HIS FIRST RETURN TO ENGLAND. 
85 
back a considerable amount of new information. 
The lake described was previously unknown. With 
regard to Mr. Comber’s journey to the Congo, it 
was very important, especially in connection with 
the proposed ulterior proceedings of missionary 
bodies. Sir Rutherford Alcock expressed himself 
as much indebted to Mr. Comber, affording, as his 
paper did, much encouragement in many respects. 
In moving a vote of thanks, the president observed 
that nothing could be more hopeful or satisfactory 
than the almost idyllic picture which had been drawn, 
by Mr. Comber’s able pen, of a country which, he 
trusted, was destined to become the theatre of his 
successful labours. 
Many and urgent as were the claims upon his 
thought and time, Mr. Comber would not permit 
his brother Percy’s birthday to pass by without send- 
ing the following affectionate remembrance of it : — 
‘‘ My dear Brother, — I quite expected to be 
able to write you a letter yesterday, where I was 
preaching, but found the time did not belong to me, 
so write now, though I am afraid this letter will be 
late. I am very sorry, as I can imagine you were 
hoping to have a letter from me this morning. Once 
more, I wish you ‘ many very happy returns of the 
day.’ I feel very thankful, my dear brother, both 
for what you are and for what 1 hope and expect you 
will be. Our Heavenly Father has wonderfully 
blessed us three boys, with our sister also ; and we 
ought to be very thankful. Especially that we have 
been brought to know, love, and serve Him. How 
differently we have been placed to so many you 
doubtless see about you (your shop companions, for 
instance), being brought up, as we have been, under 
strong religious influences, and naturally becoming 
followers of the blessed Master, Christ. I am thank- 
ful that you are a Sunday-school teacher too, and 
I earnestly pray that you may be able to do some- 
