A Letter From Missionary Adoniram Judson

I had to share this amazing letter I read just recently. It's from an 1800’s missionary named Adoniram Judson, written to the father of his beloved Ann Hasseltine, asking permission for her partnership in marriage and missions. I don't believe I can give adequate commentary on this letter, so I'll just let it speak for itself as you read carefully:

I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean, to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with the crown of righteousness, brightened with the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Savior from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?

("Don't Waste Your Life" - John Piper, p. 158)

Ask yourself this question: How would you respond if you were Ann's father?

“Her father let her decide. She said yes.” (p. 158)