Since the publication of the last number, the Secretary has received a communication from Mr. Jonathan Carey, announcing the fact of his venerable father’s decease, in the following terms:—
Calcutta, June 14th, 1834.
The Lord has been pleased to afflict us very severely, in removing from us, by death, my much esteemed and venerable father. This lamented event took place on the 9th instant, at five in the morning, and his remains were interred in the cold grave early on the following morning, in the presence of a crowded assembly of mourning friends. Much as I feel this heavy stroke, I trust I do not sorrow as those who have no hope. His was a life spent in the service of his Redeemer, and the Lord was pleased to make him an instrument of much usefulness; but notwithstanding all that he was enabled to do, he never ceased to exclaim that he was an unprofitable servant. In much humility and meekness of spirit he was zealous in the work of the Lord of Hosts, and the constant objects of his pursuits were the glory of God and the salvation of the heathen. His devotedness to the work to which he was called was evident in all his conduct. Nothing would give him more pleasure than to hear of the prosperity of Zion, and the downfall of idolatry. His heart was always much affected when speaking of the love of his dying Redeemer. Of the evil of idolatry he spoke with great warmth. He was active and faithful in the discharge of his duties as a minister and a translator; and was in his element in the study of botany and other scientific pursuits, but always humble in his views regarding his own abilities and acquirements. Although constantly employed for the last forty-one years, he possessed a vigorous constitution, excellent health, and a good flow of spirits; but the last two or three years he suffered from debility, and latterly wasted away, and at length sunk from exhaustion of strength, and his spirit took its flight to the regions of eternal bliss to enjoy the rest provided for the people of God, and the reward promised to those who endure to the end. Thus has my father finished his course, and has been removed from this scene of toil and labour. Many will have reason to bless God for what he was enabled, by his grace, to perform for the welfare of the poor heathen.
The following has appeared in several of the public papers as a transcript of the Doctor’s will. Although no copy of this document has reached us direct from India, yet, as it carries internal evidence of its authenticity, and has been very widely circulated already, we do not hesitate to insert it in our pages. Our readers will especially mark, in the direction given as to his epitaph, that deep humility which was so prominent a feature in the character of this great and good man.
I, William Carey, Doctor of Divinity, residing at Serampore, in the province of Bengal, being in good health, and of sound mind, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following:—
First—I utterly disclaim all or any right or title to the premises at Serampore, called the Mission Premises, and every part and parcel thereof, and do hereby declare that I never had, or supposed myself to have, any such right or title.
Secondly—I disclaim all right and title to the property belonging to my present wife, Grace Carey, amounting to 25,000 rupees, more or less, which was settled upon her by a particular deed, executed previously to my marriage with her.
Thirdly—I give and bequeath to the College of Serampore, the whole of my museum, consisting of minerals, shells, corals, insects, and other natural curiosities, and a Hortus Siccus. Also the folio edition of Hortus Woburnensis, which was presented to me by Lord Hastings; Taylor’s Hebrew Concordance, my collection of Bibles in foreign languages, and all my books in the Italian and German languages.
Fourthly—I desire that my wife, Grace Carey, will collect from my library whatever books in the English language she wishes for, and keep them for her own use.
Fifthly—From the failure of funds to carry my former intentions into effect, I direct that my library, with the exceptions above made, be sold by public auction, unless it, or any part of it, can be advantageously disposed of by private sale, and that from the proceeds 1,500 rupees be paid as a legacy to my son Jabez Carey, a like sum having heretofore been paid to my sons Felix and William.