Edgar Anthony Low to Rev. Lewis Balch, New York, 6 July 1841 [copy].

New York, July 6. 1841.

Revd Sir

   I waited on Dr Turner at the Theological Seminary who informed me he could not give me any information with regard to the Arabic Language as he had not studied it but he referred me to Dr Robertson Robinson who has just returned from the “Holy Land” Dr Turner expressed his satisfaction approbation at the object I had in view which gave me great satisfaction as it will assist in strengthening that resolution requisite to enable me to surmount whatever obstacles should present themselves. I called on Dr Robinson yesterday evening who gave me much valuable information with regard to the Arabic Language, it seems that I shall not be able to procure the necessary books in New York—the spirit and kindness of his remarks which will be of great practical value to me—and the kind Christian wish he expressed for my success I shall never forget He mentioned that with regard to the exertions of the African Society of London which I was not aware of which combined with the greater facilities I should find there of procuring books and other things requisite and the making arrangements—causes me to have thoughts of going home which had previously presented itself to my mind from not having heard from them for some time.

   Dr Turner observed that it would be unpractical to inculcate a knowledge of Christianity where I was not acquainted with the Language spoken alluding to the different tribes in central Africa how undoubtedly such would be impracticable—I explained to him that my object in acquiring a more intimate and familiar acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures was this

   1st that it would enable me to undergo with more resolution the troubles and sufferings incident to such an undertaking, to endure “hardness as a good soldier in Jesus Christ,” to have a strong faith in that the power and protection of the Almighty resulting from the conviction that worldly ambitions and human approbation are not the causes which prompt me to overcome all obstacles and eventually by his assistance to perform such an undertaking—

   2ndly that many opportunities would present themselves where a knowledge of Christianity would be attended with the happiest results—I may peradventure be detained in captivity so as to be able to acquire the language spoken by my captors—the great extent of country I shall pass through in a large part of which I shall no doubt find some persons conversant with the Arabic language. I allude to the different tribes in the Interior—where I may have the opportunity of spreading some seed which may be the means of spreading hereafter. And Sir I consider that such an undertaking being attempted by an Individual alive to the awful obligation the Interests of Christianity have upon its members—and possessing the high knowledge of knowing their redeemer that it is their bounden and solemn duty to impart it to others. I know sir that such remarks may appear at variance with the doctrine of the Church I have the happiness and privilege to belong which only recognizes such obligations in those who have it delegated to them by their bishops—but I should consider myself ungrateful and indifferent to my Heavenly Father for such privileges and the connecting hopes of a blessed immortality if passing through a country immersed in all the devilish rites and heathenism—and the results arising from the unrestrained flow of evil passions—I did not make an humbler though determined attempt with the aid of the Holy Spirit to impart to them some knowledge of the one and some hopes of the other.

   Many persons think that the resources and attainments I possess are not compellent for such an undertaking and that it is something like presumption in an humble individual like myself possessing no extraordinary abilities or powerful resources—making such attempts when so many individuals much more competent in both respects have lost their lives and expeditions failed in attempting the same—but how many persons do we see Sir risking their lives by outraging the laws of their country and Creator by a course of evil ways leading to the scaffold—and ought we to be despised when men can be found risking their lives for that which it is impossible they can approve and the end of which they shut their eyes to—that some individuals should also be found equally ready to work there for what they know to be right and the end they know to be equally clear and which instead of being opposed to all Laws Human or Divine is in strict accordance with both. With regard to the means I possess I have often wished they were greater and regretted this seeming want of adaptation to the end they are to achieve. But I am afraid that such wishes and regrets show a want of faith and reliance on Him who to doubt is to disbelieve and who often in his wise counsel and purposes achieves great ends by very small means. Who can read the 11th chap of St Pauls Epistles to the Hebrews and not feel himself lifted up above the so called means of this world and possessing a strength sufficient to perform all things for his Redeemers Glory—and who is not aware of the humble Fisherman of Galilee who issued out of Judea and were the means of founding that faith which has spread with the exception of a few places throughout the world—and I think that after 19 centuries have passed over their heads it does behove [sic] them to make some attempt to carry the knowledge of that faith to those few places—for my own part it hath pleased the Almighty to give me great physical powers of endurance as well as resolution to overcome obstacles and they shall be devoted to his Interests  How can a life of suffering now being tied to a sure and certain hope of a joyful resurrection be placed in the same scales with the pleasures and sins of a worldly life and doubtful hopes of Eternity. The one scale would rise to Heaven and the other would sink I would not say to Hell. It pleased the Almighty to convey Paul to Rome as a captive. I am thankful I shall not be carried to Zela in this capacity—The kindness and interest you have taken in the object I have so much at heart would naturally lead me to be governed by your advice with regard to my returning to England  I Remain Revd Sir

                           With Respect Your Obliged,

                                               Edgar Anthony Low

To the Revd L. P. Balch

Bartholomew Church

Text: Timothy Whelan, Baptist Autographs in the John Rylands University Library of Manchester, 1741-1845 (Macon: Mercer University Press, 2009), pp. 223-226 (annotated version); also MAW, Box 39, John Rylands University Library of Manchester. Seminary, 1837-1863; Samuel Hulbeart Turner (1790-1861), theology professor at the General Theological Seminary (New Haven and later New York City), 1819-1861.