nterprise up the Zambesi, by offering facilities to
those who may be led to push commerce into the regions lying far
beyond their territory. Their wish to co-operate in the noble work of
developing the resources of the rich country beyond could not be shown
better than by placing a village with Zambesian pilots at the harbor of
Mitilone, and erecting a light-house for the guidance of seafaring men.
If this were done, no nation would be a greater gainer by it than the
Portuguese themselves, and assuredly no other needs a resuscitation of
its commerce more. Their kindness to me personally makes me wish for a
return of their ancient prosperity; and the most liberal and generous
act of the enlightened young king H. M. Don Pedro, in sending out orders
to support my late companions at the public expense of the province
of Mozambique until my return to claim them, leads me to hope for
encouragement in every measure for either the development of commerce,
the elevation of the natives, or abolition of the trade in slaves.

As far as I am myself concerned, the opening of the new central country
is a matter for congratulation only in so far as it opens up a prospect
for the elevation of the inhabitants. As I have elsewhere remarked, I
view the end of the geographical feat as the beginning of the missionary
enterprise. I take the latter term in its most extended signification,
and include every effort made for the amelioration of our race, the
promotion of all those means by which God in His providence is working,
and bringing all His dealings with man to a glorious consummation. Each
man in his sphere, either knowingly or unwittingly, is performing the
will of our Father in heaven. Men of science, searching after hidden
truths, which, when discovered, will, like the electric telegraph,
bind men more closely together--soldiers battling for the right against
tyranny--sailors rescuing the victims of oppression from the grasp of
heartless men-stealers--merchants teaching the nations lessons of mutual
dependence--and many others, as well as missionaries, all work in the
same direction, and all efforts are overruled for one glorious end.

If the reader has accompanied me thus far, he may, perhaps, be disposed
to take an interest in the objects I propose to myself, should God
mercifully grant me the honor of doing something more for Africa. As the
highlands on the borders of the central basin are comparatively healthy,
the first object s