Thomas Whytehead (1815-1843), poet and missionary: concerning the history of 19th century British missionary work

The article deals with several events from the history of British missionary work during the crucial period for its colonial policy in the 1840s: the pre-history of the establishment of the bishoprics of the Church of England in Jerusalem and New Zealand, activities of the Anglican mission in New Zealand in its early years, and education and training of British missionaries to work abroad. These issues are considered in the context of the biography and activities of Thomas Whytehead (1815-1843), English poet and missionary, a prominent representative of Cambridge school. His life is a good example to trace the process of theological and intellectual education of British missionaries, formation of principles of and approaches to missionary work, and to reveal the main features of such a phenomenon as missionary activity with other denominations. Particular attention is paid to the development of his life and spiritual principles, and to his inner work on self-discipline and spiritual self-perfection. Analysis of the epistolary heritage of the missionary makes it possible to reveal the “holy of holies” of Western missionary activities, and get acquainted with the inner world of the young man who chose the path of missionary deeds, one of the members of the large group of missionaries.