viii 
Preface. 
patience first when he gives, in chapter vi. 4, the long record of 
his ministry, Commending ourselves as the ministers of God in 
much patience.'' For the attainment of this grace God would 
keep many waiting in His school before sending them out into 
His vineyard. Happy are they who resist not this needed 
discipline, and who hasten not forth unfitted for the work. 
Lastly, we would add perseverance a7id godliness — the blessed 
fruit of patient waiting upon God for each step as it is taken. 
Godliness is the higher stage of the Christian life when God has 
become its motive power and the centre of all thoughts and 
purposes. Godliness subdues the impatience of the natural will 
and enables the soul to await the call of God, who alone sees 
the end from the beginning. 
We close these prefatory words with a letter from Dr. Moffat, 
written a few days before his death, on receiving a copy of the 
first part of Mr. Arnot's diary : 
" Park Cottage, near Tzmbridge, Kent, July \%th, 1883. 
" My dear Mr. Groves, — Only a few lines to acknowledge your 
kindness in remembering me in connection Avith Mr. Arnot and his 
noble undertaking. Truly his spirit is that of a martyr, ready for 
anything for Jesus' sake and perishing souls. I need only say that 
I have read it with the most intense interest. Of course many of 
the peoples through which he passed were well known to me ; and 
had not head powers failed I should have been in those regions till 
this day. My heart is as warm as ever towards the Bechuanas, 
whom I never cease to remember in prayer. 
"My hand still trembles, for I am only partially emerging from 
more than six weeks' illness — not such as to confine me to bed, but 
to keep me at home, and very often not far from the fire. The result 
has been very great weakness of mind and body, shrinking from 
everything like mental or physical exercise. My correspondents must 
be puzzled with my silence ; but I am in the care of a kind covenant- 
keeping God, who will order all things well concerning me. 
" Again, many thanks ; and when you hear more let me know, for 
I cannot forget Mr. Arnot. Gratefully yours, 
"Robert Moffat." 
We gladly issued fragmentary parts of Mr. Arnot's diaries and 
letters while he was in Africa, and hope to continue this service 
on his return, God willing. 
Henry Groves, Bankjield, Kendal. 
,^ , „„ J. L. Maclean, m.d,, Bath. 
March, 1889. ' ' 
