Here are excerpts from the “Form of Agreement” drafted by
Carey and his colleagues in October 1805.
The Redeemer, in planting us in this heathen nation, rather
than in any other, has imposed upon us the cultivation of peculiar
qualifications. Upon these points we think it right to fix our serious and
abiding attention.
First. In order to be prepared for our great and solemn
work, it is absolutely necessary that we set an infinite value upon immortal souls;
that we often endeavour to affect our minds with the dreadful loss sustained by
an unconverted soul launched into eternity.
Secondly. It is very important that we should gain all the
information we can of the snares and delusions in which these heathens are
held. By this means we shall be able to converse with them in an intelligible
manner.
Thirdly. It is necessary, in our intercourse with the
Hindoos, that, as far as we are able, we abstain from those things which would
increase their prejudices against the Gospel. Those parts of English manners
which are most offensive to them should be kept out of sight as much as
possible. [For example,] we should avoid every degree of cruelty to animals.
Fourthly. It becomes us to watch all opportunities of doing
good. We are apt to relax in these active exertions, especially in a warm
climate; but we shall do well always to fix it in our minds, that life is
short, that all around us are perishing, and that we incur a dreadful woe if we
proclaim not the glad tidings of salvation.
Fifthly. In preaching to the heathen, we must keep to the
example of Paul, and make the great subject of our preaching, Christ the
Crucified. It is a well-know fact that the most successful missionaries in the
world at the present day make the atonement of Christ their theme.
Sixthly. It is absolutely necessary that the natives should
have an entire confidence in us, and feel quite at home in our company. To gain
this confidence we must on all occasions be willing to hear their complaints;
we must give them kindest advice.
Seventhly. Another important part of our work is to build
up, and watch over, the souls that may be gathered. A real missionary becomes
in a sense a father to his people.
Eighthly. It is only by means of native preachers that we
can hope for the universal spread of the Gospel throughout this immense
continent. We think it our duty, as soon as possible, to advise the native
brethren who may be formed into separate churches, to choose their pastors and
deacons from their own countrymen.
Ninthly. It becomes us also to labor with all our might in
forwarding translations of the sacred Scriptures in the languages of
Hindoostan. The establishment of native free schools is also an object highly
important to the future conquests of the Gospel.
Tenthly. That which, as a means is to fit us for the
discharge of these laborious and unutterably important labours, is the being
instant in prayer, and the cultivation of personal religion. Let each one of us
lay it upon his heart that we will seek to be fervent in spirit, wrestling with
God, till He famish these idols and cause the heathen to experience the
blessedness that is in Christ.
Finally. Let us give ourselves up unreservedly to this
glorious cause. Let us never think that our time, our gifts, our strength, our
families, or even the clothes we wear, are our own. To keep these ideas alive
in our minds, we resolve that this Agreement shall be read publicly, at every
station, at our three annual meetings, viz., on the first Lord’s day in
January, in May, and October.
Listed in Christian
History, Issue 36, page 34.
