AMERICA.
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.
Sin was introduced amongst the children of men by the fall of Adam, and has ever since been spreading its baneful influence. By changing its appearances to suit the circumstances of the times, it has grown up in ten thousand forms, and constantly counteracted the will and designs of God. One would have supposed that the remembrance of the deluge would have been transmitted from father to son, and have perpetually deterred mankind from transgressing the will of their Maker; but so blinded were they, that in the time of Abraham, gross wickedness prevailed wherever colonies were planted, and the iniquity of the Amorites was great, though not yet full. After this, idolatry spread more and more, till the seven devoted nations were cut off with the most signal marks of divine displeasure. Still, however, the progress of evil was not stopped, but the Israelites themselves too often joined with the rest of mankind against the God of Israel. In one period the grossest ignorance and barbarism prevailed in the world; and afterwards, in a more enlightened age, the most daring infidelity, and contempt of God; so that the world which was once over-run with ignorance, now by wisdom knew not God, but changed the glory of the incorruptible God as much as in the most barbarous ages, into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Nay, as they increased in science and politeness, they ran into more abundant and extravagant idolatries.
Yet God repeatedly made known his intention to prevail finally over all the power of the Devil, and to destroy all his works, and set up his own kingdom and interest among men, and extend it as universally as Satan had extended his. It was for this purpose that the Messiah came and died, that God might be just, and the justifier of all that should believe in him. When he had laid down his life, and taken it up again, he sent forth his disciples to preach the good tidings to every creature, and to endeavour by all possible methods to bring over a lost world to God. They went forth according to their divine commission, and wonderful success attended their labours; the civilized greeks, and uncivilized barbarians, each yielded to the cross of Christ, and embraced it as the only way of salvation. Since the apostolic age many other attempts to spread the gospel have been made, which have been considerably successful, notwithstanding which a very considerable part of mankind are still involved in all the darkness of heathenism. Some attempts are still making, but they are inconsiderable in comparison of what might be done if the whole body of Christians entered heartily into the spirit of the divine command on this subject. Some think little about it, others are unacquainted with the state of the world, and others love their wealth better than the souls of their fellow-creatures.
In order that the subject may be taken into more serious consideration, I shall enquire, whether the commission given by our Lord to his disciples be not still binding on us,—take a short view of former undertakings,—give some account of the present state of the world, consider the practicability of doing something more than is done,—and the duty of Christians in general in this matter.
AN ENQUIRY, &c.
SECT. I.
An Enquiry whether the Commission given by our Lord to his Disciples be not still binding on us.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, a little before his departure, commissioned his apostles to Go, and teach all nations; or, as another evangelist expresses it, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. This commission was as extensive as possible, and laid them under obligation to disperse themselves into every country of the habitable globe, and preach to all the inhabitants, without exception, or limitation. They accordingly went forth in obedience to the command, and the power of God evidently wrought with them. Many attempts of the same kind have been made since their day, and which have been attended with various success; but the work has not been taken up, or prosecuted of late years (except by a few individuals) with that zeal and perseverance with which the primitive Christians went about it. It seems as if many thought the commission was sufficiently put in execution by what the apostles and others have done; that we have enough to do to attend to the salvation of our own countrymen; and that, if God intends the salvation of the heathen, he will some way or other bring them to the gospel, or the gospel to them. It is thus that multitudes sit at ease, and give themselves no concern about the far greater part of their fellow-sinners, who to this day, are lost in ignorance and idolatry. There seems also to be an opinion existing in the minds of some, that because the apostles were extraordinary officers and have no proper successors, and because many things which were right for them to do would be utterly unwarrantable for us, therefore it may not be immediately binding on us to execute the commission, though it was so upon them. To the consideration of such persons I would offer the following observations.
First, If the command of Christ to teach all nations be restricted to the apostles, or those under the immediate inspiration of the Holy Ghost, then that of baptizing should be so too; and every denomination of Christians, except the Quakers, do wrong in baptizing with water at all.
Secondly, If the command of Christ to teach all nations be confined to the apostles, then all such ordinary ministers who have endeavoured to carry the gospel to the heathens, have acted without a warrant, and run before they were sent. Yea, and though God has promised the most glorious things to the heathen world by sending his gospel to them, yet whoever goes first, or indeed at all, with that message, unless he have a new and special commission from heaven, must go without any authority for so doing.
Thirdly, If the command of Christ to teach all nations extend only to the apostles, then, doubtless, the promise of the divine presence in this work must be so limited; but this is worded in such a manner as expressly precludes such an idea. Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the world.
That there are cases in which even a divine command may cease to be binding is admitted—As for instance, if it be repealed, as the ceremonial commandments of the jewish law; or if there be no subjects in the world for the commanded act to be exercised upon, as in the law of septennial release, which might be dispensed with when there should be no poor in the land to have their debts forgiven. Deut. xv. 4. or if, in any particular instance, we can produce a counter-revelation, of equal authority with the original command, as when Paul and Silas were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Bythinia. Acts xvi. 6. 7. or if, in any case, there be a natural impossibility of putting it in execution. It was not the duty of Paul to preach Christ to the inhabitants of Otaheite, because no such place was then discovered, nor had he any means of coming at them. But none of these things can be alledged by us in behalf of the neglect of the commission given by Christ. We cannot say that it is repealed, like the commands of the ceremonial law; nor can we plead that there are no objects for the command to be exercised upon. Alas! the far greater part of the world, as we shall see presently, are still covered with heathen darkness! Nor can we produce a counter-revelation, concerning any particular nation, like that to Paul and Silas, concerning Bythinia; and, if we could, it would not warrant our sitting still and neglecting all the other parts of the world; for Paul and Silas, when forbidden to preach to those heathens, went elsewhere, and preached to others. Neither can we alledge a natural impossibility in the case. It has been said that we ought not to force our way, but to wait for the openings, and leadings of Providence; but it might with equal propriety be answered in this case, neither ought we to neglect embracing those openings in providence which daily present themselves to us. What openings of providence do we wait for? We can neither expect to be transported into the heathen world without ordinary means, nor to be endowed with the gift of tongues, &c. when we arrive there. These would not be providential interpositions, but miraculous ones. Where a command exists nothing can be necessary to render it binding but a removal of those obstacles which render obedience impossible, and these are removed already. Natural impossibility can never be pleaded so long as facts exist to prove the contrary. Have not the popish missionaries surmounted all those difficulties which we have generally thought to be insuperable? Have not the missionaries of the Unitas Fratrum, or Moravian Brethren, encountered the scorching heat of Abyssinia, and the frozen climes of Greenland, and Labrador, their difficult languages, and savage manners? Or have not English traders, for the sake of gain, surmounted all those things which have generally been counted insurmountable obstacles in the way of preaching the gospel? Witness the trade to Persia, the East-Indies, China, and Greenland, yea even the accursed Slave-Trade on the coasts of Africa. Men can insinuate themselves into the favour of the most barbarous clans, and uncultivated tribes, for the sake of gain; and how different soever the circumstances of trading and preaching are, yet this will prove the possibility of ministers being introduced there; and if this is but thought a sufficient reason to make the experiment, my point is gained.
It has been said that some learned divines have proved from Scripture that the time is not yet come that the heathen should be converted; and that first the witnesses must be slain, and many other prophecies fulfilled. But admitting this to be the case (which I much doubt1) yet if any objection is made from this against preaching to them immediately, it must be founded on one of these things; either that the secret purpose of God is the rule of our duty, and then it must be as bad to pray for them, as to preach to them; or else that none shall be converted in the heathen world till the universal down-pouring of the Spirit in the last days. But this objection comes too late; for the success of the gospel has been very considerable in many places already.
1 [ See Edwards on Prayer, on this subject, lately re-printed by Mr. Sutcliffe.]
It has been objected that there are multitudes in our own nation, and within our immediate spheres of action, who are as ignorant as the South-Sea savages, and that therefore we have work enough at home, without going into other countries. That there are thousands in our own land as far from God as possible, I readily grant, and that this ought to excite us to ten-fold diligence in our work, and in attempts to spread divine knowledge amongst them is a certain fact; but that it ought to supercede all attempts to spread the gospel in foreign parts seems to want proof. Our own countrymen have the means of grace, and may attend on the word preached if they chuse it. They have the means of knowing the truth, and faithful ministers are placed in almost every part of the land, whose spheres of action might be much extended if their congregations were but more hearty and active in the cause: but with them the case is widely different, who have no Bible, no written language, (which many of them have not,) no ministers, no good civil government, nor any of those advantages which we have. Pity therefore, humanity, and much more Christianity, call loudly for every possible exertion to introduce the gospel amongst them.
SECT. II.
Containing a short Review of former Undertakings for the Conversion of the Heathen.
Before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ the whole world were either heathens, or jews; and both, as to the body of them were enemies to the gospel. After the resurrection the disciples continued in Jerusalem till Pentecost. Being daily engaged in prayer and supplication, and having chosen Matthias, to supply the place of Judas in the apostolic office, on that solemn day, when they were all assembled together, a most remarkable effusion of the Holy Spirit took place, and a capacity of speaking in all foreign languages was bestowed upon them. This opportunity was embraced by Peter for preaching the gospel to a great congregation of jews and proselytes, who were from Parthia, Media, Elam, Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, the proconsular Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Lybia, Crete, Arabia, Rome, &c. and at the first effort God wrought so powerfully that three thousand were converted, who immediately after were baptized, and added to the church. Before this great addition they consisted of but about an hundred and twenty persons, but from that time they continually increased. It was but a little after this that Peter and John, going up to the temple, healed the lame man; this miracle drew a great multitude together, and Peter took occasion while they stood wondering at the event, to preach Jesus Christ to them. The consequence was that five thousand more believed.
This was not done without opposition; the priests and sadducees tried all the methods they could invent to prevent them from preaching the gospel. The apostles, however, asserted their divine warrant, and as soon as they were set at liberty addressed God, and prayed that a divine power might attend their labours, which petition was heard, and their future ministry was very successful. On account of their necessities who were engaged in this good work, those amongst them who had possessions, or goods, sold them, and devoted the money to pious uses.
About this time a man and his wife out of great pretensions to piety, sold an estate, and brought part of the money to the apostles, pretending it to be the whole; for which dissimulation both he and his wife, were struck dead by the hand of God. This awful catastrophe however was the occasion of many more men and women being added to the church. The miracles wrought by the apostles, and the success attending their ministry, stirred up greater envy in the priests and sadducees, who imprisoned them; from which confinement they were soon liberated by an angel; upon which they went immediately as they were commanded and preached in the temple: here they were seized, and brought before the council, where Gamaliel spake in their favour, and they were dismissed. After this they continued to prosecute their work, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ.
By this time the church at Jerusalem was so increased that the multiplicity of its temporal concerns was the occasion of some neglects, which produced a dissatisfaction. The apostles, therefore, recommended to the church to chuse seven pious men, whose office it should be to attend upon its temporal affairs; that they might give themselves to prayer, and the ministry of the word. Seven were accordingly chosen, over whom the apostles prayed, and ordained them to the office of Deacons by imposition of hands: and these things being settled the church increased more and more. One of these Deacons, whose name was Stephen, being a person of eminent knowledge and holiness, wrought many miracles, and disputed with great evidence and energy for the truth of Christianity, which raised him up a number of opponents. These soon procured his death, and carried their resentment so far as to stir up such a persecution that the church, which till now had been confined to Jerusalem, was dispersed, and all the preachers except the apostles were driven thence, and went every where preaching the word.
A young man whose name was Saul, was very active in this persecution; he had been educated under Gamaliel, a member of the Sanhedrim, was a person of promising genius, by profession a Pharisee, and much attached to the jewish ceremonies. When Stephen was stoned he appeared much pleased with it, and had the custody of the clothes of his executioners; and from that time was fired with such a spirit of persecution himself, that he went about dragging some to prison, and compelling others to blaspheme the name of the Lord Jesus. Neither was he contented with exercising his rage at Jerusalem, but went to the chief priests and obtained testimonials of authority to carry on the same work at Damascus. But on his way, as he was almost ready to enter into the city, the Lord changed his heart in a very wonderful manner; so that instead of entering the town to persecute, he began to preach the gospel as soon as be was able. This presently brought upon him the same persecution which he had designed to exercise upon others, and even endangered his life, so that the brethren found it necessary to let him down the city wall in a basket by night, and so he escaped the hands of his enemies. From thence he went to Jerusalem where he preached the word, but being persecuted there, he went to Cesarea, and from thence to Tarsus.
In the time of this trouble in the church, Philip went and preached at Samaria with great success, nay so great was the work that an impostor, who had deceived the people with legerdemain tricks for a long time was so amazed, and even convinced, as to profess himself a Christian, and was baptized; but was afterwards detected, and appeared to be an hypocrite. Besides him a great number believed in reality, and being baptized a church was formed there. Soon after this the Lord commanded Philip to go the way which led from Jerusalem to Gaza, which he did, and there found an eunuch of great authority in the court of Ethiopia, to whom he preached Christ, who believed, and was baptized; after which Philip preached at Ashdod, or Azotus.
About the same time Peter went to Lydda, or Diospolis, and cured Eneas of a palsy, which was a mean of the conversion not only of the inhabitants of that town, but also of the neighbouring country, called Saron, the capital of which was Lasharon; and while he was there, a circumstance turned up which tended much to the spread of the truth. A woman of Joppa, a sea-port town in the neighbourhood, dying, they sent to Lydda for Peter, who went over, and when he had prayed she was raised to life again; which was an occasion of the conversion of many in that town. Peter continued there preaching for some time, and lodged at the house of a tanner.
Now another circumstance also tended to the further propogation of Christianity, for a Roman military officer who had some acquaintance with the Old Testament Scriptures, but was not circumcised, was one day engaged in prayer in his house at Cesarea, when an angel appeared to him, and bid him send for Peter from Joppa to preach in his house. Before this the work of God had been wholly confined to the jews, and jewish proselytes, and even the apostles appeared to have had very contracted ideas of the Christian dispensation; but now God by a vision discovered to Peter that Christianity was to be spread into all nations. He accordingly went and preached at the house of Cornelius, at Cesarea, when several were converted, and baptized, and the foundation of a church laid in that city.
Some of the dispersed ministers having fled to Antioch in Syria, began to preach to the greeks in that city about the same time, and had good success; upon which the apostles sent Paul and Barnabas, who instructed and strengthened them, and a church was formed in that city also, which in a little time sent out several eminent preachers.
In the Acts of the apostles we have an account of four of the principal journies which Paul, and his companions undertook. The first, in which he was accompanied by Barnabas, is recorded in the xiii. and xiv. chapters, and was the first attack on the heathen world. It was a journey into the lesser Asia. In their way they passed over the island of Cyprus. No sooner had they entered on their undertaking, than they met with great difficulty; for Mark, whom they had taken as their minister, deserted them, and returned to Jerusalem, where, it seems, he thought he should enjoy the greatest quiet. Paul and Barnabas however went forward; in every city they preached the word of the Lord, entering into the jewish synagogues and first preaching Christ to them, and then to the gentiles. They were heard with great candour and eagerness by some, and rejected by others with obstinacy and wrath, and cruel persecution. One while they had enough to do to restrain the people from worshipping them as gods, and soon after, Paul was stoned, dragged out of the city, and left for dead. Having penetrated as far as Derbe, they thought proper to return by the way that they came, calling at every city where they had sown the good seed, and finding in most, if not all these places, some who had embraced the gospel, they exhorted and strengthened them in the faith, formed them into a church state, and ordained them elders, fasted and prayed with them; and so having commended them to the Lord on whom they had believed, returned to Antioch in Syria, from whence they first set out, and rehearsed to the church all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the gentiles.
About this time a dispute arising in the churches concerning circumcision, Paul and Barnabas were deputed to go up to Jerusalem, to consult the apostles and elders on the subject. This business being adjusted, they, accompanied with Judas and Silas, returned to Antioch with the general resolution, and continued there for a season, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.
Paul now proposed to Barnabas, his fellow-labourer, that they might visit their brethren in the places where they had been already, and see how they did. To this Barnabas readily acceded, but a difference arising between them about taking John Mark with them, who had deserted them before, these two eminent servants of God were parted asunder, and never appear to have travelled together any more. They continued however each to serve in the cause of Christ, though they could not walk together. Barnabas took John, and sailed to Cyprus, his native island, and Paul took Silas, and went through Syria and Cilicia to Derbe and Lystra, cities where he and Barnabas had preached in their first excursion.
Here they found Timothy, a promising young man, whom they encouraged to engage in the ministry.
Paul being now at Lystra, which was the boundary of his first excursion, and having visited the churches already planted, and delivered to them the decrees of the apostles and elders relating to circumcision, seems to have felt his heart enlarged, and assayed to carry on the glorious work of preaching the gospel to the heathen to a greater extent. With Silas and Timotheus he in his second journey2 took a western direction, passing through Phrygia, and the region of Galatia. Having preached the word in these parts with considerable success,3 he and his companions wished to have gone into the proconsular Asia, and afterwards assayed to go into Bythinia; but begin forbidden of the Holy Ghost, who seems to have had a special design of employing them elsewhere; passing by Mysia they came down to Troas on the sea-coast. Here a vision appeared to Paul, in which he was invited to go over to Macedonia. Obedient to the heavenly vision, and greatly encouraged by it, they with all speed crossed the Egean Sea, and passing through the island of Samothracia, landed at Neapolis, and went from thence to Philippi, the chief city of that part of Macedonia. It was here that Paul preached on a Sabbath day to a few women by a river side, and Lydia, a woman of Thyatira, was converted and baptized, and her household with her. It was here that a poor girl, who brought her employers considerable profit by foretelling events, followed the apostles, had her spirit of divination ejected, on which account her masters were much irritated, and raised a tumult, the effect of which was, that Paul and Silas were imprisoned. But even this was over-ruled for the success of the gospel, in that the keeper of the prison, and all his house, were thereby brought to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and were baptized.
2 [ The account of this second journey into the heathen world begins at Acts xv. 40. and ends chap. xviii. 22.]
3 [ See ch. xviii. 23. and Gal i. 2.]
From Philippi they passed thorough Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, (now Salonichi,) Berea, Athens, and Corinth, preaching the gospel wherever they went. From hence Paul took ship and sailed to Syria, only giving a short call at Ephesus, determining to be at Jerusalem at the feast of the passover; and having saluted the church, he came to Cesarea, and from thence to Antioch.
Here ended Paul's second journey, which was very extensive, and took up some years of his time. He and his companions met with their difficulties in it, but had likewise their encouragements. They were persecuted at Philippi, as already noticed, and generally found the Jews to be their most inveterate enemies. These would raise tumults, inflame the minds of the gentiles against them, and follow them from place to place, doing them all the mischief in their power. This was the case especially at Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth. But amidst all their persecutions God was with them, and strengthened them in various ways. At Berea they were candidly received, and their doctrine fairly tried by the Holy Scriptures; and therefore, it is said, many of them believed. At other places, though they affected to despise the apostle, yet some clave unto him. At Corinth opposition rose to a great height; but the Lord appeared to his servant in a vision, saying, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace, for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee; for I have much people in this city. And the promise was abundantly made good in the spirit discovered by Gallio, the proconsul, who turned a deaf ear to the accusations of the jews, and nobly declined interfering in matters beside his province. Upon the whole a number of churches were planted during this journey, which for ages after shone as lights in the world.
When Paul had visited Antioch, and spent some time there, he prepared for a third journey into heathen countries, the account of which begins Acts xviii. 23. and ends chap. xxi. 17. At his first setting out he went over the whole country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples; and passing through the upper coasts came to Ephesus. There for the space of three months, he boldly preached in the jewish synagogue, disputing, and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when the hardened jews had openly rejected the gospel, and spake evil of that way before the multitude, Paul openly separated the disciples from them, and assembled in the school of one Tyrannus. This, it is said, continued for the space of two years, so that all they who dwelt in the proconsular Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both jews and greeks. Certain magicians, about this time were exposed, and others converted, who burnt their books, and confessed their deeds. So mightily grew the word of the Lord, and prevailed.
After this an uproar being raised by Demetrius, the silversmith, Paul went into Macedonia, visited the churches planted in his former journey, and from thence passed into Greece. Having preached up and down for three months, he thought of sailing from thence directly to Syria; but in order to avoid the jews, who laid wait for him near the sea coast, he took another course through Macedonia, and from thence to Troas, by the way of Philippi. There is no mention made in his former journey of his having preached at Troas; yet it seems he did, and a church was gathered, with whom the apostle at this time united in breaking of bread. It was here that he preached all night, and raised Eutychus, who being overcome with sleep, had fallen down, and was taken up dead. From hence they set sail for Syria, and in their way called at Miletus, where Paul sent for the elders of the church of Ephesus, and delivered that most solemn and affectionate farewell, recorded in the 20th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. From hence they sailed for Tyre, where they tarried seven days, and from thence proceeded to Jerusalem.
Paul's fourth and last journey (or rather voyage) was to Rome, where he went in the character of a prisoner. For being at Jerusalem he was quickly apprehended by the jews; but being rescued by Lysias, the chief captain, he was sent to Cesarea to take his trial. Here he made his defence before Felix and Drusilla, in such sort that the judge, instead of the prisoner, was made to tremble. Here also he made his defence before Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice, with such force of evidence that Agrippa was almost persuaded to be a Christian. But the malice of the jews being insatiable, and Paul finding himself in danger of being delivered into their hands, was constrained to appeal unto Caesar. This was the occasion of his being sent to Rome, where he arrived after a long and dangerous voyage, and being shipwrecked on the island of Melita, where he wrought miracles, and Publius, the governor, was converted.
When he arrived at Rome he addressed his countrymen the jews, some of whom believed; but when others rejected the gospel, he turned from them to the gentiles, and for two whole years dwelt in his own hired house preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Thus far the history of the Acts of the Apostles informs us of the success of the word in the primitive times; and history informs us of its being preached about this time, in many other places. Peter speaks of a church at Babylon; Paul proposed a journey to Spain, and it is generally believed he went there, and likewise came to France and Britain. Andrew preached to the Scythians, north of the Black Sea. John is said to have preached in India, and we know that he was at the Isle of Patmos, in the Archipelago. Philip is reported to have preached in upper Asia, Scythia, and Phrygia; Bartholomew in India, on this side the Ganges, Phrygia, and Armenia; Matthew in Arabia, or Asiatic Ethiopia, and Parthia; Thomas in India, as far as the coast of Coromandel, and some say in the island of Ceylon; Simon, the Canaanite, in Egypt, Cyrene, Mauritania, Lybia, and other parts of Africa, and from thence to have come to Britain; and Jude is said to have been principally engaged in the lesser Asia, and Greece. Their labours were evidently very extensive, and very successful; so that Pliny, the younger, who lived soon after the death of the apostles, in a letter to the emperor, Trajan, observed that Christianity had spread, not only through towns and cities, but also through whole countries. Indeed before this, in the time of Nero, it was so prevalent that it was thought necessary to oppose it by an Imperial Edict, and accordingly the proconsuls, and other governors, were commissioned to destroy it.
Justin Martyr, who lived about the middle of the second century, in his dialogue with Trypho, observed that there was no part of mankind, whether greeks or barbarians, or any others, by what name soever they were called, whether the Sarmatians, or the Nomades, who had no houses, or the Scenites of Arabia Petrea, who lived in tents among their cattle, where supplications and thanksgivings are not offered up to the Father, and maker of all things, through the name of Jesus Christ. Irenaeus, who lived about the year 170, speaks of churches that were founded in Germany, Spain, France, the eastern countries, Egypt, Lybia, and the middle of the world. Tertullian, who lived and wrote at Carthage in Africa, about twenty years afterwards, enumerating the countries where Christianity had penetrated, makes mention of the Parthians, Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamians, Armenians, Phrygians, Cappadocians, the inhabitants of Pontus, Asia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the regions of Africa beyond Cyrene, the Romans, and Jews, formerly of Jerusalem, many of the Getuli, many borders of the Mauri, or Moors, in Mauritania; now Barbary, Morocco, &c. all the borders of Spain, many nations of the Gauls, and the places in Britain which were inaccessible to the Romans; the Dacians, Sarmatians, Germans, Scythians, and the inhabitants of many hidden nations and provinces, and of many islands unknown to him, and which he could not enumerate. The labours of the ministers of the gospel, in this early period, were so remarkably blessed of God, that the last mentioned writer observed, in a letter to Scapula, that if he began a persecution the city of Carthage itself must be decimated thereby. Yea, and so abundant were they in the three first centuries, that ten years constant and almost universal persecution under Dioclesian, could neither root out the Christians, nor prejudice their cause.
After this they had great encouragement under several emperors, particularly Constantine and Theodosius, and a very great work of God was carried on; but the ease and affluence which in these times attended the church, served to introduce a flood of corruption, which by degrees brought on the whole system of popery, by means of which all appeared to be lost again; and Satan set up his kingdom of darkness, deceit, and human authority over conscience, through all the Christian world.
In the time of Constantine, one Frumentius was sent to preach to the Indians, and met with great success. A young woman who was a Christian, being taken captive by the Iberians, or Georgians, near the Caspian Sea, informed them of the truths of Christianity, and was so much regarded that they sent to Constantine for ministers to come and preach the word to them. About the same time some barbarous nations having made irruptions into Thrace, carried away several Christians captive, who preached the gospel; by which means the inhabitants upon the Rhine, and the Danube, the Celtae, and some other parts of Gaul, were brought to embrace Christianity. About this time also James of Nisbia, went into Persia to strengthen the Christians, and preach to the heathens; and his success was so great that Adiabene was almost entirely Christian. About the year 372, one Moses, a Monk, went to preach to the Saracens, who then lived in Arabia, where he had great success; and at this time the Goths, and other northern nations, had the kingdom of Christ further extended amongst them, but which was very soon corrupted with Arianism.
Soon after this the kingdom of Christ was further extended among the Scythian Nomades, beyond the Danube, and about the year 430, a people called the Burgundians, received the gospel. Four years after, that Palladius was sent to preach in Scotland, and the next year Patrick was sent from Scotland to preach to the Irish who before his time were totally uncivilized, and, some say, cannibals; he however, was useful, and laid the foundations of several churches in Ireland. Presently after this, truth spread further among the Saracens, and in 522, Zathus, king of the Colchians encouraged it, and many of that nation were converted to Christianity. About this time also the work was extended in Ireland, by Finian, and in Scotland by Constantine and Columba; the latter of whom preached also to the Picts, and Brudaeus, their king, with several others, were converted. About 541, Adad, the king of Ethiopia, was converted by the preaching of Mansionarius; the Heruli beyond the Danube, were now made obedient to the faith, and the Abasgi, near the Caucasian Mountains.
But now popery, especially the compulsive part of it, was risen to such an height, that the usual method of propagating the gospel, or rather what was so called, was to conquer pagan nations by force of arms, and then oblige them to submit to Christianity, after which bishopricks were erected, and persons then sent to instruct the people. I shall just mention some of those who are said to have laboured thus.
In 596, Austin, the monk, Melitus, Justus, Paulinus, and Russinian, laboured in England, and in their way were very successful. Paulinus, who appears to have been one of the best of them, had great success in Northumberland; Birinnius preached to the West Saxons, and Felix to the East Angles. In 589, Amandus Gallus laboured in Ghent, Chelenus in Artois, and Gallus and Columbanus in Suabia. In 648, Egidius Gallus in Flanders, and the two Evaldi, in Westphalia. In 684, Willifred, in the Isle of Wight. In 688, Chilianus, in upper Franconia. In 698, Boniface, or Winifred, among the Thuringians, near Erford, in Saxony, and Willibroad in West-Friesland. Charlemagne conquered Hungary in the year 800, and obliged the inhabitants to profess Christianity, when Modestus likewise preached to the Venedi, at the source of the Save and Drave. In 833, Ansgarius preached in Denmark, Gaudibert in Sweden, and about 861, Methodius and Cyril, in Bohemia.
About the year 500, the Scythians over-run Bulgaria, and Christianity was extirpated; but about 870 they were re-converted. Poland began to be brought over about the same time, and afterwards, about 960 or 990, the work was further extended amongst the Poles and Prussians. The work was begun in Norway in 960, and in Muscovy in 989, the Swedes propagated Christianity in Finland, in 1168, Lithuania became Christian in 1386, and Samogitia in 1439. The Spaniards forced popery upon the inhabitants of South-America, and the Portuguese in Asia. The Jesuits were sent into China in 1552. Xavier, whom they call the apostle of the Indians, laboured in the East-Indies and Japan, from 1541 to 1552, and several millions of Capauchins were sent to Africa in the seventeenth century. But blind zeal, gross superstition, and infamous cruelties, so marked the appearances of religion all this time, that the professors of Christianity needed conversion, as much as the heathen world.
A few pious people had fled from the general corruption, and lived obscurely in the vallies of Piedmont and Savoy, who were like the seed of the church. Some of them were now and then necessitated to travel into other parts, where they faithfully testified against the corruptions of the times. About 1369 Wickliffe began to preach the faith in England, and his preaching and writings were the means of the conversion of great numbers, many of whom became excellent preachers; and a work was begun which afterwards spread in England, Hungary, Bohemia, Germany, Switzerland, and many other places. John Huss and Jerom of Prague, preached boldly and successfully in Bohemia, and the adjacent parts. In the following century Luther, Calvin, Melancton, Bucer, Martyr, and many others, stood up against all the rest of the world; they preached, and prayed, and wrote; and nations agreed one after another to cast off the yoke of popery, and to embrace the doctrine of the gospel.
In England, episcopal tyranny succeeded to popish cruelty, which, in the year 1620, obliged many pious people to leave their native land and settle in America; these were followed by others in 1629, who laid the foundations of several gospel churches, which have increased amazingly since that time, and the Redeemer has fixed his throne in that country, where but a little time ago, Satan had universal dominion.
In 1632, Mr. Elliot, of New-England, a very pious and zealous minister, began to preach to the Indians, among whom he had great success; several churches of Indians were planted, and some preachers and school-masters raised up amongst them; since which time others have laboured amongst them with some good encouragement. About the year 1743, Mr. David Brainerd was sent a missionary to some more Indians, where he preached, and prayed, and after some time an extraordinary work of conversion was wrought, and wonderful success attended his ministry. And at this present time, Mr. Kirkland and Mr. Sergeant are employed in the same good work, and God has considerably blessed their labours.
In 1706, the king of Denmark sent a Mr. Ziegenbalg, and some others, to Tranquebar, on the Coromandel coast in the East-Indies, who were useful to the natives, so that many of the heathens were turned to the Lord. The Dutch East-India Company likewise having extended their commerce, built the city of Batavia, and a church was opened there; and the Lord's Supper was administered for the first time, on the 3d of January, 1621, by their minister James Hulzibos, from hence some ministers were sent to Amboyna, who were very successful. A seminary of learning was erected at Leyden, in which ministers and assistants were educated, under the renowned Walaeus, and some years a great number were sent to the East, at the Company's expence, so that in a little time many thousands at Formosa, Malabar, Ternate, Jaffanapatnam, in the town of Columba, at Amboyna, Java, Banda, Macassar, and Malabar, embraced the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. The work has decayed in some places, but they now have churches in Ceylon, Sumatra, Java, Amboyna, and some other of the spice islands, and at the Cape of Good Hope, in Africa.
But none of the moderns have equalled the Moravian Brethren in this good work; they have sent missions to Greenland, Labrador, and several of the West-Indian Islands, which have been blessed for good. They have likewise sent to Abyssinia, in Africa, but what success they have had I cannot tell.
The late Mr. Wesley lately made an effort in the West-Indies, and some of their ministers are now labouring amongst the Caribbs and Negroes, and I have seen pleasing accounts of their success.
SECT. III.
Containing a Survey of the present State of the World.
In this survey I shall consider the world as divided, according to its usual division, into four parts, EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, and AMERICA, and take notice of the extent of the several countries, their population, civilization, and religion. The article of religion I shall divide into Christian, Jewish, Mahometan, and Pagan; and shall now and then hint at the particular sect of them that prevails in the places which I shall describe. The following Tables will exhibit a more comprehensive view of what I propose, than any thing I can offer on the subject.
EUROPE.
Countries.
EXTENT
Number of Inhabitants.
Religion.
Great-Britain
680
300
12,000,000
Protestants, of many denominations.
Ireland
285
160
2,000,000
Protestants and Papists.
France
600
500
24,000,000
Catholics, Deists, and Protestants.
Spain
700
500
9,500,000
Papists.
Portugal
300
100
2,000,000
Papists.
Sweden
including
800
500
3,500,000
The Swedes are serious Lutherans, but most of the Laplanders are Pagans, and very superstitious.
Isle of Gothland
80
23
5,000
—— Oesel
45
24
2,500
—— Oeland
84
9
1,000
—— Dago
26
23
1,000
—— Aland
24
20
800
—— Hogland
9
5
100
Denmark
240
114
360,000
Lutherans of the Helvetic Confession.
Isle of Zeeland
60
60
284,000
Ditto.
—— Funen
38
32
144,000
Ditto.
—— Arroe
8
2
200
Ditto.
—— Iceland
435
185
60,000
Ditto.
—— Langeland
27
12
3,000
Ditto.
—— Laland
38
30
148,000
Ditto.
—— Falster
27
12
3,000
Ditto.
—— Mona
14
5
600
Ditto.
—— Alsen
15
6
600
Ditto.
—— Femeren
13
8
1,000
Ditto.
—— Bornholm
20
12
2,000
Lutherans.
Greenland
Undiscovered
7,000
Pagans, and Moravian Christians.
Norway
750
170
724,000
Lutherans.
24 Faro Isles
4,500
Ditto.
Danish Lapland
285
172
100,000
Ditto, and Pagans.
Poland
700
680
9,000,000
Papists, Lutherans, Calvinists, & Jews.
4
400
160
2,500,000
Calvinists, Catholics, & Lutherans.
Sardinia
135
57
600,000
Papists.
Sicily
180
92
1,000,000
Ditto.
Italy
660
120
20,000,000
Ditto.
United Netherlands
150
150
2,000,000
Protestants of several denominations.
Austrian Netherlands
200
200
2,500,000
Papists and Protestants.
Switzerland
200
100
2,880,000
Papists and Protestants.
The Grisons.
100
62
800,000
Lutherans and Papists.
The Abbacy of St. Gall
24
10
50,000
Ditto.
Neufchatel
32
20
100,000
Calvinists.
Valais
80
30
440,000
Papists.
Piedmont
140
98
900,000
Ditto, and Protestants.
Savoy
87
60
720,000
Ditto.
Geneva, City
24,000
Calvinists.
Bohemia
478
322
2,100,000
Papists and Moravians.
Hungary
300
200
2,500,000
Papists.
Germany
600
500
20,000,000
Ditto, and Protestants.
Russia in Europe
1500
1100
22,000,000
Greek Church.
Turkey in Europe
1000
900
18,000,000
Greek Christians, Jews, & Mahometans.
Budziac Tartary
300
60
1,200,000
Greek Christians, Jews, & Mahometans.
Lesser Tartary
390
65
1,000,000
Ditto.
Crim Tartary
145
80
500,000
Ditto.
Isle of Tenedos
5
3
200
Mahometans.
—— Negropont
90
25
25,000
Ditto.
—— Lemnos
25
25
4,000
Ditto.
—— Paros
36 in compass.
4,500
Greek Christians.
—— Lesbos, or Mitylene
160 in compass.
30,000
Mahometans and Greeks.
—— Naxia
100 in compass.
8,000
Greeks and Papists.
—— Scio, or Chios
112 in compass.
113,000
Greek Christians, Papists, & Mahomet.
—— Nio
40 in compass.
1,000
Ditto.
—— Scyros
60 in compass.
1,000
Ditto.
—— Mycone
36 in compass.
3,000
Ditto.
—— Samos
30
15
12,000
Mahometans.
—— Nicaria
70 in compass.
3,000
Greek Christians.
—— Andros
120 in compass.
4,000
Ditto.
Delos the Chief
700
Ditto.
—— Zia
40 in compass.
8,000
Ditto.
—— Cerigo or Cytheraea
50 in compass.
1,000
Ditto.
—— Santorin
36 in compass.
10,000
Ditto, and Papists.
—— Policandra
8 in compass.
400
Ditto.
—— Patmos
18 in compass.
600
Ditto.
—— Sephanto
36 in compass.
5,000
Greeks.
—— Claros
40 in compass.
1,700
Mahometans.
—— Amorgo
36 in compass.
4,000
Greek Christians.
—— Leros
18 in compass.
800
Christians and Mahometans.
—— Thermia
40 in compass.
6,000
Greek Christians.
—— Stampalia
50 in compass.
3,000
Ditto.
—— Salamis
50 in compass.
1,000
Ditto.
—— Scarpanta
20 in compass.
2,000
Ditto.
—— Cephalonia
130 in compass.
50,000
Ditto.
—— Zant
50 in compass.
30,000
Greek Christians.
—— Milo
60 in compass.
40,000
Ditto.
—— Corfu
120 in compass.
60,000
Ditto.
—— Candia, or Crete
200
60
400,000
Ditto, and Mahometans.
—— Coos, or Stanchia
70 in compass.
12,800
Mahometans and Christians.
—— Rhodes
60
25
120,000
Ditto.
—— Cyprus
150
70
300,000
Mahometans.
4 [The rest of the Prussian dominions being scattered about in several countries, are counted to those countries where they lie.]
ASIA.
Countries.
EXTENT
Number of Inhabitants.
Religion.
Turkey in Asia
contains
1000
800
20,000,000
Mahometanism is most prevalent, but there are many Greek, Latin, Eutychian, and Armenian Christians.
Arabia
1300
1200
16,000,000
Mahometans.
Persia
1280
1140
20,000,000
Ditto, of the Sect of Ali.
Great Tartary
4000
1200
40,000,000
Mahometans and Pagans.
Siberia
2800
9600
7,500,000
Greek Christians and Pagans.
Samojedia
2000
370
1,900,000
Pagans.
Kamtschatcha
540
236
900,000
Ditto.
Nova Zembla
Undiscovered
thinly inhabit.
Ditto.
China
1400
1260
60,000,000
Ditto.
Japan
contains
900
360
10,000,000
Ditto.
Isle of Ximo
210
200
3,000,000
Pagans.
—— Xicoco
117
104
1,800,000
Ditto.
—— Tsussima
39
34
40,000
Ditto.
—— Iki
20
17
6,000
Ditto.
—— Kubitessima
30
26
8,000
Ditto.
—— Matounsa
54
26
50,000
Ditto.
—— Fastistia
36
34
30,000
Ditto.
—— Firando
30
28
10,000
Ditto.
—— Amacusa
27
24
6,000
Ditto.
—— Awasi
30
18
5,000
Ditto.
beyond the Ganges
2000
1000
50,000,000
Mahometans and Pagans.
Indostan
2000
1500
110,000,000
Ditto.
Tibet
1200
480
10,000,000
Pagans.
Isle of Ceylon
250
200
2,000,000
Pagans, except the Dutch Christians.
—— Maldives
in number
100,000
Mahometans.
—— Sumatra
1000
100
2,100,000
Ditto, and Pagans.
—— Java
580
100
2,700,000
Ditto.
—— Timor
2400
54
300,000
Ditto, and a few Christians.
—— Borneo
800
700
8,000,000
Ditto.
—— Celebes
510
240
2,000,000
Ditto.
—— Boutam
75
30
80,000
Mahometans.
—— Carpentyn
30
3
2,000
Christian Protestants.
—— Ourature
18
6
3,000
Pagans.
—— Pullo Lout
60
36
10,000
Ditto.
Besides the little Islands of Manaar, Aripen, Caradivia, Pengandiva, Analativa, Nainandiva, and Nindundiva, which are inhabited by Christian Protestants.
And Banca, Madura, Bally, Lambeck, Flores, Solor, Leolana, Panterra, Miscomby, and several others, inhabited by Pagans and Mahometans.
Moluccas
—— Banda
20
10
6,000
Pagans and Mahometans.
—— Buro
25
10
7,000
Ditto.
—— Amboyna
25
10
7,500
Christians;—the Dutch have 25 Ch.
—— Ceram
210
45
250,000
Pagans and Mahometans.
—— Gillola
190
110
650,000
Ditto.
And Pullo-way, Pullo-rin, Nera, Guamanapi, Guilliaien, Ternate, Metir, Machian, and Bachian, which are inhabited by Pagans and Mahometans.
Phillippine Islands
Isle of Mindanao
60
40
18,000
Pagans and Mahometans.
—— Bahol
24
12
6,000
Ditto.
—— Layta
48
27
10,000
Ditto.
—— Parragon
240
60
100,000
Ditto.
Calamines
60
24
10,000
Papists.
—— Mindora
60
36
12,000
Pagans and Mahometans.
—— Philippina
185
120
104,000
Ditto.
—— Negroes Isle
150
60
80,000
Papists.
—— Manilla
31,000
Ditto, and Pagans.
The Ladrone Islands are inhabited by most uncivilized Pagans.
New Holland
2500
2000
12,000,000
Pagans;—1 or 2 Ministers are there.
5
960
180
1,120,000
Ditto.
New Guinea
1000
360
1,900,000
Ditto.
New Britain
180
120
900,000
Ditto.
New Ireland
180
60
700,000
Ditto.
Onrong Java
A Cluster of Isles.
Ditto.
New Caledonia
260
30
170,000
Ditto.
New Hebrides
Ditto.
Friendly Isles
in number.
Ditto.
Sandwich Isles
in number.
400,000
Ditto.
Society Isles
in number.
800,000
Ditto.
Kurile Isles
in number.
50,000
Ditto.
Pelew Isles
Pagans.
Oonalashka Isle
40
20
3,000
Ditto.
The other South-Sea Islands.
Ditto.
5 [Two Islands.]
AFRICA.
Countries.
EXTENT
Number of Inhabitants.
Religion.
Egypt
600
250
2,200,000
Mahometans and Jews.
Nubia
940
600
3,000,000
Ditto.
Barbary
1800
500
3,500,000
Mahometans, Jews, and Christians.
Biledulgerid
2500
350
3,500,000
Mahometans, Christians, and Jews.
Zaara, or the Desart
3400
660
800,000
Ditto.
Abyssinia
900
800
5,800,000
Armenian Christians.
Abex
540
130
1,600,000
Christians and Pagans.
Negroland
2200
840
18,000,000
Pagans.
Loango
410
300
1,500,000
Ditto.
Congo
540
220
2,000,000
Ditto.
Angola
360
250
1,400,000
Ditto.
Benguela
430
180
1,600,000
Ditto.
Mataman
450
240
1,500,000
Ditto.
Ajan
900
300
2,500,000
Ditto.
Zanguebar
1400
350
3,000,000
Ditto.
Monoemugi
900
660
2,000,000
Ditto.
Sofala
480
300
1,000,000
Pagans.
Terra de Natal
600
350
2,000,000
Ditto.
Caffraria, or the Hottentots Country
708
660
2,000,000
Ditto, & a few Christians at the Cape.
Isle of Madagascar
1000
220
2,000,000
Pagans and Mahometans.
—— St. Mary
54
9
5,000
French Papists.
—— Mascarin
39
30
17,000
Ditto.
—— St. Helena
21 in compass.
1,000
English and French Christians.
—— Annabon
16
14
4,000
Portuguese Papists.
—— St. Thomas
25
23
9,000
Pagans.
—— Zocotora
80
54
10,000
Mahometans.
—— Comora Isles
in number.
5,000
Ditto.
—— Mauritius
150 in compass.
10,000
French Papists.
—— Bourbon
90 in compass.
15,000
French Papists.
—— Madeiras
in number.
10,000
Papists.
—— Cape Verd Isles
in number.
20,000
Ditto.
—— Canaries
in number.
30,000
Ditto.
—— Azores
in number.
100,000
Ditto.
—— Maltha
15
8
1,200
Ditto.
AMERICA.
Countries.
EXTENT
Number of Inhabitants.
Religion.
Brazil
2900
900
14,000,000
Pagans and Papists.
Paraguay
1140
460
10,000,000
Pagans.
Chili
1200
500
2,000,000
Pagans and Papists.
Peru
1800
600
10,000,000
Pagans and Papists.
Country of the Amazons
1200
900
8,000,000
Pagans.
Terra Firma
1400
700
10,000,000
Pagans and Papists.
Guiana
780
480
2,000,000
Ditto.
Terra Magellanica
1400
460
9,000,000
Pagans.
Old Mexico
2220
600
13,500,000
Ditto, and Papists.
New Mexico
2000
1000
14,000,000
Ditto.
The States of America
1000
600
3,700,000
Christians, of various denominations.
Terra de Labrador, Nova-Scotia, Louisiana, Canada, and all the country inland from Mexico to Hudson's-Bay
1680
600
8,000,000
Christians, of various denominations, but most of the North-American Indians are Pagans.
California, and from thence along the western coast to 70 degrees south latitude, and so far inland as to meet the above article
2820
1380
9,000,000
Pagans.
All to the north of 70 degrees
unknown.
Pagans.
Cape Breton
400
110
20,000
Christians.
—— Newfoundland
350
200
1,400
Protestants.
—— Cumberland's Isle
780
300
10,000
Pagans.
—— Madre de Dios
105
30
8,000
Ditto.
—— Terra del Fuego
120
36
5,000
Ditto.
All the Islands in the Vicinity of Cape Horn
Pagans.
The Bermudas extend
16
5
20,000
Half English, and Half Slaves.
Little Antilles
are Aruba
5
3
200
Dutch, and Pagan Negoes.
—— Curassoa
30
10
11,000
Ditto.
—— Bonaire
10
3
300
Ditto.
—— Margaritta
40
24
18,000
Spaniards, and Pagan Negroes.
—— St Trinidad
90
60
100,000
Ditto.
Bahamas
—— Bahama
50
16
16,000
Pagans.
—— Providence
28
11
6,000
Ditto.
Besides Eluthera, Harbour, Lucayonegua, Andross Cigateo, Guanaliana, Yumeta, Samana, Yuma, Mayaguana, Ynguana, Caieos, and Triangula—Pagans.
Antilles
—— Cuba
700
60
1,000,000
Papists.
—— Jamaica
140
60
400,000
English, and Pagan Negroes.
—— St. Domingo
450
150
1,000,000
French, Spaniards, and Negroes.
—— Porto Rico
100
49
300,000
Spaniards and Negroes.
—— Vache, or Cows I.
18
2
1,000
Ditto.
Virgin Isles
in number
Carribbees
—— St. Cruz
30
10
13,500
Danish Protestants.
—— Anguilla
30
9
6,000
Protestants, and Negroes.
—— St. Martin
21
12
7,500
Ditto.
—— St. Bartholomew
6
4
720
Ditto.
—— Barbuda
20
12
7,500
Ditto.
—— Saba
5
4
1,500
Ditto.
—— Guardulope
45
38
50,000
Catholics, and Pagan Negroes.
—— Marigalante
15
12
5,400
Ditto.
—— Tobago
32
9
2,400
Ditto.
—— Desiada
12
6
1,500
Ditto.
—— Granada
30
15
13,500
English, and Pagan Negroes.
—— St. Lucia
23
12
5,000
Ditto, and Native Pagan Caribbs.
Whites.
Negroes.
—— St. Eustatia
6
4
5,000
15,000
Dutch, English, &c.
—— St. Christopher
20
7
6,000
36,000
English.
—— Nevis
6
4
5,000
10,000
Ditto.
—— Antigua
20
20
7,000
30,000
Ditto.
—— Montferrat
6
6
5,000
10,000
Ditto.
—— Martinico
60
30
20,000
50,000
French.
—— St. Vincent's
24
18
8,000
5,000
The 8,000 are Native Caribbs.
—— Barbadoes
21
14
30,000
100,000
English.
—— Dominica
28
13
40,000
Ditto, 2,000 of them Native Caribbs.
—— St. Thomas
15 in compass.
8,000
Danish Protestants.