The Final Decision
The Final Decision
After Adoniram and Ann made the decision together to become Baptists, they sent the following letter to the leaders of the Baptist mission agency in Serampore.
Calcutta, August 27, 1812
TO THE REV. MESSRS. CAREY, MARSHMAN, AND WARD.
As you have been ignorant of the late exercises of my mind on the subject of baptism, the communication which I am about to make may occasion you some surprise.
It is now about four months since I took the subject into serious and prayerful consideration. My inquiries, commenced during my passage from America, and after much laborious research and painful trial, which I shall not now detail, have issued in entire conviction, that the immersion of a professing believer is the only Christian baptism.
In these exercises I have not been alone. Mrs. Judson has been engaged in a similar examination, and has come to the same conclusion. Feeling, therefore, that we are in an unbaptised state, we wish to profess our faith in Christ by being baptised in obedience to his sacred commands.
Adoniram Judson, Jun.[36]
Consequently, on September 6, 1812, in the Lal Bazar Chapel in Calcutta, Dr. Ward of the London Missionary Society baptized Adoniram and Ann. Both had studied the Scriptures together and separately. Both were aware of the great cost of their decision. Both recognized that to become a Baptist would mean the loss of friends, support, family, and perhaps even their missionary endeavor. Both knew they were obligated to share their change in conviction with the newly formed American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. This was done by way of letter on September 1, 1812. Judson wrote his dear friend and supporter, Dr. Worcester, and informed him of his change in position.
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-labourer 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 baptise ‘credible believers with their households.’
The dissolution of my connection with the Board of Commissioners, and a separation from my dear missionary brethren, I considered 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 labourers 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, Jun.[37]
Just as they had anticipated and feared, the Judsons were left at that time without friends. Their American missionary brethren, supporting churches, and home mission board were of a different doctrinal persuasion and thus could no longer work with them. Due to political and commercial pressures, the East Indian Trading Company controlled by the English was demanding that all Americans leave India immediately. The only personal bright spot for the Judsons was their friendship with Luther Rice. He, too, had changed his position on baptism and was willing to stay with the Judsons and work. The only hope they had of staying on the mission field was the prospect of a positive response to the following letter sent to Dr. Bolles, a Baptist pastor in New England.
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.
Mrs. Judson is united with me in this persuasion. We have signified our views and wishes to the Baptist missionaries at Serampore, and expect to be baptised in this city next Lord’s day.
A separation from my missionary brethren, and a dissolution of my connection with the board of commissioners, seem to be necessary consequences. The missionaries at Serampore are exerted to the utmost of their ability in managing and supporting their extensive and complicated mission.
Under these circumstances I look to you. Alone, in this foreign heathen land, I make my appeal to those whom, with their permission, I will call my Baptist brethren in the United States.
With the advice of the brethren at Serampore, I am contemplating a mission on one of the eastern islands. They have lately sent their brother Chater to Ceylon, and their brother Robinson to Java. At present, Amblyna seems to present the most favourable opening. Fifty thousand souls are there perishing without the means of life; and the situation of the island is such that a mission there established might, with the blessing of God, be extended to the neighbouring islands in those seas.
But should I go thither, it is a most painful reflection that I must go alone, and also uncertain of the means of support. But I will trust in God. He has frequently enabled me to praise his divine goodness, and will never forsake those who put their trust in him.
I am, dear sir,
Yours, in the Lord Jesus,
Adoniram Judson, Jun[38]
The Judsons could only wait, hope, and pray that their short missionary career would continue. Their decision to change was marked by both a serious study of the Word of God and great personal pain. It certainly was not the prudent choice based upon the wisdom of men. It cost them everything they had at that time. It was, however, the necessary choice based upon the divine dictates of their conscience. As Luther of old said, “Here they stood, they could do no other.”