17 Months, Then Dead
Adoniram & Ann Judson's 1st child died at sea & never even had a name. Their 2nd child, Roger Williams Judson, lived to be just 17 months & then died. Instead of rage or bitterness, the mother of these two tiny souls instead responded by writing:
"Our hearts were bound up with this child; we felt he was our earthly all, our only source of innocent recreation in this heathen land (they were missionaries in Burma). But God saw it was necessary to remind us of our error, and to strip us of our only little all. O, may it not be vain that he has done it. May we so improve it that he will stay his hand and say 'It is enough.'" - To the Golden Shore, 193.
As a new father, I pray that as the earthly father & steward of my Father's child, in sickness & health, death & life, I will be able to respond with the unshakable faith of Ann Judson.
"Our hearts were bound up with this child; we felt he was our earthly all, our only source of innocent recreation in this heathen land (they were missionaries in Burma). But God saw it was necessary to remind us of our error, and to strip us of our only little all. O, may it not be vain that he has done it. May we so improve it that he will stay his hand and say 'It is enough.'" - To the Golden Shore, 193.
As a new father, I pray that as the earthly father & steward of my Father's child, in sickness & health, death & life, I will be able to respond with the unshakable faith of Ann Judson.
