70 
THOMAS J. COMBER. 
that that district, about sixty miles overland from the 
sea-coast, will receive attention in the future. 
“ But now I throw my whole heart and soul into 
the Congo Mission, and earnestly pray for health and 
strength of body to enable me to do the work there. 
“ I am very glad that San Salvador will be the 
understood basis of operations, and not the sea-coast ; 
and after a year's residence there, we shall soon see 
what the prospects of extension inland are. 
“The Committee has kindly and courteously left 
the matter in our hands, as far as our own actions are 
concerned ; but had the Committee expressed its 
wish for the immediate carrying out of its proposed 
arrangements, Mr. Grenfell and I would both have 
been ready at once to go down south, and make the 
preliminary reconnoitre, so saving the delay of 
writing home. However, I feel grateful for the kind 
consideration with which they have treated us. 
“ I am not my own, nor am I out here for my own 
purposes and ends ; and in all my movements, 
especially in such a deeply important one as I feel 
this to be, I look up to the gracious Master to fulfil 
His promise, ‘ I will guide thee with Mine eye,' and 
to make all things work together for the everlasting 
good of souls, and His own eternal glory." 
Mr. Grenfell also wrote in similar strains. 
Unfortunately, just at this critical time, Mr. Comber 
was afflicted with inflamed ulcers on his legs and 
feet ; still, his general health was good, though during 
his residence on the west coast he had suffered from 
the usual fevers. 
It was resolved to take a preliminary voyage down 
the coast to Banana. This resolve was wisely carried 
into effect. On arriving, a very helpful introduction 
was obtained to Mr. Bloeme, the manager of the large 
Dutch House, who very hospitably entertained the 
brethren, and sent them up to Embomma in the 
coasting steamer the Zaire, A few days before they 
had also been fortunate in meeting with the English 
