Tears of Joy

A letter written by Ann Judson, wife of missionary to Burma, Adoniram Judson. She wrote to Sarah Boardman, whose missionary husband had just died. Mr. Judson regarded George Boardman as “one of the brightest luminaries of Burma.” Mrs. Judson wrote to encourage her friend in the loss of her dear husband. The letter was written March 6, 1831.

While, therefore, your tears flow, let a due proportion be tears of joy. You take the bitter cup with both hands, and sit down to the repast. You will soon learn a secret, that there is sweetness at the bottom. You will find it the sweetest cup that you ever tasted in all your life. You will find heaven coming near to you; and familiarity with your husband’s voice will be a connecting link, drawing you almost with the sphere of celestial music.

The Three Mrs. Judsons, by Arabella W. Stuart, first published in 1851, reprinted by Particular Baptist Press, 1999, p. 188.

We Are Encouraged by the Gospel

A letter written by Ann Judson, wife of missionary to Burma, Adoniram Judson. She wrote of the hardships of missionary life but also of the joy in carrying out the Great Commission. The letter was written July 22, 1813.

Were it not for the support we derive from the gospel of Jesus, we should be ready to sink down in despondency in view of the dark and gloomy scenes around us. But when we recollect that Jesus has commanded his disciples to carry the gospel to the heathen, and promised to be with them to the end of the world; that God has promised to give the heathen to his Son for an inheritance, we are encouraged to make a beginning, though in the midst of discouragement, and leave it to Him, to grant success in his own time and way.

The Three Mrs. Judsons, by Arabella W. Stuart, first published in 1851, reprinted by Particular Baptist Press, 1999, pp. 29-30.