126 
Seven Years in Central Africa. 
[Dec. 
densely-populated districts of Central Africa. The people there 
are famed for the abundance of their corn, rice, sugar-cane, etc., 
and they work large copper-mines, cleansing and smelting the 
copper out of the ore in a very perfect way, of which I have seen 
many samples. The question, whether I should merely go on a 
visit to the chief, asking his permission to return, or whether 
I should go prepared to settle, should the way be open, is 
one difficult to decide. 
If the simple invitation of the chief of the country were the 
only thing desired, that might be obtained by sending a 
messenger ; but nothing counts like a personal visit. 
I therefore purpose to go to the Garenganze, hoping, with 
God's help, to get the permission, not only of the chief and 
headmen, but also of the people, to remain among them. It is 
more and more evident to me that much Christian diplomacy is 
required for the establishment and carrying on of African mission 
work. The people are not so many poor, intelligent monkeys ; 
and this I have learned, that, fond as they are of presents, they 
are not to be bought by money. It may, however, be different with 
those on the coast. 
Going merely as a visitor will not prevent my remaining for 
one or two years. It requires all that time in Africa ere the 
people will venture to say that they know you. 
If friends at home could just get one glimpse of the burning 
need here, the open sore, and the willingness withal to hear, they 
would sympathise with me a little in my desire to remain as long 
as possible and at all cost, providing at the same time all things 
honestly, and receiving "nothing from the Gentiles;" for the 
moment one begins to do so, he is branded by his enemies as 
" an eater-up of the people." The work of carrying the gospel 
to Africa's millions is going on, for it is the Lord's work, and 
it will go on in spite of any one of us ; but time is passing, and 
I would say to myself and to others, Let us in all our service 
be prompt. Let us ever have our loins girt for the ready, speedy 
carrying out of the will of our Lord. 
THE AFRICAN PLATEAU. 
Before continuing my diary of the return journey from Benguella 
to Bihe it may be well to say something about the general form 
