"4 Seven Years in Central Africa. [Sept. 
to the cross : " He shall drink of the brook in the way : therefore 
shall He lift up the head." (Ps. ex. 7.) 
From Durban I proceeded to Maritzburg, where I met with 
Mr. A. Beaumont, who sought some years ago to carry the gospel 
to the natives of Africa; but finding that he could not acquire 
the Kaffir language with sufficient accuracy, had to relinquish 
his intention. Though at this time daily occupied in a public 
office, he did his utmost in every way to further me in prosecuting 
the work he could not himself carry out. 
During a stay in Natal of about three months I was diligently 
enquiring as to my best route, and making my small preparations 
for the journey to the Zambesi. War with the Boers of the 
Transvaal was then threatening to become very serious, and this 
of course greatly hindered my arrangements. I sought, however, 
to help my countrymen by bringing before them — out of doors, in 
buildings, or in the hospital — the truths of God's word ; for there 
are always to be found in the colonies many of them who are 
very ignorant of its power. Mission stations are planted in 
various parts around Maritzburg, and I was glad to visit several 
of these — some at considerable distances — with a view of gaining 
useful information. 
It is unnecessary to give particulars of my stay in Natal, but I 
make a few extracts from letters sent while there to members of 
my family. The remainder of this volume will also chiefly 
consist of such letters or diaries, which I endeavour to link 
together in the form of a connected narrative, as far as possible. 
EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. 
Maritzburg^ September 2,rd to 10th, 1881. — This is just the place 
for the exercise of the gift of tongues. There are Zulus, Basutos, 
S'wazii, and Xosa Kaffirs, Amatongas, and a sprinkling of natives 
from almost every tribe south of the Zambesi, and up to Zanzibar 
on the east coast, besides coolies from Calcutta, Madras, and 
Bombay ; Malays, Arabs, a few Chinamen, Portuguese, Germans, 
Dutch, and Swedes. 
All the Kaffir conversions of which I have yet heard bear very 
distinct marks of the Holy Ghost's work in the heart. What 
other power is able to lift them out of their heathendom and 
superstition ? 
