New Book on the History of Andover Newton Theological School

Last October I wrote up a small piece on Richard Furman in which I made mention of his efforts to establish Baptist seminaries. I wrote,

In 1814 Furman was elected as the first president of the Baptist Triennial Convention. As president of the Baptist Convention, Furman continued to press the burden of education upon his brethren. His plans were brilliant, but they did not unfold as he had intended. His original plan was for a central institution in Washington D. C. with preparatory institutions in each state, or between states. From this original plan emerged the Columbian College (now a part of George Washington University). Other institutions that grew out of this plan are Furman Institution (now University), the Mercer Institute (now University), the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and probably Newton in Massachusetts (now Andover-Newton Theological Seminary). (emphasis added)

Another impetus behind the formation of Newton Theological Seminary was the booming interest in foreign missions. Adoniram Judson, then a student at Andover Theological Seminary (1810), and his friends strongly urged the ministers Massachusetts to address the pressing need of missions to the heathen. This era of missionary zeal saw a handful of new training and supportive institutions birthed.

Needless to say, there is a lot of important history concerning the genesis of Andover Theological Seminary and Newton Theological Seminary. The story of these two early American schools, their union in 1931, and their joint contribution to the evangelical church to this day has been documented in a new book by Margaret Lamberts Bendroth. This week Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishers announced the release of this historical-critical work.

What follows are details about this book and about its author. Researching Bendroth's literary output has given me good reason to think that this book will be a valuable contribution to American Evangelical historical studies. I also expect that we will find plenty of Bendroth's evaluation of the Fundamentalist movement as it pertains to this historic school (note the table of contents listed below).

Bendroth, Margaret Lamberts. A School of the Church: Andover Newton Across Two Centuries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008.

Format: Hardback. 240 pages; dimensions (in inches): 6 x 9; 29 b&w illustrations; List Price: $28.00 USD

ISBNs: 0802863701 / 978-0-8028-6370-6

Purchase: Eerdmans | Amazon | CBD

Description from the publisher:

Andover Newton Theological School has a storied 200-year history. Margaret Lamberts Bendroth has written a compelling account of this historic institution and its two original sources — Andover Seminary, a Congregational school established in 1808 and the model for theological education in the United States, and Newton Theological Institution, a Baptist school established in 1825 — which merged in 1931. The book offers entirely new material on the development of the school after the 1931 merger.

As part of Andover Newton’s history, Bendroth explores the unquestionable intellectual contributions of the faculty, including Moses Stuart, Alvah Hovey, Gabriel Fackre, Max Stackhouse, Phyllis Trible, and many others. She also examines the many paths intersecting with the school’s story, from American education in general to the development of Protestant thought, to the complex histories of race and gender in American society.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Andover Seminary and the Origins of Theological Education in America

New England Baptists and the Cure of Souls: The Early Years of the Newton Theological Institution

Andover, Newton, and the Benevolent Empire

The New Theology Comes to Andover: The Story of the Future Probation Controversy

Newton and the Fundamentalist-Modernist Debate

Andover’s Harvard Years: From Cambridge to Newton Center

Andover Newton and Pastoral Education in the World War II Era

Earthquake Years: A Mainline Seminary Weathers the Sixties

Andover Newton’s Turn of the Century

EPILOGUE: The Andover Newton Legacy
INDEX

Margaret Lamberts Bendroth is a historian, executive director of the American Congregational Association and director of the Congregational Library in Boston.

Bibliography -

• Co-edited and contributed to Faith Traditions and the Family. The Family, Religion and Culture series. (WJK, 1996)
• Preview this book via Google
  

• Fundamentalism and Gender: 1875 to the Present (Yale UP, 1996)
• Press Release
• "Bendroth's sensitivity to the religious integrity of fundamentalism is matched by her awareness of its ambiguities about women. The book as a whole breaks new ground in both research and analysis. It is a fine piece of work."—Mark A. Noll


• The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ: Outreach and Diversity. Volume 5. (Pilgrim Press, 2000)
• 
  
• Women and Twentieth-Century Protestantism Edited by Margaret Lamberts Bendroth and Virginia Lieson Brereton (University of Illinois Press, 2001)
• Press Release
• Preview this book via Google
  

• Growing Up Protestant: Parents, Children and Mainline Churches (Rutgers UP, 2002)
• Kindle edition

• Fundamentalist in the City: Conflict and Division in Boston's Churches, 1885-1950 (Oxford UP, 2005)
• Kindle Edition
  
• Press Release
• "'All religion is, in the end, local,' observes Margaret Bendroth in this important study. Bendroth provides an engaging history of revivalist Protestantism in Boston in the era from Dwight L. Moody to Billy Graham. She shows that in the formerly Puritan city the movement that in the 1920s became known as 'fundamentalist' had a distinctive local background and eventually helped shape a broader 'new evangelicalism,' associated with Graham." -- George Marsden, author of Fundamentalism and American Culture: The Shaping of Twentieth-Century Evangelicalism, 1870-1925

• A School of the Church: Andover Newton Across Two Centuries (Eerdmans, 2008)

New Book on the History of Andover Newton Theological School

Pray for the Land of Judson

Last Saturday the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar, also known as Burma, was devastated by a powerful cyclone that left thousands dead or missing with many more homeless. MSNBC reports, “The death toll from the cyclone that ravaged Myanmar is expected to top 10,000, a senior official said Monday, with at least 4,000 people already listed as killed and nearly 3,000 others unaccounted for.” The former capitol city Yangon and the entire Irrawaddy Delta took a direct hit from the storm. The affected region is home to some 24 million people.

The military-led Burmese government is slow to help their people and allow foreign aid into the country. With electricity out and drinking water scarce, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Myanmar.

Pray that the Lord would move this government to fulfill its responsibilities to its people and allow other countries to help. Pray that people affected by the storm will receive shelter, medical treatment, and help in rebuilding. Pray that profiteers will not be allowed to continue their price-gouging for things like gas and food. The military junta ruling Myanmar plans to go ahead with its referendum on a draft constitution this coming Saturday, May 10. Pray that, if the Lord wills, the vote will turn the tide for the oppressed people and allow them greater freedom. Pray that the Lord will raise up servants to go to the hurting people with the gospel of Jesus Christ and show them the God of grace and comfort. Pray for greater openness to the gospel in Judson’s former field of service.

American missionary Adoniram Judson (1788 – 1850) served over three decades in Burma preaching the gospel, translating the Bible into Burmese, and writing books to facilitate further language studies. His translation of Scripture is still in use. Judson’s desire was that he and his beloved Burmese listeners would “reach the Golden Shore.” Pray that the Lord will somehow use this calamity to continue the fulfillment of that worthy desire and to bring glory to Himself.

Pray for the Land of Judson

Adoniram Judson: Bibliography

Biographies of Adoniram Judson (Aug. 9, 1788 – April 12, 1850) -

A Missionary of the Apostolic School: Being the Life of Dr. A. Judson, of Burmah revised and edited by Horatius Bonar, Mary Lundie Bonar, and Francis Wayland (London: James Nisbet & Co, 1871), vii + 374 pp.

Eine Barmanen Familie Aus Missionar Judsons Arbeit 4te Auflage Kleine Missionstraktate. (Basel, Missionsbuchhandlung, 1894), 8 pp.

The Judson Offering, intended as a token of Christian Sympathy with the living and a momento of Christian affection for the dead, edited by John Dowling (New York: Lewis Colby & Co., 1847), 294 pp. Read Online

Anderson, Courtney. To the Golden Shore: the life of Adoniram Judson (Boston and Toronto: Little, Brown & Company, 1956; repr. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1987). [CBD | Amazon]

Bailey, Faith Coxe. Adoniram Judson: Missionary To Burma 1813-1850 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1955). [Amazon]

Beach, Harlan Page (1854-1933). Knights of the labarum; being studies in the lives of Judson, Duff, Mackenzie and Mackay (Chicago: Student volunteer movement for foreign missions, 1896). Read Online

Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Mission for Life: The Story of the Family of Adoniram Judson (New York: Free Press, 1980), 302 pp. [Amazon]

Clement, Jesse (1815-1883). Memoir of Adoniram Judson: His Life and Missionary Labors (Auburn, NY: Derby & Miller, 1851), 336 pp. Read Online

Conant, Hannah Chaplin (1809-1865). The Earnest Man: a sketch of the character and labors of Adoniram Judson, first missionary to Burmah (Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co., New York: Sheldon, Blakeman & Co., 1856), 498 pp. Read Online

Eddy, Daniel Clarke (1823-1896). A Sketch of Adoniram Judson, D.D., the Burman apostle (Lowell, [Mass]: N. L. Dayton, 1851 [c1850]). Read Online

Gillette, A. D. A Sketch of the Labors, Sufferings and Death of the Rev. Adoniram Judson, D.D. (Philadelphia: Daniels & Smith, 1851), 160 pp. Read Online

Hague, William (1808-1887). The Life and Character of Adoniram Judson, late missionary to Burmah: a commemorative discourse delivered before the American Baptist Missionary Union, in Boston, May 15, 1851 (Boston: Gould & Lincoln, 1851), 38 pp. Read Online

Hill, James Langdon. The Immortal Seven: Judson and His Associates (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1913). [Amazon] Read online

Hull, John Mervin (1854-). Judson the Pioneer (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, c1913). [Amazon] Read Online

Hunt, Rosalie Hall. Bless God and Take Courage: The Judson History and Legacy (Valley Forge, VA: Judson Press, 2005). [CBD | Amazon]

Judson, Edward (1844-1914). Adoniram Judson: a biography (New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Co., [c1883]; Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1894), xii, 601 pp. [Amazon] Read Online and here

Judson, Edward (1844-1914). Adoniram Judson, D.D.; His Life and Labours (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1883), 601 pp. Read Online

Judson, Edward (1844-1914). The Life of Adoniram Judson (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1883), viii, 601 pp. Read Online

Judson, Edward. Adoniram Judson, Ein Apostel unter den Bir manen Eine Biographie (Hamburg, Oncken Nachf, 1896), 8 pp.

Middleditch, Robert. T. Burmah's Great Missionary: Records of the Life, Character, and Achievements of Adoniram Judson (Third ed., New York: Edward H. Fletcher, 1854). Read Online

Moffat, Robert (1795-1883). The White Foreigners from Over the Water: the story of the American mission to the Burmese and the Karens (London: Religious Tract Society, [186?]). Read Online

Marrat, Jabez. The Apostle of Burma: A Memoir of Adoniram Judson, D.D. (London: Charles H. Kelly, 1890), 128 pp.

Pearn, B. R. Judson of Burma (London: Edinburgh House Press, 1962). [Amazon]

Piper, John. Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ: The Cost of Bringing the Gospel to the Nations in the Lives of William Tyndale, Adoniram Judson, and John Paton. (Wheaton: Crossway, 2009). [Download PDF | Amazon | Kindle | WTS | CBD]

Piper, John. How Few There Are Who Die So Hard! Suffering and Success in the Life of Adoniram Judson: the cost of brining Christ to Burma (2003 Bethlehem Conference for Pastors, February 4, 2003). Read Online | Audio

Richards, William Carey (1818-1892). The Apostle of Burma; a missionary epic in commemoration of the centennial of the birth of Adoniram Judson (Boston: Lee, 1889). Read Online

Warburton, Stacy Reuben (1875-). Eastward! The story of Adoniram Judson (New York: Round Table Press, 1937), xi + 240 pp. Read Online

Wayland, Francis (1796-1865). A Memoir of the Life and Labours of the Rev. Adoniram Judson D.D., 2 vols. (Boston: Phillips, Sampson & Co.; London: Nisbet & Co., 1853; repr. Laurel, MS: Audubon Press, 2006), vol 1, 544 pp; vol 2, 522 pp. [Amazon | CBD - vol 1, vol 2] Read Online, volume 1 here, and volume 2 here. The "official" biography.

Related Documents -

Woods, Leonard (1774-1854). A Sermon Delivered at the Tabernacle Church in Salem, Feb. 6, 1812, on Occasion of the Ordination of the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Newell, A.M., Adoniram Judson, A.M., Samuel Nott, A.M., Gordon Hall, A.M. and Luther Rice, A.B., Missionaries to the Heathen in Asia, etc. (Stockbridge, 1812).

Worcester, S. M., Jr. A Correction of erroneous Statements Concerning the Embarkation of the Rev. Messrs. Judson and Newell, at Salem, February 18, 1812. Reprinted form the Christian Review, No. LIV. (Boston: T. R. Marvin, March 1849), 24 pp.

Biographies of Ann Hasseltine Judson (Dec. 22, 1789 – Oct. 24, 1826) -

Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Mission for Life: The Story of the Family of Adoniram Judson (New York: Free Press, 1980).

Hall, Gordon Langley. Golden Boats from Burma. (Philadelphia: MacRae Smith Press, 1961), 398 pp. Biography of Ann Hasseltine Judson.

Hartley, Cecil B. Three Mrs. Judsons: The Celebrated Female Missionaries (nd; new ed., G. G. Evans, 1860; John E. Porter, 1870), 22 pp. [Amazon]

Hubbard, Ethel Daniels. Ann of Ava, illustrated by Jessie Gillespie (New York: Missionary Education Movement of the United States and Canada, 1913; repr. Ayer, 1993), 245 pp. [Amazon]

James, Sharon. My Heart in His Hands: Ann Judson of Burma (Darlington, Eng.: Evangelical Press, 1998). [Amazon]

Knowles, James D[avis] (1798-1838). Memoir of Mrs. Ann H. Judson: wife of the Rev. Adoniram Judson, missionary to Burmah, including a History of the American Baptist mission in the Burman empire (London: Printed for Wightman and Cramp, 1829; American Sunday School Union, 1831). [Amazon] Read Online

Miller, Basil. Ann Judson, Heroine of Burma (Grand Rapids, 1947).

Stuart, Arabella W. The Lives of Mrs. Ann H. Judson and Mrs. Sarah B. Judson, with a Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Emily C. Judson, Missionaries to Burma (Auburn: Derby and Miller, 1852; repr. as Lives of the Three Mrs. Judsons, BiblioBazaar, 2007) [Amazon] Read Online

Swain, Anna Canada. Ann Hasseltine Judson, Heroine of Ava (New York, nd).

Willson, Arabella M. (Arabella W. Stuart). The Lives of Mrs. Ann H. Judson and Mrs. Sarah B. Judson, with a Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Emily C. Judson, Missionaries to Burmah (Auburn: NY, 1853).

Wyeth, Walter N. Ann H. Judson: A Memorial (Cincinnati: the author, 1888).

Wyeth, Walter N. Missionary Memorials: Ann H.; Sarah B.; and Emily C. Judson (Philadelphia, 1891) , 3 vols. (New York, 1892).

Biographies of Sarah Boardman Judson (Nov. 4, 1803 – Sept. 3, 1845) -

Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Mission for Life: The Story of the Family of Adoniram Judson (New York: Free Press, 1980).

"Forester, Fanny" [Emily C. Judson]. Memoir of Sarah B. Judson, member of the American Mission to Burmah (New York: Lewis Colby & Co., 1848) Read Online

Hartley, Cecil B. Three Mrs. Judsons: The Celebrated Female Missionaries (nd; new ed., G. G. Evans, 1860; John E. Porter, 1870), 319 pp. [Amazon]

Judson, Emily C[hubbuck] (1817-1854). Sarah Boardman Judson (New York, 1850).

Stuart, Arabella W. Lives of the Three Mrs. Judsons (Auburn: Derby and Miller, 1852; repr. BiblioBazaar, 2007) [Amazon] Read Online

Willson, Arabella M. (Arabella W. Stuart). The Lives of Mrs. Ann H. Judson and Mrs. Sarah B. Judson, with a Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Emily C. Judson, Missionaries to Burmah (Auburn: NY, 1853).

Wyeth, Walter N. Sarah B. Judson: A Memorial (Philadelphia: the author, 1889).

Wyeth, Walter N. Missionary Memorials: Ann H.; Sarah B.; and Emily C. Judson (Philadelphia, 1891), 3 vols. (New York, 1892).

Biographies of Emily Chubbuck Judson (Aug. 23, 1817 – June 1, 1854) -

Brumberg, Joan Jacobs. Mission for Life: The Story of the Family of Adoniram Judson (New York: Free Press, 1980).

Eddy, Daniel Clarke (1823-1896). The Three Mrs. Judsons and Other Daughters of the Cross (Boston: Thayer & Eldridge, 1860), 270 pp.

Hartley, Cecil B. Three Mrs. Judsons: The Celebrated Female Missionaries (nd; new ed., G. G. Evans, 1860; John E. Porter, 1870), 22 pp. [Amazon]

Kendrick, A. C. (Asahel Clark). The Life and Letters of Mrs. Emily C. Judson. (New York: Sheldon & Co., 1860), 426 pp. [Amazon] Read Online

Stuart, Arabella W. Lives of the Three Mrs. Judsons (Auburn: Derby and Miller, 1852; repr. BiblioBazaar, 2007) [Amazon] Read Online

Willson, Arabella M. (Arabella W. Stuart). The Lives of Mrs. Ann H. Judson and Mrs. Sarah B. Judson, with a Biographical Sketch of Mrs. Emily C. Judson, Missionaries to Burmah (Auburn: NY, 1853).

Wyeth, Walter N. Emily C. Judson: A Memorial (Philadelphia: the author, 1890). [Amazon]

Wyeth, Walter N. Missionary Memorials: Ann H.; Sarah B.; and Emily C. Judson (Philadelphia, 1891), 3 vols. (New York, 1892).

Biographies for Children:

Hambrick, Sharon. Adoniram Judson: God's Man in Burma (Greenville, SC: JourneyForth, 2001). Ages 7-9 [CBD | Amazon]

Howat, Irene. Ten Boys Who Changed the World. LightKeepers (CF4K, 2003). Ages 4-8 [WTS | CBD | Amazon]

Howat, Irene. Ten Girls Who Made a Difference. LightKeepers (CF4K, 2002). Ages 4-8 (esp. Ann Judson) [WTS | CBD | Amazon]

Works by Adoniram Judson:

(Chronologically arranged)

The Elements of English Grammar (1808)

The Young Ladies Arithmetic (1808)

Christian Baptism. A Sermon preached in the Lal Bazar Chapel Calcutta: On Lord's-Day, September 27, 1812, previous to the Administration of the Ordinance of Baptism. With many Quotations from Pedobaptist Authors (Printed in 1813), 88 pp.

Christian Baptism. A Sermon preached in the Lal Bazar Chapel Calcutta: On Lord's-Day, September 27, 1812, previous to the Administration of the Ordinance of Baptism. With many Quotations from Pedobaptist Authors (3^rd American ed., Boston: Lincoln & Edmonds, 1818), 40 pp.

A Sermon on the Nature and Subjects of Christian Baptism (Glasgow: Peter Sinclair, 1834), 84 pp.

Christian Baptism (repr., Laurel, MS: Audubon Press, 2003), 176 pp. [CBD]

A Letter to Christian Women on Ornamental Dress, originally addressed to the Female Members of Christian Churches in the United States (Malmain, 1831; London: Edward Coachman for the Tract Association of Friends, 1860), 8 pp.

A View of the Christian Religion, in Three Parts, Historic, Didactic, and Preceptive (1816), a tract.

New Testament in Burmese (1823; rev. 1829, 1837)

The Threefold Cord (1829)

The Golden Balance (1829)

Seven Manuals (1829) included a catechism written by Ann Judson, his View of the Christian Religion, guides for conducting public worship, batisms, weddings and funerals and a teacher's guide for instructing converts.

"Come, Holy Spirit, Dove Divine" (1829), a hymn. [Cyber Hymnal]

Grammatical Notices of the Burmese Language (completed in 1816 & published in Maulmain: American Baptist Mission Press, 1842) Read Online

A Dictionary English and Burmese (1849), volume 1

A Dictionary Burmese and English by Adoniram Judson & E. A. Stevens (1852) published with A Grammar of the Burmese Language.

Works by Ann Hasseltine Judson:

(Chronologically arranged)

An Account of the American Baptist Mission to the Burman Empire in a Series of Letters Addressed to a Gentleman in London (London: Joseph Butterworth & Son, 1823, 326 pp.; 2nd ed. London: Joseph Butterworth & Son, 1827, 316 pp.). Read Online

Works by Emily Chubbuck Judson:

(Chronologically arranged)

Wayside Preaching (Women's Baptist Missionary Society, 1834).

The Great Secret, or How to Be Happy (Dayton & Newman, 1842).

Chubbuck, Miss Emily. Alderbrook: A Collection of Fanny Forester's Village Sketches, Poems, etc. in 2 volumes (Boston: W. D. Ticknor & Co., 1846; 5^th ed., Boston: William D. Ticknor & Co., 1848; repr. Kessinger Pub., 2007), vo.l 1, 276 pp, vol. 2, 263 pp. [Amazon] Read volume one Online

“Forester, Fanny.” Lilias Fane and Other Tales (W. Bennet, 1846), 100 pp.

"Forester, Fanny." Trippings in Author-Land (New York: Paine & Burgess, 1846), 281 pp. Read Online

"Forester, Fanny." Memoir of Sarah B. Judson, member of the American Mission to Burmah (New York: Lewis Colby & Co., 1848; 1849; New rev. ed., Sheldon, 1868). [Amazon] Read Online

Sarah Boardman Judson (New York, 1850).

Charles Linn, or how to observe the golden rule (New York: Lewis Colby & Co., 1850; T. Nelson & Sons, 1851).

Tale for All Season (Thomas Nelson, 1851).

An Olio of Domestic Verses (New York: Lewis Colby, 1852; repr. Kessinger Pub., 2007). [Amazon] Read Online

The Kathayan Slave, and other papers connected with missionary life (Boston: Ticknor, Reed, & Fields, 1853). [Amazon] Read Online

My Two Sisters: a sketch from memory (Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1854), 112 pp.

Articles:

(Chronologically arranged)

"JUDSON, Adoniram" by D. S. Schaff in A Religious Encyclopaedia or Dictionary edited by Philip Schaff (New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1883), 2:1211-12.

"The Pioneer of Burma" in Twice-Born Men: True Conversion Records of 100 Well-Known Men in All Ranks of Life (London: Pickering & Inglis, [1934]), 30-32.

"Judson, Adoniram" by Cal Guy in Encyclopedia of Southern Baptists edited by Norman W. Cox (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1958), 1:713.

"Judson, Ann Hasseltine" by E. C. Routh in Encyclopedia of Southern Baptists (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1958), 1:713.

"JUDSON, ADONIRAM" by D. S. Schaff in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge edited by Samuel M. Jackson (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1977), 6:257-58.

"JUDSON, ADONIRAM" in Wycliffe Biographical Dictionary of the Church by Elgin Moyer revised and enlarged by Earle E. Cairns (Chicago: Moody Press, 1982), 219.

"Adoniram and Ann Judson" in From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya by Ruth A. Tucker (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1983; 2nd ed. 2004), 130-139. [WTS | CBD | Amazon]

"JUDSON, Adoniram, Jr" by K. P. Mobley in Biographical Dictionary of Evangelicals edited by Timothy Larsen, et al (Leicester, Eng.: IVP, 2003), 337-40.

"Adoniram Judson" in Reese Chronological Encyclopedia of Christian Biographies (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2007), 353.

"JUDSON, I. Adoniram" in The American Cyclopaedia: A Popular Dictionary of General Knowledge (), 702-05.

Of Interest:Burma -

Cochrane, Henry Park. Among the Burmans: A Record of Fifteen Years of Work and its Fruitage (Philadelphia: The Judson Press, 1904), 281 pp. Read Online

Harvey, G. E. A History of Burma (London, 1925).

Howard, Randolph L. Baptists in Burma. (Philadelphia: Judson Press, 1931), 168 pp.

Howard, Randolph L. It Began in Burma. (Philadelphia: Judson Press, 1942), 125 pp.

Hughes, Lizabeth B. The Evangel in Burma. Being a Review of the Quarter Century 1900-1925 of the Work of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society In Burma. (Rangoon: American Baptist Mission Press, 1926), 225 pp.

Stuart, Burma Through the Centuries.

White, Sir Herbert Thirkell. Burma. (Cambridge, 1923).

American Baptist Missionary Society -

Gammell, William. A History of American Baptist Missions in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America, under the care of the American Baptist Missionary Union. (Boston: Gould, Kendall and Lincoln. 1849), xii + 359 pp. [Amazon (1849) | Amazon (1850)]

Harris, Edward Norman. A Star in the East: An Account of American Baptist Missions to the Karens in Burma (New York: Revell, 1920), 223 pp.

Torbet, Robert. Venture of Faith: The Story of the American Baptist Missionary Society.

Other Missionaries to the Burmans –

George Dana Boardman (1801-1831)

Robbins, Joseph Chandler. Boardman of Burma. (Philadelphia: Judson Press, 1940), 178 pp.

Samuel John Mills (1783-1818)

Richards, Thomas C. Samuel J. Mills, Missionary Pathfinder, Pioneer and Promoter (Boston, 1906).

Spring, Gardiner. Memoirs of the Rev. Samuel J. Mills, etc. (New York, 1820).

Luther Rice (1783-1836)

Taylor, James B. Memoir of Reverend Luther Rice, One of the First American Missionaries to the East. (Baltimore, 1840).

Adoniram Judson: Bibliography

A Spectacle to God, to Angels, and to Men

In light of the remembrance of the day on which Adoniram Judson first set foot on the Golden Shore (see the previous article), I have been reading some of the appendix to The Three Mrs. Judsons. This appendix includes the recorded ordination Sermon, Charge, and Right Hand of Fellowship for Adoniram Judson and his associates, February 6, 1812.

The Sermon was delivered by Leonard Woods, D. D., Abbot Professor of Christian Theology in the Theological Seminary in Andover, and his text was Psalm 67.

In the opening lines of this sermon, Woods describes the common heart of all Christians for the temporal and spiritual needs of the heathen. He says,

With this holy affection reigning in his heart, the fervent, devoted Christian presents himself a living sacrifice unto God; and counts it a privilege to do and to suffer any thing for the advancement of his cause. He is ready to "endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." In this state, no difficulty discourages; no danger alarms. The sacrifice of property and pleasure; stripes, imprisonment, and death, lose their terrors, and become more attractive, than any earthly good. ... Every degree of success attending the dispensation of the gospel, even a single instance of conversion among the weakest and meanest of mankind, yields him the purest pleasure. But this pleasure only increases desire. His enjoyment of the good already attained urges him on to the pursuit of more. The progressive enlargement of the kingdom of Christ will constantly enlarge the benevolence of his heart. While there is a nation or tribe under heaven not subdued to Christ; the enlightened, fervent Christian cannot rest. His unalterable object is, that the knowledge of the Lord may fill the earth. His heart beats high for the conversion of the world. (Long, 266-67)

What caught my attention here was the prophetic nature of these words. Judson certainly evidenced a heart for the heathen, but he continued to increase in this regard. His third wife, Emily C. Judson, noted that in his final year he found his literary labor to be "tedious work" (p. 236). She wrote that, "He longed, however, to find some more spiritual 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" (p. 236). He, also, was no stranger to difficulties, dangers, the loss of property, imprisonment, sicknesses, the death of loved ones.

Woods quickly brought these introductory remarks to the main point he wanted to impress upon his hearers. "I would persuade you," he said, "to act, decidedly and zealously to act under the influence of Christian love. I would excite you by motives which no follower of Christ can resist, to make the spread of the gospel, and the conversion of the world, the object of your earnest and incessant pursuit." (p. 267)

After this Sermon, Samuel Spring delivered the Charge. In this message Spring sought to make these young missionaries mindful of the importance of Christian conduct with regard to the presentation of the Gospel.

They, by your pious conduct, must be convinced that your religion, that your God, is preferable to theirs, before they will forsake idolatry and embrace the Gospel of Christ. It will be fruitless to tell them about invisible things, about Heaven and Hell, eternal happiness and eternal misery, if they do not see in your christian [sic] conduct what they ought to imitate. You will spend your breath and time in vain, except you let them see the real expression of godliness in your uniform example. The eyes of the Heathen, you will note, rather than their ears, are the avenues by which you can readily have access to their hearts. You must let them see Christ in his missionaries, before they will attentively and patiently hear you display his moral excellency. ... This, then, we emphatically charge you, never, never preach the theory of the Gospel, till you have presented the practice of the Gospel in you own godly example (p. 288-89; emphasis mine).

In light of this charge, I found it noteworthy that Emily commented on the beauty of his private life. She noted that,

He had been, from my first acquaintance with him, an uncommonly spiritual Christian, exhibiting his richest graces in the unguarded spiritual Christian, exhibiting his richest graces in the unguarded intercourse of private life; but during his last year, it seemed as though the light of the world on which he was entering, had been sent to brighten his upward pathway. Every subject on which we conversed, every book we red, 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." (p. 234)

Samuel Worcester, the pastor of the Tabernacle Church in Salem, delivered the Right Hand of Fellowship. I love the biblical allusion he drew in regard to these young missionaries when he said, "You stand this day 'a spectacle to God, to angels, and to men'" (p. 297; see 1 Cor. 4:9). Judson, in his life and death, was and continues to this day to be a spectacle to the glory of God.

During the last hour of your sainted brother's life, Mr. Ranney bent over him and held his hand; while poor Pinapah 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 door, and watched the closing scene with solemn reverence. Now--thanks to a merciful God! his pains had left 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 his 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...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. (p. 245)

How remarkably different this account is from that of Judson's "free-thinking" friend who died in misery in a room adjacent to Judson. Throughout the night Judson was tormented by the sounds of the dying man, not knowing who he was, and wondering if he was prepared. The next morning he inquired about the man and learned that it was his atheistic friend. This stunned Judson and caused him to renounce his selfish pursuits. He returned to Plymouth and submitted himself pursuing the will of God in his life.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you! (Psalm 67:3, 5 ESV)

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The Three Mrs. Judsons compiled and edited by Gary W. Long (Springfield, MO, 1999)

See our Bibliography here.

A Spectacle to God, to Angels, and to Men

Adoniram Judson Reaches the Golden Shore

On April 12, 1850 American missionary Adoniram Judson died on a ship in the Bay of Bengal at age 61. He had ministered in southern Asia (mostly Burma – present day Myanmar) for 37 years with only one furlough. Suffering a lengthy illness he followed doctor’s orders and took a cruise in an attempt to improve his health. He was ready to die if it was the Lord’s will, but he believed until near the end that he would recover and finish his English-Burmese dictionary. That work would have to be completed by another missionary.

Adoniram Judson saw much success during his ministry. “When Judson began his mission in Burma, he set a goal of translating the Bible and founding a church of 100 members before his death. When he died, he left the bible, 100 churches, and over 8,000 believers. In large part due to his influence, Myanmar has the third largest number of Baptists worldwide, behind the United States and India” (Wikipedia article on Judson). In addition to his translation of the Bible, Judson also left a Burmese-English dictionary (the English-Burmese half finished by E.A. Steven) and a Burmese Grammar. The Burmese Bible Judson translated is still the preferred version in Myanmar today.

Along with success, Judson also experienced many trials. His first two wives, Ann, then Sarah, died in Burma. The death of Ann (known as “Nancy”) sent him into a crushing year-long depression. When England went to war with Burma, the Burmese government took Judson to be a spy (though he was an American) and put him in prison for many months. After the war Judson was pressed into service as a translator between the British and the Burmese. His final illness lasted for months and caused him severe pain. When he set sail, he had to leave his third wife, Emily, on shore. She was expecting and would deliver a son a few days after her husband’s death. When Judson died, he was given a quick burial at sea.

Faithful missionaries frequently face hardships. In many cases they have left the comforts of society to live in primitive or semi-primitive conditions. Medical help is limited and villages sometimes nearly inaccessible. In Judson’s time travel and communication were slow. Emily didn’t receive word of her husband’s death until four months later.

So what keeps missionaries, or any servants of God, going? The bedridden Judson gives us a clue in his conversation with Emily shortly before his cruise. Commenting on news that Judson’s influence had spread to Germany through a written tract about his work, he said,

I was never deeply interested in any subject, I never prayed sincerely and earnestly for anything, but it came. At some time—no matter at how distant a day—somehow, in some shape—probably the last I should have devised—it came. And yet I have always had so little faith! May God forgive me, and, while He condescends to use me as His instrument, wipe the sin of unbelief from my heart” (Courtney Anderson, To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson. Valley Forge: Judson Press, 1987, p. 501).

The recognition of our smallness and sinfulness and of God’s omnipotence and condescension toward us through Jesus Christ gives us reason to hope in the One who is holy, yet merciful. This great news gladdens the receiving heart and motivates it to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” so they can have this hope, too (Mark 16:15).

Adoniram Judson thought he would recover and continue to serve, but he realized near the end that recovery was not God’s will. Still, he was not shaken in his faith. “Death will never take me by surprise…I feel so strong in Christ. He has not led me so tenderly thus far, to forsake me at the very gate of heaven” (Anderson, p. 499). His faith was not in his work, but in his Savior.

One of Judson’s sayings, especially suited to Burmese thought, was, “I long to reach the Golden Shore.” On this day in 1850 he reached it. Buried unceremoniously at sea; received with joy onto the Shore.

Adoniram Judson Reaches the Golden Shore

Adoniram Judson (August 9, 1788 - April 12, 1850)

Adoniram Judson, Jr, a Baptist missionary to Burma was born in Malden, Massachusetts, on August 9, 1788.

Parents: Revd Adoniram Judson of Woodbury, Connecticut, a Congregationalist, and Abigail Brown Judson of Tiverton, Rhode Island.

Education: Brown University | Andover Theological Seminary Wikipedia

While at Brown he adopted deistic views which brought severe disappointment to his parents. However, a providential encounter with the agonizing death of an atheistic friend arrested his attention. He resolved to abandon his wicked way and return home. He was a changed man.

During this period of spiritual crisis he entered the Theological Institution at Andover. Soon after, he dedicated his life to God. On May 28, 1809 he publicly professed his faith in Christ and joined the Congregational Church pastored by his father. While studying at the seminary, he and a small group of friends became interested in foreign missions. Together, Adoniram Judson, Jr, Samuel Nott, Jr, Samuel J. Mills, Jr, and Samuel Newell submitted their burden to the General Association of Massachusetts. This concern for missions developed into the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM).

On September 19, 1811, Adoniram Judson, Sameul Nott, Samuel Newell, and Gordon Hall were appointed by the ABCFM to serve as missionaries in the far east. In January of 1812, Luther Rice was also appointed to serve along with them.

Many things were converging upon Judson all at once. Just prior to his departure he took Anne Hasseltine to be his wife, and shortly after their departure Judson resigned his appointment by the Congregationalist ABCFM, due to his adoption of the Baptist position.

Upon their arrival in Rangoon, Burma, Judson began to study the Burmese language. Being a man of words, Judson completed a Burmese grammar in three years time. It was three years later before he gained enough confidence to preach in the Burmese tongue. About this same time Judson had the joy of baptizing his first convert. Judson completed a translation of the NT into Burmese in 1823. He finished his translation of the OT in 1834.

In 1850 Judson became ill. His doctor suggested a sea voyage. However, Judson died on this voyage on April 12, 1850 and was buried in the Indian Ocean near the Andaman Islands.

Judson is a hero of modern missions. His dedication and zeal for preaching the gospel have made an indelible mark upon the face of missions. Judson always put the preaching of the Gospel before social work. Even his pursuit of translating the Bible into the native tongue of the Burmese shows the priority he placed upon the the Gospel. Many today are trying to reverse this method emphasizing humanitarian aid and social work. Many people groups still do not have the Scriptures in their own tongues. Judson's example is challenging and worthy of our consideration.

Wholesome Words has a fantastic online directory of biographical sketches, writings, and recommended works on Adoniram Judson.

Wikipedia | Adoniram Judson

See our Bibliography here.

Adoniram Judson (August 9, 1788 - April 12, 1850)