IQO Seven Years in Central Africa. [Oct. 
Dick comes from the Zambesi, and has been with me for 
three years. As you will well understand, many fresh cares 
and anxieties rise in my mind for him, which I only can cast 
upon the Lord, who alone is "able" to make any to stand 
(Romans xiv. 4), to restore (Psalm xxiii. 3), and to uphold 
those who fall. (Psalm cxlv. 14.) 
susi. 
Another lad, who is with me, somewhat older than Dick, who 
helps about the house and garden, and who is imbued with a 
remarkable faculty of being quick to learn and remember, has 
lately joined with Dick in confessing the name of Jesus, and has 
thrown off some of his old follies, more, I fear, to please me than 
the Lord. I would not yet say that he is converted, a child of 
God, but God knoweth. Nevertheless, his confessing the name of 
Jesus is sweet, at least, to the ears of those who love Him. That 
word, " He who is not against us is on our part," gives comfort in 
such a case, while we continue to cast the matter upon the Lord, 
that He may make manifest. As we are looking for a time of 
blessing and gathering out from among the tribes in these parts, 
it seems to me to be not contrary to, but in accordance with the 
Lord's ways, that blessing should first begin at home and among 
those of my own household. I might speak of three outsiders at 
least, of whom I have hopes, but I will forbear. At Dick's own 
request his baptism has been delayed until the return of one of 
those who has been sent on an errand, that he may be present 
at it. 
Last night I had a happy time with my two, lads. After their 
supper they both came marching into my hut and squatted down, 
and we had a long talk — till near ten. Indeed, I am having quite 
a little revival in my family — not excluding myself The younger 
ones understand little of what is read, partly because of different 
languages, but I seem to have won their hearts more; they approach 
me with less awe. Dick has also managed to interest a young 
man belonging to the place, and I hope that he will be brought 
in. I am looking forward with joyful hopes to this summer's 
work. Oh that my tongue were more free to speak these lang- 
uages ! But " my work is with the Lord, and my judgment 
with my God." Here is our victory. 
