MEMOIR'S REV. WALTER M. LOWRIE, MISSIONARY TO CHINA. EDITED BY HIS FATHER. THIKD THOUSAND. NEW YORK: BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, No. 23 CENTRE STREET. 1850. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, BY WALTER LOWRIE, In the Clerk's Office for the Southern District of New York. STEREOTYPED BY THOMAS B. SMITH, 216 WILLIAM STREET, N. T. PREFACE. THE Editor of this Memoir has done little more than to select and arrange the papers of his beloved son. A few remarks have been made with the view of noticing his early years, and connect- ing the different periods of his short but active and not unvaried life. The plan adopted was to let him speak for himself in his letters and journals ; though some letters from his missionary brethren, and others in the ministry at home, who knew him, have been given at the end of the volume. From these every reader will form his own estimate of his character and acquirements. A few of the many letters from Christian friends, as the sad intelligence of his death reached them, have also been inserted. His letters for the most, part were hastily written, many of them in the confidence of Christian and endeared friendship. His jour- nals also were written at the dates mentioned, and his other en- gagements gave him no time to correct or copy them. Two volumes of private journals were found after his death among his papers ; but they were destroyed, in accordance with his special written request to his friend Rev. M. S. Culbertson, or either of his surviving colleagues. The work has been stereotyped, and the entire expense of this edition has been defrayed by Christian friends, to whom his memory is very dear. Whatever profit may arise from the sale will be applied to the enlargement of the Ningpo mission, under the care of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Chuich. PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. A third edition of this work has been called for within nine months of the time of its publication, each edition containing 1000 copies. Much the largest number have been disposed of by the kind assistance of Ministers of the Presbyterian Church, to whom packages of ten copies each have been sent, direct from the Mission House. This plan has been most favorable to a wide diffusion of the work, and thus has more than compensated for the trouble and expense of sending them to distant places. The entire work is owned by the Board of Foreign Missions, and every copy sold, besides aiding the funds, does something to promote a missionary spirit by the information thus afforded. In view of all these circumstances, it has been deemed best that the work be now published directly by the Board itself. NEW YORK, September, 1850. CONTENTS, CHAPTER I. FEBRUARY, 1819 SEPTEMBER, 1847. EARLY LIFE AND COURSE AT COLLEGE. LETTERS. His Father. Religious Impressions, Revival in College, . " First Communion, His Mother. Religious Views, His Father. Duty as to the Ministry, " Religious Views, His Mother. Foreign Missions. Death of Lyman and Monson, Feelings. A Grave- Yard, His Father. Duty as to Foreign Missions, The Question decided, " Through College. Grade, Pag. 12 13 15 10 17 CHAPTER II. OCTOBER, 1837 JANUARY, 1842. RETURN HOME FROM COLLEGE. COURSE IN THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT PRINCETON. ACCEPTED AS A FOREIGN MISSIONARY. SAILS FOR CHINA. LETTERS. John Lloyd. College Times. Missions, Roger Owen. On Sabbath Schools, John Lloyd. Swartz. Comfort in Christ, Roger Owen. On Sabbath Schools, His Mother. Daily Employments, Roger Owen. Sabbath Schools. Missions, His Mother. Christian Duties. Studies, John M. Lowrie. Death of Relatives, . John Lloyd. Personal Religion, . Roger Owen. Tone of College Piety, . John Lloyd. Love of Christ. Missions, Roger Owen. Sabbath Schools, . John Lloyd. Western Africa, His Mother. Seminary Students, . John Lloyd. Africa. India. China, . His Mother. Beauty of Scripture, Thomas W. Kerr. Missionary Spirit, . John M. Lowrie. Study of the Bible, . John Lloyd. Christian Course. Africa, Two Sabbath School Scholars, . His Mother. Strangers and Pilgrims, . John Lloyd. Studies. Works of God, His Mother. Journey to the West, . Executive Committee. Missions, . . John Lloyd. Friendship. Prospects, . John O. Procter. How little we know, His Mother. The Country. Journey, His Father. Change of Field to China, . His Mother. Detroit. Forest. Flowers. Ni- agara. Grave-yard. Missicns, 57 " Journey West ..... 63 Wm. H. Hornblower. Presence of Christ, . 64 John O. Procter. On leaving for China, . 65 John Lloyd. Feelings. Faith, . . .66 Mrs. Ann Porter. On leaving Friends, . . 68 Rev. Thos. W. Kerr. Sabbath Schools, . 68 John M. Lowrie. On the Eve of Sailing, . 70 CHAPTER III. JANUARY 19 MAY 27, 1849. VOYAGE TO CHINA. JOURNAL IN THE HUNTRESS. 71 72 73 77 79 81 84 85 A Calm. Sunsets. Sailors, . Stars. The Sailmaker, 87 89 91 93 95 97 101 103 Rocks of Martin Vas. Stare, Magellan Clouds. Missions, A Squall. The Ocean. Home, . A Sailor. The Ocean. A Gale. Albatross Stormy Petrels. A Storm. Winds, . A Ship. Dreams. Trade Winds, Carlyle. Sermon on board, . Reading. Wisdom of God. Starp, Sermon. Trade Winds. Flying-Fish, Trade Winds. The Sabbath, Studies. A Shark. Birth-day, CONTENTS. Sabbath. Preaching to Sailors, Rain. Sea Gnats. Thunder, An Island. Boobies. Java, Heathen. Ships. Augicr, . 109 111 113 117 Angler. Malays. Learned Sailor, . . 121 China S;a. Missions. Preaching, . . 123 Sailmaker. Gales. China, .... 126 IV his Mother, with his Journal, . , . 129 CHAPTER IV. 1842. LANDING IN CHINA. VOYAGE IN THE SEA QUEEN. SHIPWRECK IN THE HARMONY.- RETUEN TO MACAO. LETTERS AND JOURNALS. His Mother. Macao. Hong Kong, . . 131 His FHther. China. Missions, ... 134 John Lloyd. Mission to China, . . . 138 His Mother. China Sea. Journal, . . 140 Embarks. Lascars. Alone, . . . 141 Calms. Monsoon. Currents. Gale, . 146 Delays. Currents. Storms. Faith, . . 151 Providence. The Parting, .... 155 Course of the Sea Queen, .... 156 John M. Lowrie. Studies at Sea, . . 157 Rov. T. L. McBryde. Plans delayed, . . 158 His Mot! Rev. Th His Broth Scenes in Manila, . W. Kerr. Stay in Manila, Voyage on China Sea, . Shipwreck In the 'Harmony, . To the Second Presbytery of New York, His Mother. Missionary Trials, . His Father. First Letter from Home, His Mother. Letters from Home, James Lenox, Esq. Romanists in China, His Father. Early Instruction, John Lloyd. Missions in China, . 160 161 162 165 178 182 184 184 185 187 188 CHAPTER V. 1843. RESIDENCE IN MACAO. VOYAGE UP THE COAST. DESCRIPTION OF AMOY AND OHANG-CHOW. RETURN TO MACAO. LETTERS AND JOURNALS. Rev. J. M. Lowrie. Missions in China, . 193 His Mother. Various Thoughts, ... 194 " Home. Heaven. Sabbath, . 196 John Lloyd. Chinese Language, . . 198 His Father. Effects of Heat. Preaching. Chi- nese Dictionary, 202 Journal to Amoy and Chiisan, . . . 203 Boat Population. Hong Kong, . . . 204 Opium. Amoy. Infanticide, . . . 206 Grave of Mrs. Boone. Monsoon, . . 210 Opium. Kulangsu, 212 Kudhist Temple, 2J4 River. Bay. Boats, 215 Chang-Chow. Mandarins, .... 218 The City. Bridges. Temples, . . 223 Villages. Multitudes, . . 227 Chober. Haetang. Return to Amoy, . 229 Remarks pn the foregoing, .... 231 Return. Storm. Danger, .... 234 Good News from Home, .... 236 Death of Rev. Mr. Dyer, . . . .237 To his Father. Morrison's Bible, . . 238 " Missionary Trials, . . 241 His Brother. Perils of the Sea, . . 245 Society of Inquiry, Western Theological Seminary, 248 His Father. Missionary Statements, . . 251 His M >ther. Chinese Customs, . . . 252 Society of Inquiry, Princeton. Theological Seminary, 254 His Father. Sir Henry Pottinger's censure of the Vjsit to Chang'-Chow, ... 261 CHAPTER VI. 1844. RESIDENCE IN MACAO. LETTERS. CHINESE PRINTING WITH METAL TYPE.' ARRIVAL OF NEW MISSIONARIES. THEIR FIELDS OF LABOR. LETTERS. His Mother. Sabbath-breakin?. . 2HJ " His Teacher. Idolatry, . 268 His Father. Chinese Letter, with "Transla- tion and Notes. 270 John Lloyd. Christian Friendship, . . 274 His Mother. Passing Thoughts, . . . 275 His Father. To visit China. A Solemn Question by his Teacher, . Rev. Levi Janvier. China Missions, . Recollections of a Missionary, Rev. J. M. Lowrie. Ens* ish Preaching, Rev. J. Montgomery. T '.Us, 276 277 279 283 284 CONTENTS. Vll CHAPTER VII. 1845. DIFFERENT MISSIONS ESTABLISHED. LEAVES MACAO. VOYAGE UP THE COAST.- NINGPO. CHINESE WRITTEN AND SPOKEN LANGUAGE. LETTERS AND JOURNALS. His Father. Leaves Macao, . Voyage up the Coast. Changes, . Monsoon. Currents. Sailors, . Shanghai. Woosung. Chusan, . Books injured. Tinghae, r? 2g7 288 291 293 296 298 Chinese Dinner. Idol Worship, . Opium. Festival of all the Gods, Suicide. Proverbs. Idols, . . Monks. God of Thunder, . Mrs. Hepburn. Love of Christ} . 303 305 308 310 313 ttgt His Father. Written and Spoken Language ofChina, 315 His Mother. Psalm xxx. 5, . . . .323 His Father. Various Thoughts, ... 324 Leaves from the Note- Book, . . . 325 Tower of Ningpo. Rice, .... 328 Visit to Teentung, ...... 330 Visit to Pooto, 334 Wedding. Females. Teacher, . . . 341 Society of Inquiry, Princeton Theol. Sem., . 343 His Father. Chinese Ignorance, . . . 348 Chinese Translations, . . 349 CHAPTER VIII. 1846. MISSIONARY LABORS AT NINGPO. HEATHEN CUSTOMS. WORSHIP. SUPERSTITIOUS FEARS. PREACHING IN CHINESE. LETTERS AND JOURNALS. His Mother. Deaths. New Year, . . 352 Plan of House, ... 354 Rev. Levi Janvier. Writing Letters, . . 356 His Father. The Millennium, ... 357 Rev. D. Wells. Prayer, .... 359 Rev. John Lloyd. Chinese Tones, . . 359 His Father. The Heat. Teachers, .- . 362 His Brother. Superstitions, ... 365 His Mother. Changes, 366 His Father. Shin. Shang te, . . .366 His Mother. Reminiscences, . . . 367 His Father. Chinese Dictionary., . . . 369 James Lenox, Esq. Music. Cuts. Return of Missionaries, 370 His Father. Preaching. Chinese Books. Dictionary, 374 Rev. John Lloyd. Religion, . 376 Report of the Ningpo Mission, . 379 The Use of Engravings, . . 386 His Brother. The Millennium, . 388 Journal. Fear of Poisoning, . 391 Rains. Drought. Heat, . . 392 Fear of Evil Spirits, . . 395 Earthquake. Suspicions, . . 396 Chinese Preaching. Cruelty, . 399 Marriage Ceremony, 401 Fruit Pedler. Chinese Preaching, . . 403 Chinese Audience, 405 CHAPTER IX. 1847. MISSIONARY LABORS AT NINGPO. VOYAGE TO SHANGHAI. MANCHU LANGUAGE. CHINESE TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE. IMPORTANCE OF SELECTING PROPER TERMS. LETTERS AND JOURNALS. His Brother. Chinese Language, . . 40fJ His Father. Type. Dictionary, . . . 409 Rev. Levi Janvier. Trials. Preaching, . 410 His Mother. Labors. Loneliness, . . 412 His Father. Books. Millennium. Shorter Catechism, 413 On the Minutes of the General Assembly of 1846, 416 His Father. Translation of the Bible. Na- tive Convert, 420 His Mother. Heathen Procession, . . 422 Journal. Preaching. Incidents, . . . 426 The Sabbath. Changing Audience, . . 428 Chinese Language. Dogs, . . Various Questions. Inquirers, Worship of Ancestors, . . . Voyage to Shanghai, Chiiihai. Commerce. Chapoo, . Canal. The Sabbath. Shanghai, His Father. Chapoo. Dictionary, His Mother. Health, '. '. 440 His Brother. On the proper Translation of the word God, 441 Rev. Joseph Owen. Same subject, . . 443 His Father. Manchu Language, . . . 443 On the real Trials of the Foreign Missionary, 445 431 432 434 435 436 437 438 Till CONTENTS. CHAPTER X. LETTERS FROM MISSIONARIES AND OTHERS, ON THE DEATH AHD CHARACTER OF THE REV. W. M. LOWRIE. Rev. A. W. Loomls, 456 Right Rev. W. J. Boone, D.D., ... 458 Resolutions oftlie Canton Mission, . . 462 Rev. John Lloyd, 463 Rev. T. L. McBryde, 465 Rev. Thomas McClatchie, .... 466 Rev. E. W. gyle, 467 Rev. Joseph Owen, 469 Rev. John Wray, 471 Rev. Levi Janvier, 472 Rev. James Wilson, 473 Rev. James B. Ramsey, .... 475 Rev. R. M. Loughridge, . . . .475 Rev. John Layton Wilson, .... 476 Rev. James Read Eckard, . . . 477 Ker. John O. Procter, ... .478 Rev. John M. Lowrie, 479 Rev. Charles Hodge, D.D, . . . .481 Rev. Samuel Miller, D.D., .... 482 Rev. John A. Savage, 483 Rev. Joseph H. Jones, D.D., . . . .483 Rev. Wm. S. Plumer, D.D., .... 484 Joseph P. Engles, Esq., .... 485 Rev. Wm. M. Atkinson, DJX, ... 486 Rev. W. H. Foote, D.D., .... 487 Rev. Wm. C. Anderson, D.D., ... 488 Rev. Loyal Young, 488 Rev. John N. Campbell, D.D., ... 489 Mrs. A. H. Richardson, 490 Right Rev. George Smith, . . . .491 Sunday Thoughts of a Layman, . . . 493 Rev. A. Alexander, D.D., .... 496 Cenotaph, 501 MEMOIR. CHAPTER I 18191837. EARLY LIFE LETTERS WHILE IN COLLEGE. WALTER MACON LOWRIE, the third son of Walter and Amelia Lowrie, was born in Butler, Penn., on the 18th of February, 1819. Until his eighth year, his father was absent from home during the winter months. This left the principal part of his early training and education to his excellent mother, and well and faithfully did she perform this responsible and sacred trust. From his infancy he possessed a mild and cheerful temper. He was a general favorite with his playmates, and always ready to engage in the usual sports of the play-ground. It was often the subject of remark, that he was never known to get into a quarrel, or even an angry dispute with his associates. To his parents he was al- ways obedient and kind, open and ingenuous ; he was never known to use deception or falsehood. His brothers and sisters shared his warmest affection and love, and his time with them seemed to be made up of pure enjoyment. At an early period he was sent to school, where he learned the usual branches of a common English education. It was soon perceived by his teachers, that it required but little effort on his part to get the lessons assigned to him ; and the place he usually oc- cupied was at the head of the class. In his tenth year his pa- rents removed to Washington city, and for a part of the year he was taught by his father in the higher rules of arithmetic, in geography, and ancient and modern history. In his eleventh and twelfth years, he spent two terms under an able teacher in a clas- sical grammar school. At this period the health of his beloved mother was gradually declining, and her physicians advised that she should spend the 1 2 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. summers in Pennsylvania, and the winters in Washington. In these circumstances it was deemed best that Walter, although not fourteen years of age, should be sent to Jefferson College. Two of his brothers had already graduated at that college, and his fa- ther was well acquainted with the president and the professors. A home was found for him in the family of the Rev. Professor Kennedy, who watched over him with a parent's care. The same month in which he reached the college, in November, 1832, he re- ceived the sad intelligence of his dear mother's death. Most deeply did he feel this severe bereavement, and bitterly did he mourn over the loss of one so very dear to him. The account of her calm and peaceful departure, full of faith and trust in her Sa- viour, which he soon afterwards received, whilst it made a deep impression on his mind, tended much to relieve the bitterness of his grief. After spending a year in the preparatory department, he entered the freshman class in October, 1833, and continued in the college, with some interruptions for relaxation, till he gradua- ted in September, 1837. In the summer of 1834, he was at home from the first of August till the last of October. His father was somewhat apprehensive in regard to his health, and believed that some relaxation from his stu- dies would be of service, even if it should require him to spend ano- ther year in the college. He retained his place in the class, how- ever, and kept up with the usual studies without difficulty. The family were then spending the summer in Butler. Here he first met with his second mother, and he seemed almost at once to transfer to her the affection he had entertained for his own mother. Nor was this a transient feeling. His affection and deep respect and esteem for her continued till his lamented death, as the letters and journals addressed to her will abundantly show. During this visit he accompanied his parents and one of his brothers, and a sister in declining health, to the falls of Niagara. He greatly enjoyed the company of his friends on this journey, and was filled with wonder and awe at the stupendous displays of God's power in this mighty cataract. He accompanied the family to Washington, and was present at the calm and peaceful death of his beloved sister, in the last of September, 1834. In November he returned to the college, his health much improved by his temporary absence. Soon after his return, that seminary and the neighborhood were blessed with a precious and powerful revival of religion. Many LETTERS WHILE IN COLLEGE. 3 of the students in the college, and large numbers in the congregations of that region, were added to the church. Most of these students afterwards entered the ministry. The history of this revival and its subsequent results, if they were written, would show how im- portant a period of life is the college course of every student. Probably the attention and the prayers of the church have been too little turned towards her young men in the different colleges. The remark will be generally found true, that " as is the piety of the student in college, so will it be in the theological seminary, and in the ministry." In this revival, after a time of deep conviction of sin, he ob- tained a hope of peace with God in the Saviour. He was then in his sixteenth year, and his letters from this period show the state of his mind, as he became more and more instructed in Christian experience and warfare. With a number of the students who were admitted to full communion in the church at the same time, he formed a most endeared and lasting. friendship, and with many of these he kept up a correspondence till his death. Canonsburg, December 31st, 1834. MY DEAR FATHER I would have written to you yesterday to tell you my state of mind, but I thought I had best wait a while, to see whether what I wanted to tell you was really true. I can now, however, as I humbly trust, say that I have experienced the love of Christ shed abroad in my soul, and the renewing and sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit. I have not, it is true, those high exciting joys that many others speak of, nor have I had those deep and pungent convictions of sin that others have. But I can say, that though I as yet see but little of Christ, and of his exceeding love to me in my lost and ruined condition, yet what little I do see, fills me with love and peace, and an earnest desire to see more and more of Him, and to lay myself down and give up my soul at the foot of his cross. How this feeling originated I can scarcely tell. On Monday, I was deeply impressed with the necessity of being assured of sal- vation that day, but I had not found any reason to believe I had obtained it. After sermon there was an inquiry meeting, and Mr. Deruelle conversed very kindly with me ; patiently set himself to remove any doubts and difficulties, and told me that all I had to do was to give up all hopes in anything that I could do, in the way of prayers or resolutions, and just trust in Christ. He spoke so confidently and cheerfully, that I thought perhaps I might be saved. After he was gone, a young acquaintance, also under se- rious impressions, and much distressed, came and entered into con- 4 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. versation with me. During the course of this conversation, which was entirely about Christ and his promises to atl who come to him, I felt my heart warming, and full of love and zeal for Christ. Shortly after a hymn was given out, and I atterrpted to sing it, but my heart seemed to rush up to my mouth, and I could scarce refrain from laughing out, so much joy did I feel. This feeling continued till the next morning, and I felt inexpressibly happy ; but about eight or nine, A. M., I felt that I was again becoming insensi- ble, and I was greatly perplexed, and knew not what to do. This feeling increased until about two P. M. There was to be a meeting of those who had a hope of salvation that evening, and I felt great doubt as to the propriety of attending. I mentioned this to my room-mate, who is, I believe, the most pious student about the college, and he made a few remarks and prayed with me. This relieved me somewhat, and I attended the meeting. While there the hymn " Alas ! and did my Saviour bleed," was sung, and I felt every doubt removed and very joyful. However, trusting to myself, after a few hours I felt unhappy. I had still the hope, but had no joy at all, and seemed to myself to be travel- ling in a path I knew was right, with just sufficient light to show that it was not the wrong path. I could not see anything at all before me. In this condition I remained. This morning I had a little more light, and now I can see a little. I hope and trust that the light will increase " more and more unto the perfect day." I feel peaceful, and willing to commit myself to my Saviour, to do with me just as he pleases. I desire to have no will of my own, hut to depend entirely upon him, for everything. Still, however, I have great need of humility. Pride is my besetting sin, and I fear that my course will be marked with many rebellions, and,mnch distress on account of this sin. It has grown with my growth and strengthened with my strength, and will no doubt be employed by Satan to bring about my ruin. May God keep and preserve me from it ! I have also much need of faith. In this I am wo- fully defective, and when the hour of trial comes, I fear much. It is my earnest prayer that I may have more faith and more hu- mility. I may be deceived in the whole matter, and if I should, I know not what shall become of me ; but it is my earnest prayer, that if so, I may be undeceived, and led in the way everlasting. I now, my dear father, need your prayers and counsels more than ever ; for I feel greatly my need of some experienced Christian, who knows me as well as you do, to direct me. There have been a considerable number here, who hope they have experienced a change of heart : how many I cannot say. As yet, we cannot speak certainly as to any of them ; and there is great need of prudence in speaking and writing about such things, so as to avoid bringing disgrace upon the holy religion of Jesus. That the Spirit of God is here, every one will admit ; but the result is known only to the searcher of the hearts, and trier of LETTERS WHILE IN COLLEGE. 5 the reins of the children of men. We would hope and pray that these "mercy drops" may be succeeded by a great shower, and that the influence of this may extend to all parts, not only of the Synod of Pittsburg, but of our country ; and that its influence may be felt to the remotest corners of the earth. There is noth- ing too hard for the Lord, and we may reasonably expect that, by prayer and faith, every student of this college may become a ser- vant of Christ. We are told to ask and it shall be given, seek and we shall find, and that if we " open our mouths wide," the Lord will "fill them." O father, pray for this college. It is, of course, too soon for me to think as yet of my future profession ; but this will, if it be true, make a great difference in my choice. There is a great deal in deciding quickly and soon, and then making everything tend to that one object. I remain your affectionate son in the Lord, W. M. LOWRIE. Canonsburg, January 6th, 1835. MY DEAR FATHER I received your kind letter of Dec. 31st, yesterday, and can truly say that I never perused a letter with greater pleasure than that one, both on account of its intrinsic excellence, and also because it afforded me the strongest proof that you cared as much and more for my soul than for my body. You will have heard be- fore now that I have been enabled to give myself to the blessed Jesus. Nor have I repented of the choice. I can truly say that during the past week, I have felt a greater amount of real, calm peace and joy, than I ever felt in all my life. It is true, I am not without doubts and fears, and I have several times been inclined to doubt, whether I ever did experience a saving change of heart. But, having carefully, and I trust prayerfully, applied every test in my power to examine the sincerity of my heart, I am enabled to say, though still with " fear and trembling," that " Jesus is mine and I am his." My particular views of Christ, though very in- complete, are that He is one " altogether lovely ;" a " Lamb with- out spot or blemish ;" that he is holy, just, and good, beyond all ideas which mortals can form of those attributes. My views of God, the Father, are, that he is one who dwells in "light inac- cessible, and full of glory ;" who while he looks with hatred upon sin, is nevertheless, by the intercession of the blessed Saviour and his death on the cross, perfectly willing to love and protect all who coine to him by his son. Of God, the Holy Ghost, I have so in- definite an idea that I cannot express it ; it is like " the wind that bloweth, and we hear the sound thereof, and cannot tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth." As you may, perhaps, wish to hear some accounts of the rise and progress of this revival, I give this short account of it. On last Thursday, two weeks ago, which was a fast day for the Synod 6 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. of Pittsburg, there was preaching, and one or two were awakened. There was preaching also on Saturday, but still it was not known to many that anything was going on. Sabbath was sacrament day. On Sabbath night, Mr. Deruelle delivered a most eloquent and powerful sermon. I paid very little attention to it at the time, and do not now remember the text ; but he described in a very forcible manner, the joys of heaven and the terrors of hell. This awakened some ; and I believe that it was a remark made to me the next day, that it was a sermon calculated to excite thought at least, that made me think about it. On Monday there was preach- ing, and those who were anxious were requested to stay for con- versation. I was anxious to do so, but was ashamed and did not ; there were, however, some who did. Encouraged by this and by the number who attended, Dr. Brown determined to have a pro- tracted meeting. The number of anxious inquirers increased at every meeting, but for two or three or more days, there were but one or two hopeful conversions. This was mentioned, and Chris- tians were invited to pray for converting grace. In about four days there were one or two of the students who were awakened, and had yielded themselves to Christ. Of the citizens there are yet, I believe, but a small proportion, about one third, who have obtained a hope. Some have gone back to the world, others are wavering, and until lately the work seemed to decline. Now it is a little on the increase, but not as much as could be wished. There are, I suppose, at least thirty of the students who have ob- tained a hope in Christ, probably twelve or fifteen who have gone back, and about ten who are yet lingering. Of the citizens, prob- ably twenty have obtained a hope, and there are as many as thirty or forty who are yet in suspense. This night will probably be the last of these meetings. Mr. Deruelle, who has labored faithfully, and under God with much success here, is going away. There have been no other methods of proceeding adopted than preaching and conversation ; but these have been blessed by the Holy Spirit. None can make objections of any force, because there were no improper means used, and the old version of the Psalms was used at the meetings. Every one confesses that the work is of God and not of man ; and if not wofully deceived, many souls will to all eternity bless God for this revival. I shall finish this letter after the meeting this evening. January 7th. I was prevented from finishing this last night, by the lateness of the hour when meeting was over. It is not the intention now of Dr. Brown to discontinue these meetings ; there will be preaching to-night as usual, and for some time yet. I am your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. LETTERS WHILE IN COLLEGE. Canonsburg, March 9th, 1835. MY DEAR FATHER As Congress has now adjourned, I suppose you will have more time for writing than you have heretofore had. Since I wrote last, I have enjoyed my usual health. Yesterday the Lord's Sup- per was celebrated here. There were fifty-eight who joined the church here ; thirty-seven students and twenty-one citizens. It was a pleasant day to me, though I had not as pleasant a time as I sometimes have, owing I suppose to my ignorance of the nature of the ordinance, or rather to my too selfish feelings. When I look back ten weeks, and contrast my present condition with what it was then, I feel a strange sensation of wonder. To think that a change so great, (for I feel it to be a great change, and I hope it is genuine,) should be effected in so comparatively short a time, is strange. One of those who joined at the same time, a daughter of the Rev. Mr. , was only ten years old. Her religious experience, however, was very satisfactory to the Session. Whether there will be any more outpouring of the Holy Spirit here, I cannot tell. I hope and endeavor to pray that there may be, but it seems as if we were all like rocks : at least, I feel myself to be so. A hard heart, I think, is one of the most un- pleasant things that a Christian has to deal with on earth. The 150th hymn in the Assembly's Collection, exactly describes the feelings which I frequently have on this subject. I remain your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Canonsburg, August 5th, 1835. MY DEAR MOTHER You may remember the first letter you wrote to me after the 29th December ; I have not got it by me, but I can remember the substance of it. You warned me in it to beware of falling away from my " first love." At that time I wondered why you should send me such a warning. I thought there was no danger, and that it would be impossible for me ever to leave that Saviour, who had so kindly opened my eyes. Yet even in this short time, has that case been my own. I have fallen away, and acted very much indeed as if I had never experienced a hope of Christ's love to me. I left my first love, and for about two months preceding and after my visit home, I had no enjoyment in religion. I had not fallen so far as to silence the voice of conscience, or as not to know that I had in some measure fallen. Such was my case when at home. True, there were times, even then, when I had as much freedom in prayer as ever ; and the day of the sacrament I had as much pleasure in religion as I have had this session. I have now the hope that I am restored. I now feel, in some respects, as I did when first the light of truth shone in upon my 8 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. soul, and I have a more heart-affecting view of myself. Rejoice with me, my mother, that God has not cast me off from him for- ever, as I justly deserved, and as would have been perfectly con- sistent with his glory, mercy, and justice. How I was restored I can hardly tell. For two weeks past, I have felt very differently from what I did all session, and yesterday and to-day I feel some, though, alas ! very little, of the joy of him whose sin is pardoned by his God. O for a tongue to speak my Redeemer's praise, and to proclaim to the world what he has done for my soul ! Surely, O surely, such love was never manifested as the love of Christ ! Why is it that we cannot love him more, and love him always ? And yet I am very much afraid I shall not long continue in this state. I am afraid I shall fall, and yet bring open disgrace upon my profession. Pray for me, my dear parents, and give your counsels. Yours affectionately, W. M. LOWRIE. Jefferson College, August 10th, 1835. MY DEAR FATHER I wrote to mother and brother Matthew, a short time ago, yet as I have something in regard to which I would wish to ask your advice, and as, probably, you are now as much at leisure as you will be before next summer, I have concluded to write to you. I do not know whether I have ever before mentioned this subject to you, but it is one which has often employed my thoughts, and of late particularly it is this : Whether it is my duty to be a minister of the gospel? My principal reason for now writing to you is, to ask your advice in regard to this one point, viz., whether I should enter on the examination of this subject, with the view of coming to a definite conclusion this session, or, at farthest, be- fore the close of the year ; or whether I should put off the imme- diate examination of the point till a future period. Each of these may have its advantages. The principal reasons why I should now come to a determination are these : 1st. What- ever profession I may choose, if I now decide concerning it, I may lay my mind more ardently to being prepared for it and for use- fulness : I may the more readily make all my other pursuits sub- servient to this. This I consider a principal reason. 2nd. A reason, flowing from the first, why I now should determine, is, that, if I should decide to be a minister, it may conduce to personal piety and a closer walk with God. These are two of the principal reasons why I should now determine. On the other hand, it may be objected 1st. My youth : my judgment is not capable of deciding so important a question. 2nd. My inexperience of my own self and of others, and of the duties required of me in that high station to which I aspire. 3rd. The fickleness of my temper ; and 4th. Circumstances may occur LETTERS WHILE IN COLLEGE. 9 which will render it obligatory on me to change my views. I do not consider the last much of an objection, and I can, I think, get over the others ; but I should like your advice on this all-impor- tant subject. I may here mention a couple of plans which have principally occupied my thoughts on this subject. The first was to study for the ministry, and, after being licensed, to go and spend my life in the Western States ; neither in the character of a settled pastor, nor yet in that of an itinerant preacher, but some- where between them. The other, and one which has almost en- tirely taken up my mind, is this : after I graduate, to go and study medicine ; then go to the Theological Seminary and prepare myself for the ministry ; and then, if in the Providence of God it may appear my duty, " Go and preach the Gospel to the heathen." Both of these may be mere romantic creations of the fancy, but, at present, my inclination is rather in favor of the latter. I may, in a future letter, state more as to my views on this subject, but, at present, I would like your advice as to the first point mentioned. I regard myself just in this light : I profess to be, and hope I am, a servant of Christ. The command is, " Go work in my vineyard." After having decided, how I shall work ? whether as a minister or otherwise the next question will be, where ? I do not consider, that in answering this question, I have a right to consult my own convenience. May you, my dear father, be abundantly blessed with the influence of the Holy Spirit, and find all your children walking in your footsteps, and may we all at last meet around the throne of God, on his right hand. Affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Jefferson College, August 31st, 1835. DEAR FATHER I have delayed answering your last somewhat longer than usual, but I suppose you know the reason. I have been engaged in the examination of the subject of the gospel ministry, and have at length been enabled to decide, at least from present views and feelings, and with prayer, that it is my duty to devote myself to the service of God in that manner. I cannot say that I have had many or great difficulties, nor indeed have I that assurance I could wish to have ; but I hope, as my experience increases, that my confidence as to my duty will increase in proportion. I may be deceived, but, as far as I know myself, I am not actuated by un- worthy motives. I wish I could as certainly say, that I am influ- enced by a desire for the glory of God ; for it is on that point that I have, and do yet experience, the greatest difficulty. In other respects, I hope I can with some confidence say, that, as far as I know myself, I am not influenced by wrong motives. May God grant me to know and do my duty. Your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. 10 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. Hii Jefferson College, September 8th, 1835. MY DEAR FATHER, I am very sorry you cannot make it convenient to remain in Butler a few weeks longer, as I should very much wish your company. It may be all fancy, but something seems to be con- stantly telling me, when I think of you all, " that [ must endeavor to spend as much time with you as I can now, for after I am set- tled in life, I shall have very few opportunities of being with you." And this idea has taken almost complete possession of my mind. I do not, when I look forward, anticipate much temporal pleasure, or ease ; and perhaps it is as well that I should learn to deny myself now as at any time ; but still I find an unwillingness to separate from my thoughts the idea of totally denying myself your company. However, I hope, that if it ever should be incum- bent on me, I shall never hesitate to leave even father and mother, and all to whom I am bound by the ties of nature. I hope you are all in good health of body would that I had the same hope in regard to matters of more importance ! But when I think that some of our dear family are still in the "gall of bitterness and the strong chains of iniquity," I cannot hope so. I can do nothing but pray, and in my condition, I am more fit to have prayers offered for myself, than to offer them for others. Next Sabbath is the day of the communion : how I should like, were it possible, to sit down and commemorate our Saviour's love with my dear parents, but I suppose it may not be. I remain your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Jefferson College, September 14th. MY DEAR FATHER Yesterday was our communion here ; and though it w,as so near to the end of the session, that we could not have much time for preparation, and no fast day was appointed, yet it was about as profitable a day as I ever spent. True, at the table, and whilst partaking of the elements, I was not happy ; nay, before I rose from the table, I was almost as miserable as I ever was. Yet it was profitable. A temptation came across my rnind to this effect : " I am not now enjoying communion with Jesus Christ ; and therefore I am not a Christian. I may as well now give up all pretensions to religion, and quit acting the hypocrite any longer." And although not willingly, I felt as if I ought to do so ; but the thought rushed into my mind, " If I am so miserable under the hidings of God's face only, how shall I bear his eternal wrath ?" It was the first time I had ever been influenced more by fear than by other motives. I was miserable, however. But see the good- ness of God and of Jesus Christ. After church, I was think- ing of my conduct during the session, and meditating on the LETTERS WHILE AT COLLEGE. 11 two verses, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God ;" and all my anxious cares vanished. I had been impressed deeply with a sense of my sinfulness, and was wishing to make some resolu- tions hereafter to live more to the glory of God, but felt almost afraid to do it. I knew I should fall away ; and I felt that it would but aggravate my guilt, were I to sin against such renewed obligation. But the sentence, " Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," calmed my heart. I felt that it was my duty to follow present duty, and leave the future to God, without any anxious cares ; and I was enabled to do so, and to roll all my cares upon the Lord. Oh, the peace I at that moment possessed ! I could scarce refrain from laughing, I was so joyful. I determined then to live every day as if it were to be the last I should have to live, and to do my duty accordingly ; in reality, " to live by the day." At secret prayer I was more full of God's presence, and comprehended more of that view of Christ's charac- ter, which is so great, grand, and incomprehensible, that I could scarcely proceed for joy ; and from my own experience during the day, I could tell something of the difference between God's pres- ence and his absence. To-day, I cannot say I feel, or have felt, as I could wish not so much life and animation ; but I have been enabled to mourn for it. During the sermon (Mark xvi. 15), I was enabled to see more of the greatness of the Christian religion than I ever did before, and to feel, too, that man could not be the author of such grand ideas as I saw there held out. This evening I was walking out into the country for exercise, and on my return I passed the cottage of a negro woman, com- monly called " Old Katy." She was out in the road, when I passed her. I shook hands with her, and spoke a few words to her. Be- fore we had spoken three sentences, she was talking about religion. She is a most eminent Christian, and we stood about ten or fifteen minutes there talking. She soon got to speaking about the mis- sionary cause. Her heart was in the matter, and she said, " I am very poor, but as long as I live I will be something to it. I have often given a little to it, and I never laid out any money better. I could not do it. I never lost a cent by it." I wish I could give you some idea of the emphasis she used, but pen and ink cannot express her manner and the feeling she mani- fested. She very cordially asked me to call in and see her; "for it is food to me when any of God's children come to see me ; it is food." She went on thus for some time, talking about various matters, but all of them religious. Oh ! how little I felt when I heard her talk thus, and compared my attainments in the Chris- tian course with hers. 18th. I received your kind letter yesterday, for which I am very much obliged to you. I would go to Pittsburg to see you, but they are not done examining our class, and I do not wish to be absent from here on Sunday. The examination commenced yes- terday, and they got over one half of the class, myself among 12 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. them. The Greek still remains to try our metal, but I cannot say I am afraid of that ; and if such things as these were to be my only difficulties, I should not think life very burdensome. I remain your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Jefferson College, November 22d, 1835. MY DEAR MOTHER You may recollect in reading the life of Payson, a sentence like this: "Whenever I write to you, more than forty ideas jump at once, all equally eager to get out, and jostle and incommode each other at such a rate, that not the most proper, but the strongest, escapes first." I find something like this at present in my head, for I hardly know where to begin. However, on last Saturday night there were four of us students, who met in our room, to have a little prayer-meeting : we had all, I think, a great deal of free- dom in prayer for a revival, and after our meeting was over, we sung two or three hymns together. It was as pleasant a meeting as I have attended in a long time. One of the hymns was that most expressive one, " Alas ! and did my Saviour bleed," and I am sure there was a good deal of feeling manifested among us. Yesterday Mr. E., an agent of the American Board of Missions, preached a sermon in the forenoon with which I was highly pleased, on the text " It is more blessed to give than to receive." At night he preached again ; subject, the debt we owe the heathen. He proved in it, that we owe a debt to the heathen that we are able to pay ; that the time had come ; and concluded with a number of most thrilling, interesting facts. The sermon was an hour and a half long ; the longest I have ever heard, but it seemed the short- est. He spoke of the providences of God with regard to Missions, and said, that had Lyman and Munson lived to fill up their three- score years and ten, and toiled and labored, wrote and translated, and been as successful as any of our present missionaries, they would not, in all human probability, have been as useful by one half, as they have been just by their death. They have excited more interest, more prayers, more contributions, and brought for- ward more young men to fill their places, than they could have done, had their life been prolonged. The Board have already sev- eral missionaries who are going to take their places, and the inter- est in that mission is ten times as great as it ever was. Is not that gratifying? About the close he related an anecdote, which I hardly dare attempt to repeat, but I will try. " Some years ago I was out on a tour for collecting money for the Society, and I stopped over Sunday at a town, and preached there. I gave no- tice that on the morrow, I would go around and receive their con- tributions. Accordingly, in company with the minister, I did so. We came to a house, or cabin rather, and he said, ' We must go in here ; we shah 1 receive no donation, but there is a ' Mother in Israel' LETTERS WHILE AT COLLEGE. 13 here.' We went in and found an old woman over seventy, bent nearly double by age, and troubled with all its infirmities, and hei daughter, who was helpless. The old woman supported het daughter and herself by spinning flax. As soon as she saw us she said, l I am glad you have come. I was afraid you would not, and last night I lay awake and prayed that God would send you, and now you are here. I got up early this morning and went to a neighbor who has a gentle horse, which he lends me whenever I want it ; and then 1 went to another man who owed me six shillings for spinning flax, which he paid me : now I want to give it to the Missionary Society, here it is,' handing it to me. I told her we did not expect any money from her ; we had not come to her house for that purpose. She insisted. I took the subscription paper, wrote her name, and opposite to it six shillings, and show- ing it to her said, See, here is your name, we will pay this money, and no one shall ever know you did not give it yourself, and you can keep your money. I thought she needed it too much to give it. She looked at me, the big tears rolling down her cheeks, and said, ' What have I done, that you won't let me give this money ; I have prayed for forty years for the heathen, and yesterday you told us the time had come, when we might give as well as pray, and I was glad of it ; now you won't let me give this money it is very hard.' Great grief was visible in her countenance" and Mr. E., heartily ashamed of himself, took the money. Was not that most beautiful ? I was near bursting into tears. Shortly after I spoke to one who had been at our prayer-meeting, and he was in extacies. " Oh Lowrie, is not that delightful ? What a blessed Sabbath ! Our little prayer-meeting !" If I ever desired to be a minister and a missionary, I did last night. Such a glorious ob- ject ! so w r orthy all the talents, feelings, and affections of every reasonable creature, that it seems impossible, almost, not to desire it. However, though it may be the duty of others to decide this matter while at college, I hardly think it can be mine, at least for a year to come. We have between seventy and eighty new students, the largest number received in one session since 1831, when the new college was built, and perhaps, excepting that time, the largest number ever received. Altogether we have near two hundred and fifty stu- dents. Were the Spirit of God poured out here, what would be the consequences ! We have a great deal of studying to do. I am trying to " Parlez vous" some, and hope to be able to speak with some fluency before the winter is over. * * Yours affectionately, . W. M. LOWRIE. Canonsbufg, December 26th, 1835. MY DEAR MOTHER In looking over the various relations which others sustain to me, or which I sustain to them, I see very little which does not 14 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. call for sincere, hearty gratitude. To have so many friends, my- self to enjoy so many privileges and mercies, of which others stand in so much need, while I am but too insensible to their value, and to have so many opportunities of improving myself and of preparing for future usefulness, these things, combined with others, which are so many I cannot number them, give me abun- dant cause for gratitude and praise. Dec. 29. This is my birth-day. It is just one year since first I experienced the hope of salvation, and now I see before me the whole scene, and the fulness of my heart rises within me. I have just been thinking of my conduct the past year. Whilst I see many things to be thankful for, and to encourage me, I also see much to grieve and humble me. The hasty flight of time only brings us nearer an eternal home, where " sorrow and sighing flee away." I am more and more anxious to pay you a visit in the spring, and expect to enjoy a great deal of pleasure from it. If we anticipate so much pleasure from joys that are but finite, what will the joys of heaven be? An infinity of everything that is good ! Jan. 2d, 1836. Taking a walk this afternoon, I came near a grave-yard, and went into it. Some of the tenants were dead more than eighty years, some under one year. Some of the tomb- stones bore marks of many years' exposure ; others were as fresh as if yesterday they had been placed there. All was calm and silent. The world flees from such scenes. Many of the tomb- stones spoke of the joys of heaven, of the resurrection, and of Christ, and their rude poetry only made them the more striking. I love a grave-yard. I love to walk among these signs of death, and muse on death itself. I may be deceived, but to me death has few terrors, and though nature may shrink from the last fatal struggle, yet I think I am not afraid to die. < ; I know that my Redeemer liveth . . . and though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." " The knell, the shroud, the mattock, and the grave, The deep damp vault, the darkness, and the worm These are the terrors of the living, not the dead." Jan. 4. I have just seen a letter from my dear brother John. His health has failed, and he is obliged to leave India. How sad that he has to leave his station, and all his prospects of usefulness in that region. Although I long to see him, I could wish he may be able to remain. But God has good reasons for what appears to us to be so dark. May he who holds the winds in his power, and the waves in the hollow of his hand, preserve and bring him safe to his native land. Will do I recollect when I bade him farewell. Never till the last moment, and when I felt that he must go never till then did I know how much I loved him. Then I knew what the bitterness of parting was. Yet what are friends and kindred, father and mother, brothers and sisters, com LETTERS WHILE AT COLLEGE. 15 pared with Jesus Christ ? He that loveth them more than him, is not worthy of him. Jan. 5. Did you ever study geometry ? I am working at it now, and I do think it is about as dry a thing as I ever studied. It is not hard, on the contrary, it is very easy but it is so regular. Now I like order, but I like variety too, and we have but little of that in Legendre. A square is a square, be it big or little, and it has just four angles, and these four angles are all equal more- over, they are all right angles. I like algebra : there is some va- riety there something to turn and rest the attention upon at every step. Most of our class are rejoicing that we are through algebra ; but I would rather study it than geometry, Latin, or Greek. I have been lately reading the life of James B. Taylor. I have not met with anything like it. He makes me feel quite ashamed of myself. Pray for me, that I may be fitted for the holy ministry. I remain yours affectionately, W. M. LOWRIE. Jefferson College, January 28th, 1837. MY DEAR FATHER . . .We are still driving away at the conic sections, which are very solid, and to me very interesting. I do not think them hard, by any means, although some do complain piteously about long les- sons. I do not like Greek so well as the mathematics, and I find it much harder. Nothing but the conviction that it is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of it, to fit me for my future call- ing, could induce me to study it. I do not mean to say, however, that I find it difficult. I have lately been reading Swan's Letters on Missions. The question of personal devotion to the missionary work is rising before me, and I can scarce help thinking I am called upoh to decide this question soon. I have tried to put it off, under various excuses not, I hope, with any wish to avoid the question, but principally owing to my inexperience ; but I don't know how I can much longer postpone it. I intend reading a great deal on the subject, and hereafter making it the subject of special prayer. I should like to have your views, as soon as you have time. Give my best love to all. W. M. LOWRIE. Jefferson College, February 7th, 1837. MY DEAR FATHER We had the communion here about four weeks ago, and since that time three of our students have joined the church. One of my Bible-class has experienced a hope, and several others are somewhat affected. There has been an extensive revival at Cross 16 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. Roads, and Florence Academy. One most profane young man was one of the first and clearest cases of conversion. The question of personal devotion to the missionary cause, has, a~ you are aware, long been before my mind. When I first ex- perienced a hope of salvation, this subject presented itself to my mind. This feeling has continued in almost every time and place. This session I felt it to be important to know what I should do. and what time I could spare was devoted to the examination of the question. I never found any particular difficulties, except ae to my piety. At our last communion I was enabled to decide to be, by the grace of God, a missionary. It was like throwing a heavy burden off from my mind, and I have net since experienced one moment of regret at the decision. Sometimes, indeed, it seems hard O, very hard to think of parting with near and dear friends ; but what are all these, or life itself, to the advance- ment of the Saviour's cause, to which, two years ago, I conse- crated myself? Your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Jefferson College, March 10th, 1837. MY DEAR FATHER Brother John has been here for several days, and intends leaving in the morning. His health has improved very little since leaving New York. He has been engaged preaching so much, that it has materially prevented his recruiting ; he is, however, no worse. In my last letter I mentioned that as far as I could see, if noth- ing providential occurred, I had made up my mind on the question "Should I become a missionary?" It never seemed to present any great difficulty to my mind, and I don't know that I could give any particular account of the reasons, which led me to believe that it was duty on my part to spend my life among the heathen. The question always seemed, though a very important one, to be Can 1 do more abroad than at home? There were no providential hinderances to prevent me from going. Indeed Providence seemed rather to point to the heathen as the proper place. My own incli- nations and feelings pointed the same way. If I have piety to fit me for being a minister at home, I might hope to have it for being a missionary abroad. Of my talents and qualifications for the work, others must judge. Almost the only difficulty was in regard to my health. My constitution being weak, it seemed almost un- able to bear much fatigue ; for even the labor of study is preying on it in some degree. But though the case seemed so clear, do not think, dear father, that it was on account of my vanity that it appeared so. For almost always when the duty of being a mis- sionary appeared strongest, I felt my own strength or my own fit- ness to be least. And even now, when the troubles and depriva- tions and duties of missionary life come up to view, the question LETTERS WHILE IN COLLEGE. 17 involuntarily occurs, " Who is sufficient for these things ?" Yet if I know my own heart, I am willing to live or die for the hea- then. It is now nearly two months since I came to the determi- nation expressed above, and never yet has a single emotion of re- gret crossed my mind on account of it. Nay, a load has been thrown off, and I feel a deeper interest in everything that concerns the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. Pray for me, dear fa- ther ; unless I have more piety than I now have, I am not fit for the missionary work, nor for the ministry at home. Your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Pittsburg, September 13th, 1837. MY DEAR FATHER We finished our examination eight days ago, but I have been so busy, I have not had time to write to you. At the close of our examination, I expected to be told that I might have my Diploma, but further or higher I had not directed my thoughts. Judge of my surprise then, when on the next morning, Dr. Brown gave me the enclosed as my standing.* I had never thought of standing more than respectably, but this grade is equivalent to what was once called the first honor. There were two others in the class who were marked equally high. I have been appointed Valedicto- rian, which is considered here the most important post at the Com- mencement. I hope, however, you will not consider me to be a very excellent scholar, on account of the high standing I have with the Faculty. In languages especially, I do not consider my- self to be much above mediocrity. As soon as Commencement is over, I shall set out for home. Though I should like very much to enter on the study of theology immediately, yet I do feel almost afraid to commence without a longer recess than common. During my collegiate course, I have not, on an average, studied three hours a day ; but at the Semi- nary, I would wish indeed, it seems essential that at least four hours daily be spent in study. Still, with an opportunity of daily systematic exercise, I should not feel much hesitation about the Seminary studies. Others with far worse health than mine, have gone through as severe a course ; and as I may probably never have very strong health, it may not be w T orth while to delay on that account, especially if my youth be not considered too strong an objection. I remain your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. * WALTER M. LOWRIE, Grade. Grade. Languages, 1. Natural Science, 1. Moral Science, 1. Mathematics, 1. M. BROWN. CHAPTER II. OCTOBER 183Y JANUARY 1842. RETURNS HOME FROM COLLEGE COURSE IN THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT PRINCETON ACCEPTED AS A FOREIGN MISSIONARY SAILS FOR CHINA. ON leaving College, the subject of this memoir returned home, his father's family then residing in the city of New York. His expectation was to enter the Theological Seminary at Princeton soon after his return. The Seminary year, however, commenced in September, when the regular classes were formed ; and his father, still somewhat solicitous respecting his health, deemed it best that he should have a recess from study; an 1 he spent the winter at home. Having few acquaintances in the city, his win- ter'3 residence at home vas a season of retirement and quiet, and his time was profitably employed in reviewing his previous studies, and in miscellaneous reading. He had also a good opportunity of improvement in vocal music, under the able instructions of Mr. Thomas Hastings. During the winter he took charge of a class of young men in the Sabbath school, who became greatly attached to him, and were much benefitted by the care he bestowed on their instruction. In May, 1838, he entered the Seminary, and afterwards joined the regular class formed in September following. In his whole course in the Seminary he pursued his studies very closely. He was never absent from a single recitation ; and with his studies, and other necessary duties, his time was fully employed. By per- severing industry, he was able to superintend a Sabbath school at dueenston, a few miles from the Seminary, and also to make a Catalogue of the books in the Library, and arrange them anew. Before leaving College, as is seen by his letters, he had fully de- cided to go as a missionary to the heathen, and during his last year in the Seminary, his mind was settled on Western Africa as his chosen field of labor. In December, 1840, he was received aa a missionary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian OCTOBER 1837 JANUARY 1842. 19 Church. No objections to his preference for Africa were made by his friends, and for several months the question of his field of labor was considered as fully settled. In the spring and summer of 1841, however, the exigencies of the China mission induced the Executive Committee to review the question of his field of labor. The mission to China was then but commencing, and was en- compassed with many difficulties. That great empire was at that time closed against the Christian missionary ; and Singapore had been selected as the most suitable place where the language of China could be learned, translations^ made into it, schools estab- lished, and other missionary work carried on. The Rev. John A. Mitchell, and the Rev. Robert W. Orr and his wife, had arrived at Singapore in April, 1838. In the following October, Mr. Mit- chell was removed by death. The next year Mr. Orr's health failed ; a visit to the Nilgerry Hills, in India, did not restore it ; and in 1840, he set out on his return home. The same year, the Rev. Thomas L. McBryde and his wife reached Singapore ; and in 1841, he was joined by J. C. Hepburn, M. D., and his wife. In one year, Mr. McBryde's health had declined so much, that it was evident he also must soon withdraw from that sphere of labor, and thus leave Dr. Hepburn alone in the China mission. In these circumstances, and having at that time no other suitable man to send, the question in the view of the Executive Commit- tee was clear, that China, and not Western Africa, was the proper field of labor for the new missionary. It v/as believed, also, that from the tone of his piety, his cheerful temper, his thorough edu- cation, his natural talents and untiring industry, he was pecul- iarly fitted for the China mission. It was, however, with many misgivings, and much reluctance at first, that he contemplated this change in his field of labor ; but as there was a perfect una- nimity of sentiment in the Executive Committee, ihe professors in the Seminary at Princeton, and other ministerial brethren, all of whom he greatly respected, he yielded cheerfully to their judg- ment viewing these things as a call from God to labor in that great and destitute part of the Saviour's vineyard. On the 5th of April, he was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Second Presbytery of New York. After leaving the Seminary in May, he spent a few weeks at home, preaching on the Sabbath in different churches. In July and August he was sent by the Executive Committee to the most distant land office in Michigan, to secure the pre-emption right to the mission station among the 20 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Chippewa Indians, as the government had advertised the Indian reservation for public sale. The sale, however, was postponed be- fore he reached the land office, and on his return he spent some time among the churches in Western New York. Late in the fall he visited his friends in Western Pennsylvania for the last time, and by these various journeys his health was much improved. He was' ordained on the 9th of November, 1841, and on the evening of the last Sabbath of the same month, a deeply interest- ing farewell missionary meeting was held in the Brick church, New York. Addresses were made by the Rev. Gardiner Spring, D. D., pastor of the church, by the missionary, and by his father. These addresses would possess much interest now, but no copy of them was preserved. It was expected that the vessel would sail earlv in December, but she was delayed till in January, and in the interval his time was chiefly spent at home. New York, November 21st, 1837. MR. JOHN LLOYD DEAR BROTHER : Though this method of communication is but a poor substitute for that " sweet counsel" \ve have so often en- joyed, yet as it is the best that now remains for us, I gladly embrace the first good opportunity that has yet occurred, to renew our friend- ship. For it does seem as though it had to be renewed, when I think that, though you and myself have often "held sweet- est converse about what God had done for our souls." and that though our eyes have brightened and our hearts warmed, as we " talked by the way," yet now we are separated by a distance of more than four hundred miles, and are with out the prospect of see- ing each other for months, and perhaps years. Yet though sepa- rated in body, I trust we are often present in spirit, and especially that, at the throne of " our Father," we can still enjoy communion, and be the means of profit to each other, perhaps even greater than that which our mutual conversations could have afforded. It is surely consoling to know that there is One who watches over us, and over our dearest friends, far better than we could possibly do, and that at all times He will do all things well. Yet, were it con- sistent with duty. I should like again to spend a few hours with you. and again partake in those social joys that kindred spirits like yours and mine so much delight in. My situation here, though fully as pleasant as I expected it to be, is very different from what it was in Canonsburg. I have as yet very few acquaintances here, and do not expect to have many. Those that I have, I know not what they are. for the rules of fashion are so trammelling, that one cannot at once make those friendly advances which are com- mon among you. Consequently when I would enjoy the holier LETTERS. 21 joys of friendship, I must draw off my attention from things around me, and return to past days and scenes, in many of which you and one or two others held a conspicuous part. Do you mind that day after our missionary meeting of the Society of Inquiry, last March, when you and I took that long walk " over the hills and far away," and in our conversation seemed to have some fore- tastes of " glory begun below ?" Many and many a time has it risen to my mind, and if it has not drawn tears from rny eyes, it has done what is better encouraged me to go forward, and caused me to gird up the loins of my mind anew for the heavenly race, and made me sometimes to remember a friend, a fellow-expectant of what " eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive." Yet from what I have said, do not suppose that I am at all unhappy or discontented, or even disappointed. So far, at least, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content ;" whether it will always be so or not, time will show. The contrast between my present way of living and that at Canonsburg, is very striking. I see very little company ; attend very few evening meetings ; don't make three or four speeches every xveek, (you know I was famous for that;) on the contrary, hardly open my mouth from one week's end to the other ; read a good deal ; study as much as I did at College ; and am on the whole becoming quite a domestic animal. I am very glad to find that comparative solitude agrees so well with me; for I was really afraid that after being so used to meetings of one kind or another every night, it would be difficult to get along without them. In fact, it does require some effort to keep alive the spirit of piety, when one has nothing like the Society of Inquiry or the Brainerd Society to excite to action ; nothing but the stated ordinances of God's house to nourish the soul. Yet on that very account I prize my present situation the more, because I am thereby enabled, or perhaps I should say required, to live more by faith and less by sight, or frames and feelings. And to a missionary nothing can be more important, than to be able to live without anything to keep the soul in constant excitement ; for, as it has been well re- marked, " when he gets to his field of labor, he can attend no crowded meetings to hear some eloquent orator descant upon the magnanimity of the missionary enterprise." All the " romance of missions" must then be laid aside, and in its reality, he may almost be tempted to forget for whom and for what he is laboring, and be- coming discouraged, lay down his weapons, and retire vanquished from the field to which his Master called him. It seems to me, on looking back on the last two or three years of my collegiate course, that we all lived too much b) excitement, not enough by simple faith. Our religious societies were precious and profitable, and I should be sorry to give them up, but perhaps we depended too much on them, without remembering that " Paul may plant and Apollos water, but God alone can give the increase ;" and this dependence on these means, (at least in my own case,) 22 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. was productive of a spirit of action more resembling the "crackling of thorns," than the steady, intense flame that consumed the Jew- ish sacrifices. Oh, my brother ! guard against this spirit of trust- ing to anything in preference to the revealed will of God, and his ordinances, for animation in the divine life. What is the state of missionary feeling now among you ? Do you yet hear the voice, "Come over and help us," and the wailing cry, " And what then ?" as it rises from the death-bed of the Hin- doo, and, borne across the waste of waters, reaches our ears both from the east and the west, swelled as it is, and heightened and prolonged by the addition of innumerable others ? Oh, does the " cry of the nations," echoed and re-echoed from the distant moun- tains, still sound among you ? Or does it die away among the crumbling ruins of heathen temples, unheard and unheeded, save by the infidel and the deist 1 Oh, who is there to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty 1 There is nothing in all my course for which I reproach myself so much, as that I did so little to excite a missionary spirit at College. I do not mean among those who were already determined as to the path of duty, but among those who had not decided the question ; for very rarely did I press upon any of them as I should, the importance of the work, the necessity, absolute, increasing, and alas ! almost irreme- diable necessity now existing for laborers, and their own duty in this great matter. Dear brother, can you not do something ? You have the confidence of most of the pious students, and could you but muster courage enough to determine to do something in this matter, unborn millions would bless you for it. Let me transcribe for you a few lines from an appeal of some missionaries in India ; you have perhaps seen them before, but they will bear reading and praying over again : " The soil is ready for the seed, and the seed ready to be sown, but where are the husbandmen 1 In some places it has been scat- tered abroad and the fields are white for the harvest, but where are the reapers ? Congregations large and attentive might be procured every day, but we have no men. Schools might be established on Christian principles, but we have no men. Humanly speaking, souls might be saved, but l how can they hear without a preacher? 1 You can increase the number of these queries to an almost indefinite extent, but the answer will almost always be, we have no men ! We have gone to the colleges and seminaries of learning, but we found few to answer our demands. We went to the haunts of so- ciety, but one was busied about his farm, and another about his merchandise, and another with the sweets of domestic society. We went tq the schools of the prophets, and asked if on any of them rested the spirit of Elijah ? but there were few to answer the call. Despairing, we looked to the heathen, and as we saw them go down by crowds to the darkness of the second death, we felt as if yet another effort should be made. Oh, who will go for us ?" Wishing you all temporal and all spiritual blessings, and sym- LETTERS. 23 pathizing most sincerely with you in your late afflicting bereave- ment, (of which I have only just heard,) I remain your brother, W. M. LOWRIE. New York, November 29th, 1837. MR. ROGER OWEN DEAR BROTHER, I had intended to have a long conversation with you, about the management of our Sabbath school next summer ; and though it may seem like officiousness in me to volunteer my advice, yet my brother, with whom I have been so long associated in that beloved place, will not take it hard, if I stir up his mind by way of remembrance. In the first place, it will be best for you to use your own judgment ; and at all times, while you do Jiot appear to assume any power, you must let the scholars know mat you are the superintendent. Govern them, however, by love. Try to enter into all their feelings, and make your in- structions of such a character, that every one can understand you. If the children can understand you, there is no danger but that the older scholars will ; but the reverse is not so certain. Let your speeches, however, be always short. I erred sometimes in this, though not often conscious of it. Go about the room often ; walk up and down the aisles, and look at the classes as you pass : this will have a great effect, though I neglected it almost entirely. I am sure I did wrong in not doing it more than I did. Go to the several classes, and talk to each class at least once in the session. Here again I failed. The teachers always seemed to have enough to do, and I did not like to interrupt them. But I think it would be better to go sometimes, even if you do interrupt the regular lesson, and say a few words, even if you do not talk more than half a minute. But if you do go, don't talk more than three or four minutes. One of my class said, towards the close of the ses- sion, " Mr. Lowrie seems to have forgotten us entirely, for he never comes near us any more." Keep up the missionary talks by all means. Be sure, while you are speaking, always to seem, and I hope you will feel, as if there were none but children pres- ent, and no person else in the world knew what you were doing. And probably, when you are talking, and trying to lead their young minds heavenward, you will find it best not to say a great deal directly to induce them to be Christians. For example, don't say, " You ought to be Christians now, because you may die soon because you will be the happier for it,"&c. ; but preach "Christ and him crucified" to them. This way of telling children that it is their duty to be pious, and how great a benefit it will be to themselves, has generally but little permanent effect ; at least, it never had much on me, and I never found it to have much on others. These are some of the principal things that occurred to me, as being worth while to write to you about. I do not know 24 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. that it was necessary that I should have written about them at all ; but if it was not, you know the motives which penned them. There is one thing which you cannot keep too distinctly before you earnest, importunate prayer. You would probably find it an advantage to have a list of all your teachers, on a small slip of paper. Place this in your Bible, and make it a point to re- member at least one of them every day in your prayers. You should also have a list of all the scholars, and, if possible, know them all by their first names. Maintain, also, the utmost possible affection among your teachers, and between them and yourself ; be a brother to them in heart, and your conduct will be all that is necessary. If you can, even at the expense of a good deal of in- convenience, make a circuit of the congregation on behalf of the Sabbath school, about the time you commence, you will find it of immense benefit. Such are some of the points on which 1 would like-to have talked with you particularly, and one of my objects in writing them to you, is to show you, that the interest I feel in Miller's Run Sabbath school, its teachers, and its present superintendent, is still unimpaired ; and long may it continue so ! It is my ear- nest prayer, that you may all increase in love, and be far more useful and active than ever I was, and that the blessing of " Our Father" may rest upon you. Farewell, my brother. There is a place where, though separated in body, we can still meet, and hold communication with each other. W. M. LOWRIE. New York, January 1st, 1838. MR. JOHN LLOYD A happy new year to you, friend John ! and may you see many more such, if the Lord will ! What are you doing now, whilst I am writing to you ? Cousin John tells me you have holidays (old times are in that word,) at present ; so I will just let my imagin- ation try if she can find where you are, or what you are doing. But as you are pretty much of a home-loving creature, I suppose I need not go far to find you. Probably you are going about, pay- ing some fifteen minute visits, for you were never famous for long ones ; or very probably you are standing by the side of the old mill-dam, and watching the fellows skating. I hardly think you would adventure yourself on the ice, for you are most too grave for that. But no I forget ; this is the first Monday of the month, and of the year, and therefore you are probably stuck up in a corner of your room, reading all the missionary pamphlets you can lay hands on. By the way, have you read the life of Swartz 1 If you have not, let me " lay my commands" on you to read it immediately. You know how much our experience resembles eaeh other's now rejoicing, and now, again, discour- aged and without heart. Swartz was always on the proper pitch; LETTERS. 25 constantly in the exercise of strong, unwavering, childlike confi- dence in God, and therefore he was always ready to employ him- self in his Master's business. He was always busy, always cheerful, and always useful. Dear brother, may we strive to be like him, and may we have the same success in our labors that he had in his ! I can ask for few blessings greater, either for you or for myself, than is contained in that wish. I read Bedell's memoirs some time ago, and have just now finished those of Hannah More. They are both of them most excellent. The former I was delighted with. The memoirs of the latter are also very interesting, indeed. They are compiled from her letters almost entirely, including a great many from various celebrated characters who were cotemporary with herself ; and are, I think, excellent models of epistolary correspondence. The style of almost all is very good, and, what is far more important, through most of them there is a strong vein of deep-toned sensibility and piety. I really began to entertain a considerable degree of rever- ence for her before I got quite through the memoir. She was an extraordinary woman, possessed of more than common talents, and able to do almost what she pleased ; yet, so far from indulging herself in this liberty, her whole life was spent in a most quiet manner, without any flashes, or romantic adventures or pursuits, or anything inconsistent with the character of a plain, common-sense woman. Mitchell and Orr, missionaries to China, sailed nearly a month ago. How soon will you be ready ? Do you still think of China in preference to India? It seems strange that this is the beginning of another year. How the time rolls round ! Yet to me the thought that time is rapidly passing away is pleasant. It is solemn, and yet most delightful, to think that my " salvation is nearer than when I be- lieved ;" that, if I am a Christian, I am three years nearer to my heavenly home than when first the light of truth beamed on my darkened and distressed mind. True, of many misimprovements and much waste of precious time, I have to accuse myself ; yet still the Lord is full of compassion, and^the blood of Christ cleans- eth from all sin ; and through him I can look death in the face, and exclaim, when Satan, and doubts, and fears assail me, " I know that my Redeemer liveth." By the way, I heard a sermon on that text yesterday, from an Episcopal minister. He said that the word translated Redeemer in this passage, was the same as that used in Ruth iii. 9, " A near kinsman," or, as the margin has it. " One that has a right to redeem." The mention that such was the meaning of the word, led me into a train of very pleasing and profitable thought. If we had been taken captive by enemies, and knew that our father, or mother, or brother, were aware of it, we should be sure that they would use every exertion to ransom us. But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother : this friend is our Redeemer, and this Redeemer is the omnipotent God. Can there, then, be any doubt of our final salvation ? 26 MEMOIU OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. The last two or three months have been very pleasant ones. I seem to have had more nearness of access to God, greater confi- dence in the Saviour, and more of the influences of the Spirit, than I have usually had. Among other reasons for these great blessings, I have no doubt but the prayers of my many friends in Canonsburg and its vicinity have had much effect. I still need your prayers very much, for I am prone every moment to fall. And now, brother, my paper tells me I must close ; and com- mending you to the grace of God, which is able to keep you through faith unto salvation, I remain, Your affectionate brother in Christ, W. M. LOWRIE. New York, January 27th, 1838. MR. ROGER OWEN- DEAR BROTHER: It would be in vain to attempt to tell you how much pleasure your letter gave me. Although all the letters I have received this winter awakened delightful associations, and opened up fountains of fond reminiscences, yet none did so more than yours. I could almost think we were again sitting on the logs, or under the old shady trees at Miller's Run, and holding sweet converse as in days past. It seemed as if we were again walking out together to " Pleasant Valley," " Rural Retreat," or " Linden Hill," or some other such place, and from behind every tree some old friend would step out to welcome me, and every fence- corner and hollow tree told a tale of other times. It may be fancy, but I always think I can see the face of a friend, and hear his voice, and recall all his peculiar modes of speaking and pronunci- ation, when I see his handwriting. I was indeed sorry to hear that none of our dear Sabbath School scholars had joined the church, and more than once while think- ing of it, tears would have been a relief; yet I could not say that it was surprising. It was but just, for so many imperfections and so much unfaithfulness marked my conduct and prayers and labors there during the last summer, that I could hardly expect any- thing else. Dear brother, profit by my experience, and avoid the keen self-reproaches which I often feel on account of my negli- gence. How much more prayerful I might have been ! How much more earnest and faithful in my labors and appeals to the consciences of those who met in our school. You cannot pray too much for the school; you cannot labor too much for their conver- sion. Slack not, then, your diligence ; oh, be faithful ! Labor, if need be night and day with tears, if by any means you may save some ; and assuredly you will not repent of your exertions on a dying bed, or at the judgment day. I speak this to stir you up, know- ing from my own feelings how unpleasant is the recollection of unfaithfulness. You all. 1 believe, thought me active, and in some degree faithful ; but none of you knew as I did and do now, LETTERS. 27 how much more I might have done had I imitated our blessed Saviour, " who pleased not himself." Yet though I was unfaith- ful, there were others who were not so, and therefore I do not despair, but hope and believe that the labors of last summer will not all be lost. I have not much to add to what was said in my last, about your duties, though there are two things which you have probably thought of before now. 1st. When any children or young persons come into the church in the morning, to go and ask them to join some class, unless you know they will not ; this should always be done. Last summer, I observed three or four little girls and boys who came in one morning, and sat in one of the vacant seats. The first morning I went and asked them to join some class, but could not persuade them to do so. The next day several came, and as they appeared to be the same, I did not ask them to join a class. So it was the next day, and on the fourth Sabbath, rinding they were still there, I determined to ask them again, though hardly expecting they would. To my great surprise they consented at once. I felt a pang in my conscience for leaving them thus for two or three Sabbaths without pressing the matter, and even yet, the recollec- tion of it is very painful. 2d. It is hardly worth while to tell you the second, though it would have been well for me if I had known it: don't do everything yourself, and yet be the soul of all that is done. That is, there are many things the teachers can do, and if you would just direct them or ask them to do it, while you employ yourself about other matters, it would make them feel more re- sponsibility, and extend your influence, and give you time for other things. For instance, the teachers ought to feel that it is their duty to increase the number of scholars, not only in their own classes but in others, and not leave this entirely to the superinten- dent. When one of your teachers is absent, and procures another to suMBiy his or her place, be sure that you yourself take the person who is to supply, and introduce him to the class. This is your business, and not the business of the teacher who may accompany him to the house. I was at Princeton last week, "spying out the land," and brought back a favorable report. If life and health be spared, I shall prob- ably go there next summer. Your brother was well, and all of our Jefferson ians, of whom there were a dozen. May I recommend you a plan of studying the Bible which I have found exceedingly profitable? i. e., to study three or four verses every morning carefully, with all Scott's marginal references. Take up faith, repentance, the love of Christ, humility, &c., or some particular subject. 1 am your affectionate brother, W. M. LOWRIE. 28 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Princeton, July 4th, 1838. MY D.EAR MOTHER ... I get up every morning at half past four, often sooner, but rarely later, and take a walk of one or two miles. It is most invig- orating to the whole system, while the fresh air, singing birds, plea3- ant fragrance of the fields, and the thousand and one nameless pleasures of a morning walk, concur to make it a most delightful custom. When I get back it is near breakfast time. The appro- priate duties of the morning over, I commence study at seven, and continue till half past ten, or perhaps eleven, at Latin, Greek and Hebrew, singing a little at intervals by way of relaxation. Din- ner is ready at half past twelve, and miscellaneous employments occupy me till two ; then some regular reading connected with the course here, till half past four. Prayers and supper at five, and company, talking, walking, singing, meetings, bathing, reading, writing, thinking, and not thinking, &c., till nine. Generally I manage to be asleep soon after ten. My next door neighbor has an alarm clock, which usually awakens me in the morning, and if it did not the old bell would at five. Though not pursuing the regular studies of my class, I find abundance to do, and my time generally passes in the way above described. There is here, as may be supposed, every variety of character. The variety is fully as great, if not greater, than it was at College, excluding of course those who were not professors of religion. There is a good deal of reserve among the students towards new comers, though perhaps not greater than one would expect. As yet I have not made many intimate acquaintances, and do not wish to, for a short time. There are, however, some lovely spir- its among these brethren. Yours affectionately, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, July 21st, 1838. MR. ROGER OWEN DEAR BROTHER, Another week has passed your session is more than half, and ours more than one third over ; and yet to me, as probably to you, it seems but a few days since it com- menced. It seems almost strange sometimes, that we can be indolent or weary in well-doing, when we think how short our time is. Were it not that we have almost daily experience to the contrary, we should think there was no danger of our becoming cold in the service of our Master. But " ere one fleeting hour is past," we often feel our hearts grow cold. But though we are fickle and changing as the morning cloud, or the smoke of the chimney, or the chaff from the threshing-floor, yet God remaineth ever the same, unchangeably glorious and good to all his crea- tures. The thought, that we shall one day be admitted to dwell LETTERS. 29 with him, to be ever with the Lord, is glorious indeed, and may well induce us to bear trials, and temptations, and sorrows, and labors, for his sake. This was much impressed upon my mind the other day, when thinking on the verse, " Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." How emphatic ! every word almost has its meaning. " Little flock" an expression of tenderness. What must have been our Saviour's feelings, as he looked on his disciples and uttered these words ! (Luke xii. 32.) An innumerable multitude were around him Pharisees and Sadducees, his enemies, and those who said they belonged to no party. But his all-seeing eye, and all-know- ing mind, as it glanced over that vast multitude, saw but a few of his own real followers. The vast majority were his enemies. His own were few, like sheep in the world's wide desert, surround- ed with those who would rejoice to drink their blood, and extir- pate them from the earth. But the voice of Jesus falls like soft music on their ears. " Fear not, little flock," though the world oppose you, though men rise up against you, though this is not your rest yet still " it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom/' " Our Father" the most endearing, trust-inspir- ing name that could be given him. " Good pleasure" not plea- sure merely, but his good pleasure, his delight. " To give" for we do not deserve, and cannot purchase it, unworthy, weak, and sinful as we are. " The kingdom" not a kingdom, but the kingdom, the only one worth having, the only one w r hose pos- session does not give its owner more sorrow than joy, more thorns than roses. A kingdom includes all our ideas of worldly happi- ness wealth, honor, fame, ease, pleastire, and the power of doing good all this ; yet every earthly kingdom is but a faint shadow of better things to come, which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive. Pardon me, my brother, if I have unreasonably trespassed on your pa- tience by the above, but the train of thought pleased me, and perhaps it may cheer you, sometimes, in difficulty or distress. TUae other morning, when taking a walk before breakfast, I found a little, bird, just fledged, ou the road; it could fly only a few steps. The innocent little thing let me catch it, and hold it, without appearing at all alarmed ; but the parent birds were in great distress. I set it down, and it ran off into some long grass. The old birds immediately flew down, and began to limp along before me in several curious figures ; and after going ten or twelve yards, one of them very slyly turned back, while the other led me on some forty or fifty yards further, and then, taking wing, thought, though she did not say, " Good morning to you, sir ;" and flew back to the place where we commenced our acquaintance, and I saw her no more. You may draw your own moral from this ;. it pleased me very much. I have just received a letter from Mrs. G , which revived many old recollections. The continued prosperity of your school 30 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. rejoices my heart, though I am sometimes tempted almost to envy you the privilege you have in attending there. May the Lord be with and bless you abundantly. I was surprised and delighted, as well as humbled, to hear of the effect produced by the letter I sent some time ago. If it produces any good effects, it cannot be owing to any goodness of the author, but only to the grace of God. You still keep up the missionary talks. What subject do you at- tend to this summer ? and how much interest appears to be felt in this great, great subject ? It seems, to me at least, more and more important, that a missionary spirit be excited in the minds of children of young children. While we must not, by any means, neglect the Catechism and the Bible, or rather the Bible and the Catechism, yet now is the best time to make them feel on the subject of saving a world. If they be instructed in the principles of missions now, they will need no argument to con- vince them of the importance and duty of sending the gospel to the heathen. There are some lovely spirits here. The standard of piety is by no means as high as it should be ; but still there are some who seem to walk with God. The missionary brethren, of whom there are some fourteen or fifteen, include some of the best men in the Seminary. It has been very profitable to me to be here, but still I find ii, ix'.juires watching and prayer ; and often, O very often, does this cold heart become weary in well-doing. Often does it become very formal, and search for truth more with a critical than a practical view. This is one of the great dangers here. Dear brother, pray for me. Be courageous, and strong in the service of God. Did you ever observe the blessed promises and encour- agements of the first chapter of Joshua ? They apply to us, as well as to Joshua of old. May the Lord of love and peace be with, and bless you abun- dantly. Your affectionate brother in Christ, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, September 8th, 1838. DEAR MOTHER .... With one exception this country is very pleasant, but that exception is a great drawback ; we have none of the grand hills and valleys that are found about the Alleghany river, and conse- quently but little variety of scenery. The sunset scenes here sur- pass in beauty all that I have ever seen, for such a country is just, the kind for them; wide plains "bathed in light," and gradually becoming less and less visible as the sun sinks in the west, con- spire to shed a peaceful impression o\ er the mind. But for that very reason our morning prospects are dull. The animating scene of the sun gilding first the tops of the hills, then penetrating to the deep valleys, is not witnessed here LETTERS. 31 I have never, it seems to me, felt such a true affection for all my relations and friends, as during this summer, and never such a willingness to leave them all, and go wherever duty might call, even, if necessary, to the " grave of the white man," Western Af- rica where few are laboring, and none seem ready to go and help them. Dr. Miller made some excellent remarks at our last Monthly Concert, on the necessity of more entire dependence on the Spirit of God in the work of missions. Some statements had been made in regard to the great want of laborers in some fields, and he took occasion thence to observe that we are too apt to rely on mere human strength, and if a person has filled any particular station well for a length of time, we imagine it would be left en- tirely unsupplied on his removal, as though man and not God was the cause of any success or prosperity. It was a consoling truth, and especially so for those who, as watchmen, know best the wants of the world, and the difficulty of supplying them. . . . Our session closes in a short time, and if spared, I hope to be home this day three weeks. I had intended going on foot to Easton, and through the northern parts of New Jersey, but have now decided to wait till near the close of vacation. Besides, I have some thought of studying Hebrew with Dr. Nordheimer, in New York, during the vacation. He is undoubtedly the best He- brew scholar in the United States, though yet a very young man. He told me I might acquire a good knowledge of it in that time, and if so, the course here would not only be less laborious, but in some things far more profitable. My health is better now, and appears more firm than it has ever been ; and though I have studied harder than ever before, yet the pain in my breast has almost entirely left me, and I have not had an hour's sickness of any kind since leaving New York. Truly " my cup runneth over." Yet probably a week of sickness would prostrate me far more than many others, but " sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Thus far I have had strength given me for the performance of duty, and here I raise my Ebenezer : " Hither by thy grace I'm come, And I hope by thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home." There is a beautiful hymn and tune in the Manhattan collec- tion, page 200. We have a good deal of singing and music here, but not much good music. The style of singing does not please one very well, who has imbibed Mr. Hastings' love of distinct ar- ticulation and expression. With much affection, W. M. LOWRIE. 32 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. New York, October 6th, 1838. MR. JOHN M. LOWRIE DEAR COUSIN : The news of our dear Sarah's death was en- tirely unexpected. I had heard she was unwell, and apparently declining, but had no expectation at all that she would so soon be called hence. I can sympathize with you, dear cousin, for your case is much like my own. In my firs.t session at College I lost my mother, and in my third my sister ; a sister too, whose sweet and engaging dis- position had made her to be loved by all who knew her. It is my prayer and my hope that this affliction may be sanctified to us all, and that, while our ties to earth are being severed one by one, we may be the closer drawn to our God, and may place our affections more and more in heaven, where there is no more sickness nor sorrow, nor pain nor death. My return to New York this fall was rendered solemn by several circumstances. About a month ago, one of our Sunday School teachers, an amiable and pious young lady, died ; and last Monday, a sister of another. These circum- stances seem to have cast a gloom over the circle of our friends here, which is increased by the dangerous illness of two or three others. Truly we live in a world of death, and it seems strange that we should ever seek for happiness in such a world. " None but Jesus Can do helpless sinners good." Messrs. Scott, Freeman, and Warren, with their wives, expect to sail from Philadelphia for India next Monday. Father is at Philadelphia now, and will not return until they go. I became very much attached to Brother Scott this summer. He was for- merly my Bible class teacher at College, and it was very pleasant to renew our mutual acquaintance again. His wife is spoken 'of as a most superior woman ; I have been much disappointed in not seeing her. Mr. and Mrs. Warren spent a day or two with us, in the fore-part of this week. Your affectionate cousin. W. M. Princeton, February 22d, 1839. MR. JOHN LLOYD DEAR BROTHER : I have not laughed as heartily this session, as I did when reading that "called in the vernacular tongue" let- ter you sent me some time ago. My good landlady, by whom I was sitting, said there must be something very funny in it, for she never knew me to laugh so before. I have just been reading it over, and feel my spirits quite elevated. This has been a great day here among the College students. They had some twenty or twenty-five speeches, (Senior,) all deliv-. ered in our Seminary Chapel, as their own is not large enough. LETTERS. 33 They have one very amusing custom here on such occasions : some of the wittier chaps get together and form a list containing the names of all who speak, to each of which they add a subject, and the name of some tune. In all these subjects, tunes, &c., there is some allusion to some peculiarity in the speakers I attended but for a few minutes, being busy with my Hebrew and a Report for Society of Inquiry. We find it difficult even here to keep up the interest in our Society of Inquiry, though the organization is very perfect. The Committee meetings here are almost as profitable as those of the Society of Inquiry, as we usually discuss some question, or have an essay on some subject connected with the object of the Committee, On the subject of personal religious feeling, I suppose I can sympathize with you as formerly. It is distressing to feel that we ought to be more engaged in the service of God, and yet feel a, deadness, a numbness of all the moral feelings, when we contem- plate divine things. In such a condition, the word of God, while we see that it has force, makes no impression on us ; prayer seems more like a task than a pleasure; meditation is a tedious, taste- less thing. And yet we cannot feel happy in the world ; that does not satisfy us ; that cannot fill the aching void. But it is profitable to be left thus, at times ; for then we feel more and more our own weakness, and perhaps it would not do for persons constituted as you and I are, to enjoy too much of mere comfort r we would place our hearts too much on the pleasure, and be in danger of forgetting Him from whom it came. On this subject there is great danger, too, of our making mistakes, and, because we do not enjoy religion as much as formerly, of thinking we are not as engaged as we were then. The truth, I suppose, is, that we are not to measure our standard of piety by our enjoyment, so much as by the steadiness of our purpose of self-consecration to God. The more willing we feel to renounce all for him, to sub- mit to him, to be anything or nothing as he chooses indeed, to have our will entirely swallowed up in his, just so far, and no far- theigMo we grow in grace. Like John the Baptist we shall say of o^BSaviour, " He must increase, but I must decrease." And there is a pleasure in lying down at the feet of Jesus, and yielding ourselves to him, which may not be accompanied with tumultuous joy, but it brings a calm and holy peace which the world never knew. At such times we look on death and the grave without fear, nay, almost with desire ; for, though we are willing to labor our three score years and ten, yet we feel that " to be with Christ is far better." Dear brother, when you feel your heart so cold, does it not rejoice you to think that in heaven it will not be so? that there you shall know and lo'vS as much as you wish, and that these vexing cares and trying experiences will be no more 1 " There is an hour of peaceful rest To mourning wanderers given ; 34 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIK. There is a joy for souls distressed A balm for every wounded breast : 'Tis found above in heaven." Wherefore, my brother, comfort your heart with these words. The Psalmist, in his affliction, remembered God "from the land of the Hermonites, and the hill Mizar." There is a land and a hill to which you can refer with feelings of joy I need not say where nor when. I commenced the preceding page with my own heart in the dust. ; but these thoughts have gladdened it and re- freshed me. I think you will be highly delighted with the Seminary course, especially the study of Hebrew ; nothing ever delighted me so much, in the way of study, as that venerable language; and the facilities of studying it are now so great that any one may ac- quire it. Get Nordheimer's Grammar by all means, and don't think of any other ; it is a real treat to read that Grammar. I must close, but only for want of time to write more. The Jefferson students here are all well, and, if they knew I was writ- ing, would doubtless ask to be remembered to you. Farewell. Pray for me. In Christian love, yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, April 19th, 1839. MR. ROGER OWEN DEAR BROTHER : You are now probably returned, and are about to commence your pastoral visitation. I could wish to be along with you, to go from house to house, and step in and chat a few moments, and say something about the weather, and something about the school, and, on a good occasion, something for our Mas- ter, and then pass on. May our Father bless you in your visits, and in all you do about that beloved school. I hope and pray you may find your highest expectations more than realized, and that the Lord will come down, and make bare his arm j^^>u r midst this summer. Remember me very kindly to Profj|^n'th. As to advice about conducting the school, &c., I am not competent to give any that would be of much use to you. I hope sincerely you will still continue the 'missionary talks; and, if you have op- portunity, it might be well for you to get as many of the people as possible to take the Chronicle. Permit me to congratulate you on your success at the last Con- test. I can do so, without anything of the spirit of Society which I felt when at College ; and I may also add my earnest hope, that my dear brother will not be injured, as too many others have been, by the honors of this world, which, though glittering, are unsatis- fying ; though apparently full, are empty ; though promising ,much, are deceitful. shall look for you here next fall, and I hope to have work LETTERS. 35 ready for you, when you do come. You will find some warm hearts ready to receive you ; and, however you may be disap- pointed as to the degree of piety here, you will still find many and great, and exceeding precious privileges, and means of preparing for future usefulness, which you would not probably find els- where. But bring with you the pure and glowing flame of piety, or you will find it difficult to kindle it here. As is the standard of piety in Colleges, so, very nearly, will it be in the Seminary. They who are faithful or unfaithful in the lower sphere, will be much the same in the higher. I hope, especially, you will make your influence felt in the Brainerd Evangelical Society. It is your last summer, and I am sure you will find no greater privi- leges here than you enjoy there. That Society ought to do much, and you should not confine your efforts merely to attempt to kin- dle the flame in your own breast, though even this you will find hard work. It is best roused by active exertion in endeavoring to go out of one's self. You know our two resolutions, to " converse with the impenitent," and u to converse with Christians ;" what- ever you may do about the former of these, the latter is worth a serious trial again. Both had an excellent effect on us that sum- mer. But I am lecturing to you with as much authority as if I were your master, and not merely your fellow-servant. Did you ever observe that all the seven epistles in Rev. ii. and iii. com- mence, " I know thy ivorks ?" There is something curious and worthy of thought about that. Monday, April 22nd. Dr. Brown came to my room on Friday night, and the Jefferson students assembled, and we had an hour's talk, and sung and prayed twice. It was as much as I could do to keep from weeping, when the venerable old Doctor raised the first tune. It seemed like former times, when we met in the Senior Hall, and lifted up our hearts to God. Your affectionate brother in Christ, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, June 24th, 1839. MR. JOHN LLOYD DEAR BROTHER: .... I am very sorry you cannot come here in the fall. To me nothing would afford greater pleasure ; for one of kindred spirit with myself, to enter fully into all my feelings and sympathize with me, I have not found since we parted at least, none like yourself. It pains me now at times, when I think how much more profitable we might have been to each other in the Christian life. But it also rejoices me, to think of our seasons of Christian intercourse, and of the long walks we had over the hills, when we talked of heaven, and our hearts burned as our Saviour met with us by the way. Do you ever now enjoy such seasons ? Yesterday Dr. Alexander preached on 2 Cor. iii. 18 ; "We all, with open face," &c. While preaching, a few thoughts 36 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. of the astonishing condescension and love of Jesus, the great God. taking our nature upon him, and living "manifest in the flesh," seemed to fill my mind. I could readily conceive of a Christian's soul being swallowed up in contemplation of God's character and the Saviour's love. Oh ! the riches of boundless, endless grace ! Yet it is not often this icy heart is thus melted, and oh, it is much easier for the flame once kindled to die away, than to mount up and reach towards heaven. Dear brother, pray for me. The Christian's life is a warfare, and more and more do I feel that every day must witness conflicts and battles sore and long. Why should the soldiers slumber when the enemy is upon them? Es- pecially why should the leaders be remiss when the danger is so urgent ? The subject of missions receives some attention here, but not what it deserves. Last term the interest was considerable, and there were twelve or fifteen who looked forward to the foreign field as their future destination. How flourishes the spirit of mis- sions at College? You have never mentioned this in any of your letters. I hope the Brainerd Society prospers. That band of bro- thers might do wonders; they ought to do much. So we all should. But oh ! how cold our love, how weak our faith is found. " Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." Most truly yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, July 10th. 1839. MR. ROGER OWEN DEAR BROTHER: Your last letter contained good and bad news. I almost envied you the privilege of going round among those dear people, and of superintending that beloved school; but I rejoiced that you accomplished so much, and that the Lord seemed so to smile on your efforts. May his blessing crown them with greater and yet greater success ! I wish you would write to me soon, and draw off a little diagram of the school, and^|ark down the position of every class, number of scholars in l^and teacher's name. You have been making such additions to the school that I don't know how you look ; and then just give me the order of exercises. The bad news in your letter was the illness of Mrs. S. and Mrs. G. By a letter to Griffith. I hear they are both called away. The stroke fell heavily upon me, and I was forced to feel the truth of the sentiments of a piece in my Album, written by Mary Ann. "Oh what a changeful world is this," &c. The news of their death, though feared for some time, came unexpectedly ; I did hope to see at least one of them in the fall. I shall never forget an expression used by Mis. S., when I was sitting by the window in their house one Sabbath morning. She suddenly spoke to me ; " Mr, Lowrie, don't you expect to go to India ?" I told her yes. LETTERS. 37 " "Well, I just thought so ;" and soon after she said with deep emo- tion, " Well, Mr. Lowrie, we will think of you when you go there.* My heart, was full, and I could only say, " I hope so." If the spir- its of the blest may look down and see their friends on earth, per- haps she and her daughter will think of me, but they will never on earth again see me or hear of me. " Yet why should we a drop bemoan, Who have the fountain near." And while Jesus thinks of us, and he will never forget us, why should we sorrow too much for the encouragements of our friends ? Tell me a good deal in your next about their last days ; and if you could secure me some little memento of either or both of them, I would prize it highly. Now a little about myself. I was at home in May and half of June, but did very little ; came back here about the middle of June, and found my hands full of business at once, besides the regular studies of the Seminary. I have charge of the Seminary Library, of a prayer-meeting weekly in Queenston, about one mile from the Seminary, and about two weeks ago, when the superin- tendent of our Sunday School in Q,ueenston resigned, I was unan- imously elected to fill his place. The school is small, but much out of order just now, consequently I have much to do. Come on in the fall, and we will have a class ready for you. Last Sabbath morning, I got to thinking how we used to walk about, and go up and down those long steep hills, and all around there. " The memory of joys that are past is like the music of Caryl, pleasant and mournful to the soul." We have a couple of brethren in the seminary going out to Africa in two weeks, Canfield and Alvvard ; the former is licensed to preach, the latter is not yet. They go to explore, and will probably return and spend the first unhealthy season here. I feel a deep interest in that mission. Three others go to India in the fall. There are, besides these, ten or eleven others here who look forward to the work of missions, besides several who are ex- amining the subject. Remember us in your prayers. Please write soon. My time is up and I must bid you good-by. The blessing of our Father in heaven be with you. Your brother in Christian affection, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, August 21st, 1839. To MR. JOHN LLOYD DEAR FRIEND : Your letter did me good like a cordial. It convinced me, though I did not need that, that there was one per- son in the world who cared for so useless and insignificant a crea- 38 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. ture us myself; that I was sometimes affectionately remembered when the lowering clouds without were but an emblem of the deeper gloom within ; and when despondency seemed to paralyze the energies of the soul, that still there were those who would pray for me, and sympathize with me. It was good news from a far country : and, if you will pardon the comparison, as Jonathan stripped off his own robe and gave it to David, so did the disposi- tion and frame you seemed to be in steal over my mind. There is not much missionary spirit in the Seminary at present, and few, if any, have lately decided to go abroad. Still there ap- pears to be an under-current of feeling on the subject, which, we hope, will soon manifest itself openly. I have not yet decided where to go, and do not expect to, for some time. But let me whisper in your ear, for I don't want it known, that I look to a field nearer home than China, or even North India. Don't hold up your hands in astonishment at this I mean Western Africa, the white man's grave. There has been a great change of feeling in the Seminary, in regard to this field, since I came here. Last summer, at the first part of the session, there was not one student who even thought of Western Africa as a missionary field. But during the course of the last winter, one, and then another, of the brethren determined to go to Western Africa, and they have now gone. May our Father go with them ! I look on this experiment with deep interest ; it is yet an experiment, but I hope it will be successful. My religious feelings are exceedingly cold at present. It is dif- ficult to be always engaged in the critical study of the Bible, and collateral objects of inquiry, and not have the mind at times drawn away from the spirit to the mere letter of the commands. Yet I do at times, even in recitation, obtain a glimpse of Him whom my soul loveth ; and O, how sweet is his countenance ! The doc- trine of justification by faith has appeared to me in a clearer light this summer than ever before ; and though sometimes the " old man" seems to revolt against it, yet it always seems the most glorious to God, and worthy of acceptance. It gives an immova- ble ground of confidence, and removes every reason for de^air. O that we may both heartily embrace it, and be saved for Christ's sake only ! Write to me soon. Your brother in Christ, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, December 5th, 1839 MY DEAR MOTHER I am afraid you will think I am forgetting you entirely ; but I am kept so busy by various matters, that there seems to be no time for correspondence, or writing, or any of the social duties. We have received forty-seven new students this session, and LE1TERS. 39 probably will receive a few more. Much to my gratification, two of my most intimate College friends are among the number. This, with other mercies, makes my cup overflow. My health has con- tinued very good. I felt rather lonely in leaving home to come here, and it did seem but too short a time to spend but two weeks with you Yours affectionately, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, December llth, 1839. MR. JOHN LLOYD DEAR BROTHER : Your very welcome epistle was taken up principally in proposing objections to Western Africa as a mission- ary field ; and I was glad to read them ; not that they have al- tered the current of my desires, but they brought the subject fully before me again. Your objections were 1st. The unhealthiness of Western Af- rica, and 2nd. The prospects of usefulness in North India or China. The first is a strong one, and even stronger, perhaps, than you suppose ; in one point of view, and to one ignorant of the facts, it is so. Of one hundred and ten missionaries sent by the Church Missionary Society, in the course of thirty years, a very large propor- tion died in two or three months, and vastly the majority before they did anything : yet the very first one who went out lived twenty-three years, and several others shorter periods. But the question is, why so many died so soon ? Answer : 1st. Because of the unhealthiness of the climate. 2nd. Because far less was known of the climate of Western Africa by medical men than of almost any other tropical country ; and therefore their remedies were npt so skilfully applied, nor preventives so effectually used in the first instance. 3d. Because many of the missionaries act- ed exceedingly rashly when they first commenced operations. They came from England and Germany, and, in some cases, with insufficient accommodations on their voyage. They commenced tUbir labors immediately. During the hot summer they preached two or three times every Sabbath, superintended schools during the week, worked at hard work often. Others, particularly fe- males, died of complaints not peculiar to any climate. As to the first reason, it is with me a question whether the climate of Africa is at all more unhealthy than that of India. Now for the second. The prospect, of doing a great deal of good is very flattering in India. But is Africa to be left until India is evangelized? Perhaps, also, we do not at all know what the prospects are in Africa. I am inclined to think them very exten- sive. Certainly our missionaries have their hands full, and much more. What else can they say in India? Again, the human heart is the same everywhere ; yet I apprehend that there are not so many obstacles in Africa to the conversion of the natives as 40 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. there are in India. They are a ruder people ; they have less to pride themselves upon in the way of sciences, arts, and wealth, than the Hindus ; and we know that not many noble, not many mighty, are called. Tiue, the Lord is able to convert the learned and proud, just as well as the ignorant and degraded ; blessed be his name for it : yet still, do we not commonly find, that among the latter there are more cases of hopeful conversion than among the former? But I have not time now to continue the subject. These are some of the reasons, barely mentioned, and thrown together without any order, that combine to make me prefer Western Africa. China, I fear, is to me out of the question. My life will probably be short at best, and I certainly expect the greater part of it would be gone before I could master that lan- guage. Siam I might like on some accounts. I have talked of India often, and while my brother was there, I thought of that country ; but it has never appeared to me in so inviting an aspect as it has to some others. My sympathies are awakened for Af- rica. My judgment, perhaps influenced somewhat by my sympa- thies, speaks for her ; the prospects of usefulness call loudly ; objections do not seem so strong to me as to some others ; and " Here am I, Lord," is all I have to say about this subject. My mind is not made up, and will not be, till I have more carefully examined the subject. The Lord direct my inquiries, and yours also, my dear brother. We are now engaged in studying theology an interesting, de- lightful, and infinite subject. Yours in the most cordial Christian love, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, January ^d, 1840. MY DEAR MOTHER .... I sometimes find it very difficult to refrain from quoting the words of Scripture, to point a joke or to adorn a tale. The words are suggested to the mind so appropriately, that it seems as if we could hardly help using them. Yet this certainly is a temp- tation either of Satan or our own deceitful hearts, and therefore should be avoided. It is a hard thing so to keep our lips that they offend not, and one is reminded sometimes of that Scripture. "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." How inconceivable to us poor creatures it seems, that our Saviour, in all his stay upon earth, never spoke an idle word -, yet such was the fact. Last Sabbath I was reading Psalm xci. in the Sabbath School. The last verse is, " With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation." The word "satisfy," has great force and expressiveness here. Men generally are not satisfied with life ; they wish it were longer, and when about to die, they shrink back from the approaching conflict. The life too of the child of God LETTERS. 41 may end here ; but the promise is, that hereafter he shall be satis- fied with life ; and as nothing less than eternal life will satisfy the souls in heaven, there they shall be satisfied. . . . Very affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton. January 7th, 1840. MR. THOMAS W. KERR DEAR COUSIN : . . . Our class is on the whole quite a pleasant one ; we have some men in it of superior talents, and I trust we have some of deep, devoted piety. At present there is quite an inter- esting state of feeling in the class, on the subject of personal duty to the heathen ; and several of the class are inquiring very seriously as to their own duty. There are twelve or fifteen in the Seminary who expect to be missionaries, and from present appearances we hope there will be eight or ten more soon ; yet this is not a suffi- cient proportion ! It does seem as if many of our theological stu- dents were unwilling to examine this subject. I would hope that such is not the case with the brethren in your Seminary, but dare hardly believe it. Oh that we could all feel more deeply on this subject, one that concerns so nearly our present and future hap- piness, the welfare of immortal souls, and the glory of God. Among those in the Seminary who have decided to be mission- aries, quite a pleasant, even a delightful feeling exists, and it is good to be with them. I should like dearly to have a good social chat with you, like some of those we used to have in Canonsburg. I look back on my intercourse with you and Elizabeth, as among my most pleas- ant times in Janonsburg; and Miller's Run, and the old log school-housechurch I mean and the shady trees, and the acorns falling down instead of gourds. But I am at the end of my sheet. Farewell pray for me. May the richest blessings of our Father in heaven rest on you both. Your affectionate cousin and Christian brother, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, February 21st, 1840. MR. JOHN M. LOWRIE DEAR COUSIN: . ... I was reading Turrettin's Theology this morning, about the tree of life, and the comparison he instituted between the tree of life and Christ was really most delightful. I could almost believe I was in heaven partaking of its fruits, nu- merous and varied and rich as they are ; sitting under its shade, and quaffing of the river of the water of life, that flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. Oh for that happy time when faith shall be turned to sight, and expectation to the full fruition of the holy joys of heaven. But alas, the language of mourning 42 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. and sorrow suits me best. I know but in part, and I am sancti fied but in part. I see but through a glass darkly, and eternal things fade away in the distance, while earthly trifles fill the mind. But it will not always be so. The Lord prepare us, both living and dying, to glorify his name ! .... With iny present views of the holy ministry, I would rather spend four years than three, in preparing directly for it, and certainly I think there will be no reason to regret having spent a session extra in reference to it. I find that in every place I have still the same evil heart, the same proneness to depart from God ; and I fear very much, lest after a while, the exercises of this place, admirably calculated as they appear to be for the cultivation of piety, should degenerate with me into a mere round of formal duties. Nothing but con- stant dependence on God, and constant renunciation of ourselves, can possibly secure us from danger. I am more and more convinced that the Bible, the word of God, should be the great study of the minister of God, and that all other studies should be subservient to this. Even theology is only valuable so far as it gives us clearer views of what the Bible teaches, and connected views of its great doctrines. With a com- prehensive and extended knowledge of the Bible as a whole, and in detached portions, we shall be workmen that need not be ashamed. Your affectionate cousin, W. M. LOWRIE. Sabbath Evening, March 8th, 1840. MR. JOHN LLOYD DEAR BROTHER : I never think of writing a letter on the Sabbath, except to some intimate Christian friend, or other person, with whom I wish to hold religious intercourse ; and it seems to me that it is as lawful to do this as to hold Christian conversation with a Christian brother for consolation, or with an impenitent per- son for his conviction. Do you remember the day of the month when we joined the church together? I have forgotten the pre- cise date, but it must have been about this time five years ago. Five years ! How little could we, or did we, then know of what should happen in the time that has already past ! How little did we know of the trials, and difficulties, and temptations we should have to encounter in our Christian course. I verily fear that, could I have foreseen these difficulties I should have greatly doubted, or but for the grace of God should have even despaired of ever strug- gling on for five years amidst them. Now I do not regret what is past. When one is once fairly through with any difficulty, he cannot find it in his heart to regret that he has encountered it. But to look forward, for five, or it may be fifty years, and to think of maintaining a constant contest with in-dwelling sin ! Surely it may well appal the stoutest heart. Yet, we may answer this LETTERS. 43 fear in two ways. He that has led us, and fed us in the wilder- ness so long, will not now desert us ; and it argues great want of faith, and much ingratitude, to suspect that God's feelings toward us vary and change with the transient emotions of our own vari- able minds. And second, we go entirely beyond our sphere when we think of calculating how long we have to live, and how long we have to contend with Satan. " There is but a step between me and death." We know not that we shall see either fifty or five years ; nay, before this letter reaches its destination, one or other of us may have gone where there is no need of watchfulness and fightings. How foolish, then, to harass our minds with vain doubts and fears of what we cannot tell shall ever happen to us. Our duty is concerned only with the present time. " Secret things," except as revealed by prophecy, " belong unto the Lord our God," and he will direct them best. You have probably had these thoughts often in your mind, yet the knowledge that they have sometimes had a good effect on the mind of your Christian brother, may not be ungrateful to you. I have to mourn my exceeding coldness and deadness in religion ; while I have hardly ever had clearer views of religious things than for some time past, yet it has seemed to me that my affections have never been less vigorous than during the same period. I see so much with the intellectual eye, which the heart does not appear to be at all aware of, that I must lie very low before God. I often wonder why I am yet spared, and fear very greatly that I shall never be of any use in the ministry, so that often " my soul chooses death rather than life." True, this feeling of despondency is not right, and doubtless it often arises more from disappointed pride than from true humility. Oh, who can understand his ways ! " Lord, cleanse thou me from secret faults, and keep thy servant back from presumptuous sins." Did you ever meditate on Psalm xcii. 13? "Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God." Does that mean that those who commence to live in God's service here, though it be but a commencement, a planting, shall live forever, and nourish in the upper sanctuary above ? This is certainly true, but does this verse teach it ? We are but nursery plants here, soon to be taken to the Paradise of God, there to flourish evermore. How consoling is this to our weakness, and doubts and fears ! In the Sabbath School of which I have charge, there are some hopeful prospects, but alas ! few and faint. The longer I live the more I see of rny own deficiencies, and of my unfitness for the great work, and my faith does not appear to grow in proportion to the difficulties that meet me. How hard it is to conquer self- righteousness, and trust fully and securely on Jesus Christ alone. Pray for me. Your truly affectionate brother in Christ, W. M. LOWRIE. 44 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. Princeton, April 30th, 1840. MR. JOHN LLOYD DEAR BROTHER : .... Oar session is very near its end, and I am heartily glad of it, /or I am nearly worn down. I felt more completely sick yesterday than I have done for nearly five years ; and, though better to-day, I am still weak. This earthly house will be dissolved, certainly before many years, it may be, in a short time ; and then, what awaits me ? I can look forward to death without apprehension, sure that Christ can and will save me, and feeling that there is none other who can ; yet I feel often afraid that so unprofitable a servant will not be received. Surely it would not be on account of my own exertions, were I ever so useful ; yet I fear lest I have been so unprofitable as to have given no proofs of being really a servant. But though often depressed on account of a prevailing sense of unworthiness and sin, and scarcely ever experiencing much joy, yet I do have peace, through our Lord Jesus Christ. I have been often of late at the bed-side of an aged Christian, who is gradually sinking away, like " The western evening light, Which melts in deepening gloom." I asked him yesterday morning, if he still enjoyed the peace of God ? " Oh, yes, constantly ; not a cloud is on my mind : I seem to have no will of my own, but am waiting the Lord's time." He seems, truly, ready to depart ; and though his death will be a severe trial to his family, and to myself, yet it will be to him but going home. Were it not that, perhaps, there is something for me yet to do in this world, I could wish to be in his place. Yet not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done. Mr. Canfield, who has been to Western Africa, on an exploring mission, returned a few weeks since. He has been here for three or four days, most of the time in my room ; and I have had much conversation w r ith him on that field. He is so well pleased that he intends returning as soon as the Board will send him, and is very anxious I should go as soon as I leave the Seminary. I cer- tainly feel very greatly inclined that way, though not disposed to do anything rashly in the matter. I must know before long what is my duty. What say you? I wish we could have a full and free conversation on the subject, for a letter will not contain the tenth part of what I could say. I think the result of this mission has made it pretty certain that the way is open, and the prospects for life and usefulness fair ; and it is certainly one of the most interesting missionary fields in the world. At present I stand in this position : if I were to offer myself to the Board to-day, I would say, " Send me to any part of the world, and I will go. I do not, however, wish to go to our Western Indians, and would prefer Western Africa." The matter is coming home to me now, for it LETTERS. 45 may be my duty to offer myself to the Board during this year ; and I rejoice to be able to say, that I never felt more willing to do so. It is a wonderful thing that such poor creatures as we should be allowed to do anything for the honor of our God, and that he should condescend to accept our weak endeavors. . . . This is a lovely country in the evening. I am never weary of gazing on the vast plain from my window, and watching the variegated appearance it presents. The trees have now become quite green, and about sunset it presents a scene of surpassing beauty. I do not know whether other persons enjoy scenery as much as I do, but it has a most soothing effect on my mind ; and yet, gaze on it as I may, there is still a longing after something more something higher, something holier, a longing after heaven, where we shall have no desires that cannot be satisfied. Such a view as is now spread out before my window always reminds me of heaven ; and very often, of our walk over the hills, when the glory of heaven appeared to us both. Your brother in Christ, W. M. LOWRIE. New York, July 27th, 1840. To A SABBATH SCHOOL SCHOLAR MY DEAR WILLIAM : I ain persuaded that the accompanying little book will not be an unacceptable memento of a former friend of one who not only formerly was your friend, but who still feels in you an interest not easily to be expressed. The book has a quaint title, but it is written by somebody who knows much of the world, much of the heart, and much of his Bible. In this case, as in many others, you will find, that a plain title is like the old sign over the door of a rich merchant. It may not be very inviting on the outside, but when you enter you are charmed by the variety, the order, and the value of the merchandise ; and at every step your admiration for the occupant is increased. I need not ask you to read the book, for its own merits would soon in- duce you to do that ; and I feel sure that your friendship for me would incline you to do so. But I do ask you to ponder well the contents of some of its chapters, such as " The Warning," p. 150, and others. You will find them full of weighty matters, and, with the blessing of God, they may often direct you in your course through life, and make you wise unto salvation. It seems but a little while since we used to meet together in the Session-room, and enjoy our mutual interviews ; and yet two years have passed. It would be in vain for me to attempt to tell you how often my thoughts run back to that time, and the pleasure that the recollection of my intercourse with my beloved class af- fords me. It is a green spot in a journey, the most of which has been a pleasant one ; it is a flower of a brighter hue, and sweeter imell, in a garden where many " plants of desire" have grown ; 46 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. and though at times a deep depression of spirits does come over me, yet even then the remembrance of my former acquaintance with you, is "the memory of joys that are past pleasant and mournful to the soul." But the probability is, that we shall not often meet together again. Our lots are likely to be widely apart, our occupations to be very different. When we do meet, we shall probably meet but fora short tine, soon to part. Let not our parting be forever. We must meet yet once again, and after that there will either be no more parting, or an eternal separation. My dear William, w r hat would I not give to see you a follower of the meek and lowly Jesus ? to see you acknowledging him as your Master ; adorning his cause by the talents you possess ; seeking not your own glory, but his who made you ; pleasing not yourself, but him who has done so much for you. Let me entreat you to make your peace with God, through Jesus Christ. I am sorry for your present indisposition, but perhaps it is sent in mercy, to remind you that you are here but for a season, and to excite you to come to Him now, and find salvation. Such is God's usual object in sending affliction of any kind, and though for the present it may seem " not joyous but grievous, yet after- wards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby." I need hardly tell you why it is so important that you should seek religion now. You know that this is the best time ; that delays are dangerous ; that mercy, which is now waiting, may not always wait ; that the longer you continue impenitent, the more sinful you become, and. the less disposed to turn to religion. You know that religion is not a gloomy thing, for what can there be in religion to make a man sad ? Surely not that God is reconciled to him, not that his sins are pardoned, and that he has the hope of heaven. Religion has its sorrows, but the sorrows of the world are far greater, and far more lasting. Religion has its joys, which the world knows not joys more lasting than time, more precious than earth's jewels. Peace with God, peace in the heart, the joy of holiness and con- formity to God, the expectation of perfect holiness hereafter, these are joys that will remain with their possessor in sickness as well as in health, in poverty as well as in riches, in death as well as in life, in the convulsions of nature, when the heavens are dissolved, and the elements melt with fervent heat, as well as in the quiet moments of retirement, and the calm solitudes of holy meditation. I have written to you freely, because I wished to do you good, and because I hope your friendship for me will induce you to receive with kindness a few words of affectionate counsel. When I have gone far hence to the Gentiles, may I not hope still to live in your memory, and may I not trust that my intercourse with you has been both pleasant and profitable ? Farewell may the God of all grace bless you, for Christ's sake. Yours most truly, W. M. LOWRIE. LETTERS. 47 New Yorfc, July 27th, 1840. To A SABBATH SCHOOL SCHOLAR MY DEAR CHARLES : Accompanying this, I send you a small book, as a memento of myself, not that I fear you will soon, if ever, forget the pleasant times of other years, when as teacher and scholar we met together; but because the sight of anything that once belonged to an absent friend, will easily recall him to mind, and often awaken associations that would otherwise have slept in the bosom. And what associations will the sight of anything that recalls me to your recollection, awaken? Our intercourse has been principally in the Sabbath School. It was short, but it was pleasant. I believe our affection and friendship for each other was mutual, and, at the present time, few things afford me more pleasure than to remember the hours spent in the corner of the Session-room, where, with my class around me, we conversed on the revelation made by a gracious God to his sinful and lost creatures. And now, in my occasional visits to this place, few occurrences afford me more gratification than to meet with any of my former class, and converse with them of other days. In the 'moments of gloom and despondency, which at times cloud my mind, and occasion sorrow such as those who have never felt what melancholy is can scarcely conceive, there are few things that can more speedily cheer my mind, and reassure me that there are some who care for me, than to dwell on the seasons spent in the Chris- topher street Sabbath School. The pleasure I myself feel, in rec- ollecting these things, and in meeting with you, assures me that you feel, to some extent at least, the same pleasure ; for it is com- monly true that where affection exists at all, it is mutual. " As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man." Such being the interest, then, that I feel in you, you will not won- der that I ask, " what associations will anything that recalls me to your recollection awaken?" nor to hear that often, when others around me are slumbering, my thoughts revert to each one of my class individually, and by name ; and I think what will become of this one, and of that one ? Shall I ever meet with them in this world ? What influence do the instructions they received from me, exert upon their hearts ? What deep impressions have they produced ? And when we meet at the last great day, shall we stand at the right hand of our glorious Judge? Nor will it surprise you to hear that often I lift up the silent, and the uttered prayer, for my " beloved scholars" in general, and for each one by name, that they may be led by a gracious hand, that they may be kept from the world's temptations, that the instructions they formerly received, and are now receiving, may be as the good seed sown in good ground, and producing fruit unto e.ternal life. I have been writing of myself, and of my own feelings, but it was to show you the place you hold in my heart, and to assure you that no changes of place, no length of time, can alter the in- 48 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. terest I feel in your welfare, temporal and spiritual. Now, my dear Charles, shall my fondest anticipations concerning you be realized, or have I been cherishing only the deceitful phantoms of a mistaken fancy ? Shall my prayers, poor and imperfect, but sincere, be answered ? Shall my efforts for your good be ever crowned with success ? But I forget myself. It is not on this ground that I would urge on you the necessity of seeking religion, and that now. No, the reasons are stronger, the motives are higher. It is because you are an immortal creature ; because by nature you are a child of wrath ; because, if your existence is to be a blessing to you, you must be born again, otherwise it had been better for you never to have been born ; because, though in yourself lost, guilty and helpless, there is yet hope, for the Son of God became man to seek and save them that are lost ; because he is ready and able to save to the uttermost, if you will believe on him; because he has a right to you; because he calls you ; because the Spirit strives with you ; and because if you come now, you may find that yet there is room, that salvation is yours ; but if you delay, the Spirit may be grieved, and take his departure, and then farewell hope, farewell happiness, farewell God and heaven, Christ, and his love ; arid then but I cannot suffer myself to conceive the dreadful alternative when these are lost. Oh. flee from the wrath to come. "There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus," and you may be in him if you will. " Ye would not come unto me that ye might have life," is the dreadful charge against those in Christian lands who receive not eternal life. Oh, that you would lay these things to heart. If you are laboring and heavy-laden, Christ will give you rest. He is an all-sufficient, ever-present Saviour ; and amidst gloom and sickness, sorrow and fear, he can deliver and protect you, can bless and save you. You need just such a Saviour, and he can fill all the desires of your heart. I know that at times you must feel an aching void within you, a desire after something you have never yet attained, a longing after something that will fill the mind. You can find it nowhere but in Christ. He is altogether lovely, and the more you know of him the more you will admire him. Let me recommend to you one thing. I feel persuaded that if you attempt it, and persevere in it with prayer for his blessing you will experience great benefit, and will ever rejoice that you attempted it. It is at least once every week, I wish you would do it daily that you take some action of our Saviour, and consider it carefully ; see what traits of character it exhibits, why it was performed, and what it teaches ; or, take any one of his say- ings, and think on it for some tine. I would not say how long, judge of that for yourself; but do not stop thinking upon it too soon. Take, for instance, the birth of Christ, Luke ii. 7 ; his weeping over Jerusalem, Luke xix. 41 ; any of his miracles : or his sayings, such as John iii. 36 ; iv. 14 ; Mark iv. 22, &c. I can LETTERS. 49 tell you, from my own experience, that few things are more profit- able. But it is time for me to stop. Let me entreat again your serious consideration of these things. If you ever feel disposed to write to me, it will afford me great pleasure to hear from you, and to answer your letters. I hope to see you yet exerting such an influ- ence, and commanding such respect as your talents entitle you to expect. But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness -and all these things shall be added unto you, Yours most truly, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, August 22d, 1840. MY DEAR MOTHER .... The time runs too rapidly for me, and in five weeks more the session will close. We are but strangers and sojourners here, soon to go hence. I have been very much struck in reading the book of Genesis lately, to find how very often Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with all their wealth and dependents, still speak of themselves as strangers, sojourners and pilgrims. Could we only realize that "here we have no abiding city," the trials and vexa- tions and disappointments that continually befall us would exert but little influence, and would only induce us, like the traveller, to hasten forward on our journey. And though it be often a painful journey, it is one in which we have continual cause to make men- tion of the loving-kindness of the Lord, who accompanies us, who guides us, who leads us often by the still waters, and causes us to lie down in the green pastures. He will be our guide unto death, and then will not forsake us, " for this God is our God forever and ever." So may it prove to us all. Have you ever read Mrs. Hawkes' memoirs? I find them very instructive, opening up fountains of deep Christian experience, and displaying many of the deep things of religion. She was a wo- man of strong mind, sincere piety, great kindness of heart, and though often in the former part of her life troubled with melan- choly, yet afterwards uncommonly cheerful in the midst of severe sufferings. The best books of human composition require you to read many pages to obtain any complete view of a person's char- acter ; but in the Bible, you will find characters drawn most com- pletely in a single sentence. You will learn more of their dispo- sition, &c., from an apparently trivial action or expression there recorded, than from the most labored description in other books. Why is this ? Truly the law of the Lord is perfect Yours very truly, W. M. LOWRIE. 4 50 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. Princeton, September 3d, 1840. MR. JOHN LLOYD MY DEAR BROTHER : .... At the time I received your letter I was not very well, and shortly afterwards went home and spent a week there. I was at that time received under the care of the Second Presbytery of New York, and had my pieces assigned me. My Latin piece is, "An Christua pro electis sohmi mortuus sit?" on which I have written an essay, and translated it into something that professes to be Latin, and is so long that it covers five foolscap pages. This, with many and various other duties, has kept me very busy for several weeks past. My health is now very good, and I hope, Deo volente, to be licensed next April, and ordained soon after. .... I have just been examining a little insect on my window, and comparing its body with those of other insects and with my own. It is wonderfully different from them in shape, size, mate- rials, uses, and objects. It has some members I do not possess, and wants others granted to me. It has life, though not an inch in length, and it appears to enjoy its existence. It is but one of an infinitely numerous class of beings, each species of which is so different from every other, that we can hardly conceive of them as possessing any qualities in common. Yet they have some, for they all live, they all enjoy life, and they were all made by one great and glorious Being. How condescending must He be, who has so curiously wrought their little frames. How wise, thus to fashion their bodies. How kind, thus to grant them life and hap- piness. How infinite in knowledge to know all their actions, to direct and govern all their motions, to foresee and provide for all their wants. Will He look with indifference on men? Will He neglect to attend to them when they lift their eyes to Him, and cry Abba, Father? Surely not. But how humbling is the thought, that with all our boasted wre- doin and vaunted power, we cannot understand the hidden mys- teries of these little insects, nor frame another like them. But then it is a glorious truth, that hereafter we shall know all we wish to know ; and our knowledge, instead of puffing us up, will humble us, and cause us to love our God and Saviour more. And even now, we may look on these little living things, and say, " My Father made them all." I thank thee, little fly ; the sight of thee has filled iny soul with pleasant thoughts; and I write them here that my friend may share them with me Farewell. The Lord be with you and bless you. W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, November 16th, 1840. MY DEAR MOTHER Your letter from the distant south, came to me like good news from a far country. You left New York September 30th, I left it LETTERS. 51 the next day, and had a pleasant journey to Philadelphia, Canons- burg, Pittsburg, and Butler, going and returning, a thousand miles of travel. I spent a most pleasant Sabbath with the church at Mil- ler's Run, where my old Sunday School is. At Pittsburg the Synod was in session, and, both in that city and in Butler, I saw and spoke to many dear friends. For particulars, I refer you to the inclosed. On the 5th of November 1 arrived at my old room in Princeton, prepared to say with gratitude, Hitherto the Lord has helped and blessed me. I have now got pretty fairly settled down to study. This is my last session ; I can scarcely realize that so short a time as six months will finish my theological course. It would not take much to induce me to begin it again. At present, other duties seem to call me hence; but who is sufficient for these things? I shall probably offer myself to the Board as a missionary soon, unless something of which I know nothing, should occur to pre- vent. Doa't stay so long in the south, that you cannot be back in time to see me off. Yours most truly, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, December 10th, 1840. To THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OP THE BOARD OP FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH It has been my wish and intention for several years to spend my life as a missionary to the heathen. Believing that it is the duty of the Church in her organized capacity to prosecute the work of missions, I offer myself to you as a candidate for that work; and if accepted, shall hold myself in readiness to enter on it shortly after the close of the present session of the Theological Seminary. I am now in my twenty-second year, and have been a professor of religion for nearly six years. The work of missions has always appeared to me to be N identical with that of the ministry, requiring the same talents and preparation, and demanding that those who engage in it should be actuated by the same motives which influ- ence those who enter on the ministry at home. The considera- tions which have influenced me to believe I ought to enter some foreign field, are, a desire for some such field, considered as a means of being more useful, and the fact, that while comparatively a large number are willing to enter the ministry at home, few will go abroad. The call from heathen lands is loud. It must be answered, and knowing no particular reason why I should settle in this country, I feel prepared, with humility, and yet with cheer- fulness, to'say, " Here am I, Lord, send me." In addition to this, the leadings of Providence, ever since I first joined the church, and particularly since I entered this Seminary, have seemed to direct my course far hence to the Gentiles. 52 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. In making you this offer of my services, I shall leave it to the Committee to decide on my field of labor. My own preferences however are strongly towards Western Africa, and I am perfectly willing to take on myself the responsibility of going (o that field. It has been before my mind distinctly for two years and a half, and before either of your present missionaries to that field had de- cided to go there. Still, if it be probable that my usefulness would be greater elsewhere, J shall willingly go to any other field. My health is not robust, yet commonly it is good. I believe myself to be more in danger of pulmonary diseases than of any other, but should probably be less liable to them in a more southern climate than this. Praying that the Lord would bless and prosper the cause of missions, and all those engaged either at home or abroad in furthering it, I remain with Christian respect and esteem, Yours, &c., W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, January 2d, 1841. MR. JOHN LLOYD DEAR JOHN : Your letter of Dec. 6th, arrived here fifteen days after date, but though long on the road was a very welcome guest, and has been interrogated more than once as to the news and state of matters and things with an old and dearly-beloved friend. I cannot tell you how much I prize your friendship, nor how I value your letters; but I often wonder how you can speak of me in such glowing terms, when conscious to myself that such lan- guage is so poorly deserved. I can attribute it only to the uniting power of our common faith, and the grace of our common Lord, who seems to have fitted us so well for each other, to be helpers of each other's joy, and sympathizers in each other's sorrows. After having been so intimately united in College, is it possible that we shall never meet again? You will perhaps wonder at me if I tell you that within the last three months I have been within one mile of you without seeing you yet it was so. I spent about three weeks in Pittsburg, Butler, and Canonsburg in October, passing through Greensburgh. To my very great disap- pointment, however, you had, just before I got in, gone to your academy, and there was not time to send for you while the stage stopped. I had a great wish to remain a day. but could not, and with a heavy heart I left without seeing you. I hoped to have found you here, but the Lord has seen fit to order it otherwise. When shall we meot again? My present plans are, to be licensed in April, spend the sum- mer preaching, either in New York or Pennsylvania, -probably, though not yet decided, to spend another year in the Seminary, and go out to Africa in 1842. I am now under the care of the Missionary Board, but there is very little probability of my being LETTERS. 53 sent off under a year, or a year and a half. Nor am I, considering my age and qualifications, very anxious to go sooner, though per- fectly willing to go this next summer, if necessary. I offered myself to the Board some three weeks since, and ex- pressed a decided preference for Africa as my field. I may be in error, but it seems to me that the danger from the climate is very greatly overrated, and if an entrance into the interior could be ef- fected, which some English Baptist missionaries are now trying to do, the probability is that we could live very well. The country is populous. We owe them a deep debt. Their superstitions are old, foolish, and feeble. They have a reverence for white men, and would probably be willing to receive instruction. There is a glori- ous promise that " Ethiopia shall soon stretch forth her hands unto God." Is not the field white to the harvest where are the reapers ? . . . The Lord bless thee, and keep thee, my brother. W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, January 2d, 1841. MR. JOHN O. PROCTOR DEAR BROTHER : ... It is very humiliating to our pride, to find how little knowledge we can acquire, after our utmost and perse- vering efforts. It seems but like a drop in the bucket compared with the vast amount of knowledge still unexplored, and of whose very existence oftentimes we are wholly ignorant. What a vast collection of authors on every subject ! How much deep learning, profound with eloquence and piety, is treasured up in the works of other days, and yet how little of it all can we possibly know ! I feel at times disposed to give up in despair. Life seems too short to learn even all that a minister needs to know, leaving entirely untouched what he would wish to understand, but is not compelled to attend to. Looking at the ministry only so far as mere intel- lectual qualifications are concerned, who is sufficient for it? And yet this is a minor topic. To understand and feel the truths of the Bible ; to experience deeply the work of the Spirit ; to humble our- selves before God, and submit, our proud hearts implicitly to his teaching ; to become fools for Christ's sake, that we may be wise ; to confide ourselves in Christ's hands, and take him for our all-in- all, and to live daily near unto him, and growing in conformity to him Hoc opus, hie labor est. It seems to me, that the nearer I get to the office of the ministry, the less am I prepared for it, either physically, mentally, or spiritually. Blessed be God for his promise, " My grace is sufficient for thee." When we are weak, then we are strong. Pray for me. I shall look for a letter from you soon. Yours, in the bonds of Christian affection, W. M. LOWRIE. 64 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE Princeton, January 26th. 1841. MY DEAR MOTHER . . . How checkered and changing is the condition of our family, some here, some there ; we meet together for a short time, and then we part. We are drawn up, as it were, from the sea of life, and, like scattered drops of rain, we fall, some nearer, and some further off; sometimes so close that we run together, at other times scattered over wide lands. O that, like the rain, we may refresh and fertilize every spot we touch, and be the means of mak- ing even " the wilderness to bud and blossom like the rose." Like the drops of rain too, we are but for a moment ; we are changed into vapor that soon vanisheth away. Even such is our fife " like the foam on the water," we are cut off. So be it, the num- ber of our months is with God, and our days are determined. He knoweth what is best for us. ... Yours affectionately, W. M. LOWRIE. Bedford, N. Y, May 26th, 1841. MY DEAR MOTHER I have spent the week here very pleasantly. On the Sabbath I preached twice, and attended a funeral, five miles off. These ex- ercises wearied me very much. I have just had one of the longest jaunts among the rocks I have had for some time. After ascending a number of small hil- locks, each higher than the preceding, and each crowned with sev- eral large rocks, I reached the top of the highest hill. The pros- pect was beautiful, and on several sides extensive. Whilst resting, I began to observe more minutely the top of the hill. Several large rocks shot up obliquely from beneath the ground ; a few moderate-sized trees were growing among them ; and 1 found sev- eral little delicate flowers a violet, a little white flower, and va- rious kinds of grasses. What a contrast between the everlasting rocks and the fading flowers, and yet both were found side by side. I could not help thinking of the way in which the Bible sometimes groups together the grandest, and at the same time the most lovely of God's attributes ; for example "Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all that be bowed down." PSALM cxlv. 13. 14. So admirably do'the book of nature and the book of revelation agree, when they speak (.four heavenly Father. Pursuing my observations farther, I found several busy ants tugging away at their several loads, a little wood spider, and several delicately formed little flies, all busy, and all apparently happy. Yet though so small, God the same God that founded the hills, and hardened the rocks was watching over them, and supplying their wants. LETTERS. 55 I admired the wisdom and goodness displayed in everything there, and with, I trust, a good deal of the spirit of a true worshipper. I knelt down on the hill-top to offer praises and prayers to him, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, and who yet dwells in the humble and the contrite heart. Such seasons are like fore- tastes of heaven. I may never revisit that solitary place, yet I hope often to remember it Yours most affectionately, W. M. LOWRIE. Detroit, June 24th, 1841. DEAR MOTHER After leaving New York, the usual incidents of travel brought me to Buffalo at 7 o'clock, p. M., on Saturday. I found a hearty welcome at the Rev. J. C. Lord's, where I spent the Sabbath, and preached for him, and on Monday took the steamboat for Detroit, where I arrived on Wednesday morning. I was most kindly received by R. Stuart, Esq., and his lady. This seems to be a very pleasant city ; the upper part of Jefferson Avenue is really beautiful. Roses are out in full bloom, and have been out for sev- eral days. I went over to the Canada shore yesterday, and strolled up the river two or three miles. I saw a red-coated sentinel patrol- ling up and down the wharf, and on asking an American how long he had been there, I received for an answer, "Three years." " What was he doing ?" : Keeping the dogs off the ferry-boat." In this city a great many people talk French, and they have a French Roman Catholic church. I heard a most excellent prac- tical discourse last evening by Bishop McCoskrey. It made me feel that, though I was a stranger here, yet there were those here whom I might hope to meet in a better world, where we shall know perfectly. I find doing nothing is hard work, and steamboat travelling is not what some think it is. However, a little shaking in the Michigan stages, on their primitive railroads, and perhaps on horse- back, may be of service to health. I can hardly believe that I am more than six hundred miles away from home. I often think, and not unpleasantly, of the Scriptural phrase, " Strangers and pilgrims." There is a great deal of meaning and beauty in the verse "While through this changing world we roam, From infancy to age Heaven is the Christian pilgrim's home, His rest at every stage." I could not help thinking, as we came up the lake, that we pass through life, like a boat over the waters ; and that the things which now occupy our attention, though, like the waves, they may amuse us for a moment, are yet, like the waves, soon to change, and pass away. . . . Love to all. W. M. LOWRIE. 56 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Ogdensburgh, July 23d, 1841. Mr DEAR FATHER I arrived in this place about a week ago, and though Mr. Savage was absent, Mrs. Savage, and the members of the congregation, received me very cordially. Mr. Savage returned a day or two since, and seems to be very glad that 1 have come. There are a good many cfmrches in Canada in correspondence with our church, not one of which, as far as I can learn, is doing anything for foreign missions. It might not be considered proper for us to do anything among them at present, when so many of our own churches need to be roused up ; and yet it would be for their own good, if they could be induced to take some action on the subject. Most of them are small and weak, and at present a good deal of prejudice against ministers from the United States is said to prevail among them. If it be not expedient for our Board to do anything among them, would it not be at least worth while for the General Assembly, in their next letter, to suggest to them the importance of attention to our Lord's last commands? I hope to see one or two of their ministers, before leaving this part of the country, and learn some farther particulars respecting them. A few of them contribute to the American Tract, and I think also to the American Bible Societies. Much love to all. I remain, your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Ogdensburgh, July 31st, 1841. MY DEAR FATHER I have just received yours of July 28th, and as it was the first news I had from home, it was a very agreeable visitor. I have made appointments to preach to-morrow at Morristown, and at the second church of Oswegatchie, and the Sabbath following at Evans' Mills, so that I shall not be able to leave for home until the 9th or 10th of August. I hope, however, to be home about this day two weeks. Thus far my visit has been very pleasant, and profitable to myself at least, if not to others. The people have everywhere received me cordially, and seemed quite gratified at my coming. In regard to the object for which Mr. Orr wishes to see me, I suppose I know what it is, and am half inclined to think that it can be settled as well in my absence as otherwise. My mind was turned very strongly to Africa three years since, and the consid- erations that induced me to wish to go there were that very few are willing to labor in that field, and that my talents seem to fit me peculiarly for such a people as the Africans are. I like to deal with an ignorant and yet affectionate people, who are not self- conceited. My acquirements, preparations, &c., seem to qualify me for that field. Another consideration that weighs a good deal LETTERS. 57 with me is, that every one expects that I shall go to Africa. It is not vanity that induces me to believe, that both Canfield and Ahvard will be greatly disappointed should I go to any other field ; and I fear that many of those who know what my intention has been, will attribute any change in my destination to fear of the climate. For myself, I should not care about any such suspicions ; but the effect on others may be unpleasant, as it may induce some who have thought of going to Africa to hesitate. There is still another consideration of a personal nature. The mission to Africa is considered rather a dangerous experiment, and if I should now decide to go elsewhere, would it not give some captious spirits the opportunity of saying, that the Corresponding Secretary was willing to let others go there, but not to let his own son expose himself? These considerations make me unwilling, with my present views, to take on myself the responsibility of de- termining to go to any other country. If the Executive Commit- tee, however, think my services are more needed in China than in Africa, and that, all things considered, I will be more useful in the former place ; then I have nothing further to say, but will cheerfully submit to their decision ; and shall hold myself in readiness to go this fall, if necessary. I shall, in that case, wish to have it stated in the Chronicle, that " my preference was for Western Africa, but the wants of the China mission being such as to induce the Executive Committee to change my destination, I consented," &c. Such a statement, I think, would not be im- proper, while it would shield me from the charge of " lightness," or wishing to avoid an exposed station. This letter you may consider either as addressed to yourself per- sonally, or to the Executive Committee. Mr. Orr's statements may perhaps induce me to take some other course than the one above mentioned, but at present, I do not see that I can do other- wise. Monday, August 2d. I preached yesterday morning at Morris- town, and in the afternoon at Mr. Rodgers'. The people seemed much interested in both places. I expect to be at Mr. Savage's Monthly Concert this evening, and to start on Wednesday or Thurs- day for Evans' Mills. I hope to be at home by Wednesday or Thursday of next week. Mr. Savage desires his kind regard to you. Much love to all at home. I remain, your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Steamboat St. Lawrence, Lake Ontario, July 13th. DEAR MOTHER When riding in the wild woods of Michigan, I found so many ideas coming up, that I concluded to write you a good long letter. I have it all to write yet, and the steamboat shakes so, that I write like Mr. Hopkins in the Declaration of Independence. 58 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. From Detroit by railroad to Ann Arbor, it is a dreary country part of the way, heavy timber and thick underbrush, and any quantity of marshes. I took the opposition stage to Jacksonville. The driver was a harum-scarem creature, full of opposition, drink- ing and swearing constantly. I reached Marshall on Saturday morning, and was most kindly received by Mr. and Mrs. Wells. On Sabbath I preached twice to the Congregational church in Marsl.ull, which is at present without a pastor. Having hired a horse, I left on Tuesday morning. The first part of my ride to Belone, four- teen miles, was pleasant enough. I passed a great many little lakes, and crossed a great many marshes, on log bridges. These are formed by laying together round logs from three to twelve inches diameter. People may laugh at these bridges, but after they have been swamped as I was, they will think better of them. In the afternoon the road became worse, and the country was very heavily timbered, and in one place for six miles I saw neither a house nor a clearing. I reached Vermontville before sunset. This village contains about two hundred persons, mostly from Vermont. It is perhaps the most religious place in the Union. Every family but one has family prayers. Next day I was off early ; twenty miles were passed without finding an inhabitant. At first the trees had been cut down tow- ards making the road, but wer lot removed, and the path wound off into the woods to avoi iem. I tried to follow it, but soon my horse began to sink in t 1 soft ground, and then jumped and floundered about, sinking deeper at every step. I jumped off, and found I had lost the path. After exploring a little, and lead- ing my horse, I found the path again. I soon came to a place grown over with a broad-leaved weed, and lost the path again. Pretty soon the ground became soft and wet, with large trees lyino 1 in every direction. I jumped off again to make a further explora- tion. But the further I went the more impassable it was, and, in utter despair of finding any path there, I turned back. What was I to do ? I had come six miles without seein - a human being, and had fourteen miles to go before I would come to a house. I was in the middle of a large swamp, and no path. It was very warm, and no air was stirring through that mighty forest. Its loneliness seemed to have frightened away the Tery birds, for I saw none, nor heard any, except the rough, unpleasant notes of the blue jay. I went back half a mile, and found the path had turned to the right to avoid the swamp. Four miles further I met a man with his rifle. I kept on, mile after rnile and again and again losing the path, as it turned off to avoid the swainps. Occasionally I saw the tracks of some one that had passed the same way, and these were almost the only evidence I had that I was in the right way, for road there was none, not even was the underbrush cut. away. While carefully looking for these foot-prints, and rejoicing \vhen I saw them, I was reminded of the saying of one of the old English LETTERS. 59 divines " Let no Christian, however clear his hopes, despise the least sign of grace ; the time may come when he would give worlds for the least evidence that he is a child of God, and in the road to heaven." Other thoughts of the sa nu kind passed through my mind. Sometimes when the road wound between two swamps, I thought of Christian in the valley of the shadow of death. Then again, when I was carefully looking to find the path, I thought how anxiously should the Christian seek to be in the path of duty, if he varies from it he may be lost irrevocably ; he may sink in the mire, be lost among the thorns and briers, or wander in the wilder- ness. I came at last to a small cabin eight miles from Ionia, and reached that place before the sun went down, fully determined that I would return some other way. I found next day, at the land office, that my journey had been for nothing. The land on which the Chippewa Mission is placed had been advertised by the government, but the sale had been in- definitely postponed. I left Ionia July 1st, and took the road on the north side of Grand river. The country was slightly undulat- ing ; no underbrush ; the trees high, and far apart. I crossed Grand and Flat, rivers, both beautiful streams, and came at night to the Widow Kent's, thirty-two miles. Next day the road lay through a beautiful country, though thinly inhabited, and with a profusion of flowers, some -which were very beautiful. I saw whole fields quite blue w. f'jthe " four-o'clocks," which R watches so carefully in your . ' le garden. Then there were wild roses, red lilies, sweet-williams, yellow marigolds, wild peas, and many others, red, blue, and white, which I had never seen before. Some were very beautiful, especially the mocassin flower. It is a large lady's slipper ; the flower is red and white, and has a very fine appearance. All this was in the wilderness. " Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air." But are they unseen 7 Is their sweetness wasted ? Would this be consistent with wisdom in that glorious Being who makes nothing in vain ? Yet of what use are they ? Well, they are the houses of a great many insects. It is said that several different kinds live in every plant. Then, their seeds are food for the little birds. Who can tell us, too, what effect their perfumes have upon the winds that sweep over these solitudes, and visit, in all their fresh- ness and healthful influences, the abodes of men ? Then, how do we know but that these wild woods are (he school-houses of other beings, who come down and learn lessons from the flowers as they spring up in their beauty, and open towards the pure light of heaven? It is a very contracted view of things to suppose that the productions of the earth are intended only for man, and are lost if he does not use them. But there is another thought of far more weight thfise flowers are grateful to God himself; he "de- lights in the work of his hands." What skill, and wisdom, and 60 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. goodness, are displayed in these little flowers ! He " clothes the lilies of the field." Surely, if God delights in these works of his hands, they were not made in vain their beauty is not unseen their sweetness is not wasted. On on I went saw some Indians, some of them in tents. In some places the plough was at its work, and I saw four, and at ano- ther time, seven yoke of oxen to a single plough. I thought of Elisha, the son of Shaphat, ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he with the twelfth. What was he doing with so many ? Was he breaking up new land in Palestine? Or had he twelve ploughs? I reached Marshall at noon, July 3d, and next day at- tended their Sabbath School celebration. The following Sabbath I spent in Buffalo, and on Monday I started off for the Falls of Niagara, determined that this time I would see -both sides. 1 spent several hours on the Canada side, and got my face wet with the spray on Table Rock, but did not feel inclined to go under the Horse-Shoe fall. I soon began to drink in the spirit of the place, and to feel my soul expanding with the emotions it was so well fitted to produce. I will not in- flict a description on you for several very good reasons. I spent the night and the next day till 2 o'clock p. M., on the American side. Every step about the falls was as familiar as if I had tra- versed them but yesterday, and yet it was seven years since our hasty visit to the place. The little bridge on the Terrapin rocks, where we all sat down, and looked over into the boiling abyss, is broken down. You will recollect how we all admired that mag- nificent scene. I felt melancholy almost all the time. Where were those with whom I had formerly walked over these scenes? Two of them were already in their graves. I saw many others there, like our party was seven years ago husbands and their wives. parents and their children, brothers and their sisters. As we did then, they seemed to enjoy their visit the more from the society of each other. But I was now alone, I knew no one, and scarcely spoke to any one. " A stranger and a pilgrim," my thoughts turned to our everlasting home. Here I was surrounded with the evidences of the power and glory of God. The dashing, roaring waters ; the foam and the silver bubbles that floated on the waves ; the bright rainbow that played in quietness over the sc^ne ; the old trees on the island ; and the little flowers that grew out of the fissures of the everlasting rocks each seemed to have a tongue to speak the praises of the great Creator. My heart was full ; and as I felt almost overpowered by the solemnly joyful feelings of my soul, I could not but ask will there be such scenes as these in heaven ? The only answer I could give was, if not, there will be that which will produce the same emotions that these do, in a more enrapturing degree. We can know the character of God only in his word and in his works, for himself we cannot see. Here we learn his power, wisdom, and goodness, by such sights as these. In heaven we shall know far more of these same LETTERS. 61 attributes. What the works which shall declare those attributes shall be, we may not presume to say. But if they are not such as we see on earth, they will be so much more glorious that we shall not wish again to see these mighty displays of his power. From the falls I went to Ogdensburgh, and was most kindly received by the Rev. Mr. Savage and his lady. I remained in this neighborhood from the 20th of July till the 3d of August, and preached in a number of the churches. Some of our meet- ings were seasons of deep interest, and I formed acquaintances which I will remember while I live. With Mr. and Mrs. Savage and their children. I could not but feel at home. I saw a good deal of that dear patriarch, the Rev. Mr. Rogers, and preached for him several times. I enjoyed our intercourse very much, and I trust profited by the privilege of being with him. And when speaking of the Saviour he said : " Whenever the Bible speaks of Christ by way of metaphor, it is always with some term expres- sive of divine excellencies. If he is called a tree, then it is the tree of life. If he is called a vine, then it is the true vine. If he is called a shepherd, then it is the good shepherd. If he is called a plant, then it is the plant of renown." The remarks may not be new to you, but they were to me, and they brought to my mind the idea, that the flowers of the Bible, are like the flowers of the field, the more closely they are examined, the more beautiful do they appear. The river St. Lawrence is the noblest river I have ever seen. Opposite Ogdensburgh it is about a mile and a quarter wide. I had a good view of it from the window of my bedroom. It flows on in its majestic calmness ; the waters are beautifully clear, and very deep. The opposite bank looks well in the distance, much better indeed than when you are close to it. July 31st. A letter from home ; all well. Mr. Orr has returned from China, and wishes to see me. I suppose he wishes me to go to China. Well, I am ready if it be necessary, but I would rather go to Africa. However, here am I, and God is everywhere, and I will go wherever he sends me. August 2d. My time in this pleasant neighborhood is nearly up, and in two days I set off for home. Yet why do I talk of home ? "Strangers and pilgrims" such we all are, and who more than I? I don't know whether this lonely feeling that so often Comes over me be the cause of it, but I love to walk in graveyards, and read the names on the tombstones. The influence of such places seems to come over my soul with a quietness and calmness that is really pleasant. When I was in Rochester I visited Mount Hope cdme- tery a beautiful place. The inscription on a grave of a mother and her daughter, struck me as very beautiful : "The night dew that falls, though in silence it weeps, Shall brighten with verdure the grave where they sleep ; And the tears that we shed, though in secret they roll, Shall long keep their memory fresh in the soul." 62 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. While in Ogdensburgh I spent an hour among the tombs. Sev- eral of the inscriptions attracted my attention; some for their spelling, others for their quaintness, a few for their beauty. Here are some of them : ON AN INFANT'S GRAVE. " Ere sin could blight or sorrow fade, Death comes with friendly care ; The op ning bud to heaven conveyed, And bade it blossom there." The two following, also on the graves of infants : " Sleep on, dear child, From sorrow free, Ere long thy friends Will sleep with thee." " Thus on the rose Trie worm corroding lies, And ere it to perfection grows, It withers, fades, and dies." There is nothing remarkable in the two following, yet they are pleasant : " Lo where this silent marble weeps, A friend, a wife, a mother sleeps ; A heart within whose sacred cell, The peaceful virtues loved to dwell." " Death to thee is bliss eternal, Our loss is thy eternal gain, Thou dwell'st where spring is ever vernal, And life asserts its right to reign." I was most struck with the stone over the grave of Mary Eliza- beth, Mr. Savage's eldest daughter. It. contained simply her name, age a little over five years, date of her death, and under- neath, " T 'he flower fadeth." August 3d. My work here seems to be now done; I start to- morrow for Evans' Mills, and thence for New York, and then where? Denmark, N. Y., August 9th. Now for the last, paragraph of my letter, or journal, or whatever you choose to call it. I preached yesterday three times for Mr. Eastman, at Evans' Mills, and was pretty well tired. These ministers have no mercy on a wayfaring brother when he comes along. I left early, and arrived here at eight P.M. I havenow befoie me sixty-one miles by stage, ninety- six by railroad, and one hundred and forty-five by steamboat; three hundred and two miles, to be passed over in thirty-six hours. However, rest after labor is sweet. If we were all as eagerly auti- LETTERS. 63 cipating the rest of heaven, as I am the close of my present jour- ney, it would be well. " This life is but a fleeting show, There 's nothing true but heaven." I hardly know whether to say "Good-by," or "How are you?' ; I am at the end of my letter, and therefore the former seems most proper ; but when you receive it, I will be at the end of my jour- ney, and then the last will suit best. However, in either case, I am Most affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Pittsburg^ Pa., September 24th, 1841. MY DEAR MOTHER Since leaving New York on this, most probably my last visit to this side of the mountains, I have been so constantly on the move, I have not been able to write to you. Indeed there has but, little occurred that is worth notice. I came by way of Washington and Canonsburg, spending a Sabbath at Miller's Run, my old parish when I was a student in college. It was a time of deep feeling both to them and to myself, especially when I told them I never expected to meet them again in this world. I preached on Monday in Can- onsburg, and on Tuesday came to Pittsburg. After two days with our friends there, I set off for Butler and Venango counties. , I spent the Sabbath in Butler, and preached once for Mr. Young. I need not go over my visits to our friends at Slippery Rock, Scrubgrass, and Big Sandy. Very pleasant and very painful they were. O how affectionate and kind my dear aunts were ; and painful as was our parting, it was brightened with the blessed hope of meeting again in peace, when time shall be no more. I returned to Butler on Saturday, and preached for Mr. Young on the Sabbath. In the morning, on " I am a stranger in the earth ;" and the afternoon on missions. In the evening, a very large number came to the Monthly Concert meeting, and Mr. Young and myself both talked some. Much feeling was mani- fested, and many tears shed. My text in the morning seemed to my own feelings to be appropriate, even in this the place of my birth. I left the place so young, and have been so long absent, that my earliest playmates are strangers to me. I walk through its streets, and feel myself almost alone. I meet but few I know, and the houses of old friends are filled with strange faces. The school-house looks unnatural, from the changes in the neighboring buildings, and the thickets and the forests where I played have been cleared away. Even the church, with which some of my earliest recollections are associated, has been removed, and another stands near its former site. In the graveyard alone, I felt at home. How my deepest affections clustered over the grave of my own 64 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. sainted mother ; the letters on her tombstone are not more faith- ful to their trust, than is my memory to her pure and lovely vir- tues. There, too, were many whom I knew slightly, or of whom I have learned much from others. How sweet the thought that many of God's children are sleeping here, and their dust is pre- cious to that Saviour who never sleeps, and who has the keys of death in his hand. Next day I came to Pittsburg, and after staying a few days with my sister, I will set out for home. . . . Affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Princeton, September 3d, 1841. THE PRESENCE OP CHRIST WITH HIS PEOPLE. ( Written in a book of Extracts, for Wm. H. Hornblower.} That Christ Jesus is constantly with his people, is a fact de- clared with surprising frequenc}' both in the Old and New Testa- ments. It was He who appeared to Isaac, and said, "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and bless thee :" Gen. xxvi. 3. It was He who appeared to Jacob, as he lay upon the cold ground, and said, " I am with thee in all places ; I will not leave thee :' Gen. xxviii. 15. It was He who appeared to Moses in the burning bush, and sending him to the court of Pharafth, said, "Certainly I will be with thee :" Ex. iii. 12. And when David, in the gweet- est strains of poetry and piety, sang, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want ; yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me," there is no doubt but it was the presence of the Saviour which he so gratefully acknowledges. For a time Christ was with his disciples in the flesh, and they saw his glory : but it was "expedient" that he should depart. And yet he is with his people still. By his Spirit, by his providence, by his own personal and abiding presence, he is with them still, and will ever be with them. Almost the first thing recorded of him by Matthew is, that his name is " Emmanuel, God with us." His own last words on earth to his disciples were, "Lo, I am with you always." And this is not all. His prayer to the Father is, " Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with rne where I am, that they may behold my glory." That this Saviour may be ever with you, my dear brother, en- lightening you, sanctifying you, sustaining you in sorrow, tempta- tion and trials, making you useful in life and happy in death, and glorifying you with himself forever, is the earnest prayer of the writer of these few lines. We have lived and labored together pleasantly and profitably, I trust, for a few short years. We must soon separate, but we shall meet again. Till. Men, pray for me. W. M. LOWRIE. LETTERS. 65 New 'York, November 30th, 1811. MR. JOHN O. PROCTOR DSAK BROTHER: You will probably begin before now to sup- pose, that amid the many cares and labors preparatory to a final fare xv el I to home and country, I have forgotten you ; but I have not. I often think with great pleasure ofethe few days spent in Carlisle a year ago. How soon our pleasures vanish ! yet when they are rational, and especially when they are Christian, they leave a savor behind them that survives their freshness, like the rose, which, though withered, still yields its fragrant perfumes. My ordination took place Tuesday^ November 9th, and the farewell meeting was held last Sabbath night in Dr. Spring's church. Addresses were made by Dr. Spring, my father, and myself. I feel at present very cheerful, and think I have seldom passed my time so pleasantly as within the last two months ; yet it is not insensibility, nor want of affection to home and friends, that makes me so cheerful ; for tears will flow at times at the thought of going far off, no more to return. Who knows what a day may bring forth ? I am going out into the wide world, ex- pecting to be gone for life ; yet I know not but that a very few years may see me again at home. However, that is not probable ; and now I do not desire it. It is a responsible step I am taking, and I never felt more in need of sustaining grace, and of the pray- ers of my friends to secure that grace for me. Dec. 9th. The time of sailing is still uncertain. However, such a disappointment is not very grievous, for it gives the opportunity of being more at home ; yet / should not talk of Acme, for there will soon be no such place in the wide world for me ; and, indeed, for many years, I have spent but little of my time at home. Long a wanderer, I am a stranger in the place of rny birth, where I spent my boyish days. When 1 was out there this fall, I felt alone as I walked through the streets, for a generation had grown up that knew me not, and almost all my old playmates were gone : some were dead ; others married and settled in life ; others moved far away ; and, save here and there a gray-haired patriarch or a mother in Israel, I knew veiy few. I went into the church where my grandfather preached, and my parents had worshipped, and felt that I was almost alone ; and I preached on the text, " I am a stranger in the earth," for no other passage of Scripture seemed to suit my own feelings so well. Now ''the world is all before me, where to choose my place of rest, and Providence my guide ;" though the poet was wrong there, for men can no more find a place of rest in this fleeting world, than the dove could find rest for the sole of her foot, when the waters of the deluge rolled round the earth. Like her we must fly, and that towards heaven, if we would avoid being buried in the waves of worldliness and spiritual death. Blessed be God, there is for us, also, an ark, where the weary may resort for shelter and defence, when the 5 66 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. storm is abroad ; and when the heavens and the earth shall have passed away, we may still repose with unshaken confidence on him who now walks on the waves that threaten to engulph us, and who then shall be our everlasting portion ? I did not intend to have talked so much about myself, but at present nothing else occurred to me that I thought would interest you. 1 shall hope to hear from you very soon after I get. to Singapore. Pray for inc. Your brother in Christ, W. M. LOWKIE. New York, December 29th, 1841. MR. JOHN LLOYD DEAR BROTHER : 1 expected long ere this to have been on my way, but I am yet detained, and having a spare hour this after- noon, I can spend it yt-ry pleasantly in having a talk with you ; though unfortunately, the talking must be all on one side. The Huntress, which was to have gone a month ago, will hardly get off in less than two weeks from the present time. I am now all ready, or could be ready at a few hours' notice ; and as my mind has become familiarized to the idea of departure, I begin to wish that it were over. As to my " feelings" in the prospect of departure, which you are so anxious to know, they are really so commonplace th .t they are scarcely worth the writing. I could hardly help be- ing amused at the way in which you asked me to tell you what my feelings were at present ; you seemed to attribute so much im- portance to them. I did not say much about my feelings, &c.. in my last letters to you, because I had not time, and did not feel then just in the humor for that kind of writing. To tell the truth, there are so few persons to whom I care about telling my feelings, either orally or by letter, that lately I have got much out of the habit of saying anything about those deeper feelings that are known only to God, and my own soul. Another thing that makes me say less about them is, that I have learned not to rely upon them so much as once I did ; and indeed. I so often find it necessary to act without, and even against feelings, from a sense of duty, that this makes me less careful about them. They are certainly important ; when we are in a proper " frame," and our " feelings" are urged on by a favorable impulse, there is a great deal of pleasure connected with them. But too much dependence upon them will often unfit us for duty. A man's feelings may take their color from many things besides his religious state. He may be melancholy, from a low state of health, when he thinks it is a sense of sin that makes him sad. He may be cheerful and feel very grateful, as he supposes, from a 6en.se of God's favor ; and yet the greater part of his joy shall be caused by the mere flow of animal spirits. Our feelings arise very often, indeed, from something in ourselves; but our standard LETTERS. 67 of duty is not anything in ourselves, but the eternal word of God. That is liable to no changes, and does not fluctuate with the ever- varying tide of human passion, but flows on ever the same. I do not undervalue the importance of feelings; they are like the per- fumes that sweeten the gales which waft us on our course ; and at times they may even be compared to the gales that assist the gal- ley-slave, as he toils at his oars. But we are rowing up stream, and it will not do for us to lie on our oars, every time the breeze lulls. "Time and tide wait for no man," arid we, on the other hand, in our heavenly course, must toil on without waiting for time or tide, or wind or wave. " Faint, yet pursuing." As John Bunyan says of religion among men, so may it be said of religion in the heart., " We must own religion in his rags, as well as when in his silver slippers, and stand by him too when bound in irons, as well as when he walketh the streets, with applause." But I did not intend to write so long a lecture on the feelings, nor do I want you to understand that I will not tell you my feelings, nor be glad to hear yours : far from it ; for some of the pleasant- est hours I have ever spent, have been when communing with you, as we told each other what the Lord had done for our souls. I do think, however, that you attach more importance to the state of your feelings, than you ought ; and hence, one reason why your harp is so often tuned to the notes of woe. I have often been struck with the remarks of Dr. Doddridge. in his Rise and Pro- gress, chapter xxii. 2, "Religion consists chiefly in the resolu- tion of the will for God," tfcc. That section is well worthy of your attention. But I must stop writing on this subject, or it will fill up my whole letter, and I have a good deal more to say. This (December 29th) is the ever-memorable day in my history, when a " hope of heaven first budded in my heart." Seven years have rolled away since then. It seemed a long time then, to look forward seven years ; now, to look back, how short ! I have been looking backward to-day, arid, amidst much that is painful and humiliating, I find also much that is very pleasant. I think that the most delightful object on which I fix my eyes, during all that time, is the walk you and I had one early spring morning, over the hills about Canonsburg. We talked of heaven, and it seemed as if while we talked heaven was opened, and we could see its glories. Perhaps you have forgotten the time, but it seems to me I never shall. Every time I think of it, the scene comes up vividly before my mind. "I remember thee, oh my God, from the hill Mizar." Shall we ever enjoy another such hour? I almost fear at times, that added years have taken from me the power of ap- preciating so sensibly the pleasures enjoyed in the days of my " first love." Perhaps it is best they should. At any rate, the instability of youth is well exchanged for the sobriety of fiper years, when the latter adds to our capacity for glorifying our Father in heaven, even though it may take away the sense of novelty and delight once experienced. I have been trying to look forward seven years, - 68 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. but who knoweth what a day may bring forth ? I cnn see noth- ing certainly, yet I can imagine enough to make me tremble. What should such creatures as we are do. if we had not an Al- mighty Saviour near? I feel very much disappointed at not having seen you, and would ask you to come over new year's day; but I shall be out of the city for two or three days about that time. Farewell. Your brother in Christ, W. M. LOWRIE. New York, January 4th, 1842. MRS. ANN PORTER MY DEAR AUNT : I have been intending for some time past to write you a sort of farewell letter before my departure, but have not till now found a fitting opportunity. It was with much sor- row, that I said good-by to you all, and for a good while afterwards I felt very miserable, and the tears would start into my eyes. The next week I spent at Pittsburg. and preached on Sabbath in Mr. Dunlap's church. On Tuesday I left Pittsburg and said good-by to all my friends. I suppose we all feel more easy about my going, from having had so much time to look so nearly at it. It has seemed now for a month past, as if I were going off in a week or two, and thus we have got used to the idea. However, it will perhaps be hard enough yet when the time comes. But so many mercies have crowded all my past life and fill my present prospects, that I some- times tremble at the load of obligation that is laid upon me. It is very strange how unthankful we are for our blessings. . . . I often think of you all, and would like to know how you are, but am afraid it is too late now to get an answer to this before I sail. But will not some of you write to me once in a while ? You know what is said in Proverbs, chap. xxv. 25. I trust you do not forget to pray for the missionaries, and for me. But I must say farewell and may the blessing of God rest upon you, my dear aunt, and all yours. Your affectionate nephew, W. M. LOWRIE. New York, January llth, 1842. REV. THOMAS W. KERR MY DEAR COUSIN : I expected to have been on the other side of the equator before now, but as yet I am at home, the ship hav- ing been detained by one thing or another for five weeks. Friends have all been very kind to me, and I have sometimes begun to think myself " some great one," from the attendon I receive in many places. This is one of the evils and trials of a missionary life. The Church has not yet arrived at that state in which she LETTERS. 69 ought, to be in regard to missionary operations. She yet. looks upjn them almost as works of supererogation, and consequently regards with too much favor, in some respects, those who go as missionaries. I say in some respects, because, strange as it may se,-Mn, some of the very persons who almost canonize a missionary when he is among them, and speak of his going abroad in the most exalted terms, are among the very first to forget him whea he is gone, and the most careless in praying for him. even though they resolve and promise not to forget to "make mention of him in their prayers." I am becoming more and more of the opinion, that it is in vain to expect the present generation of Christians to do their duty in the work of missions. I do not say this in a spirit of censoriousness, because I am aware of the many reasons they bring to justify themselves; but' from a growing conviction, that unless the sub- ject of missions is early impressed on the minds of children, and unless habits of self-denial and liberality for and to the heathen are encouraged in them, it is in vain to expect that they will, when they grow up, perform in any tolerable degree the duties to the heal hen that may be expected of them. It is not ordinarily to be expected that those who grow up with the money-getting, and money-loving, and money-saving propensities of most men, should be prompted or induced by the ordinary motives to give freely of their worldly goods for the benefit of those, of whose condition they know almost nothing. I have often wondered, when I have heard an eloquent missionary sermon, or have myself presented as strongly as I knew how, the motives, that with me are all-powerful and which constrain me to sacrifice so much, and yet have found that men and even Christians, gave only the coppers to the heathen, and kept the gold and the jewels to themselves. They said, "Be ye warmed, be ye fed," and yet actually they gave nothing what- ever to further the accomplishment of their good words. Hence it seems to me, if I were pastor of a church, I would at once, or at least as soon as I dared, commence in my Sabbath School. If the superintendent and teachers could not, or would not, I would myself as often as possible, say once a month, give the children so:ne ideas on the state of the heathen, their superstitions, spiritual condition and prospects, the way and history of the means used to benefit them, &c., and by degrees, yet as speedily as prudence would allow, I would endeavor to get them in the habit of saving their pennies, and giving them at stated times, to the Missionary Society. I would try to keep up a constant interest in the sub- ject among them, and this I am persuaded could be done just as easily as an interest can be kept up in religion generally ; though it must be admitted, that to keep up such an interest would require constant attention and labor on the part of the pastor. But the result would repay the labor. As the children grew up I would endeavor to follow them, make them not only recipients, but communicants, of a missionary spirit. Such is an outline of rny 70 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. plan ; what do you think of it? If you approve it, suppose you adopt it, and after a year or two of trial, and making such altera- tions as experience may suggest, suppose you try to get your fellow presbyters to engage in the same kind of work. Suppose that in addition to the great, work of preaching the gospel, you make this the second object of your attention, and pursue it steadily, until you are sure either of success, or of its failure. I make this proposal seriously, because I am sure that if you should diligently follow it out, you could do wonders. Nay, I hope you will not take it amiss, if I leave it as my last request to you, and as, if you will allow me to say so, a solemn charge to you, not to pass it over without careful and prayerful consideration. I did not intend, when I commenced this letter, to have said a word on this subject, but it opened up before me so strongly and vividly, that I could not but present it. to you. I will be glad to make this a subject of special correspondence with you, and if you should undertake it, I will try to write you a letter once a year, additional, that you could use in someway in your remarks to the children. It, is a subject that I have long thought, very important, and now I am more than ever convinced of its importance. Write to me particu- larly on it, arid 1 will say more than I can in this short and hur- ried communication. Farewell, and the blessing of God be with you both. Yours affectionately. W. M. LOWRIE. New York, January 18th, 1842. MR. JOHN M. LOWRTE DEAR COUSIN : After long delay, the .Huntress is to sail to- morrow. We are all well here, and I believe all in good spirits. Very seldom have I found my own mind so perfectly calm and peaceful, as it has been since last Friday. The Sabbath was to me one of my bright days, or rather, as I very seldom have bright, dazzling days, it was one of those calm, peaceful days, when the soul rises insensibly above the world, and dwells with the assur- ance of faith on unseen realities. Unexpectedly to me, but very gratefully, it was communion Sabbath in Mr. Smith's church, the church of which I have been a member here. He preached an excellent sermon in the morning on "As oft as ye eat this bread," &c. After communion, I made a few remarks, and the exercises were closed with prayer by my brother John. It was good to be there, and one of the elders remarked to me afterwards, " Truly we have had a feast, and a good day." Yours in haste, with true affection, W. M. LOWRIE. CHAPTER III. JANUARY 19 to MAY 27, 1842. VOYAGE TO CHINA JOURNAL IN THE HUNTRESS. Ship Huntress, Wednesday, Jan. 26th, 1842. At sea, N. Int. 33 38', W. long. 54 04'. MY DEAR MOTHER As it is just a week to-day since leaving home, and circumstan- ces are favorable, I shall commence my promised journal ; though I have so much to write up from my pencil notes, that the very idea of it almost appals me : so much by way of preface. We got under weigh at half past twelve last Wednesday, and, with three hearty cheers from the crew, proceeded down the bay. The novelty and excitement of my situation kept me from any very unpleasant feelings at parting. I ought to say more than this, however. The conviction that I was in the path of duty, and the felt presence and sustaining influence of an all-gra- cious Saviour, upheld me and carried me safely through a scene that I had dreaded almost as much as death itself. As there was little or no wind, the captain and pilot thought it best to anchor for the night in Prince's Bay a large and very beautiful and safe bay, just inside of the Hook, and wait (ill morning. Accordingly the steamboat left us at 3^ p. M., and I felt really glad, when I saw Mr. B. parting from his father and brother, that I had come alone. The quietness and deliberation of such partings is killing. Farewell speeches read very well, but when one is swallowing his feelings and choking almost with emo- tion, and doing his utmost to retain his calmness and composure, the sooner in such circumstances the better, a silent shake of the hand and away is enough for me. It is bad enough to think of it now. After reading my Bible with more than ordinary interest, I went to bed at ten p. M., as quietly and calmly as if I had been at home, and dreamed of you all before morning. Thursday, January 20th. I was wakened early by hearing the men at work on different parts of the rigging, weighing anchor, &c. I dressed and went out on deck before sunrise. I found Mr. K. there, and the captain soon came out. There was as yet no wind, 72 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. but the pilot, who was " wi.le awake," thought a breeze would spring up about sunrise, and they were preparing sail, to catch the first breath. We did not get fairly started, however, until after nine A. M., when a light breeze filled the higher sails, (topsails and top-gallants,) and we slowly moved away. Several oilier vessels, outward bound, had anchored near us, and they followed close in our wake. We soon got outside of the Hook, and when fairly under weigh, the pilot, left us, at a quarter before twelve. I had hastily written a few lines to you and father, which I sent back bv him. He sprang lightly over the side of the vessel into a row- boat that, was wailing for him, and the last link was broken ! We kept on in somewhat of a south-east direction, and soon the only object that could be seen, was the Highlands, south of the en- trance of the channel to New York. I could hardly realize my situation. I soon found Mr. B. standing at the stern, looking rather pale. I could not help laughing, though I pitied him, and wrapping my- self in my cloak, as there was a fresh breeze, I sat down on a stool in the stern of the vessel. The motion soon began to affect me, and when I went to dinner, there were none at the table except the captain and Mr. K. I found I was i: too far gone" to eat anything, and feeling very dizzy, went out into the open air. Though I felt more and more sick, I could not help being struck with the extreme ludicrousness of the appearance of a sea-sick passenger. How the old sailors must, laugh among themselves at the pale faces and wo-begone countenances and staggering gait of the " men with gloves on !" I was quite sick on Friday, and till three p. M. on Saturday, when T went out on deck, and staid about two hours. We were then about the middle of the Gulf Stream, and the air was quite mild and pleasant. Ther- mometer, about 63. I saw a shoal of fish playing in the water. Mr. K. said they were porpoises, but I could not see their shape. I felt a great deal better ; went to table and ate a light supper, and immediately after turned in for the night and slept pretty well. Dreamed about home, and my trip to Ogdensburgh, and fifty other things. There ! I have got safely to the end of last week, and I'll now turn in for this night. It is now past four bells, i. e., past ten o'clock, P.M., with us, while my watch, which I have not altered since leaving home, says it is a little past nine with you. I suppose you are now at family worship. Am I right in thinking, that the absent one is remembered at this hour? But I need not ask the question, for I know it. Good night. Sabbath morning, January 23J. Rose and went out about, six o'clock, New York time, but here it was past sunrise. The air .was very mitd and pleasant, and I found little use for my cloak. Temperature of the water, 71 ; air, about 63. Was out on deck most of the morning, when it was cool and pleasant. The sky was covered with clouds almost all day. I thought of trying to JOURNAL AT SEA. 73 preach in the afternoon, but felt almost, too weak. The captain, too, was quite unwell ; and as he and I had concluded nothing definite when we spoke of the subject before, I did not like to make any move, without consulting him further. Could not read much ; it made me light-headed to read more than two or three pages. In the evening the captain was quite in a talking mood. He had been for a short time in the Liverpool trade. He spoke of the suTsriiigs of steerage passengers from Europe to America, from want of provisions when the voyage is prolonged, sea-sickness, &c. Oiily think of the misery of 100, or 15'). or 200 persons, in the steerage in bad weather, when sea-sick men, women, and chil- dren, with their provisions and chests. &c., in one mass of con- fusion. It made my heart ache to think of it ; for if I, in a slight attack, and with comparatively splendid accommodation?, had suffered so much, how much more must they suffer? And then to think of the slaves in a slave-ship, when sea-sick ; "Man can- not utter it." The captain had once crossed from Liverpool with 150 steerage passengers, and he said he never wished to do it again. Monday, 24th. Q,uile a gale rose soon after midnight, and took us all aback. The captain was just getting into a refreshing sle^p, when he heard the sound, and, rushing out on deck, he was wet through in an instant by the rain and the sea; and though he came back soon, yet he was much the worse for the exposure. I heard the loud and rapid orders of the mate, and the quick tread of many feet about deck, but, knowing I could be of no use, I kept my berth. Went out about seven o'clock, though there was so much motion in the ship, that I was nearly sick, and could hardly dress myself. It was blowing quite a gale, and the ship was driving on, and rolling like an egg-shell. Only think of a vessel whose weight must be several hundred tons, probably 12')0, tossing about like a cork ! What immense power to produce such effects ! And how great and powerful must He be who holds the winds in his fists, and the seas in ihe hollow of his hands! 1 stood and gazed on the dashing and rolling waves, and thought of Him who " walked on the waters." How sweet to think his name is "Emmanuel, God with us." The gale continued all day Monday and Tuesday, and, as may be supposed, we had a dreary time. Not being perfectly recov- ered from sea-sickness, we all felt it more or less. There was a constant gale, the wind roaring and groaning through the rigging, the foam and spray breaking over the forecastle, and sometimes over the after-parts of the vessel. The decks were dripping wet all the time, and showers of rain falling every half-hour. During the morning the wind tore our jib to ribbons, and we were obliged to take in most of the sails, and drive on "under close- reefed topsails, and reefed mainsail. (To " reef a sail" is to take, in about one third of it; to "close-reef" is to take in two-thirds.) The stock seemed to feel the weather a good deal. Jack said, 71 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. " his family took a great deal of doctoring to-day." In the cabin, as Mr. B. said, we only " lived ;" \ve did nothing, and could do nothing. It was hard work to keep our seats, and we had lo " eat over I he fence," i.e., had a railing, about three inches high, around the (able, and frame-work across and along, to keep the dishes in their place. We earned all we ate that day. I could not bear the air of the room, and having doffed my "long-tailed blue," and put on father's old over-coat, which was just the thing. I sat out most of the day at the door of the cuddy. Occasionally I got a taste of the salt water ; but, on the whole, I did as well, and per- haps better, than any of the rest. I pitied Mr. B. very much ; he has been for some lime in very poor health, and has suffered a great deal. When asked how he was, he replied, " I have known many sad days, but this has been the dreariest of them all." This was said in a tone of deep feeling, but it only called forth a laugh, in which, though not unkindly meant, nor unkindly taken, I could not ioin. I do not know what our crew think of their passengers, but. many sailors think that ladies and clergymen are very unfortunate people to have on shipboard. We tried to talk some in the even- ing, but it would not do, and we turned in to hope for better days. Tuesday, January 25th. Gale still continued, though not so hard, perhaps, as yesterday ; but still severe, and the motion of the ship, if possible, more unpleasant. I could eat but little at breakfast, and after it was over, I leaned my head against the mizzen-mast, which comes through the table just aft of my seat, and felt very uncomfortable. The Bible was lying just under my face, and I opened it almost mechanically. It opened at Job xiv., and I read that touching and melancholy passage with a deeper ex- perience of its truth than almost ever before: ' Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down : he fleetii also as a shadow, and continueth not. Man lieth down and riseth not, till the heavens be no more. They shall not awake, nor be raised out of sleep. Thou prevailed against him and he passeth, thou changest his countenance and sendest him away." We had showers and sunshine all day, wind high but gradually abating, though not enough to enable us to enjoy much comf >rt. You would have laughed could you have looked in at the cuddy about seven P. M., and yet your pity would have been moved. The two ladies sat near the door of their brother's room quietly, for sev- eral hours, not sad, nor yet cheerful. Mr. B. sat half awake and half asleep, and feeling, as he said the next day, in such a way as hi> :i lexicon had no words to express." Mr. K. sat for hours by the table, leaning his head on his hand, and feeling incapable of doing anything; making an occasional attempt to enliven us, but gene- JOURNAL AT SEA. 75 rally giving it over very soon. Myself, unable to sit still any length of time, and yet equally unable to do anything ; hating to go into my room, where the air was still closer; and hating to go out where everything was damp and cold. The captain was but poorly, and kept his bed all day ; and the mate had his hands full outside. The " boys" seemed to feel as badly as ourselves, as it is their first voyage. One of them said he " would give a hun- dred thousand dollars to be at home again." "Well," said Mrs. G., when she heard of it, " there's only one thing would tempt me to make such a voyage." In the evening the captain came into the room, and Mr. K. spoke to him, and said something about the pleasures of home ; "but this Ls not home, there is no place like home." "True!" sail! Mr. B., in a tone half tragic, half comic, that set us all a laug'hing, and seemed to revive us a good deal. Well, that's enough of the dark side of the picture, and as things took a better course in the evening and night, we will have some lighter colors. Wednesday, 26th. A splendid day ! After a few light showers, it cleared off gloriously ; the sea became smooth, and the sun shone out pleasantly; and with a pleasant breeze, that soon dried up the moisture of the decks and rigging, we held on the " even tenor of our way." We sat in the sun. and all felt decidedly better. The captain was out, and seeing me reading " Two Years before the Mast," he said, "That's one of the greatest books ever written. It is a real masterpiece. There's a great many men, and officers, and captains, just as they are there de- scribed, though they don't all like to own it." A pigeon or gull followed us for several hours to-day, flying^wi'h almost no exertion. It was as large as a duck, though longer, ash-colored above, and white beneath, with a long bill. In the evening, the ladies commenced walking on deck, and for a while we were quite merry. It was a glorious moonlight, and the rich colors of the sky and sea were very beautiful indeed. I sat up till past, eleven, most of the time at my journal. Thursday, 27th. Up and out about seven. A very pleasant day, but so little wind that we make very little progress. A sail has been on our weather quarter all day, but so far off, that we see but little of her. We saw one on Monday, but soon lost, sight of her in a shower of rain. Busy reading and writing " Before the Mast," and my journal. Have had a great appetite yesterday and to-day. All seem to be in fine spirits, and to enjoy the pleasant weather exceedingly. To give you an idea of the matter the thermometer to-day was 69, and I sat. in the shade of one of the sails for seve ral hours, without either hat or cloak, reading; the ladies were out without their bonnets, and all this on the 27th of January ! In the evening, we had several very pleasant little conversations. The captain said that in one of their late voyages, they had a sheep and a goose that became very intimate and sociable, and 76 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. used to run about the decks together. They took them out to Canton, and brought them back, refusing to kill them, on account of their singular union. This called forth the remark, that sailors had some feelings after all ; and the captain added, that he had kno\vn a whole ship's crew to intercede for the life of a favorite pig, saying they would rather live all the time on salt beef, th in Inve it put to death. "If I had anybody to write it down," said he, ' ; I could tell almost as fine a story as that book does'"' point- ing to "Two Years before the Mast." As we are all pretty well over sea sickness, I took the opportu- nity of consulting the mate as to religious services, meaning on the first good occasion to have the matter settled with the captain. I am more and more pleased with Mr. Gillespie, and could heartily wish that he were master of a vessel himself. He says when he " gets to be captain, if that ever happens, he means to have wor- ship twice a day for all the crew." He told me, that in one of their voyages, one of the men did not come to preaching once, alleging that he was sick. He suspected him of merely feigning sickness, and went to see him, and finding that it was ail a sham, ordered him a pretty stiff dose of castor oil. The man had to take it, and did not feign sickness any more. Friday, 28th. Another very fine day. Up and out very soon after sunrise, meant, to have seen the sun get up, but failed. A pleasant breeze all day, and a? many sails spread as could well be got on the masts and yards. Yesterday and to-day the men have been employed in setting up the rigging, which was somewhat loose. It had been set up in New York in cold weather, and needed overhauling. All in fine spirits, and eating heartily. This has been what Mrs. G. calls our "pork and bean day." We had the finest dish of those articles decidedly that ever I tasted, and other good things, "too tedious to mention," as auctioneers say. I shall become quite an epicure before the voyage is out, at this ^e. Took the opportunity of speaking to the captain about, religious services. He was perfectly willing to have service on the Sabbath, and seemed anxious to know if we could have singing. He said o o there was no objection to the passengers having prayers as often a^ they chose in the after-cabin ; but when I spoke of having the men attend once a day, (which the mate recommended;) he an- swered in such a way, that I considered it prudent riot to afford him the opportunity of giving a direct refusal, at least for the pre- sent. A light shower in the afternoon cooled the air a little too much. Thermometer during the day ranged from 68 to 72 in the shade. The wind has increased some, and the vessel rolls a good deal. Saw a sail on our stern to-day, a great way off, which may have been the same one we saw yesterday. Finished " Two Years before the Mast." and lent it to the cap- tain, who wants to read it. Overhauled some of my papers, and JOURNAL AT SEA. 77 began to lay out. Brother Owen's route to India. Read a page of the Brother Jonathan, gazed at the deep blue sea for a long dine, listened to the canary bird, and talked with Mr. B., whom I find a very pleasant companion indeed. Saw a gull flying about and sporting in the waves. Its flight was "O'er the mountain wave, Its home upon the deep." Yet methinks like the dove that Noah sent out from the ark, or like the Christian pilgrim in the world, it would here "find no rest for the sole of its foot." Reading one of Carlyle's pieces, a review of the life of Jean Paul Richter. The review was short, but contained several very stri- king and beautiful thoughts, with some that, thoitgh smoothed over, yet, contained the rankest pantheism. "Even in the streets of Bayreuth. Richter was seldom seen without a flower in his breast." What a trait of character is that ! so simple, open, child- like. Carlyle's description of Richter's style is exactly character- istic of his own style at present, for I would never have dreamed that the author of this review, written 1827, had also written the "French Revolution." "The essence of affectation is that it be assumed." Richter's "fancy hangs, like the sun, a jewel on every grass blade, and sows the earth at large with orient pearl." " Unite the sportfulness of Rabelais, and the best sensibility of Sterne, with the earnestness, and even in slight portions, the sublimity of Milton; and let the mosaic brain of old Burton give forth the workings of this strange union, with the pen of Jeremy Bentham !" Such is Richter's humor, &c.. according toCarlyle. Here's a good idea, "True humor springs not more from the head than from the heart. It is not contempt, its essence is love; it issues not in laughter, but in still smiles which lie far deeper." He speaks of "the freedom with which Richter bandies to and fro the dogmas of religion, nay, sometimes, the highest objects of Christian rever- ence;" and in the same paragraph adds, "Yet he is in the high- est sense of the word religious." Save me from such a religion ! That will do now for a talk for this night, and good-by. Saturday night, January 29th. How many thoughts of past, of distant, of high and holy and heavenly things it brings ! It speaks of the Sabbath of rest. But I am tossed on the wide and heaving sea; there is no rest on earth, not till we come to the heavenly world, where " there is no more sea." Now the ship is rolling in the waves, everything here is moving. I am a stranger and a pilgrim in the earth. I look about in vain for some solid, unmoving foundation, but I see none below the skies. Upwards, I see the heavenly host, and they appear fixed. I know that the things of the invisible heavens are firm. That city hath founda- tions. Its builder and maker is God. "Heaven is the Christian pilgrim's home, His rest at every stage." 78 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. Our passengers have begun to amuse themselves with talking and planning about their return home, but I do not join them in this. Even now, my outward condition is better than His, who "had not where la lay his head;" and for His sake, willingly do I " con- lc-s that I am a stranger in the earth." Good night. ; I am pensive, but happy. It is now near your time for family worship ; and though absent in body, in spirit I will join with you. The peace of God keep you all ! Monday, January 31st. Yesterday was the Sabbath ; the sun rose clear and bright, and the day was tine, with sufficient wind just to keep the sails tolerably full. The men were all free soon after nine A. M., and soon after ten, we met fur preaching in the forecabin. I took my station by the door of my room, where I could hold on to the back of the seat round the table. The two ladies sat on the bench just before me, arid the mate next to them, the captain on a chair at the coiner of the table, Mr. B. and Mr. K. on my right hand, and the men along the side and end of the room oppo- site me. They were all present, I believe, except the man at the helm and the second mate, who had to keep on the lookout. The room was quite full. The services were commenced by reading 2 Kings v., then followed prayer and singing. I set the times my- self, and was pretty loudly accompanied by several of the crew, some two or three of whom knew the tunes, while others guessed at them; on the whole the singing was tolerable, but I hope it will improve. After singing the hymn, I preached on Luke xvii. 11 19; Christ's healing the ten lepers. My hearers were very attentive indeed, especially one of the men, whom I had spoken to several times, and whose jolly air and hearty singing at the ropes had attracted my attention. I was. however, a good deal embar- rassed. My head almost touched the ceiling. My audience was almost within arm's length ; some were in fact so ; the room was small, and not being sufficiently accustomed to the motion of the vessel, I had to hold on all the time to the back of the seat to keep my balance. Then by having to lead in the singing, there was no time to compose my thoughts, and I suppose I made but blunder- ing work of it. After preaching, there was prayer and singing again, and the benediction the whole exercises taking about fifty minutes. I wanted to have them as short as possible, and riot knowing exactly how much time they would take, this contributed a little to embarrass me. 1 assure you, I felt for a while after the services were over, as though I should like to hide myself from the sight of everybody. However, I could not but believe, that I had endeavored to do right ; and though for a while half tempted to think that such services were of no use, yet on the whole I was glad that a beginning had been made. We shall probably do better hereafter. Soon after service, Mr. Gillespie told me that just before service, he had gone into the forecastle to see if all the men had come forward. He found one there who was not quite JOURNAL AT SEA. 79 ready, but said he was coming. " Ah, Mr. Gillespie, it is seven years since I heard a prayer." It was the same man who ap- peared so attentive. Saw a couple of flying fish to-day, and thought at first that they were little birds ; one of them flew with an irregular, flight more than forty yards before it touched the water. The sight of them made me think of a passage in Henry Martyri's diary, where he says that he thought his own aspirations after holiness and heaven, were short and low and uncertain, like the flight of the Hying fish. The sight and the thought made me condemn myself. Had prayers in the cabin at eight P. M., and afterwards a long talk with Mr. Gillespie about the Wall street and Middle Dutch churches, and about a voyage Mr. G. made from Liverpool to New York with 135 steerage passengers, several of whom died on the voyage. He had almost the whole care of them, and dates his first serious impressions to what he then witnessed. Then we talked about the difficulty of maintaining the life of religion on ship-board, and in places of trial, the danger of worldliness, &c. Tuesday, Feb. 1st. What did I do to-day ? Let us see. Read two chapters in History of the Puritans ; five or six pages of geometry ; the introduction to Hill's Theology; part of the "Cu- riosity Shop;" an article in the Repertory; laid out our course thus far on my map which, having some occasion to show to the c:i|)t,ain, he told me very politely, that I l ' was an accomplished hydrographer." I intend to try to get. on some regular course of study soon ; to-morrow, if possible ; because I begin to feel the monotony of this sea life, and to find the need of system in the employment of my time. Wednesday, Feb. 2d. Up and out (my stereotyped formula) at half after six; walked about the deck for half an hour, and then came down and spent an hour in reading the Bible in Eng- lish and Hebrew. After breakfast, read Neal's History of the Pu- ritans pretty steadily for two or three hours, with the exception of several turns on deck. While I was looking over the side of the ship, at some sea-weed floating past, the captain came up to me, and, in answer to my inquiries, told me that they never saw it much south of 17 north lat. ; and that on their return home, the first familiar object seen is the north star, and the second the sea- weed. Thursday, Feb. 3d. Another clear and beautiful day, but still unfavorable for our speedy progress. The wind is still too much from the east, and we move on slowly over the deep blue sea. I spent some time this morning, leaning over the ship's side, and looking almost without an object at the ocean. The sea was quite calm, with a long low swell, that gently rocked the ship, as a nurse would rock the cradle of a sleeping child. Everything where I stood was still, and T looked at t!ie sun's rays as they glit- tered from the little dancing waves. How they sparkled and shone in one full blaze, where his beams fell directly on them ! while ofT 80 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. on either side, as they became fewer and fewer, but still bright and sparkling as ever, they looked like little fairies of the deep, putting 1 their head.s up joyously out of the water, and as suddenly sinking again beneath the wave. Stc that splash in the water ! wh it is that? Oh, it's a gull, plunging down probably for a Hying (i-'i ; now he is off in a long flight, away to the south will he come back again ? Again, the blue sea and the sparkling reflected beanie ; the sails flapping idly against the mast. Almost bogun to wish for another gale, and yet so calm and peaceful, it seems good to be here. How apt we are to be satisfied with this uncer- tain world when the sun shines, and the soft, winds blow ! Yet storms may coine, they will come, and then we shall say " I would not live alway, I ask not to stay Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way." What's that, away off there? A sail. Ha! human beings there! Who are they ? Do they see us? How are they? Are they joyful or happy? It was a bark, bound to the southward. probably an English vessel, bound to the West Indies. It was, however, too far off to exchange any signals, and soon was out of sight. My time passes pleasantly away, and as yet, I have felt nothing like ennui ; and very seldom, indeed, has the feeling of loneliness, that came over me so often last summer, come near mo in this voyage. Perhaps it is because I feel more and more that I am a stranger in the earth, and am more and more satisfied that it should be so. Friday, Feb. 4th. Another glorious day. Up and out. before the sun ; saw him rise. My vocabulary wants words to express the richness and beauty of the clouds " Which sat about the East, And wantoned with his golden locks." After tea looked over a little school-book in astronomy, with map?, &c., and concluded to try some of the constellations ; was quite charmed with my success, for I made out the whole con- stellation of Orior\, and single stars, in four or five others. The ladies, who were promenading the decks, joined me, and after show- ing them my newly acquired knowledge, we spoke of him "who loosed the bands of Orion, and sent forth Mazzaroth in his sea- son." I became quite enraptured with the study, and promise my- self a good deal of pleasure in pursuit of it. Do you remember how, one night, as we were going to church, I pointed out to you the North Star, and Orion's belt ? I have been looking up so long, that my neck fairly aches. How little we know of the stars ! They are, doubtless, at least that is my own firm conviction, inhabited worlds, all displaying the power, and wisdom, and goodness of our Cre- ator. What wonderful and varied displays of his attributes would be seen by one who could visit them all ! I am inclined to believe JOURNAL AT SEA. 81 though, of course, it is mere conjecture that every one of them is arranged in a different order, inhabited by different kinds of ra- tional and irrational beings, with different genera and specie^ of plants and minerals ; aye, and different kinds of things for which \ve have neither names nor conceptions. Who shall limit the works of Him, whose understanding is infinite, and who is wonder- ful in working. Monday, Feb. 7th. Yesterday was a very calm, delightful day. Sufficient breeze to carry us on from five to seven miles an hour, and so steady, that (here was very little motion. Had service in the morning, at ten o'clock. Preached on Psalm xxxvii. 5 j and being less embarrassed, I got on much more comfortably than on the preceding Sabbath. The attention was very good indeed. After service it was quite pleasant to look to the forward part of the ship. The forecastle doors were open, and some of the men were lying in their berths or sitting on their chests, reading. Others were sitting on the windlass and spars, or standing by the sides of the ship, reading or talking, all neatly dressed, and apparently all at their ease, and very comfortable. I think our crew are a very good-looking set of men indeed. One of the boys was sitting by the ship's side, doing nothing. The mate went past him. and as he passed, pulled out a tract from his pocket, and gave it to him. Afternoon and evening passed off pleasantly and pretty quietly. The passengers were talking together in the lower cabin, in the evening, where they had cakes and nuts, &c., and sent for me to join them, but I excused myself, and retired to my own room. It was Monthly Concert evening, and I thought of the many Monthly Concerts I had attended, of the last one, and of the work before me. Commenced an essay, or address, or I hardly know what yet, but something for Sabbath Schools, which, if it is ever fin- ished, I'll try to have published, provided I think it worthy of that honor. This morning I mustered up courage enough to climb up to the main-cross-trees. You may be sure I held tight to the ropes, when I had got so high. I was surprised to find how snjall everything looked on deck. The ship seemed no broader than a common row- boat, and the men on deck only like children. Whether I shall ever get above the cross-trees is more than I know at present ; but it is very doubtful. There are no ladders any higher up, and I don't like the idea of " shinning" up and down a couple of bare ropes. After reading a couple of chapters in Neal, I took my geometry, and lay down on the transom, in the lower cabin, which is nicely cushioned, and read over several propositions. I have been star- gazing this evening. It. was rather cloudy, and not a favorable time ; but 1 found out Castor and Pollux, and several other stars. I have already learned the names of twenty-five stars and clus- ters in ten different constellations, and that in only three evenings' Btucly. I can point them all out with little or no difficulty. Only- 6 82 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. learn the constellation Orion one of the most magnificent, and one of the easiest learned in ihe heavens and by imaginary squares, and rectangles, and triangles, you can discover the posi- tion of any star you wish. The mate has a copy of Bunk's "Geography of the Heavens and Celestial Atlas," which is a cap- ital \vork. One wants nothing more to learn the names of the principal stars, and many interesting particulars respecting them. We have a very pleasant breeze now that, is carrying us on nine miles an hour. I was out just now, half-past nine, p. M. ; clouds covered the sky, through which a few stars dimly shone ; the sea on either side was dark, the ship was dashing the waves in white foam from the bows, and leaving a long nne of snow-like billows behind her. Tuesday, Feb. 8th. The breeze which we took yesterday eve- ning proves to be the regular trade wind, which will probably carry us down to N. Lai. 7 or 6. We are dashing on now at ten and a half knots, or miles, to the hour. The captain says " the log line is not long enough;" "she is making money now for her owners." I was standing after dark at the stern and at the bows of the vessel, to watch the foam caused by the ship's mo- tion. It was really splendid at the bows. Going so rapidly, she throw the foam and spray in wide sheets as white as snow, eight or ten feet ahead, and several yards on either side ; and the phos- phorescence was bursting out in faint glimmerings, and in sparks an 1 dashes, with a delicacy of light, such as I never saw equalled by any human inventions. How wonderful are the works of the Lord which we see, when we " go down to the sea in ships, and do business on the great waters !'' How wonderful is that wisdom, that by the use of such simple things as water and light, can pro- duce so many beautiful arid glorious sights as we see in the clouds, and the rainbow, in the magnificence of Niagara, and the solemn grandeur of the ocean. "Oh Lord, the earth is full of thy riches, so is this great and wide sea." Wednesday, Feb. 9th. Trade-winds still strong, and sea pretty rough. None^)f us (by its 1 commonly mean the passengers) slept very well last night, and none of us feel very well to day. It is hard to describe one's sensation, being neither sick nor well. In the morning saw a shoal of porpoises only a few yards from the ship's side, but too far off to be reached by a harpoon. They were playing in the water and appeared to be turning over in a circle for amusement. We only saw them when in the upper arc of the circle, when they threw themselves completely out of water. Saw also several of Mother Carey's chickens, a small dark-colored bird. The reason why they are seen only in rough weather is, probably, that they obtain their food from the sea, and find it more abundantly where the water is rough. Thursdav, Feb. 10th. Many flocks of flying-fish about the ship to-day. They start up in flocks of from ten to a hundred as the ship passes along, and remind me very much of the way in which JOURNAL AT SEA. 83 little birds start up from (he bushes and from stubble-fields. One of them flew aboard last night. I shall probably get some be- fore the voyage is out, and will send you one or two. The one that came on board was about, seven inches long, black above arid white on the belly ; mouth very much like a sucker's ; wings about four inches long, but being dry when I saw it, they were shrunk up and I did not see their breadth. The tail has the lower part much longer than the upper, and when they fly it seems to serve the part, of a rudder through the air. They are commonly only about seven inches long, and many that I see are much shorter. Captain Lovett, however, says that off the cape of Good Hope two came aboard one of his .ships in a storm, that were each fifteen inches long, and measured twenty-two inches from tip to tip of the wings, and were seven inches round the body. They are said to be very fine eating, according to Mr. K., " the sweetest of all fish." Sometimes they fly on board in such numbers as to furnish a mess for all hands. Our ship, however, being very high out of water, we are not likely to have that luxury. But we need not complain, for there is everything here that one wants, and perhaps more than is good for us. 1 am a great advocate of tem- perance in food, but I do not like to be tempted with too many good things. My principles of moderation might likely take wing and fly away. We are beginning to feel the monotony of sea life, and the wish that we might speak a ship is often uttered. Even the sight of a sail is agreeable, and the flying-fish and Mother Carey's chickens are eagerly looked after. I make a visit to the main-top every day, and sometimes higher, and look around, but nothing is to be seen ; the same vast expanse of waters still meets the eye. It seems as if, when we came to the place where " the sky and sea meet," we must certainly see something ; but on, on we go. The sky above and the dark rolling waves beneath, and ourselves the only visible objects of interest. Yet I am not lonely, nor would I go back if it were in my power. I am beginning now to feel the reality of my situation, ai*l to think of future planstand operations. For two weeks or more after leaving New York, I could hardly realize that I was really gone. It seemed like a dream. I saw the waves and looked round the ship, but still could not. feel that I was really on my way. Now, however, as we approach the line, I begin to feel that. I have passed the Rubicon, or to use a more script ural expression, that I have departed from Jerusalem and the temple, and am going far off to the Gentiles. " Far away, ye billows, bear me ; Lovely native land, farewell." The captain was talking at night of " Two Years before the Mast ;" and speaking of Harris, the talented sailor, he said, " We often have such men on board ship*. I had one last voyage, who knew more than any one else in the ship. He had once been 84 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. master of a vessel himself." I asked how it happened, then, that he became a common sailor again. " Oh, he was one of those men to whom money does no good, and who don't care about it. They are better off than their officers, for they do what they are told, "and then turn in to their berths, and feel no responsibility or care." Passed the latitude of the Cape Verd Isles yesterday and to-day, but too far off to see them, or any signs of land. Friday, Feb. llth. Our trade-wind is slackening very much, and we shall probably be in the i{ variables" to-morrow. Have not felt like doing much of anything for two or three days, not sick, nor well. Saturday, Feb. 12th. Trade'-wind still continues, and we have come over a thousand miles in five days pretty good sailing that. Calm, pleasant day, and rather warm ; looked very much like rain for several hours, but it has cleared off beautifully, and we have promise of another pleasant Sabbath. This afternoon, as I was standing by the gangway, I observed another kind offish, the "skip-jack." There was a large shoal of them, playing about in the water, and leaping sometimes ten feet, though commonly not more than three or four. I could not observe the shape or size very distinctly ; they were perhaps as large as a large shad. Saw a very large flock of large dark-colored birds, but they were too far off to be distinctly seen. Star-gazing to-night, and saw a couple of stars you never see in the United States Canopus and Achernee. The north star is fast sinking, and we shall soon lose eight of it. Saturday night again ! The past week has fled away swiftly and pleasantly. Soon the Saturday night of life will come, and the unending Sabbath of eternity will dawn. Sabbath, Feb. 13th. A calm, beautiful, and glorious day. Quite clear all morning, and light fleecy clouds in the after part of the day, which tempered the air. Preached at ten, A. M., on 2 Cor. v. 21. Audience very attentive. I still lead in singing, and must say, it was to-day quite respectable. S^ing the last hymn (we only sing two) to Old Hundred, and almost every one joined in. Heard a voice I had not heard before singing, and, looking up, found it. was the captain, singing with a good deal of earnestness. After dinner went up to the main-top, where I could feel myself alone, and, sitting down, read and sang, and looked out on the blue sea for an hour. It was good to be there. I was above the cares and the business of the deck. A light breeze made my sta- tion pleasant, and I looked out on the calm and gently heaving gea, where the sun shone down with bright and yet undazzling rays. I felt as a Christian sometimes feels when all around \s calm, and the Spirit's influence?, like gentle breezes, move upon his soul, and the favor of God, like the sun's glad beams, comforf3 his heart. Yet still it was not home ; the rolling sea was still there, and no one could 'say how soon the calm might become a JOURNAL AT SEA. 85 storm. It was not hsaven, it was only a foretaste of the eternal rest. My meditations, however, were disturbed by the sight of a large fish making his way after the ship. The .sail.naker said it was probably a shark, because we were now in the " shark country." Monday, Feb. 14th. My mode of passing my time now is some- what like this : Rise about six, A. M., and commonly spend near an hour in dressing and walking about deck. From seven to eight, at the English arid Hebrew Bible. Breakfast at eight, and then History and Mathematics till about noon ; but during this time, I commonly walk about deck several times, and pay a visit to the mast-head; also occasionally talk a little. Dinner at one, P.M., and tea at six. Between these meals I read Theology and Mis- cellaneous Literature, diversified, as in the forenoon, by walking, &c.. and occasionally by a nap, though I prefer taking the nap just before dinner. After tea, study Astronomy, or stand by the gangways (our great loafing places,) and look over into the sea, or talk with anybody who may come along. It is a time of gen- eral relaxation. The captain is smoking his cigar on deck, look- ing at the sails and stars, or talking and laughing with some of the passengers. The ladies are laughing and joking with Mr. B., and Mr. K. occasionally gives a lift when the conversation flags, or they come to me for a lesson in Slarology, or they enter into a discussion with their brother, or or Oh, there's a great many things too tedious to mention. At eight, p. M., we have prayers in the cabin, and then an hour is spent sometimes in reading, or writing, or conversation. At nine we have nuts and raisins, &c., and then off to bed as soon as may be, unless 1 happen to go out on deck and get into conversation with the mate, which sometimes keeps me up longer. Tuesday, Feb. 15th. Rain during the night, and quite a heavy shower in the morning. Caught about 100 gallons for the stock, and the men and boys washed a good many of their clothes, and hung them about the rigging to dry. It then fell dead calm, and the ship lay like a log on the water. The captain said it was just the kind of weather for sharks, and got the shark-hook rig- ged out, and baited with a piece of pork, and hung it out astern. Very soon a small shark showed himself, and seized it ; the line was drawn in, and he was quickly on deck. He floundered about at a great rate, but was soon hauled to the middle of the vessel, and a handspike thrust down his throat ; he then received several blows on the back of the head with a heavy iron hammer, and lay quite still. Although he was dead, and the second mate open- ed him, took out all the entrails, and washed the inside of his body would you believe it ? after all this, he floundered about, and beat the deck violently with his tail, and looked so savage, that it was found necessary to thrust the handspike down his mouth again. He very soon died really, and we looked at him. He was five feet four inches from the nose to end of tail ; fore fins, fifteen inches long ; back fin, nine inches ; tail, eighteen inches ; 86 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. quite a young one. He had evidently been feeding pretty heart- ily, because in his stomach we found several large pieces of squid, a fish that is said to grow to as large a size as any in the ocean. There were a couple of little fishes swimming about him and clinging to his back, while in the water, and one of ihem clung so tight, that he came up on deck with him. It was a sucker, which I have in spirits, and will try to send home. In the afternoon the mate caught a bonito, a fish about two feet long, and perhaps six inches in diameter in the middle. He was perfectly round in every part from the head to the tail; on the back he was of a most beautiful purple, and the belly was white and golden yellow in streaks, the colors gradually mingling with red. Altogether I do not wonder lhat the Portuguese called him bonito, the beautiful. The fins on the back and side fold up like a fan, and can be laid so close to the body that you may pass your hand over them without feeling them. Its great pecu- liarity, however, consists in the heart, which is double, the largest part being red and the other white. The abdominal cavity is very small, and the fish is almost a solid mass of flesh. We had part of it cooked, and it formed a not unpalatable dish. Thursday, Feb. 17th. To-day I paid a visit aloft, and went out to the end of the main-top-gallant-yard, which is consider- ably higher than the cross-trees; but the reason I did it was, I found they had fixed a ladder from the cross-trees to the royal- mast, so that there was no difficulty. Being now used to being aloft, I sat on the yard-arm for some time and enjoyed the pros- pect. It is like being at the top of a steeple. I went up again by moonlight, and the view was very beautiful, even sublime. We crossed the line sometime last night, and were at twelve M. in lat. 27' south. That is a very good passage. It was just four weeks yesterday since leaving New York, and four weeks to-day since leaving Sandy Hook. This is one of the great divisions of our voyage. We shall now begin to ask how long it will be be- fore we pass the Cape, and then, how long to the straits of Sunda? Friday. Feb. 18th. Took the south-east trade-wind about, four o'clock this morning, and we are now moving off gaily in a 8outh*west course. We shall ruu down now towards South America. This is my birth-day. Another mile-stone in the journey of my life is past. I have come by a smooth road so far, and it does not seem long; but I cannot tell what my road shall be hereafter, nor how long. I often feel, when I look back, as Milton did on the same occasion. " My hasting days fly on with full career, But my late spring no bud :>r blossom showeth." But let them fly " If I have grace to use them so, As ever in my great taskmaster's eye." JOURNAL AT SEA. 87 Aye and let them speed their flight. I would not he impa- tient, I would not desert my post, however incompetent to fill it, nor however great its dangers, till my discharge comes. But if they hasten on, " They'll waft m? sooner o'er Tliis life's tempestuous s?a, Then I shall reac 1 ! the peaceful shore Of blest eternity." This has been a very pleasant day ; too warm to be in the sun, but in the upper cabin we had a cool breeze all day, and the awn- ing and sails keep the sun from beating on the roof. A shoal of porpoises were playing under the bows of the vessel for some time, but (hey were " old fellows," and kept out of the harpoon's way. In the evening, saw the Southern Cross for the first time. It has not been visible before, until after I had gone to bed. I do not think, however, that, any of the constellations I have seen are as splendid as that of Orion. A ' booby' was flying about the ship for several hours this after- noon and evening, and we thought would have lighted on the rigging ; but he did not. A ' noddy,' however, lighted on the top- sail yard, but when the boys went up to catch him, he flew off to another part of the ship, and kept out of harm's way. The booby is, I should think, as large as a goose, with very long wings ; the noddy, as large as a large pigeon. The reason why we saw so many fish and birds the other day was, that we were between the north-east and south-east trades, where probably many things, that they use as food, had been collected by the action of the winds and waves tending to the same point. Saturday, Feb. 19th. A bark to the westward, bound in the same direction with ourselves ; she is probably English, from " the cut of her jib." Hoisted our colors, an 1 she hers ; but as she is to leeward, we cannot see them well. Wrote a short letter this after- noon to send home, if we happen to speak a homeward-bound vessel. Mr. K. thinks we shall see one to-morrow; so does the captain. Why, it would be hard to say ; I hope, however, it will not be before Monday. Nothing bothers a sailor so much as a calm. We are now (ten P. M.) quite becalmed ; and the second mate is walking about, and saying. ;{ Anything but a calm. It takes all of Job's patience to bear this. I'd rather have a gale than lhis,"&c. Yet to me it is very pleasant ; perhaps it would not be if Ion? continued; but this afternoon aboul, five o'clock, it was very delightful. I took a chair and sat out on deck, under the shade of the sails. There was just a little light air that played about, making it pleasant; the sea was gently heaving, and almost as smooth as if it were molten glass, and the mild radiance of the setting sun was reflected on the clouds. All seemed just as Saturday evening ought to be, preparing for the rest, of the Sabbnth. I took out the book, "American Poetry," which the Misses P.'s gave me, just five weeks 88 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. ago to-night, and read several of the devotional pieces?. I had read some of them before, but. they never seemed sc beautiful. One of them was " The Farewell." " My native land adieu, adieu, My course is o'er the sea ; I sail upon the waters blue, Far, far away from thee." Talking with the ladies this evening, we concluded to form a Bible class, to meet once or twice a week, and study portions of the Old and New Testament. I do riot know yet how it will turn out, nor how many of the passengers and officers will attend. It may lead to great results. It may not. Sabbath, Feb. 20th. A very delightful day, except that, we are becalmed most of the day. However, that, made it all the pleasanter for me, on account of its being: the Sabbath, and thereby giving us a quiet time. Preached on Ephesians v. 16, "Redeem- ing the time," a duty greatly neglected on shipboard. In the af- ternoon we did see a sail, homeward bound, but ten or twelve miles off, and the breeze so light, that there was no chance of our speak- ing her. The captain was greatly disappointed. He came away from home almost, sick, and is very anxious to write to his wife. He is a very kind-hearted man, and often speaks of his family with very great affection. Our sunsets now are very splendid. The sky is quite as beauti- ful as I ever saw it at Princeton ; and if there were only the green fields and waving forests to receive the last, rays of light, the pros- pect would be quite as fine as it commonly is on land. Captain Lovett is a great admirer of such scenes. After tea, I sat out at the stern alone, and sang over a number of our old favorite tunes. No one here cares much about, music ; arid I generally go by my- self when I wish to sing ; but in a ship, with so many around, it is impossible to be all alone. Monday, Feb. 21st. Trade-wind commenced blowing quite strong a little before daylight, and we are dashing on, seven or eight miles an hour. There is a good deal of motion in the ship, and I have felt rather queer all morning. In fact, had to lie down before dinner. Tuesday, Feb. 22d. Still a good deal of motion, and all of us more or less " uncertain," and very quiet. Had a very heavy shower of rain this morning; and the watch on deck were busy washing their clothes. They generally roll up their trowsers above their knees, and then kneel down on deck, spread their clothes out before them, and scrub them with a scrubbing-brush. So much water runs about the decks when it rains, that they do not need a tub for the first soaking. They then rinse them out, and fasten them up in the fore-rigging to dry. Shortly after the rain commenced, I looked out and saw the captain standing at the helm, with the wheel in his hands. He JOURNAL AT SEA. 89 has taken it, till the helmsman could go and get his oil-cloth jacket. This was a little thing, but " straws show which way the wind blows." Many a captain would not have showed so ni'ich consideration for a sailor. I think our crew are very well off. Their potatoes, and soup, and beef, often look very tempting; arid as for their "duff," (a contraction for dough.) I have seen many a plain-pudding that did not look a bit better. They are also provided with pewter plates, and knives and forks, at their meals : this is an unheard-of allowance. " They are the first of their family that ever used them." It was thought at first that they would not care about having them ; and the captain asked the cook one day, if the men took their plates ? "Take them ! why they call for them as regularly as if they had a right to them!" Oar " gentlemen rope-handlers," as they call themselves 1 are a fine-looking set. I often notice their arms, which are large and strong. This arises from their constant use of their arms, by which the muscles become very strongly developed. Almost all of them have some device tattooed on their arms. One has an anchor; another, a tree; another, a ship; some, a ship and the star-span- gled banner; several have a young man and young woman hand- in-hand, very neatly done. They go about decks dressed in check or red flannel shirts, and trowsers, with low-crowned hats and shoes, or no shoes, just as suits their fancy. The sail-maker " likes these China voyages, a man don't wear out a pair of shoes in a year." Very few use suspenders ; they hold their trowsers up by a leather belt round the waist ; and to this belt is attached a sheath, in which they carry their knives: each one carries a butcher-knife, which, like the sailor himself, is a "jack of all trades." They use it to scrape the paint and tar off the ship, to cut and trim the ropes and sails, in most ships, to carve their salt beef with, and to supply at once the place of knife, fork, and spoon. Thursday, Feb. 24th. A delightful, pleasant day. Captain " never knew so much fine weath^at once on an outward-bound voyage." Having finished Neal's History of the Puritans, I com- menced B incroft, which is quite a relief. The evenings are so beautiful, an 1 the moon shines with such brightness, that I have spent, several of the past evenings on deck. So netimes gazing on the evening sky, and suffering all kinds of calm imaginations to float through the mind, remembering and repeating scraps of poe- try, like this " How many days with mnte adieu, Htvfi ffoni down yon untrodden sky, And still it looks as ctear and bine As when it first was hung on high." Sometimes learning the names of different stars, and comparing their colors and positions. You know what the Apostle says " one star diifereth from another star in glory." I often wonder 90 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. I never observed that before, for (he glory of Sirius, wilh its more than lunar brightness, differs widely from the red blaze of Arctui us ; and Oanopus and Capella, and Rrgulus and Ahh'baran, lave colors that the vocabulary of the earth can hardly name. Truly the heavens declare the glory of God. At other times I walk on deck, and think of the past, and the present, and the future. Sunshine and showers, and smiles and tears, and lofty oak.s and little flowers, mountains and valleys, and rich and poor, where was the one ever seen, that the other was not by? Had a long talk with the sailmaker to-night. He is by birth a Swede, but. left Sweden at the age of four years ; has been at sea twenty-eight years; shipwrecked three or four times; once. o'T Cape Horn ; once, seven days without a mouthful of food ; ano- ther time, seventeen days on so short an allowance, that at the end of that time hardly one of the crew could w r alk ; once, nearly dead from an attack of fever caused by giving up tobacco, which he was obliged to resume again. He seems to be a serious sort of a man ; has a number of pious phrases, and said that. " he could spend two Sundays as easily as one ; always plenty to do on Sun- day," meaning that the Sabbath never hung heavy on his hands. He says he reads his Bible a great deal, but often wishes he could get a great many parts of it explained, " which worry and bother" him. This was just what I wanted, and it was in fact the reason why I commenced talking with him, that I might propose the for- mation of a Bible class. I accordingly did so. and he seemed very glad, and said he would try and get some more to join him, and we shall probably make a commencement next Sabbath. Monday, Feb. 28ih. Fine weather still continues. On Satur- day, saw a "Portuguese man-of-war", ?!. e. a little semi-trans- parent bubble, of a pale rose color, floating on the water. It is a sea animal substance; is something like jelly. In fine weather, a great many are occasionally seen about ships. They are of a triangular pyramidal form, and are very pretty little things. The captain prophesied that we should see land on Sunday, and also a sail. Sunday came a fine d^r. '" We always have fine weal her on Sunday." Preached in the morning on the Messianic prophe- cies of Genesis; attention not so good as heretofore, and I was afterwards a good deal disappointed when the sailmaker told me that he had spoken to several of the men about forming a Bible class, but they were ashamed to be seen in such an employment; several "would like to, but if they did all the rest would be at them." However, I have not given up hope yet. We had hardly got through wilh the service in the morning, when the second mate, whose look-oul it was, said that land was in sight. It was the Island of Trinidad, and the rocks of Martin Vas Lat. 20 28' S. Lonok very much. Yesterday evening the sunset was very beautiful. I would Iry and describe it. but can give you no adequate idea of it. You will perhaps wonder that I write so much abnit the sky and stars, but except in our own little world on board there is nothing but sea and sky to write about. Tuesday, March 8th. Something of a squall this morning. I used to think ' squalls" were sudden and fearful short storm-!, but the word seems to be used at sea with reference to every shower or gust that passes along. There is usually more or less rain and wind in the squalls, and unless they are light it becomes necessary to take in several of the light sails. A great deal of rain fell this morning, and after the decks were pretty well washed by if. the men stopped up the scuppers, and let the ducks and geese out to wash themselves. The poor creatures seemed to enjoy the sport very much, and played about in the water for an hour with great glee. I pity the geese especially. They are cooped up in a space which is necessarily too small, and having no access to water to wash in, (it is not good to wash them in salt water,) they become very dirty, get cross, and fight with each other; and such a treat as they had to-day will do them more goou than anything else that, could be conceived of. Wednesday, March 9th. A fine clear day and fair breeze. Ther- mometer varying from 69 to 71, and feeling so cold, (day before yesterday it was 81, and the day before that 85 in the shade,) that woollen stockings and coats are in request again. Saw seve- ral little birds about the size of a large swallow flying about the ship for several hours. I have been quite surprised to see so many birds so far away from land. For several weeks past, there has scarcely been a day when we have not seen some. And several times we have seen large flocks, once or twice so large, that even on land the> would excite attention. There is now no probability of our meeting any more vessels, as we are out of the course of homeward-bound ships. The " old man" says it is quite a relief not to be afraid of running foul of ships at night. When he was in the Liverpool trade, he said he could hardly sleep at night for fear of encountering some of the many ships that are constantly crossing the Atlantic. 1 went up to the cross-trees to look out on the ocean, and the 96 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWR1E. sc.'ne was indescribably grand. For several miles all around, the sea \vas covered with large waves, each vave breaking into masses of foam many yards in extern, and the noise of the winds and waves together made it impossible for me to hear Mr. B., who called to me to " go up higher." The sun was shining almost all day, which added greatly to the splendor of the scene. Several albatrosses have been flying about the ship, and. though she goes eight or ten miles an hour, they make nothing whatever of flying around her, sailing off a mile or two on each side and astern, and then coming up again. It is wonderful with what ease they fly. They will go a mile without any apparent motion of their wings, and that too in the face of a gale, that sent us ploughing up the waves at the rate of ten or eleven miles an hour. In fact they fly better when there is a gale than in a calm. It is very hard for them to rise off the water, unless there is some wind going, but if there is any wind, they turn their heads to it, and are speedily in the air. They will skim over the water when it is rough with waves six or eight feet high, and never wet a feather. The cap- tain says they have several joints in their wings, (which are pro- digiously long,) and when the wind is strong, they " take in a reef and shorten sail." I used to think they were all of one size and color, but they are not. One that I saw was of " the first magni- tude." wings extending ten feet or more. There are others of the second, thftd, and fourth magnitudes. They do not appear, however, nearly so large when seen flying as when on d:;ck. Some are white, some are dusky brown, some are brown on the backs of the wings and white on the body above and beneath, and on the lower part of the wings. Some have a dark belt or ring round the neck, and some are somewhat mottled. I have not seen any other varieties of color. One old brown fellow flew so close to the ship's stern, that I could see the white of his eyes. Monday, March 14th. Preached yesterday on Phil. iii. 1 11. But it being quite a calm, the swell caused the ship to roll so much, and the rudder creaked so constantly, as it always does in a calm, that I had not much satisfaction in the exercises. Bible class, as usual. Mr. B. always attends, though he takes no active part. I find this quite an interesting and profitable service. The weather, after being very cold for three or four days, began to moderate yesterday morning, and now is very comfortable. The wind is from the north ; which in this part of the world is our warm wind. I think the sunsets in this part of this hemisphere are different from those in the United States, but I have not yet observed them sufficiently to state wherein that difference consists. It would be endless to describe every sunset, to say nothing of the impossibility of giving you any idea of sights which I can find no words in any language I know to describe. It is just eight weeks to-day since leaving New York. I hardly feel as if I ought to say, " since leaving home" because it seems as if I had no right to say " home." Ps. cxix. 19. I can truly say JOURNAL AT SEA. 97 I never knew eight weeks to pass so rapidly away. Our vessel does not seem to glide more swiftly and smoothly over the waves, than does my time on its course. Last summer on my trip to Michigan, when 1 was gone just eight weeks, my time seemed to be slowly passing, and I was anxious to return home. Perhaps it was because I had not then severed the cords that bound me to my father's house, and I felt their attraction. Now, when those cords are severed, and I know not that I shall ever be drawn by them again, I feel as if I was really cut loose, and going where Provi- dence may lead me. Yet my thoughts often revert back, and I feel as if I could wish, though I do not, that I might once more return ; but I cannot see anything that leads me to cherish the ex- pectation of returning ; and I prefer not to think much of it. That, however, does not keep me from thinking of you and won- dering how you are. I never see Chun Sing tripping about the decks, but it reminds me of the way Reuben used to come laugh- ing from school, and of an evening when seated around the table, the ladies with their work, and myself with a book or chatting, it reminds me of other days. Yesterday evening as I was looking up at the stars, one of the sailors, a young man of very intelligent countenance and pleas- ing manner, with whom I had exchanged a few words several times before, came up to me and began to speak of the stars ; then of the delight one finds in knowledge. This led me to re- mark, what a proof that was of the immortality of the soul, that it was constantly expanding in capacity. He then asked me in a very serious manner, what I thought of the question, " Are any of the heathen saved who never heard of Christ?" I told him I thought not, speaking of adult heathen ; and mentioned several passages in Romans, that induced me to think as I did. This led him to say, that he had been in the habit of reading the Bible every day on this voyage, but he found a great many things he could not make out or understand. I offered him any assistance in my power, for which he seemed very grateful, and said he would avail himself of it. He then said, "What is it to be relig- ious ? A young lady asked me when in New York last time 'Are you religious?' I said, 'Of course I am. I believe in Christ, that he is the Son of God, that he did live on the earth, and that he died to save men's souls' was I right in saying I am religious?" I told him that what he believed was not all that was necessary ; that many bad men, and even the devils, could say, they believed that much. " That's true," said he, with a good deal of emphasis. I then went on to explain what true faith was, but much to my regret the watch was soon changed and he had to leave me. I hope to see him again, however, before long. I could not help thinking at the time, how little one can tell of what is passing in the minds of others. A few weeks ago, as I was thinking over the character of the men on board, I had set it down in my mind, that this young man would be the least 7 98 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. likely to think of religion of almost all on board. There seemed to be a sort of "don't care about it" air in him. I regret that I have very few opportunities of much intercourse with the men. There are almost always several of them together. Indeed I scarcely ever see one alone, except the man at the wheel ; and it is against the rules to falk with him : consequently I have few means of influencing them except on the Sabbath. The ship is BO well supplied with tracts, through Mr. Gillespie's care, that I find but little use for mine. Saturday, March 19th. Though busy all the time, nothing special has occurred to be noticed since Wednesday. We have had a fine breeze ever since, that has carried us on bravely ; and if it had only held out, would probably have carried us to the longitude of the Cape to-morrow. To-day is Saturday, however, ami the wind has fallen considerably since last night. It is clear- ing up for Sunday. There is, however, a great deal of swell in the ocean, so much so that at times we are in danger of losing our seats, and taking a berth on the floor. Last night in the cabin, we had quite a little scene. The ship gave a sudden lurch, which nearly sent the little lamp on the floor. Miss G. caught hold of it, but as there was some oil on it as well as in it, she got a quantity on her hands, and nearly lost her balance ; besides, Mr. B. started up at the same time to catch the lamp, and before he had time to take two steps, found himself nearly at full length on the floor ; while Mrs. G. and myself found our- selves involuntarily coming very close to each other. However, no damage was done, and we had a hearty laugh at each other. This morning Mr. B. and myself were walking on deck, and a sudden roll to leeward, as we were walking over a wet spot, caused his foot to slip and down he came. As he fell his foot touched mine, and I went after him, and we had another laugh at each other, and were laughed at by others who saw us scrambling up again. It is now quite cool. Thermometer, 58 to-day. Have all my winter clothes on, and have begun to think of my over-coat and cloak. There has been some talk of having the stove up, but scarcely any of us wishes it. There is a constant rolling in the sea, and one might get his fingers scorched by coming too near the stove, when the ship rolls. We all seem to move on very harmoniously, and the time seems to roll rapidly on. Mr. K. is the most desirous of seeing the end of our voyage, and often talks of Angier and China. This morn- ing, MissG. remarked, "How quickly the Saturdays come round !" " Ah !" said Mr. K., " that's because of your French lessons." Miss G. does not study with us, but she seems to enjoy the occu- pation as much as any one. Nearly every morning, Mr. B. and Mrs. G. sit down together to study out the lesson, and it is quite amusing to hear them trying to translate the hard places. Mr. B. has a great deal of that humor which enlivens without dazzling, and Mrs. G. puts on a sober countenance, and asks him questions, JOURNAL AT SEA. 99 pretending at times to scold him, but evidently enjoying his sallies of humor very much ; while Miss G. sits by with her work, at times laughing heartily at a mistake, or a joke, or a puzzled look, as the case may be. Sabbath, March 20th. A fair pleasant day to commence with, but soon clouded over. Preached on 2 Tim. iii. 16 ; but as there was some wind, and a heavy sea, which there is constantly here, the mizzen-mast creaked dreadfully, and I had little satisfaction in the services. Besides, I saw it was growing darker, and the men were looking out occasionally, as if a squall were coining. The services were no sooner over than they were called to the ropes to take in some of the sails. So we had it, showers and sun- shine, the rest of the day. About nine A. M., the breeze freshened, so that we went on ten miles an hour. This has continued till the present time, Monday, p. M. About dark, things looked so squally, that it was thought necessary to send down the main royal-yard the fore and mizzen-royals had been sent down seve- ral days ago and we had showers and squalls till I went to bed, after ten p. M. Going out about seven A. M., I found that the greater part of the sails were furled, and we were driving on under close- reefed topsails. The ship looked very bare with so many of her sails taken in, and as the sea was high, she rolled more than I ever knew her to do before. The wind whistled through the rig- ging, arid our ship dashed on like a frightened bird ; but everything is snug and secure, and as far as we can see, there is no reason for alarm. Several little birds are flying about, and apparently enjoy- ing the commotion of the water. As I looked at them, several times to-day, I thought of the words of our Saviour, "Not one of them falleth to the ground without your heavenly Father. Will he not much more save you, O ye of little faith !" It is pleasant to be thus reminded of the presence of our all-gracious God. In consequence of this gale, we have made in twenty-four hours more than two hundred and fifty miles ; the best day's work, Cap- tain L. says, he has ever made. We shall also be in the longitude of the Cape to-day, making this the most speedy of the seven voy- ages he has made round it. Surely the winds and the waves have had charge over us. The air is cool, but we are all in fine spirits, and none of us sea-sick in the least. Owing to the motion of the ship, it was almost impossible to sit on a chair, and after several expedients, we took the long cushion off the transom, and laid it down on the floor, and sat on it somewhat a la Tarque ; yet even then we could scarcely keep our seats, but were several times slid- ing off to the other side of the cabin. It was, as you may sup- pose, rather an amusing scene. Tuesday, March 22d. The waves were even higher than yes- terday, and were much broken, so that to look out astern, or off from the side of the ship, there seemed to be a large number of rocky hills in the sea, and the ship was making her way over and between them. I have seen nothing so grand since the voyage 100 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. commenced. The waves would mount up twenty feet or more, and burst into a wide sheet of foam ; while still further off, the white foaming tops of others would lift themselves up in the hori- zon, and the constant dashing and roaring of the waves combined together to fill the mind with exalted ideas of Him, who holds the waters in the hollow of his hands, and stilleth the noise of their waves. " An undevout astronomer is mad," but surely a careless sailor is worse : with the tokens of God's power and presence every- where around him, one would think he could not move a muscle without thinking of his Maker and Preserver. Yet, alas ! he does not like to retain God in his knowledge. But though the scene was grand, it was not very comfortable on board. Such constant rolling and tossing and pitching of the ship, made it almost impos- sible to study ; and it was very fatiguing either to sit, stand, or walk. To lie down was useless, unless one was bolstered up on both sides. We had quite a scene at the table. One of the ladies, just before sitting down, had been thrown, by a sudden and violent lurch, clear across the cabin ; and had she not managed to catch by the door, would have gone headlong into the pantry. As it was, she sprained her arm slightly. After we sat down, we had another sudden roll, and the salt-cellar turned over between Mr. K. and myself; then the milk jug emptied about half its contents into the butter dish, and the bread and plates and knives and forks began to look about them, as if they thought of going overboard. It then became quiet again, and we thought we should have some peace, when another roll came along, and each one seized all he or she could lay hold of, and sat and looked at the other articles flying about the table. I went to bed quite tired, and having a cushion at my back to keep me from banging against the side of my berth, managed to sleep pretty well. Thursday, March 24th. The wind began to freshen last night after dark, and at eight o'clock all hands were called, and a reef taken in, in the main-sail and the top-sail, and the fore-top-gal- lant-sail was furled. Turned in at my usual hour, but was wa- kened about one in the morning by an exceedingly heavy shower, which beat down on deck with an amazing force. I did not yet get up, but soon found by the motion that the wind had risen, and the ship rolled exceedingly. I think the sailing of the albatross is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen, and when several of them are together, it is really grand. The other day I saw eight of the largest, size close together, and they flew up and down, and one way and the other, and in circles, and crossed each other's paths so rapidly, that the eye could hardly follow them in their flight. They move with such perfect ease, and have such complete command over their motions at one time darting off like an arrow from a bow full bent, then slowly rising in the air and floating almost motionless in the sky, then careering round the ship when at her full speed, as if contemning her comparative sluggishness, I have watched JOURNAL AT SEA. 101 them by the hour. The beauty of their motions amply compen- sates for what may be called the ungracefulness of their bodies. I do not think their shape handsome, though doubtless it is the best for their modes of life. How pleasant it is for the Christian to think, when he looks at these birds, that they are not beings in which he need feel no interest: they are made by his best friend, and he sees in them new proofs of the wisdom and goodness of God. It is transporting to be able to say, " My Father made them all." Saturday, 26th. Last night we had a strong wind, which kept the ship steady. This afternoon the wind gently died away ; for an hour we had a perfect calm. The ocean, however, even in the most perfect calms, is never still. The surface may become glassy, but there is a constant heaving ; and commonly, in calms, we see what Edwards calls " continual, infinitely various, successive changes of unevenness on the surface of the water." The sun is setting in a cloudy sky, and we shall probably have a gale in a very short time. Monday, 28th. Yesterday we had a fine breeze all day, though rather too much ahead. The ship pitched a good deal, which made some of our company feel quite unpleasant. Preached on John iii. 6. The mizzen rigging had been set up the day before, and there was no creaking. I found it a little difficult to stand steadily, when the ship pitched, but in other respects was very well placed, and the services were attended to as well as I have seen them before. I have no doubt, however, some of my hearers would think it was " a hard saying," though I heard no remarks. Numerous stormy petrels were flying about the ship in the fore- noon, but our expected storm did not come. The air, however, was exceedingly damp all day and all this morning. It is now, however, clearing away, and the sun is shining very pleasantly. Tuesday, 29th. The sail we saw yesterday is out of sight now. We have walked away from her, and made five degrees of longi- tude in twenty-four hours. It is remarkable how fond a whole ship's company are of praising a good ship : the captain says, " The Huntress steers like a duck ;" Mr. K., " We had a famous run last night;" one of the boys, " The Huntress can't be beat ;" mate, " What better than this would any one want ?" The fog and mist came down again last night like small rain ; they call it a Scotch mist. It is caused by the northerly wind, which we have had for several days ; the wind becomes charged with vapors in the warm latitudes north of this, which become visible in this cool place ; though for several days past, owing to some north wind, the weather has been very pleasant. I suppose Roberts is to-day finishing his last session but one at College. I can hardly realize that it is five years since I was in the same situation. It. was just a little before that, perhaps two or three months, that I had decided to be a missionary. What shall happen in the next five years ? I am beginning to feel pretty 102 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. strongly the responsibility resting upon me, in my first movements in China, and could wish I were safely landed at Singapore. The rest of our passengers are talking with great animation of Angier, and the delicious fruits, &c., which Mr. K. tells them they shall find there. We hope to be at Angier in two or three weeks. Mrs. G. talks most of Hong Kong, where her husband is, and of home. " Home ! thy joys are passing lovely, Joys no stranger heart can tell ; Happy home ! 't is sure I love thee, Yet to thee I've said farewell." Yet it may be, that I alone of this ship's crew shall ever see home again ; who knows? But I do not wish that it should be so. Saw a very large flock of stormy petrels to-day ; also saw a very large albatross rising high in the air, and hovering with his bill to the wind ; also saw the clouds to the north in a position which sailors call an "eye." All these, the mate says, are signs of an ap- proaching gale. The wind is rising some, the barometer falling a little, and the spray frequently dashing over the ship's side. We shall see whether the signs are true or not. Friday, April 1st. This has been a cold, unpleasant day. Heavy clouds almost all the time, and though no rain, yet so damp that my hands had a cold clammy moisture on them all the time. Everything felt damp and chilly. The wind was very strong ever since yesterday evening, and we have come two hundred and sev- enty miles in twenty-four hours. In six days we have run four- teen hundred and twelve miles, and all with one wind. No one on board this ship ever saw such sailing. At the same time the wind has been so steady, that there has been comparatively little motion in the ship. Surely it is not luck that has thus brought us on. Saturday, April 2d. About half past five, p. M., yesterday, while the wind was as strong as ever, the mate told me it was going to change to the opposite side, and "blow great guns." I went into my room about six. I had not been there half an hour, before I felt the ship rolling from side to side, and on going out. I found that the wind had "broken off short," and light puffs of air were coming from the opposite quarter. The ship was rolling about and making very little progress ; so it continued till about three o'clock this morning, when our old wind, or one very much like it, came back again, and we are now dashing on as before ; so our wise ones were mistaken as to the course of the expected wind. But it was certainly very remarkable, that after the wind should blow strongly, without a moment's intermission, for six days, it should all at once break off, and then after a short interval re-com- mence. Monday, April 4th. The wind began to increase towards even- ing on Saturday so much, that we anticipated a rough night. At eight, p. M., all hands were called, and a reef taken in the topsails. JOURNAL AT SEA. About eleven, p. M., just as I was falling asleep, I was wakened by a loud order, "Furl the maintop-gallant-sail." It was near midnight before I got asleep, and I was wakened several times by the noise of the men at the ropes. The Sabbath dawned with every appearance of an unpleasant day. Soon after breakfast I was talking with the mate on deck, and before I well knew it, found myself well covered by a shower of spray, much to the amusement of Mr. B., who saw me, and of the mate, who having himself escaped with a slight sprinkling, said, "I'm very sorry for you, Mr. Lovvrie, but really, I can't help laughing at you." There was too much motion, and too much prospect of a gale, to have preaching; and being cold and damp, it was a very unpleasant day. None of us felt very well, and we were all glad to turn in. Meanwhile the wind had gone on increasing ; occasionally rain fell ; barometer falling; captain on deck almost all the time. By eight, P. M., all the topsails were close-reefed, and all the upper and lighter sails carefully furled. The ship rolled a good deal, and it was hard to sleep. About eleven, P. M., I heard the men working at the mizzen-topsail-sheets, just above my head, and concluded they were furling that sail, a pretty good sign that the gale was increasing. Awoke several times afterwards, and always heard them working at the ropes ; two or three times knew by the sing- ing that all hands were called, and on going out before breakfast time, found the gale had so increased that we were lying to, under close reefed main-topsail, and main-spencer. Sky overclouded, wind whistling, as if our ship was some vast JEolian harp, and the sea heaped up around in wild confusion. Very little water, however, came over the sides of the ship, and the sun soon came out, and made things look more cheerful. Still the wind has blown violently all day, and we have lain to, making almost no progress, but drifting off to the south. We expected to have seen St. Paul's to-day, but the wind has driven us so far out of our course, that we shall not probably see it at all. Captain Lovett was up and out all last night, and all this forenoon. About noon the barometer began to rise. About four o'clock the wind having moderated and hauled aft, while 1 was writing the above, I heard the order, "Loose the fore- topsail." "Good!" thought I, laying down my pen and running out. All hands were called; fore and mizzen-topsails, (close- reefed.) fore and mainsails, and fore-topmast-staysails, were set to the breeze, and a reef shook out of the main-topsail, and we are again on our way, after lying to just twelve hours. So we have had a storm. I do not think, however, that the sight has been as grand as what we saw ten days ago. It has been a pretty anxious time for the officers. Captain L. after being up all night and all forenoon, lay down in his berth for about an hour, and then came out again. I asked him if he had had any sleep? " Well, I don't know, but I believe I did. Every time the ship made a deep roll, Chough, I was awake." 104 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Tuesday, April 5th. Strong breeze and very heavy swell. The ea is " troubled, and it cannot rest," but the sun is shining down brightly, and we speed on our way across the foaming waves. A shoal of porpoises were playing about the ship this afternoon. The vessel was going nine miles an hour, and dashing the foam away in immense volumes, but they played about under her bows and in the foam, as if she were at anchor. The mates tried to harpoon some of them, but did not succeed. The harpoon went into one of them, and he was hauled several feet out of water, but the iron did not hold, and he got off. Sailors say the porpoises play about that way before a gale of wind. Saw also an albatross sailing up very high in the air; another sign. Quite a flock of albatrosses showed themselves a little after sunset. I saw seven of the largest size flying close together ; but it was too cold to stand and watch them. Thursday, April 7th. Yesterday was a very pleasant day, though rather cool ; sun shone all day, and a moderate wind carried us gently on. To-day the wind is strong, and in fact is increasing so that we have had a reef taken in each of the topsails, and all the sails above furled. The wind is so nearly ahead, that we cannot keep our course, but are going more to the northward than is desirable. It is surprising to see in how many different direc- tions one can go with the same wind, or how one may make winds that blow in opposite directions send him forward in the same course. This is done by shifting the yards, so that the sails may obtain the full benefit of the different breezes. Thus, one going from west to east, as we are, can proceed with any one of the winds represented by the arrows A, B, C, &c., to G. Of these winds, C and E are the best, be- cause they strike all the sails, while a wind from D would not. Pilot boats can go with the wind Hand J, i.e. within "four points;" ships cannot go within " *ix points." Each of the quadrants above are supposed to be divided into eight points, as in the mari- ner's compass. The wind we have to-day is G, or S. S. E. I'm at a loss to know how you will receive this disquisition. If you did not know these things before, I take it for granted you will be glad to learn them ; but if you did. then I beg pardon for troubling you on the subject. Saturday, April 9th. After rather a restless night, owing to the ship's rolling so much, I went out in the morning and found all sails set, and studding-sails out. ; so we are " out of the woods now," with a fair prospect before us. This has been a very pleas- ant day, though our course has been rather slower than usual. JOURNAL AT SEA. 105 However, " we are glad, because we be quiet," and hope soon to be brought to our " desired haven." Sabbath, April 10th. A most beautiful day. The sun has been shining out of a blue sky, upon a still deeper blue ocean, and the light fleecy clouds have hung around the sky as if delighted spec- tators of the peaceful scene. Although not going rapidly, we have still gone fast enough to leave no room for impatience, and con- sequently nearly all are in a good humor. Preached on John iii. 3 : the nature and necessity of regenera- tion ; and was very attentively listened to. The mate told me 'afterwards he was talking with " Boston Bill" about my sermon, and asked him if he did not think there was a great deal of truth in it. He answered, " he believed there was ;" but he quoted from my sermon the remark, that Christians would try to do good to others, and then said, "Now I've been with men who said they were Christians, and yet they were trying to injure others all the time." This is one of the many excuses men make for continuing in impenitence. Another that has equal weight with the better educated part of our company is, that^l" Christians are always quarrelling among themselves." I think I shall prepare a sermon on the text, " And they all began with one consent to make ex- cuse." Bible class as usual in the afternoon; so pass away our Sabbaths. I sometimes wish I could again go up to the sanctuary with the great congregation ; but I find that that God, \vho is " the confidence of all the ends of the earth," is also the confidence " of them that are far off upon the sea." I have taken " the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea." Yet, even here ! "His hand leads me, and his right hand upholds me." What a glorious thing it is to serve such a God ! to be able to say, " This God is our God forever and ever !" Tuesday, April 12th. Pleasant weather still. A sail in sight about two o'clock ; soon came near enough to make out that she was a whaler. She ran up the star-spangled banner, and we the same ; presently she crossed our bows, and coming, or rather fall- ing nearer, ran up her flag again a sign that she wanted to speak ; so we took in all our light sails, and put the yards round so as to make the ship go slower, and she came up astern, but in speak- ing distance. Asked us where we were from, and if we had any papers to spare. Captain answered, " Yes," and we held on till her boat could come alongside. They speedily lowered one, and half a dozen men jumped down into it, and came dancing over the waves to us. Their boat was sometimes almost hidden by the waves, but they did not seem to mind them at all. They were soon alongside, and their mate and a couple of men came up on deck. They were rough-looking customers compared with our crew, though the latter were in their every-day dress. It was the ship Palladium, of New Bedford ; out eight months ; had 1000 bar- rels of oil from sixteen whales ; had not seen land for four months; had been south among the icebergs ; were going to New Holland 106 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. soon ; crew of thirty men. I asked the mate if they had any books. "Well, yes, some; but what we have, have been read pretty often." Captain. gave him two or three dozen of news- papers, and I hastily wYapjaed up a handful of Tracts, and Dod- dridge's '-Rise and Progress," and Pike's* "Religion and Eternal Life," and with a silent prayer for a blessing on them, gave them to him. He then asked the captain if he could spare them any vegetables ; and got a keg full of potatoes and onions, &c., and then off again. They have men constantly aloft, one at the fore and one at the main-mast-head, who are relieved every two hours. In this way they saw us several hours before we saw them. I ought to have said above, that before I had fully decided to offer any tracts, Mr. Gillespie asked me "Where my tracts were," for which stirring up of my mind by way of remembrance, I was very grateful. He had fixed up a small bundle for such an occa- sion himself, but could not find it at the time ; so he wrapped up a few in a "Pictorial Brother Jonathan," and told the mate of the other vessel to " put that in his hat." I asked the man if they had any Bibles on boariR " Oh, yes ! we belong to a strong tem- perance concern." As our captain says, "I would like to lean over their fore-scuttle at night, and hear what those old fellows will say of us." Unless our crew informed their men otherwise, they will probably imagine that there are two young missionaries in this ship, Mr. B. and myself, with their wives ! The men seemed greatly embarrassed by the appearance of our ladies, as they were in their every-day dress, which, in their occupation, is necessarily a very ordinary-looking one ; and the perfect cleanness of our ship would contrast strongly with their oil-stained, weather- worn vessel. You can hardly conceive the pleasure such a rencontre gives to one who, for three months, has seen only the same faces and the same scenes. It seems to expand the feelings that have become contracted to our own little sphere, and to connect us once more with the great world of mankind, some of whose representatives we have just met. We all seem to be in better spirits, and to talk as if under the influence of some excitement. Numberless are the conjectures we have formed already, of their feelings and occupa- tions, &c. But it's late, past ten, p. M. with us, though it is hardly noon with you, and I am too sleepy to pen anything more. Good night. Wednesday morning, April 13th. Dreamed last night that I was just leaving home, that you had all come down to the ship except sister Mary, who could not bear the idea of saying farewell under such circumstances, and would not come down. We were about, to exchange the last words, when I awoke, and was glad to find that I had not again to undergo the pain of parting. I sup- pose my dream was caused by having seen the vessel yesterday, which carried my mind back to the country from which we both came. JOURNAL AT SEA. 107 I believe the mind is always thinking ; even when we sleep and do not remember it afterwards, we have been thinking. Now the dream I had this morning occurred just while I was awaking, and was probably the close of a great many^flights of fancy of a similar kind. Wonder what I was thinking of all night ; how many visits I paid you all ; and how many old scenes came up before my mind. Shall I ever know? Can it be possible that all these thoughts that pass in the night, and we do not recollect them, are forever gone? Perhaps in another world we may recognize, among the sensations we shall then experience, some that have visited us. " in the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon us." Who knows but that the ideas, that in some favored seasons gush up so copiously in our minds, are but transcripts of our uiiremembered meditations ? I was laying out the plan of a sermon yesterday on the text " and they all with one consent," &c., and scarcely ever found my ideas flow so readily. I know I was dreaming of that subject only a night or two before, for I recollect of answering, in my sleep, an objection against the doctrine of election, made by one of our company. Who knows how much our conduct is shaped during the day by the impressions our dreams in the night, even though we knew not that we dreamed, may have left upon our minds? But I beg pardon. I had no idea of philosophizing in this way. I wonder if this disquisition is the transcript of some metaphysical train of thought I had in some of my dreams lately. It certainly came unexpectedly. " from mine own heart, so to my head, and thence into my fingers trickled. Then to my pen, from whence immediately on paper I did it dribble daintily." As honest John Bunyan says of a much more instructive dream. Friday, 15th March. A strong breeze was blowing all day yes- terday, and had not the news been almost too good to be true, we should have thought it the south-east trade. However, it continues to-day, and there can be little doubt that we have the looked-for wind. Thus we are going gaily on our course, without having to beat about among the variable winds that are commonly found between the regular western winds in Lat. 40 and the trade-wind, which commonly is taken in Lat. 28 south. We had anticipated being delayed thus for three or four days, whereas we had no sooner lost the western winds, than this wind took us up. These are very curious things. In Lat. 40 north and south, and for several degrees on each side, the wind blows from the west almost constantly ; from about 30 to 10 or 5, north and south, they blow from the north-east and south-east respectively ; these are the north-east and south-east trades. On each side of the equator for a few degrees, variable winds prevail ; and commonly between the western winds and the trade-winds there is a space of several de- grees where the winds vary a good deal. It has been by these regular winds that we have made the greatest part of our voyage. 10S MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. JJEW YORK VARIABLE\WINDS N.E.TRADE WI VARIABLE/WINDS EQUATOR \ . yS . E./TRADE WINDS \ X/ V > .'\ \ \ S.E.TRADE /WINDS VARIABLE'-.WINDS \ / -'"V ' V.&/GOODHOPE / X ---..... WESTERLY WINDS Excuse the rudeness of my diagram. The line sketches roughly our course from New York to Angier. We first came well to the east, by the regular westerly winds ; then south-east across the north-east trade. Then crossing the equator with variable winds, we ran off well to the westward, across the south-east trade. Then after going as we could for several days among changing winds, we struck the great south range of westerly winds, which brought us from Long. 20 W. to Long. 90 E., nearly 6000 miles. Oae breeze alone during that part of our voyage carried us 1430 miles in six days and two hours. The arrows in my diagram mark the course of the regular winds. What grand things these winds are ! Just to think of one breeze blowing steadily for days together over a space of a thou- sand or fifteen hundred miles, ruffling the surface of the old ocean, and playing with a giant strength among his hoary locks ! And then when the rain comes down in wide-spread torrents, and the voice of the thunder sounds along the waves, how does the gran- deur of the scene put to shame our bellows and our watering-pots, our mimic experiments, and our boasted inventions for controlling the laws of nature ! Who can talk of the greatness of man, when surrounded by such proofs of the omnipresent power of God ? Tj'ue, it is a wonderful thing to see a little ship urge onward her course among such mighty elements, and some may say, "Behold here the power of man ! superior to the winds and the waves." But who filled man's heart with the wisdom to invent and guide a vessel over such abysses, amid such contending forces? He may laugh when it is calm, but when storms arise, and he is " at his wits' end." he will acknowledge that there is a God who reigneth in the earth ; and, blessed be his name ! he is " Our Fattier." Saturday, April 16th. In the torrid zone again. Warm in the JOURNAL AT SEA. 109 sun, and extremely pleasant in the shade. Our old friends the albatrosses left us several days ago. I do not recollect seeing any large ones since last Tuesday, the day we spoke the whaler. To-day we are within six hundred miles of New Holland. Our course now is nearly north. " Sail, O !" Another ship coming this way, a whaler ; passes about five miles off, and runs up the star-spangled banner, or "Gridiron" as the sailors call it. No time to stop ; in an hour she is out of sight. A dull life they must have of it. Cruising about for months at a time, and not seeing a whale ; nothing in the world to do. Saturday night, ten o'clock. We are now directly on the oppo- site side of the globe from you, or within one degree of it, so that with you it is ten, A. M. Saturday night ! and the Sabbath draws near. If I could spend every week as pleasantly as I have spent the past, I could rejoice in long life ; but it is pleasant to think, that there remaineth after all the privileges of this world still, " there remaineth, over and above them all, a rest a (Tu66itriauog t a keeping of Sabbath, for the people of God." Rest is sweet ; and O, to think of rest from sin. rest from temptation, rest from disappointment, rest from sorrow, rest in the peaceful haven after long toiling over the uncertain, restless ocean, and long struggling with adverse winds ! Surely it is well we have thus to labor and to suffer, it will make the end more joyful. Yet it is hard at times to resist the desire to " fly away and be at rest." But it is well that the all- wise God holds "our times in his hands." He will give the signal when it is the best time to cease from labor, and therefore " Here my spirit waiting stands Till He shall bid it fly." Sabbath, April 17th. A dull, rainy Sabbath, with a light wind ; pleasant enough, however, in other respects. Saw a flock of fly- ing fish, the first I have seen for several weeks. Cleared off beautifully before sunset, and the trade-wind came back again strongly. Preached on Luke xiv. 18, " And they all began with one con- sent to make excuse." Spoke of the principal excuses men make for not repenting and believing : as, 1. " I have not time." 2. "Religion is a gloomy thing, and a hard and mean service." 3. " The Bible is so hard to be understood, and some of its doctrines, as election, &c., so absurd." 4. " Christians are hypocrites, and there are so many sects, so that there is no truth in religion." 5. " There's time enough yet I do not mean to die so." The atten- tion generally was better than I have yet seen among the men, and several of them I observed watching me very closely all the time. I understood they had rather an argument about the ser- mon afterwards in the forecastle, though I did not hear the pur- port of it. Yet, alas ! it seems almost hopeless to preach to these people. Like the prophet of old, I seem to be " in the midst of the valley of bones, and, lo, they are very dry. Can these dry bonea 110 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. live ? O Lord God, tliou knowest." Yet in his name would I " prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear ye the word of the Lord." And I wculd also "prophesy to the winds, and say, Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain." I wonder if Christians at home, who know that a missionary is on his way to the heathen, ever think of praying that he may be a blessing to the almost heathenish sailors, as he sails wilh them week after week. How little suc- cess would commonly attend the minister's labor at home, if he had not the prayers of his people to assist him ! Yet in cases of this kind, the missionary most commonly stands alone, and has to preach to some who scarcely know what are the very first prin- ciples of Christianity to some who, like one of our crew, " have not had a Bible for many years, nor heard a prayer for seven years ;" to some who, like another, know not that there is any difference between the "faith the devils have," and the faith that "works by love, and purifies the heart ;" to some who, like ano- ther, think that "if a man goes to church, he is safe enough," and that "those Christians are mistaken, who say that men are nat- urally averse to religion ;" to men rendered reckless of danger by long familiarity with it ; who will curse and swear when out in a little boat on a raging sea, seeking if they may find a comrade who had just fallen overboard in a dark night. This is a fact that occurred in this ship on the last voyage ! to say nothing of the evil habits they acquire on shore, and the evil examples they there see, and of the effects these must have upon them. They have long felt that "no man cared for their souls," and they make this an additional excuse for continuing as they are. Surely it is "casting bread upon the waters" to preach to such. Yet God is all-powerful, and some things that have come to my knowledge of late, make me think that the Holy Spirit has not yet left this ship's company to themselves. Monday, April l&th. Getting read}' to go ashore, i. e., the ship is. The men have been at work most of this day getting the guns up out of the hold and mounting them. They were stowed away below shortly after leaving New York. Being quite heavy, it took several men to hoist them up out of the hold, and they raised the song of " Cheerily, oh cheerily," several times. This is a favorite song with the seamen. One acts as leader, and in- vents as he goes along, a sentence of some six or eight syllables, no matter what. To-day some of the sentences were, " Help me to sing a song ;" " Now all you fine scholars ;" " You must excuse me now," out ahead, and we had to cross Prince's Strait, nearly to Print 1 ' that the change took us all aback, and all the passengers were quite sea-sick. About eight o'clock, A. M., yesterday, we saw land ahead, probably the great Ladrone Island, a few miles south of Macao; but just then the gale came out dead ahead, and we had to put back to sea. Two or three other ships, that were nearer in than we, had to do the same. Wore ship, and stood in for land again at noon ; saw it very distinctly about four, p. M.; but the wind being still ahead, had to put off to sea again, and. soon lost sight of it. We are now trying again to go in, but the wind is unfavorable. It may be several days yet before we can get in, though we are not probably six hours' fair sailing from Macao. " The worst coast," says the captain, " in the world ; nobody knows when we will get in, and yet, I dare say, the gale does not extend fifty miles." 1 could not help thinking how often we see such things in common life. Just as we are on the point of ac- quiring what we long labor and hope for, we are disappointed, and again made to urge on our rough and stormy course. What a blessed place heaven will be, where " there is no m,ore sea /" no more storms ; no more wearisome calms ; no treacherous shoals; no disappointments. It is the haven of eternal rest, and doubly sweet, because entered " through much tribulation." China Sea, May 26th, 1842. MY DEAR MOTHER So here it is, the long promised, and I flatter myself, the long expected journal. Before you decide that it is too long, just ima- gine yourself in my situation, with a charge to tell yoii all I do, and see and hear, seeing and hearing a great many things new and strange, or amusing; and having hardly any connection with home, or home folks, except this journal. As long as I was wri- ting it, I seemed to be holding intercourse with you ; sometimes sitting down for a long chat, sometimes running in to tell you a little story, sometimes pointing out a splendid scene on the sky, sometimes giving you a picture of social life on shipboard, was it any wonder that my pen sometimes loved to linger on the paper, when it thus brought up before me so many tender, and so many pleasant associations 1 and when it caused me to think the oftener 128 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. of one yes, of many whom, though I love, I dare not expect to see any more on earth 1 If you find it badly written in some places, you must consider, that it was sometimes so damp, that my paper seemed to be almost wet; and especially the ship often rolled so prodigiously, that in my efforts to maintain my own position, I had enough to do with- out minding whether I wrote backhand or slopehand, or whether the strokes went perpendicularly or horizontally. I think, if you had seen me sometimes, laying my writing desk in my berth, bracing my foot against the sides of my room, and holding on with one hand to the berth board, while I wrote with the other, and after all getting knocked, now against the berth, and now against the partition of my room, you would think I did pretty well. This is no fanciful description, for such things happened to me again and again, when off the Cape of Good Hope. As to publication of extracts? No. I set my foot down there. Keep it out of the way of that little omnivorous monster that they keep in the Mission House [the Missionary Chronicle.] There is not a line of it that was written for publication, and very few lines in it that I think fit for publication. They are mere un- studied and unlabored accounts of what happened to myself, in a voyage that contained few or no striking incidents. I have not that squeamishness about the publication of letters and journals that some missionaries have ; but still I would rather not appear in print for several years yet. The less I am known for a while at least until it is known whether I am likely to be of any use in this part of the world the better. If I should prove a worth- less vessel, a useless laborer, there will be fewer disappointed in me. I know that some would laugh at me for feeling such an anticipation, but with me it is no laughing matter. My coming to this part of the world is but an experiment. If it succeeds, there will be time enough to become as prominent as is needful ; if it does not, it will be better by far, both for myself and the Church, that as little be said about it, and as few expectations dis- appointed as possible. What more shall I say? I might fill page after page with ex- pressions of attachment and affection. I might say how often I think of you all, and recall to mind the many, many proofs of love, and tokens of kindly feelings, I have received from you. I may say how much I would delight to hear from you, and about all that concerns you, especially those things that relate to the spiritual welfare of each and every one of the family, and of other dear friends. But why should I? You already know all this nearly, if not quite as well, as I could tell you. When you think of me, or speak of me, do not think or speak of me as if you thought I were unhappy, or repented of the course I have taken. I may be sick, I may be in outward distress, I may be, I often am dejected and despondent, but I never yet have regretted that I am away from home, and never yet felt the wish, (however much I JOURNAL AT SEA. 129 should like to see you all.) to leave the path I am now treading, and turn my back upon the heathen. What may be my feelings hereafter, I dare not presume to say. I may be " troubled on every side;" "perplexed," oftentimes; "persecuted," it may be; " cast down," even. But I trust not to be " distressed," not to be " forsaken," and far from being " destroyed ;" to come off at last conqueror, and more than conqueror, through him that hath loved me. With such a confidence, and with the hope of being sustained by many influences from the land of my birth, more precious than gold and silver, I may well rejoice ; yea, I do rejoice. Most affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. 9 CHAPTER IV. 1842. LANDING IS CHINA VOYAGE IN THE SEA QUEEN SHIPWRECK IN THE HARMONY RETURN TO MACAO. AT the period included in this chapter, hostilities existed between Great Britain and China, and the result of the contest, or even its duration, could not be known. On reaching China, the new mis- sionary was instructed to inquire particularly, in view of the state of things then existing, into the practicability of establishing a station at Hong Kong, or any point on the coast further north. Having obtained this information, and joined his colleagues at Singapore, they were authorized to decide the question of remov- ing from Singapore, and concentrating the whole missionary force in China. On landing, he found that the Rev. T. L. McBryde had been at Macao for some months, having left Singapore in hopes that a sea voyage would recruit his health. Having made himself acquainted with the existing state of things in China, Mr. Lowrie left Macao on the 18th of June ; and after four months of unavailing efforts to reach Singapore, he re- turned to Hong Kong on the 18th of October. The account of these distressing voyages, and his perilous shipwreck, is fully given in the following letters and journals. It is matter of regret that one-half of his journal in the Sea Queen was some years ago destroyed by fire, when the house of one of his relatives was burned down. The loss cannot be supplied, as no copy of this impressive journal was taken. During the time of these disastrous voyages, the providence of God had made the question plain, on which the missionaries were seeking for light. The war between Great Britain and China had been terminated by a treaty of peace, with which the contending parties appeared to be satisfied, and by which five cities on the coast, were opened to the commerce and enterprise of Western nations, as well as to the labor of the Christian missionary. The time had now fully come when the labors of the church of God, in LETTERS. 131 behalf of China, needed no longer to be carried on at a distant outport. Macao, May 28th, 1842. MY DEAR MOTHER We anchored yesterday at four p. M. in Macao roads. Here I found Mr. and Mrs. McBryde, who had readied China several months ago, having taken the voyage 'from Singapore on account of his health. I was greatly delighted to find him here, and was much relieved by having his counsel and assistance in deciding the various questions before us. I was most cordially received by the different missionaries here, and found a temporary home with the Rev. Mr. Bridgeman. At a late hour I got to bed, under mus- quito curtains, but could not sleep for a long time. It was so strange to be lying in a large or wide bed, to be in a large room, to feel that I was on heathen ground. I greatly missed the ship's bells, which strike every half-hour on board. The noise of the gongs, and drums, and rattles, and other strange sounds in the town, and the many, many thoughts of hundreds of things, pa.^t, present, and to come, that crowded rapidly through my mind, kept me long awake. It is Saturday night again ; I am a stran- ger in the earth, but Ebenezer Emmanuel. Hong Kong, June 7th, 1842. I stayed in Macao from Friday evening till Wednesday morning, and saw a good deal of the place. The population is about 35,000, principally Chinese, with perhaps 5000 of Portuguese descent. The streets are narrow and crooked ; very few are more than ten feet wide, and some not more than six. They are commonly full of persons passing along, hucksters and pedlers, with their wares and cries of various kinds, I saw a poor girl, who had lost both her feet by the leprosy, and was moving about on her hands and knees. Very few women are seen in the streets, except that in the mornings and evenings a number of well-dressed Portuguese women, with a servant be* hind, holding a large umbrella over them, go out to walk. The ladies, and a good many of the foreign male residents, commonly pay their visits in sedan chairs, borne by two Chinese. I used to pity some of the bearers as they went panting along under the weight of some fat fellow. These bearers commonly go in a little short trot, though it is very seldom that you see a Chinaman run. The houses of the foreigners are commonly large and roomy ; the servants live in the basement, and the owners in the upper floor. Few or none of them are more than one story high. Most of them have one or more punkahs. I went out one morning to bathe, in the place where Mr. Stanton was captured, and in the way passed through a large Chinese burying ground. Most of the graves were very carelessly attended to. A great many of them had pieces of Chinese paper at the head. It is but a short time since the Chinese had their ceremony of worshipping the graves of their 132 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Ancestors. It is their custom then, to put such a piece of paper on the graves, to serve as money for their departed ancestors in the other world. I also visited the Protestant burying' ground, where Dr. Morrison and his first wife are laid. It is a small, and rather a pretty place, now nearly full. I suppose, however, it will not be much used hereafter, as probably most of the Protestant foreigners will remove to Hong Kong. There is a little chapel owned by the British in Macao, where one of the missionaries usually preaches every Sabbath, using the forms of the Episcopal church. Mr. Boone preached on the Sab- bath, on "Train up a child," &c. He had first baptized the daughter of Mr. Swords, an American Episcopal merchant there. This, I believe, was the first public baptism ever performed by an American in Macao. The Missionaries usually have their chil- dren baptized privately. There were two punkahs in the church, so that, though the day was warm, we were quite comfortable. There were probably forty persons present. The Chinese, how- ever, have no Sabbath, and were going about vending their wares, and uttering their cries, as usual. As for the Roman Catholics here, their Sabbath is over after mass, which is performed early in the morning. In the evening I preached to an audience of some twenty or thirty, at Mr. Brown's house, on Psalm cxix. 19. As Mr. McBryde was to leave Macao for Amoy on Wednesday, June 1st, together with Mr. Boone and Dr. dimming, we had a mis- sionary meeting at Mr. Brown's on Tuesday night. The vessel in which they were to go to Amoy, was lying at Hong Kong, and I accompanied them to this place. Having a head wind the whole time, we had to beat all the way, and were twenty-nine hours coming forty-five miles, the dis- tance from Macao to Hong Kong. I suppose in our beating about, we went at least a hundred and fifty miles. The crew were a jolly set, and very kind, but we could hold almost no intercourse with them, as they were of the province of Canton, and Mr. Boone spoke only Hokien. There was not much to interest one on the route. Our course lay among a multitude of islands at the mouth of the Canton river. These are high, rocky and bare ; scarcely any trees or bushes ; and the little grass there is being very much withered. We saw a few fishing boats, and one or two small villages. Occasionally a little fisherman's hut was seen perched among the rocks. At night I spread one of my Angier-mats on the floor and laid my cloak over it and slept there. I pitied the rest of our passengers a good deal. Mr. B. and Mr. McB. were neither of them well ; their wives were even more, weakly, and in addition were sea-sick ; their children were un- easy and fretful, and two ayahs or female servants, whom they had engaged .to go with them to Amoy, were so sea-sick they could not hold up their heads. There they were, among tables and boxes, and chairs, and plates, with scarcely room to stir, sick, going to a strange country and far away from the comforts of LETTERS. 133 home and friends. I assure you I began to think more seriously than before of the personal trials and discomforts of missionary life. Yet there was not a murmur uttered, nor as far as I could see, an emotion of impatience or regret felt. We arrived at Hong Kong harbor about three P. M., on Thursday. After some searching we found their ship and put our voyagers on board, with their baggage. She is but a small vessel, with but poor accommodations in respect to room. I went ashore and was most kindly welcomed and entertained by Mr. G , where 1 have been staying since my arrival. On Saturday morning I tried to go up one of the hills back of Mr. G 's house I assure you it was up hill work, and I had hard tugging to get myself up. It was so steep, I concluded to go no further, and sat down to rest on a rock before descending. My toil in ascending the hill, naturally reminded me of the circumstances of the mis- sion, which we were endeavoring to establish here, and of the work that is yet before us. The difficulties are great high as the mountains, and apparently as hard to be removed as the granite upon them; and after all, what is it to the eye of man but a barren prospect, like the bare side of the hill I had been climbing? And yet, as I ascended I had seen little plants and flowers, and insects, and shells, and recognized in all of them traces of the presence and power of God ; and as I looked around I saw that some Chinese women had ascended the hills to gather firewood to sustain their earthly lives, and that civilized men were toiling at great expense to found a city here, where appa- rently, there was so little prospect of one being founded. If they spare no expense for a mere earthly object, why should Christians spare their money or labor in endeavoring here to build the temple of the Lord? There are great difficulties in the way, but when I looked round, and saw these vast hills piled up on all sides, and covered over with the immense blocks of granite as if in sport, just as a child heaps up little sand hills in its play, and disposes its pebbles and its shells on their sides and their tops, I could not but exclaim, the God who formed these hills, and placed these rocks upon them, is all-powerful ; and though they seem im- movably fixed, yet even men, by slow and patient labor, may take them away ; and he himself, by means that he can well employ, can remove them at once. The difficulties of our mission, God could remove at once ; but if he chooses to employ us in this work, the probability is, that for the present we shall proceed by slow, and perhaps for a time, almost imperceptible steps. But the work shall be done, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. The granite rocks around were a little sanctuary for me, and I did not regret my toil in climbing up the hill. The Sabbath-day to me was a very pleasant day, though I saw many things to pain me. I could not but feel that I was in a worse than a heathen country. It is a heathen land under the control of Christians, where the heathen are allowed, and even 134 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. required by the Christians, to work for them on the Sabbath-day. How can the missionaries urge on the natives to keep holy the Sabbath-day, when the merchants and the Government send them to count money, store away goods, open roads, hew granite, and build houses, on that day ? And when the Roman Catholic priests, who are now exerting the greatest, influence on the natives of any of the foreigners, consider that the Sabbath is over as soon a mass is said ? The merchants go to their counting-rooms as usual, and the Sabbath is emphatically the day for visiting. " Woe is me, that I dwell in Mesech, and sojourn in the tents of Kedar !" My heart is sick at the sight of the wickedness around. O Lord, show thyself. I felt almost afraid to establish a mission here, for how can a city prosper whose foundations are laid in the desecration of the Sabbath-day. "Sin is a reproach to any peo- ple," and how much more to England and America ! In the evening I preached in a little mat-house to a company of some fifteen or twenty persons, mostly pious soldiers, on Luke xi. 31. Mr. Shuck has had a service among them for some time past. Mr. Morrison was there. The attention was very good indeed. Wednesday, June 8th. I am beginning to wish to be at my regular missionary employments, but the prospect at present is rather poor ; several months' voyaging and exploring, and then two or three years' studying of the Mandarin dialect, and then as many more at one of the local dialects, what shall happen before all that time is passed ? Friday, June 10th. Left Hong Kong with Mr. Shuck yesterday at t-vo, p. M., in a Chinese "Fast Boat," or passage boat. It was pe. s of seventy tons' measurement, had a large cabin, and two sman rooms ; the latter were assigned to Mr. Shuck and myself, as our Chinese fellow-passengers, about twenty in number, occu- pied the cabin. It was a very comfortable boat, but had neither berth nor seat. I spread my mat on the floor, and lay there. Mr. Shuck and I took our dinner, or tea, on the top of the cabin ; we sat down on the roof, took our bread and meat on pieces of a newspaper, for want of plates ; and though we had knives and forks, I found fingers more convenient than the latter. The Chi- nese made tea for us, and I relished my meal very well. We had a fair wind most of the way, and got to Macao by daylight. _ This is a very unsettled kind of life. I am "living by the day," for I know not what a day may bring forth. Very affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Macao, June llth, 1842. MY DEAR FATHER .... In regard to the station at Singapore, we are all of opinion that it must be given up, as soon as we can obtain a station in or LETTERS. 135 near China. It is too far from China. One half of the year it is a long and tedious voyage from China there ; the other half, it is just the same from Singapore here. It will probably take me from four to six weeks to get to Singapore. The weather in the China Sea is almost always oppressively warm, particularly so at this season, and I shall run a good deal of risk of meeting a tyfoon before I arrive ; then the price of passage in the unfavorable mon- soon is enormous. Here, then, are time and expense, and, at cer- tain seasons, danger, in making this voyage. Neither is Singapore in itself a very advantageous place for a mission station. It ig unhealthy for most persons ; very few can endure the constant heat, when there is no bracing winter. The character of the people is also lower there than in many other places. The greater part of them are mere adventurers ; many of them have been pi- rates ; a very large proportion are unmarried men, while there are comparatively few women and children. This in itself, of course, is not a reason why they should receive no attention; but it is a reason why we should not turn our attention to places where there is no prospect either of immediate or enduring success and use- fulness, when we have not the men and means to occupy everj place where it is desirable to have a station. As to saying that our labor there would be lost if we gave up the place, I think that is an entire mistake; and further, that it contains a most mischievous principle. No good action once per- formed, is ever lost. God knows its value. He knows best what use to make of it. He is best able to turn it to good account. In so doing, he may work in ways we think not of. To our view, he may make entirely null and void all that we have done, and where we looked for a fruitful harvest, there may be de* .ion. We may seem to have lost all our labor, and spent our sabngth for nought. But it is not so ; we have looked for the fruit in the wrong place. We may say of our work, as the patriarch Job said of himself, " Its witness is in heaven, and its record is on high." He who counts even the tears of his saints, and numbers all their sighs, will not forget the expense, and the labor, and the sufferings we have endured, the prayers our missionaries have offered, and the tears they have shed at Singapore. They may not see the fruit, but he gees it ; and is not this enough? We work to please him, not to appear well in the eyes of men. It is a very common remark, yet seldom fully appreciated, that the last day will dis- close the worBfe of our hands. Perhaps we shall then see, that what we counted our most splendid services, those which made the most show and noise, and promised fairest for usefulness, were really of least value ; while others, over which we had mourned as seed thrown away, shall then be seen to have grown up and produced fruit and abundant harvest unto eternal life. At the time our China mission was commenced, Singapore seemed to be the most promising station, and probably we did right to select that place. Now the Lord in his providence seems to be opening the 136 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. way for a much nearer approach to China, and -we shall do wrong if we do not diligently attend to these intimations of his wilL While we ask, "Lord, what wilt thou have us to do?" we must also be ready to go where he points us ; and though we may hardly know what he would have us to do, yet " there it shall be told us what we must do." The Roman Catholics have almost complete possession of Ma- cao. They have a large number of churches, schools and pricsta here ; and frequently have processions through the streets in honor of their different saints. They had one on St. Anthony's day, a short time after my arrival, when they carried round an image of the saint, gaudily decorated with flowers and tinsel, beating drums and singing anthems. It is hard to see wherein their religion is different from that of the Chinese, at least so far as the sanctification of the Sabbath, and purity of morals, are concerned. They shut up the kingdom of heaven themselves, and they will not suffer others to show the way thither. They prohibit Protestants from carrying on any direct missionary labors, though the prohibition is not so strictly enforced as it might be, and as I had supposed it was. By prudence and proper care a missionary may distribute tracts, go out into the villages, and talk to the people, even gather a few of them in his house, and preach to them ; and he may have a small school, which he may direct and instruct as he pleases. Still, missionaries are under restraint, and they feel it ; and all of those who are here intend removing to Hong Kong or elsewhere, as soon as they can make it suit. For a permanent mission sta- tion, this is not the place. It might, perhaps, be expedient for us to have our missionaries here for a year or two, until we can make more permanent arrangements. The first appearance of Hong Kong was very unpromising. Though rather greener than any other of the islands at the mouth of the Canton river, it still partakes of the same general charac- teristics with them, exceedingly hilly, with the hills barren, bare, high and steep, coming down to the water's edge, and very small and rough valleys between them. The few openings I saw among the hills seemed only to disclose a still more rough and broken country. It is almost the last place in the world, where I should have thought of founding a great city. It is hardly possible to find a site for a house, without digging down the tops or sides of the hills, and levelling them off. It cannot raise provisions enough to support a large population. It must be in great measure depend- ent on the main land, and on other countries. However, after spending several days there, and seeing more of its advantages, my impressions respecting it became decidedly more favorable. It has a noble and very safe harbor ; promises to be very healthy, though very damp in April, May and June ; and has now every prospect of filling up rapidly, both with foreigners and Chinese. The greater part of the Chinese on the island are merely labor- ers. I saw but few women and children : families are, however, LETTERS. 13? coming over, and in a few years I think there will be a wide field for common schools. The population is now between 15.000 and 20,000, one-half of whom live in the cily of Hong Kong. The greater part of those now on the island have come over within the last twelve months. They are the most unpatriotic set I ever heard off and make no scruple of selling their services to the na- tion that is fighting against their country. In the attack of the British on Canton, I hey found no difficulty in hiring Chinese to haul up their guns to the batteries. A number of different dialects are spoken on the island ; the Canton, however, i,s principally used. The main land is but half a mile off; several villages are on the shore just opposite the island. The country between the Kowloon mountains and Canton is said to he very fertile and populous. The Roman Catholics have the start of all the Protestant mis- sionaries in Hong Kong. Several French Jesuits went there from M icao, after raising very large sums of money here; got a grant of the very best place on the island for a chapel, and are now building a chapel and school-house, which will probably cost $20,000 or $25,000. They are three or four in number, some of them being men of some experience and knowledge of the world. To compete with such men, the Protestant churches send out one or two young men, fresh from the schools, and who have seen lit- tle or nothing of the world. However, I am not discouraged. If God has chosen us to build it who are "yet young and tender," he will give us strength to carry it on, and we will say, " Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord." We do hope, how- ever, that the churches will adopt the language and the spirit of David, wheai he said, "Solomon my son is young and tender, and the hou^e that is to be builded for the Lord, must be exceedingly magnifical of fame and of glory throughout all countries. I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abun- dantly before his death." The consideration of being on the ground and ready, I think of much importance. There can be no doubt that the doors of China, those two-leaved gates of brass that have so long been closed, and guarded by the great Dragon, are shaking and will soon be open- ed. Every one whom I see is more and more of this opinion. Surely the time, the set time, to favor the Chinese is come. Their superstitions are literally "old and ready to vanish away." Their attachment to the government is very slight. They are daily gaining more correct notions of the power of other nations : the visit of the Constellation and Boston (now at Macao) has given them higher ideas of the American power than they ever before possessed. The success of the British will probably soon complete the subversion of their narrow prejudices, and they will be far more open to the reception of Divine truth in a few years than they have ever been before. It is all-important that the good seed be 138 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. sown while they are in such a state. If we do not, the Roman Catholics certainly will gain the ascendency. As for myself, I am in good spirits and in good health. My cup is running over with blessings, and I now feel more anxioua to remain and labor for these Chinese than I ever did before. But it is hard to find that my mouth is closed, and I cannot peak to them. How dreadful their condition and prospects, and yet they do not know it ! The instructions of the Committee, we understood, were that a station should be formed on the island, provided, 1st, that a suffi- ciently large lot could be purchased or rented under perpetual lease ; 2d, that the persons and properly of the missionaries would be protected ; and 3d, that no restrictions would be laid upon our operations, either in preaching, teaching, or healing. The second and third provisos were easily answered. Full protection would be given, and no restrictions wliatever imposed. The first, how- ever, was not so easily settled. A short time since, the island was put under military government, and all further grants of land for. any purpose refused until further orders should be received from the home government. . . . Your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. China Sea, June 24th, 1842. MR. JOHN LT,OYD MY DEAR BROTHER: I am often thinking of you, and, espe- cially of late, ofren wishing I had you out here along with me. You must come out to China. . . . Here I am all alone, and rather lonely, going down the China Sea against the monsoon, and wishing most heartily that I were on terra firma again, and settled down at my Chinese studies. Excepting sea-sickness, and a very slight attack of fever at the commencement of this last trip, I have been uniformly very well since leaving New York ; and have been enabled to see and hear a good deal, and to collect a good deal of information respecting China as a missionary field. I know you will be anxious to hear what I think of it m that respect, so I propose to tell you, in as few words as possible, what I think of it. You know how very unexpected it was to me that I should ever be a missionary to China. It is not a year yet since my station was assigned to me in this part of the world ; and I came out with many fears and misgivings, and many doubts as to my fitness for such a station, and as to its suitableness for missionary labor at the present time. But what I have seen and what I have heard has shown me many things I never knew before, has opened up to me views of its vast- ness as a field for labor almost overpowering, arff'has taught, me that many of its difficulties have been greatly overrated. It has its difficulties, and some of them* such as the evil influence of foreign- LETTERS. 139 ers, though I knew of them before, are far greater than I had ex pected ; but on the whole I am greatly encouraged. There is a great work to be done, and the men are now wanted to perform it ; and it is not required that these men should be angels " greater in might and excelling in power" the rest of mankind, in order that they may perform it. The language can be learned, the people can be approached ; and I verily believe that China is now opening; certainly it is more open now than it has ever been before. Missionaries can now labor in Macao much more freely than ever before. Hong Kong will soon be perfectly open. Mis- sionaries are now at Amoy and Chusan, places where no Protestant missionaries have ever been before ; and those at Amoy and Chu- san, where I he people have not been as yet corrupted by the evil influence and example of foreigners, represent them as an uncom- monly interesting people, easy of access, and free in their manners. They are heathen, of course, and have the vices of heathen ; but I am inclined to think that there is no people except the native Africans, among whom I would more readily labor, and with more hope of success, than among the Chinese; and this 1 think is say- ing a good deal ; you know how promising a people I have always thought the Africans are. 1 am not able now to give you the facts on which I base the above conclusion. Perhaps I may at some other time. But I never felt so anxious to live long as I did several times in China, when I saw the Chinese around me, and wanted to preach Christ to them. I think I should rejoice to wear out along life in Christ's service in China. I formed some very pleasant acquaintances among the mission- aries in China, most of whom I have seen, and some of them fre- quently. . . . There is an infinite fund of wisdom in our Lord's saying to his apostles, "Be ye wise as serpents." Missionaries above all other men, it seems to me, need to be men of prudence ; not actuated by impulse, but influenced by steady and enlightened principle. Cer- tainly nothing else will atone for the want of prudence, in a mis- sionary to China at the present time. A " prudent counsellor" is invaluable, especially now. And yet there is very great danger of having prudence degenerate to timidity, and thus overpower our zeal. Surely we have need of wisdom from on high to direct us. I often think of Solomon's prayer for wisdom, when he was ap- pointed to rule over the numerous people of Israel. How are you coming on in matrimonial affairs? Let me whis- per in your ears a good piece of advice. Keep your eyes open ; if you see one who would make you a good and prudent wife, by all means try and secure her. If you cannot find one that would be an helpmeet for you, consider it an intimation of Providence that you are to remain unmarried for the present, and come out single. Such was the principle I acted on in the United States, and after all I have felt and seen. I am more and more convinced 140 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. that it is the proper course to be taken. The missionaries here all recommend that a man should be married, but I believe (hey all abhor what are sometimes called "missionary matches," and I think most justly. 1 hope you will by example and precept dis- countenance all such things. How I should like to see you, and chat with you for a while ! Where are you? what doing? How are you getting on? What are your prospects? When will you be licensed ? Are you ready to come out here? or do the Nestorians still call forth your sym- pathies ? Do you still remember " the love of your espousals ?'' and that bright and happy season at Jefferson College, with our many pleasant interviews, and the walks we took, and the prayers we offered, and the many conjectures and plans for future usefulness we laid? Some who started with us, and for a while promised as fair, have already gone back ; while others have already entered into rest. Why are we spared? What are we doing? Could we now rejoice to give up the account of our stewardship? Farewell and may the Lord we have so often delighted to worship together, still watch over and bless thee. August 12th. Dear brother, if you ever come to China, I hope you may not have to go up or down the China Sea against the monsoon. After fifty-three days' hard work, we have been obliged to abandon the effort, and are now going to Manila, to lay in fresh provisions, and prepare for another effort. The monsoon will be nearly over in a month, and then perhaps we may succeed. How often have I thought of you on this voyage, and wished you were here ! Affliction is a good thing to make one study the Scriptures. I never understood them half so well before, nor relished so much their precious promises. This has been a pretty severe trial to me : alone, with no Christian friend; a boisterous sea; hope deferred until the heart became sick, and then entirely cut off. But I have become pretty well reconciled to it, and can even rejoice, " for the Lord reigneth." Why he has thus disappointed my expectations, I cannot yet tell ; but no doubt for wise reasons. This affliction I trust is doing me good, and I shall yet justify Him in all his ways. Yery truly yours, W. M. LOWRIE. China Sea, June 22d, 1842. MY DEAR MOTHER I have a prospect of a long, lonely, and perhaps tedious passage. And I know of nothing that may contribute better to cheer at least a few of its lonely hours, than to keep a quiet journal, connecting me once more with " hoir.e and home folks ;" so I pray you to re- ceive this little manuscript, as another proof, if proof were needed, that I have not forgotten you, and do not think of you with the VOYAGE ON THE CHINA SEA. 141 less affection, though my letters may not at all times be composed with so many laboriously sought expressions of affection, and long- ing desires to see you again, as you may sometimes meet with in the case of home-sick travellers. There were two vessels to leave Macao about the time I wanted to go to Singapore, the Oiieida and the Sea Queen. The day for the sailing of the latter was fixed, that of the former was not, and was uncertain. The Sea Queen would probably accomplish the voyage in one or two weeks less time, being better built for such a voyage. She was described to me as having " splendid accom- modations ;" while the price of the passage, at this season, was said to be "very reasonable." I thought it would be a good op- portunity of seeing something of an English sea-captain and offi- cers, who had been some time in this part of the world. On the whole, the advantages seemed to preponderate in favor of the Sea Queen ; so I engaged my passage. She was advertised to sail June 18th, (Saturday.) 1 was informed, however, on Saturday morning, by a clerk of the owners, that she would not sail till Monday, p. M., which suited me very well. So I got a Chinese boat on Saturday morning to take the boxes and a keg of specie on board. The distance was four miles at least, wind dead ahead, and quite a heavy sea all the time; occasionally a sprinkling of spray came over me, as the boat had no shelter of any kind. It being impossible to sail against such a wind, the boatmen took their oars, and after two hours' hard pulling, finding them- selves still half a mile from the Sea Queen, they laid them down and put up the sail, intending to beat out the rest of the way. They made two tacks, which occupied another hour, and gained only half the distance. A heavy rain came on, making it impossible to see anything; strong wind and heavy sea. The head man of the boat, who for some time had seemed disheartened, turned to me. and made a very significant gesture towards Macao. "No," said I, pointing to the ship, "there." "No can," said he, " no can, I go Macao ; to-morrow go seep." " No, no," said I, " go ship now, there." ' No can." " Yes can ; put down sail ; take oar; go ship," said I, explaining myself more by actions than by words. But the fellow grumbled and repeated, " No can do ; no can do." " Yes, can do ; must do ; put down sail ; take oar ; go ship." All this in the middle of a soaking rain. After a good deal of persuasion, I at last succeeded in carrying my point, and the fellows put down their sail, took their oars, and, I must say, worked most heartily. In fifteen minutes, the rain was over and we were along side of the Sea Queen. I got my baggage safely stored, and being quite wet, 1 hurried on shore to get my clothes changed. The wind being quite favorable for going ashore, I got back in half an hour ; got up to Mr. Brown's, and changed my clothes. Late on Saturday, word came that the ' Sea Queen goes to-morrow morning at daylight, and you will have to go aboard to-night." There was no help for it ; so I hastily packed up ray 142 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. trunk, said good-bye to my kind iriends, to all of whom, and espe- cially Mr. and Mrs. Brown, I had become very much attached, and at half-past six, got aboard another Chinese boat to go out to the vessel. It rained several times pretty hard, yet we got out in two hoim and a half. It was rather a stormy, uncomfortable prepa- ration for the Sabbath ; and I could not think without longing re- membrances of the man)' pleasant Saturday evenings on board the Huntress, and particularly of the ' ; preparation," as ' the Sab- bath drew near," at home. I wondered what you were all doing; and whether you had any idea of my situation, alone, weary, and half despondent. However, my troubles seemed to be over when I got safely on board, and I thought I should now in these "splendid accommodations," have at least a quiet and pleasant voyage to Singapore. But I began to think very soon, that I had reckoned without my host. My room is a good, large, airy apart- ment, and high enough for me to stand upright; but it has no berth, though a large transom supplies the place of that ; no table, no wash-stand ; not even a wash-basin ; no lamp, no shelves, only one or two hooks, and one stool ; these are its " accommodations." The first thing I saw when I went in at night, was a host of large cockroaches, which made themselves perfectly at. home there ; a quantity of spiders and spider's webs in every corner; and a very unpleasant odor, caused, I suppose, in great part, by the cock- roaches, to which, after three or four days' experience, I have not yet become accustomed. We were to have sailed at daylight Sabbath morning, but did not get off till ten o'clock ; had a head wind and rough sea ; and by ten o'clock, p. M.. we had gone only ten or fifteen miles, and had to anchor just outside of the great Ladrone Island. Next day we did very little better, and beat about in sight of land all day. Meantime I felt very poorly, Sabbath morning, though not unwell. I could not fix my thoughts on anything. The business of our mission, and various plans, kept crowding into my mind. I tried to read the Psalms, Life of Martyrs, &c., but could not with any ease or pleasure. Afternoon, my head ached, tooth ached, hands and face were sore from being sun-burnt the day before, and I had a good deal of fever, which kept on me for several hours. I was tired lying down, yet too weak to sit up ; and it was too wet and unpleasant to be out. The officers were too busy to attend to me; and Chun Sing, who is going with me to Singapore, was quite sea- sick himself. Oh, how often I thought of the Huntress, with her nice clean sweet cabins, her kind captain, pious mate, intelligent and quiet crew, and pleasant passengers. Everything seemed different here. I could hardly avoid murmuring, though at the same time I felt that I had many, many more comforts and mer- cies than I deserved, and after a while I became rather more satis- fied. Next day, I kept getting better; got several refreshing naps, and in each of them had a sweet and pleasant dream. I dare not tell you the first, it would amuse you too much. In the second, VOYAGE ON THE CHINA SEA. 143 I dreamed that father and yourself had come out to Macao to see me. He wanted to go to Singapore in the Sea Queen, but I told him to go in the Huntress by all means. We had to part for a while, and I was very anxious for him to read the letters, and par- ticularly the official one, which I had that morning left in the hands of a young friend to be sent to America by the first vessel. I hope you have got them before now. I had some trouble to get the letters for him in time, and just as I got them, I awoke, and behold it was a dream. Next day, Tuesday, I was better still; and to-day, Wednesday, June 22d, I am quite well, and have things a little more comfort- ably fixed. I have told Chun Sing to come to my room every day, and read the New Testament, and learn the Shorter Cate- chism, &.c. This is the strength of the S. W. monsoon, so that we have the wind strong and right ahead, and shall have it so all the way. Consequently, we have to sail one hundred and fifty miles at least, in order to make fifty on our course. Saturday, June 25th. Here we are still beating down the China Sea, but on the whole making very fair progress. As good success as we have had thus far would take us to Singapore in twenty days, and I should be pretty well satisfied to be assured we should be no longer. My situation, on the whole, is tolerably pleasant ; though I do sometimes feel sadly out of sorts. In the Huntress, when I had no other employment, I could sit and watch our sailors ; they were always busy, either working, or talking, or reading; and what they did, they seemed to do heartily. But these Lascars are the poorest set of human creatures I have ever seen; they are not to be compared to the Chinese. There must be near fifty of them aboard, though the vessel is not much more than half as large as the Huntress, which had only twenty men and boys ; and yet these fifty do not do their work half as well as those twenty. So many of them seize hold of a rope, that they are actually in each other's way. and they pull as if they were afraid of hurting the rope's feelings. And then, so dirty ; I have not seen one of them with a clean article of dress since I came on board. I must except the carpenter, who is a pretty decent-look- ing fellow. He is a Chinaman. It does me good to look at him. I do not want to see our butler at all, however, and least of all when I am eating, with his soiled turban and faded shawl, dirty trow- sers, and apparently unwashed face and hands. 1 was always fund of potatoes, but I like them now better than ever, for th-ey come to the table with their coats on, and I am sure they are clean; cannot say the same of anything else at table. But, a man must eat, and there is no use of being so squeamish ; besides, I am usually hungry at breakfast time, half-past eight, and at dinner, half-past two; and these are the only meals I eat. At tea I take but little, the lea is so abominable that I can not drink it. And the dry ship biscuit, the only bread we have, is not very in- viting by itself. 144 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. I.OWRIE. I could bear these little matters, if other things were right. Our officers are to me quite gentlemanly, and personally, I have no complaint; but, they evidently consider the men as of an inferior caste. And the men feel that they are looked upon as such. Some of the men have rather fine countenances, but almost all of them betray vacant minds, or, at least, minds filled only with the least important cares of this passing and perishing world. How can I be sufficiently grateful that I am made to differ from them ? As to religious services, at present, there are none ; and this, more than anything else, makes me feel alone. The most pleasant oc- cupation I have, is to spend an hour every morning in teaching Chun Sing the New Testament, and the Shorter Catechism. And perhaps I may give another hour hereafter to other studies. Then I read Hengstenberg's Chrislology, History of Scotland, The Middle Ages, &c. ; study a little Chinese, and about China, &c. I write some every day ; expect to have a host of letters writ- ten when I get to Singapore ; and if a vessel should be going thence to the United States direct, they will arrive sooner than those I wrote at Macao. The thermometer has stood about 84 all week ; to-day, 85, but owing to the strength of the wind, the air has been quite pleas- ant. Numerous flocks of flying-fish are constantly starting up, as our vessel in her course disturbs them. What immense numbers there must be ! We probably startle some thousands every day, and yet the course of our ship is a very narrow line in the midst of a very wide sea. Sea sights have lost much of their novelty for me now, and I have to seek amusement and employment principally in myself. It is well for me that I can do so, and still better that there is one above me to whom I can always go. For three or four days after the voyage commenced, I could hardly bear the thoughts of its lasting thirty or forty days ; but now I am disposed to say with cheerfulness, " The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice !" Let him hasten or retard the end of this voyage, as seems best to himself, for He doeth all things well. Sabbath evening, June 26th. At the close of a silent Sabbath, my thoughts turn back to the land of my birth, and I cannot help asking, how are you all ? And what are you doing ? In a few hours I suppose you will be going up to the house of God. You have opportunities of communion with fellow Christians. Your hearts are cheered at the sight of churches, and though pained at the prevalence of wickedness, yet you can believe that the Lord has much people around you. It is not so here. I am alone, as far as Christian society is concerned, and almost alone as far as any society is concerned ; surrounded on all sides by lands where there is no Sabbath, few churches, few Christians. In such a sit- uation I find it a very hard thing to keep up the life of religion. At home one depends for the state of his religious feelings very n uch on the general tone of the churches around him ; here there is nothing of the kind to depend upon. Perhaps this is an ad- VOYAGE ON THE CHINA SEA. 145 vantage, for it causes one to feel more entirely his dependence on God, the great Author of all true religious emotions; but it is hard at first, to become reconciled to such a state of things, and like David of old, I can well say, " I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." When you go up with the great congregation to worship God, do not forget those that are in the ends of the earth, and that are far off upon the sea. True, God, your God, is our confidence ; but. it is pleasant to think that we are thought of by you, in the midst of your privileges. The tears fill my eyes, and my heart is full, when I think of you and your enjoyments ; but I have no wish to go back. Blessed be the name of Christ for that precious promise, " Lo, I am with you always." And yet it is good to be in such circumstances occasionally. There are passages of Scripture that cannot be understood other- wise. I have often read over, and dwelt upon the eighty-fourth Psalm, and yet all my previous meditations, and all the commen- taries I have read upon it, have not shown me its sweetness and beauty, so much as this day's experience. Truly, " Blessed are they that dwell in thy house ; they will be still praising Thee." But tl^pse who enjoy these external privi- leges, do not monopolize all the blessings. " Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the ways of them." Even in the most unfavorable circumstances, when far removed from the refreshing dews of God's house, they shall enjoy his favor. " Passing through the valley of Baca (weeping,. Bochim,) he maketh it a well ; the rain also filleth the pools." (" As the rain cometh down from heaven, so is my word," &c.) Such are the consolations of wanderers here ; and hereafter, after they have gone from strength to strength, " Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God." Such truths and encouragements may well strengthen a lonely wanderer to run with patience the race set before him ; and while he cannot but feel, that a day in the Lord's courts is better than a thousand, yet even here " the Lord God is a sun and shield ; no good thing doth he withhold from them that walk uprightly." How far superior is such a lot to that of the proudest of this world's favorites ; truly " my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour." Monday, June 27th. I did not expect to have been becalmed in the strength of the monsoon ; but we are. Have hardly gone twenty miles in the last twenty hours. I do not think, however, it will last long, but it tries the captain's patience a good deal. I have been busy to-day, and happy, though alone. Tuesday, June 28th. We made eight miles yesterday, and from present appearances shall not make much more to-day ; though a little squall we had this afternoon, may have carried us on per- haps five miles. I was very glad the squall came, for in the rain our dirty Lascars got a washing, that improves their appearance very much. I have now got to feel pretty well contented and at 10 146 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. home, but would notwithstanding be very glad to be at Singapore, and better pleased still to be at Macao, or some place nearer China. As you wanted to know what we live on. I will give you the account of one day's fare. It has been precisely the same, every day since I came on board. Breakfast, at half-past eight ; tea, fowl or duck, salt beef, salt tongue, potatoes, rice and curry, guava jam. Our only bread is ship-biscuit. For dinner, at halt-past two ; soup, commonly pea soup, fowl or duck, salt beef, salt tongue, potatoes, rice and curry, pudding, generally of some kind of dough and rather heavy, cheese, preserved ginger, or some similar sweet- meats. For tea, at six o'clock ; tea and biscuit. I have a won- derful appetite at present, and eat my salt beef and potatoes with very great relish. I suppose the above bill of fare will last all the voyage, unless the fowls and ducks should happen to give out- Wednesday, June 29th. With reading and writing and eating and sleeping, my time passes quite comfortably, though I often catch myself wishing to be at Singapore. Yet there is no use of being impatient. My principal reason for wishing to be at Singa- pore soon, is that I may the sooner be at my appointed business. But surely the Master on whose business I am sent, knows best when I ought to be there, and it is in his power to hasten or re- tard my arrival. He holds the winds, and can cause them to waft me on speedily, if He sees best. If He does not choose to have it so, certainly He has wise reasons for doing as He does, and I ought contentedly to submit. With such considerations, I try to allay the impatience I sometimes feel, at being delayed by these calms. Saturday, July 2d. Still progressing slowly. Had calms every day of greater or less duration, from Sabbath till to-day. Though, as we commonly had a little wind at night, and that such a wind as enabled us to proceed directly on our course, we have probably gone quite as far as we should have done, had the monsoon been blowing in its strength. Yesterday we did uncommonly well. We had a good breeze during the night, that carried us eighty miles di- rectly towards Singapore. To-day we are going perhaps faster, but not so directly ; we are running now between south-east and south, or to speak according to the compass, we are going S. S. E. Having been pretty busy, my time has passed away rapidly and pleasantly, though I do at times feel the monotony of this voyage quite sensibly, and often think of the Huntress. To increase my pleasure, the captain said that two months ago, as he was going from Singapore to Macao, he was becalmed ten whole days in sight of a small island near Singapore, and he believed he was fated to make long voyages in the China Sea. There ! while I am writing I see the sails flapping against the masts, and we are becalmed again ! What is so helpless a thing as a ship at sea in a calm? How vain is all human power in such a case ! and oh, how much more dreadful, is the spiritual case of those who are deprived of the influences of that Spirit, which is like the wind that bloweth VOYAGE ON THE CHINA SEA. 147 where it listeth ! If Christians were half as anxious to obtain the influences of the Spirit, as sailors are to catch the breeze, what a different appearance the church would have. Wednesday, July 6th. The calm I spoke of Saturday p. M. lasted but a few minutes, and we have had the monsoon strong ever since ; strong wind, heavy sea, and slow progress. Yesterday we went fifteen miles west and fifteen south ; to-day, thirty miles west and twenty north ; so that, as far as latitude is concerned, we are worse off than we were two days ago. This morning the wind was so strong that it broke our main top-gallant-mast, and the men have been all day employed making a new one. There has been so much motion yesterday and to-day, and that of so un- pleasant a kind, that I could not study Chinese. Just as I get my pencil ready to make a neat stroke, away goes the ship ; and while I am busy holding to whatever I can catch, the ship stag- gers off, and leans over on the other side, and a wave rushes in at one of the lee ports. Still, on we dash on our foaming way, arid as yet no harm has befallen any of us. My situation is as pleas- ant as that of any on board, indeed more so ; a good large room, plenty to eat and wear, plenty of books and paper?, and at present no responsibility. Yet I would like to be at the end of this voyage. We have now been out sixteen days, and are not half way yet. These poor Lascars have rather a hard life ; their only food is rice, with a very little curry. They sit on the deck, and eat with their fingers, three or four out of the same dish. They sleep on deck, in the open air, with only a coarse piece of flannel for a covering. No provision at all is made for their accommodation in the ; ' country ships," no forecastle nor berths. If it rains, they must let it rain, and sleep through it, or else keep awake. All hands are employed all day, and no watches are kept, as on board vessels manned by English or Americans. They may sleep all night, unless they are wanted, when the " tindals," or overseers, of whom there are four, answering to boatswain and boatswain's mates, sound their whistles, and call all hands. Six of them, however, at a time, watch for two hours during the night, and when the bells are struck, every half-hour, the one nearest raises a yell, for I can call it nothing else, which is repeated by the next> and so on through the whole six. This is to show that they are awake ; but, for all the watch they keep, they might as well be asleep. The "glorious fourth" passed away without a word being said on the subject. I thought of it, and of the last fourth of July I had spent, at Marshall, Michigan, and how little I then expected to have ever been tossing about on the China Sea. Who knows what a day may bring forth 1 Saturday. July 9th. The close of the third week of our voyage, . and we hardly can say that we have gone half way ! We have come ten degrees of latitude, but we have ten degrees more of lat- itude, and eight of longitude, still to traverse : if we run west, wo 148 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. cannot go south ; if we run south, we must also run east; thus making our distance in longitude greater. But why should I complain ? If hope is deferred, should my heart be made sick thereby, when I know that a father's kind hand defers it? I felt greatly reproved this afternoon, as I sat on the stern, and saw a large sea-fowl slowly sailing over the waters. Our Heavenly Fa- ther cares for it, and feeds it. even on these wide and rolling wa- ters ; am not I of more value than many such ? Is not the work I am engaged in more for his glory, than the preservation and sustenance of the fowls of the air and (he fish of the sea? And if he cares for them, will he not much more care for me and carry me on ? Surely he knoweth what is best for me, and most for his own glory. I will therefore commit my way unto the Lord, and trust also in Him. He will bring it to pass. Forgive me, dear mother, if I bring these things improperly to your eye ; I have no one here of kindred spirit with myself, and it is pleasant, even though on paper, and afar off, to give utterance to sentiments that I know will find a response in your own feelings. It seems to me, were I once more in the society of fellow-christians, I should prize much more highly than I have ever done, the opportunity of talk- ing of these things, of " speaking one to another." Monday, July llth. For two days we have been running west, and have made over three degrees ; but a strong current yesterday carried us more than a degree to the north of our position on Sat- urday. The officers are beginning to shake their heads, and pre- dict a long passage. We have all, I think, made up our minds to six weeks instead of four. The mate told me to-day, that the Sea Queen had never had a fair wind for a whole day since she was launched, about fifteen months since ! However, I do not know but that this voyage will prove a very profitable one to me. It reminds me of several facts that had almost entirely escaped from my memory. I had quite forgotten that the Apostle Paul, after being in journey ings often, in weariness, in pain fulness, n us There was but one umbrella in the boat, and we could not liont an awning : but being sunburnt, and even blistered, was ih,. 1,-ast evil. Half a pint of water on such a day, when tanta- lized by the sight of an ocean of water, so clear but so salt, was a small allowance, and I almost prayed to be swallowed up in the raging sea, rather than be suffered to linger in so dreadful a con- dition! Yet there was no murmuring, and we all kept up our spirits. As the jolly boat sailed much faster than ours, it was thought best she should go on ahead. She could be of no service to us, nor we to her, by keeping company, and by going on, she might escape danger, and even find means of assisting u?. Accordingly she left us this afternoon, and we afterwards regretted deeply that she had not done so sooner. This night I slept badly ; the bag- gage had been shifted to put the boat in better sailing trim, and there was not room to place one's self comfortably ; lying down was at any time out of the question, for want of room. A fine favorable breeze sprang up soon after dark, and we made good progress. On Wednesday the breeze became stronger, with a heavy sea. We went rapidly on, and in our lonely course found amusement in watching the large flocks of boobies that in some places almost covered the sea. They came around us in great numbers, and alighted on the yards, and even on the sides of the boat. In his eagerness to catch one the boatswain fell overboard, affording us all a hearty laugh at his expense. Several showers fell near us about dark, and we hoped to have caught some water, but could not. Slept miserably. In the part of the boat where I was, which was about six feet by eight in size, there were four persons to sleep, and one constantly employed in bailing out the water. Thursday morning commenced with rain, which soon wet us to the skin ; but we did not mind that, for we caught several buckets- full of water, which, in the low ebb of our water-cask, gave us great joy ; and we ate our breakfast in high spirits. For fear of suffer- ing from thirst, I ate but little, seldom taking more 'than three small crackers a day, and a mouthful of cheese with a bunch of raisins. From the progress we had made the night before, we had great hopes of seeing land either to-day, or early on the following, but we soon began to think of other things. About ten o'clock the wind rose, the sea ran very high, and frequent squalls of wind and rain darkened the heavens and drenched us to the skin. The captain sent the best helmsman to the tiller, and sat down himself by the compass, and for eight long hours he did not move from his seat. Conversation ceased; and scarcely a word was uttered SHIPWRECK OF THE HARMONY. 171 in all that time, except the orders from the captain to the helms- man, " Port ! Port your helm, quick ! Hard a-port ! Starboard now ! Mind your port-helm," vith but little difficulty, but their position is generally low and damp, and their being so dirty and so closely crowded to- gether, combine to render them unhealthy. There is but little luxury observable in Amoy, or splendor in their shops, like that seen in Canton, where the foreigners have so long resorted. Almost all that was exposed for sale consisted of the necessaries of life, articles to eat and drink and wear. There were but few women in the streets, but many of them gazed at us from the back doors of the houses as we passed. It seems to be an almost universal custom in this province for the females to wear flowers in their hair ; the custom is not so preva- lent in Canton province. If we stopped a moment in the streets, crowds gathered around us. The children clapped their hands, and the men gathered around us to examine our dress, and seemed especially to admire my stature, but all were perfectly civil. We stopped to ask the price of a picture. " A dollar and a half," was the ready answer. " Oh, no !" said another, " don't you see they are teachers." " Well you may have it for one hundred and fifty cash," equal to twelve-and-a-half cents ! The country back of Amoy consists almost entirely of hills, the bleakest and stoniest I ever saw. Except in the little secluded valleys, not a tree nor a blade of grass was to be seen ; but in every little valley where there was fresh water and a few trees, there were sure to be villages, and in proportion to the size of the valleys did the villages increase in size. The green rice fields at the foot of the bare and barren hills contrasted beautifully with the rocka around them. The population of Amoy is variously estimated, but two hundred thousand for the city and the suburbs in its immediate vicinity, is the most common, and probably the most correct estimate. The number of villages in sight from. Kulangsu is wonderful. Whence does all this vast population draw its subsistence, for the country around does not appear capa- ble of sustaining the tenth part of those who live here? Partly from the sea, partly from commerce, and partly from the interior of the country which receives many foreign commodities from Amoy. The Fuhkeen men are the New Englanders of China, and their vessels make long voyages, going to all parts of the Chinese coast, to Manila, to Borneo, to Singapore and to Java, but not often venturing as far as India. A great part of the rice used in other provinces is imported from the island of Formosa, which lies about seventy miles to the eastward. Nine opium ships were anchored close alongside of Amoy, and also two vessels that had no opium on board. I was told, on good authority, that every man in Amoy who could afford to buy opium was in the habit of smoking it. The Chinese officers make no effort whatever to prevent its introduction, and I saw opium pipes openly exposed for sale in the streets. A few years ago it would have been almost as much as a Chinaman's life was AMOY. 209 worth, to have been detected in the sale of anything used in con- suming the prohibited article. The next morning (Sept. 7) Mr. Abeel and myself rose early for a walk round the island of Kulangsu. It is about three miles long, not quite a mile broad, and is wonderfully diversified with hill and dale. Small as it is, I have never seen so many beauti- ful prospects in the same space. Every hill-top is crowned with black and naked rocks, while every spot of ground that can be cul- tivated is used (or rather was used, for the Chinese are not now allowed to reside on the island, while it is occupied by the Eng- lish troops,) either for houses, or rice grounds, or tombs. The pop- ulation, previously to its being occupied by the British, has been commonly estimated at five thousand, but judging from the houses still standing, and the ruins of those torn down, I should say, this was a very moderate estimate. There may have been eight or ten thousand persons, and from the style of the houses, it may be inferred that many of the wealthier inhabitants of Amoy had their common residences on this island. There are a number of noble banyan trees, and my impressions of the island were very favorable. It was beautiful exceedingly. Perhaps it appeared more beau- tiful from its dissimilarity to the bare and rugged hills of Hong Kong and Macao, but it reminded me strongly of many scenes long since, perhaps forever, passed. It was melancholy to see the ruined houses, and to meet the English soldiers at every step, for they told of violence and war. It was sad to look upon these multitudes, all accessible, full three hundred thousand souls, who might be visited by the missionary between sunrise and nightfall, without his ever spending a night from home, and instructed about the way of life ; but who is there to break to them the bread of life ? One poor almost broken-down minister, and one physician, who with stammering lips set before them the way of truth. Dr. Cumming's time is fully taken up in attend- ing to the cases of disease that are brought to his house, and Mr. Abeel daily converses with them, and distributes religious tracts, besides having a service on the Sabbath for all who choose to come. The attendance on Sabbath varies from thirty to eighty, and the names and objects of the missionaries are now well known, and they are treated with much favor both by the rulers and the common people. Infanticide is very common in this province ; very many in- quiries have been made by the missionaries, and all the testimony goes to prove that it prevails to a fearful extent. It is not saying too much to affirm, that in the districts around Amoy, one-fifth, or one-sixth of the children perish by the hands, or with the con- sent of their parents. One poor man said to Mr. Abeel with an air of the greatest simplicity and sincerity, " Teacher, before you came, I killed five of my children ; I would not do it now, for you have showed me that it is wrong, but before you came I did not 14 210 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. know that who was there to tell me ?" Alas ! who was there to tell him? The opium smugglers are dealing their poison all around, but very rarely does a missionary appear amongst them, and those who do come, have difficulties to contend with as they sit upon the damp tiled floors of the native houses, and breathe the unwholesome air of the swampy fields, such as rarely enter into the minds of those who dwell in their ceiled houses, and talk in their own native language. 1 visited the grave of Mrs. Boone. It is in a beautiful quiet garden, a little tree stands at the foot, and an immense banian spreads its shade over the whole. She died August 30, 1842. It was a time of sadness and sorrow when that first member of the missionary 'band here fell ; but I could not regard her lonely grave in any other light than as a pledge that the kingdom shall yet be the Lord's. For not alone shall that Christian wife and mother sleep here ; others of the missionary circle shall also toil, and lie down here, and around them shall sleep those saved by their means, and sooner or later we shall look upon graves, even in this heathen land, with the same feelings of calm and joyful hope with which we behold them in Christian lands. May the Lord hasten that time ! for it is a sorrowful thought as we look upon the countless graves that throng every hill-side around us, " Not one of all these myriads ever heard the name of Christ where now are their souls?" It was a pleasant thing in my native land to go to the grave-yard on Saturday evenings, or the Sabbath morning, and sit upon the tombs, and think of heaven ; but I cannot do that in China. We left Amoy on Thursday, September 7, about noon, and after beating out some six or seven miles, had a " slashing breeze" in our favor. Our course lay to the north-east, along the coast of China, too far off to see minute objects, but near enough to dis- tinguish its outline and general features. From Hong Kong to Amoy, a distance of over three hundred miles, the coast is re- markably rocky, bold, and mountainous, hardly a plain was to be seen. But immediately after passing Amoy the appearance of the coast changed. It became level with gentle elevations and depressions, and this lasts for nearly two hundred miles, when it resumes its rocky character. I could scarcely take my eyes away from the first of the gently rising hills that was seen. It was so different from all that I had witnessed for nearly twenty months, and reminded me so strongly of objects seen in my own native land, that it required but little stretch of fancy to cover the scene with the peaceful homes, and smiling villages, and solemn churches of America. But, alas, how different the reality ! Multitudes, multitudes of immortal beings, but all ignorant of the truth ! An opium clipper followed us out of Amoy, and being a faster sailer than we, soon passed us on her way 'to Chimmoo Bay, another great opium depot. It reminded me sadly of the truth that the men of this world are wiser in their generation than the children JOURNAL PROM AMOY. 211 of light. But I -found consolation where I had not looked for it. We were sailing on the wide sea. The whole expanse of the Pacific Ocean, with its unfathomed depths and uncounted waves, was rolling on our right, and its waters washed the shores of the most populous empire on the earth. Behold ! " The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters zover the seas" Hab. iii. 14. What though men, for the sake of gain, follow practices that injure their fellow-men, and impede the progress of the Gospel, it shall not always be so ; for thus saith the Lord, " They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy moun- tain ; for the earth shall be {jull of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," Isaiah ix. 11. With such an assurance from such a source, what more do we want to confirm our faith and encourage our hope ? Friday, September 15. When within one hundred and twenty miles of Chusan the monsoon changed, and after beating about for several days, and making no progress, we anchored at the Island of San-pan-shan, in order to replenish our water-casks, and wait, if perhaps the weather might become more moderate. The island of San-pan-shan is in north lat. 28 deg. 5 min., and east long. 122 deg. The passengers went ashore to-day for a stroll over the island, and at the beach where we landed, we found about a hundred men collected. They spoke a dialect that none of us understood, and our only intercourse with them was by signs, and the few Chinese words we could pick up. There were twelve or thirteen small Chinese vessels, junks as they are here called, in a little cove on the side of the island opposite where we had anchored, which had probably gone there to escape the bad weather. We saw about two hundred persons in all, a part of whom doubtless belonged to the junks in the little bay. I doubt whether the whole population of the island amounts to one hundred persons ; there were very few women, and very few children. The people seemed to be very poor ; dwelt in miserable huts, and raised a very few vegetables ; there were no rice-fields, but there were plenty of sweet potatoes, which seemed, indeed, to be almost the only vegetable cultivated. I suppose the people were principally fishermen ; they were of small stature, and very dark complexion, and spoke a dialect much resembling the Fuhkeen. The island is small, and of a crescent shape : it is, perhaps, two miles in length, and three-fourths of a mile in breadth, with two or three smaller islands near it. Its foundation is the solid granite rock, which is quite bare for many feet above low water mark. Like all Chinese islands that I have yet seen, it is hilly ; but the hills, though high, are not quite so abrupt as those on the islands farther south. On the top of the very highest hill was a heap of stones piled up and about four feet high. When or why built I had no means of ascertaining. Just above our landing-place, and near the principal collection 212 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. of huts, was an idol temple, dedicated to Ma-tsoo-po, a favorite Chinese goddess. There was nothing remarkable about it, except its filthiness, and two figures about two-thirds the size of men, standing on a block of wood near the door. They were painted black, with red and glaring eyes, and horribly-distorted mouths, all begrimed with smoke of incense-sticks, and dirt ; they were fit representations of the horrid charac.er of him whom this deluded people worship. There were several brazen incense-stands on the altar, one of which I wished to take away, but the people would not allow of it. " No, it was Ma-tsoo-po's." I would give a good deal to be able to transport Che two black images as they are, to the Mission House in New York. In one of the huts a dozen men were busy gambling : so intent were they on their game, that they scarcely looked at us as we passed, though they had probably never seen a foreigner in their lives before. Here, as everywhere else, the people knew the for- eigners only by what is evil. One of the men, who seemed a little more respectable than the rest, and to whom, after making sure that he could read it, I gave a Chinese tract, finding I knew a little Chinese, asked me something 1 did not understand. He then in- vited me into his hut, begged me to be seated, and wrote down in Chinese the question. " How do you sell your opium ?" Two or three men were smoking opium at the time. As well as I could, I expressed my dislike and abhorrence of the practice, and went out, greatly to his surprise. Going past the temple, as we went back to our boat, I looked in again, and there were six or eight people stretched on the floor, and drawing away at their opium pipes ; some of them were already half stupefied by it, and the place was filled by the fumes of the sickening drug. Popery and opium will be the great opponents of the missionaries in China. There is not a place to which we can go, where the opium-dealer has not already gone, and there is no moral sentiment in China to second the efforts of her rulers to banish the baneful luxury from, her borders. I could almost fancy that the horrible images in the idol temple looked with complacency on the prostrate forms of the smokers at their feet ; and sure I am that the ruler of the spirits of darkness and evil rejoices in the diffusion of opium in China. Wednesday, September 27th. Finding that our vessel was in no condition to beat against the monsoon, and that our prospect of reaching Chusan in her was very poor, we reluctantly turned about, and arrived at Amoy yesterday. It is a mysterious dispen- sation of providence, but doubtless He who holds the winds in his fist has wise ends in view, in disappointing my hopes : "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shall know hereafter." Sitting in Mr. Abeel's house this morning, about a dozen very respectably-dressed Chinese from Tung-an, the capital of this dis- trict, came in. After making some remarks to them on the nature of the Christian religion, and of the plan of salvation, to which they listened with interest, interspersing remarks of their own by JOURNAL AT AMOY. 213 the way, he asked them of their customs, particularly in regard to infanticide. One man said they " destroyed more than half the female children," (the boys they never kill.) The rest of the com- pany corrected this, saying, "No, formerly we did, but now we destroy about one out of three." This is the common answer given by hundreds of persons. As soon as a girl is born, if they do not wish her to live, she is suffocated. Want of natural affec- tion, and an unwillingness to encounter the expense of supporting the children, are the reasons for this cruel procedure. They ac- knowledge it to be cruel, but seldom seem to think it is wrong.* September 28. Walked out before sunrise to the top of the high- est hill in Ku-lang-su. It is crowned by several rocks, two of which are of great size ; one of them is more than one hundred feet long, at least eighty feet broad, and eighty feet high, all above ground. The view from the top would have embraced the whole circumference of the horizon : but not being able to reach it, I was obliged to content myself at its base ; still, by changing my posi- tion, I could see on all sides. The hills of the main land, and of the islands in sight, rose, as they always do in this part of China, steep, bare, and barren ; and the spots of fertile ground were few and comparatively small. But wherever a clump of trees grew,, a village was sure to be seen. I counted more than twenty villages, all in full view, and none more than ten or twelve miles distant: besides the city of Amoy itself, all of these are perfectly accessible to the missionary ; he may go to any of them without let or hin- derance, and preach or distribute books, and for the present at least, he will be sure of crowds of attentive hearers. There is very little that is inviting in the appearance of Chinese towns. The houses are all low, and few or none are distinguished by any architectural beauty. They are built without taste, and it is sel- dom that any flowers are cultivated by the sides of the poorer peo- ple's houses ; they are commonly built so close together, that at a short distance you see nothing but the weather-worn roofs, but occasionally some beautiful scenes meet the eye. I scarcely know a more romantic spot than the Western village, on the island of Ku-lang-su. Just fancy a little valley containing several acres of ground, rather long, and opening out like a fan, hemmed in on all sides but one by steep and rocky hills, and facing a sheet of water studded with islands. It has several noble banian trees, and fifty or sixty Chinese houses very neatly built, and dispersed at the foot of the hills, between the trees. The houses, however, are now uninhabited, and most of them are in a sad state for want of attention. The Chinese do not use gunpowder in blasting rocks, but split the largest of them simply by the use of wedges. I saw a rock that had been split in two, and the part that remained was fifty feet long and thirty feet high. * See the Chinese Repository for Oct. 1843. 214 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Took a boat and went to see a Budhist temple some two or three miles south-east of Amoy. It stands at the foot of the high ridge of hills running from the city of Amoy into the interior of Amoy island, and is about half a mile from the shores of the bay. In front of the temple is an inclosure containing four open buildings, in each of which are two gigantic stone tortoises six feet long and four feet broad. Each tortoise supports a white stone tablet, tea feet high and four feet broad, and covered one with Chinese and the other with Tartar inscriptions ; the Chinese characters are certainly very well adapted for inscriptions, and I have rarely seen any specimens of cutting in stone so beautifully executed as these are. The purport of the inscriptions seemed to be maxims and moral sentences ; but as to their particular meaning, I forbear to interpret it. Directly behind these tablets was the entrance of the temple, with all its array of dingy paintings, grotesque carving and queer dragons above the door. On entering, the first object seen was a gilt statue of Budh, of gigantic size, with a green veil over the window of the inclosure where he was seated. Behind him was another gigantic image, and on either side were two other giants ; on one side a male and a female with a guitar in her hand, and on the other side a female, and a black and horrid- looking male attendant. Each statue is said to be eighteen feet high, and of one solid stone. I did not think them so high, and thought they were made of clay ; but a railing in front prevented a close examination. Passing beyond the gilt image, there was an open court with four trees ; on each side of the court was a square tower, the second story of one of which contained a drum, and of the other a bell. Beyond these, and in a line with them, were two long galleries, each containing nine gilt images of Chi- nese sages, some of which were decorated with blue beards. Be- tween the two galleries was an octagonal tower, the upper part of which was composed of a large number of pieces of wood carved of various shapes, with painting and gilding, and dragons and images scattered about. The roof was supported by eight stone pillars, round each of which twined an immense dragon. The in- terior of the temple contained a number of images, the principal of which was Kwante, seated on the lower half of an immense pine-apple, with a gilded frame behind her resembling the rays behind the Speaker's chair in the capitol at Washington. She was surrounded by half a dozen other images, large and small ; incense was constantly burning before her, and on a frame nu- merous printed prayers were suspended. Behind this tower were three apartments, stretching across the whole breadth of the tem- ple, and in each of them were three images, one principal and two subordinates. One of the principal images was Kwante, another was Ma-tsoo-po ; the name of the third 1 did not learn. Here we were met by two of the priests, pale in countenance, dressed in white, and of rather pleasing manners. Only one of them said anything, but he was quite talkative. They gave us tea without JOURNAL AT AMOY. 215 sugar or milk, and promised to call at the mission house in Amoy, after which we left them. Near this temple, I saw what is rather uncommon in China, regularly-inclosed graveyards. There were a great many unin- closed tombs all around, but here were three graveyards ; each of them had a large tomb in the centre, and a great many of com- mon appearance regularly arranged around, completely filling up the inclosed spaces. The bury ing-grounds were all small, but extremely full. The largest was only one hundred feet square, and yet it had three hundred and fifty graves in it, all of which seemed to be of about the same age. It is not known to foreign- ers, and not to any Chinese of whom we made inquiries, who are buried there. The inscriptions at the entrance of each would per- haps tell, but it requires time and patience to copy and translate them. Just within the entrance of each was a stone with the in- scription fuh shin, happy spirits ! Alas ! are they happy? None were children's graves. October 1, Sabbath. In the morning attended Mr. Abeel's Chi- nese service ; about twenty were present, which is a smaller num- ber than usual. Among them was a Budhist priest, and several very respectably-dressed gentlemen. Most of them attended well. In the evening preached to the soldiers ; owing to the sickness prevailing at present, the congregation was small ; only about seventy were present, yet it was the largest number I have preached to at one time since leaving New York. October 2, Monday. Monthly Concert to-night. I conducted the services and made the first prayer, then read Psalm Ixviii., and made some remarks on the frequency with which the promises of the conversion of the world are followed by glorious ascriptions of praise to God, as shown: Ps. Ixviii. 31, 32, Is. xliv. 23, and xlix. 12, 13. Mr. Roberts then prayed, and made some remarks on the necessity of faith in Christ, and of entire dependence on his grace, rather than trusting in feelings and frames of mind. We sang a hymn, and Mr. Abeel prayed. It was a pleasant time. JOURNAL TO CHANG-CHOW. October 3. Mr. Abeel and I have been talking for some days of making an excursion into the interior, some thirty or forty miles, and to-day we went off to engage a boat. There are so many rivers and streams along the coast of China, and the Chinese so commonly live near the water, that almost all travelling is in boats. Hence the expression, Haou fung shwuy, literally mean- ing a fair wind and tide, is equivalent to saying, " Good luck go with you," or " May you have a prosperous time." After a deal of chaffering and bargaining, and being almost deafened by the noisy Chinese we had to talk with, (when talking earnestly, the common people actually shout their words,) we arranged with an old man to be taken to Chang-Chow, a city of the second order, 216 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. and said to be twice as large as Amoy, for three dollars and a half. One of our Chinese friends promises to accompany us. As we catne back from the boat, we met a whole fleet of fisher- men coming in from the sea, though it was but three o'clock, p. M., and the day was fine. It seems, however, they anticipated bad weather, and came into the harbor for shelter. The knowledge of the weather possessed by Chinese boatmen is really wonderful, one of them is almost as good as a barometer. Their boats had hardly reached Amoy, before it began to blow quite fresh ; and, doubtless, out at sea there was a heavy wind. Wednesday, Oct. 4. After a hasty breakfast, started, and our boat, which was of about twenty tons burden, got under weigh at seven o'clock. The tide was against us, but the wind was favor- able, and we speedily reached and passed Pagoda Island, which is about two miles west of Kulangsu. Passing the island on the north, we entered a noble bay, some ten or twelve miles long from east to west, and four or five in breadth. It was surrounded on all sides by the high, steep, barren hills, so common in Chinese scenery ; with plains of greater or less extent at their bases. From the deck of our small boat, it was difficult to judge correctly of the size of the plains, though some of them must have been large. The shores of the bay all around were lined with villages, few of which were three miles apart ; I counted more than twenty, and our boatmen said that the whole number was above thirty. Allowing a thousand souls to each village, a very moder- ate allowance, here are thirty thousand souls around the borders of that bay. Every one of these villages is perfectly accessible to the missionary. He may leave Kulangsu in a boat after break- fast, visit any one of them he pleases, spend an hour or more, and return to his house before sunset. Not one of these villages is included in the " more than twenty," mentioned under date of Sept. 28. Our course lay directly through the bay from east to west. At its western extremity we found several immense tracts of land reclaimed from the waters, and occupied as rice-grounds. A river comes down from the north-west, and the land about its rnouth is low and flat, covered with water at high tides, and dry at low tides. The greater part of this has been banked in, and thus many hundreds of acres recovered, and made highly produc- tive, which would otherwise have been a barren, noisome waste. It was a beautiful sight to look over these extended grounds, with the little canals winding through them, and to see the smooth green fields, with the large trees scattered here and there, and the Chinese houses underneath. A few buffaloes were grazing about, or rolling like swine in the muddy shores of the river, and several Chinese were gathering a large kind of rush which grows plentifully on the river banks. It is dried in the sun and made into floor mats, and similar articles. Some idea of the quantity gathered may be learned from this fact, that the mats JOURNAL TO CHANG-CHOW. 217 made in this region alone are sold every year for several tens of thousands of dollars. The western end of this bay is about twelve or fifteen miles from Amoy. The river which enters it comes from the N. W. and some two or three miles from its mouth is the walled town of Hai-teng, which is on the left, or southern bank of the river. It was about ten o'clock, A. M., when we passed Hai-teng, and our course still lay up the river to the N. W. The valley of the river was low and flat, and not very broad, while on either side rose the steep, bare, unequally-elevated hills that mark nearly every Chinese prospect I have yet seen. Villages uncounted were seen in every direction, noble trees and houses among them, cattle in the fields, and boats in the river. Oh ! how beautiful it was ! Four or five miles N. W. of Hai- teng, and on the same side of the river, was the town of Chobey. It is a much more business-like place than Hai-teng. Numerous boats were in the river, many lumber-yards were along the banks, and many people were seen in every direction. On the opposite bank of the river is a collection of villages, eighteen in number, and known by the general name of Ota. We were spied by a good many of the people here, who crowded down to the banks to see us as we passed. The river here becomes shallower, and the boat in which we had come thus far drawing too much water, we entered a smaller one to proceed the rest of our way. It was about the size of a common whale-boat, had a square mat sail, and being provided with awnings, was very comfortable. The wind being favorable, we went along finely ; but small as our boat was, it required some knowledge of the river to avoid the shallows, and we touched the bottom several times. The water of the river we found to be delightfully soft and sweet, and, as the Chinese said, it was ex- cellent for making tea. The river had no general name ; alto- gether we sailed on it about twenty miles, and in that distance found that it had three separate names. When we first entered it, it was called the Cho-bey river ; a little further on, the Sanche, and at Chang-chow, the Nan-mun. These names literally trans- lated, are, Stone-horse, Three-branches, and Southern-gate ; I have since seen it called the Chang-river : this name is given to it by the Jesuits in their account of China. After proceeding about five miles from Cho-bey, we went ashore, and looked about a little, but found there was little of interest to be seen. A couple of coffins with dead bodies in them, were lying in the open air under the shadow of some trees. They were to remain there until a propitious day, and a favorable spot for their interment should be found. Bodies are thus left uninterred often for years ; one of these coffins had been so long exposed that it was falling to pieces for very age ; but the superstitions of the Chinese do not allow them to bury their dead, except at lucky times, and in places pointed out by their astrologers. It is prob- able, however, that the astrologers very easily find a place, and 218 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. suitable time, for the burial of the poor. It is only those who are able to pay that are kept waiting so long. Rice-grounds, fields of sugar-cane, and brick kilns with red bricks, (the bricks in Canton Erovince are all blue,) were nearly all we saw. We stayed ashore ardly five minutes, and yet in that time a score of persons were running to see us. Not wishing to attract attention before reach- ing Chang-chow, we pushed off and proceeded. Brick kilns now became very numerous on each side of the river; the bricks are tolerably well made, and are about as thick and as long as those made in the United States, but rather broader. A great article of manufacture at these kilns is the tile, which is very extensively used for the floors, and entirely for the roofs of houses in China. Those for the floors are from eight to twelve inches square, and nearly an inch thick ; those for the roofs from four to six inches square, and not quite half an inch in thickness. They are laid on the rafters three and four deep, and are joined with a little plaster; but the work is commonly unskilfully done, and many of the nouses are leaky. The greenness and beauty of the fields and the valleys, which occasionally extended back among the hills, were so different from the barren appearance of the sea-coast, as to call forth frequent expressions of surprise and delight. We passed many villages. Two of them were pointed out to us as being the residence of Roman Catholics. The account the Pagan Chinese gave us of them, was, " They have a goddess whom they worship, and whom they call the ' Holy Mother. 1 " The Chinese call one of their own favorite divinities, Ma-tsoo-po, the " Holy Mother." What, then, must they think of the Christian religion, when almost the only form of it which they see, allows the use of many of their own ceremonies, and precisely their own forms of speech ! The similarity between the Romish and Budhist religions is so great, that some of the early Roman Catholic missionaries to China could account for it only by supposing that the devil had induced the Chinese to frame a religion very like theirs in order to cast suspi- cion and discredit upon them ! These Roman Catholic Chinese are very little different from the Pagans around them, and though, their profession of the Christian religion is contrary to law, yet it is overlooked by the officers, and perhaps is unknown at Pekin. They are occasionally visited by the priests, who secretly enter the country, and hastily visit such places as these to confirm the peo- ple in their faith. About one o'clock, p. M.. we arrived at the city, with but little warning, from the boats or other appearances indicating a large population, that we were near it. The first distinct intimation we had of being near it, was the sight of a long high bridge over the river. A number of the people on shore had already seen us, and by the time we landed, quite a crowd of men and boys gathered around us. They were civil, but evidently greatly astonished, as we were almost the first foreigners who had ever been there. JOURNAL AT CHANG-CHOW. 219 Two small parties of English officers had gone there a few months previously, but one of them was not allowed even to enter the city, and the other saw only a very small part of it. We were the first Americans, and the only Protestant missionaries, who had ever been there, and we felt some little anxiety as to how we should be received. We could not have complained of the officers if they had utterly refused us permission to enter, or had even in- sisted on our immediate departure. But we were determined to see the place, and make inquiries concerning it, if we could peace- ably do so. Accordingly the boatmen carried our luggage, and our Chinese friend conducted us through the suburbs by a near cut, and we were soon in the city. He then led us, as he said, towards a house appropriated for the reception of officers from the other provinces. ^ It was soon evident that we were something " uncommon." Numbers of people came in with us, and as we passed through the streets and were discovered by those ahead of us, the wonder and the crowd increased. Our complexions and dress, our stature, and my spectacles, at once drew the attention of everybody. The shopkeeper turned away from his customer, the carpenter dropped his plane, and the shoemaker his last, the tailor his needle, and the apothecary his pill-box, and even the beggar forgot his voca- tion ; the women peeped out from the doors, and the children ran on before and stopped to have a good look at us ; old and young, high and low, were filled with one common feeling of surprise, and gazed at us as if we had fallen from the clouds. Our guide professed to know the road, but soon showed he was ignorant of it ; and after leading us through several crowded streets in the hot sun, brought us at last to a little low dirty tav- ern, instead of the house appropriated to the reception of foreign officers, where he had intended to take us. However, there was no help for it, and to make the best of the matter, we had our dinner prepared. In Chinese taverns, nothing is provided except the bare walls, the traveller being- expected to carry his own bedding and procure his own provisions, though the landlord finds a place to cook, and perhaps gives some little assistance in the way of service. On going into the house we shut the door to keep the crowd out, but they were not so easily satisfied, and being old and crazy, they actually broke it open. One of us was obliged therefore to stand by it, and let them gaze while dinner was in course of preparation. They made no effort to molest us, being, on the contrary, quite good-humored and civil ; but cer- tainly in all my life I never was so stared at before. One man, all smiles and politeness, came up, and begged leave to examine my dress, at the various parts of which he expressed the most un- bounded admiration. My cap was much better than his, the but- tons of my coat were kaho, kaho, very much better. My pockets were an admirable device, while the shoes were a perfect gem ! He was even proceeding to open my shirt-bosom, and pull up my 220 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. pantaloons, but on being told that it was not polite to do so, he desisted, and with many bows and smiles departed. While we were eating our rice and eggs, in came an officer with a crystal button and peacock's feather.* He was rather rude at first, and made a very slight salutation. He spoke only the Mandarin, or Court dialect,t and had an interpreter, who seemed to be his principal business-man, and with whom we had after- wards a good deal of intercourse. He was an active man, chewed a great deal of betel-nut, which made his mouth always red, and was exceedingly polite. Whenever anything was said, he was all smiles and attention, shut his eyes and shook his head, and laughed most heartily ; he could stop laughing, too, just as soon as he commenced, and could, on occasion, assume a very grave air and severe tone. On the whole, I liked him pretty well. The officer asked our names, profession, age, object in coming, &c., and advised us to go away ; but, after a few minutes' conversa- tion, his manner changed a good deal, and he became much more polite, and was even curious to inspect our knives and forks, and articles of dress. While we were engaged with him, in came an- other officer, a tall, slender, gentlemanly man, and, probably, a Tartar. He, likewise, wore a crystal button; his robes were beautifully clean and neat ; and his manners were exceedingly polished, amounting in some respects almost to over-refinement. He was dressed in his official cap, and black satin boots, which came up to his knees, a beautiful blue silk robe reaching beneath the knees, and over this a dark maroon -colored silk-garment, reaching to the waist, with bright gold buttons in front. He also had six or seven attendants, one of whom was the tallest man I have seen in China. He was over six feet two inches in height, and appeared quite out of countenance when we remarked on his stature. The Tartar officer bowed to us most politely, and beg- ged us to be seated, then bowed to the first officer, and we talked a while. Presently in came a third officer, bearing a gold button, with another crowd of attendants. One of the attendants carries a note-book, another the indispensable tobacco-pipe, a third an * The button is a round ball, a little larger than a pigeon's egg. on the top of the cap. A gold (or gilt) is the mark of the lowest grade ;an opake white one, of the second ; and a crystal button of the third. There are six other grades still higher, each distinguished by different colored buttons. The peacock's feather is a bunch of three or four feathers in an ivory handle, hanging down behind from the rim of the cap, which is commonly given as the reward of some eminent service. This man was a stout, thickset person, with mustaches, and half a dozen attendants. The cap they all wore was the summer cap : made of plaited straw, and of around conical shape, with long red silk threads hanging down from the top all around. His differed from those of his attendants, only in the fineness of the materials, and in the button on the top. f All the civil officers speak Mandarin. They are never appointed to office in their own province, and frequently cannot speak the dialect of those they rule over ; in con- sequence an interpreter always forms part of their train. The military officers, on the contrary, are commonly appointed to command in their own provinces, perhaps that they may fight the more bravely, since it is " pro aris et focis," or as Joab said, " let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God." JOURNAL AT CHANG-CHOW. 221 umbrella, and so on. This man was of moderate size, not stout, of a cheerful expression of countenance, extremely active, and almost fussy in his manners. There was quite a specimen of Chinese etiquette on his entrance. The other two rose up, bowed, and begged him to be seated ; he in like mariner bowed, and beg- ged them to be seated. They bowed again, and all got ready to sit down, but no one would sit down first ; after standing arid looking at each other till I could not refrain from a smile, they all sat down together. It was then the old scene over again, who we were, why we came, what we wanted, and the advice to be off, it was against the law for us to come, &c. We replied we could not go, for we wanted to see the city. This they said could not be allowed without the consent of the chief local magistrate, who had been sent for, and for whom it was necessary to wait. In the mean time the attendants got their pipes ready for a smoke, and the Tartar officer who sat next me, and appeared the most collected and cool of the whole of them, very politely offered me his. I begged leave to decline, whereupon he took a few whiffs in a very good humor, and presently with a graceful bow went out, and we saw him no more. The little fussy officer smoked a good deal, making frequent remarks to the first one, to which he responded briefly but politely. While waiting for the local magistrate, another gold-buttoned officer, who spoke the broad Pekin dialect, and had a hard, coarse, cunning face, and an opake white-buttoned officer with a very ordinary cast of countenance, came in. They smoked and talked, and Mr. Abeel gave each of them a tract, which they received very politely. The crowd at the door was now large, and as the officers' attendants, and even the officers themselves, had very little command over them, it was evident they were becoming uneasy. While thus engaged, in came, or rather rushed, the local magistrate. He was a tall, stout man, wore a gold button, and was a good deal excited. He was quite rude at first, did not salute us at all, and scarcely bowed to the five officers already present, but began in a loud blustering tone to declaim about the impropriety of our coming to Chang- Chow, of its being contrary to the treaty, and that we must depart immediately. Mr. Abeel remarked mildly, but firmly, that though the treaty allowed foreigners to trade at only five ports, it did not forbid their going elsewhere ; that we were Americans ; that we were well-meaning persons, who did not come to trade, but to look around, see the country, cultivate friendly feelings, and do good. The old man quite altered his tone, " Oh ! I know that you are men of politeness, we are not afraid of you ; but if you come, others will make it a precedent. You are Americans, and the Americans and the Chinese are all the same as so many brothers." He then gave us quite a rhapsody on the Americans. He had been to Canton, knew them well, and greatly esteemed them, and wished to have them always for friends; "Well," said Mr. A., "this is a strange way to treat your friends and brothers. We 222 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. come to see you, and you turn us away without allowing us to be- come acquainted with you ; as to our coming being a precedent for others, they will come, whether you wish it or not, and it is better to have ' men of politeness' come first, rather than others." This puzzled the old man, and he did not know how to answer it. At last he proposed to us not to stay inside the city, but to go on board a boat, and spend the night on the river. He said he was afraid die crowd would rob. or ill-treat us. We said we had no fears, and were willing to risk that. He then said, he feared the crowd would quarrel among themselves ; but we said, no ! they were not given to quarrelling, and we did not think them such fools as to do that. He then said the house we were in was pre-en- gaged for some stranger of distinction, which was a most palpable lie, and if we wished to 'occupy it, we must draw up a petition to him for that purpose. This would take some time, and he thought, therefore, we had better go on board the boat. He would find a very good one for us, would send us down in chairs, would give us a guard during the night, and in the morning would send chairs and an officer to take us all round the city, wherever we wished to go. We saw that he felt anxious, and as it would be really more comfortable to spend the night in a boat than where we were, we almost concluded to accept the offer, but hesitated for fear all this should be only a scheme to float us off during the night. It was amusing to observe how he answered this, " Oh, no, not at all ;" and he put one hand on his own heart, and one on Mr. Abeel's, (who was the speaker all this time, as my own slight knowledge of the language did not qualify me for saying anything,) and de- clared that he was sincere, "Let there be confidence between friends." Tea was now brought in, and he poured out a cup full, and emptied it into three cups, drinking one himself, and giving one to Mr. A., and one to myself. We drank a cup all around, and to his great gratification accepted of his offer. It was now nearly dark. They had our luggage sent down to the boat, had chairs brought to the door, and escorted us down to the water-side. We were carried through several streets, one of which was covered over with yellow and red cloth, and ornamented with numerous lighted lanterns of all sizes, shapes, and colors. It was a celebra- tion for the continuance of peace, and a return of health. We were told on the following day, that the cholera has prevailed this summer to a frightful extent in Chang-Chow, as many as two hun- dred persons sometimes dying of it in a single day. A boat was speedily selected, of tolerably large size, though not the cleanest or most comfortable I have ever seen, and we duly deposited ourselves therein. The local magistrate then called the owner of the boat, who went and knelt down on the ground before him, and received his orders to treat us well, and to suffer us to want for nothing. The officers then all went away, and as it was growing late, and we were heartily tired, we prepared for rest. But before we had lain down, who should come in but the inter- JOURNAL AT CHANG-CHOW. 223 preter ; he came from the local magistrate to beg us to go away that night. The Yo-tae, or highest officer of the place, had said that we must not remain. We laughed, and told him this was ridiculous, that the local magistrate had given us his word and honor that we should stay, had put his hand on his heart, and told us there must be confidence between friends, and was this the way to show it ? The interpreter was a shrewd, sensible man, and seeing we had the best of the argument, and were disposed to maintain it, did not press the matter. He laughed in his peculiar manner, and saying that he would come early in the morning to accompany us around, he departed, and we lay down to sleep. Thursday, Oct. 5. The morning being bright and pleasant, we started for a walk before breakfast, and the lower bridge being hard-by the place where our boat was 'anchored, we went there first. It is built on twenty-five piles of stone about thirty feet apart, and perhaps twenty feet in height, above the surface of the water. Large round beams are laid from pile to pile, and smaller ones across in the simplest and rudest manner : these are then covered with earth, and the upper part is paved with bricks or stone. One would suppose that the work had been assigned to a number of different persons, and that each had executed his part in such manner as best suited his own fancy, there being no regu- larity in the paving ; bricks and stone were intermingled in the most confused manner, and the railing was sometimes of wood, and sometimes of stone. The length of some of the stones used in paving the bridge was very remarkable ; some of them were eight, others eleven, others fourteen, and three of them eighteen paces each, in length, so that these last must have been about forty-five feet long, and two or three broad. They were of un- hewn granite, but from the constant crowd of passengers for a hundred years or more,* were worn quite smooth. The bridge averages eight or ten feet in width, and about one-half its length on either side was occupied by shops in which various articles, principally eatables, were exposed for sale. I may remark here that the short account of this city contained in the work of Abbe Grosier, on China, which is compiled from the memoirs of the Je3' uit missionaries, contains several mistakes. The work referred to speaks of but one bridge, whereas, there are two : it gives that one bridge thirty-six arches, whereas there are but twenty-five, and they are not, in any sense of the word, arches, being simply tim- bers laid from pier to pier. It also speaks of the " two ranges of shops furnished with the most precious things of China, and the rarest merchandises of foreign lands." If this account were true in the days when the Jesuits went through the land with the utmost freedom, it is not so now, for the articles we saw in these shops were of the commonest and coarsest kind. It also says, that since " the tides reach regularly to Chang-Chow, this place has become * We did not learn when the bridge was built but the natives told us it was re- paired in the time of Kang-he, more than one hundred years ago. 224 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. the resort of a multitude of vessels, by means of which a com- merce is held with Amoy. Pow-hou, and Formosa, and from hence depart all the Chinese who go to traffic at the Philippine islands :" all this is to be taken with large allowance. The tide does reach Chang-Chow, but even at high tide, only the smallest vessels can come up so far and when the tide is out, a common whaleboat is in danger of grounding. I take it for granted, therefore, that no vessels go from this city, either to Formosa or the Philippine islands ; and certainly, though there are a goodly number of small boats in the river, there are no vessels there fitted to encounter a sea voyage. From Amoy vessels do go to all the parts mentioned above, and to many others, and the goods they bring back are conveyed in smaller vessels to the city of Chang-Chow ; but the statements just referred to (see Grosier's "La Chine," vol. 1, p. 96,) are not sanctioned by what we saw. If the accounts the Jesuits have given of other cities of the empire, are equally defective and erroneous, we have small reason to thank them for their contribu- tions to our stock of knowledge of China. The reader of Abbe Grosier will not find one of the particulars of the following account in his work. There were many persons passing and repassing, as we crossed the bridge, and the various odors that filled the air were not the most agreeable. A person who wishes to live among the Chinese, and in daily contact with them, will do well to ponder the advice given by Sir Astley Cooper to a young man who wished to attend lectures on Anatomy and dissection. " The first thing you must learn, sir, is to disregard your nose." Having crossed the bridge, and passed through a village at the end of it, we went along the southern bank of the river to the second bridge, which is about a mile from the first, and similarly constructed. On coming to it, our guides pointed a little further, and told us there was a temple there worth seeing. We accordingly kept on, and were soon well repaid for our additional walk, by a sight of one of the oldest buildings I have ever seen. It was a temple said to have been built in the Suy dynasty, about twelve hundred years ago. The various gateways and small buildings usually found in front of Chinese temples, were decayed and in ruins. Two pools on either side of the main entrance, were covered with the broad-leaved water-lily. The main building, which is of wood, is very high, and every pillar, board, stone, and tile, bore the marks of ex- treme age. On going in, we were utterly astonished. Seven gigantic images, in sitting or standing postures, gilded and painted, but faded and dusty, and tarnished with age, were ar- ranged across the middle of the temple ; while on either side was a row of fifteen Chinese worthies, either sitting or standing, and as large as life. Behind the seven first images were three others : the very smallest of the ten was at least eight feet in height, while the largest, if they had been standing, would have been fifteen or eighteen. An immense drum occupied one corner of the room, JOURNAL AT CHANG-CHOW. 225 and a bell another. The roof was most curiously composed of carved wood, and inscriptions in various styles of Chinese writing were painted, and gilded, and carved on the pillars, walls, ceiling, and tablets of the temple. It had been repaired in Kang-he's time, though it was now in a sad state from age and neglect. It was sickening to look on the gloomy monsters whom this people worship as their gods, and to witness the ingenuity and expense lavished on these dumb idols, and to think of the dreadful degradation of the people that can worship such works of their own hands. Yet it is also cheering to think that their superstitions are old, and many of them seem almost ready to vanish away. Not a great many new temples are built, and those already exist- ing are often in very poor repair. The people appear to have little reverence for their idols, and their worship consists of little else than a heartless round of unmeaning ceremonies. Oh, for that time when idols shall be utterly abolished ! From the main temple, we went to a small side building, which contained a single idol, standing, with one hand folded on the breast, and the other hanging open by the side. I got up on the pedestal, which was three feet high, and reaching with my um- brella, could barely touch the hand that was laid across the breast. The open hand was two feet long, and the whole image could have been little less than twenty feet high. It was cut out of one solid rock, which formerly occupied this spot ; without removing it, they Uewed out the image and erected the house over it. We returned to the main building, and standing directly in front of the images there, Mr. Abeel addressed the crowd in their own lan- guage, on the folly of worshipping idols that could neither see, nor hear, nor speak ; telling them, also, of the way of life, through Jesus Christ. About three hundred persons were present, many of whom listened with attention ; some questions were asked, and they assented very freely to the truth of what was told them. While thus engaged, we were surprised by a visit from the inter- preter, who had gone down to the boat to see us. and finding we had strolled away, had followed us here, wondering why we had gone off without waiting for the chairs. He was extremely polite, and accompanied us across the second bridge, and back to our boat. After breakfast, we had a visit from the little fussy officer. He had a great many questions to ask about our modes of writing, articles of food, clothing, &c., all of which were new to him. He expressed a great deal of surprise when he learned that our sur- names are frequently of two, three, and even four syllables. The Chinese surname has rarely more than one. Breakfast being over, we entered the chairs provided for us, and being escorted by the interpreter, and two or three of the officers, proceeded through the city. We were carried through several streets, some of which were narrow and offensively filthy, but many of them were wide, i. e. for a Chinese city, say eight, ten, and even twelve feet, and lined with pretty good-looking houses. 15 226 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. The furniture shops, and a few of the clothing establishments looked very well. We passed several carpenters' and shoemakers' shops, apothecaries' shops, and book-stores ; at the doors of the latter stood large cards with sze shoo, woo King, Tst en tsze wan, the Four Books, the Five Classics, the Thousand Character Classic, &c.. in staring capitals, reminding us of similar displays in the streets of our own cities. We also passed through several mar- kets well supplied with very fat pork, dried fish, poultry, and vege- tables in abundance, though not in great variety. There were shaddocks, large persimmons, pine-apples, pears, plantains, sweet potatoes, sugar-cane, radishes, &c. &c. Crowds followed us as usual, and we had no reason to complain for want of attention. The word hwan liwanna ! (foreigners !) uttered by every one who saw us, was the signal for all those through whose quarters we pass- ed, to leave their work and gaze upon the newly-arrived visitors. We were carried to the north-west corner of the city, and pres- ently found ourselves in an open space with rising ground be- yond, and a very large temple directly in front. It was built, in the Tang dynasty, from nine hundred to twelve hundred years ago, and bore the marks of age, though in much better repair than the one we had previously visited. The scene presented when the doors were thrown open and we entered, was quite unexpect- ed. Eight gigantic figures, even larger than those we had previ- ously seen, were arranged across the temple. Some of them seemed almost to support its high roof on their heads: thirty-six Chinese sages occupied either side, in rows of eighteen each. The roof of the temple was constructed in the most elaborate manner, and was supported by several noble wooden pillars. The most curious things we s230 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. dressed the crowd that gathered around us. They were quite at- tentive, and the questions asked by several of them, showed that they understood what was spoken to them. Being heartily tired, and having no wish to return to the crowded streets of Cho-bey, we started, after breakfast, for Haeteng. The tide was against us. but two men rowed us there, a distance of four or five miles for one hundred cash, or about nine cents. It was about eleven o'clock when we reached Haeteng, and having se- cured a boat to convey us to Amoy in the afternoon, we started for a walk. The city is surrounded by a high wall, which on the side next the river is double. The outer wall ran close alongside of the little stream where our boat was anchored, and when we entered the gates we found a large space between the outer and inner walls, almost wholly occupied by gardens and rice-grounds. Ascending the outer wall, we walked some distance, and as there were but few houses, we were not annoyed by a crowd. Presently the outer wall came right against the inner one, which was some four or six feet higher, and to avoid going round some distance we climbed over it, and walked along the ramparts. The wall is about fifteen feet high, and five feet thick, and is built of stone, but did not appear strong. The plain outside of the wall was ex- tensive, and was occupied by rice-grounds ; there were no villages within a mile or two of the side where we stood, but some distance off, we -could see several of large size." The city itself we could not see, there being so many trees within the walls as quite to prevent our seeing where most of the houses lay. After walking a quarter of a mile along the wall, we went down looking into a new and neat temple, and strolled through several of the streets. They were wider and far neater than any we had seen elsewhere, but we saw very few people. Perhaps it should be said, compara- tively few, for we had become so accustomed to crowds, that a hundred persons behind us seemed quite a small assemblage. In the course of our walk we saw a couple of stages, on which some actors in gaudy dresses were performing games for the amusement of the audience. Their music was anything but agreeable, but we did not stop to witness the performances, as we found that we were attracting more attention than the players. It was now noon, the sun was hot, we had been wearied at Cho-bey in the morning, besides being almost overpowered by the excitement of the two previous days, and the wind being ahead, it was impor- tant to secure the favorable tide, which was now making for Amoy. Accordingly we turned our faces homeward, and at sunset re-en- tered our houses in Ku-lang-su ; glad and thankful for the won- derful things we had seen, the favors received, and the mercies enjoyed during our three days' excursion. In looking back over this excursion, and over the whole of my voyage, there are several points that deserve to be prominently brought forwar 1 ; and though my journal is already long, a few remarks on each will not be out of place. JOURNAL AT AMOY. 231 1. The attentive reader of this journal will have been struck with the frequent reference to the amazing populousness of the country ; but it is impossible to convey any adequate idea of the real state of the case. If the cities of Boston, New York, Phila- delphia and Baltimore were situated in a valley forty miles long, and ten or fifteen broad, and the whole intervening country were so thickly covered with villages that a man should never be out of sight of one or more of them, still the population of that valley would not be as great as is the population of that part of China, of which the preceding pages speak. At seven o'clock in the morn- ing we were at Amoy ; by two o'clock, p. M., we had passed Haeteng and Cho-bey, and were anchored at Chang-Chow. Here were four cities, any one of which would be a city of the first size in the United States, and around these four cities, there must be at least two hundred villages and towns; and .this is not all. for within thirty miles of Amoy, in another direction, is the city of Tung-an, said to be twice as large as Amoy, with, I know not how many towns and villages in its neighborhood. The mind is over- whelmed to think of this immense population, numerous as the sand on the sea-shore, and all so closely crowded together, and so easily reached, by water communication, for in a boat you may go to any one of those places in less than a single day. If the country around each of the other ports is as populous, as we now know that around Arnoy to be, and the probability, from all I can learn, is that it is quite as populous, then what fields are here for Christian effort ! I am astonished and confounded, and even, after what I have seen, can scarcely believe the half of what must be true respecting the multitudes of people who live in China, and the multitudes who are perfectly accessible to the efforts of the missionary. This leads me to remark, 2. The facilities for access to the people. It is hard for one who has not been here in former times, rightly to appreciate this sub- ject. Two years ago, the protestant missionaries were confined to Canton and Macao, and in neither of these places were they al- lowed free access to the people, or those opportunities of social intercourse with them, that are indispensable to the full success of the missionary work. Now. how changed is the scene ! Here are four large cities, with innumerable villages around them, where we have free access to the people, without encountering the preju- dices that so hindered us at Canton and Macao. Around each of these four cities, there are many other large and populous cities, between which, and the cities to which foreigners may freely come, there is constant intercourse. It is true we are not allowed to go to these other cities. The government at Pekin still prohibits for- eigners from straying beyond certain limits. This was evident from the opposition we met from the officers at Chang-Chow. But it is impossible for this exclusive system to continue long. It has already received its death-blow, and everything conspires to hasten its fall. Foreigners will visit these interior cities, the people will 232 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. gee them and talk about them, and wonder why the government refuses to allow them to enter the country. They will come and see us at the ports already opened, they will be influenced by what they see and hear, and by the extension of commerce, and the oc- casional visits of those who go into the interior. Our visit to Chang-Chow will not soon be forgotten by the thousands who then, for the first time, saw a foreigner. Our being known as religious teachers, and being so respectfully treated by the officers, will have its influence; and I do not despair of seeing the time when our missionaries shall have their station at Haetengand Chang-Chow, and Tung-an, and at the large cities around the other ports, just as freely as they now have at Amoy, and Ningpo and Shanghae. Yet, even if it should not be so, even if the door should remain closed against the personal operations of the missionary, longer than now seems probable, the way is abundantly open for the dis- tribution of religious books, and their dispersion into the interior of the country. Nothing is easier, had we the funds, and the books, than to send tracts in any quantities, ten, twenty, fifty miles into the interior, from any of the ports just opened ; and as soon as we have the men, and suitable tracts ready, we shall need printing-presses at each of those ports, solely to print religious books for the people. Verily, God hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. The Church is bound to render to God hearty and constant thanks for the field, which, in his gracious providence, is thus thrown open before her. Let there be no more complaints that China is not open, and her people not accessible. China is open as widely as we can now desire, and so many of her people are accessible, that the Church will find it difficult, even if she put forth ten-fold the strength she has hitherto done, ade- quately to meet their wants. 3. It has been strongly and repeatedly impressed upon my mind, from what I have lately seen, that to no country in the world will our Saviour's words, "to the poor the Gospel is preached," be found so applicable as to China. Many people look on China as it were some great mine of gold and jewels, where every man is clothed in silks and faring sumptuously every day ; but nothing can be further from the true state of the case. There are many wealthy men in China, and wherever the missionary goes, he will meet them, and associate with them. But the great mass of the people are poor, in the strictest sense of the term. It cannot but be so, where a country is so crowded with inhabitants, that there is sometimes hardly room to bury their dead out of their sight, the great majority of the people must be poor. You see it here, in the coarse clothing they wear, the food they eat, the homes they inhabit, the furniture they use, and the wages they receive. You see it in the fact that their only coined money is so small that it requires twelve hundred to make a dollar, and happy is he who receives two hundred of these for his day's labor. Let the missionary whc comes to China, bear this in mind. The JOURNAL IN AMOY. 233 brightest talents are needed in preaching to the poor, but espe- cially will he need the graces of humility and self-denial, of faith and of patience, in his intercourse with this people, and his efforts to instruct them. This is a point that admits of much enlarge- ment, both in proving the poverty of the people, if that be neces- sary, and in speaking of the qualifications necessary to one who labors among them. But a word to the wise and the thoughtful, is sufficient. 4. It is a sad and melancholy thing to be obliged to refer so often as I have done to the prevalence of the use of opium in China. The number of vessels employed, and the amount of capi- tal embarked in the opium trade, have been slightly referred to in the preceding pages. At some other time I may give fuller state- ments on this subject ; but at present, all that need be added, is, that the half has not been told. The connivance of the Chinese officers, at the traffic, and the eagerness of the Chinese people to procure the drug, have also been referred to. I have only further to say, that wherever I have been in China. I have seen it used. In all the opium depots along the coast, it is of course freely u^ed. At Amoy, " every man who can afford to buy it, uses it." In the little island of San-pan-shan, I he only question the people asked of the Christian missionary, was, whether he had opium to sell, and there he saw the floor of the idol temple covered with the half- stupefied smokers of opium. While at Chang-Chow, one of the officers came on board the boat where we lodged, and while he was on board, I perceived the peculiar smell of opium, and look- ing down, saw two men smoking it in the hold beneath my feet. I have been made sick by the smell of it, in an opium house at Canton, and have held my breath as I passed the opium dens in Macao. I have walked on the steep hill-sides of Hong Kong, and there have seen common beggars, who dwelt " in cliffs of the val- leys, in caves of the earth, and in rocks" and who were too poor to buy an opium pipe, smoking opium out of a little earthen vessel in which they had drilled a hole, that it might serve as a substi- tute for a pipe ! And what hope can there be for such a people? Men of the world, honorable and upright men too, will sell them opium for money. The Chinese will buy it, let the emperor thunder against it as long as he chooses, and the smoker will use it, though it weakens his body, impairs his mind, stupefies his con- science, and renders him miserable when not under its influence. There is no help for them but in God. The use of opium in China will never be abolished, until a reformation, similar to the temper- ance reformation of America, commence among the people them- selves. And that reformation I fear wall not commence, and cer- tainly will not be completed, till the religion of Christ takes deep root, and becomes the predominant power in China. Let Chris- tians, then, cry mightily unto God, in behalf of this ancient peo- ple. His hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear. 234 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. Hong Kong, October 16th, 1843. After getting back to Amoy on Friday, I spent part of that night ami the next day in writing off the preceding account. A little vessel of some thirty tons burden, here called a Lorcha, be- ing ahout to sail for Macao and Hong Kong, I found Mr. Roberts had taken passage in her. As there was no prospect of a vessel soon for Hong Kong from Amoy, and as I was anxious to reach home soon, I concluded to take a passage in her too. Mr. Abeel did not want me to go so soon ; and certainly, although she prom- ised a safe and quick passage, there was every prospect of its be- ing an uncomfortable one, the vessel being so small, and likely to roll so much. No danger, however, was apprehended, and the price of passage, only twenty dollars, was an inducement. I should probably have had to pay forty or fifty dollars, besides waiting sometime, if I went in a ship. The Lorcha was manned by three Englishmen and four Chinese, had mat sails, and had recently come up from Macao against the monsoon. ^ Monday at noon, though the wind was very high, we started. Soon got to the mouth of the harbor ; but there we found the wind so strong, and the sea so high, we were afraid to go out, and there- fore put back to wait for better weather. The wind abated dur- ing the night, and the next day, we started again, got to sea, and were fairly on our course. The wind was still strong, and the sea rough, but we went on finely, and in six hours were a long way off from Amoy. Soon after dark, however, our rudder was broken by the violence of a wave that struck it. The rudders of all the Chinese built vessels are very large awkward things, and very apt to be broken. We found ourselves quite helpless, as we could not direct the vessel's course at all. Being quite dark, there was nothing we could do but heave the vessel to and let her drift till daylight. In so small a vessel, and in such a situation, I con- sidered it a little unsafe, and kept awake nearly all night, to see how she would behave. But though the wind and sea were strong and rough, she rode like a duck, and though rolling very much, took in little water. Mr. Roberts was very sea-sick. Wednesday morning, the weather continued clear but rough, and we found ourselves drifting along the coast. The men tried to make a new rudder with two bamboo poles, but it would not work. They then slept several hours, and tried to repair the bro- ken rudder ; but did it so awkwardly that it also was useless. They seemed disposed then to do nothing but wait for calmer weather. At this season of the year there was no prospect of the weather growing worse than it then was. I knew, also, that the course of the wind and current would cause us to drift down along the coast in sight of land as far as Pedro Branca, a rock forty-five miles from Hong Kong. After reaching that rock, there would be danger of being driven out into the open China Sea; but at the rate we supposed we were going, we did not expect to see Pe- RETURN TO HONG KONG. 235 dro Branca for five or six days, and we were pretty sure in that time that the weather would moderate. 1 concluded, therefore, that there was no immediate cause of apprehension, but it was very unpleasant to think of spending so many days in that little rolling damp place. Yet there seemed to be no help for it, and I tried to nerve my mind to bear it. A little spray occasionally dashed over us, and sometimes a few drops forced themselves through the windows, and made our sleeping place wet, but, alto- gether, it was very far superior to the long-boat. During Wednes- day night I found Mr. Roberts was a great deal alarmed. However, I was an older sailor than he, and my former " experience" now wrought " hope," so that I had little fear. Thursday we drifted on, gradually however edging off further from the land. One of the men had been along the coast fre- quently, and said he knew where we were, all the time. Accord- ing to his account, we were drifting at about thirty miles a day. Thursday night also Mr. Roberts was much alarmed, and I confess I did not myself like the idea of our getting out so far from land as we evidently were. However, I slept well, as I had done the night before. The weather too seemed to be a little better ; wind abating some, though the sea was still rough. Friday morning at daylight we could scarcely see the land, and by nine o'clock we were out of sight of it. Finding the men were disposed to do very little, I took the matter in hand, and rep- resenting the danger of being out at sea, urged the propriety of running the boat on shore if possible ; and if nothing better offered, of trying to go to Hong Kong by land. This stirred them up, and they agreed to try and repair the rudder a little better, and do something in that way if possible. We saw several fishing-boats going out to fish, a pretty sure sign that the fishermen anticipated a calm time. After a little while the men got their rudder repair- ed. She worked admirably, and we went on our course finely. " Thank God," said one of the men, " we shall see Pedro Branca to- night." This was before eleven o'clock, A. M. In half an hour or so, I said to the captain, "Is that an English or a Chinese vessel, away off there?" "-Well, I was just a lookin ; oh, I 'spose it's a Chinese vessel." The mate looked at it steadfastly, " That ! that's Pedro Branca ! forty-five miles from Hong Kong !" So it was, we had drifted a hundred miles further than we thought, and had come altogether one hundred and sixty miles in less than three days ! How providential it was we got the rudder repaired at the time we did ! If we had not, the probability is we should on that day (Friday) have been in the China Sea ; and then almost our only hope would have been to have been picked up by some vessel. Truly goodness and mercy have followed me hitherto. Saturday morning at daylight we were within ten miles of Hong Kong. An American vessel was just before us. As soon as the men saw her, they said, " That's an American ship." " How do you know?" said I. "Oh, any one who's accustomed to vessels 236 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. can almost always tell an American vessel, they always look so clean." The remark is one often made. We anchored at nine o'clock A. M. in Hong Kong harbor, and havino- breakfasted, and called the men into the cabin to render thanks to God for the goodness and mercy received on our voyage, we went ashore ; we were only one day longer in coming than we had expected to be, notwithstanding the loss of our rudder. Most of my friends in Hong Kong declared they never would go to sea with me, as the elements were leagued against me, and that I must consider myself as settled in Macao or Hong Kong. The ship we saw, which got in just before us, was the Zenobia. I did not get my letters till evening, and it kept me till bed-time to get through with all, but oh, what news ! a beloved brother hopefully pious ; a donation of ten thousand dollars for China ; five new missionaries preparing for the same great field ! My heart was full. For hours after I went to bed I could not sleep. Oh how I thought of the past, the present and the future. I sol up and walked about the room; being "merry," I sang a hymn ; and knelt down to pray. Oh, it is worth a great deal to get such news, and so delightful after the unpleasant contrast of the week previous. Found the Hepburns had started about ten days before in a very fine vessel for Amoy ; was very glad to hear it, though I knew that with the winds they had had they could make little progress, and would have a dreadfully rough time. Sabbath (yesterday) I preached in the chapel here in the morning, and talked to the boys in Mr. Brown's school in the evening. To-day I meant to have gone to Macao, but not being able to get the specie on board the Zenobia safely deposited, I found it necessary to remain another day. Just about four o'clock, who should come in but Dr. and Mrs. Hepburn, driven back by the bad weather. They were far more surprised to see me than I to see them. They have had dreadful weather, and a rough time. Poor Mrs. H. was very sea-sick, but looks quite as well as when I left Macao. They will probably start in a few days to make a second effort. Macao, October 22d, 1843. The gale in which we lost our rudder in the Lorcha, and drifted so far, was quite terrific further south. The vessel in which the Hepburns were, had to put back with the loss of spars, sails, &c. ; several other vessels had also to put back, and this last week in Hong Kong, we heard that the vessel in which Mr. Medhurst and Mr. Milne were proceeding to Chusan, had lost her top-masts, had her captain swept overboard, and drowned, and was finally obliged to put into Manila in dis- tress. Mr. Milne, describing the gale, said that " for ten hours they expected nothing but death." This week I have had a regular attack of chill and fever, the first for thirteen years. It was brought on, I have no doubt, by RETURN TO MACAO. 237 the exposure of the last six weeks. Last Thursday was the first day I have spent in bed from sickness, for more than eight years. How much reason I have for thankfulness in having been spared so long ! But a very little sickness would soon knock me up. My constitution is naturally so weak, that it takes me a long time to recover from even a short illness. But I felt very little anxiety on that score. It is a lonely thing to be sick in a strange land, but it leads one closer to the best and the all-present friend. It is Saturday night ! everything is quiet, except an occasional sound of music, reminding me of the notes of a French horn I once heard on a canal boat, near Pittsburgh. It was a little be- fore daylight I heard them ; but it was far, far away, and long, long ago. Now ! there goes a fruiterer, beating a couple of bam- boo sticks together. You never hear such sounds, so sharp and clear, in the United States. The sound of music transported me away, but the sharp clicking of the huckster's sticks reminded me again that " I am a stranger in the earth." October 24th. How sad and mysterious oftentimes are the,|pt pensations of Providence. I must close my journal with the death of the Rev. Mr. Dyer, who has been so long engaged in preparing Chinese metal type. He came up here in July with the other mis- sionaries of the London Missionary Society, to attend a missionary meeting ordered by their society in Hong Kong. After transacting all the business required, he went to Canton to see the place, and was there taken with the disease that has prevailed so fearfully in Hong Kong this year. He began to recover, took his passage in a vessel going to Singapore, and came clown to Hong Kong; I saw him there on board his ship, the day I got back from Amoy. He was recovering rapidly. The vessel came over here, and was un- expectedly detained several days : he had a relapse, was brought ashore to our house, and died this morning at ten o'clock. Yes- terday his mind was wandering all day, but this morning he was sensible, knew us all, knew he was dying, said he felt " very happy," and often repeated " sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus." I was with him when he died. His spirit seemed to depart with scarcely a struggle. He had been out in this region seventeen years, and there is no one who can take the place he occupied. He has left a wife and four children. Humanly speaking, his death is a very great loss. He was a man of piety and prayer, and of a mosl Catholic spirit. Thus we go : one after another is called to his long home. In one respect, the death of these servants of God is even cheering. Their work is finished, and thus another part of the great work God has to do on earth is accomplished. It will not have to be done again. . . . 238 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. Macao, October 26th, 1843. MY DEAR FATHER In your letter of April 5th. 1843, you express a wish for some more definite information respecting Morrison's translation of the Bible, and also the various tracts that have been published by the missionaries. Some of my previous letters had character- ized Dr. Morrison's translation as being a very imperfect one, and unintelligible to the Chinese. You remark, " If Morrison's Trans- lation be so imperfect, when are we to have a better? Of his honesty no one entertains a doubt. His long service for the Com- pany, and that to their satisfaction, shows his ability as a Chinese scholar. Now, when are we to get a superior to him as a Chinese scholar ?" These suggestions appear to have force, and I do not wonder that the committee were surprised to hear a Translation by such a man characterized as exceedingly imperfect. But there are Eral considerations that will, I think, remove much of the sur- , and show that, in the nature of things, his translation must 3ry defective, and that a better one may reasonably soon be expected. It must be borne in mind that Dr. Morrison was the first Prot- estant missionary who commenced the study of Chinese. When he commenced it, there were no facilities whatever for the study. He had to make his own Grammar, and his own Dictionary. He had to study out every phrase and form for himself and by himself. Now, Dr. Morrison was a man of sound mind and pa- tient industry, but no one considers him a man of exalted genius. He could not run through a language, and thoroughly apprehend its whole spirit, in the compass of a few years ; still less can it be supposed, that he could speedily master the Chinese language, the most difficult of all languages, when he was utterly unprovided with helps for its acquisition. He was in the service of the Com- pany, and perhaps one of the most profitable servants they ever had ; yet his service for them, after a while, could have little benefit on his knowledge of Chinese as far as the translation of Scripture was concerned. The phrases, and idioms, and general language he used in their service, were not the kind wanted in translating the Scripture. The man who is constantly talking about dollars and cents, and quarrelling, as he was often obliged to do, with the Chinese, may soon attain a great deal of fluency in language appropriate to such subjects, but very unsuitable for a version of the oracles of God. Add to this, that his time ^vas so constantly employed, first, in preparation of his Dictionary, and, second, in the Company's service, and what is most important of all, that his version of the Scriptures was not made after he had fully acquired the Chinese language, but while he was yet learn- ing it, and you will see abundant reasons for supposing, a priori^ that it must prove a defective one. He commenced it in less than LETTERS. 239 five years after he first began to study Chinese ; printed the Acts in 1810, only three years after his arrival in China ; prosecuted his translation, " with many an aching head from his duties as translator to the Company," and finished it in 1819. The printing of it was finished in 1822. And his subsequent revisions and cor- rections were very, very slight indeed. Here, then, is the state of the case: Dr. Morrison, without any assistance, but by his own unaided efforts, commenced and prosecuted the study of the Chi- nese. At. a very early period in his studies, he began to translate and print the Scriptures. He carried on his translation when oc- cupied with a load of other business; and he finished it before he had half finished his own missionary, life. The time he actually spent in translation and revision was but twelve years. He had Dr. Milne's help part of the time, for part of the work ; but how is it possible that so great a work as the translation of the Bible, made into so difficult a language as the Chinese, by so few men, with, in the nature of the case, such limited acquaintance of the languages into which and from which they translated, while each of them had so many other cares and duties pressing on them, should be otherwise than very defective and imperfect ? The wonder is that they accomplished so much as they did ; but I am more and more convinced that Dr. Morrison's fame must rest on his Dictionary, rather than on his Translation of the Scriptures. You refer to the testimony given by Messrs. Evans, Dyer, and Kidd, in favor of Morrison's and against Medhurst's Translation. This is a melancholy subject to refer to. All three of these men are now deceased. Mr. Dyer was one of the excellent of the earth, and went to his rest rejoicing, but two days ago. He died in this house; and from the desk where I now write, I could hear him exclaim, ere he departed, "Sweet Jesus, sweet Jesus." But though he was a good man, and full of faith, he was not in all respects well qualified to judge of such a matter The new version is confessedly very imperfect ; but at a late meeting of most of the Protestant missionaries in China, it was voted unanimously, Mr. Dyer among them, that the last version was much superior to any preceding one. Thus the matter now stands in regard to versions already made. While the London Missionary Society missionaries were in Hong Kong, they held, in conjunction with all the then missionaries there, being altogether about three-fourths of all the missionaries in China, a convention, to devise measures for a new translation. I attended one or two of the meetings, and have seen the proceed- ings of all, the most of which I approve of. The plan is, to take up the New Testament first ; divide it into five portions, and assign one to each station where there are missionaries competent to the task. After each station has finished its portion, it is to send a copy to every other station. After they have all revised each other's work, one person is to be selected from each station ; these are to meet together, and revise and publish the whole. The 240 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. stations are, 1. Ningopo and Shanghai; 2. Fuhchow ; 3. Amoy, 4. Hong Kong and Canton ; 5. Bankok. It is supposed that sev- eral years, say four or five, will be required to complete the work. I have my fears that the plan will be found quite too complicated, and that, from the distance of the stations from each other, it will not work very well ; while the very different qualifications of the persons at the different stations will produce a work of very un- equal merit in its parts. But perhaps it is the best plan that could well be devised. In regard to the tracts, many of the remarks made on the translation of Morrison's Bible are equally applicable to them. They have been made in the early stages of the missionaries' studies. One or two of Medhurst's are very good, and one or two of Milne's. The Two Friends, by the latter, is perhaps the best Chinese tract we have, and it is generally understood. Yet only a short time ago, my Chinese teacher, who has been associating with foreigners for ten years, and understands our modes of thought very well, while reading it came to a sentence which puzzled him. At last he said, "Oh, now I understand it, but I don't think that a Chinese who is unacquainted with the foreign- ers would." Indeed I do not think the true nature of the Chinese language is yet understood by most of those who study it. It is common to call it a monosyllabic language. It is no more mono- syllabic than our good old Saxon English : for there are hundreds and thousands of dissyllables in Chinese, and the want of a proper knowledge of these, is one of the great defects in our ac- quaintance with the language. Mr. Medhurst was studying it before I was born ; and yet he told me not long ago, that he was often puzzled even yet by the compound characters. There is no foreigner living perfectly acquainted with the lan- guage ; and even those who speak it really very well, often make mistakes in writing it, and use phrases and idioms that a Chinese never uses and does not understand. A learned man among the Chinese, may be able to pick some sense out of their writings ; but a common man, and the mass of our Chinese readers are and will be common men, are often at a loss to find the sense. The subject is strange to them ; the ideas are entirely new, and it is no wonder if an uneducated man is mystified, when a character is used in an improper sense. The mistakes made sometimes are quite ludicrous ; and occasionally things are printed in Chinese that, are ridiculous. For example, last January Mr. - - pub- lished a Chinese Christian Almanac. In the almanac was an account of the planets. Wishing to say, that Jupiter had four moons, he actually transferred the word satellites into Chinese, making sa-tie-urh-le-tee out of it ! I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw this. Why he did not say that Jupiter has sze yue, four moons, I cannot conceive ; but, I am sure it would puzzle a Chinese, as much as it would an Englishman, to know what sa- tie-urh-le-tee meant. LETTERS. 241 A good many tracts have been written in Chinese. Some of them are good, and deserve to be widely circulated ; some might be made good by careful revision ; some, and I suppose by far the larger part, ought to be entirely rewritten. I do not think that this is at all to be wondered at. See what a language we have to learn ; see how short a time the majority of Chinese mis- sionaries have spent in studying it ; see how hastily many of them have written after commencing to learn it. The wonder rather is, that so much that is good has been written. How many of the translations and productions of the first missionaries to India are now in use? It is less than forty years since the first missionary came, and may be said to be less than thirty since anything was done here, in the way of direct missionary effort; for there were but two before Mr. Medhurst, and he has been here-, but twenty-seven years. Our numbers are increasing ; great variety of talent is coming into the field; the facilities for learn- ijg the language are daily increasing, and with the blessing of God, I trust that ere long a brighter day will break, it dawns al- ready upon the literature of China. In the mean lime, however, we shall not hasten the coming of that day, by saying there is not now a darkness around us. Rather let our eyes be opened to see how dark it is, and then we shall know better how much light we want, and how much we want light. It is not necessary, I suppose, to bring these statements before the public ; but it is absolutely necessary that those who manage the affairs of the mis- sion here should know precisely what the state of the case is. I trust the committee will not consider these remarks as discourag- ing in their nature. I look on them as quite the reverse. Let us know wherein we have failed in times past, and then the way is clear to avoid such failure in time to come. The experience of the past is gain to us for the future. The work, to be sure, i very difficult, but therefore, so much the more must we exert ourselves ; and while we exert ourselves, let us look to the strong for strength, and to the wise for wisdom. I never feel so much hope of ultimate success in our work, as when the view of the difficulties here presses most strongly ; because then I am driven away from all dependence on human strength, and seek to rest on that almighty arm which is ever stretched out, and to look for the guidance of him who is infinite in council and in knowledge. But I have perhaps written enough on the subject of transla- tions and tracts. . . . Your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Macao, October 27th, 1843. MY DEAR FATHER The past fifteen months have been times of sore trial, in one respect or other, to the Protestant missionaries in China. I have 16 242 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. been struck, in looking over the list of those in this part of the world, to see that scarcely a single one has escaped without some personal affliction, either of sickness or accident, or some deeply painful bereavement. Mrs. Boone died at Ku-lang-su, August 30th, 1842, and her husband has since been obliged to return to the United States, partly on account of his own impaired health, and partly for the sake of his motherless children. Mrs. Dean died in Hong Kong, in March, 1843. Dr. Hepburn, Dr. Hobson, and Mr. Stronach, have each lost a son within the year. Dr. Lockhart has been called to mourn the death of an only child in the same time. Mr. Medhurst, Mr. Milne, and myself, have either been shipwrecked or most narrowly escaped it. Mr. Brown's house in Hong Kong was attacked and plundered by a gang of robbers in the night. Mr. McBryde has been obliged to return to the United States, from failure of health. But a day or two since, Mr. Dyer, who had spent seventeen years in laboring for the Chi- nese, was removed by death, when absent from his family ; and almost every other missionary here has had attacks of sickness more or less severe. We have all met with a severe loss in the death of the Hon. John R. Morrison, who died on the 29th of last August. He was the eldest son of the late Dr. Morrison, the first Protestant missionary to China. There was bitter mourning here when he died, for probably no foreigner in China was so popular with all classes as he. His acquaintance with the language and manners of the Chinese, his mental abilities, and his business hab- its, rendered his services invaluable to the English government, and his death at this period, has been well called "a national loss." His kindness and urbanity of manners, and his readiness to oblige, made him a favorite with all who knew him ; and his ardent piety, his influence, and his sincere desires to assist the missionaries in their labors, make us all feel that we have lost our best human friend in China. I shall not soon forget the deep feeling with which he once said to me, " I wish you would call on me when- ever you think I can be of service to you. I cannot be a mission- ary myself, but I wish to make it my first object to assist those who are, and to further the cause of Christ in China." Such I doubt not were his real sentiments ; and his actions showed that they were not mere feelings. I fear we shall not soon see his equal among us again. It is a question of much interest, what is the design of God in sending all these afflictions on his servants here, and in thus re- moving one and another apparently so well qualified for his ser- vice, and whose loss it is so difficult to replace. It may be that we have grievously offended him by our lukewarmness in his ser- vice in times past; and thus he corrects us for our iniquities. When his judgments are among us may we learn righteousness, while our time lasts, may we be diligent in his service ! Perhaps these afflictions are intended to teach another lesson. When God has any great work for any of his servants to do, he LETTERS. 243 usually prepares them for it by a previous and often painful train- ing. It may be he has some great work in store to be accom- plished by the missionaries in China ; and by these trying dispen- sations of his providence, he is exercising our faith and cultivating our graces, that we may the more acceptably serve him, and the more skilfully gather in the harvest of this great field. There are also other considerations worthy to be attended to. A train of thought occurred to me shortly after hearing of Mrs. Dean's death, that may, perhaps, not prove uninteresting, and without further apology I offer it here. The death of missionaries is in some respects, and especially to the apprehension of sense, painful and discouraging. The need of laborers, particularly in China, is so great, our numbers are so few, and it is so difficult to obtain more, that we feel the loss of even one, very sensibly. Especially is this the case, when one so well qualified for usefulness as Mrs. D. is removed. She had been here so long as to have made good progress in acquiring the lan- guage; and her prospects of continued health were as fair as those of any of her companions. But she is gone with sudden sickness^ cut down and withered like a flower. Her sun is gone down while it is yet day, and we are left to mourn her absence. For her we do not weep. She is "gone into peace, resting upon her bed, walking in uprightness." Already it has been said to her, " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord !" We sorrow only for ourselves, and for the church ; and yet our feelings should not all be sorrowful, for there is joy even to ourselves, connected with thoughts of the departure of the servants of God. To the eye of faith, the death of laborers in the great field of the world, is hardly an object of discouragement. We know that God directs all things; we know that he has "determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of men's habitation." " Our days are determined, and the number of our months is with him ; and he has appointed our bounds, which we cannot pass." Job xiv. 5. He has a work for each of us to do, and when our work is done, he will call us to go and be with him. But surely not be- fore it is done : " Man is immortal till his work is done." We may be sure, therefore, that God would not have called the spirit of our fellow-laborer away, if she had not finished trfe work he had for her to do. What, then, should be our conclusion, when we see one after another departing? Not, surely, that God will now permit his church to suffer loss for want of their services. We should rather say, " God, whose plans include every event of providence, has now finished another part of his great work ; and having no further employment here for the servant, engaged in that part of the work, he has sent to call her home." Thus as one after another is removed, we may say, " Another 44 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. and yet another part of the work is done. It is completed, and needs not to be gone over again. The tears that have been shed will not need to fall again ; the sorrows that have been endured are not again to be endured ; the labors that ha''e been perform- ed will not again be required." To us, with oui weak eyes and feeble sight, the work of each may seem unfinished when they go ; but it seems not so to God. We know that his own cause is infinitely dear to him, and He will not suffer it to fail for want of laborers. If our work is done, and surely He best knows when il is done, why should we wish to tarry longer, or seek to detain our fellow-laborers from the rest, the rewards, and the glorious clowns that await them ? To us who are left behind, these bereavements are not in all respects discouraging. What is our condition, at best? Is it not one of toil, and of trial, and of trouble of sorrow and affliction, of labor and temptation? Do not disappointments cluster thick around us, and our inward corruptions at. times rise up and boil over, till we are ready to say, "Oh, let me not live always," and we even dread the idea of long life on earth? Is it not at times appalling to think of ten or twenty or thirty years of such inces- sant conflicts and labors? But why thus look forward? Why trouble ourselves with the anticipations of future evil? What we fear and shrink from, may never come upon us. We may not live to see the evil days that shall yet come upon the earth. Only two short weeks have passed since our friend was in health and vigor. She might have looked forward to as long a life as any of us. She might have dreaded the evils we anticipate. Now her trials are over, and over forever. While we are still battling with the storm and the tempest, she is safe in the harbor. While we often hang our harps upon the willows by the rivers of Babylon, she is singing in the temples of Jerusalem. Let this be our encouragement. We know not the time to go. It may be very near. Behold, " the night is far spent and the day is at hand." The waves are wasting their strength ; the storm is nearly over. The battle is almost fought, and the victory is nearly won. "The time of our salvation is nearer than when we believed;" and oh how joyful that salvation will be, after such trials! Indeed they will greatly enhance its preciousness, and we shall not then regret them. Think you that our sister now re- grets having left friends and home to dwell among strangers? or is sorry' that here she wandered about, having no certain dwelling- place? Is it a sad thing to her that here she was tossed on the rough sea? that all alone she buried her first-born child upon a strange shore, and in a heathen land? No! Heaven will be the sweeter, after these bitter draughts; rest more delightful, after Chese toils : the haven more charming by contrast of the rough sea without. It is encouraging to think that home may be so near. We are like sailors, who have indeed a compass to direct our course, but LETTERS. 245 no means of ascertaining when our voyage shall end. All around is one wide waste, and sea and sky alone meet our gaze. W have sailed for many days over these troubled seas, and it may be many days yet before we make the land ; and yet, to-morrow morning may show it in full view. Our time cannot be long. Let this, then, encourage us to bear cheerfully its toils and trials, and to labor diligently while it lasts. " The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart ; and righteous men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come." If this be so, then rejoice for those who depart but pray for those who remain. Your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Macao, October 21st, 1843. REV. J. C. LOWRIE MY DEAR BROTHER : .... I am quite at a loss as to my own future course. It really seems as if Providence did not intend that I should leave Macao or Hong Kong. Last year I made two efforts in splendid ships to go to Singapore and failed, but came back here in safety in an old and leaky ship that required almost con- stant pumping to keep her afloat. This year I tried to go to Chusan in a vessel that was very well recommended, and where every possible precaution had been taken by the other passengers to have everything on board necessary for the convenience and success of the voyage. Yet we were most shamefully treated, the vessel was found to be utterly unfit for sea, and we were obliged to turn about without accomplishing our voyage. I returned here in a little boat from Amoy, in which one-half the people out here would not have ventured to go We did meet an accident, break- ing our rudder, which might have proved a serious one ; and for a while I almost felt about the sea, as David did of his great persecutor : "I shall surely perish one day by the hand of Saul." But through the good hand of our God upon us, we succeeded in repairing the rudder, and reached Hong Kong in safety after a quick passage. What am I to think of these things ? Personally I have no desire to remain in this part of the country, but rather the contrary. The conveniences of living comfortably may be enjoyed to a much greater extent here than at any other part; but the opportunities for direct usefulness among the people are far less. My acquaintances all tell me, jokingly, that I am not to leave Macao ; and indeed for the present I see but little pros- pect of it. As far as I can see now, I am fixed here for a year and a half yet. And it is now a pretty serious question, whether it would not be best to take up this dialect, the Canton. Hitherto I have attended to the court dialect, as being the one I should probably find most useful in the northern parts. However, I trust my way will yet be made plain. Hitherto the Lord has led me by ways that I knew not, and hereafter he will 246 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. doubtless lead me by the best road. My hopes have been disap- pointed more than once ; and yet in every case I have seen after- wards that it was for the best. It is a good thing to be tried with disappointments, at least it has taught me practically ; patience worketh experience and experience hope. I am much obliged to you for your kind offer to replace the Morning Exercises and the Bible ; but I think you will find if you look again, that my language is " quite definite ;" that the latter does not need replacing. It has gone with me through many different places and scenes, and I value it more than I could well express. My health continues very good, except that I had an attack of chill and fever a few days ago, caused proba- bly by the exposure of my late trip. The trip did me a great deal of good in other respects. I had been worn down by the hot summer, but seem (o be quite revived and invigorated now. The thermometer stands a little above 70 now. I remain your affectionate brother. W. M. LOWRIE. P. S. I forgot to mention that I have lately become acquainted with W. C. Milne, and have been very much pleased with him. He mentioned having met you in London some years ago, and wished to be very cordially remembered to you. He lately came over-land from Ningpo to Hong Kong dressed in Chinese clothes, wearing a tail, and escaped without detection, until he arrived within a few miles of Hong Kong. I believe Sir Henry Pottinger was not at all satisfied, that he made such an excursion. He described it as having been a very interesting one, and I suppose will publish some account of it in the Chinese Repository ere long. Macao, November 4th, 1843. To THE SOCIETY OP INQUIRY IN THE WESTERN THEOLOG- ICAL SEMINARY. DEAR BRETHREN : On the 27th of July, this year, a letter was put into my hands, addressed to my colleague in this mission, the Rev. T. L. McBryde. As you will have learned before now, he sailed for the United States, early in the month preceding its arrival. He left with me, however, a discretionary power to open his letters, and suspecting from the postmark that it was from your society, I opened and read it. I suppose that a letter from myself in reply, will be nearly equally acceptable, especially as I was brought up almost in sight of your Seminary, and have spent more than half of my life within thirty miles of it. I can assure you, that it will ever afford me great pleasure to correspond with you. I have been a theological student myself, and know the interest that such students feel in letters from mis- LETTERS. 247 sionaries ; and I can speak from experience too, when I say that a missionary is glad to receive letters from a society like yours. It was interesting to me to read your accounts of the revivals of re- ligion in the West, for it recalled the memory of other days, when I also shared in such precious seasons. Dear brethren, you can- not too highly value, nor too sedulously improve, the opportunities you now have of intercourse in Christian society, of laboring for the good of souls, and especially of being present where the spirit of the Lord is poured out. Should you ever become mission- aries to the heathen, there is nothing that, in the review, will give you more real delight than to recall such times. I have in my native land mingled in various scenes ; 1 have gone to the literary feast, the crowded assembly, and the cheerful social circle, and found pleasure in all ; but I now recall, with far more satisfaction, the solitary walk over the hills with a single Christian brother, the visit to the poor old Christian negro's cottage, the little prayer- meeting in the house where the lame mother in Israel joined in the song of praise, and the country Sabbath school. I have forgot- ten many other things, but I have not forgotten the Brainerd meet- ings of Jefferson College, nor the time when, in one of the rooms in your seminary, a classmate and myself bowed the knee in prayer to our common Father. Lay up a store of such things for recollec- tion, and they will cheer many a lonely hour in your future course. Your letter asks several questions, which I will answer, and also, if you permit, will add some other items. You ask what special preparation is necessary for the field of labor ? I think, principally those of a spiritual nature. I mean, strong faith to believe God's promises that the world shall be converted, for you will find little in the outward aspect of things to make you think so ; patience and perseverance, for both are needed. You may have to labor here for many years, and see little appar- ent fruit to your labor. Above all, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Cultivate the spirit of love and forbearance, for you will find abundant occasion for its exercise. I trust you have none of those romantic notions that will induce you to think a missionary a superior being. We are men of like passions with others. We come from different parts of the world with differ- ent views, from the influences of very different states of public feeling. We come to a country where there is no public feeling, where each man must judge for himself, where there is no stand- ard of public opinion such as you have at home. In such circum- stances, it is natural to expect great diversity of views, and noth- ing but the spirit of meekness, and forbearance, and love will enable you to live happily with your fellow-laborers. The longer I live, the more I am struck with the expressiveness of those reit- ated commands of our Saviour in his last address to his disciples, to love one another. Brethren, study and practise the thirteenth chapter of first Corinthians, and it will do you good wherever you are. 248 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. As to other preparations, the more you know on all subjects, provided you know it well, the better. There is hardly an item of general knowledge of any kind that I ever acquired, which I have not already found occasion to bring into use. On subjects of general knowledge, it is important, if you come to this field, to know pretty well the histories of England, France, and India. I take for granted that you know the history of our own coun- try thoroughly, and can tell why the American flag has thirteen stripes, and twenty-six stars. Study Geology and Botany by all means. These two sciences are of prime importance, and you will almost daily find the benefit of an acquaintance with them. I do not think a knowledge of medicine necessary to a missionary to China. If you have an opportunity of learning something about it, very well; but you will not. I think, find it advantageous to unite an extensive medical practice with the preaching of the Gospel. The two should go together, but it seems better that they should be performed by different persons. I t hink the climate of the ports of Ningpo and Shanghae will be found most suitable for persons from the United States. Persons disposed to bilious complaints and dyspeptics will suffer a good deal in the Canton and Fuhkeen provinces. I think a confirmed dyspeptic might almost as well not come here. Persons liable to consumption would find the Canton and Fuhkeen provinces de- lightful residences, and I think that even those of bilious habits would be nearly as safe in Ningpo and Chusan, as in the United States. They have ice and snow there in winter. The Chinese language is very difficult, and I am disposed to say. that one who cannot make some tolerable progress in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, may as well not come here. The language is the difficulty in China. I do not think it unattainable. I think its difficulties have been exaggerated. I think that every year its acquisition will be found easier, because more facilities in the way of elementary books, and access to the people, are being afforded. In other re- spects, I do not consider the field as " peculiarly arduous." On the contrary, it is a peculiarly inviting one. I came here almost un- willingly, for I wanted to go to Africa, but what I have seen has made me glad I came ; and if I know rny own heart, its desire is to live and die among this people. One thing is very certain, mis- sionaries who come to this people will find them in general poor and ignorant. Here, emphatically, "to the poor the gospel will be preached." You must therefore make up your minds to become teachers of babes when you come to {his people. There are, I admit, many exceptions, and you will often meet men of consider- able learning and tact, but the mass of the people are as above described. Your own experience has probably already taught you, that it is more difficult for an educated man to come down and instruct the ignorant, than it is to instruct those who already know something. This suggestion, therefore, may assist you somewhat in judging of the qualities a missionary needs, in instructing thia LETTERS. 249 people : they are patience, a facility in finding comparisons, a tal- ent for simplifying, an engaging address, e thrown away. There is also all the risk, which is not small, and the exposure, which, com- ing from the warm latitude of Canton, to the colder climate of the north, is not a little disagreeable. Yet men of the world submit 292 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. to all this, and much more, for the sake of earthly riches, and the missionary should not hesitate to do the same when the great ob- ject of his life can be gained by the sacrifice of some personal ease or comfort. Most persons dislike the sea, and it is common to speak of the monotony and tedium of long voyages. There is little to be seen that is new after the first few days, and without caution and watchfulness, one is apt to become impatient and fretful. Yet with due care, it need not be so. The best of all expedients to make the time pass pleasantly, is to have something to do, and to do it. It requires some resolution to keep one's self constantly employed, but the exertion is amply repaid. And there is much, even amidst the sameness of sea life, that is deeply instructive. God has so ordered all things in nature, that they form a constant commentary and illustration of invisible and eternal things. That more of such analogies can be traced in the sailor's life than in any other I will not presume to say, but I have often been sur- prised, and oftener still instructed as well as gratified, with the illustrations of the Christian's course which the voyage of a ship affords. The various changes of the weather, now calm and sun- shiny ; now stormy and dark ; now rapidly speeding on with prosperous breezes, and anon, painfully laboring against the wind; who has not felt such changes as these in his Christian course? The unceasing diligence of all concerned, especially the captain and officers, their constant study of the charts and books of directions, and their anxiety to secure observations of the sun and stars, that they may know their daily progress and position ; who does not recognize in this the duty of the Christian to study carefully the great chart and book which God has given to direct us on our way, and by earnest looking upward, to gain wisdom from on high to lead our steps? The constant look-out for danger, and the anxiety to avoid hidden shoals, to mark the progress and di- rection of the currents, and to take advantage of every wind that blows ; how often have they reproved me for being so careless of danger, and so negligent where Christ said, " Watch !" and so in- different to the Spirit's influences, which, "like the wind," must waft the soul to heaven. When the ship has dropped her anchor in the port, universal joy possesses every heart. The dangers and watchings and fatigues of the voyage are over, the rewards of labor are now to be enjoyed, and the quietness and peace of home to repay the toils and perils that are past. " They are glad because they are quiet, and because they are brought to their desired ha- ven," but how much more real and satisfying is the Christian's joy, when he enters the haven of rest, his home in the skies. There " there is no more sea." The entrance of the great river Yang-tsze Keang (child of the ocean) is rather difficult, especially to vessels drawing much water. So much earth is brought down by this immense stream, and deposited in the sea, that the water is quite shallow for many JOURNAL SHANGHAI. 293 miles, and a vessel is in danger of running aground long before the land is seen. The coasts of China in this latitude are low, and perfectly level, and the land can scarcely be seen more than ten miles off. The strength of the tides is also very great, and several vessels have already been lost on the sands and rocks off the entrance of the river. Until lighthouses are erected, and buoys properly placed, more than ordinary caution will be re- quired of the officers of vessels visiting Shanghai. After entering the river, the course is north-west, to Woosung. Entering the Woosung river, the course is south-west, about fourteen miles to Shanghai. The whole country for many miles around the city is a perfect plain, having only sufficient elevation and depression to carry off the water. There is not a single hill within twenty miles of Shanghai, which, of course, renders the appearance of the coun- try uninteresting. The soil, however, is rich and productive, and excepting the space occupied by the graves, is in a high state of cultivation. There are no stones, nor even small pebbles, for in a trip of some twenty miles along the Woosung river, not a stone was to be seen, except such as had been brought from a distance. Farm houses and small villages dot the country in every direc- tion, and clumps of bamboos, with orchards of peaches and plum trees, and willows by the water-courses, relieve the sameness of the ground. Two crops, one of wheat, and the other of cotton, are raised every year, and in some parts a third crop of rice is also procured. Rice, however, is not so much cultivated here as in the more southern parts of China, and as there are few paddy fields near the city, the ground is not so marshy as to render it unhealthy. The city of Shanghai is pleasantly situated at the junction of the Woosung and Hwangpoo rivers. It is of a circular form, surrounded by walls, about fifteen feet high, and nearly four miles in circumference. The suburbs near the rivers are thickly in- habited, and the population is estimated at about two hundred thousand inhabitants. By the Woosung river it is connected with the city of Soochow, the capital of the province, and one of the most luxurious and wealthy in the empire, and also with the Grand Canal which reaches to Peking. Hence its situation is one of great importance, and its trade is immense. Rows of junks are moored for nearly two miles along the bank of the Hwangpoo, on the east of the city, and vessels are constantly arriving and departing. Already it is attracting a large share of foreign commerce, and many suppose that it will soon rival, if not surpass Canton, as a place for foreign trade. Sixty-five for- eign vessels have already entered the port, though it is but a year and a half since business commenced to be done there. The great tea arid silk districts of China are nearer to ^Shanghai than to Canton, and if proper encouragement be held out, a large part 294 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. of those articles which were formerly cai ried at great expense to the latter place, will find their way eithei to Shanghai or Ningpo. Every foreigner who has visited this place, gives the inhabi- tants a much better character than those of Canton. They are rather taller, of a more ruddy complexion, and much more civil and well-disposed than their southern countrymen. In passing through the streets one is rarely insulted, and the opprobrious epithets so common in Canton and Macao are scarfcely ever heard here. The change that has come over the intercourse of the Chinese with foreigners within the last few years, is indeed wonderful. Five years ago we were confined to the suburbs of a single city. Ex- posed to insult and scorn even there, and denied the privilege of using the sedan chair, which the poorest Chinese may have by paying a hundred cash.* While such a thing as the wives or daughters of the foreign barbarians being allowed to enter the precincts of the " Celestial Empire," was out of the question. In Shanghai, Dr. Lockhart and myself walked quietly to the English consulate in the heart of the city, where divine service was held, on the Sabbath, whilst his wife and sister went be- fore us in the sedan chairs and, excepting a few dogs which had not yet become reconciled to the presence of foreigners, none moved his tongue against us, and we felt as secure as though we had been in the cities of our native lands. The appearance of the city of Shanghai is not very prepossess- ing. The houses are crowded close together, and there are few buildings that make much pretensions to even Chinese ideas of architectural beauty, while by the Chinese themselves it ranks rather pre-eminent among the "dirty cities" of the Empire. Of one house now occupied by a foreigner, I was assured that when rented to him, it had not been cleaned for twenty years, and was in consequence, " unspeakably dirty," and with my own eyes, I saw the dirt lying full four inches thick on the floor of a temple in the heart of the city. The Roman Catholics once had a strong footing in Shanghai. Paul Siu, an officer of the highest rank, and his daughter Can- dida, who were the two most powerful and liberal friends the Jesuits ever possessed in China, were natives of this city, and several monuments to his memory are still found within the walls. In one place, the heathen descendants of Siu offer incense to his image. One of the idol temples in the city was formerly a chapel of the Roman Catholics, and is even now commonly called the " Teen-choo-tang," or " Hall of the Lord of Heaven," the name they give their places of worship in China. There are many Roman Catholic converts in the province of Keang-su, and several foreign priests, who dress in Chinese clothes, and live as the Chinese do. The R. C. Bishop of Keang-nan and Shantung, an * About nine cents. JOURNAL CHU3AN. 295 Italian, and a nephew of the Pope, by the way, resides within five miles of Shanghai. Saturday, 30th March, 1845. Left Shanghai on yesterday, and reached Woosung to-day about eleven o'clock. I went ashore, and strolled up the banks of the Yang-tsze Keang about three miles. The river is so wide, you cannot see the other bank. The country being very low, high embankments are raised to protect the land from the high tides. The embankment along the Yang- tsze Keang, is faced with solid masonry four feet thick and about fifteen feet high, for several miles how far exactly I cannot say. but as far as I went or could see, it was so. The termination of my walk was the little city of Paouhau, which is walled and has four gates. The city is square, the circuit of the walls very little more than a mile, and nearly all the houses are ranged along the two streets that extend from the gates and intersect in the centre of the town. The rest of the space within the walls is occupied by gardens. I should not think the population was more than two thousand. The houses outside the walls were larger and more numerous than those within. I went right through the town, then out at the same gate, a crowd of boys at my heels, then half round the walls, and then back to the ship. Tuesday, April 1st. About eleven o'clock in the morning, cast an- chor in Chusan harbor, and my joy at finding myself safe at. my journey's end, was only equalled by that of finding the Isabella Ann with Loomis and Culbertson safe on board. She arrived on Saturday, after a thirty-eight days' passage, which, from the ac- counts they have given me, was not only very unpleasant, but even dangerous ; but we are all safe here. Thames to God, who holds the winds and directs the storms. In the day-time went through the city of Tinghai. Loomis and his wife remain here for the present. The Culbertsons go to Ningpo to-morrow. I shall remain several days and go to Ningpo early next week. Tinghai is in the centre of a large valley, with high hills on three sides. At this time the valley is all green and yellow with crops of beans, barley, and cabbage in flower, and looks very well. The streets are, I think, cleaner than is usual in Chinese towns. In the evening I walked with Loomis and Culbertson over the lit- tle island just opposite Tinghai ; a splendid view from the top ; quite delighted to find some blue and white violets growing on the hill. Wednesday, April 2d. Went to the Isabella Ann to see about my freight. Found my mattress was missing, and several boxes of my books wet. Had not time to open them, but shall doubt- less find them much spoiled. The Rob Roy being so full, I could not bring them in her, and had to send them by the other. Mr. Bates, an American merchant, the only American here, has very kindly offered me a room while I stay here. Thursday, April 3d. I had my boxes from the Isabella Ann MEMOIR OF WAVIER M. LOWRIE. taken to Mr. Loomis's house, and as they had got wet on board the ship, I had serious misgivings about their condition. I opened them to-day ; but oh, what a mess ! My books, my noble books, on which I prided myself so much; some were utterly ruined, more than half are seriously injured, three-fourths are greatly de- faced, and not one-fourth have escaped without some damage. Five hundred dollars would not replace the injury they have suffered. The mate of the vessel who stowed them away, " thought they were spirits or wine," and put them in the part of the vessel where such articles are kept, where, if water should come, no harm is done ! I fancy he had some spirits in his head when he thought so. Well, there was no use of crying, or scolding, or fretting ; so I did not lose my temper. I only wished I had not brought so many ; but as wishing was of no avail, I commenced to rub and air them. I got two Chinese to help me. They will be a pitiable sight when all is done. Friday, April 4th. A wet, raining forenoon. Went to Loomis's house, and spent several hours among my damaged books. Alas ! alas ! Coming back, I heard a heavy regular tramp behind me, and supposed it must be a company of six or eight soldiers going to relieve guard. Without looking round, I walked as close as I could to the houses, to let them pass. At last finding no one passed, I looked round, and behold, it was a Chinaman with shoes for rainy weather. These shoes are made like other Chinese shoes, with the addition of a great many heavy iron nails in the sole; the heads are of a conical shape, and about half an inch thick. Monday, April 7th. After breakfast, I started with Mr. Loomis for a walk. Tinghai is built in a valley. We went through the city, and out at the north gate, and then up through the largest valley. What a delightful walk it was ! I do not think I have had one so pleasant in China. There were farm-houses and paddy-fields, and clover-patches, with red yellow flowers ; and some of the farmers were ploughing the clover in for manure. There were patches of barley, and cabbages run to seed. I won- der what they do with so many cabbage seeds? They make oil for cooking and lamps. There were some beautifully built tombs, with cedars planted round them. There were dandelions, and a kind of wild honeysuckle, violets, and some flowers a little like larkspurs. Then there was a beautiful little stream bubbling and murmuring over the stones ; and altogether I have seen nothing so much like home since I left the United States. The top of the hills where we went, was about three miles from Tinghai, and though the sun was warm, the north wind kept us pleasantly cool. What a splendid climate is this. It is April now, and the people in Macao are wearing white jackets, while here we have all our winter clothing on yet. JOURNAL CHUSAN. 297 There was a large valley surrounded on all sides by hills, with many houses, and highly cultivated. As we did not wish to go farther, we turned into a stone hut thatched with straw, and asked for a bowl of water, which was cheerfully given. I tried my Chi- nese on the man, and could get along after a fashion. Tuesday, April 8th. After breakfast Loomis and I started for a walk. Went out of the east gate, and up the valley that runs eastward from Tinghai. The valley is very rich, and highly cul- tivated. They are just now letting the water on for a crop of rice, and we saw the first bed in which the rice is sown, previous to transplanting. Several fields of barley, all planted in bunches, and some nearly ready for reaping ; a patch of peas in blossom, numerous beds of stalk beans, fields of clover, buffalos and buf- falo cows, and numerous farm-houses, rendered the walk very in- teresting. From the main valley numerous lesser ones run in among the hills on either side, affording a large extent of cultiva- ble land; and most of the lower hills were cultivated to the top, while the larger hills are also studded over with cultivated spots, very far up. This is certainly a very beautiful island. Much more rice is produced than the inhabitants can use, and a great part is consumed in making sam shoo, a highly intoxicating liquor. On our return we stopped at a large and neat private house, or rather collection of houses, belonging to one person. On entering the door, the females, who were sitting in one of the back rooms, started up in some alarm, but as they saw us not very ferocious, they stood and looked. Presently the father of the household came out, and invited us to enter the reception hall, which was designated as the Hall of Patience and Benevolence. He had tea brought in, grown, as he said, on the island ; and I tried my Chi- nese on him, but not very successfully. The old man was very polite, but rather deaf, and did not understand me so well as his son or grandson, who stood outside. After sitting awhile, I gave him a copy of Ephesians and came away, much gratified with our visit. Packed up my books, or at least part of them, to take to Ningpo. About two hundred volumes were in such a state that I must leave them here for a while, and some fifty or more are about useless. " Three removes are as bad as a fire !" Thursday, April 10th. Left Chusan at half-past nine, A. M., with fair tide but light wind. Chartered a native boat, and took most of my goods and chattels, making twenty-one packages in all; paid three dollars for the boat, which is about one-third of what I should have had to pay in Macao. There were only a few passengers, as I told the owner he must not crowd the boat. Among the passengers were two inhabitants of the mainland from near Chinhai, a farmer, a Budhist priest, and a Fuhkeea merchant, decidedly the most intelligent of the whole. There were several others, but I saw none of them except one, who came 298 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. to me once with his breath smelling so strong of opium, that I gave him a lecture thereupon. At first they showed vast curiosity about my clothes, shoes, gloves, &c., which they examined most minutely. The Fuhkeen merchant was more sensible. I could talk just a little with all of them, and soon was on very good terms with them, and gave them some tracts, but the Fuhkeen man was the only person who could read understandingly. The priest said there was an old man at his house who could read, and I gave him one for him. Our course lay along the southern shore of Ken long, and about two o'clock we entered the Ningpo river. A good many junks were lying off Chinhai, a walled city at the mouth of the river. Here our passengers all left; and as the tide turned against us. and the wind was very light, we had to remain several hours. During the night the tide changed, and we kept on. I slept until daylight, Friday, April llth, When I looked out. and found myself on the eastern side of Ningpo. I soon found Mr. Way and Mr. Cul- bertson, and in half an hour had my goods all ashore, without taking them to the Custom-house. Breakfast at eight o'clock. After prayers I soon found Dr. McCartee, who is living in a monastery. Then took a walk through the city, admired the straightness and width and com- parative cleanness of the streets, and afterwards went to the Pa- goda, or Tower of Ningpo, an immense tall tower, a hundred feet or more in height. Vast numbers of swallows have built their nests in holes in the walls. Going up to the top, I enjoyed a mag- nificent view of the country around. Ningpo is in a vast plain, a perfect level ; but high hills are in sight on all sides but one. The plain is so level that the hills look quite near, but they are really from fifteen to eighteen miles distant. At six o'clock, p. M., took a walk with Way and Culbertson, and their wives. There are but few houses in this part of the suburbs, and we walked about perfectly unembarrassed with people. The vegetation is very luxuriant here. Saw several tombs erected in the time of the Ming Dynasty ; there was first a pair of stone rams ; then of dogs ; then of horses saddled and bridled ; then of monks ; and then of tombs. I have seen many of them at Shanghai. Here endeth my first day in Ningpo. I am very much gratified with all I have seen. Saturday, April 12th. After breakfast, Way and Culbertson and myself started for a walk round the city walls, commencing at the north gate. The whole time occupied was one hour and forty minutes ; and as the day was cold and we walked fast, we reckoned the circuit of the walls to be six miles. The walls are about fifteen feet high, with a parapet six feet higher. Within the parapet, the top of the wall is wide enough for four or five to walk abreast. The wall is flanked with stone on both sides, and paved on the top ; the middle, I suppose, is filled with rubbish. It is in a tolerably good state of preservation ; though in several JOURNAL NINGPO. 299 places the parapet has fallen, and in many places grass and bushes are growing among the stones. The city is tolerably well filled with houses; though near the western and northern walls, there are many vacant places. Tiie suburbs at the eastern and western gates are both very closely built and populous. Between the rivers and a deep canal, the city is nearly surrounded with water. There are also two lakes and a canal within the city, which communi- cate with that outside by two water gates, adjoining the south and west gates. In a hasty walk round the city, one cannot notice much. One thing that particularly struck the eye was the mode of interment. There are two in common practice. The first and most common is to place the massive coffin on the surface of the ground, and leave it there. Sometimes it is bound round with matting or straw, and occasionally built up around with brick ; but commonly the coffin is simply laid on the ground. Sometimes you see only one ; sometimes a dozen ; and occasionally, hundreds lying close together, close by the houses both within and without the walls. The other mode is to cover the body with a conical mound of earth, and plant evergreens, commonly cedars, around it. There is quite a forest of such plantations on the west of the city. 1 am not sure whether the body is interred in these mounds, or whether the bones are taken out of the exposed coffin after the flesh has decayed, and then interred. At Shanghai there is the same mode of laying the coffins on the ground and of erecting earthen mounds, but I do not remember the evergreens. Came back to Dr. McCartee's establishment, which is just within the northern gate. It is his prescribing day, and he had a great crowd. I concluded to take a set of rooms, some four or five, which the monks offered to let me have, and to put some furniture in for me, for five dollars a month, with possession on Tuesday or Wed- nesday. It will be a capital place to learn the language, which is my object at present. A cold, rainy afternoon and evening, and all glad to gather round a charcoal fire. April 14th, 1845. After a visit to the city, we sailed some dis- tance up the north branch of the river, whose course is quite crooked a short distance above the North Gate. At the distance of twelve le,* we passed a large distillery, known by the usual sign of a tall pole, with a small round bamboo sieve near the top, and a small flag above it. Passing three le further, we went ashore at a temple where the keeper received us full civilly, and gave us tea to drink. The temple contained nothing of interest, but we were amused in watching a bout as it passed over a sluice. As the tide rises and falls several feet in the river, the small streams and canals that empty into it would be nearly useless at low water. To prevent this, they are all dammed up at the * Three le are about one mile. 300 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. mouth, and thus the water is made to stand always at nearly the same level, so that they are always useful for irrigation and navi- gation. To enable boats to enter the river, and come back into the canals, the dam is rounded off, and by means of two rude capsterns and bamboo ropes, the boats are hauled up to the top of the dam. It consists simply of mud, beaten smooth and hard, and rendered slippery by pouring a little water overit. As soon as the boats are once at the top, their own weight carries them down the other side, and they enter the river like a ship launched from the stocks. Each sluice is attended by two men and several boys, and it requires but a minute or two to pass a boat in either direc- tion. By these economical locks there is no loss of water, and the wear of the flat-bottomed boats is small. The toll for passing these sluices varies from five to eight cents, according to the size of the boat. 15th. The wheat and barley are now in the ear, and the heads begin to grow heavy. 16th. Crossed the ferry at the east gate, where a large number of boats are constantly plying. This place, at the junction of the two rivers, is the most busy part of Ningpo. Went over to the eastern suburb, which is large and populous, and a place of much business, but not remarkable for cleanliness. After strolling through several streets, came by the Bridge of Boats, to the Ling Keaou Nuw, or "Gate o'f the Etherial Bridge." The bridge, which has not much that is very etherial about it, consists of a flooring laid over a number of large boats, which are anchored in the stream, with sufficient space for small boats to pass between. Numerous stalls of what might be called " notions," occupy either side of the bridge, and a great crowd is constantly passing and repassing. There is no toll on this bridge. The street from the Ling Keaou Nuw is almost entirely occupied by furniture shops, some of which present a very showy appear- ance. The bedsteads, with their carved, painted, and gilded frames, and gay decorations, are the most remarkable. Continuing our walk through several streets, we were objects of general curiosity. A foreigner is still " a sight worth seeing" in Ningpo, and men and boys both cry out as we pass, " Hung" ma nym ! hung- ma nyin /" a term which literally means " red- haired men," but is applied without exception to all foreigners. Oc- casionally, a mischievous boy cries out, " Wailo /" a term derived from foreigners, and equivalent to "be off!" but it often seems to be done more with the intention of exciting our attention than of insulting us. From hearing the soldiers and sailors calling to their companions, "I say look here," &c., the natives have got the idea that " I say" is equivalent to a proper name, and one is often saluted with it in passing through the streets. 17th. In conversation with an old gentleman who is himself a seivtsai, a literary degree equivalent to our Bachelor of Arts, he informed me that there are about four hundred sewtsai in the city, JOURNAL NINGPO. 301 and nearly a thousand in this/oo, or department, which contains six keen, or districts. He estimates the population of Ningpo at forty myriads, or four hundred thousand, a large estimate prob- ably. He knew something of other nations ; a rare acquirement even among the most educated of the Chinese, and seemed very proud of displaying his geographic learning. Afterwards went with Dr. McCartee to see the garden of Mr. Kiang, a salt merchant, supposed to be the richest man in Ningpo. It is visited by nearly every foreigner who comes here, and is very beautiful, though not large. Artificial rock-work, caverns, poola of water, summer-houses, green arbors, and sweet flowers, make it a very pleasant place. The old gentleman was very polite, and according to custom, gave us tea to drink, which, not accord- ing to custom, was really excellent. The old man is hard of hearing, and said little ; but one of his sons talked a great deal about America and broadcloth. Nothing seems to take the fancy of the Chinese so much as the cloth we wear, whether woollen, linen, or cotton, and it is usually one of the first topics on which they begin to ask questions. 18th. Took up my quarters at the Yu shing kwan monastery, belonging to the Taou sect, which is situated just within the north gate of the city. There are, in all, five monks in the estab- lishment. As soon as my baggage was brought in, the old abbot sent in a wooden waiter with a pile of sponge cakes, and four cups of tea, together with a red card, on the top of which was written, "Congratulations," and beneath, " The resident supporter of the Yu shing kwan monastery. Hwang che hwuy bows his head and worships." A small present was sent back in return. In the morning, had an opportunity of seeing a "small foot" uncovered. One of the female patients had some disease, which made it necessary to take the bandages off the foot, a thing they are commonly unwilling to do before strangers. The sight was by no means pleasant. All the toes except the largest were turned under the sole of the foot; the instep was greatly elevated, and the hollow between the heel and the ball of the foot m^ich deeper than in the natural state. All the women here, excepting the nuns, have their feet thus unnaturally compressed, and in conse- quence, you never see a woman able to walk with even tolerable ease and grace. They all go hobbling about like cripples, and frequently have to depend upon an umbrella, or the shoulder of a female attendant whose feet are not quite so cruelly hampered as their own, to support their steps. For several days past, green peas in abundance have been sold in the markets. 19th. In our walk after breakfast, we found some soldiers prac- tising musketry under the direction of their officers. They were merely firing blank cartridges, and the sole object seemed to be to accustom them to load swiftly and fire with deiiberation. Nearly every man shut his eyes, and turned away his head when he 302 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. pulled the trigger. The guns were all matchlocks of the rudest construction, and the touch-hole was large enough to admit a ten- penuy-nail, consequently nearly a third of the charge escaped^at tin; \\Tong end. Each man, after firing, lifted up his right foot, made a bow to the officer corkrij^nding, and fell back ; hut the whole exhibition was poorly calSSHfcted to inspire one with respect for their prowess or eificiericy. Afterwards went to the Hwuy-Hvvuy Tang, or Mohammedan Mosque. The keepers of the building were from Shantung; and one old woman spoke Mandarin beautifully. (The purest Man- darine dialect is spoken in Shantung.) The mosque is a small building, with many Arabic inscriptions, and we were informed that there are some five hundred Mohammedans in Ningpo. They have a larger mosque, and more numerous population in Hangr chou, the capital of this province. There was formerly a Jewish synagogue in Ningpo, as well as one in Hangchou, but no traces of them are now discoverable, and the only Jews' known to exist in China, are in Kaifung foo, the capital of Honan. Visited also a small flower-garden, but saw little worthy of no- tice. There were some dwarf trees, and curiously-twisted and gnarled, shrubs, which the Chinese take great delight in cultivat- ing. By tying cords to the branches, so as to make them grow crookedly, and other devices, they succeed in giving to young and small trees the appearance of great age. 20th. Preached this morning to the largest congregation of for- eigners that has yet met in Ningpo, sixteen persons in all. 21st. Dr. McCartee having occasion to go to Chusan to-day, I am left alone in the monastery ; but a smattering of Mandarin, of which the people all understand a little, enables me to get along without difficulty. Dr. McCartee has three boys under his care, the two elder of whom are very interesting and affectionate ; and his teacher is a kind-hearted, excellent man, " almost persua- ded to be a Christian." We have prayers morning and evening in Chinese, when the. teacher reads and explains a chapter in Chinese, and repeats or reads a prayer ; after which we have a prayer in English. A-chang, the second boy, was greatly de- lighted with rny barometer, and repeated several times, "Heaou teh fung ! heaou teh yu !" " It understands the wind ! It under- stands the rain !" and finally, he declared there was nothing so admirable in all Ningpo. Shortly after Dr. McCartee started, a man came in great haste to have him go and see a man who had swallowed opium, a com- mon mode of committing suicide. Dr. Macgowan happened to be here, and went immediately, but the man was dead before he could see him. 22d. Teaching the boys English, who, in return, make capital teachers in Chinese. A man came for medicine to cure opium smoking, He had no money to buy more opium, and the desire for it was so strong, as JOURNAL NINGPO. to be a torment. When told that I could do nothing for him, not being a physician, he asked with some asperity, " Then what did you come here for, since you are not a merchant?" My knowl- edge of the language was scarcely sufficient to answer his ques- tion satisfactorily. 23d. Arranging my rooms, and putting my clock up. Got a servant to-day, who seems to be a very simple-hearted, good sort of a fellow, and who looked with unbounded admiration at the clock. kSeeing one of the monks, he called out to him, " Here is a clock !" It has been a great object of admiration all day. 25th. Along with Dr. McCartee, and Messrs. Way and Cul- bertson, went out several miles into the country to see a patient of the Doctor's, who is confined with a broken leg. The country is intersected with innumerable canals, which supply the place of high roads in other countries. Much ground is also covered with tombs, so that the common saying, that the Chinese use no ground for tombs which can be cultivated, is incorrect. In the south, where barren hills abound, and only the valleys are fit for culti- vation, the remark is true ; but about Shanghai, Chusan, and Ningpo, it is not. The canals are full of fish : to catch them, bamboo fences are staked across them in numerous places, with only an opening for boats. The opening itself is staked with flexible reeds, which al- low the water to pass through, and boats to pass over, but effectu- ally prevent the fish. Commonly, the fences are formed into a kind of labyrinth, so that when the fish are driven to them, they enter a trap, from which it is difficult to escape, and they are then scooped up with a small hand-net. The appearance of the coun- try is very beautiful ; crops of wheat and barley nearly ready for the reaper, patches of clover, beds of rice for transplanting, young fields of reeds for mats, (a very important part of the trade of Ningpo,) water-wheels, worked by buffaloes or men, the latter sort somewhat on the principle of the tread-mil), a few water buf- faloes and oxen, quiet farm-houses and numerous villages, with some old trees, form a picture of great beauty. Oh! that this were indeed Immanuel's land ! that those whom we meet were partakers of the same faith and hope with us! "How long, O Lord ! Return and visit these long desolations !" 30th. Invited to a Chinese dinner. The dishes were brought in bowls, everything being cut up, and ready for use. Each guest was provided with a small wine-cup, a spoon, and a pair of chop- sticks. The guests were Dr. McCartee and his teacher, the old abbot and one of the monks from the monastery, and myself. The dishes were : stewed chicken, cold goose, duck and bamboo- sprouts, pork, fish, cherries, water-chestnuts, pea-nuts, soup, beche de-rner, ginger, preserved eggs, spinnage, and rice and tea to close with ; besides, hot spirits distilled from rice. It was my first effort with chop-sticks, which are awkward enough at first, especially when you try to take up a hard-boiled egg. Several of the dishes 304 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. were very palatable, but one or two of the customs were not par- ticularly pleasant, e.g., the old abbot, after putting his chop-sticks several times into his mouth, picked out a tempting piece of goose, and offered it to me with the same sticks. I begged to be excused, though it is a mark of polite attention to make such an offer; also a wet cloth was handed round after dinner to wipe the fingers and mouth, the same cloth for all. May 2d, 1845. Observed some strawberries quite ripe. In size, shape, and color, and in the leaf, they are much like ours ; but they are quite tasteless, and so little used by the Chinese, that most of them think them poisonous. I have, however, eaten some, and seen others do the same, without any unpleasant effects. While gathering them, a man came along, who accosted me, and begged for medicine to cure him of opium smoking. Notwith- standing my telling him that I had none, he followed me all the way to ray lodgings, repeating his request. May 3. In the afternoon a respectable and interesting-looking Chinese came to the Yushing kwan temple to perform some cere- monies on the sixth birth-day of his son. The little fellow was dressed in his best clothes, and seemed to enjoy the whole affair. His father had brought gilt paper, printed prayers, and a large number of bowls full of various meats, rice, vegetables, nuts, cups of wine, and the like, which were spread out before the idols. The ceremonies were performed in the apartment of the Tow-moo, or Bushel Mother, who has special charge of young people, both before and after birth. The old abbot clothed himself in a scarlet robe, with a gilt image of a serpent fastened in his hair. One of the monks wore a purple, and another an ash-colored robe. A multi- tude of prayers, seemingly little else than a round of repetitions, were read by the abbot. Occasionally he chanted a little, when the attendants joined in chorus, and every few minutes a deafen- ing clamor of bells, cymbals, and hollow blocks of wood, was raised. Genuflexions and prostrations innumerable accompanied the whole ceremony. The most singular part was the passing of a live cock through a barrel which had both ends knocked out. This was done several times by two assistants, who shouted some strange words at each repetition of the ceremony. The meaning, as I was afterwards told, was something like this : Prayers had been offered to the idol that the child might escape certain dangers through which he must pass; and each passing of the cock through the barrel was intended to symbolize his passing safely through one of these perils. It was a melancholy sight. In con- clusion, some of the prayers were burnt, a cup of wine poured out as a libation, and a grand chorus of bell, and gong, and drum, and blocks, closed the scene. May 8. Dr. McCartee was called this evening to see a young man, who had poisoned himself, in the eastern suburbs, but he was dead before his arrival. He was but seventeen years old JOURNAL NINGPO. 305 and having lost money by gambling, put an end to his life by taking arsenic. May 12. Called with Dr. McCartee to see a dropsical patient in a very respectable family. He had been consulting some native doctors, one of whom thought he had within him some clotted horse blood, which had feet and could walk ; and the only way in which the clot of blood could be killed, was by taking internally a prescription so indecent that it cannot be published. This he had done, but unsuccessfully. He had also, at the recommendation of another physician, eaten a toad, but with equal want of success. He was now so far gone that but little hope of his recovery re- mained. After talking some time with his parents and brothers, who were very agreeable people, and being peeped at by his sisters, who were not allowed by Chinese etiquette to come into the same room, we came away. May 13. Engaged a teacher to-day, Hung seen sang. He ia forty-nine years old, has the degree of kung sang, or bachelor of arts advanced, wears spectacles, being near-sighted, has already gray and almost white hairs, and on the whole promises well, though he is not as much of a talker as I could wish. A young man from Shensi province, connected with the Taou- tai's office, came to-day for medicine to cure him of opium smoking. Speaking of the effects of smoking, he said it gave him pains in the head, and made him stupid ; but he could not do without it. When he smoked, he was revived for a while, "just like winding up a clock ;" but he soon ran down again, and was worse than ever. He seemed intelligent, and received Christian books with much politeness. May 14. A wet, rainy day. In the evening Dr. McCartee was called in a great hurry to see a man who had poisoned himself by taking orJium. On going to the house, found the family in much alarm. The man was in bed, looking very stupid, and his wife attending him with some appearance of anxiety and care. He had had a quarrel with his mother-in-law, and in revenge attempt- ed to make away with himself by taking opium. There was, however, some reason to suppose that it was partly a feint to frighten the old woman, and after an emetic being given, we came away. The Chinese have but little to deter them from the com- mission of suicide, for they have very faint ideas of a future state, or of punishment beyond the grave. May 17. A great Hwuy, or festival of Too-shin, all the gods, has been celebrated for the last day or two. Saw a part of the procession to-day, though the narrow crowded streets gave but a poor opportunity of seeing the different parts. There were innu- merable lanterns, three or four gaily ornamented dragons, a boat several chairs, idols, little boys carried on men's shoulders, ana various other sights. The most interesting were several gaily dressed girls, who seemed to be standing on almost nothing at all One girl standing on a chariot, carried a branch of a tree carelesa- 20 306 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. ' ly on her shoulder : on one of the twigs of the branch stood a little girl, on one foot, with the other in the air. Another girl held up in her hand a plate of cakes, and a smaller girl stood with one foot on the cakes, and was thus borne along. Of course all this was done by means of iron or brass supporters around their bodies. The crowd of people was immense, and numerous policemen seemed to be busy, or rather to make themselves busy, for I never saw so large a crowd, and so little disorder. It was a curious sight to look over the crowd and see the forest of pipe-stems. Nearly everybody carries a pipe with a stem from two to four feet long, and when held up to keep them out of harm's way, they looked like a forest of small sticks, or perhaps like a cane-brake stripped of its leaves. May 19. The ditch along the southern side of the monastery being nearly dry, some boys made arrangements to catch the fish. They dammed up a part of the ditch at a time, and having emp- tied the water out of it, by groping among the stones and black mud at the bottom, they procured quite a handsome mess of fish, from three to seven inches long. There are numerous canals in the city which abound with fish, as do the rivers and streams without. Most of the canals in the city are navigable for small boats, but so narrow, that two boats can pass only at certain places. They connect with the moat and canals outside by two water-gates, one of which is near the gate of the Etherial Bridge, and the other near the west gate. In them the lower order of the people wash all their dirty vessels, they also wash their clothes, and the rice they eat, and they also wash their own bodies ; con- sequently they are not always very clean, and must prove un- wholesome in summer. May 21. Having occasion to be out at a prayer-meeting until after eight o'clock in the evening, we found the north gate closed on our return. It is closed sooner than the other gates, being less of a thoroughfare: they are commonly open till nine or ten o'clock. A present of a hundred cash (about nine cents) to the gate-keeper, opened it for us. A Chinaman gets it opened for sixty cash, but we have to pay more. Sometimes the officers of the city seal the gates at night, by pasting a strip of paper across them, and then it is more difficult to get in or out. May 27. It is amusing to observe the commotion excited by the appearance of a foreigner in the retired parts of the city, where few have yet wandered. Every one cries out, " Hung ma nying ! hung ma nying !" a red-haired man ! a red-haired man ! this being the name for all foreigners. The women and children scatter in all directions ; the men stare and gaze, or pass their comments, as the fancy strikes them. It is melancholy to witness the fear of foreigners that still exists, especially on the part of the women and children. Some of the men look as if they would be glad to hide, and if you look at them, seem ready to sink into the ground. Commonly, however, this fear is giving way to curiosity j JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 307 and nothing is more common than for those who see the stranger to beckon to the women to come and have a look also. One little boy, in his haste to do this, dropped his basket, overturned his playfellow, and running to the door, clapped his hands and called out, " Here's a red-haired man ! come ! quick, quick, quick !" The titles they give, and the remarks they make, are sometimes amus- ing, and sometimes provoking. " Mantele !" for mandarin. " Wailo fuhke, wailo !" Be off with you ! <; Lailo !" Come here. " Hung ma nying !" are the common terms; and sometimes "Pah kwei," and "Kwei tsz "white devil, and devil's child! Some few, on the other hand, are polite enough to say, " Hungma seen saung," foreign teacher ; and the beggars say, " Hungma laou yay," for- eign esquire. The sun is sometimes called Kin woo, or " golden crow," from its spots, which are thought to be crows ; and the moon is called the Yuh too, or "jewelled hare," because they say a hare is distinct- ly seen in it. Hence, in poetical style, the setting of the sun and rising of the moon is expressed by " The golden crow sank in the west, and the jewelled hare arose in the east." May 28. The Chinese are fond of high-sounding and poetical names for everything, and this fancy displays itself on the bridges, as well as elsewhere. A little stone bridge over a ditch by the Yu shing kwan monastery, is dignified with the title, " Bridge of Lon- gevity and Happiness," and one at the west water-gate is call " the Bridge of Extended Virtue." At Shanghai, I saw a bridge over a canal with the inscription, Paou sheukeaou, " The excellent jewel of a bridge !" May 29. Went out with Dr. McCartee several miles into the country, by water of course. Stopped at a small village, and went into a temple, when a crowd soon came round us, and notice being given that Dr. McCartee would prescribe for the sick gratu- itously, a number of patients applied for medicine and advice. After this Dr. McCartee and his teacher both spoke to the people on religion, and were listened to with good attention. Tracts were then given to the eager crowd, and we took our departure, much gratified with our visit and the behavior of the people. Returning, saw a large house in the western suburb on fire. It seemed to be the family mansion of some wealthy person ; but the Chinese have little skill in putting out fires, and the owners were removing their furniture, and leaving the house to its fate. The Cheheen (mayor of the city) and several other military and civil officers, were speedily on the ground with their retainers. Being tired and hungry, we did not stop to se.e the end, but were inform- ed that by breaking down parts of the adjoining nouses, the flames were prevented from spreading. May 30. Spent part of the day in visiting acquaintances among the Chinese, then went to the house of a Mr. Lin, to see his garden, which is spoken of as very fine ; but were rather disap- pointed, as it had nothing remarkable in it. While in the garden 308 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Mr. Lin came out to see us, and politely took us over his house which is large, airy, and well furnished. He had some six 01 eig*ht large clocks of European manufacture, but all out of order, with numerous beautiful scrolls of writing and painting. His father left him a fortune of some three hundred thousand taels, (over four hundred thousand dollars,) but his extravagance has diminished it to one hundred thousand. He smokes opium freely, and looks sallow and thin. Some friends were with him at the time, and he had an opium pipe, and lamp burning in the room to which he led us. This opium is the curse of China. It is drain- ing out their money from the land, sucking the heart's blood of their industry, and destroying the constitutions and the lives of their people. May 31. A good deal of commotion in the city to-day, on ac- count of the boldness of a gang of robbers last night. They attacked the house next door to Mr. Lin's, which we visited yes- terday, severely wounded some of the inmates, and carried off much property. Some of the mayor's police went to disperse them, but the robbers attacked and drove them off, and escaped with their booty. This is the most daring outrage that has occurred for some time. Robberies out of the city are not uncommon, but within the walls, such daring attacks have seldom been attempted. June 3, 1845. On Saturday, May 31st, Dr. McCartee was called to see a woman in the country, who had poisoned herself by taking opium, but she was dead before he arrived. It seems she was the concubine, or second wife, and had a quarrel with the first wife, which led to her destroying herself. This evening, another case of poisoning occurred but a few doors from our resi- dence. In this case he was in time, and some sulphate of zinc soon relieved the man's stomach. The cause was a quarrel with some of the neighbors. Yesterday and to-day have been wet and cold. Thermometer down to 64 deg., which is eighteen degrees lower than it was the day before. June 5. Reading in the Kea Paou, or " Family Jewels," I came across the following sentences, which are rather remarkable. " If your parents treat you with unkindness, or even do what is wrong, you must still, with the utmost quietness, submit. And if they will not hear your attempts to correct their errors, you must not become angry, and scold them ; but bear it in silence. For, re- member, that below the skies, there is not such a thing as a father or mother that does wrong. Your father is heaven, and your mother is earth, and where is the man that dares to contend with heaven and earth? Is it right to do so? Therefore, it was well gaid, by an ancient sage, 'Although a father should ill-treat his son, yet must not the son cease his filial obedience.' " The fol- lowing sentence is equally remarkable : " Let not your love for your wife and children prevent your paying all due respect to your parents. Should your wife and children die, you may yet procure JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 309 others ; but if your father and mother depart, whence will you re- place them ?" Kea Paou, vol. i. p. 6. The sentiment of this last line must remind the student of history, of the saying ascribed to a Persian lady, whose whole family had been condemned to death. The monarch, permitting her to save the life of any one she chose, she selected a brother. On being asked why she had not rather chose to save one of her children, she replied, " I may have other children, but another brother I cannot have." To-day being the first of the Chinese month, several people have come to worship at the temple. Several travelling monks assist at the devotions. Among the worshippers were some re- spectably dressed females, one of whom took her little child, that knew not its right hand from its left, and making it kneel before the idol, taught it to lift its hands and worship. June 7. Another case of opium poisoning to-day. It was a young man who could not collect money to pay his debts on the fifth of the month, when, according to custom here, all debts must be settled. The application for assistance was too late, as he was dying when Dr. McCartee reached the house. June 16. A visit, from sundry official persons, and some schol- ars, to-day. They were civil, very inquisitive, and not at all backward in asking for anything they took a fancy to. One of them requested a few sheets of writing paper, as a curiosity, and when I took out half a quire, meaning to give him a sheet or two, he held out both hands, and took all, exclaiming, " Oh, thank you, thank you !" We gave them tracts, several of which were printed on our own press, with the Parisian type. They expressed much pleasure at the beauty and clearness of the type, as I have more than once or twice heard scholars do, when they opened one of our tracts. June 18. An animated discussion with my teacher to-day on idolatry. He is the most zealous defender of their idolatrous rites that I have ever met among the Chinese, and does not, as most of them do, assent to everything that we say on the subject. Ac- cording to what he says, idols were not formerly worshipped in China, nor are they now, by the literati, who pay their adoration only to the souls of the deified persons, and not to the images. When pressed in argument, he admitted that it was of no use, except to show reverential feeling, for the souls of the idols being in heaven, could not hear or enjoy the worship paid to them. At last he confessed that it was only " long-established custom." I rejoiced to be able to tell him distinctly, that it was only by re- nouncing all idols, believing on Christ, and worshipping him, that any man could be saved. It is curious to see how they use the same arguments in favor of their worship, which the Roman Catholics urge for the adora- tion of the saints. Among other things, he said that it was better to worship heroes, and such like, because God is too great to be troubled with our prayers, and therefore, we must approach him 310 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. by means of persons greater than ourselves. When asked if there were any good and sinless men on earth, he replied with empha- sis, " There are few indeed !" When asked, " Did you ever see one?" he replied, "Never" At this point he seemed to feel un- comfortable, and admitted that man's natural disposition is not good, though he was hardly willing to say this, without some qualification. June 19. Another long conversation with my teacher, on reli- gion, in which I could not but admire his independence. He freely admitted the difference between Christianity and the religion of China ; but unlike most Chinese teachers, he would not compli- ment me, by saying that ours was the best. He listened with in- terest,, while I spoke of the way of salvation, through the suffer- ings and death of Christ. Oh, that he were himself a Christian ! He is acute to detect the inconsistencies of professed Christians, and asked some questions to-day, respecting some, which were hard to answer. The Sz' family are in a good deal of trouble, from the youngest brother having borrowed money, which he is now unable to' repay. The creditor insists on immediate payment, and the young man, in despair, attempted to kill himself to-day, by swallowing opium. The timely application of remedies saved him ; but the whole family are in great distress. By Chinese law, all the brothers are responsible for each other, and for the father's debts ; but the father is not responsible for the debts of his grown-up sons. June 21. Went into the main building of the temple to-night, and found all the monks busy at their devotions. Some person was making an offering, and his gifts were spread out in order be- fore the idol. Fourteen candles were burning. The old abbot was beating the drum, and twelve monks, more than half of whom were visitors, were chanting from the Shangt eking, or Classic of the Supreme Ruler. Each wore a long yellow, or orange colored robe, fringed with black, and read from a copy of the book beautifully written with red ink. They chanted, beat their bells and blocks of wood, knelt, and rose again, and bowed their heads. Oh, how melancholy to see it ! Some of the monks were old and gray-headed. One was young, with the ruddiness of boyhood still on his cheeks. I thought of the command, " Thou shall not bow down unto them " and my heart sank within me, as the question rose, " How long, oh Lord, how long ? Will this kind go out except by prayer and fasting? June 26. Several conversations with my teacher, of late, on re- ligion, which seem to have made some impression on him. He was much struck with the idea of missionaries coming here, not to make money, but simply to teach religion, and after a pause, said seriously, " It requires great faith to do all this. 1 do not think our Chinese would do it." Giving him an account of my being ship- wrecked some years ago, he was much interested, and remarked, " Truly, you would not have escaped, if Jesus had not preserved you.' JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 311 July 1. The warmest day we have yet had. Thermom- eter at 91 for a while, and now, at nine o'clock, p. M., at 88. Little wind, and weather very damp. It is what the Chinese call the wang may teen, or yellow plum season, because the plums are then ripe, when the atmosphere is so overloaded with mois- ture, that even when the sun is shining, the stone and wooden floors are as damp as if they had but lately been scrubbed, and had not time to dry. July 3. The first sentence of the San trz king, the first book read by children in the schools, asserts that " man's disposition, originally good, becomes depraved by habit." The following sen- tence, however, from the Kea Paou, or Family Jewels, asserts a different doctrine. " In all the world where is there ever a good man born ? All, by education alone, become perfect. Where is there ever a bad man born? All from want of education become bad. The gern uncut is but a useless gem. To what purpose can it be applied 1 The field unwatered and untilled, is but a weedy waste. How can it produce abundant and mature har- vests?" Vol. I. July 6th, Sabbath. Greatly disturbed in our morning worship, by a number of Chinese carrying alum, the property of a Chris- tian merchant, out of a neighboring store-room to load a ship, the property of a Christian owner. Verily, there is but little fear of God in the eyes of many who do business in this heathen land. Alas ! for our work among this people, who know not how to dis- tinguish among the professed and the real followers of Christ Very rainy, damp weather for some days, and so cold, notwith- standing the heat a week ago, as to render thick clothes and woollen stockings comfortable. But it is the last, probably, of the cold weather for a while. July 10. Warm weather now. July 15. A visit from some inferior officer to-day, who had nothing to distinguish him save a beautiful silk dress, and long nails. The nail of one of his thumbs was more than two inchea long, and two of the fingers on the same hand, had nails nearly as long. July 19. Being the 15th of the Chinese month, there was a great crowd of men and women in the temple, and the house was filled with the smoke of the burning incense. July 24. Had a visit to-day from a Mr. Lefevre, a French Ro- man Cai.holic missionary, who has spent five years in Keangse, one in Nankin, and three in Macao. He seems to be about fifty- five years old, and is now on his w r ay to Tartary, to take charge of their theological school at Siwan. He speaks Chinese, the court dialect, fluently, and tolerably well, but with rather a French accent. As he knew no English, and I but little French, we talked- together in Chinese. He goes first to Shanghai, there changea his garments and puts on a queue, with Chinese spectacles, to con- ceal his eyes. From Shanghai he goes by the grand canal, and 312 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. expresses no fear of being detected on the way. Though he speaks fluently, he knows but little of the written language, not being able to write so common a character as Kung, (noble,) which he has occasion to use every day. He speaks in the highest terms of Mr. Ramaux, Roman Catho- lic bishop of Keangse, and says he speaks Chinese better than even his own language. (I have since heard that Mr. Ramaux was lately drowned in Macao. From some of his letters, I had formed a good opinion of him.) The Roman Catholics in China call their priests Shin foo, spiritual fathers, and the bishops C/wo Keaou, lords of the religion. July 25. Went into the temple with a bundle of thirty or forty gospels and tracts in my arm, and found many worshippers. Presently some came and asked what books I had. On giving one away, there was instantly a crowd of eager applicants, and in a few minutes all were disposed of. A hundred more would have been taken, if I had thought fit to give them ; but it seemed better to stop while they were eager for more, than to give them to satiety. July 28. This is the birthday of the god of thunder, though, as my teacher laughing said, " No one knows how old he is." A crowd of men and women were in the temple. My teacher says, "Most of the worshippers are women, who greatly fear the thun- der, though there are some men. The wdinen like these worship- ping days, because it gives them an opportunity to see, and to be seen in their fine clothes ; and most of the men who come, come to amuse themselves, and look at the women." Among the crowd of the common folks, there were many men and women in silks and embroideries. Stalls were at every corner, where men were selling candles, incense sticks, and paper for offerings. The tem- ple was full of smoke ; and the crowd, together with the smoke and the burning paper, renders the place almost insupportably hot. I took some forty or fifty tracts, but the crowd was so great, and the eagerness to get them so excessive, that there was little satis- faction in distributing them. In the Kea Paou, vol. i., line 562, is this sentence. "Ancient men have well said, 'A relation afar off is not so good as a neigh- bor that is near.'" Almost word for word with Prov. xxvii. 10. " Better is a neighbor that is near, than a brother afar off." My teacher was greatly shocked to-day, when I said that " Abra- ham was the friend of God." " How can it be ?" he exclaimed ; " how can a man be the friend of God ; for a friend implies equal- ity. Such a thing ought not to be said." These poor heathen have little idea of the exceeding grace and condescension of God. The other day, talking with him, he advanced the sentiment that the affairs of the world to come, being beyond our personal obser- vation, are of no importance to us ; that if we attend to our own business in this life, the future may be safely left to take care of itself. In confirmation of his opinion that the future world is en- LETTERS. 313 tirely beyond our knowledge and concern, he quoted the saying of Confucius, " Not knowing even life, how can we know death ?" How truly it was said of Christ, " He hath brought life and im- mortality to light through the Gospel;" for they were not known before, and are not known where the Gospel is not heard. Ningpo, April 30th, 1845. MRS. C. M. HEPBURN .... I have little sympathy for those who delight to say that our blessed Saviour never smiled, for when he " rejoiced in spirit," and when he heard the little children cry, Hosanna ! it seems to me as if a smile, strangely and yet sweetly blending the divine and human, must have played upon those features. How pleas- ant, more than "pleasant," to see those features, once marked with the impress of pain and suffering and sorrow ! They are not so marked now, for a glory covers them, such as the disciples saw when they were with him in the holy mount, and that glory I trust we shall ere long see. My previous letter will have informed you of my arrival at Chil- ean, April 2. I stayed there a week, enjoying greatly the scenery and appearance of the place. It quite surpassed my expectations, and is vastly more beautiful than anything I have yet seen in China, always excepting Chang-Chow and the country around. You have nothing at Arnoy or Kulangsu equal to Chusan. There are some pious soldiers at Chusan, and, among others, I was surprised to see Corporal R , who used to be such a con- stant visitor of yours at Ainoy. He asked very earnestly about you all. They all seem very glad of Loomis's going there, and he now preaches in the chapel there every Sabbath. I left Chu- san on the 10th of April, and go there the next day. Stayed a week with Br. Way, and then came over to the Yu-Shing-Kwan mon- astery, which is just within the north gate of the city. Dr. McCartee has been here for some three or four months, and I got a suite of rooms just like his, on the same terms. This is a very quiet part of the city, as there are few houses near ; the mass of the population lies off in other parts of the city. I calculate the inhabitants at two hundred and fifty thousand, in eluding the suburbs at the east and west gates, which are very extensive and populous. . . . We propose observing next Friday as a day of fasting and prayer, both for the mission, and as preparatory to the Load's Sup- per, which I am to administer on the Sabbath following. Miss Aldersey has a fine girl's school, numbering fifteen pupils, and sustains herself well. I hope for much good from the organization of a church in these extreme ends of the earth. I trust that ere long we may admit some of the inhabitants of this place into our fellowship. . . . May 1st. " The laughing month of May ;" though we might al- 314 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. most apply to it the term given to the following month, " The rose encumbered June." One of the monks brought me a bouquet of roses to-day, which I have arranged in a tumbler beneath my looking-glass. I have been busy fitting up my rooms to-day, and have everything now arranged much to my mind. .... I hope we are all settled now, and will not have to move about any more, or make any other changes. I would like to see you all ; but when shall it be ? As my sister E. says in her last let- ter to me, " I am prepared to say, I hope you will not leave your field of labor, even to come and see us." I am sure I am so glad to be at my long-desired haven, that it would require no slight induce- ment for me to leave it. How nervous I used to feel sometimes, on my last trip, for fear I should not get up after all. By what strange ways we are led along, and sometimes hard ones to travel. " Oh there are some rough ways to heaven." " In the world ye shall have tribulation." So our blessed Lord himself said. Friday, May 2d. We have been observing this as a day of fast- ing and prayer for the mission, and also as preparatory to the Lord's Supper. We met, at 10 o'clock only ourselves six in all. Bro. Culbertson conducted the services, and made some very good remarks on the duties before us, and the disposition we should have. I read a long letter which I have just received from my father,' in which he gives his views on several points in relation to the missionary work in China. I wish you were nearer, I would lend it to you. We all led in prayer. In the afternoon we had another meeting at four o'clock, which I conducted ; subject of my remarks, 1 Cor. xi. 23 ; the administration of the Lord's Supper. What a beautiful and forcible passage it is. The Lord's Supper was instituted " the same night in which he was betrayed." Oh what a night was that ! It was the crisis in the world's history, Had our Saviour then drawn back, had the cup passed by him, where had we been ? Earth never saw a night like that. It was on that night that Satan's malice and man's wickedness rose to their highest point ; and on that night the love of Christ was spe- cially shown in the appointment of this solemn and tender ordi- nance. How the love of God in Christ stands in shining contrast with the wickedness of man and Satan ! And what a beautiful sentence that is : " Ye do show the Lord's death till he come." He will come again " in the clouds of heaven." Yea, he has told us, he will " come quickly." It will be " with power and great glory." " We who are alive and remain, shall be caught up with the risen saints to meet the Lord in the air." Now we are expect- ing it. " We love his appearing," is the characteristic of Christians. " Let the vain world pronounce it shame ! With joy we tell the scoffing age, He that was dead hath left the tomb. He lives above their utmost rage, And we are waiting till he come." LETTERS. 315 Herein is a beautiful feature of this ordinance. It was instituted in .the time of Christ's degradation and sorrow, as a memorial of the same ; but it is to be observed until the time when he comes in power and glory and joy. Every time we observe it we are carried back to the scene of his sorrow, and pointed forward to the time of his and our joy, when it shall be said to us, "Enter ye into (he joy of the Lord." Oh that when the bridegroom cometh, we may be ready to enter in before the door is shut. Our servants are greatly at a loss to find we have eaten so little to-day. We tried to explain it, but. they could not comprehend why it was. I have a very simple-hearted servant, and as soon as I came back from the morning service he said, " Mr. Lowrie, don't you want something to eat?" May 3. I have been witnessing an idolatrous ceremony in another part of the monastery where I live, which has made my heart sick. The old gray-headed Taou priest and three of the monks were reciting prayers, beating gongs, cymbals, and the like, and bowing before their idols. A man had come to offer thanks on the birth-day of his son, and the little boy, six years old, sat and watched the whole proceeding. Who made me to differ ? Why have I such glorious hopes? What have I done to deserve them? What am I now doing for him who died for me, and called me into the ministry ? It is a rainy afternoon. The sky is all of one dull, sombre hue ; the rain comes gently yet quickly down A light wind blows the damp air into my apartments, and some noisy birds are chattering under the Kwai hwa trees in the court. I should like to have a social chat with you at such a time as this ; but we are far away, and, moreover, the day draws to a close, and after hearing the boys say their lesson, I must finish my preparations for the services of to-morrow. Oh, how pleasant to sit at the Lord's table rather than at the table of devils ; to hope for God's favor rather than that of idols which cannot save ! With my love to your husband, and to Lloyd and Brown, I remain yours, ever affectionately, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, May 30th, 1845. MY DEAR FATHER You will have heard, ere this reaches you, of the departure of Messrs. Loomis, Culbertson and myself from Macao, and of our safe arrival at Chusan about the first of April. Since that time, all things have prospered with us, and we have found much cause of encouragement in our field of labor. On many accounts we thought it best, that part of the force for this field should be stationed at Chusan. These reasons were, 1st The importance of the field itself, as the Chusan Archipelago is large and populous, and at the present time, peculiarly open and 316 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. accessible. The inhabitants of Tinghai, the chief city in Chusan Island, are commonly estimated at 30,000, though this is probably a large estimate. Judging from what I saw of Chusan, I should think the population of the whole island might be 50,000, and of the whole archipelago perhaps 100,000. All this is only conjec- ture, there may be more, but can hardly be less. This whole population is at present without the Gospel, as there is no mission- ary of any other Board there, nor did we know of any likely to go. 2d. As long as Chusan is retained by the English, it is a very convenient station for attending to business matters, a considera- tion of importance at the commencement of a mission like this. 3d. It is important as a healthy station during the warm months, should any of us need a change at that time. 4th. If Chusan is retained by the English, or if foreigners are allowed to remain there after it is evacuated, it will continue to be an important sta- tion, even more so than at present, for most of the trade of Ningpo will then centre there, and it will be an excellent place to send off our tracts by vessels that go and come. 5th. In case no one is al- lowed to remain there after next January, no time will have been lost ; for the dialect of Chusan so much resembles that of Ningpo, that a person accustomed to the one can use the other without difficulty. Influenced by these reasons, Mr. and Mrs. Loomis have re- mained in Chusan. They have a good and comfortable two-story house in the city, for which they pay ten dollars monthly rent. As Mr. Loomis will doubtless keep you informed of events there, it is not needful for us to write much respecting that station. Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson arrived here the first week in April, and myself the week following. We found Dr. McCartee and Mr. and Mrs. Way enjoying good health. Mr. Way occupies a com- fortable house, or rather part of one, at one hundred dollars a year rent. Mr. Culbertson has another, at one hundred and twenty dollars a year. Dr. McCartee and myself occupy rooms in a monastery of the Taou sect, within the city walls, for which we pay one hundred and twenty dollars a year. The rents are one-half less than in Shanghai, and would be still less here, were it not for the example of the English, who pay much more than is needed. Our rents are twice as much as the Chinese pay. As these rents are moderate, and the houses are on the whole very passable, it is a question whether it is worth while to build or not. For the present we are not disposed to take any steps towards erecting houses. After some more experience we shall know better, whether it is best to build houses for ourselves. The points which we shall need to oe assured about are, 1st. Security of title and good location. 2d. Expense of building. 3d. Effect of living in Chinese houses, which are not made as we would make them, and which all need to be fitted up at some expense, to make them correspond with our ideas of comfort, and even of health. The houses of Mr. Way and Mr. Culbertson are each LETTERS. 317 two stories high. Dr. McCartee and myself have rooms both on the ground floor and up stairs, but at present we occupy only the former. The general impression is that living on the first floor is not so healthy as living above, but Dr. McCartee and myself, having a good dry pavement all around our house, and more con- venient rooms, have preferred the lower story. Dr. McCartee has informed you of his medical practice pre- viously to the arrival of Mr. Culbertson and myself; his proficiency in the language is very creditable indeed. We have decided on commencing a boys' school, as soon as suitable buildings can be procured. There is no difficulty in getting scholars, though there may be some in keeping them ; but the whole expense must come on the mission, as there is no foreign community here, who could contribute anything to their support Mr. Culbertson and myself give our attention chiefly to the language. In regard to this, it may be stated positively that the language both here and at Shanghai is not Mandarin. There are many who understand it, but the large majority do not. In Ningpo there are, properly speaking, two dialects, the "too hwa," or local dialect, which all understand, and the "Ningpo koon h\va." which is used by such as make any pretensions to learning and refinement. In regard to the former, I am scarcely entitled to express an -opinion as yet; but it seems to me, that the body of it is Mandarin, a good deal corrupted, while most; of the connectives, particles, and little words are totally different. E. g. for ^ ^ Kinteen, say Kimmi ; for B^J ^ Mingteen, say Mingtseaou ; for -4k pl^f Woteik, say Allah ; &c. J'^ H v f The consequence is, that a person speaking pure Mandarin can scarcely understand them at all ; but they can gather his meaning in part. Now, as our business is with the poor and the ignorant, this is the dialect we must learn. This is, however, very difficult to do. The colloquial is unwritten, i. e., for many of the words there are no characters. Moreover, a teacher of any abilities is generally averse to teaching the colloquial, and they are almost sure not to give it, unless you dig it out of them. The common people, such as boatmen and servants, are therefore our best resources in getting at the colloquial ; but with them we are not sure that the phrases we get will not be low and vulgar. The Ningpo Koon Wha, (kwan hwa,} is also a corrupt form of the pure court dialect, but so different, that at first I found my acquaintance with the latter of but little use. 1 can now, after more than a month's study, understand my teacher tolerably well, but not so well as though he spoke the purer form. It was this corrupt form of the court dialect which Mr. Milne had studied, and that he had been studying for a year before he came, so that his experience does not show what the true language of the place is. I am half inclined to think it would have been more advan- tageous if I had studied the Canton dialect; for, though that 818 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. differs more from this dialect than the Mandarin does, yet I should have learned so much more of it, hearing it spoken on all sides, that the fluency in speaking would have compensated for a considerable difference in other respects. But as I do not mean to neglect my Mandarin, hoping I may yet live to enter Pekin, it is best perhaps that it should be as it is. It is necessary, or at least highly desirable, that we should acquire the Ningpo Mandarin, as well as the Too hwa. This it is not difficult to do; for, while studying the latter, especially if we study books at all, it is scarcely possible to avoid picking up more or less of the former. I am not yet prepared to say that the Ningpo Koon hwa does not bear the same relation to the Too hwa, which the speech of a polished Englishman does to that of a Yorkshireman. or even of the lower classes in London. If this be the case, a question of some consequence will arise, How far should we use the Too hwa in our prayers and solemn addresses? For example, is it proper for a person addressing a congregation of colored people in the United States, to pray in the broken English which they use, when they can understand, though not so well, the more chastened language we use in our addresses to the Supreme Being? I should be glad to know the custom and the views of the English missionaries in the West Indies*, or of some of the mis- sionaries to the colored people in the south. You may think this is a degrading comparison to the Chinese, but the fact is that the educated classes look down with great disdain on the common people ; and much like the philosophers of old, they can scarce conceive what the lower orders have to do with learning and science, or what we want with the Too hwa. Hence if our tracts are written in a plain and simple style, the learned throw them away as trash ; but eagerly peruse them if \vritten in what they call the classic style, a style of all others most unfit to teach clearly that Gospel which is preached unto the poor. The misfortune is, that the poor, for whom our tracts are most suitable, are seldom able to read. Readers will multiply, doubtless, but slowly; and the impression formed more than a year ago gains strength in my mind, that a change must come over the Chinese literature like that which so totally transformed the literature of Europe about the time of the reformation. The difference between the written and the spoken language, even in Mandarin where it is least, is a serious obstacle in our way. As but little is known respecting this, I will add a few sentences explaining it, though I am not sure that I can convey a very clear idea of what it is. The spoken language of China, (my remarks are about the Mandarin, but they are substantially true of all the dialects,) is like all other languages in the world, polysyllabic. I am aware that some of our best scholars, with whom I would not pretend to compare myself, assert the contrary ; but to me it seems as SPOKEN AND WRITTEN LANGUAGE OP THE CHINESE. 3l9 plain as that two and two make four, that if words have any meaning, the Chinese spoken language is not monosyllabic. For example, If I want to say, a thing, the proper word is . . tung-se ; lantern " . .* tunglung; teeth " . . ya-ch' ; mouth " . . tsuy-pa; father " . . foo-tsin, or kea-foo ; husband " . . chang-foo ; a (respectable) woman " . . foo-jin ; an axe " . . foo-tow ; officer " . . kwan-foo; deputy governor " . . foo-yuen. I believe in regard to all of these, (unless perhaps foo-tsin) that unless one uses both syllables, he will not be understood. This list might be increased to volumes. It is not meant that these are the only words used, but they are the common ones; nor that there are not many monosyllables, just as there are in English. In consequence of this fact, that the spoken language is not monosyllabic, it would be perfectly easy to write it with Roman characters ; and there would be no more danger of mis- taking the meaning than there is in English. In consequence of this also, I am inclined to think that we should learn to speak faster and better, by not attempting the Chinese characters at all, at first ; and were my missionary life to be gone over, I would do so. It is the way the Roman Catholic missionaries do. So much for the spoken language. This is not the first time I have ex- pressed these views. Now in regard to the written language, the case is very different. There are a vast number of characters, and most, not all, of them are complete in themselves ; the sound of many of them is alike, but their shape and meaning are different. See them, and you know at once what they mean. Hear them, and the first Hanlin in the empire cannot tell you. For example, you will have seen in the foregoing list, how often the syllable foo occurs. There is ^V foo, a father ; y^ foo, a husband ; Jffi foo, an officer ; foo, a deputy governor. Look at them, and there is no mistaking the meaning ; but hear them, and you must hear the whole word. E. g. ^J foo becomes, '^ 00 foo-tsin, a father; 4^ foo becomes, =jj^ ^ Chang-foo, a husband; jtt foo becomes, 'iff TM- Kwan-foo, a Magistrate ; :JJ| foo be- comes :j4 [f foo-yuen, Deputy-Governor. There is no more danger of mistaking the meaning when you hear the second, than there is when you see the first. But in writing, which is intended to meet the eye, there is no occasion to write both characters, as 320 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIB. one conveys at a glance all that is wanted, provided you only know it. Hence in writing, commonly only one character of the compound word is written; and the man who reads aloud, in or- der that others may understand, supplies the additional syllable as he goes along. E. g. If a man in reading was simply to read foo, and some one of the hearers was at a loss as to the meaning, he would say, Chay Ting, Shi Shih yin Foo Tsze, "what foo character is that?" And the only reply would be, Foo-Tsin, Teih Foo. " The foo in < footsin,' " or, Kwan Foo, Teih Foo. " The foo in Kwan/oo." I have heard such expressions hundreds of times. Here then is the radical difference between the written and spoken language. The classical style abbreviates as much as possible, using only one syllable, whenever that one will convey the meaning to the eye. The intermediate style is not so very close ; and the Seaou IShwo, or vulgar style, approaches closely to the spoken language, in using very often both the characters that form a word. But a scholar will scarcely degrade himself by writing, and never by praising such a style. When a boy goes to school, the first thing he does is to learn the names of the characters, but not their meaning. Five years are spent at this, and at the end of that time, he can perhaps re- peat the whole of the Four Books, without knowing the meaning of a solitary character. Then the characters are explained to him. The teacher takes the Four Books, or some other volume, and goes over each character one by one. " This / foo char- acter is the character for father i. e. Foo-tsin." "This thp foo character is the character for officer i. e. Kwan-foo." " This ^~ foo character is the character for husband, Chang-foo ;" and so he goes on; explaining in the colloquial, which of course the boy knows, the meaning of the written, which he can repeat, but does not understand. There are a vast number of persons whose educa- tion is not finished, i. e., who can read, but not understand. If you see a boy reading, you may almost take it for granted, that he does not know the meaning of what he reads. Dr. McCartee has three boys, aged, one sixteen years, and the others fourteen and fif- teen, all of whom can read, and the two elder can write beautifully; but nearly all they know of the meaning of the characters, they have learned within the last six months ; and though they know the names of far more characters than I do, 1 doubt whether they understand half as many. This difference between the written and spoken dialects is the radical one. There are others, however, not less perplexing. The greatest is, the pedantry of the Chinese, which is incomparably worse than Dr. Johnson's, and has nothing of his powerful intel- lect and varied intelligence to render it tolerable. High-flown ex- pressions are employed, and most laboriously concise sayings, coveriug as common-place thoughts as you will meet with in the LETTERS NINGPO. 321 essays of a village newspaper. For example, there is the first sentence from the Shang-Lun, or Sayings of Confucius, Tse yue, heo wrh she seih che poo yih shwo hoo ? " The philoso- pher says, To learn, and times to practise it, not also gratifying, eh?" Yue pang tsuh yuen fang tae poo yih yo hoo, "To have friends from distant places come, not also joyful, eh?" gin poo che urh poo, poo yeh ke tse hoo ? " Men not know, yet not be displeased, not also a worthy man, eh ?" The above is literal : here is the meaning. " Confucius says, ' That men should learn what is virtuous, and constantly practise the same, is not this grat- ifying ? That persons of the same sentiments with myself, should come to me from a distant place to learn, is not this a cause of joy ? But for men to be ignorant of the virtues of another, and he, notwithstanding, be perfectly satisfied, and careless of applause on account of his merits, is he not a worthy prince indeed?'" But I have written more than I meant to do, and fear you are as tired as I am myself. This subject may therefore pass, unless you write for more particulars. The city of Ningpo lies nearly in the centre of a large plain, sur- rounded on all sides by mountains, and intersected by innumerable canals, which are nearly all navigable, and serve the double pur- pose of irrigation and travelling. A covered boat and boatmen can be had for a whole day for twenty-five cents, and whenever we want to extend our ramble any distance beyond the city, we find it most convenient to make use of them. The plain is at least twenty miles in diameter in its narrowest part, and much wider in other places. The whole of this great amphitheatre is thickly studded over with villages and farm-houses, and has two or three large cities besides Ningpo. Foreigners are not allowed to wander beyond the keen, or district of which Ningpo is the cap- ital. Its exact dimensions we do not well know, but we can go at least three miles on every side, and in one direction as many as twenty or thirty. By a little prudence and care, we shall doubtless obtain a wider range for our excursions. For the pres- ent, unable as we are to speak with fluency, the field is vastly larger than we can profitably occupy; and whenever we can speak well, we doubt not the door will be opened wider. Should it not be opened, the question will arise, whether obedience to a higher authority and covenant than any of human devising, will not justify us in exceeding the limits that have been fixed, and preaching in other cities the Kingdom of God. On this point there is some diversity of opinion amongst us ; but I am disposed to think that a blessing would attend our efforts, if carried on. occa- sionally at least, where the prince of this world now exercises su- preme authority. Opposition and excitement on the part of the rulers would but rouse attention to our work. But it may be thought that this is looking too far ahead. The foreign trade of Ningpo is not so great as it once was. It once carried on an important commerce with Manila, when South 21 322 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. America belonged to Spain, as well as with other parts of the Chinese Empire. But of late years Shanghai has greatly sur- passed it, and the latter city is likely to possess by much the lar- gest share of trade with western lands. When the treaty wa? formed in 1842, it was supposed by Sir Henry Pottinger, Mr. Mor- rison, and nearly every other person, that Ningpo would be the most important of the five ports ; but it has been found, that the vicinity of Shanghai to the City of Loochow, and to the grand canal, give it great advantages over any of the other ports. The best days of Ningpo are probably past, and painful evidences of decay are visible on all sides. Still it has a considerable trade with Fuhkeen. and with the northern provinces ; and numerous junks are constantly lying in the river. It offers more advantages to Americans than to the English, as it lies nearer to the green tea district, and offers a good market for the sale of American manu- factured goods. The people are as civil and obliging as could reasonably be ex- pected, considering the severe and uncalled for treatment they re- ceived during the war, and the thoughtless course of some of the English officers, in destroying the public buildings for firewood. We are better treated here, by far, than a Chinaman would be in New York or London ; though it does occasionally ruffle one's temper to hear himself called a pah-kwei, or white devil, with some other such choice epithets. So far as I have seen, there is little difference between this place and Shanghai in that respect ; and the difference in favor of this place, which was observed not long ago, was probably owing to the fear of foreigners then fresh in mind, but now wearing off. We have lately organized a church here, under the title, " Pres- byterian Church of Ningpo," of which Mr. Culbertson has been elected pastor. It consists of seven members, to wit : D. B. McCartee, Hingapoo, a Chinese servant of Mr. Way's, together with Mrs. Way, Mrs. Culbertson, Miss Aldersey, Ruth Ati, and Christiana Kit. The two latter are Chinese girls whom Miss Aldersey has educated, and who were baptized by Mr. Med hurst in Java. Dr. McCartee was elected ruling elder, and Mr. Way and myself also act as ruling elders for the time being. The church was regularly organized on the 18th inst., when Mr. Culbertson preached a sermon on Acts ii. 42-47, and Dr. McCartee was or- dained as ruling elder, with the laying on of hands of the bishop, and the right hand of fellowship from Mr. Wa} r and myself, in our capacity as ruling elders. It was a good day to us all; and though the beginning is small, we trust the latter end will greatly increase. It is a day of small things, but a day not to be despised. As this is the first Presbyterian church in China, pray for us that the small one may become a thousand, and the weak one a strong nation. . May '31st. In regard to the facilities for disiributing tracts a good deal might be said, but the nature of it would depend much LETTERS. 323 on the disposition of the person who writes. Any number might be given away. I would undertake to give to eager applicants more than as many as our press could possibly print, but the mis- fortune is, that they would be just as eagerly sought after, if they were copies of Paine's Age of Reason, or any other book in the world. I think each member of our mission disapproves of indis- criminate distribution. We do not yet know the proportion of the people who can read, though it is probably small ; yet we have an excellent opportunity here of circulating tracts and gospels, and there is rarely a day that Dr. McCartee and myself do not give away one or more, where we are pretty sure they will be read. We regard this, therefore, as an important means of circulating the principles of our religion, though greatly inferior to the oral preaching of the Word. You have several times spoken of the ease with which a synon- ymous character might be substituted, in case we could not make the required one with the types on hand. This is a thing very difficult to do ; for there are very few characters indeed, that are properly speaking synonymous. It is much better to get the char- acters wanted cut by the hand, on metal blocks, which we can commonly have done without difficulty. I must stop now, for my letter is swelling to an unreasonable length. I remain your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, July 22d, 1845. MY DEAR MOTHER .... Did you ever notice Psalm xxx. 5. " His anjjer endureth but a moment, in his favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Is not that beautiful? But here is a literal translation of it, which is, if possible, still more beautiful and expressive : " A moment in his anger, But lifetimes in his favor : In the evening, weeping will abide ; But in the morning there is shouting." Observe the force of the expression. "In the evening, weeping will abide." It "will abide." It threatens to remain long with us ; sorrow seems as if it were about to take up its abode. Night is before us, and we see no sun, no day, no joy beyond. But the night quickly passes, " as a dream of the night," and what then ? " In the morning there is shouting." And how true it is. Just compare Isaiah liv. 7, with 2 Qorinthians iv. 17. That a person can be a Christian, and yet afraid of death, I have no doubt. Indeed, I suppose most Christians are so. But why should it be so? It is hardly correct to say, " The Bible says ' Death is the king of terrors.' " Bildad the Shuhite said so, or some- 324 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. thing like it, for I am not sure that he meant death by that ex- pression ; but if he did, I would not like to take all he said for the .Bible. The New Testament does not so represent it. It says that Christ "gave up the ghost," and that Stephen "fell asleep." The apostle says, even of the offending Corinthian Christians, " many sleep ;" and of deceased Christians generally, that they " are asleep." Asleep ! what is so peaceful ! quiet repose in Christ ! how long or short it matters little. Soon the Lord will come again, and them that are asleep will he bring with him. How soon ? We know not ; but soon, not a thousand years off, but so soon that we may not fall asleep, perhaps, before he comes As ever, affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, August 2d, 1845. MY DEAR FATHER .... My health is better, so far, this year, than any year since I came to China. Still, however, the warm weather has a weak- ening effect, which we all feel more or less. There is too in this place a constant tendency to diarrhoaa in summer, which needs a good deal of care to avoid it. In another month the cool weather will commence. If this year be a fair specimen of Ningpo sum- mer, I think there is every prospect of good health here. It is said, however, to be cooler than usual. . . . I am now engaged in preparing a copy of Luke for publication, with short notices, which I hope will be ready by the end of the year ; and perhaps I shall prepare also Acts in the same way. I am losing faith in the doctrine, " The Bible without note or com- ment," at least as far as the Chinese are concerned, from the often witnessed fact, that the most intelligent of them fall into frequent and gross mistakes as to its meaning. For example, many think we worship our ancestors, because the Lord's prayer commences, " Our Father, which art in heaven." If we only had enough of our small type, Luke and the comments might make a volume of seventy-five or one hundred pages. With Dyer's type, and the Paris type, it will be one hundred and fifty or more, and conse- quently far more expensive, and, as I think, not so good-looking. Perhaps if we print it, we may get enough of small type cut by hand to supply all we want. This will be expensive, but not much more so than to use so much more paper, &c., with larger type. . . . . " The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice." His own cause is infinitely dear to him, and our follies, weaknesses, sins, mis- takes, all things shall not retard it ; no, not for one moment. His way may be in darkness and storms, and the clouds may be but the dust of his feet ; but in due time, at the appointed season, all will be plain. Till then, " Wo unto the world because of offences LEAVES FROM THE NOTE-BOOK OF A MISSIONARY. 326 It must needs be that offences come ;" but I pray God that they come not from us. Oh for that happy time when they shall not hurt nor destroy, nor cause to offend, in all God's holy mountain. Ever affectionately your son, W. M. LOWRIE. LEAVES FROM THE NOTE-BOOK OF A MISSIONARY. NO. III. It is a fact which can neither be denied, nor sufficiently lamented, that the influence of nominal Christians in heathen lands is too often adverse to Christianity. It is not necessary to refer to the countenance, and in some instances open patronage which some Christian governments have given to idolatry, nor to their exces- sive scruples, lest their subjects should, in the slightest degree, in- terfere with the religious belief or the prejudices of the heathen, while equally reprehensible interference with their social customs and laws and feelings are overlooked and neglected. Of the mass of nominal Christians in heathen lands, it must be said, that while often retaining, in a high degree, the character of gentlemen, up- right as men of business, and most obliging in their deportment to strangers, they, with few exceptions, drop that of a Christian. To do business on the Sabbath, in many places, is so common, that it is the rule rather than the exception. In a frequented port I have noticed that more ships were sent to sea on the Sabbath, than on any other day of the week ; and I have heard it said in reference to this, " the better day the better deed !" while, with very many, the Sabbath is the day for visiting and amusement. Where there is divine service in English, a part of the community attend, and generally give a most respectful attention ; but the large majority are never seen in a house of worship, even where they have the means of easiest access to it. Of profane swearing, and of some vices of which it is a shame even to speak, it is not my purpose now to write anything, nor to add more on this topic than this : that far too commonly, even where there is nothing outwardly in- correct, the heathen would never suspect that those coming from Christian lands had any more religion than a Mohammedan, or a Parsee, or an infidel. But though a regard to truth requires these melancholy facts to be stated, it equally requires to be made known that there are some bright and honorable exceptions. There are few places where any number of foreign residents are collected, where there are not a few who are "clothed in white ;" and were it proper to do so, the writer of this article, and perhaps nearly every mission- ary, could speak of " honorable men and devout Women," who are, in their appropriate spheres, lights to the heathen, and examples to their own countrymen. Without speaking of any who are now living, or betraying the confidence reposed in me by those who are dead, I wish to trace a few lines respecting one witn whom I spent 326 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. many a pleasant hour, which, while they confirm the statements just made, will give another evidence of the incidental benefits of missionary operations. During the greater part of my residence in , there was no other clergyman there, and, as there was a small number of Eng- lish and American residents, several of whom had their families with them, I was in the habit of conducting divine service on the Sabbath morning, with some occasional meetings, and also admin- istering the Lord's Supper once a month. The number of attend- ants on the Sabbath varied from twenty to fifty, (there were one hundred and fifty who might have attended), and from six to twelve sat down at the Lord's table. Among the constant attend- ants was a lady with whom I became slightly acquainted, and whose earnest attention to the word preached, was such as I have seldom seen equalled. Of a sweet disposition and polished man- ners, she was a general favorite, and had so many visitors, that it was seldom possible for me to see her alone ; and this, joined to an exceeding diffidence to speak on religious subjects, prevented me, for a long time, from forming much acquaintance with her, or seeing fully the character of her piety. She was a member of an evangelical church in her own land, and, maintaining a con- sistent deportment, she commonly met with us when the Lord's Supper was administered. On one occasion, however, she declined coming, without assigning any reason, and on the next occasion did the same. Not feeling that I possessed the pastor's right to inquire into the matter, nor being sufficiently acquainted to do it as a friend, I was at some loss what to do, and even wronged her so much as to think that her refusal to come might have proceed- ed from improper motives. After waiting several months, and ob- serving no change in her consistent deportment, nor her attention to the ordinances of the sanctuary, it seemed a duty to see her, and, if in my power, to assist her. But the place was then full of visitors ; and after some ineffectual attempts to see her alone, I wrote her a note, urging on her the importance and benefit of meeting with her fellow-Christians, and offering any assistance or instruction in my power. An immediate answer was returned, on the perusal of which it was difficult to refrain from tears. Her declining to attend at the administration of the Lord's Supper arose from no want of desire to do so, for it was her earnest wish to be a disciple of the Saviour, but from some views of Christian character and experience respecting which she had had no Chris- tian friend to set her right. Being exceedingly afraid of death, she thought this a proof that she could not be a Christian ; but her whole note breathed so thoroughly the spirit of one of " the lambs of the flock," and exhibited so many of the marks which are found in all true believers, that, after pointing her attention to them, in answer to her question, " Do you think I ought to come to the Lord's table ?" I could not but reply, " For you, and such as you, there is a special right, and a special place reserved," LEAVES FROM THE NOTE-BOOK OP A MISSIONARY. 327 or something to that effect. The answer sent relieved her mind so much, that on the next day she met with us, and afterwards, overcoming her natural reluctance to speak of herself and her re- ligious feelings to a stranger, she frequently applied to me for counsel, and, during the few remaining months of my sojourn in , gave me many opportunities of assisting her in her pilgrim- age. It was delightful to witness her Christian character ex- panding, and her rapid growth in grace and in knowledge. Timid as a bird in an unknown region, or a child that is but just begin- ning to walk, her chief anxiety seemed to be, to know and to do the will of the Lord. Too delicate a plant to have braved the winds that others might endure, I could not but notice how the Lord " stayed his rough wind in the day of his east wind," and caused the temptations that fell more heavily on others to turn away from her. Ever anxious to know the truth, she put many a question to me, which my own limited experience scarcely ena- bled me to answer, while her gratitude for the assistance she re- ceived, formed, at the time, one of the sweetest solaces, and now, one of the pleasantest remembrances of my sojourn in . I never heard an unkind or slighting expression from her lips, in regard to any of her associates ; while for some, and especially for her husband and children, her anxiety for their salvation was deep and overpowering. She frequently asked respecting mission- ary operations among the heathen, and, when I came away, put a considerable sum of money in my hands, to be used in any way to facilitate labors among them. Several months passed thus away, and it became needful for me to leave . She did not attempt to conceal her deep regret when she bade me farewell, for, owing to her natural diffidence, she feared that it would be long before she should meet another to whom she could so freely resort for counsel. One or two let- ters, breathing the same deep and simple earnestness in seeking the favor of God, followed me to my new place of residence ; but ere the answer to her second note reached her, she was no more. A sickness that she had foreseen, and from which she had scarcely expected to recover, carried her away. She had, all her life, been much afraid of death ; and this, as much as anything else, led her to suspect her own piety ; nor could all my counsels enable her to overcome it. But, as the pious Bunyan remarks, " The river [of death] to some has had its flowings and its ebbings when others have gone over. It has been, in a manner, dry for some, while it has overflowed its banks for others." When the trying hour came, her gentle spirit was sustained by an unseen hand ; and, with the utmost calmness, she made every arrangement for her departure, spoke words of consolation to her weeping husband, and slept in Jesus. 328 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. JOURNAL AT NINGPO. August 7th. Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson went toChusan yesterday, and Dr. McCartee to-day, principally for health. I am left alone in the temple. Commenced to-day for the first time explaining the por- tion of the Scriptures read at prayers, and reading a prayer. Took the " Two Friends," as being easier for me, and more colloquial than the Gospels, and was told by Azhik, when done, that he un- derstood all I said. This was encouraging, for I spoke " with stammering lips," but it is likely to be a profitable exercise. Went this afternoon to take a view from the " Teen fung ta," a tower of Ningpo ; but though it was clear on one side, the other was so covered with smoke that little could be seen. From the door to the highest platform are one hundred and fifty steps, which, being about eight inches each on an average, gives one hundred feet as the height. To the roof of the highest platform is perhaps ten feet more, and ten feet above this for the top, with five feet for the foundation above ground, gives about one hundred and twenty- five feet as the total height. The walls are very thick, at the top over five feet even. It has seven stories, each lighted by six win- dows, with a wooden railing in each to prevent accidents. It looks old and ruinous, and suffers much for want of the wooden projec- tions, with which it was once ornamented. The view from the top was magnificent, and in a clear day must be enchanting. The citadel of Chinhai ; the hills all around, except in the direction where the plain is lost in the sea ; the nu- merous towns and villages ; and the three rivers meandering through the plain, form a scene of beauty rarely witnessed. The city and suburbs seem very extensive as seen from the summit. There are a vast number of trees in all directions, principally the small dark Junipers, over the tombs. August 8. Exhibiting a microscope to my teacher and servants, at which they were in great astonishment. The beautiful work- manship of the instrument itself, (a present from a kind friend in New York,) attracted much admiration ; but its power in display- ing minute objects was a thing of which they had formed no pre- vious conception. The hairy leg of a fly was an object of especial curiosity, and they exclaimed frequently, " Why, the fly's leg has hairs ! the fly's leg has hairs !" The weather is now warm, and weakening in its effects. One's strength is easily exhausted, and two or three hours of close appli- cation, either to the pen or one's books, is fatiguing. August 9. A feast for the dead, who have no surviving children to worship them, is just now (nine o'clock, p. M.) going on outside of my rooms. Two long ropes, with numerous strips of colored paper suspended, are hung along the sides of the stre'ets, and tables with various eatables, as eggs, water-lily roots, beans, fish, ginger, rice, cups of spirits, and the like, are spread over them. At one end is a hideous monster made of paper, and at the other a com- JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 329 pany of priests are performing some monotonous ceremonies Budhist and Taou priests mingle together in the rites, and the little children look on it as a great " raree-show." The object is to feed the souls of dead men in this neighborhood, who have no children left to provide for their wants. Contributions have been given by the neighbors around to the amount of four thousand cash, and as all the expenses will scarcely amount to one thousand, the remainder will of course fall into the pockets of the priests. It is now early harvest for millet and rice. The grain is threshed very soon after being cut, and entirely by hand. Threshing-floors seem unknown, though the paved fronts of large old tombs and similar places are often used for drying floors. After being cut, or pulled up as the case may be, which is done handful by handful, the stalks are spread out to dry for a day or two, and then carried to the threshing box, which is moved from place to place as it is wanted. This box is about four feet square by two deep, being wider at the top than at the bottom. In the box on one side there is a strong frame of long strips of bamboo, against which the heads of the grain are beaten, while a large mat on the other three sides prevents them from flying away, and they fall down to the bottom of the box. It is slow and hard work, but seems quite effectual. After drying this grain some days longer, it is winnowed, either in sieves in the open air, or in a windmill, much the same as those used by farmers in the United States. After this the rice must be pounded in mortars, or rubbed between two wooden grinders to remove the husk adhering to each separate grain. There is a vast deal of labor in cultivating rice, as the Chinese do it. The grain is first steeped in water, then sowed in nursery beds, then trans- planted by hand, then weeded, an operation which requires men to go over the field on their hands and knees, in mud and water a foot deep, irrigated two or three times by water-wheels, cut, threshed, dried, winnowed, pounded, winnowed again, and I do not know how many more operations. Saturday evening, August 23. A warm oppressive day. Feel- ing a slight headache in the evening, I went out and sat down on the wall by the north gate, to enjoy what little wind might be stirring. Several workmen who lodged in the guard-house over the gate, came up to me, and after a few questions and answers we were on the best possible terms. The conversation, where all were in a good-humor, and all wanted to talk, was very mixed, and sometimes diverting enough. After a few ordinary phrases, I began to find myself out of my depth, but still a word here and there, and half a sentence sometimes, kept us going. At last I asked them " what.gods they worshipped ?" to which some replied, " Yuh-kwang," (the Jewelled Emperor,) also " Kwan-yin," and va- rious others. On this I remarked that these were all false gods, mere wood and clay, they were unable to speak, hear, see or walk. Of what use were they? Why should they be worshipped? These remarks excited frequent bursts of laughter, with exclama- 330 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. tions, " True !" '' Just so !" and the like. They then asked if we had no idols in our country, on which, "with stammering lips, and in another tongue," I set before them the only object of worship, the true God, the Supreme Ruler of all, the hearer of prayer, and his son Jesus Christ. They were astonished when told that he could see, hear, and speak, and asked various questions, to many of which I found it difficult to reply. On coming away several of them requested me to " come again to-morrow." Wednesday, September 3. Dr. McCartee and myself started on a trip of relaxation and exploration, meaning to visit Teentung, a celebrated Budhist monastery, some twenty-five miles south of Ningpo. We engaged a boat large enough to accommodate our- selves, with my teacher, and a servant, besides the two boatmen. The charge for the boat and boatmen is about half a dollar a day. The boat being somewhat slow in starting, we strolled through a large grave-yard near the landing. Numerous coffins were lying about on the top of the ground with, no covering whatever, and some were almost fallen to pieces through age. There were three stone buildings about ten or twelve feet square, and as many high, intended for the reception of children's bones. One was the " Children's Pagoda," and the others the " Boy's Pagoda," and "Girls' Pagoda." Such buildings are common, for in China little attention is paid to the burial of children, unless they happen to be the first born. Instead of the massive coffins in which the re- mains of adults are laid, a slight box is nailed together, in which they are deposited, and laid anywhere, until, the frail structure having decayed, and the flesh disappeared, the bones are collected and put in such buildings as these. Continuing our walk through the suburb, which is long and wide, and near the city very populous, we gave away some tracts, but refused many applicants, on the ground that they could not read. It soon began to rain, and getting into our boat, we pro- ceeded rapidly on our way. We slept rather uncomfortably in the boat, and arrived during the night at the hills within six miles of Teentung. The next morning on awaking we found ourselves at the foot of some hills, and as far as the boat could go. The country around had an inviting aspect, and we began to promise ourselves much pleasure in rambling about among the hills. But to our dismay, heavy showers of rain came up every few minutes, and it soon ap- peared that there was small prospect of getting comfortably to Teentung. There are no nice covered coaches here, nor good broad roads, and the only conveyances to be had consisted of open sedan chairs, in which ourselves, and what was worse, our bedding and changes of raiment, were sure to be thoroughly wet. After some hesitation we deemed it best, since the weather was so un- promising, to keep to the boat, and instead of going directly to Teentung, to go to Tung-woo, a romantic lake among the hills, and see what the prospect might be from there. The hills are less JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 331 barren than those farther south, and produce a good deal of long coarse grass, and stunted brush, suitable for fire-wood, (" the grass of the field to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven ;") but they are scarcely susceptible of profitable cultivation. All the val- leys, however, which are large, and the hollows between the hills, which are numerous, are well cultivated, and the population is great. Villages are in profusion. During the day we came to a large hill of coarse red sandstone, which has been worked as a stone quarry for some two hundred years, and is more than half cut away. We went to see it in a driving rain, and found it a singular scene. Avenues were cut in various directions, as the veins of the stone happened to be best adapted for working. In some places, high rocks were left stand- ing, like castles towering in the air, and close by there would be excavations dug down in the solid rock as many as twenty feet and more. Vast masses of rubbish were piled about on every side, so as to render walking in some places difficult, while the driving rain, and the wind rushing among the broken rocks, gave an air of indescribable wildness to the scene. A number of men were working in the rain, all of whom seemed cheerful and civil enough. We left a few tracts, though there were but few who could read. Thence we proceeded till we came in sight of Tung-woo ; but to our disappointment found the water in the canal so low, (not- withstanding the late heavy rains,) that we could not reach the lake in our boat, and the frequent showers precluded the idea of walking. We turned our faces towards ^fuh-wang, a large Bud- hist monastery, with two high towers, which we had seen during the morning. We reached the monastery a little before sunset, and found it so embowered in trees that the buildings were not visible till we were close to them. The Budhist priests have certainly, what is rather uncommon among other classes, a good deal of taste in the selection of their residences. This monastery is beautifully situ- ated in a gorge of two hills, with another hill directly in front. This does not furnish a very wide prospect in any direction, but it makes the place quiet and retired. A brick wall inclosing several acres of ground goes round the monastery. Entering the main gate, we went down to the bottom of the valley, crossed a little bridge thrown over the valley stream, and ascending a slight ele- vation of some twenty feet or more, entered the buildings, and pro- ceeding through one or two large court-yards, were politely re- ceived by the monks, and shown into the strangers' apartments, a set of three or four rooms, with some chairs, tables, and bedsteads. Monasteries and temples are the principal inns in China, though they seldom furnish more than four walls and a roof. The trav- eller is expected to furnish his own bedding and food, and to have some one to prepare it for him, though the latter service can gen- erally be performed for him by extempore cooks, if he is willing to put up with the ignorance of foreign modes and dirty habits, by 332 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. which they are generally distinguished. It is, however, the safest and cheapest plan for the traveller to have his own servant along ; and though some good friend of missions at home may ask what business a plain missionary has to carry a servant about with him, yet such would do well to consider, that here we have no comfort- able inns, with separate rooms which we can lock when we go out, and where everything in the shape of bedding and food is prepared for us by attentive landlords. But this is digression. Being wearied by the confinement of our boat, we were glad to get our supper ; and after a hasty glance at the buildings, as it was now dark, we soon went to bed, but did not rest very well, for there was an abundance of fleas, and having neglected our own musketo curtains, we were fain to use some we found in the mon- astery, which did not shelter us perfectly from the attacks of the musketoes. The first building is a large high structure of only one story. Within it is about one hundred feet long by seventy broad, and the roof is supported by numerous wooden pillars, standing on stone bases. The Chinese have not the art of supporting a roof without using so many pillars as to diminish materially the effect of a large room. The principal objects in this room were three immense figures, the Three Precious Buddhas. They were sit- ting with their feet drawn up like tailors at work, and were of immense size. Judging from the base of the seat on which they sat, and which, though twelve feet square, they quite covered, they must have been eighteen or twenty feet high, even in their sitting posture. They were richly gilt, and between them stood two attendants, gilt all over, and perhaps twelve feet high. They did not seem to have much worship paid to them, and the spar- rows which had made their nests in the roof above, defiled the place with dirt. Behind these figures, and facing the other way, was the image of Kwan Yin, " She who regards the prayers of the world," sitting on a horse, (or ass ?) and carrying a child in her arms. Several attendants stood round her shrine, which was al- together a curious specimen of working in clay. It represented the sea, with numerous rocks and islands, over which she was crossing on horseback. Along the ends and back of this building, sat thirty-four gilt images, each as large as the human figure, with every variety of countenance and dress. In front of the door stood the most curiously gnarled tree I ever saw. Its trunk was more than a foot in diameter ; after rising up some six or eight feet it bent back in a sharp angle to the ground, and then stretched up again, while its branches stood out in every direction. It was inclosed by a stone railing, and evidently was esteemed a great curiosity. There was some story of miraculous appearances connected with it ; but I have forgotten what it is. Directly behind this building, and separated from it by a large square stone paved court, was another some sixty by eighty feet in dimensions, and in much better keeping. The principal objects JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 333 of interest were two really magnificent shrines, of a circular pyramidal shape, one behind the other. Over the hinder one an immense silken canopy was suspended, lights were constantly burning before them, and some of the monks seemed to be always in the building. And for what, think you, was all this display ? Because one of the shrines contained a veritable Shay-le of Buddh, taken from his sacred body before his deification ! And what is a Shay-le ? On this point I can get but little satisfaction. I am told " it is neither gold nor brass, nor stone, nor yet bone nor flesh. It is a small round thing, about as big as the half of a pea, and looks somewhat like a scab from a sore that is healing up." For a " consideration" the priests will allow you to see it, and if you are a good man, or likely to be prosperous, its color is red, but if the reverse, it will be black. As great honors are paid to this valuable relic, as to the blood of St. Januarius, and no doubt the priests make much money out of it. My teacher, who has of late some new views on some topics,) laughs at it as an imposition to wheedle people out of their money. There are several idols in this hall, one of which is a jolly fat old fellow with a continual laugh on his face. The other buildings of the temple have little in them worthy of notice, and the rain was so violent that we were obliged to postpone to another time our purposed visit to the towers and grounds of the temple. This we regretted, as the two towers are each seven stories high, and the country had a very pretty appearance. There are about thirty monks in the establishment. Those we saw were generally pale and sickly looking fellows, with counte- nances betokening very little mental exertion or worth. The routine of their duties is such, as must effectually quench every noble aspiration, for it consists in. an unceasing round of prostra- tions and chants, generally in an unknown tongue, and almost always performed without the slightest appearance of devotion or zeal. It is marvellous how men can for years practise such in- sipid ceremonies, without becoming utterly disgusted with them. One of the monks had deprived himself of one of his fingers by a very painful process ; he had wrapped oiled flax around it down to the middle of the joint next the hand, and burned it slowly, another monk reciting prayers all the time, till the finger was consumed. When we saw him the stump was not perfectly healed. He had also seared the flesh of one arm in a dozen places with a hot iron. He had a special vow of abstinence from covetousness, wine, and lewdness, and these were the marks by which he made his vow generally known. But notwithstanding such evidences, which, by the way, are not uncommon, the char- acter of those who bear them is by no means good. The " for- bidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats," by which the Buddhist and Taou sects are distinguished, are followed by just the consequences which all history teaches us to expect. It was melancholy to meet even here, with traces of the injury 334 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. done by foreigners to our religion. This temple has been visited by several Englishmen, and some of other nations, (we were the first American visitors,) and we had not been long there, before the monks told us that a former visitor had gone and bowed down before their idols, and then turning to one of his companions, as- sured the monks that this was the god of England, and in their presence performed acts of devotion to him, such as they performed to their idols ! I give the story as it was told, without vouching for its truth. If it be true, what shall be said? The excuse that would be given by the persons concerned, would doubtless be, that it was only in sport, or possibly, to throw contempt on idolatry ; but who will deem this sufficient? You ask if I believe the story? All I can say is, I have known of things nearly as bad, nor should I feel surprised if even this were true. One thing is certain, the story is generally believed by the Chinese who have been to the temple, for the monks are fond of telling it, and is quoted by them as a proof that foreigners worship idols. In saying this, I testify to that I do know. Having seen all we wanted, and being tired of staying, we be- gan to think of going, but how to accomplish it? The rain fell in torrents, and the road to our boat was flooded the greater part of the way by a stream of water nearly a foot deep. It was a regular scene in wading, and might have reminded one of trout- fishing in the streams in Pennsylvania. Getting to the boat, we changed our wet clothes for others, and going off in the rain, reached home shortly before dark, greatly amused and profited by our trip, though it had not turned out as we had expected. Tuesday, October 14. Having occasion to visit Chusan, started in a boat about midnight and reached Chusan at one o'clock, p. M. Asking a boatman how far it was from Chinhai to Chu- san, he replied, " It's all by water, and nobody knows." The Chinese have no idea of any way of measuring distances by water, and though this man had gone between the two places probably fifty times, he had not troubled himself even to guess how far apart they might be. Such, too, is the ignorance of even learned men in China respecting Astronomy, that it is difficult to give them any idea of the way of measuring distances by celes- tial observations. In walking through the streets of Chusan, I was singularly affected by hearing a little girl, daughter of one of the English soldiers now stationed here, saying, " my mother wants you to come back directly." The familiar words and English accent spoken by a young person, were so different from the " unknown tongue " spoken by every one around, that they easily transported my thoughts to a land where all speak my own mother tongue. How strangely it would now seem, to be where everybody spoke the same language with myself ! Tuesday, October 21. Started on a trip to Poo-too, one of the most celebrated establishments of the Buddhists in China. JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 335 Having a fair wind and tide, the boat proceeded rapidly along the southern shore of Chusan, towards its eastern extremity. Numerous islands, large and small, stud the whole length of the island, and the channels between them are generally deep. About five miles east of Tinghai, there is a small village called Seaou Yew, or "Salt Pans," from the quantity of salt manufactured there. The shores of Chusan for many miles, and of some of the opposite islands, are used for manufacturing salt. There is not much level ground, but much of what there is being low, it is covered at high water, and after the tide is fallen, the mud, satu- rated with salt water, is drawn up in heaps, and the salt water oozes out into large vessels sunk for that purpose into the earth. This water is then boiled in concave iron pans, each holding several gallons. The heaps of earth thus gathered are often ten or twelve feet high, but the late long rains had so materially interfered with the business, that I was unable to obtain any satisfactory account of the various processes. Judging from the number of piles of earth, there must be several thousand persons employed in the business. The salt trade is a monopoly in China, and some of the salt merchants are among the richest men in the empire. Poo-too lies east of the north-eastern extremity of Chusan. Ac- cording to a Chinese history of the island, it is about a hundred le, or a little over thirty miles, from Tinghai. Having an unfavora- ble wind, we had to beat across the channel, and did not reach it till after three o'clock, p. M. Its aspect from the sea is but little more inviting than that of the other islands around, and what it has in appearance that is pleasant is owing to art ; for excepting the trees that show themselves in the valleys and among the rocks, which have been planted by man, it is even wilder and rockier than its companions. A deep cleft or valley near the middle of the island reveals the yellow tiled roof of one of the principal temples, from a great distance off, but the principal landing-place is at the south-eastern extremity. No sooner does one step on shore than he has evidence on every side that the place is " wholly given to idolatry." A small wor- shipping place stood close by the landing ; shrines and inscriptions were cut in the rocks by the roadside, and a large red gateway covered with tiles announced the approach to a temple. Pursuing the walk a hundred yards further over a broad stone-paved path- way overhung by trees, you enter the Pih-hwa-yen, or " white flowery monastery." Here I sought for lodgings, but the monks seemed not to desire company, and complained of having met such uncivil treatment from foreigners who had recently been there, that they did not wish to see any more. However, they finally showed me a suite of three or four rooms, or rather closets, up stairs, of which I took possession, and leaving my servant to keep watch and get dinner ready, I sallied out to see what might be seen. 336 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. The Pih-hvva-yen is an old building built on a foundation dug out of the hill-side, and almost concealed from sight by large over- hanging trees and shrubbery. It is now in bad repair, and has an old and faded appearance. The number of monks is said to IK- about forty, but 1 saw not more than ten or twelve. The idols and ornaments of the temple are all old and shabby, and it has little to interest a visitor. In one of the main courts under the verandah were pasted up some twelve or fifteen large red cards, presented by ships' companies with other offerings in gratitude to the gods who had brought them on so far. Two or three of the vessels were from Hwuy-Chow, in Canton, most of them from Chang-Chow, Tseuen-chow, and Hing-hwa, in Fuhkeen, and only one from a seaport in Cheh-keang. In the evening a relig- ious ceremony of some kind was performed by the old abbot, assisted by some six of the monks, with several of the young candidates for the Buddhist priesthood, some sailors and myself for spec- tators. The abbot put on a scarlet robe and a crown, and taking an incense stick in his hand, performed numerous ceremonies, ac- companied with a repetition of prayers and chanting, in the chorus of which the other monks joined. But there was not the slightest appearance of devotion, except perhaps in the manner of the old abbot. The others, in the intervals of the chanting, drank tea, gazed about, and talked with one another, while the young can- didates for the priesthood amused themselves with annoying one of the officiating monks, and putting balls in his chair, to trouble him when he sat down. This called forth an angry reproof from him, and produced a hearty laugh on their part. Seeing things go on thus. I gave one of the spectators a tract, whereon several others asked for some ; and finally one of the monks left his de- votions and came for one. I then said something on the folly of worshipping such idols, and a hearty laugh followed the exposure of the helplessness of their gods. With some further remarks on the way to worship the true God, and his son Jesus Christ, I left them, glad to get away from the sin and folly of their unmeaning ceremonies. They kept them up with the beating of gongs and drums during the greater part of the night. From the Pih-hwa-yen, a paved stone walk, some five feet broad, extends over a hill and down to the central valley of the island, where the principal establishment, called the Seen-sz\ is built. On several of the large rocks along this road, inscriptions are cut in large letters, and shrines are built against, or carved out of the rocks. At one place is a little shrine with some characters in a language I did not know, probably the Sanscrit, and beneath Nan woo oh me f to fuh, words that are constantly and "vainly" re- peated in the religious ceremonies of the Buddhists. Several paths branched off from the main road, leading to smaller yen, or mon- asteries, in the recesses of the hills. Arrived at the bottom of the valley, you pass through a large gateway, composed of four massive stone pillars, each a single block JOURNAL AT TOOTOO. 337 of granite about twenty feet high. Beyond this a few steps and you pass, at right angles, on the left another gateway leading into the main buildings. Before coming to this gateway is an inscrip- tion carved in stone to this effect : " Every officer, whether civil or military, and all the common people, on arriving at this place, must dismount from their horses." The reason of this soon ap- peared, for just within the second gateway, and inclosed within an octagonal tower, covered with yellow tiles, was an immense marble tablet, with a long inscription, presented by the Emperor Kanghi. It is the custom in China for all to dismount and walk when passing before anything that comes from the Emperor, though there was but little occasion for the order in this instance, seeing there is not a horse or ass upon the island. Beyond this is a pond of water, with many of the broad-leaved Lotus plants growing at each end, and a beautifully arched stone oridge across it. Beyond this again, reaching clear to the base of the hill, were several large yellow-tiled temples, with open courts in front, and two-storied dormitories at either side of the courts for the monks. In the temples were any number of huge hideous idols, all once richly gilt, but now brown with age, and black and dirty with the smoke of incense. Just within the door of the main building was a shrine for drawing lots, and telling fortunes, with the inscription above, " Yew kew peih ying" " He that seeketh will certainly find an answer." Some two dozen monks were kneeling and chanting in the main building, among whom were several older than any I have ever seen. Outside one or two monks were superintending the winnowing of some paddy ; others were watching men splitting up the roots of an old tree for fire- wood, and others were doing nothing. So lazy and good-for-noth ing a set as the Buddhist and Taou priests, I have never seen ; and I could not but admire the simple truth with which one of the boatmen described their occupations, when I asked him what they did, " Why sir, they eat rice, and read prayers." In one of the side buildings, which is three stories high, there is a bell five feet in diameter, and more than seven feet in height. It is beaten with a wooden hammer, (the Chinese bells rarely have clappers,) and its sound when gently struck, amidst the chantings and chorus of the monks below, was far from being unpleasant. Everything about these buildings showed signs of age, neglect, and decay. The yellow tiles, the gift of imperial favor, were falling from the roofs, grass was growing in the stone-paved court- yards, weeds encumbered the sacred Lotus pond, windows and doors were falling to pieces, and the curtains and ornaments of the idols were even browned with smoke and dust. Here, too, there was but little evidence of devotion in their worship, and one of the monks stopped in the midst of his chanting to ask me when I arrived. I left the place with an aching heart ; for the sight of these old men bending over the grave, and yet chanting the praises of these wooden gods, was a painful subject for thought. 22 338 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. From the Seen-sz', a stone pathway leads over another eleva- tion, and through a valley into a deep recess among the hills, where the next large establishment, the How-sz\ is situated. This is smaller than the Seen-sz', and exhibits even more traces of neglect and decay. The roof of one of the buildings had partly fallen in, and the broken tiles and mortar were lying about the altar. Being somewhat wearied, I sat down in one of the court- yards, and soon had five or six of the monks about me, with two or three workmen and servants. One of the former, a man of some fifty-four years of age, with a face full of curiosity, came up, and with a very polite salutation said, "I presume you are a Frenchman, sir?" " No." " No ! Oh, then you are an English officer ?" " No, I am an American." " Oh ! an American ! Pray how far is your honorable country from England ?" " It is about ten thousand le." " Hi yah ! Ten thousand le ! What a vast distance !" " Yes," said I, " it is a good distance ; and my country is distant from the ' Central Flowery Land' more than sixty thousand le." " Prodigious ! More than sixty thousand le ! I presume your Excellency has come to the Central Land to trade. I hope you find the markets good." " No, I have not come here to trade. I came here to propagate religion." " To what ?" said he, looking puzzled. " To propagate religion." "Oh, I understand. To propagate religion. I congratulate you, sir ! May I ask what is your religion ?" "I belong to the 'religion of Jesus.' We worship only one true God, and believe on his son Jesus Christ. We do not worship idols. What are these idols which you worship here? They have eyes, but they cannot see ; they have ears, but they cannot hear ; they have mouths, but they cannot speak ; they have hands and feet, but can neither move their hands nor walk. What is the use of worshipping such things?" During this short talk, my ques- tioner was looking more and more confused, and as the last ques- tion was put, a hearty laugh was raised by all around, in which he also joined, adding, " True, true, what you say is perfectly cor- rect." I went on somewhat farther to speak of the sinfulness of man, our desert of punishment, the mercy of God, the mission of Christ to the world, together with the consequent obligation im- posed on us, to believe on him and secure our salvation : all of which was listened to very respectfully, with numerous (thought- less, it is to be feared, and hollow) expressions of assent. I then took out some tracts, and gave them each one, which were politely received, and one of the younger monks looking at the tract " Two Friends," remarked, " There were some foreigners JOURNAL AT CHUSAN. 339 here several years ago, before the English came to Ningpo, who left this tract here." He doubtless referred to the visit of Messrs. Medhurst and Stevens, in 1836. Tea was now brought, and after some further desultory conversation, I took my departure, exhibit- ing as much politeness as possible, which was returned with inter- est by them. Before going a hundred yards, however, one of them came running after me, calling out with a loud voice, " Your Ex- cellency ! please stop a little." I waited for him, and when he came up, all out of breath with his haste, he made a low bow and said, " The great god in the temple where you have just been, would be very much obliged by the donation of one small Canton rupee, so small," he added, making a circle about as big as a rupee. I told him I was very sorry not to oblige him, but the thing was utterly impossible ; that I did not worship nor respect idols, nor could I make any presents to them. With this assurance he pro- fessed to be satisfied, and bowing, walked slowly back. But the incident was painful, as showing their indifference to the truth. I had the best evidence of their fully understanding and assenting to what was said against idolatry, and yet in five minutes after they could ask me to make an offering to their gods ! The next morning I went around to several of the smaller mon- asteries, but saw little in them of interest. In one, the monks were so busy divining for some sailors, that they had not time to speak to strangers ; in another, they were all gone to some other part of the island, and in a third I found no person except one old monk, suffering from disease. He was sitting in a sheltered verandah, with a little boy waiting on him, and received me quite politely, ordering tea to be brought. He said he was seventy-one years old ; and was as intelligent a man as I melon the island. In an- swer to my inquiries, he said that the beginning of the monastic establishments on the island dated as far back as the Leang dy- nasty, some eight hundred years ago ; but that the Seen-sz' and the How-sz' were built in the Sung dynasty. The total number of monks on the island, he affirmed, did not exceed seven or eight hundred. I had been told the evening before, at the How-sz' that there were fifteen hundred, but the old man's statement is proba- bly correct. There are four large, and one hundred and two small establishments on the island. Allowing one hundred monks for the largest, and thirty for the other three, each, we have about two hundred. All accounts, agreed that in the smaller establishments there were not over five or six in the average, being about seven or eight hundred in all. This differs widely from the accounts of former visitors, who make the number amount to " six thousand ;" but I am satisfied that those accounts are much larger than is cor- rect. There is not room in all the buildings on the island to ac- commodate so many. As the monk with whom I was now talking was old and sick, and might soon die, I felt it to be a duty to point out to him, how- ever imperfectly, the way of eternal life beyond the grave ; but 340 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LO\FRIE. though he understood the most of what was said, and assented to it as very good and proper, it seemed to make little impression upon him. He said that after death he expected still to abide among the hills of this island, which had now been his home for more than fifty years. When asked how he expected to secure happi- ness beyond the grave, he replied, " By worshipping Buddh, and making many prayers." I set before him as well as I could the way of life through Christ, to which he listened attentively, and remarked, "There were some foreigners here several years ago, who taught the same doctrine that you do ;" referring doubtless to the visit of Messrs. Medhurst and Stevens. On coming away I gave him several tracts, which he received gratefully. Oh that the truth which he has thus heard more than once, may be blessed to him, even in this the eleventh hour ! After strolling about a little longer, I left the island at eleven o'clock, A. M.. and reached Tinghai near sunset. Thursday, October 23. Started with Mr. Loomis for a walk across the island. Went through the long and narrow valley, back of Tinghai, and up the steep hill behind it. We finally came out into a noble plain, two miles, or two and a half miles broad, and four or five miles long, all covered with rice, while the neighboring hill-sides, for a great distance up. were cultivated with buckwheat, sweet-potatoes, and other vegetables. This valley appears to be even larger than that in which Tinghai is situated, and has some ten or fifteen villages at the foot of the hills around it. Probably five thousand persons derive their subsistence from it. A large part of the men of the valley were at a theatre in one of the temples, and we took the opportunity to give away some tracts, but found few who could read. After going down to the sea-shore we went back, and arrived at home about five o'clock, p. M., having walked twenty-one miles. We were foot-sore, and wearied enough. . October 27. Returned to Ningpo ; but not reaching the place till near midnight, found the city gates shut, and the watchmen going their rounds. Obliged to remain in the boat all night. November 5. Walked some three miles or more down the bank of the Ningpo river, which on the north-east side of the city makes a remarkable bend, almost inclosing the ground on which the English consulate stands. A canal half a mile long would save six or seven miles sailing. There are vast numbers of graves on this part of the Ningpo plain, though perhaps not more than may be found in any other direction. They occupy many acres of fertile soil, and cause one to doubt the truth of the remark so often made, that '' the Chinese seldom bury their dead except on the sides of barren hills." This remark was generally found to be true in the province of Canton, and in some parts of Fuhkeen, but it is far from being correct in those of Keangsoo and Chehkeang. About Shanghai the number of tumuli, or mounds, inclosing cof- JOURNAL AT CHUSAN. 341 fins, is so great, that in some places they remind one of haycocks in a newly-mown meadow, while about Ningpo there are thou- sands of acres thus occupied. In the hills about Ningpo, none of which are within ten miles of the city, there are comparatively few tombs. Nov. 22. The early part of this month was the season for the harvest of the second crop of rice, and the farmers have now nearly finished threshing it. The cotton is also gathered in, and the wheat is in many places coming up, having been planted early in the month. They do not sow it broadcast, but having first prepared the ground in long beds, they drill holes at regular intervals, with a heavy, sharp-pointed stone, and drop five or six grains in each hole. Nov. 26. Saw a wedding procession, which must have been several hundred yards long, and numbered several hundreds of people. A crowd of men and boys bearing banners and inscrip- tions went in front, some trumpets and cymbals followed, then seven or eight men on horseback, then a couple of officers, one bearing a white, and the other a gilt button in their caps ; then the bride's chair, a really beautiful article, elegantly painted, carv- ed and gilded, borne by eight men ; but the bride was quite too well inclosed to be seen ; then several men bearing ornamental bedding-clothes and pillows, which form a part of the marriage presents, and are always ostentatiously displayed ; while no less than twenty-one sedan chairs brought up the rear. The lady was said to be the daughter of an officer of rank. Dec. 1. I congratulated my teacher on the birth of his daughter. " No, no, we do not congratulate here on the birth of a daughter." " No ! why not?' " Oh, they are a great expense, and very little profit to us." This led to some conversation on the treatment of females, and finally to the question, whether there was such a thing as female infanticide in this part of the country, he replied quickly, " No, not here, but there is in Canton, and in some parts of Fuhkeen." " Is there none at all here ?" " No, not in Ningpo, but in the city of Funghwa, (a city about twenty miles off, and under the jurisdiction of the Che-foo of Ningpo,) there is. It is called neih-sz\ or death by drowning, for when the child is born, if it be a girl, the parents or assistants often heap water on it, in pretence of washing it, but in such a way that it dies !" He made this statement very unwillingly, and with many exclamations of horror, and finally added, " But of late years, since the Funghwa people have begun to understand right reason and propriety, there is none of it." Notwithstanding this assertion, there is sufficient reason to suppose that this horrid custom prevails, not only in Funghwa, but in other places in this province ; but to nothing like the extent ih which it is common in some parts of Fuhkeen. Dec. 11. A long and serious discussion with my teacher to-day on some points in the systems of Confucius and Christ, particu- larly in reference to human nature. Confucius and Mencius 342 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. teach that every man is born with a heart good and pure, and that it is only by the influence of evil example, and the giving way to one's own wishes, that the heart becomes bad. They do not suppose that it ever becomes, totally depraved, but insist that every man is able to rectify his own evil nature, by simply return- ing to the principles of righteousness implanted in him. It is a favorite expression of my teacher, that " the heart which heaven gives us is pure ;" and his comparison to illustrate it was, " a mir- ror all clear and bright, reflecting perfectly the images of objects presented to it. By degrees, through exposure to the air, neglect, carelessness, or ill-usage, it becomes soiled, dirty and useless," and his strong argument to uphold his position was, " If you tell men that their nature is bad, they will at once turn round on you and say, ' Since our nature is bad, then we can do nothing to correct it, and may as well go on in sin.' " It was to avoid this reply that Mencius insisted so much on the doctrine of the natural goodness of man's heart. Another argument he used was, "It cannot be supposed that heaven would give a man a bad heart." The natural and correct answer, " Man was created upright, but fell by his own sin, and drew his posterity after him," he seemed to think unsatisfactory. Discoursing still farther on the nature of good and evil, he gave it as his opinion, that if a man obeyed his parents and his prince, avoided theft, robbery, and licentiousness, and was kind to his neighbors, such a man should be called a good man. When asked were all men of this character, he replied, " No, but there are some such." When asked how many men were outwardly moral, whose morality was caused more by the fears of the law, and the opinion of men, than by any regard for virtue, as such, he replied, " Such men are not very numerous. I suppose in ten thousand, nine thousand and nine hundred have no regard for virtue as such." " Could such men be considered as good men ?" " No, they could hardly be called good men, yet neither were they worthy to be called bad." " What do you think of then- heart, their motives ? Can these be called good ?" " Mr. Lovv- rie," said he, half angrily, " why do you talk about the heart so much ? Why do not you content yourself with saying that men should do good, and live virtuously, without troubling yourself about the heart, which nobody can see ?" " Because the religion of Christ, unlike that of Confucius and Mencius, teaches as one of its first truths, that the heart is bad and must be changed, the nature defiled and must be renovated, before a man can enter heaven." " Oh ! that's very different from the doctrine we believe, and I do not see the use of talking so much about the heart. Be- sides," he added, " I understand the doctrine of Jesus thoroughly, a great deal better than you do that of Confucius. I have read two or three volumes of your books, and think it all very good. Christ taught just the same that Confucius does, that man should do what is right, there may be some little points of difference, LETTERS. 343 out in all the essentials the doctrine of the two is the same." The singular contradictions of these sentences show the character of the Chinese mind, unwilling to admit the truth of a doctrine so un- palatable to the human heart, and yet too polite to persist in open contradiction of a friend. My teacher is one of the " wise of this world." A more learned man than is common, though a school-boy might justly laugh at his knowledge of multitudes of 'things, he has a high opinion of himself and his own intellect, and it is easy to see that he enter- tains much contempt for the humbling doctrines of the cross. What can man do without the aid of the Almighty? Already he knows not quite so much as he thinks he does, but quite enough of the way of salvation to be saved, but it is foolishness to him. Neither can he know it aright. Oh for the life-giving Spirit to breathe on these dry bones, and make them live ! A slight spitting of snow to-day, the first I have seen for nearly four years. Dec. 14. A fall of snow last night, which whitened the ground, and made things look as natural as in former days. Ningpo, November 1st, 1845. To THE SOCIETY OP INQUIRY, PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. DEAR BRETHREN In a letter from the Corresponding Secretary of your Committee on Foreign Missions, dated October 16th, 1844, which has been lying by me since April 19th, 1845, there are three definite questions and a carte blanche, the answers and "filling up" of all of which would occupy more time and paper than I have to spare ; and, probably, more patience than you have to give. Perhaps I shall not err in answering the questions first, and then adding what may come uppermost, or find room. In regard to Morrison's translation of the Bible into Chinese, a singular misconception has long prevailed among the supporters of missions, both in England and America. It is not three years since one of the warmest, and generally speaking, one of the best informed friends of missions in England, asserted, in opposition to the united and unanimous voice of the Protestant Missionaries in China, that " Morrison's translation of the Scriptures was nearly perfect, and another was unnecessary." This was, to say the least, rather a venturesome remark from one who did not know a word of Chinese ! . . . I can answer your question, " Is the translation useful or intel- ligible ?" by saying it is useful, but is not adapted for general cir- culation. When we are explaining the Scripture history or doctrine in private conversation, it is of use, because it is sufficient- ly intelligible, with such cautions and explanations as we can give orally, to give those with whom we speak a fuller idea of the truth. It is of use to give to our converts, for you know the 344 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. converted man finds good when the impenitent turns away in dis- gust ; and the converts will naturally come to us for explanation. And it is also of use to those who may prepare a new translation. But it is not, as I think, adapted for general circulation, nor would I willingly give a copy to a heathen, except under favorable cir- cumstances. These same remarks apply in great measure to Dr. Marshman's translation, which was finished about the same time with Morrison's, and has never had an extensive circulation. You also ask, " What progress has been made towards remedy- ing its defects?" A good deal as regards the New Testament ; but. as it regards the Old, almost none. We have two other trans- lations of the New Testament ; one by Gutzlaff, which is not much used ; and another by Medhurst, assisted by John R. Morri- son, Bridgman, and others. The latter is the one in common use ; and it is in general intelligible and good, though paraphrastic sometimes, and far from being perfect. A number of the mission- aries, both English and American, are now engaged in a revision of it ; but it may be several years before it is completed. When the Old Testament will be revised and published, I have no idea. I hope to live to see the time, and, perhaps, to take some part in it, but it will not be soon. There is a great work yet to be done in this respect, and perhaps some of you may be called to assist in it. The translation of the Scriptures into Chinese is a great, difficult, and most important work, and the preparation of Com- ments and Notes upon them will require the labors of many men for many years. You can have but little idea of the strange notions they gather from expressions that are as common to us as the air we breathe. . . . T have gone over the Gospel of Luke very carefully with my teacher, who passes for a learned man in Ningpo, and his mistakes and misconceptions have been both amusing and painful. This arises in part from the imperfection of ihe translation; in part from an utter and characteristic ignorance of the geography and history of every other nation but China ; in part from the use of figures and comparisons unknown in China. Some people say "The Bible is an Oriental book, and the Chinese are an Oriental people, therefore, they can easily understand it. But unfortunate- ly the Chinese are as much beyond " the East" on one side as America is on the other : and therefore the remark is very un- founded, in part from inattention and want of interest in the sub- ject, and in part from the " thick darkness" which idolatry and superstition have enshrouded even the mental, and much more the moral perceptions. Oh brethren ! if you were here but a few days, you would understand something of the necessity for the Spirit's influences to open the understanding, and pour light into the heart; and of the feelings of the prophet, when commanded to prophesy to the dry bones. Pray for us. So deep is the " veil of the covering cast over" the minds of the heathen, that were it not for what God can do, the Missionary enterprise would be as LETTERS. 345 fantastic a scheme of folly as the brain of man ever devised. Tf h were not for the hope, the belief of what God will do, I would not be a missionary for another day. It requires but a few years' ex- perience in the missionary field to learn that it is not talents nor learning-, important as these are, but piety and prayer, that are chiefly requisite in a missionary. "Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord." Oh that my own heart and practice were more deeply influenced by this conviction, and that the churches at home felt it more. You ask for " my impressions regarding the climate of China." Having not yet had a full experience of the climate so far north as my present residence, I cannot answer you so fully as may be desirable ; but what I know is briefly as follows : In the Canton province, and the climate at Amoy is not materially different, warm weather prevails for nine months in the year ; of which four or five are oppressive, while the months of December, Jan- uary, and February, are pleasant and cool. The natives and the Portuguese at Macao do not use fires in their houses, but the English and Americans find them very agreeable. During three years, the lowest I ever saw the thermometer was 45, while it generally in the cool weather ranged between 50 and 60 of Fahren- heit. I never used a cloak but once or twice, except in my room, where, as I sat without a fire, it was needful. In the long Avarm seasons my health suffered, and I became languid and thinner than usual, in August and September. Most persons suffer in the same way, but the winter or rather the cool weather, for ice and snow are almost never seen, is invigorating, and many enjoy bet- ter health than in their own land. I consider the climate at Macao and Canton as decidedly healthy ; and expecting the in- disposition above referred to, which, however, never confined me a whole day to the couch, I never was better athome. The circum- stances which have made Amoy and Hong Kong unhealthy, I do not think will have a permanent influence ; nor should I have the slightest hesitation or fear in going to either of these places. It would seem, however, from facts already observed, that northern men bear the climate better than southern, though reasoning a priori many would think differently. In Shanghai and Ningpo, the climate is different. We have pleasant, cool, and cold weather, for nine months, and warm weather for three, July and August, and parts of June and Sep- tember. Of the warm weather six weeks are uncomfortably hot. if anything, worse than at. Macao. I have not yet had the pleas- ure of experiencing the cold weather here in its perfection, though I retain a vivid recollection of the coldness of my fingers and ears on approaching Shanghai in March, when the cold weather was nearly over, and of the strange sensations excited, by seeing my breath come out in thick steam, and sleeping under a load of bed- clothes, things to which I had been a stranger for more than three years. The thermometer falls below 25 ; ice and snow are seen 346 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. every winter ; and fur clothes, which are cheap and good, are worn to an extent that would surprise you. Yet even here, the inhabitants do not use fires, but content themselves with abund- ance of cotton garments, (ten and fifteen jackets worn at once are not uncommon,) wadded clothes, and furs, with small foot-stoves, and finger-stoves. But I do not see how we can do without fires. The climate is subject to frequent and considerable changes. I have seen the thermometer rise from 34 to 84 in a few days in March, and fall back to 40 in forty hours ; and after experiencing warm weather in June, I have put on woollen stockings in July. A fall of twenty degrees in a few hours is not uncommon, arid is sensibly felt. It is now quite cool, the thermometer being below sixty, except in the middle of the day ; and the merchants' shops present a busy and rich scene, from the quantity of fine furs dis- played in them. I am looking forward with some interest to the return of snow and ice, things which I have not seen for nearly four years. My impressions of the climate of Ningpo are very favorable, though the last summer being cooler than usual, did not afford a very good opportunity of knowing precisely what it is. .... There are also two or three disagreeably damp seasons in the summer, of two or three weeks' continuance, when rain pours down in torrents ; and if it does not rain, you feel as if the very air was damp and cloudy ; and the perspiration will gather on the stones in the wall, even when the sun is shining outside. Such weather is hard on books, clothes, and animal spirits ; but it is of short continuance. We get plenty to eat. here, but not a very great variety, as the inhabitants have not yet learned to provide for foreigners, as they have at Macao and Canton. Goat's flesh, pork, hams, chickens, ducks, and geese, are our principal meats ; though in winter, wild- ducks, pheasants, and hares, are cheaper than anything else. Pish of several kinds we have all the year round ; wheat, rice, and a little buck-wheat, form the staff of life ; sweet potatoes, turnips, egg-plants, bean sprouts, bamboo sprouts, taro, beans, peas, Kaou-bah, onions, and greens, are our chief vegetables ; and for fruits we have peaches, pears, plums, lichees, persimmons, pome- granates, and oranges, with walnuts, chestnuts, and pea-nuts. You will say, " This is a goodly list." True, and we are thank- ful to enjoy so many of God's good gifts here ; nor do we com- plain when we remember that few of them are so good as those you eat in the United States ; while beef, such at least as may be called good, Irish potatoes, and apples, are seldom seen. I have tasted none of either in many months, nor apples, which are worth all the oranges of China, for years ; nor do we get all these things at once. I find in my market-book, (for we'bachelors have to attend to such things ourselves oftentimes,) that for weeks to- gether, Dr. McCartee and I sat down together to a table, of which the chief dishes were, chickens, or fish, bamboo sprouts, turnips, and bean sprouts, with bread, rice, and eggs. It is hard to say LETTERS. 347 what we should do without eggs ! When the egg-plants came we were delighted, and when the sweet potatoes were fit to eat, we were satisfied ! The married missionaries do not fare any better than we bachelors, though they doubtless have some things nicer \ For the particularity of the above statements, I do not think it necessary to make any apology, though the pronoun " I," occurs with a frequency that is somewhat startling ; perhaps it may be some excuse, that they are written in answer to the question, "What are my impressions?" Your last question, " The magnitude of the field and the pros- pects of the mission ?" is one on which a volume might be written, but the space already consumed warns me to be brief, the more so as I may have an occasion hereafter to refer to it. I can only say this : Few have any idea of the extent of the ground that is opened and opening to our labors, and none know where the things will end, whose beginnings we have lived to witness. The opening of China to foreign intercourse, is an event which finds few parallels in the history of the world. This country is a world in itself; and the thought has often occurred to me, while travers- ing its beautiful plains and crowded streets, " What a world has been revolving here of which Christendom knows nothing !" I have been led to make excursions of twenty or thirty miles into the interior, from each of the cities of Amoy, Shanghai, and Ningpo, and everywhere the country is like a vast beehive, swarm- ing with inhabitants. It is the same about Canton, where I have also been, and doubtless the same about Foo-chovv. I have not known what it is to be out of sight of a human habitation since I have been in China, and where there is one there is commonly ten. 1 have scarcely ever seen a little valley, or a hollow among the hills, where industry could cultivate a bed of rice, or a crop of greens, that was not occupied. It is scarcely an exaggeration to say, that temples and monasteries are as common here as farm- houses in Pennsylvania, and I have seen the streets of Ningpo crowded with many ten thousands of people, to see an idolatrous procession in honor of "all the gods." Now all this vast and teeming population of idolaters must have the gospel, or perish. Books will not do the work. It is the living teacher who must speak unto them the words of life. Such is the field we cultivate. As to our prospects, you have them in the concluding verses of Psalm cxxvi. : They that sow in tears, With shoutings shall gather the harvest. Going he shall go, even with weeping, burdened with the seed to be sown : Coming he shall come, and with shouting, burdened with his sheaves. It is nearly midnight, and I must draw to a close without refer- ring to other topics, which, if this letter were not already full enough, might be of interest. Full notices of the mission you 348 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. will probably see in the Chronicle before long, and I have omitted them here. Brethren, whatever your own course may be. whether to come to the missionary field, or to cultivate the vineyard of the Lord at home, there is one thing we pray you to bear in mind, " It is God who giveth the increase," and if success do not attend one's labor, the reason will probably be found in the fact that he is not inquired of by his people respecting this thing, to do it for them. Pray for us. I am yours in the bonds of the Gospel, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, December 5th, 1845. MY DEAR FATHER .... I have my commentary on Luke, which with the text will make a handsome volume of a hundred pages, ready for the press, and trust it will be of use. The style is pure and good Chinese, for it is written by my teacher, and I know the sentiments to be correct, though sometimes not as full or clear as I could have wished. My teacher said to me, I suppose, twenty times while preparing it, "How can you expect us to understand this book? / do not understand it, who have been reading books all my life, and how can less learned persons comprehend it?" The doctrines, historical allusions, geography, customs, e. g., washing the feet, comparisons, everything is strange ; and when joined to an imper- fect translation, it is not to be thought that a careless heathen can understand such a book. At the risk of being thought a heretic, I must say I think the oft-repeated phrase, " The Bible without note or comment," is in danger of being pushed so far, as to fall over and do harm. However true it is and correct under limita- tions, it is not correct in itself. It is not true in fact, that our peo- ple at home read it "without note or comment;" for there is no one who does not hear many a note and comment from parent, teacher, friend or minister, and there are few who do not form their opinions of most of it from such "notes and comments." If these and innumerable commentaries besides, are needed in a land of so much light as America, what must be the case in China? "Without note and comment" is true, so far as authori- tative and infallible exposition is intended ; and also, if it be meant that the simple text, when understood, is to be carefully studied and pondered in the Christian hours of devotion ; but 1 humbly conceive there is danger if it be extended much beyond these limits. However, I ought to reflect that you have thought on the subject long enough, not to need such a " lesson" from me. ... I was deeply grieved to hear of the accident you met, but thankful it was no worse. How many strange accidents we miss, within a hair's-breadth of them, though unawares. We shall doubtless often wonder when we get to heaven, and look LETTERS. 349 back on our past life, that amidst so many dangers it was pro- longed so long. .... After a good deal of thought, I am about settling down to the opinion, that I ought to aim at a pretty full knowledge of books and writing in Chinese. In a mission so large as ours, and where we have a press, there must be some one tolerably at home on some points. Now, I have been so circumstanced, as to be obliged to turn my thoughts much that way, somewhat to the disadvantage of my speaking fluently, and I am so still. I have laid such a foundation of acquaintance with the written lan- guage, as enables me to go on with some ease, and such as the other brethren can scarcely be expected to do in some time. They are accordingly outstripping me in the colloquial, though I have the advantage in the books, and can easily keep it up. My edu- cation and previous habits are also such as fit me more for this than for mingling among men, unless actually obliged to do so. I propose, therefore, not to neglect the colloquial, but to lay out a good portion of my strength on reading and writing Chinese. Keeping in view, chiefly, the translation of the Scriptures, and works explanatory of them, and perhaps the preparation of ele- mentary books, and it may be^. dictionary, a thing we are greatly in want of. What do you mink of this plan? You will not think I mean to neglect the great work of preaching, for I trust to be able in the course of nexl^ year to undertake regular ser- vices. I might do it now, if I had no accounts to keep, letters to write, and advice and assistance to give to others, especially in the matter of the printing office. That you may see how much I have been hindered one way and another since coming to China, I may say that though it is nearly four years since I left you, yet I have had a teacher, and by consequence have been studying the language effectively, only twenty-three months, and of those, three are hardly worth counting from the interruptions I met. I sometimes felt quite discouraged, and now feel ashamed to think I have been here so long, and done so little .... With many affectionate remembrances and prayers, I am, as ever, your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Ning-po, December 31st, 1845. MY DEAR FATHER .... I have to-day finished a first revision of a little Tract on the Sabbath. It will be only four or five pages, and consists of Gen. i., and some remarks on the Sabbath, with the Fourth and Second Commandments ; all of which I first put into such Chinese as I was able, and then submitted to my teacher for a thorough 350 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. don't make much difference, they are both very obscure !" He found no difficulty, however, in understanding the subsequent remarks, when I was not tied down to a form of words, and even deigned to tell me. that two or three sentences were correct ! I thought it quite a compliment, for he is very proud of the excellencies of Chinese literature. However, in writing it over, he left very little of the poor thing in the dress I had given it at first. I almost despair at times of ever getting through the laby- rinth of Chinese literature. How glad I am that it was not my own choice that brought me here. The remembrance of the way by which T have been led, often holds me up, when I should fail, if I thought I had chosen the path for myself. It is tolerably cool just now ; we have had frost in nearly every night for three weeks past, and I find overcoat, cloak, foot-stove, and finger-stove only enough to keep me going. It is hard work writing sometimes, for I can scarcely keep my fingers warm ; but these are very minor affairs, so I will not trouble you any more. It is drawing near to eleven o'clock, p. M., and as I do not feel like seeing the old year out, nor soliloquizing about it, I will close. But I cannot help asking, Where are you all now, and how engaged ? I am as ever, yo an affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. CHAPTER VIII. 1846. MISSIONARY LABORS AT NINGPO HEATHEN CUSTOMS WORSHIP SUPERSTITIOUS FEARS PREACHING IN CHINESE. DURING this year the missions in China were further strength- ened by the arrival at Canton of the Rev. John B. French, and the Rev. William Speer and his wife, and at Ningpo, of the Rev. J. W. Quarterman. The British troops were this year withdrawn from Chusan, and as the Chinese authorities would not permit foreigners to reside there, JVIr. Loom is and his wife removed to Ningpo. Mr. Lowrie's study of the Chinese language, while in Macao, as already stated, was much interrupted by the business matters of the different missions. The Mandarin dialect, which he studied at Macao, is not spoken in the south of China, and hence he could converse in it with his teacher only. This he found to be a seri- ous disadvantage. The Ningpo and Mandarin dialects are as dif- ferent from each other as the French is from the Spanish. In learning to speak the former, he had therefore to begin anew, with the advantage however of hearing it daily spoken by the inhabi- tants. But here also his time was a good deal taken up with the business of the Ningpo Mission, and correcting the proof-sheets of works issued from the press. So many, and such long-continued adverse circumstances, at times almost produced discouragement in his own mind, as it regarded the spoken language. But even in it his progress was not slow ; in less than eighteen months he commenced preaching in Chinese. His knowledge of the written language was more satisfactory to himself. In August he wrote several essays, which were published in the Chinese Repository, on the proper Chinese words to be used in translating the name of God into Chinese. These were among the first pieces that were published on the side of the question so ably sustained since by Doctors Boone and Bridgeman. 352 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. In September he commenced the preparation of a dictionary of the " Four Books," and afterwards he decided to include also the " Five Classics." These books contain the body of the Chinese language, and if his life had been spared, he would no doubt have made it a dictionary of the whole language. He became much interested in this work, and had even to guard himself against being drawn aside from his appropriate work of preaching the gospel. The letters and journals of this period throw much light on the interior working of the mission at Ningpo, and still further tend to elucidate the state and condition of the native population. Other subjects are occasionally adverted to. One of much import- ance, in relation to the return of missionaries, is noticed in a letter to one of the members of the Executive Committee. It would be out of place here to examine the views there presented; but the whole subject is worthy of far more consideration than it has yet received from the Church at home. Ningpo, January 1st, 1846. A happy New Year to you, my dear mother, and very many of them ! is a wish that, if I had the power, would certainly b^ accomplished ; and yet, though I might have the power, I might not have the wisdom necessary to make it a blessing. So I will change it to the prayer, that He who knows what is best for us, and loves us far better than any earthly friend can love another, would give you such length of days, and such enjoyment therein as will make you most useful here, and most blessed hereafter. New Year's morning ! Although it be only an arbitrary distinc- tion that makes this day more important than any other of the year, for each day is the point of "confluence of two eternities," yet consent has erected it into a sort of elevation to look back over the past, so rapidly fading from view, and to strain our weak eyes into the unknown future. How little we can know of the one, and how feebly we estimate the importance of the other ! Although I always look forward to the New Year with some such feelings as these, yet it always takes me by surprise, and I find it difficult in looking back to the last one to realize the events that have occurred and passed away. How many events must have occurred in your larger circle of friends. Here, few as are those I know, yet I find strange alterations in the last year. A fellow-passenger in the Huntress (Mr. King) died, and was buried in the Red Sea. One of my warmest friends, Mrs. Sword, has been called home. She was always exceedingly afraid to die, and yet when called away, though fully sensible of it, fear had entirely departed, and peace reigned. It makes me feel desolate sometimes LETTERS. 353 to think of such friends departing, and she is not the only one whom the last year has removed me from, though the others are not dead, but only farther off, and to remember again that I am a stranger in the earth ; bat then it is pleasant, too, for the separa- tion is but temporary. I have no patience with those stoics who maintain that we shall not know our friends in heaven. Certain- ly the Spirit of Christ alone would fill our cup of joy even to over- flowing, but why should not those who in tears and temptations and prayers served him here, and encouraged each other in the upward course, rejoice with joy unspeakable together there? We shall remember the way by which we were led through this "great and terrible wilderness," and shall we forget the kind words spoken, the cup of water, the look of affection and encouragement more eloquent than words, and more soothing than the sweetest harmony I I do not believe it. Christ said to his disciples that those who had "continued with him in his temptations," should sit with him in his glory, and if we hold communion with Him in this respect, why not with one another? We shall have bodies as well as souls in heaven, "spiritual" it is true, but "bodies" still; we shall have human affections, too, freed from all sin ; and if such affections form our sweetest and most satisfying solace here, what will they be there? But I did not mean to write all this, for I was thinking of other things when I commenced. Here I am, after voyaging and tossing about again on the rough sea. I am now settled down in the field I have long been looking to. I have made some little progress in the language, and begin to feel at home among the people; but shall I remain here? I do not know why it is, but I seem constantly to have a voice say- ing, "Arise, this is not your rest!" Nor should I be surprised at any time to receive an order to depart. Yet as such feelings are not the rule by which we are to be guided, I endeavor to work on as if this were to be my earthly home ; and be my abode long or short, to be in readiness when He comes, whose coming will not tarry. My teacher has just come in, and knowing that this is our new year, he has been cogitating a salutation for me, which was as follows, Seen sang, shangte pongdzooe ne taou teendong cheaw, " Sir, may God assist you and enable you to arrive at heaven !" I was not a little surprised and gratified too, for I never heard him utter such a sentiment before. Oh that the wish, which in politeness he made for me, were fulfilled in reality to him ! If he were but a Christian, or if I might but see him one, it seems to me I should almost be ready to depart in peace; for his talents and acquirements are such, that if they were sanctified they would be invaluable. But alas, he is proud of his learning, temporizing in his policy, and averse to know the plague of his own heart. The doctrine of human depravity, he cannot away with ; it is a very abomination to him, and after all the instructions he has re- ceived, if he repents not, how much greater will be his condemna- 23 354 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. tion. I fear we shall prove a "savor of death unto death," to more than we shall be the means of saving, in this land. . . . Believe me, as ever, yours in kind remembrances, And sincere affection, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, January 17th, 1846. MY DEAR MOTHER It is Saturday night, and though I might doubtless find some Chinese study to occupy me during the hours that remain before bed-time, yet I have an idea that a letter to you would be quite as agreeable to myself, and more acceptable to you. I have been moving this week, and now feel pretty well settled in my new abode, having to-day done nearly all 1 intend, for the purpose of making it comfortable. On Monday it will be four years since I left home, and this is the first week since then that I have been in a house I could, properly speaking, call my own. Even here, I am only in "my own hired house," but I hope it will be "two full years" at least before I have to leave it. While in Macao and elsewhere, I have scarcely known from one month's end to another, where I should be in two months more. So you may think I begin to feel somewhat "settled." Would you like a description of my house ? Here it is. It is situated in the " Howse," or back street, between the Salt Gate and the East Gate, and within four minutes' walk of the busiest part of the city. The street itself has few shops, but it is a great thoroughfare. The house is separated from the east wall only by a narrow lane, and by the aid of a pile of rubbish close by, I can get up on the wall without difficulty. It looks toward the south- west, or rather west-south-west. But please inspect this plan of the house, which will give you a better idea of it. This is the ground floor. Entering by the great door, is the front court, stone paved, about thirty by fifteen feet. Nos. 1 and 2 are small chambers, perhaps ten by eight, which I have no particular use for. Nos. 3 and 7 are pas- sage ways, in each of which is a stair-case to go up stairs, but the stair-case in No. 7 is not used just now. In No. 4 I keep my Chinese tracts, &c., and my teacher has a table where he sits and writes. At present the servants sleep in No. 6. No. 8 is the kitchen, and No. 9 is a private place. The back court is about twenty by six feet. No. 5 is the reception hall, where is a table, four chairs, and some Chinese pictures, all of This wall is about nine feet high. % BACk COURT 8 7 3 4 10 6 5 PORTICO 2 FRONT COURT D 1 Thia wall ia about twelve feet high. LETTERS. 355 Qw OC which together cost less than five dollars. It is only an earthen floor, as are all the lower parts except Nos. 4 and 6. No. 10 is a little room of no particular use, but does very well for boxes, &c. Please come up stairs. No. 1 is the stair-way and lit- tle passage annexed ; 2 is a store-room or spare-room ; 3 is my bed-room ; and 4 is my par- lor, study, and dining-room; A A A are doors ; B B B windows, at present nailed up ; c c c are windows with only window-shut- ters ; D D D are windows with six panes of glass each. Please now to sit down in my parlor and look around. The room is about eighteen feet square, being the largest in the house, the rooms below are deeper but not so wide. In this room the back windows, B B, are nailed up ; I shall open them in summer, s is my fire-place, a great awkward concern. I mean to take it away when the weather grows mild, and put another between B B. o is a little table ; R, a couch ; w w, two Chinese book-cases, one filled with Mr. L's. present of the books of the Board of Publication ; T is my round centre and dining table; M is my study table; and N is a little table to keep my case of books in every-day use, to wit, Morrison's Dictionary, &c. The door A I keep shut, as it is of no use. In summer I think of having the stairs to come up where the fire-place is. This will cut off some of my room, but it will be greatly more convenient, and will obviate the necessity of coming up through the store-room and bed-room. In my bed-room I have a single bedstead, bureau, a Macao book- case full of books, wash-stand, and the mission money-chest, be- sides one or two trunks ; and in the store-room only some two or three boxes of my damaged books. So you have been all through my house ; it is rather too good for me, but I could not get any other, and I was tired of living in the temple, which was out of the way, and not very pleasant in some respects. The house is large too, but then I can the more easily accommodate a friend. The rent is nine dollars a month, and I have had no little trouble about it this week, but it is all settled now I believe. I am sorry you put yourself to the trouble of getting the maple- sugar. I will tell you what I do want though, very much indeed, and that is two of the best rat-traps that a missionary ought to possess. What big rats there are here. One end of my blanket happened to fall on the floor, and the rats gnawed a hole in it. It is the only blanket I have got, and I cannot afford to have it eaten by rats. Well, I awoke during the night, and behold, a party of 356 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. rats were dancing a jig on my bed-room floor. I dare say, if you would send me half a dozen good rat-traps, I could dispose of them all, for I am not the only sufferer ; but do send me two, and I will send you the first pretty vase I can find. I hope father will not laugh at all this. . . . Ever affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, February 3d, 1846. REV. LEVI JANVIER DEAR BROTHER : Your very welcome letter of March and April reached me September 9, in the midst of our annual meeting here. I had not intended to defer writing so long, but being sec- retary, and having to copy all the minutes twice, write the annual report, and a copy of it, the circular of the mission, and other things besides, I have had little time or inclination for any corres- pondence that I could at all postpone. I wish I had some way of diminishing my correspondence, for it forms a pretty serious part of my work here. I do not mean with you, and such as you, for that is a relaxation and a pleasure ; but I am sometimes quite as- tonished to find how much time is taken in writing to persons of whom I know little or nothing. I find a hundred copies of the circular of the mission not more than sufficient for my wants. Why do I have so many? you will say. Because I cannot help it. Some I do not want to give up ; some do not want me to give them up ; and to some I can do a little good by writing, and per- haps exert some good influence on them. But enough of this. I was very sorry to hear of the death of your little boy. I saw it. I think, in the Friend of India, before you wrote. I trust your little girl is still spared to you. As to myself, I am still enjoying the blessedness of single life, having a whole house to " Fanny" (my dog) and myself, with two Chinese servants, who speak not a word of English, and not another foreigner within a mile of me, and often for a day or two, or more, not seeing the face of one. But with all these advantages, I am making but poor progress in this language. I am hoping, within the present year, to be able to commence preaching. You, I suppose, are quite fluent by this time, in your new tongue, as you talk about "preaching." How- ever, I should have been preaching before now, had I all the time since coming to China enjoyed half the advantages for learning the language that I do now. The weather here is real winter. For twelve days in succes- sion, we had ice every night more than an inch thick. We have had two or three light falls of snow, and a fire is very comfortable, and I suppose will be so for two months yet. The lowest we have had the thermometer has been 20, but it generally ranges from 35 to 44 or 46. I have not seen it above the latter point for more than two months, except in the middle of the sunshiny days. LETTERS. 357 .... Did you ever examine 2 Cor. ii. 14 17? I preached on it yesterday, and it is a very solemn and almost awful subject, full of consolation, and yet full of terror. Since writing to you last. I have adopted many of the millenarian views, in regard to the sec- ond advent of Christ, return of the Jews, &c., and they seem to make many things in the history of missions that were dark be fore, much more plain and encouraging. I find much satisfaction in them, and often long inexpressibly for the " coming and appear- ing" of our Lord. Oh, to be found doing his work when he comes, and not idling in the field to which he has sent me ! With my Christian regards to your wife and associates, believe me, Ever yours in the gospel and the ministry of Christ, W, M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, February 22d, 1846. MY DEAR FATHER Your very welcome letter of August 4, came to hand January 26. The other articles sent at the same time, have not yet been received. I am exceedingly grateful to you for the copy of the " Exploring Expedition." I had been longing for a copy, and had it at my finger's end to send for it several times, but 1 was really ashamed to do so. I have received so many things from you and others, that it seems as if I ought not to get any more. Indeed. I often think I fare far better even in temporal things, than if I had stayed at honie, and the load of obligations to my heavenly Father is often almost greater than I can bear. A sense of my cfwn un- profitableness and uselessness, while receiving so many mercies, has made me feel very unhappy. In learning to read this difficult language, I am getting on tol- erably well a multitude of petty occupations, connected with the press, correcting font of type, accounts, &c., keeps me from giving much time to composition. I commenced a Chinese letter to you on my birthday, the 8th inst., but found it so hard that I gave it over, after a sentence or two, and have not since had time to resume it. However, I will try and send you one soon. I have read carefully your remarks on Millenarianism, and the article in the Chronicle, in which there is much that I believe, and somethings from which I might differ. I think the^ expression awrfleiuv rov uitavov a very different one from telog -lokkoopov, and it is a mystery to rne how our going to the Lord at death, can be equivalent to his " coming to us," which he commands us to watch for. The fact that there is such a remarkable difference between the phraseology of the New Testament, and the phraseology of Christians, strikes me as very strange. Christ and the apostles constantly exhort to prepare, to watch for the coming of the Lord; but most people say, " watch for the coming of death." I do not think these two are the same thing. I have looked death in the 358 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. face, and by the great grace of Christ, could do so without fear; but I could not say to death what we are taught to say to Christ, " Come Lord Jesus, come quickly." I have no doubt, that until the awTtleia zou auavov, the present means, and only the present means for the conversion of sinners, are to be used. I think he would do very wrong who would say, that " The world will not be converted by these means, and there- fore we need not use them," for though I do not expect the world to be converted during the present dispensation, by such means, yet I do expect that all the elect, be they few or many, will, by the foolishness of preaching, be saved. The elect, too, during the present dispensation, are scattered throughout the known world, and millenarianism, as I have embraced it, makes it peculiarly the duty of the church to go throughout the world and carry the gos- pel, for until the gospel is preached unto all nations, the millenium cannot come. What means shall be used after the coming of Christ, I do not pretend to say. They maybe the present means, though that does not seem to be clearly revealed. But if they are the present means, there must be a power and efficiency given to them, such as was not witnessed even on the day of pentecost ; otherwise, I do not see how the promises are to be fulfilled. Still I do not pretend to make my weak vision the measure of 'omnip- otence. I do not think there will ever be any revelation from God sub- verting the present Bible, but I do not see what there is in the Bible saying that no further revelation will be given, or why we may not expect a revelation as much in advance of the Christian as the Christian is in advance of the Levitical. Certainly, when " the people are all righteous," when " there are none to hurt or destroy in all the holy mountain," it would sound strange to hear a sermon on the text, " Broad is the gate, many go in thereat ; strait is the way, few walk therein :" (I only quote the sense.) When "Kings are nursing fathers, queens nursing mothers, and great the peace of thy people," although it will be profitable to look back to the times of trial, yet it can hardly be said, that " all that will live godly shall suffer persecution." When Satan is " bound," even if only a figurative binding, he can hardly be said to " go about as a roaring lion." Now the greater part of the New Tes- tament is intended for times of trial, just as the greater part of the books of Moses was intended for the land of Palestine. Will it be appropriate when " the wilderness shall rejoice and blossom as the rose ?" But I did not mean to write all this. However much in error you may deem me on some points, do not think me in error on the grand ones of human depravity, the atonement of Christ, and the influences of the Spirit. These must always re- main the same, whate\ er differences there may be in the external means by which they are regulated. It is to me a very pleasant thought, that Christ shall reign in honor where he was crucified in ignominy and scorn ; that this fair and beautiful earth shall be LETTERS. 359 redeemed ; and that we may reasonably look for his glorious ap- pearing soon to take to him his great power and reign. How soon, I do not pretend to say; but it is my daily prayer, that if you and I live to see it, we may each be found watching for him in the sphere he has appointed, so that if he cometh we may be ready. You will ask, " Why do I trouble myself with these new notions ? Why is not the old belief, (though it is not the old be- lief,) about our going to Him, good enough ?" It would be good enough, and far too good, for such a creature as I feel myself to be, and if it be the truth of Scripture, I am most heartily willing to receive it ; but with such light as I have, after much prayer and searching of the Scriptures, it does not seem to me to be all that is promised. I should be most thankful to pick the crumbs, but if called and commanded to the feast, it does not seem to be humility or obedience to turn away. But I will stop now. Pray for me, that I may not embrace or teach error, even on points not essential to salvation. With many affectionate remembrances, I am, as ever, your dutiful son, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, March 6th, 1846. REV. DANIEL WELLS MY DEAR BROTHER : The news you sent me from Mr. Ja- cobus' church was deeply gratifying. Since the novelty of mission- ary life has worn off, I have learned to prize more highly the prayers of God's people at home. If those good people could but see a little of a missionary's heart, and the crowd of thoughts that pass there, they would think these prayers might be of much service. When one's own corruptions fill his heart with sorrow ; when, amidst all his efforts at a strange language, he finds him- self making but slow progress ; when he finds the people utterly dead to all his warnings, and intent only on gain; when he* sees the laborers few, and the field so great, and occupied by those who are sowing tares O, wonder not if he asks almost despairingly, " Can these dry bones live ?" Lord God, thou knowest ! It does not require many months' experience among the heathen to be satisfied, that it is "not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord," that our work is to become successful Ever yours in Christian affection, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, April 21st, 1846. REV. JOHN LLOYD MY DEAR BROTHER : It is now near four months since I wrote to you, but you will believe me when I say, that if I have not written I have at least not forgotten you, and often try to 360 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. remember you, where I trust you remember me, at a throne of grace. I could give you the usual string of apologies ; Chinese, reading proofs, keeping accounts, answering letters ; but I fear if I did so, it would make you think I was doing a great deal, when in fact weeks pass away and I seem to have done nothing, to have really made no progress, and have to cry out for mercy to the unprofitable servant. How would Calvin, or men of half his mind, smile at the idea of all I do being called work ! I fancy that hundreds of men do as much before breakfast as I do in a whole day. I find it a very serious drawback in my study and acquirement of the language, that so much of the best part of my missionary life was spent where the dialect I was studying was not spoken. Although I know more of books than any other here, yet McCartee speaks incomparably better than I do, and both Culbertson and Loomis will probably be preaching be- fore me. What in the world should I do among the " tones" of your delightful dialect? I fancy I should be among them like a certain Presbyterian clergyman, who attempted to conduct the Episcopal service once, and had it reported of him afterwards that " he wandered up and down among the prayers, like a blind man among the tombs." This reminds me that in your last you speak of our having no tones in this dialect. This is to a great extent, but not entirely, the case. The tones are necessary in some words ; but generally speaking, if you get the idiomatic expression, you need not bother your head about the tones ; and none of us pay any theoretical attention whatever to their acquisition. It is a pretty good proof of their not being necessary, that the Fuhkeen men, of whom there are many here, cannot learn to speak this dialect well. The remark is often made that "you foreigners speak Ningpo dialect better than the Fuhkeen people;" and imperfect as my acquirements are in speaking, I have been told a dozen times that I pronounce better than the Fuhkeen men. If I could only get among the people, and not see a book or a foreigner for six months or a year, I think there would be some hopes ; and I often half wish some person would run away with me, and keep me captive for a while, for otherwise I do not see how I am to get away. Well, all this is egotism, and much of it is nonsense ; but I beg you to receive it as a proof how much I care for you, that I let you see such effusions, and how much I do not care for you, or I would not let you see them. I have just been interrupted by a long talk from a couple of Chinese, who talked so fast that the words came out like a mill- stream, and all I could do was to gather the drift of the discourse and let the particular words vanish into thin air. I wish I could talk as much as I can understand ! But patience, perseverance, and prayer ! Oh to be kept from growing weary or careless in God's work. I did not feel afraid of this in the first year or two ; but now it requires much watchfulness and prayer, lest I become LETTERS. J61 weary or discouraged. You have much reason for thankfulness that you got to your field so soon, and have not quite so many letters to write, as I had during rny first two years ; but I ought not to complain of them, for it was my appointed work, since the providence of God repeatedly prevented me from taking any other course, and perhaps it was the best on the whole. But as I look over my past life, and especially that part spent in missionary ground, I have to pray, " pardon the unprofitable, erring, sinful servant !" It is so late, having been so interrupted by the conversation above referred to, that I must close my sheet for the night, hoping to be able to finish to-morrow, though I know not when a letter can be sent from here. If the overland route answers, we will try and send in that way. I think Mr. Smith has led you into a mistake, on the point of the " two dialects." As far as I know, in all parts of China, the written and the colloquial dialects differ so widely as to be really two languages. This is the case here, for Ningpo colloquial can- not be written with Chinese characters. True, many words, perhaps one-half, are the same in the two ; but you never can tell from seeing a character in a book whether it can be used in speaking, unless your teacher tells you. Jin is spoken nying ; urh tz is spoken 'ny tz ; chay-ko is spoken kihko, while Joo-tsze which is book Mandarin, and chay-yang which is colloquial Mandarin, meaning, " so fashion," or " in this way," in one dia- lect is sz'-ka-go, which cannot be written at all, i. e., has no characters to express it ; though characters might be arbitrarily employed, which would give the sound. This is the case with hundreds of words in common use. I was both pleased and surprised to hear how much missionary work is done in Amoy. Would that we could report the half of it here ! But except tract distributing, at which we all do a litile, there is no preaching excepting by Dr. McCartee, who has a service every Sabbath, and talks to the people frequently during the week. I have tried once or twice, J3ut, like the man who tried to swim before he had been in the water, succeeded so poorly, that I feel afraid to try again. I conduct service with my servants morning and evening, and hope I shall soon be able to set up a meeting which might be called " a parish meeting," i. e., not a regular preaching service, but a preparatory one, which will pre- pare me for preaching. I have been much thrown back by not having been able to get a teacher on whom I could depend for giving me the colloquial expressions. The one I had for nine months after coining was a capital scholar, but proud, disobliging, or rather unobliging, and took no interest in anything of the kind. After bearing with him till I could bear no longer, I turned him off and got another, who was so stupid that I kept him only a month. Yesterday I got a new one, and he has taken such "strong hold" as quite astonishes me. "A new broom sweeps clean ;" but this man is a scholar, appears to be a gentleman, is 362 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. quite obliging, lively, patient, apt to teach, and on two days' ac- quaintance 1 am greatly pleased. I hope he will hold out, but I greatly fear. If he does well, and if he becomes a Christian, Oh, how I should rejoice ! With a good teacher, who was a real Christian, I think I might be of very much more use than I am now. You speak of " feeling as safe as if in New York or Philadel- phia." I feel the same here. I live a mile from any foreigner, and have frequently walked two miles through the city after eight or nine o'clock, P. M., without a lantern or any company, with less apprehension than I would go through many parts of New York city. The people here are generally very well behaved, and very civil. As to mandarins, we see none of them ; we do not visit them, and are not visited by them. The English consul has discour- aged visiting, and foreigners, except officers, seldom go near them. There is a white-buttoned one whom Dr. McCartee and I have called on, and been called on by ; and last year we had frequent calls from travelling mandarins with gilt and white buttons, who came to see the strangers ; but of late I-have seen none, and do not feel any anxiety to meet them. You get in with them at Amoy. because of the important fact that Abeel and Boone and Cummings have had to act as interpreters, when there were none but missionaries to interpret, and as the mandarins of course know of no difference between you and others, they keep up the acquain- tance. We are all moving on very quietly and pleasantly. The weather is getting pleasantly warm, but even yet I like to sit with my fur coat on in the mornings and evenings, and have as yet laid aside neither flannels nor woollen stockings. It has rained almost every day this month, and in consequence of so much rain now, and the probability of very little next month, when it will be much wanted, fears of a scarcity of rice prevail, and it is already rising in price. As to ships, there has not been one here, except men of war, since last August. I do not know how we are to get our funds after Chusan is given up. Our letters we shall manage to get overland from Shanghai. We have bought a burying-gronnd here, about one hundred feet by fifty, for fifty dollars. Abraham's first possession in the land where he was a stranger, was a burying-ground. Your brother in Christ. W. M. LOWRIE. Ning-po, July 9th, 1846. MY DEAR FATHER Your t w ) most acceptable letters of November, 1845, and Febru- ary, 1846, came, one in the end of May, and the other to-day. I cannot tell you how much I am obliged for your good long letters : LETTERS. 363 the journals of your trips to Washington and to Albany, were deeply interesting. I wish I could give you an account of half as much done by myself, but all my performances seem to me of small account. Here is a specimen of to-day's employment. Rose before six. Our nights are warm, and following on warmer days, I do not derive the refreshment from them that I could wish. After breakfast and prayers, went over the river to see after the printing office, got a proof to correct, and came back ; it was ten o'clock when I got home, and thermometer then at 90 3 ; sat down with my teacher and went over Acts xvii., on which he wrote comments by my explanations. Then read some in Mencius, and looked over some points in Chinese history, and some notices of two or three of their sages. By this time it was one o'clock, and the thermometer had risen to 98 in my coolest room. I was pretty well tired, and told my teacher that was enough for to-day; came up stairs, corrected the proof for the press, and finished the first draught of a letter, one of a series which I am preparing for the Foreign Missionary. This and dinner kept me till three o'clock ; all this time the thermometer at blood heat ; and though a pleasant breeze blowing, yet coming in at times as if out of a furnace. I have never known such warm weather since I have been in China, and it so relaxes the whole system, that a very little labor is quite sufficient to lay a man by. At three I felt so tired that I lay down, and between reading a little and dozing, vvhiled away the time till five ; then got up, found it a little cooler, sat in the breeze and read an account of the synod of Dort till six. Went out then for a walk ; went through a number of streets, and found everybody out of doors, men all half naked, and many of the children entirely so, and the heat given out from the stones and houses so great as to be very oppressive. This, and the foul odors arising from the filth common to every Chinese city, were such that I was glad to get on the city wall, and turn my steps homeward. Somewhat of a breeze on the wall, and getting to my own house about sunset, I sat down to enjoy it. Presently a man came along and seemed anxious to say something ; so he asked if I would take a smoke? I told him, no, I did not smoke, and asked him to sit down. Then he asked how old I was? Where I came from ? Where I lived ? &c., &c. By this time others came, one, two, five, ten, and soon there were about fifty persons collected to see and hear the Hungnan-nying, (Red-haired man, as they call all Englishmen.) Asked a good many ques- tions, and in the course of the talk, gave me an opportunity of saying several things very pointedly about the folly of idolatry, the importance of attending to one's soul, and the way of salva- tion through Christ. Speaking of Jesus, one of the men remarked that he supposed Jesus was much such a person as Confucius. "No, Confucius was only a man, but Christ was far superior to men." Was listened to with as much attention and interest as I have been at any time, and found it gave me some access to them, 364 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. when they found that I had read and could give the sense of their own books. There was one man there from Shantung, but I could understand very little, of what he said. He seemed, how- ever, to have no difficulty in understanding all I said, and seemed much interested. Gave away some tracts ; gave a copy of " The Two Friends," to one whose appearance had pleased me. He looked at it and asked if all I had were alike, and begged for a copy of another kind. Came away, all of them giving me a hearty good-by, and one or two joining their hands and thanking me for the books and doctrine. Came back home, got my tea, and set down to this letter, which I suppose will take all the rest of the evening. The thermometer is now down to 91. I am sitting in a thin grass cloth suit, and feeling comparatively comfortable after the hot day. In some of my previous letters, I have probably given you to understand that I was much discouraged about learning to speak this language. This arose in a measure from the unfaithfulness of a teacher whom I employed after coming here. For a while I learned a good deal, and as he was a capital scholar, I wanted to keep him. But after being with me a few months he found out what words I knew, and would use no others, so that during the last four months I had Kim, I scarcely learned a new phrase. I disliked to turn him off, because in some things he suited me ad- mirably, being good at explaining the classics, and besides he was poor : but at last I could endure it no longer. It was then some two months before I could get a good teacher. If I could go about as some others can, I should be less dependent on a teacher, but my disposition does not lead me to delight in promiscuous company ; and somehow I have the knack of getting a large share of the writing, book-keeping, proof correcting, &c., of the mission into my hands, which gives me less time than I could wish for visiting and going about. However, I have been favored in getting a first-rate teacher, and have gained so much in the last two months as quite encourages me ; and it is my present expectation, (Deo volente,) to commence a regular religious service in Chinese when the warm weather is over. I might do it now, but prefer not undertaking what would necessarily require a good deal of labor in preparation, until the present oppressive season is past, and in the mean time, go about a little and talk as I did to- night, which is a help in perfecting my pronunciation, and en- abling me to speak without embarrassment. In the course of the present year, I hope we shall have several of our number actively employed in preaching. ... I quite agree with you in the general principle, that a wife should not always take her husband home. Still in many cases. a wife cannot go alone. Dr. and Mrs. H , (of the L. M. S.,) went home last year on account of her health, and she died be- fore she got to England. Mrs. J. S , went without her hus- band, and took her children, (five or six, one very young;) she LETTERS. 365 died on the voyage. I have not heard how the children got home. It is this that makes it so difficult for a woman to go alone. Few missionaries have left China of late for their health, till they were well nigh broken down, and it requires no small resolution to send off a sick wife on a long voyage, especially if she have children to take care of. What is to be done? For a while I was tempted to wish that missionaries could live without wives ; but after more experience and reflection, I am satisfied that all men cannot re- ceive this saying. Even if unmarried men could be contented and happy, yet there are other, and serious objections. I have seen more than one or two cases in which I thought the bachelor missionary, merry and cheerful as he professed to be, would have been not simply a happier man, but a more humane, thoughtful, sober, useful missionary, and a far better example to the heathen, if he had been married ; and where example is of such vital im- portance as it is here, whatever conduces to render it better, is not to be overlooked Your affectionate and obedient son, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, August 10th, 1846. REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE MY DEAR BROTHER : . . . I heard of Mr. Dod's death, but had not heard of Mrs. P.'s. How many gaps there are already in the cir- cle of my acquaintances at home ! You will not perceive it so much as you are constantly making new ones, but mine are only decreasing : so be it. " I am a stranger in the earth," and never so happy as when I feel it most. This has been an oppressingly hot summer. I will send you a notice of it soon. I doubt whether you saw the equal of it in In- dia. For days together we have had the thermometer up to 100, but most providentially, it always fell 12 or 14 at night. June, July, and the first week of this month were roasters ; but the worst is over now, and it felt quite delicious to-day when the thermome- ter got up only to 88. Then we have had a drought all sum- mer ; rumors of poisoning ; alarms of evil spirits, and an earth- quake, a veritable earthquake, which shook the houses right mer- rily, and wakened every man, woman and child in Ningpo. Such screaming ! and beating of gongs ! and firing of crackers ! I will send you accounts of all these presently. I have them all in my journal. The earthquake was on the 4th instant, about three o'clock, A. M. It did no harm, but it frightened the people terribly, especially as they were then under extreme alarm, from a panic occasioned by the belief that there are thousands of evil spirits bent on mischief in the city. With all the melancholy arising from seeing them so wholly given up to such superstition, it is yet most iudicrous to see what tales they can invent. The panic is dying away now, but when we found the people giving credence to such 366 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. tales, we began to fear that evil might come out of it. There is no joke in it, however, for Mr. and Mrs. Loomis have just come over from Cluisan, not being allowed to remain there, and can get no house here, on account of the panic and fear of evil spirits, which are supposed to have some connection with foreigners. . . . Pray for me, and believe me ever, Your affectionate brother, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo. August 13th, 1846. ' MY DEAR MOTHER Your long letter, February 11, came July 29, about a month af- ter some letters sent in the same ship, which I received before yours. I need not say how glad I was to get it. ... So many changes have occurred among my acquaintances in New York, that I should feel quite like a stranger there. . . I can hardly realize that I am already in my twenty-eighth year. When shall I grow to the stature of a perfect man in Christ Jesus? Sometimes I feel lonely ; sometimes long for a bosom Christian friend ; sometimes long for the wings of a dove to fly away ; and then again, oh how cold, and dark, and dead. It seems to me the longer I live the less I know or do, and the harder and worse I be- come, so that I feel ashamed to get the kind letters that are sent me from home, and almost hope you will not send any more books, or papers, or remembrances, that seem almost thrown away on one so worthless as I am. I seem to be getting selfish of late, and it often distresses me. Perhaps you will say, " all this is but depres- sion of spirits." Perhaps it is, and as I become stronger with the returning cold weather, and can do more, it may go away. . . Good night, and much love to all. W. M. LOWRIE. j August 26th, 1846. MY DEAR FATHER .... Our excessive hot weather is now over, and though the days are sometimes warm, the nights are delightful, and we are all in the enjoyment of excellent health. My appetite and strength are returning rapidly, and the summer, notwithstanding my fears in June, has been the most comfortable 1 have spent in China. I have not done much for two months past, however, for it is really too much labor to study or work with the thermometer at blood heat. Of late, I have been busily engaged in collating notes and quo- tations, on the proper word for expressing the name of the Su- preme Being, in Chinese. The weight of authority, i. e., most of the most, learned missionaries, have given their influence in favor of using Shang-te, but many others dislike the term exceedingly, as being the proper name of the chief Chinese god ; and when we use it, the people at once say, " oh yes, that's our Shaug-te." I LETTERS. 367 have satisfied myself pretty well that Shin is the proper word to use. ... If this word is adopted, it will then become almost neces- sary to use the word Poo s& in colloquial, though many have taken up a strange prejudice against the word, as if it meant an idol, and was a contemptuous or dishonorable term. Nothing can be more contrary to the fact, and I have found myself in my efforts to talk to the people, almost compelled to use it, there being no other term in the language which expresses so well and so intelligibly, what we mean by God. It is a little troublesome in preparing articles of this kind, not to have the proper books at hand for reference. My library is, I believe, the best in Ningpo, (unless Mr. T has a better, which I doubt.) but I found it quite insufficient for my wants, as I know of several books which would have materially helped me, but had them not. Everything goes on very pleasantly and harmoniously in the mis- sion ; but the great things, life, and vigor, and zeal, are lament- ably wanting. How easy it is, even for the missionary, Urseek for pleasure in everything but in God. I am often cast down, and sometimes deeply discouraged, to find in me so little love for my Saviour, and so little disposition to active exertion. Instead of coming nearer and nearer, and being more conformed to God, I seem to be going farther and farther away. I trust that no one else here is so low or so useless as I often feel myself to be. The sense of my own worthlessness often makes me unwilling to send for such things in the way of books as I need, (and there is very little else that I feel any want of,) and even unwilling to receive all the kind presents and letters that are sent to me. Oh, for more purity, and zeal, and love to be like Christ. Do not cease to pray for my spiritual well-being. Believe me as ever, your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, September 3d, 1846. MY DEAR MOTHER The clock has struck eleven, and I ought to be in bed, but I feel as if I wanted to write to you, though I do not know that I have much to say. I was writing a sermon this evening to preach on the next Sabbath, for I still write sermons occasionally, and get- ting it finished before eight o'clock, I was a little at a loss what to do, for I did not feel like reading or studying after that. So I took out a package containing the letters received from father and you, during the first two years of my life in China. Getting interested, I kept at them till nearly eleven o'clock, and then felt as if 1 wanted to thank you more heartily than I had ever done for all your affection, and sympathy, and kindness to me. Of course I could not read them all over, but I glanced over each, and read parts of them, and many a tear fell as 1 recalled the scenes through which I had passed, and your deep sympathies with me, 368 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. It is good to weep sometimes, and I often wish I could weep more over my own sinfulness and uselessness. Ii is nearly five years since I have seen you ; sometimes I catch myself asking, " Shall I see you again '?" and then again, " But how is it possi- ble ?" I was discouraged a few months ago, for fear I never would learn this language, but for (he last seven months I have made such progress that I should be loath on any account to leave this field of labor. 1 think now my prospects of acquiring a pretty thorough and extensive knowledge of it are quite fair; and if so, then here is my field, and here would I gladly labor, and die, or, if the Lord pleases, abide till he comes.* It would be a sad thing not to be at my post when he comes, though much I fear that I shall not stand before him without blushing for my mani- fold imperfections, and great unprofitableness. Yet if I may be of a little use here, it will abundantly repay me ; and at present I can conceive of scarcely anything that would be so painful as to go back to the United States without an unmistakable call to do so. It does seem to me as if I could not do it. How much of this may be from a desire to preserve my reputation, I will not pre- tend to say, but among other motives, I trust that of preaching Christ to these poor idolaters is not the least. How wretched is their condition ! I stood at my window the other day, and saw an idola- trous procession goby, till my heart asked, "Oh, Lord, how long?" But I am wandering from my purpose, which was more imme- diately to tell you how I felt in recalling the trials and events of the first few months of my life out in China. Somehow, they seem to have happened much longer ago than is really the case. Most of them seem to have occurred ten years ago; and I sometimes think of them as if they had happened to another person. How nucli goodness and mercy were mingled with them all. I was much struck, too, in reading your letters, to notice how many that I knew when with you are already dead : Miss P , Miss R , M T , H V , F , Miss H , and so many others. Some that were careless then, are pious now. Changes, breaking up, and settling down : I am more at home here than I should be in the United Sates. I am commonly very happy, all but in one thing ; I have so little grace. Pray for me. It is a hard thing to keep the flame of piety burning bright when the sickening blasts of idolatry blow on the soul, and there are few to speak of Christ. Oh for the time to come when he will take to Himself his great power and reign. I hope my MillenariLnism will not offend you. I find unspeakable comfort at times in thinking of his ' ; appearing," willing to labor till he comes, but saying, " Lord Jesus, come quickly." What a glorious time it*will be ! He came once, and though he came to suffer and to die, yet even then the "groaning creation" was on tip-toe to receive him. The winds heard his voice, the waves became solid beneath his feet, the fish came at his command, the tree shook down its leaves when he spoke. Good angels hovered LETTERS. 369 near, and devils fled at his word. If all this happened when he came to be "a servant," what will it be when he comes "to reign?" and we shall reign with him. Yes, forever and ever. Now, you believe all this, of course, as firmly *as I do. though we may differ as to the time. I think it may happen in our day, but it will certainly happen some day. Oh to be accepted when he comes ! Who will think of labors, or trials, or separations then ? " So shall we be ever with the Lord." It makes me wonder, how can he condescend so low ? how is it possible we can be lifted up so high 1 But '' fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleas- ure to give you the kingdom." It is his "good pleasure," and so we shall have it. If it were our " good deeds," we might despair. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. I do not write so much and so freely as I used to ; and I some- times fear you may think I am forgetting, or losing my affection for you ; but it is not so. I have more to do than I used to have, though I do not seem to accomplish much, and it is often of such a kind as indisposes me for the free and easy letters I would like to write. But nothing brings tears more easily to my eyes than to recall past hours with you,. and I sometimes seem to live them over again. Well ! here is the last corner of the sheet, and though I have not said much, yet it seems like a relief to say even this, disjointed as it is. It is nearly midnight, high noon with you. How often is it so in life ! Bright noon and joy with one, and perhaps his dearest friend at the same moment in midnight gloom, but the Sun is still in his place, as bright and cheering as ever ; and "when I awake, I am still with thee." I presume you know my meaning. I have not space to enlarge it, and so write here Ever affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. * Ningpo, September 15th, 1846. MY DEAR FATHER .... You will unite with us in thanksgiving, that we have been permitted to receive a Chinese, a native of this place, into the church. He was for a long time, eight or ten months, under pretty constant instruction and examination, and gave us every satisfaction before being admitted to the church. He is employed by Miss Aldersey, who has been very faithful to him in teaching him. .... I got my head full of a notion of preparing a Dictionary of the Four Books the other day, and may perhaps try to make something out of it. There is no existing dictionary by which a Chinese student can read even the Four Books with satisfaction. Morrison's is the best. My plan would be to make a Dictionary, 1st. Of all the words in the Four Books, about 2500 : this would be the great body of characters used in the language Dyer's list having only 3500.' 2d. To give all the meanings of each word that 24 370 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. occurs in the Four Books, which, as they are the foundation of the literature of China, would be by much the greater part of the important definitions needed. 3d. To give pretty full biographical notices of all the persons, and notices also of the places mentioned in the Four Books : this would give nearly everything that is important in ancient Chinese history. The above is the better half of what I have cut out. To do it, without interfering with my more direct and more important missionary labors, would re- quire between two and three years. Should this plan succeed, I might afterwards try my hand at a more important and ambitious effort, i. e., a Dictionary of the language ; but this is so vast an undertaking, that at present I have little idea of trying it. The Dictionary of the Four Books I think I can manage, and it would be an important contribution towards a general -dictionary. I have not spoken of it to any one, and do not wish to do so, as so many things may interfere, but I should be very glad to get all the assistance possible in it, even if only for my own advance- ment. I should like to get the translations published at Paris and Berlin. I do not know where the money is to come from for all these, but if you can manage to get them for me, or for the mission, all the same, I should be very glad. I hope you will not say 1 am engaged in any such work, for I am not yet so commit- ted to it that I feel myself bound to continue it' even to myself; and if I did commence it, I would not want it known, till I was in a situation not to fear the reproach of beginning without count- ing the cost. I have been a good deal encouraged of late in my hopes of learning the language, and if God spares my life, and gives rne health, I think there is a reasonable prospect of my becoming a * tolerably thorough scholar. My early education, for which, under God, I am most indebted to you, gives me some qualifications for it, which, I trust it is not vanity alone tells me, are not possessed by all those who have gone before me to this field Ever your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, December 9th, 1846. JAMES LENOX. ESQ. MY DEAR SIR : Your letter of April 20th has been lying by me for some three months, a longer period than visually elapses before I answer letters ; but my time has been much occupied with writing appointed me by the mission, and with the prepara- tion of my weekly Chinese discourses, which take much of the time that I once gave to correspondents. I am exceedingly obliged for your kindness in regard to the books. On several occasions we have been very glad to have some at hand ; and I have no doubt they have been a means of doing good, by being put in the hands of persons who would other- wise have had few or no religious books near them. LETTERS. 371 I do not think the books for the blind would .be of service here. They are, of course, in the English language, and it could hardly be considered a profitable employment for us to turn from the multitudes around us, and spend time in teaching a few blind persons to read a strange language. One or two at each station, as a curiosity, and to show the Chinese the comprehensive benev- olence of Christian society, which regards even the; dumb and the blind, would doubtless be interesting. My teacher was exceed- ingly astonished the other day, when I showed him a hymn for the blind, which I happened to have, in raised letters. The idea had never occurred to him before. I fear it would be impossible to adapt it to the Chinese language. Even with " the skin burnt off," the fingers could not appreciate the fine lines of our many thousands of characters. They are trying enough even to the eyes. I have been trying to teach ray teacher lessons in music, partly with a view of finding thereby what are their ideas of music ; but the experiment has not been very successful, partly, no doubt, because I know so little of music myself. I wish, (when will wishes end ?) that we had some missionaries here, who were adepts in musical composition, to study the nature of Chinese music, improve it, and compose tunes suited to Chinese poetry. It seems to me rather incongruous to tack Ortonville, Old Hundred, &c., tunes composed for English words, to Chinese poetry. In Luther's judgment, music composed for Latin poems was unsuited to German verse ; and if so, foreign music must be still more unfit for Chinese verse. But I feel at present comparatively little interest in singing Chi- nese poetry, from the fact that it is so utterly unintelligible to the mass of the people. This language, I mean as written, is one of the greatest possible barriers to the spread of the gospel here. I may be mistaken, but to me the conclusion seems irresistible, that till a change as great as that which came over the languages of Europe at the Reformation, comes over this language, it will be unfit for the extensive dissemination of truth among the mass of the people ; I mean, of course, the written language. We can now preach the gospel in the spoken language ; but the spoken language is not a written language ; and thus, as far as the mass of the people are concernedj we have no means of reaching them, except by the living preacher, or such of their own educated peo- ple as may feel interest enough in our books to explain them to the people. Why not write the spoken language ? It may be done, but not in a day, nor in a year. I hope to see a beginning made in rny day, but it must come gradually, and against strong opposition and contempt from the literati of the country. We think of preparing some books, or rather sheet tracts, in the col- loquial language of this province; and, as a means of making them attractive, in spite of the contempt of the people for what seerns to them so low, we want to have them illustrated with pic- tures. Pictures are like the corks which hold a man up in the 372 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. water oftentimes ; at least, many a book is read at home for the sake of the pictures, and there is no reason why it should not be so here ; and we shall soon make an apj lication to the Committee to send us out a good supply of the pictures of birds, beasts, uten- sils, and various figures, prepared by type-founders, which are pre- cisely what we want; and I feel disposed to speak for your vote in the Committee beforehand. Some might laugh at the idea of sending such things to a mission-station ; but really, a picture of a steamboat, or railroad car, with a suitable description, or pictures of the costumes and customs of different countries, with short ac- counts of them, would do more to arouse a spirit of inquiry, and awaken the dormant mind of this people, than a person at home, accustomed from infancy to such things, could well imagine. Such a book as the New England Primer, well translated into the colloquial dialects of this country, and with good pictures, would be a national blessing. The book would be eagerly taken and read for the sake of the pictures. It may be said, this is treating the Chinese like children ; but the fact is, the wisest of them are ignorant of things which every child knows at home ; and amidst all the diversity of talents which we require, and can employ here, scarcely any is better than aptness to be an " instructor of babes." .... Much as the return of missionaries is deplored by our friends at home, it can hardly be felt by you so much as it is by us ; its effects here are almost always more sensibly felt than at home. Our little number diminished, men of experience taken away, the remaining parties discouraged ; the heathen, judging from one, that all are equally uncertain to remain, and hence feel- ing less interest in us ; are only a part of the difficulties. But has the question ever been fairly studied and looked at, at home ? It is felt that something is wrong, but who knows where to lay the blame ? or where to apply the remedy ? A thought has often oc- curred to me, which yet I feel some delicacy in expressing. The difficulty, or one difficulty is, that the Church expects of the mis- sionary what the mass of church-members would not do them- selves. Now it is hard for the stream to rise higher than the foun- tain ; and missionaries generally possess very little, if any more piety than Christians at home. It does seem unreasonable for those who stay at home, and know comparatively little of the pains of separation from friends, of loneliness and isolation among the heathen, to say to their missionaries, " Good brethren, go ; and the blessing of God go with you. We will support you, and pray for you, (?) and think of you, and read your letters ; but do not come back here. If you do, it must be at the risk of los- ing much of your influence, and being thought to be tired of your work, and you had better not come." Doubtless, many of the best friends of missions would be far from using such language, and yet if I am not mistaken, it is the feeling of the mass. It is a serious question whether those who use such language, or feel such sentiments, are entitled to use it; or whether they should LETTERS. 373 not, first, pluck out the beam before they spy the mote. Now it strikes me that it would be better to say, " Go brethren, and labor faithfully, and as long as you can. We will do our part. We do not expect, and we do not wish you, to forget your father land. You have the feelings of men and women, of sons and daughters, and it is natural and right, that you should at times long for Christian intercourse with the great congregation, and the family fireside. Should these feelings become strong in you, we shall not interfere with your once more visiting your aged parents ; but shall welcome you among your friends, and endeavor to fit you to go forth again with renewed vigor to your work. Only re- member you are the Lord's, and may not needlessly or extrava- gantly use his time, even for objects so sacred, as cultivating the kindlier feelings of your hearts." Some such language as this, expresses the feeling I would like to see among the churches. My meaning is, that it ought to be understood and allowed, and in many cases approved, that a missionary, after a certain time, should have the right to return home on a visit. The Church ought not to require exile, as many seem disposed to do. I am satisfied that to have it understood on all hands, that a man had a right to see once more, those whom he cannot but long to see, would have no tendency to increase the number of returns home. It would make most men and women better contented to stay and labor ten years, if they felt that at the end of that time there would be no obstacle to a visit home if desired. And a person who had spent ten years in heathen land, would not, after that, want to leave it finally, if he had the smallest portion of true missionary spirit. If he did, it would probably be better that he should. It seems to me, that the prospect of a cheerful visit home would encourage many a man to labor on, and to form his plans for life here, who might be appalled by the idea of a lifetime, unre- lieved by any such prospect ; nor do I see how the mass of Chris- tians can object to this, without either condemning themselves for their own want of self-denial, or else requiring of their missionaries to renounce many of the finest feelings of their nature. In the English army in India, the officers are allowed after ten years' service, three years' furlough ; and after twenty years, to retire finally. I should be sorry to see the latter regulation ap- plied to our warfare ; but at present it strikes me, that the priv- ilege of a visit home, after every ten years of service, for a much less period than three years, would be a saving both of men and money in the missionary cause. There are some who would not embrace it ; most persons probably would. It would make their first ten years pass more pleasantly away, and it would revive them bodily, and mentally, and spiritually, for the next ten years ; and at the end of twenty years, if they wanted to leave the mis- sionary field it would probably be for sufficient reasons. . . . Believe me, my dear sir, very truly yours, in Christian bonds, W. M. LOWRIE. 374 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. Ningfio, December 31st, 1846. MY DEAR FATHER I have been writing ray weekly Chinese sermon this evening; and after writing rather more than half, finding that I had still a spare hour before bed-time, I thought I could not do better than spend it in a letter to yourself. I write a sermon in Chinese every week ; about eight pages ; not so large as a letter-paper sheet. This I look over several times, especially on Sunday ; put up a notice on my doors, that in the afternoon there will be preaching ; and open my doors shortly after dinner say at half-past two. One of my servants, or my teacher, stands at the door and invites pass- ers-by to come in. The great difficulty is to get an audience to begin with. My house is in a part of the city where there are not many respectable residents near, but it is on a thoroughfare, with many passers-by, and with any attraction there is no difficulty in getting people to stop. I commonly commence as soon as there are five or six present, and if the weather be at all fair, I am pretty sure in five or ten minutes to have from fifteen to forty persons. My discourses are extempore, i. e., I read my written sermon care- fully, and then leaving it in my desk, go down stairs, and, as the Scotch say, " overtake" as much of it as I can. It commonly takes me twenty minutes to get through, but this is a strange tongue, and to an audience not very attentive, is as fatiguing as a sermon forty or fifty minutes long would be in a small church at home. By the time I am done, it has several times happened that the house and verandah were quite full ; and as people, seeing a crowd, still keep coming in, I have several times, after giving away a few books, and talking a little separately to a few persons, got up and preached the same discourse right over to an entirely new audience. In this way I have the opportunity of preaching to from fifty to a hundred persons every Sabbath, and I expect generally to adopt this course. After the discourse is over, I offer a short prayer, all standing. As to my own fluency, perhaps the less said the better ; but I find these services, both in preparation and in delivery, are not so appalling or difficult, as were my first efforts at preaching at home ; and this very polite people compli- ment me exceedingly on speaking the language so well. It is not at all uncommon to hear them say, " Why he speaks our language with a full mouth ! How can a foreigner learn to speak it so well? Why, a Fuhkeen man would not speak so well in ten years," &c. I think there can be no doubt that, difficult as this dialect is, it is one of the easiest in China ; and were I less of a recluse, or fonder of company, I might soon be a fluent speaker. Dr. McCartee, who has more freedom of tongue than I have, talks like a native, and has a command of words quite unexampled in a person who has been so short a time in China. We are all talking of building now, but as yet no one has got a place to build on. We find the present plan is Poo chung LETTERS. 375 " does not meet our wishes," as the Chinese say. The houses do very well for a while, but they want so many repairs, and the rent and repairs come to so much, that we begin to think building with all its troubles better than renting. The members of the mission are all in very good health. 1 know of nothing of special interest among us. I am ordered by the mission to write for a second printing press; but as the letter will go overland, I suppose you will get it before this. What is to be done about procuring Chinese books? I am now beginning to be able to use a Chinese book, and want a library. I have already two hundred volumes, (Chinese,) but my pocket is empty now. Is there any appropriation for books? Hitherto I have paid for all mine out of the money Mr. gave me, or what I could save out of my own salary. But the former sum was used up long ago, in buying elementary books, and a set of the Chinese Repository, and I have now used up all of my salary I can spare for the present year. To be sure, I shall not read all I have got for many a year, but I shall want to refer to- most of them, and to others too, very soon. A good mission library would obviate the necessity for any member of the mission buying a number of works that would be contained in it; but there are others which each person should have for himself. Hitherto none of the books I have bought have been paid out of the mission funds, and I should prefer not to get any with the mission money if I can avoid it. I still keep at preparing a dictionary of the Four Books, spend- ing two or three hours every day at it. It is a very pleasant recre- ation, and I find it one of the best modes for getting accurate ideas of the sense of characters, so that it will be time well spent, if never a line sees the light. I thought at first that there were about two thousand five hundred characters in the Four Books, but on counting, as I have made out a list, I find there are about two thousand two hundred and fifty. I have already noted down one or more, sometimes eight or ten, significations to about one thou- sand two hundred of them. But this is not the- half, nor the hard- est part of the work. I think, however, if I go on as I have begun, that I may get all the significations noted down in four or five months more ; and then eight months' moderate work would bring it into a state fit to see the light. Since writing to you at first, however, I have thought of extending it so as to include the Shoo-king and She-king, or Book of Records and Book of Odes. This would increase the number of characters to about three thou- sand five hundred. My plan would include pretty full biograph- ical and historical notices of China, from the days of Yaou and Shun to those of Mencitis, say from B. C. 2100 to B. C. 300, and would make a large quarto volume. If the work were well done, it would be invaluable. If even moderately well done, it would be of much utility. I have no idea that I could do it well, and doubt whether I could do it moderately 376 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. well. The actual expense of printing and binding five hundred copies would be under a thousand dollars. After the first hundred were sold, say at six to eight dollars a volume, it would have but a slow sale. I would cheerfully make it over to the Mission or the Board, if they would undertake the expense of publication. The estimates alone are mere guesswork, as I have not yet made suf- ficient progress to encourage me to think of looking seriously to publication, nor would I trouble you with these accounts now, were it not that by the time I can hear from you, I shall want to know a little what your views are. I shall probably know defi- nitely whether I shall be able to do anything or not ; and if then I feel disposed to continue, a good deal will depend on the proba- bilities of getting it published. The Shoo-King, She-King, and Four Books, are pretty complete ; and no other books would give so full an account of ancient China, and the beginnings of many customs and modes of speech that are common now. At present there is no dictionary with which one could read even the Four Books satisfactorily, and much less the Shoo-King, and She-King. In saying this I make no exception, even for Morrison, much less for M , who, though doubtless the best acquainted with Chinese of any of the foreign sinologues, is not a very satisfactory authority for philological purposes. December 4. I do not know when this letter will get off, but I must finish if to-night. My teacher was away all day, so I had to study by myself. Spent the time principally at my dictionary, and noted sixty-five new words, besides additional meanings to as many more. This was a great day's work, for I seldom give more than two hours a day, and in that time can note only from ten to twenty new words. A visit across the river, airing and put- ting up my phinese books, and finishing my Chinese sermon, have occupied the rest of the day. . . I suppose the new brethren have arrived in Canton before now. A letter from Mr. Morse informed me of his having heard of their sailing in the Grafton in July. . . Your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, September 13th, 1846. To THE REV. JOHN LLOYD : DEAR BROTHER JOHN : You will judge from the date of this letter (Sabbath evening,) that it is not to be about everything under the sun. I do not know how it strikes every person, but occasionally I like to spend a part of the Sabbath evening in Chris- tian conversation with an absent friend, and I do not know that it is more improper to converse with pen and ink, than by word of mouth. . . . Your note of July 1, inclosing a letter from J. M. L., came two days ago, and your note of Aug. 27, reached me this morning. ... In several notes you have spoken of a wish to be LETTERS. 377 near me. I heartily wish it could be so, but I fear you would find only a very weak and bruised reed to lean on, if you ex- pected any good from me. You would not expect much if you knew me better. God is showing me of late in a very painful way that in myself I am nothing, can do nothing, and am utterly sinful and vile ; and the way he shows it is by leaving me to my- self, to walk on in my Christian course, and to do my duties with- out any sensible support of his grace; and the consequence is, that I am very low. Oh, how many bitter things I write against myself; but the worst is, my utter deadness no life or delight in prayer, the Scriptures, or meditation. What dreadful things these hearts of ours are ! It amazes me to think that God can be gracious to people naturally so vile, and who sin so grievously after conversion. I preached a week ago on the prodigal son's departing from his father's house. I felt the subject a good deal myself, and several of the little audience were in tears ; but alas, I do not ,-reatli before he reads through some of them. Would it not haveVeen better, if, with less of the charac- ter of a grave homily.. trAre had been a more pointed application? If, instead of merely "grieving" and "inviting" and "recommend- ing,'' they had embodied in few words a glowing resolution to do, and to act ? But I will not criticise. Rather let me carefully read them over again, and may God's blessing rest on their au- thors, and on him who reads. ON THE MINUTES OP THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 419 It is well. The work of missions is important ; the Church should unite under their own Board : missionary intelligence should be diffused ; earnest prayer should be offered ; and the Jews should have an able and efficient mission. It is well that the Church, through her highest judicatory, should give utterance to these truths. I suppose they were adopted unanimously, as no notice is given of any disapprobation or dissent. But what shall be, or rather what has been, the result of these resolutions? They are your public testimony, and not merely re- corded in your official records, but recorded by one who says, "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it;" and who will look to see how official resolutions, which bear the nature of a vow, are performed. You have gone down from that high position in the General Assembly, to your separate flocks. If you carry not out your own resolutions, surely no others will. Have you then in your separate fields carried out the principles, and performed the duties you have publicly professed? Is interest in the missionary cause deepening among your own people? Is mis- sionary intelligence more widely diffused ? Do your flock take more copies of the Chronicle and Foreign Missionary ? Is more prayer offered ? Are more efforts made ? Or if not, are we to understand that you have already attained to the measure of the standard fixed in your resolutions, and need not to go beyond it ? And how do your resolutions compare with those of the past or previous years ? What advance has been made beyond the stand taken ten, or five years ago ? The resolutions of the General As- sembly of 1841 were very good. The Assembly of 1842 recom- mended that one hundred thousand dollars should be raised in that year ; but that sum has never been raised in any year yet. The resolutions of 1844 I have not yet seen, but a kind and cordial notice of missionary operations, found a place in the narrative of religion of that year. I fear it must be said, that the resolutions of the General As- sembly mark no perceptible advance in the state of missionary feeling in the Church. There has been a slight increase of pecu- niary contributions, but the Church has not yet come up to the standard fixed by the Assembly of 1842, as then practicable. Brethren, where is the fault? Your resolutions, to be of any worth, must be acted out ; or in the end^he people will become hardened by them, and instead of goo^Aey will do harm, and " the rust of them" will be a witness ag^^^^yourselves. Might I, with all humility, suggest that instead ofa long series of resolu- tions, a few sentences, brief and pointed^would be much better, if each one who voted for them were to resolve that, let others do as they may, he at least would carry them out in his own church. Were this course, adopted, iu five successive General Assemblies, nay, in only two, what prodigious results would be secured ! But there is one sentence in the last resolution, which calls forth my warmest gratitude. The General Assembly of our Church 420 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. solemnly assures us that your " daily prayer is that the Saviour may be present with us, and that the blessing of the Holy Spirit may rest on our labors." Oh ye fathers and brethren ! this one sentence is to us worth more than thousands of silver and gold. Let others do as they may, we are here assured that in the daily pray- ers of one hundred and thirteen ministers, and seventy-six elders, we are remembered. Who would not rejoice to be held in "daily" remembrance by so many ministers and elders ? Who would not feel strengthened in his work, by the assurance from the highest judicatory in the Church, that at least all those who composed that body, every day invoke " the presence of the Saviour, and the blessing of the Spirit" on his labors ? In the name of every mis- sionary of our Church, I thank you for that assurance ; for surely God will hear such prayers. May they be graciously answered by Him, in blessings on our heads, and may they return with tenfold blessings on your own ! You are daily praying, and doubtless daily looking for an answer to those prayers. God is the hearer and the answerer of prayer, and our hearts are revived by the thought. How glorious, how blessed to be a member of a Church, so large as ours, where such a bond of union exists, and where those who occupy the most conspicuous stations, assure those far- thest off, and least known, of an interest in their daily prayers. I cannot allow myself to harbor for one moment the thought, that this assurance is a mere unmeaning form of words, passed in the routine of business, and forgotten amidst succeeding occupations or more interesting pursuits. It cannot so be. W. M. LOWRIE. Ningpo, April 10th, 1847. MY DEAR FATHER Your letter of July 17-20, did not come till some ten days or more after the things it mentioned had been received. I believe everything has come safe. Some of the other brethren were not so much favored, as some three or four boxes fell into the hands of pirates between Canton and Macao. The pirates are getting exceedingly bold all along the coast. I was told to-day that ten out of the eighteen timber firms in Ningpo had shut up their shops this year, as the pirates^m the coast stopped their ships when coming from Fuhkt < n province, and required such heavy ransom, that it became a losinUPPiness. I hardly know how I shall get to Shanghai this summer, as it is hardly safe to venture out to sea, in our small passage^ boats, when such customers are abroad. At present I propose applying for leave to go by way of Hangchou, a place I want to see on many accounts. The convention for the revision of the Translation of the New Testament, is to meet on the 1st of June. I presume you will see the accounts of it as soon as any other person. The most inter- esting question likely to be discussed, is the one in reference to a LETTERS. 421 proper term for " God." Increasing dissatisfaction is felt, by many with the term Shang-te, which Mr. Medhurst patronizes, and the discussion of that subject is likely to be an earnest one. I should like much if you could find time to make yourself familiar with it. You will find in the Chinese Repository of 1846 and 1847, several articles on both sides. The one in November and December, 1846, and January, 1847, shows my views. I think, if the principles laid down in the article in the November number are granted, that the question is settled in favor of " Shin," and I should be glad to get the opinion of some Biblical scholars on the subject. You will see Mr. Medhurst's views in the January number of this year. I think every one of his positions is capable of a clear and distinct answer. I hope some one will reply to it. I shall probably write an answer myself, but do not expect to publish it, having already said as much as becomes so young a student of the lan- guage. As an evidence of the evil done by using the term Shang-te for the name of God, is the following : Not long ago a very respectable man came to my house one Sabbath. I got into conversation with him, and asked him if he knew anything of Jesus? He replied, he had heard he was the son of " Yuh hwang ta te," the " Jewelled Great Emperor." This is the chief god in the Chinese mythology. His birth-day is on the first month, third day ; his image is in one of our largest temples ; and he is known indifferently by the name above given, or by that of Shang-te. I never use the term now, having uniformly found that the people supposed I meant their own Shang-te. Sabbath evening, April 11. This has been a very pleasant day clear, warm, and comfortable. Sermon at our church by Mr. Culbertson, on "Joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." After sermon, the eldest boy in the school, of whom you have heard several times, and whose full name is Yuen Ko Keun, made profession of his faith, and was received into the church, in pres- ence of all his school-mates, and several other Chinese, by baptism. After a short interval, the Lord's Supper was administered. All the services of Baptism and the Lord's Supper were in the Chinese language, and were conducted by the pastor, Mr. Culbertson. This is, I believe, the first case in which any one whose first im- pressions are due, under God, to members of our Mission, has been admitted to the church. Others have, it is true, received great benefit from our mission; but, huinankr speaking, they would have been savingly converted if we haa not been in the field. I suppose in this case, as in the case of Apoo, baptized two years ago, that the principal influence has been exerted by Mrs. Way, and it is worthy of notice how God has been pleased to use the youngest, feeblest, (as far as bodily health is concerned,) and the most unassuming member of our mission, to effect the purposes of his mercy. To his name be the glory. As an offset to the above pleasing account, take the following : All the time we were en- gaged in our services, we were disturbed by some Chinese carpen- 422 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. ters close by, building a pleasure-boat for a European resident. I went out and requested them to cease, which they promised to do, but for some reason did not. Coming home from church, I found in one place a number of Buddhist priests reading and chanting prayers over a person lately deceased ; and a few steps further on, a table full of victuals spread before a new tomb, and a widow woman wailing bitterly. They formed sad contrasts to the exer- cises in which we had been engaged. After a light dinner, I preached on the Eighth Commandment, but the audience was neither large nor attentive. One man, how- ever, evidently heard everything, and indeed so did another, who was sitting by the door outside when I began, but became so much interested, that he came close up, and sat down as near me as he could. But most paid little attention, and went away as they came Monday. Quite warm to-day. I hope this week to get through my collection of significations of the words used in the Four Books. There are about twenty-three hundred different characters. Most of them occur in only one or two senses ; but several of them oc- cur in such a variety of meanings, that it will take no little skill to get them properly exhibited. After getting through the Four Books, I think of laying the subject by for three or four months, as I am pretty tired of it. In the fall, if life and health be spared, I wish to resume it, and treat the Five Classics in the same man- ner, which will be a large job, and I suppose will occupy two years at least As ever, your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Ning-po, May 9th, 1847. MY DEAR MOTHER .... The city has been all in a hubbub for the last four days with the [ Too shin hwuy, or] Procession in honor of all the Gods. Great preparations have been made for it for weeks past, as it is the greatest festival of the year, and crowds of people have flocked in from all parts of the country to witness it. Perhaps there have been five hundred thousand persons, residents and strangers, con- gregated in and about the city, and it has been a curious sight to witness the crowds that collected where anything was to be seen. Numerous companies of strolling play-actors have taken advantage of the occasion, to display their talents and pick up cash. They commonly have their theatres in the temples, nearly all of which have a stage built for the purpose, but it is not uncommon for the actors to erect a temporary stage in the street, occupying nearly the whole breadth of the narrow passage, and with the crowd of spectators, rendering it utterly impossible to go through the street. In every street where the procession was expected to pass, such numbers of people collected as made it a matter of no little diffi- PROCESSION IN HONOR OP THE GODS. 423 culty to force one's way through. Parents were obliged to carry their children on their shoulders, and one would be amused in watching from an upper window the tides of men as they swept backward and forward. Wherever any eminence offered a favor- able location, it was so thickly covered with people, that it seemed like some great pyramid of shaven heads and black eyes. Yet with all this crowd there were few cases of disorder or fighting. I saw but one example of the latter, in which there were only two persons engaged, one of whom broke his pipe-stern over the head of the other and drew blood, giving him a hearty pull by the tail at the same time ; but the bystanders, instead of taking sides, and having a " regular row," as would have been the case in some Christian countries, seemed only anxious to quiet the disturbance as soon as possible. Everybody carries a pipe with a wooden stem from two to four feet long, and it was a curious sight to see the forest of pipe-stems which the living mass held up on every side ; but the stems were too weak to have done much harm as cudgels, and the people do not carry sticks or weapons. There' was no drunkenness seen, and New York on the Fourth of July night would compare badly with Ningpo on the Festival of all the gods. It would be in vain to attempt to describe the procession, or to enumerate its component parts, for the number of articles was too great, and our language contains no terms to describe many of them. It will suffice to mention the most conspicuous ; and if you will form an idea of them arranged in any order to suit yourself, you will have nearly as definite an impression of the general features of the procession as those who have witnessed the whole. Imagine then, in the first place, a long narrow street not more than twelve feet wide, and people standing three and four deep on each side through its whole length, leaving room for only two or three persons to walk abreast in the middle. When more room was required to let any part of the procession pass, it was obtained by a process familiarly known to school-boys by the name of " scrouging." But the Chinese pack well, as any one would think who might see a passage boat going from one place to another, and few complaints were heard when fifty men were crowded into a space where twenty could not stand with any com- fort. Along this narrow passage way, came low, lean, scraggy horses, half concealed by stuffed saddles, which were covered with rich embroidered silk and with festoons of silk and tinsel sticking about over the neck and hind flank in every imaginable shape. The horses were generally led by a well-dressed little boy, who held the silken bridle, while the rough rope halter, but half con- cealed, was held by a man who walked at the side to support the rider. The riders were all boys, frequently so small as to be quite unable to put their feet in the short stirrups ; they were gor- geously dressed in silk robes, with highly ornamented caps, and a 424 MEMOIR OF WALTER, M. LOWRIE. banner of some kind in a socket fastened on their backs. There was never more than one horse at a time, though there were some fifteen or twenty in all. Then came men and boys, with blue or white or yellow or green caps, and parti-colored dresses, beating gongs, cymbals and drums, and blowing trumpets and clarionets which made one's ears tingle; a few had flutes, whose melody was pleasant enough. These musicians were so thickly scattered through the procession that the charms of music were never want- ing, though sometimes they could have been spared well enough. A few men with grotesque masks and odd movements stalked along or danced about, and here and there a man in dirty red garments, doing penance (self-imposed) for his sins, gave variety to the scene. The lanterns were among the most conspicuous parts of the procession, for no show in China, either by day or night, is per- fect without its lanterns. There were some called ''the nine con- nected lanterns," and " the five connected lanterns," which con- sisted of nine square or five round glass lanterns in a perpen- dicular frame, ornamented with silken fringe and tassels, beads, shells, streamers and grotesque figures on the glass, often giving ludicrous caricatures of foreign soldiers and sailors. They were also ornamented with pictures of clocks, and crowned with im- ages of birds and beasts. Large single lanterns, each borne by one man, were also carried about; but few of these were so hand- some as those exhibited last year. Men bearing long staves or wands, ornamented with tinsel or feather and flower work, filled up vacant spaces. Some bore flags and streamers, and everywhere men with rattans about a yard long, with pieces of colored cloth or silk attached, like the feather of an arrow, were waving them in the faces of the people to keep the pathway clear : the number of these was so great in all parts of the procession, that they formed one of its most conspicuous objects. Some eight or ten dragons, varying from thirty to fifty yards in length, and each borne by from fifteen to fifty men, attracted due attention. The heads of these monsters were made of a light bamboo framework, lined with green, red, and yellow silks, great staring eyes, large teeth, and diversified figures stuck about them, while the bodies were made of parti-colored silks, red flannel, blue cotton, or whatever else the maker chose. One which was par- ticularly rich, was completely covered with scales made of pieces of looking-glass. Clumsy coaches and ships, borne by four or six men. and carrying either a girl or a boy, or a drum which was constantly beaten, or else a miniature table, with the dishes ar- ranged and chairs around it, or a vessel of smoking incense, occu- pied their due station in the show. The richest things were a number of large silken canopies, very richly embroidered, with beautiful fringes of silk thread; each of the canopies, of which there were five or six, differed from the others in color, embroid- ery and fringes. The most amusing objects, perhaps, were a PROCESSION IN HONOR OP THE GODS. 425 couple of long-billed birds, with white bodies, and green legs, which stood some ten or twelve feet high. These were men walking on stilts, and so disguised as to present a good, though most grotesque resemblance to birds. They walked on their stilts with much ap- parent ease, clapped their wings, and moved their heads about, " very much like nature, only a little more so." Behind them fol- lowed a man on stilts, with a large trident, (looking, however, very much like a three-pronged pitchfork,) which he twirled about with great assiduity, but he was in an unfortunate position, for his immediate predecessors, the birds, quite eclipsed him. Perhaps the most interesting parts of the exhibition were the stages, on which what might be called "flying girls" were exhib- ited. Of these stages were eight or ten, having perhaps twenty girls, all supported in different modes. On one of the stages was a vessel containing a lotus plant growing out of the water, and on its broad leaves, some six feet from the stage, sat a couple of girls apparently about sixteen years old. On another, two girls were sitting on the outermost twigs of a green bush. On another sat a young woman very much at her ease, holding a light bamboo wand in one hand, and having another carelessly resting over her shoulder ; and on the outer ends of these two wands stood two little girls, fanning themselves. On another stage, stood a little girl with a gilt double ring ; on the upper ring stood another girl on one foot. On another stage sat a young woman with a guitar on one knee, and having another slung across her back ; and on the end of each of these guitars stood a little girl. On another stage stood a young girl holding in her hand a crooked serpent, some four feet long, on the tail of which stood another girl. On another stage stood a young woman holding up a rod, the end of which was ten or fifteen feet from the ground, and on the upper end of this rod stood another little girl. These little creatures were all gorgeously dressed, and some were very pretty ; they seemed much at their ease, and were delighted at the notice they attract- ed. They had nothing to support them, except the single hand or the single foot by which they stood or held to the slight poles on which they were perched, though occasionally the men who walked alongside held up a larger pole for them to steady them- selves, and rest for a little while. Thus they were carried about for several hours, passing through narrow crowded streets in the hot sun, and often passing under arches so low that it was only by stooping that they could get through them. They must have been supported by iron framework, passing up through the poles or twills or rings on which they stood, and so arranged as to sus- tain their bodies, for the most expert rope-dancer could not long have stood as they did without aid, but in most cases the support- ing irons were so adroitly concealed, that they seemed borne along through the air. After speaking of the flying girls, it is scarcely worth while to describe the little boys standing on men's shoulders, or the fire 426 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. crackers that were occasionally fired off, as the procession passed along. The whole affair occupied an hour and a half in pass- ing one point, and must have been some two miles long, but it is not probable that the whole of it passed through any one street. The main body went through the city gates, principal streets, and in front of the offices of government, while detach- ments passed through some of the minor streets, where the inhab- itants expressed a desire to have them do so. It is considered lucky to have it pass through the street where one lives, and the inhabitants often give presents to the conductors to have detach- ments sent past their houses. There were no idols carried this year, though last year a large number were exhibited, and formed an important part of the procession Yours affectionately, W. M. LOWRIE. JOURNAL AT NINGPO. January 3d, 1847. Preached on the faith of Abraham, to a strange kind of an audience ; most of them very respectable, but disposed to talk and make remarks; some were very attentive; but to some the story seemed amusing and almost ridiculous, and the idea of so old a man having a son only afforded matter for a laugh. How hard it is to preach to such a people so indifferent, so insensible ! I came from my address to my knees ; for I am made to feel that the treasure is committed to earthen vessels. Have some encouragement with my servants, particularly Az- hih, whom I am training carefully in religious instruction. They take a good deal of interest in it, and I cannot but hope are be- ginning to feel a little. Oh, for God's Spirit to be given to them. January 10th. Preached on the character of God ; audience much as usual. It is no small trial of the spirit to one accus- tomed to address attentive audiences, to have such as I com- monly find ; people coming in and going out, some making re- marks, some laughing, some ruder, and only few attending, and yet some of even these few taking up the strangest notions from the plainest truth. To human eyes all such preaching must seem very foolishness. Well, be it so. "The foolishness of God is wiser than men," and by "the foolishness of preaching he will save them that believe." The external evidences of Christianity are of little use here. The people have as many and as famous miracles as we to boast of; and their minds are not so trained as to perceive and appre- ciate the evidence, which proves the truth of ours and the falsity of theirs. Hence they make no scruple of believing whatever we tell of deeds of wonder by Christ and his apostles. They can produce parallels in their own history. I spoke of the miraculous JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 427 conception of Christ. " Oh, yes," said one, " that is true, it is just like a similar event in our history; let me see, where was it?" And after some thought, and assisted by one or two others pre- sent, he produced the circumstance. How should he believe my story, or feel more interest in it than I in his? Oh, Spirit of Life, come down ! January 17th. A rainy day, and no one came to service. January 18th. Crossing the ferry, I found a very simple-hearted peddler of silk thread and trimmings, on the boat. He said he sold about a thousand cash worth of articles in a day, and made a profit of near two hundred, or about sixteen cents. He was very curious to know all about my affairs. Had I a father and mother? Did they consent to my coming away ? Did not they cry very much when I came away ? When was I going back ? My answers gave him great satisfaction, but still more to a plain- looking but very motherly woman also in the boat, who seemed at a loss which to admire most, a foreigner speaking her own lan- guage, or the evidence he gave of possessing the feelings of a man. Nothing pleases the people better than our speaking their language. Going over there were two or three men in the boat, one of whom knew me, and asked some questions which I an- swered ; quite a respectable man by my side actually laughed aloud from pleasure at hearing me speak Chinese, and asked me several questions, apparently from no other motive than to hear a foreigner answer them in Chinese. I gave him some tracts, which he read very fluently. Jan. 24th. A wet, rainy day, and apprehended having no con- gregation again ; however, on going down, found a very respect- ably dressed middle-aged man named Chtth, who lives somewhere in the city ; he was very polite and respectful, told me he had long " desired to see me, looked up to me for instruction," &c., according to the usual routine of Chinese ceremonial speech. We had some talk, and as there were three or four persons present, I delivered my discourse to a very attentive, though small audience. The man took a copy of Luke with comments, and promising to come again, departed. I was very glad of the op- portunity of talking which was afforded, for I sometimes feel greatly cast down, especially when I find little opportunity of speaking for Christ. Knowledge that there is such a thing as Christianity is increas- ing and spreading in this part of the country, as I frequently meet persons who have heard at least, the name of Jesus. Feb. 21st. For the last three or four Sabbaths, nothing special has occurred ; audiences varying from ten to fifty ; commonly sit and talk more after giving my sermon than I used to do, which gives an opportunity of more pointed and personal application, but also opens the door for any and every kind of question, and is very sure, in half an hour, to get off to questions about food and clothing, &c. The natural man " understandeth not the things 428 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. of the Spirit." One man to-day seemed a very merry sort of a fellow, but withal, as respectful as a man could be whose only object was to make sport ; asked a number of questions, and started a hearty laugh after each of them, in which he was joined by several others, who seemed to urge him on. At last, I asked him why he asked such questions ? And whether his only object was not to make sport of what I considered a very serious matter? He was quite abashed: several persons around told him to be quiet, and he got up and went out. Had quite a full house as I talked the second time ; but, alas ! it is preaching to dry bones. O, Spirit ! Breath of the Almighty ! breathe on these dry bones ! Feb. 26th. Took a long walk into the country, to some places where I have not before been ; was exceedingly stared at in one place, where the whole village turned out to see me, and the women were the most forward and curious of all. Quite abashed a little girl by asking her what her name was, as it seems she had none. It is not common to give names to girls. But it is melan- choly to see the dissipation of morals here Oh when shall purity prevail, where there is so much vice? Went afterwards and had a pleasant little talk with some men in a little resting-house, and then came home, well tired. Some little yellow flowers are in blossom now. I saw dandelions in full bloom a month or more ago, though there had been a hard frost before, and plenty of it since then; but the cold weather must be nearly over now. March 14th. Preached in the morning, in English, on Gal. iv. 7 ; in the afternoon in Chinese, to some thirty or forty persons, on the Fourth Commandment ; was favored with as much fluency as I have ever had, and fully as good if not better attention. In- deed, the congregation to-day would not have done discredit to any similar congregation in a Christian land. One man came in talking, and I supposed meant to keep on talking, but he behaved very quietly, only putting in a word now and then. After I had said that no work was to be done on the Sabbath, he asked, " Then what shall we do go to sleep ?" This brought on the next part of my subject Duties to be done on the Sabbath. He stayed after service. I talked some; but there were many who wanted to talk about the news and trifling matters, and I found so little opportunity of saying anything profitable, that I soon left them. The man above referred to, seemed a man of some learn- ing. He insisted on it, that since I was so generous, as to come out here, and preach to the people, and advise them to do good, that I would surely become a god at last ! But how hard it is to get a Christian idea into their heads, to say nothing of impress- ing it on their hearts. After repeating over and over again, the statements about God as eternal, true, and holy, they are sure to confound all you say with their own gods. This is not because they do not understand what I say, for I find that I am pretty well understood ; but because, first, they cannot conceive how it is JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 429 that their own gods are false gods ; and, second, they have no idea of the importance of the subject, to induce them to give a serious thought to what they hear, and hence, when they hear of the " true God," they take it as a matter of course that their own gods are intended. We are greatly at a loss for a word corresponding to our word worship. The Chinese 3:3 : pai pai, which comes nearest to it, is very far from expressing it; so that frequently, when I have been praying in public, some one says, why you did not " pai pai," " worship." By the use of the word, they mean prin- cipally the motions of the hand and the body in bows and prostra- tions before the idol. March 21st. Opened my doors at three, p. M., and went down as usual, but there were few passers-by. I sat alone for nearly half an hour, having only one little boy carrying a baby in his arms, to come near me. After a while, two or three well-dressed men came in and one sat down, but. the other two went away. I asked him his name and residence, but he did not seem disposed for a conversation. I then opened a copy of Luke, and began to read it. He asked what it was. and we had something to talk about it. Others came in ; he praised my fluency of utterance and cor- rectness of speech : and in answer to some questions, I had a good opportunity of giving some outlines of creation and redemption. But the subject had no charms for the natural heart ; and as soon as I was done, one of the men asked, " Is your sovereign a man or a woman?" Quite a crowd had now collected, and I gave them rny sermon as well as I could, which was not very well. Some heard it all ; some got enough before it was half done. One quite respectable looking lady came in and sat down, and she at least heard everything that was said. Oh for a blessing on her ! It is hard preaching, for the audience changes so much, that I must go over the same simple truths every day, treating all the time of first principles ; and this displeases the few who come more than once, for having already heard all this, they want something else. March 24th. Started for a walk, got out of the south gate and thought of going up into the country, when I recollected that there were little wax representations of fruit, &c., to be had in the city, which I wanted to get. So I turned off and went through the lowest gate towards the Koolowtseen. Passing by one of the pa- rade grounds, I saw several persons with bows and arrows ; and knowing that there were people practising archery there, I went in to see what was going on. There were several groups, shoot- ing at targets ; some of the archers pierced the centre, while others shot very wide of the mark. As soon as I came in, several persons gathered around rne, and presently there was quite a crowd, mostly well-dressed, and respectable men. The first one that spoke to me asked my opinion of some women, who were looking out of a door 433 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOV not far off. At home I should not have thoi tit much of such a question, but here it could have only one meaning, and he saw in a moment that I was displeased, and apologized for having spoken so. Great, merriment was caused by my speaking in their own language, and severa' 'estions were put, apparently only for the pleasure of hearing i> signer speak in Chinese. I was not in much humor for talkin --o Itook out what few tracts I had with me. They were gone , ;.. Moment. I thought of going too, but a very pleasant looking your^ man said. "Oh do not go, stay and talk." " What shall I talk about ?" said I ; and then seeing one of them looking over a copy of the Ten Commandments I had just given him, I took it, and gave them a little talk on them, and on the redemption of Christ. They were very curious to know where I lived. So I told them where, and that I should be happy to see them at my house, at my Chinese service on the Sabbath. Sev- eral said they would come. We parted on the best terms. I then went to the Koolowtseen street, and found a great crowd; now is the time of the annual examination for Sewtsai. Stalls of all kinds of coarse toys were set up on both sides of the street, and the venders seemed to be making money. I was much interested with the dexterity of the men who made wax figures. They had half a dozen kinds of different colored wax balls, and a very small furnace; and three men were busily employed in making figures of fish, four-footed beasts, &c. They also made flowers, fruits. &c. The fruits were especially natural. Everything was done by hand or by little sticks, and pieces of iron ; and the resem- blances thus formed were surprisingly accurate. The articles made were also very cheap, and for eleven cents I got seventeen or eighteen of them. March 27th. There is a great crowd of strangers in the city at present, in consequence of the examinations. After dinner Ho Keun, the oldest boy in the school, whom we hope to receive into the church at our next communion, spent some time with me. He thought there were a great many comparisons, or figurative expressions, in the book of Revelation. I told him he would do better not to attend to that so soon. He wanted to know how the Lazarus whom Jesus loved could have been so poor as to be laid at a rich man's gate. He had a number of other questions which I answered. After speaking a while in Chinese, we conversed in English. He speaks well for the time he has spent at it. It seemed strange to hear a Chinese speak in my own language. Our hope is that he will be a blessing to his own people. Sabbath, 2Sth. Rose at half-past six o'clock. Morning occupa- tions as usual. Breakfast at half-past seven. Read in the Bible till nine. Fell into a long train of thought about getting a Sab- bath school in St. Louis to undertake my support, and many thoughts on this subject crowded into my mind. Looked over rny Chinese sermon for the afternoon, and selected some short tracts for distribution. English service as usual, a ad a good sermon by JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 431 Mr. Culbertson. \t three opened the doors of my Chinese room, found almost the only constant hearer I have, in the room. A few others came in, and I commenced my discourse, which was on the Sixth Commandment. I believe I never got on better, or had a more quiet and attentive audier. After speaking about twenty minutes, we all rose, and I oil a short prayer, and dis- missed them. Gave away all t'ie t s; and two young men from Hangchow, the capital of the p.i .ice, were highly gratified at receiving some of them, and at my speaking in their own lan- guage, and gave me many thanks. 1 am teaching the Shorter Catechism to my servants, but find it hard work ; first, the Chinese language has no suitable terms for many things, and second, my command of the language is not yet sufficient for the circumlocution in such a case. There are more terms in the written language than in the spoken, but they are of no more use to the common people than the Latin and Greek terms in theological and philosophical books are to the un- learned at home. I know of no term in the language to express precisely "chief end." For "decree," there is a good word, ming, in the written language, but not in the spoken. For " covenant," yo is a good word, but it is understood only by scholars, nor is there any good word for it in the colloquial. "Providence," "fall," " redemption," "original sin," " effectual calling," "justification," " adoption," " sanctification," " privilege/' " holy," are all vary hard words to be put into intelligible Chinese. Most of them may be expressed, after a sort, in the written language, which is very co- pious, but when it comes to the spoken language one is at a loss, arid a great deal of circumlocution is unavoidable. One of the great difficulties in our work lies in this very want of proper terms, and 1 see not how it is to be remedied excepting in long and pa- tient use of the most suitable terms we can find ; thus, at length, " converting" them from their heathenish uses and associations to Christian purposes. How true are those words, " Sin has reigned unto death !" Its power is shown even in forms of speech. The application of terms to evil, is an evidence of sin reigning. This language is an instru- ment in Satan's hand to blind men to their ruin. But as sin hath reigned, so shall grace reign, even in the terms of this language, unto everlasting life. Wherever sin hath set up its throne and swayed its sceptre, there shall grace come in and set up a higher throne, and sway a mightier sceptre. Would that I might do something for the conversion of this language, and through it of this people unto God ! Monday, 29th. Busy in the fore part of the day with my teacher, and at the Four Books. At three, visited Mr. Culbertson. ^Coining bock, was barked at unmercifully by several dogs. As soon as I am three steps beyond them, they follow for a square or two, bark- ing and yelping without ceasing. It does make one feel as a 432 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. stranger to be barked at in this way, for they do not move their tongue to a Chinaman. Mutch 30th. All the missionaries in Ningpo met to discuss the question of the marriage of Christian converts with persons re- maining in heathenism. The question came up inconsequence of a letter from some missionaries in Shanghai, who have a case of the kind on hand, arid wanted to know our views. After a com- parison of views for four hours, we came to the conclusion that such marriages were inexpedient and to be discouraged ; but did not feel prepared to make a term of communion in all cases out of the subject. March 31st. All day at my Chinese studies, and at the Four Books. At five, p. M., took a walk for relaxation. Gathered some spring flowers for my flower-pot ; a few wild lemon flowers, some clover, some yellow primrose, some parsley, and one or two others. In one place came across a dead dog, and two other dogs lying by him. In a few steps beyond, saw a flowering almond in full and luxurious bloom. So it is in this strange, melancholy world of ours. When most pleasantly engaged, you are wounded and grieved by some revolting spectacle, and again in a moment de- lighted with some scene almost too fair and beautiful for aught but heaven. April 1st. In the evening looked over my Chinese sermon. At first it took me three evenings to prepare a discourse, but now I commonly get through very easily in one evening. I find I am generally understood, but mistakes are often made by beginners. I often wonder how the Chinese can keep such grave faces, when they hear such queer combinations as we foreigners sometimes make out of their language. The only time they ever laughed at a mistake I made, was when I spoke of "Peter's mother's wife," instead of " Peter's wife's mother." Even then some of the elder hearers seemed scandalized, that the young ones were amused at a mistake of "the guest." April 3d. Looked a little into a work in Chinese, on astronomy, geography, and watch-making, by some of the Roman Catholic missionaries of former days. It gives the Ptolemaic system of as- tronomy, that the sun and stars move round the earth. In the numerous books they published in China, they always explained astronomy in the old style, and published books with plates, repre- senting the sun and stars revolving round the earth. I have seen some of these books. Went up to a Leang-ting, where I preached my first Chinese sermon last year. These are covered resting-places with stone seats, w*here you may sit down and rest awhile. They are met with eve*y two or three miles, and might remind one of the arbor on the hill Difficulty, made for the refreshment of the pilgrims, if they were not, in nine cases out of ten, built alongside of an idol temple. In this populous country you cannot sit down five min- utes in one of these places, without having several people gather JOURNAL AT NINGPO. 433 round you. To-day there were twelve or fifteen persons, and I talked to them on the folly of idolatry, the true God, the sinful- ness of man, and Christ the only Saviour. After talking ten or fifteen minutes, I gave away what tracts I had with me, and left them with a hearty good-by on both sides. April 4th. Preached to-day, in course, on the Seventh Command- ment to a pretty large audience. April 17th. The people are now preparing their nursery beds for rice ; in a few the rice is already sown, but in most the water is merely let in, and the beds are little else than so many dishes of wet mud, six inches deep. April 19th. An excessively hot day ; thermometer at 97 for some hours. Ripe cherries to-day, but not very good. April 21st. Green peas to-day. There are shad in the market, but at present very dear, about half a dollar a pound. April 24th. A poor crazy man has been lingering about, near my house, most of the day. He looks from his dress and counte- nance, as if he suffered but little for want of the comforts of life. When I first saw him he was kneeling on the grass by the side of my house, and chanting a book of Buddhist prayers, making occasional prostrations ; seeing me watching him he got up and' went farther off, and then walked backwards and forwards, chant- ing his book, and making bows. Quite a crowd looked at him, which seemed not to please him, for he hastily put his book under his arm and went off. Just now, half-past eight, p. M., I hear him again singing out lustily, O me to fuh ! but some of his friends seem to be persuading him to go home. Is this a case of religious madness ? April 25th. Preached to some twenty or thirty persons on the Tenth Commandment, and was favored with a good deal of fluency in speech. Several were very attentive; and after sitting down, I got into a conversation which lasted more than an hour, in refer- ence to idolatry, creation, redemption, the creed, &c. On the whole, it was a very satisfactory meeting, yet alas ! without the Spirit of God, of what avail is it all ? The people laugh at their idols, but go and worship them still. After dismissing the audience, I found a couple of natives of the place, a Mr. Tai, and a Mr. Leu, waiting to speak with me. I had seen them both before, and the first of them several times. He was first led to think about Christianity, by a Chinese who came up here with Dr. Macgovvan, and who first brought him to my notice. Last week he sent me a letter requesting bap- tism, and came to-day to speak about it. He said that himself and his friend, Mr. Leu, and another, Mr. Chow, whom I have also seen, are all pretty much decided for Christianity; and though, as he says, he is much laughed at and reviled by his friends, yet he professes a determination to persevere even until death. I had a tolerably satisfactory conversation with them, and we prayed together. 28 434 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Worship of ancestors is one of the great features of the Chinese religion ; every family has a picture of the father and mother, to which incense is offered, and religious worship performed. Mr. Tai asked what he should do? He said he had taken down the pictures and laid them away, and has fully determined not to worship them any more ; " and if I should deceive you hy saying I do not worship them, when I do worship them, ye.t I could not deceive God." He has, however, been told he should burn the pictures. Now this seems hard, for being portraits of his parents, he wishes to keep Ihem just as we would. Does this case fall under the rule of destroying every vestige of idolatry, no matter what it be? April 18th. Finished the first draught of the Shorter Catechism in Chinese, and May llth, finished revision of it with teacher. May 10th. Suffering greatly from drought ; very little rain has fallen during the winter, though as there was no cultivation of any consequence and no irrigation, the canals have kept full. But of late, since the planting of rice commenced, the water in the canals has been in great measure used up, and some of them are quite dry. The Kin too, or prohibition of slaughtering pork, has been enforced of late, to propitiate the gods ; but as yet very slight showers mock our hopes, and some apprehension is felt for the result on the crops. In some fields, the rice is already transplanted ; but in most of them, the cabbage is only removed and the water being let in on them. May 16th. Preached to-day on Heaven ; but it was talking of things in which the people seemed to feel that they had little con- cern. Had more satisfaction in a short extempore address I made afterwards, on the main object of Christianity. Two or three inquirers were present, who have been attending at Dr. Macgow- an's, but of late have shown a disposition, entirely of their own, to come to me. I asked two of them to make some remarks, as I knew they had been in the habit of talking on the subject of Christianity. They both did so ; what they said was good enough, but it did not seem very direct or impressive. I find the Commentary on Luke takes very well ; one of them inquired with much interest, if any more or other books would be published, remarking that it was very hard to understand our Scriptures without them, which is true. The drought still continues. May 22d. Very heavy rains. The prohibition of slaughtering pork removed ; the rains, however, lasted only one day. May 24th. Started with Mr. Cole in a boat for Chapoo, I meaning to go from thence to Shanghai, and he to Pooto. Left Ningpo at ten o'clock, p. M., and expected to leave Chinhai at daylight next morning. May 25th. Found the boatmen determined not to go till next day; many excuses ; v first, that they did not know the route to JOURNAL EN ROUTE TO SpANGHAI. 435 Chapoo, and must get another boatman to go along ; then, that they had some repairing to do, &c. Entreaties, threats, and promises were useless, and we found ourselves under the necessity of submitting. 1 suspect that they wish to smuggle some opium from here to Chapoo, under cover of foreign protection, and having made an agreement to do so, they are determined on so doing, as they would thereby make money. There being no help, we went ashore and rambled about Chinhai, and up to Cho paou sau, a Buddhist temple on top of the hill which overlooks the city, and from which there is a splendid view by sea and by land ; nothing particular to see in the temple. It is ascended by three hundred and twenty-three steps, many of them cut out of the rock. One of the monks was quite unable to tell the names of the attendant deities in the hall of Kwan Yin ! The city is apparently not more than a mile square, and not at all thickly settled ; one-third of the interior is occupied with rice-fields. The people, children, and dogs were very civil. May 26th. Wednesday. Started about two o'clock, A. M., and got out of the harbor of Chinhai, but found it so calm that we could not. make head against the tide, and came to anchor. Favorable tide at six o'clock, A. M., and with light wind went on well till about noon ; got nearly half way to Chapoo ; tide turning and wind light, had to anchor. Wind becoming stronger and tide slackening, up anchor at five, and went on : but the wind soon came out dead ahead, and looked squally. About six, blew pretty hard, and all at once the boatmen put the helm down and turned back to Chin- hai ! They said it was going to blow hard, they could make no progress against the wind, and there was no place to anchor during the night. Several boats ahead of us also turned back, and as the Chinese " are good barometers," we did not like to insist on their going ahead. But though the wind was fair and strong for Chin- hai, yet such was the strength of the adverse tide, that we could make no progress whatever against it, and it was not till midnight, that we found ourselves going ahead. It was now blowing pretty hard, raining, and a tolerably heavy sea, so that we were not sorry when the anchor was dropped in Chinhai, twenty-four hours after we had left it. I am not very successful in sea voyages. May 27th. Thursday. Strong wind and dull weather, and no prospect of getting off to-day. As Mr. Cole was anxious to go on to Pooto, I looked about among the boats, and found another going to Chapoo, as soon as the weather would permit. Although the accommodations were of the most contracted kind possible, yet the boat offered several advantages, and I engaged a passage. The weather however continued such that going was quite impossible, and as Mr. Cole could not go to Pooto, I spent the afternoon and night in his boat. May 28th. Friday morning opened with rain, as if it might con- tinue long; but about seven it cleared off somewhat, and as the weather gave some indications of clearing off, and the wind came 436 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. from the south, the boatmen gave me some hopes of getting offto- night or to-morrow morning ! Patience " Let patience have her perfect work." Azhih came down from Ningpo with some letters for me from home, and I concluded to send Apuen back and take Azhih along, as I had originally intended, but which his sickness on Monday prevented. May 29th. Saturday opened very dull indeed ; wind fair, but weather dark, and raining at times. Boatmen said they could not go to-day; so I said, I could not go to-morrow, as it will be Sunday. This brought them to a decision, and after some con- sultation, the head man came and said they would start in the evening, and if the wind continued fair, one tide would take us to Chapoo. They were very anxious to have us go, for there are many pirates about just now. and the presence and flag of a for- eigner is a protection not to be despised. I carry no arms, but such is the terror in all this part of the country of foreigners, that it is thought no pirates would venture to attack a boat which had one on board. Not only my own boatmen, bi't those of nine or ten other boats which are going together to Chapoo, expect mate- rial protection from my presence alone. I do not like going just now, for it will oblige me to spend the Sabbath on the road ; but I do not well know how to avoid this, for the Convention meets on Tuesday, and for me to wait at Chinhai till Monday will make it impossible to be there in time ; doubtful whether I can be in time as it is, but I hope to be in Chapoo during the night, and by get- ting a boat early in the morning, and stopping at some quiet place on the canal, I can spend the Sabbath in peace. Left Chinhai at noon, and anchored under " Joshouse hill" till about five, p. M., when the tide set fair for Chapoo, and with a fair wind we made sail. It was a beautiful afternoon, and the sun set without a cloud. My boat was filled up with one hundred and sixteen bales of mats, each containing seventy-five mats, in all 8,700, besides other things. This filled it so full as hardly to leave room to move. There were seven boatmen, six Chinese passengers, and myself. The apartment I occupied was about eight feet square, and in the middle high enough for me to sit not very com- fortably. This was occupied by myself, to whom was given the back part, as the most retired, and by my servant, a Chinese passenger and his servant, and another passenger, who turned out to be an acquaintance of Azhih. It was " pretty thick" work ; master and man were close together, and it was hard to say tc whom the various arms and legs belonged ; outside was no better, for the boatmen were as crowded as we were. Among the boat- men was one much given to story telling, and he amused the other boatmen and the passengers for two or three hours, with an inces- sant stream of talk. We went on finely, and got to Chapoo very soon after midnight; but owing to the crowded and close state of the apartment, I slept JOURNAL ON ROUTE TO SHANGHAI. 437 very little all night. The rest of the company, however, seemed to feel little inconvenience. Sabbath. In the morning found the receding tide had left our boat high and dry in the mud, and the only way to get to shore, nearly a quarter of a mile off, was by wading through the mud, or going in a chair. Had the boat been at all comfortable, I should have stayed and spent the Sabbath in her, but the idea of spending a Sabbath in such a confined apartment, on a mud flat, and with people busy taking out the cargo, was not agreeable. So I sent Azhih off to get a boat for Shanghai. He got one for twenty-six hundred cash, not quite two dollars; but when I got there, and they found it was a " Red haired man," they insisted on five dollars. We agreed at last on four thousand cash, nearly three dollars, the day to be spent at some quiet place, and to pro- ceed to Shanghai to-morrow. It was about eight o'clock when we got to the entrance of the. canal leading to Shanghai and Soo- chow. The wind was fair and strong for Shanghai, and the boat- men would have liked much to have gone on, but as they knew the increase of their pay depended partly on staying, they said little, and fastened the boat stem and stern to a couple of lines at the side of the canal. I now began to feel the effects of the accommodations and sleep- lessness of the night, in a headache, which, though not severe, effectually prevented all reading till about noon. Otherwise my situation was very pleasant, and the Sabbath passed quietly away. I could not avoid noticing the immense number of boats of all shapes and sizes, which went out from Chapoo, and passed us on their way to Shanghai, Soochow, and other places. It would cer- tainly be a moderate estimate to say that in four hours, there were upwards of three hundred boats, and perhaps twice that number would be nearer the truth, for in the little reach of the canal, about quarter of a mile long, where my boat is moored, there was never less than one boat passing through, and frequently from four to ten at the same time. The dialect of Chapoo is so much like that of Ningpo, that my servant finds no difficulty in talking with the people and under- standing them. It has some peculiarities, however, which makes it difficult for me at present to understand it ; and I find that they understand me much better than I do them. I did not go into the city. In fact my coming this way at all, is against the law ; but as no notice has been taken of several persons, who have passed and repassed without permits, I have made no scruple in walking through such of the streets as was necessary in gettingto the boat. Crowds collected to see me, but I observed no rudewess, and but seldom heard the term " white devil," which, indeed, is often used without intending any insult. Chapoo is the town where the English met with the fiercest re- sistance, as it is partly inhabited by Manchus, who are much braver than the Chinese. It would seem, from the number of 438 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. boats to be a place of some business and population, though I sup- pose the canal I am now on, is the greatest of all the arteries that issue from it. May 31st. Monday. Started during the night, and on going out in the morning about sunrise, found ourselves at a thriving town, called San Kew, twenty-seven le from Chapoo, or about nine miles. The canal was here quite wide and deep, and at each end of the town was crossed by a beautiful arched bridge. The hand- somest tower I have seen in China stood by one of the bridges. It was five stories high, had galleries all round in each story, sounding bells attached to the cornices, ropes passing up and down, with some beautiful trees close by, and the whole looked new and clean. For many miles we passed on through a country occupied with fields of wheat, and stalk-beans nearly ripe. The people have not yet commenced their rice, but will in a very few days ; they are three weeks behind those of Ningpo. The banks of the canal are lined with willows or mulberry trees to feed silk-worms, and the water-wheels are generally covered with thatched roofs, which is quite an improvement on the plan at Ningpo, where no such care is shown. I did not observe when we left the canal for the Hwangpoo river, but it was some time during the forenoon. We made pretty good progress till about noon, when we were thirty-seven miles from Shanghai, where we found the tide unfavorable, and as we were now beating by long tacks against the wind, we came to anchor and got dinner. Pro- ceeded again about dark, but had to anchor during the next tide. Went on again at daylight on Tuesday, and by seven o'clock reached Shanghai. A forest of masts of junks filled the river, but there were no foreign ships. Found my way to Bishop Boone's without difficulty, and after breakfast went out with Mr. Syle, to call on some of the foreign merchants and th ^ mission- aries. The foreign residences form quite a town, and when all are finished will be a settlement quite unequalled in China. Some of them are very expensive, and everything indicates an expecta- tion of this place becoming, at no distant day, the head-quarters of influence in China. Called on Messrs. Medhurst, Milne, and Lockhart, but did not stay long at either place. In the evening, went over the river with Dr. Boone, Mrs. Boone, and a number of others, and walked among the rice-fields ; after- wards, aU spent the evening at Dr. Boone's, and so closed the first day of a residence in Shanghai, which they all tell me will extend to six months or a year, a length of time which I had not at all anticipated. Shanghai, June 3d, 1847. MY DEAR FATHER In some of my previous letters, I mentioned to you my expec- tation of visiting this place. The object is to be present at the LETTERS. 439 Convention for the revision of the translation of the New Testa- ment, to which I have been appointed one of the delegates. The other delegates are Drs. Medhurst, Boone, Bridgeman, and Mr. J. Stronach. I do not yet know of any others, and presume there are no others. Bridgeman and Stronach are not here yet, but are expected daily. I supposed the Convention would not sit more than six or seven weeks, but every one here seems to think that six months is the shortest possible time, and a year is spoken of as more probable. The work is important enough, no doubt, to deserve so much time, though I have some doubts as to the ex- pediency of it just now. However, as I am the youngest and least skilled in Chinese of all the members, I do not expect to do very much, except to look on and see what is done. In the mean time, I expect to pursue my Chinese studies, much as at Ningpo, except that I fear I shall lose in the practice in the colloquial of that place. The dialect here is a good deal like that of Ningpo, and yet so much unlike, that while I can make myself tolerably well understood, I find a good deal of difficulty in understanding others ; but a little practice will assist me. I left Ningpo, May 24th, but owing to adverse winds, had to lie at the mouth of the river till the 29th. I then came by way of Chapoo to this place in three days, one of which, being the Sab- bath, was spent at anchor in the canal. I did not apply for a per- mit to come by the way of Chapoo, and met no molestation or hinderance in passing through that place. The route from Ningpo to Shanghai, via Chapoo, may now be considered an open route, as several foreigners have passed both ways, and no notice has been taken of it by the Chinese authorities. It is a great con- venience to us, and is one among the many evidences, how the country is opening. Chang-Chow, where the visit of Mr. Abeel and myself made so much noise, some years ago, has been vis- ited several times of late, and I have no doubt that the country will be as wide open in a few years as we can desire it. Your letter of December 17th reached me last week, also two mission letters of November and December I have referred so often to my Dictionary, that I am afraid you will be tired of the very mention of it, but I will trouble you once more. I have collected all the significations of all the words in the Four Books, and have concluded to go on with the work so as to include the Five Classics, though perhaps I may not include the Le Ke, a large and for the most part very triding and useless work. In the Four Books there are in all two thousand three hundred and forty-five different characters, and in the Four Books and Five Classics^he Le Ke exsepted, there are rather more than four thousand and' 't\vo hundred. I may perhaps send a list of them some day, ^fcwhich you will see that the great body of the language is tf^fcined in them, i. e., the great body of the really useful cliai-acHR*. Now, my plan is to give each of these characters with its pronunciation in Mandarin, and in the dialect 440 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. of each of the five ports now open to foreigners. Then to give the etymology of the word from native dictionaries, where I think such etymology worth notice. Then to give the different signifi- cations, whether as verbs, nouns, adjectives, &c., and at least one quotation to illustrate each signification, with reference to the page and line where found. This will be the body of the work : but my plan includes a good deal more, for as the whole of the ancient history, geography, &c. of China is contained in these Four Books and Five Classics, I want my work to be a sort of " Classical Dictionary" on these points. Hence I propose short biographical, historical, geographical sketches under the appro- priate characters, with references to such native and foreign authors as may give the student fuller details. You see this is a pretty extensive plan. As to time, I have no idea that I can do it in less than five years, without neglecting other works which I think are entitled to the first place. But here I am met by a great difficulty. We have few books in Ningpo. My library is by far the best there, and yet it is a poor thing compared with some that are in China, and it is miser- ably deficient in works relating to China, many of which are quite essential to me, in carrying on my undertaking. Is there any way of supplying this want? The books I refer to would cost I suppose some five hundred dollars, and would be of great service, not merely to myself, but to all our mission, and I think ought to be possessed in a mission like ours. I will make out a list of them in a few days, and send to you by next mail. I mentioned several of them in some former letters, which I hope you will be able to procure. They are all to be had in Paris or Berlin. . . . My health is very good, and I remain as ever, Your affectionate son, W. M. LOWRIE. Shanghai, June 4th, 1847. MY DEAR MOTHER .... I am now staying at Bishop Boone's, and see as much company in a day as I did in Ningpo in a month. I do not know yet how long I am to stay at Shanghai, but I suppose at least six months, to my great regret. I shall be glad if it be not a year. The change of scene and air and employment has done me good, for I had begun to " run down" in Ningpo, and lost both appetite and flesh. This, however, did not alarm me, for it has been so every summer since my coming to China. . . . The changes here since my visit two years ago, are quite sur- prising. A whole new town of foreign houses has sprung up since then, and some of them are quite magnificent. It will soon be the Canton of the North, but give me Ningpo for a residence and for missionary labors. LETTERS. 441 I believe you do not know anybody here, so I have nothing to say about them to-day. . . . Ever affectionately yours, W. M. LOWRIE. Shanghai, July 23d, 1847. REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE MY DEAR BROTHER : I am in your debt for several letters, which I must now endeavor to repay. I have been here nearly two months, and as yet am quite unable to give any definite idea when we shall get through. Owing to the uncertainty of travel- ling up and down this coast, some members of the Convention did not get here till the 28th ult. ; while I, who was punctual to the day, had to wait on my oars from the 1st ult. After we got to- gether, all went on well for a week, when we were stopped by a question which has excited no little talk and writing for some time, " What is the proper word for God in Chinese ?" Morrison and Milne have adopted the word jjjjj Shin, which, according to the best judgment I can form, means God, or Divinity in general. Mr. Medhurst for many years used the same term, and even so late as this present year, 1847, has published a dictionary in which he says, " The Chinese themselves, for God, and invisible beings in general, use jptj shin." But some twelve years ago or more, he began to use f- ^fe Shang Te, Supreme ruler, for the true God, and jjjffj shin for false god. Mr. Gutslaff also did the same ; and these two being the best and most experienced Chinese schol- ars, had of course great weight. And most of the missionaries were carried away by their example. For some years past, how- ever, there has been a good deal said on the subject, and a strong disposition manifested to return to the old way. r~ ttt Shang Te is objected to, first, as being the distinctive title of the national de- ity of China, and hence something like the Jupiter of Rome ; and second, it is not a generic term, and cannot be used in such pas- sages as " Chemosh thy God, and Jehovah our God," " If Jehovah be God," ., of the Protestant Episcopal Mission at Shanghai. Shanghai, August 31st, 1847. WALTER LOWRIE, ESQ. : MY DEAR SIR : I cannot resist the strong impulse of my heart to commune with you, and to mingle my sorrows and tears with yours at this time. Our merciful and loving heavenly Fa- ther has seen good, in his infinite wisdom, to afflict us all in a very tender point. To you especially, my dear sir, he has sent a very heavy trial. May his grace be abundantly bestowed to en- able you to bear it with entire submission to his will. Indeed, my dear sir, he is too wise to err : too good to do what is unkind. In his infinite wisdom it has seemed good to him to take to himself your beloved Walter ; and that, too, under circumstances which have wrung our hearts with anguish. My heart's prayer for you is, that when you hear the sad story, you may be enabled to say with the aged Eli, " It is the Lord ; let him do whatsoever seemeth to him good." He has done so, and, in this case, not in wrath, but in mercy and in loving kindness. He has removed your dear son from his vineyard on earth to a nobler service in his sanctuary above. His work was done. The time of his removal arrived, and the circumstances thereof I am persuaded were ordered for the benefit of us who survive, rather than for anything to be effected thereby on our dear brother himself. You will no doubt receive full particulars from your brethren at Ningpo, but lest their letters may not reach you by this over- land mail. I will mention them. You are aware that he was at Shanghai as a member of the translating committee. On Satur- day, the 14th August, he received a letter from his brethren at Ningpo, requesting him to join them immediately. [Dr. Boo here relates the particulars of this melancholy event, as given IrT the letter of Mr. fcoomis.] . . . His servant escaped to Ningpo, and communicated these particulars, which we devoutly thank God LETTER OF THE RIGHT REV. W. J. BOONE, D. D. 459 he has permitted to reach us, so that we hear of him to the last moment, and that these violent men did not mangle his body. Oh, my dear brother, I feel that these are sad tidings to write to an affectionate father of a son, and of such a son ; but for our consolation we can surely say that the finger of God was never more manifest in the removal of any of his servants than in (his case. To my mind, the very slightness of the secondary causes upon which his life and death seemed to turn, manifest the clear- ness of the Divine Decree to take him to his Heavenly Home. This event has thrown my family, who had the privilege to en- joy his company for the last two months and a half of his earthly existence, into the deepest affliction. Dearly as I know he was beloved by the mission with which he was connected, yet I be- lieve no one in China mourns his loss as I do. We were together daily for two months and a half, laboring together in what we both believed to be the most important matter connected with our Master's cause in China, with which we had ever been con- nected. Circumstances occurred when he was under my roof which drew our hearts very closely together, and which now, as I look back upon them after what has just transpired, I cannot but re- gard as a merciful preparation to him for his sudden death. Whilst he was with me I was twice threatened with attacks of the brain, which I thought would prove fatal in a few days. On these occasions we had much conversation on the subject of a sud- den summons, and how a Christian should live and feel in view of such an event. The person whose call was supposed to be near at hand was myself. We never dreamt that he was so near the confines of eternity ; but he entered into the subject with me with all his heart. Never have I heard any one converse, who had a more delightful state of child-like simplicity of heart in re- lying upon the Saviour. I remember particularly our conversa- tion, when we were sitting alone one moonlight night, upon my terrace. We were speaking of the case of a man removed from his field of labor in the prime of early manhood, when he gave promise of daily increasing usefulness. His train of thought was striking, and much impressed my mind ; it was intended for con- solation to me. God grant it may prove so to you, my dear sir, when you read it. He said he could not view this matter as most Christians seemed to do. He could not call it mysterious, pecu- liarly distressing, as was commonly done. On the contrary, to his mind, there was something peculiarly cheering to survivors in such a death. In the case of an old man, he was removed in the common course of events. Even to our eyes his work was done. But not so with the case of which he was speaking. The pecu- liarity of it was, that there was promise of much more to be done here for the glory of Christ. This world, however, we may be well assured, is but the first stage of our existence : God's children are employed in services infinitely more glorious, and that con- 460 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. duce much more to the glory of his Holy name, in the sanctuary above, than any employments entrusted to them on earth. Should we not then, said he, use their early manhood, their manifest ca- pacity, for usefulness in the vineyard here below, indeed, every argument which can be pleaded, derived from their prospective usefulness to the Church on earth, to assure ourselves that God has called them to a more than common post of usefulness in the Church triumphant. His modesty and deep humility would have prevented his applying this to his own death, but from my heart I adopt it as the true interpretation of our Heavenly Father's deal- ing with him and with his cause in China in this instance. If this be the true view of the case, most cheering indeed is the assurance it affords us of his present happy state and glorious position. No one in China promised to do more for the cause of our Di- vine master than he. Just brought out by his brethren's choice to a participation in the work of revising the translation of the Scriptures, this call upon him was having the happiest effect in overcoming his disposition to modest retirement, and making him feel the necessity that was laid upon him, to take a more promi- nent stand among those whose attainments in the language quali- fied them to participate in all of a general character that was doing to advance the Saviour's cause. In the unhappy division of opinion which exists with respect to the proper word by which to render Theos [God] he took a prominent part in the discussion, and wrote on this subject one of the ablest articles that appeared in the Chinese Repository. He was daily growing in power, and the field of usefulness was continually opening wider and wider before him ; but God had work for him above this vale of tears, and now leaves us mourn- ing and sorrowing, to do the great work without his aid. O, that by the Spirit's gracious influences he may more than supply this loss to us, and that the work, for which our beloved brother was laboring with all his powers when he was taken away, may be so accomplished that his own most Holy name may be glorified thereby. We had promised each other, that if my life was spared, we would labor much together to set the plain doctrines of the cross, by means of tracts, before this people ; but, alas ! he is not, for God has taken him. May we not suppose that the object of our gracious Saviour, in giving us, in addition to the general promise of the resurrection of all at the last day, the special assurance that " the sea shall give up its dead," is to assuage the grief of those who have been bereaved as you are, and whose precious ones lie buried in the deep. Believe me, my dear sir, very sincerely yours, in the hope of a common resurrection with our beloved brother, WM. J. BOONE. LETTER OF THE REV. W. SPEER. 461 From the Rev. W. Speer, of the Canton Mission. Canton, September 25th, 1847. MY DEAR MR. AND MRS. LOWRIE By this mail you will receive intelligence of an event which has bowed the hearts of the little company of brethren here with the deepest sorrow. How may we expect it to affect the parents of one so worthy of their love, and doubly endeared by his sacri- fices of home and the advantages of a Christian country for his duty to Christ. To the Lord, my dear friends, you gave your son, to be dis- posed of entirely for His glory. It was a contract in which there was no proviso for long life or any other particular favor ; but a whole consecration of your most precious gift, your own child, to live, to toil, to die, in such way and time as God should decree in the exercise of infinite wisdom and benevolence to our race. I have been made myself deeply to feel that, in the great moral government of the Almighty, sacrifices of life or happiness or property of individuals are small matters, compared to the divine schemes for the everlasting salvation of multitudes, and finally of our whole race. Kings, even, and the interests of empires are as "small dust." The dreamy hopes, joys, and sorrows of this pre- paratory existence will sink into the utmost littleness, when be- held from the midst of the glorious and vast mansions whose doors are yet unopened to us. Your departed son was, you will allow me to say, one of the ornaments of our branch of the Church, one of the missionaries most dear to its heart, and whose labors and writings had at- tracted most attention and interest. To our mission in China his loss is at present irreparable. His mind was cultivated ; his aims truly noble. He gave promise of the largest usefulness. My former personal friend and College-mate, residing in the same house, and members of the same Literary Society, I had become much attached to him and honored his character. I feel in my heart the greatness of the loss. He had written to me twice, within the short time I have been here, letters full of affection and piety. I can realize in some measure how severe will be the blow to you, his parents. I can only point you, my loved, respected friends, to the same source of consolation that I have found under afflictions that almost crush the heart. My all is gone ; a wife whose tender and patient love for me, and whose many virtues, my pen cannnt express ; my lovely infant daughter, just putting on the sweet smiles of intelligence and affection ; and I am left alone. But I feel that they are taken by GOD. They are in heaven, really, now, in heaven; and very happy. They were removed also to make me more holy : and above all in the accomplishment of His unsearchable plans for the re- demption of the heathen, which are beyond my comprehension, 462 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. but which I " shall know hereafter." The sources of consolation to you are the same. It is my fervent prayer that God would mercifully sanctify them to your comfort. I desire to present my most affectionate regards to Mrs. Lowrie, the memory of whose kindness to Mrs. Speer and myself is grate- ful, and to whom I ought before this to have written particu- larly. . . . I remain, with sincere affection and respect, Yours in the work of the Lord Jesus, WILLIAM SPEER. RESOLUTIONS OF THE CANTON MISSION. Whereas, We have heard with the deepest sorrow of the death of our beloved brother, the Rev. Walter M. Lowrie, of the Ningpo Mission ; and whereas, it has pleased an infinitely wise and gracious Providence to remove one who was so much beloved and esteemed, and who was so well qualified by his eminent talents, his ripe scholarship, sound judgment, and devoted piety, to be eminently useful, and an efficient laborer in this great field : therefore, Resolved as follows, viz., 1. That while with deep humiliation and resignation we ac- knowledge the hand of God, and say, O Lord, " thy will be done," yet we do deeply deplore the death of our dear brother as a great, loss to our missions in China ; as a great loss to the cause of God here where the harvest is so great, and the laborers so few ; and as a great loss to the Church, of which he was an able and faith- ful minister. 2. That we will affectionately cherish the memory of our de- parted brother, his services, his worth, his devotedness and zeal ; and that we thank God for the precious memorial of faith and patience he has left us. 3. ThiJ. whilst our hearts are deeply pained that he should have perished by the hands of violent men, yet we rejoice in the assurance, " blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from hence- forth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." 4. That we present to the respected and esteemed father and family of our beloved brother our tenderest sympathy in this heavy affliction ; and assure them of our constant and fervent prayers that abundant grace may be given to support and com- fort th,em under this trying bereavement. 5. That to our beloved brethren of the Ningpo Mission we express our deep sympathy and condolence in the severe afflic- tions through which they have been called to pass ; and assure them of our constant and earnest prayers in their behalf; that God would mercifully and graciously guide and support them. LETTER OF THE REV. JOHN LLOYD. 463 and cause all these things to work together for their own good and the furtherance of the gospel. From the Rev. John Lloyd, of the Amoy Mission* Amoy, September 17th, 1847. WALTER LOWRIE, ESQ.. MY DEAR MR. LOWRIE : Yesterday I received the sad, the very sad intelligence of Walter's death. T need not tell you how much I was affected by this afflictive event. Walter was very dear to me. I loved, him with a brother's love. He was my dearest earthly friend. We were born into God's glorious family about the same time. We entered the church on the same day. We formed the resolution of devoting ourselves to the work of foreign missions about the same time. We often took sweet counsel to- gether, and walked to the house of God. We often talked together of God's kind dealings with us. We often spoke of our hopes. I recollect one instance of this kind which occurred at Jefferson Col- lege. We went out into the groves to commune with each other, and as we talked by the way, our hearts did burn within us. Wal- ter often alluded to this walk and talk in the groves of Canonsburgh in his letters, and spoke of it as an antepast of the joys of heaven. All this intimacy with him while we were in college gave me op- portunities of learning his worth. I knew his inward mind on those subjects which were nearest and dearest to his heart, and I can most freely say that the more I knew him the more I loved him. After Walter left college, I saw no more of him till I met him in Macao, in October, 1844. In the providence of God our meet- ing was of short duration. I soon left that place for Amoy. What I saw of him there, gave me higher notions of his piety, of his sound judgment, and of his intellectual character, than ever I entertained before. My love and admiration could not but be increased. I heard him preach and address religious meetings only two or three times. He was very solemn, and his solemnity was contagious, if I may use the expression. It possessed the rare quality of radiating from its centre, and entering the hearts of all around. Hence his discourses, which were plain and prac- tical, always took hold of the feelings as well as the intellect. One never wearied listening to them, and one always left the meeting feeling that he had received both instruction and spiritual benefit from what he had heard. My dear Mr. Lowrie, it is not my intention to write an eulogy upon Walter; but I cannot but feel that you, and I, and the Church of God have sustained a very great loss. This loss more nearly * This able and beloved Missionary has also finished the work which his Master had for him to do in China. He died at Amoy, of typhus fever, on the Gth day_ of Decem- ber, 1848. Thus after a short interval, these two friends met, as we trust, in the pres- ence of the Saviour, to be separated no more forever. 464 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. concerns you, and though 1 cannot fully appreciate a parent's tender feelings and yearnings in behalf of his beloved offspring, yet I can realize in some degree the depth of that grief which the news of this severe affliction will produce in your mind. I most deeply sympathize with you. My heart bleeds for you. I feel totally unfitted to administer consolation. The blow is too heavy to admit of alleviation by anything that 1 can say. I can but weep with you over the loss sustained. But, though I cannot afford relief to your mind in this season of sorrowful bereavement, yet there is one who sympathizes with you, and who is fully able to console you in this hour of heavy affliction. That Jesus, whom Walter loved, knows the depth of your grief. He knew it before the sad event occurred. He has consolation for all the sons and daughters of affliction. He is a tender comforter. The bruised reed will he not break, the smoking flax will he not quench. To him you can go with all confidence. He is waiting to hear your cries. What a privilege God's dear children possess ! When God afflicts them, he does it as a tender, loving parent he does it for their good. This affliction is for our good. I feel it to be intended for my good. I had wrong views in relation to God's work in China; I almost felt that it could not go forward without Walter. I felt that we must have him to control and counsel us, to manage our operations, to rebuke us when wrong, to encourage us when right. I felt that we needed him to oversee the press, to prepare tracts, to assist in revising the Scriptures. I knew that God had endowed him with a noble intellect, had given a sound judgment, had bestowed upon him much grace, and had eminently fitted him for a high station in this great harvest field. I knew all this, and felt that we could not spare him. But God's thoughts and ways are not as ours. He has taught me that he can do without us, even the best of us. He has no need of our poor assistance. When he sees fit, he calls us to himself. He has called Walter thus. We idolized him. God has rebuked us. But he has taken Walter to himself. This is my consolation. I have no doubts on this point. I feel as sure as I can on any sub- ject based on moral evidence, of the safety of Walter. He is happy beyond conception. We mourn his loss and feel our spirits depressed, but he is beyond the influence of sorrow's pains. Wal- ter wrote me not long ago a letter, in which he spoke freely of his feelings. He was mourning over inbred corruption, and found all his hope in Christ. I thought for a moment of sending this letter to you, but what need is there for this? You have many letters from him, the spirit and sentirrent of which leave your own mind free from all doubt as to Walter's personal interest in the blood of the precious Saviour. I love to think of Walter. Many of the sweetest spots of my existence teem with delightful recollections of him. It may seem strange but it is true, that the thought of being saved with Wal- ter and dwelling with him forever in heaven, has often filled my LETTER OF THE REV. T. L. M C BRYDE. 465 soul with peculiar emotions of joyful satisfaction, and has aroused into life a sweeter affection for the blessed Saviour, who was pleased to give me a title to the same inheritance which he has conferred on him. Walter has already entered upon the enjoy- ment of that inheritance, and is now employed with the patriarchs and prophets, with the apostles and martyrs, and with the General Assembly of the first born in heaven, sounding the high praises of him who loved him and washed him in his own blood, and made him a king and a priest unto God and his father. He was ripe for the kingdom and his work was done, and so God took him to himself, and now employs him in the upper sanctuary in a higher and holier service. Would that I could fill up the void which this sad bereavement will make in your parental heart ! But I have hopes that God will sustain you. He enabled you to give up Walter with cheer- fulness to the work of Missions. He enabled you to bear up under the distress of a long separation. Surely he will not now forsake you in this the extremity of your grief! I trust you will feel that the cause of missions still needs your aid ; that the Church has work for you still to do ; and especially that God, by this dark and mysterious dispensation of his providence, is preparing you for more self-denying labors in the station which he has called you to occupy. God may intend by this event to accomplish more for that cause which Walter so dearly loved, than (speaking humanly,) could have been accomplished by him if he had been spared many years. Of one thing we are sure, God does nothing wrong. He brings good out of evil ; all his ways and all his deal- ings with the children of men are right and holy. May we there- fore be submissive; may we bow and kiss the rod and him that hath appointed it; may the blessed Spirit save us from all mur- muring on account of his dispensations ; may he give us meek and lowly minds ; may he sanctify to us all his heavy afflictions, and may he make them work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ! May the God of grace sustain you. Yours with all sympathy, JOHN LLOYD. From the Rev. Thomas L. McBryde, of the Amoy Mission. Lowndesville, S. C., February 1st, 1848. REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE MY DEAR BROTHER : I wish to commingle my sorrows with yours and those of your father and the family, on account of the deep affliction that has been sent upon you, and not only upon you, but upon the whole Church. As one who loves the cause of mis- sions, I feel it deeply ; for this cause has received a heavy stroke indeed. I have ever looked upon our departed brother as one of the pillars of the China mission, and my hopes were that he would be long spared, with his eminent qualifications for such a work. 30 466 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. But our trust is in God. If we can only, as ministers and as Christians, improve this event, as our venerable father, Dr. Alex- ander, exhorts us to do in the last number of the Chronicle, it will redound to the greatest good of missions, and the glory of our blessed Lord. The faith and zeal of the Church has not been what they ought to have been, else God would not thus chastise her. She needs such trials to bring her up to that standard which is required of her in God's word. But I need not comment on this subject. This event has not only afflicted me as a lover of that cause from which our brother has been taken away, but I am afflicted as a friend, I might say as a relative, for he was very nearly re- lated to me, much nearer than the common ties of birth and blood. He had a place in my heart, and in the heart of my dear compan- ion too, which few others have. We loved him like a brother and a sister. And well might we love him ; for he was with us in our sorrows, and helped to dry up those tears which were wont to flow so freely in yonder distant land, when sunk by disease, and pressed down by the still heavier weight of being compelled to leave the field of our early and ardent choice. The sympathy and the counsel of our dear Walter under such circumstances, can never be forgotten. But we shall meet again, and " There, on a green and flowery mount, Our weary souls shall sit ; And with transporting joys recount The labors of our feet." Yes, dear brother, I expect to meet him there, and you too ; let us, then, be up and doing. Excuse me for breaking up the foun- tain of grief once more : it is by no means dried up in my bosom. Ever since the reception of this mournful intelligence, the boat and the scene have been almost perpetually before my mind. And since this intelligence came, I have received a letter from our brother, dated Shanghai, July 20 I suppose one of the last letters he ever wrote. It contains nothing more than his usual friendly, cheerful letters do, else I would send it to you. Yours most sincerely, THOS. L. MCBRYDE. Prom the Rev. Thomas McClatchie, Missionary of the Church Missionary Society. Shanghai, November 20th. 1847. WALTER LOWRIE, ESQ. MY DEAR SIR : The accompanying volume has been for- warded to me to be given to your son. as a token of esteem and friendship. Mr. Smith and I arrived in China about three years ago, from the Church Missionary Society. Shortly after our ar- rival, we formed an acquaintance with your son, whose amiable LETTERS OF REV. MESSRS. M { CLATCHIE AND SYLE. 46? qualities and Christian character commanded the respect and esteem of all who knew him. Mr. S. has been obliged to return home in consequence of ill health, and having published a work on China, he sent me some copies to be distributed here as pres- ents to his friends, and amongst others one for our dear deceased brother. A brother truly he was in every respect to those who knew him, and who cultivated so desirable a friendship as his. His consistent Christian walk while amongst us, when called to remembrance, assures us beyond the possibility of doubt, that he has gone to that glorious abode where his Saviour Christ hath gone before him. May we who survive him, be enabled to follow in his footsteps as he followed Jesus ! But not only had our dear brother gained the esteem and love of the members of the foreign community, who had the privilege of being acquainted with him, but he also established for himself a high character amongst those poor heathen who were the espe- cial objects of his ministrations. I accidentally met with a lad the other day, who had but a short time ago arrived here from Ningpo. In alluding to our dear friend, he said, " Ah ! he was an excellent man." We have also suffered a severe loss indeed, in a literary point of view, in his removal from amongst us. He was a good Chinese scholar, and, in a late essay which appeared in the Chinese Repository, he threw much light upon a most mo- mentous question, now under discussion amongst the missionaries. As he is now taken to that rest which is his, as one of the peo- ple of God, I beg leave to present you with the accompanying vol- ume, which will perhaps sometimes call to mind the esteem and love which we all felt for him who is not lost to us, but only "gone before." Believe me, my dear sir, truly sympathizing with you in your irreparable loss, Yours most sincerely, THOMAS MCCLATCHIE. Prom the Rev. E. W. Syle, Missionary of the Protestant Epis- copal Church. Shanghai, China, September 20th, 1847. MY DEAR SIR Knowing that Bishop Boone had written to you immediately after we were made acquainted with the bereavement which falls so heavily upon us all, "but heaviest on you, I have delayed the offering of my small mite of consolation, until I should have an opportunity of sending you what, I suppose, will be to his family an interesting memento of your early, but not prematurely sum- moned son, Walter. It is a copy of the inscription on a large stone tablet, which stands close by the wall of an old Romish Chapel in our immediate neighborhood ; and also, of the epitaphs on the tomb- stones of six priests, who lie buried at the rear of the house. 468 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. During his sojourn at Bishop Boone's, I was his conductor in a number of short excursions, made for the purpose of seeing what- ever objects of interest lay in our immediate neighborhood. One of these excursions was to the old, half-ruined chapel above men- tioned ; and at the time, our lamented brother requested me to send a copyist to the place, and direct him to transcribe the in- scriptions for him. I send the first, rather than the later copy, thinking that un- der the circumstances I have mentioned, it would have an especial value in your eyes. Many were the brief morning visits which I paid to your son's little study while he was with us, and many are the remarks made by him on those occasions, which now come back upon my mind with a weight which they seemed to lack at the time I heard them, because of the gentleness of manner and modulation of lan- guage with which they were expressed. . . . Knowing that he had given the subject of the Millennium much attention, I asked him to come over one evening and make me ac- quainted with the views he had adopted. He came accordingly, bring- ing with him the well-worn Bible, with the pages of which he was so familiar, and we spent two or three hours of, to me, most interesting intercourse, and comparison of Scripture with Scripture, bearing on the question of the speedy coming of the Millennial period and reign of Christ. I cannot say that I was led to adopt his views ; but I was much impressed with the illustration afforded by his own case, of the elevating effects of the study of this subject. His entire free- dom from asperity, the marked moderation of his views, his sober- mindedness, and the greater readiness with which he took the spiritual, rather than the intellectual or ecclesiastical view of any subject all these excellencies (and they were peculiarly his) were, I am sure, greatly fostered by his dwelling, as it were, among the " goodly fellowship of the Prophets," and by his daily habit of look- ing for those great things which, as he expected, were soon coming on the earth. From the earthly realization of these expectations he has been taken away ; but doubtless he now understands better than any of us the things that shall be hereafter. I often found him writing, and have heard him remark that he supposed he had averaged four pages of writing a day since he had been in China. He advised me to pay a good deal of attention to the children of Sunday Schools at home, and to send them letters as often as I could. He seemed to feel little hope of interesting those in the Church, who had grown up in the habit of not caring for the work of making the Gospel known to all the inhabitants of the earth. I must now close my letter. In doing so I hope I need not apologize for not having said more in the way of consolation than I have done. Be assured that it is with .the sincerest sympathy Mrs. Syle and myself offer our condolences to yourself and your family. Other, and far better comfort than we can offer will, we LETTER OF THE REV. JOSEPH OWEN. 469 know, be vouchsafed to you. We have little fear that this dispen- sation of Providence will have the effect of dampening your zeal or discouraging your hopes in the work of missions ; and our prayer is that others may not read amiss the meaning of this be- reavement. Believe me to be, my dear sir, With much respect and affection, Yours in the Lord, E. W. SYLE From the Rev. Joseph Owen, of the Allahabad Mission. Allahabad, November 19th, 1847. MY DEAR MR. LOWRIE We have just received from China the distressing news of your beloved son's death, and there is in the Mission a deep and universal feeling of sorrow and sympathy, which I have been requested on their behalf, to express to you. Some of us knew your dear son personally, and are thus in some meas- ure prepared to appreciate the loss to you and all your family and friends, caused by his death. We all knew him, through the Missionary Chronicle, as a faithful ambassador for Christ, in perils often, perils of water, perils of robbers, suffering shipwreck, and spending nights and days on the deep. I had the privilege of knowing him as a beloved fellow-student, and. since we have been in the eastern world, as a dear friend and correspondent. Four days ago, on the 15th inst., I received from him a letter, dated Shanghai, Aug. 8th, where he was attending a Convention for the revision of the New Testament in Chinese. He wished an an- swer by return mail, to some inquiries respecting the terms we use in the India dialects to represent the Supreme Being, and wrote in good health, and encouraged with his prospects of use- fulness. On the envelope I found with sad surprise, the following lines from Brother Happer, dated Canton, Sept. 21st. "You will excuse my opening this envelope to inform you of the lamented death of the beloved writer of this note. He was murdered by pirates, when returning from Shanghai to Ningpo, Aug. 19th, near Chapoo. They threw him into the sea, and he was drowned. All our Missions are in deep grief. Our ablest and best man has fallen." These sad tidings were confirmed the next day by the Friend of India, in which we found an extract from the China Mail of September, which I have had copied, and will send to you with this. You will no doubt have heard directly from China before this reaches you, yet every scrap of intelligence on the sub- ject will be valued by you, and therefore I send you all that we have This is indeed a mysterious dispensation of Divine Providence. Truly God's ways are not as our ways, nor his thoughts as our thoughts. Dear Walter was qualified in no ordinary degree for the great work in which he was engaged. His excellent scholarship, 470 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. ripe judgment, extensive and matured knowledge of China, the deep foundation which he had laid in its difficult language, and above all his unwavering and ardent love to the Redeemer and his Church, prepared him to be very extensively useful in that im- mense field. But God has again shown us, that the excellency of the power in the great work of the world's conversion, is to be, not of us, but of Him, and given another illustration of that great truth, " Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." I feel that another tie to earth is broken. I loved Walter most sincerely, and have known and loved him ever since he was nineteen years old. Many of our pleasant interviews I shall never forget, and I trust we shall with delight converse about them hereafter. In particular, I remember the kind visit he paid me, at my father's, a short time before I left America. We took a long ramble together in the fields, enjoying the sweet fresh air of spring, part of the time on the winding, beautiful banks of the Croton, and conversing of our future prospects. His heart was then towards Africa, but sub- sequently God directed him to that glorious field in which he has now fallen. His usefulness, however, has not terminated with his sojourn on earth. His name is precious, not only to those who in- timately knew him, but it must be to thousands. His career was short, but very eventful. He was called not only to do, but to suffer much for the Lord Jesus, arid he did it as a good soldier, falling eventually as a leader in one of the foremost ranks. A breach has been made by his fall, not easily filled. God grant that his example of labor and patience, of zeal and wisdom, of faith and love, may call forth many dear youth from our Ameri- can Zion, to count not their lives dear to themselves in publishing the glorious gospel to the land of Sinim. He has been removed from a lower to a higher sphere of service. Though he rests from his labors, yet he is not inactive. But we see through a glass darkly. We know little, and in our present state are capable of knowing but little, of the glorious service in which he has joined the redeemed around the throne. The dark, fearful billows that closed above him as he sank into the sea could not contain his spirit. In a few minutes his ransomed soul was with the blessed Redeemer, forever beyond the violence of earth and of hell. And if the kind, considerate authorities at Ningpo should not suc- ceed in recovering his remains, it will matter little after a while ; the day will soon come when the sea shall give up its dead, when the members of Christ's body scattered throughout its immense, dismal caverns shall all be recovered, brought and joined to their Head, and forever made like to his glorious body. We may be sure that the Omniscient and Omnipotent Saviour will not allow one particle of his purchased possession to be lost. We hope soon to be with him in the midst of the glorified throng. We are repeatedly and emphatically reminded that the fashion of this world passeth away. The tidings that you conveyed to me a little more than two months ago, were some of the most painful that I ever received. LETTER OF THE REV. JOHN WRAY. 471 I was looking forward with very great happiness to having my own dear brother with me here. But the disappointment, with the almost certain prospect of his speedy death, is a deep afflic- tion. I bless God who has not allowed a murmuring thought to arise in my heart. He knows what is best for his Church, infi- nitely better than we do, and the multitude of his ransomed ones in India and China, shall surely be brought home, though we and all others now on the field should fall. God is trying his Church by terrible things in righteousness. He has taken to himself some of our most useful fellow-missionaries of late. On the 19th of Aug. your son ; on the 1st of Sept. the Rev. J. Macdonald of the Free Church Mission, Calcutta, a very holy, useful man ; on the 7th of Sept. Mrs. Hill, who had been for twenty years a faithful mis- sionary at Berhampore ; and not long ago Mr. Whittlesey, a very useful missionary of the American Board, died in Ceylon. Other useful laborers are obliged to leave the field, as dear Brother Ran- kin, and Mrs. Scott. And others God is keeping from coming. Ought not the Church to think of these things ? These are loud calls to us here, to the Committee at home, to the ministers and elders, to the sons of the prophets, to every individual in the Church, to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may lift us up. Trusting, my dear friend, that God will sustain you and all -your family under the afflictive stroke of his holy providence of which you are soon to hear, and assuring you that this is the united prayer of us all, I remain as ever Yours affectionately, JOSEPH OWEN. From the Rev. John Wray, of the Allahabad Mission. Allahabad, November 18th, 1847. MY DEAR MR. LOWRIE It is with the most sincere and heartfelt sorrow, that I take up my pen on the present occasion. The recent melancholy news from China is calculated to call forth our sympathy on your be- half, and that of the different members of your family. Although you will receive a letter from our mission through brother J. Owen, expressing our united sympathy, I cannot deny myself the privilege of expressing my feelings, when one who stands in so near a relation to us is suffering under an unusually severe and trying bereavement. It was my privilege to be a fel- low-student with your son in the Theological Seminary at Prince- ton. I often met with him at our missionary conferences ; well do I remember the spirit with which he entered into every subject connected with foreign mission operations. We all then felt., that our dear brother possessed those qualifications which would make him an eminently useful missionary, in any part of the mission field ; but more especially in China, where natural talents, energy, 472 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. and perseverance were essentially necessary. We were not dis- appointed in the estimate we had then formed of his qualifica- tions. From time to time, I have read his valuable contributions in the Missionary Chronicle, with no ordinary degree of pleasure and profit, for his pieces seemed to possess the rare quality of im- parting at the same time edification and pleasure. It has pleased the Master whom we serve to bring to a speedy termination the labors of our dear brother. Painful and distress- ing as has been the way in which he has been taken from his family, the Church, and the heathen, among whom he labored so successfully, there is this consolation, that he has been removed from the toils and labors of the Church below to the enjoyment of the unspeakable bliss of the Church above, forever to stand in the presence of that Saviour, whom he so ardently loved and so faithfully served on earth, the advancement of whose kingdom and glory appeared to him as the only object worth living for. No doubt the Lord will overrule this sad event to the advance- ment of his own glory ; his purposes are often to us dark and mysterious, but as nothing happens by chance in his government, vve may conclude, that either the Church in America, or the mis- sionaries in the foreign fields, needed to be urged to a proper dis- charge of their duty by some striking dispensation of his provi- dence ; and surely the one under consideration speaks to the Church, and to us missionaries, in a language not to be misunder- stood or disregarded. My dear and esteemed friend, may the Lord who has sent this more than usually severe affliction on you and your family, with the affliction bestow all needed grace, comfort, and consolation ! May the sympathizing Saviour pour abundantly into your wounded hearts the consolations of his Gospel, which have ever been found so refreshing to his tried and afflicted people. I may add, that all the Lord's dear people at this station have expressed, in the kindest manner, the deep interest they feel in your severe affliction, and I am sure you will not be forgotten at a throne of grace, by those who love the Saviour and his cause. My dear wife unites with me in expressing our most sincere re- gards to yourself, Mrs. Lowrie, the Rev. J. C. Lovvrie, and the other members of your deeply afflicted family. Yours in much Christian affection, JOHN WRAY. From the Rev. Levi Janvier of the Lodiana Mission. Lodiana, January 17th, 1848. MY DEAR MR. LOWRIE .... When I wrote last, I made no allusion to the agonizing bereavement with which the Lord has seen fit to visit you; for I wrote in much haste, and I felt that it was not a subject to be thus LETTERS OP REV. MESSRS. JANVIER AND J. WILSON. 473 lightly touched ; but indeed I still feel that nothing which I can say is adequate to the case. What can I say, except " the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away." I referred to the matter in writing to Mr. J. C. Lowrie, still hoping that the whole might prove a rumor ; but there has been nothing to countenance such a hope. I feel it a personal loss ; but what is my loss compared with yours, and with that of the Church ! Dear sir, my mind shrinks from the contemplation of the lamentable tragedy ; but still you know as well as I, that the beloved departed must be viewed, not as the prey of ferocious men or buffeting elements, but as he is, the blessed tenant of a heavenly mansion, to which he has been called before you, and where he awaits yout* arrival. By what route he arrived there, is now to him a most unimportant and secondary consideration ; nay, a matter of complacency, and a theme for praise. He was engaged in his "Father's business," and his Father permitted, yea, appointed the method of calling him into his presence. And as for ourselves, faith must say, " It is well," " It is the Lord," while to the flesh it is a dreadful blow. Dear sir, you have my deepest sympathy, though I know full well what a poor alleviation that is. But the consolations of God are substantial ; they are " neither few nor small." May He sus- tain you : He is able to do it. Now, dear sir, with Mrs. Janvier's and my own affectionate re- gards, I remain in Christian bonds, Most sincerely yours, L. JANVIER. From the Rev. James Wilson, of the Furrukhabad Mission. Agra, February 20th, 1848. MY DEAR MR. LOWRIE .... I have refrained for two months past from any allusion to the afflicting intelligence from China, which you must have heard before this time, from the feeling that I could not touch upon it, without opening up afresh a wound which was but too deep before. I trust before this reaches you, you will have accustomed yourself to look at the subject in that calm and mellowed light, which Chris- tianity throws over those parts of Divine Providence, which ap- pear dark and heavy in their bearing. The loss of a son who is amiable, intelligent, and pious, is under any circumstances a heavy affliction. But when in addition to all this, he was just becoming thoroughly prepared for the performance of a work, which the Bi- ble has taught us to believe of vast and immeasurable importance, the affliction is rendered more deep and poignant, by the dark, un- fathomable character of the providence which accompanies it. I trust you will be enabled to keep your mind in a position to say, with the mother in Israel whose only son was cut down in his youth, " It is well." " The Judge of all the earth" will do what is 474 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. well. How hard it is to learn, and how often it has to be re-lea rned, that the Lord does not depend on, or choose his instrumentalities for the accomplishment of his purposes, as we would choose them. How often he, in his perfect knowledge of the subject, lays aside or removes the very instrumentality, which we think the best suited to accomplish an object of great importance. This, I doubt not, is the light in which nearly all of those most familiar with the character of the work to be accomplished in China, will look upon the removal of your son from that, important field of benev- olent enterprise. Yet the Lord will show in the end, that this was the best means which he had of preparing others to perform the work for which we thought him so well prepared. The Lord does not undervalue talents and acquirements and fitness for the dis- charge of important duties, but he often uses these in a way which we thought not of, and for which we were not prepared. I sup- pose the churches at home, and the Board, and the missionaries abroad, were looking and trusting too much to the fitness of the instrumentality. The Lord selected that portion of the instru- mentality which they thought the fittest, and removed it. May he himself enable the churches, the Board, and the missionaries, to make such improvement of the subject, as shall make them to be a prepared instrumentality for the accomplishment of the pur- poses of grace, which we have no liberty to doubt that he has tow- ards the people of China. If this sad stroke be only the means of leading the churches, the Board, and the missionaries, to a deeper tone of piety, and a more humble dependence on Divine wisdom for help and guidance and success, and to more earnest prayer for the.se, then it will be seen in the end that your son is not dead in vain. You have had many things connected with the missionary enterprise to try your spirit. This last is of a deeper tone than they all. Yet I have no doubt that you will in the end, find that it has been the means of greater blessing to you than any of them. Eternity will throw a brightness around the subject, which our dim-sightedness prevents us from seeing amid the clouds and dark- ness of this world. Glimpses of that you will be permitted to see even in this world. But the full brightness which will beam upon it when the curtain is removed, will be such as to remove from your mind all regrets as to the premature and painful removal of your son. The Lord will bring out the problem, both to your sur- prise and satisfaction. Leave it then with him, till he brings out the result. I am yours with affectionate regard, JAMES WILSON. LETTER OF REV. MESSRS. RAMSEY AND LOUGHRIDGE. 475 From the Rev. James B. Ramsey, of the Choctaw Mission. Spencer Academy, February 5th, 1848. WALTER LOWRIE, Esa. DEAREST SIR : Permit us to mingle our tears with yours on account of the mournful intelligence from China. The paper containing the intelligence had been lying for nearly a week on the table unread, when, feeling unwell, I picked it up, and almost the first thing that met my eye was the notice of your son's death. It came indeed like a thunderstroke ; and it was not tin I had re- tired to another room, and returned, that I could speak of it to Mrs. Ramsey. I knew him, and loved him, and cannot now think of him but with tears. How, then, must his sudden death pierce a father's heart! "When one of the members suffer, all the members suffer with it." This we now deeply feel, and it is to assure you of our sympathy and our prayers that I now write ; not to comfort, for consolation must come from another source ; and how to draw it thence, your long experience in the Christian life, and of the Spirit's consolations, has doubtless fully taught you. While your heart bleeds, as it must to a degree the stranger knows not of, may the Spirit's consolations abound, and the bless- ed Saviour's voice of love sweetly soothe and abundantly sustain you ! We feel his loss to be a common one, and one which the Church must deeply feel, more deeply in proportion as his worth was known. But still, why should we speak of a loss ? The work in which he was, and we are engaged, is carried on under the aus- pices of a Leader who loves his cause and his people far better than we, and who can make these things all instrumental in hastening on the accomplishment of the great and glorious result. " The Lord reigneth ; let the earth rejoice." Surely, then, his people may at all times rejoice in his dispensations, even when clouds and darkness are round about them. His work was quickly done, and the Master has taken him to himself. We would feel it to be a loud call upon ourselves to give all diligence to do our Master's work, as we may have but a short time to honor our Saviour in. Yours affectionately, JAS. B. RAMSEY. From the Rev. R. M. Loughridge, of the Creek Mission. Creek Mission, January 24th, 1848. WALTER LOWRIE, Esa. MY DEAR SIR : I have just heard of your great bereavement, and the great loss of the Church, in the death of your son Walter. Ts it true ? The account came here in the New York Observer. 476 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Can it be that he is laid aside from that great work in which he was engaged, and for which he was so eminently qualified ! Truly the Lord's ways are not our ways, nor his thoughts our thoughts. I have read the accounts of the deaths of many mis- sionaries, but I have never felt the death of any brother so much as that of Brother Lowrie, in China. I was for a short time a classmate of his, so that I had an opportunity of knowing some- thing of his talents and acquirements. It always seemed to me that he was the very man for the important station which he filled, suited in every way to be a missionary to the Chinese. But he is gone. How soon is his work ended ! The Lord had need of him. How dark and mysterious is this providence ! Why is he so soon called away ? What are we to learn from this dispen- sation ? Although a violent act by a band of pirates, yet it is all ordered of God for some wise purpose. It is our duty to bow in humble submission to his will. I know, my dear brother, that it is a trial, a severe trial, to you. But you know where to go for consolation. You have the best of evidence that your son was ready, and it is now well with him. " It is the Lord ; let him do what seemeth him good." Soon we will meet our dear friends in heaven. Your brother, R. M. LOUGHRIDGE. From the Rev. J. L. Wilson, of the Gaboon Mission, Africa. Mount Clio, January 13th, 1848. REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE MY DEAR BROTHER : The papers brought us yesterday the astounding intelligence of the death of your dear brother. If it is the slightest alleviation of the grief that you must all feel, be as- sured of our most cordial sympathies, and I have no doubt but thousands of other Christian hearts feel equally as much. Your honored father must have been almost overwhelmed by this event. And yet, why should he? It was under the sove- reign eye of a most merciful God that this deed of violence was perpetrated ; and as inexplicable as it may be to us, I have no con- viction more firmly made on my mind, than that this very event will be overruled, so as to subserve the cause of missions and the salvation of the heathen more effectually even than the life of your brother. My own aged father, who could more easily enter into the feel- ings of your father than most persons, could scarcely compose him- self to sleep last night after hearing the painful intelligence read ; and if such were his feelings, what must have been those of your own family ? God grant you all grace to recognize his hand in this event, and to exercise the most cheerful resignation to his holy will ! Accept of my sincere sympathies, and believe me, as ever, Your affectionate brother in Christ, J. L. WILSON. LETTER OP THE REV J. R. ECKARD. 477 From the Rev. James Read Eckard, of the Ceylon Mission. Philadelphia, December 30th, 1847. REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE MY DEAR BROTHER : It was not until this morning that I as- certained the truth of the report in the newspapers of your brother's death in the service of his Heavenly Master. I went twice to the Mission Rooms, but they were vacant each time. This morning I went again, and was told that no doubt was entertained of the painful tidings. I did not wish to write on the subject while there was, or might possibly be, any room for doubt. I had no personal acquaintance with your brother, but have re- peatedly thought of him with interest, not only from his relation- ship to you, but from what I had learned of his character for piety and talents from others. Although, when he perished by the hand of violence, it was not directly on account of his being a mission- ary, yet indirectly and really it was. Had he not been led by the love of Christ and of the souls of men to that distant field of half- civilized heathen, the peril would have been avoided. It was doubtless with a full view of all the dangers to be encountered whether from disease, or the sea, or the evil passions of lawless men, that he went. When, in the last century, the Moravian missionaries were massacred by the Indians of North America, when, in modern times, Lyman, Munson, and Williams, died by violence, the sentiments and voice of the churches added their names to the long list of the martyrs of Jesus Christ. In spirit they were such, and also in their mode of death. They were in a very real sense witnesses for Christ, not only in their death, but in its peculiar circumstances. The name of your brother is now written on that glorious list. That it was long since written in the Lamb's book of life, and that he now is in the enjoyment of his Saviour's presence in Paradise, must be your chief consolation. And it is a sufficient one. The other thought, however, of the honor put on your brother by the Saviour, in permitting him thus to glorify him, may tend to abate the pain arising from the fact that he was removed by violent hands. I trust that through the grace of God your consolations may abound in this trial. Please express to your father my deep sympathy with him in this bereavement, and my hope that God will make clear to his soul the manifold sources of consolation which are secured by cove- nant through Jesus Christ. Yours, very truly, JAMES READ ECKARD. 478 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. Fi om the Rev. John O. Procter. Williamsport, Md., February 8th, 1849. WALTER LOWRIE, Esa. DEAR SIR: .... Very frequently have I thought of youi dear son, as a dear brother in the Lord. The first Sabbath that I spent in Princeton, he invited me to teach a class in his Sabbath school in Q,ueenston, which I did, and every Sabbath after that, that I spent at the Seminary, I spent the after part of the day in his Sabbath school. He was a most excellent superintendent. We generally went to the school together, and returned together, and oftentimes was our religious conversation most entertaining and comforting. I very frequently have thought of one remark made by him when we were walking thus together. We were speaking of the prospect before us in this life ; of the deceit- fulness of the heart, of the wickedness of men, of -the trials of the Christian, &c., when he remarked, "Sometimes when I think of these things, I feel inclined to wish, if it were the will of my Master, just to lie down and die. The thought of having to spend, probably, eight or ten years in this wicked world, is not very pleasing. But. if it be my Master's will, I will cheerfully obey." Was he not ripening rapidly for heaven ? Even though he was then laboriously preparing for his Master's service in His vineyard here below, and was so far as we could judge from his conduct anxious to go to the heathen as a missionary ; still, if God had willed it so, he would cheerfully have left this troublesome world and have gone to his rest. I never was so faithful a Sabbath school teacher as I was when engaged as a co-worker with him ; and I do believe it was greatly owing to his faithful remarks made in my hearing when I ac- cepted the invitation to become a teacher. Among other things, he gave me a most earnest, anxious look, and said, " Well, brother Proctor, remember, I shall want you to do your duty." That look, and those words, I never expect to forget. They had a most happy effect upon me ; and. with the blessing of God, I may say, indirectly, they had a most happy effect on my class. Perhaps some remarks as to the way of his conducting his school will not be out of place. We had a teachers' meeting every Saturday evening in some private house, when, after singing and prayer, he called upon the male teachers to answer questions on the lesson for the next day. By this means all were brought to prepare their lessons by Saturday evening ; and the ladies, hear- ing our views, would be still better prepared to instruct their scholars. After the lesson was thus gone over, we again sung ; when the teachers were called upon individually to report respect- ing their classes. If any of the scholars were concerned about their souls, we would make such the special subjects of our pray- LETTERS OF REV. MESSRS. PROCTOR AND LOWRIE. 479 ers before we closed. By that means also all the teachers became acquainted and interested in each other. . . . Yours in the bonds of Christ, JOHN O. PROCTER. From the Rev. John M. Lowrie. Wellsville, Ohio, January 26th, 1849. DEAR UNCLE I enclose several letters to me from cousin Walter. As we were so much together while he was in the College and in the Seminary, our communications were chiefly personal and not written. I will therefore give you some of his religious experi- ence and views during these periods. If I were drawing off a sketch of his character as a student at College and in the Theological Seminary I would notice some sucli points as these. His first care was attention to his own spiritual wants. I never knew a man more scrupulously careful to maintain punctual and deliberate habits of private devotion. We were for a short time occupants of the same room ; and it was arranged that our hours of exercise should leave the room private to each of us in turn. Many times when this arrangement was interrupted, I have known him enter a little closet in one corner of the room, that no eye might see him while he sought his Father's face. It was chiefly his desire to secure uninterrupted hours and sea- sons, unknown to any, for devotional duties, which led him to secure a room by himself during the greater part of his course, after his profession of piety. His seasons of fasting I sometimes knew, because we ate at the same table ; but at other times, I think, he so arranged them in connection with visits to friends in the country, that we supposed him not yet returned from a visit, when, in truth, he had exchanged his social intercourse for a sea- son of solitary communion with his God. And I have often knocked at his door for admittance, when I knew he was within, but he would not reply, for he wished uninterrupted his seasons of devotion and of study. It seemed also remarkable to me that he so well maintained his devotional habits when absent from home. I have no knowledge of any friend whose habit of medi- tation upon the Bible after reading it was so fixed. At the foun- dation of his Christian character, was an ardent love for his closet. Next to his attention to private duties, I would rank his affec- tionate concern for the piety of his fellow-professors of religion. There was at Jefferson College a small religious society, still in existence, bearing the name of the missionary Brainerd Of this he was an active member, and he ever regarded it as a means both of profit and influence. But outside of Jhis little band, he exerted no ordinary influence upon Christian students. He was 480 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE especially beloved by those who were associated with him in the support of Sabbath Schools and prayer-meetings, for he was nat- urally more with them. And as from the very first his was d missionary spirit, so those brethren both at Canonsburg and Prince- ton, whose minds turned towards the great field whitening to the harvest, were his peculiar companions. There was one room at Canonsburg that was the place of many a conference for the land of Sinim, and many a prayer that it might be opened to the her- alds of salvation. And there are brethren in China and India, and I believe in heaven too, who will long remember room No. 29, in Princeton Seminary, hallowed as it has been by conference, by tears and prayers. I scarcely know one whose influence upon the piety of the institutions, both at the College and the Seminary, was more consistent and healthful than his was. His influence was also exerted over those who made no pro- fession of religion. He was deeply impressed with the truth, that to every young man the period of College life was the golden op- portunity to secure salvation, or to strengthen pious habits and a pious character. He was well aware, also, of the many insidious and dangerous snares which beset those who are so early in life set free from the restraints and the wholesome discipline of a par- ent's control. Many a time has he expressed deep anxiety on learning that some interesting and inexperienced youth had taken his boarding in dangerous company Worthy of notice, also, are his zeal and devotion to improve op- portunities for usefulness. The Sabbath School at Miller's Hun, where he attended church, and of which he was superintendent, was about six miles from Canonsburg. Under his control it was a thriving and most interesting school. Accompanied by a band of affectionate teachers, his fellow-students, he went to the school, sustained meetings for exhortation and prayer, visited the sick, and was ever welcome to the firesides and the tables of an attach- ed people. Beyond doubt, there are precious souls in that congre- gation, who retain the sweet savor of his memory. They will remember the crowded prayer-meeting, the solemn Bible-class, the simple address, and the fact that many young persons, almost all from the Sabbath School, united with the Church during his so- journ with them, as evidence of his influence and usefulness among that people. These labors were a delight to him, though they were toilsome. Often he would walk as many as eight miles on Saturday evening to hold a prayer-meeting, and return to the church on Sabbath morning to the school. There remains one other matter which I have in lively, and I may add, grateful remembrance, this is his faithfulness in dis- charging the important but unpleasant duty of admonition. I have lying before me a letter, which cannot be made public, but which is an excellent instance and evidence of his watchfulness over his brethren, and of his kindness and prudence to warn and LETTER OF THE REV. CHARLES HODGE, D.D. 481 correct. Nor was he less ready to receive than to administer reproof. .... Yours affectionately, J. M. LOWRIE. From the Rev. Charles Hodge, D. D. Princeton, December 29th, 1847. WALTER LOWRIE, Esa. MY DEAR SIR : Dr. Alexander mentioned to me yesterday, his seeing the most distressing account, in the paper, concerning your precious son. I could hardly credit it ; and yet it was so circum- stantial, 1 fear there is little ijoorn to hope it is unfounded. I feel impelled to express to you my sympathy in your profound affliction, though I know such expressions are of no avail. There is no other comforter in such cases than the Holy Ghost. It is his office to give consolation, to fill the soul with such views of God, and Christ, and eternity, as to enable it to feel that our afflictions, which are but for a moment, will work out an exceeding weight of glory. As he filled the martyrs with peace and joy in the midst of death, he can fill even a father's heart with gratitude and calm resignation, in yielding a son to death for Christ's sake. Alas, my dear sir, suppose your son had fallen in battle, or been cut down unprepared in the midst of his sins, how different would be your feelings ! Now you can think of him, not only as having lived for the Lord, but as dying for him, and rejoice in the assurance that living or dying he is the Lord's. It must also be a comfort to you to have had such a son, and to know that the whole of our Church held him in such honor, looked upon him as one of their most valued and useful mission- aries, as pre-eminently qualified for his work, and promising to ac- complish more than almost any other man for the cause of Christ in China. This consideration must indeed enhance the sense of the greatness of your loss, but at the same time it must be a con- solation to know that his value was appreciated. You do not weep alone ; the whole Church mourns with you ; thousands of prayers will ascend for you, for your children, for China, for the remaining missionaries, which otherwise had not been offered, or offered with far less fervor and sincerity. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort ; may he comfort you in all your tribulation, that you may be able to comfort, them which are in any trouble, with the comfort wherewith you yourself are com- forted of God. Those whom God exercises with great afflictions, are those whom he designs greatly to bless. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. When we see him. and receive the assu- rance of his love, we shall forget all we ever suffered for his sake. To Mrs. Lowrie, and to Mr. John C. Lowrie, I would beg to 31 482 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. present my sincere condolence were, at such a time, any expres- sion of fellowship of any account. Praying God to fill your heart with his own fulness, I am, dear sir, very truly, Your sympathizing friend and fellow-servant, CHARLES HODGE. From the Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D. Princeton, December 31st, 1847. WALTER LOWRIE, ESQ. MY VERY DEAR SIR : I trust I need not say, that the lasl melancholy news from China filled me with heartfelt sorrow ; and that the tenderest sympathy for you, and for the brothers of the beloved man, whom a sovereign God has taken to himself, has occupied my mind ever since I received the mournful intelli- gence. Truly clouds and darkness are round about the doings of our Master in heaven; but righteousness and judgment are the habi- tation of his throne. What He does we know not now, but we shall know hereafter. Had I been left to name a foreign mission- ary, whose talents, and zeal, and peculiar adaptedness to the work in which he was engaged, promised the largest amount of perma- nent usefulness, 1 should, without hesitation, have mentioned your lamented son as that man. But an infinitely wise God, who loves the missionary cause unspeakably more than you or I, and who understands the best means of promoting that cause unspeakably better than either of us. has seen fit to call him away, before he had reached the meridian of life, and translate him to a different and higher field of service. This is indeed, to the eye of man, a dark and mysterious dis- pensation. But we know that He who is infinite in wisdom, and unlimited in power, has seen proper to order it so. This is enough. If we could see the whole matter just as it lies before the mind of the King of Zion, to whom you and I have, without reserve, I trust, dedicated ourselves, we should be ready to say, with unmin- gled joy, " He hath done all things well." The sources of consolation, my dear friend, which present them- selves to you on this occasion, are so multiplied and rich, that I cannot attempt to enumerate them. Truly you have reason to be thankful that you had such a son, that he was spared to you so long, that he was enabled to give so many testimonies of his zeal and fidelity, and that you have so much reason confidently to believe, that the unfeeling violence of barbarians was made the means of more speedily introducing him to eternal and unmingled blessed- ness. That the consolations of the Gospel may abound in your heart, LETTERS OP REV. DR. J. MILLER AND REV. J. A. SAVAGE. 483 and in your family on this mournful occasion, is the sincere wish and prayer of, my dear sir, Your sympathizing friend and brother in Christian bonds, SAMUEL MILLER. From the Rev. John A. Savage. Ogdensburg, N. Y, January 3d, 1848. WALTER LOWRIE, ESQ. MY DEAR SIR : To my inexpressible sorrow I this morning saw announced in a New York paper the shocking death of your son Walter. From the circumstances narrated, I cannot doubt but its truth will be confirmed by the papers which we shall get by to-night's mail. I will not undertake the office of condolence with you under this sad, sad affliction, any further than simply to say. that in this your affliction I am afflicted. The first parox- ysms of your grief, before this reaches you, will have been suc- ceeded, I doubt not, by a calm, submissive resignation, leaning on the arm of that Comforter, to whose fellowship you have long had familiar access, of whom it is written, " In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them." On his visit to western and northern New York, just prior to his departure for the East, he was domesticated with us long enough to endear him to every member of my family, and many in my congregation ; even my children that were just beginning to prattle, retain a vivid recollection of him, and up to the present time have been in the habit of inspecting the Chronicle to find some notice of, or communication from him. His memory will be cherished by them, I doubt not. As I spoke to them to-day of the scene of his death, the big tears gathered in their eyes, and one of them with an expression of deep emotion said, " I thought we should see him again, but now we shall not till the sea gives up its dead." He had taught them to sing that beautiful hymn commencing with "I would not live alway," ; and as a singular coinci- dence, last evening when the family were together, it was sung by them, unconscious of the sad tidings that would reach them on the morrow Your very affectionate friend and brother, JOHN A. SAVAGE. From the Rev. Joseph H. Jones, D. D. Philadelphia^ December 29th, 1847. WALTER LOWRIE, ESQ. MY DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER : The papers of this morning confirm the news of yesterday, and I cannot doubt its 484 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. I.OWRIE. truth. It fills us all with the deepest sorrow, when we take any view of this dark Providence, but of the gain that it brings to him. What a trial of the faith of the Church ! Why, oh, why, was this permitted? Truly the footsteps of God are in the deep, and he giveth no account of his matters to any of us. You are assured, dear brother, of the hearty condolence of all who know you, and know how great your personal loss. But what a privi- lege and honor to have had such a son, and to have had him of- fered to God on the altar of such a glorious cause ! Indeed, much as our hearts ache with you and for you, we rejoice more. We think that God has called him out of the vineyard prematurely ; but we are not to be judges of the dispensations of Omniscience. May this removal of an instrument on which we were tempted to lean so much, prove a wholesome admonition to the Church, and bring us nearer to Christ. We are prone to forget that He can fulfil his purposes by " few" as well as by " many," and that He looks more at the state of our hearts than to the number of our agencies. Perhaps I ought to apologize for this intrusion at a time when the proffered sympathy of friends can do little more than interrupt your communion with God ; but I know that you will suffer this liberty for our sake, if not your own. May He " who comforteth us in all our tribulation" be your comforter in this ; and " as the sufferings of Christ abound in " you, " so may your consolation abound by Christ." What a precious sentiment, that " it is given us in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer for his sake." Affectionately and fraternally yours, JOSEPH H. JONES. From the Rev. William S. Plumer, D. D. Baltimore, Md. : January 1st, 1848. WALTER LOWRIE, ESQ.. MY DEAR BROTHER : My heart has been filled with sorrow for you and for the cause of Christ, at the sad intelligence which has just reached us. I feel confounded, and called to more than usual humiliation and sorrow. Why should one so young, so devoted, and so promising, be taken, and I who am so unprofitable, and whose days must end in the course of nature so much sooner than his would have done, be spared ? I cannot tell. He doeth all things well. Some years ago I wrote a letter to a bereaved friend. It was afterwards printed as a tract. I enclose a copy, hoping it may comfort or soothe one who has my highest respect and ten- derest sympathy.* The Lord sustain you and -cheer you and bless you ! Do not feel under any obligation to answer this. I wish not to intrude upon your privacy and the sacredness of your sor- * American Tract Society, No. 372. LETTERS OP REV. DR. PLUMES AND MR. J. P. ENGLES. 485 row. My family, especially Mrs. Plumer, seem to be as much afflicted as if we had lost a relative. The Lord bless you and your wife and all yours ! Very truly and affectionately yours, WM. S. PLUMER. From Joseph P. Engles, Esq. Philadelphia, January 2d, 1848. REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE MY DEAR BROTHER : If I had obeyed the impulse of my feelings, I would have addressed you immediately after reading in the daily paper, the astounding intelligence of the loss which your family have suffered in the death of a beloved son and brother, and the Church and the heathen world, in the departure of a zeal- ous and devoted missionary. But circumstances hindered, and now that I have devoted the closing hour of the Sabbath to this office of fraternal affection, I am at a loss in what terms to speak of this solemn event. Shall I condole with you on having lost a brother so dearly and justly beloved ? Or shall I congratulate you on having another of your loved ones safely housed from the storms of time in a mansion of eternal rest ? I have no doubt, however opposite the states of feeling which would call for one or the other of these expressions, you have experienced them both. May the latter prevail, and moderate the intensity of the former. My object is not to suggest grounds of consolation. You are as fully aware of them as I can be, and have already experienced them. I only want to give expression to my own feelings of sor- row under this dark and mysterious dispensation of Divine Provi- dence, and to assure you that you do not mourn alone. I had not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with your brother, but I loved him for your sake and his work's sake. I beg you to assure your father of the deep sympathy which I, in common with the whole Christian world so far as the event is known, feel for his bereavement. At his time of life it comes with fearful weight, but God, who has enabled him to make so many sacrifices for the mis- sionary cause, will not leave him to bear this burden alone. I trust it will stimulate him and us all, to take a still deeper interest in the cause. Dr. J. A. Alexander alluded beautifully to the event in his sermon this afternoon. I wish I could repeat the pas- sage. Perhaps you may get it from him. His text was Rom. x. 16. Mr. Macklin also alluded to it to-night, and got me to read to the congregation the impressive address of a missionary in China to the churches ; I hope not without effect. Mrs. Engles joins me in these expressions of affectionate sympa- thy. We have drunk deep of the cup of affliction, but the circum- stances of our bereavements do not furnish the same strong grounds of consolation which yours do. Still it is the same wise, 486 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. holy, gracious God who has afflicted us both, and his will be done. O that we may be enabled so to improve the joys and sorrows of this life, that they may result in eternal joy. Believe me to be truly Your friend and brother, Jos. P. ENGLES. From the Rev. W. M. Atkinson, D. D. Winchester, Va., January 3d, 1848. WALTER LOWRIE, ESQ. DEAR SIR : In common with myriads of your brethren, I mourn with you. In common with them, I strive to pray for you. And we pray, as I trust you " sorrow," " not as they who have no hope !" We hope that the Lord will bless this dispensation to your own soul, and to the cause to which, in subordination to Him whose cause it is, your soul is devoted. The blood of the martyrs has ever been the seed of the Church, and we trust that the death of our first martyr, may prove to be life to our beloved Zion. Nothing, you know, tended so much to the first great spread of the Apostolic church, as the death of Stephen and the accompanying persecution. So may it be, so we hope it will be, in the present instance. We trust that your expiring Walter may prove to have been, in his holy warfare, a dying Samson. And we are assured that He who bade Peter come to him on the boisterous sea, caused his young servant to meet him there ; and if HE selected for him that way as the best way to heaven, and that hour as the best time, what are we that we should gainsay it? The sea cannot hold his body always, for the sea shall give up its dead ; and even now his spirit is with God who gave it. If God has been pleased early to give him the victory, and to crown him with the glory of the conqueror, why should we desire him to have been kept longer in the strife and the turmoil of the battle-field? Think of him as faith now tells you he is, with Christ, which is far better than even to labor successfully for the Church : think of him in glory, and far more wisely than old Ormond said them, may you repeat his words over his accomplished son. " So much," I have sometimes thought, when I have mourned over a dear child snatched from me, "so much I have realized ; one most precious portion of my wealth is safe forever !" I never met your son personally, but John, my brother, who was his fellow-student, loved and honored him, and had taught me to do the same ; and all that I have heard from others, seemed but to deepen the impression his statements made. To death, the universal token of God's hatred of sin, he must at some time have bowed, and God knew the best time. The narrative given by Mr. Loomis of the calm and fearless LETTERS OF THE REV. DRS. ATKINSON AND POOTE. 487 dignity with which he met it, under circumstances so appalling to flesh and blood, is most impressively sublime. It was an end be- fitting such a life. And when my rnind dwells upon it, I feel that congratulation is almost as much called for as condolence. And yet, the more admirable he was, the greater is the bereavement. But there is a comforter, whose presence would compensate for the removal of the human body and soul of Christ himself. To that comforter I commend you and your afflicted family, especially those of them I have the privilege to know, Mrs. Lowrie and Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Lowrie. I am, my dear sir, Your friend and brother in Christ, W. M. ATKINSON. N. B. Can we be truly said to be bereaved or desolate, while Christ lives and is ours ? W. M. A. From the Rev. W. H. Foote, D. D. Romney, Va., January 6th, 1848. BROTHER LOWRIE On Monday I read the letter from China. My wife and myself have sympathized with you and your family in this sacrifice for the cause of God. I can but hope that your faith has already gotten the victory over nature. It seems to me that there would be a bitterness in the manner of his death, that would be unal- loyed but for the blessed fact, that the Lord God Omnipotent reigns, and has given all things into the hands of Christ, who has permitted this event to take place as one of the preparatory ones in the conversion of China. Looking at it thus, the grace of God can make you feel, the will of God be done. I do not say, my brother, that I could say so in any such trial : I kniow myself too well to say I could bear any cross. But I know God can help you to bear yours ; and our prayer is, that God will enable you to re- joice in his government and grace. You have long desired the conversion of China, and God has set it at a terrible price. I do not say that I could pay it, but I pray that you may. And when was a nation bought without blood, the blood of Christ first, and of Christians afterwards? What did Paul mean by filling up in his flesh a measure of suf- fering ? Not that he added anything to Christ's, but that the suf- ferings of his Lord flowed through that channel. O who can tell but the channel is opened from your veins to let the peace-speaking blood of Christ flow to that poor, perishing nation ? My wife joins her sympathies with mine, and has been asking herself, if she could give up her little child a sacrifice for God MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. What a blessed text is that which promises strength according to our day. May God help you in this day of your trouble ! Yours sincerely, in the best of bonds, W. HENRY FOOTE. From the Rev. William C. Anderson, D. D. Dayton, Ohio, January 7th, 1848. WALTER LOWRIE, Esa. MY DEAR BROTHER: God's "ways are not as ours, neither are his thoughts as our thoughts." To our poor, finite minds, these ways of his are often in the deep waters ; yet are they right ways. Although the journey of Israel was to them inexplicable, yet it was the right way : " He led them forth by the right way." And so, my dear brother, is it now. He has ever led you by the right way ; and even this last painful path along which he has carried you, is a right one. I cannot see how; but I know it is a right way. My object in this note, however, is not to offer consolation, or in any way intrude upon your domestic griefs : the source of con- solation you know, without advice, and your griefs a stranger may not meddle with. I write simply to assure you of my pro- found sympathy with you in this strange visitation of your Master. I try to pray that God may bestow upon you all the consolation you need. Please accept the assurance of the sympathies of Mrs. Anderson and myself with yourself and family in this hour of your affliction. In addition to the great consolation which the certainty of your dear son's everlasting safety furnishes, let me name the fact, that he fell at his post. My dear brother, is there not much comfort in this fact? When the Master came, he found your son with the armor on he fell in the trenches ; and, like his blessed Master, fell by the hands of those he went to save. We can ill spare him, but thy will, O God, be done ! My brother, you long since gave up yourself, and family, and all, to the great work of missions ; well, the Master, you see, is taking you at your offer. Be strong in the Lord, and toil on. Mrs. A. joins in much love to you and your family. We would be pleased always to hear from you, if your many and heavy labors would allow it. In the bonds of the Gospel of Christ, your brother, W. C. ANDERSON. From Rev. Loyal Young. Butler, Pa. January 26th, 1848. REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE MY VERY DEAR BROTHER : I trust that it is not altogether too late to express to you what I have felt and still feel, in view of LETTERS OF REV. DRS. ANDERSON AND CAMPBELL. 489 the violent death of your of our brother, endeared to the church of Christ, and to none more than to myself. Never has a death occurred since my residence here, that produced such a sensation in Butler. The people of God have many of them often spoken to me about his last visit to us as peculiarly interesting. Some of them when leading in prayer at the Monthly Concert, always remembered him in their petitions. They all hoped that since he outrode the storms in safety, and escaped the dangers of the ocean, he was destined to be preserved still further for great use- fulness to the Church. But God's method of accomplishing his purposes is altogether different from our expectations. I need not say to you, dear brother, that it is all right, all for the best, all in mercy. I know that you have already gone, and often gone, to the fountain of consolation ; and heard the Saviour say, " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you ; not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." I know that you long since committed that dear brother to the care of the Lord, and felt perfectly satis- fied that he would do with him what was right. And now that He has taken him to his own arms, to the abode of your beloved Louisa, of your precious mother, of your babes, of your dear sis- ter Eliza, and of your noble brother Mathew, you have it not in your heart to repine. Dear brother, the attractions of heaven are gathering strength continually. How joyous will be the meeting at last ! But we could have wished that Walter had met with a different death. The first account must have been painful to you in the extreme. Well did our Saviour exhort his disciples, " Beware of men" The elements might combine to destroy ; the sea might threaten to devour, during that terrific storm which lasted for days and nights, when your brother was in the long-boat, tossed about, as a feather ; but there was no evil to be apprehended from them. It belonged to men, cruel men, to do the deed. " Beware of men." But the last struggle was soon over, no doubt ; and his spirit received to rest. All that is painful now, in the case, is the loss of such a missionary. We thought he could not be spared. God thought otherwise. " His thoughts are not as our thoughts, nor his ways as our ways." .... Yours in Christ, LOYAL YOUNG. From the Rev. John N. Campbell, D. D. Albany, N. Y., January 31st, 1848. WALTER LOWRIE, ESQ. MY DEAR SIR : I have been quite sick for several weeks past with influenza, or I would not have delayed so long to express to you how sincerely I sympathize with you in the very sore aftu'c- 490 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. tion with which it has seemed good to our Heavenly Father to try you. I have a vivid recollection of your son, whom I saw during the examinations of the Seminary in two successive years. He made a strong impression on me, and I remember well the surprise and pleasure with which I learned that one 'so well quali- fied by natural endowments and accomplishments, and apparently so well fitted by grace for the missionary work, had devoted him- self to the Master in that self-denying and laborious department of the ministry. How mysterious his removal and manner of it so early at a moment of such promise by violence ! But what we know not now about the Master's doings we shall know hereafter. We shall see then, and say with unutterable gratitude and joy, what we can utter now often only with a trembling voice and a broken heart, " He hath done all things well." I have read Bishop Boone's letter with great interest. He has there a favorite thought of my own, that the work of the Church triumphant is the work of missions. I confidently believe that your son has changed, not his occupation, but only the sphere of his labors. I beg you to accept for yourself and family, particularly for my friend, your elder son, the assurance of my deep sympathy in your affliction, and to believe me, Very truly, JOHN N. CAMPBELL. From Mrs. A. H. Richardson, England. Newcastle-on-Tyne, 1st month, 13th, 1848. MY DEAR AND HONORED FRIEND My heart ached as I read thy kind letter of the llth ult., for its calm and cheerful tone showed but too plainly that the afflicting intelligence that had reached us some weeks previous, had not arrived at New York when that letter was penned. I suppose the news must have come by the overland mail. It met my eye in- cidentally in one of our local newspapers, but every circumstance connected with the afflictive event seemed too surely marked to admit of a doubt as to its correctness. We have grieved for, and with you all, my dear and beloved friend, but more especially for the fond and affectionate father, whose heart will have been wrung to the very uttermost. And yet, perhaps, I should hardly use that word, for thy son has fallen as one of "the noble army of martyrs," true to his God true to the last, to the cause of his Saviour, and when the first shock is over, this will be a cause of thankful rejoicing. I must not say much. The wound is too recent, and your hearts will still be bleeding most sorely, and yet I think I cannot let another post go out. without assuring you, one and all, of our deep, and tender, and affectionate sympathy, and of our fervent desires that this intense trial may be overruled for your own good, and for the NOTICE BY THE RT. REV. G. SMITH. 491 good of the Christian Church. "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of that Church," and who is to say how unseen good may be permitted to arise out of this most severe and bitter trial ? . . . As the account came to us, however afflicting, it bore a beautiful and voluntary testimony to the noble bearing of the departed that there had not been the smallest aggravation or provocation against these cruel men on his part, or on the part of those around him. Ho\v increasingly impressive does this render the event! No bad man's soul was sent into eternity on this sad occasion, but the sufferer calmly bowed his head, and presently was welcomed by ministering angels from a world of wickedness to one of everlasting blessedness. O my friend, through all the sorrow there must be joy in this. His God and thy God will not forsake, nor hide his face from any one of you in this hour of nature's severest agony, but will smile gra- ciously upon you, and Jesus will again utter the words " In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have over- come the world." I know quite well that I ought not to look for a letter for a good while to come, but whenever thou canst kindly favor me with a few lines to say how you all are, they would be very gratefully received. With cordial, affectionate, and sympathizing regards, thine, my dear friend, with the sincerest esteem, ANNA H. RICHARDSON. REMARKS ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. WALTER M. LOWRIE. By the Rt. Rev. George Smith, D.D. The following article is taken from an English Magazine, of August, 1848, the Church Missionary Gleaner, where it appeared as a tribute to the memory of the departed missionary. It will be read with interest, as coming from the pen of an English Episco- pal missionary in China, and a personal friend of the deceased, the Right Rev. George Smith, Bishop of the Church of England at Hong Kong : The dispensations of Providence are often enveloped in a depth of mystery, which the poor fallible comprehension of man is un- able to fathom. This is in an especial manner the case in reference to missionary labors. Human instruments, of whose adaptation to missionary usefulness great hopes were entertained, are one by one removed from the scene of their labors, by the failure of health, or by the hand of premature death. An important lesson is conveyed to our minds that God is independent of the instru- ment in the carrying forward His purposes of love to our fa I en world ; and, by snapping asunder the cord of human expectations, He sounds in mortal ears the often-needed admonition, Cease ye from man ! These remarks have been drawn forth by a piece of intelligence 492 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. of a most affecting and heart-rending nature. The subject of this brief notice is the late Rev. W. M. Lowrie, a missionary of the American General Assembly's Board of Foreign Missions. Highly gifted with mental endowments of the first order, and eminent for his simple and unaffected piety, Mr. Lowrie seemed, to human eye, likely to become a laborer of no ordinary value in the missionary vineyard. His father was for many years a member of the Senate of the United States. His eldest sou went to India as a missionary, where, his wife -having been removed from this life in Calcutta, the insalubrity of the climate soon removed himself from the missionary field. His third son, the subject of this memoir, went to China in 1842, as one of the first missionaries from the Ameri- can Presbyterian Church to that vast field of missionary enter- prise. Here many dangers awaited him, from which a gracious Providence interposed to deliver him until his appointed work was done. The first occurred in his voyage to Singapore ; but the vessel struck on a shoal, and in a few hours went to pieces. Mr. Lowrie and his fellow-passengers with difficulty escaped from the wreck in two small open boats. With only the clothes they had on their bodies, and a small stock of provisions, they found them- selves alone on the broad ocean, at a distance of five hundred miles from the nearest land. While in this unprotected state they were exposed to the violence of a severe typhoon ; and their pres- ervation from a watery grave was almost miraculous. They at length reached the shore of one of the Phillipine islands, where they were kindly treated by the Indians ; but they lost four men in approaching the surf, by which one of the boats was capsized. The moment after they reached the land, by an almost involun- tary act of thankfulness, every man in that mingled company fell on his knees on the unknown soil, and offered up his praise to the great Author of their deliverance. Mr. Lowrie subsequently ar- rived at the Spanish Colony of Manila, from which he found an opportunity of returning to Macao. At another period he em- barked for the north of China, when he was overtaken by a vio- lent gale, and compelled to return to Macao. Here he pursued his ministerial labors among the European and American residents, to some of whom his ministrations were greatly blessed. After a course of Chinese studies, he proceeded, in 1845, to the newly- formed station of Ningpo, where the writer of this short account renewed his acquaintance with a friend whose catholicity of spirit, self-denying zeal, unwearied industry, and cordial co-opera- tion in every good work, will ever endear his name to the whole body of his fellow-laborers, and will, it is hoped, embalm his memory in the grateful recollections of many Chinese listeners to the message of redeeming love. In the month of June last, Mr. Lowrie proceeded from Ningpo to Shanghai, as the delegate from his station to the General Com- mittee of Protestant missionaries assembled at the latter station, NOTICE FROM THE SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN. 493 to complete the revised translation of the New Testament into Chinese. For this important work his superior education and diligent studies had peculiarly fitted him. This last duty he had been enabled to aid in accomplishing ; and a part of the New Testament was now given to the Chinese in their own tongue, as the result of the united labors of the various Protestant mis- sionary societies in China. He then sailed from Shanghai on his return, as he thought, to Ningpo; but he was about to take a more important voyage, which was to conduct him to those peace- ful shores where there would be no tempests nor storms, "where there would be no more sorrow, and no more sin." He had passed through the Bay of Chapoo, when the vessel in which he was sailing was attacked by a Chinese pirate-boat. The pirates succeeded in boarding the vessel, and our dear departed brother was thrown into the deep, and found a watery grave in the ocean's billows. His loss will be deeply deplored, and not least by his aged and beloved parents ; who, however, can reflect, for their comfort, that their son has fallen in the noblest of causes. But a few years will have passed away when the most successful votaries of this world, and the most distinguished heroes of martial fame, would gladly exchange all the laurels entwined by mortal hands around their brow for one ray of that heavenly peace, and one gleam of that unfading joy, which silently irradiates a missionary's grave. SUNDAY THOUGHTS OF A LAYMAN. Rev. Walter M. Lowrie. The death of this eminent man, and devoted Missionary of the Cross, is an event which has more deeply moved the sensibilities of the Church than any other of recent occurrence. The death of any man under such revolting circumstances, would excite the sympathies, and deeply pain the hearts of all who knew him. Here is one whose piety, talents and position made him known to the whole Christian world, suddenly taken from time to eternity, by murder. The horrors of such a death, to any but the real Christian, must be inconceivably great. To him, even such a death was peaceful. It came without warning, amid the soli- tude of a dreary sea, far, far away from kindred from sympathy from the rites of Christian society from the means of Christian sepulture from all the charities arid endearments of that sweet and sacred place, home. Yet he quailed not before the destroyer. He fell with his armor on. He died in sacred harness. His lamp was trimmed and burning. God was with him. The moan of the deep sea was his requiem, and the winds which swept wildly over its wastes, pealed his song of triumph. He now stands be- fore the Almighty throne. He sees as he is seen he knows as 494 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. he is known, and realizes the bliss and the glory of Heaven. As Christians, we may not lament on his account. For ourselves, our children, and the bereaved heathen, we ought to weep. In many particulars Mr. Lowrie was a remarkable man. His natural gifts, which were eminent in their variety and richness, were elaborately cultivated. He was a thoroughly educated man. Genius and culture, like his, could have commanded the wealth, the honors, and the admiration of the world. He preferred the riches of grace, the honor of God's favor, the admiration of angels. He was lovely and attractive in his temper and manners. This is manifest in the affectionate regrets, which have already poured spontaneously forth, from every sect, realm and region, where he was known. His taste in letters was accurate and refined. Those who have perused his letters, essays, sermons, and the admirable narrative of the wreck of the Harmony, as well as those who were favored with his personal acquaintance, attest that he was not only a scholar, but an eminent rhetorician. He is said to have been a profound scholar, thoroughly furnished with the learning of the age, and particularly well informed in the- ology and sacred literature. The venerable school of the Prophets at Princeton, sent him forth with the spirit and the intellectual furniture of such men as Doctor Alexander, and Doctor Miller. He was remarkable in his early and absolute consecration to the service of God as a missionary. His own wish seems to have been to labor in Africa, the darkest of all the continents ; choosing .that field, as it would seem, because of the greater sacrifice which it would require. Yielding to the wishes of the Church, he gave himself to China, and there he became remarkable for his Chris- tian enterprise, discretion, courage, patience, and laborious studies. His death is remarkable for the manner of it, by piracy and murder, and at the time when it occurred. When he was begin- ning to be fitted for his work, when the eyes of all Christendom were bent upon him, when that hitherto closed empire was open- ing wide her arms to receive him and to embrace the Gospel, in the prime of early manhood ; then it was that the summons came, and he departed, leaving the world amazed and awe-stricken with the mystery of the Providence. God seems to have raised him high, very high, that the attention of all men might be drawn to him, in order to make his death impressive, and as I think, in- structive. It is not my purpose to sketch, even in outline, the life of our beloved brother, or to attempt an analysis of his character. These remarks are intended to introduce the following brief re- flections : Mysterious as is the providence of God in taking from his own work such a man, and at such a time, there are reasons for it which lie open to Christian observation. We are to reflect that he had already accomplished much, and that his name and charac- ter, his life and labors, do not die. Though dead he yet speaketh. NOTICE FROM THE SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN. 495 He is still a great teacher upon earth ; his example will be a stimu- lant and an encouragement to all missionaries for ages to come. He is one of the martyrs whose blood is the seed of the Church. His ocean grave will be the point around which will rally the faith, the energies, and the triumphs of the missionary spirit. His name belongs to that scroll where are inscribed the names of Mar- ty n, Morrison, and Mills. The memory of such men is the unc- tion of the missionary cause. We are to remember that he is not dead, but changed and re- moved. Who shall say, that the, great Parent, in the sublime benevolence of his nature, looked not upon his toiling and suffer- ing child, and saw him ripe for glory, and in inappreciable tender- ness, called him home to his own bosom ! Who shall say, that in the eternal ordinations, the time for his reward had not arrived ! And why should we repine that he, a star in our moral firmament, is removed to burn more gloriously in the firmament of Heaven? Let us beware lest our sorrows asslime the character of selfishness. He is removed to some higher, holier, and happier sphere of service. This life is but the starting point of being this theatre of action, but a place of pupilage. The training of time is pre- paratory discipline, to fit us for the duties which await us in eter- nity. We do not realize this, yet it is true. What that service is, we know not. But this we believe, that it is adapted to the ener- gies and capabilities of a ransomed and disembodied spirit ; it is consistent with the will of God, and compatible with supreme happiness and perfect holiness. Had the Missionary Board removed Mr. Lowrie from China to some other station of higher responsi- bility and more happy adaptation to his capabilities for serving, however his co-laborers there might have regretted his absence from them, they could not condemn the act ; they could not, therefore, believe him dead, or lost to the Church, or insensible to their affection. And why should they now ? God has removed him. Shall not the Lord of all the earth do right? He required him at some point in the boundless range of his dominion, to do something for which his intellectual development, and his maturity in grace, when adapted to his new state of being, precisely fitted him. So that he lives yet, and still works, but suffers not. A little bold and decided thought, a little more than our accustomed abstraction from things sensual, a little more determined exercise of faith, will enable us to unite things temporal wiih things eter- nal to blend times past, present, and to come, and to reconcile us to the ways of God. The reason why so little comparatively is done by our churches for foreign missions, why our prayers are so powerless our at- tendance upon the Monthly Concert so constrained and laggard, is the want of a clear, strong, and abiding conviction that God in- tends to convert the heathen world. Upon this subject we are prone to be skeptical. We are staggered by the greatness of the work, by the smallness of the visible results, and the disproportion 490 MEMOIR OP WALTER M. LOWRIE. of the means to the end. We forget that the work is his as well as ours, that the resources of all the earth belong to him, that commerce is his agent, and nations are his ministers ; that his omnipotence is pledged to its accomplishment, and that with him one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The consequence is a temporizing, lame performance of mission- ary duties. Another consequence is, dependence upon the means, a looking to them and not to God. The missionary spirit is as much a grace in the heart as it is a virtue in the life. We ought to do our duty, and leave results with God. Whether they follow in one or a thousand years, is absolutely, unconditionally, with Him. Now the sudden and signal death of Mr. Lowrie was, no doubt, designed to withdraw our confidence from men and means, and fix it upon God. Again, the luke\varmness of the Church be the cause what it may in the cause of missions, must be conceded. May we not, are we not constrained to belteve, that Providence intends this event to arouse the Church to effort I It is a rebuke uttered by the voice of the Almighty, the blast of a trumpet, which shall wax louder and louder, until its peals shall awake the dead energies of Protestantism. It is the sign of the Divine anger, hung so high that all may see it. Under the chastisements of Heaven, let the spirit of the good man bow down in deep contrition ; but let his faith revive with elastic power, and display its energies in every good word and work. Southern Presbyterian^ Feb. 23, 1849. REMARKS ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. WALTER M. LOWRIE, By the Rev. A. Alexander, D. D. The mournful tidings of this disastrous event has sent a pang of grief to the hearts of thousands in our Church and in our coun- try. The loss of such a man, and in such a way, is, indeed, a deplorable thing. Christianity was never intended to destroy the natural feelings of humanity, but to regulate anjl refine them. In Holy Scripture we find that the pious gave free indulgence to their feelings of sorrow, on account of the death" of good and great men. When Abner was treacherously murdered by Joab, king David " lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner ; and all the people wept. And the king lamented over Abner." So, also, when the pious king Josiah was slain in the flower of his age, " All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah: and Jere- miah lamented for Josiah. And all the singing men and singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations." We have, more- over, in the New Testament an example of the same kind in the primitive church at Jerusalem, when Stephen, "a man full of wisdom and of the Holy Ghost," was stoned to death by the Jews. This man stood conspicuous among the disciples of Christ REMARKS BY THE REV. DR. A. ALEXANDER. 497 on account of the miraculous gifts with which he was endowed, and the holy boldness and eloquence with which he defended the truth, for " being full of faith and power, he did great wonders and miracles among the people. And his enemies were unable to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." But when confounded in argument, they had recourse to violence, and cast him out of the city and stoned Stephen, calling on God, and saying, " LORD JESUS, RECEIVE MY SPIRIT." And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, "LoRD, LAY NOT THIS SIN TO THEIR CHARGE;" and when he had said this, he fell asleep. " And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, AND MADE GREAT LAMENTATION OVER*HIM." Here we find, that in the early infancy of the Church, good and useful men were suffered by divine providence to be cut off, when their services were more needed than they could be at any future time. God would teach us that he is not dependent on any instruments for the accomplishment of his purposes. The death of Stephen, probably, had a mighty effect on the minds of many who were present ; and from among his bitterest enemies, there was one whom God had determined to make " a chosen vessel" to carry the Gospel not only to the Jews, but to a multitude of the Gentile nations. And we learn from this part of Sacred Scripture, that God does not forsake his devoted servants, when surrounded by ene- mies, and while suffering the agonies of death. Stephen saw heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. And he was enabled to die in the full assurance of hope; and, with his last breath, to imitate his divine Master, by invok- ing mercy for his murderers. And although we are not permitted to know in what state of mind our dear young brother met death, we have good reason to conclude that his covenant God did not forsake him in that trying hour. Very likely his last breath was spent in prayers for the salvation of his murderers. That the death of Mr. Lowrie is a great loss to the Church, and particularly to the cause of missions, none will doubt. Re- ligiously educated from his youth, and* in a family imbued with the missionary spirit, he early turned his thoughts to the condition of the blinded, perishing heathen. With this object in view, he commenced his theological education. During his whole course, it is believed, his purpose remained unshaken ; and all his plans and studies were prosecuted with a direct view to this object. Possessed of a vigorous and well-balanced mind, and of cheerful, equable temper, his progress in learning was rapid, and what he acquired, he retained. With him no time was wasted, for even his hours of relaxation from seveve study were spent in some use- ful employment. He was willing to encounter all the dangers of the deleterious climate of Africa, and would have made that dark region the field of his labors, had it not appeared to all his friends that he 32 498 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. was eminently qualified for the China mission, that great country having unexpectedly been opened for the preaching of the Gospel. Our young brother accordingly embarked for that important field; but before his station was finally chosen, he met with extraordi- nary difficulties and dangers. In one of his voyages he was ship- wrecked ; the vessel was abandoned at sea, and the crew and himself were exposed to a rough sea, in an open boat, for many days ; and when they approached the shore, were, by a mani- fest interposition of providence, enabled to land, when at almost any other time their boat must have been swamped. Since his arrival in China, he devoted himself assiduously to the acquisition of the very difficult language of the country ; and there is reason to believe with uncommon success. But not contented merely to acquire the language, he deemed it very important to make himself acquainted with the literature, and especially with what may be termed the classical literature of the Chinese. From communications received in* this country, there is reason to think that he was making rapid progress in this species of knowledge. Besides the acquisition of the provincial dialect of Ningpo, where he had his station, he had formed the purpose of learning theMan- chu Tartar language, which differs from that of China in that an alphabetical character is used ; and it is understood that this is becoming more and more popular, and from its superior conve nience, will probably prevail. From these and other considera tions it is evident that our Church and the cause of missions has experienced a great loss in the death of Mr. Lowrie. It ought to be mentioned, also, that with other missionaries, he was, when called away, earnestly engaged in revising and correcting the ver- sion of the New Testament into the Chinese tongue. For this work he was eminently qualified by his learning, and by his nice discrimination and turn for accuracy in matters of this kind. When sent for to Ningpo, he had been for between two and three months at Shanghai, engaged with Bishop Boone, Dr. Bridgeman and others in this work. It is, then, neither unreasonable nor unscriptural that great lamentation should be made on account of his death. Though none can be expected to experience the same kind and degree of grief as his venerable father and near kindred, yet many others deeply sympathize with them in their lamentations ; and it may be presumed none have felt this stroke more pungently than his brethren of the mission. To them the bereavement is indeed great and lamentable. But this feeling is not confined to the missionaries of the Presbyterian church ; others will feel sorely that a heavy judgment has fallen upon them. This is manifest from the affectionate and excellent letter of Bishop Boone to Mr. Lowrie's father. He says : " This event has thrown my family, who had the privilege to enjoy his company for the last two months and a half, into the deepest affliction. Dearly as I know he was be- loved by the mission with which he was connected, yet, I believe. REMARKS BY THE REV. DR. A. ALEXANDER. 499 no one in China mourns his loss as I do." And no doubt the same feeling pervades the whole of the missionaries who have had any opportunity of acquaintance with our departed brother. We may, therefore, lament the death of such a man. so beloved, and so well qualified to be useful in the most important work which is going on in this world. But though we are permitted to sorrow, yet not to repine. When Aaron's impious sons were struck dead in the sanctuary, " he held his peace ;" he uttered no com- plaint. And when Eli heard the prophet's prediction respecting the judgment about to be inflicted on his wicked sons, he said, "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good." Perfect sub- mission is consistent with the most heart-felt sorrow. Indeed, the deeper the grief, the more virtuous the submission. This event, I think, is a solemn call of Providence to our whole Church. It is evidently a token of the displeasure of our heavenly Father. God, by thus taking away one of the most eminent of our missionary corps, evidently calls the Presbyterian church to a solemn consideration of their ways ; to an earnest inquiry whether, as a body, we have done our duty ; and especially in relation to China. Some twenty years ago, the writer heard a speaker at a missionary meeting in Philadelphia, say, "If a hundred missiona- ries should now enter China, at different points, and every one of them should immediately be put to death, this would be a cheap sacrifice, if thereby that populous country should be opened for the preaching of the Gospel." At that time, the most sanguine did not dare to hope for such an event in their day. But God, by a wonderful Providence, has set the door wide open. Not merely one, but five great cities are made accessible, and the right of resi- dence and Christian worship secured by treaty. In consequence, a number of the most promising and best educated men offered their services, ?nd were sent. But did the Church appreciate the importance of this extraordinary dispensation of Providence ? Did she arouse herself from her long sleep, and come to the help of the Lord against the mighty ; did she enlarge her spirit of liberality, and begin t wrestle with God in fervent, incessant prayer for this empire, which conti ias one third of the population of the globe ? She did not. Had it not, been for the generous donation of a few individuals, the Board would not have been able to send out the promising men who offered. And even now, there exists a gen- eral apathy. A few churches and a few individuals seem to be sensible of the solemn, responsible circumstances in which we who live in this age are placed. Professors of religion are too gener- ally occupied with their own concerns ; every one is attending to his farm or his merchandise ; few have any deep feeling for the ark of God. Each one will build and decorate his own house, while the house of God is desolate. Let the churches, then, consider this awful dispensation, as one in which they have a deep concern. Let the solemn inquiry be made in all our churches, and through all our borders, whether 500 MEMOIR OF WALTER M. LOWRIE. they have not been delinquent in their duty to the missionaries in China. Yea, let every individual ask himself, Have I done my duty ? Have I remembered daily, as I ought, those devoted men ? Have I borne them feelingly on my heart to the throne of grace ? Have I given as liberally of my substance to promote this object as I ought? Such inquiries, honestly made, would, I believe, bring conviction home to almost every bosom. What, then, shall be the result ? Having done amiss, is it our solemn purpose, by the help of the Lord, to do so no more ? Let us, then, take words and return unto the Lord who hath smitten us. " Let the priests weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say. spare thy people, O Lord." If it should please our heavenly Father to make this distressing bereavement the means of awakening all our churches to the sol- emn consideration of their duty, as it relates to missions in gen- eral, and to China in particular, then will this sore judgment be turned into mercy. Let all the friends of Zion wrestle with God until he grant this result. Let them say, " For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be silent, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the sal- vation thereof as a lamp that burneth." Such importunity is never offensive. Jacob said to the Angel of the Covenant, " I will not let thee go until thou bless me." And God commands us "to give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." Let every true Presbyterian resolve that, during the year, now commenced, he will bear on his heart before the throne of grace, the perishing condition of the heathen, and the wants of our foreign missionaries, with far greater frequency and fervency than during the year which is past. And, as our mission- aries may be recalled unless funds are provided by the Church for their support, let every man, and woman, and child consider whether God does not require of them to do much more in the way of con- tribution thkn they have heretofore done ; and see whether, from the very day from which you commence a new course, God will riot bless you in a special manner. " Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Mai. iii. 10. Missionary Chronicle: February, 1848. THE REV. WALTER M. LOWRIE, A MISSIONARY THE CHINESE. BORN FEB. 18th, 1819. DIKD Auo. 19th, 1847. "I am a Stranger In the Earth." Ps. cxix. 19 SECOND SIDE. IN CHINESE. The American teacher of the religion of Jesus, Low-le-wha, Seen Sang, [i. e. Mr. Lowrie.] Born in [the reign of] Kea-King, 24th year, 1st month, 26th day. Died in [the reign of] Taou-Kwang, 27th year, 7th month, 9th day. Reckoning back in [the reign of] Taou-Kwang, the 22d year, 4th month, 18th day, he arrived at Macao, China. The 25th year, 3d month, 5th day, he reached Ningpo; in order to propagate the holy re- ligion. How can we know whether a long or a short life is appointed for us ? He had but attained the age of twenty-nine years, when, travelling by sea, he was drowned by pirates. Of all his associates there is none who does not cherish his memory, and they have accordingly erected this stone as a testimony of their affection. THIRD SIDE. He was attacked by pirates near Chapoo, and being thrown overboard, perished in the sea. FOURTH SIDE. IN CHINESE. The Holy Book says It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment, for the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and shall come forth, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. The shaft is 4 feet G inches high ; 2 feet 7 inches wide at the bottom, and 1 foot 9 inches at the top. The stone is a hard and smooth kind of granite, capable of a tolerable polish. SECOND SIDE. SI? A A _ a + = -b E AUM H ^ /fg H pq 4- TP ^ /J I I U .11 . -b a i! A FOURTH SIDE. ss 1=1 fc 9 vavasva VINVS University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. Series 9482 \ THE UNIVERSITY o 3 SANTA BARBARA 1NVS o ' 3 1205 00032 4903 >i 1 r QI ^ j - AllS^V^VWi o VINdOdllVD iO