Faithful to the End
As William Carey’s life drew to a close, his final years reflected the same perseverance and obedience that marked his entire journey. Having laid the foundations of modern missions, Carey continued faithfully despite deep personal loss, betrayal, and physical decline.
His wife, Dorothy, had passed after a long struggle with mental illness. Later, he found companionship in Charlotte, who faithfully supported his ministry until her death in 1821. Carey also endured the deaths of his son Felix and his friend William Ward. His early missionary partner, Dr. John Thomas, had died in 1801, and Andrew Fuller, a key supporter and secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society, passed away in 1815.
Resilience in Tragedy
Even amidst sorrow, Carey kept moving forward. In 1812, a devastating fire destroyed ten years of work—translations, manuscripts, and printing materials. Rather than retreating in defeat, Carey led the rebuilding. Within a year, the press was active again, now with greater support and wider impact.
The tragedy brought visibility and provision, opening more doors than it had closed. Carey also endured slander from younger missionaries and painful division with his mission board. Accused of mismanaging funds and holding too much control, even by his own nephew, he remained silent and humble, continuing the work God had given him.
Beyond Evangelism
Carey’s commitment extended beyond evangelism. After 30 years of prayer and advocacy, he lived to see sati—the ritual burning of widows—abolished in 1829. In education, his vision led to Serampore College in 1818, the first institution in Asia to grant degrees, open to all, including Hindus.
Though he lost funding and teaching positions during financial crises, Carey never stopped working. He revised the Bengali Bible multiple times and mentored new missionaries until the end. By his death in 1834, Carey had given 41 years to India without ever returning to England. His team had translated the full Bible into six languages and parts into 29 others.
A Lasting Legacy
Though his body was frail, his spirit remained firm. In his final days, he said:
“…you have been saying much about Dr. Carey and his work. After I am gone, please speak not of Dr. Carey, but rather of my wonderful Savior.”
William Carey’s life ended, but his impact did not. His faithfulness through hardship, humility in success, and relentless obedience to God’s call remain a lasting inspiration for generations of believers.
The End
Tale Tuesday 132
Date: 3rd June, 2025
Title: : WILLIAM CAREY (Part 12)
Source: God’s generals- The Missionaries
Author: Roberts Liardon
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