William Carey’s Enquiry on-line

William Carey’s Enquiry into the Obligation of Christians… is probably one of the most influential documents in the history of missions. Among other things it led to the founding of the Baptist Missionary Society in the United Kingdom. This is a facsimile of the original which was published in Leicester 1792.

William Carey [1761-1834], An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means For the Conversion of the Heathens in Which the State of the Different Nations of the World, the Success of Former Undertakings, and the Practicability of Further Undertakings, are Considered. Leicester: Ann Ireland, 1792. Hbk. pp.87. Click to download in PDF.

Contents

1. An Enquiry whether the Commission given by our Lord to his Disciples be not binding on us
2. Containing a Short Review of former Undertakings for the Conversion of the Heathen
3. Containing a Survey of the Present State of the World
4. The Practicability of something being done, more than what is done, for the Conversion of the Heathen
5. An Enquiry into the Duty of Christians in general, and what Means ought to be used, in order to promote this Work

Introduction

As our blessed Lord has required us to pray that his kingdom may come, and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven, it becomes us not only to express our desires of that event by words, but to use every-lawful method to spread the knowledge of his name. In order to this, it is necessary that we should become, in some measure acquainted with the religious state of the world; and as this is an object we should be prompted to pursue, not only by the gospel of our Redeemer, but even by the feelings of humanity, so an inclination to conscientious activity therein would form one of the strongest proofs that we are the subjects of grace, and partakers of that spirit of universal benevolence and genuine philanthropy, which appear so eminent in the character of God himself. [Continue reading]