An Unexceptional Beginning
William Carey was born on August 17, 1761, in Paulerspury, England. Despite his later significance, his beginnings were humble. The eldest of five children, he was raised in a hardworking, low-class weaving family. His parents, Edmund and Elizabeth Carey, wove woolen cloth known as “tammy” in their small cottage. His father later became the local schoolmaster, giving William access to books.
With an insatiable desire for knowledge, he read everything he could find the Bible, adventure novels, and books on botany. His mother recalled how he often read aloud late into the night, showing relentless determination. Whatever he started, he finished, never discouraged by difficulties.
Captain Cook’s Hook
William suffered from a disease that caused painful blisters on his face and hands when exposed to the sun. This was a hardship, as he loved the outdoors. He spent hours collecting leaves, butterflies, and bird eggs, carefully examining nature. His passion for botany remained throughout his life and later played a role in India.
However, his condition meant he needed an indoor profession. At fourteen, he was apprenticed to Clarke Nichols, a cobbler. Nichols recognized his intelligence and encouraged him to read while working, realizing he was different from other apprentices.
John Wesley Preaches
Although he attended the Church of England with his family, William had little interest in the gospel. He was invited to hear John Wesley preach, and for the first time, he heard the gospel under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Wesley preached about a personal relationship with Christ and sanctification by grace. Many, called “Dissenters,” left the Church of England in search of true faith.
William’s fellow apprentice, John Warr, was a devout Baptist Dissenter, and they frequently debated salvation. Though skeptical, William was deeply pricked in the heart by his words.
Conversion and New Life in Christ
On February 10, 1779, at seventeen, he attended a Dissenters’ prayer service, heard the gospel, and later on accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He eagerly searched the Bible for truth. United in faith, he and Warr read scripture aloud while working, fueling William’s passion for Christ.
To be continued…
Tale Tuesday 121
Date: 18th March, 2025
Title: : WILLIAM CAREY (Part 1)
Source: God’s generals- The Missionaries
Author: Roberts Liardon
Previous post
Next post
