Summary: An Inquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of Heathen

This is a summary of An Inquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathen by William Carey. This 1792 book became the founding charter of the global missionary movement. Carey systematically investigates the continuing obligation of Christians to fulfill the Great Commission, arguing that Christ's command remains binding despite claims of non-necessity or future prophecy. He supports his argument by offering a historical overview of missionary efforts from the apostolic age through the eighteenth century and a statistical survey of the world's population, highlighting the vast number of people still in "heathen darkness". Finally, Carey addresses perceived obstacles to mission work—such as distance, barbarism, danger, and language—asserting their practicability and urging Christians to establish a missionary society to collectively use means, including fervent prayer and financial contributions, to spread the Gospel worldwide.