Form of Agreement of the Serampore Missionaries
The statement of principles agreed by the Baptist missionaries at Serampore on 7 October 1805, to be read publicly at every station three times a year. It sets out how they meant to preach, form Indian churches, translate the Scriptures and live in common.
The full title is “Form of Agreement respecting the Great Principles upon which the Brethren of the Mission at Serampore think it their duty to act in the work of instructing the Heathen”. It has an introduction, ten numbered articles and a conclusion. The articles deal with the value of souls, knowledge of the people’s beliefs, avoiding offence, seizing opportunities, preaching Christ crucified, winning confidence, building up converts, training Indian preachers and forming self-governing Indian churches, translating and distributing the Scriptures, and prayer.
It is the missionaries’ own rule for themselves, written after twelve years’ experience in Bengal, in the language of its time about Hindu religion. Smith, who reprints it, says that William Ward drafted it. It is cited in William Carey and the Modern Missionary Movement.
Cited in
- 2 October 1792, firm date