{ "book_metadata": { "book_name": "History of Christianity in India: Source Materials", "book_author": "M. K. Kuriakose", "publisher": "Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge", "published_on": "2011" }, "chunks": [ { "chunk_index": 1, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 196 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00220-98b3692e900718e64918.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Punjab Missionary Conference", "chunk_data": "116. PAPERS FROM THE PUNJAB MISSIONARY CONFERENCE, LAHORE (1862-63 A.D.)", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "26 December 1862-2 January 1863" }, "meta": { "people": [], "places": [ "Lahore", "Punjab" ], "event": "The Punjab Missionary Conference was held in Lahore from 26 December 1862 to 2 January 1863.", "tags": [ "Christianity", "Missionary Conferences", "India" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 2, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 196 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00220-98b3692e900718e64918.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Conference Materials", "chunk_data": "The subjects discussed, and the resolutions passed at the various local, regional and national missionary conferences of the 19th century were usually similar. Occasionally, as in the case of the Punjab Missionary Conference held at Lahore between 26th December, 1862, and 2nd January, 1863, statements of special interest, especially when viewed in retrospect, were made. The materials included here were personal views expressed by the missionaries named. In some of them, particularly the statements made by McLeod, French, Newton and Barton, one finds an appeal for indigenisation that, within the context of the age, is most remarkable—including an appeal for an indigenous, united Indian church. Report of the Punjab Missionary Conference Held at Lahore, pp. 3-11, 31 ff., 128-138, 145-146., 300-306., 308-309.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "26 December 1862-2 January 1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "D. F. McLeod", "T. V. French", "John Newton", "J. Barton" ], "places": [ "Lahore", "Punjab", "India" ], "event": "The chapter introduces selected statements from the Punjab Missionary Conference, emphasizing calls for indigenisation and an indigenous united Indian church.", "tags": [ "Christianity", "Indigenisation", "Church Unity" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 3, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 196 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00220-98b3692e900718e64918.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Newton on Preaching", "chunk_data": "John Newton on Preaching to the Heathen", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton" ], "places": [ "Punjab", "India" ], "event": "John Newton presented observations on preaching to non-Christians.", "tags": [ "Christianity", "Preaching", "Mission" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 4, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 196, 197 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00220-98b3692e900718e64918.webp", "raw\\pages\\00221-d4b853eec3bafeabce98.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Adapting to All People", "chunk_data": "On the manward side of conversion, there are, in preaching, many elements of success.\n\n1. Every missionary should strive, after the example of Paul, to be all things to all men; giving no unnecessary offence to their prejudices; but seeking, by a conciliatory mode of address, by a gentle and pleasing deportment, and by deeds of personal kindness on all suitable occasions, to gain and keep their confidence and esteem.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton", "Paul" ], "places": [ "Punjab", "India" ], "event": "John Newton urged missionaries to adapt their conduct and manner of address so as to gain the confidence and esteem of the people.", "tags": [ "Preaching", "Mission", "Evangelism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 5, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 197 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00221-d4b853eec3bafeabce98.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Suitable Times for Preaching", "chunk_data": "2. Preaching to the heathen should be attempted at seasonable times and places; for example, when, not being busily occupied with their worldly avocations, or their devotions, they have leisure to hear; and, so far as possible, when they are in serious moods of mind; never when they are angry or disposed to mock. Those times and places, too, should be selected in which there is the least fear of interruption. In this respect, open chapels, situated in quiet thoroughfares, which the heathen can easily be induced to enter, have a great advantage over other places.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton" ], "places": [ "Punjab", "India" ], "event": "John Newton recommended choosing suitable times, quiet places, and receptive moods for preaching.", "tags": [ "Preaching", "Mission", "Evangelism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 6, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 197 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00221-d4b853eec3bafeabce98.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Clear Preaching", "chunk_data": "3. Preaching should be clear and intelligible ...", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton" ], "places": [ "Punjab", "India" ], "event": "John Newton stated that preaching should be clear and intelligible.", "tags": [ "Preaching", "Mission" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 7, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 197 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00221-d4b853eec3bafeabce98.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Forman on Mission Schools", "chunk_data": "C. W. Forman on Schools\n\nThe fact that schools for the education of heathen youth are absorbing much of the energy of missionaries, and of their best educated assistants, and are, at the same time, yielding but little fruit in the way of actual conversions, renders it important to inquire, how these institutions can be rendered more efficient auxiliaries to the work of conversion.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "C. W. Forman" ], "places": [ "Punjab", "India" ], "event": "C. W. Forman examined how missionary schools could become more effective instruments for conversion.", "tags": [ "Education", "Mission", "Conversion" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 8, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 197 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00221-d4b853eec3bafeabce98.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Measuring Missionary Results", "chunk_data": "In reply to the assertion, that few converts have been made by our Mission Schools, it may be said indeed, that efforts made in other directions, e.g. the preaching of the Gospel to the heathen, have been as unsuccessful in this respect, and more so in others; that we should not estimate the results of our work from the number of baptisms, and that schools are doing a great preparatory work.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "C. W. Forman" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "C. W. Forman argued that missionary work should not be judged solely by baptism numbers and that schools performed important preparatory work.", "tags": [ "Education", "Conversion", "Mission" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 9, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 197 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00221-d4b853eec3bafeabce98.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Schools and Conversion", "chunk_data": "All this is doubtless true; but we cannot be satisfied with any amount of mere civilization, enlightenment, or general elevation of character, united with the profoundest respect for Christianity. Our great object is the conversion of India; and, as little success has heretofore attended our efforts to make converts by means of schools, the inquiry forces itself on us, 'What more can be done?' We are now to seek an answer to this question and,\n\nI. We must keep more steadily in view the conversion of our pupils and the fitting of them for extending still further the work of conversion, as the great end at which we are to aim. The desire to see our pupils make progress in secular knowledge, and compare favourably with those of other schools, the interest we ourselves feel in science, literature, etc., and the desire to see the number of our pupils increase, will all combine to tempt us to neglect this one grand object for which our schools were established.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "C. W. Forman" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "C. W. Forman insisted that the conversion of pupils and their preparation to extend Christian work must remain the primary purpose of mission schools.", "tags": [ "Education", "Conversion", "Mission" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 10, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 198 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00222-3af0c61ad41a93fc5220.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Christian Education's Purpose", "chunk_data": "It is not uncommon fear, that, if great prominence be given to purely religious studies, it will tend to reduce the number of our pupils. My own experience convinces me, that this fear is almost or quite groundless, and confirms the opinion, so often expressed by the friends of Christian education, that the people are more afraid of 'groundbones', than of the Bible. There should be no attempt to conceal the truth, that our schools were established to make converts. Such an attempt will only result in our sincerity being called in question. When the Government School was opened in Lahore, it was rumoured that the Mission School, having failed in its open efforts to make Christians, Government had resolved to try clandestine means. Let the education given in our schools, be thoroughly, manifestly Christian, and let every thing else be subordinate and contributory to this", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "C. W. Forman" ], "places": [ "Lahore", "India" ], "event": "C. W. Forman rejected concealing the conversional purpose of Christian schools and called for openly Christian education.", "tags": [ "Education", "Christianity", "Conversion" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 11, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 198 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00222-3af0c61ad41a93fc5220.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Prayer for Children", "chunk_data": "VI. Prayer for the conversion of the children. However thoroughly they may be instructed in the Bible, and however amiable their dispositions may be, without converting grace they cannot be saved. Christ must be formed in them. This is a divine work, and we should be much engaged in intercessory prayer on their behalf. And I would, in conclusion, ask every one present, who knows the value of prayer, to pray earnestly every day, to the God of all grace, that he would grant his Holy Spirit to the thousands of children, who are gathered into Christian schools throughout the length and breadth of the land; that it may again be said, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou has perfected praise.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "C. W. Forman" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "C. W. Forman called for daily intercessory prayer for the conversion of children in Christian schools.", "tags": [ "Prayer", "Education", "Conversion" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 12, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 198 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00222-3af0c61ad41a93fc5220.webp" ], "chunk_title": "McLeod on Native Pastorate", "chunk_data": "D. F. McLeod on the Native Pastorate\n\nFirst then, as regards the importance of a Native Pastorate, I would observe, that there is, perhaps, no people more wont, from habit and training, to pay deference to their spiritual guides, than the populations of this country.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "D. F. McLeod" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "D. F. McLeod emphasized the importance of establishing a Native Pastorate in India.", "tags": [ "Native Pastorate", "Church Leadership", "Mission" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 13, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 198 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00222-3af0c61ad41a93fc5220.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Indian Spiritual Guides", "chunk_data": "The Hindoo is in some sense wholly subservient to, and under the control of, his Guru; and the Mohamedan, though less pliant or docile, is, as a rule, more under the influence of his Mulla, than of any other individual. This may be the result of superstition on the one hand, and of fanaticism, on the other; but the fact remains the same. It may be productive of many and great evils, and be attributable to the wiles of a crafty priesthood; but it shews, nevertheless, a consciousness of need for some one to guide and instruct, in regard to things unseen;—and, at the same time, involves a practical admission and conviction, that all which concerns the spirit of man is of the utmost importance, a conviction, which it should be practicable to turn to great account.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "D. F. McLeod" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "D. F. McLeod argued that Indian religious traditions revealed a strong cultural expectation of spiritual guidance that could support a Native Pastorate.", "tags": [ "Native Pastorate", "Religion", "India" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 14, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 198, 199 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00222-3af0c61ad41a93fc5220.webp", "raw\\pages\\00223-cc80bfd385f78a20f984.webp" ], "chunk_title": "India's Devotional Character", "chunk_data": "It has been frequently remarked, that the people of the East are eminently a devotional people; and however grievous the forms their devotion may assume, however largely it may be constrained result of conventional influences, I yet believe the statement to be, in the above sense, perfectly true", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "D. F. McLeod" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "D. F. McLeod affirmed the devotional character of the people of the East despite the forms their devotion took.", "tags": [ "Religion", "India", "Native Pastorate" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 15, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 199 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00223-cc80bfd385f78a20f984.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Potential Native Leaders", "chunk_data": "I would not be understood to mean, that persons of this class could be relied on, without the most searching examination and careful trial. But I do think, that the real aims of many amongst them, are not generally so fully understood as they might be, with advantage; and that amongst them are to be found very many earnest spirits, that have shaken off most of the trammels, by which their countrymen are bound; and who, if taught to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, would be likely to take a lead amongst our Native converts. We shall doubtless find, amongst their leaders, a great tendency to spiritual pride; but all this must give way before true conversion; and the point for us to determine, under the Spirit's teaching, is, whether this conversion is that kind, which will be effectual to the pulling down of strongholds. An example of what I have stated above, is to be found in the Karta Bhojas of Krishnaggar.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "D. F. McLeod" ], "places": [ "Krishnaggar", "India" ], "event": "D. F. McLeod identified earnest members of Indian religious groups, including the Karta Bhojas of Krishnaggar, as possible leaders among Native converts.", "tags": [ "Native Pastorate", "Conversion", "Indigenisation" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 16, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 199 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00223-cc80bfd385f78a20f984.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Indigenous Evangelization", "chunk_data": "A speaker in this assembly has stated, that he had himself unexpectedly met with a sect, who acknowledged and used the Bible as their book of devotion; and as I'm thoroughly convinced that there are scattered throughout Hindoostan, many such sects of separatists, similarly disposed, I have thought it well here to draw prominent attention to them. I have often been inclined to think, that these sects, scattered through the plains, and the aboriginal races, scattered through the hills, may be intended by the Almighty as nuclei, round which it will be for us to build up a really indigenous evangelization; and until very lately, I believe neither of these classes has received the attention which both seem to me to deserve at our hands", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "D. F. McLeod" ], "places": [ "Hindoostan", "India" ], "event": "D. F. McLeod proposed that Bible-using sects and aboriginal hill communities could serve as nuclei for indigenous evangelization.", "tags": [ "Indigenisation", "Evangelism", "Conversion" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 17, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 199, 200 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00223-cc80bfd385f78a20f984.webp", "raw\\pages\\00224-5a837caf4888ea8acc8b.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Indigenous Standards of Ministry", "chunk_data": "A different standard of attainment will doubtless be required for different classes, and different descriptions of congregations; but one principle I would strongly advocate, as equally applying to all, viz., that the standard we aim at, be of an indigenous character: or we shall be apt to produce what has been elsewhere termed, a race of hybrids. For the bulk of our congregations, at the present stage of India's evangelization, I apprehend that a very humble standard will be not only sufficient, but preferable. But where a higher one is required for the pastor of a more cultivated congregation, I would say—let this be supplied, not, at present, by establishing a Training Institution of a higher kind, but by selecting such individuals from amongst our pastors, or those preparing to be pastors, as evince a special fitness for higher training. Amongst them, I doubt not, there will be found men, whose earnest desire to become full acquainted with the Scriptures at their fountain head, will urge them to acquire a knowledge of Greek and Hebrew; and as far as we may have the means at command. But I think, at the same time, that this should only be done after they have undergone what I may call an indigenous training, and have been thoroughly conversant with the Scriptures, and some branches at least of useful knowledge, in the vernacular.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "D. F. McLeod" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "D. F. McLeod advocated indigenous standards and training for Native pastors, with advanced language study reserved for specially qualified candidates.", "tags": [ "Native Pastorate", "Education", "Indigenisation" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 18, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 200 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00224-5a837caf4888ea8acc8b.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Supporting Native Pastors", "chunk_data": "Fifthly. It only remains for me to remark, on the most judicious way of providing for the support of pastors. It was a profound remark of Bishop Butler, that passive impressions, often repeated, gradually lose all their force. And there can be no doubt that action, of some kind, is indispensable to sustained and progressive vitality. Next to personal participation in the work of the Church, there is probably no form of action so suitable for a congregation, and so adapted for continuous and general application, as contributing towards the support of the pastor; and towards the cost of the efforts in which he may be engaged, or interested, for the carrying on the work of the Lord, whether amongst themselves, or amongst others. It serves as a test of their sincerity and zeal; and, at the same time, acts as a stimulus to continued and increasing exertion.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "D. F. McLeod", "Bishop Butler" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "D. F. McLeod argued that congregations should contribute to the support of their pastors and missionary work.", "tags": [ "Native Pastorate", "Church Finance", "Mission" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 19, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 200 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00224-5a837caf4888ea8acc8b.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Self-Supporting Ministry", "chunk_data": "It has been found, that even children of the ragged schools begin to take an interest in Mission work, when once persuaded to contribute to it, as this gives them (to use their own expression) 'a share in concern.' And I believe, that in churches gathered from amongst the heathen, an increase of spirituality has always occurred, when they have undertaken to support their own pastors. This has eminently been the case, it is said, of late years, in Sierra Leone, the Bishop of which place remarks: 'If we expect to see the Gospel and the love of God filling the hearts of people, we must endeavour, on the spot, to establish a self-supporting Native Ministry.'", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "D. F. McLeod", "Bishop of Sierra Leone" ], "places": [ "Sierra Leone", "India" ], "event": "The text linked congregational financial support with increased spiritual vitality and promoted a self-supporting Native Ministry.", "tags": [ "Native Pastorate", "Church Finance", "Christianity" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 20, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 200 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00224-5a837caf4888ea8acc8b.webp" ], "chunk_title": "French on Native Pastorate", "chunk_data": "T. V. French on Native Pastorate\n\nThe plan suggested seems, it is true, a laborious one: but how little can any of us tell, brethren beloved in the Lord, but that one candidate, if it be so, on whom we spent such toil, for whose sake we were ever storing up patiently fresh stores of heavenly wisdom, may become, long after we are passed away, a centre of Christian light and action to myriads yet unborn; at whose mouth they may seek the law, as the messenger of the Lord of Hosts!", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "T. V. French" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "T. V. French defended the patient preparation of Native pastoral candidates as work that could influence future generations.", "tags": [ "Native Pastorate", "Education", "Mission" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 21, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 200, 201 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00224-5a837caf4888ea8acc8b.webp", "raw\\pages\\00225-3999eb7417f223154933.webp" ], "chunk_title": "A Home-Rooted Church", "chunk_data": "Oh, if it be, to present appearance, a small and unremunerative effort, there is no truer and deeper work than that anywhere; none more essentially Apostolic! Let no feared complication of relations between the Native and European labourer, for a moment repress our ardour, in preparing our best converts to take the foremost places; that the Foreign Mission may set ever in its forefront that which (ere its own end is answered) must succeed and supplant it—the home-rooted and self-reliant church!", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "T. V. French" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "T. V. French urged missionaries to prepare Indian converts for leadership and to establish a home-rooted, self-reliant church.", "tags": [ "Indigenisation", "Native Pastorate", "Church Leadership" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 22, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 200, 201 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00224-5a837caf4888ea8acc8b.webp", "raw\\pages\\00225-3999eb7417f223154933.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Native Leadership Accepted", "chunk_data": "I quite believe that there is a growing readiness amongst us, to see Natives occupying our places, as pastors of congregations, and largely sharing our influence over the Native flocks. In times gone by—times from which we are but barely emerging, there was ill-concealed jealousy of admitting the Native to a level with the European and American Missionary. It was felt hard to raise him to a parallel platform with ourselves.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "T. V. French" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "T. V. French observed growing willingness to appoint Native pastors, while recalling earlier European and American resistance to equality.", "tags": [ "Native Pastorate", "Church Leadership", "Indigenisation" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 23, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 201 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00225-3999eb7417f223154933.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Equality in Christ", "chunk_data": "There was too much of the hakim feeling—an unwillingness to make a breach into the privileged circle—to recognize the whole truth, with its consequences, that 'in Jesus Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek.' Such a feeling, whereby the foreign missionary is tempted to set himself on a pedestal of lofty isolation, is not only destructive of the very essence of missionary progress, but arises from misconceptions of the very rudiments of the Gospel.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "T. V. French" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "T. V. French criticized missionary privilege and isolation as contrary to Christian equality and missionary progress.", "tags": [ "Equality", "Mission", "Church Leadership" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 24, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 201 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00225-3999eb7417f223154933.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Advancing Native Ministers", "chunk_data": "Partly from an improved feeling on this subject, self-sprung in our missions, and partly from strong influences brought to bear on us from the churches at home, we are prepared and pledged—I think I may say—to do our utmost, to put every practicable facility within reach of our advanced theological students and catechists; and with honest good-will to help them to occupy a higher position in our churches;—a position which, by increasing their own self-respect, will also tend to increase the self-respect of the members of their flocks; who will count themselves honoured in their honour, and advanced in their advancement; 'Epaphras—who is one of you.' Col. IV,", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "T. V. French", "Epaphras" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "T. V. French pledged to support advanced theological students and catechists in attaining higher positions within Indian churches.", "tags": [ "Education", "Native Pastorate", "Church Leadership" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 25, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 201 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00225-3999eb7417f223154933.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Example of Native Service", "chunk_data": "The fact of being able to point to such an one in a congregation, whose exemplary course of service has raised him to distinction, eminently suggests and provokes to sustained progress heaven-wards, and Godwards.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "T. V. French" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "T. V. French stated that an exemplary Native church leader could inspire congregations toward sustained spiritual progress.", "tags": [ "Native Pastorate", "Church Leadership", "Christianity" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 26, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 201 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00225-3999eb7417f223154933.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Newton on Church Unity", "chunk_data": "John Newton on an Indian Catholic Church\n\nBut if Christians, however separated by outward circumstances, are really one, one in the spirit of the inner man, in attachment to the Saviour, in the Father's everlasting love, and in the hope of glory, why not come together, and make their oneness doubly manifest, by dwelling harmoniously within one ecclesiastical enclosure?", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "John Newton called for Christians divided by denomination to manifest their spiritual unity through one Indian ecclesiastical fellowship.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ecumenism", "India" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 27, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 201 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00225-3999eb7417f223154933.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Unity Before the World", "chunk_data": "Why not appear to be what they are in reality? Does not truth demand it? Does not the honour of their common Lord demand it? Would not Christian fellowship be promoted by it? Would not the Church, as an agency for good in the world, gain strength by it? Instead of the partisan cry, I am of Paul! and I, of Apollos! and I, of Cephas! and I, of Christ!' how much more befitting—more lovely—more God-honouring, and Christ-glorifying, and Spirit-conciliating would be that manifest oneness and sympathy, among the followers of Jesus, which must constrain the world to say 'Behold, how these Christians love one another!'...", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton", "Paul", "Apollos", "Cephas", "Jesus" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "John Newton argued that visible Christian unity would strengthen the Church and demonstrate Christian love to the world.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ecumenism", "Christianity" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 28, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 201 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00225-3999eb7417f223154933.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Hope for Organic Union", "chunk_data": "Of the desirableness, therefore, of external union among Christians, there seems no reason whatever to doubt. But is there any ground for hope in relation to it? Can an organic union of the different sects, into which the visible Church is now divided, be deemed at all feasible? No doubt there are difficulties: still, where a desire for union prevails, much may be done towards effecting it...", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "John Newton considered the feasibility of organic union among India's divided Christian denominations.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ecumenism", "Christianity" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 29, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 202 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00226-e0e87ac79c3092aa29c3.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Rejecting Imported Uniformity", "chunk_data": "But what should be the plan of union? Should it be a conformity of all, to the faith and usages of some one of the churches now existing here? Should we seek to reproduce the Episcopal Church of England, on Indian soil and labour to make it the Church of India? Should we expect to make all India, Presbyterian? or Baptist? or Methodist?—like the churches thus named in the West! This certainly is not the way to bring about the union here contemplated. This kind of uniformity would fail here, as surely and as signally, as it did in England, in the days of Charles the Second. No proposition, so utterly one-sided, could be entertained for a moment. Whither, then, can the eye turn with hope? What more feasible plan can be found?...", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton", "Charles II" ], "places": [ "India", "England" ], "event": "John Newton rejected imposing an English, Presbyterian, Baptist, or Methodist model as the basis for India's church union.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ecumenism", "Indigenisation" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 30, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 202 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00226-e0e87ac79c3092aa29c3.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Apostolic Basis for Union", "chunk_data": "There would be far more hope from a return to first principles; and a reconstruction, on the simple basis of the Bible.\n\nThe bond of union among the Apostolic Churches was no elaborated creed, embracing thirty-three Articles. It consisted of a common faith in the one living God; and in Jesus Christ, as the Incarnate Son of God; who, by his atoning sacrifice, and his living power, had become the author of eternal salvation to all that believe; and who, in common with the Father and the Holy Ghost, was to be worshipped and glorified: and beyond this, it had an eye to that personal sanctity, wrought by the Spirit of grace, which was the evidence of true discipleship, and an essential element Christian communion.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton", "Jesus Christ", "God the Father", "Holy Ghost" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "John Newton proposed that Indian church union should return to biblical and Apostolic principles rather than rely on elaborate denominational creeds.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ecumenism", "Theology" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 31, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 202 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00226-e0e87ac79c3092aa29c3.webp" ], "chunk_title": "A Broad Indian Church", "chunk_data": "These, and a few other simple truths, made up the common faith of all the Apostolic Churches. The New Testament is believed not to contain a single hint of exclusion from church membership, or from a part in the ministry, on account of the holding of such views of doctrine, or church polity, as distinguish the various churches of what is now called Evangelical Christendom. Why not construct the Indian Church on this Apostolic model? and admit to its fellowship all, who, being baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, evince, by the tenor of their lives, that their faith is sincere?", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "John Newton advocated an Indian Church that would admit sincere baptized Christians regardless of denominational doctrine or polity.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ecumenism", "India" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 32, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 202 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00226-e0e87ac79c3092aa29c3.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Inclusive Christian Ministry", "chunk_data": "Why not agree to receive to the outward communion of saints, all who give evidence of being already, through the Spirit, in fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ? Why narrow the limits of the visible Church, more than Christ particularly narrows those of the Church invisible? And why exclude from the ministry any, who have been evidently called by the Spirit to that office even though in some things they 'follow not with us?' By what authority shall we reject any, whom the Lord has himself accepted? and who gave us that authority?", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton", "Jesus Christ" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "John Newton urged broad admission to Christian communion and ministry for those evidently accepted and called by the Spirit.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ministry", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 33, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 202 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00226-e0e87ac79c3092aa29c3.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Organizing the Indian Church", "chunk_data": "Let the visible Church of India, then, be organized on a broad basis,—making it co-incident, as nearly as possible, with that invisible Church, which it is intended to represent. In that case, the only admissible creed, would be something like the articles of agreement adopted by the Evangelical Alliance...", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "John Newton proposed organizing the visible Church of India on a broad basis modeled on the invisible Church and the Evangelical Alliance.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ecumenism", "India" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 34, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 203 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00227-76cb2213cc0ce7a6ba14.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Preparing for Future Union", "chunk_data": "Meanwhile, the way might be prepared for a future union,—on some basis or other, if pains were taken, by missionaries of different Societies, to foster a liberal and fraternal spirit among their Native brethren.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "John Newton recommended that missionaries cultivate a liberal and fraternal spirit as preparation for future church union.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ecumenism", "Mission" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 35, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 203 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00227-76cb2213cc0ce7a6ba14.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Practical Steps Toward Unity", "chunk_data": "In aid of this object, a formal arrangement might be made in reference to the following particulars: (1) Joint itinerancies by the members of different missions—both missionaries and catechists: (2) Mutual visitations, and an occasional occupancy of each other's pulpits: (3) Union prayer-meetings, at all practicable points, for Native Christians as well as missionaries: (4) Frequent intercommunion at the Lord's Table, by missionaries, native pastors, and church members (5) Common religious periodicals, free from all sectarian partialities: (6) Advisory Councils, or Conferences, made up of foreign missionaries, native evangelists, and native pastors, to meet periodically, at intervals of five years—more or less.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "John Newton" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "John Newton proposed joint missionary journeys, mutual pulpit exchanges, union prayer meetings, intercommunion, common periodicals, and advisory councils.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Ecumenism", "Mission" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 36, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 203 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00227-76cb2213cc0ce7a6ba14.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Barton on Indian Church", "chunk_data": "J. Barton on an Indian Church\n\nI trust that none of us here today, will need the caution which our chairman has addressed to us; for whatever may have been our sentiments previously, as to the possibility of dropping sectarian differences out of sight, while engaged in conference on our missionary work, there can, I think, be but one feeling prevalent amongst us now; we must feel that our work and our object is one, not to win adherents to one particular set of religious opinions, but to win souls from sin and Satan for Christ.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "J. Barton", "Jesus Christ" ], "places": [ "India" ], "event": "J. Barton declared that missionaries should unite in winning souls for Christ rather than promoting particular sectarian opinions.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Mission", "Evangelism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 37, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 203 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00227-76cb2213cc0ce7a6ba14.webp" ], "chunk_title": "A Church of Its Own Type", "chunk_data": "I do not know how far I represent the sentiments of my missionary brethren of the Church of England, but for my own part, I cannot but concur, most heartily, in the sentiments expressed by our respected and venerable friend, Mr. Newton, as to the probable future of the Indian Church. It is my own firm conviction—I may add, my earnest hope; and in this opinion, I know I do not stand alone—that the future Church of India will be a church of its own type;—not exclusively an Episcopally constituted National Church, such as that of our own land; nor, on the other hand, a Presbyterian, or a congregational church; but one which shall combine, in some measure, what is good in each of these; while, at the same time, it will be freed from things which do not properly belong to the church as such, but have been the after-growth of ages—the result, in a great measure, of political or national changes.", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "J. Barton", "John Newton" ], "places": [ "India", "England" ], "event": "J. Barton expressed hope that the future Church of India would develop its own form while combining strengths from several Christian traditions.", "tags": [ "Church Unity", "Indigenisation", "Ecumenism" ] } }, { "chunk_index": 38, "chapter_name": "116. 1862-1863. Papers from the Punjab Missionary Conference, Lahore", "page_numbers": [ 203 ], "image_paths": [ "raw\\pages\\00227-76cb2213cc0ce7a6ba14.webp" ], "chunk_title": "Adapting English Liturgy", "chunk_data": "Much as I love my own church of England, and much as I admire and value her incomparable liturgy, I cannot but feel, that, in some respects, it does not adapt itself easily, in its thoroughly European, Saxon form, to the wants of the Oriental mind. There are some parts of our liturgy, which I think many missionaries must feel are not adapted, altogether, to an infant Native Church; while, on the other hand, I have been often made to feel how much they", "time": { "start_year": 1862, "start_month": 12, "start_date": 26, "end_year": 1863, "end_month": 1, "end_date": 2, "time_display": "Conference period, 1862-1863" }, "meta": { "people": [ "J. Barton" ], "places": [ "England", "India" ], "event": "J. Barton argued that the European and Saxon form of the English liturgy was not fully suited to the needs of an infant Native Church.", "tags": [ "Liturgy", "Indigenisation", "Church" ] } } ] }