32 LECTURE II. 



one who becomes a Christian does not want rain, 

 regarding me as the leader of the anti-rain faction. 

 Those who became converted, therefore, cannot be 

 regarded as hypocrites; for hypocrites do not generally 

 take the line that ensures an empty stomach. I have 

 no doubt the Gospel is entering into their hearts ; for 

 when I have been passing their houses, I have fre- 

 quently heard them engaged in prayer, in a loud tone of 

 voice. It is considered very disgraceful for men to cry 

 in Africa; a stoical indifference to all sorrow or suffering 

 is their educated practice. Yet have I seen stern men in 

 public assemblies, crying out, like the jailor at Philippi, 

 and weeping in the most piteous manner about the 

 concerns of their souls. I doubt not, though I may not 

 live to see it, but that God will bring my ministry in 

 that region to a good result. 



The difficulty of the chief Sechele, as I said before, 

 was with regard to his five wives. The father of this 

 man had been murdered, and four of the principal men 

 had assisted in restoring the son to the chieftainship of 

 the tribe : to shew his gratitude for which service, he had 

 married a daughter of each of his benefactors; now, he 

 could not very well put them away without appearing 

 ungrateful. I found great difficulty in this matter: the 

 wives were my aptest scholars, and I wished to save them 

 as well as the Chief. In consequence of being sent away, 

 these women and their friends became bitter enemies of 

 Christianity. Furthermore, the African has a passion for 

 an alliance with great men; on being introduced, he is sure 



