A Prophecy Fulfilling by L. A. HANSEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 13, 1906

A Prophecy Fulfilling

By L. A. HANSEN

L. A. HANSEN

SINCE we last wrote, our work has been steadily developing. Brother Miller, of Calcutta, made us a visit, which was very much appreciated. He seemed rather pleased with the outlook. We kept busy the few days he was here, showing him the enemy’s camp from the several points where attacks are being made. With the help of God, we shall conquer.

On his way to Ava, Dr. Judson once visited the site of Pugan, a city celebrated in Burman history, it being the seat of a former dynasty. He wrote of this visit:—

“Behold all the country round, covered with temples and monuments of every sort and size; some in utter ruins, some fast decaying, and some exhibiting marks of recent attention and repair. . . . All conspire to suggest those elevated and mournful ideas which are attendant on a view of the decaying remains of ancient grandeur. . . . Here, about eight hundred years ago, the religion of Buddha was first publicly recognized and established as the religion of the empire. Here, then Ah-ran-han, or the first Buddhist apostle of Burma, under the patronage of King Ana-ra-tha-men-zan, disseminated the doctrines of atheism, and taught his disciples to pant after annihilation, as the supreme good. Some of the ruins before our eyes are probably the remains of pagodas designed by himself. We look back on the centuries of darkness that are past. We look forward, and Christian hope would fain brighten the prospect. Perhaps we stand on the dividing line of the empires of darkness and light. O shade of Ah-ran-han, weep over thy falling fanes; retire from the scenes of thy past greatness. But thou smilest at my feeble voice. Linger then, thy little remaining day. A voice mightier than mine, a still small voice, will erelong sweep away every vestige of thy dominion. The churches of Jesus will soon supplant these idolatrous monuments, and the chanting of the devotees of Buddha will die away before the Christian hymn of praise.” (Jan. 18, 1820.)

How remarkable the fulfilment of this ancient prophecy has been, is one of the most entertaining themes for Judson’s successors. The privations these pioneers of the cross underwent is beyond tongue or pen. Behold this noble man, all alone as an apostle of Jesus Christ! His bishopric was fair Burma, his parish Rangoon. Here he stood with willing heart, hands, and tongue, but no one could understand him save his wife. In all Lower Burma no one spoke English. A despot ruled through officer more despotic than himself. No one cared for Judson or his religion; there was no comfortable house for him to live in; no friend here; no mail service with friends at home. All letters were sent and received through the kindness of an occasional visiting captain in an old-time sailboat.

At the markets was no food that a stranger could enjoy with relish, as the roots, leaves, and stems of plants and trees are much used by the Burmans; and often the form and color of fruits are very dissimilar to those of any that grow in the temperate climes. The immediate surrounding of the abode of the strangers was chiefly heavy growth of vegetation, interspersed with such paths as might be made by man and beast, pleasant in the day, but swarming at night with bats and flying foxes, not to mention the numberless mosquitoes, whose sting was quite enough to rob them of the much-needed rest. Such then, but how different now!

Now we have at least three mails weekly from Calcutta, and several from the south. Our markets are well supplied, though expensive, with everything ordinarily wanted. Judson’s humble sayet (study) has long ago been supplanted by stately churches, schools, and even colleges. His scant library is supplemented by well-stocked book-stands, and re-enforced by skilful printers and modern presses. The city is renovated by hygienic measures, and its roads and thoroughfares are made passable in rain or shine by the best road metal. The railroad brings the far-distant Ava and Mandalay, with the many intermediate points, within less than a night’s journey. The English tongue is represented everywhere. Christian churches are reared, and the Name that is so dear has many admirers and faithful servants. What has God wrought!

The third angel’s message is finding some of the loyal hearts in this fair land. Just two weeks ago it was my privilege to witness at Moulmein the baptism of seven Burman Sabbath-keepers. I would our people in America could have seen this rare sight. These were all well along life’s journey, to whom the possible point of novelty was long past—men and women of mature judgment—who followed their Lord into the watery grave, that they might meet him in the first resurrection.

Sometimes the calls for help for mission work, for churches, for support of schools and opening of health institutions, are so frequent that we feel it costs almost too much. Costs too much! God forbid that we should estimate the cross in that light. When the light is eclipsed by the darkness of this world, such a thought may enter, but not while we are out where we can see souls leaving this world for a better one.

At some later occasion I shall tell of some of the experiences of each of these brethren and sisters in this message. Pray for the work here.

Burma.