1S49-52.] KOLOBENG—LAKE 'NGAML 119 



from Zanzibar, who for three muskets received about 

 thirty of their captives. 



Another of the master ideas of his life now began to 

 take hold upon Livingstone. Africa was exposed to a 

 terrible evil through the desire of the natives to possess 

 articles of European manufacture, and their readiness for 

 this purpose to engage in the slave-trade. Though no 

 African had ever been known to sell his own children 

 into captivity, the tribes were ready enough to sell other 

 children that had fallen into their hands by war or other- 

 wise. But if a legitimate traffic were established through 

 which they might obtain whatever European goods they 

 desired in exchange for ivory and other articles of native 

 produce, would not this frightful slave-trade be brought 

 to an end ? The idea was destined to receive many a 

 confirmation before Livingstone drew his last breath of 

 African air. It naturally gave a great impulse to the 

 purpose which had already struck its roots into his soul 

 — to find a road to the sea either on the eastern or western 

 coast. Interests wider and grander than even the plant- 

 ing of mission stations on the territories of Sebituane now 

 rose to his view. The welfare of the whole continent, 

 both spiritual and temporal, was concerned in the success 

 of this plan of opening new channels to the enterprise of 

 British and other merchants, always eager to hear of new 

 markets for their goods. By driving away the slave- 

 trade, much would be done to prepare the way for 

 Christian missions which could not thrive in an atmo- 

 sphere of war and commotion. An idea involving issues 

 so vast was fitted to take a right powerful hold on 

 Livingstone's heart, and make him feel that no sacrifice 

 could be too great to be encountered, cheerfully and 

 patiently, for such an end. 



Writing to the Directors (October 1851) he says : — 



" You will see by the accompanying sketch-map what an immense 

 region God in His grace has opened up. If we can enter in and form 



