline the offer that has been made
me, though so many are ready to call it a 'wild, romantic
undertaking.' If I have been deceived in thinking it
my duty to go to the heathen, I humbly pray that I may
be undeceived, and prevented from going. But whether
I spend my days in India or America, I desire to spend
them in the service of God, and be prepared to spend an
eternity in his presence. Jesus, make me live to thee,
and I desire no more !"
With no romantic views upon the important question
she was called upon to decide, seeing the trials and hard-
ships clearly before, estimating at its true value the
sacrifice she was making, Miss Hasseltine told Mr. Jud-
son that she would become his wife and companion in the
task before him. Although these young missionaries
brought to this great work youthful enthusiasm and ar-
dent love for the cause in which they were willing to em-
3
34 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
bark for life, they did not allow these sentiments to
blind them, even for an instant, to the true nature of
the life before them. There was no adventurous spirit
longing for excitement and change. Calmly, solemnly,
and with spirits chastened by prayer, they estimated the
hazards and toils of their future life ; they went forth
strong in their love of Christ, earnest in their resolve to
convert the heathen, knowing that before them lay a life
of rigid self-denial, arduous toil, and, most probably, an
early death. The letter written by Mr. Judson to Mr.
Hasseltine at this period, shows how fully he appreciated
these trials and dangers. After alluding to his proposal
made to Miss Hasseltine herself, he says :
"I have now to ask whether you can consent to part
with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more
in this world ; whether you can consent to her departure
for a heathen land, and her subjection to the hardships
and suiferings of a missionary life; whether you can
consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean ; to
the fatal influence of the southern climate of India ; to
every kind of want and distress ; to degradation, insult,
persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you con-
sent to all this, for the sake of Him who left his heavenly
home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of
perishing immortal souls ; for the sake of Zion, and tho
glory of God ? Can you consent to all this, in hope of
soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with
a crown of righteousness, brightened by the acclamations
of praise which shall redound to her Saviour from hea-
thens saved, through her means, from eternal wo and
despair?"
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 35
In a letter written at this time by Mrs. Judson to a
friend, she says :
" J feel vrilling, and expect, if nothing in providence
prevents, to spend my days in this world in heathen
lands. I have come to the determination to give up all
my comforts and enjoyments here, sacrifice my affection
to relatives and friends, and go where God, in his provi-
dence shall see fit to place me. My determinations are
not hasty, or formed without viewing the dangers, trials,
and hardships attendant on a missionary life. Nor were
my determinations formed in consequence of an attach-
ment to an earthly object ; but with a sense of my obli-
gations to God, and with a full conviction of its being
a call in providence, and, consequently, my duty."
Mr. Judson married Miss Hasseltine in Bradford,
February 5th, 1812, and on the nineteenth of the same
month, they embarked for Calcutta, on the brig Caravan.
Thus early in life, for she had just entered on her twen-
ty-third year, did this noble woman dedicate herself to
the great cause in which she was destined to fulfill such
honorable and important duties. Mr. and Mrs. Newell
embarked in the same vessel, the latter reaching the new
home where she so desired to be useful, only to die, an
early martyr in the great cause.
It was during this voyage that the change of religious
sentiment, from Congregationalists to Baptists, took
place in the minds of both Mr. and Mrs. Judson.
They arrived in Calcutta on the 18th of June, 1812,
and were received by the venerable Dr. Carey, who con-
ducted them to his own home at Serampore. The follow-
ing extracts show how the change in their religious feel-
oG LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTiWE JUDSON.
ings occurred, and also how much anxiety with regard t
worldly prospects it plunged them into :
FROM MRS. JUDSON TO HER PARENTS.
ISLE OF FRANCE, PORT Louis, Feb. 14</t, 1813.
I will now, my dear parents and sisters, give yon
some account of our change of sentiment, relative to the
Bubject of baptism. Mr. Judson's doubts commenced on
our passage from America. While translating the New
Testament, in which he was engaged, he used frequently
to say that the Baptists were right in their mode of ad-
ministering the ordinance. Knowing he 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 mortify-
ing, 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.
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 87
Ansnu's, Peter Edwards's, and other Pedobaptist wri
tings. But, after closely examining the subject for sev-
eral weoks, we were constrained to acknowledge that the
truth appeared to lie on the Baptists' side. It was ex-
tremely trying to reflect on the consequences of our
becoming Baptists. We knew it would wound and grieve
our dear Christian friends in America that we should
lose their approbation and esteem. We thought it pro-
bable that the commissioners would refuse to support us ;
and, what was more distressing than anything, 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 bap-
tism, as they had known nothing of our having had any
doubts on the subject. We were baptized on the 6th of
September, in the Baptist chapel in Calcutta. Mr. J.
preached a sermon at Calcutta, on this subject, soon after
we were baptized, which, in compliance with the request
of a number who heard it, he has been preparing -for the
press. Brother Rice was baptized several weeks aftei
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.
Mr. Judson writes thus to the Rev. Dr. Bolles of
Salem :
88 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
TO THE REV. DR. BOLLES, SALEM, MASS.
CALCUTTA, Sept. 1st, 1812.
REV. SIR : I recollect that, during a short interview
I had with you in Salem, I suggested the formation of a
Bociety among the Baptists in America for the support
of foreign missions, in imitation of the exertions of your
English brethren. Little did I then expect to be person-
ally concerned in such an attempt.
Within a few months, I have experienced an entire
change of sentiments on the subject of baptism. My
doubts concerning 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 sys-
tem in which they had been educated, 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 mis-
sionaries at Serampore, and expect to be baptized in this
city next Lord's day.
A separation from my missionary brethren, and a dis-
solution of my connection with the Board of Commis-
sioners, seem to be necessary consequences. The mis-
sionaries at Serampore are exerted to the utmost of their
ability in managing and supporting their extensive and
complicated mission.
Undei these circumstances I look to you. Alone, in
this foreign heathen land, I make my appeal to those
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 3S
whom, with their permission, I will call my Baptist bre-
thren in the United States.
With the advice of the brethren at Serampore, I am
contemplating a mission on one of the eastern islands.
They have lately sent their brother Chater to Ceylon,
and their brother Robinson to Java. At present, Am-
boyna 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 the bless-
ing of God, 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 fre-
quently 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.
It will be seen from the above extracts that the motives
which actuated the young missionaries were of the purest,
most exalted nature. They saw before them a separation
from the religious society upon which they depended for
support, with no certain prospect that their " Baptist
brethren" in America would afford them protection or
support. They were in a foreign land, far from the
possibility of exerting any personal influence, knowing
that it must be months before the news of their change
of sentiment could be carried home, and months more
40 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
must elapse before the answer to their appeal to the
Baptist Church in America could be received. Yet, with
a firm conviction of the truth of their hew religious
feelings, and an entire reliance upon heavenly support,
they faced the future bravely, praying only for strength
to dc the will of their Heavenly Father.
A new trial now awaited them. Fearing that the in-
crease of knowledge, and the introduction of Christian-
ity amongst the Hindoos, would incite them to rebellion,
the East India Company most resolutely opposed mission-
ary labors in the East. Mr. and Mrs. Judson, Mr. and
Mrs. Newell, and Mr. Rice, just entering upon the field
of their hoped-for labors, received cordially by the Eng-
lish missionary at Serampore, were congratulating them-
selves upon the prospect of usefulness before them, when
they were summoned to Calcutta. Here an order was
read, requiring them immediately to re-embark for Ame-
rica. Seeing in such a course the death-blow of all their
hopes, they petitioned for leave to remove to some other
portion of India. This was denied them. Again they
pleaded, and finally obtained permission to embark for
the Isle of France. Another difficulty now arose. The
only vessel then leaving for the Isle of France, could
carry but two passengers. Mr. and Mrs. Newell were
the two who embarked in August for Port Louis, while
Mr. and Mrs. Judson, and Mr. Rice remained at Cal-
cutta.
Again a peremptory order was, after a lapse of two
iponths, sent to them, requiring them to leave the country
for England, in one of the company's ships. Mrs. Jud-
son says, " They issued a most peremptory order for our
LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON. 41
being sent immediately on board on of the Honorable
Company's vessels, bound to England. A petty officer
accompanied Messrs. Rice and Judson to their place of
residence and requested them not to leave it without per-
mission. Mr. Rice and Mr. Judson, however, soon aa- /
certained, that a vessel would sail for the Isle of France
in two days. They applied for a pass from the chief
magistrate,- but were refused. They communicated to
the captain of the ship their circumstances, and asked if
he would venture to take them on board without a pass.
He replied that he would be neutral ; there was his ship
and they might do as they pleased."
Accepting this as a permission, Mr. and Mrs. Judson,
and Mr. Rice sent their baggage to the vessel, and them-
selves embarked. They had proceeded but a short dis-
tance when an order was sent from Calcutta, directing the
vessel to remain stationary until the missionaries left it,
as government had refused them a pass. At first there
seemed a prospect of evading the order, but finally the
three missionaries left the vessel. Mr. Rice returned to
Calcutta, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Judson at a tavern on
the coast. Mr. Judson left his wife to try to obtain a
passage in another vessel, and alone, a stranger and fe-
male, this heroic woman remained on shore with the
baggage. Mr. Judson returned after a vain search, and
the Creole, the vessel in which they left Calcutta, having
gone on her voyage, there seemed no prospect but to re-
turn to Calcutta and obey the government's orders.
Whilst they were in this strait, a letter containing the
desired pass in the Creole was forwarded by an unknown
friend. They had been on shore for three days, how-
42 LIFE OF ANN HASSELT1NE JUDSON.
ever, and there was every reason to suppose the Creole
far beyond their reach. There was a possibility, now-
ever, of her having anchored seventy miles from where
they were, at Saugur, and they embarked on this frail
hope, to overtake her. Providence guided them, and
they found their hopes realized ; the Creole was at iSau-
gur, and they again went on board.
Heavy tidings awaited them at the Isle of France.
Harriet Newell, Mrs. Judson's school-mate, friend, and
dear companion in the missionary enterprise, was dead.
This was a heavy blow to Mrs. Judson ; it was the sever-
ing of one of the tenderest ties in her new life, and it
required all her Christian fortitude to bear with resigna-
tion this heavy blow.
Mr. Rice, in the meantime, embarked for America to
endeavor to awaken the Baptists of this country to the
importance of Foreign Missions. He was eminently
successful. A Baptist General Convention was formed
in Philadelphia, and other societies in all parts of the
country. One of the first acts of the Convention was
the appointment of Mr. and Mrs. Judson, as their mis-
sionaries, leaving the field of labor to their own judg-
ment.
During the short stay of the two missionaries in the
Isle of France, Mrs. Judson was ill, at one time she
writes her own feeling that death was not far from her,
but she recovered, and in May, 1813, left Port Louis
with her husband for Madras. Here they hoped to find
a passage to Penang, but were disappointed. They were
received with much kindness by the English missionaries
at Madras, and finding a vessel about to embark for
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 43
Rangoon, they decided to take a passage for that place.
Thus, spite of their fears and the discouragements
thrown in their way, they were, by a succession of pro-
vidential occurrences, embarked for the Burman Empire.
This step was one which, more than any preceding
one, marked the self-sacrificing spirit of this noble
couple. In their passage from America they had loved
companions, whose lot was cast with theirs, and whose
society ameliorated every hardship. In resolving to go
to Rangoon, they bade farewell to every friend, to em-
bark alone for a nation the most barbarous and bigoted
on the face of the globe. There was not one friend to
accompany them, nor was there any prospect of a re-
union with those they left. Yet, seeing that Providence
opened a way towards this vast field for missionary labor,
they unhesitatingly embarked, to encounter, alone, the
hardships before them.
In the year 1815, Mr. Hough and his wife were ap-
pointed, by the Baptist Board, missionaries, to assist
Mr. and Mrs. Judson in Burmah.
On the passage to Rangoon Mrs. Judson was taken
dangerously ill. A female attendant had been engaged
at Madras to nurse her, but died suddenly on board the
vessel, leaving her without any female attendant. She
partially recovered her health before landing in Ran-
goon, though she was so feeble that ; t was necessary to
carry her ashore in a litter. She writes :
" We felt very gloomy and dejected the first night we
arrived, in view of our prospects ; but we were enabled
to lean on God, and to feel that he was able to support
us under the most discouraging circumstances. The
44 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
next morning I prepared to go on shore, but hardly
knew how I should get to Mr. Carey's house, as there
was no method of conveyance, except a horse, which I
was unable to ride. It was, however, concluded that I
should be carried in an armed chair; consequently when
I landed, one was provided, through which were put two
bamboos, and four of the natives took me on their shoul-
ders. When they had carried me a little way into the
town, they set me down under a shade, when great num-
bers of the natives gathered around, as they had seldom
seen an English female. Being sick and weak, I held
my head down, which induced many of the native fe-
males to come very near, and look under my bonnet
At this I looked up and smiled, at which they set up a
loud laugh. They again took me up to carry, and the
multitude of natives gave a shout, which much diverted
us. They next carried me to a place they call the cus-
tom house. It was a small open shed, in which were
seated on mats several natives, who were the custom-
house officers. After searching Mr. Judson very closely
they asked liberty for a native female to search me, to
which I readily consented. I was then brought to the
mission-house, where I have entirely recovered my
health."
In order fully to comprehend the magnitude of the
task now before these two noble missionaries, the reader
should understand the state of the Burman Empire, at
the period of their arrival, and realize the bigoted feel-
ings of the natives upon religion.
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 45
CHAPTER III.
DESCRIPTION OP THE BURMAN EMPIRE, AND THE BURMESE
RELIGION.
FROM the Memoirs of Dr. Judson, by the Rev. Fran-
cis Wayland, 1 quote the following account of the Bur-
man Empire :
" 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 province of Chittagorig
to Junk Ceylon, at the southern extremity of the Tenas-
serim provinces. It thus commanded more than a third
part of the Bay of Bengal. Its length was about ten
hundred and twenty miles, and its breadth about six hun-
dred.
"By the treaty of Yandabo, theBurmans ceded to Great
Britain the larger part of their territory lying upon the
Bea coast. This included the province of Arracan from
Chittagong to Cape. Negrais on the east, and the Tenas-
43 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
serim 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, embra-
cing .the district occupied by the numerous mouths of the
Irrawadi River. Its length is now about seven hundred
and twenty, and its breadth about four hundred miles.
Its two principal seaports are Rangoon on t;he eastern,
and Bassein on the western branch of the Irrawadi.
Both are very favorably situated for commerce. Rangoon
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 excep-
tion 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 Yan-
dabo. A smaller stream from the east empties into it
at Ava. The Salwen River, the eastern boundary of
Burmah, communicates by numerous branches with the
Irrawadi, watering the intermediate region, and opening
facilities for internal navigation for the regions which
occupy the central part of the empire.
" A few miles from the town of Sarwa, the Irrawadi
divides into two branches, the one pursuing a south-east-
ern, the other a south-western course to the Bay of Ben-
gal. From each of these smaller branches, proceed in
et<>ry 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 kist enter the Bay of Bengal by
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUbSON. 47
fourteen separate channels. Most of them are, however,
rendered useless 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 re-
gion becomes undulating and hilly. The mountains
approach nearer and nearer to the river, until the banks
become steep and precipitous. Above the latitude of Ava,
the whole region is intersected by mountain ranges run-
ning 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 generally
hilly, with extensive alluvial flats near the sea, and along
the numerous streams, fertile, and adapted to the culti-
vation of rice. Akyab, the principal port, has a, secure
and convenient harbor. Of the Tenasserim provinces,
* 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 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 limit being to the north
of Prome,
48 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
the principal rivers arc the various branches of the Sal-
wen, the Ataran, the Tavoy, and the Mergui rivera,
Most of these streams are, for a short distance, naviga-
ble for vessels of considerable burden, and must, in time,
become the homes of extensive commerce.
" Respecting the population of Bnrmah, the difference
of the estimates is quite remarkable. Colonel Symes,
who visited the empire in the year 1795, supposed th
number of inhabitants to be about seventeen millions.
When the Baptist mission was first established in Ran-
goon, this computation was supposed to be correct, and
it was frequently said that the population of Burmah
equaled that of the United States. Later travelers
have reduced k to eight millions. Crawford, after aa
careful a computation as he was able to form, does not
believe that it exceeds four millions. Dr. Malcoin be-
lieves 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 correct. Travelers, 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 porti'ons of a
country, would naturally convey an exaggerated idea of
its population. I am of the opinion that more 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.*
* Tie population has since been greatly reduced by the low
of the kingdom.
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINB JUDSON. 49
*' A large portion of the soil of Burmah is fertile, and
tinder a good government would be remarkably produc-
tive. The lower provinces, from the sea to the latitude
of Prome, produce, as I have said, rice in great abun-
dance. In the more elevated districts, cotton of a good
quality, of a soft and silky texture, but of short staple,
is everywhere 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 pro-
duces sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, with amber in
large quantities. Sulphur, arsenic, and antimony are
found in abundance, and coal, both anthracite and bitu-
minous, exists in various places, but has not yet been
brought into use. On the banks of the Irawadi, 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 millions of pounds.
Marble is found in various places, and some of the
quarries yield a product which is said, for statuary pur-
poses, to equal that from Carrara.
"The commerce of the empire is but limited." The
Burmtins are intelligent and industrious, and under a
good government would probably soon excel in manufac-
4
50 LIFE OP ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
turcs. Under the protection of English employers, the}
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 Burinah 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 Cal-
cutta, and is mostly used in the naval service of Great
Britain. Cotton and precious stones, lackered ware, and
edible birds' nests are sent to China. The English send,
in return, cotton fabrics, hardware, cutlery, and old
muskets. The Chinese bring principally raw silk, which
is made into coarse goods by the Burmans, and the vel-
vets 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 cotton,
precious stones, metals, and petroleum.
"The government of Burmah is an unmitigated despot-
ism of the sternest character. The king is the acknow-
ledged 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 capitol. When
a man is put to death by the order of the king, his
property reverts to the crown. Hencj the possession
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 61
of large wealth becomes a somewhat unenviable dis-
tinction.
" The government of the empire is administered by ,*t
council of state, appointed by the king. This council is
called collectively lut-d'hau, from the name of the hall
in which its business is transacted. The counselors are
four in number, unless, as it sometimes happens, on a
special emergency, another member is added. These
officers are called woon-gyees. All public matters are
discussed in this council, and the decision is by the
majority of voices. Every royal edict is by usage sanc-
tioned by this council, and, in fact, appears 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 proceedings
Their name signifies 'great royal scribes.'
"A second council forms another branch of the gov-
ernment. This, like the other, consists of four members
Their title is atwen-woon, meaning ' inside' ministers of
state.* These officers constitute the private advisers oi
the king. Whatever emanates directly from him is first
discussed in this privy council, before it is transmitted
to the lut-d'hau. It deliberates and votes like the
* Inside ministc rs, or privy counselors.
62 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
superior council, and its members exercise also judicial
functions. It is a matter of dispute at the court of Avsi
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-
eens. They hold the same relation to the atwen-woona
that the woon-douks hold to the woon-gyees. Their
business is to record the proceedings of the council, to
take minutes of the king's commands, and to read and
report upon petitions. v Attached to both of these coun-
cils are four or five officers, called nakandau, meaning
'deputies of the royal star.' Their business is, nomi-
nally, 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 executed
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 oifer 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 disgrace and death, for the
privilege of subjecting all below them to the same condi-
tion. Political life seems too much the same in all coun-
tries.
"The rank of every officer of government is determined
by the tsalway, or golden chain, which passes over the
left shoulder, and crosses the breast. In front it is di-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JTIDSON. o3
vided into several strands of chain work. Three com-
mon strands indicate the lowest grade of office ; three
of more elaborate workmanship the next above ; ther
come those of six, nine, and twelve, which last number
indicates the highest rank attainable by a subject.
Princes of the blood most nearly related to the king
wear eighteen. The monarch himself alone wears twenty-
four.
" The civil administration is organized as follows . The
kingdom is divided into provinces, provinces into town-
ships, 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, an'd 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 ia
called thoo-gyee. These are all respectively subordinate
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 hi/
own district, an appeal, however, lying to the nexx
higher in office. Bribery is universal; and it rarely
>4 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
happens that a criminal is punished, if he is able to sat
isfy the rapacity of the officer before whom he is ar-
raigned. The judges take bribes from both sides, and
the decree, except in very palpable cases, will be in favor
of him who pays the highest.
" The various provinces of the kingdom are apportioned
out to favorites of the court, or are made responsible
for the support of some branch of the government.
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 sub-
ordinate officer takes his share of this tax, and the gov-
ernor 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
contributions 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 coun-
cil. These contributions, being levied through the lords,
or local officers, are made a pretext for additional exac-.
tions on their own account, often greater than those
taken for the government. The Burman officers arc
thus turned loose upon the country, to prey upon it like
a swarm of locusts. The contributions paid into the
public treasury are little better than a hoard to gratify
the desires of the reigning prince ; and the amount ex-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON, 56
acted from the people for this purpose depends entirely
upon his personal character. His subordinate officers,
from the highest to the lowest, following 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 numbers
among its believers a larger portion of the inhabitants
of the earth than any other, would be foreign to the de-
sign of a memoir like the present. I can do nothing
more than offer a brief statement of the Burman reli
gious 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.
Crawford with an article on this subject, which is in-
serted in the fourth chapter of the second volume of his
'Embassy,' as I consider this of the highest authority,
I transcribe it entire:
" ' A life period, called A-yen-kat, is a revolution of
ame, 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 pe-
riod, (An-ta-ra-kat ;) sixty-four intermediate periods
make one quarterly period, which may be so termed be-
cause 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
Budd'ha, who, though born of earthly parents, attains
56 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
to the summit of omniscience.* The present grand pe-
riod 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-ya, is now
reposing, according to the best authorities, in one of the
lower celestial regions, and will develop himself in due
time.
u ' The communications of all Budd'has previously to
Gau-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 successive 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 sub-
divided into fifteen, and those into six hundred.
" ' According to the Buddhist scriptures, the universe
is composed 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, including the revolving luminaries
and the infernal regions. The earth on which we live is
the southernmost of the four grand islands which sur-
round the mount, each of which is again surrounded by
four hundred of smaller size.
" ' The celestial regions consist of six inferior and
* "Omniscience" is, according to Buddhists, the principal
attribute of Gautama.
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINB JUDSON. A7
twenty superior heavens. Of the six inferior heavens,
the first occupies the middle, and the second the summit
of the Myen-mo mount. The remaining arise above
each other in regular gradaticn. The same remark ap-
plies to the superior heavens, which are again distin-
guished into sixteen visible and four invisible. The in-
ferior regions consist of eight hills, one above another,
each being surrounded by sixteen smaller hills.
" * 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 im-
mutable "mysterious laws of fate," according to the
merit or demerit of the individual. No being is exempt
fro'm sickness, old age, and death. Instability, pain,
and change are the three grand characteristics of all ex-
istence.
" * The Burmans say : " However highly exalted in
the celestial regions, and whatever number of ages of
happiness may roll on, 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 blandishments and dalliance of celestial
beauties for the gridirons, pitchforks, mallets, and other
instruments of torture of the infernal regions. The
chief end of man, according to the Burmese, is to termi-
nate the fatiguing course of transmigratory existence.
This attainment Lord Gautama made in the eightieth
year of his life, and all his immediate disciples have par-
ticipated in the same happy fate. What remains to the
present race of beings is to aim at passing their time in
68 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
the regions of men and gods, until they shall come in
contact with the next Budd'ha, the Lord Arimiteya,
\vhom they may hope to accompany to the golden world
of nigban, or annihilation. In order to this, it is neces-
sary to keep the commands of the last Budd'ha, to wor-
ship 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 celestial workmanship, and brought them by sea
to Pugan, the seat of supreme government. The time
and manner in which the religion of Gautama was intro-
duced 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 information, which
1 have been able to glean from a tolerably extensive
reading on the subject.
" It will be seen that the moral code of Buddhism if
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 59
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 condi-
tion than we occupy at present.
" 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 reproach. The priests
are bound by the vows of celibacy and poverty. They
are forbidden to hold property, and are supported by vol-
untary 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 anything. Travel-
ers assure us that they are never seen to turn their heads,
or even look upon the offering made to them. It were
well if the ecclesiastics of many other countries derived
instruction from their example.
" The labors of the priests seem unlike those of any
other religion. They seldom preach, nor do they gene-
rally seem to perform any specially religious service for
the people. They are merely men sacredly devoted to
pious observances and holy austerities. They reside alto-
60 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
gether iu monasteries which have been erected for them,
and in some cases endowed by monarchs or governors
an appropriation of property held to be specially mcrito*
rious. They are forbidden to have any connection with
the civil power, and they seem to have but very little.
Their principal employment is that of instructing the
voung, to which they commonly devote themselves.
The monasteries are, therefore, in general, the school-
nouses of Burmah, and the priests are her schoolmasters.
What they teach is very little ; but it suffices to enable
a large portion of the male population to read. In this
respect the Buddhist priesthood compares very favor-
ably with that of other false or perverted systems of re-
ligion.
" The Buddhists have been commonly denominated
atheists. Whatever may be the views which have sub-
sequently obtained among the people at large, I doubt
whether the system of Gaudama is chargeable with this
error. Men are believed to exist after death, inhabiting
other bodies ; und the change which then takes place is
determined by their conduct in the state which they oc-
cupy at the present. They may be changed from men
into gnats, and from gnats in an inferior 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 transformation
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 transforma-
tions, but at once enter the place of torment. The doc-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 6]
trine of future rewards and punishments, as consequences
of moral character in this life, is thus distinctly recog-
nized. The peculiarity of their belief is, that this life
is not considered as the state, but only a state of proba-
tion. Probation extends to every state but nigban.
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-
thing that has life.
" This system of rewards and punishments is adminis-
tered, according to the Buddhist belief, by the various
grades of existence superior to men, and inferior to Buddb .
An inquiry is instituted by these deities into the charac
ter of every individual, and, in obedience to their deci
sion, each one either ascends or descends in the scale of
being. The government of the uiiverse is, therefore,
carried on, not by the supreme divinity, who is, accord-
ing 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.
" 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 concerned,
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 rectitude the consequence
is pain only less than infinite. It, however, in no case
that I have seen, makes any allusion to repentance.
62 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
After one sin, the being is forever helplessly under con-
demnation, unless he can attain to annihilation. It pre-
sents no way of escape for the sinner by means of an atone-
ment. It is a pure system of law, with its rewards and
punishments, without relenting, without pardon, and with-
out 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 sys-
tem, it will be remembered, devised to govern the moral
conduct of a race of sinners. Hence the impossibility
of avoiding its penalties is at once evident. Do what we
will, conscience must convict us of grievous moral imper-
fection, involving the necessity of ages of suffering, with-
out the certainty of any eventual escape. Under sucb
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 transmigra-
tions is not capable of being appreciated. Virtue and
vice, in our imperfect state, are, therefore, hardly capa-
ble of being distinguished from each other in their results.
Thus the system which seems to have exhausted the hu-
man 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 life 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 pun-
ishment by death is inflicted with every aggravation of
eruelty. While licentiousness is absolutely forbidden,
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. C3
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 ro'bbery
ending in blood. The law forbids, on all occasions,
treachery and deceit, and yet, from the highest to the
lowest, they are a nation of liars. When detected ii?
the grossest falsehood, they indicate no consciousness of
shame, and even pride themselves upon successful de-
ceit.
" Respecting the practical effect of this system, Mr.
TJpham 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, or to
renovate the heart.'* Mr. Upham sustains his view of
the practical result of Buddhism by the following quo-
tation from Mr. Judson, whom he describes as one who
has had the best opportunity to examine it, and whose
coloring he declares to be strong, but faithful : ' Let
those who plead the native innocence and purity of hea-
then nations visit Burmah. The system of religion here
has no power over the heart, or restraint on the passions.
Though it forbids, on pain of many years' suffering in
hell, theft and falsehood, yet, 1 presume to say, there is
not a single Burrnan in the country, who, if he had a
good opportunity, without danger of detection, would
hesitate to do either. Though the religion inculcates
bencvol snce, tenderness, forgiveness of injuries, and love
* Upham's History of Buddhism, p. 102.
64 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
of enemies though it forbids sensuality, love of plea-
sure, and attachment to worldly objects yet it is desti
tute of power to produce the former, or to subdue the
latter, in its votaries. In short, the Burman system of
religion is like an alabaster image, perfect and beautiful
in all its parts, but destitute of life. Besides being des-
titute of life, it provides no atonement for sin. Here
also the gospel triumphs over this and every other reli-
gion in the world.'
" If, now, we revert to what we have stated above, we
shall perceive that the Burman empire is large in extent,
and that its soil is of unusually great and varied pro-
ductiveness. It possesses a regular government, by which
the decisions of the court are carried with effect to the
remotest hamlet, through a succession of officers pro-
ceeding 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 government. A large por-
tion of the people is able to read. It possesses a well-
defined system of religion, and a regularly-organized
priesthood. But the whole people are destitute of any
semblance either of piety to God or benevolence to man.
They have no hope, and are living without God in the
world. They have acknowledged that St. Paul's descrip-
tion 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."
LITE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSOS. 66
CHAPTER IV.
LEARNING THE LANGUAGE VISIT TO THE VICEROY'S WIFE-
MRS. JUDSON'S ILLNESS VOYAGE TO MADRAS RETURN
TO RANGOON BIRTH AND DEATH OF A SON MR. JUDSON'S
ILLNESS ARRIVAL OF MR. AND MRS. HOUGH AT RANGOON
MR. JUDSON LEAVES RANGOON TROUBLE MR. AND
MRS. HOUGH LEAVE RANGOON MRS. JUDSON'S FORTITUDE
RETURN OF MR. JUDSON.
IMMEDIATELY upon their arrival at Rangoon, Mr. and
Mrs. Judson commenced the study of the language.
They engaged a teacher, a man of intelligence and
ability; but as there were no books, and neither party
understood the other, their progress at first was very
slow and discouraging. They were animated however
by the hope of being able to communicate the glad
tidings of Christianity to a benighted country, and
studied diligently in order to acquire the uncouth dialect
of the Burman natives.
Mrs. Judson, in a letter to a friend, says:
"As it respects ourselves, we are busily employed all
day long. I can assure you that we find much pleasure
in our employment. Could you look into a large open
room, which we call a verandah, you would see Mr.
Judson bent over his table, covered with Burman books,
with his teacher at his side, a venerable looking man in
5
U6 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSOV.
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 direc-
tions 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 upon 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 speak Burman
all day. I can talk and understand others better than
Mr. Judson, though he knows more about the nature and
construction of the language.
"A new Viceroy has lately arrived, who is much be-
loved and respected by the people. He visited us soon
after his arrival, and told us that we must come to the
government house very often. We have been once or
twice since, and were treated with much more familiarity
and respect than are natives of the country.
"We often converse with our teachers and servants on
the subject of our coming to this country, and tell them
if they die in their present state they will surely be lost
But they say, 'Our religion is good for us, yours for
you.' But we are far from being discouraged. We are
sensible that the hearts of the heathen, as well as those
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 67
of Christians, are in the hands of Ood, and in his own
time he will turn them unto him."
In order that the reader may see how life passed with
the missionaries, I here subjoin an extract from Mrs.
Judson's history of the Burman mission:
"Dec, 11, 1813. 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 sometime. But the inferior
wives of the Viceroy diverted us much by their curiosity,
in minutely examining everything 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 in her mouth, smoking.
At her appearance, all the other wives took their seats
at a respectful distance, and sat in a crouching posture,
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, say-
ing she was unwell. One of the women brought her a
bunch of flowers, of which she took several and ormi-
mented my cap. She was very inquisitive as to 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 Mr. Judson, like the Bur-
mans, had many wives; and whether I 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
63 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
dread. He spoke to me, however, very condescendingly,
aiid asked if I would drink some rum or wine. When I
arose to go, her Highness again took my hand, told
me she was happy to see me, that I must come to see
her every day. She led me to the door; I made my
salam, and departed. My 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 have an audience with the
Viceroy."
A letter from Mrs. Judson to Mr. Newell, written at
about the same date, says:
"As it respects our temporal privations, 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 have no
society, no dear Christian friends, and with the excep-
tion of two or three sea captains, who now and then call
on us, we never see a European face. 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 govern-
ment, which is ever ready to seize what industry has
hardly earned. We behold others sick and diseased,
daily begging their few grains of rice, which, when ob-
tained, are scarcely sufficient to protract their wretched
existence, and with no other habitation to cover them
from the burning sun or chilly rains, than that which a
small piece of cloth raised on four bamboos, under the
shade of a tree, can afford. While we behold these scenes,
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTTNE JUDSOX. 69
vre feel that we have all the comforts, and in comparison,
even the luxuries of life. We feel that our temporal ?up
of blessings is full and runneth over. But is our tem-
poral lot so much superior to theirs? how infinitely
superior are our spiritual blessings ! While they vainly
imagine to purchase promotion in another state of exis-
tence, by strictly worshiping their idols, and building
pagodas, our hopes of future happiness are fixed on the
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.
When we have a realizing sense of these things, my dear
brother, we forget our native country and former enjoy-
ments, feel contented and happy with our lot, with but
one wish remaining that of being instrumental in lead-
ing these Burmaris to partake of the same source of hap-
piness with ourselves.
"Our progress in the language is slow, as it is pecu-
liarly hard of acquisition. We can, however, read, write,
and converse with tolerable ease; aud frequently spend
whole evenings very pleasantly in conversing with our
Barman friends. We have been very fortunate in pro-
curing good instructors. 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 con-
struction of the language ; likewise of the Pali, the learned
language of the Burmans."
Mrs. Judson's health, never very strong, became sc
much broken after one year's residence in Rangoon that
medical aid was absolutely indispensable. As there was
no possibility of procuring it where she was, she em-
barked for Madras in January, 1815, to return, restored
to health in April. This journey she took alone, as it
70 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTIEE JUDSOX.
was not deemed expedient for Mr. Judson to lose any
time whilst engaged in the arduous task of studying the
language.
After Mrs. Judson's return her health continued to
improve, and, in September she became a mother. She
had no assistant, no comforter at this trying time, ex-
cepting her husband, of whose affectionate care she speaks
most touchingly in her letters of this date. Upon her
recovery she again commenced the study of the language,
but the most severe trial which had yet befallen them
was in store. When only eight months old, their little
boy, their comfort and solace in their lonely situation,
was taken to the other world. Mrs. Judson's letters
evince, in a remarkable degree, the high religious tone,
and unquestioning faith of her religious feelings. With
a heart torn with anguish, the tenderest tie of a woman's
heart severed, she never murmured. Resigned to the
will of Providence, she said with a sincere heart, " Thy
will be done," praying that out of the severe affliction
her heart should come purified and strengthened.
Close attention to study impaired Mr. Judson's health
BO much at this period, that for some months he was
forced to desist from his labors, and take active exercise.
Unwilling even then, to be idle, he employed his time in
making a Grammar of the language of Burmah, for the
use of future missionaries. A writer in the Calcutta
Review speaks of this work as one of the most marvel-
ous indications of Dr. Judson's powerful intellect, com-
prising, as it did, in seventy-six pages, a complete gram-
mar of one of the most difficult languages in the world.
In October, 1816, the missionaries were gladdened by
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 71
an addition to their company. Mr. Hough and his wife
arrived from America, bringing with them from the Se-
rsmpore brethren, a present of a printing press, types,
and other printing apparatus.
An extract from a letter written about this date, by
Mr. Judson, will show that their progress so far was
siow :'
"If any ask what success I meet with among the na-
tives, tell them to look at Otaheite, where the Mission-
aries labored nearly twenty years, and not meeting with
the slightest success, began to be neglected by all the
Christian world, and the very name of Otaheite was
considered a shame to the cause of missions : but now
the blessing begins to descend. Tell them to look at
Bengal also, where Dr. Thomas had been laboring seven-
teen years, that is, from 1783 to 1800, before the first
c<- avert, Krishno, 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 im-
pression 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 sat-
isfy them, beg them to let me stay and make the attempt,
and let you come and give us our bread ; or, if they aie
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."
It was not until 1817, that Mr. Judson was able to
72 LIFE OF ANN HASSKLTINE JUDSCN.
write home that any Burman had inquired about tha
"new religion." The prospects, however, were most
encouraging. Mr. Hough was busily engaged in print-
ing, and Mr. Judson, in addition to his grammar, had
written two tracts, and commenced his translation of the
New Testament. In March, 1817, Mr. Judson wrote as
follows :
" I have this day been visited by the first inquirer afte:
religion, that I have 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 severai
times and conversed on the subject of religion, yet I have
never had much reason to believe that their visits origi-
nated in a spirit of sincere inquiry. Conversations' on
religion have always been of my proposing ; and though
I have sometimes been encouraged to hope that truth had
made some impression, never, until to-day, have I met
with one who was fairly entitled to the epithet of In-
quirer.
" As I was sitting with my teacher, as usual, a Burman
of 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 me 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 he had declined.
He soon, however, undeceived and astonished me by ask-
ing, ' How long a time will it take me to learn the reli-
gion 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
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 73
study all his life long and rnake no proficiency. But
how, continued I, came you to know anything of Jesus ?
Have you been here before ? ' No.' Have you seen any
writings 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 or
death, but always is.' I cannot tell how I felt at this
moment. This was the first acknowledgment of an eter-
nal God that I had ever heard from the lips of a Burman.
I handed him a tract and catechism, both of 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 himself,
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 transla-
ting. ' But,' replied he, 'have you not a little of that
book done, which you will graciously give me now ?'
And I, beginning to think that God's time was 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. Throughout his short stay, he appeared different
from any Burman I have met with. He asked no ques-
tions about customs and manners, with which the Burmans
74 LIFE OF ANN HAPSKLT1NE JUDSOX.
tease us exceedingly. He had no curiosity, and no de-
eire for anything, but ' more of this sort of writing.' In
fine, his conduct proved that 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 acquaintances, who says
that he reads our books all the day, and shows them to
all who call upon him. We told him to ask his friend to
come and see us again."
Mrs. Judson, in the meantime, having conquered the
difficult language, was occupied, independent of her
household cares, in collecting around her the women of
the place. She says, writing to a friend :
" How interested you would be, could you meet
with my little society of females on the Sabbath ! In-
terested, I say yes, you would be interested, if it was
only from this circumstance that these poor idolaters
enjoy the means of grace, and sit under the sound of the
gospel. I have generally fifteen or twenty. They aie
attentive while I read the Scriptures, and endeavor' to
teach them about God. One of them told me the other
day, that she could not think of giving up a religion
which her parents, grand-parents, &c., &c., had embraced,
and accepting a new one, of which they had never heard.
I asked her if she wished to go to hell, because her pro-
genitors had gone there. She replied, if with all her
offerings and good works on her head, (speaking in their
idiom,) she must go to hell, then let her go. I told her,
if she went to hell after having heard of the Saviour,.
her very relations would contribute to torment and up-
LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON. 75
braid her, for her rejection of that Saviour of whom
they had never heard, and that even she herself would
regret her folly when it was too late. If I do, said she,
I will then cry out to you to be my intercessor with your
God, who will certainly not refuse you. Another told
me that she did believe in Christ, and prayed to him
every day. I asked her if she also believed in Gaudama,
and prayed to him. She replied, she worshiped them
both. I have several times had my hopes and expecta-
tions raised by the apparent seriousness of several
females, as Mr. Judson has in regard to several men ;
but their goodness was like the morning cloud and early
dew, which soon passeth away. Four or five children
have committed the catechism to memory, and often repeat
it to each other."
In December, 1817, Mr. Judson's health became so
.seriously broken, that he determined to leave Rangoon,
to visit Chittagong, intending to be absent about three
months. Owing to several untoward circumstances, Mr.
Judson was carried far from the scene he proposed visit-
ing, to a station three hundred miles from Madras. He
traveled by land to Madras, purposing to return imme-
diately to Rangoon, but was detained in that city until
July.
Mr. and Mrs. Hough, and Mrs. Judson remained at
Rangoon. For a short time, everything went on well.
Mrs. Judson was kindly treated by the wife of the Vice-
roy, and visited by the man whom Mr. Judson mentions
as the first inquirer. At the expiration of the three
months, which Mr. Judson had stated as the term of his
absence, Mrs. Judson's firmness was called upon to BUS-
;6 . T Fr OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
tain hcf 1.1 another severe trial. Her own words are ttw
best for a description of this period.
u Three months of Mr. Judson's absence had nearly
expired, and we had begun to look for his return, when
a native boat arrived twelve days from Chittagong,
bringing the distressing intelligence, that neither Mr.
Judson nor the vessel had been heard of at that port.
I should not have given so much credit to this report, as
to have allowed its harassing my feelings, had it not been
corroborated by communications from my friends in Ben-
gal, which arrived just at this time. From the circum-
stance that the vessel had not reached the port of des-
tination, I knew not what conclusion to draw. Hope, at
times, suggested the idea that the ship's course might
have been altered, that she might yet be safe ; but de-
spondency more frequently strove to convince me that all
was lost. Thus was I, for four months, in that agonizing
state of suspense, which is frequently more oppressive
than the most dreaded certainty.
" Two or three days after the arrival of the above in-
telligence, Mr. Hough received an order, couched in the
most menacing language, to appear immediately at the
court-house, to give an account of himself. This, so
unlike any message we had ever before received from
government, spread consternation and alarm among our
teachers, domestics, and adherents, some of whom fol-
lowed Mr. Hough at a distance, and heard the appalling
words from some of the petty officers, that a royal order
had arrived, for the banishment of all foreign teachers.
As it was late when Mr. Hough arrived at the court-
nouse, he was merely ordered to give secui-ity for his ap-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTIXE JUDoON. 77
pcai ance at an early hour on the approaching day, when,
to use their own unfeeling language, ' if he did not tell
all the truth relative to his situation in the country, they
would write with his heart's blood.'
" Our embarrassments at this period were greatly in-
creased by the circumstance that the Viceroy and family,
who had always been our steady friends, had been
recently recalled to Ava ; and the present Viceroy, with
whom we had but a slight acquaintance, had left his fam-
ily at the capital. Mr. Hough was not sufficiently ac-
quainted with the language, to allow his appealing in
person t& the Viceroy ; and as it is not customary for
females to appear at his court, in the absence of the Vice-
reine, we had nothing before us but the gloomy prospect
of being obliged to submit to all those evils, in the power
of petty officers to inflict, when unprotected by higher
authority.
" The following days, Friday and Saturday, Mr. Hough
was detained at the court-house, and under the necessity
of answering, through an interpreter, the most trivial
questions : such as, what were the names of his parents ?
how many suits of clothes he had? &c., all of which were
written down in the most formidable manner imaginable.
The court would not allow his retiring for any refresh-
ment ; and this, together with several other petty griev-
ances, convinced us that it was their object to harass and
distress us as much as possible, feeling safe in the idea
that circumstances were such that we could not appeal
to the Viceroy."
As the purpose of the officers appeared to be to extort
money from the missionaries, the order from government,
78 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
apon which the summons to Mr. Hough was founded,
applying only to Portuguese teachers, Mrs. Judson re-
solved to appeal for protection to the Viceroy. A peti-
tion was accordingly drawn up, with the assistance of
Mrs. Judson 's teacher; arid with this in her hand, the
intrepid woman presented herself before the Viceroy.
The result was a command from him that Mr. Hough
should be suffered to pursue his labors unmolested.
The cholera morbus now began to commit fearful
ravages amongst the natives, and the distress of the mis-
sionaries was increased by rumors of a war between
England and Burmah. It was now July, and Mr. Jud-
son had not been heard from. Mrs. Judson writes thus
to a friend :
" Mr. Hough, for sometime past, has been desirous to
have Mrs. Hough, myself, and his children, go to Ben-
gal. But I have ever felt resolved not to make any
movement until I hear from Mr. Judson. Within a few
days, however, some circumstances have occurred, which
have induced me to make preparations for a voyage.
There is but one remaining ship in the river, and if an
embargo is laid on English ships, it will be impossible
for Mr. Judson (if he is yet alive) to return to this place.
But the uncertainty of meeting him in Bengal, and the
possibility of his arriving in my absence, cause me to
make preparations with a heavy heart. Sometimes I
feel inclined to remain here, alone, and hazard the con-
sequences. I should certainly conclude on this step, if
any probability existed of Mr. Judson's return. This
mission has never appeared in so low a state as at the
present time. It seems now entirely destroyed, as w
LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JVDSON. W
all expect to embark for Bengal in a day or two. Alas !
alas ! how changed our prospects since Mr. Judson left
us ! How dark, how intricate the provideuce which now
surrounds us ! Yet it becomes us to be still, and know
that he is God, who has thus ordered our circumstances.
'''July 14. Alone, my dear friends, in this great
house, without an individual, excepting my little girl
and Burmans, I take my pen to relate the strange
vicissitudes through which I have passed within a few
days.
" On the 5th of this month I embarked with Mr.
Hough arid family for Bengal, having previously disposed
of what I could not take with me. I had engaged Mr.
Judson's teacher to accompany me, that in case of meet-
ing him in Bengal, he could go on with his Burman stu-
dies. But the, teacher, fearing the difficulties arising
from his being a Burman, broke his engagement, and re-
fused to go. My disinclination to proceed in the course
commenced, had increased to such a degree, that I was
on the point of giving up the voyage myself; but my
passage was paid, my baggage on board, and I knew not
how to separate myself from the rest of the mission
family. The vessel, however, was several days in going
down the river ; and when on the point of putting out
to sea, the captain and officers ascertained she was in a
dangerous state, in consequence of having been impro-
perly loaded, and that she must be detained for a day or
two at the place in which she then lay. I immediately
resolved on giving up the voyage and returning to town.
Accordingly the captain sent up a boat with me, and en-
gaged to forward my baggage the next day. I reached
80 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
town in the evening spent the night at the house of the
only remaining Englishman in the place, and to-day
have come out to the mission-house, to the great joy of
all the Burmans left on our premises. Mr. Hough and
his family will proceed, and they kindly and affection-
ately urge my return. I know I am surrounded by dan-
gers on every hand, and expect to see much anxiety and
distress ; but at present I am tranquil, and intend to
make an effort to pursue my studies as formerly, and
leave the event with God."
Alone, doubtful of her husband's fate, Mrs. Judson
thus resolved to remain at Rangoon. Again her own
words are quoted to show how her constancy was re-
warded :
u How will you rejoice with me, my dear parents,
when I tell you that I have this moment heard that Mr.
Judson 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 oc-
casioned. Now I feel ashamed of my repinings, my
want of confidence in God and resignation to his will.
I have foolishly thought, because my trials were pro-
tracted, they would never end, or, rather, that they
would terminate in some dreadful event, which would
destr:y all hope of the final success of the mission.
But now I trust our prospects will again brighten, and
cause us *o forget this night of affliction, or to remember
it as having been the means of preparing us for the re-
ception of that greatest of blessings the conversion of
some of the Burmans."
LIcfi OF AflN HASSELTLNli JUIJSON. bl
CHAPTER V.
EJECTION OF A ZAYAT CONVERSION AND BAPTISM OF A
NATIVE DEATH OF MR. WHEELOCK MESSRS. JUDSON
AND COLMAN START TO VISIT AVA.
HAVING now been at the mission several years, mas-
tered the language, published several tracts, and com-
menced the translation of the Scriptures, Mr. Judson
resolved to prosecute more actively the cause for which
he had left home and country to live in a heathen land.
He resolved to erect a small building for a zayat, or place
of worship, and to begin to preach the gospel. This
was a bold step. Up to this time the retired life of the
missionaries, and the feelings of personal friendship en-
tertained by the viceroy and his wife for them, had made
their lives unmolested and safe. But to preach publicly
a new doctrine utterly opposed to the religion of the
country, was to instantly attract the notice of govern-
ment, and, probably, to draw down its vengeance. For
a ]{urman to renounce his religion was a crime punished
by death, and it seemed highly improbable that govern-
ment would be more tolerant towards strangers than to-
wards natives. Still, having resolved to do all one man
could do for the conversion of these benighted fellow-
6
82 LIFE OF ANN HA8SELTIXE JUDSON.
creatures, Mr. Judson resolved to commence public wor-
ship, trusting in God for protection.
In April, 1819, the zayat was finished, and public wor-
ship in the Burman language commenced. Although
Mr. Judson had been in the habit, from the first hour
that he could speak the language, of discoursing with
the natives, exhorting and conversing with them, he had
never before attempted what might be called public wor-
ship, or preaching. On the first day there were but fif-
teen people present, and they were very disorderly and
noisy.
Mrs. Judson describes the zayat thus :
" The zayat is situated thirty or forty rods from the
mission-house, and in dimensions is twenty-seven by
eighteen feet. It is raised four feet from the ground,
and is divided into three parts. The first division is laid
entirely open to the road, without doors, windows, or a
partition in the front side, and takes up a third part of
the whole building. It is made of bamboo and thatch,
and is the place where Mr. Judson sits all the day long,
and says to the passers by, * Ho ! every one that thirst-
eth,' &c. The next and middle division is a large airy
room, with four doors and four windows, opening in op-
posite directions ; made entirely of boards, and is white-
washed, to distinguish it from the other zayats around
118.
" In this room we have public worship in Burman on
the Sabbath ; and in the middle of which I am now sit
uated at my writing table, while six of the male scholars
are at one end, each with his torch and black board,
over which he is industriously bending, and emitting tha
LIF2 OF ANN HASSELTIXE JUDSOX. 83
curious sounds of the language. The third, and last di-
vision, is only an entry way, which opens into the garden,
leading to the mission-house.
"In this apartment, all the women are seated, with
their lights and black boards, much in the same position
and employment as the men. The black board, on which
all the Burmans learn to read and write, answers the
same purpose as our slates. They are about a yard in
length, made black with charcoal and the juice of a leaf;
and letters are clearly imprinted with a species of white
stone, a little similar to our slate pencils. A lesson is
written out on this board by an instructor ; and when
the scholar is perfect master of it, it is erased, and a
new one written. The Burmans are truly systematic in
their elementary instructions, and a scholar is not con-
sidered qualified to read without spelling, until he has a
perfect knowledge of all the various combinations of
letters."
Mrs. Judson's aid in translating was of infinite value
at this period, to her husband. In addition to her la-
bors in Burman, she also acquired the Siamese language,
in order to be useful to the Siamese living in Rangoon.
On the 30th of April, 1819, Moung Nau, the first
convert to Christianity, made his first visit to the zayat.
His visit was repeated, and it soon became evident that
he was seeking, with an humble, sincere desire for truth,
to know the new religion. He was a poor man, between
thirty and forty years old, showing intelligence and do-
cility.
On the 9th of May, he made a profession of his belief
in Jesus Christ in the zayat in the presence of a number
84 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
of his countrymen. There now seemed an earnest spirit
of inquiry awakened in the natives. Many came for
tracts and portions of Scripture, whilst the zayat sel-
dom was empty. Mr. Judson with the men, and Mrs.
Judson with the women, passed the entire day in ex-
horting, teaching, and conversing with the natives.
Still, although many were manifestly interested, there
was much fear from the government. All the natives
agreed in saying that the introduction of a new religion
would be obnoxious to the reigning powers, and dan-
gerous both to the teachers and the natives embracing
it.
Many, who were favorably disposed towards Mr. Jud-
son, advised him first to convert the Emperor, and then
all would be well, for not only did he object to the re
ligion of foreigners, but persecuted to death any who
deviated from the established religion, amongst his own
subjects.
On the 6th of June, Mr. Judson received from Moung
Nau, a letter which I quote from his journal :
"I, Moung Nau, the constant recipient of your excel-
lent favor, approach your feet. Whereas my lords three
have come to the country of Burmah, not for the purpose
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, Tho
punishment of my sins I deserve to suffer. Since it is
80, do you, sirs, consider that I, taking refuge in th
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTIXE JUDSON. 85
merits of the Lord Jesus Christ, and receiving bapti.ni,
in order to become his disciple, shall dwell one vith
yourselves, a band of brothers, in the happiness of
heaven. It is through the grace of Jesus Christ, that
you, sirs, have come by ship from one country and con-
tinent to another, and that we have met together. I
pray my lords three, that a suitable day may be ap-
pointed, and that I may receive the ordinance of bap-
tism.
" 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 disposition may be destroyed, and my
new disposition improved."
This letter being laid before Messrs. Colman and
Wheelock, who had joined Mr. Judson in 1818, it wa
made the subject of special prayer, and as Moung Nau
had given evidence of much faith and seemed truly to
believe in Jesus and desire baptism, it was agreed to
grant his petition. I again quote from Mr. Judson's
journal :
"June 27, 1819. Lord's-day. There were several stran-
gers present at worship. After the usual course, I called
Moung Nau before me, read and commented on an ap-
propriate portion of Scripture, asked him several ques-
tions concerning his faith, hope, and love, and made the
baptismal prayer, having concluded to have all the pre-
paratory 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. Oh,
66 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTIXE JUDSOX.
may it prove the beginning of a series of baptisms in th
Burinan empire, which shall continue in uninterrupted
succession to the end of time!
* l Juty 4. Lord' 8-day. We have had the pleasure of
sitting down, for the first time, at the Lord's table, with
a converted Burman ; and it was my privilege a privi-
lege to which I have been looking forward with desire
for many years to administer the Lord's supper in two
languages."
Mrs. Judson speaks of the event, thus:
"Little did I think, when I last wrote, that I should
so soon have the joyful intelligence to communicate, that
one Burman has embraced the Christian religion, and
given good evidence of being a true disciple of the dear
Redeemer. This event, this single trophy of victorious
grace, has filled our hearts with sensations hardly to be
conceived by Christians in Christian countries. This
circumstance 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 words, the instru-
ment of operation. It serves, also, to encourage us to
hope, that the Lord has other chosen ones in his place.
As Mr. Judson has given some account of the first im-
pressions 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 own words, with which
you will be much interested. ' In our religion, there is
no way to escape the punishment due to sin ; but accord-
ing to the religion of Christ, he himself has died in order
to deliver his disciples. I wish all the Burmans would
become his disciples ; then we should meet together aa
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 8?
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, 1 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
religion. How much I have lost !' It is peculiarly in-
teresting 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 unusually solemn. ' These words,'
said he, ' take hold on my very heart ; they make me
tremble. Here God commands us to do everything that
is good in secret, not to be seen of men. How unlike
our religion is this ? When Burrnans make offerings tc
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 when
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 we might have a better opportu-
nity to know more of him before he received baptism,
and of imparting to him more instruction than occasional
visits could afford Mornings and evenings he spends in
88 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
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
fteart.
" Juwi 4tth. I have just had a very interesting meet-
ing with the women, fifteen in number. They appeared
unusually solemn, and I could not help hoping that the
Holy Spirit was hovering over us, and would ere long
descend and enlighten their precious, immortal souls.
Their minds seem to be already prepared to embrace the
truth, as their prejudices in favor of the Burman reli-
gion are apparently destroyed. Tliey also appear to be
convinced that the atonement foi sin provided in the gos-
pel is suitable for persons in their situation. But they fre-
quently say the great difficulty in the way of their be-
coming Christians is, the sinfulness of their hearts,
which they cannot yet overcome. Oh for the influences
of that Spirit, which can alone effect the mighty change !"
Death now visited the little band of missionaries, sum-
moning to his eternal home, Mr. Wheelock. He left
Rangoon for Bengal, in August, but in so low a state of
health, that it seemed hopeless to think of his arrival
there. On the passage, in the delirium of fever, he threw
himself overboard, and was drowned.
Slowly, but surely, the saving doctrines of Christian-
ity were spreading amongst the Burmans at Rangoon.
Day after day, public worship was held at the zayat, and
many stopped to converse with the teachers. It is im-
possible, in the limits of this work, to record the individ-
ual cases of conversion. There was no startling rapidity
in the movements of the missionaries. With the fear
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 89
of incurring the displeasure of government constantly
before them, the natives approached the teachers fearfully
and cautiously, and combated the inroads of divine
grace, with all the superstitious fervor of a nation strong
in their religious faith, and conceited in their belief of
the saving power of external works.
Moung Shwa-gnong, a teacher, a man of intelligence
and learning, after showing a keen interest in the inves-
tigation of the merits of the new religion, was summoned
before the Viceroy, and, the fear of displeasing the gov-
ernment being stronger than his love for the new faith,
he, for a time, ceased to inquire further from the teach-
ers. The fact of one of their number having been sus-
pected, caused the inquirers to tremble for their own
safety ; and the little congregation at the zayat, with
the exception of a few actual converts, fell off entirely.
Seeing how hopeless the task before them had become,
Messrs. Judson and Colman resolved to leave Rangoon
for a time, to visit Ava, the capital of the empire, and
endeavor to obtain the permission of the emperor, to
continue their religious instructions. Accordingly, in
December, 1819, accompanied by Moung Nau, as a ser-
vant, the two missionaries left Rangoon for Ava, leaviug
their farailio.s till their return
90 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
CHAPTER VI.
VISIT TO AVA RETURN TO RANGOON FIRST FEMAL1
CONVERT BAPTIZED MRS. JUDSON's ILLNESS MR. AND
MRS. JUDSON SAIL FOR BENGAL.
AFTER a passage of thirty days up the Irrawadi, the
missionaries arrived at Ava. They were kindly re-
ceived by their old friend, the Viceroy at Rangoon,
when Mr. Judson first established the mission, who had
been called to a higher post at the capital, and his place
filled by the Viceroy then presiding. They had taken
with them, as a present to the Emperor, the Bible, in
six volumes, covered in the Burman style, with gold leaf,
and each volume enclosed in a rich wrapper. Mr. Jud-
Bcn thus describes their visit :
" January 26tk, 1820. We repaired to the house of
Mya-day-men, former Viceroy of Rangoon, now one of
the public ministers of state, (woon-gyee.) We gave
him a valuable present, and another of less value to his
wife. They both received us very kindly, and appeared
to interest themselves in our success. We, however, did
not disclose our precise object, but only petitioned leave
to behold the golden face. Upon this, his highness com-
mitted our business to Moung Yo, one of his favorite
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 91
officers, and directed him to introduce us to Moung Zah,
one of the private ministers of state, (a-twen-wocn,) with
the necessary orders.
" January 21th. 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 minister of state,
Moung Zah, and were ushered into his apartments in the
palace yard. He received us very pleasantly, and or-
dered 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 religion ;' 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 replied. Just at this
crisis, some one announced 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
ihe moment to present us to the emperor. We now found
that we had unwittingly fallen on an unpropitious 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 oc-
92 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSOX.
casion. 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 expectation.
The spacious extent of the hall, the number and magni-
tude of the pillars, the height of the dome, the whole
completely covered with gold, presented a most grand
and imposing spectacle. Very few were present, and
those evidently great officers of state. Our situation
prevented us from seeing the farther avenue of the hall :
but the end where we sat opened into the parade, which
the emperor was about to inspect. We remained about
five minutes, when 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 un-
attended, 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, which 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
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 93
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 Portuguese
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 ele-
vated 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 arrived 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 America,
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 countries, and preach and propagate
religion, great good will result, and both those who teach
and those who receive the religion will be freed from fu-
ture 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
94 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINB JUDSON.
who are pleased with our preaching, and wish to listen
to and be guided by it, whether foreigners or Burmans,
may be exempt from government molestation, they pre-
sent themselves to receive the favor of the excellent king,
the 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 sen-
tence was corrected, and the whole put into the hand-
somest 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
for a display of his grace. ' Oh, have mercy on Bur-
mah ! Have mercy on her king !' But, alas ! the time
was not yet come. He held the tract long enough to
read the first two sentences, which assert that there is
one eternal God, who is independent of the incidents of
mortality, and that beside him, there is no God ; and
then, with an air of indifference, perhaps disdain, he
dashed it down to the ground. Moung Zah stooped for-
ward, picked it up, and handed it to us. Moung Yo
made a slight attempt to save us by unfolding one of the
volumes, which composed our present, and displaying its
beauty; but his majesty took no notice. Our fate was
decided. 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 Portu-
guese, the English, the Mussulmans, and people of all
other religions, full liberty to practise and worship ac-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 95
cording to their own customs ? In regard 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 away." 1
Meeting with no encouragement from other officers,
each as to make the prospect of a second petition being
more successful than the first, Messrs. Colman and Jud-
son returned to Rangoon. Three converts had been
made in Rangoon, and Mr. Judson called them together
upon his return, fearing, almost expecting, that his re-
port of the refusal of the emperor to extend protection
towards their new religion, would shake their constancy.
To his great joy they remained steadfast in their belief.
He then spoke of the dark prospect of Rangoon ; the
refusal of the natives to hear the truth, manifested in
abandonment of the zayat, and announced his resolution
to proceed to Chittagong. Upon hearing this resolve,
the three converts implored the teachers to stay, begging
them to remain till there were a few more converts and
one sufficiently advanced to preach to the rest. It was
finally decided that Mr. and Mrs. Colman should pro-
ceed to Chittagong, while Mr. and Mrs. Judson remained
at Rangoon.
Mr. Colman, however, proceeded to a new station, Cox
Bazar, where, in 1822, he died.
Mr. and Mrs. Judson, thus, once more found them-
selves alone at Rangoon, but they were cheered and ani-
mated by the spirit of enquiry now manifested amongst
the natives, and the affectionate zeal of the three con-
verts. Mrs. Judson labored as earnestly amongst the
96 LIFE 0? ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
women, as her noble husband did with the male converts,
and received visits daily from the wives and sisters of
the natives. The translation of the Scriptures still oc
cupied much of Mr. Judson's time.
In April, 1820, Mrs. Judson had an attack of liver
complaint, and went through a course of salivation.
In June, Mr. Judson writes :
"June 27. Mrs. J., after having been through two
courses of salivation for the liver complaint, at length
despairs of recovering, without some proper medical as-
sistance. For a few days, we have hoped that she would
get some relief from the various applications which are
made, though at the expense of an almost total exhaus-
tion of strength ; but this morning, to our utter disap-
pointment, the disorder has returned with increased vio-
lence ; 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 weak, and the pre-
sent circumstances of the case are too alarming to allow
Buch a measure ; and I have, therefore, concluded to ac-
company her."
Accordingly preparations for the journey were made,
and, on the 19th of July, Mr. and Mrs. Judson sailed
for Bengal.
On the 18th of July, the first female convert, Mah
Men-la, was baptized, making the tenth Burman who
had gone through the solemn ceremony.
It may be well at this point to sum up the progress
made by the missionaries during their stay at Rangoon.
They had acquired a perfect knowledge of the language
IUK OF ANN HASSELT1NE JUI'SON. 67
a grammar, dictionary, several tracts, and a portion of
the Scripture had been prepared, written, translated into
Burmese, and printed. Ten converts, notwithstanding
the fear of persecution by government, had been baj>-
tized in the name of the Lord.
7
JUIFF OF ANN UASSELTINE JUDSOff.
CHATTER VII.
RETURN TO RANGOON MRS. JUDSON'S RENEWED ILLNESS-
VOYAGE TO ENGLAND VISITS IN ENGLAND AND AMERICA
RETURN TO INDIA.
MRS. JUDSON, after a short sojourn in Calcutta, find-
ing her health but little benefited by the climate there,
removed to Serampore. She remained here until Jan
uary, 1821, when the violence of the disease having
abated, she returned with Mr. Judson to Rangoon.
They were received with eager demonstrations of joy,
by the affectionate converts, and the many visitors who
had been in the habit of repairing to the zayat. News
of great importance, too, was awaiting them. An ex-
tract from Mr. Judson's journal explains the event, and
the hopes it inspired :
" The most important event (and that relates of course
to Moung Shwa-gnong) remains to be mentioned. It
will be remembered that he was 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 our visit to Ava. Soon after Mya-
day-mon assumed the government of this province, all
the priests and officers of the village where Moung
LIFE OF 'ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 98
Shwa-gnong lives entered into a conspiracy to destroy
him. They held daily consultations, and assumed 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 hit
disposition, complained that the teacher Moung Shwa-
gnong was making every endeavor to turn the priests'
rice pot bottom upwards. * What consequence T said
the Viceroy. l Let the priests turn it back 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."
A touching instance of the influence of Christianity
upon these savage hearts awaited Mrs. Judson. The
female convert Mah-Men-la, anxious to aid the great
cause, voluntarily proposed to open a school for children
in Rangoon, that the little ones need not go to the
priests for education, but be early led to worship the
true God.
Still the little band of converts, although repairing
frequently to the zayat for instruction and intercourse
with the teachers, were cautious, and it was not gener-
ally known that any Burmans had actually embraced
th3 new religion.
In August, sickness visited again these noble self-sac-
rificing missionaries. Mr. Judson writes :
" August 4. Am just recovering from the second fit
of sickness which I have had this season. The first was
100 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
the cholera morbus ; the present has been a fever. The
second day after I was taken, Mrs. J. was taken with
the same ; and for several days we were unable to help
cne another. Through divine mercy, however, we con-
trived to gc-t our medicines from time to time, and are
now in a convalescent state, so far as the fever is con-
cerned. Mrs. J., however, is suffering severely under
the liver complaint, which, notwithstanding continual
salivations, is making such rapid and alarming advances,
as to preclude all hope of her recovery in this part of
the world."
Mrs. Judson grew worse so rapidly that it was evi-
dent that a voyage to a colder climate was positively ne-
cessary for the preservation of her life. Accordingly
on the 21st of August she left Rangoon for Bengal, in-
tending to take passage for America, and bearing to Mr
Hough the following letter from her husband :
MY DEAR BROTHER HOUGH : I send you herewith
Mrs. Judson, and all that remains of the blue pills and
senna, and beg you will see the articles all well packed
and shipped for America by the earliest safe opportu-
nity. Whatever expenses may be incurred be so good
as to defray from your own 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 col-
lected : 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 were, my own death warrant. However, two years
LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON. 101
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 tr a fortnight we were laid by with fever, unable
to help one another, and no living soul to depend on but
Emily ; and since we became convalescent, I have been
occupied in making up my mind to have my right arm
amputated, and my right eye extracted, which the doctors
say are necessary in order to prevent a decay and mor-
tification of the whole body conjugal.
A letter to Dr. Baldwin gives an account of Mrs.
Judson's arrival in Calcutta, and the reasons for chang
ing her proposed trip to America for one to England :
CALCUTTA, Dec. 8, 1821.
REV. AND DEAR SlR :
I left Rangoon last August, and arrived in Calcutta
on the 22d of September. My disorder gained ground
so rapidly, that nothing but a voyage to sea, and the
benefit of a cold climate, presented the least hope of
life. You will readily imagine that nothing but the
prospect of a final separation would have induced us to
decide on this measure, under circumstances so trying aa
those in which we were placed. But duty to God, to
ourselves, to the Board of Missions, and to the perishing
Burmans, compelled us to adopt this course of proced-
ure, though agonizing to all the natural feelings of our
hearts. On my arrival in Calcutta, inquiries were im-
mediately made relative to a voyage to America. But,
102 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
to my great disappointment, I found most of the Ameri-
can Captains far from being disposed to take passengers,
on account of having their cargoes engaged to the ex-
tent of the tonnage of their vessels. One captain, how-
ever, offered to give me a passage for fifteen hundred
rupees, but I could not think of causing the Board so
great an expense. In mentioning my circumstances to
Mrs. Thompson, (lady of the Rev. Mr. Thompson, chap-
lain,) she suggested the advantages of a voyage to Eng-
land, on account of the superior accommodations, medi-
cal advice, and female passengers, in English ships.
The pious captain of a ship bound to England was then
residing in her family ; with him she consulted, and they
made arrangements for my passage for five hundred ru-
pees, provided I went in a cabin with three children, who
were going to England. As my only object in going to
sea, is restoration of health, I did not hesitate to secure
a passage, though I should have rejoiced (since I must
take a long voyage) to have gone direct to America.
The father of the children has since arrived in Calcutta,
and has very kindly offered to pay the whole price of the
cabin, (which is four thousand rupees,) which will enable
me to go to England, free of expense to the Board.
If the pain in my side is entirely removed, while on
my passage to Europe, I shall return to India in the
same ship, and proceed immediately to Rangoon. But
if not, I shall go over to America, and spend one winter
in my dear native country. As ardently as I long to
see my beloved friends in America, I cannot prevail on
myself to be any longer from Rangoon than is absolutely
necessary for the preservation of my life. I have had a
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 103
severe struggle relative to my immediate return to Ran
goon, instead of going to England. But I did not ven-
ture to go contrary to the convictions of reason, to the
opinion of an eminent and skilful physician, and the re-
peated injunctions of Mr. Judson.
Relative to the Rangoon mission, I presume Mr.
Judson has given you all the information. But perhaps
I have received letters of a later date, and may be able
to communicate something, of which you may not have
heard. My last from Rangoon was dated October 26,
Moung Shwa-gnong had been accused before the Viceroy,
and had disappeared. Mr. Judson had felt much
anxiety and distress on his account, fearing he had done
something in the way of retraction, which prevented his
visiting him. But in a fortnight he was agreeably sur-
prised at seeing him enter. Moung Shwa-gnong in-
formed Mr. Judson, that, having been accused, he
thought it the wisest way to keep out of sight ; that he
had put all his family on board a boat, and was going
up the country among the sect of heretics with whom he
once associated, and had now come to take leave, obtain
tracts, gospels, &c. Mr. Judson furnished him witk
what was necessary, and bid him God speed. He will,
no doubt, do much good among that class of people ; for
it is impossible for him to be any time with his friends,
without conversing on the subject of religion. Moutg-
Ing had returned as steadfast, and as much devoted to
the cause as ever. He and Moung Shwa-ba spend every
evening in reading the Scriptures, and finding the places
where the apostles preached, on a map which Mr. Jud-
BOU has made for them. Another Burma n has been
104 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSOW.
baptized, who gives decided evidence of being a true
Christian. Have we not, my dear sir, every reason to
trust in God in future, when we see what he has done in
Rangoon ? Could you see at once the difficulties in tha
way of the conversion of the Burmans, the grace of
God would appear ten times as conspicuous as it now
does. When we hardly ventured to hope that we should
ever see a truly converted Burman, how great is our joy
to see a little church rise up in the midst of that wilder-
ness, consisting of thirteen converted Burmans.
A severe attack of her complaint confined her to her
cabin for several days during her passage, but her health
was improved upon her arrival in England. She was
received by Joseph Butterworth, Esq., M. P., and urged
to make his house her home during her residence in Eng-
land. Whilst in his family she was visited by many of
the persons most noted through England for piety and
literary attainments. Amongst them were Wilberforce,
Babington, and the king's chaplain, Sumner. She
visited Scotland by the invitation of friends who de-
frayed her expenses, and upon her return to Liverpool,
other friends, hearing that she intended to sail for
America in a packet, persuaded her to embark in a more
commodious vessel, generously paying the price of her
passage.
In August, 1822, she embarked on board the Amity,
for .the United States.
Mr. Price, in the meantime, had been sent by the
Baptist Board to Rangoon, in the double capacity of
Physician and Minister. He arrived in December of
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 105
1821, and on the following January, Mr. Hough again
joined Mr. Judson.
Mrs. Judson arrived in New York, in September, but
owing to the prevalence of yellow fever, did not land
there, taking a steamboat passage for Philadelphia. It
was her intention to make but a short visit there, and
proceed immediately to Bradford, but her physician ad-
vised her to go to Washington.
Upon at length joining her dear relatives and friends in
Bradford, she was subjected to a keen disappointment.
She had hoped to pass the winter in the bosom of her
family, and sail for Burmah in the spring. The severity
of a New England winter, and the excitement of receiv-
ing so many old friends, proved too much for a frame
already enfeebled by disease, and the physician ordered
her to the south, as the only hope of regaining her
strength. As she had left her beloved husband, and her
dear missionary labors, solely to gain renewed strength
for her task amongst the Burmans, so, now, thinking only
of the end to be gained, she tore herself from the newly-
found haven of rest, to pass the winter in Baltimore.
A letter written to Mrs. Chapin, during her residence
there, shows that although enfeebled in health, she still
devoted herself to the great cause in which her life's in-
terest was absorbed ; and, as she could not then assist
Mr. Judson in his personal labors amongst the Burmans v
she strove to interest her friends in the United States,
by writing a "History of the Burman Mission." As
soon as this work was published, she presented the copy-
right of it to the Convention. I give her letter entire.
106 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
TO MRS. CHAPLIN OF WATERVILLE.
Baltimore, Dec. 19<A, 1822.
MY DEAR MRS. CHAPLIN :
All your kind favors, dictated, I doubt not, by the
sincercst affection, have been received, and demand from
me an early communication, with a particular account of
iny present situation, plans, and prospects. I did intend
writing you from Boston, but such was the state of my
health and engagements with our dear friends in that
city, that I was necessitated to defer it till the present
time. Relative to my leaving New England for the
south, when you shall hear my reasons, you will, I dare
say, join with me in thinking that duty to myself and
Mr. Judson required my proceeding as 1 have. I had
never fully counted the cost of a visit to my dear native
country, and beloved relatives. I did not expect that a
scene which I had anticipated as so joyous, was destined
to give my health and constitution a shock which would re-
quire months to repair. During my passage from Eng-
land, my health was most perfect, not the least symptom
of my original disorder remained. But from the day of
my arrival, the idea that I was once more on American
ground, banished all peace and quiet from my mind, and
for the first four days and nights I never closed my eyes
to sleep ! This circumstance, together with dwelling on
my anticipated meeting with my friends, occasioned the
most alarming apprehensions. Still, however, I flattered
myself, that after my first meeting with my friends was
over, I ohould gradually recover my composure, and has-
tened n-y departure for the eastward. I reached my father's
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 107
in about a fortnight after my arrival in this country, and
had not been able to procure a single night's sleep. The
scene which ensued, brought my feelings to a crisis ; nature
was quite exhausted, and I began to fear would sink.
To be concise, my health began to decline in a most
alarming manner, and the pain in my side and cough
returned. I was kept in a state of constant excitement,
by daily meeting with my old friends and acquaintances,
and during the whole six weeks of my residence at my
father's, I had not one quiet night's rest. I felt the cold
most severely, and found, as that increased, my cough
increased.
You may not, perhaps, be aware of the circumstance,
that Mr. Judson's only brother is a physician of some
considerable skill, under government, and located for the
winter in this city. During my stay at Bradford, his
letters were most frequent and urgent, relative to my
removal to the south, for the purpose of salivating, as
the most dangerous consequences would ensue, should I,
with my Indian constitution, salivate at the north. I
saw that my disorder was rapidly gaining ground my
nervous system had become so much affected, that the
very sight of an old dear friend was quite distressing,
and 1 really desired to get away from the sight of every
human being, as it had become very painful to talk.
Thus situated, there was no hope of my recovery, as my
father's house was thronged with visiters from day to
day. Painful as it was to think of leaving my beloved
family, I felt convinced, since it was my only object in
visiting this country, duty required that everything should
yield to endeavors to regain my health. I knew that
108 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
retirement, and freedom from company and excitement,
were as necessary as a milder climate, neither of which
could be obtained in Bradford. My sister had made ar-
rangements to accompany me ; but meeting in Boston
with a pious man going on to Washington, and knowing
I should receive the kindest attention when once with my
brother, I desired her to return to Bradford to comfort
my parents.
I have been in this city about a fortnight, and am very
comfortably situated with my brother at a boarding-house,
where I refuse to receive company of every description,
till my health is re-established. I find the climate mild
and delightful have the best medical attendance in the
city, through the influence of my brother have com-
menced a course of mercury, which, I trust, through the
blessing of God, will perfectly restore my health, and
find my nervous system so far restored to its usual state,
that I am able to study four and five hours every day.
This, to me, is an unspeakable comfort, as I hope my
time will not be entirely lost in my endeavors to regain
my health. While in England, my friends repeatedly
urged my writing an account of the Burman Mission, as
BO little information had hitherto been communicated.
On my passage I made a beginning, in a " Series of Let-
ters addressed to Mr. Butterworth," in whose house I
resided during my stay in England. While at Bradford,
I was unable to proceed in this work ; but since my ar-
rival here, my freedom from interruption has enabled me
to go on and I find much pleasure in the consideration
that I shall be able to give to my friends, not only in
England, but America, that information relative to tho
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 109
Burman Empire, which my state of health forbids my
verbally communicating. My object is, to give an ac-
count of the American Baptist Mission to Burrnah its
origin, progress, and success ; consisting principally in
a compilation of those letters and documents transmitted
to friends in America, interspersed with accounts of the
population, manners, and customs, of the Burmans.
Thus, my dear Mrs. C., have I been particular, and,
I fear, tire&ome, in my account of myself. But your
kindness, your affectionate concern for my welfare, is all
the excuse I have to offer. Your kind hint, relative to
my being injured by the lavish attention of our dear
friends in this country, has much endeared you to my
heart. I am well aware that human applause has a ten-
dency to elate the soul, and render it less anxious about
spiritual enjoyments, particularly if the individual is con-
scious of deserving them. But I must say, that since
my return to this country, I have often been affected to
tears, in hearing the undeserved praises of my friends,
feeling that I was far, very far from being what they
imagined, and that there are thousands of poor, obscure
Christians, whose excellences will never be known in this
world, who are a thousand times wore deserving of the
tender regard of their fellow Christians than I am. Yet,
I trust, I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for inclin-
ing the hearts of his children to look on me with a
friendly eye. The retired life I now lead, is much more
congenial to my feelings, and much more favorable to
religious enjoyment, than when in England and Ame-
rica, where I was kept in a continual bustle of company.
Yes, it is in retirement that our languishing graces are
110 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
revived, our affections raised to God, and our souls re-
freshed and quickened by the influences of the Holy
Spirit. If we would live near the threshold of heaven,
and daily take a glance of our promised inheritance, we
must avoid not only worldly, but religious dissipation.
Strange as it may seem, I do believe that there is some-
thing like religious dissipation, in a Christian's being so
entirely engrossed in religious- company, as to prevent
his spiritual enjoyments.
Another letter to the same friend shows that her health
was still feeble :
TO MRS. CHAPLIN, OF WATERVILLE.
BALTIMORE, Feb. 17, 1823-
M EVER DEAR MRS. CHAPLIN :
Your kind and affectionate letter found me in bed, so
weak that I was obliged to read it at intervals ; but it
afforded heartfelt consolation. But, thanks to our
Heavenly Father, whose guardian care and love I have
so largely experienced, I am now much better, and once
more enjoy the prospect of gaining that degree of health
which will allow my return to Burmah ; there to pass
my remaining days, few or many, in endeavoring to
guide immortal souls to that dear Redeemer, whose pre-
sence can make joyful a sick chamber, a dying bed
For the last month I have been very ill. The disease
seemed to be removed from the liver to t'.ie lungs. I
have raised blood twice, which the physicians thought
proceeded from the lungs, though I am inclined to think
to the contrary, and believe it came only from the mouth
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTIXE JUDSOX. Ill
of some vessel in the throat. I was, however, bled so
frequently and so largely that my strength was quite re-
duced. At present I am free from every unfavorable
symptom, but am still weak.
I am rejoiced to hear that Mr. Boardman has offered
himself to supply dear Colman's place. If actuated
from motives of love to God, and concern for precious
souls, tell him he will never regret the sacrifice, but will
find those spiritual consolations, which will more than
compensate for every privation. I shall rejoice to afford
him every assistance in the acquisition of the language
which my health will allow, though I fear he will not be
ready to sail so early as I hope to embark.
My dear Mrs. Chaplin, this is the third day I have
been writing this letter, on account of my weakness.
But I am gaining a little every day. Yesterday I had
a little female prayer meeting in my chamber trust the
blessed Saviour was near us. Oh ! it is good to get near
to God, to enjoy his presence, and feel, whether in life
or death, we are his. Open your mouth wide, and I will
jill it, is a promise, of which we do not think sufficiently.
How much real enjoyment we lose by not striving more
earnestly to partake largely of the influence of the
Holy Spirit !
Let us, my dear sister, so live, that our union to
Christ, the vine, may not only be satisfactory to our-
selves, but to all around us. On earth we serve God; in
heaven, enjoy him is a motto I have long wished to
adopt. When in heaven we can do nothing towards sav-
ing immortal souls.
112 LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON.
A letter to her sister will give the reader a sketch of
affairs in Burinah during her absence :
TO ONE OF HER SISTERS.
BALTIMORE, Feb. 25, 1323.
MY DEAR SISTER :
From the tenor of my last, I know you will all fee
anxious to hear from me, consequently, I take the ear-
liest opportunity to write you. My health is daily im-
proving ; but, after being reduced so low as I have been,
by bleeding from the arm, I must expect to gain very
gradually. My liver complaint seems entirely removed,
and were I not so very feeble, I would set off for Brad-
ford to-morrow. But I can now ride only an hour at a
time, and am much fatigued after that. But God has
been kind, unspeakably kind to me, and enabled me to
cast all my cares and concerns on him ; and I have fre-
quently been led to say, it is good for me to be afflicted.
There are some spiritual, heavenly minded Christians in
this place, who have often refreshed me by their conver-
sation and prayers. A few days ago, I had a prayer
meeting in my chamber, and I trust Christ was one in
the midst of us. Dr. Staughton sent me yesterday Mr.
Judson's journal, lately received. God is doing wonders
in Rangoon, and building up his little church there.
Five more have been baptized, making eighteen in all,
and several others seriously inquiring. Three females
have lately been baptized, who forroerly attended my
Wednesday meeting. They have set up, of their own
accord, a female prayer meeting. Is not this encourag-
ing ? Dr. Prie had received an order froaa the Ein-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 113
peror to go to Ava, on account of his medical skill; and
Mr. Judson was about to accompany him, in order to
make another effort for toleration. You will readily im-
agine my anxiety to get back to Rangoon. I yet hope
that my health will enable me to return this spring.
that God would incline the heart of the Emperor to favor
the introduction of the Christian religion, and protect
the little church formed there.
I hope to get to Bradford by the last of March.
Brother E. will probably travel with me. But I must
give up all idea of visiting and talking, on account of
the weakness of my lungs. I have received a great
many letters this winter, which have been a great con-
solation in my retired situation.
, I am rejoiced to hear that there is a prospect of more
attention to religion at Bradford. God will be inquired
of by his children, and in answer to their prayers will
pour out his Holy Spirit;
Early in the spring of 1823 Mrs. Judson returned to
Massachusetts, with her health partially restored, though
not entirely. Many of her friends endeavored to per-
suade her to remain in America another year, but she
firmly resisted their entreaties, being anxious to return
to the scene of her missionary labors.
The Rev. Jonathan Wade and his wife had been ap-
pointed by the Board missionaries to Burmah, and it was
decided that they should accompany Mrs. Judson. On
the 21st of June they sailed from Boston, arrived at
Calcutta, Oct. 19th, and a few weeks later sailed for Ran-
goon.
8
114 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
Dr. Wayland speaks of Mrs. Judson in the following
high terms :
" It was my good fortune to become intimately ac-
quainted with Mrs. Judson during this visit to the United
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 action,
she added that heroic disinterestedness which naturally
loses all consciousness of self in the prosecution 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 gentlewoman. A more inti-
mate acquaintance would soon discover her to be a per-
son of profound religious feeling, which was ever mani-
festing itself in efforts to impress upon others the im-
portance of personal piety. The resources of her na-
ture 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 residence 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
meited away, her eye kindled, every feature was lighted
up with enthusiasm, and she was every where acknow-
ledged to be one of the most fascinating of women."
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON, 115
CHAPTER VIII.
ITESSRS. JUDSON AND PRICE VISIT AVA RETURN TO RAN-
GOON MRS. JUDSON'S ARRIVAL REMOVAL TO AVA
IN the meantime Mr. Judson and Mr. Price had pro-
ceeded together to Ava. At first, in their visits to the
palace, Mr. Judson, acting merely as an interpreter for
his companion, was entirely unnoticed, but after several
visits the Emperor addressed him. After questioning
him as to his profession, he made the appalling enquiry,
Had any of his subjects embraced the Christian faith?
Although he knew that the ruin of his little church was
risked in the answer, Mr. Judson replied in the affirma-
tive. No token of displeasure, however, was given, and
a lively conversation upon other topics ensued.
The princes and princesses were much interested iu
Mr. Judson, and his visits to the palace, both with Mr.
Price and alone, were frequent. He writes :
" I had one noticeable interview with the king. Bro-
ther Price and two English gentlemen were present.
The king appeared to be attracted by our number, and
came towards us ; but his conversation was directed
chiefly to me. He again inquired about the Burm^ns
who had embraced my religion. 'Are they real Bur-
116 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
mans? Do they dress like other Burmans?' &c. I h;ul
occasion to remark, that I preached every Sunday.
'What! in Burman?' Yes. 'Let us hear how you
preach.' I hesitated. An Atwenwoon repeated 'he
order. I began with a form of worship, which first as-
cribes glory to God, and then declares the commands of
the law and the gospel ; after which I stopped. * Go
on,' said another Atwenwoon. The whole court was
profoundly silent. I proceeded with a few sentences,
declarative of the perfections of God, when his majesty's
curiosity was satisfied, and he interrupted me. In the
course of subsequent conversation, he asked what I had
to say of Gaudama. I replied that we all knew he was
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 Atwen-
woon who had not hitherto appeared very friendly to me.
And he proceeded to relate the substance of a long com-
munication, which I had 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 Z., encouraged by all this, really began
to take the side of God before his majesty, and said,
'Nearly all the world, your majesty, believe in an eternal
God ; all, except Burniah and Siam, these little spots !'
His majesty remained silent ; and after some other
desultory inquiries, he abruptly arose and retired.'*
After trying in vain, for some time, to procure a grant
to build a zayat in Ava, Mr. Judson finally procured a
piece of ground. Having recovered from an attack jf
LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON. 117
fever and ague, and the time having expired which Mr
Judson purposed spending in Ava, he determined to re
turn to Rangoon. In January 1823, he writes :
"Jan. 22. Took leave of Prince M. He desired me
fo return soon, and bring with me all the Christian Scrip-
tures, and translate them into Burman ; ' for,' said he,
'I wish to read them all.'
" Jan. 24. Went to take leave of the king, in company
with Mr. L., collector of the port of Rangoon, who ar-
rived last evening. We sat a few moments conversing
together. ' What are you talking about ?' said his ma-
jesty. ' He is speaking of his return to Rangoon,' re-
plied Mr. L. ' What does he return for ? Let them
not return. Let them bo'th (that is brother Price and
myself) stay together. If one goes away the other
must remain alone, and will be unhappy.' ' He wishes
to go for a short time only,' replied Mr. L., 'to bring
his wife, the female teacher, and his goods, not having
brought anything 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 ?'
4 When I come again it is my intention to remain perma-
nently.' 'Very well,' said his majesty, and withdrew
into his inner apartment.
" Heard to-day of the death of Mat Myat-la, sister
of Mah-Men-la, one of the most steadfast of the church
in Rangoon.
" Jan. 25. Embarked on a small boat, intending to
go day and night, and touch nowhere, in order to avoid
118 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JDDSON
the robbers, of which we have lately had alarming ao
counts.
" Feb. 2. Lord' s-day. At one o'clock in the morning,
reached Rangoon, seven days from Ava.
" Several of the disciples soon came over from Dahlah,
on the opposite side of the river, whither they and some
others of the disciples and inquirers have taken refuge,
to escape the heavy taxations and the illegal hcirassments
of every kind allowed under the new Viceroy of Ran-
goon. Others of the disciples have fled elsewhere, so
that there is not a single one remaining in Rangoon, ex-
cept three or four with us. The house of some of the
disciples has been demolished, and their place taken by
government, at the instigation of their neighbors, who
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
am not afraid of death shall soon be with Christ in
heaven."
In the year 1823, Mr. Judson finished the translation
of the New Testament, and upon Mrs. Judson 's return
to Rangoon, he again proceeded to Ava, leaving Mr.
and Mrs. Wade, and Mr. Hough and family at Rangoon.
Mrs. Judson writes an account of her return, which I
here quote:
AVA, Feb. 10, 1824.
MY DEAR PARENTS AND SISTERS :
After two years and a half wandering, you will be
pleased to hear that I have at last arrived at home, so
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 119
far as this life is concerned, and am once more quietly
and happily settled with Mr. Judson. When I retrace tho
scenes through which I have passed, the immense space 1
have traversed, and the various dangers, seen and un-
seen, from which I have been preserved, my heart ia
filled with 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 was ever more highly
favored, no being was 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 wander from Him who
is deserving 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 Rangoon. Mr. J.'s boat was all in readiness,
my baggage was immediately taken from the ship to the
boat, and in seven days from my arrival, we were on our
way to the capital. 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, in-
deed. The season, however, was cool and delightful ;
we were preserved from dangers by day and robbers by
night, and arrived in safety in six weeks. The A-rah-
wah-tee (Irrawaddy) is a noble river; its banks every-
where covered with immortal beings, destined to the
same eternity as ourselves. We often walked through
120 LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON.
the villages ; and, though we never received the least in-
sult, always attracted universal attention. A foreign
female was a sight never before heheld, and all were
anxious that their friends and relatives should have a
view. Crowds followed us through the villages, and
some who were less civilized than others, would run some
way before us, in order to have a long look as we ap-
proached them. In one instance, the boat being some-
time in doubling a point we had walked over, we seated
ourselves down, when the villagers, as usual, assembled,
and Mr. Judson introduced the subject of religion.
Several old men who were present entered into conver-
sation, while the multitude was all attention. The ap-
parent school-master of the village coming up, Mr. Jud-
son handed him a tract, and requested him to read.
After proceeding some way, he remarked to the assem-
bly, 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 condi-
tion 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 rud-
der became entangled in the rocks, which brought the
boat across the stream, and laid her on one side. The
steersman, however, had presence of mind sufficient to
cut the rudder from the boat, which caused her to right,
without experiencing any other inconvenience than a thor-
ough fright, and the loss of our breakfast, which was pre-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 121
cipitated from the fireplace into the water, together with
everything on the outside of the boat.
On our arrival at Ava, we had more difficulties to en-
counter, 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 un
finished 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 presump-
tion 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 al-
most doubt my senses, that in just a fortnight from our
arrival, we 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 120 feet long,
and 75 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 ver-
andah.
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 have worship every evening in Burman,
122 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
when a number of the natives assemble; and every Sab-
bath Mr. Judson preaches on the other side of the river, in
Dr. Price's house. We feel it an inestimable privilege,
that amid all our discouragaments 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 ffasscltine. One of them is to be supported with
the money which the " Judson Association of Bradford
A.cademy" have engaged to collect. They are fine chil-
Iren, and improve as rapidly as any children in the world.
Their mother is deranged, and their father gave them to me
;o educate, so that I have been at no expense for them ex-
cepting 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 Amarapora a day or
two after our arrival, where they will remain till the
new palace in this city is finished, when 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, who 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 hus-
band, and she is now only a private woman. She is,
however, a very sensible woman, and there is much more
hope of her attending to the subject of religion now than
when in public life. I intend to visit her frequently, and
LUB OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
make it an object to fix her attention to the subject.
In consequence of war with the Bengal government,
foreigners are not so much esteemed at court as formerly.
I know not what effect this war will have on our mission ;
but we must leave the event with Him v/ho has hitherto
directed us.
1-i LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON.
CHAPTER IX.
IN BURMAH MRS. JUDSON's ACCOUNT OP THE MIS-
SIONARIES' SUFFERINGS TRIBUTE TO MRS. JUDSON FROM
PRISONERS.
WAR having broken out in 1824, between England
and Burmah, scenes of unparalleled horror were opened
before the missionaries. I make no apology for quoting
entire, the account given by Mrs. Judson herself, of the
sufferings and trials through which she and her husband
passed, as any other language would inevitably be weak
in comparison with hers.
RANGOON, May 26<7i, 1826.
MY BELOVED BROTHER :
I commence this letter with the intention of giving
you the particulars of our captivity and sufferings at
Ava. How long my patience will allow my reviewing
scenes of disgust and horror, the conclusioi of this let-
ter will determine. I had kept a journal of everything
that had transpired from our arrival at Ava, but destroyed
it at the commencement of our difficulties.
The first certain intelligence we received of the decla-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 125
ratior. of war by the Burmese, was on our arrival at
Tsen-pyoo-kywon, about a hundred miles this side of
Ava, where part of the troops, under the command of the
celebrated Bandoola, had encamped. As we proceeded
on our journey, we met Bandoola himself, with the re-
mainder of his troops, gaily equipped, seated on hig
golden barge, and surrounded by a fleet of golden war
boats, one of which was instantly despatched the other
side of the river to hail us, and make all necessary in-
quiries. We were allowed to pass quietly on, when we
had informed the messenger that we were Americans, not
English, and were going to Ava in obedience to the com
mand of his majesty.
On our arrival at the capital, we found that Dr. Price
was 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 toward him very different from what it for-
merly had been ; and the queen, who had hitherto expressed
wishes 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 own houses, out of the
palace enclosure. Under these circumstances, we thought
our most prudent course lay in prosecuting our original
intention of building a house, and commencing missionary
operations as occasions offered, thus endeavoring t7 con-
vince the government that we had really nothing to do
with the present war.
In two or three weeks after our arrival, the king;
126 LIFE OP ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
queen, all the members of the royal family, and most
of the officers of government, returned to Amarapora,
in order to ome and take possession of the new palact
: .n the customary style. As there has been much mis-
understanding relative to Ava and Amarapora, both
being called the capital of the Burmese empire, I will
here remark, that present Ava was formerly the seat of
government ; but soon after the old king ascended the
the throne, it was forsaken, and a new palace built at
Amarapora, about six miles from Ava, in which he re-
mained during his life. In the fourth year of the reign
of the present king, Amarapora was in its turn forsaken,
and a new and beautiful palace built at Ava, which was
then in ruins, but is now the capital of the Burmese em-
pire. 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
Amarapora.
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. Tho
saupwars of the provinces bordering on China, all the
viceroys and high officers of the kingdom, were assem-
bled 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
Dimple garb of the country ; they, hand in hand, entered
the garden in which we had taken our seats, and where
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 127
a banquet was prepared for their refreshment. All the
riches and glory of the empire were on this day exhib-
ited to view. The number and immense size of the
elephants, the numerous horses, and great variety of
vehicles of all descriptions, far surpassed anything 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
Lansago. We were a little alarmed at this, but concluded
it Avas from political motives, and would not, perhaps es-
sentially affect us.
For several weeks, nothing took place to alarm UL, and
we went on with our school. Mr. J. preached overy
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 we 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 what was to be done. Mr. G. went to
Prince Thar-yar-wa-dee, the king's most influential bro-
ther, who informed him he need not give himself any
uneasiness, as he had mentioned the subject to his majesty,
who replied, that " the few foreigners residing at Ava,
had nothing to do with the war, and should not be mo-
lested."
128 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
The government were now all in motion. An army
of ten or twelve thousand men, under the command of
the Kyce-woon-gyee, were sent off in three or four days,
and were to be joined by the Sakyah-voon-gyee, who had
previously been appointed Viceroy of Rangoon, and who
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 would be time to secure them as
slaves. " Bring for me," said a wild young buck of the
palace, "six kala pyoo, (white strangers,) 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, the 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 saw again their native home.
As soon as the army were dispatched, the government
began to inquire the cause of the arrival of the strangers
at Rangoon. There must be spies in the country, sug-
gested some, who have invited them over. And who so
likely to be spies, as the Englishmen 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, were
LII-E OF ANN BASSKLTIHK JUDSON. 129
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.
At length Mr. Judson and Dr. Price were summoned
tc a court of examination, where strict inquiry was made
relative to all they knew. The great point seemed to be,
whether they had been in the habit of making communi-
cations to foreigners, of the state of the country, &c.
They answered, they had always written to their friends
in America, but had no correspondence with English offi-
cers, or the Bengal government. After their examination,
they were not put in confinement as the Englishmen had
been, but were allowed to return to their houses. In ex-
amining the accounts of Mr. G., it was found that Mr. J.
and Dr. Price had taken money of him to a considerable
amount. Ignorant as were the Burmese of our mode
of receiving money by orders on Bengal, this circum-
stance, to their suspicious minds, was a sufficient evidence,
that the Missionaries 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 Burmans, accompanied by one, whom from his
spotted face, we knew to be an executioner, and a " son of
the prison." " Where is the teacher ?'' was the first
inquiry. Mr. Judson presented himself. "You are
called by the king," said the officer ; a form of speech
always used when about to arrest a criminal. The
130 LIFE OF ANN IIASSKLTINH JUDSOX.
spotted mail instantly seized Mr. Judson, threw him on
the floor, and produced the small cord, the instrument
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 now 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 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, however,
to Moung Ing to follow after, to make some further at-
tempt to mitigate the torture of Mr. Judson ; but instead
of succeeding, when a few rods from the house, the un-
feeling wretches again threw their prisoner on the ground,
and drew 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. Judson to the death prison, into which he
was soon hurled, the door closed and Moung Ing
Baw no more. What a night was now before me !
I retired into my room, and endeavored to obtain conso-
lation from committing my case to God, and imploring
LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTIXE JUDSON. 131
fortitude and strength to suffer whatever awaited me.
But the consolation of retirement was not allowed me,
for the magistrate of the place had come into the veran-
dah, and continually called me to come out, and submit
to his examination. But previously to going out, I de-
stroyed all my letters, journals, and writings of every
kind, lest they should disclose the fact that we had cor-
respondents in England, and had minuted down every oc-
currence since our arrival in the country. When thia
work of destruction was finished, I went out and sub-
mitted to the examination of the magistrate, who in-
quired very minutely of everything I knew; then ordered
the gates of the compound to be shut, no perbon 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 au-
thorities on the morrow. Finding me resolved in disre-
garding their orders, they took the two Bengalee serv-
ants, and confined them in the stocks in a very painful
p)sition. I could not endure this ; but called the head
man to the window, and promised to make them all a
present in the morning, if they would release the serv-
ants. After much debate, and many severe threatenings,
they consented, but seemed resolved to annoy me as
much as possible. My unprotected, desolate state, my
13- LIFE OP ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
snthe uncertainty of the fate of Mr. Judson, and tho
dreadful carousings and almost diabolical language of the
guard, all conspired to make it by far the most distress-
ing night I had ever passed. You may well imagine, my
dear brother, that sleep was a stranger to my eyes, and
peace and composure to my mind.
The next morning I sent Moung Ing to ascertain the
situation of your brother, and give him food, if still liv-
ing. He soon returned with the intelligence that Mr.
Judson, and all the white 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 was that I was a prisoner
myself, and could make no efforts for the release of the
missionaries. I begged and entreated the magistrate to
allow 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, re-
questing her to use her influence for the release of the
teachers. The note was returned with this message
she " did not understand 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 ac-
count of the queen. The day dragged heavily away,
and another dreadful night was before me. I endeav-
ored to soften the feelings of the guard by giving them
tea and cigars for the night ; so that they allowed me to
remain inside of my room, without threatening as they did
the night before. But the idea of your brother being
tretched on the bare floor in irons and confinement,
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 133
haunted my mind like a spectre, and prevented my ob-
taining any quiet sleep, though nature was almost ex-
hausted.
On the third day I sent a message to the governor ;f
the city, who has the entire direction of prison affairs,
to allow me to visit him with a present. This had tho
desired effect ; and he immediately sent orders to the
guards to permit my going into town. The governor
received me pleasantly, and asked me what I wanted.
I stated to him the situation of the foreigners, and par-
ticularly that of the teachers, who were Americans, and
had nothing to do with the war. 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 fu-
ture comfort must depend on my liberality in regard 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
Bufferings of the two teachers ? " Pay to me," said he,
"two hundred tickals, (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 re-
turn. This I offered to the writer, and begged he would
134 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
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, for my
admittance into prison ; hut the sensations produced hy
meeting your brother in that wretched, horrid situation,
and the affecting 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 jailors, who could not endure to see us en-
joy the poor consolation of meeting in that miserable
place. In vain I pleaded the order from the governor
for my admittance ; they again repeated, " Depart, or
we will pull you out." The same evening the missiona-
ries, together with the other foreigners, who paid an equal
sum, were taken out of the common prison and confined
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 was to get a petition presented to the
queen ; but no person being admitted into the palace,
who was in disgrace with 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 distress, which was a sufficient
reason for giving me a cold reception. I took a present
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 135
of considerable value. She was lolling on her carpet as
I entered, with her attendants around her. I waited
not fjr the usual question to a suppliant, " What do you
want?" but in a bold, earnest, yet respectful manner,
stated our distressess and our wrongs, and begged her
assistance. She partly raised her head, opened the pre-
sent 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 Ameri-
cans ; 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 anything
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, were you
in America, your husband, innocent of crime, thrown
into prison, in irons, and you a solitary, unprotected fe-
male what would you do?" With a slight degree of
feelmg, she said, "I will present your petition, come
again to-morrow." I returned to the house with consid-
erable hope that the speedy release of the missionaries
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, po-
litely informed me they should visit our house on the
morrow. I felt obliged for this information, and accord-
ingly made preparations to receive them by secreting as
many little articles as possible ; together with considera-
ble silver, as I knew if the war should be protracted, we
136 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
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 next morning, the royal treasurer, the governor
of the north gate of the palace, who was in future our
steady friend, and another nobleman, attended by forty
or fifty followers, came to take possession of all we 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 conducted the business of confisca-
tion 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 en-
tered the house ; their attendants were ordered to remain
outside. They saw I was deeply affected, and apolo-
gized for what they were about to do, by saying that it
was painful for them to take possession of property not
their own, but they were compelled thus to do by otfcler
of the king. "Where is your silver, gold, and jewels?"
said the royal treasurer. " I have no gold or jewels ;
but here is the key of a trunk which contains the silver
do with it as you please." The trunk was produced,
and the silver weighed. "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 dwelling) and for our support, while teaching
(he religion of Christ. Is it suitable that you should
take it?" (The Burmans are averse to taking what is
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 137
offered in a religious point of view, which was the cause
of my making the inquiry.) " We will state this cir-
cumstance to the king," said 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 pos-
session," I replied, "search for yourselves." "Have
you not deposited silver with some person of your ac-
quaintance?" "My acquaintances are all in prison,
with whom should I deposit silver ?" They next or-
dered my trunk and drawers to be examined. The sec-
retary only was allowed to accompany me in this search.
Everything nice or curious, which met his view, was pre-
sented to the officers, for their decision, whether 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 as-
sented, and took a list only, and did the same with the
books, medicines, &c. My little work 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 were
of inestimable value during 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, when, alas ! all my hopes were
dashed by his wife coolly saying, " I stated your case to
the queen, but her majesty replied, The teachers will not
die ; let them remain as they are." My expectations had
been so much excited, that this sentence was like a thun-
der-clap to my feelings. For the truth at one glance
138 LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON.
assured mo that if the queen refused assistance, who
would dare to intercede for nle ? With a heavy heart I
departed, and on my way home, attempted to enter the
r rison gate to communicate the sad tidings to your bro-
ther, but was harshly refused admittance ; arid for the
ten days following, notwithstanding my daily efforts, I
was not allowed to enter. We attempted to communicate-
by writing, and after being successful for a few days, it
was discovered ; the poor fellow who carried the commu-
nications was beaten and put in the stocks, and the cir-
cumstance cost me % about ten dollars, besides two or three
days of agony, for fear of the consequences.
The officers who had taken possession of our property,
presented it to his majesty, saying, " Judsori is a true
teacher ; we found nothing in his house, but what belongs
to priests. In addition to this money, there are an im-
mense number of books, medicines, trunks of wearing
apparel, &c., of which we have only taken a list. Shall
we take them, or let them remain ?" " Let them re-
main," said the king, "and put this property by itself,
for it shall be restored to him again, if he is found inno-
cent." This was an allusion to the idea of his being a
spy-
For two or three months following, I was subject to
continual harassments, partly through my ignorance of
police management, 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
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 139
told them, and they demanded the sum from the governor,
which threw him into a dreadful rage, and he threatened
to put all the prisoners back into their original place. I
went to him the next morning, and the first words with
which he accosted me were, " You are very bad ; why 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 comfort-
able in prison ; but now I know not what will be their
fate." " But I cannot tell a falsehood," 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, who sat by his
side, and who always, from this time, continued my firm
friend, instantly said, "Very true what 'else could she
have done ? I like such straightforward conduct ; you
must not (turning to the governor) be angry with her."
I then presented the governor with a beautiful opera
glass I had just received from England, and begged his
anger at me would not influence him to treat the prison-
ers with unkindness, and I would endeavor, from time to
time, to make him such presents as would compensate
for his loss. " You may intercede for your husband
only ; for your sake, he shall 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, where he re-
mained ten days. He was then taken out in consequence
of the doctor's promising a piece of broadcloth, and my
pending two pieces of handkerchiefs.
140 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
About this period, I was one day summoned to tho
Loot-dau, in an official way. What new evil was befoie
me, I knew not, but was obliged to go. When arrived,
I was allowed 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 were collected around.
The officer who presided, in an authoritative voice began :
" Speak the truth in answer to the question 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 com-
mitted to the care of a Burmese officer, a string of pearls,
a pair of diamond ear-rings, 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 " speak-
ing 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 harassments. Notwithstanding the repulse I had
met in my application to the queen, I could not remain
without making continual effort for your brother's release,
while there was the least probability of success. Time
after time, my visits to the queen's sister-in-law were
repeated, till she refused to answer a question, and
told me, by her looks, I had better keep out of her pre-
sence. For the seven following months, hardly a day
passed, that I did not visit some one of the members of
government, or branches of the royal family, in order to
gain their influence in our behalf; but the cnly benefit
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 141
resulting was, their encouraging promises preserved us
from despair, and induced a hope of the speedy termina-
tion of our difficulties, which enabled us to bear our dis-
tresses better than we otherwise should have done. I
ought, however, to mention, that by repeated visits to
the different members of government, I gained several
friends, who were ready to assist me with articles of food,
though in a private manner, and who used their influence
in the palace to destroy the impression of our being ic
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, while 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 prisoners were subject, are indescribable. Some
times, sums of money were demanded, sometimes pieces
of cloth, and handkerchiefs ; at other times, an order
would be issued, that the white foreigners should not
speak to each other, or have any communication with
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 two miles to
walk, in returning to the house. Oh, 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 thiown myself down in that same rocking
chair which you and Deacon L. provided for me in Bos-
ton, and endeavored to invent some new scheme for the
release of the prisoners ! Sometimes, for a moment or
142 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON
two, my thoughts would glance tOAvard America, and my
beloved parents there but for nearly a year and a half,
BO entirely engrossed was every thought with 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, my dear brother, who know my strong attach-
ment to my friends, and how much pleasure I have hith-
erto experienced from retrospect, can judge from the
above circumstances, how intense were 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 violent death, and
that I should, of course, become a slave, and languish
out a miserable though short existence, in the tyrannic
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
world, to that rest, that peaceful, happy rest where Jesus
reigns, and oppression never enters. But how 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 con-
tinually raised and sent down the river, and as frequent
reports returned of their being all cut off. But that
part of the Burmese army stationed in Arracan, under
the command of Bandoola, 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 Ban-
doola understood the art of fighting with foreigners ; con-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 143
sequently his majesty recalled him with the design of hig
taking command of the army that had been sent to Ran-
goon. On his arrival at Ava, he was received at court
in the most flattering manner, and was the recipient of
every favor in the power of the king and queen to be-
stow. He was, in fact, while at Ava, the acting king.
I was resolved to apply to him for the release tf the
missionaries, though some members of government ad-
vised me not, lest he, being reminded of their existence,
should issue an immediate order for their execution
But it was my last hope, and, as it proved, my last ap
plication.
Your brother wrote a petition privately, stating every
circumstance 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 secretaries took the petition, and read it aloud.
After hearing it, he spake to me in an obliging manner
asked several questions relative to the teachers said
he would think of the subject and bade me come again.
I ran to the prison to communicate the favorable recep-
tion to Mr. Judson ; and we both had sanguine 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 was ordered by her husband to make the following
communication that he was now very busily employed
144 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
in making preparations for Rangoon ; but that when he
had retaken that place and expelled the English, he
would return and release all the prisoners.
Thus again were all our hopes dashed ; and we felt
that we could do nothing more, but sit down and sub-
mit to our lot. From this time we gave up all idea of
being released from prison, till the termination of the
war ; but I was still obliged to visit constantly some of
the members of government, with little presents, par-
ticularly the governor of the city, for the purpose of
making the situation of the prisoners tolerable. I gen-
erally spent the greater part of every other day at the
governor's house, giving him all the 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 preven-
ted my spending the usual hours at his house.
Some months after your brother's imprisonment, I
was permitted to make a little bamboo room in the prison
enclosures, where he could be much by himself, and
where I was sometimes allowed to spend two or three
hours. It so happened that the two months he occu-
pied this place, was the coldest part 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 governor as be-
ftre, and found I had lost considerable influence, pre-
viously gained ; for he was not so forward to hear my
petitions when any difficulty occurred, as he formerly had
been. When Maria was nearly two months old, her
father one morning sent me word that he and all the white
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 146
prisoners were put into the inner prison, in five pairs of fet-
ters each, that his little room had been torn down, and his
mat, pillow, &c. been taken by the jailors. 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 Ban-
doola, his escape to Danooyboo, the complete destruction
of his army and loss of ammunition, and the consterna-
tion this intelligence produced at court. The English
army had left Rangoon, and were advancing towards
Prome, when these severe measures were taken with the
prisoners.
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 forbid to enter. All
was as still as death not a white face to be seen, or a
vestige of Mr. J's. little room remaining. 1 was deter-
mined 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 would be
at home. He was in his audience room, and, as I en-
tered, looked up without speaking, but exhibited a mix-
ture of shame and affected anger in his countenance. 1
began by saying, Your lordship has hitherto treated us
with the kindness 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 in-
nocent beings, committed to your charge. You have
146 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
promised me particularly, that you would stand by me ta
the last, and though you should receive an order from the
king, you would not put Mr. J. to death. What crime
has he committed to deserve such additional punishment ?
The old man's hard heart was melted, for he wept like a
child. " I pity you, Tsa-yar-ga-dau, (a name by which
he always called me,) I knew you would make me feel ;
I therefore forbade your application. But you must be-
lieve me when I say, I do not wish to increase the suf-
ferings 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 have received intima-
tions from the queen's brother, to assassinate all the
white prisoners privately ; but I would not do it. And
I now repeat it, though I execute all the others, I will
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 re-
solute in denying me a favor, which circumstance was an
additional reason for thinking dreadful scenes were be-
fore us.
The situation of the prisoners was now distressing
beyond description. It was at the commencement of the
hot season. There were above a hundred prisoners shut
up in one room, without a breath of air excepting from
the cracks in the boards. I sometimes obtained permis-
sion to go to the door for five minutes, when my heart
sickened at the wretchedness exhibited. The white pri-
soners, from incessant perspiration and loss of appetite,
looked more like the dead than the living. I made daily
LIFE OP ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 147
applications to the governor, offering him money, which
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 was at this period that the death of Bandoola was
announced in the palace. The king heard it with silent
amazement, 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 would venture, since
the invincible Bandoola had been cut off? Such were
the exclamations constantly 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 com-
mon people had borne the weight of the war ; not a tickal
had been taken from the royal treasury. At length the
Pakan Woon, who a few months before had been so far
disgraced by the king as to be thrown 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 would conquer the English, and restore
those places that had been taken, in a very short time,
lie proposed that every soldier should receive a hundred
tickals in advance, and he would obtain security for each
man, as the money was to pass through his hands. It
was afterwards found that he had taken for his own use,
ten tickals from every hundred. He was a man of en-
terprise 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 was, to
148 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSOK.
arrrst Laiisago and the Portuguese priest, who had hitherto
remained unmolested, and cast them into prison, and to
Bubject 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 cir-
cumstances, as I shall soon relate.
After continuing in the inner prison for more than a
month, your brother was taken with a fever. I felt as-
sured 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, which was
nearly opposite the prison gate. Here I incessantly
begged the governor to give me an order to take Mr. J.
out of the large prison, and place him in a more comfort-
able situation ; and the old man, being worn out with my
entreaties, at length gave me the order in an official form,
and also gave orders to the head jailer, to allow me to go
in and out, all times of the day, to administer medicines,
&c. I now felt happy indeed, and had Mr. J. instantly
removed into a little bamboo hovel, so 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 for
my admittance into prison, it was with the greatest diffi-
culty that I could persuade the under jailer to open the
gate. I used to carry Mr. J'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 sit-
LIFE OP ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 149
uation but two or three days, when 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 him to return as soon as I had ascertained the
governor's will, he being much alarmed at this unusual
message. I was very agreeably disappointed, when the
governor informed me that he only wished to consult me
about his watch, and seemed unusually pleasant and con-
versable. 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 with a
ghastly countenance, informed me that all the white pri-
soners were carried away. I would not believe the re-
port, 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 dis
appointed. I ran first into one street, then another, in
quiring 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 Amarapora. 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 foreigners 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 probabil-
ity of their future fate. The old man assured me that
he was ignorant of the intention of government to re-
150 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
move the foreigners till that morning. That since I went
out, he had learned that the prisoners were to be sent to
Amarapora ; but for what purpose, he knew not. " I
will send off a man immediately," said he, "to see what
is to bo done with them. You can do nothing more for
your husband," continued he; "take care of yourself."
With a heavy heart I went to my room, and having no
hope to excite me to exertion, I sunk down almost in
despair. For several days previous, I had been actively
engaged in building my own little room, and making our
hovel comfortable. My thoughts had been almost en-
tirely occupied in contriving means to get into prison.
But now I looked towards the gate with a kind of melan-
choly feeling, but no wish to enter. All was the stillness
of death, no preparation of your brother's food, no ex-
pectation of meeting him at the usual dinner hour, all
my employment, all my occupations seemed to have
ceased, and I had nothing left but the dreadful recollec-
tion that Mr. Judson was carried off, I knew not whither.
It was one of the most insupportable days I ever passed.
Towards night, however, I came to the determination to
set off the next morning for Amarapora ; arid for this
purpose was obliged to go to our house out of town.
Never before had I suffered so much from fear in
traversing the streets of Ava. The last words of tho
governor, " Take care of yourself," made me suspect
there was some design with which I was 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 two or
throe trunks of the most valuable articles, together with
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 151
the medicine chest, to deposit in the house of the gov-
ernor ; and after committing the house and premises to
our faithful Moung Ing and a Bengalee servant, who
continued with us, (though we were unable to pay hia
wages,) I took leave, as I then thought probable, of our
house in Ava, forever.
On my return to the governor's, I found & servant of
Mr. Gouger, who happened to be near the prison when
the foreigners were led out, and followed oa to see ihe
O 7
end, who informed me that the prisoners had been car-
ried before the Lamine Woon, at Amarapora, and were
to be sent the next day to a village he knew not how far
distant. My distress was a little relieved by the intelli-
gence that our friend was yet alive, but still I knew not
what was to become of him. The next morning I ob-
tained a pass from government, and with my little Maria,
who was then only three months old, Mary and Abby
Hasseltine, (two of the Burman children,) and our Ben-
galee cook, who was the only one of the party that
could afford me any assistance, I set off for Amarapora.
The day was dreadfully hot ; but we obtained a covered
boat, in which we were tolerably comfortable, till within
two miles of the government house. I then procured a
cart ; but the violent motion, together with 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 uncomfortable
mode, four miles further, with little Maria in my arms,
whom I held all the way from Ava. The cart man re-
fused to go any further; and, after waiting an hour in
152 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
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 was conducted directly to
the prison yard. But what a scene of wretchedness was
presented to my view ! The prison was an old, shattered
building, without a roof; the fence was entirely de-
stroyed ; eight or ten Burmese were on the top of the
building, trying to make something like a shelter with
leaves ; while under a little low projection outside of the
prison sat the foreigners, chained together two and two,
almost dead with suffering and fatigue. The first words
of your brother were, " Why have you come ? I hoped
you would not follow, for you cannot live here." It was
now dark. I had no refreshment for the suffering
prisoners, or for myself, as I had expected to procure all
that was necessary at the market of Amarapora, 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 not customary. I then begged he
would procure me a shelter for the night, when on the
morrow I could find some place to live in. He took me to
his house, in which there were only two small rooms one
in which he and his family lived the other, which was
then half full of grain, he offered rne ; and in that little,
filthy place I spent the next six months of wretchedness.
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 prison :
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JTJDSON. 153
As soon as I had gone out at the call of the governor,
one of the jailors rushed into Mr. J's little room
roughly seized him by the arm pulled him out stripped
him of all his clothes, excepting his shirt and pantaloons
took his shoes, hat, and all his bedding tore off his
chains tied a rope round his waist, and dragged him to
the court-house, where the other prisoners had previouly
been taken. They were then tied two and two, and de-
livered into the hands of the Lamine Woon, who went
on before 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 hottest months in the year, and eleven o'clock in the
day, so that the sun was intolerable, indeed. They had
proceeded only half a mile when your brother's feet be-
came blistered, and so great was 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, which soon became perfectly destitute
of skin ; and, in this wretched state, they were goaded
on by their unfeeling drivers. Mr. J.'s debilitated state,
in consequence of fever, and having taken no food that
morning rendered him less capable of bearing such hard-
ships than the other prisoners. When about half way
on their journey, as they stopped for water, your brother
begged the Lamine Woon to allow him to ride his horse
a mile or two, as he could proceed no farther in that
dreadful stale. But a scornful, malignant look, was all
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
the reply that was made. He then requested Captain
Laird, who was tied with him, and who was 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
burden insupportable. Just at that period Mr. Gouger's
Bengalee servant came up to them, and seeing the dis-
tress of your brother, took off his head-dress, which
was made of cloth, tore it in two, gave half to his master
and half to Mr. Judson, which he instantly wrapped
iround 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 way. Had it not been for the sup-
port and assistance of this man, your brother thinks he
should have shared the fate of the poor Greek, who was
one of their number, and when taken out of prison that
morning was in perfect health. But he was 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 two miles.
But the poor creature expired in an hour or two after
their arrival at the court-house. The Lamine Woon,
seeing the distressing state of the prisoners, and that
one of their number was dead, concluded they should go
no further 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 without even a mat or pillow, or anything to
cover them. The curiosity of the Lamine Woon's wife.
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 155
induced lier to make a visit to the prisoners, "whose
wretchedness considerably excited her compassion, and
she ordered some fruit, sugar, and tamarinds, for their
refreshment ; and the next morning rice was prepared
for them, and as poor as it was, it was refreshing to the
prisoners, who had been almost destitute of food the day
before. Carts were also provided for their conveyance,
as none of them were able to walk. All this time the
foreigners were entirely ignorant of what was to become
of them ; and when they arrived at Oung-pen-la, and
saw the dilapidated state of the prison, they immediately,
all as one, concluded that they were there to be burnt,
agreeably to the report which had previously been in
circulation at Ava. They all endeavored to prepare
themselves for the awful scene anticipated ; and it was
not until they saw preparations making for repairing the
prison that they had the least doubt that a cruel, linger-
ing death awaited them. My arrival was in an hour or
two after this.
The next morning I arose and endeavored to find
something 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 Amarapora, which, together with a cup of tea from
Mr. Lansago, answered for the breakfast of the prison-
ers ; and for dinner we made a curry of dried salt fish,
which a servant of Mr. Gouger 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
156 LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON.
fears; for, notwithstanding the constant extortions of
the jailers, during the whole six months we were at
Oung-pen-la, and the frequent straits to which we wero
brought, we never really suffered for the want of money,
though frequently for want of provisions, which were not
procurable. Here at this place my personal bodily suf-
ferings 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 expectations.
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 arrival, Mary Hasseltine
was taken with the small pox, the natural way. She,
though very young, was the only assistant I had in taking
care of little Maria. But she now required all the time
I could spare from Mr. Judson, whose fever still con-
tinued in prison, and whose feet were so dreadfully man-
gled that for several days he was unable to move. I
knew 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 re-
turned 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 would take it ; I therefore inocu-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 157
lated her from another child, before Mary's had arrived
at such a state as to be infectious. It the same time I
inoculated Abby and the jailor'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 was 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 will recollect I never had -the small pox, but waa
vaccinated previously to leaving America. In conse-
quence of being for so long a time constantly exposed,
I had nearly a hundred postules formed, though no pre-
vious symptoms of fever, &c. The jailer's children
having had the small pox so lightly, in consequence of
inoculation, my fame was spread all over the village,
and every child, young and old, who 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 the mall 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 more comfortably situated,
than when in the city prison.
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 erected in front of the prison, where the
prisoners were allowed to remain during the day, though
158 LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON.
locked up in the little close prison at night. All the
children recovered from the small pox ; but my watchings
and fatigue, together with my miserable food, and more
miserable lodgings, brought on one of the diseases of
the country, which is almost always fatal to foreigners.
My constitution seemed destroyed, and in a few days I
became so weak as to be hardly able to walk 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 dis-
order 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 greatest difficulty that
I obtained the medicine chest from the governor, and
then had no one to administer medicine. I however got
at the laudanum, and by taking two drops at a time for
several hours, it so far checked the disorder, as to en-
able 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 was 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 wheels are not con-
Btructed like ours, but are simply round thick planks
with a h)le 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
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 159
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 which I was confined for more than two months,
and never perfectly recovered, until I came to the Eng-
lish 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 known him not to taste food
till near night, in consequence of having to go so far for
wood and water, and in 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 anywhere, or to perform any act we required. I
take great pleasure in speaking of the faithful 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 ob-
tained leave for Mr. Judson to come out of prison, and
take the emaciated creature around the village, to beg a
little nourishment from those mothers who had young
children. Her cries in the night were heart-rending,
when it was impossible to supply her wants. I now be-
gan to think the very afflictions of Job had come upon
160 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
inc. 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, was almost too much
for me to bear ; and had it not been for the consolations
of religion, and an assured conviction that every addi-
tional trial was ordered by infinite love and mercy, I must
have sunk under my accumulated sufferings. Sometimes
our jailers seemed a little softened at our distress, and
for several days together allowed Mr. Judson to come to
the house, which was to me an unspeakable consolation.
Then again, they would be as iron-hearted in their de-
mands, as though we were free from sufferings, and in
affluent circumstances. The annoyance, the extortions,
and oppressions to which we were subject, during our
six months' residence in Oung-pen-la, are beyond enume-
ration or description.
It was some time after our arrival at Oung-pen-la, that
we heard of the execution of the Pakan Woon, in con-
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 witness-
ing the horrid scene. We had frequently heard of hia
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
examination. Perhaps no death in Ava ever produced
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 101
such universal 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 bro-
ther of the king was appointed to the command of the
army now in readiness, but with no very sanguine expec-
tations of success. Some weeks after the departure of
these troops, two of the Woon-gyees were sent down for
the purpose of negotiating. But not being successful,
the queen's brother, the acting hint} of the country, was
prevailed on to go. Great expectations were raised
in consequence ; but his cowardice induced him to en-
camp his detachment 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 re-
ports 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, in-
formed 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 arrived, and with a joyful
heart I set about preparing for our departure early the
following morning. But an unexpected obstacle occurred,
which made us fear that I should still be retained as A
prisoner. The avaricious jailers, unwilling to lose their
prey, insisted, that as my name was not included in tho
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 for-
11
162 LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON.
bade the villagers letting me a cart. Mr. Judson was
then taken out of prison, and brought to the jailer's
house, where, by promises and threatenings, he finally
gained their consent, on condition that we would leave
the remaining part of our provisions we had recently
received from Ava. It was noon before we were allowed
to depart. When we reached Amarapora, Mr. Judson
was obliged to follow the guidance of the jailer, who
conducted him to the governor of the city. Having
made all necessary inquiries, the governor appointed
another guard, which conveyed Mr. Judson to the court-
house in Ava, to which place he arrived some time in the
night. I took my own 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,
who now was raised to the rank of a Woon-gyee. He
informed me that Mr. Judson was to be sent to the Bur-
mese 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 on the following morning,
I went to this officer again, who told me that Mr. Judson
had that moment received twenty tickals from govern-
ment, with orders to go immediately on board a boat for
Maloun, and that he had given him permission to stop a
few moments at the house, it being on his way. I has
tened back to the house, where Mr. Judson soon arrived,
but was allowed to remain only a short time, while I
could prepare food and clothing for future use. He was
LIFE OP ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON. 163
crowded into a little boat, where he had not room to lie
down, and where his exposure to the cold, damp nights
threw him into a violent fever, which had nearly ended
all his sufferings. He arrived at Maloun on the third
daj. rhere, ill as he was, he was obliged to enter imme-
diately on the work 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
was less than it had been at any time previous, since the
commencement 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 was seized with the spotted fever,
with all its attendant horrors. I knew the nature of the
fever from its commencement, and from the shattered
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 gratitude and confidence in God, for though 1
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 without any
exertion, a voluntary offer was made. My fever raged
violently, and without any intermission. I began to
16'4 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
think of settling my worldly affairs, and of committing my
dear little Maria to the care of a Portuguese woman,
when I lost my reason, and was insensible to all around
me. At this dreadful period, Dr. Price was released
irom prison ; and hearing of my illness, obtained per-
mission to come and see me. He has since told me that
my situation was the most distressing he had ever wit-
nessed, 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 Bengalee ser-
vant who took care of me, to endeavor to persuade me
to take a little nourishment, which I had obstinately re-
fused for several days. One of the first things I recollect
was, seeing this faithful servant standing by me, trying
to induce me to take a little wine and water. I was, in
fact, so far gone, that the Burmese neighbors who 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 when 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 weak, de-
bilitated state, the servant who had followed your bro-
ther to the Burmese camp, came in, and informed me
that his master had arrived, and was conducted to the
court-house in town. I sent off a Burman 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. Jud-
son go out of the palace yard, accompanied by two or
LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSOX. 1G5
three Burmans, who conducted him to one of the prisons,
and that it was reported in town, that he was 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 sufficient composure to des-
patch 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 1 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 returned 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 efforts to secure my husband ; I could only plead
with that great and powerful Being who has said, " Call
upon me in the day of trouble, and I mil hear, and thou
shalt glorify me;" and who made me at this time feel
so powerfully this promise, that I became quite com-
posed, feeling assured that my prayers would be an-
swered.
When Mr. Judson was sent from Maloun to Ava, it
was within five minutes' notice, and without his know
ledge of the cause. On his way up the river, he acci-
dentally saw the communication made to government
respecting him, which was simply this : " We havo no
166 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSOX.
further use for Yoodathan, we therefore return him to
the golden city." On arriving at the court-house, there
happened to be no one present who was acquainted wilt
Mr. J. The presiding officer inquired from what place
lie had been sent to Maloun. He was answered from
Oung-pen-la. Let him then, said the officer, be returned
thither when he was delivered to a guard and con-
ducted to the place above mentioned, there to remain
until he could be conveyed to Oung-pen-la. In the
meantime 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 with considerable
kindness, and to which I was removed as soon as return-
ing health would 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
measures must be taken to save the golden city. They
had hitherto rejected all the overtures of Sir Archibald
Campbell, imagining, until this late period, that they
could in some way or other drive the English from the
country. Mr. Judson and Dr. Price were daily called
to the palace and consulted: in fact nothing was done
without their approbation. Two English officers, also,
who 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 terras. It was finally concluded that Mr.
Judson and one of the officers above mentioned, should be
sent immediately to the English camp, in order to ncgo
IJFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 167
tiate. The danger attached to a situation so responsible,
under a government so fickle as the Burmese, induced
your brother to use every means 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 could transact the business
equally as well as himself. After some hesitation and
deliberation, Dr. Price was appointed to accompany Dr.
Sandford, one of the English officers, on condition that
Mr. Judson would stand security for his return ; while
the other English officer, then in irons, should be se-
curity for Dr. Sandford. The king gave them a hundred
tickals each, to bear their expenses, (twenty-five of which
Dr. Sandford generously sent to Mr. Gouger, still a prison-
er 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 waited 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 were immediately torn
down. Our house with 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, was seen approaching a day earlier than
was expected. As it advanced towards the city, the
1G8 LIFE OP ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
banks were lined by thousands, 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 Loot-dau were seated, when Dr. Price
made the following communication : " The general and
commissioners will make no alteration in their terms,
except the hundred lacks (a lack is a hundred thousand)
of rupees, may be paid at four different times. The first
twenty -five lacks to be paid within twelve days, or the
army will continue their march. " In addition to this, the
prisoners were to be given up immediately. The general
had commissioned Dr. Price to demand Mr. Judson and
myself and little Maria. This was communicated to the
king, who replied, " They are not English, they are
my people, and shall not go. " At this time I had no
idea that we should ever be released from Ava. The
government had learned the value of your orother's
services, having employed him the last three months ; and
we both concluded they would never consent to our de-
parture. The foreigners were again called to a consul-
tation, to see what could be done. Dr. Price and Mr.
Judson told them plainly that the English would never
make peace on any other terms than those offered, and
that it was in vain to go down again without the money.
It was then proposed that a third part of the first sum
demanded should be sent down immediately. Mr. Jud-
son objected, and still said it would be useless. Some
of the members of government then intimated that it
was probable the teachers were on the side of the Eng-
lish, and did not try to make them take a smaller sum ;
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 1G9
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
considerably allayed by the offers of a general, by name
Layar-thoo-yah, who desired to make one more attemp'i
to conquer the English, and disperse them. He assured
the king and government, that he could so fortify the
ancient city of Pagan, as to make it impregnable ; and
that he would there defeat and destroy the English. His
offers were heard, he marched to Pagan, with a very con-
siderable force, and made strong the fortifications. But
the English took the city with perfect ease, and dispersed
the Burmese army; while 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 General
provoked, and the troops daily advancing, that he or-
dered the general to be immediately executed ! The
poor fellow was soon hurled from the palace, and beat
all the way to the court-house when he was stripped of
his rich apparel, bound with cords, and made to kneel
and bow towards the palace. He was then delivered
into the hands of the 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
was executed in consequence of disobeying his commands,
" Not to fight the English."
Dr. Pries was sent off the same night, with part of
the prisoners, and with instructions to persuade the
170 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
general to take six lacks instead of twenty-five. He
returned in two or three days with the appalling intelli-
gence that the English General was very angry, refused
to have any communication with him, and was now within
a few days' march of the capital. The queen waa
greatly alarmed, and said the money should be raised
immediately if the English would 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 English that, after all their alarm, they concluded
to send down six lacks only, with the assurance that if
the English would stop where they then were, the re-
mainder should be forthcoming immediately.
The government now did not even ask Mr. Judson
the question whether he would go or not ; but some of
the officers took him by the arm, as he was walking in
the street, and told him he must go immediately on board
the boat, to accompany two Burmese officers, a Woon-
gyee and Woondouk, who were going down to make
peace. Most of the English prisoners were 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 would make peace.
The general also commissioned Mr. Judson to collect the
remaining foreigners, of whatever country, and ask the
question before the Burmese government, whether they
wished to go or stay. Those who expressed a wish to gn
LIFE OF AttN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 171
should be delivered up immediately or peace would not
be made.
Mr. Judson reached Ava at midnight; had all the for-
eigners 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 odium
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 was 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 en-
tertained us at his house, and who now accompanied us
to the water side, and we 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 overflowing with joy at our prospects, we passed
down the Irrawaddy, surrounded by six or eight golden
boats, and accompanied by all we had on earth. Tho
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 pro-
gress. Nor were we mistaken in our conjectures. We
reached the camp about midnight, where we were de-
tained two hours; the Woongyee, and high officers, in-
172 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTIXE JTrDSOK.
sisting that we should wait at the camp while Dr. Price,
(who lid not return to Ava with your brother, but re-
mained at the camp,) should go on with the money, and
first ascertain whether peace would be made. The Bur-
mese government still entertained the idea that as soon
as the English had received the money and prisoners,
they would continue their march and yet destroy the
capital. We knew not but that some circumstance might
occur to break off the negotiations ; Mr. Judson there-
fore strenuously insisted that he would not remain, but
go on immediately. The officers were finally prevailed
on to consent, hoping much from Mr. Judson's assistance
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 what
sensations of delight, on the next morning, did I behold
the masts of the steam-boat, 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 steam-boat, where I passed the remainder
of the day, while your brother went on to meet the
general, who, with a detachment of the army, had en-
camped at Yandabo, a few miles further down the river.
Mr. Judson returned in the evening with 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 own took us to his own
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 173
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 canceled. Our final release from Ava, and
our recovering all the property that had there been taken
was owing entirely to his efforts. This subsequent hos-
pitality, and kind attention to the accommodations for
our passage to Rangoon, have left an indelible impres-
sion on our minds, which can never be forgotten. 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 were ever happier than we were during the fort-
night we passed at the English camp. For several days
this single idea wholly occupied my mind, that we were
out of the power of the Burmese government, and once
more under the protection of the English. Our feelings
continually dictated expressions like these: What shall
we render to the Lord for all his benefits toward us !
The treaty of peace was soon concluded, signed by
both parties, and a termination of hostilities publicly de-
clared. 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
excites 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 concluded ? But all that we can say is, It
is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. So far as
my going round to Rangoon, at the time I did, was in-
174 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
strumental in bringing those heavy afflictions upon us, 1
can only state, that if I ever acted from a sense of duty
in my life, it was 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 ap-
proaching war. Our society at home have lost no pro-
perty in consequence of our difficulties ; but two years
of precious time have been lost to the mission, unless
some future advantage may be gained, in consequence
of the severe discipline to which we ourselves have been
subject. We are sometimes induced to think that the
lesson we found so very hard to learn will have a benefi-
cial effect through our lives; and that the mission may,
lu 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, besides the missionary field being
much more limited, in consequence of intoleration. We
now consider our future missionary prospects as bright,
indeed ; and our only anxiety is to be once more in that
situation where our time will be exclusively devoted to
the instruction of the heathen.
The following tribute to Mrs. Judson, written by one
of Mr. Judson's companions in captivity, an Englishman,
it is due to her memory to introduce here :
" 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 ex-
LIFE OP ANN 1IASSELTINE JUDSON, 175
pected by any, who knew the hauteur and inflexible pride
of the Burma n court.
"And while on this subject, the overflowings of grate-
ful 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 con-
veyance, and very feeble in health, forgot her own com-
fort 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 we were all left by the government destitute
of food, she, with unwearied perseverance, by some means
or other, obtained for us a constant supply.
" When the tattered state of our clothes evinced the
extremity of our distress, she was ever ready to replen-
ish our scanty wardrobe.
" When the unfeeling avarice of our keepers confined
us inside, or made our feet fast in the stocks, she, like a
ministering 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 oppressions.
"Besides all this, it was unquestionably owing in a
chief degree, to the repeated eloquence, and forcible ap-
peals of Mrs. Judson, that the untutored Burman was
finally made willing to secure the welfare and happiness
of his country, by a sincere peace. "
176 LIFE OF A1<N HASSELTINE JUDSON.
CHAPTER X.
DEATH OF MRS. JUDSON AND HER DAUGHTER.
ALTHOUGH the terrible sufferings through which the
Missionaries had passed were sufficient to appal the
stoutest heart, their love for the Burmans and their de-
votion to the missionary cause continued unabated. They
prepared, full of renewed hope, for a removal to a new field
of labour, Amherst. Mr. Judson writes to the corres-
ponding secretary.
Rangoon, July 31, 1826.
REV. AND DEAR SlR :
At the date of my last letter, I was waiting for an
opportunity of removing to Amherst. Since then, the
commissioner, Mr. Crawford, who is appointed to nego-
tiate 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 in-
terest to procure the insertion of an article in the treaty,
favorable to religious toleration an object which I have
had at heart for so many years, and which, though now
on account oi the opening in the south provinces, not
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 117
so necessary as formerly, yet greatly favourable 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 commencement
in the new place, as early as possible, and unwilling to
disappoint the native converts, who had left this, in the full
expectation of our immediately following them, I accom-
panied Mrs. Judson and family thither, in the end of
last month, and after seeing them comfortably settled,
in a temporary house belonging to Captain Fenwick,
Civil Superintendent of the place, which he kindly va-
cated for Mrs. Judson's accommodation, I returned to
Rangoon the 9th inst. The embassy will leave this for
Ava, on the receipt of final orders from Bengal, which
are daily expected.
During Mr. Judson's absence upon this errand, Mrs.
Judson, the noble heroine, whose intrepid and loving
care had been his solace through such severe afflict-
ions, was taken ill with the fatal disorder which termi-
nated her life, October, 24th, 1826. In a strange land,
with the husband for whose sake she had faced so many
perils, away from relatives and home, she died, leaving a
deathless fame, and an example to her countrywomen
that can never fade or be forgotten.
Mr. Judson's letter to Mrs. Judson's mother, contains
the fullest account of her illness and death. I quote it
entire.
12
178 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
TO MRS. HASSELTINE OF BRADFORD, MASS.
AVA, December 1th, 1826.
DEAR MOTHER HASSELTINE:
Tins letter, though intended for the whole family, 1
address particularly to you; for it is a mother's heait
that will be most deeply interested in its melancholy de-
tails. 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 situ-
ated, happy in being out of the reach of our savage
oppressors, and animated in prospect of a field of mis-
sionary labor opening under the auspices of British pro-
tection. 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 saw her for the last time. Our parting waa
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 Ran-
goon, and subsequent arrival at Ava, I received several
letters from her, written in her usual style, and exhibit-
ing no subject of regret or apprehension, except the de-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDS03 179
dining health of our little daughter, 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 since we were broken up at Ava, feel myself at
home. The house is large and convenient, and if y^u
were here I should feel quite happy. The native popu-
lation 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 towards the sea. The servants behave very well,
and I have no trouble about anything, excepting you and
Maria. Pray take care of yourself, particularly as it
regards the intermittent fever at Ava. May God pre-
serve 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 superinten-
dent of Araherst, writes, " Mrs. Judson is extremely
well." Why she did not write herself, by the same op-
portunity, I know not. On the 18th, the same gentle-
man 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. How-
ever, her cares have been rewarded in a most extraordi-
nary manner, as the poor babe at one time was so
reduced that no rational hope could be entertained of its
180 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
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 communication 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 the let-
ter with feelings of 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 with the dreadful letter,
and proceed 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 present-
iment that she should not recover, and on the 24th, about
eight in the evening, she expired. Dr. R. was quite
LIFE OF ANN IIASSELTINE JUDSON. 181
assiduous in his attentions, both as friend and physician.
Captain F., procured her the services of a European
woman 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 med-
ical skill. On the morning of the 23d, Mrs. Judson
spoke for the last time. The disease had then 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 pro-
tect it from incautious 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 writes thus to a
friend in Rangoon :
" 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
182 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTIXE JUUSON.
instant, but we had no reason to apprehend the fata]
result. I saw her on the 18th, and at that time, she was
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 which 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 ever
our small society. You, who were so well acquainted
with her, must feel her loss more deeply ; but we 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 that 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 dread-
fully distressed at the loss of his 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
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSOX. 183
anguish, which for some days would admit of no mitiga-
tion, 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 wri-
ting, 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."
And there, my dear mother, we also shall 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 4, 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 at the head of her
grave, and the top of the "small rude fence" which
they have put up " to protect it from incautious intru-
sion." .
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 Ran-
goon ; and it was only on my arriving here, the 24tn
184 LIFE OF AI,'X HASSELTINE JUDSON.
ultimo, that I learned that she was still alive. Mr
Wade met me at the landing place, and as I passed on
to the house, one and another of the native Christiana
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 recognize her weeping father,
and from whose infant mind had long been erased all
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
to 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
station, 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-
plaiued thus : " The teacher is long in coming ; and the
new missionaries are long in coming; I must die alone,
and leave my little one ; but, as it is the will of God, I
acquiesce in his will. I 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 write; 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
LIFE OF AXN HASSEI/TIXK JUDSON. 186
ahargc 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
Burmese language, she ceased to breathe.
Feb. 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 skillful practitioner ; and his com-
munications to me have been rather consoling. I am
now convinced that everything possible was done, and
that, had I been present myself, I could not have essen-
tially contributed to avert the fatal termination of the
disease. The doctor was with her twice a day, and fre-
quently 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 at-
tention 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 ter-
mination of the fever is not to be ascribed to the locali-
ties of the new settlement, but chiefly to the weakness
of her constitution, occasioned by the severe privations
and long-protracted sufferings she endured at Ava. Oh,
with what meeknes?, and patience, and magnanimity,
186 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTIXE JUDSON.
and Christian fortitude, she bore those sufferings ! And
can I wish they had been less ? Can I sacrilegiously
wish to rob her crown of a single gem ? Much she saw and
Buffered of the evil 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
naste, 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 recover, while under the care of
the lady who kindly took charge of her, at her mother g
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.
The little Maria soon followed her mother to her
eternal home. Mr Judson's letter to his mother-in-law
ays :
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 18?
TO MRS. HASSELTINE.
AMHERST, April 26, 1827.
JJEAR MOTHER HASSELTINE : My little Maria lies by
the side of her fond mother. The complaint to which
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, and
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
Jbreathe on the 24th instant, at 3 o'clock, P. M., aged
two yeavs 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 her 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, (hopid,) which stands at the head of the
graves ; and together, I trust, their 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 follow 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.
188 LIFE OF ANN HASS1- I/TINE JUDSON.
Before closing the life of this distinguished woman, I
cannot forbear giving a quotation from Dr. Wayland's
Memoirs of Dr. Judson, as showing the impression made
by this truly lovely woman upon a British officer :
"A British officer, Major Calder Campbell, describing
* an adventure in Ava,' in the year 1826, gives a beau-
tiful and affecting description of Mrs. Judson. Major
Campbell, then lieutenant, when descending the Irra-
waddy river in a canoe manned by Burmans, was at-
tacked in the night, while asleep, by his faithless boat-
men, and severely wounded and robbed. When waiting
>n the beach with much anxiety and distress for the
passage of some friendly bark, a row boat was seen ap-
proaching.
" Signals of distress were made, and a skiff sent to his
assistance. The following 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 woman 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 with an intel-
lectual cast of countenance, in whom I at once recog-
nized the husband or the brother.
" ' His dress and bearing pointed him out as a mis-
sionary. I have said that I had not beheld a white fe-
male for many months; and now the soothing accents of
female words 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 Sa-
LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON. 189
maritans ! With what delight did I drink in the mild,
gentle sounds of that sweet 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 construc-
tion, in which her slight, emaciated, but graceful form
appeared almost ethereal. Yet, with much of heaven,
there were 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, with a
fond, yet fearful, glance, was that meek missionary, her
husband. Her face was pale, very pale, with that ex-
pression of deep and serious thought which speaks of
the strong and vigorous mind within the frail and perish-
ing body ; her brown hair was braided over a placid and
holy brow ; but her hands those small, lily hands
were quite beautiful ; beautiful they were, and very wan ;
for ah ! they told of disease of death death in all its
transparent grace when the sickly blood shines through
the clear skin, even as the bright poison lights up the
Venetian glass which it is about to shatter. That lady
was Mrs. Judson, whose long captivity and severe hard-
ships amongst the Burmese have since been detailed in
her published journals.
" ' I remained two days with them ; two delightful days
they were 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
190 LIFE OF ANN HASSELTINE JUDSON.
heightened interest from the beautiful, energetic sim-
plicity of her language, as well as from the certainty I
felt that so fragile a flower 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 selfishness of human nature that would keep to it-
gelf the purest and sweetest gifts of Heaven, to encoun-
ter the blasts and the blights of a world where 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.
When I looked my last on her mild, worn countenance,
as she issued some instructions to my new set of boat-
men, I felt my eyes fill with prophetic tears. They
were not perceived. We parted, and we never met
again ; nor is it likely that the wounded subaltern was
ever again thought of by those who had succored him.
Mrs. Judson and her child died soon after the cessation
of hostilities.' "
LIFE OP
SARAH B. JUDSON,
SECOND WIFB OF
REV. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D.
CHAPTER I.
BIRTH, PARENTAGE, AND EARLY LIFE.
SARAH B. JUDSON, ne'e Hall, was born at Alstead,
New Hampshire, on the 4th of November, 1803. She
was the daughter of Ralph and Abia Hall, and the eldest
of thirteen children. The discipline in habits of self-
denial which was so invaluable to her in after years, com-
menced with early childhood. Her parents were poor,
and upon the eldest daughter fell the task of assisting
her care-worn mother in all her domestic duties. Evin-
cing at an early age an intellect capable of the highest
cultivation, she was forced, by the iron hand of poverty,
to attain knowledge through her own habits of self-cul-
ture, aided by but little instruction. At four years of
age, she could read, and that knowledge once acquired,
her own love for study, and active mind, led her on,
step by step, in the path of knowledge. Her ready,
191
192 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
cheerful willingness to assist in every domestic care, ns
soon as her tiny hands could work, made her too valuable
an assistant at home, to be easily relinquished, and, find-
ing her time thus occupied, and feeling how selfish it
would be to desert her post by her mother's side, even to
gain the knowledge for which she panted, she stayed from
school, winter after winter, studying in e?ery interval of
toil, and by habits of perseverance andinlustry, gaining
information as rapidly as her companions who attended
school.
When very young, Sarah gave strong evidences of a
religious heart, far beyond her years. Her love for holy
things was not separate from every day life, a feeling to
be indulged in on Sunday, and forgotten through the
week. Every thought, every action, had for its main
spring, the desire of pleasing God, and drawing towards
his throne, all within the circle of her influence. When
only twelve years old, she writes in her journal :
" To-morrow will be the day which is called Thanks-
giving ; but I have some fear that it is only in the name.
* * * * This year, I will try to be truly thankful
and not forget the good God who so kindly watches over
my youthful days."
Another love of her early years was for poetry, and
the two ruling passions flow beautifully into one. Her
verses, written at an early age, are mostly upon sp-tred
subjects. I quote her versification of David's Lar '<it
over Saul and Jonathan, one of her earliest efforts :
The beauty of Israel for ever is fled,
And low are the noble and strong ;
Ye children of music encircle the dead,
And chant the funereal song.
LITE OP SARAH B. JUDSON. 198
Oh, speak not in Grath of the mighty laid low !
Be ye mute in proud Askelon's street !
Their daughters, in triumph at Israel's woe,
With scoffs the sad tidings would greet.
Ye mountains of Grilboa, never may dew
At eventide visit your flowers ;
May the fruits which the fields of your offerings strew,
Never welcome the soft summer showers.
While there, in his proud, princely beauty he stood.
Was the bow of the warrior unstrung ;
And low in the shadows that darken thy wood,
The shield of the mighty was <lung.
Oh, stronger than young mountain lions were they I
Like the eagles they never knew fear ;
And proud as they walked in their kingly array
Shone the light upon helmet and spear.
For Saul, oh, ye daughters of Israel most fair I
Who clothed you in scarlet and gold
Untwine every gem from your beautiful hair,
And in sack-cloth your loveliness fold.
And I oh, my brother ! in sorrow for thee,
My spirit is bending full low !
Thy smiles and thy voice have been pleasant to me,
As the streams that in Lebanon flow.
Thy love was a wonderful, beautiful thing,
More than kindles in woman's fond breast ;
Not thy sister's young arms to my neck as they cling.
More tenderly ever caressed.
i
Ye daughters of music, encircle the dead '
And chant the funereal song ;
The beauty, the glory of Israel have fled,
And low in the dust lie the strong
13
194 LIFK OF SARAH B. JUDSOX.
This is only one of many gems written when quite a
child, and when it is remembered that her hands were
filled with the homeliest domestic duties, and her head
with the studies she was pursuing alone, these efforts are
truly wonderful.
At the age of seventeen, feeling the need of more
books, and also of some further instruction in her
studies, she took a children's school, toiling hard half her
time to teach, for the privilege of studying hard the
other half. Logic, Geometry, Latin, were amongst her
studies ; and as her brothers and sisters grew old enough
to benefit by her instructions, she imparted to them, one
after another, the knowledge gaiw4 w> hardly.
LIFE OF SAKAH B. JDDSON. 195
CHAPTER II.
PROFESSION OP RELIGION POETRY ON DEATH OF COLMAN
MARRIAGE DEPARTURE FOR INDIA.
In 1820 Sarah, now resolved to devote her whole life
to God and his cause, made a public profession of reli-
gion ; she took this important step with humility and a
touchingly meek spirit. In her journal she wrote :
" I have this day," (June 4th, 1820,) " in the pres-
ence of the world, the holy angels, and the omniscient
God, publicly manifested my determination to forsake
the objects of earth, and live, henceforth for Heaven.
What have I done ? Do I realize the importance of the
step I have taken ? Oh, my Saviour ! I am weak, and
the heart of man is deceitful ; but I do hope in thy mercy.
Thou didst die even for the chief of sinners, and I know
thou will pardon all who come to thee believing. Take
me, dear Saviour, all sinful, unworthy as I am do with
me what thou wilt, but oh ! preserve me from wounding
thy precious cause !
" I have to-day wept tears of pity, I can almost say
anguish, at the stupidity of sinners. Inhabitants of a
Christian country, the word of God in their hands ; the
mild, compassionate Saviour waiting to receive them ;
the Spirit striving, and yet they bent upon their own de-
196 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
struction. But have I not more reason to be astonished
and weep at ray own coldness I who have /eft, that
Jesus bled and died, even for my sins ; / wander from
the way of life ! * Turn me, God, and I shall be
turned ; draw me, and I shall run after thee.'
" To-day I had a long and serious conversation with
ray beloved sister Harriet. Sweet child ! she wept when
I told her of her dangerous state. I reminded her of the
shortness of time, the certainty of death, the value of the
soul, and the terrors of the Day of Judgment ; and she
appeared greatly distressed. But alas ! I have reason
to fear that her emotions were of a different nature from
those I would fain excite. I know that she loves me tender-
ly, and apprehensions of an eternal separation cannot fail
to give her pain. Oh ! that the Holy Spirit might con-
vince her, and convince my other sisters, and my brothers,
of the importance of seeking an interest in the Saviour."
The last paragraph illustrates the missionary spirit
which so distinguished her later years. Her disposition
was meek, retiring, and self-distrustful always, yet her
love for Christ was strong, the ruling passion. She did
not wait, letting this love lie dormant, till there was some
great world-wide cause to exert it; in the home circle,
tenderly and humbly she tried to raise the mind of her
young sister to the happy trust and love she herself felt
in Divine Providence.
Three years later Mrs. Crosby writes of her thus : " My
first particular accquaintance with Sarah Hall began in
1823, when she called on me, and invited me to join the
Tract Society, and engage in distributing tracts in a cer-
tain district. At this time she was about eighteen years
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 197
of age ; and from that period till her departure for glory,
the most affectionate intercourse was maintained. In the
tract labors she was assiduously engaged during her
residence in Salem. Soon after this event, (the call
above mentioned,) a few of her female friends indulged a
trembling hope in the Saviour, and she succeeded in es-
tablishing a prayer-meeting, where she vas accustomed
to meet them each week for several months, and the hap-
py results were, that all but one came forward publicly
and put on Christ. Although the attendants on this meet-
ting were all her seniors, and some of them married la-
dies, yet Miss Hall was the actual and acknowledged
leader."
In the life of Mrs. Ann Judson, there will be seen a no-
tice of the death of Mr. Colman, one of the earliest mar-
tyrs who fell fighting for the cross in Burmah. The newa
of his death spread through all America a sorrow, and
awoke to new life and energy the missionary cause.
Sarah Hall, with a saddened poetic fervor, wrote and pub-
lished the following lines, when the news of his death
reached her :
'Tis the voice of deep sorrow from India's shore,
The flower of our churches is withered, is dead,
The gem that shone brightly will sparkle no more,
And the tears of the Christian profusely are shed.
Two youths of Columbia, with hearts glowing warm,
Embarked on the billows far distant to rove,
To bear to the nations all wrapped in thick gloom,
The lamp of the gospel the message of love.
But Wheelock now slumbers beneath the cold wave,
And Colman lies low in the dark, cheerless grave ;
198 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
Mourn, daughters of Arracan, mourn !
The rays of that star, clear and bright,
That so sweetly on Chittagong shone,
Are shrouded in black clouds of night,
For Colrnan is gone !
At that sorrowful hour, that moment of woe,
When his cheek, lately glowing with health, was all
And his lone wife, disconsolate, feeble and low,
Was sad, and no Christian replied to her wail ;
Did not angels in sympathy shed the soft tear,
As they gazed from their thrones far beyond the blue sky ?
Oh no ; for the seraph of mercy was near,
To bid him rejoice, wipe the tear from Tier eye.
They saw, and with rapture continued their lays,
" How great is Jehovah ! how deep are his ways !
The spirit of love from on high,
The hearts of the righteous hath fired ;
Lo ! they come, and with transport they cry,
We will go where our brother expired,
And labour and die."
Oh, Colman ! thy father weeps not on thy grave ;
Thy heart-riven mother ne'er sighs o'er thy dust;
But the long Indian grass there most sweetly shall wave,
And the drops of the evening descend on the just;
Cold, silent, and dark is thy narrow abode,
But not long wilt thou sleep in that dwelling of gloom.
For soon shall be heard the great trump of our God,
To summon all nations to hear their last doom ;
A garland of amaranth then shall be thine,
And thy name on the martyrs' bright register shine ;
Oh, what glory will burst on thy view,
When are placed by the Judge of the earth
The flowers that in India grew
By thy care, on the never-pale wre^^h
Encircling thy brow !
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 109
The death of Colman leaving a sad vacancy in the
Mission at Burmah, George Boardman offered his servi-
ces to fill the place of the young martyr. The son of a
Baptist clergyman in Maine, he devoted himself after
leaving college, where he graduated with honor, to the
missionary cause.
Whilst waiting for the finger of Providence to point
out the scene of his missionary labors, he accepted the
situation of tutor in college for one year, and then Col-
man's death leaving the vacancy he panted to fill, he of-
fered his services to the Board of Missions, who at once
accepted his services. It being judged expedient, how-
ever, for him to receive a theological education, he studied
at Andover College until 1825, when he was appointed
missionary to Burmah.
Before the young missionary had ever met the future
partner of his toils in India, the lines to Colman quoted
above, had awakened an interest in their writer. They
met soon after, and it did not require many interviews
to prove that the interest in the salvation of heathen
souls was as strongly excited in one^ mind as in the
other. They loved each other with a rare tenderness,
and were married in 1825, resolved to attempt together
the arduous task of converting heathens to the true God.
Mrs. Allen writes in the Mother's Journal the follow-
ing account of the young missionary :
" She was of about middle stature, agreeable in hur
personal appearance, and winning in her manners. The
first impression of an observer respecting her, in her
youth, at the time of her departure from the country,
would be of a gentle, confiding, persuasive being, who
200 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSOW.
would sweeten the cup of life to those who drank it with
her. But farther acquaintance would develop strength
as well as loveliness of character. It would be seen that
she could do and endure as well as love and please.
Sweetness and strength, gentleness and firmness, were
in her character most happily blended. Her mind was
both poetical and practical ; she had refined taste, and a
love for the beautiful as well as the excellent."
In the same notice, she says :
" If we mistake not, she had not at first the cordial
consent of her family in this devotion of herself to a
missionary life. She was a treasure too precious to be
readily yielded up, even for this holy work. We recol-
lect that when she left her paternal home to reach the
ship which was to convey her ' over the dark and distant
sea,' after she had taken her seat in the stage-coach with
her chosen companion, and the late revered Dr. Bolles,
her pastor, and had bestowed her last farewell upon the
family group, as though she felt that she had not ob-
tained that free and full consent to her abandonment of
home and country which her filial heart craved, she
looked out at the coach window, and said, * Father, are
you willing ? Say, father, that you are willing I should
go.' 'Yes, my child, I am willing.' 'Now I can go
joyfully !' was the emphatic response ; and the noble
wanderer went on her way with cheerful composure.
" The mother's heart too, was wrung with anguish. At
first, clasping her idolized child closely in her arms, she
seemed utterly unable to give her consent to the separa-
tion, and it was not until the last hours before her de-
parture that she could falter, * I hope I am willing.' '
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 20 1
On the 16th of July, 1825, Mr. and Mrs. Boardman
sailed for India, and in December arrived at Calcutta.
Mr. Boardman writes home :
" It gives me much pleasure to write you from the
shores of India. Through the goodness of God we ar-
rived at Sand-Heads on the 23d ult., after a voyage of
127 days. We were slow in our passage up the Hoogly,
and did not arrive in Calcutta until the 2d inst. We
had a very agreeable voyage, religious service at meals,
evening prayers in the cabin, and when the weather
allowed, public worship in the steerage on Lord's-day
morning . . . allow me to add that we entertain a hope
that one of the sailors was converted on the passage.
" The report of our being at Sand-Heads reached
Calcutta several days before we did, and our friends had
made kind preparations to receive us. Soon after com-
ing in sight of the city, we had the pleasure of welcoming
on board the Asia the Rev. Mr. Hough. He informed
us that the Burmese war was renewed, after an armistice
of several weeks, and that no well-authenticated accounts
had been received from our dear friends, Judson and
Prica at Ava. It is generally supposed that they are
imprisoned with other foreigners, and have not the means
of sending round to Bengal.
At noon, Dec. 2d, we came on shore, . . . and were
received very kindly by the English Missionaries. We
found Mrs. Colman waiting with a carriage to bring us
out to this place. The cottage we occupy was formerly
the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Eustace Carey. Mr. and
Mrs. Wade, Mrs. Colman, Mrs. Boardman and myself,
compose a very happy American family. . . . But we
202 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
long to be laboring in Burmah. We are not yet discour-
aged by the dark cloud that hangs over our prospects
there. We still hope and trust, we firmly believe, that
eventually this war will tend to advance the cause of
Christ in Burmah. We hope our friends at home will
not be discouraged, but will continue to pray for us."
In another letter he says, " And now, my dear parents,
I wish you could make a visit at Chitpore. You would
find your two fond children sitting together very happily,
and engaged in writing letters to their beloved American
friends. Our mansion, to be sure, is but a bamboo cot-
tage, with a thatched roof, but is a palace compared with
most of the native huts around us. But you know a
large house is by no means essential to happiness. Food
and clothing sufficient, with the presence of God, are all
that is absolutely necessary. Could a man have in ad-
dition, one confidential friend, who sympathized in all
his joys and sorrows, and with whom he could enjoy all
the endearments of social life, he might be happy indeed'
and such a friend, such a wife I have in my beloved
Sarah. I fear I shall never be able to discharge the ob-
ligations I feel toward you for conferring on me so great
a blessing."
All missionary labor was suspended at Burmah at the
time Mr. and Mrs. Boardman arrived at Calcutta, and
they were obliged to remain in that place until the war
closed. They occupied their time, however, in studying
the language, and preparing themselves for future labors.
Mrs. Boardman writes, in 1827 :
" I sometimes think that of.all God's creatures, I have
most occasion for gratitude. Since I bade adieu to my
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 203
native land, the. events that have transpired in relation
to me have been one series of mercies. I am blest with
excellent health, a most affectionate husband, a lovely
daughter, and everything in my outward circumstances
to make me comfortable and happy. In view of these
temporal mercies, I can indeed say my cup runneth
over ! But when I think of my spiritual privileges, I
am still more overwhelmed. Among these, the near
prospect of being actually engaged in the glorious cause
of missions, is by no means the least. I still feel it to
be a privilege of which I am utterly unworthy, but for
which, I hope, I am not altogether unthankful."
In writing of her at this period, one of her English
friends pronounced her, a lovely wife, fond mother, win-
ning companion, and "the most finished and faultless
specimen of an American woman."
204 LIFE OF SARAII B. JUDSOH
CHAPTER III.
REMOVAL TO MAULMAIN FIRST PERIL IN THEIR NEW
HOME REMOVAL TO TAVOY MISSIONARY LABORS IN-
TEREST IN THE KARENS.
IN April, 1827, Mr. and Mrs. Boardman removed to
Amherst, to commence those missionary labors for which
they had forsaken home, friends, and country. Here,
Mrs. Boardman was first attacked with the disease which
made her an invalid for many years.
Resolving, after a short stay at Amherst, to remove
to Maulmain, twenty-five miles from Amherst, as it pre-
sented a wider field for usefulness, they erected there a
bamboo hut, and, although so feeble as to be carried on
a litter to her new home, Mrs. Boardman accompanied
her husband.
The mission-house was in a lonely spot, a mile from
the cantonments, and open to the ravages of wild
beasts, and men as savage. The English urged the mis-
sionaries to reside within the cantonments, but wishing
to study the Burmese character and language amongst
the natives, to be more useful in the future to them, he
refused, although fully alive to the dangers of his unpro-
tected situation.
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 205
Mrs. Boardman's delicate blonde beauty, the soft, fair
curls, and white skin, were matters of the most profound as-
tonishment and curiosity amongst the savages now around
her. As she progressed in the language, she invited all who
came near the hut to enter, and particularly devoted her
attention to the endeavor to win the love of the chil-
dren.
I quote from Fanny Forrester's life of Mrs. Judson,
the following account of the first peril of the mission-
aries in their new home :
" On the evening of the fourth day, as it deepened
into night, the books of study were thrown aside, and
the book of God taken in their stead ; then the prayer
was raised to heaven, and the little family went to rest.
Feeble were the rays of the one pale lamp, close by the
pillow of the young mother, scarce throwing its light
upon the infant resting in her bosom, and penetrating
into the remote darkness, but by feeble flickerings. So
sleep soon brooded over the shut eyelids, and silence
folded its solemn wings about the little habitation.
" The infant stirred, and the mother opened her eyes.
Why was she in darkness ? and what objects were those
scattered so strangely about her apartment, just distin-
guishable from the gray shadows ? The lamp was soon
relighted, and startling was the scene which it revealed.
There lay, in odd confusion, trunks, boxes, and chests
of drawers, all rifled of their contents; and strewed
carelessly about the floor, were such articles as the ma-
rauders had not considered worth their taking. While
regarding in consternation, not appreciable by those who
uave access to the shops of an American city, this spoil-
206 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
ing of their goods, Mrs. Boardman chanced to raise her
eye to the curtain, beneath which her husband had slept,
and she thought of the lost goods no more. Two long
gashes, one at the head, and the other at the foot, had
been cut in the muslin ; and there had the desperate
rillains stood, glaring on the unconscious sleepers with
their fierce, murderous eyes, while the booty was secured
by their companions. The bared, swarthy arm was
ready for the blow, and the sharp knife or pointed spear
glittered in their hands. Had the sleeper opened his
eyes, had he only stirred, had but a heavy, long-drawn
breath startled the cowardice of guilt ah, had it ! But
it did not. The rounded limbs of the little infant lay
motionless as their marble counterfeit ; for if the rosy
lips had moved but to the slightest murmur, or the tiny
hand crept closer to the loved bosom in her baby dreams,
the chord in the. mother's breast must have answered,
and the death-stroke followed. But the mother held her
treasure to her heart and slept on. Murderers stood by
the bedside, regarding with callous heart, the beautiful
tableau ; and the husband and father slept. But there
was one Eye open the Eye that never slumbers; a
protecting wing was over them, and a soft, invisible hand
pressed down their sleeping lids.
" Nearly every article of value that could be taken
away, had disappeared from the house : and, though
strict search was made throughout the neighborhood, no
trace of them was ever discovered. After this incident,
Sir Archibald Campbell furnished the house with a guard
of Sepoys during the night, and as the rapid increase of
(he population soon gave it a central position in the
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 207
town, the danger of such attacks was very much les-
sened."
Still, heroic in their determination to do good even to
the ruthless robbers who had taken their worldly goods
from them, they remained in the hut, striving, by smiles
and gentle gestures, to tell the natives, before their
tongues could frame the uncouth dialect, their love for
them, and kind intentions toward them.
It was not until the spring of 1828, that Mr. Board-
man's missionary labors really commenced. He then
removed to Tavoy. An unforeseen difficulty here awaited
them, for the corrupt dialect of the Tavoyians differed
widely* from the pure Burmese, and they had again to
conquer the difficulties of a new language.
In addition to his labors as a preacher, Mr. Boardman
established in Tavoy, a boy's school, and after great toil
and many discouragements, Mrs. Boardman succeeded
in opening one for girls. Four of Mr. Boardman's
scholars had accompanied him from Maulmain, and were
boarding scholars, so that Mrs. Boardman's hands were,
with family cares, study, and her own school, well filled.
A strong interest was felt by both Mr. and Mrs.
Boardman in the Karens, a most savage, ignorant set of
men, who live far from the Burmese towns, having no
settled dwelling-place, but inhabiting the wildest retreats
in mountain and forest. One of Mr. Boardman's first
works after his arrival, was to baptize Ko-Thah-Byoo, a
zealous disciple, instructed in the true religion by Dr.
Judson. He carried the news of his conversion to his
countrymen, and declared that the unknown, hoped-for
religion of their fathers, lost for many generations, wag
208 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
at last restored by the white teachers. Others came to
listen. They were docile, sensitive, and childlike in
their faith, and Mr. Boardman felt the keenest interest
in their conversion.
In the museum of the Baptist Missionary Society, is
a hook brought by these savages from their mountain
fastness to Mr. Boardman. It had been left years
before, by a foreigner who commanded them to worship
it, and in unquestioning faith the command was obeyed.
Upon taking it from the numerous folds of muslin in
which it was enveloped, Mr. Boardman found an Oxford
edition of the Common Prayer Book, in English. He
gave them in its stead, portions of Mr. Judson's transla-
tion of the Bible, which they could read and under-
stand. Their constant entreaty to him was to visit their
brethren, who could not come to him, and he promised
to do so.
In February, 1829, the first visit was made. Mrs.
Boardman, with her two children, the youngest a son
only six months old, was left, although still feeble from
the effects of an illness of four months' duration, alone,
with only the dusky natives around her.
Mr. Boardman was only recovering from the first
serious attack of pulmonary disease, which had visited
him in India, when he started upon this tour ; but the
eager welcome, ch'ildlike love, and strong desire to learn
the words of truth manifested by the Karens, made the
tour delicious, in spite of physical weakness, and some-
times suffering.
A severe trial awaited him upon his return. In his
little church, sin had entered with its deadly blight, and
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSOX. 209
the keenest suffering was felt by both Mr. and Mrs.
Boardman, who each felt that perhaps they had not done
their duty towards the converts. Mrs. Boardinan writes
to Mrs Bolles :
" Some of these poor Burmans, who are daily carried
to the grave, may at last reproach me, and say, * You
came, it is true, to the city where we dwelt, to tell of
neaven and hell, but wasted much, much of your precious
time in indolence, while acquiring our language. And,
when you were able to speak, why were you not inces-
santly telling us of this day of doom, when we visited
you ? why, oh, why did you ever speak of any other
thing while we were ignorant of the most momentous of
all truths ? Oh ! how could you think on anything but
our salvation ? How could you sleep, or allow yourself
anything like ease or comfort, while we were perishing,
and you knew a Being who could save us, and that Being
had promised to grant the petition of his children ? You
told us that He was your Father, and that He heard your
lowest whispers, and most secret sighs why, then, did
you not, day and night, entreat Him in our behalf.'
" Mr. Boardman will tell you of the heart-rending
afflictions which we have been called to endure in our
little church. Our hearts have almost bled with anguish,
and mine has sunk lower than the grave, for I have felt
that my unworthiness has been the cause of all our calam-
ities."
In the spring of 1829, Mrs. Boardman was again
seized with a severe illness. The baby, too, was weak,
puny, and ailing, and each day added to the delicacy of
14
210 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
Mr. Boardman's health. Sarah, the eldest child, tho
darling of both parents, alone continued in robust health.
A short trip was taken to Mergui for the benefit of
sea air and sea bathing, and the family returned with
renewed health to the scene of their labors.
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 211
CHAPTER IV.
DEATH OP THE FIRST BOBN.
ALTHOUGH in the visits of illness made to the little
missionary family, Sarah always seemed exempt, yet
death's ruthless hand fell first upon her fair hrow. No
language can tell the sad story so touchingly as that of
the bereaved mother, she writes :
" Our little Sarah left us July 8th, of last year aged
two years and eight months. * * * She was a singular-
ly lovely child. Her bright blue eyes, yellow hair, and
rosy cheeks, formed a striking contrast to the little dark
faces around her ; and I often said
Thou art a sweet and fragrant flower,
Mid poisonous, vile weeds blooming ;
A lovely star, whose cheering power
Makes glad the heavy-footed hour,
When midnight clouds are glooming.
" From the time she began to notice anything, we were
the objects of her fondest love. If she thought she had
incurred our displeasure, her tender heart seemed ready
to burst ; and she could not rest for a moment, until she
212 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
had said she was ' sorry,' and obtained the kiss of for-
giveness. She had learned to obey us implicitly. * * *
Always when she saw us kneeling to pray, she would
come and kneel beside us. On observing me one day
going to a small house for prayer, near the spot where
her precious dust now sleeps, she said to Marian and
Rosina, ' Go back ! I will go alone with mama to pray !'
She followed me to the place, and as soon as she entered
it, threw herself on her knees and commenced praying.
" She was an exceedingly sensitive child. She was not
only afflicted at sight of our tears, but even a sorrowful
look from us meite<J her tender heart, and incited her to
do all in her power to alleviate our sorrows. If we
frowned upon her conduct, she wept, kissed us, and re-
frained from committing the same fault again. If either
of us was ill, her heart seemed overflowing with grief ;
and she would say, in tones of touching tenderness,
1 Mama,' (or papa,) ill Sarah very sad. Mama can-
not take Sarah now.' And she would come and stroke
our foreheads with her little soft hand, and kiss us so
affectionately ! Her love to her little brother George
was unlimited. From the day of his birth till the day
but one before she died, he was her idol. If she wanted
anything ever so much, only tell her it was for Georgie,
and that was enough to satisfy her. She never envied
him an article of dress or food, or a play-thing, but
would always resign her choicest toys to her dear little
brother. Three days before she died, she was lying un-
easily in a large swing cradle, and George was in the
same room, crying. We thought it might soothe the
little sufferer, for he was also very ill, to lay him down
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSOX. 213
ber le Sarah. The proposal delighted her ; with smiles
she ihrew open her little arms, and, for the last time,
held her darling brother in her fond embrace. So great
was her gratification at this privilege, that she seemed
to forget her own pains.
" Little Sarah spoke English remarkably well for so
young a child, and Burmese, like a native ; she could also
Bay some things in the Hindostanee and Karen. And
what seems a little singular, she never confounded two
languages, but always spoke pure English to us, and pure
Burmese to Burmans. This discrimination continued as
long as she had the powers of speech. She had learned
the Lord's prayer and several little hymns. Dr. Jud-
son's lines on the death of Mee-Shway-ee she knew by
heart in Burmese, and used to chant them for half an
hour at a time. She had nearly learned the Burman
and English alphabets, and could repeat the names of
the months, days of the week, and a part of the multi-
plication-table, in Burmese. These things may seem
very trivial to you, but I muse upon them by the hour to-
gether ; and it is only when I call my cooler judgment
into action, that I can make myself believe they are un
interesting to any person on earth. I love to think of
my sweet bud of immortality, expanding so beautifully
in my own presence ; and fancy I can judge, in some
small degree, of the brilliancy of the perfect flower
from these little developments.
" A few hours before she died, she called us to her, kissed
us, and passed her dear hand, still full and dimpled, aa
in health, softly over our faces. The pupils of her eye
were so dilated that she could not see us distinctly, and
214 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
once, for a moment or two, her mind seemed to be wan-
dering ; then looking anxiously into my face, she said, * I
frightened, mama ! I frightened !' * * * Oh ! with
what feelings did I wash and dress her lovely form for the
last time, and compose her perfect little limbs ; and then
see her the dear child, which had so long lain in my
bosom borne away to her newly-made grave. My heart
grew faint when I thought that I had performed for her
my last office of love ; that she would never need a mo-
ther's hand again. My dear husband performed the fu-
neral service with an aching, though not desponding heart.
The grave is in our own enclosure, about fifteen rods from
the house a beautiful, retired spot, in a grove of Gan-
gau trees. Near it is a little Bethel, erected for private
devotion. Thither we have often repaired ; and we trust
that God, who in his infinite wisdom has taken our treas-
ure to himself, often meets us there."
" It never once occurred to me, all the time my child
was with me, that she could die ; she seemed always so
full of life and health."
After George's recovery she writes :
" We have a fine healthy boy ; but I do not allow my-
self to idolize him as I did his sister. In her dissolution
we saw such a wreck of all that was beautiful and lovely,
that I think we shall henceforth be kept from worship,
ing the creature."
LIFE OF SARAH B JUDSON. 215
CHAPTER V.
REVOLT AT TAVOY BIRTH AND DEATH OP THE SECOND SOW
TERRIBLE scenes were now preparing for the devoted
missionaries. I quote Mr. Boardman's letter, which
gives the plainest account of the trying season, though
language would fail to paint half the horror of the trial
to his gentle wife :
REV. AND DEAR SlR :
The province of Tavoy has engaged in an open revolt
against the British government. On Lord's-day morn-
ing, the 9th inst., at 4 o'clock, we were aroused from our
quiet slumbers by the cry of, ' Teacher, master, Tavoy
rebels,' and ringing at all our doors and windows. We
were soon awoke to our extreme danger, as we heard not
only a continual report of musketry within the town,
but the balls were frequently passing over our heads and
through our house ; and in a few moments a large com-
pany of Tavoyans collected near our gate, and gave us
reason to suspect they were consulting what to do with
us. We lifted our hearts to God for protection, and
Mrs. Boardman and little George were hurried away
through a back door to a retired building in the rear. I
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
lay down in the house, (to escape the bullets,) with a
single Burman boy, to watch and communicate the first
intelligence. After an hour of the greatest anxiety and
uncertainty I had the happiness of seeing the sepoya
(troops in the British service) in possession of the city
gates, in front of our house. We soon ascertained that
a party of about 2oO men had, in the first instance, at-
tacked the powder magazine and gun shed, which were
very near our house, but a guard of sepoys had repelled
them. This was a great mercy, for had the insurgents
obtained the arms and ammunition, our situation would
have been most deplorable. A second party of sixty had
attacked the house of the principal native officer of the
town, while a third party had fallen upon the guard of
the prison, and let loose all the prisoners, one hundred
in number, who, as soon as their irons were knocked off,
became the most desperate of all the insurgents."
In a moment of comparative quiet Mr. Boardman fled
with his wife and the poor babe, moaning with illness, to
the government house, where Mrs. Burney received them
most kindly. He says, in continuing his letter :
We caught up a few light articles on which we could
lay our hands, and with the native Christians, fled as if
for our lives. I visited the house once or twice after
this, and saved a few clothes and papers, but the firing
being near, rendered it hazardous to remain, and the last
time I went I found the house had been plundered. A
large part of our books, furniture, and clothes, which
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 217
had remained behind were either taken away or de-
stroyed.
We had been at the government hoim but a short
time when it was agreed to evacuate the town and retire
to the wharf. In the hurry of our second removal,
many things which we had brought from our house, wero
necessarily left, to fall into the hands of the plunderers.
We soon found ourselves at the wharf, a large wooden
building of six rooms, into which, besides the Europeans,
were huddled all the sepoys with their baggage and ours,
and several hundreds of women and children belonging
to Portuguese and others, who looked to the English for
protection. Our greatest danger at this time arose from
having, in one of the rooms where many were to sleep,
and all of us were continually passing, several hundred
barrels of gunpowder, to which, if fire should be com-
municated accidentally by ourselves, or mischievously
by others, we should all perish at once. The next dan-
ger was from the rebels, who, if they could either rush
upon us, or take us by surprise or stratagem, would
doubtless massacre us all on the spot. We lifted up our
hearts to God, and he heard us from his holy habitation.
We were preserved in safety through the night, though
anxious and sleepless. All our attempts to communicate
intelligence of our situation to the people in Maulmain
and Mergui were defeated, and the heavy rains soon af-
fected the health of the sepoys. We had but a small'
supply of rice in the granary near the wharf, and that
was continually in danger of being destroyed or burnt.
But through the kind care of our Heavenly Father, we
were preserved alive, and nothing of great importance
218 LIFE OF SARAH B. JITDSON.
occurred until the morning of Thursday, a little before
day-break, when a party of 500 advanced upon us from
the town, and set fire to several houses and vessels near
the wharf. But God interposed in our behalf, and sent
a heavy shower of rain, which extinguished the fire while
the sepoys repelled the assailants.
At breakfast, the same morning, we had the happiness
of seeing the Diana steam-vessel coming up the river,
with Major Burney on board. Our hearts bounded with
gratitude to God. It was soon agreed that the Diana
should return immediately to Maulmain for a reinforce-
ment of troops, and Major Burney had the kindness tc
offer a passage for Mrs. Boardman and our family to-
gether with his own. After looking to God for direc-
tion, I concluded to remain behind, partly in compliance
with Major Burney's advice and desire, but particularly
in the hope of being useful as an interpreter and nego-
tiator, and a preventer of bloodshed. With painful
pleasure I took a hasty leave of my dear family, and in
the evening the Diana left us, not, however, without hav-
ing several shots from cannon or jinjals fired at her from
the people on the city wall. The English forces, small,
and weak, and sick, as they were, were now throwing up
breast-works; and on Saturday, the 15th inst., it was
agreed to make an attack on the town, in order, if pos-
sible, to take from the walls the large guns that bsre
upon us, and to try the strength of the rebel party. I
stood at the post of observation with a spy-glass to watch
and give the earliest notice of the event, and soon had
the pleasure of announcing that the officers and sepoys
had scaled the walls, and were pitching down, outside,
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 219
the large guns that were mounted there, while friendly
Chinese were employed in carrying them to the wharf.
The success was complete, and nothing remained but to
rescue the prisoners (sixty in number) whom the rebels had
caught and confined. After a short cessation and a little
refreshment, a second attack was made, during which the
prisoners escaped, and the rebels evacuated the city. A
second battery of guns was also taken and brought to
the wharf. In the morning we walked at large through
the town ; but what desolation, what barbarous destruc-
tion was everywhere exhibited ! everything that could
not be carried away had been cut and destroyed in the
most wanton manner. Our own house was cut to pieces,
our books cut, scattered, torn, and destroyed ; our furni-
ture either carried off, or cut, or broken in pieces, and
the house itself and zayat converted into cook-houses
and barracks. During the last three days, we have been
picking up the scattered fragments of our furniture,
books, &c., and repairing our house.
Nga-Dah, the ringleader of the rebellion, and eleven
of his principal adherents, have been caught. The in-
habitants are coming in with white flags, and occupying
their houses. The bazaar is open, and the work of re-
pairs is going on.
Yesterday morning the Diana arrived with a reinforce-
ment of European soldiers ; and to-day I have come on
board, expecting to proceed to Maulmain immediately.
My present plan is, if my brethren approve, to return
with my family, and resume our missionary labors as be-
fore. The native members of our church, now scattered,
will probably come into town as soon as they hear of our
12^0 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
return. Of the boarding scholars, all are with us except
three Karens.
My letter is already protracted to so great a length,
that I can only add that our preservation and deliver-
ance from such imminent danger, should awaken in our
hearts the warmest gratitude to our Heavenly Father,
and the most unwavering confidence in his kind care ;
and that the foregoing account should revive and deepen
the impression made by previous events in the history
of this mission, that we stand in need of the continual
and fervent prayers of Christians in America, not only
for our preservation, but for divine guidance in all our
affairs.
I remain, yours,
G. D. BOARDMAN.
P. S. Saturday morning, August 22c?. I have just ar-
rived at Maulmain, and have the happiness to find my
family and missionary friends in comfortable health.
Praised be the Lord for his goodness.
Aug. 2$th. After much deliberation, it is thought
best that I should leave my family here till affairs are
more settled. ... I expect to embark for Tavoy to-
morrow morning. May the Spirit of all grace go with
me !
Mrs. Boardman's situation was one of the greatest
Buffering and peril. Mrs. Burney and herself were the
only females in the government house, and every hour
threatened the lives of all who had gone there for refuge.
Her babe was so ill as to require constant care, and she
hardly expected him to come alive out of his great peril.
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 221
Mrs. Burner's infant, only three weeks old, died from
the exposure of those terrible days, but God, in his
mercy spared Mr. Boardman's only son.
The exposure, however, was so great, and Mrs. Board-
man's strength so much overtasked that a severe fit of
illness ensued, in the course of which her second son,
Judson Wade, was born, and after a brief existence was
laid, like his fair sister, in the grave.
222 LIFE OF SARAH fi. JUDSON.
CHAPTER VI.
ILLNESS OP MRS. BOARDMAN MR. BOARDMAN'S FAIL1N4
HEALTH.
THE death of the little one whose tiny span of life
ended so soon, was a heavy trial to Mrs. Boardman, but
her greatest affliction was yet in store. Exposure, during
the revolt at Tavoy, and the great excitement under
which he had then labored, united to bring upon Mr.
Boardman his pulmonary disease, in its worst form.
Consumption, the fell destroyer, marked the young mis-
sionary for his victim, and he sank slowly, but surely.
Still, however, he pursued his calling, making visits to
the Karens, or preaching in his little church at Tavoy.
In January, Mrs. Boardman was so low that her hus-
band saw no prospect before her but the grave ; but in
March she took a trip to Maulmain, where she again re-
covered her health. In April, Mr. Boardman also came
to Maulmain, to take the place of Messrs. Judson and
Wade, who left their station for a time, to fulfill other
missionary duties.
Mr. Boardman's health still continued to decline.
From her far off Indian home, Mrs. Boardman sends to
her parents the wail of a stricken heart. To see him
sink daily, losing strength slowly but too, too Surely, was
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 223
agony to the loving heart ; yet in all her anguish, not
one word of rebellion against the Divine will occurs.
"Not my will, but thine be done," she ever whispers.
In November, they returned to Tavoy, where they
were eagerly welcomed by the affectionate Karens. Mrs.
Boardman writes in January :
" They (the Karens,) had heard of Mr. Boardman's
illness ; and the sadness depicted on their countenances,
when they saw him so pale and emaciated, affected me
much. I felt that God had, indeed, raised me up sym-
pathizing friends, even in the wilderness, among those
who are considered barbarians by the Burmans them-
selves. Before we had been here a fortnight, one party
came for the sole purpose of seeing us and hearing the
gospel. They remained four days, and the eagerness
with which they listened to our instructions, and the deep
interest they manifested in religious affairs, reminded
us of our associations at home.
" The first three days were spent in examining candi-
dates for baptism, and conversing with, and instructing
those who had been previously baptized. Sometimes
Mr. Boardman sat up in a chair, and addressed them
for a few moments ; but oftener, I sat on his sick couch,
and interpreted his feeble whispers. He was nearly
overcome by the gladdening prospect, and frequently
wept. But the most touchingly interesting time was the
day before they left us, when nineteen were baptized. *
* * Our road lay through that part of the town which
is filled with monasteries ; and over the huge brick walls
we could see multitudes of priests and noviciates looking
At us I doubt not with mingled scorn and hatred. Aa
224 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
to the common people, they reviled ug openly, and in so
cruel a manner, that my heart was ready to burst. Mr.
Boardman was too ill to walk or ride on horseback, and
there being no other mode of conveyance in the town,
the Karens carried him out on his little cot. ' See !' said
the revilers, in bitter ridicule, to two Tavoyan disciples,
* see your teacher ! a living man carried as if he were
already dead !' But I will not shock your feelings by
repeating their taunts. We pitied them, and passed on
in silence. At length we reached a beautiful pond,
nearly a mile in circumference, and bordered by green
trees. Here we stopped a party of about fifty in num-
ber and kneeling on the grass, implored the Divine
blessing. Then Moung Ing administered the ordinance
of baptism to nineteen believers, who were, a little time
ago, in utter ignorance of the true God. * * * During
this scene, grief and joy alternately took possession of
my breast. To see so many in this dark, heathen land
* putting on Christ,' could but fill me with joy and grat-
itude ; but when I looked at my beloved husband, lying
pale on his couch, and recollected the last time we stood
by those waters, my heart could not but be sad at the
contrast. It was on a similar occasion, and the surround-
ing mountains echoed with his voice, as he pronounced
the words, ' I baptize thee,' &c. Now his strength was
exhausted, his voice was weak ; and the thought that I
should no more see him administer this blessed ordinance,
filled me with inexpressible grief. But in the evening,
when we came together to receive from him the emblems
of our Saviour's sufferings, my feelings changed. He
made an effort, and God helped him to go through with
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 226
the exercises alone, and without any apparent injury to
his health. A breathless silence pervaded the room,
excepting the sound of his voice, which was so low and
feeble, that it seemed to carry the assurance that wo
should feast no more together, till we met in our Father's
kingdom. When he handed us the cup, it was to me as
though our Saviour had been in the midst ; and I could
say,
4 How sweet and awful is the place,
With Christ within the doors.'
" The grief and anguish which I felt at the baptism,
had subsided into a calm ; and in contemplating the
agonies of our blessed Redeemer, I, for a moment, for-
got the bitter cup preparing for myself."
Another year opened to find the gentle martyr still
lingering beside his loved wife, still directing her efforts
when his own feeble voice could not be exerted above a
whisper, still calling around him the dark -browed chil-
dren, for whose eternal welfare he had lain down his
life. Just one year previous, over what he then believed
to be the death-bed of his wife, he had written :
" She still grows weaker, and her case is now more
alarming. All missionary labor has been suspended for
a week, to allow me all my time in taking care of her.
I have written to Maulmain for some of our friends to
come to our assistance, and be with us, at this critical
time ; and we hope they will be able and disposed to
comply with the request. Should they come even imme-
diately, I can scarcely hope for their arrival before the
crisis, or probably, fatal termination, of my dear part-
15
226 LIFE OF SARAII B. JUDSON.
ner's disorder. My comfort, in my present affliction, ia
the thought, that if to our former trials, the Lord sees
fit to add that of removing my beloved companion, He
does it with a perfect knowledge of all the blessedness,
which death, in its consequences, will confer on Acr, and
of all the sorrows and distresses which her loss will occa-
sion her bereaved husband and orphan children, in the
peculiarities of our present condition. It affords me
great relief to have been assured by her, that the bitter-
ness of death is past, and that heavenly glories have
been unfolded in a wonderful and unexpected manner to
her view."
A year later, he writes to his sister :
" During my present protracted illness, and especially
when I was at the worst stage, she was the tenderest,
most assiduous, attentive, and affectionate of nurses.
Without her, I think I should have finished my career
in a few days. And even when our lamented, darling
babe lay struggling in the very arms of death, though
she was with him constantly, night and day, she did not
allow me to suffer one moment, for lack of her attentions.
I cannot write what I feel on this tender subject. But
oh ! what kindness in our Heavenly Father, that when
her services were so much needed, her health was pre-
served, and she had strength given her to perform her
ar.luous labors."
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 227
CHAPTER VII.
s
DEATH OP MR. BOARDMAN.
THE Rev. Francis Mason, appointed to be the assist-
ant of Mr. Boardman, arrived at Tavoy, in January,
1831, in time to be with Mr. Boardman in his last
hours.
Mrs. Boardman's beautiful, touching letter to her pa-
rents, gives such an account of her husband's death, as
it would be useless for any other pen to attempt.
She writes :
TAVOY, March 1th, 1831.
MY BELOVED PARENTS :
With a heart glowing with joy, and at the same time
rent with anguish unutterable, I take my pen to address
you. You, too, will rejoice when you hear what God
has wrought through the instrumentality of your beloved
son. Yes, you will bless God that you were enabled to
devote him to this blessed service among the heathen,
when I tell you that, within the last two months, fifty-
seven have been baptized, all Karens, excepting one, a
little boy of the school, and son of the native governor.
Twenty-three were baptized in this city by Moung Ing,
and thirty-four in their native wilderness by Mr. Mason.
228 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
Mr. Mason arrived January 23d, and on the 31st, he,
with Mr. Boardman, myself, and George, set out on a
long-promised tour among the Karens. Mr. Boardman
was very feeble, but we hoped the change of air and
scenery would be beneficial. A company of Karens had
come to convey us out, Mr. Boardman on his bed, and
me in a chair. We reached the place on the third day,
and found they had erected a bamboo chapel on a beau-
tiful stream at the base of a range of mountains. The
place was central, and nearly one hundred persons had
assembled, more than half of them applicants for bap-
tism. Oh ! it was a sight calculated to call forth the
liveliest joy of which human nature is susceptible, and
made me, for a moment, forget my bitter griefs a sight
far surpassing all I had ever anticipated, even in my
jnost sanguine hours. The Karens cooked, ate, and slept
on the ground, by the river-side, with no other shelter
than the trees of the forest. Three years ago they were
sunk in the lowest depths of ignorance and superstition.
Now, the glad tidings of mercy had reached them, and
they were willing to live in the open air, away from their
homes, for the sake of enjoying the privileges of the
gospel.
My dear husband had borne the journey better than
we had feared, though he suffered from exhaustion and
pain in his side, which, however, was much relieved by a
little attention. His spirits were unusually good, and
we fondly hoped that a few days' residence in that de-
lightful, airy spot, surrounded by his loved Karens,
would recruit and invigorate his weakened frame. But
I soon perceived he was failing, and tenderly urged his
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 229
return to town, where he could enjoy the quiet of home,
and the benefit of medical advice. But he repelled the
thought at once, saying he confidently expected improve-
ment from the change, and that the disappointment
would be worse for him than staying. " And even,"
added he, " should my poor, unprofitable life be some-
what shortened by staying, ought I, on that account
merely, to leave this interesting field ? Should I not
rather stay and assist in gathering in these dear scattered
lambs of the fold ? You know, Sarah, that coming on a
foreign mission involves the probability of a shorter
life, than staying in one's native country. And yet,
obedience to our Lord, and compassion for the perishing
heathen, induced us to make this sacrifice. And have
we ever repented that we came ? No ; I trust we
can both say that we bless God for bringing us to Bur-
mah, for directing our footsteps to Tavoy, and even for
leading us hither. You already know, my love," he con-
tinued, with a look of tenderness never to be foi gotten,
" that I cannot live long, I must sink under this disease ;
and should we go home now, the all-important business
which brought us out, must be given up, and I might lin-
ger out a few days of suffering, stung with the reflection
that I had preferred a few idle days, to my Master's ser-
vice. Do not, therefore, ask me to go, till these poor
Karens have been baptized." I saw he was right, hut
my feelings revolted. Nothing seemed so valuable as hia
life, and I felt that I could make any sacrifice to prolong
it, though it were but for one hour. Still, a desire to
gratify him, if no higher motive, made me silent, though
my heart ached to see him so ill in such a wretched place,
230 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
deprived of many of the comforts of life, to say nothing
of the indulgences desirable in sickness.
The chapel was large, but open on all sides, excepting
a small place built up for Mr. Mason, and a room about
five feet wide, and ten feet long, for the accommodation
of Mr. Boardman and myself, with our little boy. The
roof was so low, that I could not stand upright, and it
was but poorly enclosed, so that he was exposed to the
burning rays of the sun by day, and to the cold winds
and damp fog by night. But his mind was happy, and
he would often say, " If I live to see this one ingather-
ing, I may well exclaim, with happy Simeon, Lord, now
lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy
word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. How many
ministers have wished they might die in their pulpits ;
and would not dying in a spot like this be even more
blessed than dying in a pulpit at home ? I feel that it
would."
Nor was it merely the pleasing state of things around
him that filled his mind with comfort. He would some-
times dwell on the infinite compassion of God, and his
own unworthiness, '.ill his strength was quite exhausted ;
and though he told Mr. Mason that he had not the rap-
ture which he had sometimes enjoyed, yet his mind wag
calm and peaceful ; and it was plainly perceptible, that
earthly passions had died away, and that he was enjoy'
ing sweet foretastes of that rest into which he was so soon
to enter. He would often say to me, " My meditations
are very sweet, though my mind seems as much weakened
as ray body. I have not had that liveliness of feeling,
which I have sometimes enjoyed, owing to my great
LIFE OP SARAH B. JUDSON. 231
weakness, but I shall soon be released from shackles,
and be where I can praise God continually, without
weariness. My thoughts delight to dwell on these words,
There is no night there."
I felt that the time of separation was fast approach-
ing, and said to him, " My dear, I have one request to
make ; it is, that you would pray much for George, du-
ring your few remaining days. I shall soon be left
alone, almost the only one on earth to pray for him, and
I have great confidence in your dying prayers." He
looked earnestly at the little boy, and said, " I will try
to pray fur him ; but I trust very many prayers will as-
cend for the dear child from our friends at home, who
will be induced to supplicate the more earnestly for him,
when they hear that he is left fatherless in a heathen
land."
On Wednesday, vhile looking in the glass, he seemed
at once to see symptoms of his approaching dissolution,
and said, without emotion, " I have altered greatly I
am sinking intJ Liie grave very fast just on the verge."
Mr. Mason sail to him, " Is there nothing we can do^for
you ? Had no net better call the physician ? or shall
we try to r/taove you into town immediately ?" After
a few moments' deliberation, it was concluded to defer
the baptxm of the male applicants, and set out for home
early the next morning. Nearly all the female canhi-
dates had been examined, and as it is difficult for them
to come to town, it was thought best that Mr. Mason
should baptize them in the evening. We knelt, and Mr.
Mason having prayed for a blessing on the decision, we
eat down to breakfast with sorrowful hearts.
232 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
While we were at the table, my beloved husband said,
" I shajl soon be thrown away for this world ; but 1 hope
the Lord Jesus will take me up. That merciful teing,
who is represented as passing by, and having compassion
on the poor cast out infant, will not suffer me to perish.
Oh ! I have no hope but in the wonderful, condescending,
infinite mercy of God, through his dear Son. I cast my
poor, perishing soul, loaded with sin, as it is, upon hia
compassionate arms, assured that all will be for ever
safe." On seeing my tears, he said, "Are you not re-
conciled to the will of God, my love ?" When I told
him I hoped I did not feel unreconciled, he continued,
" I have long ago, and many times committed you and
our little one into the hands of our covenant God. He
is the husband of the widow and the father of the fa-
therless. Leave iky fatherless children, I will preserve
them alive ; and let thy widows trust in me f saith the
Lord. He will be your stay and support, when I am
gone. The separation will be but short. Oh, how happy
I shall be to welcome you to heaven !" He then ad-
dressed Mr. Mason, as follows : "Brother, I am heartily
rejoiced, and bless God that you have arrived, and espe-
cially am I gratified, that you are so much interested for
the poor Karens. You will, I am assured, watch over
them, and take care of them ; and if some of them turn
back, you will still care for them. As to my dear wife
and child, I know you will do all in your power to make
them comfortable. Mrs. B. will probably spend the en
suing rains in Tavoy. She will be happy with you and
Mrs. Mason ; that is, as happy as she can be in her
itate of loneliness. She will mourn for me, and a wid-
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 233
ow's state is desolate and sorrowful at best. But God will
be infinitely better to her than I have ever been." On the
same day, he wished me to read some hymns on affliction,
sickness, death, &c. I took Wesley's Hymn Book, the only
one we had with us, and read several, among others, tha
one beginning, " Ah, lovely appearance of death !"
On Wednesday evening, thirty-four persons were bap-
tized. Mr. Boardman was carried to the water side,
though so weak that he could hardly breathe without the
continual use of the fan and the smelling-bottle. The
joyful sight was almost too much for his feeble frame.
When we reached the chapel, he said he would like to
sit up and take tea with us. We placed his cot near the
table, and having bolstered him up, we took tea together.
He asked the blessing, and did it with his right hand
upraised, and in a tone that struck me to the heart. It
was the same tremulous, yet urgent, and I had almost
said, unearthly voice, with which my aged grandfather
used to pray. We now began to notice that brightening
of the mental faculties, which I had heard spoken of, in
persons near their end.
After tea was removed, all the disciples present, about
fifty in number, gathered around him, and he addressed
them for a few moments in language like the following :
" I did hope to stay with you till after Lord's day, and
administer to you once more, the Lord's Supper. But
God is calling me away from you. I am about to die,
and shall soon be inconceivably happy in heaven. When
I am gone, remember what I have taught you ; and, oh,
be careful to persevere unto the end, that when you die,
we may meet one another in the presence of God, never
234 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
more to part. Listen to the word of the new teacher
and the teacheress as you have dope to mine. The
teacheress will be very much distressed. Strive tc
lighten her burdens, and comfort her by your good con-
duct. Do not neglect prayer. The eternal God, to
whom you pray, is unchangeable. Earthly teachers sicken
and die, but God remaineth for ever the same. Love
Jesus Christ with all your hearts, and you will be for
ever safe." This address I gathered from the Karens,
as I was absent preparing his things for the night.
Having rested a few minutes, he offered a short prayer,
and then, with Mr. Mason's assistance, distributed tracts
and portions of Scripture to them all. Early the next
morning, we left for home, accompanied by nearly all
the males, and some of the females, the remainder re-
turning to their homes in the wilderness. Mr. Boardman
was free from pain during the day, and there was no un-
favorable change, except that his mouth grew sore. But
at four o'clock in the afternoon, we were overtaken by
a violent shower of rain, accompanied by lightning and
thunder. There was no house in sight, and we were
obliged to remain in the open air, exposed to the merci-
less storm. We covered him with mats and blankets, and
held our umbrellas over him, all to no purpose. I was
obliged to stand and see the storm beating upon him, till
his mattress and pillows were drenched with rain. We
hastened on, and soon came to a Tavoy house. The in-
habitants at first refused us admittance, and we ran for
shelter into the out-houses. The shed I happened to
enter, proved to be the "house of their gods," and thus
I committed an almost unpardonable offence. After some
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON 235
persuasion, they admitted us into the house, or rather
verandah, for they would not allow us to sleep inside,
though I begged the privilege for my sick husband with
tears. In ordinary cases, perhaps, they would have been
hospitable; but they knew that Mr. Boardman was a
teacher of a foreign religion, and that the Karens in our
company had embraced that religion.
At evening worship, Mr. Boardman requested Mr.
Mason to read the thirty-fourth Psalm. He seemed al-
most spent, and said, " This poor perishing dust will
soon be laid in the grave ; but God can employ other
lumps of clay to perform his will, as easily as he has
this poor unworthy one." I told him, I should like to
sit up and watch by him, but he objected, and said in a
tender supplicating tone, " Cannot we sleep together ?"
The rain still continued, and his cot was wet, so that he
was obliged to lie on the bamboo floor. Having found a
place where our little boy could sleep without danger of
falling through openings in the floor, I threw myself
down, without undressing, beside my beloved husband.
I spoke to him often during the night, and he said he felt
well, excepting an uncomfortable feeling in his mouth
and throat. This was somewhat relieved by frequent
washings with cold water. Miserably wretched as his
situation was, he did not complain ; on the contrary, his
heart seemed overflowing with gratitude. "Oh!" said
he, " how kind and good our Father in heaven is to rne ;
how many are racked with pain, while I, though near
the grave, am almost free from distress of body. 1
Buffer nothing, nothing to what you, my dear Sarah, had
to endure last year, when I thought I must lose you.
236 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUD60N.
And then I have you to move me so tenderly. I should
have sunk into the grave ere this, but for your assiduous
attention. And brother Mason is as kind to me as if he
were my own brother. And then how many, in addition
to pain of body, have anguish of soul, while my mind ia
sweetly stayed on God !" On my saying, " I hope wo
shall be at home to-morrow night, where you can lie on
your comfortable bed, and I can nurse you as I wish,"
he said, " I want nothing that the world can afford, but
my wife and friends ; earthly conveniences and comforts
are of little consequence to one so near heaven. I only
want them for your sake." In the morning we thought
him a little better, though I perceived, when I gave him his
sago, that his breath was very short. He, however took
rather more nourishment than usual, and spoke about the
manner of his conveyance home. We ascertained that
by waiting until twelve o'clock, we could go the greater
part of the way by water.
At about nine o'clock, his hands and feet grew cold,
and the affectionate Karens rubbed them all the forenoon,
excepting a few moments when he requested to be left
alone. At ten o'clock, he was much distressed for breath,
and I thought the long dreaded moment had arrived. I
asked him, if he felt as if he was going home, " Not
just yet," he replied. On giving him a little wine and
water, he revived. Shortly after, he said, " You were
alarmed without cause, just now, dear I know the reason
of the distress I felt, but am too weak to explain it to
you." In a few moments he said to me, " Since you
spoke to me about George, I have prayed for him almost
incessantly more than in all my life before."
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 237
It drew near twelve, the time for us to go to the boat,
We were distressed at the thought of removing him, when
evidently so near the last struggle, though we did not
think it so near as it really was. But there was no al-
ternative. The chilling frown of the iron-faced Tavo*
yan was to us as if he was continually saying, "Be
gone." I wanted a little hrothfor my expiring husband,
but on asking them for a fowl they said they had none,
though at that instant, on glancing my eye through an
opening in the floor, I saw three or four under the house.
My heart was well nigh breaking.
We hastened to the boat, which was only a few steps
from the house. The Karens carried Mr. Boardman
first, and as the shore was muddy, I was obliged to wait
till they could return for me. They took me immediate-
ly to him ; but oh, the agony of my soul, when I saw the
hand of death was on him ! He was looking me full in
the face, but his eyes were changed, not dimmed, but
brightened, and the pupils so dilated, that I feared he
could not see me. I spoke to him kissed him but he
made no return, though I fancied that he tried to move
his lips. I pressed his hand, knowing that if he could,
he would return the pressure ; but, alas ! for the first
time, he was insensible to my love, and forever. I had
brought a glass of wine and water already mixed, and a
smelling-bottle, but neither was of any avail to him now.
Agreeably to a previous request, I called the faithful Ka-
rens, who loved him so much, and whom he had loved
unto death, to come and watch his last gentle breathings,
for there was no struggle.
Never, my dear parents, did one of our poor falleD
238 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
race have less to contend with, in the last enemy. Little
George was brought to see his dying father, but he was
too young to know there was cause for grief. When
Sarah died, her father said to George, " Poor little boy ;
you will not know to-morrow what you have lost to-day."
A deep pang rent my bosom at the recollection of this,
and a still deeper one succeeded when the thought struck
me, that though my little boy may not know to-morrow
what he has lost to-day, yet when years have rolled by,
and he shall have felt the unkindness of a deceitful, sel-
fish world, he will know.
Mr. Mason wept, and the sorrowing Karens knelt
down in prayer to God that God, of whom their ex-
piring teacher had taught them that Go.d, into whose
presence the emancipated spirit was just entering that
God with whom they hope and expect to be happy for-
ever. My own feelings I will not attempt to describe.
You may have some faint idea of them, 'when you recol-
lect what he was to me, how tenderly I loved him, and at
the same time, bear in mind the precious promises to the
afflicted.
We came in silence down the river, and landed about
three miles from our house. The Karens placed his pre-
cious remains on his little bed, and with feelings which
you can better imagine than I describe, we proceeded
homewards. The mournful intelligence had reached
town before us, and we were soon met by Moung Ing, the
Burman preacher. At the sight of us, he burst into a
flood of tears. Next, we met the two native Christian
gisters, who lived with us. But the moment of most
bitter anguish was yet to come on our arrival at the
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 239
house. They took him into the sleeping room, and when
I uncovered his face, for a few moments, nothing was
heard but reiterated sobs. He had not altered the
same sweet smile, with which he was wont to welcome me,
sat on his countenance. His eyes had opened in bring-
ing him, and all present seemed expecting to hear his
voice ; when the thought, that it was silent forever, rushed
upon us, and filled us with anguish sudden and unutterable.
There were the Burman Christians, who had listened so
long, with edification and delight, to his preaching there
were the Karens, who looked to him as their guide, their
earthly all there were the scholars whom he had taught
the way to heaven, and the Christian sisters, whose privi-
lege it had jbeen to wash, as it were, his feet.
Early next morning, his funeral was attended, and
all the Europeans in the place, with many natives, were
present. It may be some consolation to you to know
that everything was performed in a decent manner, as if
he had been buried in our own dear native land. By his
own request, he was interred on the south side of our
darling first-born. It is a pleasant circumstance to me,
that they sleep side by side. But it is infinitely more
consoling to think, that their glorified spirits have met
in that blissful world, where sin and death never enter,
aad sorrow is unknown.
Praying that we may be abundantly prepared to en-
ter into our glorious rest, -I remain, my dear parents,
your deeply afflicted, but most affectionate child,
SARAH H. BOARDMAN.
240 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDS03T
CHAPTER VIII,
THE WIDOW MISSIONARY.
MRS. BOARDMAN, thus left alone in the land where her
whole married life had been passed, turned with a yearn-
ing heart to the home of her childhood. She had her
little son, the only surviving one of the little family, and
she knew how gladly her friends in America would wel-
come the widow and fatherless. Yet there lay around
her a vast field for usefulness. With earnest, humble
prayer, she implored to be directed aright in her de-
cisions, and, conquering the home-sick longings to see
dear, familiar faces once more, she resolved to remain in
India, to pursue the task left by her husband, to strive
to call souls to an eternal home.
It required a heroism of the most exalted nature to
form this resolution. By nature timid and retiring, en-
feebled in health, widowed, heart-stricken by the loss of
the loved ones who could brighten even her Indian home,
the could stifle all her earnest longings for home sympa-
thy, to take up the banner under whose folds her hus-
band had died, fighting for the name of the Saviour.
She writes :
" When I first stood by the grave of my husband, I
LIFE OP SARAH B. JUDSON. 241
thought that I must go home with George. But these
poor, inquiring, and Christian Karens, and the school-
boys, and the Burmese Christians, would then be left
without any one to instruct them ; and the poor, stupid
Tavoyans would go on in the road to death, with no one
to warn them of their danger. How then, oh ! how can
I go ? We shall not be separated long. A few more
years, and we shall all meet in yonder blissful world,
whither those we love have gone before us." "I feel
thankful that I was allowed to come to this heathen land.
Oh, it is a precious privilege to tell idolaters of the gos-
pel ! and when we see them disposed to love the Saviour
we forget all our privations and dangers. My beloved
husband wore out his life in this glorious cause ; and
that remembrance makes me more than ever attached to
the work, and the people for whose salvation he labored
till death."
She accordingly re-opened her school, held prayer-
meetings with the Karen women, instructed the Tavoy-
ans, and all this was done so quietly, with so unostenta-
tious a spirit, that never had she appeared so lovely, so
truly feminine, as when she was fighting in her husband's
armor, for the Lord's name, in a heathen land.
The day-schools which she taught, in addition to the
pupils residing with her, were under the care of govern-
ment, and supported by the Honorable Company. It
was at that time against the will of the Company to have
Christianity taught in the schools, and this fact gave oc-
casion for the following letter, which exemplifies Mrs.
Boardman's firmness and the true missionary spirii in
*rhich she labored :
16
242 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
TAVOY, Aug. 24, 1833.
MY DEAR SIR :
Mr. Mason has handed me, for perusal, the extract from
your letter to government, which you kindly sent him. I
apprehend I have hitherto had wrong impressions, in re-
ference to the ground on which the Honorable Company
patronize schools in their territories ; and I hope you
will allow me to say that it would not accord with my
feelings and sentiments to banish religious instruction
from the schools under my care. I think it desirable for
the rising generation of this province to become ac-
quainted with useful science ; and the male part of the
population with the English language. But it is infi-
nitely more important that they receive into their hearts
our holy religion, which is the source of so much happi-
ness in this state, and imparts the hope of a glorious im-
mortality in the world to come. Parents and guardians
must know that there is more or less danger of their
children deserting the faith of their ancestors, if placed
under the care of a Foreign Missionary ; and the exam-
ple of some of the pupils is calculated to increase such
apprehensions. Mr. Boardman baptized into the Chris-
tian religion several of his scholars. One of the number
in now a devoted preacher ; and, notwithstanding the
decease of their beloved and revered teacher, they all,
with one unhappy exception, remain firm in the Christian
faith.
The success of the Hindoo College, where religious in-
struction was interdicted, may, perhaps, be urged in
favor of pursuing a similar course in schools here. But
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 243
it strikes me that the case is different here, even admit-
ting their course to be right. The overthrow of a system
so replete with cruel and impure rites, as the Hindoo, or
so degrading as the Mahometan, might be matter of joy,
though no better religion were introduced in its stead.
But the Burman system of morality is superior to that
of the nations around them, and to the heathen of an-
cient times, and is surpassed only by the divine precepts
of our blessed Saviour. Like all other merely human
institutions, it is destitute of saving power ; but its in-
fluence on the people, so far as it is felt, is salutary, and
their moral character will, I should think, bear a com-
parison with that of any heathen nation in the world.
The person who should spend his days in teaching them
mere human science, (though he might undermine their
false tenets,) by neglecting to set before them brighter
hopes and purer principles, would, I imagine, live to very
little purpose. For myself, sure I am, I should at last
suffer the overwhelming conviction of having labored in
vain.
With this view of things, you will not, my dear sir, be
surprised at my saying it is impossible for me to pursue
a course so utterly repugnant to my feelings, and so con-
trary to my judgment, as to banish religious instruction
from the schools in my charge. It is what I am confi
dent you yourself would not wish ; but I infer from
remark in your letter that such are the terms on which
government affords patronage. It would be wrong to
deceive the patrons of the schools; and if my supposition
is correct, I can do no otherwise than request that the
monthly allowance be withdrawn. It will assist in es-
244 LIFE OF SARAH B. JT'DSON.
tablishing schools at Maulmain, on a plan more consonant
with the wishes of government than mine has ever been.
Meanwhile, 1 trust, I shall be able to represent the claims
of my pupils in such a manner as to obtain support and
countenance from those who would wish the children to
be taught the principles of the Christian faith.
Allow me, my dear sir, to subscribe myself,
Yours, most respectfully,
SARAH H. BOARDMAN.
The following answer was returned :
MY DEAR MADAM :
I cannot do otherwise than honor and respect the sen-
timents conveyed in your letter, now received. You will,
I hope, give me credit for sincerity, when I assure you
that in alluding to the system of instruction pursued by
you, it has ever been a source of pride to me to point
out the quiet way in which your scholars have been made
acquainted with the Christian religion. My own govern-
ment in no way proscribes the teaching of Christianity.
The observations in my official letter are intended to
support what I have before brought to the notice of gov-
ernment, that all are received, who present themselves
for instruction at your schools, without any stipulation
as to their becoming members of the Christian faith.
I cannot express to you how much your letter has dis-
tressed me. It has been a subject of consideration with
me, for some months past, how I could best succeed in es-
taMishing a college here, the scholars of which were to
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDStfN. 245
have been instructed on the same system which you have
so successfully pursued. Believe me,
Yours very faithfully,
A. D. MAINGY.
Afterwards government made an appropriation for
schools " to be conducted on the plan of Mrs. Board-
man's schools at Tavoy."
The love for the Karens did not die away from Mrs.
Boardman's heart after her husband's death. She,
woman, and delicate, actually made the same tours to
their homes as he had been accustomed to make, carry-
ing with her words of holy truth to their inquiring minds,
facing every hardship and danger in the one great cause.
I quote from Fanny Forrester's life of Mrs. Judson
the following account of one of her journeys to the
Karens :
"A single anecdote is related by Captain F , a
British officer, stationed at Tavoy ; and he used to dwel 1
with much unction on the lovely apparition, which once
greeted him among those wild, dreary mountains. He
had left Tavoy, accompanied by a few followers, I think
on a hunting expedition, and had strolled far into the
jungle. The heavy rains, which deluge this country in
the summer, had not yet commenced ; but they were near
at hand, and during the night had sent an earnest of
their coming, which was anything but agreeable. Al!
along his path hung the dripping trailers, and beneath
his feet were the roots of vegetables, half-bared, and half
imbedded in mud ; while the dark clouds, with the rail?
almost incessantly pouring from them, and the crazy
240 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
clusters of bamboo huts, which appeared here and there
in the gloomy waste, and were honored by the name of
village, made up a scene of desolation absolutely inde-
scribable. A heavy shower coming up as he approached
a zayat by the way-side, and far from even one of those
primitive villages, he hastily took refuge beneath the
roof. Here, in no very good humor with the world, es-
pecially Asiatic jungles and tropic rains, he sulkily
'whistled for want of thought,' and employed his eyes
in watching the preparations for his breakfast.
" ' Uh ! what wretched corners the world has, hidden
beyond its oceans and behind its trees !'
" Just as he had made this sage mental reflection, he
was startled by the vision of a fair, smiling face in front
of the zayat, the property of a dripping figure, which
seemed to his surprised imagination to have stepped that
moment from the clouds. But the party of wild Karen
followers, which gathered round her, had a very human
air ; and the slight burdens they bore, spoke of human
wants and human cares. The lady seemed as much sur-
prised as himself; but she curtsied with ready grace as
she made some pleasant remark in English ; and then
turned to retire. Here was a dilemma. He could not
suffer the lady to go out into the rain, but his miserable
accommodations, and still more miserable breakfast !
He hesitated and stammered ; but her quick apprehension
had taken in all at a glance, and she at once relieved
him from his embarrassment. Mentioning her name and
errand, she added, smiling, that the emergencies of the
wilderness were not new to her; and now she begged
leave to put her own breakfast with his, and make up a
LUS OF SARAH B. JUDSON. " IT
pleasant morning party. Then beckoning to her Karens,
she spoke a few unintelligible words, and disappeared
under a low shed a mouldering appendage of the zayat.
She soon returned with the same sunny face, and in dry
clothing; and very pleasant, indeed, was the interview
between the pious officer and the lady-missionary. They
were friends afterward ; and the circumstances of their
first meeting proved a very charming reminiscence."
248 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSOH.
CHAPTER IX.
MARRIAGE TO MR. JUDSON DECLINING HEALTH LITER
ART LABORS SEPARATION PROM HEE SON.
IN 1834, April 10th, Mrs. Boardman married Mr.
Judson. A warm attachment, founded upon mutual re-
spect and esteem, had long existed between them, and,
in her many trials, after her husband's death, Mr. Judson
was a consoler and adviser on every occasion when he
could be so. She wrote of him, after years of married
life together : " He is a complete assemblage of all that
a woman's heart could wish to love and honor."
The years passed among the Karens had made con-
verts capable and willing to instruct their less fortunate
brethren ; and Mrs. Judson, still keeping up her love for
them, and interest in their welfare, was ever ready,
amidst her new duties, to advise or assist the laborers in
the field she had left. In her new home, great changes
had taken place. When she left her first home in Bur-
mah, for Tavoy, in 1828, there was in Maulmain but
one church, with but three native members. When she
returned in 1834, there was one Burmese church, with
one hundred members, and two Karen, containing, to-
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 249
gether, about the same number. A year after her mar-
riage, Mrs. Judson wrote to a friend :
" I can truly say, that the mission cause, and mission-
ary labor, are increasingly dear to me, every month of
my life. I am now united with one, whose heavenly
spirit and example is deeply calculated to make me
more devoted to the cause than I have ever been be-
fore. Oh, that I may profit by such precious advan-
tages !"
A government school, at Maulmain, was offered to her
immediately upon her arrival ; but seeing before her new
cares and duties, she declined the charge of it.
Mrs. Judson now undertook a new duty. There were
in Maulmain, a large number of people under the pro-
tection of the British government, called by the Bur-
mans, Talaings, by the English, Peguans, who, in lan-
guage, dress, everything but religious belief, were entirely
distinct from the Burmese. A great interest was felt by
Mr. Judson for these people, and Mrs. Judson soon
shared it. She began immediately to study their lan-
guage, and made much progress.
Her time was indeed fully occupied. She had the
entire charge of female prayer meetings in the church
of which her husband was pastor ; she undertook cheer-
fully the numerous duties of a pastor's wife, visiting the
sick, cheering the sorrowful, praying with the erring, and
instructing the ignorant.
Soon after her arrival at Maulmain, her health again
declined, and her old malady returned with fearful
violence ; after many weeks of dangerous illness, her
health slowly returned, and for many years continued
250 LIFE OF SAKAH B. JUDSON.
good. She attributed this to regular exercise. I give
the account in her own words :
" When I first came up from Tavoy, I was thin and
pale ; and though I called myself pretty well, I had no
appetite for food, and was scarce able to walk half a mile.
Soon after, I was called to endure a long and severe at-
tack of illness, which brought me to the brink of the grave,
I was never so low in any former illness, and the doctor
who attended me, has since told me, that he had no hope
of my recovery ; and that when he came to prescribe med-
icine for me, it was more out of regard to the feelings of
my husband, than from any prospect of its affording me re-
lief. I lay confined to my bed, week after week, unable to
move, except as Mr. Judson sometimes carried me in his
arms from the bed to the couch for a change ; and even
this once brought on a return of the disease, which very
nearly cost me my life. * * I never shall forget the pre-
cious seasons enjoyed on that sick bed. Little George
will tell you about it, if you should ever see him. I
think he will always remember some sweet conversations
I had with him, on the state of his soul, at that time.
Dear child! his mind was very tender, and he would
weep on account of his sins, and would kneel down and
pray with all the fervor and simplicity of childhood.
He ured to read the Bible to me every day, and commit
little hymns to memory by my bedside. * * It pleased
my Heavenly Father to raise me up again, although I
was for a long time very weak. As soon as I was able,
I commenced riding on horseback, and used to take a
long ride every morning before sunrise. After a patient
trial, I found that riding improved my health, though
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 251
many times I should have become discouraged, and given
it up, but for the perseverance of my husband. After
riding almost every day, for four or five months, I found
my health so much improved, and gained strength so
fast, that I began to think walking might be substituted.
About this time, my nice little pony died, and we com-
menced a regular system of exercise on foot, walking at
a rapid pace, far over the hills beyond the town, before
the sun was up, every morning. We have continued this
perseveringly up to the present time; and, during
these years, my health has been better than at any
time previous, since my arrival in India; and my
constitution seems to have undergone an entire reno-
vation."
Her literary labors recommenced with returning health.
During her residence in India, she translated Bunyan'a
Pilgrim's Progress, into Burmese ; translated from Bur-
mese to Peguan, several tracts, a Life of Christ, which
she had previously translated from English to Burmese,
and the New Testament.
Mrs. Judsbn now resolved to send her beloved son,
George, the only one of Mr. Boardman's children, who
survived his father, away from India. She knew that it
was impossible, with her manifold duties, and the limited
means of education within her reach, to make of her son
such a man as she hoped for, one to fill his father's
post in the land of the heathen. She writes, at this
period :
"After deliberation, accompanied with tears, and
agony, and prayers, I came to the conviction that it was
my duty to send away my only child, my darling George,
252 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
and yesterday he bade mo a long farewell. 0, my d I HT
sister ! my heart is full, and I long to disburden it by
writing you whole pages ; but my eyes are rolling down
with tears, and I can scarcely hold my pen. * * Oh ! I
shall never forget his looks, as he stood by the door and
gazed at me for the last time. His eyes were filling with
tears, an.1 his little face red with suppressed emotion.
But he subdued his feelings, and it was not till he had
turned away, and was going down the steps, that he burst
into a flood of tears. I hurried to my room, and on my
knees, with my whole heart, gave him up to God, and
my bursting heart was comforted from above. I felt
such a love to poor perishing souls, as made me willing
to give up all, that I might aid in the work of bringing
these wretched heathen to Christ. The love of God,
manifested in sending his only begotten and well beloved
Son, into this world, to die for our sins, touched my
heart, and I felt satisfaction in laying upon the altar, my
only son. My reason and judgment tell me that the
good of my child requires that he should be sent to Ame-
rica ; and this, of itself, would support me in some little
degree ; but when I view it as a sacrifice, made for the
sake of Jesus, it becomes a delightful privilege. I feel
a great degree of confidence that George will be con-
verted, and I cannot but hope he will one day return to
Burmah, a missionary of the Cross, as his dear father
was. * * His dear papa took him down to Amherst in
a boat. He held him in his arms all the way ; and he says
his conversation was very affectionate and intelligent. He
gaw his little bed prepared in the cabin, and everything
as comfortable and pleasant as possible ; and then, as
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 252
George expressed it, returned to ' comfort mamma.'
And much did I need comfort, for this is, in some respects,
the severest trial I have ever met with."
I quote one more letter, written after long years of
separation from her son :
MY BELOVED GEORGE:
The last letter which I received from America,
respecting you, rejoiced my heart more than the
reception of any letter before in my life. It was from
Dr. Bolles, and contained the joyful intelligence of
your hopeful conversion to God. Still I am not fully
satisfied I am longing to hear that you " daily grow
in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ."
This is the fifteenth anniversary of your birth-day ;
and I feel it to be I had almost said, the most important
period in your life. At least, it is very, very important,
as on the turn which you now take, your course through
life will probably depend. Oh, how comforting to my
anxious heart is the thought, that you have decided on
the most momentous of all subjects, and that you have
decided right ; that you have determined to identify your-
self with the people of God, by leading the life of an
humble follower of the blessed Jesus ! Oh, how full of
anguish would my soul be, now that you have arrived at
this age, had I not a hope that you were a Christian !
Blessed be God ! I have this sweet, this cheering, this
most consoling of all hopes, to sustain my heart when
ready to sink, as it measures the distance between us, or
254 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
looks back upon my long separation from you, my dar
ling, eldest son. Tears come to my eyes, and I am ready
to throw aside my pen, and obey the strong impulse to
weep, as I think of the endearments of your infancy,
and the sweetness of your childhood, when your soft
cheek was pressed to mine, and all your little griefs
buried and forgotten in my bosom. I always think of
you as the little, innocent, prattling boy you then were.
I would fain ever think of you as such ; but the picture
must change, and I must try to imagine you growing up
to be a tall, young man.
I said before, that it is an unspeakable joy to my
heart that you are hopefully pious. Still, I am far from
being free from anxiety on your account. There is, you
know, a possibility of our being deceived. And even if
we are able to say, as we doubtless may be, " I know that
I have passed from death unto life," yet the Christian's
path is beset with snares and dangers. No doubt you
have already had severe struggles with remaining sin in
your heart. I feel strong and peculiar desires, that you
become a truly conscientious, prayerful, devoted Christian.
Be not contented with possessing a mere hope in Christ,
that He will pardon your sins and save you at last.
Live with religion in daily exercise in your soul. Then
you will you must be happy. Can you resolve to de-
vote your whole life to the service of your blessed Sa-
viour? Do you really give Him your heart, and determine
(with His assistance, which he will surely grant in answer
to prayer) never to do, nor say, nor think anything con-
trary to His holy will ? True religion, always in exercise,
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDF.ON.
affords the only certain retreat from the sorrows, and
trials, and sins of this mortal state.
" Draw nigh unto God, and he will draw nigh unto
you."
" Pray without ceasing."
" Watch unto prayer"
256 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDS05.
CHAPTER X.
MR. JUDSON'S ILLNESS.
Six years glided on peacefully after Mrs. Judson's
marriage, each hour usefully employed, and every day
cheered by the mutual love existing between herself and
her husband. Children came to lighten their foreign
home, little blue eyed blossoms, like their mother, to speak
to the parents' hearts of little ones in their far distant
country. But another trial came to the devoted mis-
sionaries. Mr. Judson was taken, in 1839, with the first
pulmonary attack, the forerunner of the fatal disease
which, years later, terminated his career of usefulness.
A sea voyage was absolutely necessary for his re-
covery, and, it being impossible for Mrs. Judson to desert
her home duties, he went alone. I quote one of his let-
ters, and one of hers to show the warm love that existed
between them, and the gentle, meek spirit with which
she bore the trial of parting. She writes :
" As soon as you left the house, I ran to your dress-
ing-room, and watched you from the window. But you
did not look up oh, how I wished you would ! Then I
hastened to the back verandah, and caught one last
glimpse of you through the trees ; * * * and I gave
vent to my feelings in a flood of tears.
LIFE OF SARA/ B. JUDSOX. 257
" Then the children came around me, asking to go to
the wharf, and the women looked their wishes ; and,
though I said ' no' to the little ones, I could not deny
the others. After they were gone I took all three of
our darlings into your own little room, told them why
you had gone away, and asked Abby Ann and Adoniram
if they wished me to ask God to take care of papa while
he was gone. They said ' yes,' and so I put Elnathan
down on the floor to play, and, kneeling beside the other
two, committed you and ourselves to the care of our
Heavenly Father."
He writes to her :
ON BOARD THE SNIPE, 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 afternoon 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,
17
258 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
that we have been separated? I think of you, and the
house, and the chapel, and the compound, and nil the
scenes, and occupations, and endearments that are passed
passed, perhaps, never to return ; but they will return,
if not in this world, yet in another, purified, exalted,
when all this mortal shall be invested with immortality.
February 22. Much better since last. Very little
cough. Spent all the evening, till nine o'clock, on deck,
without any inconvenience. 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,
occasioned by a light cargo and a head wind. We are
now steering north, and expect to reach the pilot ground
in three or four days. My cough has almost left me.
But there is a sorenss 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. Everything 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 preserve you and the children
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 259
until we meet again, or prepare me to bear whatever dis-
tressing dispensation he may have decreed.
March 5. Within a hundred miles of the pilot ground.
No wind. I don't care how long we lie here. Yester-
day I had a slight 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.
Some months later Mrs. Judson writes to Dr. Judson's
mother, thus :
MRS. SARAH JUDSON, TO DR. JUDSON'S MOTHER.
MAULMAIN, October 30, 1839.
MY DEAR MOTHER :
I have, during the past 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 dis-
course was short, and he spoke low. I felt exceedingly
anxious respecting his making the attempt, but he has ex-
perienced no ill effects from it as yet. How pleased you
would have been to see the joy beaming from the coun-
tenances 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
260 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
with the hope that he will soon be entirely restored to
health. He is now revising the Scriptures for a second
edition, quarto. They have already proceeded in print-
ing as far as Psalms. He revises as they print, and
often finds himself closely 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 JUDBO*.
LIFE OF SARAH B. JULSON. 261
CHAPTER XI.
A TEAK OF TRIAL.
IN the course of the ensuing year, another little son
was added to the home circle, but it was a year of the
most severe trial and suffering to all the little" family.
Two letters, written by Dr. Judson to his mother and
sister, tell the sad story of sickness and death. He
writes :
TO HIS MOTHER AND SISTER.
SERAMPORE, 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 dys-
entery, until the two eldest were, at different times, con-
sidered 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
262 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
hardly hoped that we could all get on hoard ship alive.
How I managed to hreak up housekeeping, and pack up,
and get my sick family and all the things ahoard, I can
hardly tell, now it is passed. But it was done somehow,
and the children were stowed away in a range of herths
I had made on one side of the cabin, and wife on the
other, while I occupied a movable cot between the parties.
The motion of the vessel, and the sea air soon had a good
effect on all the invalids ; I left off giving medicines,
and they daily improved. We embarked on the 26th of
June and arrived before Calcutta -the llth of July. But
as soon as we came within the influence of the hot clim-
ate of Bengal, we began to relapse ; and though we came
up to this comparatively healthy place, and hired a nice,
dry house, on the very bank of the river, at forty rupees
a 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 acquaint-
ance at Maulmain, tfhose vessel was going to the Isle of
France, and thence to Maulmain ; 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;
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 26?,
Adoniram is considerably 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 Bengal, 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 re-
collect, to which I once repaired when driven away from
Bengal, nearly thirty years ago.
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 eternity.
Wife desires to be kindly remembered, and I remain, as
ever.
Your affectionate son and brother,
A. JUDSON.
SERAMPORE, August 1, 1842.
DEAR MOTHER 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 27th, dear
little Henry's disorder took an unfavorable turn. Ho
had derived less benefit from the voyage and change than
the other children, being too young to have his mind en-
gaged and diverted, which greatly contributes to bodily
recovery ; and being considered less dangerously ill than
the others, had, perhaps, less attention paid him than was
desirable. His disorder had continued to hold on, though
264 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
at times greatly mitigated. On the 28th he grew worse,
and I wrote down for his mother, and in the evening
began to despair of his life. On the 20th the doctor
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. Oh, 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 acknowledge. 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. Oh, how restless did he spend his last
day, rolling from side to side, and crying out, " NaJinee"
his imperfect pronunciation of naughty, by which term
he was in the habit of expressing his disapprobation or
dissatisfaction. In the afternoon he became convulsed
for a few moments, and our hearts were rent to witness
the distortion of his dear little mouth and face. After
that he was more quiet ; but towards evening he probably
bad some violent stroke of death, for he suddenly
screamed out in great pain. In the evening he had an-
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 265
other turn of convulsion. His mother lay down by hia
side, and, worn out with fatigue, fell fast asleep. About
nine o'clock I had gone into another room, and was ly<
ing down, when a servant called me. He began to
breathe loud, indicative 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 hia
eyes, and looked at me more intelligently and affection
ately than he had been able to do for some time ; but the
effort was too great, and he ceased to breathe. I in-
stantly awoke his mother ; he then gave two or three ex-
piring gasps, and it was all over. I stripped the little
emanciated 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 di-
vided 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 some-
times, when our avocations permitted, looked at him
through the day. And Oh, 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 to-
gether, 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. We intend to order a small
266 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
monument erected with this inscription : " The grave of
Henry Judson, youngest son of the Rev. A. Judson, of
Maulmain, who died July 30th, 1841, aged one year and
seven months."
Elnathan was very ill last night, and is not much bet-
ter 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 be-
fore leaving.
Calcutta, August 6th. We have come down to this place
with a view to embarking ; but the vessel is still detained.
Elnathan 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.
LITE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 267
CHAPTER XII.
MR. AND MllS. JUDSON, AND CHILDREN LEAVE INDIA-
DEATH OF MRS. JUDSON.
A SEA voyage proving beneficial to the other sufferers,
they returned in November, 1841, to Maulmain, where
Mrs. Judson again commenced her daily round of duties,
translating, teaching, advising, arid the thousand minor
cares devolving upon her as a missionary's wife, and the
mother of young children. In 1844, another child was
added to the little flock, and from the time of its birth,
Mrs. Judson's health declined rapidly. The disease
which had so often threatened her life in former years,
returned with great violence, and day after day saw her
growing weaker. A sea voyage was at length pro-
nounced the only means of protracting her life, and as
she was too weak and helpless to go alone, Dr. Judson
resolved to accompany her.
Leaving the three youngest children with their mis-
sionary friends in India, they embarked with the other
three in the ship Paragon, for England, in April, 1845.
On the fifth of July following, they arrived at Port
Louis, Isle of France. Here, Mrs. Judson's health
seemed so much improved, that it was thought prudent
2C8 LIFE OF SA11AH B. JUDSON.
for her to proceed alone upon her voyage, and Dr. Jud-
son determined to return to Maulmain. It was with
many prayers for strength to bear the separation, that
this resolution was taken. Mrs. Judson's last written
words were penned with this trial in prospect. I give
her touching poem, entire :
We part on this green islet, Love,
Thou for the Eastern main,
I, for the setting sun, love
Oh, when to meet again H
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 away the other's tears
Now, each must weep alone.
My tears fall fast for thee, Love,
How can I say farewell ?
But go ; thy God be with thee, LOTO,
Thy heart's deep grief to quell I
Yet my spirit clings to thine, Lovo,
Thy soul remains with me,
And oft we'll hold communion sweet,
O'er the dark and distant sea.
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 269
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 below
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.
This cup, however, was permitted to pass from them.
The Paragon left them at Port Louis ; but a few days
afterwards, Mrs. Judson's illness assumed again a most
dangerous character, and it became impossible for her
husband to leave her. Mr. Judson wrote, in an obituary
notice, the following account of the last days of his
beloved wife:
" After her prostration at the Isle of France, where
we spent three weeks, there remained but little expecta-
tion of her recovery. Her hopes 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
inind. She had a prevailing preference to depart and bo
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
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
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 con-
strained her to say, ' I am in a strait betwixt two let
the will of God be done.'
" In regard to her children, she ever manifested the
most surprising composure and resignation, so much so
that I was once induced to say, ' You seem to have for-
gotten the little ones we have left behind.' ' Can a mo-
ther forget ?' she replied, and was unable to proceed.
During her last days, she spent much time in praying
for the early conversion of her children. May her liv-
ing 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 necessity of burying her in the sea. But it was
so ordered by divine Providence, that, when the indica-
tions 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 drawing 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
administer relief to the distressed body, and consolation
to the departing soul. At two o'clock in the morning,
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSOX. 2*1 L
wishing to obtain one more token of recognition, I roused
her attention, and said, 'Do you still love the Saviour?'
* Oh, yes,' she replied, ' I ever love the Lord Jesus
Christ.' I said again, 'Do you still love me?' She re-
plied 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,
contiguous 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 pre-
sented together at the throne of grace, I blessed God
that her body had attained the repose of the grave, and
272 LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON.
her spirit the repose of paradise. After the funeral, the
dear friends of Mr. Bertram took me to their house
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 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 life, 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 canvass. They must soon pass
away from the memory even of her children, but they
will remain for ever enshrined in her husband's heart.
" To my friends at St. Helena, I am under great obli-
gation. I desire to thank God for having raised up in
that place a most precious religious interest. The friends
of the Redeemer rallied round 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
defray iag all the expenses of the funeral, and promised
to take care of the grave, and see to the erection of the
LIFE OF SARAH B. JUDSON. 27S
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, mem-
ber of the American Baptist Mission to Burmah, for-
merly wife of the Rev. George D. Boardman, of Tavoy,
and lately wife of the Rev. Adoniram Judson, of Maul-
main, who died in this port, September 1st, 1845, on her
passage to the United States, in the forty -second year
of her age, and in the twenty-first of her missionary
life.
" ' 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.' "
After his wife's death, Mr. Judson continued his voy-
age to the United States, where he paid a visit, marked
throughout by the warmest welcome from his friends in
this country, and where he left his three children to be
educated, returning to India again in 1846, accompanied
by the companion whose life will occupy the remaining
pages of this work.
18
LIFE OF
EMILY C. JDDSON,
THIRD WIFK Of
REV. ADONIRAM JUDSON, D.D.
CHAPTER I.
BIRTH EARLY LIFE LITERARY CAREER MARRIAGE AND
DEPARTURE FOR INDIA FAREWELL TO ALDERBROOK.
EMILY CHUBBUCK, the third wife of Dr. Judson, was
born at Eaton, New York, in 1818. After enjoying the
means of education within her reach at a country town,
and finding them insufficient to satisfy the cravings of
a superior intellect and love of study, she accepted the
situation of teacher, in the Female Seminary at Utica,
New York, making it a pleasure to vary the duties of
imparting instruction, by employing her leisure in study-
ing closely herself.
Her parents, themselves deeply impressed with the
love of holy things, early trained their children to the
love of God, and awoke in them the religious enthusiasm
which distinguished Emily in her short but beautiful life.
274
. &me4/&. ZM&>
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
When but fourteen years of age Emily made a profession
of religion, and joined the Baptist church.
Whilst occupied in teaching at Utica, Miss Chubbuck
commenced her literary career, by writing poems for the
Knickerbocker Magazine, and, also, both prose and
poetical articles for the American Baptist Publication
Society. These first productions were all distinguished
by their high religious tone, and the clear, practical view
given to the highest teachings of religion. These earlier
writings, written amidst the pressure of school duties and
hard study, evince, in a remarkable degree, the high,
pure tone of the young girl's mind, and were put mod-
estly forth, with no hope of winning laurels. In 1844,
hoping to add to the limited income of her mother by
the fruits of her pen, Miss Chubbuck sent to the New
Mirror, published by Messrs Morris and Willis, some
lighter articles, stories and sketches. They were highly
commended by the editors, accepted, and published, with
the pretty, fanciful signature of "Fanny Forester."
The encouragement lavished by the press, and the influ-
ence of personal friends, decided Miss Chubbuck to give
up teaching and make literature her profession.
Two or three years of close, successful application to
her pen, whilst it made the young aspirant for public
favor, a well known, beloved name, proved too severe for
a constitution naturally delicate, and " Fanny Forester"
was forced to lay aside her profession, and seek change
of air and scene.
She accepted an invitation from the Rev. A. D. Gil-
lette, a Baptist minister of high standing, in Philadel-
phia, and passed the winter of 1845-6 in his family.
276 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
During her early life in Eaton, Miss Chubbuck be
came warmly interested in the missionary cause, and ex-
pressed freely her hope that at some future time Provi-
dence would open a way for her to teach holy truths in
heathen countries. Accepting, however, with patient
love, any path of usefulness indicated as the one chosen
for her by her Heavenly Father, she fulfilled the more
humble cares of a daughter and teacher, bringing to her
daily routine of duties the same gentle, pure heart, that
so eminently fitted her for a missionary wife.
Still the love for the missionary life, the hope of being
useful to the far distant brethren, struggling in spiritual
darkness, was the ruling passion of her life, and destined
to be gratified. During her residence in the family of
Dr. Gillette, Miss Chubbuck met the Rev. Dr. Judson,
whose name she knew so well as the great Burman Mis-
sionary.
Dr. Judson was also visiting in the family of Dr. Gil-
lette, and thus thrown into daily intercourse with the
young authoress. His well-known nobility of character,
his self-sacrificing love to the heathen, and his own
gentle, benevolent manners, made the disparity of age
valueless in the eyes of the warm-hearted woman, and
when his love for her was declared, she accepted hei
place as his wife, the mother of his children, and his
companion in his life-long task, in India. In June,
1846, Miss Chubbuck became the wife of Dr. Judson,
and sailed with him for India.
"Fanny Forester" was leaving in America a name
fast rising to the first literary ranks. Her sketches
published in the New Miror had been collected in two
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSOX. 277
volumes, under the title of Alderbrook, and, in less than
seven years, 33,000 copies of this work alone, were sold.
Her other works, " Charles Linn," " The Great Secret,"
"Allen Lucas," and her constant contributions to peri-
odical literature were also very popular, yet she unhesi-
tatingly consented to give up her prospects in America
to accept the arduous life of a missionary's wife. In
18'16 she wrote the beautiful farewell to her native place,
which I quote as a specimen of her pure, elevated style
of writing, and the trustful hope, with which she left
her dearly loved home to sail for the new home awaiting
her:
"FAREWELL TO ALDERBROOK.
" ' Farewell :
I may not dwell
Mid flowers and music ever.'
" The hours of my childhood have gone back to their
old obliviousness in eternity ; youth is on the wing, flee-
ing fleeing fleeing. There is but a narrow shadow
lying between my foot and the grave which it seeks a
Teil of grey mist, that a few to-days will dissolve into
what? the sickening perfume of dead flowers, or in-
cense grateful to heaven.
" This is a beautiful, bright world, made for pure be-
ings. At its birth angels walked among its cool shad-
ows, bent to its bright waters, and inhaled its perfumes ;
and they fled not, those holy ones, till their winga
drooped beneath the defiling heaviness of sin. A false
breath played upon the brow of man ; heedlessly he
278 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
opened his bosom to it ; and then it at once nestled, a
fatal poison, ever distilling venom. Still the flowers
bloomed ; still the waters flashed and sparkled in the
warm light ; still the breezes waved their censers, laden
with rich perfume ; still the birds carolled ; the stars
smiled; leaves rustled, kissing each other lovingly; dews
slumbered in lily bells and the hearts of roses, and crept
around withering roots and revived fading petals ; the sun,
and the moon, and the silver twilight, each wrought its
own peculiar broidery on earth and sky ; but upon the
flowers, and the fresh leaves, and the waters, and the
breezes, the gay, beautiful birds, and the silent dews, on
sun, and moon, and stars, on all, everything of earth,
rested the taint of sin. In the morning of this little day of
time, what more deliciously sweet than to recline among the
blossoming luxuriance of Eden, and worship God, there,
in his own temple ? It was the object of life to enjoy
its own blissfulness, and praise Him who gave it. But
when, on the whisper of the tempter, sin came, it brought
a change. The poison hid itself among all the beautiful
things that we most love, engendering thorns and pro-
ducing discord ; it festered in our hearts, reveled in our
veins, and polluted our lips, until the angels veiled their
faces in disgust, and man was left with no eye to pity,
no arm to save ! Then, from the dense cloud, broke
forth a ray of glory ; a crowned Head looked out in
pity ; divine lips bent to the poisoned wound ; and lost,
mined man found a Saviour. He was heralded by an-
gels ; angels are still whispering, ' Look ! look ! live !'
that Saviour is standing with love-beaming eyes and
arms extended ; but men are blind and cannot see his
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 279
beauty. Shall I sit down among thy flowers, sweet Al-
derbrook, while my Redeemer is dishonored, and my
brethren the sons of those who walked with God in
Eden, die ?
" Faultless, if blinded ! The just God will not be an-
gry with those who, not knowing, have not loved him !
" Who has said it ?
" Ah ! The invisible things of Him from the creation
of the world are already seen, being understood by the
things that are made, even his eternal power and Grod-
head ; so that they are without excuse. The beautiful page
of hill and dale and sky is spread open to all. I go tc
teach my brother how to read it.
"Dear, beautiful Alderbrook ! I have loved thee a
I shall never love any other thing, that I may not meet
after the sun of Time is set. Every thing from the strong
old tree that wrestles with the tempest, down to the amber
moss-cup cradling the tiny insect at its root, and pebble
sleeping at the bottom of the brook, every thing about
thee has been laden with its own peculiar lesson. Thou
art a rare book, my Alderbrook, written all over by the
Creator's finger. Dearly do I love the holy truths upon
thy pages ; but ' I may not dwell, mid flowers and music
ever,' and I go hence, bearing another, choicer book in my
hand, and echoing the words of the angels, ' Look ! look,
live.'
" I stand on the verge of the brook, which seems to
me more beautiful than any other brook on earth, and
take my last survey of the home of my infancy. The
cloud, which has been hovering above the trees on the
verge of heaven, opens ; a golden light gushes foi th,
280 LIFE OP EMILY C. JUDSON.
bathing the hill-top, and streaming down its green dcclivi
ty even to my feet, and I accept the encouraging omen.
The angel of Alderbrook, ' the ministering spirit' sent
hither by the Almighty, blesses rne. Father in heaven,
thy blessing, ere I go !
" Hopes full of glory, and oh, most sweetly sacred !
look out upon me from the future ; but, for a moment,
their beauty is clouded. My heart is heavy with sorrow.
The cup at my lip is very bitter. Heaven help me !
White hairs are bending in submissive grief, and age
dimmed eyes are made dimmer by the gathering of tears.
Young spirits have lost their joyousness, young lips for-
get to smile, and bounding hearts and bounding feet are
stilled. Oh, the rending of ties, knitted at the first
opening of the infant eye, and strengthened by number-
less acts of love, is a sorrowful thing ! To make the
grave the only door to a meeting with those in whose bo-
som we nestled, in whose hearts we trusted, long before
we knew how precious was such love and trust, brings
with it an overpowering weight of solemnity. But a
grave is yawning for each one of us ; and it is much to
choose whether we sever the tie that binds us here to-day,
or lie down on the morrow ? Oh, the * weaver's shuttle'
is flying ; the ' flower of the grass' is withering ; the span is
almost measured ; the tale nearly told ; the dark valley
is close before us tread we with care !
" My mother, we may neither of us close the other's dark-
ened eye, and fold the cold hands upon the bosom ; we
may neither of us watch the sod greening and withering
above the other's ashes ; but there are duties for us even
more eacred than these. But a few steps, mother dif-
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 283
ficult the path maybe, but very bright and then we put
on the robe of immortality, and meet to part never
more. And we shall not be apart even on earth. There
is an electric chain passing from heart to heart through
the throne of the Eternal ; and we may keep its links all
brightly burnished by the breath of prayer. Still pray
for me, mother, as in the days gone by. Thou bidst me
go ! The smile comes again to thy lip, the light to thine
eye, for thou hast pleasure in the sacrifice. Thy bless-
ing ! Farewell, my mother, and ye loved ones of the
game hearthstone.
Bright, beautiful, dear Alderbrook, farewell,
FANNY FORESTBR.
June lt. 1846.
22 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSOS.
CHAPTER II.
ARRIVAL IN INDIA LITERARY LABORS POEM WRITTEN OS
THE BIRTH OP A DAUGHTER DOMESTIC LIFE
In November 1846. Dr. and Mrs. Judson arrived at
Maulmain ; and in February 1847, the little family went to
Rangoon, Dr. Judson having gone there in the previous
month, to make arrangements for the reception of his wife
and children. Mrs. Judson had suffered with sea sickness
during the voyage, but the climate of Rangoon seemed
to agree with her very well. Of the three children left
in India when Dr. Judson sailed for America, one, the
youngest,, had joined his mother in Heaven, the others
were well. Dr. Judson wrote home : " I have set up house-
keeping in my old house ; and it seems like home, not-
withstanding the devasation that death and removal have
made. Einily makes one of the best wives and kindest
mothers to the children that ever man was blessed with."
The removal referred to the three children who ac-
companied Dr. Judson to America, and who remained
there for education.
Settled in her new home, with duties before her to-
wards her husband and his children, " Fanny Forest sr,"
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 283
for a short t^.^on laid aside her pen, but the talents be-
stowed by the Heavenly Father, were not intended to lie
idle, and time v is found for many touching sketches of
the new home ai d life. She wrote the life of Sarah B.
Judson, "The 01 ; o, or Domestic Poems," " The Kathayan
Slave, and other papers connected with missionary life,"
" My two Sisters, " during her residence in India, beside
many poems and sh n't sketches, sent home and published in
periodicals.
Through the wii ter months, after her arrival in Ran-
goon, Mrs. Judson's health continued good, but in the
summer of 1847 sLe was taken very ill, with a combina-
tion of nervous complaints. Dr. Judson was also ill with
dysentery at the same time. Two letters written by
Dr. Judson at this time show the trials they were sub-
jected to, at the same time that their cheerful, jesting
tone speaks highly for his domestic happiness.
TO MRS. STEVENS, OF MAULMAIN.
RANGOON, June 30, 1847.
DEAR SISTER:
I have heard Mrs. Judson say, two or three times,
that she ought to write to you ; . so I thought I would
supply her deficiency. She has been very ill, with a
combination of nervous complaints, aud 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
284 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
swellel so that he was not recognizable. At length
several frightful sores opened, and are still discharging.
Government troubles came thick upon us and the con-
verts. 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 re-
ceived 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. 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 Calcutta, 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
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 285
Herald, &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 himself 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 vege-
tating 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. ye fre-
quenters of Astor and Tremont ! ye shades of straw-
berries and icecreams ! But I will spare your feelings
and my own. May you be happy in devouring and be-
ing 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 ad-
mission.
I remain, that is, what does remain,
Yours affectionately,
A. JUDSON.
In a letter to his daughter of a later date, he says :
"We are a deliciously happy family."
On the 24th of December, 1847, Emily Frances, Mrs.
Judson's little daughter, was born. The exquisite lines
286 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSOW.
given below were written upon the birth of thit
ind were very largely circulated in America :
MY BIRD.
" Ere last year's moon had left the sky
A hirdling sought my Indian nest,
And folded, oh, so lovingly,
Her tiny wings upon my breast !
From morn till evening's purple tinge
In winsome helplessness she lies ;
Two rose leaves, with a silken fringe,
Shut softly on her starry eyes.
There's not in Ind a lovelier bird ;
Broad earth owns not a happier nest ;
God ! thou hast a fountain stirred
Whose waters never more shall rest !
This beautiful, mysterious thing,
This seeming visitant from heaven,
This bird with the immortal wing,
To me to me, Thy hand has given I
The pulse first caught its tiny stroke,
The blood its crimson hue, from mine >
This life, which I have dared invoke,
Henceforth is parallel with Thino.
A silent awe is in my room
I tremble with delicious fear ;
The future, with its light and gloom,
Time and eternity are here.
Doubts hopes, in. eager tumult rise ;
Hear, my God, one earnest prayer t
Room for my bird in paradise,
And give her Angel plumage there.
MAOLMAIN, January, 1848.
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 287
Dr. and Mrs. Judson left Rangoon for Maulmain in
1847. I quote here another letter from Dr. Judson,
written in 1848, which, while it gives a brief account of
the progress in missionary matters, also shows the hap-
piness of Mrs. Judson's new life :
TO MB. AND MRS. ROBARTS, OF PHILADELPHIA.
MAULMAIN, December 18, 1 848.
MY VERY DEAR FRIENDS :
Have I written you since the birth of little Emily
Frances ? I was sure I had, until looking into 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 Edward ;
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 happier, I am sure, on the broad earth. For a few
months we have been occupying the same house that my
late family occupied ; 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 Philadel-
phia, are all before my eye, as plain as if I saw them
again ; and that cold winter, and your gas-lights, 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 broken pane that
288 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
I bumped my unlucky head against, I see it, looking at
me reproachfully. Oh, 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 sup-
pose that by this time you have our dear Utica friends
with you in Philadelphia. I hope they will be appreci-
ated ; 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 Longstreth, and
Mrs. President Dagg, all under cover to you, which I
mention, because I find that copies, which I sent to
friends, have, by soire accident, failed of reaching their
destination.
The work of the Lord is going forward in every di-
rection, though much slower than we desire. Scarcely
a month elapses without witnessing the baptism of some
Burmans, or Peguans, or Karens, or descendants of Eu-
ropeans, in some of our churches in this place and vi-
cinity. And beside the actual evident conversions, we
believe that the truth is spreading, and gaining ground
through the country ; and we expect to meet many in
heaven, whom we never met on earth. And we are en-
deavoring to labor, not only for the present generation,
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,"
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 289
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 Scrip-
ture Questions on the Historical Parts of the New Tes-
tament ; and she manages to conduct a Bible class and
native female prayer-meetings ; so that I hope she will
yet come to some good. Pray for us, my dear friends ;
and may we all be prepared to meet in heaven. With
Mrs. Judson's tove,
Yours most affectionately,
A. JUDSON.
19
290 L1FJJ Oy EAIJLY C. JUUSCK.
CHAPTER III.
MRS. JUDSDN'S ILLNESS DR. JUDSON'S DEATH MRS. jui>
SON'S RETURN TO AMERICA DEATH POEMS.
AGAIN, in 1849, Mrs. Judson's health sank in,.j.'cr the
trying effects of the Indian climate. Dr. Judson wrote
to Miss Anable the following letter, showing the heavy
grief under which he labored :
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 shv> 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
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 291
procured a pony for her, and she tried riding, but with
out any good effect. I next sent her to Tavoy in a
steamer, on a visit to the missionaries there. She was
gone ten days, and returned thinner 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 skillful doctor, who appears to
be making every possible effort to save her; but the
symptoms 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 mouths. 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 anywhere. But we are here in the
healthiest part of India, and in the dry, warm season ;
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 principal 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
Buffer so much myself that I felt it would be some relief
2U2 LIFE OP EMILY C. JTJDSON.
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 resigna-
tion. Within a few months she has grown much in de-
votional feelings, and in longing desires to be wholly
conformed to the will of Christ. She had formerly some
doubts about the genuineness of her early conversion,
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 pros-
trate all again. Do remember us in your prayers. I
feel more than ever that God heareth prayer.
From this illness Mrs. Judson slowly recovered. In a
letter to Dr. Gillette, Dr. Judson says : " Emily's health
is very delicate her hold on life very precarious. 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 Gcd
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 293
that I found her, accidentally, as it were, under your
roof."
In the month of November, 1849, Dr. Judson's health
began to fail. A cold, taken one night while assisting
Mrs. Judson in nursing one of the children who was ill,
was followed by a prostrating attack of the fever of the
country, which acted fatally on a frame already weak-
ened by pulmonary complaints. No words that I could
give, can paint the illness and the desolation left by hia
death, in the touching manner of his grief-stricken
widow. I quote her letters to the children in America,
and one to his sister.
FROM MRS. JUDSON TO THE CHILDREN IN AMERICA.
MAULMAIN, April llth, 1850.
MY VERY DEAR CHILDREN:
I have painful news to tell you news that I am sure
will make your hearts ache ; but I hope our Heavenly
Father will help you te 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 fail about five
months ago, and has declined so gradually that we were
not fully aware of his danger until lately ; but within
a 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 little
better ; but he soon failed again. We next spent a
month at Amherst, but he received little, if any, benefit.
Next, the doctors pronounced 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 tc
294 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
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, and
loves your dear papa very much ; and he will do
everything that can be done for his comfort. The officers
of the vessel, too, seemed greatly interested for him, as
did everyone 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 waa
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
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 295
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 natives 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
l)ng months before we can hear from our loved one
again ; and we shall all be very anxious. All that we
can do is to commit him to the care of our Heavenly
Father, and if we never see him again in this world,
pray that we may be prepared to meet him in heaven.
Your dear little brothers and sister enjoy excellent
hea th. They are so young that they do not understand
much about their papa, though they sometimes cry when
I talk to them about him. I shall write to you just aa
quick as I hear from your papa, and wish you to write
296 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
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, COMMUNICATE1
TO HIS SISTER, BY MRS. JUDSON.
MAULMAIN, September 20th, 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
privileges 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 life shall never end. He had been, from
my first acquaintance with him, an uncommonly spiritual
Christian, exhibiting his richest graces in the unguarded
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 297
intercourse of private life ; but during his last year, it
seemed as though the light of the world on which he was
entering, had been sent to brighten his upward 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 before, " 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 conceptions 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 con-
versation. Gladly would I give you, my dear sister, some
idea of the share borne by him in those memorable con-
versations ; 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 elo-
quent, both in conversation, and in the sacred desk ; but
the fervent, burning eloquence, the deep pathos, the
touching tenderness, the elevation of thought, and intense
beauty of expression, which characterized those private
teachings, were not only beyond what I had ever heard
before, but such as I felt sure arrested his own attention,
,nd surprised even himself. About this time he began
to find unusual satisfaction and enjoyment in his private
298 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
derotions, 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 transferred to his sons and daughters, and thence
to their offspring, so that he should ultimately meet a
long, unbroken line of descendants before the throne of
God, where all might join together in ascribing everlast-
ing praises to their Redeemer.
Another subject, which occupied a large share of his
attention, was that of brotherly love. You are, perhaps,
aware that, like 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 divine 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 qualities ; but he was
i.ow aware that he had never placed his standard of love
high enough. He spoke of them as children of God,
redeemed by the Saviour's blood, watched over and
guarded by his love, dear to his heart, honored by him
irv the election, and to be honored hereafter before the
assembled universe ; and he said it was not sufficient to
be kind and obliging to such, to abstain from evil speak-
ing, and make a general mention of them in our prayers,
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 299
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 excla-
mation, " Oh, 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 opera-
tions in general, his tone was one of elevated triumph,
almost of exultation ; for he not only felt an unshaken
confidence in their final success, but would often exclaim,
"What wonders Oh, 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 grow-
ing more irksome to him ; and he always spoke of it as
his "heavy work," his " tedious work," " that wearisome
dictionary," &c., though this feeling led to no relaxation
of effort. He longed, however, to find some more spi-
ritual employment, to be engaged in what he considered
more legitimate missionary labor, and drew delightful
pictures of the future, when his whole business would be
but to preach and to pray.
During all this time I had not observed any failure in
physical strength ; and though his mental exercises occu-
pied 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,
300 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
that one so near to me was becoming so pure and elevated
in his sentiments, and so lovely and Christ-like in hi8
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 consti-
tution, that I thought his life as likely to be extended
twenty years longer, as that of any member of the mis-
sion. He continued his system of morning exercise,
commenced when a student at Andover, and was not sat-
isfied with a common walk on level ground, but always
chose an up-hill path, and then frequently went bounding
on hia 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 sensibil-
ities, 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
essenital element in his character, and his trust in Provi-
dence was so implicit and habitual, that he was never
gloomy, and seldom more than momentarily disheartened.
On the other hand, being accustomed to regard all the
events of this life, however minute or painful, as ordered
in wisdom, and tending to one great and glorious end, he
lived in almost constant obedience to the apostolic injunc-
tion, " Rejoice evermore !" He often told me that
although he had endured much personal suffering, and
passed through many fearful trials in the course of his
eventful life, a kind Providence had also hedged him
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 301
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 even-ing " We are certainly very happy
now, but it cannot be so always. J 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
Budden illness of one of the children. There was an
unpleasant, chilling 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 re-
turn to his couch, where he remained under a warm cov-
302 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
ering until morning. In the morning he awoke with a
severe cold, accompanied by some degree offerer; 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 writing to you before, I think I dated the
commencement of his illness from the month of Novem-
ber, when he laid aside his studies. I know that he re-
garded this attack as trifling ; and yet one evening he
spent a long time in advising me with regard to my future
course, if I should be deprived of his guidance, saying
that it is always wise to be prepared for exigencies 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 uncomplaining disposition, led him
to speak so lightly of it, that I used sometimes to fear
that the doctor, though a very skillful 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 progress, and the extent of his self-conquest.
Just before our trip to Mergui, which took place in Janu-
ary, 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,
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 303
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 bears his name,
before myself." This he said in allusion to the text,
" In honor preferring one another," on which he had fre-
quently dwelt with great emphasis. After further sim-
ilar conversation, he concluded, "And now Jiere 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 par-
ticular 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
express his state of feeling as that one of his own choos-
ing -peace. He had no particular exercises afterwards,
but remained calm and serene, speaking of himself daily
as a great sinner, who had been overwhelmed with bene-
fits, and declaring that he had never in all his life before
had such delightful views of the unfathomable love and
infinite condescension of the Saviour as were now daily
opening before him. " Oh, 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
beautiful study for eternity !"
After our return from Mcrgui, the doctor advised a
still further trial of the effects of sea air and sea bath
ing ; and we accordingly proceeded to Amherst, where
we remained nearly a month. This to me was the
304 LIFE OF EMILY C. JT7DSON.
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
Bufferings too were sometimes fearfully intense, so that,
i\ spite of Jiis 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 incessant-
ly for twenty-four hours, seeming annoyed if he were
aroused or disturbed. Yet there were portions 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 boy-
hood, 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.
At length I wrote to Maulmain, giving some expres-
sion of my anxieties and misgivings, and our kind mis-
sionary 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 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
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 305
house, fortunately empty. This change was, at first,
attended with the most beneficial results ; and our hopes
revived sc much, that we looked forward to the approach-
ing 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.
" Oh, 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 sub-
ject. " I cannot, cannot go ! This is almost more than
I can bear ! Was there ever suffering like our suf-
fering ?" and the like broken expressions, were contin-
ually falling 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 regarding
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 but for timely support.
From that moment his decline was rapid. As he lay
helplessly upon his couch, and watched the swelling of
his feet, and other alarming symptoms, he became very
20
J06 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
anxious to commence his voyage, and I felt equally anx-
ious 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 al-
ways loved the sea so dearly ! There was something
exhilarating to him in the motion of a vessel, and he
spoke with animation of getting free from the almost
suffocating atmosphere incident to the hot season, and
drinking in the fresh sea breezes. He talked but little
more, however, than was necessary to indicate his wants ;
his bodily sufferings being too great to allow of conver-
sation ; but several times he looked up to me with a bright
smile, and exclaimed, as heretofore, " Oh, 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 prepar-
ation 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 know-
ing 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. Yu
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON 307
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 apparent, and I could not
forbear adding, " It is only a little while, you know."
" Only a little while," he repeated mournfully ; " this
separation is a bitter thing, but it does not distress me
now as it did I am too weak." "You have no reason
to be distressed," I answered, " with such glorious pros-
pects before you. You have often told me it is the one
left alone who suffers, not the one who 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 com
plete 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.
308 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
Then after that come all the plans that we have formed.
Oh, I feel as if I were only just beginning to be pre-
pared for usefulness !"
" It is the opinion of most of the mission," I remarked,
" that you will not recover." " I know it is," he replied,
" 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. Oh ! 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
ventured 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
B :me of them are very sweet, bear any comparison with
the 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
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 309
boy bounding away from his school. Perhaps I feei
something' like the young bride when she contemplates
resigning the pleasant associations 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?" "0, 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 feel-
ing with regard to it. I thought he seemed troubled,
and after the visitor had withdrawn, I inquired if he still
felt as when he conversed with me the night previous.
He replied, " 0, 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, thia
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
810 LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
shall certainly die here ; if I go away, I may possiblj
recover. There is no question with regard to duty in
such a case ; and I do not like to see any hesitation, even
though it springs from affection."
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 committed 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 embarka-
tion, of my visits to him while the vessel remained in the
river, and of our last, sad, silent parting ; and Mr. Ran-
ney has finished the picture. You will find, in this
closing part, some dark shadows, that will give you pain ;
but you must remember that his present felicity is en-
hanced 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 impres-
sions 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. Then they gathered about the
OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 811
door, and watched the closing scene with solemn rever-
mce. Now- -thanks to a merciful God ! his pains had
eft him ; not a momentary spasm disturbed 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 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
intercession, 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.
312 LIFE OF EMILX C. JUDSON.
After her husband's death, Mrs. Judson wished to re-
main in India, where she was so much beloved and so
useful, but the delicacy of her health was too great to
permit this. She returned to the United States in 1851,
where she took a home in the village of Hamilton for
her parents, herself, the children of Mrs. Sarah Judson,
and her own "bird."
The fatal seeds of consumption were, however, sown
in her delicate frame, and three years after her return to
America, she died. This short space of time was occu-
pied by the noble woman, in advancing, both by her la-
bors with her pen and her personal influence, the mis-
sionary cause in the United States. She aided Dr. Way-
land, materially, in his Life of Dr. Judson, and was
occupied upon an abridgement of this work when she
was summoned to her eternal home, closing a life of love,
usefulness, and piety, with a peaceful, happy death, in
June 1854.
I quote here some of the exquisite poetry, which,
written by her, places her high in the ranks of poetesses
of America. They show too, the high religious purity of
her mind, her loving reliance upon her husband, and
tender, maternal care for her step-children :
PRAYER FOR DEAR PAPA.
Poor and needy little children,
Saviour, God, we come to thee,
For our hearts are full of sorrow,
And no other hope have we.
Out upon the restless ocean
There is one we dearly love,
Fold him in thine arms of pity,
Spread thy guardian wings above.
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 31A
When the winds are howling round him,
When the angry waves are high,
When black, heavy, midnight shadows
On his trackless pathway lie,
Guide and guard him, blessed Saviour,
Bid the hurrying tempests stay ;
Plant thy foot upon the waters,
Send thy smile to light his way.
When he lies, all pale, and suffering,
Stretched upon his narrow bed,
With no loving face bent o'er him,
No soft hand about his head,
Oh, let kind and pitying angels
Their bright forms around him bow ;
Let them kiss his heavy eyelids,
Let them fan his fevered brow.
Poor and needy little children,
Still we raise our cry to Thee ;
We have nestled in his bosom,
We have sported on his knee ;
Dearly, dearly do we love him,
We who on his breast have lain-
Pity now our desolation !
Bring him back to us again !
If it please thee, Heavenly Father,
We would see him come once more
With his olden step of vigor,
With the love-lit smile he wore ;
But, if we must tread life's valley
Orphaned, guideless, and alone,
Let us lose not, 'mid the shadows,
His dear footprints to Thy throne.
MAITLMAIN, April, 1850.
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON.
SWEET MOTHER.
The wild, south-west Monsoon has risen,
With broad, gray wings of gloom,
While here, from out my dreary prison,
I look, as from a tomb Alas I
My heart another tomb.
Upon the low thatched roof, the rain,
With ceaseless patter, falls;
My choicest treasures bear its stain
Mould gathers on the walls Would heaven
'Twere only on the walls !
Sweet mother ! I am here alone,
In sorrow and in pain ;
The sunshine from my heart has flown,
It feels the driving rain Ah, me !
The chill, and mould, and rain.
Four laggard months have wheeled their round
Since love upon it smiled ;
And everything of earth has frowned
On thy poor, stricken child Sweet friend,
Thy weary, suffering child.
I'd watched my loved one night and day,
Scarce breathing when he slept ;
And as my hopes were swept away,
I'd on his bosom wept God !
How had I prayed and wept !
They bore him from me to the ship,
As bearers bear the dead ;
I kissed his speechless, quivering lip,
And left him on his bed Alas !
It seemed a coffin-bed !
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 816
When from my gentle sister's tomb,
In all our grief, we came,
Rememberest thou her vacant room ?
Well, his was just the same, that day,
The very, very same.
Then, mother, little Charley came
Our beautiful, fair boy,
With my own father's cherished name
But oh, he brought no joy ! My child
Brought mourning and no joy.
Kis little grave I cannot see,
Though weary months have sped
Since pitying lips bent over me
And whispered, " He is dead." Alaa I
'Tis dreadful to be dead !
I do not mean for one like me,
So weary, worn, and weak,
Death's shadowy paleness seems to be,
Even now, upon my cheek his seal
On form, and brow, and cheek.
But for a bright-winged bird like Lim
To hush his joyous song,
And, prisoned in a coffin dim,
Join death's pale, phantom throng My bog
To join that grisly throng !
Oh, mother, I can scarcely bear
To think of this to-day !
It was so exquisitely fair,
That little form of clay my heart
Still lingers by his clay.
810 LITE OF EMILY C. JUDSOtf.
And when for one loved far, far more,
Come thickly, gathering tears ;
My star of faith is clouded o'er,
I sink beneath my fears sweet friend,
My heavy weight of feara
Oh, should he not return to me,
Drear, drear must be life's night 1
And, mother, I can almost see,
Even now, the gathering blight my soul
Faints, stricken by the blight.
Oh, but to feel thy fond arms twine
Around me once again !
It almost seems those lips of thine
Might kiss away the pain might sooth*
This dull, cold, heavy pain.
But, gentle mother, through life's storms
I may not lean on thee,
For helpless, cowering little forms
Cling, trustingly, to me Poor babes I
To have no guide but me !
With weary foot, and broken wing,
With bleeding heart, and sore,
Thy dove looks backward, sorrowing,
But seeks the ark no more thy breM
Seeks never, never more.
Sweet mother, for this wanderer pray
That loftier faith be given ;
Her broken reeds all swept away,
That she may lean on heaven her soul
Grow strong on Christ and heaven.
LIFE OF EMILY C. JDDSON. 817
All fearfully, all tearfully,
Alone and sorrowing,
My dim eye lifted to the sky,
Fast to the cross I cling Christ!
To thy dear cross I cling.
MAULMAIN, August Sth, 1850.
LINES WRITTEN OFF ST. HELENA.
Blow softly, gales ! a tender sigh
Is flung upon your wing ;
Lose not the treasure as ye fly,
Bear it where love and beauty lie
Silent and withering.
Flow gently, waves ! a tear is laid
Upon your heaving breast ;
Leave it within yon dark rock's shade,
Or weave it in an iris braid
To crown the Christian's rest.
Bloom, ocean isle, lone ocean isle !
Thou keep'st a jewel rare ;
Let rugged rock and dark defile
Above the slumbering stranger smile
And deck her couch with care.
Weep, ye bereaved ! a dearer head
Ne'er left the pillowing breast ;
The good, the pure, the lovely fled
When mingling with the shadowy dead
She meekly went to rest.
Mourn, Burrnah, mourn ! a bow which spanned
Thy cloud has passed away ;
A flower has withered on thy sand,
A pitying spirit left thy strand,
A saint has ceased to pray.
818 LIFE OF EMILY~C. JUDSON.
Angels rejoice, another string
Has caught the strains above ;
Rejoice, rejoice ! a new-fledged wing
Around the throne is hovering
In sweet, glad, wondering love.
Blow, blow, ye gales ! wild billows roll !
Unfurl the canvas wide !
Oh ! where she labored lies our goal :
Weak, timid, frail, yet would my soul
Fain be to hers allied.
SHIP FANUEIL HALL, Sept., 1846,
LINES
Addressed to a missionary friend in Burmdh on the death of
her little boy, thirteen months old, in which, allusion is made
to the previous death of his little brother.
A mound is in the graveyard,
A short and narrow bed ;
No grass is growing on it,
And no marble at its head :
Ye may go and weep beside it,
Ye may kneel and kiss the sod,
But ye'll find no balm for sorrow
In the cold and silent clod.
There is anguish in the household.
It is desolate and lone,
For a fondly cherished nursling
From the parent nest has flown ;
A little form is missing ;
A heart has ceased to beat ;
And the chain of love lies shattered
At the desolator's feet.
LIFE OF EMILY C. JUDSON. 319
Remove the empty cradle,
His clothing put away,
And all his little playthings
With your choicest treasures lay
Strive not to check the tear drops
That fall like summer rain,
For the sun of hope shines thro' them
Ye shall see his face again,
Oh ! think where rests your darling-
Not in his cradle-bed ;
Not in the distant graveyard
With the still and mouldering dead}
But in a heavenly mansion,
Upon the Saviour's breast,
With his brother's arms about him
He takes his sainted rest.
He has put on robes of glory
For the little robes ye wrought;
And he fingers golden harp-string
For the toys his sisters brought.
Oh, weep ! but with rejoicing ;
A heart gem have ye given,
And behold its glorious setting
In the diadem of heaven.
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