Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/86

70 his bereaved father and brother being of our number. It was the severest blow we had ever received. We were dumb; we opened not our mouths, because God did it. After some time, one of our number led in prayer, and we adjourned. This was a baptism for us all, and brought a new consecration. A third son went to China, to carry on the work his noble brother had so auspiciously begun. He worked faithfully till the Master called him up higher. His widow and two children are our missionaries now at the same post.

“When the good old father grew feeble, he declined to receive any salary for his service. As we insisted on his taking it, he received the money and put it into the treasury of the Board. While he was contributing liberally to the mission work, he lived in Quaker simplicity. The tax-gatherer called and examined his furniture, and said, ‘I shall put you down for $3,000.’ ‘On what do you base your estimate?’ said Mr. Lowrie. ‘On what I see of your furniture.’ ‘You may have it all for $600.’ There was no more said about taxes. He was a living epistle, known and read of all men. His eldest son, Rev. John C. Lowrie, D.D., after half a century of service abroad and at home, still lives and labors in the Mission cause, as one of our Secretaries.”

Of another old friend Mr. Carter gives the following reminiscences:—

“Mr. William Steel, an elder in the Canal Street Church, a plain, unpretending man, a close student of the Bible, was a constant visitor for many years. His conversation was to me most instructive. One day he was sitting in my store reading a book, when a tall, stately gentleman entered and took me back to the rear of my store. He asked me if I knew that man. I told him I did. ‘He is the meanest man I know,’ said he.