Heaven will be filled of saints who lived here on earth as if there was a home elsewhere waiting for them - an eternal home. George Bowen of Bombay was such a follower of Christ.
The World Was Not Worthy Of Him
July 7, 2008
"The trouble was, he was all soul, and you cannot photograph the soul nor describe it as you know it to exist." Mrs. Barrows, on George Bowen
AN IDEAL MISSIONARY
The Life and Work of the Rev. George Bowen
The Rev. George Bowen, missionary, author, and editor, died in Bombay, India, on February 5, at the age of 72 years. He was one of the best known of American missionaries in foreign lands, particularly because of distinguishing personal characteristics. One of these was his great devotion to the heathen [the New York Times would never use this word today!!] cause in religion, which was shown by his refusal to draw his salary, after having spent but one year in India, on the ground that he would have more influence among the heathen if he were not possessed of a stated income.
Mr. Bowen was born in this country in 1816. At the age of 17 he was led to doubt the truth of Christianity by reading Gibbon's history. For 11 years he was an unbeliever, but was converted at the deathbed of a lady to whom he was greatly attached. His father was a man of wealth, but the son determined to sacrifice his home and prospects, and to devote himself and his whole life to the missionary service among the heathen.
He proceeded to India in 1846, in connection with the American Board of Missions. After he refused to draw further compensation for his labors at the end of his first year he earned his living by giving private lessons for an hour or two daily. He was often pressed to accept the means of making himself more comfortable, but steadfastly refused. For many years he actually lived in the native bazaars and among the sadly-degraded population until requested to become Secretary to the Religious Tract Society, at whose depot he afterward resided, managing its affairs without pay in addition to his other labors.
Since 1873 he had been a member of the missionary staff of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at the time of his death was Presiding Elder of the Bombay District. He was called "the Nestor of the Methodist Conference in India." He was a very accomplished and highly intellectual man, speaking French, German, Spanish, Italian, and other European languages, as well as English, Hindustani, and Murathi.
He had been editor of the Bombay Guardian since 1854, and was the author of "Daily Meditations," "the Amens of Christ," "Love Revealed," and other works which have been given a high place in standard religious literature regardless of denomination.
He was often urged to return to the United States and lecture upon his experiences among the heathen, but as often refused to leave the secne of his labors. Mr. Bowen was very highly esteemed by the missionary societies in this country, his work having been regarded as of great value to the cause he had espoused. He was never married.
Here is what is enscribed on his tombstone.....
Sacred to the memory of Rev GEORGE BOWEN Born in Vermont America 30th April 1816. Died in Bombay 5th February 1888, aged 72 years. "A man of eminent piety, rare self denial and untiring zeal for Christ during a continuous residence in this city of 40 years"