Ann Judson, part 6: Accepting the Great Commission

Adoniram Judson

(5.5 minutes)

New heart, new hunger

Ann had always enjoyed people. Before she was converted, her greatest happiness had come through social events. Now that she was living for God's glory, this natural inclination and desire was not removed; it was changed. She dedicated herself to doing good for others. When she spoke, her conversations had a different sound. Years later, one friend recalled many years later that people would spend days with her and hear her talk of nothing but “redeeming love.” Her great concern was the present and eternal welfare of her friends.

A book to change her life

She had always been a reader, but her book diet changed. Theology books became close friends, especially A History of the Work of Redemption by Jonathan Edwards. This book follows the progress of God's salvation plan from creation to the days of Edwards (he died in 1758), and anticipates the completion of that work at the end of the age. The book gave her a new vision, and a friend recalled Ann's detailed notes and smile when she spoke of what she was learning. Time spent in David Brainerd’s journals stirred her as well.

A new attitude and purpose in her schooling

Her new life also changed her attitude to school. She knew that few young women had access to a good education, and she determined that she would commit the rest of her schooling to improving her ability to serve God and others.

When she finished school, she was asked to teach several children. Despite feeling unqualified, she saw it as an opportunity that shouldn’t be turned down. She trusted God to provide the ability when she had the need. A few years later, as she thought about the high calling of foreign missions, her response was the same. She might feel inadequate, but if she went where she believed God was guiding her, then she would rely on His grace.

Ann and Adoniram

In June 1810, during these years as a teacher, Ann met Adoniram Judson. He and several friends planned to ask the pastors to create a missionary society and send them. Ann was interested in missions before she met Judson, but a single young woman had no realistic way of acting on such desires.

But now she faced a sobering decision. They were quickly drawn to each other, but marriage meant missions. To dream was one thing, but to actually go would mean sacrifice and maybe even death. Later that year, Adoniram held nothing back when he wrote to her father—

“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 sufferings 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 consent 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 the glory of God?”

Perfect fit for a pressing need

Ann’s parents approved. When she talked about her plans with others, most were apathetic or opposed. Some were supportive, but many thought that she was contemplating something “wild and romantic in the extreme, and altogether inconsistent with prudence and delicacy.” Yet James Knowles, her first biographer, considered how God had prepared her to be the first woman missionary from America.

When her love of adventure and good education were mixed with a determined spirit and a close walk with God, they formed a vessel fit for the master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21). The decision did not come quickly or without inner conflict, but when it came, she did not look back. “Yes, I think I would rather go to India, among the heathen, notwithstanding the almost insurmountable difficulties in the way, than to stay at home and enjoy the comforts and luxuries of life. Faith in Christ will enable me to bear trials, however severe.”

Harriet Newell

Ann’s decision also helped to secure another set of hands for the work. On October 20, 1810, Harriet Atwood noted that Ann had just told of her decision to become a missionary. She had known Ann for years, and Ann’s words convicted her. In response she wrote, “I have felt more for the salvation of the heathen this day, than I recollect to have felt through my whole past life. . . .Great God, direct me! Oh make me in some way beneficial to their immortal souls.”

Three days later, Harriet met Samuel Newell, one of Adoniram's friends. The two were attracted to each other, and, the following spring, she was faced with her own difficult decision. By October, when she turned 18, Harriet had also committed to a missionary life.

The Judsons were not able to leave until February 1812. When they finally sailed from Salem, they were accompanied by Samuel Newell and Harriet, his wife of ten days.