TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE. 97 



this winter. The people confessed that they felt a repugnance to the traffic, 

 but (the Mambari and Portuguese) refused cattle for their clothing and 

 guns. It seems to me that English manufactures might come up the Zambesi 

 during the months of June, July, and August, or September, by the hands of 

 Englishmen, and for legitimate purposes, as well as by these slave dealers for 

 their unlawful ends. There is no danger from fever if people come after 

 May, and leave before September. The Government might supply informa- 

 tion to traders on the coast. I shall write you fully on this subject, as also on 

 another of equal importance, but at which I can only now hint. 



" You will see by this accompanying sketch what an immense region 

 God has in His providence opened up. If we can enter in and form a settle- 

 ment, we shall be able, in the course of a very few years, to put a stop to the 

 slave trade in that quarter. It is probable that the mere supply of English manu- 

 factures in this part of the country will effect this, for they did not like it, and 

 promised to abstain. I think it will be impossible to make a fair commence- 

 ment unless I can secure two years devoid of family cares. I shall be obliged 

 to go southward, perhaps to the Cape, in order to have my uvula excised and 

 my arm mended. It has occurred to me, that as we must send our children 

 to England soon, it would be no great additional expense to send them now 

 along with their mother. This arrangement would enable me to proceed 

 alone, and devote about two, or perhaps three years to this new region ; but 

 I must beg your sanction, and if you please, let it be given or withheld as soon 

 as you conveniently can, so that it might meet me at the Cape. To orphanize 

 my children, will be like tearing out my bowels ; but when I can find time to 

 write to you fully, you will perceive it is the only way, except giving up the 

 region altogether." 



In the Missionary Magazine for June, we have the continuation of his 

 account of his visit to the interior. He says : — 



" The confusion which has for a considerable time prevailed on our 

 borders, contains to those who are intimately acquainted with the native 

 tribes, unmistakable evidence of a state of transition ; and though not at all 

 anxious to inflict our simple faith as to the ultimate result of the transition 

 process, on those who can see further into a millstone than ourselves, or even 

 desirous to stave off the blame, which such eagerly heap on the agents of the 

 London Missionary Society, we may hint that the process, when conducted by 

 missionaries, untrammelled by the interference of Government, is incom- 

 parably the cheapest at least, both with respect to blood and treasure. And 

 the intentions of Providence seem to indicate a wide extension of the process. 

 The Bible will soon be all translated and printed in the Sichuana. The 

 Providence of God fixed the residence of the translator on a spot which 

 became the city of refuge for individuals and families from nearly every 

 tribe in the country. The translation, by this circumstance, became better 



