Читать книгу Memoir of Mrs. Ann H. Judson - James Davis Knowles - Страница 4

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 endeavour 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.

It ought to be here stated, that it was thought desirable, to embody with a Memoir of Mrs. Judson, a connected narrative 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, by 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. Though he has been less successful than he wished, in gathering materials for this part of the work, yet 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 labour were necessary, 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 connexion 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, that he has endeavoured 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 favour 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, 29, 1829.