ss Seven Years in Central Africa. [Oct. 
Therefore turn thou to thy God : keep mercy and judgment, 
and wait on thy God continually." (Hosea xii. 3-6.) Yes, the 
supplicating, weeping heart will prevail. 
But we read in Genesis xxxii. that when the angel saw that he 
prevailed not against Jacob, "he touched the hollow of his thigh; 
and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled 
with him." Jacob still clung, and said, "I will not let thee go, 
except thou bless me." Then follow the words, "Thy name 
shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel : for as a prince hast 
thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." For 
this power with God I long. 
In his prayer Jacob referred to the time when he had left 
his home: "With my staff I passed over this Jordan." Then 
his limbs were strong, and doubtless he thought but little of the 
support of his staff while he journeyed along. But now, me- 
thinks, he would lean harder on that staff ; its support would 
be indispensable to him in his maimed condition. And is it not 
so with him who is of a broken spirit ? He leaneth hard upon 
his Lord, and without Him he cannot go forward. 
ENCOURAGEMENT AND WONDER. 
My hope and confidence is, that though the instrument and 
means be the feeblest, blessing will come. Already there is a 
rustling among the leaves. At the mention of the things of God 
a silent solemnity has now among many taken the place of 
loud laughter and profane questioning. You will not fail to 
tell all those who are praying for Africa about the happy 
encouragement I have had since coming again among the people, 
and stir up all to more prayer and earnestness before God; 
so that we may get all that the gracious Lord may please to call 
from this nation to Himself — "not a hoof left behind." Praise 
the Lord, His own will be gathered "from every nation^ and tongue^ 
and people!^' Then we shall rejoice together, shall we not? 
We have now that which seals our joy. But what shall be 
our portion then ? 
Oh, my heart goes beyond these tribes to the tribes upon 
tribes, nations upon nations, extending north, west, and east, 
living to kill and be killed, unknown, and knowing nothing — 
millions of our fellow-beings, who do not know that there is 
