INTRODUCTION

Summary

Many friends on whom I can well rely have urged the publication of Dr Livingstone's Cambridge Lectures; which on comparison with his large work, will be found to be, in reality, a valuable epitome of its most striking features and details; but such an one as rather increases than lessens the desire for reading that book.

Several points of great interest belong to these addresses, as well as to their publication and perusal; these chiefly being, the value and newness of their contents, the simple earnestness of their style, and especially the devoted Missionary tone pervading them. True piety dictated their delivery, and brightens their permanent embodiment in printed words. Moreover, many persons who saw, heard, and conversed with the lecturer himself, will like to possess such a memorial of a visit, which, regarded in all its bearings, we may hope will be productive of lasting good.

The cordial reception given by the University to such a man proves to the world at large that she is as ready as ever to recognize merit, advance science, encourage philanthropy, and promote religion. In this place of learning he has left a track behind him; and has sown seed which will, in the end, produce good fruits in Africa. He came here with the avowed purpose of striving to awaken a deeper interest in Christian Missions to the heathen; and spoke with the authority of the greatest of modern travellers, among the men and in the place where a Missionary spirit ought pre-eminently to prevail.