'-LSI- 
 
 I SOCIETY OF INQUIRY 5 I 
 LIBRA.RY 
 
 OF TUE 
 
 Theological Seminary, 
 
 PRINCETON, N. J. 
 
 ^ BV 3269 .L92 F34 1837 
 
 ^ Fairchild, Ashbel G. 1795 
 
 ,Si 1864. 
 
 Memoir of Mrs. Louisa A. 
 ■K Lov/rie, of the Northern 
 
 
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 /Z. A-. 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF y 
 
 MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE, 
 
 OF THE NORTHERN INDIA MISSION : 
 
 REV. ASHBEL G. FAIRCHILD. 
 
 WITH AN INTRODUCTION, 
 
 REV. ELISHA P. SWIFT. 
 
 SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 WILLIAM S. MARTIEN, 
 
 CORNER OF SEVENTH AND GEORGE STREETS. 
 
 1837. 
 
Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1837, 
 by J. C. Lowrie, in trust for the Presbyterian Foreign Mission- 
 ary Society, in the office of the Clerk of the Eastern District 
 of Pennsylvania. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 Memoir, &c 19 
 
 Letter to Miss J. I. P., November 2d, 1828, 21 
 Extract of a letter to Miss M. A. N. Dec. 8, 1829, 25 
 Letter to Miss J. I. P., Dec. 11, 1829, . . 27 
 Letter to Miss M. A. N., May 1, 1830, . 29 
 
 Journal, May, June, and July, 1830, . 33—48 
 
 Letter to Miss F. W. N., July 30, 1830, 48 
 
 Extract of letter to Miss M. A. N., Aug. 2, 1830, 50 
 Journal, August, 1830, .... 52 
 
 Extract of a letter to Miss M. A. N., Aug. 1830, 53 
 Do, do. do. Oct. 22, 54 
 
 Journal, Oct. and Nov. 1830, ... 55 
 Extract of letter to Miss M. A. N. Dec. 1, 1830, 58 
 Letter to Miss F. W. N. Feb. 15, 1831, . 60 
 Extract of letter to Miss M. A.N., May 16,1831, 62 
 Do. do. do. June 2, . 63 
 
 Letter to Miss F. W. N., June 8, 1831, . 65 
 Journal, June, 1831, ..... 67 
 Extract of letter to Miss F. W. N., June 15, 1831, 71 
 Journal, June and July, 1831, . . 72 — 82 
 Extract of letter to Mrs. M. VV., Dec. 30, 1831, 82 
 Extract of letter to Mrs. A. P. C, March 22, 1832, 83 
 Journal, June and July, 1832, . . 85 — 86 
 Letter to Mrs. M. W., Aug. 1, 1832, . . 86 
 Letter to the Rev. N. Wilson, . . 92 
 
 Journal, August and September, 1832, . 97 — 102 
 Letter to the Rev. N. Wilson, Sept. 1, 1832, 97 
 Extract of letter to a friend — {no date,) . 102 
 Extract of a letter to Mrs. M. W., . . 105 
 Extract of letter to a friend, Sept. 18, 1832, . 107 
 Letter to Mrs. A. P. C, Oct. 6, 1832, . . 109 
 Letter to a Lady in Weeeling, Oct 1832, . Ill 
 Journal, October, 1832, . . . .115 
 Various Extracts, .... 119—131 
 
 Letter to Mrs. M. W., Dec. 28, 1832, . . 131 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 Letter to a Lady in Wheeling-, Jany. 5, 1833, 133 
 Journal, January, 1833, .... 136 
 Letter to Mrs. M. W., Jan. 15, 1833, . . 137 
 Extract of letter to Miss C. B., Feb. 13, 1833, 142 
 Extract of letter to G. W. W., March 2, 1833, 143 
 Extract of a letter to a friend, . . 135 
 
 Extract of letter to Miss J. J. P., March 16, 1833,- 146 
 
 Journal, April, 1833, 148 
 
 Letter to Mrs. M. A. W., April 27, 1833, . 149 
 Letter to Miss J. I. P., May 3d, 1833, . . 151 
 Extract of letter to a Lady in Wheeling-, . 156 
 Letter to Miss A. E. P., May 17, 1833, . 157 
 
 Scraps from Albums, 160 
 
 Journal, May 23—26, 1833, ... 162 
 
 Note to Mrs. A. P. C, May 27, 1833, . . 163 
 Journal, May 27, and 28, 1833, . . .165 
 Farewell Meeting- in Philadelphia, . . 166 
 Journal, May 28 and 29, 183-3, . . . . 171 
 Extract of letter from Dr. M. .S., . . 173 
 Extract of letter to E. C. Wilson, May 30, 1833, 174 
 Journal, May and June, 1833, . . 175—178 
 Letter to Hon. E. C. Wilson, June 18, 1833, 178 
 Letter to the same, June 29, ... 181 
 Letter to Mrs. H. July 12, 1833, . . 187 
 
 Journal, July, 1833, 190 
 
 Letter to Miss R. C, Aug. 5, 1833, . . 194 
 Letter to Mrs. A. P. C, Auor. 13, 1833, . 198 
 Extract of letter from Rev. J. C. Lowrie, Sept. 
 
 8,1833, 201 
 
 Note to Mrs. R. C, Sept. 26, 1833, . . 203 
 Mr. Lowrie's Journal, October, 1833, . 206—213 
 Lines written by the Rev. Mr. Pearce, . 208 
 Mrs. Lowrie's Last Hours, . . . 209 — 213 
 Letter from Rev. J. C. Lowrie, Nov. 26, 1833, 213 
 Extract of letter from Mr. Lowrie to Miss J. I. P. 
 
 and Miss C. B 216 
 
 Concluding Remarks, 219 
 
INTRODUCTIOiN. 
 
 Man is, in himself, a lost, ruined, 
 and perishing sinner. Of this fact, 
 the world is full of the most convinc- 
 ing evidence. The Bible professes to 
 reveal to us God's true and only sys- 
 tem of salvation. This is a dispen- 
 sation of hfe to guilty man through a 
 Mediator, and it is also a distinct prac- 
 tical principle of the heart and life, 
 developing itself by the production of 
 a free self-consecration of its recipients 
 to the glory of God, and the well-being 
 of mankind. Its vital power — its as- 
 cendency over the inner man, in the 
 production of pure and holy principles 
 and actions, is an essential evidence 
 of one's interest in its blessings ; while 
 the most abundant and convincing 
 
VI INTRODUCTION. 
 
 manifestations of it to others becomes 
 the surest way by which its great Au- 
 thor is honoured and the world im- 
 proved. Hence the hves of devoted 
 Christians become useful and instruc- 
 tive, just in proportion as they are 
 truly and wisely conformed to the 
 great pattern; and the examples and 
 biographies of eminent believers stimu- 
 late the pious in the path of duty, and 
 impress the consciences of the wick- 
 ed with a sense of their criminality. 
 
 Periods of great trial and persecu- 
 tion in the world, and seasons in which 
 God has, by his providence, especially 
 called forth the visible power of reli- 
 gion, or remarkably poured out his 
 Spirit upon the earth, for its increase, 
 have been most distinguished for the 
 development of the Christian principle. 
 The present state of the world is pe- 
 culiarly favourable to its useful display 
 
INTRODUCTION. Vll 
 
 in judicious and disinterested efforts 
 to bring millions of benighted and 
 perishing sinners into the kingdom of 
 God. The temporal and eternal bene- 
 fits which the gospel can impart to the 
 heathen are beyond all computation : 
 and the Bible, while it urges the duty 
 of its immediate dissemination, pledges 
 its own veracity for the certainty that 
 it shall eventually overspread the 
 world. The events of providence are 
 now more and more distinctly every 
 year indicating the near approach of 
 that joyful consummation. 
 
 The labour and the self-denial, how- 
 ever, which a personal engagement in 
 the missionary service in foreign lands 
 requires, is so great, and the zeal of 
 the disciples to spread the triumphs of 
 the cross among remote and barbar- 
 ous tribes of men is so small, that it 
 must be long indeed before such a re- 
 
Vlll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 suit can be anticipated, unless there is 
 a very great increase of the true heroic 
 and enterprising spirit of primitive 
 times. Whatever tends to promote 
 this, and to deepen the longing de- 
 sires of the visible family of God that 
 His "kingdom may come'^^ and His 
 ''will be done'''' in the ''dark places'''^ 
 of the earth, should be earnestly en- 
 couraged. There are therefore three 
 ends which may be proposed in the act 
 of consecration to the w^ork of Foreign 
 Missions, on the part of a sincere and 
 devoted servant of Christ. This rpay 
 be chosen like any other form of chris- 
 tian action, to exemplify the practical 
 injluence of real piety — or, from a de- 
 sire by a sincere and cordial and self- 
 denied example of this sort, to aid and 
 countenance the important and too much 
 neglected duty of carrying the gospel to 
 the heathen^ or finally from the hope of 
 
INTRODUCTION. IX 
 
 a direct and immediate uscfidness to the 
 heathen themselves. The two former 
 of these objects will be attamed wher- 
 ever love to Christ and holy principle 
 is the moving cause, however brief or 
 disastrous may be the effort itself. It 
 is a great mistake therefore to suppose 
 that the great moral ends of the under- 
 taking are defeated, when the heralds 
 of Christianity are cut down by the 
 stroke of death before they enter upon 
 the work; or where no actual conver- 
 sions have been made. This would be 
 to make the value of every effort to 
 glorify the Redeemer to depend upon 
 the measure of success which attended 
 it, and imply a course of reasoning 
 manifestly incompatible wdth fact. In 
 proportion as the readers of this Me- 
 moir are satisfied of the purity of the 
 motives and the real genuine zeal for 
 God and the souls of the heathen, which 
 
X INTRODUCTION. 
 
 actuated its subject in giving herself to 
 the work, to that extent, certainly, she 
 will not have run in vain, nor will the in- 
 terests of Missions fail of a just remune- 
 ration. The moral effect of her example 
 as a Christian will not be lost; nor will 
 that purpose to bear a self-denied part 
 in the conversion of the world, which 
 she was not permitted to execute " by 
 reason of death," be to the heathen, 
 as though it had never been. Let no 
 one say then, on closing this narrative 
 of the short career of one who, though 
 she early gave herself to the enter- 
 prise, did not live to reach her destin- 
 ed field, that she went out and died in 
 vain. She has left a precious memo- 
 rial of her faith, and she has left for 
 missions an example which w^ill long 
 be remembered. 
 
 The character and the principal 
 events in the history of Mrs. Lowrie 
 
INTRODUCTION. XI 
 
 will be presented in the following 
 piges, and all that this Introduction 
 will be expected to say of her, will 
 consist of such facts and impressions 
 as a brief acquaintance, at the time 
 of her embarkation for India, may 
 
 CO 
 
 When Mrs.Lowrie accepted the pro- 
 posal of spending her days in India, she 
 was understood to enjoy an ordinarily 
 sound and vigorous state of health. 
 During the following winter, however, 
 a change occurred, so that at the time 
 of her marriage and when, soon after, 
 she met her associates in Philadelphia, 
 to make immediate preparations for the 
 voyage, she exhibited symptoms of dis- 
 ease sufficient to awaken considerable 
 apprehension. There appeared to be 
 the partial development of the hectic 
 cough, and other indications of decline, 
 but it was the opinion of the medical 
 
Xll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 gentlemen, whom her friends consulted, 
 that the voyage and change of climate 
 would remove every ground of ap- 
 prehension. To her own mind, as 
 she stated in conversation, but a few 
 hours before she sailed for India, there 
 appeared to be but little probability of 
 such an issue, but the prospect seemed 
 to increase rather than diminish her 
 desire to press forward as far as she 
 could, in her intended work. Her own 
 ardent wishes, and the strong presump- 
 tion, that if she should be blessed with 
 a prosperous voyage, she might hope 
 to land in India in as sound a state of' 
 health as any of her associates, toge- 
 ther with the increasing improbability 
 of her living if she remained in this 
 country, left no room for hesitation as 
 to the course to be pursued. Her 
 malady had not in the mean time visi- 
 bly wasted her strength, nor left any of 
 
INTRODUCTION. Xlll 
 
 the ordinary marks of its indelible im- 
 pression ; and she went forward with 
 her preparations and made and re- 
 ceived the calls and civilities of that 
 important period like one in perfect 
 health. 
 
 In the religious circles of Philadel- 
 phia, Mrs, Lowrie was at this period 
 an object of uncommon interest. Her 
 modest and retiring deportment — the 
 candour, mildness, and affection of 
 her intercourse — the gravity and un- 
 affected simplicity of her manners, and 
 the entire tranquillity and composure 
 of her mind amidst the exciting scenes 
 of a final separation from her friends 
 and native land, united as they were 
 with the marks of an enfeebled and 
 delicate state of health, seemed to 
 throw a peculiar attractiveness around 
 her person. She constantly adverted 
 to the solemn and important step 
 
XIV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 which she was taking, and the danger 
 of improper motives in engaging in it, 
 and of delusive impressions as to the 
 nature of the work; and the state of 
 her mind, fully showed with what ear- 
 nestness and solemnity she had exam- 
 ined herself on this point. The result 
 manifestly was that while she possess- 
 ed a clear conviction that she had 
 sincerely consecrated her talents and 
 her life to God on the Missionary altar, 
 she was prepared to meet its separa- 
 tions and its trials with undisturbed 
 tranquillity, and a steady confidence in 
 God. 
 
 These impressions she left upon the 
 minds of all with whom she was con- 
 versant, when she finally bade adieu to 
 her native shores ; and the composure 
 and spiritual enjoyment which attended 
 the remaininor months of her abode on 
 
INTRODUCTION. XV 
 
 earth, will appear from her letters and 
 her journal. 
 
 If we follow her as she enters upon 
 this embassy of mercy, how touching, 
 and indeed sublime, is the spectacle! 
 Away upon the mighty ocean, remote 
 alike from the country of her birth 
 and the abode of the benighted pagans 
 to whom she desires to carry the word 
 of life, she meets and suffers without 
 regret or despondency, and amidst the 
 ceaseless rocking and agitation of a 
 vessel at sea, the hngering exhaustions 
 of a confirmed and wasting consump- 
 tion. Even here, her mind, still intent 
 upon glorifying Jehovah-Jesus in the 
 spread of his gospel, and upon the 
 eternal good of man, sighs to partici- 
 pate in the toils and privations of a 
 missionary life, and burns with a hal- 
 lowed zeal to press forward to the 
 work ; while her body broken down 
 
4. 
 X\i INTRODUCTION. 
 
 by disease, can no longer sympathize 
 with it in these ardent aspirations, or 
 sustain its devoted tenant until she 
 reaches the destined field of labour. 
 Between the enlarged and heroic pur- 
 poses and desires of the mind, and the 
 weakness and debility of its outward 
 tabernacle, what an affecting contrast! 
 The Redeemer looks down upon the 
 unmurmuring sufferer as she is tossed 
 upon the great deep, and accepts the 
 willing offering, while she who makes 
 it is released from those cares and 
 hardships which it was in her heart to 
 meet. 
 
 When Mrs. Lowrie arrived in Cal- 
 cutta she was too much spent for a 
 full exhibition of her character to the 
 minds of the kind and valued friends 
 by whom the mission was most cor- 
 dially received. Her intelligent in- 
 tercourse, and ardent piety and affec- 
 
INTRODUCTION. XVll 
 
 tionate simplicity of manners, liad left 
 a very deep impression upon the minds 
 of the officers and all the inmates of 
 the ship, and we have reason to know, 
 that brief as was the period of her 
 residence there, no indistinct traces of 
 the same impression were left in the 
 little circle of her acquaintance in 
 India, As her christian experience 
 had been distinguished by a deep, solid, 
 abiding enjoyment of God, and a firm 
 hope in the merits of the Redeemer, 
 so her life closed with a blessed assu- 
 rance of her interest in the promises, 
 and a sweet repose as it were on the 
 Saviour's bosom. 
 
 " She being dead yet speakeih^'' and 
 I. This brief Memoir will, we think, 
 present such exercises and devotional 
 frames of mind, and such marks of 
 the gracious injluencc of religion upon 
 the heart as will be highly useful to 
 
XVlll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 others^ irrespective entirely of her mis- 
 sionary character. 
 
 The transforming power of the 
 Gospel — its happy tendency to mould 
 the heart and affections, and prompt 
 to every form of virtuous and benevo- 
 lent action, vt^as in her case strikingly 
 exemphfied. Young Christians espe- 
 cially, will find in her letters and jour- 
 nal many useful hints, while the whole 
 will tend to deepen their sense of the 
 practicability and the blessedness of 
 that habitual and intimate communion 
 with God which she enjoyed. 
 
 Her biography we trust will have 
 II. A tendency to illustrate the ex- 
 cellence and importance of the union 
 of deep internal piety and holiness with 
 the outward manifestations of Christian 
 activity and visible consecration to God, 
 Amidst the ardency of excitement, 
 and the air of romance which is so 
 often connected with the Foreign Mis- 
 
INTRODUCTION. XIX 
 
 sionary subject, there is doubtless 
 great need of caution. There 'is a 
 moral grandeur in the act of leaving 
 home and country, never to see them 
 more; in crossing oceans and traver- 
 sing remote and dangerous portions 
 of the globe, for the single object of 
 the salvation of the heathen, which 
 upon a lively imagination and an ar- 
 dent temperament is fitted to make 
 a powerful impression : and especially 
 when viewed in connection with the 
 exciting scenes which attend the de- 
 parture of these beloved servants of 
 Christ from the friends and churches 
 with which they have been conver- 
 sant. There is great danger, there- 
 fore, that a sort of morbid enthusiasm 
 may lead persons to desire and even 
 embark in the work, whose depth of 
 established piety, and previous habits 
 of humble and devoted usefulness may 
 not be such as the undertaking re- 
 
XX INTRODUCTION. 
 
 quires; and to whom, after all, the 
 sober realities of the service may 
 prove irksome and unpleasant. If we 
 are not deceived, the example of Mrs. 
 Lowrie, taken in connexion with the 
 history of her Christian character here 
 given, will tend to produce a very dif- 
 ferent impression of the motives and 
 principles which should be connected 
 with such a consecration. 
 
 Very soon after she became saving- 
 ly interested in the Redeemer, she not 
 only entered deeply into the realities 
 of a habitual communion with God, 
 but exemplified the principles of prac- 
 tical Christianity, in a readiness to 
 promote in every possible way the 
 good of all to whom she could be useful. 
 In the toils of Sabbath-school instruc- 
 tion, and the labour of benevolent and 
 devotional associations, she bore a 
 willing part, and the house of affliction 
 and the bedside of sickness witnessed 
 
INTRODUCTION. XXI 
 
 her assiduous endeavours to alleviate 
 distress, and kindly administer to the 
 temporal and spiritual wants of the 
 afflicted. Thus in her meditative and 
 conscientious walk with God, and her 
 active efforts to do good in its hum- 
 blest and most retired forms, we be- 
 hold the gradual development of just 
 such a tone of piety as befits the Mis- 
 sionary enterprise, and as enables its 
 possessor to engage in it without the 
 appearance of incongruity. Let those 
 who would share in the delightful pri- 
 vilege of conveying the "Lamp of 
 Life" to benighted souls in heathen 
 lands, prayerfully study this subject, 
 and remember that a real desire to 
 imitate the Saviour and do good to 
 the souls of others will, if it exist, ap- 
 pear as well in the scenes of ignorance, 
 and want, and sorrow, at home^ as in 
 the more public act of engaging in a 
 mission abroad. 
 
XXll INTRODUCTION. 
 
 III. We hope and trust that this 
 little volume, like the Memoirs of Mrs, 
 Newell, Mrs, Judson, Mrs, Winslow, 
 and others, will be made to exert an 
 honoured instrumentality in promot- 
 ing the genuine spirit of Missions, and 
 more especially among the female mem- 
 bers of the Redeemei'''s family in our 
 land. The great enterprise of the 
 world's evangelization is just com- 
 mencing, and a long and favoured 
 train of devoted messengers of the 
 CROSS are to arise, and move on in 
 hosts, in what is now the unfrequent- 
 ed path of evangelical labours. Salva- 
 tion is surely to be published unto all 
 nations. There is now in the classes 
 of our Infant and Sabbath schools, 
 many a young and tender heart which 
 is hereafter to glow with intense de- 
 sire to spread in far distant and pagan 
 climes, the wonders of redemption, 
 and unborn generations are to swell 
 
INTRODUCTION. XXlll 
 
 the lists of names, illustrious on earth 
 and dear to heaven, for the display of 
 ardent and holy zeal in the Missionary 
 work. As one of the pioneers in this 
 self-denied service, is it too much to 
 hope that the amiable and devoted 
 subject of this Memoir, may, Hke her 
 sainted sisters already mentioned, con- 
 tribute more by her early death than 
 by a long and active life, thus to 
 widen and extend the kingdom of her 
 Saviour? In future time, when all 
 that now live shall be in their graves, 
 may not the meek, and sensible, and 
 glowing sentiments on this subject, 
 here recorded as her private thoughts, 
 be sought with avidity, and read with 
 profound interest, by the future daugh- 
 ters of our American churches ? Her 
 education, her worldly prospects and 
 standing in society, her personal and 
 mental endowments, and especially her 
 deep, and searching views of reli- 
 
XXIV INTRODUCTION. 
 
 gion, and the elevated tone of her 
 piety, united with the fact of her cheer- 
 ful self-consecration to the work, will 
 all conspire to give energy and force 
 to her counsels and her example. 
 
 Yes, her sweet and affectionate spirit, 
 her humble and unpretending love to 
 the Saviour, will re-appear in the cha- 
 racter and piety of others, whose 
 earthly destiny is to be hereafter per- 
 haps most closely identified with the 
 greatest and most precious of all mor- 
 tal charges, the publication of the 
 gospel to every creature, and the re- 
 novation of the world. 
 
 To pious young ladies of intelligence 
 and education in our country, the 
 writer would, therefore, especially com- 
 mend the sentiments and example de- 
 veloped in this Memoir. 
 
 Louisa Lowrie felt that her Saviour 
 conferred upon her a distinguished 
 honour in sending her far from her 
 
INTRODUCTION. XXV 
 
 native home, on an errand of mercy 
 to the degraded females of benighted 
 India; and her last kind wishes for 
 them, were that some among you might 
 be raised up to fill her place ; and her 
 last lingering look as she sunk into the 
 grave, was turned with this fond hope 
 towards her native shores. There is 
 a patience of endurance, a buoyancy 
 of hope, and a fervour of devotion, 
 connected with the female character, 
 which is so well adapted to the work 
 of Foreign Missions as it now exists, 
 as to make it manifest that they are 
 to sustain an important part in this 
 honoured enterprise, and whether it is 
 your allotment personally to engage in 
 it or not, it is important to its pros- 
 perity and to your own usefulness in 
 other spheres of duty, that you should 
 be replenished with the spirit which it 
 fosters. What are the graces and 
 charms of person — the gayeties of 
 
XXVI INTRODUCTION. 
 
 fashionable life, or the fascinations of 
 wealth and honour, when you contem- 
 plate the great realities of eternity? 
 How do they compare with that hea- 
 venliness of mind, which not only fits 
 your sex for the sweet fulfilment of 
 all that is implied in the endeared rela- 
 tions of sister, child, wife and mother, 
 and to exemplify those graces and vir- 
 tues which adorn and bless society, 
 but also to take an active part in all 
 those enterprises of benevolence which 
 are the glory of our times 2 The rose 
 of health soon fades from the cheek of 
 beauty — the days of amusement and 
 youthful pleasure soon pass on their 
 returnless way, and the heart unblessed 
 with piety faints amidst the inadequate, 
 and empty, and fleeting enjoyments of 
 time and sense ; but in the results of 
 eminent piety and exemplary useful- 
 ness, there are joys which never end. 
 The millions of pagan lands perish- 
 
INTRODUCTION. X'XVll 
 
 ing without the hght of revelation, are 
 now addressing their appeal to yoii^ as 
 well as to other portions of the Re- 
 deemer's family: and as Sabbath School 
 Instructers and active devoted Chris- 
 tians, if never as assistant missionaries, 
 how much may you do for their eter- 
 nal good, if your hearts but become 
 deeply and permanently enlisted for 
 them? Thus may you show your 
 gratitude to him who laid down his 
 life for you, by your sympathy for 
 those who have never known his name; 
 and thus also become the happy sharers 
 in the joy of that song, with which the 
 whole militant and triumphant church 
 shall celebrate the wonders of redemp- 
 tion, when ''the kingdoms of this world 
 shall have become the kingdoms of our 
 Lord and of his Christ,'^'' 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 The following Memoir of Mrs. L. 
 A. LowRiE, is compiled almost en- 
 tirely from her letters and private 
 papers. The remarks which have been 
 added are intended chiefly to arrange 
 in the order of time the circumstances 
 mentioned in her writings, with a brief 
 reference occasionally to events in her 
 life. These remarks have been inten- 
 tionally few, in order to admit the 
 insertion of as large a portion of her 
 papers as the narrow limits of the 
 volume would contain. The labour of 
 the compiler has been employed prin- 
 cipally in selection and abridgement » 
 
 The profits arising from the sale of 
 the work will be devoted to the cause 
 of Missions, under the care of the 
 Presbyterian Foreign Missionary So- 
 ciety. 
 
MEMOIR, &c. 
 
 The su])jcct of these Memoirs was a 
 daughter of Thomas and Mary Wilson, 
 of Morgantown, MonongaUa county, Vir- 
 ginia,* and was born November 2, 1809. 
 From her childhood, she was* remarkable 
 for her sensibility and amiableness. At 
 the age of seven years, she was bereaved of 
 one of the best of mothers, whose pious ex- 
 ample, and instructions, exerted a very great 
 influence over her future character. If it were 
 the object of this record to give a complete 
 
 * Thomas Wilson, Esq., was descended of a re- 
 spectable family of that name in Rockbridge county, 
 Virginia. In his earlier years he removed to Morgan- 
 town, and engaged in the profession of the Law, 
 which he successfully pursued till his death. He 
 was frequently elected to the Assembly, and Senate 
 of the state of Virginia ; and once represented his 
 district in Congress. He was a gentleman de- 
 servedly held in the highest estimatioia for his strict 
 mtegrity, and his public usefulness. He died in 
 the year 1826. 
 
20 MEMOIROF 
 
 history of her Hfe, instead of memoirs only 
 of her Christian and Missionary character, it 
 woidd be clearly seen how greatly a mother 
 may, through the divine blessing, control 
 the destinies of her children, by cultivating 
 early facilities for directing their tender 
 minds. 
 
 While she was yet quite young, she was 
 the subject of serious impressions of the 
 importance of divine things. These im- 
 pressions were greatly increased by the death 
 of her revered father, which afflicting event 
 occurred when she was about seventeen 
 years of age. At this period she seems to 
 have been very " nigh unto the kingdom of 
 heaven," having many desires and purposes 
 to devote herself to the Lord. But during a 
 short residence at Wheeling, in Virginia, not 
 cherishing her convictions, she gradually be- 
 came indifferent to the subject of religion. 
 Possessing great natural vivacity, as well as 
 a very engaging person and manners, her 
 society was eagerly sought after by the gay, 
 and fashionable world, with whom she, un- 
 liappily, mingled too much, in the giddy 
 round of pleasures and amusements. Of 
 
M RS. LOUIS A A. LO WR I E. 21 
 
 this portion of her hfe, however, she has 
 fi-equently remarked, that wlien she appear- 
 ed to others most happy, she felt quite mise- 
 rahle ; and easily discovered that there was 
 nothing to satisfy the soul in this world's 
 allurements. 
 
 The following letter to one of her most 
 intimate friends, penned during a short visit 
 to Ohio, will discover the state of her feel- 
 ings at this period. 
 
 TO MISS J. I. p. OF MORGANTOWN. 
 
 November 2d, 1828. 
 
 Give me joy, dear J., for this is my 
 natal day. But why do I desire you to con- 
 gratulate me that nineteen summers have 
 flown swiftly over my head ? Rather should 
 I ask you to mourn with me that I have mis- 
 spent so much precious time. I know that 
 I am placed here only to make preparation 
 for a brighter and better world, and yet, in- 
 stead of fulfilling the duty I owe to my 
 Creator, and to myself, I feel that I am daily 
 becoming more hardened in my sinfulness. 
 Oh how strange, that an immortal being can 
 
22 MEMOIROF 
 
 be satisfied with "trifles light as air," which 
 he knows lead to destruction ! 
 
 " Strange fondness of the human heart ! 
 
 Enamoured of its harm ; 
 Strange world ! that costs it so much smart, 
 
 And yet has power to charm." 
 
 Little did I think, at the age of fourteen, 
 that I should live to see nineteen years pass 
 away without having found the pearl of 
 great price. Then it appeared impossible 
 that I should be contented another year, 
 without that " peace which passeth under- 
 standing." I felt that there was no pleasure in 
 the pomps arnd vanities of the world. Christ 
 has said, " They that seek me early shall find 
 me." Oh that I had hearkened to this 
 promise ! But I fear that I have delayed 
 seeking until it is too late. On each of my 
 last five birth-days, 1 have looked back upon 
 the preceding year, and have been astonish- 
 ed to perceive that I had been so entirely 
 occupied with vain and trifling amusements, 
 as to forget my soul's eternal interests. On 
 each of those occasions I have resolved and 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 23 
 
 rc-rcsolved, and yet continued the same. 
 Strange beings that we are ! 
 
 E. and I arrived here on Thursday, and 
 as bad weather has confined us to the house, 
 we have been extremely busy. I enjoy my- 
 self here much more than I do at Wheeling, 
 as I have more time for reading. 
 
 Remembei' me to all my youthful com- 
 panions, and to your mother and aunts. 
 That " grace, mercy, and peace," may rest 
 upon you, is the prayer of your friend, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 The ensuing winter she spent at 
 
 in pretty much the same round of fashion- 
 able amusements as had hitherto engaged 
 lier attention. The following account of this 
 portion of her life, penned by her a few 
 years after, will be interesting to the reader, 
 as it lays open to view the inmost heart of 
 a votary of fashion. 
 
 " I ajjpeared gay, but did not feel so. I 
 talked nonsense, and hated myself for it, 
 and despised those who listened to me. I 
 hated dancing, and yet I danced. I had a 
 great dislike to parties, and yet I frequented 
 
24 31 E M O I R O F 
 
 them. I looked with contempt on those 
 who delighted in dress, and yet I dressed 
 gaily. I loved to read, but relinquished 
 that pleasure for the sake of those amuse- 
 ments in which I took no delight. Thus 
 did I spend my time. 
 
 " I began to think that those with whom 
 I associated were merely putting on appear- 
 ances as I did ; and, as I hated myself for it, 
 I despised them. Above all, I was conscious 
 that I was transgressing the laws of God, 
 and exposing my soul more and more to 
 perdition. And I was very anxious to re- 
 turn home, as to the place where I might 
 be cured of my follies." 
 
 Subsequently to her father's death, she had 
 generally resided with her brother, E. C. 
 Wilson, Esq. of Morgantown. She returned 
 here from Wheeling, in the spring of 1829. 
 At this period, one of her most intimate fe- 
 male friends made a public profession of. 
 religion, on which occasion she was deeply 
 affected, and formed a solemn determination 
 to seek the Lord, with all her heart. She 
 was soon led to a discovery of the only way, 
 in which God could be just, and yet justify 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 25 
 
 the sinner; viz. through the atoning merits, 
 and infinite righteousness of Jesus Christ. 
 She saw, and felt the innate depravity of her 
 heart, and the necessity of the renewing 
 influences of the Holy Spirit. But it was 
 not till after many days of sorrowful, and 
 earnest seeking, that she found any abiding 
 peace in believing. 
 
 In the month of September following, she 
 visited Richmond, in company with her 
 brother Eugenius M. Wilson, Esq., a mem- 
 ber of the Virginia Convention of 1829-30. 
 In that city, and in the counties of Rock- 
 bridge, Augusta, and Frederic, she spent 
 the remainder of the autumn and winter. 
 The following letters, written at this period 
 to her friends, will show how she was 
 impressed with different objects, as well as 
 the state of her mind in regard to religion. 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO MISS M. A. N., OF 
 NEW GENEVA. 
 
 Augusta County^ Va.^ Dec. 8, 1829. 
 
 Only yesterday I wrote to F., and affec- 
 tion already prompts me to write to my dear 
 
2G MEMOIROF 
 
 M. But Oh ! how much more pleasant 
 would it be, to converse face to face. ... I 
 had visited the Natural Bridge, some time 
 before I received your last letter. I was not 
 at all disappointed. The arch is much higher 
 than I had expected: and it is thrown over 
 the fissure, in so graceful a sweep, as almost 
 to have the appearance of something living. 
 The top of the bridge is covered with bushes 
 of arbor vitde, and cedar, except where the 
 road passes over it. The scenery around is 
 wild in the extreme ; gloomy pines and huge 
 rocks are the principal features. 
 
 We remained in Rockbridge two weeks; 
 busy the whole time among our relations. I 
 there visited the " abode of my forefathers ;" 
 but could not work myself into an " enthu- 
 siastic melancholy:" for every thing looked 
 so sweet and pleasant. The large green 
 3^ard, the weeping-willows, the cherry-trees, 
 &c., spoke of comfort and banished melan- 
 choly. 
 
 I have visited Weir's cave, and think it 
 much the greatest curiosity I have yet seen. 
 Some of the apartments appear magnificently 
 sculptured. Columns, castles, thrones, cur- 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I K. 27 
 
 tains, temples, &c., are thrown promiscuously 
 together, and have a very fine effect. 
 Your sincere friend, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 LETTER to MISS J. I. P., OF MORGANTOWN. 
 
 Augusta County, Dec. llth, 1829. 
 Dear J. 
 
 You cannot imagine how grateful I am 
 for your last letter : the more so because it 
 was a favour I did not deserve. Many reasons 
 have prevented my wTiting; the principal 
 one was that I feared to lay open the state 
 of my heart; and I never could use any 
 disguise with you, my dear friend. You 
 lament the want of preaching; and follow 
 me in imagination to the Sanctuary. I do 
 go. I hear sermons eloquent and pathetic : 
 but envy me not, for perhaps it may tend to 
 increase my condemnation. I do not profit 
 by what I hear. I have rather gone back, 
 than advanced in spiritual things, since I saw 
 you. Still, I entertain a hope, (with w^hat 
 justness I know not,) that through the merits 
 of tliat Redeemer, w^hom I have so much 
 slighted, I shall be admitted into his fold at 
 
28 M E M O I R O F 
 
 last. While in Richmond, I hoarded in a 
 very pious family; and, truly, in them reli- 
 gion appeared lovely. They had been re- 
 duced from affluence to poverty, and yet all 
 was cheerfulness and resignation. I heard 
 some excellent sermons from Mr. A. , pastor 
 of the First Presbyterian church. I also 
 attended the recitations of his Bible class, 
 and found myself much pleased and in- 
 structed. 
 
 I am so happy every Thursday night — Is 
 it the influence of imagination? or do you 
 then, in your meeting, remember me in 
 your prayers?* You say nothing about the 
 meeting : I hope it has not been given up. 
 Your friend, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 She returned home in the spring of 1830. 
 The way in which she first found peace in 
 believing is thus described in her journal: 
 
 " I expected to have some sudden illumi- 
 nation: something like a vision, revealing 
 
 * The allusion is to a female prayer meeting in 
 which she felt a very great interest. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 29 
 
 to my view the Redeemer as the Son of 
 God, and yet the friend of sinners. For 
 this I waited in vain. But, impcrceptihly, 
 a love to Christ, and a reliance on his merits 
 and intercession, took possession of my heart. 
 Blessed be his name, that the transgressions 
 of sinners may be washed away in that blood 
 which flows for the remission of sins. ^^ 
 
 From this period until she made a public 
 profession of religion, her exercises, so far 
 as they can be ascertained from her letters 
 and private papers, appear to have been 
 various ; although the evidence of her in- 
 terest in the Saviour continually became 
 brighter. 
 
 LETTER TO MISS M. A. N. 
 
 Morgantown, May 1, 1830. 
 
 Dear M. 
 
 God is now speaking in his thunders; 
 and I feel awfully solemn, as if drawn into 
 his immediate presence. I always see his 
 handy-work in the quiet and beautiful scenes 
 of nature ; but there is something in a 
 thunder-storm that speaks more directly to 
 the heart, of the grandeur, the majesty, and 
 
30 ' M E M I R O F 
 
 the might of him, who has permitted us to 
 call him Father. Oh ! how can we ever 
 sufficiently praise the condescending mercy 
 of our God ? Were all the goodness exist- 
 ing in every human heart collected, and pre- 
 sented to him in one offering, it would not 
 be of sufficient worth to purchase one, even 
 the least of his mercies. But I thank the 
 Most High, that when sinners call upon 
 him, he looks on him who was pierced for 
 our iniquities, and, for his sake, pities and 
 forgives us. 
 
 If I am now struck with awe while listen- 
 ing to his thunders, when all around is peace 
 and loveliness ; how shall I feel on that 
 "great and terrible day,^' when the earth shall 
 quake ; and the sun shall become as sack- 
 cloth of hair ; and the moon shall be turned 
 into blood ; and the stars of heaven shall 
 fall ; and every island, and every mountain 
 shall be moved out of their places ; and the 
 heavens shall depart as a scroll when it is 
 rolled together ? Blessed be the Lord that, 
 through the death and sufferings of his Son, 
 those who love and serve him here, will be 
 "able to stand'' in his presence on that awful 
 day. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O VV R I E. 31 
 
 I am now shut out from all outward temp- 
 tations, and have only the wickedness of my 
 own heart to contend with. This warfare 
 I could not, in my own strength, carry on 
 for a moment. But I thank God for the 
 confidence I feel, that, through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, I shall obtain the victory. 
 
 Yesterday and to-day, I have felt pecu- 
 liarly thankful for my eye-sight; a blessing, 
 like the air we breathe, so common, that we 
 seldom think of rendering thanks for it. 
 But how many are there in the world who 
 have never witnessed those beautiful scenes 
 which we so much enjoy. And what is 
 worse, many, who have once seen and en- 
 joyed them, can now see them only in re- 
 membrance. Every day I see new beauties 
 in the works of creation. Every tree, and 
 plant, and flower, speaks so forcibly to my 
 mind of the wisdom and goodness of God, 
 that I am lost in admiration and gratitude. 
 
 Dear M., I often wonder that j'OU, or any 
 one else, could ever entertain the least re- 
 gard for me. I am sure if you could see 
 me, as I see myself, you could not bear with 
 me a single hour. But God sees my heart, 
 3 
 
32 MEMOIROF 
 
 and knows me infinitely better than I know 
 myself; and yet how kind, how indulgent 
 is he to me ! He not only bestows on me 
 every blessing which confers happiness in 
 this life ; but he even gives me, (I almost 
 fear to utter it,) a hope of life eternal — of 
 dwelling in his presence for evermore. Oh 
 M. the thought of meeting with you there 
 gives me inexpressible joy. Oh ! I fear I 
 am indulging false hopes. If it were not 
 for the assurance which God has given us 
 that the chief of sinners may be saved, if it 
 were not certain that the blood of Christ 
 made an atonement sufficient for all trans- 
 gressions, I could not hope for pardon. I 
 have nothing to offer to God. I sometimes 
 search myself, thinking that there may be 
 something in me acceptable to him ; but this 
 search makes me sick at heart ; for I find 
 nothing but continued rebellion, ingratitude, 
 and deep depravity. And I do thank the 
 Lord, that all the fitness he requires of me 
 is, to feel my need of Christ. This, I am 
 sure, I do feel, but not as deeply as I ought. 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 Louisa A. Wilson. 
 
M R S. LOUIS A A. L O WRIE. 33 
 
 JOURNAL, 1830. 
 
 May ^th. 
 
 " How tedious and tasteless the hours, 
 When Jesus no longer 1 see." 
 
 I think I have tasted that the Lord is 
 gracious ; for such perfect peace, such entire 
 confidence in the Saviour as I have enjoyed, 
 could have proceeded from no other source 
 than the fountain of all good. But, "Where 
 am I now ?" x\ll is darkness. I do indeed 
 feel a firm confidence that I shall again behold 
 the light of my Heavenly Father's counte- 
 nance ; but the absence of that dear friend, 
 the friend of sinners, I cannot bear. Father 
 of mercies ! I beseech thee to show me 
 wherein I have offended thee. 
 
 I fear I have been too much lifted up with 
 the abundance of joy bestowed upon me. 
 Perhaps I have not rejoiced with fear and 
 trembling. But I thank the Lord that I do 
 feel sorrow under the hidings of his face. 
 For this convinces me that his Spirit has not 
 departed from me. Oh Lord ! take not away 
 from me thy Holy Spirit. 
 
 May 5th. — I fear that I am too much 
 concerned about the things of this world. 
 
34 MEMOIROF 
 
 Why do I not resign all into the hands of 
 Him, who has promised that all things 
 shall work together for good to them that 
 love him ? Oh God ! my only Father ! my 
 best friend ! give me submission to thy will. 
 May I be satisfied that thou doest all things 
 well; and whether thou sendest sickness or 
 health, sorrow or joy, may I feel that thou 
 art tny God. For then I can say, " None of 
 these things move me." Let not the ties of 
 human affection bind me to earth. Let me 
 love those with sincere affection whom 
 nature has taught me to love. Let me love 
 all who belong to the family of Christ. Let 
 me have true charity for the whole race of 
 mankind; but may I reserve for thee, my 
 Lord, my supreme affection. Oh ! be thou 
 my constant stay and support : for " Whom 
 have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none 
 upon earth that I desire beside thee.'^ 
 
 Sabbath, May 9M.— The Sabbath is a 
 blessed day of rest. " The music of the 
 thankful heart" is offered in the house of 
 God; the word of life is preached; and the 
 prayers of united hearts ascend to the throne 
 of grace. The birds sing joyously in the 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. 35 
 
 groves; and every tree of the forest, and 
 every flower, and every plant, speaks forcibly 
 to my heart, saying, He that formed us is a 
 God of might, of wisdom, and of love. Oh ! 
 how blessed is the peaceful reign of my Re- 
 deemer here on earth ! What then are the 
 joys of heaven ! 
 
 The thoughts of God's love and mercy 
 already create a heaven within my heart. 
 Oh ! I long for that blessed place, where I 
 shall forever praise him '' according to his 
 excellent greatness." Oh my kind Father ! 
 let me ever be thy willing and obedient 
 child; that while on earth I may have an 
 abiding sense of thy presence, and never 
 grieve thy Holy Spirit. And, for Christ's 
 sake, prepare me to praise thee, evermore. 
 Amen. 
 
 May I2th. — God has wonderfully pre- 
 served me during my whole life. His 
 Holy Spirit has been striving with me from 
 my earliest years. And though I grieved 
 him continually, he forsook me not; but 
 showed me more clearly than ever my 
 miserable state; and, at length, humbled in 
 the dust, I was induced to say, 
 3* 
 
36 MEMOIROF 
 
 "Here, Lord, I give myself away, 
 'Tis all that I can do." 
 
 I have reason to believe that the Lord has 
 accepted me as his own. For a short time 
 I felt absorbed in love to him. I felt his 
 presence around me, pervading all space, 
 and filling my heart with joy unspeakable. 
 I wondered that I had ever sinned against a 
 God of such infinite goodness ; and could not 
 think that I should ever again prove ungrate- 
 ful. But, Oh ! I did not know the deep 
 depravity of my heart. I nov/ see it more 
 and more, every day. I have sinned again 
 most grievously. I have sunk into a deep 
 sleep. I have become cold and dead with 
 respect to spiritual things. Oh ! why will 
 my soul, after having tasted of heavenly 
 bliss, be content to return to the " beggarly 
 elements of the world?" Oh God! grant 
 me thy Holy Spirit, and arouse me from 
 this awful lethargy ! Has not thine eternal 
 Son shed his precious blood for as many as 
 are willing to believe on him ? Lord, I be- 
 lieve: help thou mine unbelief. 
 
 May XMh, — The communion of the crea- 
 ture with the Creator is incomprehensible. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W li I E. 37 
 
 I feel God to be near, all around, and within 
 me : and yet I cannot tell how it is. When 
 I pray, I feel that he is with mc, teaching 
 me by his Spirit what to ask for, and wait- 
 ing to supply my necessities. And this is 
 all of his own free grace ; for, of myself, I 
 have never done one thing that was pleasing 
 to him. He knows my wicked heart; and 
 yet he bestows on me the glorious hope, that 
 I shall be washed in the blood of the Re- 
 deemer, and made perfectly clean. I do 
 know the love of God, that it *^passeth 
 knowledge." 
 
 May 23d, Sabbath. — The institution of 
 the Sabbath is a most precious privilege — a 
 whole day devoted exclusively to the Lord. 
 Yet there are those to w^hom this day is a 
 weariness — to whom its precious hours drag 
 heavily on. God has required but one day 
 in seven to be set apart for his peculiar ser- 
 vice. And it is the duty and the privilege 
 of all the servants of God to be free, not 
 only from vain and idle conversation, unne- 
 cessary employments, and trifling amuse- 
 ments, but also from all foolish, idle, and 
 worldly thoughts. 
 
38 MEMOIROF 
 
 Convinced as I am of all these things, I 
 beseech thee, Oh God ! to enable me to 
 spend thy Sabbaths aright. Let me ever 
 look forward to them with joy; and feel 
 regret that they are so short. And grant, I 
 entreat thee, for Jesus' sake, that I may so 
 improve them, and every other gracious 
 privilege, that I may be fitted to spend an 
 eternal Sabbath with thee on high. 
 
 May ^Oth, Sabbath. — Another week is 
 past; another Sabbath has dawned upon my 
 soul. Have I made a week's progress to- 
 wards heaven? My conscience whispers, 
 no ! I have slighted many privileges, and 
 misimproved all. I have been chained to 
 earth by affections for creatures. I have in- 
 dulged my propensity to harbour vain and 
 idle thoughts. Oh that my whole soul 
 might be in a continual flame of love to the 
 Most High God! for he alone is worthy of 
 the supreme affection of immortal beings. 
 I know it is my privilege to enjoy intimate 
 communion with God; to pray in faith; to 
 live by faith, with a constant desire to 
 please him alone. But my sins have sepa- 
 rated me from the light of , his countenance; 
 
M R S. L O U I S A A. I, O W R I E. 39 
 
 and cause me to grope in darkness at noon- 
 day. But if it should be his righteous plea- 
 sure to keep me in this state all the days of 
 my life; yet, in his strength, I will strive to 
 serve him still. 
 
 Sabbath, June 6th. — Oh, why should I 
 ever regard the opinion of the world ? When 
 I search and know my own heart, I feel that 
 I do desire to love the Lord with my whole 
 soul. And he has said, '' Love not the world, 
 nor the things of the world. If any man 
 love the world, the love of the Father is not 
 in him." If then, I must give up either the 
 love of the Father, or the love of the world, 
 how can I hesitate ? 
 
 I hate the world, because it separates be- 
 tween me and my best Friend. I hate it 
 because it has so much ensnared my affec- 
 tions; and because it still exerts an influence 
 upon me which I endeavour in vain to re- 
 sist. 
 
 God be merciful to me a sinner; and raise 
 me above the things of time. Give me that 
 faith which looks forward to, and feasts upon, 
 the things which are not seen. Let me feel 
 continually that I must give my account to 
 
40 MEMOIROF 
 
 God and not to man; and let me not be ele- 
 vated by the praises, or depressed by the 
 censures of the world. 
 
 I fear I commit sin, while under the hid- 
 ings of my Heavenly Father's face, because I 
 am so discontented in that condition. God 
 keeps me; and I have his promise, which 
 is sure, that he will keep me to the end. 
 If then he sees fit to keep me in darkness, 
 I must only say, "thy will be done; only let 
 me not sin against thee." But I should be 
 particularly careful, at such seasons, not to 
 seek comfort from the things of time. When 
 Moses went up to Mount Sinai, to receive 
 the law from God, the children of Israel, 
 impatient of his long absence, began to say, 
 " Make us gods, that we may bow down and 
 worship; for, as for this Moseg, we wot not 
 what has become of him.'' And Aaron made 
 them a golden calf; and they worshipped it, 
 and God sent a curse upon them. So, if 
 God, in order to try us, or to punish us for 
 our sins, withdraws a sense of his presence 
 from us: we should wait patiently, in the 
 appointed means of grace, for his return; 
 and beware lest we seek another god in his 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 41 
 
 absence. "Little children, keep yourselves 
 from idols." 
 
 Saturday evening, June 19/A. — "In that 
 day shall there be upon the bells of the 
 horses, holiness unto the lord; and the 
 pots in the Lord's house shall be like the 
 bowls before the altar." Zech. xiv. 20. 
 Holiness must characterize the smallest 
 things. Our most insignificant actions must 
 be performed with a reference to the glory 
 of God. Properly speaking, no action of a 
 Christian can be called insignificant. The 
 least important have a bearing upon the 
 whole character. Indeed, small things have 
 frequently the most dangerous influence, 
 because they are most likely to escape our 
 attention. 
 
 "And the pots in the Lord's house, shall 
 be like the bowls before the altar." The 
 station of the Christian, however humble, 
 cannot keep him from his God. Though his 
 hands may be occupied with the most me- 
 nial offices, his heart may be pouring out an 
 offering at the altar of the Most High. 
 Though, in the estimation of the world, he 
 may be mean and contemptible, as a "pot in 
 
42 M E M O I R O F 
 
 the Lord's house;" yet the Lord will make 
 him as the richest vessels employed in his 
 service. 
 
 June 22d. — Surely never was a creature 
 so blest as I, who, at the same time, was so 
 unthankful. I have every temporal good, 
 the most pleasant home, the kindest friends. 
 These, indeed, are not sufficient to confer 
 substantial and lasting happiness; but the 
 Lord in mercy, bestows on me that peace 
 which cometh down from above. I can say 
 with Mary, '^My soul doth magnify the 
 Lord ... for he that is mighty hath done 
 great things for me.'^ My spirit rejoices 
 when I look forward to the period, when I 
 shall drop this "vile body," and be clothed 
 with holiness and immortality — when I shall 
 be freed from the doubts and fears, which so 
 often trouble me here ; and, more than all, 
 when I shall learn to praise the Lord, "ac- 
 cording to his excellent greatness." 
 
 Sabbath, July Ath. — It is an invaluable 
 privilege to have the word of God in our 
 hands, and to be favoured with the holy 
 Sabbath, on which to study its sacred pages 
 without interruption .... I have, this morn- 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 43 
 
 iiie;, been peculiarly struck with the 38th 
 chapter of Job. The deistical speculators 
 oil world-makings should all read it; and 
 1)0 convinced of the utter nothingness of the 
 creature, when brought into comparison with 
 tlie Creator; and the impossibility of com- 
 prehending that which can be known only 
 to the infinite mind. 
 
 In this chapter, the Most High conde- 
 scends to speak to a man — to a man who 
 was called "perfect and upright." "Gird up 
 now thy loins like a man ; for I will demand 
 of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast 
 thou, when I laid the foundations of the 
 earth? declare if thou hast understanding. 
 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fas- 
 tened? or wdio laid the corner stone thereof, 
 when the morning stars sang together, and 
 all the sons of God shouted for joy ? Or 
 who shut up the sea with doors, w^hen it 
 brake forth, as if it issued out of the w^omb; 
 when I made the cloud the garment thereof, 
 and thick darkness a swaddling-band for it; 
 and brake up for it my decreed place, and 
 set bars and doors, and said. Hitherto shalt 
 thou come and no furtlier: and here shall 
 4 
 
44 MEMOIROF 
 
 thy proud waves be stayed ? Hast thou 
 commanded the morning since thy days, and 
 caused the day-spring to know his place ? . . 
 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Plei- 
 ades, or loose the bands of Orion ? . . . . 
 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? 
 canst thou set the dominion thereof in the 
 earth ? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the 
 clouds, that abundance of waters may cover 
 thee ? . . . . Who hath put wisdom in the 
 inward parts? or who hath given understand- 
 ing to the heart?" 
 
 I feel that I am nothing, and the omni- 
 potence of Jehovah fills me with awe. He 
 sits in the heavens, and spreads forth the 
 clouds as his chariot. He commands, and 
 the ocean, in all its waves, obeys his voice. 
 He takes in the whole universe at a single 
 glance, and marks out the station for eveiy 
 sun and every planet. 
 
 He sees into every heart, and knows every 
 imagination of the thoughts of all his crea- 
 tures. Oh ! how shall I stand before God ? 
 for my thoughts are evil, and he knows them 
 all. "I do exceedingly fear and quake." 
 But this God of almighty power and infinite 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I K. 45 
 
 holiness, is also a God of infinite mercy. 
 In Christ, he is the friend of sinners. 
 He is not exclusively occupied with great 
 affairs. His providential care extends to 
 the meanest of his creatures. "Who pro- 
 videth for the raven his food ; when his 
 young ones cry unto God, they wander for 
 lack of meat." 
 
 God ! I heseech thee, to make me, at 
 all times, feel that I am nothing, even though 
 I were "perfect and upright." Teach me to 
 know thee ; and then I shall know myself. 
 Enahle me to subdue the pride of worldly 
 wisdom; and to know nothing but Jesus 
 Christ, and him crucified. 
 
 The subject of these memoirs had, for a 
 considerable time, desired to unite with the 
 church. But the Presbyterian congregation 
 in Morgantown, being at this time vacant, 
 she had no convenient opportunity, until the 
 first of August, 1830; when the Lord's 
 Supper was administered there, by the pas- 
 tor of one of the neighbouring churches; and 
 she then made a public profession of religion. 
 Two weeks previously to taking this impor- 
 
46 M E M I R F 
 
 tant step, she, in a solemn written covenant, 
 devoted herself unreservedly to the Lord, 
 as will be seen in the following paper : 
 
 JOURNAL, 1830. 
 
 July ISth. — I am conscious that I oflfend 
 God continually ; but I thank Him from 
 whom Cometh every good and perfect gift, 
 that I do desire to be conformed to his will. 
 In two weeks, I expect publicly to devote 
 myself to the service of the Lord : and I 
 now, in private, wish to give myself up en- 
 tirely to him. 
 
 COVENANT. 
 
 Oh thou God of unbounded mercy ! who, 
 for the sake of thy Son, dost condescend to 
 listen to such a weak and sinful creature as I ; 
 in mercy draw near to me now, and solem- 
 nize my heart, and preserve me from its de- 
 ceptions, while I attempt to enter into cove- 
 nant with thee, the Most High God. I do 
 desire this day, God, with all the sincerity 
 of which I am capable, to "surrender myself 
 entirely unto thee. I desire to renounce all 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 47 
 
 former lords, that have liad dominion over 
 me. I desire to consecrate to tlice all that I 
 am and have ; the faculties of my niind^ 
 the members of my body, my worldly pos- 
 sessions, my tirae^ my influence over others; 
 to be all used most entirely for thy glory, and 
 resolutely employed in obedience to thy 
 commands, as long as thou continuest me 
 in life ;" with an humble resolution to con- 
 tinue thine through the endless ages of eter- 
 nity; ever holding myself ready to obey the 
 first intimations of thy will, with zeal and 
 
 joy- 
 
 And now, Lord God ! unless thou dost 
 give me strength, I can do nothing. for- 
 bid that I should ever, as I have heretofore 
 done, break my covenant with thee. Take 
 from me the least dependancc on self ; and 
 give me faith in the merits of thy Son. 
 may I ever cling to him as my only hope for 
 acceptance with thee. Lord ! enable me 
 continually to remember that I am not my 
 own, but the servant of the Most High 
 God, to whom I must give an account for 
 every thought, word, and action. 
 
 Help me, Lord ! for Jesus' sake. Amen, 
 4* 
 
48 MEMOIROF 
 
 The following letter to one of her inti- 
 mate friends, it will be seen, was written 
 partly before, and partly after she had united 
 with the church. 
 
 LETTER TO MISS E. W. N. OF NEW GENEVA. 
 
 Morgantown, Friday Evening, July 30t/i, 1830. 
 
 I sincerely thank you for your letter, 
 and I hope you will favour me with many 
 such. . . But I must write about that which 
 is nearest my heart : I find it vain to attempt 
 to think of any thing else. I am now about 
 to perform the most solemn act of my whole 
 life : an act which will be a source of joy 
 or misery to me, not only in time but 
 throughout eternity. I tremble at the 
 thought : and were it not that the promises 
 of our Father in heaven are sure, I would not 
 dare publicly profess to love and serve him. 
 For I fear that I shall often, yes, too often, 
 ])ring reproach upon his holy cause. And 
 what am I, that I should approach the feast, 
 which the Lord has spread for his saints? 
 I who am the vilest, the most unworthy, the 
 most ungrateful of all his creatures; how 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O \V R I E. 4i) 
 
 shall I dare partake of the symbols of tlic 
 Redeemer's sufiferings ? Pray for me dear 
 F. I hope you do pray that I may not eat 
 and drink condemnation to my never-dying 
 soul. What shall I do? I fear to go for- 
 ward, and yet I cannot stay away. I do 
 most earnestly desire to be united to the 
 people of God. I do desire to obey all 
 God's commandments. And though I am 
 weakness itself, I know there is one who is 
 mighty : and I have a little faith, a waver- 
 ing belief, that his promises will be fulfilled 
 in my case. 
 
 Monday Morning, August 2d. 
 I do not feci altogether happy this morn- 
 ing ; I have made such solemn promises 
 to God. I cannot, as I should, forget mi/- 
 self, and trust alone in Him, who has pro- 
 mised that his grace shall be sufficient for 
 all who rely upon him. I fear I shall prove 
 an unfaithful, unbelieving member of the 
 church of Christ. It is a most solemn ser- 
 vice to dedicate one's self to the Lord. 
 But I then felt strong. I felt a confidence 
 that I should be supported in the path of 
 
50 M E M I R O F 
 
 duty. But I have not now that comfort- 
 ahle feeling. 
 
 Mr. F.'s sermon, on Saturday night, was 
 particularly affectionate and persuasive. It 
 was from Jer. iii. 4 : '* Wilt thou noi, from 
 this time, cry unto me, My Father, thou 
 art the guide of my youth. '^ 
 
 Your sincere, but very unworthy friend, 
 Louisa A. Wilson. 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO MISS M. A. N. 
 Morgantoicn, Avg. 2d, 1830. 
 I am scarcely able to describe my feel- 
 ings this morning; but there is in my mind 
 a confused thought_, that there is a great work 
 for me to do ; and yet, I scarcely know what 
 it is. But I think it is, or ought to be, to 
 " cease to do evil, and learn to do well." I 
 do not know that I ever before felt so much 
 the necessity of doing this. ... I have 
 promised to renounce the world! What is 
 it? the gay, the giddy, the fashionable, the 
 fascinating world ! Yes ; with the sincerest 
 joy I can say to it, Farewell; for the re- 
 membrance of my career in it brings with it 
 bitterness of soul. Yours sincerely, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L \V R I E. 51 
 
 Though the period, when the subject of 
 these memoirs made a public profession of 
 her laith, was one of uncommon coldness in 
 the church, yet her subsequent life may well 
 be characterized as one of peculiar light and 
 comfort, and great activity in the Saviour's 
 cause. Her earnest attention to the means 
 of grace, and her great enjoyment in public 
 ordinances and in private devotion, attested 
 the sincerity of her faith, not less than the 
 readiness with which she engaged in every 
 proper attempt to advance the Redeemer's 
 kingdom. The sick bed and the house of 
 mourning, often bore witness to her soothing 
 and sympathizing presence : and the Sabbath 
 school, and the different benevolent enter- 
 prises of the age, shared largely in her 
 efforts to do good. Her letters and private 
 papers, during this period, as will be seen, 
 evidence great singleness of desire to honour 
 the Redeemer; aiid also, that her communion 
 with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ 
 was very near, and constant, and refreshing : 
 while there is equal evidence of great humi- 
 lity, and resignation to the divine will ; 
 distrust of herself, and confidence only in 
 
52 MEMOIROF 
 
 the imputed righteousness of lier Lord and 
 Saviour. 
 
 JOURNAL, 1830. 
 
 Sabbath morning, *^u gust ISth. — I can 
 never sufficiently praise the Lord for the 
 privileges of the Sabbath. It is a blessed 
 day of rest from earthly cares and toils. 
 
 " Oft, when the world with iron bauds, 
 Hath bound me in its six days' chain; 
 ■ This bursts them, like the strong- man's hands, 
 And sets my spirit free ag-ain." 
 
 Oh that the flames of love and gratitude 
 may continually ascend from the altar of my 
 heart, to my kind Father, for all his mercies ! 
 I wish to live for him alone ; to bow with 
 resignation to his will; to trust him, love 
 him, serve him, with all my powers. Oh, 
 praise the Lord ! praise him all ye saints of 
 God ! praise him all his works ! Bless the 
 Lord, Oh my soul ! 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 53 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO MISS M. A. N. 
 Morgantown, August 20thy 1830. 
 Beloved M : 
 
 I know not where you arc ; Ijut I am 
 sure, if you have sight and feeling, you are 
 admiring this lovely morning. All nature 
 seems rejoicing; and my heart joins in the 
 general gladness. 
 
 Oh, that I could always feel as humble, as 
 dependant, as contented and thankful, as I 
 do at this moment ! But my wicked heart 
 w^ill grieve Him whom I desire to love 
 supremely, and serve with all the energy of 
 my nature. God is love. Oli, how pleasant 
 to feel his love in the heart ! — to find the 
 heart (naturally selfish and contracted) ex- 
 panding under the influence of grace, and 
 embracing in its affections, all mankind — all 
 creation, because all is the workmanship of 
 our God and Father. Tell F. I dearly love 
 her, but cannot write now. Farewell, dearest 
 M., and may perfect peace, Ihrougli the Lord 
 and Saviour, ])e youi\s. 
 
 Ever your friend, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
54 MEMOIROF 
 
 TO THE SAME. 
 
 Morgantown, Oct. 22d, 1830. 
 
 In my late visit to Wheeling, I found 
 many things to delight, and many to depress 
 me. I was pleased to see my dear aunt, and 
 kind cousin E.; and to meet with many 
 other friends, whose acquaintance, in former 
 visits, I was too giddy to cultivate. I also 
 heard some excellent sermons, and conti- 
 nually rejoiced that I was not pursuing the 
 course that I had on all former visits to that 
 place. But every thing I saw reminded me 
 of some scene of past folly ; and I felt hum- 
 bled by the remembrance. My heart ached 
 to see beings, possessing immortal souls, so 
 entirely given up to vanity — grasping at 
 shadows, and running on swiftly and gaily 
 to their own destruction. 
 
 The weather was most pleasant for travel- 
 ling. I never enjoyed the fall of the year 
 so much. There was such a warning voice 
 in every falling leaf. The woods looked so 
 brilliant; yet melancholy, because decay 
 was the cause of this brilliancy: and they 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 55 
 
 seemed as if they were clad in gorgeous 
 
 mourning apparel. 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 JOURNAL, 1830. 
 
 Sabbath, October ^\st. — The Lord is my 
 God, my Father, my friend. He is my 
 strength and salvation. Jesus is my Saviour, 
 my elder brother. The Holy Spirit is my 
 comforter, and my guide. Therefore I will 
 not fear, though the earth be removed; 
 though the mountains be carried into the 
 midst of the sea. I am secure, for my trust 
 is fixed upon the Rock of ages. Oh, how 
 delightful is the service of the Redeemer ! 
 His yoke is, indeed, easy, and his burden 
 light. 
 
 This is ti-uly a Sabbath to my soul. Oh, 
 how sweet, after the clouds and storms of 
 the past week, to enjoy this calm repose, 
 this perfect peace ! Glory be to God for his 
 goodness ! 
 
 November 2d. — This day, I am twenty- 
 one years of age. In looking over my past 
 5 
 
56 MEMOIROF 
 
 life, I cannot but mourn to think that I have 
 lived to so little purpose. N. had preached 
 three years, before he was twenty-one ; and 
 what have I ever done ? Absolutely nothing. 
 Lord, I am the most unprofitable of all thy 
 servants. Help me, henceforth, better to 
 fulfil the great end of my being. 
 
 But I do rejoice, this day, that I w^as ever 
 created : and it is the first of my birth-days 
 I have ever spent happily, since I was capable 
 of reflection. I have, heretofore, felt most 
 acutely on every recurrence of this period, 
 that I was not living to the glory of God, 
 nor for my own welfare. I felt that I was 
 ripening for a miserable eternity. But this 
 day I am happy; for I feel that, sinful as I 
 have been, and still am, I have obtained an 
 interest in the blood of Jesus. I feel that 
 God is my Father; that he will ever support 
 me, and enable me to glorify him here; and 
 for the sake of Jesus, will receive me to 
 praise him evermore among the blessed on 
 high. I do thank the God of love for this 
 hope, this blessed confidence; for it does in 
 some measure raise me above the things of 
 this world, and feast my soul with the joys 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 57 
 
 of heaven.* It has been said that each an- 
 niversary of our natal day shadows forth the 
 scenes of the ensuing year through life. 
 This is superstitious, yet I always think of it. 
 My last birth day was alternate clouds and 
 sunshine; so has the past year of my life 
 been made up of alternate grief and joy. 
 This day has been most calm and beautiful. 
 The mild sun of autumn has shone with un- 
 clouded lustre, almost entirely dispersing the 
 smoke of Indian summer; and, in spite of 
 the brown and leafless appearance of the 
 forests, producing the cheerful aspect of 
 spring. The birds are singing; autumn flow- 
 ers are blooming; and even some that had 
 withered, under the rays of the mid-summer 
 sun are beginning again to appear on the 
 earth. To me, all nature appears to be re- 
 joicing; for this is the first 2d of November 
 that has ever found me endeavouring to walk 
 in the paths of righteousness, w^th God for 
 my Father, Jesus for my Saviour, and the 
 
 * And such, it is believed, is the practical influence 
 of the doctrine of the saints' perseverance, upon all 
 real Cliristians, who receive it on the testimony of 
 God. — [Compiler.] 
 
58 M E M O I R O F 
 
 Holy Spirit for my director. And though 
 many storms may assail me during the 
 coming year, may my heart, under the mild 
 beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and re- 
 freshed by the gentle dews of heavenly 
 gr^ce, -produce abundant fruits of holiness, 
 acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO MISS M. A. N. 
 Morgantown^ Dec. 1st, 1830. 
 Beloved M. 
 
 Believe me, I had not a single hard 
 thought of you. For though I was extremely 
 anxious to hear from you, I felt assured that 
 your delay did not proceed from neglect, 
 but from not being fully aware of the plea- 
 sure you would give me by writing. Eu- 
 genius and his family are now gone;* but I 
 am enabled to feel more comfortable than I 
 could have expected in these tiircumstances. 
 When we pray that the Lord would " choose 
 our changes for us,'^ we should, certainly, 
 receive all as coming from his hand. He 
 
 * He had removed to Wheeling-. — [Compiler.] 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. I. O W R I E. 59 
 
 does all things well; and we should not 
 repine. 
 
 What a delightful autumn we have had ! I 
 never enjoyed that season half so much. 
 Even winter does not appear so dreary to 
 me as formerly. I enjoy much peace — 
 peace which the world cannot take away — a 
 peace which nothing disturbs but sin. Oh, 
 were it not for sin, how happy should we 
 be, even in this world! Surely it is wortli 
 while to war with our evil natures, and with 
 the powers of darkness here; that we may 
 be received through Christ, to those blessed 
 mansions where sin is no more. 
 
 Dear M., have you ever felt a sense of 
 pardoning mercy ? Can you feel that the 
 Most High is your reconciled Father through 
 Christ? Jesus must be the only foundation 
 of our hopes, or they are altogether vain. 
 
 Mrs. C. was here, several days before M. 
 left us. How sweet it is to be with her. I 
 could truly say to her, 
 
 * Our souls by love together knit, 
 Cemented, mixed in one ; 
 
60 M E M I R F 
 
 One hope, one heart, one mind, one voice ; 
 'Tis heaven on earth begun." 
 
 Farewell, dear M. 
 
 Your sincere friend, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 letter to miss f. w. n. of new geneva. 
 Morgantown, Feb. 15, 1831. 
 
 My heart responds to yours, dear F., "I 
 am so happy." Oh ! why should we not 
 always be happy, seeing we have a God of 
 such unbounded mercy for our Father ? I do 
 feel, this night, that he is my dear Father; 
 and that he will never leave me, nor forsake 
 me. I feel as if I could never again mur- 
 mur at his dispensations. Oh, the ingratitude 
 of which I have been guilty; the pride and 
 self-will I have indulged ! But his hand 
 was stretched out still : and now, after wading 
 through deep waters, for many weeks, I feel 
 thai love, peace, and joy, which he alone 
 can bestow. 
 
 I will yet hope that your dear mother 
 may be spared to you many, many years. 
 Yes; dear F., I could wish that you may 
 ever be preserved from experiencing the 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. 61 
 
 bitterness of the orphan's lot. But why do 
 I speak so ? Surely God has supplied the 
 place of a father and mother to me. But 
 still, there is a yearning after these earliest, 
 dearest objects of the heart's affections, that 
 can never be subdued while life continues. 
 We certainly are in the hands of One, w^ho 
 knows, perfectly well, what is best for us: 
 and I have reason to believe, that if my 
 parents had been spared to me, my affections 
 would have been too much chained to earth. 
 Thanks to God, I can look forward to a joyful 
 meeting with them where all is love. 
 
 You ask about the eclipse. I did not " en- 
 joy" it so much, because the day was rather 
 cloudy. But I " enjoyed" the thought, that 
 the eyes of all my friends were, perhaps, at 
 that very moment, fixed upon the same ob- 
 ject. How soon could I then have paid off 
 my epistolary debts, had it been possible 
 
 " To make its disk my ample page, 
 
 And write ray thoughts and wishes there." 
 
 Farewell, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
62 MEMOIROF; 
 
 EXTRACT OP A LETTER TO MISS M. A. N. 
 
 Morgantown, May 16th, 1831. 
 
 Dear M. 
 
 Eugenius is yet very ill. He is ex- 
 tremely weak — not able to speak above a 
 whisper. M. is here; but the children have 
 not yet arrived. We expect them this even- 
 ing. Cousins E. and H . W. are here. Dr. 
 H.j of Rockbridge, also, has been with us 
 more than a week. The presence of these 
 friends, and, more than all, the never-failing 
 goodness of God, cause me ]to feel peace of 
 mind, content and happiness, in circum- 
 stances calculated very much to depress the 
 spirits. The Lord enable me to be grateful ! 
 
 Have you ever read Baxter's " Saints' 
 Rest?" I have been delighted with it. In 
 perusing it my poor earthly mind would 
 sometimes forget its earthliness, and enjoy 
 such foretastes of the ^Rest' above, as to 
 make me willing joyfully to bear all the 
 troubles of this life, seeing that that eternity 
 which succeeds it, is so blessed. I am glad 
 that I was "born to die." But I feel willing 
 to wait "all the days of my appointed time," 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 63 
 
 knowing that, the Lord, even my God, will 
 take care of me, and not suffer me to want 
 any good thing. 
 
 May the Lord be with you evermore. 
 Louisa A. Wilson. 
 
 The following was penned, a little more 
 than a week after the death of the much 
 lamented brother above referred to.* 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO THE SAME. 
 Morgantown, June 2c?, 1831. 
 
 If it were not for the consolations of 
 religion, I sometimes think I could not live 
 a single day. I desire tvith joy to submit 
 to every dispensation of Providence; and 
 fear that I too often indulge a murmuring 
 disposition, without being conscious of it. I 
 
 * Eugenius M. Wilson, son of Thomas Wilson, 
 Esq., was bred to the profession of the Law ; and 
 possessing a vigorous mind, and persevering industry, 
 he soon attained to a high degree of respectability in 
 that profession. He united with the Presbyterian 
 Church, in Morgantown, when he was scarcely 
 twenty years of age ; and throughout his life main- 
 tained the character of an exemplary, active, decided 
 
64 MEMOIROF 
 
 know that trials are necessary for me ; but 
 my stubborn heart will not receive them 
 with thankfulness. At the time of my be- 
 loved brother's death, I seemed to have a 
 torrent of strength poured down upon me. 
 Nature seemed struggling for the mastery in 
 my bosom, but something kept it down. At 
 the moment of his death, and for a short 
 time after, I felt perfectly calm. But when 
 I left ^he room, the thought that he was now 
 
 Christian, exerting all his influence (and it was great) 
 in behalf of the cause of religion. While he was yet 
 a youth, he was elected to the eldership, in the church 
 to which he belonged, and ever fulfilled its duties 
 with fidelity, and distinguished usefulness. He had 
 removed to Wheeling; and had returned to Morgan- 
 town, on a visit for the transaction of some business, 
 when he was attacked with a disease of which he 
 never recovered. When informed by the attending 
 physician that he had but a few days to live, he 
 exclaimed, " Then, thank God, I am nearer heaven 
 than I had expected." His removal in the prime of 
 life, and in the midst of his usefulness, is one of those 
 inscrutable dispensations which characterize Him, 
 whose throne is surrounded by " clouds and dark- 
 ness." 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. 65 
 
 to put off the garments of the living, and to 
 be dressed for the grave, almost overcame 
 me. In prayer I found relief. I could naw 
 sec him clothed in light, freed from all sin, 
 and beyond the reach of sorrow, joining in 
 the songs of angels and glorified saints. I 
 felt that it was extreme selfishness in me to 
 mourn his departure ; and that I ought rather 
 to rejoice. And I then thought I was wil- 
 ling to see every one of niy friends, even the 
 nearest and dearest, go as he had gone. But 
 it is not often that I have felt so since. Oh, 
 for more grace ! 
 
 Yours in love, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 TO miss f. w. n. 
 
 Morgantown, June 8th, 1831. 
 
 This morning is so beautiful, dear F., 
 that I can hardly keep my eyes fixed upon 
 my paper while I write to you. I know 
 you are now up, and perhaps admiring its 
 calm beauties. I am quite well now, con- 
 tinually wondering at the goodness of God, 
 who blesses me vvitli health, when so many 
 
66 MEMOIROF 
 
 others, more useful and more anxious to live 
 than I, are laid low with disease, and carried 
 to the tomb. I am so wonderfully spared, 
 that I desire to know what it is for, that I 
 may perform the service which the Lord 
 has appointed for me : and as in his service 
 alone I find pleasure, I desire to give myself 
 up wholly to him. I do thank him that he 
 is such a kind Father to the fatherless. His 
 goodness is so great to me, that, if it were 
 possible, I should forget my orphan state. 
 
 Dear F., I often fear I sin in indulging so 
 great a desire to ^* depart and to be with 
 Christ.'^ But it is no wonder; for as N. 
 remarked, in a letter I received from him 
 yesterday, half of our family are now in 
 glory. And I long to join them there. The 
 journey, through this life, would be incon- 
 ceivably more pleasant, if I were sure that 
 all who are dear to me would at last find 
 salvation. But, oh the separation, the awful 
 separation, which takes place between the 
 friends of the Lord Jesus, and those who 
 refuse to serve him ! I often feel anguish 
 of spirit in thinking of it. But when I 
 reflect that it is not necessary that any should 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 67 
 
 be lost, I feel encouraged to pray for all, 
 even the most hopeless ; and sometimes feel 
 a confidence that prayer for them will not 
 be unavailing. Yours in love, 
 
 Louisa A. Wilson. 
 
 JOURNAL, 1S31. 
 
 Saturday, June Wth. — In reviewing my 
 life for a year past, I find so much for which 
 to praise the Lord, that I feel oppressed with 
 a sense of my ingratitude. Mercies unnum- 
 bered have crowned this year, the most 
 blessed of my life. In it, the Lord has 
 changed my heart; and given me to feel 
 that Jesus is my friend :" and, as often as I 
 have wandered from him, he has drawn me 
 back by mercies or chastisements. During 
 the last autumn my way was so clear, the cur- 
 rent of my life so smooth, and my path so 
 strewed with flowers, that I almost feared I 
 was not one of those who should " come out 
 of great tribulation." 
 
 In examining my views and feelings, I 
 find that I am very much changed. I can 
 scarcely recognize my former self. Added 
 6 
 
68 MEMOIROF 
 
 to a disposition naturally cheerful, I possessed 
 an intense desire for happiness; and perhaps 
 enjoyed as much as was ever felt by an 
 unregenerate heart. But, in the midst of 
 all, I found there was something wanting, 
 without which I could not rest. The Lord 
 gave me to see that this was religion. I 
 sought religion — I tasted of his love; and 
 found that all I had hitherto enjoyed was 
 nothing; — mere negative happiness. I de- 
 sired to love the Lord with my whole soul. 
 I cared not what should befall me ; I only 
 asked holiness of heart. Oh, my -God ! thou 
 knowest I was sincere : and if I have since 
 murmured against thee, on account of the 
 means thou hast employed to subdue me, for- 
 give I beseech the6 — pity my feeble frame ! 
 I do not ask thee to lessen my sufferings ; I 
 only ask suffering grace. * * * 
 
 [After alluding to trials, which she felt 
 very severely, she proceeds as follows :] 
 
 I know all this is intended for my good; 
 and I desire to praise the Lord for it. Some- 
 times I do. But corrupt nature too often 
 rises in rebellion against the Disposer of all 
 
^ MRS. LOUIS A A. LOWR IE. 69 
 
 events. In some respects, my sorrows ap- 
 pear to be sanctified to me. Feeling that 
 earthly help can be of no avail, I lean with 
 more entire and simple dependance on God. 
 I also feel more for those who are afflicted. 
 I am more desirous that all should enjoy the 
 comforts of religion, since there is an " evil 
 day" for every one, and that it is necessary 
 to have some other support than philosophy. 
 But, in many respects, my afflictions are not 
 sanctified to me. * * * 
 
 Oh, Jesus ! my Saviour, my Friend ! 
 Thou who hast loved me " with an everlast- 
 ing love !" take me for thine own. Mould 
 my heart aright. Let me have no will of 
 my own. Grant me an entire sinking away 
 into the will of God ; a total abandonment 
 of all things -to thy disposal. Whatever 
 thou mayest see fit to lay upon me, and I 
 think I see many deep sorrows approaching, 
 grant me grace to bear it all with joy. Oh ! 
 glorify thyself in me, in any way thou seest 
 fit for thy name's sake. Amen. Amen. 
 
 June I3th. — Much grace is requisite, 
 in order to pass through this world with 
 patience. " Man is born to trouble." But 
 
70 MEMOIROF 
 
 thanks be to the Lord, he has said, " My 
 grace is sufficient for thee." Oh ! were it 
 not for strength afforded from on high, how 
 could this frail body bear up under the 
 weight of mental suffering ? It is wonder- 
 ful that nature is not exhausted, and all the 
 sources of life dried up, and the material 
 part become a victim to the keen sensations 
 of the immaterial. Is it right, in the sight 
 of God, to indulge feelings which wear away 
 the constitution ? And is it sinful to in- 
 dulge a wish to depart, if there is nothing 
 important to require our stay here ? Elijah, 
 when in deep affliction, said, " It is enough, 
 now, Lord, take away my life :'^ yet he 
 did not refuse the food which God miracu- 
 lously sent to sustain his life. I apprehend 
 that to refuse the means of supporting life ; 
 or to pursue any course which tends to de- 
 stroy it, is a species of slow suicide which 
 God will punish. I fear that the strong de- 
 sire for death is often excited in the mind 
 by Satan ; and proceeds from weariness of 
 the cares of life ; an unwillingness to bear 
 what is laid upon us ; or a want of courage 
 to fight the fight of faith. These, certainly, - 
 
M R S. L U I S A A. L O W R I E. 71 
 
 are not proper motives. Holy Jol), though 
 the most afflicted of men, said, " All the days 
 of my appointed time, will I wait, till my 
 change come." The Lord Jesus did not 
 pray that his disciples should be taken out 
 q/the w^orld. " I pray not that thou should- 
 est take them out of the world, but that thou 
 shouldest keep them from the evil.^^ 
 
 EXTRACT OP A LETTER TO MISS F. W. N. 
 Morganiown, June 15thj 1831. 
 
 Dear F. 
 
 In walking with C, this evening, and look- 
 ing at the delightful scenery which surround- 
 ed us, I thought it was well, it was kind- 
 ness in our heavenly Father, to send us sor- 
 rows, to break the ties which bind us here. 
 For the earth, when clothed with the beau- 
 ties of this season, and viewed at this mild 
 hour, appears so calm, so peaceful, so much 
 like heaven, that our hearts are almost ready 
 to say, " We desire no other rest." And 
 were we perfectly free from sin, earth would 
 indeed be a heaven. Were we entirely "pure 
 in heart," we should "see God" in every 
 
72 MEMOIROF 
 
 thing. But while the defilement of sin con- 
 tinues, it casts a gloom over all that the eye 
 rests upon.- In seeking happiness, then, we 
 must seek salvation from the power and 
 .dominion of sin. If we look to ourselves, 
 we are ready to conclude there is no help. 
 But if we look away to Jesus, and simply 
 rely upon him hy faith, all things are possi- 
 ble. Good night dear friend. 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 JOURNAL 1831. 
 
 Sabbath, June 2Qth, 
 
 " In hope, believing against hope, 
 Jesus, my Lord ! my God I claim." 
 
 Jesus, my Saviour ! come and lift me up. 
 I am cast down. I know not what to ask 
 for ; I am blind and wretched. Oh, my 
 God ! if I have indeed found favour in thy 
 sight through the precious Redeemer, send, 
 I beseech thee, the Holy Spirit to enlighten 
 and direct me. Show me the deep depravity 
 of my heart ; show me also the fulness that 
 dwells in Jesus. Fill me with that abundant 
 love to thee which will make every burden 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 73 
 
 Iitj;ht, and every cross a pleasure. Take from 
 me tliis deadncss of soul. Quicken me by 
 lliy Spirit, and raise my thoughts to Jesus — 
 -to the joys of heaven ; and enable me to 
 forget the things that now are, in anticipa- 
 tion of those which shall be hereafter. 
 
 June 27. — I am surprised that, sincere as 
 are my desires to serve God, it is yet so 
 painful for me to bear the cross. Some- 
 times it costs me an agony, almost like sepa- 
 rating soul and body, to reprove sin ; but I 
 seem bound to do it. I find no rest for my 
 spirit while I neglect it. 
 
 It has been remarked, that these five 
 things should occupy the mind, on first 
 awaking in the morning : viz., " 1. Thanks 
 for the mercies of the night. 2. Pray for a 
 blessing on the new day. 3. Examine the 
 state of your heart. 4. Meditate on some 
 spiritual subject. 5. Lay a plan for the em- 
 ployment of the day." I desire continually 
 to practise these rules. I^ord Jesus, help 
 me ! 
 
 June 30th. — Why"^is it that I feel such 
 deadness, and at the same time such depres- 
 sion of spirits ? I fear that I have sought 
 
74 MEMOIROF 
 
 and obtained comfort away from God. And 
 must I give up all the joys of friendship ? 
 Is my heart, indeed, so stubborn, that it must 
 be deprived of every earthly prop, before it 
 will cling singly to God ? How dreary is 
 my path ! ^ ^ My earthly comforts from me 
 torn." This I could bear ; but at the same 
 time, " an absent God I mourn." Oh, for 
 faith — for resignation ! Oh, for that sancti- 
 fication of heart, which makes the will of 
 God dearer than my own. Oh, my God ! 
 take away my earthly enjoyments if they 
 separate between thee and me ; yea, take all 
 from me, even if my heart should break. 
 
 Sabbath, July 3d. — " Oh Lord ! our 
 Lord ; how excellent is thy name in all the 
 earth." I will be glad, and rejoice in thee ; 
 I will sing praise to thy name, thou Most 
 High ; I have found peace from my blessed 
 Master. Now I taste again of the joys of 
 my first love. This Sabbath morn is to me 
 a foretaste of heaven. I praise the God of 
 my salvation that his will shall be done. 
 Why should I ever seek the gratification of 
 my own will, when I know it is wrong ? I 
 know, from blessed experience, that he 
 
MRS. L O U I S A A. L O W R I E. 75 
 
 makes all things to work together for my 
 good. 
 
 July Qth. — Praises be to the source of 
 all our blessings ! The Lord has raised us 
 up friends among those who were utter 
 strangers to us. Yes ! that blessed Sabbath 
 School Society* in Philadelphia, actuated 
 by a measure of that love which brought the 
 Son of God down to this earth, have pitied 
 the desolations of our Zion here. They 
 have heard the weeping of these daughters 
 of Jerusalem, for the privileges of the sanc- 
 tuary, and have sent one to break to them 
 the Jjread of life. We can never make them 
 any return, but by unceasing prayer in their 
 behalf : and the blessings bestowed in answer 
 to prayer, are all that hearts such as theirs 
 will desire. May they deeply feel the bless- 
 edness of giving — giving, not merely food 
 for the intellect, but life to the soul. Oh, 
 
 * The Sabbath School of the Seventh Presbyterian 
 Church in Philadelphia, of which the Rev. Mr. En- 
 gles was then Pastor, had generously undertaken 
 to sustain a missionary at Morgantown, under the 
 Assembly's Boavd of Missions. 
 
76 MEMOIROF 
 
 could they but know the deep emotions of 
 gratitude they have kindled in our hearts, 
 they would be already rewarded. May 
 many souls be converted through the instru- 
 mentality they have employed ! And may 
 every member of that Sabbath School re- 
 ceive a bright crown of glory, and be wel- 
 comed by the voice of the Saviour, " I was 
 hungry and ye gave me meat," and " inas- 
 much as ye have done it unto one of the 
 least of these my brethren ye have done it 
 unto me.'' "Come ye blessed of my 
 Father.'' Praises be to our common Lord, 
 we are branches of the same vine ; and if 
 we should never meet here, I trust, through 
 his grace, we shall mingle our hallelujahs 
 before the throne of God and the Lamb for 
 ever. 
 
 Sabbath, July lOth. — Another week, 
 crowned with unceasing mercy and lote, 
 has my God permitted me to pass through. 
 What hast thou done for the Lord, Oh my 
 soul ? I have failed to warn sinners around 
 me of their danger. I have been disposed 
 to be satisfied with earthly delights. Oh 
 how much easier to be an entire Christian 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. 77 
 
 than a half-way believer ! I am of the lat- 
 ter class ;* and sometimes nature is almost 
 overcome by the struggle of the opposing 
 principles of light and darkness in my heart. 
 I sometimes ask myself ; could my pleasant 
 home and kind friends satisfy me without 
 the favour of Jesus ? My heart answers, 
 No. Could riches, honour, flattery ? No ! 
 no ! I feel discontented with every thing 
 without him. I have found my soul's ex- 
 perience in those words : 
 
 " Oh, 'tis not in grief to harm me, 
 
 While thy love is left to me. 
 Oh, 'tis not in joy to charm me, 
 
 Were that joy unmixed with thee." 
 
 Sabbath evening. — I feel thankful that I 
 am permitted to teach a class in a Sabbath 
 School. It is my delight — the happiest 
 portion of my existence. Oh, what re- 
 ponsibility rests upon me! Twelve little 
 immortals, with unformed principles, and 
 uninstructed minds, looking up to me to 
 
 '^ "Less than the least of all saints." Eph. iii. 8. 
 [Compiler.] 
 
78 MEMOIROF 
 
 teach them the knowledge of salvation. 
 Lord, deliver me from blood-guiltiness. If 
 I have failed to declare thy whole counsel to 
 them, Lord convince me of it. Oh give me 
 wisdom, simplicity, meekness, patience; and 
 enable me to lead these sweet lambs into the 
 fold of the Redeemer. Blessed Saviour! 
 let not one of them be lost. Before any 
 other impression is produced, stamp thine 
 own image on their hearts, and let it never 
 be effaced. 
 
 Nearly one year has elapsed, since I co- 
 venanted with my God to be entirely his. 
 None but God can know the extent of my 
 wanderings from him, since that period. 
 How often have I broken my covenant, es- 
 pecially in permitting other lords to have 
 dominion over me. I thank thee — I will 
 ever praise thee, my God, for all thou hast 
 done to me. I feel nearer — much nearer to 
 God, than I did this time last year. I love 
 him more, and have clearer views of my 
 own sinfulness, and of his glory. I am 
 more weaned from the world, than I could 
 have thought possible. All this my adorable 
 Friend has done for me. And now, my 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R T E. 79 
 
 I^ord, I consecrate myself to thee anew, 
 thou source of all my joys ! In thy strength, 
 I engage to be more devoted to thy service; 
 and to give up all seeking after happiness 
 out of thee. Heavenly Father! keep me 
 by thy grace, whilst thou continucst me in 
 existence; and let every moment be spent 
 in thy service. I am thine, for ever thine, 
 my God, my Friend, my Father. Fill me 
 with thy love: let me be swallowed up, and 
 lost in that which is thine own essence, 
 even love, perfect love. Amen. 
 
 July Wth. — How good is my gracious 
 Master to me! He keeps me in perfect 
 peace. He gives me delicious clusters from 
 the heavenly Canaan. I have slept in peace: 
 I have risen in health, with a heart tuned 
 to the praises of my God. I have the pri- 
 vilege of looking out on the loveliness of 
 nature, and of thinking that beautiful as it all 
 is, it is not heaven. 
 
 July I2th. — "Who shall separate us from 
 the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or 
 distress, or persecution, or famine, or naked- 
 ness, or peril, or sword ?" Rom. viii. 35. No, 
 dearest Lord, none of those things shall se- 
 7 
 
80 M E M O I R O F 
 
 parate us from thy love. Tribulation shall 
 but drive me nearer to thee. In distress, 
 where could I find relief, but in thy bosom? 
 Oh. then, shall persecution? No: thou wilt 
 deliver. Shall famine ? " The earth is the 
 Lord's, and the fulness thereof." Or naked- 
 nees? "God supplieth the needy with a 
 covering." Or peril? " Call upon me in 
 the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee." 
 Or sword? He is our "help, and our 
 SHIELD." "In all these things, we are more 
 than conquerors through Him that loved 
 us." Therefore "return unto thy rest, Oh 
 my soul." 
 
 Evening. — I do not like to go to rest. It 
 seems like loosing too much time — like being 
 too long unconscious of the presence of my 
 God. The Lord is unsi:)eakably kind to me. 
 My "peace flows as a river." I wonder 
 that I am not cast down on account of my 
 vile nature. But — Jesus is my all. I wish 
 for nothing but him. If Omnipotence were 
 to offer me all in the universe, to gratify rny 
 wishes, I would only say " Thy will be 
 done." 
 
 July I3th, — The Lord still makes my 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 81 
 
 way pleasant. I have an abiding peace. 
 Every duty appears delightful; and while 
 employed in. worldly affairs, my thoughts 
 arc on things above. 
 
 Thanks to God for the privilege of reading 
 the life of that blessed saint, David Brain- 
 erd ! It has increased my faith. I feel that, 
 through the grace of God, I may be made 
 as humble as he; though I do not feel as if I 
 ever could be so useful. 
 
 July I6ih — I have been brought near to 
 death, but the Lord has preserved me ; and, 
 though much bruised, I have been kept from 
 distracting pain. Praised be the Lord ! 
 w^hile I was lying on the ground, thinking 
 that perhaps my appointed time had come, I 
 felt that the sting of death was taken away. 
 I felt no desire to live — no fear of death: and 
 was willing to suffer all things. The Lord 
 is mi/ God ; and he is very good. Show 
 me, Oh my Father ! wherefore thou hast 
 preserved my life ; and enable me to do thy 
 whole will and pleasure, for Jesus' sake. 
 Amen.* 
 
 * She had been riding in a carriafre : the horses 
 
82 MEMOIROF 
 
 July 19 th — I find myself still prone to 
 imbibe the spirit of the world. Whenever 
 I cannot, in the most engaging company, 
 and in the most interesting conversation, lift 
 up my heart to God, and realize his presence, 
 I know that I am tending toward the service 
 of the world. In this I have sinned this day. 
 Lord forgive me! 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO HER SISTER-IN- 
 LAW, MRS. M. W., AT WHEELING, VA. 
 Morgantowrif December 30th, 1831. 
 
 Ever dear Sister M. 
 
 For sometime, after my return from 
 Wheeling, I gave up all expectation of 
 spending another summer upon earth. My 
 cough was so bad, that I thought of nothing, 
 but very soon joining our dear family above. 
 The thought was intensely pleasing to me. 
 But now with restored health, and prospects 
 of continued life, I find my thoughts again 
 borne down to earth. 
 
 being frightened, ran off, and she was thrown out 
 with great violence. — [Compiler.] 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 83 
 
 Mr. Brown's health has improved. He 
 is an excellent preacher, plain, pointed, and 
 persuasive. Our prayer-meetings are pro- 
 fitable, ])ut Oh! how few are there of us; 
 and none who appear to be inquiring the 
 way to Zion. 
 
 Ever affectionately yours, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 extract of a letter to her sister, mrs. 
 a. p. c, at uniontown, pa. 
 
 Wheeling, March. 22d, 1832. 
 
 Dear Sister A. 
 
 I wish w^e could once more behold toge- 
 ther the unfolding beauties of nature around 
 our native home — that spot, still so dear, 
 though so many changes have occurred. 
 This day reminds me forcibly of the one, on 
 which, three years since, we ascended the 
 hill just beginning to put on its verdant 
 mantle, and seated ourselves with our dear 
 friend, waiting for the return of our still 
 dearer brother. Dear sister, we enjoyed 
 much of a species of happiness then. Since 
 that time some of those around w^hom our 
 7* 
 
84 MEMOIROF 
 
 fondest affections clustered have been torn 
 from us. We ourselves are separated and 
 can seldom see each other, or indulge in the 
 sweet interchange of sentiments. But still, 
 though many fond ties are severed, and many- 
 fountains of affection and happiness dried up, 
 I would not for worlds be as we were three 
 years ago. Oh no! no! The love of Jesus, 
 and the hope of glory more than compensate 
 for all the heart-breakings we meet with 
 in the world. Oh, I can never be thankful 
 enough for the kindness of my God ! 
 
 I wish I could see you all to-day. I feel 
 as if on the eve of leaving you to take some 
 far distant journey, perhaps never to see you 
 again. I cannot tell the cause of this feeling. 
 That God, who orders all our changes, only 
 knows how widely asunder our lots in life 
 may be cast. But there is one unfailing 
 consolation: the time is coming when we 
 shall meet, and never part. Farewell, dear 
 sister; my love to brother, sister, and L. 
 
 Louisa. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 85 
 
 June 2Ath. — Attended a sacramental 
 meeting at Brown's church.* Felt no joy, but 
 deep conviction of selfishness in seeking my 
 own happiness in religion, rather than the 
 glory of God. Felt strong desires to spend 
 and be spent for God. On my way home 
 my horse fell with me; but I sustained no 
 injury. God's mercy is infinite ! Resolved 
 this day that I would seek more religion in 
 my heart, which will give me a solidity and 
 weight of character and enable me to exert 
 a holy influence on all with whom I as- 
 sociate. 
 
 * This church was so named fi*om Mr. Rezeaii 
 Brown, a licentiate from the Presbytery of New 
 Brunswick, N. J., who spent a short time at Mor- 
 gantown in the capacity of a missionary ft-om the 
 Assembly's Board. It is beautifully situated on the 
 summit of a high hill, about six miles from Morgan- 
 town. That accomplished and devoted young ser- 
 vant of God now rests from his labours ; but there 
 are many by whom those labours will be had in 
 eternal remembrance.— [Compiler.] 
 
86 MEMOIR OF 
 
 July nth, — The Lord still gives me rest 
 and peace. I am almost confident he is pre- 
 paring me for some trial. I only pray for 
 supporting grace. Lord ! do with me as 
 thou Wilt ; only let all my affections, all my 
 powers, limited as they are, be entirely 
 thine. 
 
 Oh, if I had ten thousand souls, how sweet 
 would it be to yield them all to God ! But 
 it is his grace alone that imparts to me this 
 disposition. It is Christ's love that "con- 
 strains me" to be entirely his. And if he 
 were now to withdraw his special grace one 
 moment, all the evil dispositions of my heart 
 would break out; and I should bring re- 
 proach on his dear cause. 
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTER-IN-LAW, BIRS. M. W. 
 OF WHEELING. 
 
 Morgantown, August Isf, 1832. 
 
 Dear Sister M. 
 
 I am thankful for any circumstance that 
 has occasioned the favour of so long a letter 
 from you. You have had many things to 
 harass you since your return home. But 
 there is one thing which comforts me in the 
 
31 R S. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 87 
 
 review of all your trials ; and that is, that 
 God loves you, and is determined to use 
 every means, however painful to you, to 
 gain all your heart to himself. Afflictions 
 are our greatest mercies. It is the perfec- 
 tion of the Christian's happiness to lose his 
 own will in the will of God. And what is 
 so well calculated to subdue our will, as to 
 find our highest prospects blasted, and all 
 our expectations of ease and rest here, dis- 
 appointed ? To please God, and to promote 
 his glory, should be our object in every thing: 
 and we should be willing to do, or suffer 
 any thing, so that we may best answer the 
 end of our existence. And, by the gracious 
 arrangement of our kind Sovereign, our at- 
 tempts to advance his glory, are the best 
 means of attaining our happiness. 
 
 Since you left here, the Lord has been 
 unspeakably kind to me. I have enjoyed 
 almost uninterrupted rest. No outward 
 trials — few inward conflicts. I have felt as 
 if reposing on the bosom of my Saviour. I 
 could cheerfully commit myself to his care 
 with all that I have — willing to live or die, 
 to experience happiness or misery, health or 
 
88 MEMOIROF 
 
 sickness — whatever he sees best for me : — 
 only anxious that I may, in some humble 
 way, promote his glory to whom I owe so 
 much. And this has not caused me to be at 
 ease, but has urged me continually to seek 
 clearer manifestations of his love. And such 
 a sense of my helplessness has remained 
 with me, as to urge me constantly to a throne 
 of grace. 
 
 I have every thing that my heart desires 
 of earthly good. I could be happy with 
 much less. I cannot imagine that any change 
 of worldly circumstances could add to my 
 happiness. Indeed, I should be afraid to 
 have more of this world, lest my heart 
 should be drawn from my dearest Lord. I 
 think I am willing to count all things but 
 loss that I may win Christ, through him be 
 crucified unto the world, and at last ap- 
 pear with him in glory. You say nothing 
 about the female prayer-meeting. I hope it 
 is continued. It would pain me much to 
 hear of its being given up. 
 
 Good bye, dear M. ; peace be with you. 
 
 Louisa. 
 
M R S. L O U 1 S A A. L W R I E. 89 
 
 From the foregoing exhibition of her ex- 
 ercises and feelings, and the character of her 
 piety, the reader will not easily mistake the 
 doctrinal views which she entertained. 
 The lofty standard of Christian character 
 to which she aspired, humble opinion of 
 herself, and her sublime and exalted con- 
 ceptions of the Divine character ; joined 
 to a penetrating sense of her obligations 
 to unmerited mercy, and a fixed and en- 
 tire dependance on the God of providence 
 and grace, bespeak an intimate, and expe- 
 rimental acquaintance with that doctrinal 
 system, whicli it is the happiness and honour 
 of the Presbyterian church to receive.* Some 
 
 * The British Encyclopedia, a work evidently un- 
 friendly to Calvinism, under the head of Predesti- 
 nation, makes the following declaration : " There is 
 one remark which we feel ourselves bound in justice 
 to make, although it appears to us somewhat singular. 
 It is this : that, from the earliest ages down to tlie 
 present day, if we consider the cliaracter of the an- 
 cient Stoics, the Jewish Essenes, the modern Cal- 
 vinists and Janscnists, when compared with that of 
 their antagonists, the Epicureans, the Sadducees, tlic 
 Arminians, and the Jesuists, we shall find tliat tliey 
 
90 MEMOIROF 
 
 time before she became pious, her discrimi- 
 nating mind enabled her clearly to distin- 
 guish between these doctrines, and the shame- 
 ful caricatures of them, the offspring of 
 ignorance, or malevolence, which every 
 where abound. And, though she found that 
 these doctrines were hated, reviled, ridiculed, 
 and calumniated by a very large portion of 
 mankind, yet the only serious question with 
 her was, " Are they a part of the revelation 
 of God ?" A candid and prayerful exami- 
 nation of the Scriptures soon set her mind 
 at rest on this subject ; and the blessed in- 
 fluence of these sublime truths was felt by 
 her throughout her subsequent life. In a 
 conversation with the writer, shortly before 
 her departure for India, she expressed her- 
 self very strongly in reference to the 
 strengthening, animating, ennobling in- 
 fluence which she derived from this source. 
 Instead of regarding her election and sal- 
 vation as the result oi foreseen goodness 
 
 have excelled in no small degree, in the practice of 
 the most rigid and respectable virtues; and have 
 been the highest honour of their own ages, and the 
 best models for imitation to every age succeeding." 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 91 
 
 in herself, she was at a loss to express her 
 sense of the perfect frcoiess and sovereign- 
 ty of that mercy, to which she owed all 
 her hopes of present and future felicity. 
 And she dwelt upon the cheerfulness with 
 which she could commit hejrself into the 
 hands of a God of infinite wisdom and 
 benevolence, " who worketh all things after 
 the counsel of his own will," and exercises 
 (according to a wise plan) so perfect a con- 
 trol over all events, as that nothing can 
 occur without his positive agency, or 
 wisely intended permission. It was sen- 
 timents like these that rendered her calm 
 and composed in prospect of committing 
 herself to the winds and the waves, and in 
 view of all the toils and dangers to be en- 
 countered in a distant heathen land. 
 
 In 1832, the subject of these memoirs was 
 addressed by the Rev. John C. Lowrie, son 
 of the Hon. Walter Lowrie. She was 
 fully aware that he expected to spend his 
 days in a heathen land, under the direction 
 of the Western Foreign Missionary Society. 
 The subject of personal labour among the 
 heathen was not new to her mind. While 
 8 
 
92 M E M O I R F 
 
 praying for the coming of Christ's kingdom, 
 she had often been ready to wish that some 
 way might be opened in which she could 
 go, and tell her perishing fellow creatures, 
 personally, the way of life. Still, a question 
 which involved the comfort and peace of 
 herself and her friends so deeply, she felt it 
 to be her duty to examine with great care, 
 before she came to any decision. Peculiar 
 circumstanc'es rendered her still more sin- 
 cere and anxious in this inquiry ; and her 
 own motives and feelings, no less than the 
 prospect of usefulness, were prayerfully con- 
 sidered. 
 
 letter to her brother, the rev. n. wil- 
 son, at alexandria, d. c. 
 
 Dearest Brother. / 
 
 I esteem it a great mercy that your min- 
 istry has been so much blessed of the Lord. 
 I trust that amidst the showers of blessings 
 which have descended around you, your 
 own soul has been greatly refreshed and in- 
 vigorated. I have one complaint always to 
 make of your letters : they are too short. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. 03 
 
 You write as if in a luirry to he done ; ])iit 
 I am thankful for even a line from you. 
 
 I write at this time to ask your advice 
 on a subject which has for some lime been 
 bearing with weight on my mind. Foi; 
 more than a year past my thoughts have 
 dwelt much on the condition of the heathen 
 world. My heart has been deeply affected, 
 when I have read and reflected upon their 
 darkness and degradation ; and I have felt 
 strong desires to do them good. At first I 
 knew of no way in which I could benefit 
 them but by my prayers. Afterwards an 
 opportunity was afforded me to contribute 
 to the support of missionaries among them. 
 This I felt to be a great privilege. As I 
 thought more on the subject, my desires for 
 their salvation became still stronger, and I 
 began to inquire whether I had not some 
 additional duty to perform in relation to 
 them. I was convinced from the Scriptures 
 that missionaries should be sent ; nay that it 
 was the evident duty of every Christian to 
 do all in his power for the conversion of the 
 heathen. In asking myself what I ought 
 to do for them ? .as I had not much to give, 
 
94 MEMOIROF 
 
 I knew of no other way than to give my- 
 self to the work — to go to them and labour 
 personally for their salvation. I came to 
 J this conclusion before any prospect of goingi/ 
 presented itself. I only felt a conviction 
 that if it were the Lord's will that I should 
 go, he would prepare the way." [Mention- 
 ing then that the prospect of going had been 
 brought several months previously, before 
 her mind more directly for consideration, 
 and that she had not felt prepared to decide, 
 she continues,] ^' Home, and the friends of 
 my childhood, appeared to bind me here, 
 with cords that could not be broken ; and, 
 still more, a sense of my utter incompetency 
 to fill so important a station made me shrink 
 from the proposal. Still my desires to go 
 > were strong, and have continued so. I know 
 ' I am unworthy to go, but think that through 
 Christ strengthening me, I may be enabled 
 to do some little good — I think more than 
 in my present situation. And, as I desire 
 to live only that I may promote the Sa- 
 viour's glory, I think I would make choice 
 of that situation in which I can most effectu- 
 ally do this. I cannot have any very dis- 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 95 
 
 tinct conceptions of the hardships and dis- 
 couragements I would have to undergo, but, 
 if I know myself, I think I am willing to 
 suffer all things, even death itself, if I may , . 
 but win some to Christ. The endearments-/ 
 - of home, and the ties of friendship seem '. 
 stronger than ever; but I should not think ' 
 of them ; for Jesus left his home in heaven > 
 — the bosom of his Father, to die for me. 
 And should not gratitude constrain me to 
 part with comforts which are transitory at 
 best, that I may render him some small ser- 
 vice? Dear brother, I find that I cannot 
 fully express to you my feelings. I wish I 
 could converse with you, and ascertain all 
 your views on this subject. Write to me 
 immediately, if you can ; I must very soon 
 come to some conclusion, and the responsi- 
 bility of deciding whether to go or stay 
 seems too great for me. I almost sink under 
 it. From all the leadings of Providence, and 
 from all that I can know by prayer of the 
 will of God, it seems to be my duty to go. 
 And yet the fear that I am deceiving myself 
 — that I should be a hinderance to others, or 
 prevent some one from going who would be 
 8* 
 
96 MEMOIROF 
 
 more competent — these things so agitate my 
 mind that I have nearly lost my bodily 
 strength. E. says, if I feel it to be duty, he 
 will not oppose me. All my religious 
 friends, whose sentiments I have been able 
 to gather, think I ought to go. You will 
 not of course, mention the subject of this 
 letter to any one. Farewell dear brother. 
 Louisa A. Wilson. 
 
 The simple point before her mind was ; 
 " Where can I do most good V She felt 
 that her covenant engagements did not per- 
 mit her to ask, " Where can I enjoy the 
 greatest degree of comfort, refinement, or 
 respectability?" though she had been ac- 
 customed to all these. '' Lord what wilt 
 thou have me to do ?" and " Here am I ; 
 send me!" were petitions often presented by 
 her to a throne of grace. It may be sup- 
 posed, in view of an inquiry conducted in 
 this manner, that her mind would be plainly 
 directed of the Lord to the proper conclu- 
 sion. Accordingly we find in hei* private 
 papers, the following record of her decision, 
 
MRS. L U 1 S A A. L W R I E. 97 
 
 and her views and motives in reference to an 
 undertaking of such vast importance. 
 
 JOURNAL, 1832. 
 
 August 26ih. — I think my convictions 
 of duty are clear — not to be mistaken ; and 
 I now feel determined that, if Providence 
 still point out the way, I will go. Lord, en- 
 able me to delight in thy will. 
 
 LETTER TO THE REV. N. WILSON, AT ALEX- 
 ANDRIA. 
 
 Morgantown, Sept. 1st, 1832. 
 I must confess, dear brother, that I was 
 much disappointed in your answer to my 
 letter. That you, wKo left your home in 
 early youth, (in opposition, too, to the wishes 
 of your friends,) that you might do good — 
 you, who have laboured in the vineyard of/ 
 Christ until your strength is turned to weak- 
 ness — who have seen the uncertainty of life 
 and the folly of striving to satisfy the im- 
 mortal soul with the pleasures of this world — 
 that 1/ou should be anxious for me to do 
 good only where I may live at ease, is to ^ 
 
98 MEMOTROF 
 
 me indeed, a sore disappointment. How,) 
 ..dear brother, are the heathen to be con-t 
 ^vVerted ? Is not the command, " Go ye into 
 all the world, and preach the Gospel to 
 every creature," still binding ? All shall be, 
 saved who call upon the name of the Lord.^ 
 " But how shall they call on him of whonx^i 
 they have not heard; and how shall they 
 hear without a preacher ? Is not Christianity 
 the same now that it was in the days of the 
 Apostles? Then there were waste places 
 enough in Judea to occupy their whole time, 
 but they rested not. They spoke first indeed 
 to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but 
 they preached also to those that were " afar 
 off.'' Had they cared only for the souls 
 that were near to il^em, where should we 
 have been at this time ? For we are of the 
 wild olive tree. But no, they went out to. 
 distant parts and did not count their lives^ 
 dear to them. And shall we have our chav 
 rity bounded by our own neighbourhood, 
 or our own country ? It is melancholy to 
 reflect on the small amount of good accom-- 
 plished by the efforts already made; but 
 good has been done, souls have been saved. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 99 
 
 And when we consider that one soul, one 
 heathen soul is worth more than the whole 
 material world, we cannot regret that much 
 money and many lives have been sacrificed 
 to effect it. The object in view is worthy of 
 perseverance — the object is attainable. And 
 when men leave their homes and the sweets 
 of Christian friendship with the single in- 
 tention of bringing souls to Christ, I think 
 their efforts will be blessed, though they may 
 not live to see it. They may die, and by their 
 very death accomplish more than many other 
 Christians through a long life. I think the 
 claims of the heathen are greater, far greater 
 than those of the unconverted among our-' 
 selves. Here all are favoured with the light 
 if they profit by it. There no Sabbath 
 stillness points them to an eternal rest — no 
 bible teaches them to know and love the 
 God of all their mercies. Their habitations 
 are full of cruelty. The females especially 
 are degraded to the level of brutes. I do^ 
 feel for them. I do desire with the blessing 
 of God, to elevate them; and I do think, if 
 God in his providence still opens the way 
 and makes me feel it to be my duty, that I 
 
100 MEMOIR OF 
 
 will go to them and try to " do them good." 
 It is my comfort that my " sufficiency is of 
 God." Though weak and ignorant, he will 
 be strength and wisdom. I cannot bear the 
 thought of spending a useless life. The same 
 grace that would be required to enable me 
 to be useful here, will, perhaps, enable me 
 to be much more useful in a foreign land. 
 The way appears clear to me. I have no 
 parents to require my attention. Many of 
 my family have gone before me into eter- 
 nity, and those who remain are happily pro- 
 vided for — there seem to be no difficulties 
 in the way. I do not expect earthly com- 
 forts, but I do expect the presence of Jesus. 
 I am not influenced by discontent, or a love 
 of change. My home is as dear to me as 
 ever, and I am happier than ever in my life 
 before. I have many friends, and the Lord 
 inclines them to be very kind to me. " I 
 have all things and abound," so that after 
 examining myself, I can think of no un- 
 satisfied earthly desire. I am happy while 
 watching by the bed of sickness, or standing . 
 over the corpse of the dearest friend, if I 
 have only the love of Jesus in my heart. I 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 101 
 
 am happy no where without that love. I 
 have been schooled by affliction. I have 
 early been taught, through the mercy of 
 God, that there is no bright spot in this 
 world where the soul may rest at ease. I 
 look to heaven as my home; and it is my 
 sweet consolation that every moment draws 
 me nearer to it. Yet I am not weary of life, 
 but desire to live just as long as I may do 
 any good in the world. Dear N. I hope 
 you will not blame me for my decision. I 
 leave it all with the Lord, and pray that, if 
 it is not best that I should go, he would in 
 his providence prevent it. I hope you will 
 seek the direction of the Lord for me, re- 
 membering that to the prayer "thy kingdom 
 come," is added "thy w^ill be done.'^ I 
 hope you will wTite to me soon and tell me 
 if you think I am " beside myself," or if you 
 do not think on reflection that I ought to go.^ 
 Farewell. May the Lord delight to dwell 
 with you all continually. 
 
 Yours affectionately, 
 
 Louisa A. Wilson. 
 
102 MEMOIR OF 
 
 September — . I have read " Gordon 
 Hall's Appeal," and feel glad that I have 
 determined to devote my body as a "living 
 sacrifice" to the Lord. Indeed I have never 
 regretted it a moment. I now feel no soli- 
 citude on the subject, except that I may be 
 so purified by grace divine, that I may be 
 useful either in life, or in death. It may be. 
 that I shall yet be prevented from going. I 
 desire to have no will but the Lord's — but 
 I can conceive of no greater disappointment. 
 I have prayed, that if I should be a hinde- 
 rance, or prevent a blessing from resting on 
 the labours of others, I might be detained. 
 And it may be that I shall. Even so. Fa- 
 ther, whatsoever seems good in thy sight. 
 
 September llth. — I never felt so anxious 
 for good health; and yet I never felt stronger 
 apprehension of a total failure of it. The 
 Lord knows what is best for me, and what 
 will most promote his glori/. 
 
 EXTRACT OP A LETTER TO A FRIEND. 
 
 [Date not known.] 
 It was very kind, to set forth so plainly 
 the difficulties and hardships of missionary 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 103 
 
 life. Perhaps the cause of my thinking se- 
 paration from friends the hardest trial is, 
 that I have already experienced its bitter- 
 ness, and fear to endure it again. Being 
 entirely unacquainted with the other diffi- 
 culties, I cannot realize them. I do not. 
 know that I can take "a common sense 
 view'^ of these difficulties, but I think I can 
 take a faith's view of them which is not con- 
 trary to common sense. I believe that God's 
 mercy is as large as his omnipotence. I 
 believe he loves his own children, and will 
 withhold i\o good thing from them. He has 
 said, " Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so 
 shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily 
 thou shalt be fed." And when I remember, 
 that neither tribulation, nor famine, nor 
 sword, can separate us from the love of 
 Christ ; I feel willing to encounter all these. 
 I have been reading my favorite chapters, 
 Rom. xii. Col. iii. and Heb. xi. and feel con- 
 vinced that the Christian is required to give 
 up all for Christ: and these, with the 46th. 
 Psalm convince me also that, through Christ 
 strengthening him, he can do it. 
 
 I have been, indeed, tenderly dealt with — 
 9 
 
104 M E M O I R F 
 
 have had every indulgence — many kind 
 friends. For these I thank the Giver. But 
 I feel that I have rested too much in them; 
 and when streams of earthly comfort fail, 
 I will go to the Fountain. I wish to lean 
 singly on the bosom of my God. 
 
 As to the labour I should have to perform, 
 though unaccustomed to it, I believe God 
 would help me; I find it impossible to per- 
 form the common and every day duties of 
 life without his assisting grace. * * * Will 
 not God still afford me strength if I give 
 vxnyself up to him ? I think he will. This 
 body may sink under accumulated sufferings 
 and may soon die — I think this most pro- 
 bable; but long life does not appear at all im- 
 portant to me. I want busy life, one full of 
 efforts to do good, that when the end does 
 come I may receive the welcome, " Well 
 done, good and faithful.'*^ 
 
 The thought of labouring " with no fruit, 
 no appearance of fruit," appears very hard 
 to bear, but even here the promise is suffi- 
 cient,, "cast thy bread upon the waters," &c. 
 
 L. A. W. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWllIE. 105 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO MRS. M. W., OF 
 WHEELING. 
 
 Morgantoicn, Sept. 17, 1832. 
 
 Dear M., 
 
 If I were now with you, I could talk 
 a great deal to you and say many things 
 which I cannot communicate on paper. 
 I have had many long seasons of joy and 
 comfort this summer, but it seems now 
 that winter clouds have gathered over me 
 and spread thick gloom over all my pros- 
 pects. Within a few days I have felt much 
 of that weariness of life, that is so sinful, 
 and with which I used to be so much 
 troubled. I have experienced so much of 
 this feeling, that, a few days since, looking 
 at some withering flowers, I involuntarily 
 exclaimed, " Oh that I with you might fade, 
 and with you fall and die." It is because 
 of the sins of my heart that I feel thus. I 
 am conscious that I make so little progress 
 in the divine life, though I have so many 
 helps and so much to urge me on? that I be- 
 come discouraged. I do not wish to live 
 unless for some good purpose, for some good 
 
lOG MEMOIR OF 
 
 end, and I am weary of my useless exis- 
 tence. Oh, for more of the spirit of Christ, 
 that I may live and do my Master's will 
 continually. * * * 
 
 M. A.'s health is slowly improving, but 
 I think she will not visit Wheeling this 
 autumn. I wish her very much to go, and will 
 do my best to urge her off. But if I should 
 go to the Eastward before that time, I do 
 not know how it will be. The future is so 
 uncertain that it seems almost folly to be 
 planning what we will do ; and yet we are 
 continually planning. It is an unspeakable 
 comfort that, though '^a man's heart deviseth 
 his way, the Lord directeth his steps. ^' So 
 may it be with us ! Dear M., your letters 
 always give me pleasure, and I hope you 
 will write to me whenever you feel at liberty, 
 and say all that your heart dictates ; and oh, 
 dear M., whenever you bow before the 
 Lord, pray for me. This is the greatest 
 favour I have to ask. Farewell, dear, dear 
 sister, and may your Redeemer be your 
 husband, and God in his holy habitation be 
 a Father to your children. 
 
 Ever your affectionate sister, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 107 
 
 From this period until the month of May 
 following, when the mission family sailed 
 for India, she was anxious to become better 
 qualified, especially in the experience of 
 grace, for the great work in prospect ; and 
 she spared no efforts to interest the afiections, 
 and the prayers of the people of God, in 
 behalf of missions generally, and of the par- 
 ticular mission in which she expected to 
 embark. It is believed that she was much 
 favoured of the Lord in securing the warm 
 affections, and the prayers of many dear fol- 
 lowers of the Saviour ; and that her memory 
 will long be embalmed in the hearts of very 
 many in different places, who loved her 
 dearly (as a friend remarked) " for her Mas- 
 ter's sake, for her work's sake, and for her 
 own sake." 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A FRIEND. 
 , Sept. IS, 1832. 
 
 Though I feel so little for the heathen, I 
 am pained to perceive that none, whom I 
 see, appear to feel much more. I yesterday 
 returned from * * *^ where I attended 
 a four days' meeting. In all the prayers I 
 9* 
 
108 MEMOIR OF 
 
 heard, the heathen were only once remem- 
 bered : and among all the petitions which 
 the ministers urged us to present at a throne 
 of grace, they never once said. Pray that all 
 the ends of the earth may see the salvation 
 of our God. It is true the heathen were 
 often mentioned, to show by contrast the 
 high privileges we enjoy, and Mr. * * * 
 once said, "While men here go with dif- 
 ficulty to eternal ruin, through light, and 
 Christian influence, and the strivings of the 
 Spirit, the heathen go on in an easy un- 
 obstructed path to hell.'^ At that moment, 
 I felt anguish of spirit. And shall we remain 
 here at ease, and throw in their way no 
 obstacle to prevent their destruction ? Shall 
 we not lift up one cry, or make one effort to 
 save them? Such were the thoughts that 
 passed through my mind. If Christians 
 would only feel more deeply and pray more 
 earnestly on the subject, I should feel greater 
 encouragement. 
 
 Louisa A. Wilson. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 109 
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTER, MRS. A. P. C, AT 
 STEUBENVILLE. 
 
 Morgantown, Oct. 6, 1832. 
 Dear Sister A. 
 
 I received your long looked for letter 
 in due time, and should have answered it 
 sooner, had I not heard you were in W., 
 where I knew you would hear from us. I 
 am glad you are so pleasantly situated; and 
 hope you, and brother C. may be abundantly 
 happy and useful. This lovely day reminds 
 me of delightful seasons, now past and gone; 
 when, with hearts gushing with youthful 
 affection, we wandered side by side, over 
 our native hills; or sitting on the moss-co- 
 vered log, read, or listened to the sweet 
 strains of some favourite poet; stopping at 
 intervals, to listen to the varied melody of 
 the forest musicians, or to express to each 
 other the feelings which the loveliness of the 
 landscape inspired. Dear A., those were 
 happy days; yet not so happy as this. Then 
 we worshipped nature. Now we love — we 
 adore nature's God. Then, though sur- 
 rounded by many things to delight and ex- 
 
110 MEMOIR OF 
 
 hilarate, we felt a want of something; for we 
 were orphans, and our hearts yearned for 
 those dear parental bosoms, which had been 
 the source of our joys, the resting place in 
 all our sorrows. Now we have a Father in 
 heaven who watches over us with constant 
 care; we have those raised up for us, on 
 whom our affections are placed; who rejoice 
 when we rejoice, and weep when we weep. 
 We are satisfied. And if all these comforts 
 should be taken from us, and the brightness 
 of this world should be changed to gloom, 
 we have a sweet hope of a happy immor- 
 tality, when, after sorrow and sighing are 
 over, we shall rest in the presence of Jesus, 
 with that circle of beloved friends who have 
 gone before us. 
 
 Oh ! shall we ever, for one moment forget 
 that all these mercies are the gift of God, 
 through Jesus Christ ? We are encompassed 
 by his love. Oh ! shall not this thought 
 penetrate our very souls, and cause us to 
 render to him the tribute of grateful hearts, 
 and untiring obedience. 
 
 At a sacramental meeting here, two weeks 
 since, E. W. united with the church. She, 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. Ill 
 
 with her four children, were baptized on 
 Saturday evening. An interesting sight — 
 a widow presenting herself and her father- 
 less babes to the Lord. Three others were 
 admitted to the church. 
 
 I am very busy a small part of every day, 
 in translating a life of William Tell from 
 the French. This I find to be a pleasant 
 occupation. I have been preparing for a 
 visit to Alexandria, D. C, but as the cholera 
 is now there, I am not sure that I shall go. 
 Yours affectionately, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 letter to a lady in wheeling. 
 
 Morgantown, Oct. — , 1832. 
 I do thank you, my dear friend, for your 
 unwearied kindness. Your second letter was 
 more than I could have expected — but very 
 dear as a proof of the sincerity of your 
 friendship. I must say that you infuse a 
 little of your own zeal into me, and while 
 reading your letter, I felt my heart glow 
 with love for you, principally because I per- 
 ceive that you so much love the heathen. 
 that every child of God might be awaken- 
 
112 MEMOIROF 
 
 ed to a sense of his duty with regard to their 
 benighted souls. My heart aches sometimes 
 because I cannot feel more for them, or do 
 them more good. Do tell me how I may be 
 more useful as a private Christian in pro- 
 moting the cause of Missions. I wish to do^ 
 every thing in my power. I think I feel^, 
 willing to make any sacrifice. But from my 
 little zeal, my want of moral and intellectual 
 preparation, I fear the Lord will not permit 
 me to go as a messenger of mercy to the 
 heathen, whom I pity, and whose souls I do 
 in some measure love. It seems like pre- 
 sumption in me to hope for such an employ- 
 ment, but I do desire it. To be always 
 employed for Christ, how delightful the 
 thought! No toil, no danger, no suffering 
 is too great to be endured for him. Oh, my 
 dear friend, it should be no self-denial to 
 give up all for our precious Saviour. No, 
 no ; it should be our greatest joy. And then 
 all that we can do, all the love we can feel, 
 falls so infinitely short of the love of Je- 
 sus for perishing souls, that when we have 
 done all we should weep that we cannot do 
 more. 
 
M RS. LOUIS A A. L O W RI E. 113 
 
 How gladly would I have been seated with 
 you and listened to those "feeling and pa- 
 thetic descriptions of the condition of the 
 heathen." In imagination I see your eyes 
 now sparkling with delight, — now dimmed 
 with tears of pity. I think it probable that 
 had I been there I might, as you observe, 
 "have been quite persuaded." I wish I 
 could see you. * * * 
 
 When I left you, the cheerful fields and 
 sweet flowers of May lighted up in the heart 
 bright hopes, and prospects of blooming 
 hours and heart-felt joys. With me, how- 
 ever, such hopes have often been disap- 
 pointed, — my prospects often clouded, — my 
 early friends one after another torn from 
 me, in order that my heart might be duly 
 humbled. And finding that my heart, after 
 all, was so proud, — so far from God, — I could 
 not but fear that sorrow after sorrow in one 
 unbroken chain would mark my footsteps to 
 the grave. The Lord has thus far been bet- 
 ter to me than my fears. For a few months 
 past the colour of my existence has been 
 changed. Clouds have given way to sun- 
 shine. The Lord is good and doeth good — 
 
114 MEMOIR OF 
 
 is my song, and praised be his name for ever- 
 more. Though fearing always some new 
 affliction, and burdened often with a sense 
 of that rebellion of heart which renders 
 affliction necessary, yet the Lord has hitherto 
 sustained me, and three summer months have 
 been so many months of summer to my 
 soul. And now though summer joys have 
 fled, and nature has put on the faded garb of 
 autumn, and that too will soon be laid aside 
 for the gloomy attire of winter, yet I do not 
 feel that the heart should necessarily partake 
 of the colour of surrounding scenes ; but if 
 steadfastly fixed on Christ, it may enjoy the 
 life and freshness of spring-time continually. 
 if the love of Christ can make the soul so 
 happy amidst the sins and sorrows of this 
 world, what will be the joys of heaven ! 
 
 I have a plan for doing good, (for you to 
 do good I mean,) and that is, for you to 
 write on the subject of Missions, and pub- 
 lish in the " Pittsburgh Christian Herald." 
 You can speak to the hearts of females, for 
 you have a mother's feelings, and you ap- 
 preciate the blessings you enjoy as a wife 
 and mother, through the influence of the 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 115 
 
 Gospel — blessings so far superior to those 
 enjoyed in heathen lands. Mr. L. says he 
 finds more of a missionary spirit among 
 females, than among the other sex; and no 
 wonder, for Christianity has done more for 
 them than for men. The first sincere sorrow I 
 recollect ever to have felt for heathen females, 
 was one day when a company of Indians 
 came here begging. I saw them pass through 
 the yard of the house, the females carrying 
 their children and bending under the weight 
 of other burdens, walked humbly behind the 
 men, who, having nothing to carry, stalked 
 proudly on without any concern for their 
 miserable wives. I burst into tears, and fell 
 on my knees to thank the Lord for the 
 blessings of the Gospel, and to pray that it 
 might be made known in every land. 
 
 Good bye: may every blessing that tlie 
 Lord sees good for you, be yours. 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 ' JOURNAL, 1832. 
 October 8th, — Now the stream of life 
 flows smoothly on — no care?— no sorrow. 
 Oh, my precious Saviour! I would thank 
 10 
 
116 MEMOIR OF 
 
 thee for these rich blessings thou hast so 
 dearly bought for me. I would serve thee 
 with joy fulness and gladness of heart; for 
 thou art good, and doest good. 
 
 October lOth. — The hope of heaven, and 
 sweet communion with God make the toils 
 and sufferings of this present time light. 
 Oh that God would grant me this favour 
 that I might always be near him, that I 
 might always glorify him. 
 
 October 20th. — For what do I live ? Have 
 I any business here on earth, but to serve the 
 Lord? I know of none. And yet, my 
 soul ! dost thou live for God ? for eternity ? 
 I fear I do not. One hope there is for me; 
 my soul has a relish for holiness. This is 
 implanted by grace, for I have it not by 
 nature. 
 
 I continually plan for myself, and set my 
 heart on my plans: and when I see there is 
 danger of their being frustrated, then I am 
 all in despair. Oh ! this carnal, self-sufficient, 
 mind; how weary am I of it! 
 
 It is now my purpose, if the Lord permit, 
 to go to heathen lands. This undertaking 
 does not appear distressing to me, but awfully 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 117 
 
 responsible. Doubt, as to my capacity and 
 preparation, makes me very fearful that the 
 Lord will not permit me to go. I do most 
 ardently desire it. I would consider it a 
 high privilege ; and the sacrifices I should 
 make, are no more than my heart subscribed 
 to, when I first gave myself to the Lord. 
 The trials and sufferings I may have to en- 
 dure, cannot be equal to those of Christ, and 
 therefore are not worthy of a thought in 
 comparison with his love. All my concern 
 is, to be prepared for usefulness. I do not 
 wish to go, to be a clog, or to prevent the 
 blessing of God on the mission. And yet 
 I feel that it would be very humiliating to 
 be kept at home: and I need humbling so 
 much that I fear this will be my appointed 
 lot. Well : I must love God's glory more 
 than all things beside. And if he should 
 see fit to deprive me of the sweet pleasure 
 of making known the love of Christ to souls 
 perishing in ignorance, I must humbly sub- 
 mit; and rejoice that he can raise up instru- 
 ments better fitted to promote his name's 
 glory. Grant it, even so Lord Jesus — that 
 thy will may be done in, and by me. Grant 
 
118 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that I may be willing to go or to stay; to 
 live or to die; to be happy or wretched: 
 only let thy grace be sufficient for me; and 
 let thy name be glorified in the conversion 
 of wretched heathen souls. Amen. 
 
 Those, who were intimately acquainted 
 with the subject of this memoir, were de- 
 lighted with her peculiarly pleasing vivacity 
 of mind and manner. H^er lively flow of 
 spirits and her animated conversation evin- 
 ced the loveliness and cheerfulness at once of 
 her disposition, and of her religion. Indeed 
 few persons could be in her company with- 
 out feeling that her piety, while truly spi- 
 ritual in its tone, was at the same time 
 cheerful and beautiful in its character; reli- 
 gion itself was loved for her sake in whose 
 conversation and spirit its influence was so 
 happily exemplified. 
 
 Her immediate friends, also, love to re- 
 collect, though it is with a mournful pleasure, 
 her deeply afiectionate disposition. This 
 was best appreciated by those to whom she 
 was best known, and their knowledge of 
 those springs of pure and warmly afiectionate 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 119 
 
 feeling, with which her nature was endowed, 
 greatly increase their estimate of the sacri- 
 fice which she made in deciding on mission- 
 ary life. It is not, however, our object to 
 eulogize her virtues ; we wish rather that 
 her own writings should illustrate her cha- 
 racter. In the writings and letters already 
 submitted to the reader he will see, no doubt, 
 much to interest his feelings; other lettei*s 
 would place in still more interesting light 
 the traits, to which we have just adverted, 
 as well as lead to inferences of a more ge- 
 neral nature, but their insertion is precluided 
 by their personal references. In the letters 
 and extracts from her papers which are yet 
 to be made, and which we shall sometimes 
 introduce without particular mention of dates 
 or places, it will be seen how " thoughts 
 that breathe and words that burn," were 
 under the control of divine grace; often the 
 sentiments which she expresses display her 
 intellectual powers, and affectionate dispo- 
 sition, not less than the general excellence 
 of her religious character. 
 
 " I once heard Mr. , remark that ' it 
 
 required no more grace for a man to leave 
 10* 
 
120 MEMOIR OF 
 
 all and go among the heathen, than to 
 ^enable a Christian to live right at home.' I 
 was surprised at the assertion and disputed 
 the point with him. But I have lately- 
 thought perhaps he was right. We may 
 nerve our minds to make almost any sacri- 
 fice, and sustained by philosophy alone, we 
 may endure separation from our dearest en- 
 joyments with stoical calmness; but to live 
 by faith from day to , day, to resist every 
 moment the desires of a wicked heart, the 
 fascinations of a false but beautiful world 
 and the incessant attacks of the enemy of 
 souls, requires a persevering exercise of 
 patience and faith that God alone can be- 
 stow. But his promises are sufficient, and 
 though ' cast down I am not discour- 
 aged.' " 
 
 '^ I do not feel much concern about pos- 
 sessing w^orldly wisdom, though I have no 
 objections to it; but to possess that sincere 
 love to Christ and deep acquaintance with 
 him in all his offices, and the enlightening 
 of the Holy Spirit, which are necessary to 
 correct reasoning on salvation through his 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 121 
 
 name, is what I want. My hope is in 
 God's word, — (James i. 5,) comforts me." 
 
 " Are you ever troubled with the sin of 
 idle words ? or can you think of what you 
 please, when you please ? Should we ever 
 speak without having some object in view, 
 either to communicate or to obtain instruc- 
 tion ? Can Christians ascertain each night 
 if they have grown in grace through the 
 day ? Or can we * assure our hearts' 
 before God, unless we can perceive that 
 we have exercised some self-denial, or 
 have done something for Christ's cause, or 
 for the comfort of our fellow creatures ? Is 
 there not danger sometimes of Christians 
 reading the Bible and other good books 
 with a view merely of obtaining intellectual 
 enjoyment, without taking them as the food 
 of the heart ? Is such reading profitable ? 
 In prayer, should we only pray for such 
 things as we feel inclined to at the time, or 
 should we mention all such things as our 
 judgment teaches us are proper to be prayed 
 for ? Would we ever feel sorrow, even at 
 the disappointment of our dearest hopes, if 
 
122 MEMOIR OF 
 
 our own affections were mortified — our own 
 will lost in that of God ? May we hope in 
 this life to have our own wills at all times 
 lost in that of God ? If we think of any- 
 thing more than we do of God, is it not 
 proof that we love that object more than 
 God ? * * * I do feel oppressed with a 
 sense of my own ignorance, and I do long 
 for that time when we shall no longer see in 
 part or know in part, but when " we shall 
 know even as we are known." 
 
 " At night I went to hear N , he 
 
 preached a missionary sermon from the text 
 ' Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge 
 shall be increased.' I thought it a very 
 good sermon, and felt my faith strengthened 
 by it. One thing he said which I wish to 
 remember, ' It is absurd to talk of difficul- 
 ties when we acknowledge the omnipotence 
 of God.' This sermon was to prepare the 
 people for the anniversary of their Mission- 
 ary Society, which is to be held next week. 
 Would it not be well for ministers always 
 to preach a missionary sermon on the Sun- 
 day before monthly concert? It would 
 arouse and prepare the people." 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 123 
 
 " Once after retiring to rest, in order to 
 have time to think, I tried to appear to sleep 
 — and was just meditating a little on " The 
 field is the world," when I Was aroused with 
 ' Are not the bonnets now worn very ugly?' 
 I gave a hearty assent, and relapsed into the 
 
 appearance of sleep. But Mrs. was 
 
 in the humour for talking, and she presently 
 mustered such an array of bonnets, caps, 
 laces, curls, silks, dresses, &c. before the 
 eyes of my fancy, that when she ceased, and 
 I again attempted to resume my train of 
 thought, the scene was curiously changed. 
 The mighty field of the world seemed still 
 spread out before me, but instead of present- 
 ing to the eye millions of inhabitants, with 
 immortal souls groping in darkness, and but 
 here and there a spot enlightened by Salva- 
 tion's beams — all appeared covered with 
 creatures without souls, being formed of silks, 
 gauzes, &c. having life and motion, but hav- 
 ing no other business here than to examine 
 into each other's texture, beauty, and fashion 
 — but I fear you will be as little edified as I 
 was." [Do not the conduct and character of 
 no small part of the living world around us 
 
124 MEMOIR OF 
 
 correspond too accurately with the lively 
 sketch presented in this extract? How few 
 there are whose chief end is to glorify God 
 and to enjoy him forever !] 
 
 " There is no single view I can take of my- 
 self that can give me satisfaction ; yet I do 
 find satisfaction, yes, intense happiness in 
 looking to Christ. He is all sufficient ; all 
 that I ask is that I may live still looking to 
 him and trusting in him. I feel the need of 
 a large increase of faith. I have been led to 
 think of this, particularly, from visiting a 
 very aged couple, much afflicted and very 
 poor, who I cannot think have ever truly 
 embraced Christ as their Saviour. They ap- 
 pear to be so contented with the state of their 
 souls, that even while trying to open their 
 ieyes to their true condition, I cannot feel 
 much hope that they will yet be enlightened. 
 I measure the power of the Almighty too 
 much by my own. Certainly the usefulness 
 of missionaries, as well as of all Christians, 
 depends very much on their having strong 
 faith. We see some ministers in this coun- 
 try, who, being fond of study themselves, 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 125 
 
 think the best way to bring souls to Christ 
 is by a course of intellectual training ; this 
 training is certainly laudable, but they are 
 too apt to think the mental improvement 
 must be accomplished first, and perhaps do 
 not expect, and consequently do not pray 
 with faith that their souls may now be saved. 
 In this way teachers of the heathen may 
 err; they cannot believe that the light of 
 divine truth can shine into minds dwelling 
 in such gross ignorance ; they begin to 
 teach, but have no expectation — except for 
 the future, after they shall have been taught 
 — that their souls can be saved. In the 
 mean time many may be taken away from 
 the reach of Christian effort or prayer. 
 Man plans, conscientiously no doubt, but 
 will not expect God's work to prosper until 
 his plans are accomplished. I may be wrong 
 in all this, I have formed my opinions chiefly 
 from my own experience with regard to 
 Sunday School scholars." 
 
 ^' Mr. , in prayer always remembers 
 
 the Missionaries, — I love him for doing so. 
 * ^ * Yes, the time will soon come when 
 
126 MEMOIR OF 
 
 it will not be necessary to travel about from 
 church to church to tell Christians that there 
 are souls whose salvation depends on their 
 exertions, that they ought so to pray and so 
 to live that the light of the Gospel might be 
 sent throughout the world — oh yes, the time 
 must come when every man that reads a 
 Bible, every soul that feels the love of 
 Christ, will take no rest while there is one 
 immortal being destitute of the knowledge 
 of the true God. We have every thing to 
 hope, nothing to fear ; we may die, or may 
 not be counted worthy to go, but the God 
 of Missions lives, — it is his cause, and he 
 will make it prosper. Do not be discourag- 
 ed, * * * though Christians are few, and 
 these few fail in love, yet God is strong, he 
 loves his cause." * * 
 
 " While in Washington, amidst so much 
 gayety and splendour, I thought even more 
 than usual of the probable scenes of our fu- 
 ture life, — and comparing our prospects with 
 those of others around me, I was more than 
 ever satisfied with my choice. Any situa- 
 tion that will necessarily lead us constantly 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. 127 
 
 to feel our dependance on God and drive us 
 nearer to him is the one I would choose. 
 * * ^ I felt much fear in going to W. but 
 while there, though seldom alone and with 
 but little time for prayer, yet I recollect no 
 time when I have, in the midst of company, 
 been able to hold such sweet communion 
 with Jesus. I fear I indulged too much in 
 trifling conversation, yet when a moment 
 was given for reflection, my soul seemed to 
 spring free from the fetters that would bind 
 it here, and held converse with its "highest 
 love.'^ 
 
 Referring to some discouraging circum- 
 stances, in one of her letters she writes, 
 "And now when our prospects seem to be 
 somewhat darkened, and our dearest hopes 
 of usefulness in danger of being cut ofi", I 
 can yet trust Him ; Jesus speaks to us, 
 " Let not your heart be troubled.^' Our 
 plans may fail, the Lord's cannot; — his 
 cause will prosper, his name will be made 
 known, and his glory fill the earth. There 
 is too much selfishness in all our attempts to 
 do God service, — we wish to do it in our 
 11 
 
128 MEMOIR OF 
 
 own way, and too often when he points out 
 another we despond. * * Let us have 
 full confidence in our God — he will direct 
 us. We ^' owe him an eternal debt of grati- 
 tude for our conversion," (if we are con- 
 verted,) and in the humblest, most thorny 
 path that leads to Heaven, our hearts should 
 be filled with rejoicing, and our mouths 
 with praise. " Be ye thankful" is the com- 
 mand under all circumstances — " Peace" is 
 his legacy to us, it is our privilege to enjoy 
 it, and, blessed be his name, he gives me 
 much of it. * * * It may evidently 
 not be our duty to go as the Lord's messen- 
 gers to the heathen. I cannot but feel re- 
 gret — more perhaps on my own account, for 
 if we are set aside, I believe others more 
 worthy will be sent, — but as soon as a home 
 in this beloved land is presented, * * * 
 with Christian friends around, within the 
 sound of Sabbath-bells, and the enjoyment 
 of Sabbath privileges, so many bright scenes 
 of enjoyment present themselves, that I fear 
 my heart will be bound to earth. I think 
 it is best for me to have but little enjoyment 
 in this world, but aiiy thing with the love 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 129 
 
 of Christ and I am content * * * j 
 know not whether I can look very well at 
 the *' bright side'^ of things. I believe I 
 look too much at myself, and seeing no 
 bright side there, I conclude all is rather 
 dark. Oh for grace to look always to Christ ! 
 — he is the bright and the morning star, he 
 is the light of our life." 
 
 " The last night, (of a journey she was 
 making,) was so bright and beautiful, as to 
 
 arouse in Mr. all the romantic feelings 
 
 of his youth, and the songs that then de- 
 lighted him were all suno; over. * * * 
 I do not wonder there are so many unhappy 
 matches in this world of ours, for, with the 
 excitement of music, and poetry, and moon- 
 light, imagination takes the reins, bids 
 ' good by' to reason, and for the time being 
 this world appears to be just what we would 
 have it; hope clothes the future with even 
 brighter tints than the present scene, — there 
 is no fear of disappointment or sorrow, pru- 
 dence is forgotten, and passion holds undis- 
 puted sway. However, I have not felt in 
 this way for a long time, not even when 
 
130 M E M I R O F 
 
 rolling on swiftly in the stage, listening to 
 
 Mr. 's exciting songs. I think I have 
 
 had too many lessons ever to feel so again. 
 I feel that we are in the hands of a gracious 
 God, and he may see that it is best for us to 
 disappoint our dearest hopes, and for my- 
 self I try to live daily in the sacrifice of the 
 dearest objects of my afiections to him. My 
 heart often seeks rest in earthly things — 
 * * * — but I believe a higher principle 
 is implanted, and I cannot find rest but by 
 trusting simply in Him, and committing my 
 all into his hands. Leaving home was the 
 severest trial I have lately had. I could not 
 divest myself of the thought that it was for- 
 ever, and I could find no pleasure, * * * 
 but it IS all over now; the cords that bound 
 me are untwisted, my heart is free, I have 
 no home but heaven. I do not think it 
 will cost me so much feeling when I take 
 my final leave." 
 
 ' Some of her friends were at first unwil- 
 ling that she should embark in a foreign 
 mission; not only because they were reluc- 
 tant to part with so beloved a relative, but 
 on account of the precarious state of her 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. I. W R I E. 131 
 
 health. This will explain some things in 
 a few of the following letters. 
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTER-IN-LAW, MRS. M* 
 W., OF WHEELING. 
 
 Alexandria, D. C, Dec. 28M, 1832. 
 Dear Sister M. 
 
 After travelling two days and nights, 
 without an hour's rest, we reached Wash- 
 ington city ; and by means of hack and 
 steam-boat were soon transported to this 
 place. And here I am among strangers, 
 yet feeling quite at home: for I am with 
 those who love the same Father. I never 
 feel like a stranger among Christians; 
 but I do not expect to be always thus , 
 blessed. Dear M., you know from the 
 whole tenor of my life that I love you, and 
 would not willingly give you pain. On 
 the contrary, I would do any thing, consis- 
 tent with duty, to add to your happiness. 
 But I do think, from present convictions 
 of duty, that I must leave you — bid you 
 farewell, with no hope of seeing you until, 
 with all our beloved friends, who have gone 
 before us, we meet around the throne above. 
 11* 
 
132 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Providence may yet shut up the way ; and, 
 on account of my unfitness for the work, I 
 may be laid aside. But if the Lord shalh 
 regard my desires, and accept of my weak 
 services, it is my fixed intention to spend 
 my life among the heathen. Perhaps you 
 may all blame me, dear sister ; perhaps you 
 may think that I^ am wanting in affection, 
 or imagine that I have not counted the cost. 
 But I have looked at it in every possible 
 light. I have endeavoured to examine my- 
 self ; and unless I am greatly deceived, the 
 sole motive that influences my determina- 
 tion is a desire to serve and glorify God. 
 What I may have to suffer, I cannot even 
 imagine ; but I can confide in the promises 
 of God. I know he will not forsake us; 
 and while under his care, what can harm 
 us ? Parting with all of you appears, at pre- 
 sent, the severest trial I shall undergo; and 
 believe me, dear M., it will be as painful to 
 me as it can possibly be to any of you. But 
 will you not cheerfully give me up to the 
 Lord, and pray that I may be strengthened 
 for the work, and made a blessing to others ? 
 If the Lord spare us, and our present pros- 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 133 
 
 pects are realized, we expect to sail in May 
 next. If so, I hope to be with you in 
 March. I fear brother W. will be dis- 
 pleased, and feel disposed to censure me. 
 But I hope he will be convinced that I am 
 doing right. If I were going to the East 
 to receive a fortune, would he not give his 
 consent? And why not in the present 
 instance, if I am to receive an everlasting 
 treasure after death ? I wish he would con- 
 sider this. 
 
 Farewell dear sister j ever yours in love. 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 P. S, Some part of India will probably 
 be the field of labour. 
 
 LETTER TO A LADY IN WHEELING. 
 
 Alexandria, D. C, Jan. 5th, 1833. 
 Many engagements, my dear madam, have 
 prevented my writing until my date is 1S33. 
 There is something solemn in the commence- 
 ment of a year. At that period the question 
 often occurs. What will be my lot this year ? 
 Shall 1 live nearer to my God ? Or shall I 
 bring reproach on his dear cause ? To me 
 
134 MEMOIROF 
 
 this is a peculiarly interesting period, for it is 
 most |)robable that in the providence of God 
 this year may witness important changes 
 in my life. I believe you are my friend, 
 and I know that you take a deep interest in 
 the holy cause of missions, and I believe it 
 but proper to tell you that it is my heart's 
 desire to devote myself to this cause ; and it 
 is my determination, if the Lord still make 
 the way plain, I will go — yes ! it is the 
 language of my heart, 
 
 . //In the deserts let me labour, \ 
 . / On the mountains let me tell, 
 ; 1 How he died — the blessed Saviour-^ 
 ^- To redeem a world from helL,. 
 
 I thank you for all the encouragement 
 you have given me, and still more for your 
 prayers. Will you pray less fervently for 
 me, now that you know my determination ? 
 
 It is our present expectation that the West- 
 ern. Foreign Missionary Society will send 
 out a mission in the spring, in April or May. 
 The time appears short — so soon to leave 
 you all ! But blessed privilege, so soon to 
 be engaged in this labour of love ! I feel 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 135 
 
 a strange mingling of emotions, but joy still 
 prevails; for I do wish to be more useful 
 than I am here. To-morrow the sacrament 
 of the supper is to be celebrated in the church 
 here. It seems to be a very proper work 
 at the commencement of a year to renew 
 the sacramental covenant and make a fresh 
 dedication of all to God. Oh for nearer 
 views of my Saviour — more ardent zeal, 
 purer motives, and more simple dependance 
 on Christ! 
 
 The prayers especially of Christians are 
 needed for the success of Missions. Money 
 may be given, missionaries may be sent, and 
 much labour employed, but without the Holy 
 Spirit's influence, not one darkened soul will 
 be brought into light and life. Oh ! how 
 few Christians pray as they should for the 
 heathen. Some appear to think that once 
 in a month is sufficient, and others scarcely 
 pray for them as often as that. When will 
 the world be converted at this rate ? I would 
 say to yoii, to all. If you love the cause of 
 Christ, if you wish to promote his glory, 
 
 PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. 
 
 My health is now perfectly good, and I 
 
136 MEMOIR OF 
 
 am Stronger than I have been for some years. 
 I hope the Lord is giving me strength as a 
 part of my preparation for his work. I only 
 wish for strength to be spent in his service. 
 I depend on your keeping the contents of 
 this letter entirely secret. I have written to 
 M. of my expectations, but do not wish 
 them to be generally known. 
 
 Good bye, dear friend, may peace be with 
 you. 
 
 Louisa A. Wilson. 
 
 JOURNAL, 1833. 
 
 January Qth, Jilexandria^ D. C. — This 
 day enjoyed the blessed privilege of sitting 
 down at the table of the Lord. It has been 
 to me a feast of gladness. This has not often 
 been the case. When I see how I have dis- 
 honoured Him who has done and suffered 
 so much for me, sorrov/ fills my heart. At 
 such seasons I have usually had convictions 
 of some particular besetting sin. To-day I 
 have not had more than a general view of 
 defilement in every thing. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 137 
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTER-IN-LAW, MRS. M. W., 
 OF WHEELING. 
 Alexandria, D. C, Jan. 15th, 1833. 
 
 Dearest Sister M. 
 
 As much as the prospect of bidding you 
 farewell for life may affect you, I assure you 
 that you do not feel it more sensibly than I 
 do ; for my heart clings to you, and to your 
 dear children. You have been more than a 
 sister — you have been a mother to me. Those 
 kindnesses which are lightly valued by those 
 who have parents, are deeply felt and long 
 remembered by the orphan heart. Dear M., 
 I do not forget your kindness. It has won 
 my love. And much happiness could I find, 
 through life, with no other employment than 
 that of promoting yours, and the best inter- 
 ests of your children. But you, M., dear 
 as you are to me, have not so strong a claim 
 upon me as my Saviour. You have contri- 
 buted to' my happiness in this life; He has 
 purchased for me eternal life, i/g^laims 
 all mj heart, all my services ; and where 
 his providence calls me to labour, there I 
 must go. 
 
138 MEMOIR OF 
 
 'Tis true you need the cherishing kind- 
 ness of friends ; for you have suffered severe 
 affliction, and feel a loneliness of heart, 
 which leads you to solace yourself in the 
 affections of those who sympathize with 
 you. But still M., you have parents, chil- 
 dren, home, Christian friends, Christian pri- 
 vileges, the Bible, and a God of love, who 
 is ever ready to hear your cry — ever ready 
 to say to the tempest-tost soul, " Peace, be 
 still." Think you, dear M., are there no 
 widows, no orphans in heathen lands ? Ah 
 yes ! and theirs are, indeed, days of gloom. 
 The heathen wife is not much respected; 
 the widow still less. Her means of support 
 are gone ; friends prove unkind, and often 
 her only alternative is to submit to volun- 
 tary degradation, in order to gain a pittance 
 to satisfy the cravings of hunger. There 
 no Christian charity lends its aid ; no Chris- 
 tian's Bible is there to instruct. Slaves to 
 the most abject vices, hateful themselves 
 and hating one another, they long for, and 
 yet fear death. Oh ! the daughters of Zion 
 do not prize as they should the rich bles- 
 sings they enjoy. They do not think 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 139 
 
 enough of the condition of those who are 
 destitute of the gospel, and who seek rest 
 and find none. Their systems of religion 
 cannot comfort the afflicted soul. They 
 have nothing to raise them above the trou- 
 bles of this life; and what is still worse, 
 they have no light to guide them to heaven. 
 Dear M., will you not gladly spare me, if I 
 may but be instrumental in leading a few of 
 these benighted souls to the Fountain of 
 bliss? Can you consistently pray for their 
 salvation, if you are not willing, for their 
 sakes, to forego the little gratification of my 
 society .'* Assuredly, it is the duty of some', 
 (persons to be missionaries : and who can be ^ 
 ^found to engage in this work who will not' 
 ihave some sacrifices to make? A lady 
 'once told me, she thought it would be easy 
 for me to go, as I had no parents living; 
 yet it still seems hard. But many have 
 gone and left parents behind. Yes ! parents 
 have blessed their children and encouraged 
 them to go. This is the true spirit of the 
 gospel. It is forgetting self in love for 
 Christ. Oh, M. if I could have your entire 
 approbation, and the hearty concurrence of 
 12 
 
140 MEMOIROF 
 
 all my friends, I should be too happy ! Do 
 pray for more of a missionary spirit, and 
 you will then rejoice, you will praise the 
 Lord that I am counted worthy to suffer in 
 so good a cause. And now, with all my 
 anxiety to be engaged in this work, I fear I 
 may be prevented. Mr. Lowrie's health is 
 not perfectly good ; and if it should fail se- 
 riously we shall settle down at home. By 
 this we shall ascertain the Lord's will re- 
 specting it; if Mr. L.'s health should be 
 good and all things prosper according to ex- 
 pectation, we expect to leave during next 
 spring. But if not we shall conclude that 
 the Lord has selected more worthy labour- 
 ers for the foreign field, and we shall seek to 
 glorify him in some other way. 
 
 As to W., his letter gave me much pain ; 
 and I do not know how to overcome his ob- 
 jections. I cannot reason with him, because 
 he does not understand my principle of ac- 
 tion. But if he loves me, as I trust he does, 
 j^and as I hope he ever will, would it not be 
 1 kindness in him to permit me to seek my 
 (happiness in that way which I think is 
 Wight? I do not think I have been guilty of, 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LGWRIE. 141 
 
 a want of deliberation. I have tried to 
 view the subject in every possible light. If, 
 by remaining in this country, I could have 
 any assurance of longer life, or of greater 
 usefulness, perhaps I might be induced to 
 stay. But W. has had frequent, recent, and 
 melancholy proofs, that even here our dear- 
 est friends must die ; and that many who 
 live are wretched. And wretched, I know, 
 I should be if the path of duty were made 
 plain to me, and I refused to walk in it. 
 'Tis true, in this country, I might find a 
 field of usefulness. And' I hope, if Provi- 
 dence shut up the way to more destitute 
 places, that I shall be heartily engaged in 
 doing good here. But among the heathen 
 I have a prospect of doing a greater amount 
 of good. Their claims are the strongest. 
 Here, all enjoy the light of the gospel, all 
 have the Bible ; and if any are unenlightened 
 it is their own fault. 
 
 W. thinks I " must be changed." I do 
 not know that I am, except that I am not 
 quite so cheerful as formerly ; but I would 
 be so if W., and all of you, would cheerfully 
 
142 MEMOIR OF 
 
 say, '* Louisa, do just what you think rights 
 and may God bless you." 
 
 Yours affectionately, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO MISS C. B. OP 
 MORGANTOWN. 
 
 Alexandria, D. C, Feb. 13th, 1833. 
 
 For two weeks, I have been afflicted 
 with a severe cold. My cough is also bad. 
 But while life appears so uncertain, I have 
 great peace and joy in my soul. I feel that 
 it would be "far better to depart and be 
 with Christ,"' than to walk in the most 
 flowery paths of life, because there we shall 
 " never, never sin.'' 
 
 Yesterday was one year since my dear 
 brother Alpheus found a watery grave. * I 
 feared the approach of the day, lest I should 
 be oppressed with melancholy fealings. But 
 I was led to reflect on the mercy of God in 
 
 * Alpheus P. Wilson, Esq., of Morgantown, was 
 drowned in the Monongahela river, at Brownsville., 
 Pennsylvania, February i2th, 1832. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 143 
 
 overruling all for good, as he has evidently- 
 done; and his kindness in placing me in 
 circumstances of such entire happiness, com- 
 pared with my situation last year. 
 Ever your friend, 
 
 Louisa A. Wilson. 
 
 EXTRACT OP A LETTER TO HER BROTHER, 
 MR. G. W. W., OF WHEELING. 
 
 Alexandria, D. C, March ^d, 1833. 
 To make known to the heathen the way 
 of salvation, is a duty plainly inculcated 
 in the Scriptures — a duty to which the 
 regenerate heart cannot fail to respond. But 
 this cannot be accomplished without making 
 some sacrifices. Friends must be left be- 
 hind. And why should not I, highly fa- 
 voured of the Lord as I have ever been; 
 why should not I, as a tribute of gratitude, 
 be willing to make these sacrifices ? Few, 
 indeed, have as many kind friends to leave: 
 few have found so much enjoyment in the 
 society of kindred hearts: but dearly as I 
 love you all; much as it adds to my happi- 
 ness to be with you; still, still I love my 
 Saviour more. And though far from you, 
 12* 
 
144 MEMOIR OF 
 
 in heathen lands, if blessed with his presence 
 and love, I shall be happy. Do not, dear 
 brother, take so gloomy a view of the subject. 
 Remember that when the heart is at ease, 
 then, and only then, all is well. But if I 
 should be forced to remain in this country, 
 do you think I should be happy ? No! no! 
 If you love me, then, if you still desire to 
 promote the happiness of one whom you 
 have ever kindl)^ cherished^ only give your 
 full consent to my wishes, and from my 
 heart I will thank you. 
 
 Mr. Lowrie is now in town. Under all 
 circumstances, we deem it most expedient 
 to be married here. His father and N. both 
 approve of this arrangement; and next Tues- 
 day morning is the time fixed upon for the 
 performance of the ceremony. 
 
 I have been very unwell with a protracted 
 cold and cough — am now better, though still 
 coughing a good deal. I hope travelling 
 may cure me. I hope to see you soon: till 
 then, good bye, dear brother, and believe me 
 Your affectionate sister, 
 
 Louisa. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 145 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A FRIEND. 
 
 [Date not given.] 
 
 In our trip we met with but one incident: 
 in ascending a high mountain, the horses 
 proved refractory, and refused to pull. Some 
 of the passengers led, while others whipped 
 the horses. Mr. *, and I w^alked on about 
 two miles, beguiling the darkness and rough- 
 ness of the way with conversation. I thought 
 of the journeyings in which we might be 
 engaged in foreign lands, amidst darkness 
 and peril, with no kind friends to await our 
 arrival, and bid us kindly welcome. But 
 why did I think so? Is not the Lord Jesus 
 himself; with many of our beloved friends, 
 waiting to welcome us to the mansions of 
 rest, when the toilsome journey of life is 
 over ? We shall also have a guide even 
 unto death, to whom "the darkness and the 
 light are both alike.'^ Then let us never fear. 
 It is not in the power of earthly changes to 
 make us long unhappy. Though deprived 
 of the comforts which now surround us; 
 though cut oflf from the joys of Christian 
 society, with our eyes fixed on the cross, we 
 
146 MEMOIR OF 
 
 will not shrink; with the star of Bethlehem 
 for our guide we shall steer safely amidst 
 life's most dreary tempests. I cannot form 
 any correct conception of the sufferings we 
 may have to endure; but I know that the 
 grace of God is sufficient for us: and the 
 severest trials can do no more than hasten 
 death, and death has lost its terrors. Then 
 let us trust in the Lord, and serve him with 
 all our hearts, and we shall be happy in any 
 circumstances. I am, this morning, looking 
 at all the difficulties of life through the prism 
 of faith. The love of Jesus tinges the 
 darkest clouds with rainbow radiance. It 
 is a consolation that we can but die; and, 
 through Christ, there is victory in death, and 
 after death there is glory. 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 extract of a letter to miss j. i. p., op 
 morgantown. 
 
 Wheeling, March ISth, 1833. 
 
 Dear J. 
 
 You were not, perhaps, surprised to hear 
 of my marriage to Mr. Lowrie. I think 
 the Lord has thus far directed my steps. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 147 
 
 And now there is a prospect of having the 
 most dearly cherished desires of my heart 
 fulfilled. Oh ! I do praise the Lord for the 
 prospect of making known to the heathen 
 the glad news of salvation. It is his w^ork; 
 and he will reward all who engage in it with 
 the richest spiritual blessings. Come life or 
 death ! any thing that the Lord appoints 
 will be sweet. I am anxious to be gone: 
 not that my affection for my home, my 
 country, or my dear friends has diminished. 
 No, they seem to entwine themselves around 
 my heart more strongly than ever. But I 
 feel a strange willingness to leave them all. 
 "The love of Christ constrains me;'^ for if 
 he died for us, ought we not to suffer any 
 thing for his glory; any thing to save our 
 perishing fellow-men? Oh! J., will you 
 not pray more than ever for the success of 
 missions? Do pray for me. You know my 
 unfitness for the work: but the Lord can 
 do all things; only make for me large re- 
 quests. 
 
 I intend going to Steubenville to-day, but 
 shall not remain long. I expect J. to return 
 
148 MEMOIR OF 
 
 with me. Write soon and direct to Wheel- 
 ing. Farewell, dear J. 
 
 Your ever affectionate 
 
 Louisa. 
 
 JOURNAL, 1833. 
 
 April 25th, Pittsburgh, Pa. — I have 
 bidden farewell to home, and most of my 
 dear friends with no prospect of ever seeing 
 them again in the present world. The Lord 
 has helped me. I have felt an unusual de- 
 gree of cheerfulness. And though tears 
 will sometimes flow at the thought of never 
 again seeing those persons and places that 
 have long been dear to me, yet I thank the 
 Lord that I feel, in a great measure, loosened 
 from earth. 
 
 How important is the step I have taken ! 
 May the Lord enable me to accomplish 
 that which is in my heart. May I always 
 realize the responsibility under which I act ! 
 I feel that the privilege of the station I oc- 
 cupy is great ; and " my soul does magnify 
 the Lord, that he hath regarded the low 
 estate of his handmaiden. For he that is 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 149 
 
 mighty hath done to me great things "* 
 ]VIany prayers are now offered up for me. 
 Oh Lord ! grant me grace according to 
 every moment's need, to enable me to 
 cease from self, and glorify thee. Amen. 
 Amen. 
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTER-IN-LAW, MRS. M. 
 A. W., OF MORGANTOWN. 
 
 Pittsburgh, April 21th, 1833. 
 
 Dear Sister M. A. 
 
 I snatch a few moments to commune 
 with you in the only way which now re- 
 mains to us. I have cause for gratitude in 
 the cheerfulness of heart which the Lord in 
 mercy bestows on me. I had, from the 
 first, dreaded leaving Morgantown more 
 than any thing I could think of; but grace 
 was sufficient for me. At night, on review- 
 ing my feelings through the day, I was con- 
 vinced that it had been one of the happiest 
 days of my life. I felt in reality as a stran- 
 ger and a pilgrim on the earth, on my way 
 to a happy home in the heavens. 
 
 * Luke i. 46-49. 
 
150 MEMOIR or 
 
 In New Geneva we bade farewell to * * 
 *, to * *, and your uncle * * * ^^ and also 
 to your brother J. ; in Smithfield, to Miss 
 E. C. ; in Uniontown, to many friends : 
 and here the hour of farewell will soon 
 come. Be it so : and blessed be our God 
 that he permits us to do all this in the hope 
 of advancing his cause among the heathen. 
 
 Mr. Lowrie and myself are quite well at 
 pij-esent; and have become so much accus- 
 tomed to travelling that we scarcely feel the 
 fatigue. As the time for our departure ap- 
 proaches I know not how to leave without 
 seeing W. Dear Brother, he knows not 
 how much I feel. 
 
 I fear I shall not see the Misses E. and 
 S. 0, We have sent out for Mr. L.'s sis- 
 ters, as we have not time to visit Brad- 
 dock's Field. I regard it as a great privi- 
 lege to have the prayers of so many Chris- 
 tians. I feel strengthened by them. I 
 trust our friends will not cease to pray for 
 us while breath remains. Remember me 
 most affectionately to them all; I cannot 
 specify individuals. Farewell. 
 Your loving sister, 
 
 Louisa A. Lowrie. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 151 
 
 LETTER TO MISS J. I. P. OF MORGANTOWN. 
 JBaltimore, May 3d, 1833, 
 
 My Dear J. 
 
 I am almost too much fatigued to write ; 
 but think it best to inform our friends in 
 Morgantown of our safe arrival here. You 
 have, perhaps, heard from M. A., that we 
 reached Pittsburgh on Thursday evening, 
 April 25th. While in that city we found 
 little time for rest, being almost constantly 
 with company. Christian friends there were 
 exceedingly kind and affectionate ; and I re- 
 gretted that we could spend no more time 
 with them. 
 
 On Sabbath morning Mr. L. preached in 
 Dr. Herron's church ; in the afternoon in 
 Mr. Swift's ; and at night in Mr. J. Hal- 
 sey's in Alleghenytown. The sermon at 
 night was on the subject of missions, and 
 was immediately followed by an address 
 from Mr. Halsey. I wish you could have 
 heard him. The church was crowded, but 
 I could have wished that the world had 
 been there. His looks, his gestures, his lan- 
 guage, were all eloquent; and there was 
 13 
 
152 MEMOIROF 
 
 evidence of a deep feeling pervading all he 
 said, which I thought must reach every 
 heart. He spoke in strong terms of the 
 slothful, the contracted, the selfish spirit 
 that prevailed among Christians. He said, 
 " That from the first it was so. The apos- 
 tles and first followers of our Lord saw no 
 more than the wants of their brethren in 
 Judea. They lingered about her borders, 
 and would not ' Go into all the loorld^ 
 until Paul was ^ born as one out of due 
 time.' He seized the gospel torch and 
 waved it through the world : and then per- 
 secution arose, and drove them all abroad." 
 Again: he inquired, "Brethren, are foreign 
 missions a new thing? Who was the first 
 foreign missionary ? The Lord Jehovah, 
 whom we call Christ. He left the glories 
 of heaven, and touched upon our earth as a 
 missionary. Why, Brethren, I look upon 
 myself as a converted heathen ! Whom did 
 our forefathers worship ? and whom, if it 
 had not been for the first foreign Mission- 
 ary, would we have worshipped ? Ask the 
 days of the week. On Sunday, the sun ; 
 on Monday, the moon, and so on through 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 153 
 
 the week.* Why, brethren, the very ele' 
 ments pf heathenism cleave about us, and 
 shall we be forgetful of others ?" I cannot 
 give more of his address, but I thought it 
 sufficient to arouse every heart. After meet- 
 ing we walked to the Theological Seminary, 
 and staid at Professor Halsey^s. I felt it a 
 gljeat privilege, indeed, to become acquainted 
 with both the Mrs. H.'s. We sat up late, 
 unwilling to take time for sleep ; and rose 
 early on Monday morning, as a farewell 
 meeting with the students, had been ap- 
 pointed before breakfast. As the meeting 
 had not been published, I did not expect to 
 see any but the inmates of the Seminary ; 
 but there was quite a large assemblage from 
 Alleghenytown. When we entered the hall 
 they were singing, " How firm a foundation," 
 &c. Oh, it was sweet and comforting ! I 
 
 * Tuesday was named from Tuisco, the most 
 ancient idol of the Germans and Saxons; Wednes- 
 day, from Woden, the Mars of the Saxons; Thurs- 
 day, from Thor, an ancient idol of the same people; 
 Friday from Friga, the Sayon Venus; and Satur- 
 day from Saturn. — [compiler.] 
 
154 MEMOIR OF 
 
 heard three fervent prayers offered for us, 
 and for the Redeemer's cause ; and three 
 hymns were sung. But I could no longer 
 endure the effects of the fatigue of the pre- 
 ceding day. The want of rest, and the close 
 air of the room overcame me. I went out 
 into the hall and while there fainted. I thus 
 lost the farewell remarks of Professor HaJ- 
 sey which were said to be excellent. As 
 soon as I had fully recovered I returned, and 
 bade farewell to many brethren and sisters 
 in Christ. After breakfast we went over to 
 the city, and spent the day in company ; so 
 that there was scarcely time left for compos- 
 ing one's mind or even for prayer. 
 
 There was a farewell meeting held at 
 night in Dr. Herron's church, which was 
 well filled. Mr. L. and Mr. J. Halsey 
 again delivered addresses : and some beauti- 
 ful hymns were sung. Last of all. Mr. L. 
 read the one commencing " Yes ; my native 
 land, I love thee.'' Copies had been pre- 
 viously distributed to the congregation ; and 
 it was sung in a most affecting manner. I 
 could not forbear shedding tears of mingled 
 sorrow and joy. Dr. Herron made a short 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 155 
 
 farewell address to Mr. Lowrie, and then 
 we shook hands with more persons than I 
 can now number. It was almost too much 
 for flesh and heart to endure. After we 
 passed into the street,! perceived Mr. Lowrie 
 and Mr. A. B. hanging on each other's neck 
 and weeping profusely. I thought surely 
 this is hitter. But the parting with Mr. 
 L.'s brothers and sisters was the hardest of 
 all. Oh may the Lord overrule all for good! 
 At four, on Tuesday morning, we left Pitts- 
 burgh. The scenes of the last few days 
 were, altogether, too much for Mr. L. ; and 
 besides the heat of the weather was oppres- 
 sive. He was quite ill all the way, and is 
 now unable to proceed to the Newcastle 
 Presbytery. 
 
 And now, dear J., I have filled my sheet 
 with the particulars of our journey and have 
 scarcely room to say how much I love you 
 all. I am greatly comforted with the assu- 
 rance that we shall be remembered in your 
 prayers. Will you pray that, if it is con- 
 sistent with the Lord's will, we may have 
 good health? May the Saviour be with you 
 all. Louisa A. Lowrie. 
 
 13* 
 
156 MEMOIR OF 
 
 EXTRACT OP A LETTER TO A LADY IN 
 WHEELING. 
 
 Baltimore, May 6th 1833. 
 
 Dear Mrs. * * * * 
 
 On this day last year I was in the midst 
 of friends, enjoying the prospect of ending 
 my days with them ; but I did not then feel 
 as calm and as happy as I do now. This 
 day is the anniversary of our dear Emily's 
 death.* I think her death did much toward 
 convincing me of the folly of remaining at 
 home with a view to enjoy ease, happiness, 
 or long life. She, in the midst of every 
 temporal comfort and surrounded by friends 
 who were ready to die for her, suffered the 
 most intense agony, and went down to the 
 grave in the bloom of youth. 
 
 "Why fly from ill, with anxious skill, 
 When soon this hand shall freeze, 
 This quivering lip be still." 
 
 I suppose it to be only in the path of duty 
 that we may feel safe and enjoy an unshaken 
 
 * A cousin of Mrs. Lowrie. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 157 
 
 confidence that God will overrule all for 
 good, even though the present may be 
 shrouded in darkness. I think I am in the 
 path of duty, and it is this confidence in God 
 that supports me now. My home is far 
 away — my friends are left behind ; but the 
 Lord is near, and heaven is before me. 
 Louisa A. Lowrie. 
 
 LETTER TO MISS A. E. P., OF MORGANTOWN. 
 Baltimore, May 11 th, 1833. 
 
 Dear A. E. 
 
 Your kind letter was received in due time, 
 and was refeshing to me as news from dear 
 home, when lonely among strangers. Mr. 
 L. left this city a week since, and I felt a 
 little desolate ; and though it was pleasant to 
 hear from home, and, in imagination, to seat 
 myself w4th the dear circle assembled at 
 your mother's for prayer, still I do not de- 
 pend on these remembrances of the past for 
 comfort but look upward and forward. On- 
 ward must be my course, and heavenward 
 my eyes. I attended female prayer-meeting 
 here this day week, and hope to go again 
 this evening. I felt as if at homej there ap- 
 
158 MEMOIR OP 
 
 peared to be the same simplicity and affec- 
 tionate feeling as in Morgantown. I hope 
 3^ou will not be discouraged on account of 
 numbers : there are not many more who 
 attend here than at M. 
 
 The assurance of an interest in your pray- 
 ers, and those of other dear friends in M., is 
 sweet consolation to me. I wonder that I 
 grow so little in grace when I enjoy so many 
 privileges. I do not recollect when I have 
 been so much cast down on account of un- 
 worthiness, as since my arrival here. I have 
 felt unfit to live, much less to engage in so 
 holy and so blessed a work. And how can 
 I, dear A., defiled as I am with sin, and going 
 continually astray myself, — how can I be 
 qualified to give advice to others? Outward 
 faults we easily perceive; but these flow 
 from springs of evil which lie hidden in the 
 heart. The best way to know our faults is, 
 to pray much, to watch continually, and to 
 cherish an humble, teachable disposition, 
 willing to see and to forsake whatever is' 
 wrong. We are apt to think if we were 
 with this person, or in that place, we should 
 become more eminent Christians. But whilst 
 particular circumstances do affect our growth 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 159 
 
 in grace, this is not necessarily the case. 
 All places are equally near to God. We can 
 see light only in his light; and with no 
 friend but him, with no teacher but the 
 Holy Spirit, we may do his will more ac- 
 ceptably than when we have many objects 
 of dependance. 
 
 A few days since, in looking over Mr. 
 L.'s trunk, I found your mother's farewell 
 note to him. I had not seen it before ; and 
 it brought the tears to my eyes. ** My 
 Child r^ Oh, may she ever pray and feel 
 for me, as if I were her own daughter ! She 
 has, indeed, been a mother to me. 
 
 The acquaintances I have formed here are 
 most of them very pleasant. Perhaps two 
 young ladies will accompany me to Phila- 
 delphia. We expect to meet many acquaint- 
 ances from the West there. I have felt un- 
 usually serious, and sometimes melancholy 
 since my arrival here; but never a moment's 
 regret on account of my determination to 
 leave all. All my gloom has arisen from 
 dissatisfaction with myself. Remember me 
 kindly to all my dear friends. 
 
 Yours in the love of Christ, 
 
 Louisa A. Lowrie. 
 
160 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The following pieces, written about this 
 time in the albums of two friends, will show 
 how beautifully she could blend serious feel- 
 ing and instruction with the common me- 
 mentos of afifection. 
 
 " That life is long which answers life's great end." 
 
 '^ We are honoured in being placed here 
 to live for the glory of God. That God — 
 who speaks and it is done — should employ 
 such worms as we are to accomplish His 
 pleasure, is cause for continual rejoicing — 
 but, added to this^ He has promised a reward 
 for the little we can do. ' They that turn 
 many to righteousness shall shine as the 
 stars for ever and ever. ' Blessed prospect ! 
 — blessed privilege to labour for our Saviour 
 here ! — blessed hope to dwell forever in the 
 presence of the Lord ! 
 
 " Come life — come death — come then what will — 
 " His footsteps let me follow still." 
 
 Louisa A. Lowrie. 
 ^jon7 29M, 1833.'^ 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 161 
 
 " There is no joy in the green-wood bower, 
 There is no joy in the fragrant flower; 
 There is nothing sweet in the balmy air, 
 To the heart that lingers in sadness there." 
 
 "As there is no place secure from the in- 
 trusion of sin, so all places are alike open to 
 the visits of sorrow. Even in my quiet 
 native vale, though, like Jerusalem of old, 
 encompassed round ahout with hills, and 
 separate from the gay and thoughtless world, 
 — even there sin and death have visited, and 
 taught its contented inhabitants that ' this is 
 not our rest' No! no! home with all its 
 pleasant scenes, its placid river and verdant 
 hills, its gardens and delightful walks, its 
 friendships and loves, all these, all that earth 
 can bestow, cannot give happiness to the 
 soul, equal to that found in one hour spent 
 (in obedience to the command of our Lord) 
 in doing good to our fellow immortals. 
 This world is beautiful, and some of its 
 scenes are dear : but should our attachment 
 to one loved spot, to one circle of friends, 
 prevent us from obeying the command of 
 Him who gave us all! No : the more he 
 has given us here, the greater are our obli- 
 
162 MEMOIR OF 
 
 gations to leave all for Him. Can we, while 
 partaking of the ' Spirit of Christ/ neglect 
 to give bread to the hungry ? And will we 
 not hear the cry, ' We are famishing,' be- 
 cause it comes from afar ? Can we live at 
 ease, and be at rest, when we know the de- 
 graded condition of heathen females ? Oh ! 
 let us not find joy in any thing — let our 
 hearts * linger in sadness,' until those spi- 
 ritual blessings we enjoy, are conveyed to 
 others. 
 
 ) 
 
 " Happy home ! 'tis sure I love thee ; 
 
 Yet I gladly say, Farewell ! 
 In the desert let me labour, 
 
 On the mountains let me tell 
 How he died — the precious Saviour, 
 K,d To redeem a world from hell.'* 
 
 Louisa A. Lowrie." 
 
 JOURNAL 1833. 
 
 May 23d, Philadelphia. — On this day, 
 two years ago, I was watching by the dying 
 bed of my dear brother Eugenius. About 
 nine in the evening his spirit took its flight, 
 as I trust, to the world of the blessed. This 
 evening, how different my circumstances ! 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 163 
 
 far removed from the loved circle who wept 
 with me around his bed, parted from them 
 for life, and making one of a large congre- 
 gation in Philadelphia, witnessing the ordi- 
 nation of my husband as a missionary to the 
 heathen ! 
 
 May 2Qth, Sabbath. — In the afternoon 
 heard Dr. Spring, in the First Presbyterian 
 Church. After sermon, the Lord's supper 
 was administered to the members of the 
 General Assembly [then in session] and as 
 many other Christians as desired to partake 
 with them. The body of the church was 
 filled with communicants — our last com- 
 munion season in a Christian land ! How 
 different will be our next if ever permitted 
 to enjoy another ! 
 
 NOTE TO HER SISTER-IN-LAW, MRS. A. P. C 
 AT STEUBENVILLE. 
 
 Philadelphia, May 21th^ 1833. 
 
 Dear Sister A. 
 
 I have delayed writing, that I might in- 
 form you of the time of our sailing. And 
 now the time is so near, and I have so much 
 to do, that I have scarcely leisure to write 
 14 
 
164 ME MO IE OF 
 
 as I would wish. I remained two weeks in 
 Baltimore with brother N. We reached 
 here on Tuesday the 21st. Mr. L. was 
 ordained on Thursday evening : I felt it to 
 be the most highly privileged day of my 
 life. 
 
 The people are very kind in assisting us, 
 and supplying our wants. May the Lord 
 reward them ! The vessel will sail on 
 Wednesday. She is the Star, Captain Grif- 
 fin. The Captain is spoken of as a kind 
 gentleman, somewhat advanced in years. 
 In brother and sister Reed we shall have 
 pleasant companions ; and in Christ we shall 
 find a never-failing friend, so that we need 
 not fear. All will be well. 
 
 My health is bad, and my cough still 
 continues, and appears to have materially 
 weakened my lungs. Indeed, my bodily 
 strength is not at all equal to what it was 
 when I left you. My only hope of re- 
 covery is from the voyage. But I feel no 
 anxious concern. All is with the Lord ; 
 and let him send life or death, whatever is 
 His will, is mine. I onl>^ pray, " Father, 
 glorify thyself'^ in me. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A, L O W R I E. 1 65 
 
 May our precious Saviour be with you ! 
 Pray ever for us. Farewell. 
 
 Louisa A. Lowrie. 
 
 JOURNAL, 1833. 
 
 May 21th, Monday. — Much engaged 
 with company. No time through the day 
 for private meditation or prayer; yet the 
 Lord kept me in a tranquil frame of mind. 
 In the evening visited at Mrs. K's., and 
 after warsd attended the meeting of the Fe- 
 male Society for educating heathen youth. 
 An interesting report was read by our kind 
 friend, Mr. E., with an extract from Mr. 
 Ramsey's last letter. 
 
 May 28 t/i, Tuesday. — Through the day 
 engaged with company. May the Lord di- 
 rect their hearts to pray for us. In the 
 afternoon attended a female prayer meeting. 
 Was seated by the side of " Mother P — " 
 and felt grateful for the affection she showed 
 me. I think the Lord was with us, and 
 answered us while we were yet speaking. 
 
 The languor, which had oppressed me 
 
166 I MEMOIR OF 
 
 during the day, left me ; and I was strength- 
 ened for the duties of the evening. 
 
 On the evening of Tuesday, May 28th, 
 a missionary meeting, numerously attended, 
 was held in the Second Presbyterian Church 
 in Philadelphia, to commend the mission-, 
 aries, previously to their departure on the 
 morrow, to the protection and blessing of 
 God. The religious journals speak of it as 
 the most deeply affecting and interesting oc- 
 casion of the kind that had ever been wit- 
 nessed in that city. The venerable Dr. 
 Green, editor of the Christian Advocate, 
 says, " This was to us the most interesting 
 meeting that we ever attended. Every thing 
 was calculated to excite solemn and delight- 
 ful emotions. We saw a mission family 
 going out under the auspices of the Pres- 
 byterian church, the object of our labours 
 and our prayers for successive years. The 
 family itself was amiable and interesting in 
 no ordinary degree. Two young brethren 
 of the most promising talents, with their 
 wives, to whom they had been recently mar- 
 ried, eminently qualified to be the partners 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 167 
 
 of missionaries, and not less devoted to the 
 work than their husbands ; all animated by 
 one spirit a spirit of unreserved devoted- 
 ness to the Redeemer, raising them above 
 the world, and enabling them with tenderest 
 affection, but with serious cheerfulness, and 
 without a sigh or a tear, to bid adieu for life 
 to kindred, friends, and country, that they 
 might bear the messages of salvation to the 
 benighted heathen. The exercises also were 
 all appropriate and deeply impressive/' 
 " We know not that we were as much affect- 
 ed by any other singing that we ever heard, 
 as we were by the following hymn when 
 sung by the sweet voices of the missionaries 
 and their wives." 
 
 " Yes, ray native land, I love thee, 
 
 All thy scenes, — I love them well ; 
 Friends, connections, happy country ! 
 Can I bid you ail farewell 1 
 Can I leave you, 
 Far in heathen lands to dwell ? 
 
 Home ! thy joys are passing lovely : 
 
 Joys no stranger heart can tell. 
 Happy home ! 'tis sure I love thee ! 
 
 Can I — can I say — Farewell ? 
 14* 
 
1^ MEMOIR OF 
 
 Can I leave thee, 
 Far in heathen lands to dwell ] 
 
 Scenes of sacred peace and pleasure. 
 Holy days, and Sabbath bell, 
 
 Richest, brightest, sweetest treasure ! 
 Can I say a last farewell 1 
 Can I leave you, 
 
 Far in heathen lands to dwell ? 
 
 Yes, I hasten from you gladly. 
 From the scenes I loved so well, 
 
 Far away, ye billows, bear me ; 
 Lovely native land, farewell ! 
 Pleas'd I leave thee, 
 
 Far in heathen lands to dwell. 
 
 In the deserts let me labour : 
 On the mountains let me tell 
 
 How he died — the blessed Saviour — 
 To redeem a world from hell ! 
 Let me hasten. 
 
 Far in heathen lands to dwell. 
 
 Bear me on thou restless ocean ! 
 
 Let the winds my canvass swell : 
 Heaves my heart with warm emotion, 
 
 While I go far hence to dwell ; 
 Glad I bid thee, 
 Native land ! Farewell ! Farewell !" 
 
MRS. LOUISA A, LOWRIE. 169 
 
 After the benediction had been pro- 
 nounced, the missionaries addressed a few 
 words to the waiting crowd. The Rev. Mr. 
 LowRiE first spoke of the cheerfulness with 
 which he and his associates were about to re- 
 linquish the endearments of home, and 
 friends, and native land, to enter the distant 
 field ; and the desire they felt, not only that 
 they might be remembered in the prayers 
 of Christians, while upon the ocean, and in 
 a foreign land, but that efibrts to send the 
 gospel to the heathen might be greatly in- 
 creased in the churches in this country. 
 
 He was followed by the Rev. Mr Reed, 
 who, in a feeling manner, touched upon the 
 unhappy condition in which they were about 
 to leave many in this country, who were 
 careless and impenitent in the midst of the 
 abundant means of grace they enjoyed. 
 
 The Hon. Walter Lowrie, Secretary 
 of the Senate of the United States, whose 
 son was one of the missionaries, then arose, 
 at the earnest request of some of his friends, 
 and addressed a few words to the assembly. 
 This address, remarks the same Reverend 
 Editor, ^* had in it more of the simpli- 
 
170 MEMOIR OF 
 
 city, and sublimity of Christian principle, 
 aim, and motive than any thing we had ever 
 before heard or read.'^ He spoke of the 
 strength of those attachments which a father 
 might be supposed to feel, towards a dutiful 
 and affectionate son — and an eldest son: 
 and especially a son whose piety and self- 
 consecration to the missionary work, were, 
 in his mind, associated with the counsels 
 and prayers of the departed wife — the sainted 
 mother; whose eminent Christian graces and 
 attainments, the occasion seemed so forcibly 
 to recall. But he assured his Christian 
 friends, that, though he felt, and felt deeply, 
 at parting with these children, yet, instead of 
 any feeling of reluctance or regret, he could 
 say that he was willing, and even anxious 
 that they should go: — that if there was any 
 station which he envied, it was that which 
 they were about to assume; and that he 
 could freely part with every child he had, if 
 they were going to leave their native shores, 
 on such an errand. 
 
 But to give an adequate summary of these 
 remarks, or to describe the manner in which 
 they were delivered, or the effect which they 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 171 
 
 produced upon the audience, would be utterly 
 impracticable. Though the exercises were 
 protracted to a late hour, the people seemed 
 unwilling to terminate the services of so de- 
 lightful an evening. 
 
 JOURNAL, 1833. 
 
 May 28, Tuesday evening. — Attended 
 the farewell meeting. Dr. Alexander's ad- 
 dress was most inspiriting. The kindness of 
 the people almost overcame me. Again and 
 again the question arose in my mind. Why, 
 Lord, dost thou favour me thus ? I felt 
 stronger than for many weeks previous. 
 After returning to Mr. J. P. E.'s, could 
 scarcely refrain from weeping that this was 
 the last evening we were to spend with these 
 kind friends. 
 
 Wednesday, — At three o'clock, P. M., 
 we were at the boat. The farewells were 
 nearly all exchanged. Our friends stood 
 watching on the shore; and above them all 
 dear Mr. E. Tears would flow. I looked 
 back until they were lost in the distance, 
 and I then felt that home and friends were all 
 
172 M E M I R F 
 
 lost to me. A choking sensation came over 
 me: I tried to look to heaven and there found 
 some support. Yet my mind was in much 
 confusion, and I only realized that most of 
 those I loved on earth were left behind; that 
 I should see them no more on this side the 
 grave. And though I felt no desire to turn 
 back, yet it seemed as if my heart strings 
 were breaking asunder. 
 
 Nature seemed to mourn with me. The 
 rain poured down and every thing looked 
 gloomy, until a short time after our arrival 
 at Newcastle, when the sun broke out, and 
 a beautiful rainbow appeared in the heavens. 
 The clouds which had appeared so dark, 
 were tinged with brightness; and by these 
 changes in nature, the promises of God were 
 brought to my mind. I felt more of the 
 blessedness of trusting in the Lord; and 
 cheerfulness took possession of my breast. 
 After tea at Newcastle, Mr. and Mrs. H. 
 with other friends who had accompanied us, 
 bade us farewell, and after a season of prayer, 
 we retired to rest. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. . 173 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM DR. M. S. TO 
 THE HON. EDGAR C. WILSON, OF MORGAN- 
 TOWN. 
 
 Philadelphia, May 23th, J 833. 
 
 It will be highly gratifying to you and 
 your friends, to know that the utmost kind- 
 ness and attention, which Christian friend- 
 ship is capable of exerting, was paid to your 
 beloved sister, and her affectionate husband; 
 and if the prayers of the righteous shall 
 avail much, their success will be commen- 
 surate with their most ardent and holy de- 
 sires. 
 
 Last night Mrs. S. and myself were with 
 them until 11 o'clock, at which time, when 
 I parted from your sister, she desired me 
 to say to her friends, that "this was the hap- 
 piest moment of her life." And I may add 
 that it was a- truly gratifying occasion, to see 
 all the Rev. Clergy — the Fathers of the 
 church, some of whom have long since re- 
 tired from pastoral duties, come forward 
 with all the fervency of youth, to commend 
 these young missionaries of the cross to 
 God, and to add their prayers to those of 
 
174 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the thronging multitude for their preserva- 
 tion and success. Believe me, my dear sir, 
 few if any went away without shedding tears, 
 and feeling that the occasion was one of pe- 
 culiar solemnity. The thrilling sympathy 
 which ran through the assembly, when they 
 sung the " Farewell Hymn,'^ was beyond 
 expression. Even those who felt most deeply 
 cannot adequately describe the moving scene. 
 Yours very truly, 
 
 M. S. 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO HON. EDGAR C. 
 WILSON, OF MORGANTOWN. 
 
 Ship Star, Delaware Bay, May 30<A, 1833. 
 
 Dear Brother and Sister : 
 
 Having arranged a few flowers, and 
 seated myself in the cabin, I feel quite at 
 home ; and wish to tell you how happy I 
 am. We left Philadelphia yesterday, at 3 
 o'clock, P. M. Several ladies and gentle- 
 men accompanied us from that city, with 
 father, and brother M., and Rev. Mr. Swift. 
 We came on board this morning ; many 
 accompanied us — now all are gone. Our 
 vessel is nobly stemming the tide with a fine 
 
MRS. L O U I S A A. L O W R I K. 175 
 
 breeze, and now " Native land, farewell, 
 farewell!" The desires of my heart are 
 thus far accomplished. " I love the Lord 
 because he hath heard my voice." " Bless 
 the Lord, Oh my soul !" Last evening, 
 sorrow filled my heart because I was so soon 
 to leave all ; but, at the same time, I rejoiced 
 in the privilege. This morning I feel as 
 cheerful as I ever did in my life. 
 Farewell. May God bless you all ! 
 Your loving Sister, 
 
 Louisa A. Lowrie. 
 
 "P. S. I send this back by the pilot. 
 
 JOURNAL) 1833. 
 
 May 2>\st, Fridaij.—We all felt unwell, 
 but tried to keep about. I thought much of 
 -the comforts of home, and was tempted to 
 envy the ease of the wicked. Wished to 
 be engaged for the conversion of the hea- 
 then, but wondered if the Lord could not 
 employ some easier method to instruct them. 
 Immediately I felt ashamed of my selfish 
 love of ease. May the Lord forgive the 
 sins of my thoughts during sickness ! 
 15 
 
176 MEMOIR OF 
 
 June 2d, Sabbath. — Quite ill of sea-sick- 
 ness. Prayers on deck, and a short public 
 service during the day. Mr. Lowrie, though 
 unwell, made some remarks on the 23d 
 Psalm, showing the character of God as 
 worthy of the confidence of his people. 
 Felt willing to be in the Lord's hands, and 
 know no will but his ; but was too languid 
 to feel much enjoyment. 
 
 June 9t/i, Sabbath. — All too ill, and 
 weather too bad to have prayers; as had 
 been the case during most of the preceding 
 week. This is no day of rest to me. In 
 the evening thought that the sickness of the 
 day could not excuse my wandering, worldly 
 thoughts. While Mr. L. was singing some 
 hymns, the Lord granted me some views of 
 the heavenly country, which made the sor- 
 rows of this life appear light. Shed tears 
 of joy at the prospect of being one day with 
 the Lord. "- 
 
 Monday. — I have to complain of the low 
 state of piety in my heart. Feel much the 
 want of a place for private prayer. Very 
 little concerned for souls. Soul and body 
 overcome with languor. 
 
31 R S. LOriSA A. LOMRIE. 177 
 
 Tuesday. — Had some views of the neces- 
 sity of a nearer walk with God. Weather 
 bad — ship tossing — no fear of death — feel 
 calmness of mind, but little love. 
 
 Wednesday. — Finished reading the life 
 of Barr. The spirit he manifested con- 
 demns me. We concluded to hold confer- 
 ence meetings on Wednesday evenings. 
 Subject for next evening, the first four 
 verses of Col. iii. 
 
 Thursday . — Feel quit§ well — my mind 
 clear. Had new desires for communion with 
 God. Commenced with Sister Reed com- 
 mitting to memory some of the promises of 
 God. 
 
 Friday. — Had prayers in the cabin for 
 the first time. [ They had been held on the 
 deck previously.l Determined to study 
 for Bible class, the 1st chapter of the Acts. 
 Felt thankful for the kindness of the captain 
 and officers of the ship. Had some plea- 
 sant conversations and begin to feel myself 
 at home. This afternoon had a distant view 
 of one of the Azores, or Western Islands. 
 It did not look much like land, being dis- 
 
178 MEMOIR OF 
 
 tinguishable from the clouds only by the de- 
 finiteness of the outline. 
 
 June 16t/i, Sabbath. — A very pleasant 
 morning, but too calm to speed us on our 
 way. Divine service on board at half past 
 nine. All hands atten4 who are not on 
 duty. Brother Reed preached from John 
 iii. 7. " Ye must be born again." Had Bible 
 class among ourselves at 4 o'clock. This 
 has been a pleasant and I trust a profitable 
 day to me ; though 1 have felt not a little 
 discouraged in view of my unfitness for 
 every good work. 
 
 LETTER TO HON. E. C. WILSON OF MORGAN- 
 TOWN. 
 Ship Star, near the Azores, June 18th, 1833. 
 Again, dear brother and sister, I write to 
 you from the bosom of the vast waters: and 
 now, as when last I wrote, with land in 
 sight on both sides. Very soon after des- 
 patching my letter to you from Delaware 
 Bay, we were all visited with sea-sickness. 
 This was indeed a severe trial. After the 
 pain of bidding farewell to friends and coun- 
 try, we were scarcely prepared to endure 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. I, W R I E. 179 
 
 this most depressing of maladies. Every 
 tiling about us appeared loathsome. Our ca- 
 bin, about 20 by IS feet, with a large table 
 fastened down in the centre; and the little 
 remaining space occupied by no less than 
 twenty-five trunks, chests, boxes, and writ- 
 ing desks, piled up in all directions, sur- 
 mounted by baskets, coats, cloaks, &c., &c., 
 seemed too vile to live in, one^day, to say 
 nothing of four or five months. And then 
 all the food had .a peculiar ship-like taste, 
 and our mouths seemed filled with salt w^ater, 
 and every thing looked disagreeable. Oh! 
 my heart turned to the sweet scenes of home, 
 and I thanked the Lord that you were there 
 in the enjoyment of comfort and peace. 
 But though I felt so cheerless, I do not re- 
 collect that I at any time regretted leaving 
 you. And though my heart ached, and tears 
 would flow, when past scenes of enjoyment 
 rose to my view, yet I knew that in the 
 service of the Lord, I could be happy here 
 as well as there. Now, our sickness is pretty 
 well over ; and our minds resume their 
 wonted elasticity. We look back to those 
 we have left with calmness, and forward to 
 15* 
 
180 MEMOIROF 
 
 our work with joy. The Lord is our Shep- 
 herd, we shall not want. The weather, 
 during the first two weeks of our voyage, 
 was rough, and we had one quite severe 
 gale. The ship several times seemed about 
 to sink; but our minds were kept in peace. 
 On inquiry of each other, it appeared that a 
 watery grave had no terrors to our little fa- 
 mily; and we felt that if we should go down, 
 our Father was ready to receive our spirits. 
 The weather has been pleasant for a few 
 days; and we have seen more or less dis- 
 tinctly, eight of the Azores. We have now 
 in sight St. Michael's on the north, and St. 
 Mary's on the south. They are all very 
 mountainous, and are inhabited by Portu- 
 guese, who cultivate the vine. Yesterday 
 we were almost entirely becalmed: the ocean 
 had the appearance of glass; and the sails 
 flapping idly left the vessel to rock to and 
 fro as the swells directed. This rest, after 
 our stormy weather, is so pleasant, that we 
 can scarcely wish for a change, though so 
 necessary to the speed of our voyage; and 
 it reminds me somewhat of the Christian's 
 journey. Gales of affliction propel him most 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 181 
 
 swiftly towards heaven, yet the heart retains 
 so much love of ease that it prefers the calm, 
 although thereby kept longer out of port. 
 Farewell. 
 
 L. A. LowRiE. 
 
 LETTER TO THE SAME. 
 FuncJtal, Island of Madeira, June 29th, 1833. 
 
 Dear Brother and Sister: 
 
 Through God's mercy we have arrived 
 here in safety. On Sunday last we came in 
 sight of the island; and when near enough 
 dimly to distinguish its vineyards and cot- 
 tages, were becalmed so completely, as to 
 remain nearly in one spot for about eighteen 
 hours. We had sermon as usual on deck. 
 It was a most lovely day: all seemed calm- 
 ness and peace. I think I never saw the 
 glory of the Creator more plainly shown 
 forth in his works, than when contemplating 
 the scenery before me — all arranged with so 
 much wisdom and beauty. The lofty cliffs 
 of rock, extending around the base of the 
 island, seemed to say to the waves, "Hitherto 
 shalt thou come and no further." The 
 towering mountains in some places appa- 
 
182 MEMOTROF 
 
 rently cleft asunder, but covered with ver- 
 dure, and dotted here and there with white 
 chapels, and clusters of houses, wrung from 
 the heart the acknowledgment, " Great and 
 glorious are thy works, Lord God Al- 
 mighty!'^ I have seldom enjoyed a more 
 pleasant Sabbath. I was thankful that the 
 calm prevented our getting into port, as all 
 would have been confusion and Sabbath 
 breaking: and the land being quite near, and 
 the mountains so much resembling our own 
 Alleghenies, filled my heart with pleasure. 
 We had Bible-class in the afternoon; and 
 remained later than usual on deck to enjoy 
 the moonlight and balmy air. When the 
 evening shades had almost hid the island 
 from our view, a new scene was spread out 
 before us. Brilliant lights from all the cha- 
 pels, and glow-worm lights from the private 
 dwellings, made their appearance in every 
 direction; making the whole island, with 
 the help of a little imagination, appear like 
 a lower sky bedecked with stars. The next 
 day about noon, we put into the harbour. 
 Every heart was joyful, and every eye beam- 
 ed brightly. In a short time all our gentle- 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 183 
 
 men were dressed in land-clothes, and looked 
 like other beings. It was " St. John's day/' 
 when we arrived; and the bells of all sizes 
 and tones were ringing merrily. Pleasure 
 boats were rowing about on the water — the 
 Portuguese all dressed in their best attire — 
 and nothing appeared to damp the joy of our 
 hearts. After the health officers had visited 
 the ship, and ascertained that there was no 
 sickness among us, two custom-house officers 
 were placed on board, to prevent smuggling, 
 and then leave was given to go on shore. 
 Several Americans came on board, being 
 acquainted with some of our passengers. 
 They seemed like brothers to us in this 
 strange land. Oh, if you could but see this 
 island, as it appears to one coming into port! 
 Imagination never pictured any thing to my 
 mind so beautiful. The white houses of 
 Funchal rising in beautiful irregularity one 
 above another, on the steep commencement 
 of the tremendous mountain, which spread- 
 ing to the right and left, nearly hides its 
 summit among the clouds; the vines and 
 flowers among the houses; and farther up, 
 above the city, the vineyards speckled with 
 
184 MEMOIR OF 
 
 white cottages; here and there a cluster of 
 trees, and occasionally a patch of wheat; 
 near to the summit of the mount, the spa- 
 cious and beautiful convent of La nostre 
 Signora del Monta; while on the right 
 and left, as far as vision extended, were ir- 
 regular hills covered with verdure. 
 
 On a nearer inspection of the city, every 
 thing appeared ancient. The high walls 
 looked as if they had been built for ages. 
 We were admitted through a gate guarded 
 by sentinels. The streets are about twelve 
 feet wide, paved with round stones, swarm- 
 ing with flies and other insects, and withal 
 very steep. Every thing reminded me of the 
 scenes described in old Spanish Romances ; 
 and every house looked like a nunnery. The 
 walls between the houses are overhung with 
 ivy and flowers of various kinds ; and we 
 could see above them the arbours of grape 
 vines. Every window, every chink was 
 stuck with flowers and greens, in honour of 
 the day. We walked up to the " quint a^"^ 
 or country seat of Mr. P., (with whom we 
 lodge,) which is about a mile from the water's 
 edge. The natives were very polite, always 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 185 
 
 taking oil" their funnel-shaped hats as they 
 passed. Mr. P.'s house is situated in the 
 midst of a large garden, beautifully terraced, 
 surrounded by a high wall overhung in many 
 places with vines and flowers, and filled with 
 every thing which can delight the eye or 
 gratify the taste. The tall sycamore, oak, 
 and cypress, overshadow the banana, fig, 
 orange, and lemon, geraniums and lark- 
 spurs. The richest tropical plants dwell 
 harmoniously with hollyhocks, marigolds, 
 and many American flowers. Truly, when 
 the gate was opened, and we were ushered 
 into this garden of delights, the birds carol- 
 ling sweet welcome, it appeared like Eden, 
 after the storms and sickness of ocean life. 
 1 trust I did, indeed, thank the Lord that he 
 had directed us here. Mr. P. is an English 
 Methodist. He and his family do all in 
 their power to make us comfortable and 
 happy. We had no letters of introduction, 
 yet Providence guided us here, where we 
 probably enjoy more spiritual and temporal 
 comfort than we could have found at any 
 other place on the island. We expect to be 
 here perhaps two weeks — much longer than 
 
186 MEMOIR OF 
 
 we anticipated. We wish to employ the 
 time in study, and as the climate is delight- 
 ful we feel strong. We are to hold a social 
 meeting here this evening: a few English 
 people will assemble. They are generally 
 of the Church of England. They have a 
 church and a pastor ; but are far from being 
 strict. The Portuguese are all Roman Ca- 
 tholics — as su'bmissive to the priests as they 
 were two hundred years ago. The govern- 
 ment is very despotic and the people are 
 much oppressed. 
 
 While at sea my cough was better. It is 
 now worse, and my breast is very weak. I 
 have now very little expectation of recovery. 
 Mr. Lowrie thinks, however, that our resi- 
 dence in this mild climate, and the subse- 
 quent voyage, may restore me. All is with 
 the Lord, and in his hands I leave it. And 
 now I could sai/ on for hours, how often I 
 think of you, even with tears; how my 
 heart clings to you, to my dear home, and 
 all my dear friends in Morgantown; but this 
 would be useless. It is sufficient to say that 
 distance does not diminish my affection ; 
 and that nothing could reconcile me to this 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W U I E. 187 
 
 separation, but the blessed prospect of bein^ 
 more useful in the service of my Lord. 
 
 May the God of peace be with you. Fare- 
 well. L. A. LowRiE. 
 
 LETTER TO MRS. H. 
 Fanchal, Island of Madeira, July 12th, 1833. 
 
 Dear Mrs. H. 
 
 I remember your injunction, to write, as 
 if sitting by your side, giving a simple nar- 
 ration of events — but I cannot feel as much 
 interested, as if you were here, occasionally 
 asking a question, giving a smile of encour- 
 agement, or word of advice. » 
 
 The gloom which hung over my mind 
 during the last evening I spent with you — 
 the last I spent in loved America — passed 
 away with the night ; the next morning my 
 heart was as cheerful as the day was bright. 
 I think, without a tear, we all said the last 
 tarcwells, and almost without a sigh looked 
 for the last time on our native land. Sup- 
 porting grace was given us, I believe, in 
 answer to the prayers of ffiends. 
 
 But it will not do to " number only the 
 hours that are bright.'^ We have had some 
 16 
 
188 MEMOIR OF 
 
 hours of darkness. When sea-sickness came 
 on, strength both of mind and body almost 
 failed us. With me faith's vision was, in a 
 great measure, obscured. I could only see 
 the pleasant scenes of home — hear the kind 
 tones of long-loved voices — and weep that I 
 should enjoy them no more. Yet even at 
 such times, the cry of my heart was " On- 
 ward." But, with all our discouragements, 
 our comforts have abounded — " hitherto the 
 Lord hath helped us," and we cheerfully 
 commit our way for the future to his direc- 
 tion. Though our residence on this island 
 has, in many respects, been pleasant, yet we 
 are glad that the time draws near when we 
 will again be on our way. We expect to 
 sail to-morrow. 
 
 Faith and patience appear to me to be 
 more necessary for persons in our circum- 
 stances, than any other graces — though fa- 
 voured with every temporal blessing. Yet 
 the separation from friends and christian 
 privileges, and uncertainty as to our own 
 future course, would make us very unhappy, 
 were it not that we are, in some measure, 
 enabled to look to the recompense of reward, 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 189 
 
 and believe that God will make all things 
 work together for our good. 
 
 I am not able as yet to give you an entire 
 list of the articles necessary for a voyage. 
 Thus far, the principal thing I have felt the 
 want of, was warm loose clothing — cool sea- 
 breezes and continuous rains are rather chil- 
 ling, and on ship-board we have no fire. I 
 have sometimes found it necessary to sit 
 wrapped in a cloak over my warmest winter 
 clothing. Double calico wrappers, of dark 
 material, would be very convenient ; but of 
 these things we will know better when the 
 voyage is completed. For your kind atten- 
 tions to us, I cannot express my thanks. I 
 trust you feel the reward in your own soul. 
 
 I might say much of the beautiful scenery 
 and pleasant climate of this island, but I 
 
 refer you to Mrs. 's letters to ^ome 
 
 of her friends, which I presume you will 
 see. Of this place too we may say, " Here 
 every prospect pleases, and only man is 
 vile." We seem to have gone back to the 
 times before the reformation, so great is the 
 ignorance of the people, and their subjection 
 to the priests. All their rites and ceremonies 
 
190 MEMOIROF 
 
 remind me of the heathen. Mr. Lowrle has 
 gone out to walk, leaving me a charge to 
 "be short," as writing is injurious to me. 
 If he were here, I know he would have 
 some word of remembrance to dearly be- 
 loved Professor H. and yourself. Present 
 my kind remembrance to your good husband 
 and his brother. I hope we are often remem- 
 bered by you at a throne of grace. We all 
 enjoy good spirits now — though we will 
 doubtless have another visit of sea-sickness 
 and consequent gloom when re-embarked. 
 During sea-sickness my cough almost left 
 me, but returned with our approach to land. 
 But I am writing too long. May the Lord 
 give to both Professor H. and yourself, 
 health and length of days, if it be his holy 
 will, and increased usefulness while life shall 
 last. 
 
 Yours, I trust, in the bonds of christian 
 love, 
 
 Louisa Ann Lowrie. 
 
 JOURNAL 1833. 
 July lOth. — We have been on this island 
 more than two weeks, — much longer than 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 191 
 
 we expected. I think the health of all is 
 improved by our residence in this pleasant 
 climate : and we have had more opportuni- 
 ties for reflection, and mental improvement, 
 than we had previously enjoyed for a long 
 time. I trust the Lord is with us, in our 
 social meetings. At the monthly concert, 
 though but four in number, I think the pro- 
 mise has been verified to us. 
 
 When I review my life and consider how 
 kindly the Lord has led me along, — that 
 " when my father and mother forsook me, 
 then the Lord took me up," — that by his 
 Spirit, by his mercies, as well as his afflictive 
 dispensations, he has sought to win my heart 
 to himself; how he now gives me comfort 
 on every side, kind friends, a most affec- 
 tionate husband, who is a spiritual helper to 
 me; cheerfulness of soul while separated 
 from home and friends, and a blessed pros- 
 pect of everlasting bliss ; when I think of all 
 this, I trust the goodness of God leads me to 
 repentance. Oh, I would love him more ! 
 But this earthly heart still cleaves to self 
 and to things below. 
 
 July Wth. — To-morrow, perhaps, we 
 16* 
 
192 MEMOIR OF 
 
 shall resume our voyage. This has been a 
 pleasant rest. I dread the sea-sickness and 
 the confinement of the ship too much : but 
 I would not stop by the way. No : if it be 
 the Lord's will, I pray him to spare my life 
 a little longer to labour in his dear cause — 
 to take us swiftly on, and make us a blessing 
 to many generations. 
 
 July \2th. — This is the last evening I 
 expect to spend on land for a long time ; 
 perhaps ever ! I cannot, without regret, 
 leave this beautiful scene. But why should 
 I feel any regret since the Lord goes with 
 us ? Farewell, then, pleasant land, farewell 
 ye verdant hills, flowery gardens, and sing- 
 ing birds ! If the ocean is to be my grave, 
 and these pleasant prospects no more greet 
 my eye on earth, oh ! may I, through in- 
 finite mercy, be admitted to dwell in that 
 land where 
 
 " Everlasting spring abides 
 
 And never withering flowers." 
 
 Amen. Come, Lord Jesus ! 
 
 July 29 t/i.— We left Madeira on tlie 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 193 
 
 1 3th instant. I felt much regret on leaving 
 that scene of quiet, where the Lord had in 
 secret so sweetly visited my soul ; but my 
 mind was kept in perfect peace for nearly 
 two days. I think I felt no desire but that 
 God's will should be done. Had another 
 visitation of sea-sickness, but not very se- 
 vere; neither was my soul cast down so 
 much as before. Have not felt the same 
 yearnings after the society of distant friends. 
 For this I would praise the Lord; for it 
 was a source of unhappiness to me. The 
 weather has been unexpectedly pleasant: 
 and though we have been for some time 
 within the Torrid Zone, yet we have not 
 found the heat very oppressive. Indeed 
 we are surrounded with mercies. I have to 
 lament that I do not improve my time: my 
 mind appears relaxed, and I am confused by 
 the constant noise around me. This may in 
 part be ascribed to ill health, as I have con- 
 tinual pain in my head. But I fear my 
 sickness is not sanctified to me.- And 
 though I have no fear of death, yet I some- 
 times am afraid that, on account of my un- 
 worthiness, I shall be left to grope my way 
 
194 M r: M o I R of 
 
 in darkness at the last hour. Lord Jesus, 
 prepare and receive my spirit ! 
 
 On Friday last we " spoke a vessel." 
 This is quite refreshing after being long at 
 sea. Yesterday was Sabbath, and I think it 
 was a profitable one to me. Felt more than 
 usually prayerful, and had many sweet 
 thoughts of heaven. In the afternoon was 
 afflicted with head-ache, so that I could not 
 enjoy Bible-class. Many persons, of whom 
 I have read, enjoyed so great a degree of 
 spiritual comfort as almost to forget bodily 
 pains. Oh Lord, make me as I should be ! 
 In all circumstances, give me submission 
 and cheerfulness. Amen. 
 
 She wrote no more in her Journal after 
 this date, and very little to her friends. 
 The few letters given in the sequel are all 
 the compiler has been able to collect. 
 
 LETTER TO MISS R. C, OF FAYETTE CO. PA. 
 
 Ship Star^ Atlantic Oceav, near the i 
 Equator, August 5th, 1833. \ 
 
 My Dearest Mrs. C. 
 
 This is but a poor substitute for the plea- 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 195 
 
 sant intercourse we used to enjoy together. 
 And when I think liow long it will he be- 
 fore this reaches you, and how much longer 
 before an answer can reach me, my heart 
 sinks within me* Oh how pleasant would 
 it be this morning to hear from you^ and all 
 my dear friends ! I may never hear from 
 them again in this world ; but our Father 
 in heaven knows of their welfare, and cares 
 for them, and this should be sufficient. I 
 often wonder that I am so happy here. If 
 it were not for the wanderings of my heart 
 from God, I think I should indeed ])e very 
 happy ; l)ut a ship is a poor place for devo- 
 tion. I fear our friends at home are not 
 aware how much we need their prayers. 
 We were twenty four days on the passage 
 from Philadelphia to Madeira — the weather 
 rough, and we much of the time sea sick. 
 We were about three weeks at Madeira. 
 On the 13th of July we re-embarked, and 
 were again visited with sea-sickness; but 
 the Lord has sustained us, and we have been 
 enabled to look back without regret and 
 forward with hope. Until within a week, 
 my health has been gradually failing. I 
 
196 MEMOIR OF 
 
 can now have no doubt that consumption 
 has a firm hold of me. For the last week 
 I have been better. You cannot imagine 
 how much more favourable the sea air is, 
 than that of the land. Thus far we have 
 had very few days uncomfortably warm : 
 and now, near the Equator, I am sitting 
 thickly clothed, and wrapped in a shawl. 
 This is owing to the cool breezes ; and we 
 esteem it a great favour." Referring to their 
 accommodations in the ship, she writes, 
 " my berth was just under Mr. L.'s, and 
 being very low, I could only lie with my 
 facelo the front, as when I turned I could 
 not get my breath. It was very warm and, 
 moreover, thickly inhabited by cock-roaches. 
 I always felt tired on going to bed, but 
 much more so when I arose in the morning. 
 But this evil is over. The Captain was 
 kind enough at Mr. L.'s suggestion, to have 
 a little frame erected at one side of the 
 cabin ; and I now sleep quite comfortably, 
 considering all things, such as the tossing of 
 the ship, &c. The Captain does every thing 
 in his power to make us comfortable. The 
 officers are kind ; and the steward, or chief 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 197 
 
 servant, is very attentive and obliging. 
 Have we not much to be thankful for ? Will 
 you not join with me in rendering thanks 
 to the Lord for all he has done for us? 
 Our officers and passengers respectfully at- 
 tend morning and evening worship. There 
 is another cause for gratitude ; we have a 
 physician on board. Dr. Huffnagle is very 
 attentive. 
 
 Dearest friend ! My mother's friend and 
 mine ! It is needless to say how often we 
 talk of you, how often I dream of you, and 
 how much oftener I think of you. Glad 
 would I be to know if S. 's health is restor- 
 ed, or if she is going swiftly to the grave. 
 I sometimes think I shall meet with * * * 
 M. A. and S. first. They all seemed near 
 to eternity when I left them. I do not now 
 think a great deal about India; because I 
 hardly expect to reach there : though I may 
 be spared. The Lord will direct, and I 
 leave it with him. I trust he will choose 
 suitable labourers for the heathen : perhaps 
 he does not need me. If so, he can raise up 
 many others in my place. I have written 
 enough for this time, and with unceasing 
 
198 M E M O I R O F 
 
 love to you and to all dear friends, 1 now 
 say, Farewell. 
 
 Louisa A. Lowrie. 
 
 LETTER TO HER SISTER, MRS. A. P. C, AT 
 STEUBENVILLE. 
 
 Ship Star, South Atlantic Ocean, i 
 S. Lat, 18^, August 13th, 1833. \ 
 
 My Dear Sister A. 
 
 Our knowledge of each others situation is 
 
 about equal. Yoit know that, if living, I 
 
 am wandering somewhere on the vast ocean. 
 
 And I know that you are somewhere within 
 
 the bounds of North America. This is 
 
 rather a slight acquaintance with our affairs, 
 
 to satisfy the heart that once gave utterance 
 
 to the sentiment, 
 
 " Together, down hfe's swelling tide, 
 Oh sweetly may our vessels glide ; 
 And may we anchor side by side, 
 My Sister !" 
 
 But still, dear A., though in life our ves- 
 sels are widely separated, we may hope yet 
 to " anchor side by side'' on the shores of 
 the heavenly Canaan. Thanks to the Lord 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 199 
 
 for this sweet prospect ! It is sufficient to 
 cheer us in the darkest hours of our pilgri- 
 mage. I look back with great pleasure on 
 the last few days I spent v/ith you ; and feel 
 very grateful that we were so cheerful, and 
 enjoyed each other's society without any 
 painful solicitude about the final separation 
 soon to take place. I do thank the Lord for 
 that visit. I was encouraged, in view of 
 toils I might have to undergo, by seeing you 
 so cheerfull}^ adapt yourself to circumstances, 
 and find so much pleasure in the service of 
 the Lord in every situation. 
 
 August 15th. 
 Again I sit down to talk with you a short 
 time, dear A. We have just spoken a whale 
 ship, four months from New Bedford. This 
 is the third vessel we have spoken since we 
 left Madeira. It is perhaps the most inte- 
 resting occurrence that takes place at sea. 
 Where there is so little variety, so little to 
 excite, meeting with, and speaking to, per- 
 sons in circumstances similar to our own, is 
 very pleasant. At^ one time, a little north 
 of the Equator, there were six ships in sight, 
 17 
 
200 MEMOIR OF 
 
 from our deck. We did not get very near 
 any but two of them, but still they appear- 
 ed like company. The usual route to India 
 is very crooked. First we sail an easterly 
 course almost as far as Africa ; then west to 
 a point almost in sight of South America ; 
 then very far south of the Cape of Good 
 Hope, before we double it. This zigzag 
 course is adopted in the outward passage, in 
 order to secure favourable winds. In the 
 homeward passage, the course is much more 
 direct. You have doubtless heard of me 
 before this time, and know of our pleasant 
 stay at Madeira. But, agreeably as we were 
 situated, we all preferred to be on our way, 
 at the rate of seven knots an hour, towards 
 our destined port. I did not expect to feel 
 so patient and contented during the voyage: 
 but we are all favoured with freedom from 
 care and anxiety. Surely it is the m^ost 
 pleasant of all frames of mind, just to com- 
 mit all things to the Lord, knowing no will 
 but his." — [^She left this letter unfinish- 
 ed.-] 
 
 After the ship had made the region of the 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 201 
 
 €ape of Good Hope, where the weather 
 was rather cold, her cough became much 
 worse ; and it was now quite apparent that 
 disease was slowly, but surely, wasting her 
 strength. She herself did not anticipate 
 from the first, any recovery, and long before 
 had commenced setting her house in order, 
 and preparing for her last change. " Familiar 
 thoughts slope the way to death," a remark 
 she had written on a blank leaf of her Tes- 
 tament, seemed to express the employment 
 of her mind, and the composing influence 
 of timely preparation. 
 
 EXTRACT or A LETTER FROM THE REV. 
 JOHN C. LOWRIE TO HIS FATHER. 
 
 Sept. Sth, LaU 37° S., Long. 42=> E. 
 My Dear Father : 
 
 I again take my pen to communicate some 
 particulars of our voyage. Since I last wrote 
 we have been in the very gates of death, 
 with scarcely any hope that our lives would 
 be preserved. We w^ere about 200 miles 
 south of the Cape yesterday week. On 
 Monday last the wind blew very fresh ; and 
 by three o'clock the next morning, (about 
 
202 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the time Christians were assembled at the 
 monthly concert in America,) the gale was 
 very strong. No description I have ever 
 read presents to the mind any adequate idea 
 of the sublime terror of such a scene. The 
 waves were very high ; and the wind was 
 so strong, that it carried the tops of the 
 broken waves, in large drops and mist, for a 
 great distance in a horizontal direction. If 
 you imagine, in addition to this, the extreme 
 danger of our situation, you may have some 
 faint idea of our feelings. The first mate 
 told me, that it was the hardest gale he had 
 seen for six years ; and all our cabin passen- 
 gers, including our experienced captain, con- 
 curred in calling it a very hard gale : such 
 as they suppose will occasion the loss of 
 some ships. 
 
 In the midst of all, our little company 
 were mercifully kept in peace. At one 
 time, when a tremendous wave broke, and 
 spent its force under the ship's stern, causing 
 the vessel to stagger and shake in every 
 joint, I felt a momentar}^' misgiving. It 
 seemed as if we were then going down into 
 the depths of the ocean : but immediately I 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. 203 
 
 tried to look away from the danger around 
 to the Lord Jesus ; and, blessed be his name! 
 I felt calm and at peace. 
 
 We are still in usual health except Louisa. 
 She seems to be fast sinking under the 
 disease ; and it is even doubtful whether she 
 will live to reach Calcutta. Oh Lord, " if 
 this cup may not pass from me, thy holy 
 will be done !" 
 
 The warm latitude into which the ship 
 entered on doubling the Cape had the effect 
 of mitigating the more violent symptoms, 
 and no doubt prolonged her days ; though 
 she was now so feeble that even her nearest 
 friend, anxious as he was to indulge hope, 
 had to abandon all expectations of recovery. 
 And henceforth her companions could only 
 watch, with painful but unavailing interest, 
 her daily progress to the grave. 
 
 NOTE TO MRS. R. C OF FAYETTE CO. PA. 
 Indian Ocean, Sept. 26zA, 1833. 
 It is a long time since I have written to 
 you, dear Mrs. C. ; and in the mean time we 
 have passed from one ocean to another. We 
 17* 
 
204 MEMOIR OP 
 
 have had short days and long nights, and 
 some weeks of complete winter weather ; 
 and also have encountered two fearful storms. 
 It is awful, indeed, to see so small a vessel 
 tossed about at the mercy of such tremen- 
 dous winds and waves. But through the 
 goodness of God, we were kept from fear ; 
 knowing that we were in the hands of Him 
 who rules both winds and waves. It ap- 
 pears almost miraculous that we escaped 
 death. I did not myself see much of the 
 storm ; and during the cold weather I 
 thought it best to lie in bed most of the 
 time, to keep warm. We are again in plea- 
 sant weather, with favouring breezes, and 
 hope to see land in about three weeks. I 
 am very weak, but suffer no pain, except 
 occasionally, under my shoulder. I have 
 more comforts on board ship, than you would 
 suppose : and I may say it to you, because 
 I know you will not misinterpret me, and 
 will be glad to hear it, that my dear husband 
 is as kind and minute in his attentions to me 
 in my sickness, as even you could desire. 
 Farewell 
 
 L. A. LowRiE. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 205 
 
 Owing to extreme feebleness she now sel- 
 dom attempted to write. From a very short 
 letter to two ladies at Pittsburgh, \ye extract 
 a single paragraph; which will be read with 
 the greater interest, when it is known that 
 these are the last lines she ever wrote. 
 They afford pleasing evidence that she was 
 <' faithful unto death." 
 
 " We hope to reach land in a few days. I 
 rejoice at the prospect, though I believe it is 
 only while on the sea that my life can be 
 prolonged. Sister Reed grieves at the pros- 
 pect of being without a female companion. 
 I hope she may not be left long alone, but 
 that others will soon follow us. Although I 
 may be cut off in the midst of my days, 
 without having done any thing for the poor 
 heathen, still I hope others may not be de- 
 terred from doing their duty. I will not 
 attempt to write more now. If I have life 
 and strength spared, 1 shall try to finish this 
 letter at Calcutta. Until then, dear friends, 
 farewell." 
 
 The following extracts from the notes, 
 taken by her husband at the time, will show 
 
206 M E M I R F 
 
 the state of her mind in the prospect of 
 death. 
 
 Indian Ocean, Lat. 2"= N., Long. 82° E. 
 
 Oct. 2d, 1833.* — On my expressing a 
 hope that possibly her life might j^et be 
 spared, she replied, " I do not wish that. — 
 I do not want to travel over the road again, 
 after being so near the end." And, in re- 
 ference to her life being prolonged until we 
 should reach Calcutta, she said, that she felt 
 no solicitude about it ; and did not wish to 
 pray for it, lest it might not be for the best. 
 
 On my telling her that our connexion had 
 been of great benefit to me; and, I had no 
 doubt, if my life were spared, would con- 
 tribute to my greater usefulness; she ob- 
 served, "The assurance of that far more 
 than repays all." She had before said, as 
 she said frequently, that she did not regret 
 having engaged in this work. 
 
 I asked, if she felt regret that she was 
 prevented from engaging in personal labour 
 
 * Thqre was very little hope of her being spared, 
 through this day. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 207 
 
 among the heathen. "No: the Lord sees 
 it best that I should not — perhaps I am not 
 a fit person; and perhaps he may use my 
 example to raise up others to fill my place." 
 Throughout this day her mind was in great 
 peace. — Expressed herself as quite willing to 
 die to-night, if the Lord should send for her. 
 
 October 2d, Thursday. — I read the 21st 
 and part of the 22d chapter of Revelations. 
 "She remarks, " The hearing of these things 
 makes me impatient to be gone." Again, 
 when speaking of the possibility of recovery, 
 " I seem to have got almost up to the gate. 
 To dwell in the land of Beulah would not be 
 pleasant compared with heaven ; — but it is 
 not desirable to think of returning to the 
 cares and sins of life." 
 
 Oct. 6th, Sabbath, Lat. 12° 40' N.—\xv 
 the afternoon we administered the sacrament 
 of the Lord's supper. At the time, she said 
 that she had not enjoyed as much comfort as 
 on some former occasions. In the evening 
 I asked her if she could calmly lie down 
 and sleep, not knowing whether she should 
 again awake. She answered. "Yes: I feel 
 that confidence at all times." 
 
208 MEMOIR OF 
 
 They arrived at Calcutta on the 15th of 
 October, where she received every atten- 
 tion from the affectionate and Christian 
 sympathy of the Rev. W. H. Pearce and 
 lady, of the Baptist mission, in whose kind 
 and generous hospitahty they shared. There 
 she lingered in much feebleness and great 
 pain until the hour of her departure.* The 
 
 * Mr. Pearce is a son of the late Rev. Samuel 
 Pearce, of Birmingham, England, whose Memoirs 
 have been so favourably received in this country. 
 
 Some verses written by this beloved Missionary, 
 and presented to Mrs. Lowrie, will be read with in- 
 terest. They happily express a most precious truth. 
 
 To my dear Christian Friend, Mrs. L. A. Lowrie. 
 
 A CONSOLATORY THOUGHT. 
 
 "David to build the house desired ; 
 
 Yet was his wish denied : 
 *'T\va8 in thy heart,' Jehovah said, 
 
 ' With that I'm satisfied.' 
 
 So didst thou wish, beloved friend. 
 
 To raise his temple here. 
 God has the pious wish approved. 
 
 And thou his love shalt share, » 
 
 God needs us not : were all removed. 
 
 His temple must arise. 
 Then, as /le wills, we'll serve on earth. 
 
 Or triumph in the skies.'' 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. LOWRIE. 209 
 
 following further extracts from the notes, 
 taken down by her afflicted husband, at her 
 bed side, will be interesting to the reader. 
 
 November 9th, Calcutta. — Last night 
 my dear wife had much fever and severe 
 pains. At one time she wondered if she 
 would find * *t in heaven, when she ar- 
 rived there. This led to a conversation re- 
 specting different friends who might be 
 there : some of them very unexpectedly to 
 us. At length I remarked that, whoever 
 was absent, the blessed Saviour would be 
 there. " Oh yes ! yes ! yes !" she replied, 
 '^and that w^ill make up for all other 
 friends." 
 
 Nov. 12th. — She complained of heart 
 sickness. — Has been very feeble, and hard- 
 ly able to speak above her breath ; — her 
 mind cheerful. She joined with me in 
 singing the Hymn, " How vain are all 
 things here below," and, at her request, 
 Mrs. R. and myself sung " Jerusalem my 
 happy home ;" a favourite hymn. 
 
 t A beloved sister-iii-law, whom she left in very- 
 feeble health in America. 
 
210 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Afterwards she said, " I am afraid I have 
 set my heart too much on going to night;" 
 and then expressed a willingness to wait the 
 Lord's time. 
 
 She expressed a deep sense of her own 
 unworthiness, and her hope and confidence 
 of being accepted for the Saviour's sake. 
 
 Nov 1 5th. — Louisa is better to-day, and 
 her mind is very cheerful. Almost the 
 whole day a smile played over her pallid fea- 
 tures. She said that when her mind was 
 active it was almost constantly resting upon 
 Jesus. 
 
 Nov. 16 th. — My dear wife has been ap- 
 parently on the verge of the grave to-day, 
 being very feeble indeed. Extremities and 
 forehead cold — and a cold perspiration on 
 her face. Her mind still cheerful and com- 
 posed. Dr. G. supposed it scarcely pro- 
 bable that she would live through the day. 
 When at her own request, she was inform- 
 ed of this opinion, she exclaimed, " bless- 
 ed hope !" In the afternoon she revived a 
 little, and then expressed *^ her fear that the 
 Lord would not take her to-day." 
 
 Nov. 2lst. — In the morning I addressed 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. 211 
 
 her with " The Lord bless thee, my dearest 
 wife, and keep thee this day !" She im- 
 mediately added, " And take me to him- 
 self!" I asked, " Does your mind feel no 
 disquietude about dying far from home and 
 friends ?" " No : it is as easy to die here 
 as there." "Do you still feel no fear of 
 death .?" " No : not any." 
 
 In the evening she desired me to seek 
 some rest. I lay down, but tried in vain to 
 sleep, and rose about 8 o'clock. Soon after, 
 she wished me toallow Nancy, [the coloured 
 woman] to retire and attend to some of her 
 own matters. Still she rested with her 
 usual ease, excepting from* her side, which 
 had become sore from continual lying on 
 it. I was reading by her bed-side a review 
 of Southey's life of Bunyan ; and had just 
 read a quotation from the Pilgrim's Pro- 
 gress, where, after he had seen the pilgrims 
 enter the heavenly city, he adds, " Which, 
 when I had seen, I wished myself among 
 them," — when she gave a sudden moan, 
 and washed me to raise her up. This I 
 immediately did, placing myself in the bed, 
 and supporting her head on a pillow in my 
 18 
 
2VZ MEMOIR OF 
 
 lap. She wished to be raised higher ; and 
 her pain being most acute, caused her to cry 
 out. I raised her head so that she reclined 
 On my breast. By this time, brothers Reed, 
 Winslow, and others came in. She was in 
 very great pain, similar to that experienced 
 ten days ago, except that this was seated 
 more in the region of the heart. Brother 
 W. then held her head, while I supported 
 her in my arms. It was now apparent that 
 she was going; we mentioned some brief 
 passages of Scripture, as " My flesh and my 
 heart faileth, but God is the strength of my 
 heart," &c. She said, "Is this dying?" 
 and soon after, "0 my Saviour!" Her 
 breathing then became more free, and her 
 pain less, until directly, her head resting on 
 my face and shoulder, she gently breathed 
 her last about half past nine o'clock, P. M. 
 The dying struggle was not more than ten 
 minutes in duration. Brother Winslow and 
 myself had both been offering, aloud, short 
 prayers to the Saviour to support and to 
 receive her ; and immediately afterwards, 
 brother W. led us all in an appropriate and 
 affectionate prayer, thanking the Lord for 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 213 
 
 his goodness to her, and sup])licating grace 
 to sustain and sanctify her bereaved partner 
 and friends. 
 
 LETTER FROM REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE TO HON. 
 E. C. W^ILSON, AT WASHINGTON CITY. 
 
 Howrah, opposite Calcutta, Nov. 26, 1833. 
 
 My Dear Brother. 
 
 I hope you will have received my letter 
 by the Virginia, before this arrives ; and 
 that your mind will be in some measure 
 prepared to hear sad tidings. Truly we 
 live in a world where there is much to dis- 
 tress, and very much to induce us not to 
 place our affections on things below, but to 
 have our hearts in heaven. Every removal 
 of a Christian friend, and especially of a be- 
 loved relative who is taken from this dark 
 scene to an eternal abode in the regions of 
 blessedness, should make us feel more in- 
 different to this life, and more anxious to en- 
 joy that rest into which they have entered. 
 There is no sorrow, because there is no sin : 
 the7'e is no mournful separation, but endless 
 communion in the world of light Then 
 * Why do we mourn departing friends?' We 
 
214 MEMOIR OF 
 
 may not weep for them, however we may- 
 weep for ourselves. 
 
 I trust all our dear friends will be in some 
 measure prepared to hear of Louisa's de- 
 parture. Her spirit took its upward flight 
 on last Thursday evening. [After mention- 
 ing the particulars of her death which have 
 already been given, Mr. L. continues :] On 
 the following day, (Friday 22di^) her mortal 
 remains were committed to the grave in the 
 Scotch burial-ground, just as the sun was 
 sinking below the horizon. I could not but 
 think that, like that luminary, her body 
 shall re-appear ; clothed with immortality, 
 and shining in new beauty and glory, long 
 after the sun and the moon shall have faded 
 away in the heavens. Her closing hours on 
 earth were peace : now she rests with the 
 Lord, and evermore will be happy as she is 
 glorious. 
 
 I cannot sufficiently express my deep 
 gratitude to the Rev. Mr. Pearce and lady, 
 for their afiectionate sympathy and great 
 kindness. I hope the Lord will reward 
 them. I was also truly grateful to N. R., 
 a coloured woman, originally from New 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E. 215 
 
 York, for her kind, faithful services. To 
 brother Winslow also I feel deeply in- 
 debted : he has, not long since, been called 
 to part with his own dear wife. Brother 
 and sister Reed deeply feel our common 
 loss. 
 
 But oh ! my dear brother, what shall I 
 say respecting myself? God only knows 
 the intense bitterness of heart I have felt. 
 At times a choking sensation, and a cold de- 
 solation and sinking of heart, quite over- 
 power me. Yet I would not, if I could 
 bring her back to this sorrowful world. 
 Rather, if we love her, should we rejoice, 
 as the Saviour taught his disciples to do re- 
 specting himself, for she too is gone ' to the 
 Father.' Nor would I murmur: certainly 
 the Lord is still as good as he is sovereign 
 and wise; and he is still our Heavenly 
 Father. The Saviour is still a most affec- 
 tionate and sympathizing brother, and the 
 Holy Spirit is still a blessed comforter. Oh 
 no ! I would not murmur. But I would 
 greatly rejoice to be prepared, as she was, 
 to die ; and then to be taken home (for alas! 
 I am more than solitary and a stranger on 
 18* 
 
216 MEMOIR OF 
 
 earth) to the same blessed mansion of glory : 
 and with my dearest wife there, and my 
 dear departed mother, and other beloved 
 friends, evermore to praise the Saviour, and 
 rejoice perfectly in him. 
 
 May this most severe dispensation be 
 sanctified to us all ! Oh may the Lord God 
 of our fathers, and of our glorified friends, 
 guard and guide you all through life, sustain 
 and comfort you in death, and receive you 
 all to his own glory above ! And may I too, 
 however unworthy, be a partaker of the 
 same grace and glory ! 
 
 Your truly affectionate brother, 
 
 John C. Lowrie. 
 
 EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MR. LOWRIE 
 TO MISS J. I. P. AND MISS C. B. OF MOR- 
 GANTOWN. 
 
 " It seemed strange that she [Mrs. L.] 
 should lose strength faster while at the 
 island of Madeira than on board ship : for 
 it is customary for English physicians to 
 send consumptive persons there, as to a 
 place of health. While there, we usually 
 took a walk in the morning before break- 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L W R I E . 217 
 
 fast; and I can truly say tliat the recollec- 
 tion of those frequent rambles, among the 
 vineyards, the orange and the fig-trees, will 
 never fade from my mind. She seemed so 
 happy, and her mind was so heavenly, that 
 it was impossible not to imbibe, at least, a 
 portion of her spirit. I have referred to 
 our sojourn on that island to prepare the 
 way for a remark which has impressed my 
 mind : — that while there she was fast ripen- 
 ing for a better world ; and also^ that, from 
 her not being so well (even at Madeira) on 
 land as at sea, it seems quite probable her 
 days would have been much few^er, had she 
 remained in the changeable, unfriendly cli- 
 mate of the United States. It is certain that 
 she failed more rapidly after we reached 
 Calcutta, although we have had delightful 
 weather; (excepting the two first weeks 
 which were rather warm) the cool season 
 having commenced about the time we ar- 
 rived. While on ship-board, there certain- 
 ly were inconveniences and restraints which 
 were irksome especially to a sick person. 
 Yet we had so many comforts and so many 
 privileges, beyond what are common, that I 
 
218 M EM OIR OF 
 
 think none of us felt disposed to complain 
 or repine. The noise on deck, from the 
 men working, annoyed me more I believe 
 than it did her ; for I had not her patience 
 nor her grace. It was well for us that we 
 had a kind-hearted captain, who was quite 
 fatherly in his care of us, and a physician 
 who felt a deep interest in her recovery. 
 Dr. H. was unwearied in his efforts to afford 
 relief: for a long time rising every night at 
 the hours of 12 and 4, to administer the 
 medicines. Indeed it was the happy talent 
 of my dear, dear wife to engage the affec- 
 tions of all w^ho were around her. The 
 steward was quite anxious to serve her, 
 often preparing things of his own accord : 
 all the men seemed to sympathize with her. 
 I mention these things knowing that you 
 will feel an interest in every particular con- 
 nected with one so dearly beloved. 
 
 J. C. LOWRIE. 
 
 The following is the inscription on a black 
 marble tablet, inserted in a head-stone in the 
 Scotch burial-ground, Calcutta. 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R 1 E. 219 
 
 SacrtJJ 
 
 to the memorg oC 
 LOUISA ANN, 
 
 THE BELOVED WIFE OF THE 
 
 REV. JOHN C. LOWRIE, 
 
 AMERICAN missionary; 
 WHO DIED NOV. 21sT, 1833; 
 
 AGED 24 YEARS. 
 
 She was lovely in life, 
 
 and peaceful in death ; 
 
 now she is blessed. 
 
 Rev. xiv. 13. 
 
 Thus has closed the short but brilliant 
 career of another eminent Christian, another 
 devoted missionar}^ We may not weep for 
 her. Oh no! but we may weep for our- 
 selves. She has left many affectionate friends 
 whose hearts were "bound up" in her life: 
 
220 MEMOIR OF 
 
 she has left her dear companions in the mis- 
 sion, and her husband solitary and desolate 
 in heart; and she has been taken from the 
 service of the poor, dying heathen. Like 
 Harriet Newell she was only permitted to 
 see the wretched beings whom she went to 
 teach; and her prayers for their conversion 
 ascended from the midst of the heathen; 
 and like the same sainted missionary (whom 
 in many respects she much resembled) it has 
 been her lot to seal, by an early death, her 
 testimony to the unspeakable importance of 
 the enterprise for the conversion of the 
 world. The compiler of these memoirs 
 might say much of the solidity of her mental 
 endowments, of the sweetness of her dis- 
 position, and of the pure and elevated cha- 
 racter of her piety: and he might say all 
 this from his personal knowledge, for she 
 was in a great measure brought up under his 
 ministry, and received the baptismal rite 
 from his hands. But he has preferred that 
 her various excellencies should, as far as 
 possible, appear through the medium of her 
 own writings. He must however say that 
 highly as she was prized and beloved by all 
 
MRS. LOUISA A. L O W R I E. 221 
 
 that knew her here, a perusal of her private 
 papers has satisfied him that her true value 
 was known only in heaven. Few, very- 
 few, have ever felt so ardent a desire to make 
 known the way of salvation to the perishing 
 heathen, and still fewer have possessed such 
 distinguished qualifications for the work. 
 Among the last expressions of her feeling 
 on this subject, when she found that her 
 dearly cherished hopes were about to be 
 disappointed, was this, " I do pray_tha^the 
 cause jof^ God may prosper, whatever be-_ 
 comes of me." May a kindred spirit per- 
 vade the entire church ! Then, tliough one 
 or many fall, more will arise to fill their 
 places, and the w^ork of the Lord will go 
 forward. Then " the Lord ivill make hare 
 his holy arm in the eyes of all nations ; 
 and all the ends of the earth shall see the 
 salvation of our God.'' 
 
 THE END. 
 
.s» 
 
 ^