Images de page
PDF
ePub

interest, and that unity of affection and of effort, which are the soul of voluntary compacts, is annihilated.* Both the church and congregation at Moulton considerably augmented under Mr. Carey's ministry; the chapel was re-built and enlarged for their accommodation; they felt growingly fervent in attachment to him, so that they parted from him upon his removal to Leicester with extreme reluctance; and, yet, I have it upon undeniable evidence, that he and his family have lived for a month together without tasting animal food. It was not to be wondered at, therefore, that he should entertain the invitation of another church, a connection with which might both enlarge his sphere of usefulness, and somewhat meliorate his outward condition. His feelings in reference to this subject he expresses in the following letter to his father.

'DEAR FATHER,

'Moulton, Feb. 21st, 1789.

'I am exceedingly divided in my own mind, and greatly need your prayers. It is well known what my situation is here, and on that account I this week received an unanimous invitation from the Baptist church at Leicester, to go and settle with them, which was joined by some of the church people, who sit under the ministry of Mr. Robinson, of St. Mary's. If I only regarded worldly things, I should go without hesitation; but when I reflect upon the situation of things

'Hints for the Regulation of Christian Churches, by C. Stovel,' both for the principles it avows, and the details it recommends, is well entitled to the serious attention of all members of dissenting churches, but especially to that of ministers and deacons.

here, I know not what to do, though I think the state of things would justify my removal. WM. CAREY.'

Whilst instructing his pupils in geography, his attention was drawn by a transition, easy enough to such a mind, from the physical to the religious condition of the tribes inhabiting the regions which passed successively under review. The subject, as he pursued it, became more intensely interesting, until at length it was the all-absorbing theme. He then sought opportunities of pressing it upon the attention of his brethren. At a meeting of ministers holden at Northampton about this time, Mr. Ryland, senior, called upon the young ministers to propose a topic for discussion. As no one else obeyed the challenge, after waiting some time, Mr. Carey proposed for consideration, 'the duty of christians to attempt the spread of the gospel among heathen nations.' The old gentleman received the announcement of the subject with great surprise. Mr. Morris, now the only surviving friend who was present upon the occasion, says, that Mr. Ryland called him an enthusiast for entertaining such an idea. I am aware that Dr. Ryland questioned the accuracy of Mr. Morris's recollection as to this matter; and when he inquired of Dr. Carey some years ago, he was of the same mind. But, with me, this does not invalidate the correctness of Mr. M.'s testimony. I well recollect my relative's speaking to me soon after my arrival in India, respecting this meeting, and Mr. R.'s remark. I do not remember

*

Between the time of composing the above paragraph, and correcting it in passing through the press, Mr. Morris also has ceased his sojourn on earth.

his repeating that precise expression, which indeed is of very little moment; but, I distinctly recollect that some strong epithet was said to have been used and when it is considered how novel the subject of foreign missions was at that time, and the characteristic vehemence of Mr. Ryland is taken into account, I conceive there can be little to except against in Mr. Morris's statement. It is well known, that persons accustomed to utter themselves in extreme terms, are not unfrequently heard with an attention diminished in proportion to the known intensity of their manner. It ought not, therefore, to be deemed conclusive against the truth of what is related to have been said by such an one, because, after the lapse of thirty years, only one out of three persons who were present deposes to the truth of it.

Mr. Ryland's indisposition to encounter this subject, had no other effect upon the mind of Mr. Carey than to quicken his attention to it. It was at this time, during his short residence at Moulton, that he composed his inquiry into the obligations of christians, &c., one of its leading topics being suggested by the conversation above referred to. In this pamphlet he discusses the perpetuity of our Lord's commission; and recapitulates the efforts made in each century and in every country for its fulfilment. He then exhibits a tabular view of the various countries in each quarter of the world, their geographical limits, the number of their respective inhabitants, and their several religious denominations, with the relative numbers included under each. The last section demonstrates the practicability

of making further attempts for the conversion of the heathen than any hitherto made. Various objections are then stated and solved, and the work concludes with a judicious and spirited appeal to ministers and people. The latter are exhorted to cultivate a benevolent spirit, and to make such pecuniary sacrifices as became their profession, and would prove commensurate with the object; whilst the former are besought to consider their official as well as their common obligations, to make every effort, and to submit to every privation, and even to sacrifice life itself, if such be the will of God, a minister being, as he remarks, in a peculiar sense, not his own.'

gave

His removal to Leicester, which took place in 1789, him increased opportunities for the acquisition of every species of knowledge. Dr. Arnold, a great lover of polite literature, gave him free access to his library; a circumstance, which, together with other attentions he received from that gentleman, nourishing his love of science, and making him acquainted with the best works then extant upon its several branches, prepared him to pursue his studies more effectively when abroad, and shut up to his own resources.

By his removal to Leicester, his temporal circumstances were somewhat improved; yet, here also he found it necessary to increase his income by again teaching a school; and a letter is extant addressed to Mr. Abraham Booth, signed by himself and his deacons, acknowledging an exhibition from the Baptist fund, an institution for the relief of necessitous ministers and churches, and requesting the committee to renew the grant.

He here regularly distributed his time, apportioning to every day, and almost to every hour, its appropriate labour. A few lines, extracted from a letter addressed to his father, will show the method he adopted, and which, being modified as his varied circumstances in after life required, was the main cause of his being able to conduct every thing to which his energies were directed to so successful an issue.

'Leicester, Nov. 12th, 1790.

'DEAR AND HONOURED FATHER,

'I have no excuse to make for not writing to you before now, except an indisposition for writing in general may be pleaded in excuse. But I cannot with propriety plead my faults as an excuse for my faults. However, my many avocations, which take up all my time, make me wish for a little relaxation from business when a few spare moments offer. Indeed, I often condemn myself for not corresponding oftener with my dear relations, and other acquaintance; but when I review my hours, I am sometimes inclined to think that it is out of my power.

'Polly's affectionate letter I received with pleasure and shame; pleasure to hear of your welfare, and shame that she has any occasion to complain. I hope to amend for the future; but if I send you an account of the partition of my time, you will see that you must not expect frequent letters.

'On Monday I confine myself to the study of the learned languages, and oblige myself to translate

« PrécédentContinuer »