what a man!

I'm going to tell you a little story about Adoniram and Emily Judson. I forewarned you in blog #2 that I was going to do this, but I promise I won't tell the whole story.

Here's some preliminary information...Adoniram was a Baptist missionary to Burma. He was the man who created a written language for the Burmese before translating the New Testament into the Burmese language. Almost two hundred years later, he is still revered in Burma for all of his contributions to Burmese society. Anyways, he left the United States in 1812 with his new wife, Ann. Unfortunately, she died in 1826 while in Burma, only having been able to return to the states once in 1823. Several years later, in 1834, Adoniram married fellow missionary and widow, Sarah. They were married and served on the mission field faithfully until she died in 1845.

This brings me to Emily. She was a published writer at the age of 28, which was unheard of in 1845. She had fame and notoriety which was highly unlikely for a women, much less a woman her age. She was enamored by the idea of meeting the formidable Dr. Judson. His reputation far preceded him. It's important to understand several things. First, Judson was a novelty and a celebrity of sorts when he first decided to set out for Burma in 1812. His fame only increased as the years passed. His correspondence over the years made front page of the newspapers at times. Everyone was intrigued by this man. So when he returned back to the states for the first time in 32 years, everyone wanted to see him and hear him speak. It was on a trip to a missions conference in Philadelphia that he encountered Emily.

It started on the train ride. There was a slight accident, and Judson's traveling companion offered up Emily's latest book to Dr. Judson to pass the time. Emily happened to be a current house guest of this traveling companion. Judson was at first not impressed with the frivolous genre of literature, but was soon drawn in by her talent. He began questioning this companion about the writer, and soon found out he would get the opportunity to meet her the following day.

What is humorous to me is the fact that Judson didn't even wait until a more appropriate time to make a visit, but instead went over to the house first thing in the morning requesting to speak with this author. The way one writer describes the scene brings a smile to my face, for he basically paints the scene as Judson, grim-faced, states he will be talking TO Emily and not necessarily WITH her. Such a typical man. The writer then says that Emily made a witty remark in response that she would be honored to be spoken to by such a man.

Judson's intentions were simple. First, he felt this woman had talent, extreme talent, but he felt she was wasting it. If she was the Christian she claimed to be then she should be using her writing ability to be further the Gospel. Instead she was writing poetry and “nonsense.” He basically lectured her and questioned her intentions. She then explained her purpose in writing such literature was in order to support her parents. This apparently appeased Dr. Judson.

The next intention he had was to secure an author to write a memoir of his recently deceased wife, Sarah. When Judson and Ann left for Burma originally, she was also included in all of the attention. Sarah was an unknown to the American people, and he wanted them to be able to know and fall in love with her just as he had. He wanted Emily to be the one to do it.

Within a month, though, Adoniram and Emily were in love. It is said that she fell in love with him while listening to him talk about his love for Sarah. She wanted to be on the receiving end of that kind of love. On January 20th, a letter is written to Emily from Adoniram. This is only 25 or so days after meeting initially. I love what one writer by the name of Kendrick says:

"The following little note contains Dr. Judson's formal avowal of attachment. It seems half like sacrilege to lift the veil upon a thing so sacred as a marriage proposal; but this interweaves so ingenious and graceful a memorial of his former wives, and in its delicate playfulness illustrates so admirably a large element in his character which found little scope in his ordinary correspondence, that the reader will pardon its publication."

“I hand you, dearest one, a charmed watch. It always comes back to me, and brings its wearer with it. I gave it to Ann when a hemisphere divided us, and it brought her safely and surely to my arms. I gave it to Sarah during her husband's lifetime (not then aware of the secret), and the charm, though slow in its operation, was true at last.
Were it not for the sweet sympathies you have kindly extended to me, and the blessed understanding that 'love has taught us to guess at,' I should not venture to pray you to accept my present with such a note. Should you cease to 'guess' and toss back the article saying, 'Your watch has lost its charm; it comes back to you, but brings not its wearer with it'---O, first dash it to pieces, that it may be an emblem of what will remain of the heart of
Your devoted,
A. Judson

I was able to see the supposed watch while doing some research in Atlanta. It was an amazing experience because this watch symbolized so much to me. It was a connection that all three remarkable women possessed. Plus it just happens to be a highly romantic story. Not to mention, what women doesn't like to receive jewelry with sentimental value? That letter began a four-month long courtship. They married in June, and left the following month for Burma.

One thing that just amazes me is how such a powerful man of God who encountered so many hardships and so much pain still forged ahead in pursuit of glorifying God with ever ounce of his being. But he also had a soft side. He loved each one of his wives dearly. He romanced them and adored them. Never once comparing the other to the former. For each one of them were special in their own ways.

I also admire his tenacity. How many men do you know today, who would romance a women the way Judson did and still be righteous and God-honoring the entire time AND do it in a matter of days? Not to mention the fact the he was 58 at this time. He was good.

Have we become lazy in our search for love? I've noticed there are still some guys out there that have no problem wooing a woman they adore, but I've encountered so many who have no desire to put in a little extra effort. Am I expecting too much? I've also noticed how women no longer wait to be wooed. ( I like that word by the way, “woo”) We are so desperate to be with someone that we no longer wait for him to send flowers or a cute little note. Most of the time, we don't even wait for them to call. We do the calling. We do the asking out now. And men let us. Where's the wooing?

Seriously, am I wrong in wanting a little more than a “hey babe can I get your number?” I know I am picky, but we can do better. Men can do better. Women can do better. Where has the romance gone?