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Memoir of the Rev. Walter M. Lowrie.
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less. The suspicious boat drew nearer and nearer, and it was not long before the intention of those on board became but too evident. Then Mr. Lowrie's boatmen turned their boat's head towards Chápú, but it was too late. The pirate gained rapidly upon them. Mr. Lowrie seized his country's flag and waved it towards the pursuing boat, warning it to keep off, but he received no other answer than a discharge from the guns. The pirates were immediately on board, and everything was searched and rifled, though Mr. Lowrie's person remained untouched. He took his well-worn Hebrew and English Bible, and in this trying hour, when the possibility of the fate which awaited himself must have been distinctly before his mind, looked for consolation where he had so often found it before. We doubt not he found it again, for his deportment during these scenes of terror be- tokened a mind at peace. The work of the piratical crew was nearly completed, when some words of comfort addressed by Mr. Lowrie to a passenger who had been robbed and beaten, excited their suspicions. A consultation was immediately held as to the best mode of dispatch- ing their victim, and although some were desirous of a more bloody method, it was speedily decided that he should be thrown into the sea. He was seized by three of the ruffians. Resistance was vain. As he was carried to the boat's side he threw back his Bible—a precious relic for surviving friends and freed his feet from the incumbrance of shoes. His presence of mind still remained. Another moment, and he was struggling with the waves. His murderers looked on, with long pikes in their hands to prevent the possibility of his cling- ing to the boat. Thus perished one who gave promise of as great usefulness among the Chinese as any man that ever came to China, and the name of Lowrie was enrolled among the martyr missionaries.
The estimation in which this beloved missionary was held may be inferred from the sensation created in the churches, and especially among his acquaintances, by the intelligence of his violent death. Wherever he resided, it was his happiness to secure the confidence and respect of the community in no ordinary degree. Even among the playfellows of his boyish days he was a general favorite. In the college and theological seminary, he was much beloved by his fellow students and his instructors. He was ever regarded with respect and love by his missionary associates, and it was eminently true of him that he had a good report among "them that are without." His uniform consistency and steady rectitude of conduct, his general kindness of manner and his quiet firmness of character, could not fail to impressa
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