Life of William Carey by George Smith - The Jesus Army

sentence of God upon criminal men. He, however, has no end in view but the gratifying his own
ambition.”
“22nd December 1808.--DEAR WILLIAM--Be steadfast... Walk worthy of your high calling, and
so as to be a pattern to others who may engage in similar undertakings. Much depends upon us
who go first to the work of the Lord in this country; and we have reason to believe that succeeding
Ministers of the Gospel in this country will be more or less influenced by our example... All,
even the best of men, are more likely to be influenced by evil example than benefited by good:
let it, therefore, be your business and mine to live and act for God in all things and at all times.
“I am very glad you wrote to Jabez and Jonathan. O that I could see them converted!”
“30th May 1809.--When you come down take a little pains to bring down a few plants of some
sort. There is one grows plentifully about Sadamahal which grows about as high as one’s knee,
and produces a large red flower. Put half a dozen plants in pots (with a hole in the bottom).
There is at Sadamahal (for I found it there) a plant which produces a flower like Bhayt, of a pale
bluish colour, almost white; and indeed several other things there. Try and bring something.
Can’t you bring the grasshopper which has a saddle on its back, or the bird which has a large
crest which he opens when he settles on the ground? I want to give you a little taste for natural
objects. Felix is very good indeed in this respect.”
“26th April 1809.--You, my dear William, are situated in a post which is very dear to my remembrance
because the first years of my residence in India were spent in that neighbourhood. I
therefore greatly rejoice in any exertions which you are enabled to make for the cause of our Redeemer...
Should you, after many years’ labour, be instrumental in the conversion of only one
soul, it would be worth the work of a whole life... I am not sure that I have been of real use to
any one person since I have been in this country, yet I dare not give up the work in which I am
engaged. Indeed, notwithstanding all the discouragements which I feel from my own unfitness
for any part of it, I prefer it to everything else, and consider that in the work of my Redeemer I
have a rich reward. If you are enabled to persevere you will feel the same, and will say with the
great Apostle--‘I count not my life dear to me that I may fulfil the ministry which I have received
of the Lord.’ ‘Unto me is this grace (favour) given that I should preach among the Gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ.’ Hold on, therefore, be steady in your work, and leave the result
with God.
“I have been thinking of a mission to the Ten Tribes of Israel, I mean the Afghans, who inhabit
Cabul... I leave the other side for your mother to write a few lines to Mary, to whom give my
love.”
“CALCUTTA, 1st November 1809.--Yesterday was the day for the Chinese examination, at
which Jabez acquitted himself with much honour. I wish his heart were truly set on God. One of
the greatest blessings which I am now anxious to see before my death is the conversion of him
and Jonathan, and their being employed in the work of the Lord.
“Now, dear William, what do we live for but to promote the cause of our dear Redeemer in the
world? If that be carried on we need not wish for anything more; and if our poor labours are at
all blessed to the promotion of that desirable end, our lives will not be in vain. Let this, therefore,
be the great object of your life, and if you should be made the instrument of turning only
one soul from darkness to marvellous light, who can say how many more may be converted by
93