David Bogue, D.D., 1750-1825: pioneer and missionary educator

Abstract

One hundred and thirty-four years have elapsed since the death of David Bogue, and one hundred and thirty-two since the publication of his memoir. No detailed study of his labors has appeared since that time. David Bogue (1750-1825) was the theologian of missions during the Great Missionary Awakening. From his academy in Gosport, which, as the London Missionary Society's Seminary, was the first school in that era to give specific missionary training, graduated many of the Society's ablest early missionaries. Bogue's Bible-centered curriculum, and his approach, which emphasized apostolic precedent, produced men who made solid achievements: churches were planted which became self-propagating; the Scriptures were translated into the indigenous languages; and seminaries for the training of native leadership were established. During the next two and one-half years a commission of the World Council of Churches and the International Missionary Council will be engaged in a study of the theology of missions. Therefore, a work on David Bogue is timely.