Life of David Livingstone, the heroic Christian missionary and Arican explorer ...

Front matter

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Life of David Livingstone.

DAVID LIVINGSTONE. (On first going to Africa.)

Chapter I. PAGE

Parentage — Early Years — His Life as a Factory Boy — The Awakening of Noble Impulses — His Filial Devotion— His u Bred-inthe-bone" Perseverance — Nature's Instructions — Geological Researches— Locked Out— His Patient Submission to His Father's Will 11- 26

Chapter II

His Home Life— The Tender Regard Shown His Sisters— His Keen Sense of the Humorous— A Laughable Episode— The Spiritual Change that Came to Him— He Enters the University as a Medical Student — His Determination to Become a Missionary 27- 36

Chapter III

A Question that Vexed the World — The Sources of the Nile — The Bruce, Speke, and Baker Expeditions — England Triumphant —The Spirit that Moved Livingstone 37- 42

Chapter IY.

Livingstone's Arrival at Cape Town— The Popular Theory Concerning Africa— The Trip Across the Country to Kuruman— lie Hears of a Wonderful Lake — A Journey Farther Into the Interior—His reception by the Bechuanas— The First Sowingof the Good Seed— Meets with Bubi— A Shocking Occurrence— Poor Sekomi's Troublesome Heart — The Visit to the Bakaa — His First Sermon — Discovers an Iron Manufacturing People — .An Amusing Predicament— The Return to Kuruman 43- 58

Chapter V

The Bakatla Welcome Livingstone's Return with Great Demon- . strations— His Lion Adventure— He Becomes a Hero— His Marriage to Mary Moffat— Their Home at Mabotsa— They Leave Mabotsa for Chonuane — The Greai Chief, Sechele — The Removal to Kolobeng— u Did Your Fathers Know?"— Sechele's Conversion— The Maliciousness of the Boers — Livingstone's Brave Deed — He Establishes a Claim Upon the Bakwains— An Enthusiastic Bellman— The Missionary's Earnest Work Begins to be Rewarded *. 59- 77

Chapter YI.

An African Village— The Government of the Bec.hu an a Tribes — Sechele Erects a Church and School-house u To the Honor of God" — Mrs. Livingstone's Noble Labors — The Cheerful Life of the Brave Missionary and His Wife— A Trying Period— Livingstone's Enduring Patience and Unshaken Trust — The African Method of Procuring Meat—The Hostile Attitude of the Boers Grows More Threatening— Sechele/s Noble Reply 78- 86

Chapter YII.

Livingstone Starts in Search of LakoNgami — The Kalahari Desert — Sekomi's Treacherous Behavior—The Bushmen and Baklahari — Livingstone's Hospitable Reception — Crossing the Desert — The Scarcity of Water— Sufferings and Hardships — The Deception of the Mirage — Beaching the Zouga — New Hopes and Desires— Livingstone's Absorbing Dream— The Wonderful Lake and the Country Surrounding It — The Return to Kolobeng 87-10»>

8 CONTENTS.

Chapter VIII. page

How the News of the Discovery of the Ngami and Zouga was Received in England— The Endeavor to Reach the Great Chief, Sebituane— Second Attempt— Mrs. Livingstone and Her Children of the Party— Failure of the Undertaking— Return to Kolobeng— Dastardly Raid of the Boers— Third and Successful Attempt to Reach Sebituane — Incidents bv the Way — Sebituane's Death ". 307-123

Chapter IX.

Mamochisane Succeeds Sebituane — Her Graciousness to Livingstone — Livingstone and Oswell Make a Short Journey of Exploration — Discovery of the Zambesi — The Charming River Country — The Abundance of Animal Life — Livingstone's Tender Heart— A Pathetic Scene 124-137

Chapter X.

A Horrifying Incident — Livingstone Heart-sick Because of the Slave-trade — His Determination to Find a Remedy — A Gigantic Undertaking— He Sends His Family to England— His Touching Letters to Them— The Proposed March from u Sea to Sea" — Another Attack by the Boers upon Sechele — The Indignant Chief's Intended Visit to the Queen 138-150

Chapter XI.

The Departure from Kuruman— Heavy Rains— The Flooded Districts—Terrible Sufferings of the Party— Livingstone's Courage and Trust — Arrival at Liny an ti — The Young Chief Sekeletu— Incidents of the Sojourn at Linyanti— The Mission-work Among the Makololo— Sekeletu's Dangerous Rival 151-165

Chapter XII.

The Start in Search of a Healthy Locality — The Demonstrative Reception by the People — Livingstone Frustrates Mpepe's Wicked Design— Mpepe's Death— Up the Zambesi— A Pathetic Incident — The Valley of the Barotse— Heathenism in its Most Revolting Aspect — The Barotse Dance of Welcome— Livingstone Visits Katonga— Pushes Farther up the River — Continued Discouragement— The Return to Linyanti 166-178

Chapter XIII.

Livingstone Again Labo v s Among the Makololo— His Letter to His Children— The Start from Linyanti for the Coast — Arrival at Sesheke— Incidents — The Journey up the Zambesi — Glimpses of African Natural History — Manenko, the Amazon Chieftainess— Two Native Belles— Approaching the Stronghold of the Slave Traffic 179-201

Chapter XIY.

Questionable Hospitality— At the Village of Nyamoana— A Cordial Reception— The TBalonda Court of State— Gallantry of Livingstone — Proposed Journey to Shinte's Town — Arrival of Manenko— The Start for Kabompo— Marching Through the Rain —Incidents of the Way 202-216

Chapter XV.

The Charming Situation of Kabompo — An Ideal Native Village — The Blot that Obscured the Smiling Fairness of the Scene— The Reception at the Kotla — The Private Interview with Shinte — Manenko Again Heard From — The Impressions Created by the Magic Lantern— Shinte's Water-drawer— Sambanze is g'iven More than a Curtain Lecture — Livingstone is Shocked bj T a Proposal of Shinte's— Preparations to Leave Kabompo — The Chief Gives Eloquent Proof of His Friendship 217-230

CONTENTS.

Chapter XVI. PAGK

A Country of Luxuriant Forests— Further Signs of Idolatry— A Potent Question — The u Great Lord Katenia"— Livingstone Renders an Important Service— Katema's Gratitude— The Hospitality of His People— The Good Mozinkwa and His Wife— An Amateur Snuff Manufacturer— The Story of ihe Cross— A Wind from the North— Crossing the Great Water-shed of the North and South Rivers — Inhospitable Tribes — An Extraordinary "Pikeman"— The Steadfast Devotion of the Makololo 231-215

Chapter XVII.

Desperate Straits — The Hostile Chiboque — Livingstone's Calmness and Courage Save the Party — Seized with Fever — The Men Threaten Mutiny— A Decisive Moment — Livingstone's Nerve — The Hearts of the Makololo Fail Them — A Gloomy Sunday — Light Through the Clouds — u Children of Jesus" — Nearingthe Portuguese Settlements— Across the Quango — Hospitality of the People— In Sight of the Sea— Rest at Last 246-258

Chapter XVIII.

The Mystery Cleared — Livingstone's Dangerous Illness and His Recovery — He Calls Upon the Bishop — The Makololo Make a Fine Impression— Free Passages to England are Offered Livingstone— The Heroic Stand for Duty— He Takes His Men on Shipboard — Their Wonder at the Strange Sights — The Departure from Loanda— Generosity of the Merchants — The Return Through the Portuguese Settlements— Incidents of the Way— Pitsane's Little Ruse — At Katema's Town— Shinte's — Home Again 259-273

Chapter XIX.

The Departure for tne East Coast— Sekeletu's Proof of His Devotion — The Grave of the Chief Sekote— The Great Victoria Falls — The Country of the Batoka— A Degraded Tribe— The Gospel of Peace — Dangers and Difficulties— At the Junction of the Loangwa and the Zambesi — Hostility of the Tribes— A Perilous Position — The Revengeful Chief, Mpende— In Answer to Prayer. 274-294

Chapter XX.

Gradually Increasing Signs of Civilization— Sand-filled Rivers— At Monina's Village — Death of Poor Monahin— Worn Down with Fatigue— A Civilized Breakfast — At Tete— Generosity and Hospitality of Major Sicard— Illness— Arrival at Kilimane — Greeted with Sad Intelligence— Insanity and Death of Sekwebu — The Departure for Home— Arrival in England — Enthusiastic Reception — Livingstone's Extreme Modesty — The Quiet Sojourn at Newstead Abbey — Literary Labors 285-308

Chapter XXI.

Return to Africa— The Reception at Cape Town— The "Ma-Robert"— Object of the Second Expedition — Discovery of the True Mouth of the Zambesi— The Sail Up the River— Arrival at Tete — The Kebrebasa Rapids— Unsatisfactory Conduct of the ^Ma- Robert" — Exploration of the Shire— Discovery of Lakes shirna and Nvassa — Steps Toward the Establishment of a Mission Station— Unexpected News of the Arrival of a Little Stranger. 809-330

Chapter XXII.

Going Home with the Makololo— A Second Look at the Victoria Falls— Painful News— Arrival at Sesheke— Sekeletu's Terrible Condition— Livingstone Effects a Cure— Painful Forebodings in Regard to the Makololo— The Return to the Tete— Devot ion of Livingstone's Men— Dr. Kirke Meets with a Loss— The New Steamer " Pioneer "—Arrival of Bishop McKenzie and Assist-

10 CONTENTS.

TAG E

ants — To the Mouth of the Rovuraa— Up the Shire— At Chibisa's Town— Liberation of the Slaves— An Errand of Peace Turned Into One of War— The New Mission — Arrival of Mrs. Living- Btone, Miss McKenzie, and Others — Disastrous Ending of the Little Mission— Illness and Death of Mrs. Livingstone— Second Exploration of the Rovuma— Again up the Shire — An Appalling- State of Affairs— Tiie Curse of the Slave-trade 331-350

Chapter XXIII.

Livingstone Again in England— Death of His Mother— " Fear God and Work Hard"— His Impressions in Regard to the Nile Sources — The Return to Africa — The Start for the Interior — Bad Conduct of the Men— The World Loses Sight of Him— Reported Death — Fears and Doubts — Mr. Young Goes in Search of Him— News of His Safety— Letters— The Dispatches from Bangweolo— Another Period of Silence and Suspense — Stanley to the Rescue , 351-368

Chapter XXIY.

Sore Straits— Loss of the Medicine-chest — Across the Chimb we and Chambeze— take Tanganyika — Moero— At Cazembe's — Atrocious Cruelties — Missionary Labors — The Start in Search of Lake Bangweolo— Desertion of 'the Men— Return from the Lake —On the Road to Ujiji— Distressing Illness— Across Lake Tanganyika — Arrival at Ujiji — Disappointments — Another Wearisome Tramp — Ujiji Again — Livingstone is Found by Stanley.... 369-390

Chapter XXV.

Stanley's Description of Livingstone— Examination of Northern End of Lake Tanganyika — The Departure from Ujiji — The Separation at Unyanyembe — News of the Finding of Livingstone —Later Reports of His Death— Reports Confirmed— The Last Tramp— Illness— Last Hours— Death 391-113

Chapter XXVI.

Devotion of Livingstone's Men — The Body Borne to the Coast— Arrival in England — Universal Sorrow— Obsequies at Westminster Abbey— Inscription Upon the Tomb .. 414-423

ILLUSTRATIONS.

David Livingstone 2

On the Bosom of the Mystic Nile 36

Rude Methods of Agriculture as Practiced by Bubi's People 50

The Terror of Bamangwato 52

Livingstone's Rescue from the Lion 62

An African Village 79

Some Inhabitants of the Zouga Jungles 102

The Wily Bird in His Native Bush 114

A Disastrous Elephant Hunt 127

The King of the African Forests 130

A Bevy of Linyanti Belles 159

Tribal War-dance ~ 176

Spoonbill. and Companion Birds 193

One of Shinte's Subjects 220

A Forest Prowler 234

Victoria Falls, Zambesi River 278

On the Zambesi Delta 314

Tree-dwellers in Africa 320

A Missionary Station in Africa 342

Baobab-tree and Native Hut 347

Henry M. Stanley 368

Chnniah and Susi 387

Stanley Meeting Livingstone 390

Livingstone Carried through the Swamps 400

Livingstone's Last Journey. 404

Livingstone Carried Into the Hut to Die 40i

Life op Dayid Liymtom

Chapter I

PARENTAGE — EARLY YEARS — HIS LIFE AS A FACTORY BOY — THE AWAKENING OF NOBLE IMPULSES— HIS FILIAL DEVOTION — HIS "BRED-IN-THE-BONE" PERSEVERANCE— NATURE'S INSTRUCTIONS — GEOLOGICAL RESEARCHES — LOCKED OUT — HIS PATIENT SUB- MISSION TO HIS FATHER'S WILL.

THE story of no other life can be read with greater profit by the youth of to-day, nor can any other convey to them a stronger or a more beautiful lesson of courage, faith, and self-denial, than that of David Livingstone, the intrepid Christian missionary and explorer. From its earliest childhood to its sad and pathetic close, that life bears eloquent testimony of what determined will, untiring effort, and a pure and steadfast devotion to an ennobling purpose can accomplish. Whether as factory boy, or as the resolute young medical student plodding the eighteen miles each day to and from his university, or as the courageous and devoted missionary in the very heart of savage Africa, every incident of Livingstone's striking career affords instructive and elevating study.

To " Bonnie Scotland " is due the honor of having given to the world four of its most famous African travelers and explorers — Mungo Park, Moffat, Bruce, and David Livingstone* Of all these names, each of which has justly won

(ID its measure of renown, that of David Livingstone stands deservedly at the head.

It was at Blantyre, Lanarkshire, Scotland, a town devoted almost entirely to the cotton factory interests, that David Livingstone was born, March 19th, 1813. His parents were humble but pious and worthy people, who early sought to instill into the minds of their children those higher principles of truth and integrity that should be their guide through life. Of his father many contradictory accounts are given. Some speak of him as an exceedingly stern, hard man ; others again as a lenient and kindly one. It is probable that, like so many of his rugged race, he combined in his character both kindliness and rigor. There are various little incidents that go to prove that he was the possessor of many admirable qualities, though so rigid and unyielding on most points. That his children feared him, there can be no doubt; that they also loved and revered him, the after testimony of his famous son bears eloquent witness. When crowned with honors, and when, with the admiration and applause of the whole civilized w T orld directed toward him, he was hastening from the interior of Africa on his first return to England, he declared that he anticipated no greater pleasure than that of sitting by his father's humble fireside and relating to him the many incidents of his travels and explorations. What was the applause of a world, the praise of the highest and mightiest — even the commendation of his Queen — to that aged parent's honest pride and child-like delight in his recitals? But alas! it was not to be. Ere he had yet come in sight of his native shores, the news of his father's death was borne to him. He was so overcome that for days he took little note

LIFE OF DAVID LIVINGSTONE.

of what was going on around him. Afterward, when speaking of his loss and of his father's excellence, he declared: "I honor and revere his memory." Again he says: "He deserves my lasting gratitude and homage for presenting me from infancy with a continuously consistent, pious example—such as that the ideal of which is so beautifully and truthfully portrayed in Burns's < Cotter's Saturday Night.'" Those familiar with this homely .yet strong and beautiful picture of the aged and pious cotter can well appreciate the son's loving and tender tribute.

Of his mother there are no conflicting accounts — only the one testimony unwavering throughout: gentle, patient, brave, and tender— such a mother as imprints in letters of gold upon the minds and hearts of her children life's best and noblest lessons; such a mother as causes her influence to be felt from generation to generation. There is strength as well as beauty in the saying of the old Jewish rabbi : "God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers." A mother in the truest sense was the mother of David Livingstone. Though possessed of but little education, she w r as nevertheless a woman singularly sweet and refined in her manner, quiet and gentle in all that she did. Her loving and kindly nature was in distinct contrast with her husband's sterner, more rugged disposition. In every thing she was a worthy and noble helpmeet to him ; to her children a mother whom they might indeed "rise up and call blessed." Her own beautifully consistent Christian example had much to do with keeping alive in their hearts a reverence for sacred things — such a reverence as grows into the character, molding it and building it into a strong and fearless structure, against which the fierce waves of infidel creeds may in after years dash in vain. Beyond a doubt, this sweet and gracious example was oftener productive of good results than were her husband's sterner methods.

Like nearly jail the Highlanders, Dr. Livingstone's ancestors were Roman Catholics ; but when the Protestant religion was sweeping all else before it in Scotland, the sturdy old chief of the clan was converted to it, and became one of the most uncompromising of the believers.

Dr. Livingstone was always proud of his ancestry — proud in a justly commendable way; for though none of them had ever been rich in this world's goods, or highly distinguished as far as worldly honors go, they had been something better and nobler still — honest, fearless men, with not a stain upon a single name through a long line. How much grander such a record than mere titles, rank, or emblazoned escutcheons! What nobler title can there be than that of " honest gentleman?" what mightier ensign than that of " Truth " indelibly stamped upon one's lifebanner?

There was a tradition in the Livingstone family of one of the ancestors, a poor but sturdy and honest old Highlander, who, when he lay upon his death-bed, called his children around him and thus exhorted them: "Now, in my life-time I have searched most carefully through all the traditions I could find of our family, and I never could discover that there was a single dishonest man among our forefathers. If, therefore, any of you, or any of your children, should take to dishonest ways, it will not be because it rung in our blood. It does not belong to you. I leave this precept with you: 'Be honest!'" What a record to stand from generation to generation, unaltered! "Not a dishonest man among us." Ah ! truly " a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor than silver and gold."

In the preface to his " Missionary Travels and Researches in Southern Africa," Dr. Livingstone gives a brief sketch of his early life, together with some information in regard to his more immediate ancestry. Throughout it bears the stamp of that modest diffidence so noticeable at all times when he speaks of himself or of things directly concerning himself. No man ever lived and attained to the heights of eminence reached by David Livingstone, and withal preserved a sincerer and more entire forgetfulness of his own identity. It was this singularly sweet modesty of demeanor, this entire putting away of self, that made him more admired and beloved than all the intrepid endurance that carried him through the heart of a savage country, or the bold courage that made him the hero of a hundred hair-breadth escapes. Speaking of his ancestors, in the preface to which we have alluded, Dr. Livingstone remarks: "One great-grandfather fell at the battle of Culloden, fighting for the old line of kings, and one grandfather was a small farmer in Ulva, where my father was born. It was one of that cluster of the Hebrides spoken of by Sir Walter Scott :

And Ulva dark, and Colonsay,

And all the group of islets gay That guard famed Staffa round."'

Pr. Livingstone was very fond of the traditions and the legends of his forefathers, which had come down through line after line as an inheritance to be sacredly treasured and transmitted from father to son. His paternal grandfather, in particular, was a great reciter of these wonderful stories. Not only did he regale his youthful audience with the fascinating accounts of the deeds and the exploits of their own ancestors, but he was familiar with all those traditionary legends that afterward gave the great Sir Walter Scott so much material for his famous " Tales of a Grandfather."

"As a boy," says Dr. Livingstone years later, when speaking of his grandfather's favorite practice, "I remember listening with delight, for his memory was stored with a never-ending stock of stories, many of which were wonderfully like those I have since heard while sitting by the African evening fires."

To this grandfather Livingstone was especially attached. He was a rugged old Scot, with but few of the faults and many of the virtues of his race. He was noted above all traits for his unswerving honesty, thus nobly bearing out the stainless reputation of his family. He was the grandfather alluded to as "a small farmer in Ulva." For many years he quietly labored as a tiller of the soil ; but as his family increased he found the income from his few acres altogether insufficient for even their most pressing needs. This led him to dispose of his farm, and to remove to the Bl an tyre Cotton Works, where he hoped to obtain employment not only for himself, but also for his sons that were large enough to work.

The Blantyre Cotton Works were at Blantyre, a small manufacturing town on the river Clyde, nine miles above Glasgow. The worthy old Scot was not long in procuring a position, and that, too, one of trust from the very first.

So much for the good name borne by his family, the herald of which had preceded him. He entered as messenger the service of the Messrs. Monteith & Co., proprietors of the factory. A part of his duty was to convey large sums of money to and from Glasgow. Not once did he fail in the trust. Indeed, so unflinching was his integrity, so rare his faithfulness, that he won not only the confidence but the highest esteem of his employers. When too old to longer continue in the discharge of his duties, they showed their appreciation of their trusty servant by retiring him on a pension.

Soon after removing to Blantyre he had also succeeded, as he had hoped, in getting positions in the factory for his sons as well as for himself — positions which they filled with honor and trust, following the example so nobly set by the father. They remained in the employ of the Messrs. Monteith until the war with France broke out, when they all, with the exception of Dr. Livingstone's father, entered the army. The latter, having married in the meantime, now settled down as a grocery merchant, doing business in a small w r ay.

David's tribute to his father at this period of his life was that he was "too honest ever to grow rich." Here we also have a glimpse of the real kindliness of heart that was surely his, since he was never known to turn away a fellowcreature in distress, but, on the other hand, would respond to the appeal, though to his own hurt. It was this constant trust of people, " whose necessities were greater than their ability or desire to pay," 1hat added more and more each year to his own financial embarrassment; for, as has been said, he was only doing business on a limited scale. This 2 pressure finally drove him to the necessity of putting his children out to work, even at tender ages.

It was thus that David entered the mills as piecer when only ten years old. It was hard work for so young a child, the loug confinement proving more wearisome than any thing else. He had to work steadily from six in the morning until eight at night, with only a short intermission for dinner.

How many lads thus circumstanced would have surrendered themselves unreservedly to the drudgery of their position, hopeless and careless as to any thing for the future save a life of just such unremitting toil as this! But not so David Livingstone. While not despising his humble surroundings, nor yet rebellious against the hardness of his lot, there was nevertheless born within him-from the moment his hands knew daily toil the pure purpose to raise himself step by step to higher and broader levels, and to make of his life in the end that which would be an honor to God, a satisfaction to himself, and a blessing to his fellow-men.

Thus within the heart of the obscure factory boy, toiling over his spindles in the mills at Blantyre, were planted the first seed of that steadfast and ennobling resolve that gave to the w T orld its greatest Christian missionary and most successful explorer.

He was no dreamer, be it understood— no loiterer, who spent "hours by the way," though that way were but the loom above which he bent, building castles for the future out of the gorgeous fabrics of fancy, or rearing them of such material as speculation gives. It was no dream that had taken such full possession of him, but a pure and steadfast desire. Believing in God with all his heart and soul, as well as in the power and efficacy of prayer, he also believed it possible to bring about the accomplishment he so ardently desired through the very strength and earnestness of his petitions. God was with him- though invisible, yet supreme — and God would hear his prayers.

Thus, boy as he was, he threw the whole force of his ni£- ged nature into this one belief, and clung to it — never faltering, never doubting that in his own good time, and out of the abundance of his mighty compassion, God would send the fulfillment. Until then he could wait; and better still, he could work, though the work was of the lowliest kind. Ah! show me the soul that has taken unto itself so mighty and so clean a purpose— that upon its most enduring foundations and within the firmest fortresses of its defenses has built such a hope, such a faith— and I will whisper of a God that never yet let such a trust go unrequited. "According to thy faith so shall it be." Thus spoke the Master, and as steadfast as heaven itself is the prom se these words contain.

One incident of this period of Livingstone's life is especially noticeable and most commendable, as it shows us more plainly than perhaps any thing else could have done the faithful and sturdy heart that beat underneath the coarse jacket, as well as gives us a strong and forcible illustration of those filial traits of character that formed so close a part of himself. The^prst half-crown he ever earned he laid proudly and fondly in his mother's lap, beseeching her that she would at once expend it in something exclusively for herself, since, he assured her, nothing would give him greater happiness than to see her do this.

20 LIFE OF DAV.D LIVINGSTONE.

What education Livingstone had previous to his entering the mills had been acquired at irregular intervals at the village school. This only gave him an intense longing for more knowledge, and with a portion of the small earnings he received at the factory he began attending a night-school, which was kept up in part by the proprietors of the mills. Not content with this, he purchased a Latin grammar: this he managed to study at odd snatches as he walked back and forth in front of his work.

David had always been a plodding and persevering lad. Indeed, his habit of sticking determinately to a purpose was proverbial in the household. His perseverance is described by one of his biographers as of the kind that is " bred in the bone," and consequently formed an integral part of his organization. When an object of attainment came in view, there was no flagging of the invincible will until victory had crowned his endeavors. So it was with the determined youth who took upon himself the mastery of the Latin language in the odd snatches between his work; so, in turn, with the resolute young student whose scanty means did not deter him from the undertaking of a medical course, finished at last only through the most indomitable effort; so with the man whose steady purpose would acknowledge no defeat, all the while drawing nearer and nearer its realization — the Christianizing and the opening up to commerce of a whole savage continent. This was a work that no one man — nay, nor a thousand men— could hope to accomplish in a life-time, yet he set about it with a resoluteness "bred in the bone/ 1 like that sturdy perseverance of his, and nurtured in a heart that, first assured of God's blessing, never felt discomfiture. Even with all his courage and will, he recognized that this was to be the work not of one but of many a life-time; yet with a faith that knew no faltering, and an unswerving reliance upon that higher Power which guided and directed him, he went hopefully on to the accomplishment of the part he felt to be his. And such a part!

Could the century but give us another David Livingstone, little need would there be for the thousand men, " preachers and prophets in a heathen land ; " for, a very host in himself, how the glorious work would speed on to its fulfillment ! O ! to think of it — a whole race conquered and engirdled by the chains of Christian brotherhood! two hundred million swarthy faces upturned to catch the glory of Christ's love! two hundred million once savage tongues repeating o'er and o'er the name of the King who has come, is gone, and is to come again in the infinite power and splendor of his majesty! Could the earth afford a grander or a more soul-enkindling picture? God send us the Livingstone; but failing this, send us the men — yes, and the women too — and speed the glorious day when the heathen shall cry unto thee as one man, and when from "the rivers to the ends of the earth " all the nations shall give thee praise!

As a proof of that remarkable perseverance so fittingly described as "bred in the bone," David, when nine years old, received from his Sunday-school teacher a copy of the New Testament for repeating the one hundred and nineteenth Psalm on two successive evenings, with only five errors, and these of the most trivial kind. Never was a book more cherished than that one, and never was one more industriously studied. That he found it as " bread to his soul" and as "a lamp to his feet," many incidents of his after life proved. With him as with Daniel Webster, from the time that as a child at his mother's knee he had first learned " to lisp verses from the sacred writings," to the close of his long and useful career, they were his " daily study and vigilant contemplation/'