The Book of Religions / Comprising the Views, Creeds, Sentiments, or Opinions, of All the Principal Religious Sects in the World, Particularly of All Christian Denominations in Europe and America, to Which are Added Church and Missionary Statistics, Together With Biographical Sketches

by John Hayward

The first Protestant mission on record was undertaken in 1559, by Michael, who was sent into Lapland by Gustavus Vasa, king of Sweden.

John Eliot commenced the first mission to the Indians at Nonantum, now Newton, Massachusetts, in 1646. This mission gave rise to a society in England for the propagation of the gospel in New England, and to the formation of several other missionary stations; so that, in 1696, there were thirty Indian churches in New England.

In 1705, Messrs. Ziegenbalg and Plutcho, under the auspices of Frederick IV., king of Denmark, commenced a mission at Tranquebar, in South Hindoostan, which was very successful. Its fruits continue to the present time.

In 1728, a mission was begun by Schultze, at Madras, under the patronage of the Christian Knowledge Society. In the following thirty-three years, fourteen hundred and seventy converts united with the church.

Moravian Missions.

The Moravians trace their origin to the ninth century, when the king of Moravia united with the Greek church.

West Indian Mission.—The Moravians commenced their mission [pg 334] on the Island of St. Thomas in 1732. Its commencement was occasioned by a conversation between a negro, named Anthony, and some servants of Count Zinzendorf. The negro said he had a sister at St. Thomas, who was deeply anxious to be instructed about religion. This remark was repeated to one of “the brethren,” named Leonard Dober. He determined to visit St. Thomas, “even,” as he said, “if he were obliged to sell himself for a slave to effect his purpose.” Dober went; and though, for a time, little good was effected, yet, in 1736, the Lord poured out his spirit, and many of the slaves were awakened. There are now two stations on this island.

In 1734, they began their mission on the Island of St. Croix. It was soon abandoned, but was reëstablished in 1740. In 1754, missions were commenced on the Islands of St. Jan and Jamaica; in 1756, at Antigua; in 1765, at Barbadoes; in 1777, at St. Christopher's; and at Tobago in 1790.

Greenland Mission.—This was commenced in 1733, at New Herrnhut, or Lusatia, by Matthew and Christian Stach, when the congregation of the brethren at home amounted to but six hundred members. They persevered through cold, hunger, and discouragement, though for five years they had no conversions. Greenland is now a Christian country.