The new world of Central Africa. With a history of the first Christian mission on the Congo

Preface

OUR Lord Jesus Christ cares for Central Africa. He died to redeem its sons and daughters as well as the rest of mankind. This conviction gives courage to His servants in seeking to save among its dark tribes ■ — difficult, and all but hopeless, as the task at first sight appears.

Men of the world mock at the attempt, and ridicule the idea that such “ undeveloped ” human beings can ever be transformed into God-fearing and spiritually minded Christians. But what can they say to facts ? Such transformations may be, for they have already been. To the Bantu races of the Dark Continent the gospel has proved the power of God unto salvation. Ridicule looks foolish in the light of reality, and experience smiles at incredulity.

This book records the work of a band of heroic young Christian men and women, who gave themselves to live or die, as it might please God, that Central Africa might receive the gospel.

Inspiration has preserved for us the acts of the first apostles, and they left us an example, among other things, of rehearsing in the ears of the Church at home the incidents of their missionary undertakings. They

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PREFACE.

assumed that all the disciples were equally interested with themselves in the spread of the gospel. We do the same in giving this story of the Livingstone Inland Mission. We record facts that may cheer the hearts of those now labouring in the field, and point to

“Footprints, that perhaps another,

Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,

Seeing, shall take heart again.”

In telling the story we necessarily depict more or less of the sphere, and present its claims on Christians ; relating at the same time some of the remarkable providences which indicate the will of God as to the immediate evangelization of Africa.

The book makes no pretension to literary excellence. It has been prepared in the scant leisure afforded by the pressing practical duties of a missionary secretary, and this must be pleaded as the apology for many defects. It is in some senses a fresh and enlarged edition of one published some years ago, and long out of print, entitled, “ The First Christian Mission on the Congo.” But the former work was less than a fifth part the size of this, and told the story of two years only, instead of that of twelve ; so that this is virtually a new book, and we have therefore given it a new title.

Since the issue of that first narrative Central Africa has been far more largely explored, and its claims on Christian love and compassion are so much the stronger and better understood. There is no deny-

PREFACE.

vn in g that mission work in the Dark Continent is a hard task, and one that demands much self-denial, faith, and patience. Our pages prove however that it is no forlorn hope, and that the obstacles to success are by no means insuperable.

Too much has perhaps been said about the dangers of the climate and the difficulties of the work. Pioneering in barbarous countries must always be attended with considerable risk, and Central Africa has been no exception to the rule. But the pioneering work there is now largely done, and the dangers and hardships are proportionately diminished. The Bantu races over millions of square miles are now almost as easily accessible to the gospel as the Chinese or the Hindus. They have been fairly introduced to the knowledge of the civilized world ; may they be speedily embraced in the love of the Christian Church !

That this book may to some extent conduce to such a result is the earnest desire of the writer.

East London Institute for

Home and Foreign Missions,

Harley House, Bow, London, E. 'March, 1890.

CHAPTER I. What it Is

Further knowledge about Africa needed. — Reasons why it has been so long concealed. — Christian responsibility towards the Dark Continent. — Definition of the new world of Central Africa. — Length of the Congo water-way. — The Congo Free State. — The Bantu races. — The Soudan as distinct from Central Africa.— Drummond on the African man. — Sketch of a Central African village. — A roadless world. — Its inhabitants not primitive, but sin-degraded. — The last great task of the Church . . . ftp. 1-33.

CHAPTER II. A Journey through the New World

Lessons learned from book-titles. — Meaning of “Through the Dark Continent.” — From Zanzibar to the lakes. — The Victoria Nyanza plateau. — The Central African Alps. — After two years’ travelling, the mighty Congo at last ! — Four months floating down stream. — Struggles with the mighty river. — Tragedies of the Cataract gorge. — The Atlantic at last. — The providence of God in this journey. — ix

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CONTENTS.

CHAPTER III. How the Free State was Founded

Stanley’s third mission in Africa. — The founding of the Congo Free State. — Leopoldville, 1 88 1 . — A Congo Candace. — Discovery of Lake Leopold. — Second expedition. — Work on the Upper Congo.— “ Friends, this is a rich country.” — An African Hercules. — Wangata Station and Mata Bwyki. — A brave Scotchman. — Commercial genius of the Congoese. — Return to Europe, 1884 . . . pp. 53-75.

CHAPTER IV. The Berlin Conference

Europe’s need of Central Africa. — King Leopold II. of Belgium. — What was to become of the new world ? — Position assumed by Portugal. — The Berlin Conference. — Large concessions to Portugal and France. — Formation of the Congo Free State.— Tts limits, those of the Congo basin. — Leopold first king. — Provisions for free trade, anti-slavery, and religious liberty pp. 77- 88.

CHAPTER V. Portuguese Claims to African Territory

Papal geography. — The objects of European interference in Africa. — These never obtained under Portuguese influence. — Portuguese colonial history. — Vast empire in the sixteenth century.— Steady decay ever since. — Condition of her internal and colonial resources. — Mercantile marine all but extinct. — Manufactures the same.- — Reasons for this singular history. — Condition of her remaining colonies. — Ruined by the abolition of the slave-trade. — Portugal not likely to help East Africa.— The colonists still connive at slavery. — Experience of Cameron and Livingstone. — Testimony of Antonio Gallenga. — Portugal and Nyassaland. — Freedom jof great natural highways .... pp. 91-1 13.

CONTENTS.

xi

CHAPTER VI. Africa’s Greatest Curse

The “open sore of the world.” — The Arab slave-trade. — Fulfilment of the prophecy about Ishmael. — The Arab plan of campaign. — Commander Cameron’s testimony. — Cardinal Lavigerie’s testimony. — Stanley’s experience.— Ivory and gunpowder at the back of slavery. — Progress of the slave-trade in Nyassaland. — What Major Wissmann saw among the Basonge. — Bagna Pesihi. — The harassed and depopulated districts. — The Brussels Conference. — Four short railways. — The domestic slavery of Africa pp. 1 15-137.

CHAPTER VII. Europe’s Sin and Africa’s Sorrow

The drink traffic. — The guilty nations. — The dimensions of the trade. — Its ruinous effect on natives. — The “vested rights” of drink-sellers. — Experience of W. S. Caine, M.P. — At whose door the crime lies. — Kroo villages a kind of hades. — The extermination of the race a question of time. — Free trade need not include free trade in drink. — Native converts say, “ Christians do not drink.” — Prohibition the only cure.

CHAPTER VIII. Present Condition of the New World

Later discoveries.— The Mobangi and the Kasai. — The value of the Congo basin. — The proposed Congo railway. — Legislation of the Congo Free State. — Administrative divisions. — Garangange and Kasongo. — The Great Lake district. — The French Congo pp. 1 55-1 71.

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CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. Why we Began the Mission, and How

An open door. — Deliberations. — Basis of the L.I.M. — The Lower Congo in 1878. — Henry Craven. — Obstacles to progress.— Crocodiles, scorpions, and serpents. — The first Christian home in Congoland. — Poor, bleeding Africa. — The founding of Banza Manteka. — Death of James Telford. First Christian grave on the Congo. — African life by Mr. Henry Richards. — A Scotchman’s devotion pp. 1 75-201.

CHAPTER II. The McCall Expedition, 1880

The need of more vigorous measures. — Adam McCall, of Leicester. — His travels and experience in South Africa, the Transvaal, Matabeleland, on the Zambesi, and in the Barotse valley. — Volunteers for the Congo.— His colleagues. — Importance of thorough outfit. — Faith and effort. — “A better investment.” — Farewell meetings at Leicester, Plymouth, etc. — The Vanguard. — Departure of the party. — The attempt to use donkeys. — Experience with Kroo-boys. — Death of Charles Petersen. — Rescue of native victims. — Matadi Minkanda. — Disappointing experience with donkeys.— Attacked by wasps. — A man burned to death. — No carriers. — A timeless world. — Terrible discouragements.

CHAPTER III. Change in the Management of the Mission

Need of strengthening the home department. — The Rev. A. Tilly resigns the Secretaryship, which is undertaken by the writer. — Proceedings of the Committee. — Reinforce-

CONTENTS.

xiii ments needed, j88t. — Three thousand pounds sent in. — Donation of a house for Banana. — The Livingstone steam-launch. — Her trial trip on the Congo.— Messrs. Ingham, Angus, Smith, and Waters.— Wedding and parting.—The Congo dialects and the Bantu tongues. — First grammar and translations. — A boy’s prayer in Congo, interlined with translation. — Drummond’s testimony to Moolu.

CHAPTER IV. A Dark Year in the Dark Continent

Need of a steamer for the upper river. — Donation of one from the Antipodes. — Fever and flood. — Death of Hugh Mc- Kergow. — Native difficulties in understanding missionary deaths. — Progress at Palabala and Banza Manteka. — Prayer for rain answered. — Difficulties in canoeing on the river. — Bemba Station among the Basundi. — The 4th of Feb., 1881. — “ Dead news for you, sir.” — “ Cast down, but not destroyed.”- — Shooting a boa-constrictor. — Need of patience. — Not explorers, but missionaries.- — McCall’s last visit to Palabala. — Terrible sufferings. — Obliged to come home. — Embarks on the Lualaba . . pp. 267-289.

CHAPTER V. The Voyage Home

Last look at Africa. — Final entries in the log.- — Lands at Madeira. — Fatal attack.— The good Samaritan. — The gale and the Garth Castle. — A desolate voyage ; too late ! — Severe trial of faith.— Death of Mary Richards. — The value of a missionary’s wife. — Danger no excuse for disobedience. — Our marching orders .... pp. 291-306.

CHAPTER VI. Reinforcements and Firstfruits

Faint, yet pursuing. — Dr. A. Sims, of Aberdeen, volunteers. — First medical missionary. — Mr. William Appel.— Messrs. Liley and Westlind.— A new party of nine. — “ Do send

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CONTENTS.

plenty teachers.” — Men, money, sympathy, and prayer. — Baptism of native lads ; firstfruits from Congoland. — Their return, with Mr. and Mrs. Craven to Africa. — Messrs. Harvey and Billington invalided home . ftp. 307-317.

CHAPTER VII. Progress in Africa in 1882

Difficulties of the North Bank. — Scarcity of food. — Mukimbungu and Lukunga stations. — Deserters. — Stanley’s visit to Lukunga. — Native conscience about murder. — Burning of Bemba Station.— Fire at Palabala . . ftp. 319-33$.

CHAPTER VIII. The Death Roll of 1882

Haben’s return. — “ Lanceley gone ! ” — Mr. Clarke’s account of the tragic circumstances. — A martyr for Jesus. — Deaths of Jesse Blunt at Palabala and of William Appel at Banana. — Dangerous energy.— Extreme caution required. — The law of fruitfulness. — Livingstone’s day of discouragement.— By God’s help, “Forward.” — In memoriam . ftp. 337-353.

CHAPTER IX. Leopoldville and the Upper Congo

Dr. Sims at Stanley Pool, 1883. — Preparations for building the He7iry Reed. — Description of the mission steamer. — The five hundred loads to be carried about 225 miles. — Influence of Christian lads. — Marriages of Mr. White and Mr. Ingham. — Banana Station moved to Mukimvika. — The buildings at Leopoldville. — Description of Stanley Pool. — Two months’ voyage in canoe. — First death of a Christian native. — Topsy’s brief story. — Equator Station, Wangata. — The N’kundu tribes. — Dr. Sims’ voyage to the Falls and back with Mr. Grenfell, of the B.M.S. — Launch of the Henry Reed ftp. 355-388.

CONTENTS.

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CHAPTER X. Transfer of the Mission to American Management

Condition of the Livingstone Inland Mission in 1884. — Preliminary difficulties overcome. —Extension and importance of the enterprise. — “ Individuals die ; societies live on.” — The American Baptist Missionary Union. — Its antecedents and present undertakings. — Transfer of the Livingstone Inland Mission. — Staff and stations at the time.- — Death of Mr. H. Craven at Kabinda. — Messrs. Hoste and McKittrick and others join the Mission . . . pp. 391-409.

Section III. Light At Last; On, A Morning Of Joy On

THE CONGO.

CHAPTER I. The Beginning of Spiritual Blessing

Letters from Messrs. Joseph Clarke and Stephen White. — And from Messrs. Harvey and Hoste. — Accounts of Mr. Richards. — Turning to God from idols. — Witnessing for Jesus. — A Congo baptism.- — Recent visits to Banza Manteka described by Mr. Whytock and Mrs. McKittrick . pp. 413-426.

Chapter II

A Chat with Mr. Richards, of Banza Manteka.

The missionary’s main work. — Seeking first conversion. — Evidences of the new birth.— Must not aim at Europeanizing Africans. — The clothes question. — Men are the same, though skins differ. — “ White people actually love each other ! ” — Barnabas and Lydia. — Church government. — Native preachers. — Native view of flogging. — How to discipline the unruly. — Native quickness in learning.

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CONTENTS.

CHAPTER III. Progress under the A.B.M.U., 1885-90

Brief Summary — The Henry Reed at work — Messrs. Pettersen and Eddie at Wangata — Dr. Sims’ return and visit to America.— Asbury Park Conference.— Speeches by Dr. Gordon and Dr. Crane. — Fresh Explorers in Africa. — Iron church sent out from Boston to Banza Manteka. — American ladies join the Mission. — The natives on the upper river. — Mr. Hoste’s itinerations and plans for extension ftp. 445-459.

CHAPTER IV. Our New Congo-Balolo Mission

The Missionary Conference of 1888. — Progress and policy of the A.B.M.U. — The need of the “regions beyond.” — Reasons for an English auxiliary. — Return of Mr. John McKittrick. — Sketch of the Balolo people. — Social and religious condition. — The New Congo-Balolo Mission founded. — Harmonious and auxiliary, yet distinct from the A.B.M.U. — The first pioneer party.— Bompole’s farewell and letter. — Financial supplies, sailing of the missionary band, and progress to date. — The basis of the Mission. — The Pioneer steamer ..... ftp. 461-487.

CHAPTER V. The Climate of the Congo

Causes of mortality among Europeans. — Stanley’s testimony after having tested it for six years. — Draughts and chill as causes of fever. — Hill stations v. low-lying land. — Typical causes. — Try it at home. — Malaria is a second cause. — Rationale of its operation. — Drink accountable for a large proportion of the deaths. — Alcohol dangerous in the tropics. — “ Follies leading to self-destruction.”— Good health possible ftp • 489-518.

Conclusion ftp. 5 1 9~ 523-

Appendix ftp . S23~535>

FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.

FRICA

Upper Congo Fisherman

The Christopher Columbus of the New World The Falls of Ntamo .

A Central African Queen .

A King and his Court.

Leopold II

A Central African Encampment A Mangrove Swamp The Victoria Falls of the Zambesi Shooting an Exhausted Slave .

An Arab Slave-Raid .

Natives Drawing Palm-wine The Kroo Coast ....

A Forest Scene in the Heart of A Pre-historic Africa Portrait of Henry Craven Carriers on a Journey Portrait of Adam McCall.

A Kroo-Boy Headman .

Portrait of Rev. Alfred Tilly African Wives and Mothers Portrait of Henry Reed, Esq. .

Portrait of Dr. Sims .

Natural Bridges of Fallen Timber “A Supply of Meat for the Carriers”

Portrait of George Lanceley .

Native Execution at a Funeral

The Henry Reed

“ Hippos ”

Bolobo Station of the B.M.S. .

Portrait of Rev. J. N. Murdock, D.D.

Portrait of Frederick Stanley Arnot Sowing in Tears ; Reaping in Joy .

Portrait of Mr. Henry Richards .

Group of Thirteen Missionaries to

390 400 412 428 444 face ft xviii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS,

PAGE

Group of Eight Missionaries .... 460

Bompole’s Letter 480

The Steam-launch Pioneer 484

A Tornado in the Forest 488

Dr. Sims’ Station at Stanley Pool . . . 496 Harley College and Grounds, London . . 530

SMALL ILLUSTRATIONS.

Peep at the Nile 9

Bantus of Bihe 15

A Slave Girl of the Soudan 17

An African Village 20

A Forest Path 27

Monbutto Warriors 38

Crossing Flooded Plains 43

Native Heads 44

Catastrophe on the Congo 47

Dragging Canoes Overland 48

In the Rapids 49

A Congo Caravan 57

An Upper Congo Home 69

Interview with a Native Chief .... 72

Group of Natives 79

The Inquisition at Goa 99, 100

Ivory Porters 118

A Native Village of Round Huts . . . 128

Nyam-Nyam Warriors 153

One of the Lesser Tributaries of the Congo 158

PONTA DA LENHA l6l

Manyema Heads 164

Native Jewellery 170

One of the Natives 184

Congo Idols 19 1

Palm Trees 198

Portrait bf Mr. Charles Pete^rsen . . . 218

“ Stones and Palm Trees 223

Mouth of the M’poso River 227

The Livingstone Steam-launch .... 247

Portrait of Mr. Stephen White .... 274

Portrait of Mary Richards 299

Bird’s-eye View of Stanley Pool. . . . 312

Portrait of Miss Spearing 315

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

xix

A Camp Fire

Portrait of Mr. William Appel .

In Memoriam .......

Leopoldville, Stanley Pool ....

A Native of I boko, Upper Congo .

Islet in Stanley Pool

“Poultry, Goats, and Native Productions5’

An Upper Congo Woman. ....

Trading-canoe on the Congo

“ Guided ”...

Portrait of Mr. Joseph Clarke .

Portrait of Mr J. H. Hoste ....

Throwing down Nkisis .....

Preparing the Mid-day Meal

Carrying .

A Native Preacher

Portraits of Mr. Joseph Clarke and his Boys A Medicine Man ......

Portrait of Mr. Charles Harvey Curious Native Head-dress ....

Portrait of Mr. Banks .....

African Ant-Hills

One of the Kyansi-speaking People .

Bompole .

Balolo Heads .......

Portrait of Mr. John McKittrick Mrs. McKittrick and Congo Boys

A King’s Grave

Scene at the Funeral of Bompole’s Father The Woody Banks of the Congo .

Kinchassa Station

456 463 466 469 472

MAPS.

Diagram Map of Central Africa xx

Political Map of Central Africa as Settled by

the Berlin Conference 85

Map of the Congo Basin 89

Map of the Balolo Region ... to face fi. 467 Large Map ........ at end.

XX

UPPER CONGO FISHERMAN,