But for this act of liberality, I should certainly
have been compelled to leave England in May last; and it has afforded me
the pleasure of traveling over, in imagination, every scene again,
and recalling the feelings which actuated me at the time.
I have much pleasure in acknowledging my deep obligations
to the hospitality and kindness of the Portuguese on many occasions.
I have not entered into the early labors, trials, and successes
of the missionaries who preceded me in the Bechuana country,
because that has been done by the much abler pen of my father-in-law,
Rev. Robert Moffat, of Kuruman, who has been an energetic and devoted
actor in the scene for upward of forty years. A slight sketch only
is given of my own attempts, and the chief part of the book
is taken up with a detail of the efforts made to open up a new field
north of the Bechuana country to the sympathies of Christendom.
The prospects there disclosed are fairer than I anticipated,
and the capabilities of the new region lead me to hope
that by the production of the raw materials of our manufactures,
African and English interests will become more closely linked
than heretofore, that both countries will be eventually benefited,
and that the cause of freedom throughout the world will in some measure
be promoted.
Dr. Hooker, of Kew, has had the kindness to name and classify for me,
as far as possible, some of the new botanical specimens which I brought over;
Dr. Andrew Smith (himself an African traveler) has aided me in the zoology;
and Captain Need has laid open for my use his portfolio of African sketches,
for all which acts of liberality my thanks are deservedly due,
as well as to my brother, who has rendered me willing aid as an amanuensis.
Although I can not profess to be a draughtsman, I brought home with me a few
rough diagram-sketches, from one of which the view of the Falls of the Zambesi
has been prepared by a more experienced artist.
October, 1857.
Contents.
Introduction.
Personal Sketch - Highland Ancestors - Family Traditions -
Grandfather removes to the Lowlands - Parents - Early Labors and Efforts
- Evening School - Love of Reading - Religious Impressions -
Medical Education - Youthful Travels - Geology - Mental Discipline -
Study in Glasgow - London Missionary Society - Native Village -
Medical Diploma - Theological Studies - Departure for Africa -
No Claim to Literary Accomplishments.
Chapter 1.
The Bakwain Country - Study of the Language - Native Ideas
regarding Comets - Mabotsa Station - A Lion Encounter -
Virus of the Teeth of Lions - Names of the Bechuana Tribes -
Sechele - His Ancestors - Obtains the Chieftainship -
His Marriage and Government - The Kotla - First public Religious Services
- Sechele's Questions - He Learns to Read - Novel mode
for Converting his Tribe - Surprise at their Indifference -
Polygamy - Baptism of Sechele - Opposition of the Natives -
Purchase Land at Chonuane - Relations with the People -
Their Intelligence - Prolonged Drought - Consequent Trials -
Rain-medicine - God's Word blamed - Native Reasoning - Rain-maker -
Dispute between Rain Doctor and Medical Doctor - The Hunting Hopo -
Salt or animal Food a necessary of Life - Duties of a Missionary.
