Judson, Adoniram, 1788-1850; Missionaries -- Burma -- Biography; Missionaries -- United States -- Biography
“REV. AND DEAR SIR: My change of sentiments on the subject of baptism
is considered by my missionary brethren as incompatible with my
continuing their fellow-laborer in the mission which they contemplate
on the Island of Madagascar; and it will, I presume, be considered by
the Board of Commissioners as equally incompatible with my continuing
their missionary. The Board will, undoubtedly, feel as unwilling to
support a Baptist missionary as I feel to comply with their
instructions, which particularly direct us to baptize ‘_credible
believers with their households_.’
“The dissolution of my connection with the Board of Commissioners, and
a separation from my dear missionary brethren, I consider most
distressing consequences of my late change of sentiments, and, indeed,
the most distressing events which have ever befallen me. I have now
the prospect before me of going alone to some distant island,
unconnected with any society at present existing, from which I might
be furnished with assistant laborers or pecuniary support. Whether the
Baptist churches in America will compassionate my situation, I know
not. I hope, therefore, that while my friends condemn what they deem a
departure from the truth, they will at least pity me and pray for me.
“With the same sentiments of affection and respect as ever,
“I am, sir, your friend and servant,
“ADONIRAM JUDSON, JR.
“Rev. Dr. Worcester, Corresponding Secretary of the American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions.”
At the same time he wrote a second letter to Dr. Baldwin, in which he
announced his change of views on the subject of Baptism, and added:
“Should there be formed a Baptist Society for the support of a mission
in these parts, _I shall be ready to consider myself their missionary_!”
A letter written at the same time to Rev. Dr. Bolles, of Salem, Mass.,
points in the same direction:
“CALCUTTA, _September_ 1, 1812.
“REV. SIR: I recollect that, during a short interview I had with you
in Salem, I suggested the formation of a society 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
personally 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 system 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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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