Deep Dive into Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - The Persecution of Doctor Judson

Based on the sources, the persecution of the missionaries in Ava stemmed from the outbreak of the Anglo-Burmese War in 1824. While there was already suspicion towards foreigners present in the capital, the war significantly intensified this. The Burmese government, in a state of heightened fear and anxiety, feared foreigners might flee or even aid the enemy.The immediate trigger for the arrest of Mr. Judson and Dr. Price was the government's mistaken belief they were spies for the English. This arose during a court examination when it was discovered they had received money from a merchant, Mr. Gouger. Due to unfamiliarity with the system of receiving funds via orders on Bengal, Burmese officials viewed this as conclusive evidence they were in the pay of the British. This misinterpretation was presented to the king, who angrily ordered their immediate arrest.Mr. Judson's arrest was sudden and violent. An officer and executioner rushed into his home, seized him, threw him to the floor, and bound him tightly with cords before dragging him away. He was then "hurled into" the "death prison". The missionaries, along with other white foreigners, endured confinement in harsh conditions, moving between the common death prison in heavy fetters, an open shed, and the overcrowded, unsanitary inner prison.Mrs. Judson, despite facing her own confinement and distress, tirelessly worked to alleviate their suffering. She used presents (bribes) to gain access to officials and the prison, sought to petition the queen and other royal family members, and provided practical support like food and medicine. However, the queen refused to intervene, stating, "The teachers will not die: let them remain as they are," largely due to the intense political suspicion and the belief they were spies. Following the arrest, the Judsons' property, including their silver, was confiscated, although some items were eventually set aside, potentially for restoration if Mr. Judson was found innocent of being a spy. The entire ordeal was marked by immense suffering, corruption, and uncertainty.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed