AGAIN IN AFRICA.
“Truths that wake
To perish never.”
FOR about eighteen months Hannington remained in England. Gradually his robust constitution overcame the terrible drain made upon it by fever and dysentery. With returning strength his intense longing to go back to Africa came again. He was ever energetic in advocating the claims of the African missions in several home circles, and within the short space of three months he several times went up to the headquarters of the Society begging to be allowed to return either to Africa or elsewhere. At first the medical Board decided that he should never return to Africa. The news was a cruel disappointment to him. He had set his heart on the possibility of recovering strength enough to enable him to conquer where he had once been repulsed. His recovery was so rapid that the Medical Board gradually altered their opinion. On 5th December they declared that he was fit to go anywhere—except Africa and Ceylon—at the reception of which tidings he broke into a loud and oft repeated "Hallelujah!”
Of course he was disappointed at being excluded from Africa, but, with all his intense impetuosity he had patience to wait for the fulfillment of the designs of the Lord. Up and down the country he went, pleading the cause of missions. He never seemed to tire. His heart was fully in the work. From his warm heart he spoke, and men listened with that respect which is always shown towards those who have sacrificed and suffered for a noble cause. In the press and on the platform he did much to rouse the sympathy of the people on behalf of his brave brothers, who, in face of terrible persecution, were calmly, heroically holding the fort at Uganda.
Then came to him a great and welcome surprise. Sir Joseph Fayrer, the famous authority on climates, was consulted with regard to Hannington's health. After careful deliberation, he gave his opinion that he might return to Africa with a good prospect of many years' labor. Thereupon the Society offered him the Bishopric of East Equatorial Africa. The position was an extremely responsible one. Hannington was delighted at the prospect of returning to Africa, and accepted the proposal, though he would have much preferred a humbler post.
It was afterward arranged that Mrs. Hannington should follow her husband to Mombasa where they intended to reside, but circumstances afterward overruled these plans.
The Archbishop commissioned Hannington to journey to Africa via the Holy Land, and on 5th November, 1884, he sailed in the Nepaul. He visited Beirut and other places, and preached the gospel both to natives and Europeans, afterward paying brief visits to Damascus and other scenes so dear to the heart of an earnest and thoughtful Bible reader. Palestine was left behind on New-Year's Day, 1885, and after a pleasant voyage he reached Mombasa on the 24th January. The great Continent was once more before him. Its terrible climate had defeated him once. Oh! how he prayed for success this time—for power to be a real helper to the thousands who are suffering under the twin curses of slavery and heathenism.
He had a great deal to do before he set himself to accomplish his great task—to establish a straight line of mission stations from Mombasa to Lake Nyanza. He visited Zanzibar and several other places near the coast. His presence was a stimulus to many who had been working in the Lord's vineyard uncle' very depressing and discouraging circumstances. He worked with wonderful energy. His health remained remarkably good, and he was enabled to travel almost uninterruptedly for the purpose of superintending the various mission stations, and getting all possible information before once more plunging into the terrible interior.
He was almost feverishly anxious to commence his journey, and yet he was equally anxious to adopt every precaution. His zeal for the salvation of Africa was more intense than ever. Great truths had been awakened within his heart, and it was impossible for him to return to indifference.
By and by the idea developed in his thoughtful mind to cross Africa by a new route—from Mombasa, through Taita Kavironde, Kwa Sunda, thus entering Uganda by the north of the Nyanza. He consulted all the great authorities upon the advisability of carrying out this plan. Everyone agreed that it was about six weeks shorter; that it was vastly more healthy and agreeable. The only danger to be feared was the warlike Masai tribe. Hannington, however, was convinced that this difficulty was not an insuperable one. He felt that a warlike tribe was much less dangerous than the feverish swamps, and almost impenetrable forests which had proved so disastrous on his last march into the interior.
In a rapid march to Chagga he picked up information which practically decided him to take the new northern route. As far as can be ascertained only one European had previously traveled over this road. This was Mr. Thomson, the intrepid explorer, whose book, "Through Masai Land," was eagerly read by the noble-hearted missionary.
On his return from Chagga, the Bishop found a large amount of work awaiting him both at Frere Town and Zanzibar.
One of the many interesting acts he performed was his setting apart the first two natives of East Africa: William Jones and Michael Samler. To the former was reserved the duty of accompanying Hannington on his last journey, to which such a pathetic interest is attached. It was not his privilege to follow him to the end, or, in all probability, he would have shared the same martyrdom. A few days before his death, and when on the borders of Uganda, Hannington divided his forces. Leaving Mr. Jones at Kwa Sundi, he picked out fifty men and pushed on. Those two faithful brothers in the sacred cause never met again. To Mr. Jones fell the lot of chronicling the incidents of the last few days of the good Bishop's life, and the painful, yet heroic, story is largely supplemented by Hannington's diary, which was recovered in an almost miraculous manner.