Sermon Illustrations

William Carey was an impoverished English shoemaker. .

After William Carey (1761-1834) was well established in his pioneer missionary work in India, his

supporters in England sent a printer to assist him. Soon the two men were turning out portions of the

Bible for distribution. Carey had spent many years learning the language so that he could produce the

scriptures in the local dialect. He had also prepared dictionaries and grammars for the use of his

successors.

One day while Carey was away, a fire broke out and completely destroyed the building, the presses,

many Bibles, and the precious manuscripts, dictionaries, and grammars. When he returned and was

told of the tragic loss, he showed no sign of despair or impatience. Instead, he knelt and thanked God

that he still had the strength to do the work over again. He started immediately, not wasting a

moment in self-pity; before his death, he had made three translations, and translated the N.T. and

portions of Scripture into many more languages and dialects.

Expect great things from God: attempt great things for God.”

God hath not promised skies always blue.

Flower strewn pathways all our lives thro;

God hath not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day.

Rest for the labor, light for the way.

Grace for the trials, help from above.

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