Death of the Rev. Lott Cary.

The mournful intelligence of the decease of this excellent man is confirmed. Hopes had been cherished, ever since the report reached us by the way of England, that the account of the accident which caused his death, would prove to be, either the mere invention of enemies, or so exaggerated, as to leave little cause for grief. But alas! it is too true, that the Vice-Agent of the Colony and seven other individuals, (none of them, however, particularly distinguished) have been suddenly and unexpectedly, and in a manner most deeply distressing, forced away from life in all its vigour and activity, into the presence of their final Judge.

The circumstances of this melancholy event were these. The Factory belonging to the Colony at Digby, (a few miles North of Monrovia) had been robbed by the natives, and satisfaction being demanded, was refused. A slave trader was allowed to land his goods in the very house where the goods of the Colony had been deposited, and a letter of remonstrance and warning directed to the slave-dealer, by Mr. Cary, was actually intercepted and destroyed by the natives. In this state of affairs, Mr. Cary considered himself solemnly bound to assert the rights and defend the property of the Colony. He therefore called out, instantly, the military of the settlements, and commenced making arrangements to compel the natives to desist from their injurious and unprovoked infringements upon the territory and rights of the Colony. On the evening of the 8th of November, while Mr. Cary and several others were engaged in making cartridges in the old Agency house, a candle appears to have been accidentally upset, which caught some loose powder and almost instantaneously reached the entire ammunition, producing an explosion, which resulted in the death of eight persons. Six of the unfortunate sufferers survived until the 9th, and Mr. Cary and one other, until the 10th. The house (which was, however, of little value) was entirely destroyed.

The tidings of Mr. Ashmun's death had not reached the Colony until after the decease of Mr. Cary. How unexpected, how interesting, how affecting the meeting of these two individuals, so long united in Christian fellowship, in benevolent and arduous labours, in the world of glory and immortality!

Mr. Cary was a remarkable man. A concise sketch of his life, up to 1825, appeared in the October number of the Repository for that year. He was born a slave, near Richmond, Virginia, and was early hired out as a common labourer in that eity, where, for some years, he remained, entirely regardless of religion, and much addicted to profane and vicious habits. But God was pleased to convince him of the misery of a sinful state, and in 1807, he publicly professed his faith in the Saviour, and became a member of the Baptist Church.

It is remarked by one who was intimately acquainted with his situation and character previous to his embarkation for Africa, "that his Father was a pious and much respected member of the Baptist Church-and his Mother, though she made no public profession of religion, died, giving evidence that she had relied for salvation upon the Son of God. He was their only child, and though he had no early instruction from books, the admonitions and prayers of his illiterate parents may have laid the foundations for his future usefulness."

A strong desire to be able to read, was excited in his mind, by a sermon to which he attended soon after his conversion, and which related to our Lord's interview with Nicodemus; and having obtained a Testament, he commenced learning his letters, by trying to read the chapter in which this interview is recorded. He received some instruction, though he never attended a regular school. Such, however, were his diligence and perseverance, that he overcame all obstacles and acquired not only the art of reading, but of writing also. Shortly after the death of his first wife in 1813, he ransomed himself and two children for $850, a sum which he had obtained by his singular ability and fidelity in managing the concerns of the tobacco warehouse. Of the real value of his services there, it has been remarked, "no one but a dealer in tobacco can form an idea." Notwithstanding the hundreds of hogsheads that were committed to his charge, he could produce any one the instant it was called for; and the shipments were made with a promptness and correctness, such as no person, white or black, has equalled in the same situation." *

*It is said, that while employed at the warehouse, he often devoted his leisure time to reading, and that a gentleman, on one occasion, taking up a

As early as the year 1815, he began to feel special interest in the cause of African Missions, and contributed probably more than any other person, in giving origin and character to the African Missionary Society established during that year in Richmond, and which has, for thirteen years, collected and appropriated annually, to the cause of Christianity in Africa, from one hundred, to one hundred and fifty dollars. His benevolence was practical; and whenever and wherever good objects were to be effected, he was ready to lend his aid. He became a preacher several years before he left this country, and generally engaged in this service every Sabbath, among the coloured people on plantations a few miles from Richmond.

A correspondent, from whom we have already quoted, observes, "In preaching, notwithstanding his grammatical inaccuracies, he was often truly eloquent. He had derived almost nothing from the schools, and his manner was of course unpolished, but his ideas would sometimes burst upon you in their native solemnity, and awaken deeper feelings than the most polished, but less original and inartificial discourse." A distinguished minister of the Presbyterian Church said to the writer, "A sermon which I heard from Mr. Cary, shortly before he sailed for Africa, was the best extemporaneous sermon I ever heard.— It contained more original and impressive thoughts, some of which are distinct in my memory, and never can be forgotten."

Mr. Cary was among the earliest emigrants to Africa. Here he saw before him a wide and interesting field, demanding various and energetic talents, and the most devoted piety. His intellectual ability, firmness of purpose, unbending integrity, correct judgment and disinterested benevolence, soon placed him in a conspicuous station, and gave him wide and commanding influence. Though naturally diffident and retiring, his worth was too evident, to allow of his continuance in obscurity. It is well known, that great difficulties were encountered in founding a settlement at Cape Montserado. So appalling were the circumstances of the first settlers, that soon after they had

book which he had left for a few moments, found it to be "Smith's Wealth of Nations."

taken possession, it was proposed that they should remove to Sierra Leone. The resolution of Mr. Cary to remain was not to be shaken, and his decision had no small effect towards inducing others to imitate his example. During the war with the native tribes in November and December, 1822, he proved himself to be one of the bravest of men, and lent his well directed and vigorous support to the measures of Mr. Ashmun during that memorable defence of the Colony. In one of his letters, he compares the little company of settlers at that time, to the "Jews, who, in rebuilding their city, grasped a weapon in one hand, while they laboured with the other;" but adds emphatically, "there never has been an hour or a minute, no, not even when the balls were flying around my head, when I could wish myself again in America."

The peculiar exposure of the early emigrants, the scantiness of their supplies, and the want of adequate medical attentions, subjected them to severe and complicated sufferings. To relieve, if possible, these sufferings, Mr. Cary obtained all the information in his power, concerning the disease of the climate, and the remedies for this disease; made liberal sacrifices of his property, in behalf of the poor and distressed; and devoted his time almost exclusively to the relief of the destitute, the sick, and the afflicted. His services as Physician to the Colony, were invaluable; and for a long time, were rendered without hope of reward.

But amid his multiplied cares and efforts for the Colony, he never forgot or neglected to promote the objects of the African Missionary Society, to which he had long cherished and evinced the strongest attachment. Most earnestly did he seek access to the native tribes and endeavour to instruct them in the doctrines and duties of that religion, which, in his own case, had proved so powerful to purify, exalt, and save. In one or two instances of hopeful conversion from heathenism, he greatly rejoiced; and many of his latest and most anxious thoughts were directed to the establishment of native schools in the interior. One such school, distant 70 miles from Monrovia, and of great promise, was established through his agency, about a year before his death, and patronized and superintended by him until that mournful event. On this subject, by his many valuable communica

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tions to the Missionary Board, he "being dead, yet speaketh" in language which must affect the heart of every true christian disciple.

Mr. Cary was elected in September, 1826, to the Vice-Agency of the Colony, and discharged the duties of that important office until his death. In his good sense, moral worth, public spirit, courage, resolution, and decision, the Colonial Agent, Mr. Ashmun, had perfect confidence. He knew, that in times of difficulty or danger, reliance might be placed upon the energy and efficiency of Mr. Cary. Hence, when compelled to leave the Colony, he committed the administration of affairs into the hands of the Vice-Agent, in the full belief, that no interests would be betrayed, but that his efforts would be most constantly and anxiously directed to the promotion of the public good. The conduct of Mr. Cary, while for six months he stood at the head of the Colony, was such as to do honour to his previous reputation, and to fix the seal upon his enviable fame.

The features and complexion of Mr. Cary were altogether African. He was diffident, and showed no disposition to push himself into notice. His words were few, simple, direct, and appropriate. His conversation indicated rapidity and clearness of thought, and an ability to comprehend the great and variously-related principles of Religion and Government.

To found a Christian Colony which might prove a blessed asylum to his degraded brethren in America, and enlighten and regenerate Africa, was an object with which no temporal good, not even life could be compared. The strongest sympathies of his nature were excited in behalf of his unfortunate people, and the divine promise cheered and encouraged him in his labours for their improvement and salvation. A main pillar in the Society and Church of Liberia has fallen! But we will not despond.-The memorial of his worth shall never perish. It shall stand in clearer light, when every chain is broken, and Christianity shall have assumed her sway over the millions of Africa.