For several weeks after this we wandered about in the woods searching
for gorillas. We were very successful, and shot so many that I had the
satisfaction of making elaborate notes of specimens of nearly all ages
and kinds.
But an event was looming in the future which we little thought of, and
which ultimately compelled us to abandon the gorilla country and retrace
our steps towards the southern part of the continent.
One day we set out, as was our wont, to hunt for gorillas, accompanied
only by our faithful follower Makarooroo. It chanced to be a lovely
day, and the country through which we were passing was exceedingly
beautiful, so that we found more pleasure at that time in conversing
together on the beauties of nature and on the wonderful works of
nature's God than in contemplating our chances of falling in with game.
"It's a splendid country," said Jack, as we walked along under the shade
of some magnificent ebony trees. "I wish that it were inhabited by a
Christian people. Perhaps this may be the case one of these days, but I
don't think we shall live to see it."
"There's no saying, Jack," observed Peterkin. "Does not the Bible speak
of a `nation being born in a day?' Of course that must be figurative
language; nevertheless it must mean something, and I incline to think
that it means that there shall be a time when men shall flock rapidly,
and in unusually great numbers, to the Saviour."
"It may be so," observed I, "but I have made up my mind on this point,
that Christian people are not sufficiently awake to the terrible
condition of the natives of countries such as this, or to the fact that
they have much in their power to do for the amelioration of both their
temporal and spiritual welfare. I, for one, will, if spared to return
home, contribute more largely than I have been wont to do to the cause
of missions."
"Talking of that," said Peterkin, "do you think it right to support the
missions of other churches besides your own?"
"Do I think it right?" I exclaimed in surprise. "Of course I do. I
think it one of the greatest evils that can befall a Christian, that he
should become so narrow-minded as to give only to his own church, and
think _only_ of his own church's missions. Why, surely a soul saved, if
a matter of rejoicing in heaven, ought to be a matter of joy on earth,
without reference to the particular church which was the instrument used
by the Holy Spirit for that end. I feel very strongly that all
Christians who love our Saviour with deep sincerity must of necessity
have a warm feeling towards His people in _all_ churches. At any rate
we ought to cultivate such a feeling."
"Who can these be?" cried Jack, stopping and pointing to some figures
that appeared to be approaching us in the distance.
"They are negroes, at any rate," said I; "for they seem to be black, and
are evidently naked."
"Warriors, too, if I mistake not. They have not yet observed us. Shall
we hide and let them pass?"