Regardless of whether or not, William Carey ought to be considered the ‘founding father of modern missions’, his influence was immense. In fact, the man was so heroic, he was supported by as diverse an array of figures as: Adoniram Judson, the Lutheran king of Denmark, and the Episcopal Church (who ironically gave him a saint’s day celebration). As with any hagiography his life has left phrases that stun and inspire the reader.
Growing up in the lower-middle classes of 18th century England, William became something of a controversy when he left his family’s respectable Anglican background for the passionate sermons of the neighbourhood dissenters. Though initially a mere cobbler or shoemaker, Carey rose to run the business and taught himself both biblical and modern languages. An explorer at heart, William became passionate about missions and evangelizing those outside Europe in the most unlikely of times, a high-point of hyper-Calvinism in England.
Unlike the traditional Reformed creed, these extremists denied much of the effort of preaching the gospel, since they believed those predestined to damnation ought not to be bothered with the duty of believing in Christ. In a now famous exchange with one such minister, Carey inquired whether or not Christians ought to spread their faith to others. In a now famous rebuttal of Williams’ missionary zeal one minister allegedly responded: “Young man, sit down; when God pleases to convert the heathen, he will do it without your aid and mine.”
Truly, salvation is “of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9) and ‘not our own doing’ (Eph. 2:8), and yet we are nonetheless commanded to preach the gospel to every creature (Mk. 16:15). The issue is largely resolved when one admits that God the Holy Spirit alone converts unbelievers, but that He does this through the preaching of the Word, which requires means, I.E. The preaching ministry of men like William Carey.
Inspired in his vocation despite all the naysayers, Carey went on to write a great tome of missiology, and preach what is now called “the Deathless Sermon” on Isaiah 54:2-3 “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes. For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.”
His refrain was constant: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”