An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens: In Which the Religious State of the Different Nations of the World, the Success of Former Undertakings, and the Practicability of Further Undertakings, Are Considered

In Short

This seminal work serves as both a theological manifesto and a practical guidebook for the modern missionary movement. It systematically dismantles the arguments of those who claimed that the Great Commission was meant only for the original apostles or that the time for mission had not yet arrived. By blending detailed surveys of global populations with a call for organizational discipline, the text transformed how religious groups viewed their role in the wider world. Its enduring significance lies in its transition from abstract religious sentiment to concrete, modern missionary strategy.

The Story

The argument begins with an appeal to the inherent duty of Christians, grounded in the idea that if a believer truly prays for the coming of God’s kingdom, they must also work toward it. The author posits that this duty is not merely a historical relic restricted to the apostles but a standing command for the present. To support this, the text systematically reviews the "religious state of the world," providing detailed tables that categorize nations by population, geography, and existing religious leanings—ranging from Protestant and Catholic to Mahometan and "Pagan." This data serves a dual purpose: to demonstrate the sheer scale of the task and to highlight the regions currently "covered with heathen darkness."

Moving beyond the theoretical, the text addresses the skeptics who argued that the work was either impossible, unnecessary, or better deferred. The author confronts the objection that domestic needs at home should supersede foreign efforts, arguing that while local work is vital, the "heathen" world lacks even the basic structures of Bible access or civil government that Western nations possess. He insists that the "uncivilized" state of foreign cultures is not a barrier to mission but rather a primary argument for it, suggesting that the gospel acts as a catalyst for civilization, societal order, and the introduction of arts and sciences.

The narrative shifts from defense to proposal, detailing a blueprint for action. Rejecting the violent, state-sponsored methods of earlier centuries, the author advocates for small, self-sustaining groups of missionaries—men of character accompanied by their families—who would engage in local agriculture to remain independent. He emphasizes the importance of learning local languages and living among the people, suggesting that commerce provides a model for the logistics of these endeavors. He draws upon the historical examples of early church figures, including the Apostle Paul and the later, more modern efforts of figures like John Eliot and David Brainerd, to show that individual devotion can overcome profound systemic difficulties.

The conclusion centers on the necessity of a formal, dedicated society. The author proposes that congregations establish a weekly fund, even a penny per person, to support these endeavors. He bridges the gap between religious faith and modern organizational thinking, suggesting that if trading companies can navigate tempests and traverse the globe for profit, a body of serious, committed individuals can do the same for the sake of their faith. The arc closes not with a demand, but with an invitation to consider the "harvest" that awaits those who devote their lives to this work, framing the effort as a profound, personal investment in the future of the church and the world.

How It Unfolds

The Theological Mandate The author establishes the foundational premise that the command to teach all nations is an ongoing, binding obligation for all Christians, not an exclusive instruction for the apostles. He argues that the absence of a "counter-revelation" means the original directive remains in full effect.

The Global Audit A comprehensive statistical survey follows, detailing the population, geography, and religious demographics of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. This section grounds the argument in a pragmatic assessment of where the "work" remains to be done.

Addressing the Skeptics The text systematically refutes common objections, specifically the claims that missions are premature or that local needs should take priority. It argues that the "barbarism" of the heathens is a call for assistance rather than an excuse for neglect.

The Historical Precedent Drawing on the accounts of early Christian expansion and the subsequent rise of corruption within the church, the author identifies the "blind zeal" and "infamous cruelties" of the past as failures to be avoided. He highlights the work of the Moravian Brethren as a positive modern standard for dedicated, peaceful mission.

The Blueprint for Action The final section provides a practical, step-by-step proposal for forming missionary societies. It covers the selection of personnel, the importance of self-sufficient labor, and the necessity of small, regular financial contributions from ordinary congregations.

The People

The author, while remaining an impersonal voice, acts as the primary strategist. He is a pragmatic visionary who believes that religious duty is best expressed through deliberate, long-term organization rather than emotional outbursts. He consistently appeals to the "feelings of humanity" and "universal benevolence," positioning himself as a man of reason who balances piety with an almost mercantile approach to planning.

He holds up the Apostle Paul as the ultimate archetype of the tireless missionary—the man who, when blocked from one region by the Holy Ghost, immediately pivoted to another. Paul represents the standard of total commitment. In contrast, he cites John Eliot and David Brainerd as modern heroes, individuals who proved that the gospel could thrive among the American Indians through personal sacrifice and humility. These figures stand as the bridge between the biblical past and the practical future the author envisions. Finally, the "heathens" appear not as abstract targets, but as individuals with "uncommon genius and tractableness," characterized as victims of their own lack of access to education and the gospel, whom the author believes are entirely capable of becoming "able Divines" or contributing to the global church if only given the opportunity.

In Its Own Voice

Regarding the necessity of the preacher:

How then shall they call on him, in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a Preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent?

Regarding the potential of those yet to be reached:

Secondly, barbarous as these poor heathens are, they appear to be as capable of knowledge as we are; and in many places, at least, have discovered uncommon genius and tractableness.

Regarding the necessity of persistent, collective effort:

We must not be contented however with praying, without exerting ourselves in the use of means for the obtaining of those things we pray for.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for the professionalization of religious altruism. It explores the tension between spiritual belief and the logistical reality of acting on those beliefs in a vast, unknown world. The text asks: If we claim to value the "immortal souls" of others, why are we less organized and less daring than a mercantile trading company? It is a study in "conscientious activity," attempting to reconcile the "secret purpose of God" with the human duty to engage with the world. Ultimately, it is about the transformative power of mission, not just for the recipient, but for the missionary, suggesting that the act of reaching out is the truest evidence of a person's faith.

Why Read It Today

This text is essential for those interested in the history of global movements, organizational theory, or the evolution of religious thought. Reading it today requires an adjustment to the author’s period-specific, Eurocentric worldview; his reliance on 18th-century "civilization" as a benchmark for human progress and his characterization of foreign cultures are artifacts of his era that will strike the modern reader as paternalistic. However, beneath this framework lies a remarkably clear-eyed, practical manual on logistics, funding, and team management.

The prose is precise and logical, devoid of the flowery rhetoric common to the time. You feel the intensity of the author’s frustration with those he sees as complacent. It is a dense, data-heavy read—the tables of populations and island dimensions take up significant space—but they serve to illustrate the obsessive detail the author brings to his mission. You will walk away from this book understanding the birth of the modern missionary movement not as a mystical event, but as a calculated, administrative triumph. It serves as a reminder of how, two centuries ago, a single, determined voice could shift the focus of entire institutions by simply asking, "Why not?" It is a challenging but historically vital look at the intersection of conviction and the drive to reshape the world.