A Far Green Country

On this day, in 1812, Adoniram Judson was ordained to the Gospel ministry alongside Samuel Nott, Samuel Newell, Gordon Hall, and Luther Rice. It was one of the coldest days of that year, yet 1500 people made their way in the blistering cold to see America's first foreign missionaries.

Because of the nature of the day, travel was slow, medical knowledge was lacking, and it was common for ships to be shipwrecked and pirated in those days, & those who gathered at 11am knew that this may indeed be the last time, as it was the first time, and maybe the only time they would ever lay eyes on these men.

After singing, Dr. Griffin prayed. Dr. Wood was next with the sermon, hoping to see the young men again at "the glorious appearing of the Son of God" when the fruits of their labors would be revealed.

Five ministers put their hands on the heads of the five future missionaries as Dr. Jedidiah Morse consecrated them. People wept during his prayer which expressed a sense of farewell. As Dr. Spring charged the missionaries to do their duty, he noted that it was a new and important work that they were embarking on, "before which every former effort of the American church retired like stars before the rising sun." Samuel Worcester inducted them into the brotherhood of the ministry: "Go carry to the poor heathen the good news of pardon, peace and eternal life. Tell them of the God whom we adore; of the Savior in whom we trust; of the glorious immortality for which we hope..." he said. Dr. Spring gave the closing prayer.

History is the witness that Judson took to heart and filled the charge given by Worcester.