CHRISTMAS-DAY. 
133 
reach the exaggerated number of 10,000 ! All 
numbers are dreadfully exaggerated in Africa. 
2bth. — Christmas-day! My second Christmas 
day in Africa during this journey. We have 
nothing to make a merry day of; but we must try 
and cheer ourselves up by the thought that we are 
still spared, after passing through so many dangers, 
and amidst a people naturally hostile to us, and 
only softened by fear of the Turks, and by possession 
of the goods of the Government, which they have 
taken one way or other. Yet some of the people 
appear of a more kindly nature, and Overweg has 
experienced a little hospitality in the huts retired 
from the road, or sequestered in the surrounding 
yalleys. 
Gracious God! make us all thankful for health 
and strength : may we ever praise thy protecting 
care of us and our mission. For the sake of our 
Saviour, born on this day, pardon all our sins ; give 
us grace to lead a new life, and a most willing mind 
to receive Jesus as the Lord our righteousness! O 
God, have mercy upon all our friends and relations, 
and give them the will to receive the Saviour, born 
on this day, as their only chance of salvation! O 
God, have mercy upon Africa, and on all men! 
Some musicians came this morning to salute us 
with a little of their rough music, a drum and a 
clarionet. I gave them three rings and a little 
sugar. I have very little to bestow, and were I to 
be more generous, or to make an effort to give them 
