NO RELIGIOUS IDEAS. 121 



and though quite respectful and curious enough to be attentive, 

 they would put their questions in such absurd confusion of the 

 ridiculous and solemn that the missionary needed to exercise 

 constant watchfulness over his risible faculties. As there were 

 no altars to be overthrown by Christianity, there were no pre- 

 judices against it, except such as hearts naturally depraved 

 bring forth, or such as seemed supported by some social regula- 

 tion or individual habit. Therefore there was a ready assent to 

 the teachings as doctrines ; an assent, however, which amounted 

 to very little so far as the actions of the people went. But 

 even among these people there are those who positively resist 

 the truth. Some villagers put all their cocks to death because 

 they crowed the words, " Tlang lo rapeleng," " Come along to 

 prayers." The nearest approach to worship to be^ found in this 

 region was the habit of paying special attention to the new 

 moon. This was watched for with all eagerness, and its first 

 appearance was hailed with loud acclamations and prayers. 

 Even the attendants of Livingstone were accustomed to invoke 

 the favor of the new moon on them and their master during 

 their journey. 



The duties of a faithful Christian teacher, though found most 

 largely in presenting the gospel and seeking the immediate sal- 

 vation of souls, have yet a range which comprehends all the 

 well-being of man. It is not a reproach if a minister is instru- 

 mental in reforming society or government. It is not out of 

 place for him to strike off any yoke of oppression which galls 

 the necks of the people. It is not a mean service which intro- 

 duces systems and regulations that bring order and peace to the 

 community. Those unobtrusive efforts of Dr. Livingstone, 

 which left their results interwrought with the heathen codes, 

 were among the most difficult and telling of his works. Those 

 examples and conversations, which left their impressions, in- 

 definitely even, on African society, are the unrecorded but 

 imperishable testimonies to his sincerity and real greatness. 



The idea of compromise in times of dispute, of mercy to the 

 offender ; thoughts of internal improvement and commerce ; new 

 methods of reward and punishment ; all the variety of matters 

 which a wise and intelligent Christian would think of in such 

 a community, opened a field which this truly great man was 



