1850 JOHN C. LOWRIE. Unpublished ALS on Foreign Missions by Pioneer Presbyterian Missionary

A very nice letter by one of the true pioneers of American Presbyterian missions in India and of Presbyterian missions in general.

Called by the Lord to the great mission field of  India in 1832 while still a student in seminary, John C. Lowrie [1808-1900] was ordained in March of 1833.  He then almost immediately, along with his twenty-four year old bride and another couple, to New Castle, Delaware to prepare for the voyage to India.  After a season of prayer, the four friends boarded the sailing ship “The Star,” on May 30, 1833.

The trip spanned nearly five months, and Louisa Lowrie was ill during the entire voyage.  It was hoped that she would make good a full recovery when they reached Calcutta. Instead, she grew worse, dying on November 21, 1833. 

This was only the first of John's bereavements. Concerned for their welfare, The Western Foreign Missionary Society, which had sponsored the two couples' work in India, encouraged John's friends to return home. The husband died and was buried at sea, and the wife did not return. 

 John was left entirely alone. Forced to wait for another seven months for direction, he used the time to learn the language, and over the next four years, he established a mission school and  a Presbyterian church in India.  During this time, he had repeated bouts of malaria fever and was attacked by locals. At last, his health was so depleted, he was forced to return to America [1838]. 

Having experienced the challenges of missionary life, his work for the Presbyterian Church, leading their Foreign Missions efforts, made him a caring and compassionate pastor and friend for those sensing the call. His leadership defined American Presbyterian missions for nearly four decades.

In the present letter, we have him articulating clearly his view of the best method for raising awareness for the great cause. They ring true for our time as well. 

The letter as follows: 

New York, August 12, 1850

Rev. Wm. Huntting

Dear Bro.

Your favour of the 3d just reached me in due time, and would have been sooner acknowledged but for the pressure of matters that could not be deferred.

In regard to Dr. Smith's Sermon, I have made repeated applications for it, and I am not without hope that we shall yet be furnished with a copy of it for publication.

As to the subject of Honorary Members, I have personally hardly any feeling - either pro or con. Your views seem to me to be very good, in some respects. In others, I would hardly feel prepared to concur - especially as to incurring the expense of printing a long list of names.

My general idea of the best way of interesting the churches in the work of Foreign Missions is, that we should present this cause on its real, spiritual merits; with as little of machinery & of appeals to less elevated motives, as possible. The glory of Christ, the dying condition of our fellow men - our duty - our eternal reward - these & such like appear to me, as I am sure they do to you, the great matters. I have much the same conviction of judgement, & I hope the same feeling also as to this subject that the good aged ministers' charge implies, when he told a young minister, just ordained, to 'hold up Christ before your people, like a mirror, and take care not to let one of your little fingers be seen on the frame.' This is what we both wish. And with this feeling in the church, there would be little difficulty about anything else. 

The Brethren sailed last Thursday from Boston. They are a choice company. the Lord long spare & greatly bless them! With Christian Regards, 

Yours affectionately,
John C. Lowrie.