William Carey, Calcutta, to Revd John Williams, New York, 15 June 1802.

My very dear Brother,

         I was very agreeably surprized by the arrival of Capt Hague, and by the favours which he brought us from yourself and other Friends at New York: be assured that I and my Colleagues very highly esteem your Correspondence.

         Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for the abundant mercy afforded by him to the inhabitants of America. Two Thousand baptized in less than a year! And that in the new settled states of Kentucky & Tennessee! I am astonished – I am filled with hope and with Joy – my Heart is enlarged, and I expect that very soon the Kingdom of this World will become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ! O may it soon be accomplished!

         The prospect around us is very different: we are on every side surrounded with Heathens and Mohamedans, who are deaf to the voice of Reason, of Scripture, and of God – This very day many Thousands of People, I suppose near a Million, have met, for the mean purpose of wetting a piece of dry Wood; -- or in other words, for the purpose of bathing a Wooden Idol, near Serampore, whose name is Juggernath – which signifies, “The Lord of the World” Perhaps such a congregation never met together to hear a gospel Sermon since the World began – This very Idolatry however is probably subservient to the spread of the Gospel, for several who came from a great distance and have only heard of me, have come to beg a New Testament or some small Pamphlet, which we of course are glad to give.

         When we look around upon the multitude who care nothing about God, who are given up to every vice, and to every lust, we are filled with distress, and sometimes yield for a season to discouragement, and indeed it is a melancholy reflection when we meet Thousands of people on the road, to think that there is not among them a single person concerning whom we can reasonably entertain the smallest Hope that he is acquainted with the grace of God in truth. – But when we look on the other side, we are constrained to say, “What hath God Wrought?” – Eighteen Months ago we should have been in raptures to have seen an seen an Hindoo eat at our Table; now eating with us is become so common, that it is difficult to find rooms sometimes for those who come. – Nine Hindoos have been baptized, of whom seven walk so as to be an honor to the Gospel; and we expect to baptize a Hindoo and a Mussulman more before Capt Hague leaves this place; besides this, four or five others are desiring to join our Church, concerning whom we wish for a little more satisfaction. They, however, appear to be seriously enquiring; and I doubt not, but they will be brought forward in a little time. – Some who have come and rejected Cast have returned again to their own relations; and others have come several days Journey to hear the word of God. Indeed, I have reason to believe, that a great Work of God has indeed been wrought among us; and I trust it will continue, and greatly increase. Some among the Portuguese and Mussulmans are also enquiring, what they must do to be saved?

         Deism is very very prevalent among Europeans here, yet I have the greatest reason to believe that God is carrying on a Work among them Europeans – We have two evangelical Clergymen of the Church of England her; and I am much mistaken if I have not perceived a more than ordinary unction attending their Preaching lately – Several persons of great abilities have been brought decidedly to trust in Christ, and to appear on his side.

         Both myself and my Brethren are much delighted with the proceedings of the N. York Mission Society May the God of Abraham bless their efforts abundantly. If you see dear Bror Holmes, or his Colleagues, give our very cordial love to them – and through them to the believing Indians. We shall be much gratified with any thing curious relating to any of them – or indeed with only knowing their Names – The Name of the person who was our first fruits unto Christ is Krishno who has seen three others of this Family received into the Church viz his Wife, his daughter, and his Wifes Sister –

         I must conclude, and indeed fear that I have tired you with this long detail. I thank you for the Circular Letter of the different Associations – do continue to send them, as they afford us much pleasure and a knowledge of the state of the Churches gives us a peculiar interest in them – and excites us to pray for them – Dear Bror pray for us – and especially for your very unworthy but affectionate Bror in Xt

                                             Wm Carey

Calcutta

June 15th 1802 –

Address: Rev. Mr Williams | N. York | by favour of Capt Hague

Text: John Williams Letters, RG no. 1207, American Baptist Historical Society Archives, Atlanta.