BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF
ELDER COLSEN M. WARING,
OF LIBERIA
Extracted from the Minutes of the
Liberian Baptist Association
Elder Colsen M. Waring was born in Rappahannock
County, Virginia, U.S.A., September 19th 1793, and early showed
signs of future usefulness. He possessed an inquiring mind, and
though deprived of the advantages for acquiring an education, was
unremitting in his efforts to acquire a knowledge of letters, and, as
a reward for his labor, he succeeded in learning to read and write a
little. It was evident that God had marked him out to preach the
gospel. At the age of 19 or 20, he was made the subject of Divine
grace. His convictions were of the most pungent character, and for
weeks, to use his own language, “he felt himself a lost wretch,” but
God had mercy on him, and appeared to his relief, and enabled him
to rejoice in his great salvation. He united with the Baptist Church
in Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.A. April 26th, 1812, and soon after
entered upon the work of the ministry. He closely applied himself
to the study of the Bible, and being possessed of a good natural
ability, his discourses were instructing and edifying. He removed
from Norfolk to Petersburg, and united with the Oilfield Baptist
Church, and soon gained the confidence and esteem of all who
knew him. In 1816, or 1817, he was set apart to the work of the
ministry by the inspiration of hands, and in 1825 left the United
States of America, and arrived in Africa in the same year with his
family, and united with the Providence Church. Upon the death of
the Rev. Lott Cary, the then Pastor of the Church, the care of the
flock devolved upon him and the Rev. Collin Teage. In 1830 the
Church elected him pastor, in which capacity he served until called
to rest from his labors.
Elder Waring was firm in his principles, clear in his views
of Scripture doctrines, affectionate and benevolent. None shared a
larger share of the confidence of his brethren than Elder Waring.
Through his instrumentality, many were brought to a knowledge of
Jesus. Under his administration, the Church enjoyed peace and
harmony, and had many seasons of refreshing from the presence of
the Lord. In 1 823 his health began to decline; but none supposed
that his labors had so nearly closed. He continued to preach and
perform his pastoral duties. On the Sabbath previous to his death,
