Early in 1859 the exploration of the Shire was begun—­a river hitherto absolutely unknown.  The country around was rich and fertile, the natives not unfriendly, but suspicious.  They had probably never been visited before but by man-stealers, and had never seen Europeans.  The Shire Valley was inhabited by the Manganja, a very warlike race.  Some days’ journey above the junction with the Zambesi, where the Shire issues from the mountains, the progress of the party was stopped by rapids, to which they gave the name of the “Murchison Cataracts.”  It seemed in vain to penetrate among the people at that time without supplies, considering how suspicious they were.  Crowds went along the banks watching them by day; they had guards over them all night, and these were always ready with their bows and poisoned arrows.  Nevertheless, some progress was made in civilizing them, and at a future time it was hoped that further exploration might take place.

Some passages in Livingstone’s private Journal give us a glimpse of the more serious thoughts that were passing through his mind at this time: 

“March 3, 1859.—­If we dedicate ourselves to God unreservedly He will make use of whatever peculiarities of constitution He has imparted for his own glory, and He will in answer to prayer give wisdom to guide.  He will so guide as to make useful.  O how far am I from that hearty devotion to God I read of in others!  The Lord have mercy on me a sinner!”

“March 5th.—­A woman left Tette yesterday with a cargo of slaves (20 men and 40 women) in irons to sell to St. Cruz [a trader], for exportation at Bourbon.  Francisco at Shupanga is the great receiver for Cruz.  This is carnival, and it is observed chiefly as a drinking feast.”

“March 6th.—­Teaching Makololo Lord’s Prayer and Creed.  Prayers as usual at 9-1/2 A.M.  When employed in active travel, my mind becomes inactive, and the heart cold and dead, but after remaining some time quiet, the heart revives and I become more spiritually-minded.  This is a mercy which I have experienced before, and when I see a matter to be duty I go on regardless of my feelings.  I do trust that the Lord is with me, though the mind is engaged in other matters than the spiritual.  I want my whole life to be out and out for the Divine glory, and my earnest prayer is that God may accept what his own Spirit must have implanted—­the desire to glorify Him.  I have been more than usually drawn out in earnest prayer of late—­for the Expedition—­for my family—­the fear lest ——­’s misrepresentation may injure the cause of Christ—­the hope that I may be permitted to open this dark land to the blessed gospel.  I have cast all before my God.  Good Lord, have mercy upon me.  Leave me not, nor forsake me.  He has guided well in time past.  I commit my way to Him for the future.  All I have received has come from Him.  Will He be pleased in mercy to use