HENRY V. PELTON. 13 



And what language is too strong in which to depict 

 the greatness of character which was back of all this 

 achievement; a character which rang so true at all times, 

 that even the African tribes recognized its spirit, and 

 wherever he traveled through Africa he is remembered 

 by them with kindness. The lofty spirit which con- 

 trolled him stood every test, whether of privation and 

 suffering and dire need in the toilsome journeys, or of 

 the adulation of the English public and the most flatter- 

 ing attentions from those highest in station. He kept 

 his promises to his native followers as sacredly as to his 

 noble friends at home, and through every moment of his 

 life shone that high purpose which he held steadfastly, 

 to help upward into civilization and Christianity the 

 barbarous and heathen African. Not glory but love 

 moved him to every enterprise. With him the end of 

 all exploration was only that missionary work might be 

 begun in new areas. The spirit of St. Paul when he 

 said " I am now ready to be offered," rings out in David 

 Livingston's simple words spoken before the Cambridge 

 University, " I beg to direct your attention to Africa. 

 I know that in a few years I shall be cut off in that 

 country which is now open. Do not let it be shut again. 

 I go back to Africa to try to open a path for commerce 

 and Christ. Do you carry out the work which I have 

 begun, I leave it with you." 



Until within half a century of the present time, little 

 was known of Africa except along the coasts. This was 

 caused by two peculiarities of the continent itself. 

 First, the climate of the country bordering the coast was 

 very unhealthy, and secondly, the rivers, which were 

 the natural ways of entrance into the country, were 

 generally interrupted by cataracts and rapids. By these 

 the explorers were delayed in the malarious belt along 

 the coast and were often victims of its poisoned air, or, 

 if they escaped this, they generally found the inter- 



