154 LIFE OF DA VID LIVINGSTONE, LL.D. 



vivacious islanders of the Pacific. But there is not such callous indifference 

 to religious truth as I have seen elsewhere, nor yet that opposition which 

 betokens progress in knowledge. But there is a large population, and we are 

 sure, if the word of life is faithfully preached, in process of time many will 

 believe. I repeat again, that I know of no impediment to immediate efforts 

 for their instruction. Every headman and chief in the country would be 

 proud of the visit or residence of a white man. There is security generally 

 for life and property. I left by mistake a pontoon in a village of Loanda, and 

 found it safe eighteen months afterwards. Some parcels sent by Mr. Moffat, 

 by means of Matebele, lay a whole year on an island in the Zambesi, near 

 Mosioatunya. It is true, it was believed, that they contained medicine, 

 which might bewitch, but regular rogues are seldom scared by such 

 preservatives. The Balonda are a friendly industrious race, and thousands 

 of the Balobale find an asylum among them from the slave-dealing pro- 

 pensities of their chiefs. They seem to possess a more vivid conviction of 

 their relation to the unseen world than any of the southern tribes. In the 

 deep dark forests near their villages, we always met with idols and places of 

 prayer. The latter are spots about four feet broad and forty long, kept 

 carefully clear of vegetation and falling leaves. Here, in the still darkness of 

 the forest night, the worshipper, either male or female, comes alone and prays 

 to the gods (Barimo) or spirits of departed relatives, and when an answer to 

 the petition seems granted, meal or other food is sprinkled on the spot as a 

 thank offering. 



" The Balonda extend to 7° south latitude, and their paramount chief is 

 always named Matiamvo. There are many subordinate chiefs all nearly 

 independent. The Balobale possess the same character, but are more warlike, 

 yet no prudent white man would be in the least danger among them. It seems 

 proper to refer to the Chiboque, Bashingo, and Bangala, who treated us more 

 severely than any I had previously met with in Africa. Sometimes they 

 levelled their guns at us, and it seemed as if we must fight to prevent entire 

 plunder and reduction to slavery. But I thank Grod we did them no harm, 

 and no one need fear vengeance on our account. A few more visits on this 

 principle would render them as safe as all other tribes, concerning which it 

 may confidently be stated, that if one behaves as a Christian and a gentleman 

 he will invariably be treated as such. Contrary conduct will give rise to remarks 

 and treatment of scorn." 



Languages. 



" Reference has been made to the Barotse, Batoka, &c, as of the true 

 negro race which occupies the interior of the continent. By their subjection 

 to the Makololo, they have acquired considerable knowledge of the Sichuana 

 language. We have thus a very important field open in a tongue into which 



