William Carey, Serampore, to Christopher Anderson, Edinburgh, 11 June 1832.  

Serampore

11 June 1832

My Dear Bror Anderson

        I have been long unable to write or to muster sufficient resolution to make the attempt, through illness which I more than once thought would have ended my course here below; but it has pleased God in his goodness to restore me again. I have not had an attack of fever for the last six weeks, and therefore hope I shall be preserved from any more of them. I am not, however, anxious about life or health with respect to these the Will of the Lord be done. God has graciously preserved me to bring the last edition of the Bengallee Scriptures through the press. The last sheet was ordered to be printed last week. I have done all in my power to make the addition correct, and the language easy, and I trust my labour will not be wholly in vain. We have several other editions in the press viz. The Oaotkul or Oorissa, Second edition, printed nearly to the end of Dueteronomy. The Assamese, first edition, printed to the end of Ezekiel. The Hachmeer, first Edition, printed to the middle of II. Samuel and the Affghan, first edition printed to the middle of the first book of Kings. The second edition of the Sanskrit has lain by far the last two or three years; I hope that will now e set forward and the Punjabee, which was printed to the end of Ezekiel, but stopped through the death of the Pundit, will I hope be now brought to a close. These are important works which I should rejoice to see finished: but I can lave the in the hands of God, who well knows the necessity that exists for them, and can easily raise up persons a thousand times better qualified than myself to carry them forward.

        I have long felt unhappy at holding the Pastoral office over the Church at Serampore, without being able to attend to the duties thereof. I therefore proposed to relinquish the office, and recommended that Bror Mack, should be chosen in my stead. The Church would not consent to my relinquishing the pastoral office; but unanimously approved of associating Bror Mack with myself and Bror Marshman in the office of Co-pastor. To this he has agreed, and his ordination is to take place on Wednesday the 27th Inst. I trust God will set his seal to this act, and make him of much greater use than we have been.

        Our accounts from the different stations, especially as it respects evident calls for enlarging our efforts, are very encouraging. We have associated Bror Robinson with ourselves in the management of the affairs of the Mission. He will continue where he is, but will meet with us upon all important occasions. I hope for much good from this arrangement, and I doubt not but we shall have the prayers and pecuniary assistance of our Brethren and Sisters in England and Scotland

        I have been forced to discontinue my Labours at the College, because of illness. A Divinity Professor is therefore of the first importance for it. I have been unable to preach for the last two or three months, and therefore am of very little use. Though I hope to resume preaching soon, if my present state of health continues.

         I trust I and all with me shall have an interest in your prayers.

                     I am, My Dear Bror

                                 Yours very Affecte in the Gospel

                                             W Carey

Text: MS. 588, Watson Autographs: Divines and Judges, fol. 185, letter 1385, National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh. Address: Revd Chr. Anderson / Edinburgh. / By the Crown to Liverpool.  Postmark: Calcutta 12 JU.  Endorsed: Dr Carey 11th / June.