82 DA VI D LIVINGSTONE. [chap. iv. 



would in all probability prevent the natives settling into that state of 

 determined hatred to all Europeans which I fear now characterises most 

 of the Caffres near the Colony. If natives are not elevated by contact 

 with Europeans, they are sure to be deteriorated. It is with pain I 

 have observed that all the tribes I have lately seen are undergoing the 

 latter process. The country is fine. It abounds in streams, and has 

 many considerable rivers. The Boers hate missionaries, but by a kind 

 and prudent course of conduct, one can easily manage them. Medi- 

 cines are eagerly received, and I intend to procure a supply of Dutch 

 tracts for distribution among them. The natives who have been in 

 subjection to Mosilikatse place unbounded confidence in missionaries." 



In his letters to friends at home, whatever topic 

 Livingstone may touch, we see evidence of one over- 

 mastering idea — the vastness of Africa, and the duty of 

 beginning a new era of enterprise to reach its people. 

 Among his friends the Scotch Congregationalists, there 

 had been a keen controversy on some points of Calvinism. 

 Livingstone did not like it ; he was not a high Calvinist 

 theoretically, yet he could not accept the new views, 

 "from a secret feeling of being absolutely at the divine 

 disposal as a sinner;" but these were theoretical questions, 

 and with dark Africa around him, he did not see why 

 the brethren at home should split on them. Missionary 

 influence in South Africa was directed in a wrong 

 channel. There were three times too many missionaries 

 in the colony, and vast regions beyond lay untouched. 

 He wrote to Mr. Watt : "If you meet me down in the 

 colony before eight years are expired, you may shoot 

 me. 



Of his employments and studies he gives the fol- 

 lowing account : "I get the Evangelical, Scottish 

 Congregational, Eclectic, Lancet, British and Foreign 

 Medical Review. I can read in journeying, but little at 

 home. Building, gardening, cobbling, doctoring, tinkering, 

 carpentering, gun-mending, farriering, wagon-mending, 

 preaching, schooling, lecturing on physics according to 

 my means, beside a chair in divinity to a class of three, 

 fill up my time." 



