Memoir of Mrs. Ann H. Judson, late missionary to Burmah : including a history of the American Baptist Mission in the Burman Empire.

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Preface

The Compiler of the following pages, while he feels no wish to disarm criticism, by any apologies, deems it right to say, that he undertook the service with reluctance, arising from a fear, that the multiplied engagements and incessant anxieties of an extensive parochial charge would, alone, prevent him from satisfying the expectations of the public. But a persuasion that such a book would be useful, and the solicitations of those whose opinions and wishes he is accustomed to respect, have induced him to endeavor to perform the duty.

He acknowledges, with gratitude, the kind assistance which he has received from several individuals, and particularly from the parents and other relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Judson. To the materials which they have supplied, the work is indebted for much of its interest and value.

It is much to be regretted, that the greater part of the private journals of Mrs. Judson, and other valuable papers, were destroyed by herself, at Ava, at the commencement of the war, in 1824, to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Burmans. The extracts from her journals, which are quoted in this work, were found by her husband, among her papers, and were by him transmitted to this country. They have never before been published.

It ought to be here stated, that it was thought desirable to connect with a Memoir of Mrs. Judson, a History of the Burman Mission. Her life is indeed a history of that Mission, up to the period of her death. Her valuable Letters to Mr.

PREFACE.

ir

Butterworth are out of print ; and this Memoir contains the only connected narrative, which can now be obtained, of the rise and progress of the Burman Mission. Of the usefulness of such a narrative, no doubt can be entertained. Information concerning the real condition and wants of the heathen world must be spread among the churches, before they can be excited to a proper state of feeling in regard to missions. Christians, therefore, may serve the cause of the Redeemer, ' ~ circulating authentic accounts of the deplorable situation of the heathen nations, and statements of the nature, designs, and progress of the benevolent efforts which Christians are now making for the conversion of the world. It is hoped, that such an account of Burmah and of the Burman Mission will be read with interest, and will operate beneficially on the public mind.

Care has been taken to make this narrative as concise as possible. It is, of necessity, for the most part, a compilation from letters and documents, portions of which have before been published ; but it is believed that those who have read them will peruse them again with increased pleasure in their connected form. The History is continued to the present time, in order that this book may be a complete record of all the important facts relating to the Mission, up to the latest dates from Burmah.

In preparing the Memoir, the Compiler has aimed to make it, as much as possible, an auto-biography, by introducing Mrs. Judson’s private journals and letters, so far as they could be obtained, and were suitable for publication. The reader will find a large proportion of the book composed of details which have not, till now, met the public eye.

The delay which has occurred, in the publication of the Memoir, is, on some accounts, a cause of regret ; but it has been unavoidable. After the death of Mrs. Judson was known in this country, it was early resolved, by the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, that a Memoir should be prepared. But it was necessary to obtain from her husband the papers, and other information, which he might furnish. Nearly two years elapsed, before these arrangements could be finished. Considerable time and labor were necessary,

PREFACE.

V moreover, to collect materials in this country, before the work could be commenced. These facts will explain the reasons why the book has not before been published. One advantage, at least, has resulted from the delay. The present situation of the Mission is highly auspicious ; and the History, while it is more complete, is, also, more cheering, than it would have been at any former period.

This book is published under the direction of the Baptist Board of Missions, and its funds will be aided by a wide circulation of the work. But the chief purpose of the Board and of the Author has been to advance, by its publication, the cause of truth and of missions.

The Compiler has felt the difficulty of treating properly some topics which have a necessary connection with the narrative, and which have occasioned various feelings, in different bosoms. Some may think that he has touched them too lightly ; while others may have wished that they should not be mentioned at all. He can merely say, th^t he has endeavored to ascertain what duty required of him, and to perform it in a right manner and with right feelings.

The map which accompanies this volume is copied, with some alterations, from Snodgrass’ “Burmese War,” a copy of which was kindly furnished from the Library of the Newton Theological Seminary.

The work has been finished with as much fidelity and care, as the leisure hours of a Pastor, few, interrupted, and far between, have allowed him to bestow on it and it is now commended to the blessing of God, and to the favor of the public, with the hope, that while it serves as a memorial of the character and actions of a departed servant of the Redeemer, it may assist to foster pious feelings, and to enkindle stronger desires for the universal triumph of the Gospel.

Boston, February 20, 1829.

Preface To The Second Edition

The Compiler feels grateful to God, that he has so far prospered this work, that the first edition is already dispersed, and a second edition is needed. The work has been revised, and a few corrections and additions have been made. The latest intelligence from Burmah, which informs us of the prosperity which God is graciously granting to the efforts of his servants there, has also been added. The present prospects of the mission are bright, indeed. May the Lord of the harvest send forth more laborers into that great and whitening field.

Boston, May 13, 1829.

publishers’ notice.

The first edition of this Memoir, consisting of 3500 copies, having been taken up in a few weeks after the work was issued, the Publishers are happy in speedily presenting the public with a second edition. The deep interest which the work has excited in the Christian community, evinces that it is destined to obtain a very wide circulation ; aud it cannot fail extensively to awaken and promote missionary elforts. The labors of the Compiler were gratuitously presented to the General Convention ; for which a vote of thanks was passed at their late triennial meeting in Philadelphia. In addition to the benefits resulting from the circulation of the work, its sale will materially aid the missionary funds. The Publishers have already paid three hundred and fifty dollars into the Treasury, which the Board have appropriated to the support of Burman Female Schools, an object peculiarlyendeared to Mrs. Judson.

Chapter I

Mrs. Judson’s Birth, Education, and Conversion.

“I AM a man, and feel a concern in every thing that relates to mankind,” was the generous sentiment of a Roman poet,* which touched a kindred chord, even in the bosoms of his iron hearted countrymen. Tt is this universal sympathy which has always given a charm to Biography. The earliest human compositions were narratives of the exploits and adventures of distinguished individuals. History, which has been called “ philosophy teaching by example,” owes the greater part of its usefulness and interest, to its sketches of individual character, and its details of private conduct. The inspired volume itself has this additional evidence of its origin from Him who knows what is in man, that a large portion of it consists of Biography. The life and the death of many, both of the enemies and of the friends of God, are here recorded, to teach mankind, in the most emphatic manner, the happiness which springs from piety, and the folly of those who knoio not God, and obey not the Gospel.

It is remarkable, too, that Jehovah has thought proper to mention, in his word, with honorable commendation, many “ holy women,” whose lives displayed the excellence of religion, and whose zeal in duty, firmness in suffering, and intrepidity in danger, entitle them to rank among the noble band, of whom the world was not worthy. The Bible, though written in a part of the earth where the female character is undervalued, is full of testimony to the

* Terence. The well known words,

“ Homo sum, humani nil a me alienum puto,” were received with loud plaudits by the audience.

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MEMOIR OF MRS. JUDSON.

moral and intellectual worth of woman. It is no small evidence of its divine origin, that it thus rises above a prejudice which seems to be universal, except where the Bible has dispelled it. Christianity alone teaches the true rank of women ; and secures to the loveliest and best portion of our race, the respect and influence which belong to them.

But no precedent nor argument is needed to justify the publication of a Memoir of Mrs. Judson. Those who have acquired any knowledge of her are, it is believed, desirous to know more ; and all the friends of Missions must wish to trace the progress of a life which has been so closely connected with the history of the Burman Mission.

Mrs. Ann H. Judson was the daughter of Mr. John and Mrs. Rebecca Hasseltine. She was born December 22, 1789, at Bradford, (Massachusetts) where her venerable parents yet reside.

It has been said, that the character of men is formed by the education which they receive ; the companions among whom they are placed ; the pursuits to which they are led by inclination or necessity ; and the general circumstances of the situation into which accident or choice may have guided them.

This opinion, though doubtless it derives some plausibility from the undeniable effects of education, of example, and of the numberless other influences which affect the minds and the hearts of men, is yet untrue, in regard both to the intellectual and moral character. Neither the reason nor the affections are so obsequious to the power of external circumstances, as readily to take any new shape and direction.

There exist, without doubt, in the original structure of every mind, the distinctive elements of the future character. Favorable opportunities may be needed, to develope this character, but they cannot alone create it. The “ village Hampden,” or the “ mute, inglorious Milton,” may exist in many a hamlet; and the call of an oppressed country, or the inspirations of learning, might arouse and summon them forth to action, but could not bestow the noble patriotism of the one, nor the genius of the other.

It is for this reason, that men feel a curiosity to learn something of the early life of individuals, distinguished either by uncommon qualities, or by remarkable actions. It seems to be thought, that such individuals must have exhibited, in childhood, some of the traits which marked

MEMOIR OF MRS. JUDSON.

their mature years. It gives no surprise to the admirers of Pope, to learn that he “lisped in numbers and those who were charmed and moved by the eloquence of Massillon, or Whitefield, would readily believe, that the former was accustomed, while a boy, to repeat to his schoolfellows the sermons which he had heard ; and that the latter composed discourses while he served, at an early age, as a waiter at an inn.

The lamented individual, a sketch of whose life is attempted in the following pages, was known to the public, almost wholly as a Missionary. But every one, who feels a concern to know what she did and suffered, in the performance of her office, will be desirous to learn some facts relating to her early life, and some details of her personal history. These will naturally be expected to shed light on her public character, and to strengthen the interest with which her eventful course will be followed.

It is a cause of regret, that the means of gratifying this natural curiosity are so few and scanty. The reasons have already been explained, why no more of the productions of her pen have been preserved ; and the reader may easily imagine the difficulty of gathering the fugitive recollections which yet linger in the memory of her friends. From this source, however, a few facts have been collected.

In her earliest years, she was distinguished by activity of mind, extreme gaiety, a strong relish for social amusements, and unusually ardent feelings. She possessed that spirit of enterprise, that fertility in devising plans for the attainment of her wishes, and that indefatigable perseverance in the pursuit of her purposes, of which her subsequent life furnished so many examples, and created so frequent occasions. Her restless spirit, while a child, was often restrained by her mother ; and the salutary prohibitions which this excellent parent was sometimes forced to impose, occasioned so much grief, that Mrs. Hasseltine once said to her, “ I hope, my daughter, you will one day be satisfied with rambling.”

An eager thirst for knowledge is commonly the attendant, and often the parent, of a restless, enterprising disposition. It was so in the case of Mrs. Judson. She loved learning, and a book could allure her from her favorite walks, and from the gayest social circle. The desire for knowledge is often found in connection with moderate intellectual faculties ; and in such cases, with favorable opportunities, the individual may make a respectable pro-

MEMOIR OF MRS. JUDSON.

ficiency in learning. But this desire is almost invariably an attribute of eminent mental powers ; and the person thus happily endowed, needs nothing but industry and adequate means, to ensure the attainment of the highest degree of literary excellence.

Mrs. Judson’s mind was of a superior order. It was distinguished by strength, activity, and clearness. She has, indeed, left no memorials, which can be produced, as fair specimens of her talents and literary acquirements. She wrote much, but her writings have perished, except letters and accounts of missionary proceedings, written without any design to exhibit her abilities, or display her learning. But no one can review her life, and read what she has written and published, without feeling that her mind possessed unusual vigor and cultivation.

She was educated at the Academy in Bradford, a seminary which has become hallowed by her memory, and by that of Mrs. Newell, the proto-martyr of the American Missions. Here she pursued her studies with much success. Her perceptions were rapid, her memory retentive, and her perseverance indefatigable. Here she laid the foundations of her knowledge, and here her intellect was stimulated, disciplined, and directed. Her preceptors and associates ever regarded her with respect and esteem ; and considered her ardent temperament, her decision and perseverance, and her strength of mind, as ominous of some uncommon destiny.

Her religious character, however, is of the most importance, in itself, and in connection with her future life. The readers of this Memoir will feel the deepest concern, to trace the rise and progress of that spiritual renovation, and that divine teaching, which made her a disciple of the Saviour, and prepared her for her labors in his service.

Of this momentous change, the following account, written by herself, has happily been rescued from the fate which befel the greater part of her private journals : —

“ During the first sixteen years of my life, I very seldom felt any serious impressions, which I think were produced by the Holy Spirit. I was early taught by my mother (though she was then ignorant of the nature of true religion) the importance of abstaining from those vices, to which children are liable — as telling falsehoods, disobeying my parents, taking what was not my own, &c. She also taught me, that if I were a good child, I should, at death, escape that dreadful hell, the thought of which some-

MEMOIR OF MRS. JUDSON.

IS times filled me with alarm and terror. I, therefore, made it a matter of conscience to avoid the above-mentioned sins, to say my prayers night and morning, and to abstain from my usual play on the Sabbath, not doubting, but that such a course of conduct would ensure my salvation.

“ At the age of twelve or thirteen, 1 attended the academy at Bradford, where I was exposed to many more temptations than before, and found it much more difficult to pursue my pharisaical method. 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 remonstrances, 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 situation was such as afforded me opportunities for indulging 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 first circumstance, which, in any measure, awakened me from this sleep of death, was the following. One Sabbath morning, having prepared myself to attend public worship, just as I was leaving my toilet, I accidentally took up Hannah More’s Strictures on Female Education ; and the first words that caught my eye were, She that liveth in pleasure, is dead while she liveth. They were written in italics, with marks of admiration ; and they struck me to the heart. I stood for a few moments, amazed at the incident, and half inclined to think, that some invisible agency had directed my eye to those words. At first, I thought I would live a different life, and be more serious and sedate ; but at last I thought, that the words were not so applicable to me, as I first imagined, and resolved to think no more of them.

“ In the course of a few months (at the age of fifteen,) 1 met with Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. I read it as a Sabbath book, and was much interested in the story. I finished the book on a Sabbath, and it left this impression on my mind — that Christian, because he adhered to the nar- B 2

MEMOIR OF MRS. JUDSON.

row path, was carried safely through all his trials, and at last admitted into heaven. I resolved, from that moment, to begin a religious life ; and in order to keep my resolutions, I went to my chamber and prayed for divine assistance. When I had done, I felt pleased with myself, and thought I was in a fair way for heaven. But I was perplexed to know what it was to live a religious life, and again had recourse to my system of works. The first step, that appeared necessary for me to take, was, to refrain from attending parties of pleasure, and be reserved and serious in the presence of the other scholars. Accordingly, on Monday morning, I went to school, with a determination to keep my resolution, and confident that I should. I had not been long in school, before one of the young ladies, an intimate friend of mine, came with a very animated countenance, and told me that Miss in a neigh-

boring town, was to have a splendid party on new year’s day, and that she and I were included in the party selected. I coolly replied, that I should not go, though I did. receive an invitation. She seemed surprised, and asked me what was the matter. I replied, that I should never again attend such a party. I continued of the same opinion during the day, and felt much pleased with such a good opportunity of trying myself. Monday evening, the

daughters of sent in to invite me and my sisters

to spend the evening with them, and make a family visit. I hesitated a little, but considering that it was to be a family party merely, I thought I could go without breaking my resolutions. Accordingly I went, and found that two or three other families of young ladies had been invited. Dancing was soon introduced ; my religious plans were forgotten ; I joined with the rest — was one of the gayest of the gay — and thought no more of the new life I had just begun. On my return home, I found an invitation from Miss

in waiting, and accepted it at once. My conscience

let me pass quietly through the amusements of that evening also; but when I retired to my chamber, on my return, it accused me of breaking my most solemn resolutions. 1 thought I should never dare to make others, for I clearly saw, that I was unable to keep them.

“ From December, 1805, to April, 1806, 1 scarcely spent a rational hour. My studies were slightly attended to, and my time was mostly occupied in preparing my dress, and in contriving amusements for the evening, which portion of my time was wholly spent in vanity and trifling. I so

MEMOIR OP MRS. JUDSON.

far surpassed my friends in gaiety and mirth, that some of them were apprehensive, that I had but a short time to continue in my career of folly, and should be suddenly cut off. Thus passed the last winter of my gay life.

“ In the spring of 1806, there appeared a little attention to religion, in the upper parish of Bradford. Religious conferences had been appointed during the winter, and I now began to attend them regularly. I often used to weep, when hearing the minister, and others, press the importance of improving the present favorable season, to obtain an interest in Christ, lest we should have to say, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. I thought I should be one of that number ; for though I now deeply felt the importance of being strictly religious, it appeared to me impossible I could be so, while in the midst of my gay associates. I generally sought some retired corner of the room, in which the meetings were held, lest others should observe the emotions I could not restrain ; but frequently after being much affected through the evening, I would return home, in company with some of my light companions, and assume an air of gaiety very foreign to my heart. The Spirit of God was now evidently operating on my mind ; I lost all relish for amusements; felt melancholy and dejected ; and the solemn truth, that I must obtain a new heart, or perish forever, lay with weight on my mind. My preceptor was a pious man, and used frequently to make serious remarks in the family. One Sabbath evening, speaking of the operations of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of sinners, a subject with which I had been hitherto unacquainted, he observed, that when under these operations, Satan frequently tempted us to conceal our feelings from others, lest our conviction should increase. I could hear him say no more ; but rose from my seat, and went into the garden, that 1 might weep in secret oyer my deplorable state. I felt, that I was led captive by Satan at his will, and that he had entire control over me. And notwithstanding I knew this to be my situation, I thought I would not have any of my acquaintance know that I was under serious impressions, for the whole world. The ensuing week, I had engaged to be one of a party to visit a young lady in a neighboring town, who had formerly attended the academy. The state of my mind was such, that I earnestly longed to be free from this engagement, but knew not how to gain my end, without telling the real reason. This I could not persuade myself

MEMOIR OF MRS. JUDSON.

to do ; but concluded, on the morning of the appointed day, to absent myself from my father’s home, and visit an aunt, who lived at some distance, and who was, I had heard, under serious impressions. I went accordingly, and found my aunt engaged in reading a religious magazine. I was determined she should not know the state of my mind, though I secretly hoped, that she would tell me something of hers. I had not been with her long, before she asked me to read to her. I began, but could not govern my feelings, and burst into tears. She kindly begged to know what thus affected me. I then for the first time in my life, communicated feelings which I had determined should be known to none but myself. She urged the importance of my cherishing those feelings, and of devoting myself entirely to seeking an interest in Christ, before it should be forever too late. She told me, that if I trifled with impressions which were evidently made by the Holy Spirit, I should be left to hardness of heart, and blindness of mind. Her words penetrated my heart, and I felt resolved to give up every thing, and seek to be reconciled to God. That fear, which I had ever felt, that others would know that I was serious, now vanished away, and I was willing that the whole universe should know, that I felt myself to be a lost and perishing sinner. 1 returned home, with a bursting heart, fearing that I should lose my impressions, when associated with the other scholars, and convinced that if I did, my soul was lost. As I entered my father’s house, I perceived a large party of the scholars assembled to spend the evening. It will be the height of rudeness, thought I, to leave the company ; but my second thought was, if I lose my soul, I lose my all. I spoke to one or two, passed through the room, and went to my chamber, where I spent the evening, full of anxiety and distress. I felt, that if I died in that situation, I must perish ; but how to extricate myself I knew not. 1 had been unaccustomed to discriminating preaching ; I had not been in the habit of reading religious books ; I could not understand the Bible ; and felt myself as perfectly ignorant of the nature of true religion as the very heathen. In this extremity, the next morning, I ventured to ask the preceptor what I should do. He told me to pray for mercy, and submit myself to God. He also put into my hands some religious magazines, in which I read the conviction and conversion of some, who, I perceived, had once felt as I now felt. I shut myself up in

MEMOIR OF MRS. JUDSON.

my chamber, denied myself every innocent gratification ; such as eating fruit and other things, not absolutely necessary to support life, and spent my days in reading and crying for mercy.

“ But I had seen, as yet, very little of the awful wickedness of my heart. I knew not yet the force of that passage, The carnal mind is enmity against God. I thought myself very penitent, and almost prepared, by voluntary abstinence, to receive the divine favor. After spending two or three weeks in this manner, without obtaining the least comfort, my heart began to rise in rebellion against God. I thought it unjust in him, not to notice my prayers and my repentance. I could not endure the thought, that he was a sovereign God, and had a right to call one and leave another to perish. So far from being merciful in calling some, I thought it cruel in him to send any of his creatures to hell for their disobedience. But my chief distress was occasioned by a view of his perfect purity and holiness. My heart uas filled with aversion and hatred towards a holy God; and I felt, that if admitted into heaven, with the feelings I then had, I should be as miserable as I could be in hell. In this state, I longed for annihilation ; and if I could have destroyed the existence of my soul, with as much ease as that of my body, I should quickly have done it. But that glorious Being, who is kinder to his creatures, than they are to themselves, did not leave me to remain long in this distressing state. I began to discover a beauty in the way of salvation by Christ. He appeared to be just such a Saviour as I needed. I sawhow God could be just, in saving sinners through him. I committed my soul into his hands, and besought him to do with me what seemed good in his sight. When I was thus enabled to commit myself into the hands of Christ, my mind was relieved from that distressing weight which had borne it down for so long a time. I did not think, that I had obtained the new heart, which I had been seeking, but felt happy in contemplating the character of Christ, and particularly that disposition, which led him to suffer so much, for the sake of doing the will and promoting the glory of his heavenly Father. A few days after this, as I was reading Bellamy’s True Religion, I obtained a new view of the character of God. His justice, displayed in condemning the finally impenitent, which I had before viewed as cruel, now appeared to be an expression of hatred to sin, and regard to the good of beings in general. A