William Carey

Today is the day in history May 12, 1792, that William Carey wrote his book "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". (Not a very catchy title!).  It was written in response to a rebuke given to him when he became concerned for lost people in other parts of the world.  The rebuke was, “Young man, sit down! When God pleases to convert the heathen, he’ll do it without consulting you or me.”

Despite its unwieldy title, this 87-page book became a classic in Christian history that deserves a place alongside Luther’s Ninety-five Theses in its influence on subsequent church history. It led to the formation of a missionary society and William Carey became the Father of Modern Missions,