In this manner a man would become a general favourite; and if he had a
never-failing supply of beads, copper rods, brass rings for arms,
fingers, and ears, gaudy cotton handkerchiefs, red or blue blankets,
zinc mirrors, red cotton shirts, &c., to give to his parishioners, and
expected nothing in return, he would be considered a great man, whose
opinion would carry a considerable weight, provided that he only spoke
of subjects which he thoroughly understood.
A knowledge of agriculture, with a good stock of seeds of useful
vegetables and cereals, iron hoes, carpenter's and blacksmith's tools,
and the power of instructing others in their use, together with a
plentiful supply of very small axes, would be an immense recommendation
to a lay missionary who should determine to devote some years of his
life to the improvement of the natives.
In the magnificent equatorial portions of Africa there is a great field
for British enterprise, and much might be accomplished by lay
missionaries, who would at the commencement avoid theological teaching,
until by other means they should have gained an ascendency over the
minds of the natives. By slow degrees confidence might be established;
and much may be effected by good example. . . .
The geography of Central Africa, that has made great strides within the
last few years, will now be rapidly extended. The fact of an established
government under the direction of my able successor, Colonel Gordon,
R.E., is sufficient to assure the most sceptical that the future will be
rich in geographical discoveries.
