Adoniram Judson Was brought up in the sheltered surroundings of a Christian home where in the warmth of parental love and care he was instructed in the things of God. The Bible was read regularly, and early in life he learned much of it. His childhood and school days were very happy.
After having finished the local school, he left home to complete his education at college. He readily adapted himself to the new surroundings, and made friends easily. Young Judson was studious and industrious, and success went with him in the new field. Unlike the God-fearing atmosphere of his home, in his college surroundings he found the chilling influence of infidelity. Among the students and faculty were many who avowed “there is no God.” Their views were varied, but they had the common result of shaking Judson’s faith in God and His Word. Some of the best students on the campus were the most outspoken in their unbelief.
Adoniram chose for his close companion one of these infidels whose name was Edward. It was not long until the seeds of infidelity had taken root, and shattered the faith of Judson. Little by little he gave up the truth he had known since childhood, and turned his back on his father’s God. By the time his years at college were completed, he was among those who would reason away God and judgment to come (Acts 24:2525And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (Acts 24:25)).
A new chapter, which was to be the parting of the ways, was about to open for each of these promising young men. Edward went on about his business according to his plans, and Judson returned home. Before settling down, however, he decided to take an extended tour of the country.
During his travels, he met an elderly man who was a Christian, and a faithful servant of the Lord. This man spoke earnestly about God, and reasoned with him of sin, death, and judgment after death. There was something real and sincere about his words that reached Judson’s conscience and made him uneasy. The power of the Word of God was felt in his soul. Young Judson was not now sure that his infidelity would stand the test.
The following night he sought lodging in a large home where rooms were rented to travelers. He was informed that there was only one room vacant, but it was next to that occupied by a YOUNG man who was DYING. The thought of taking this room bothered him, but he decided to accept it. He assured the owner that his rest would not be disturbed, and accordingly retired for the night.
Try as he would, however, sleep would not come; and the whole night was spent tossing and thinking. The thought that the man was young, and was dying, was ever before him. Also the words so recently spoken by the elderly Christian rang in his ears. Judson now felt himself face to face with eternal, and real issues. All of the baseless arguments of his infidel friends could not satisfy him, nor give him a moment’s rest. Their reasonings were all right as long as they were not in the presence of death.
With a measure of relief, young Judson went downstairs in the morning, but he looked worn and troubled. He was informed that the young man had died during the night. This news fell like a great weight on his troubled soul. Casually inquiring the name of the deceased, he learned to his utter consternation, that it was none other than his old friend and college chum, Edward. Stunned, he turned away and hurried back to his room, where for hours he could think of nothing else than those awful words, DEAD and LOST. He now realized that he had only been deceiving himself, and that someday he must meet the God he was sinning against. He thought of his old friend, and could only picture him as lost forever. Yes, he was gone never to return—gone to meet the judgment of the God whose grace he had despised.
At last, falling on his knees, he cried to God for mercy. He sought and found peace with God; he believed the Word of God and took his place as a guilty sinner before Him, accepting His offer of free salvation through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew that he had been ungodly, but he believed that “Christ died for the ungodly.” (Rom. 5:66For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)). Those precious words,
“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)), also gave him joy and satisfaction. He was without doubt a sinner. God is holy and must punish sin, but he found the sinner’s Friend who bore all the judgment in his stead.
From that day young Judson sought to tell others of the Saviour, and to warn them to flee from the wrath to come. He labored earnestly for the Lord Jesus, telling those he met of the judgment to come, and of the sure way of escape through the blood of Jesus Christ.
ML 10/31/1965