1 82 DAVID LIVINGSTONE. [chap. ix. 



though we saw two tied to the bank. And the part of the river we 

 crossed at, about a mile from the confluence, is a good mile broad. 

 We passed all our goods first, to an island in the middle, then the 

 cattle and men, I occupying the post of honour, being the last to enter 

 the canoe. We had, by this means, an opportunity of helping each 

 other in case of attack. They stood armed at my back for some time. 

 I then showed them my watch, burning-glass, etc. etc., and kept them 

 amused till all were over, except those who could go into the canoe 

 with me. I thanked them all for their kindness and wished them 

 peace." 



Nine days later, they were again threatened by 

 Mpende : — 



"23^ January 1856. — At Mpende's this morning at sunrise, a 

 party of his people came close to our encampment, using strange cries, 

 and waving some red substance towards us. They then lighted a fire 

 with charms in it, and departed uttering the same hideous screams as 

 before. This is intended to render us powerless, and probably also to 

 frighten us. No message has yet come from him, though several 

 parties have arrived, and profess to have come simply to see the white 

 man. Parties of his people have been collecting from all quarters long 

 before daybreak. It would be considered a challenge — for us to move 

 down the river, and an indication of fear and invitation to attack if we 

 went back. So we must wait in patience, and trust in Him who has 

 the hearts of all men in His hands. To Thee, God, we look. 

 And, oh ! Thou who wast the man of sorrows for the sake of poor 

 vile sinners, and didst not disdain the thief's petition, remember 

 me and Thy cause in Africa. Soul and body, my family and Thy 

 cause, I commit all to Thee. Hear, Lord, for Jesus' sake." 



In the entire records of Christian heroism, there are 

 few more remarkable occasions of the triumph of the 

 spirit of holy trust, than those which are recorded here 

 so quietly and modestly. We are carried back to the 

 days of the Psalmist : "I will not be afraid often thousand 

 of the people that have set themselves against me round 

 about." In the case of David Livingstone as of the 

 other David, the triumph of confidence was not the less 

 wonderful that it was preceded by no small inward 

 tumult. Both were human creatures. But in both the 

 flutter lasted only till the soul had time to rally its trust 

 — to think of God as a living friend, sure to help in time 

 of need. And how real is the sense of God's presence ! 



