Biography of Elder Lott Cary, Late Missionary to Africa

p. 9That God is no respecter of persons, is a truth as well established, as it is grateful to the generous mind. No complexion or condition is thrown beyond the pale of divine benevolence, for in Christ Jesus "there is neither Greek, nor Jew, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free.'' While the rich*s of redeeming love may be shared alike by all, there is also a very equitable distribution of intellectual endowments among all classes of men. Like the pure gold buried amidst baser metals, the mind, vigorous in itself, may be allowed by him who gives it existence to remain undeveloped and unimproved — or, under most unfavorable circumstances, he may wake to action, energics which for a time have lain dormant, and exhibit to an adp. 10miring world, the spectacle of intellectual and moral greatness, unaccompanied by the tinsel of wealth, or the polish of etlucation. Such an ex hibition is furnished in the subject of this sketch Lott Gary was born a slave about the year 1780 thirty miles below the, city of Richmond, in the county of Charles City. His father was an emi nently pious member of the Baptist denomination and his mother, although unconnected with any church, gave pleasing evidence that she had pass ed from death unto life. He was their only child From the character which his parents sustained no room is left to doubt that they endeavored to bring him up in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

Nothing can be learned of his early history. Whether in the davs of childhood and vouth, he exhibited indications of vigorous intellect, or of special seriousness on eternal realities, is not known. In the year 1804, he was removed from his native county to the city of Richmond, and employed asa commonlaborer in the Shockoe tobacco warehouse. At that time lie had bocome rather dissipated in his habits, being frequently intoxicated, and allowing himself to indulge in profane swearing. He became increasingly vicious for p. 11two or three years after his settlement in Richmond. But the reign of iniquity was cut short by the interposing hand of omnipotent grace. Having been led to the discovery of his ruined condition as a rebel against the skies, he turned to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and rejoiced in Christ Jesus as the Saviour of sinners. An immediate and remarkable change was discovered in his life. He whose tongue was wont to profane the name of the Most High, was now taught to address him in accents of prayer and praise. He was baptized by Elder John Courtney, and joined the first Baptist church in the city of Richmond in the year 1807.

p. 11At this time he was exceedingly ignorant, not knowing even the alphabet. The circumstances which led to the improvement of his mental powers were somewhat remarkable. They were doubtless under the superintendence of an invisible agent, who, in his wonder working power and mercy, designed to effect great results by means of this illiterate slave. He often chooses "the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen; yea, and things which are not, to bring p. 12to nought thinjTS that are, that no flesh should glory in his presence." Being a regular attendant on the ministry of Elder Courtney, he heard his pastor deliver a discourse on one occasion, on the conversation between Christ and Nicodemus, and became so deeply interested in the rich truths contained in that portion of the sacred pages, that he determined to become qualified to read it for himself. Accordingly he procured a Testament, and commenced learning his letters in the chapter referred to, nor did he rest satisfied until he had accomplished his purpose. Some assistance was rendered by young gentlemen, at the warehouse, and in a short time he was able with distinctness to read the third chapter of John. He soon afterwards learned to write.

About this period he began to hold meetings among the colored people of Richmond, and to exhort them to flee the wrath to come. After a sufficient trial of his capacity to be useful as a public speaker, the church encouraged him to exercise his gifts in preaching the gospel. Not only did he labor among those of his own color in the city of Richmond, but in all the surrounding country. He now applied himself diligently to the improvement of his mind, and for several years p. 13made advances in knowledge. His leisure time at the warehouse was employed in reading, and it is said that a gentleman on one occasion taking up a book which he had left for a few moments, found it to be "Smith's Wealth of Nations." While thus engaged in storing his mind with valuable information, he was kindly assisted by two or three benevolent individuals, who took a lively interest in his prosperity. While an increasing interest in the work of preaching the gospel was cherished, he became more and more respected, and useful in his services at the warehouse. A brother who was intimately acquainted with him, states ''that his services at the warehouse were highly estimated, but of their real value no one except 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 equal-led in the same situation. For this correctness and fidelity, he was highly esteemed and frequently rewarded by the merchant with a five dollar note. He was allowed, also, to sell for his p. 14own benefit, many small parcels of waste tobacco."

p. 14In the year 1813, having by rigid economy accumulated a considerable sum, with the assistance of the merchants to whose interests he had been devoted, he purchased the freedom of himself and two children, for 8850. He had previously lost his first wife by death, and about the year 18 15, was married a second time. He now received a regular salary, which from time to time was increased; until the year before he left the warehouse, it amounted to $800 per annum. During this period, he also made frequent purchases and shipments of tobacco, on his own account: in one instance to the number of twenty-four hogsheads.