2l6 
Seven Years in Central Africa, 
[May, • 
gathered at one time is about a dozen men. To-day I went off 
to a village where Umbundu is the chief language spoken, the 
people being mixed. I planned to be there by mid-day, so as to 
find them resting during the heat of the day, but I was dis- 
appointed; they had pressing business of their own on, so I 
returned. You see I have need of patience here, and of grace 
also, that " I be not weary, though in weariness oft." 
I have been much cheered by a blacksmith who was at one 
of my Sunday morning meetings, and who responded in a re- 
markable way to what was said. He declared before all the 
rest that he had received new light that day. With an honest 
expression, and in a sincere manner, he repeated afterwards, ** Is 
it so? Is it so? Is that what God is? Is that the nature of 
God's love ?" This was the Sunday before I left for the three 
weeks' tour. On returning, my feet were so sore and blistered 
that on nearing the capital I sent on for my hammock, hoping 
someone about would volunteer to carry me. The blacksmith 
heard of the opportunity, and did not lose it. He met me with 
four other volunteers, and taking hold of the pole behind — the 
heaviest end — he would let no one change with him, and 
left, when my door was reached, with a hearty "Good-night." 
It was for no present or pay that he thus gave his cheerful aid. 
This act was like a fresh, cool breeze to one. 
May 22,rd. — Yesterday was Sunday, when we had a most 
profitable day. I had quite a houseful of grown men at the 
morning service, which was continued until mid-day. Our subject 
was, " Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus 
Christ." I don't think I ever had a meeting at which the people 
showed less difficulty in understanding, and when in every way 
I had more liberty in using the Umbundu language. In the 
evening Susi, Dick, and I had our own meeting, spending the 
time chiefly in prayer. Susi prayed most earnestly, and seemed 
to be full of thanksgiving. I cannot now see how his baptism 
and his being received at the Lord's table can be delayed, 
for He has answered prayer in making His own work manifest 
in him. 
A LESSON FOR DICK AND SUSI. 
This morning Dick got an unmistakable rebuke. Yesterday 
someone in the village happened to remark, that there was little 
