initial commit of ebook 15379HEADmain

48 files changed, 14756 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/15379-8.txt b/15379-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f93cf2e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4552 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Robert Moffat, by David J. Deane
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Robert Moffat
+       The Missionary Hero of Kuruman
+
+Author: David J. Deane
+
+Release Date: March 16, 2005 [EBook #15379]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROBERT MOFFAT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Chuck Greif and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT MOFFAT
+
+The _Missionary Hero_ of KURUMAN.
+
+BY
+
+DAVID J. DEANE,
+
+AUTHOR OF "JOHN WICLIFFE, THE MORNING STAR OF THE REFORMATION,"
+"MARTIN LUTHER, THE REFORMER," ETC.
+
+FIFTH EDITION. TWENTY-FIFTH THOUSAND.
+
+FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY
+
+NEW YORK CHICAGO TORONTO
+
+_Publishers of Evangelical Literature._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The record of a life like that of Robert Moffat, the South African
+missionary, can never be devoid of interest until all appreciation for
+noble deeds and patient endeavour becomes extinct in the heart of man.
+Till then, our pulses will quicken and our enthusiasm kindle as we read
+of dangers encountered and overcome, of the true courage that could
+undismayed encounter the king of beasts roaming on the African plain,
+and of passing the time with savage chiefs, beneath the spears and clubs
+of whose warriors thousands had been slain. Or our sympathy is awakened
+as stories of sickness and suffering, of hunger and terrible thirst, of
+trying disappointments, continued year after year, are related. Anon,
+gratitude causes the tear to start to our eye as we witness the love
+that prompts the effort to win the heathen to the Saviour, and see the
+once benighted ones clothed and subdued, learning in mind and heart the
+truth of the Gospel. Gratitude arises that we have men, heroic Christian
+men, who count nothing dear to them, not even their lives, that they may
+win sinners to the love of Jesus Christ.
+
+Such an one was he, whose memoir we present to our readers, with the
+earnest desire that his strong faith may strengthen ours, that his quiet
+courage may excite us to perseverance in well-doing, and that his
+deliverance from manifold and very real dangers may lead us to place
+reliance upon Him in whom Moffat trusted, and who never forsakes those
+that trust in Him. May we all see, and especially the youth of our land,
+as we read the records of such noble lives, that true godliness detracts
+not from true manhood, but rather that it glorifies and ennobles it,
+until evil is overcome, and the wicked are put to silence.
+
+In writing this brief sketch of the life of the Rev. Dr. Moffat, the
+author has been much indebted to those who have trodden the path before
+him; especially to the two well-known works, "Robert and Mary Moffat,"
+by their son John S. Moffat, and to Robert Moffat's own book,
+"Missionary Labours and Scenes in South Africa." He also owes his
+acknowledgments to "The Missionary Magazine," "The Chronicle of the
+London Missionary Society," to the Reports of various Missionary
+Societies, "A Life's Labours in South Africa," and to other works from
+which information upon the subject has been gathered. To the two first
+named the author especially refers those of his readers who wish for
+fuller details than are given in this volume.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+I. PIONEER MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA, 9
+
+II. CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH, 18
+
+III. DEPARTURE FOR THE CAPE, 27
+
+IV. MARRIAGE AND ARRIVAL AT LATTAKOO, 49
+
+V. THE MANTATEE INVASION, 63
+
+VI. VISIT TO MAKABA, 71
+
+VII. THE AWAKENING, 85
+
+VIII. VISIT TO ENGLAND, 101
+
+IX. THE SECHWANA BIBLE, 118
+
+X. CLOSING SCENES, 141
+
+XI. CONCLUSION, 150
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT MOFFAT.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+PIONEER MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+
+The history of missions in South Africa abounds in interesting facts and
+incidents. Stories of heroism, strange adventures, and descriptions of
+journeyings among savage tribes and through countries frequented by
+beasts of prey, form part of its details. Its theme is love to God and
+love to man, and its facts have been called into existence through the
+efforts of noble-minded and true-hearted men and women to bring their
+coloured brethren and sisters to the knowledge of the Saviour, Jesus
+Christ.
+
+Many names are held in veneration in connection with these missions,
+names of those who, having laboured faithfully upon earth, have been
+called to their reward; among these none stands forward with greater
+prominence than that of Robert Moffat.
+
+A brief glance at the development of the colony at the Cape of Good
+Hope, and at the early efforts made to evangelise the native races, may
+enable the reader better to understand the work carried on by Robert
+Moffat, and the success achieved; also to realise something of the
+position of affairs when he first landed in South Africa.
+
+Discovered by the Portuguese in 1486, it was not until the middle of the
+seventeenth century that much was done in the way of European
+colonisation. In 1652 the bold and mountainous promontory of the Cape
+was taken possession of by the Dutch, and a settlement was founded on
+the site of the present Cape Town. The earliest colonists were chiefly
+Dutch and German farmers; who were joined a little later on by numbers
+of French and Piedmontese Huguenots, driven from their native lands for
+conscience' sake.
+
+At this early period the whole of what is now designated the Colony, was
+inhabited by Hottentots, a people lighter in colour than the Kafirs and
+Bechwanas, having pale yellow-brown skins, symmetrical in form when
+young, hardy, and having small hands and feet. They have nomadic
+tendencies; and, in their uncivilised state, scarcely practise
+agriculture. Their system of government is somewhat patriarchal; and
+they live in "kraals," or villages, consisting of bee-hive shaped huts,
+arranged in circular form. Their ideas of a Deity are extremely faint,
+they possess little in the nature of religious ceremonies, but the power
+of sorcerers among them is great. According to the locality occupied,
+they are known as Hottentots, Namaquas, or Corannas.
+
+As the European colonists increased in numbers, they gradually advanced
+northward and eastward, either driving back the natives or subjugating
+them as slaves to their service. In 1806 the colony passed into the
+hands of the English, and, after a season of conflict, the Hottentots
+within the British territory were emancipated. This act of justice took
+place on 17th July, 1828.
+
+In the early years of the present century, the natives of South Africa
+comprised--besides the Hottentots, who occupied the southern portion of
+the country, and were thinly scattered, to the north-west, in Great
+Namaqualand--the Kafirs, who dwelt in the south-east, beyond the Fish
+River; the Basutos, whose kraals were south of the Orange River; the
+Bechwanas and kindred tribes to the north of that river; and far away to
+the north-west, beyond Namaqualand, the Damara tribes, of whom but
+little was known at that time. Besides these, there were the Bushmen, a
+roving people, small in stature, and sunk to the lowest depths of
+barbarism, hunted down by the Dutch farmers like wild beasts, who had
+their hands turned against every man, and every man's hand turned
+against them.
+
+To the Moravians belongs the honour of first seeking to bring the
+natives of South Africa under the influences of Christianity. In 1737
+George Schmidt, who had been sent forth by the small Moravian church of
+Herrnhut, arrived in Cape Colony, and at Genadendal (the Vale of Grace),
+then known as Bavian's Kloof (the Glen of Baboons), established a
+mission station, where he laboured among the despised and oppressed
+Hottentots with much success for seven years. His work excited
+considerable opposition and persecution. He gathered a small Christian
+community and a school; but the Boers, or Dutch farmers, becoming
+jealous of the black population receiving education, he was summoned to
+Holland, and not allowed to return.
+
+Fifty years elapsed before the Brethren were able to resume their work;
+but in 1792, three humble Christian artisans recommenced labour at
+Genadendal. The occupation of the colony by the British Government gave
+security to their mission, and it soon grew to be a large settlement,
+and a centre of light and civilisation to the surrounding country.
+
+In 1799 the London Missionary Society commenced work in Cape Colony; at
+first by four brethren, who were shortly reinforced by Dr. J.P.
+Vanderkemp, a native of Holland, a man of rare gifts and dauntless
+courage. Successively scholar, cavalry officer, and physician, he was
+for some years a sceptic, but being converted through the drowning of
+his wife and child, and his own narrow escape from death, he commenced
+the earnest study of the Bible and the Eastern languages, and gained
+such wonderful proficiency in the latter, that it is stated he had a
+fair knowledge of sixteen.
+
+Vanderkemp chose the Kafir tribes for his field of labour, and in 1799
+proceeded from Graf Reinet, then the most distant colonial town, and
+that nearest to the Kafirs, to the headquarters of that people.
+Frequently in danger of his life, among those who considered the murder
+of a white man a meritorious deed, he worked and endured great hardship
+and privation, that he might make known the truths of the Gospel to the
+ignorant around, until the close of the year 1800, when, owing to a
+rebellion among the farmers, and the general unsettled state of the
+frontier, he was compelled to relinquish his mission.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Afterwards he laboured among the Hottentots of the colony with rare
+self-devotedness, often in great straits and many perils, but with
+frequent manifestations of the Divine blessing upon the work carried on.
+Finally, the Hottentot mission was transferred to Bethelsdorp, where
+steady progress was made. The scholars readily learned to read and
+write, and their facility in acquiring religious knowledge was
+astonishing, considering the peculiar apathy, stupidity, and aversion to
+any exertion, mental or corporeal, which characterised the natives. Dr.
+Vanderkemp died in 1811, after breathing out the Christian assurance,
+"All is well."
+
+While Dr. Vanderkemp bent his steps towards Kafirland, three other
+missionaries, by name Kitcherer, Kramer, and Edwards, proceeded to the
+Zak River, between four hundred and five hundred miles north-east of
+Cape Town. Here a mission was established to the Bushmen, which,
+although unsuccessful in its original intention, became the finger-post
+to the Namaquas, Corannas, Griquas, and Bechwanas, for by means of that
+mission these tribes and their condition became known to the Christian
+world. After moving from their original location to the Orange River, at
+the invitation of a Griqua chief, Berend Berend by name, the mission was
+carried on among the Corannas, Namaquas, and Bastards (mixed races),
+finally removing in 1804 to Griqua Town, where it developed into the
+Griqua Mission, under Messrs. Anderson and Kramer, and became a powerful
+influence for good; continuing in existence for many years.
+
+Mr. Anderson thus describes the condition of the Griquas when he first
+settled in their midst, and for some time afterwards:--
+
+"They were without the smallest marks of civilisation. If I except one
+woman, they had not one thread of European clothing among them; and
+their wretched appearance and habits were such as might have excited in
+our minds an aversion to them, had we not been actuated by principles
+which led us to pity them, and served to strengthen us in pursuing the
+object of our missionary work; they were, in many instances, little
+above the brutes. It is a fact that we were present with them at the
+hazard of our lives. When we went among them they lived in the habit of
+plundering one another; and they saw no moral evil in this, nor in any
+of their actions. Violent deaths were common. Their usual manner of
+living was truly disgusting, and they were void of shame."
+
+By missionary effort these unpromising materials yielded such fruit,
+that, in 1809, the congregation at Griqua Town consisted of 800 persons,
+who resided at or near the station during the whole or the greater part
+of the year. Besides their stated congregations the missionaries were
+surrounded by numerous hordes of Corannas and Bushmen, among whom they
+laboured. The land was brought under cultivation, and fields waving with
+corn and barley met the eye where all had been desolation and
+barrenness. In 1810 a threatened attack from a marauding horde of Kafirs
+was averted in answer to prayer. Mr. Janz, the only missionary then on
+the place, with the people, set apart a day for special supplication;
+they sent a pacific message and present to the Kafirs, who immediately
+retired. In place of war there was peace, and the blessings of
+civilisation followed the preaching of the Gospel.
+
+A mission had also been commenced by the London Missionary Society in
+Great Namaqualand, north of the Orange River, on the western coast of
+Africa; a country of which the following description was given by an
+individual who had spent many years there: "Sir, you will find plenty of
+sand and stones, a thinly scattered population, always suffering from
+want of water, on plains and hills roasted like a burnt leaf, under the
+scorching rays of a cloudless sun."
+
+The missionaries, after a journey of great difficulty and suffering,
+reached the land of the Namaquas, and halted for a time at a place which
+they named "Silent Hope," and then at "Happy Deliverance;" finally they
+settled at a spot, about one hundred miles westward of Africaner's
+kraal, called Warm Bath. Here, for a time, their prospects continued
+cheering. They were instant in season and out of season to advance the
+temporal and spiritual interests of the natives; though labouring in a
+debilitating climate; and in want of the common necessaries of life.
+Their congregation was increased by the desperado Jager, afterwards
+Christian Africaner, a Hottentot outlaw, who, with part of his people,
+occasionally attended to the instructions of the missionaries; and they
+visited the kraal of this robber chieftain in return. It was here that
+he first heard the Gospel, and, referring afterwards to his condition at
+this time, he said that he saw "men as trees walking."
+
+Terrible trials soon came upon these devoted missionaries. Abraham
+Albrecht, one of their number died, and Africaner, becoming enraged,
+threatened an attack upon the station. The situation of the missionaries
+and their wives was most distressing. Among a feeble and timid people,
+with scarcely any means of defence, a bare country around, no mountain,
+glen, or cave in which they could take refuge, under a burning sun and
+on a glowing plain, distant two hundred miles from the abodes of
+civilised men, between which and them lay the dreary wilderness and the
+Orange River; such was their position, with the human lion in his lair,
+ready to rouse himself up to deeds of rapine and blood.
+
+For a whole month they were in constant terror, hourly expecting the
+threatened attack. Their souls revolted at the idea of abandoning the
+people, who were suffering from want, to become a prey to a man from
+whom they could expect no quarter. On one occasion they dug a square
+hole in the ground, about six feet deep, that in case of an attack they
+might escape the musket balls. In this they remained for the space of a
+week, having the tilt sail of a waggon thrown over the mouth of the pit
+to keep off the burning rays of an almost vertical sun. Eventually they
+withdrew northward to the base of the Karas mountains, but finding it
+impossible to settle, retired to the Colony.
+
+Africaner approached the station, and finding it deserted, plundered it
+of whatever articles could be found; one of his followers afterwards
+setting fire to the houses and huts. Thus for a season, this mission was
+brought to a close. It was after a time resumed at a place south of the
+Orange River named Pella.
+
+Thus missions in South Africa had been commenced, stations among the
+Hottentots and others had been formed, good work had been done, and the
+way pioneered. The field was opened and it was wide, but as yet the
+labourers were few.
+
+At the time when Vanderkemp closed his eyes on this world, a lad was
+working as an apprentice to a Scotch gardener, rising in the dense
+darkness of the cold winter's mornings at four o'clock, and warming his
+knuckles by knocking them against the handle of his spade. He was
+passing through a hard training, but this lad was being prepared to take
+up the work which Vanderkemp had so well begun, though in a somewhat
+different sphere, and to repair the loss which had been sustained by the
+missionary cause through his death. The name of this lad was Robert
+Moffat.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.
+
+
+Robert Moffat was born on the 21st of December, 1795. His parents dwelt
+at that time at Ormiston, in East Lothian, Scotland. They were pious
+God-fearing people; the mother though holding a stern religious faith,
+yet possessed a most tender loving heart, and very early sought to
+instil into the minds and hearts of her children the love of God and a
+knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.
+
+Of the early childhood of the future missionary very little is stated.
+In 1797 his father received an appointment in the Custom House at
+Portsoy, and in 1806 the home of the Moffats was at Carronshore, on the
+Firth of Forth. At this time the family consisted of four sons and two
+daughters, besides the subject of this memoir.
+
+A glimpse of the interior of their cottage, during the long winter
+evenings, is given, which shows how the mother by her gentle influence
+may become the means of sowing seed, which shall spring up in after
+years bearing fruit a hundred-fold. The lads were gathered by the
+fireside learning to knit and sew, and while so engaged their mother,
+who took great interest in the missionary enterprises then carried on,
+read aloud, in such publications as she could obtain, the descriptions
+given of the work and sufferings of the pioneer labourers in heathen
+lands, more especially of the Moravians in Greenland and the East
+Indies.
+
+Of educational advantages, Robert had but few in his early days. One,
+"Wully Mitchell," as he was popularly called, the parish schoolmaster
+was his first tutor; and "the Shorter Catechism," the title-page of
+which contained the alphabet, his first instruction book. His progress
+was but slow, his hands often being made to suffer for the dullness of
+his brains. A boy living in the midst of shipping, his desires were more
+for nautical matters than for Wully's books, and so he ran off to sea.
+The captain of the ship on which he was, became much attached to the
+lad, so with his parent's consent, he made several voyages in the
+coasting trade. Many hairbreadth escapes fell to his lot, and at last he
+quitted the sea, as he states "to the no small joy of my parents."
+
+When about eleven he accompanied his elder brother, Alexander, to Mr.
+Paton's school at Falkirk. This school was for writing and book-keeping,
+but such as chose to pay received lessons in astronomy and geography
+after school hours. Alexander was one of these, and Robert was allowed
+to wait for his brother in the large room while the class was being
+conducted. "I felt queer," he tells us "to know what the master was
+doing within the circle, and used to look very attentively through any
+little slip of an opening under an elbow, while I eagerly listened to
+the illustrations given, the master all the while never suspecting that
+I was capable of understanding the planetary system. What I could not
+understand my brother explained on our way home." In this manner he
+picked up some knowledge of astronomy.
+
+At this school the lad continued for six months. It was the last he ever
+attended.
+
+When about fourteen, Robert Moffat was apprenticed to a gardener, named
+John Robertson, a just but hard man, who lived at Parkhill, Polmont. The
+toil was severe and the food scanty. Often in the bitter cold of a
+Scottish winter the lads employed were required to commence work at four
+o'clock in the morning, and had to hammer their knuckles against the
+handles of their spades to try and bring some feeling into them. Here he
+remained till the end of 1812.
+
+While thus engaged, he managed to attend an evening class occasionally,
+and made an attempt at learning Latin and mensuration. He also picked up
+some knowledge of the smith's craft, and acquired sufficient skill to
+play a little on the violin. A special craving, which stood him in good
+stead in after life, impelled him to learn something of whatever he came
+in contact with.
+
+Upon the completion of his apprenticeship, in 1812, he obtained a
+situation at Donibristle, a seat of the Earl of Moray at Aberdour. Here,
+he delighted his fellow-workers of an evening by his violin
+performances, was fond of athletic sports, in which he excelled, and
+became an accomplished swimmer, saving the life of one of his
+companions, who having got out of his depth was in imminent danger of
+drowning.
+
+In this situation he continued about a twelvemonth, and then, being
+about sixteen, he found employment as under-gardener to Mr. Leigh, of
+High Leigh, in Cheshire. While at Donibristle he had been able to
+frequently visit his parents; the time had now come when he must bid
+them adieu.
+
+The parting scene between Robert and his mother has been sketched by his
+own hand and appeared in the Bible Society's "Gleanings for the Young."
+It is described as follows:--
+
+"When we came within sight of the spot where we were to part, perhaps
+never again to meet in this world, she said--
+
+"'Now, my Robert, let us stand here for a few minutes, for I wish to ask
+one favour of you before we part, and I know you will not refuse to do
+what your mother asks.'
+
+"'What is it, mother?' I inquired.
+
+"'Do promise me first that you will do what I am now going to ask, and I
+shall tell you.'
+
+"'No, mother, I cannot till you tell me what your wish is.'
+
+"'O Robert, can you think for a moment that I shall ask you, my son, to
+do anything that is not right? Do not I love you?'
+
+"'Yes, mother, I know you do; but I do not like to make promises which I
+may not be able to fulfil.'
+
+"I kept my eyes fixed on the ground. I was silent, trying to resist the
+rising emotion. She sighed deeply. I lifted my eyes and saw the big
+tears rolling down the cheeks which were wont to press mine. I was
+conquered, and as soon as I could recover speech, I said--
+
+"'O mother! ask what you will and I shall do it.'
+
+"'I only ask you whether you will read a chapter in the Bible every
+morning and another every evening?'
+
+"I interrupted by saying, 'Mother, you know I read my Bible.'
+
+"'I know you do, but you do not read it regularly, or as a duty you owe
+to God, its Author.' And she added: 'Now I shall return home with a
+happy heart, inasmuch as you have promised to read the Scriptures
+daily. O Robert, my son, read much in the New Testament. Read much in
+the Gospels--the blessed Gospels; then you cannot well go astray. If you
+pray, the Lord Himself will teach you.'
+
+"I parted from my beloved mother, now long gone to that mansion about
+which she loved to speak. I went on my way, and ere long found myself
+among strangers. My charge was an important one for a youth, and though
+possessing a muscular frame and a mind full of energy, it required all
+to keep pace with the duty which devolved upon me. I lived at a
+considerable distance from what are called the means of grace, and the
+Sabbaths were not always at my command. I met with none who appeared to
+make religion their chief concern. I mingled, when opportunities
+offered, with the gay and godless in what are considered innocent
+amusements, where I soon became a favourite; _but I never forgot my
+promise to my mother_."
+
+After several delays, High Leigh was reached on Saturday, 26th December,
+1813, and there the young man found himself surrounded by a genial
+atmosphere. The head gardener took to him, and soon left a great deal in
+his hands. This made his work very heavy and responsible; but, although
+labouring almost day and night, he yet managed to devote some time to
+the study of such books as he could obtain. The kindly notice of Mrs.
+Leigh was attracted to him, and she lent him books, and encouraged him
+to studious pursuits.
+
+In very early years serious impressions had been made upon the heart of
+Robert Moffat. The earnest teachings of his minister, combined with his
+mother's counsels and prayers, left recollections which could never be
+effaced. These impressions were now to be deepened, and the good seed
+that had been sown to be quickened. The Wesleyan Methodists had
+commenced a good work at High Leigh, and a pious Methodist and his wife
+induced Moffat to attend some of their meetings. He became convinced of
+his state as a sinner, and unhappy, but after a severe and protracted
+struggle, he found pardon, justification, and peace, through faith in
+Jesus Christ, and henceforth his life was devoted to the service of his
+Lord. Energetically he threw himself into the society and work of his
+new friends, but by so doing, lost the goodwill of Mr. and Mrs. Leigh,
+who were grieved that one in whom they took so much interest should have
+become a Methodist. So were these good people despised by many in those
+days.
+
+At this time Robert's worldly prospects were brightening, and a position
+of honour and comfort seemed opening before him. But the anticipations
+of that day were not to be.
+
+Apparently unimportant events frequently determine the whole course of
+our lives, and a simple incident was now about to change the current of
+this young man's life, and to convert the rising gardener into the
+God-honoured and much-beloved missionary. How this came to pass we now
+relate:
+
+While at High Leigh, Robert Moffat had occasion to visit Warrington, a
+town about six miles distant He set off one calm summer evening. All
+nature seemed at rest, and thoughts of God and a feeling of admiration
+for His handiworks took possession of the young man's mind. His life was
+reviewed, and with thoughts full of hope he entered the town. Passing
+over a bridge he noticed a placard. It contained the announcement of a
+missionary meeting, over which the Rev. William Roby, of Manchester, was
+to preside. He had never seen such an announcement before. He read the
+placard over and over again, and, as he did so, the stories told by his
+mother of the Moravian missionaries in Greenland and Labrador, which had
+been forgotten for years, came vividly to mind. From that moment, his
+choice was made; earthly prospects vanished: his one thought was, "how
+to become a missionary?"
+
+Many difficulties seemed to stand in the way between Robert and the
+accomplishment of his desire, but the same Divine power which had
+implanted the desire, prepared the way for its fulfilment. He visited
+Manchester, shortly after the event just related, to be present at a
+Wesleyan Conference; and while there, with much hesitancy and
+trepidation, ventured to knock at the door of Mr. Roby's house and
+request an interview with that gentleman. He was shown into the parlour,
+and the man whom he had been hoping, yet dreaded, to see, quickly made
+his appearance. "He received me with great kindness," said Moffat,
+"listened to my simple tale, took me by the hand, and told me to be of
+good courage."
+
+The result of this interview was a promise on Mr. Roby's part to write
+to the Directors of the London Missionary Society concerning him, and to
+communicate their wishes to him as soon as they were received. In the
+meantime Robert returned to his ordinary occupation.
+
+After waiting a few weeks a summons came from Mr. Roby for Moffat to
+visit Manchester again; and, with the view of his studying under the
+care and instruction of that reverend gentleman, it was arranged that he
+should accept a situation in a nursery garden belonging to Mr. Smith, at
+Dukinfield, that place being near at hand. Moffat continued here about a
+year, visiting Mr. Roby once or twice each week. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
+were a pious and worthy couple, and their house was a house of call for
+ministers. They were always ready for every good work whether at home or
+abroad.
+
+"In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths," is one
+of the maxims of Holy Writ that should be engraven upon the heart and
+mind of every youth and maiden. Robert Moffat's desire was for the glory
+of God and the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, and God was not only
+opening the way for His servant, but was preparing a faithful and
+devoted helpmate for him in his various spheres of labour through life.
+
+Robert's employer had an only daughter, named Mary, beautiful of
+countenance, but more beautiful in heart. She had been educated at the
+Moravian school at Fairfield, and was distinguished for fervent piety
+and deep sympathy with the missionary cause. The two young folks were
+thrown together, mutual esteem deepened into love, and the maiden,
+possessed with so large a missionary spirit, was prepared to share the
+lot of the young herald of the Cross. For a time, however, it was
+ordained that Robert should pursue his course alone.
+
+After being at Dukinfield nearly a year, the Directors resolved to
+accept the services of Robert Moffat. He left Mr. Smith's employment and
+removed to Manchester, so that he might be close to Mr. Roby, to receive
+such superintendence as was possible in his studies. This period
+extended to but a few months, so that of college training and
+opportunities Robert had little experience.
+
+The time rapidly drew near for his departure abroad. A hurried visit was
+paid to the parents whom he never expected to see again, and then he
+awaited his call to the mission field.
+
+On the 13th of September, 1816, after bidding farewell to Mr. Roby,
+whose "kindness, like that of a father," wrote Moffat, "will not be
+easily obliterated from my mind," he started for London. While in the
+Metropolis he visited the Museum at the Rooms of the London Missionary
+Society, and the following extract from a letter to his parents, in
+connection with this visit, shows the spirit which actuated the youthful
+missionary at this time:--
+
+"I spent some time in viewing the Museum, which contains a great number
+of curiosities from China, Africa, the South Seas, and the West Indies.
+It would be foolish for me to give you a description. Suffice it to say
+that the sight is truly awful, the appearance of the wild beasts is very
+terrific, but I am unable to describe the sensations of my mind when
+gazing on the objects of Pagan worship. Alas! how fallen are my
+fellow-creatures, bowing down to forms enough to frighten a Roman
+soldier, enough to shake the hardest heart. Oh that I had a thousand
+lives, and a thousand bodies; all of them should be devoted to no other
+employment but to preach Christ to these degraded, despised, yet beloved
+mortals."
+
+With such enthusiasm he prepared to enter upon the work that lay before
+him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+DEPARTURE FOR THE CAPE.
+
+
+The valedictory service was held at Surrey Chapel on the 30th of
+September. Nine missionaries were set apart; four for the South Seas,
+one of whom was John Williams, the martyr of Erromanga, and five for
+South Africa. At first it had been intended that Robert Moffat should
+accompany John Williams, but this was subsequently altered.
+
+The missionaries for Africa embarked at Gravesend on the 18th of October
+in the _Alacrity_, and after a prosperous voyage reached Cape Town on
+the 13th of January, 1817.
+
+Two of the party were appointed to stations within the colony; Moffat
+and Kitchingman were destined for Namaqualand. Before they could proceed
+on their journey, however, permission had to be obtained from the
+Government, and this was at first refused.
+
+While detained in the colony, Moffat lodged with a Dutch farmer, at a
+village thirty-six miles from Cape Town, named Stellenbosch. Here he
+learnt Dutch, an acquisition of great advantage to him in after life, as
+it enabled him to preach to the Boers, and to as many of their native
+servants as understood that language. He also accompanied the Rev.
+George Thorn, of the Dutch Reformed Church, on an evangelistic tour. It
+occupied six weeks, during which time they rode a distance of about
+seven hundred miles.
+
+After a further sojourn at Stellenbosch, Moffat visited Cape Town, and
+busied himself in gaining such practical knowledge as came within his
+reach. He also visited the military hospital there. Many of the soldiers
+were Scotch, and he had a warm heart for soldiers, his brother Alexander
+having gone to India in the ranks some years before.
+
+At last the requisite permission came, and Moffat and Kitchingman
+prepared for their journey. Waggons were bought, oxen hired, leave taken
+of friends, and on the 22nd of September, 1817, Mr. and Mrs.
+Kitchingman, Robert Moffat, and a missionary named Ebner, who, for a
+time, had been with Africaner, and who had come to Cape Town for
+supplies, set out on their way to Namaqualand.
+
+The history of the Namaqualand Mission has been sketched in outline in
+our introductory chapter. Africaner, although an outlaw and a terror to
+the farmers of the colony, had a respect for the English. He visited the
+missionaries on one occasion, prior to their removal to Warm Bath, and
+said, "I love the English, for I have always heard that they are the
+friends of the poor black man." He also sent his children to them for
+instruction; yet subsequent events, as we have seen, enraged him, and
+led him to destroy the mission station at Warm Bath.
+
+The Rev. J. Campbell, in his first visit to Africa, 1812-1814, crossed
+the interior of the continent to Namaqualand. During his journey, he
+found in every village through which he passed the terror of
+Africaner's name; and he afterwards said "that he and his retinue never
+were so afraid in their lives." From Pella, where the mission station
+then was, Mr. Campbell wrote a conciliatory letter to Africaner, in
+consequence of which that chieftain agreed to receive a missionary at
+his kraal. Mr. Ebner had been sent from Pella, and had been labouring
+for a short time previous to his visit to the Cape in 1817. Good had
+been accomplished, Africaner and his two brothers, David and Jacobus,
+had been baptised, but then the situation of the missionary became
+extremely trying, he lost influence with the people, and his property,
+and even his life, were in danger.
+
+Soon after leaving Cape Town, Mr. Ebner parted company with the
+Kitchingmans and Moffat, and they pursued their way alone. The details
+of the journey illustrate the difficulties of travelling in South Africa
+in those days. "In perils oft," aptly expresses the condition of the
+missionary in his wanderings, as he travelled mile after mile, often
+over dreary wastes of burning sand, famished with hunger, parched with
+thirst, with the howl of the hyena and the roar of the lion disturbing
+his slumbers at night, and with Bushmen, more savage than either,
+hovering near, ever ready to attack the weak and defenceless.
+
+The farmers, from whom the travellers received hospitality as they
+passed the boundaries of the colony, were very sceptical as to the
+conversion of Africaner, and gloomy indeed were their predictions as to
+the fate of the youthful missionary now venturing into the power of the
+outlaw chief. One said Africaner would set him up for his boys to shoot
+at, another that he would strip off his skin to make a drum with, and a
+third predicted he would make a drinking-cup of his skull. A kind
+motherly dame said, as she wiped the tear from her eye and bade him
+farewell, "Had you been an old man it would have been nothing, for you
+would soon have died, whether or no; but you are young, and going to
+become a prey to that monster."
+
+On one occasion Moffat halted at a farm belonging to a Boer, a man of
+wealth and importance, who had many slaves. Hearing that he was a
+missionary, the farmer gave him a hearty welcome, and proposed in the
+evening that he should give them a service. To this he readily assented,
+and supper being ended, a clearance was made, the big Bible and the
+psalm-books were brought out, and the family was seated. Moffat inquired
+for the servants, "May none of your servants come in?" said he.
+
+"Servants! what do you mean?"
+
+"I mean the Hottentots, of whom I see so many on your farm."
+
+"Hottentots!" roared the man, "are you come to preach to Hottentots? Go
+to the mountains and preach to the baboons; or, if you like, I'll fetch
+my dogs, and you may preach to them."
+
+The missionary said no more but commenced the service. He had intended
+to challenge the "neglect of so great salvation," but with ready wit
+seizing upon the theme suggested by his rough entertainer, he read the
+story of the Syrophenician woman, and took for his text the words,
+"Truth, Lord, yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their
+masters' table." He had not proceeded far in his discourse when the
+farmer stopped him, saying, "Will Mynherr sit down and wait a little, he
+shall have the Hottentots."
+
+He was as good as his word, the barn was crowded, the sermon was
+preached, and the astonished Hottentots dispersed. "Who," said the
+farmer, "hardened your hammer to deal my head such a blow? I'll never
+object to the preaching of the Gospel to Hottentots again."
+
+After a toilsome march, during which Mr. Kitchingman and Moffat took it
+in turn to drive the cattle, losing some through the hyenas by the way,
+they reached Bysondermeid, to which station Mr. and Mrs. Kitchingman had
+been appointed. There Robert stayed one month, receiving much useful
+information from Mr. Schmelen, the missionary whom Mr. Kitchingman had
+come to replace, he having been ordered to Great Namaqualand, where he
+had laboured before.
+
+At length, his oxen being rested, Robert Moffat bade adieu to Mr. and
+Mrs. Kitchingman, whose friendship he much valued, and with a guide and
+drivers for the oxen started onward. Their way led through a
+comparatively trackless desert, and they travelled nearly the whole
+night through deep sand. Those were not the days of railway trains, and
+travelling had to be undertaken in cumbrous, springless bullock-waggons,
+several spare oxen being taken to provide for losses and casualties.
+Towards morning the oxen were so exhausted that they began to lie down
+in the yoke from fatigue, compelling a halt before water had been
+reached. The journey was resumed the next day, but still no water could
+be found.
+
+As it appeared probable that if they continued in the same direction,
+they would perish through thirst, they altered their course to the
+northward, but the experiences were as bad as before. At night they lay
+down exhausted and suffering extremely from thirst, and the next morning
+rose at an early hour to find the oxen incapable of moving the waggon a
+step farther. Taking them and a spade to a neighbouring mountain, a
+large hole was dug in the sand, and at last a scanty supply of water was
+obtained. This resembled the old bilge-water of a ship for foulness, but
+both men and oxen drank of it with avidity.
+
+[Illustration: WAGGON TRAVELLING IN SOUTH AFRICA.]
+
+In the evening, when about to yoke the oxen to the waggon, it was found
+that most of them had run off towards Bysondermeid. No time was to be
+lost, so Moffat instantly sent off the remaining oxen with two men to
+solicit assistance from Mr. Bartlett at Pella, while he remained
+behind with his goods. "Three days," said he afterwards, "I remained
+with my waggon-driver on this burning plain, with scarcely a breath of
+wind, and what there was felt as if coming from the mouth of an oven. We
+had only tufts of dry grass to make a small fire or rather flame; and
+little was needed as we had scarcely any food to prepare. We saw no
+human being, not a single antelope or beast of prey made its appearance,
+but in the dead of night we sometimes heard the roar of the lion on the
+mountain. At last when we were beginning to fear that the men had either
+perished or wandered, Mr. Bartlett arrived on horseback, with two men
+having a quantity of mutton tied to their saddles. I cannot conceive of
+an epicure gazing on a table groaning under the weight of viands, with
+half the delight that I did on the mutton."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Fresh oxen, accustomed to deep sand, conveyed the weary travellers to
+Pella, where Moffat remained a few days, being greatly invigorated in
+mind and body by the Christian kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett and the
+friendly attentions of the heathen converts.
+
+Starting again, he came to the Orange River, crossing which was
+generally a work of difficulty at that time. The native teacher from
+Warm Bath, who had come to Pella to conduct Moffat to his village, led
+the missionary to a ford opposite to that place. The waggon and its
+contents were swam over on a fragile raft of dry willow logs--a
+laborious and tedious operation, the raft having to be taken to pieces
+after each journey, and the separate logs conveyed back again by
+swimmers. All the goods being over, Robert was asked to place himself
+upon the raft. Not altogether liking its appearance, and also wishing
+to save the natives trouble, he took off his clothes and, leaving them
+to be conveyed across, plunged into the stream. The natives were afraid
+as they saw him approach the middle of the current, and some of their
+most expert swimmers sprang in to overtake him, but in vain. When he
+emerged on the northern bank, one of them came up out of breath and
+said, "Were you born in the great sea water?"
+
+Robert Moffat reached Africaner's kraal on the 26th of January, 1818,
+and was kindly received by Mr. Ebner. The chief soon made his
+appearance, and inquired if the new missionary had been appointed by the
+Directors in London. Receiving an affirmative reply, he ordered a number
+of women to come. Then pointing to a spot of ground he said to the
+women, "There you must build a house for the missionary." In half an
+hour the structure was completed, in appearance something like a
+bee-hive. In this frail house, of sticks and native mats, Moffat lived
+for nearly six months, being scorched by the sun, drenched by the rain,
+exposed to the wind, and obliged often to decamp through the clouds of
+dust; in addition to which, any dog wishing for a night's lodging could
+force its way through the wall, sometimes to the loss of the
+missionary's dinner next day. A serpent was occasionally found coiled in
+a corner, or the indweller of the habitation had to spring up, in the
+middle of the night, to save himself and his house from being crushed to
+pieces during the nocturnal affrays of the cattle which roamed at large.
+He lived principally upon milk and dried meat, until, after a time, he
+was able to raise a little grain and garden stuff.
+
+A few days after Moffat's arrival, Mr. Ebner departed, so that the young
+missionary was left entirely alone in a trying and most difficult
+position, a stranger in the midst of a strange people. "Here I was,"
+said he, "left alone with a people suspicious in the extreme; jealous of
+their rights which they had obtained at the point of the sword; and the
+best of whom Mr. Ebner described as a sharp thorn. I had no friend and
+brother with whom I could participate in the communion of saints, none
+to whom I could look for counsel or advice. A barren and miserable
+country; a small salary, about twenty-five pounds per annum. No grain,
+and consequently no bread, and no prospect of getting any, from the want
+of water to cultivate the ground, and destitute of the means of sending
+to the Colony. These circumstances led to great searchings of heart, to
+see if I had hitherto aimed at doing and suffering the will of Him in
+whose service I had embarked. Satisfied that I had not run unsent, and
+having in the intricate, and sometimes obscure course I had come, heard
+the still small voice saying, 'This is the way, walk ye in it,' I was
+wont to pour out my soul among the granite rocks surrounding this
+station, now in sorrow, and then in joy; and more than once I have taken
+my violin, once belonging to Christian Albrecht, and, reclining upon one
+of the huge masses, have, in the stillness of the evening, played and
+sung the well-known hymn, a favourite of my mother's--
+
+    'Awake, my soul, in joyful lays,
+    To sing the great Redeemer's praise.'"
+
+Robert Moffat looked to his God for help and guidance, and his heart was
+strengthened.
+
+At this period the chief, Christian Africaner, was in a doubtful state
+of mind; while Titus, his brother, a man of almost reckless courage, was
+a fearful example of ungodliness, and a terror to most of the
+inhabitants on the station. Soon after the commencement of his stated
+services--which were, according to the custom of the missionaries at
+that period, religious service morning and evening, and school for three
+or four hours during the day--the heart of the youthful missionary was
+much cheered by noticing the regular attendance of the chief. Although
+not a fluent reader, the New Testament became his constant companion,
+and a change passed over him apparent to all. The lion at whose name
+many trembled became a lamb, and the love of Jesus Christ filled his
+heart. He who was formerly like a fire-brand, spreading discord, enmity,
+and war among the neighbouring tribes, was now ready to make any
+sacrifice to avoid conflict, and besought parties at variance with each
+other to be at peace.
+
+Even Titus was subdued, and although he never made a profession, yet he
+became a steady and unwavering friend to the missionary, and many times
+ministered to his wants. "I hear what you say," he would reply when the
+truth was pressed upon him, "and I think I sometimes understand, but my
+heart will not feel." Two other brothers of the chief, David and
+Jacobus, became believers and zealous assistants in the work of the
+mission.
+
+The extreme heat endured in the native house, and the character of the
+food, milk and meat only, brought on a severe attack of bilious fever,
+which in the course of two days induced delirium. Opening his eyes as
+soon as consciousness returned, Moffat saw his attendant and Africaner
+sitting beside his couch, gazing upon him with eyes full of sympathy and
+tenderness. Taking some calomel he speedily recovered, and was soon at
+his post again.
+
+The place where Africaner dwelt being quite unsuitable for a permanent
+mission-station, on account of the scarcity of water, it was determined
+to take a journey northward to examine a country on the border of
+Damaraland, where it was reported that fountains of water abounded.
+There was, however, only one waggon and that a cripple, and neither
+carpenters nor smiths were at the station to repair it. Without it they
+could not go, so after thinking the matter over Moffat undertook its
+repair. Before doing so he must needs have a forge, and a forge meant
+bellows; but here was a difficulty, the native bellows were of no use
+for the work in hand. He therefore contrived, by means of two goat-skins
+and a circular piece of board, to make a pair of bellows of sufficient
+power to fan the fire and heat the iron, and with a blue granite stone
+for an anvil, a pair of tongs indicative of Vulcan's first efforts, and
+a hammer, never intended for its present use, he successfully
+accomplished his task, and afterwards repaired some gun-locks, which
+were as essential for the comfort and success of the journey as the
+waggon.
+
+The party that set out was a large one, including Africaner, three of
+his brothers, and Moffat. The country which they passed through was
+sterile in the extreme, and the expedition proved a failure. They
+therefore returned home again after an absence of a few weeks. The
+school and mission services were resumed, but, as David and Jacobus
+Africaner were now able assistants, Moffat undertook itinerating visits
+on a more extensive scale than he had done before. For this purpose
+Titus presented him with his only horse. Previously Moffat had ridden
+upon a bullock with horns, a dangerous practice, as, if the bullock
+stumbles, the rider may be thrown forward and transfixed upon them.
+
+Privations and dangers frequently attended these itinerating journeys.
+Referring to one of them Robert Moffat states, "After tying my Bible and
+hymn-book in a blanket to the back of my saddle, and taking a good
+draught of milk, I started with my interpreter, who rode upon an ox. We
+had our guns, but nothing in our purse or scrip, save a pipe, some
+tobacco, and a tinder-box. After a hot day's ride to reach a village,
+the people would give us a draught of sweet milk, and then old and
+young, assembling in a nook of the fold, among the kine, would listen to
+my address on the great concerns of their soul's salvation. I exhorted
+those who could read to read to others and try to teach them to do the
+same, promising them a reward in heaven, for I had none to give on
+earth. When service was over, having taken another draught of milk, and
+renewed my conversation with the people, I lay down on a mat to repose
+for the night. Sometimes a kind housewife would hang a bamboos, a wooden
+vessel filled with milk, on a forked stick near my head, that I might,
+if necessary, drink during the night."
+
+Once he slept on the ground near the hut in which the principal man of
+the village and his wife reposed. During the night a noise as of cattle
+broken loose was heard. In the morning he remarked upon this to his
+host, when that individual replied, "Oh, I was looking at the spoor this
+morning, it was the lion!" adding that a few nights previously a goat
+had been seized from the very spot on which Moffat had been sleeping.
+Upon Moffat asking him why he had put him to sleep there, the man
+replied, "Oh, the lion would not have the audacity to jump over on you."
+
+Sometimes it happened that after travelling all day, hoping to reach a
+village at night, the travellers would find when they got to the place
+that all the people had gone. Then hungry and thirsty they had to pass
+the night. In the morning after searching for water, and partaking of a
+draught if they were successful in finding it, they would start off
+again with their hunger unsatisfied, and deem themselves fortunate if
+they overtook the migrating party that evening.
+
+Of his ordinary manner of living at this time, he says, "My food was
+milk and meat, living for weeks together on one, and then for a while on
+the other, and again on both together. All was well so long as I had
+either, but sometimes they both failed, and there were no shops in the
+country where I could have purchased, and, had there been any, I must
+have bought on credit, for money I had none."
+
+His wardrobe bore the same impress of poverty as his larder. The clothes
+received when in London soon went to pieces, and the knowledge of sewing
+and knitting, unwillingly learnt from his mother, often now stood him in
+good stead. She once showed him how a shirt might be smoothed by folding
+it properly and hammering it with a piece of wood. Resolving one day to
+have a nice one for the Sabbath, Moffat tried this plan. He folded the
+shirt carefully, laid it on a smooth block of stone--not a hearth-stone,
+but a block of fine granite--and hammered away. "What are you doing?"
+said Africaner. "Smoothing my shirt," replied his white friend. "That is
+one way," said he, and so it was, for on holding the shirt up to the
+light it was seen to be riddled with holes. "When I left the country,"
+said Moffat, "I had not half-a-dozen shirts with two sleeves apiece."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Robert Moffat's stay in Namaqualand extended to a little over twelve
+months. Near its close he made on Africaner's account--with the view of
+ascertaining the suitability of a place for settlement--a journey to
+the Griqua country, and after a terrible experience, in which he
+suffered from hunger, thirst, heat, and drinking poisoned water, he
+reached Griqua Town, and entered the house of Mr. Anderson, the
+missionary there, speechless, haggard, emaciated, and covered with
+perspiration, making the inmates understand by signs that he needed
+water. Here he was most kindly entertained, and after a few days started
+back again. The return journey was almost as trying as the outward one,
+but he reached Vreede Berg (Africaner's village) in safety. The chief
+received Moffat's account of his researches with entire satisfaction,
+but the removal of himself and people was allowed to remain prospective
+for a season.
+
+Missionary labours were resumed. The school flourished, and the
+attendance at the Sabbath services was most encouraging. The people were
+so strongly attached to their missionary, that although he was
+contemplating a visit to the Cape, he dared not mention the subject to
+them. In a letter written at this time, alluding to his every-day life,
+he says, "I have many difficulties to encounter, being alone. No one can
+do anything for me in my household affairs. I must attend to everything,
+which often confuses me, and, indeed, hinders me in my work, for I could
+wish to have almost nothing to do but to instruct the heathen, both
+spiritually and temporally. Daily I do a little in the garden, daily I
+am doing something for the people in mending guns. I am carpenter,
+smith, cooper, shoemaker, miller, baker, and housekeeper--the last is
+the most burdensome of any. An old Namaqua woman milks my cows, makes a
+fire, and washes. All other things I do myself, though I seldom prepare
+anything till impelled by hunger. I drink plenty of milk, and often eat
+a piece of dry meat. Lately I reaped nearly two bolls of wheat from two
+hatfuls which I sowed. This is of great help to me. I shall soon have
+plenty of Indian corn, cabbages, melons, and potatoes. Water is scarce.
+I have sown wheat a second time on trial. I live chiefly now on bread
+and milk. To-day I churned about three Scotch pints of milk, from which
+there were two pounds of butter, so you may conceive that the milk is
+rich. I wish many times that my mother saw me. My house is always clean,
+but oh what a confusion there is among my linen."
+
+In November, 1818, letters reached Robert Moffat from England. One came
+from Miss Smith, in which that young lady stated that she had most
+reluctantly renounced hope of ever getting abroad, her father
+determining never to allow her to do so. This was a sore trial, but it
+only led the child closer to his Father, and that Father, who doeth all
+things well, in His own good time, brought to pass that which now seemed
+impossible.
+
+Early in 1819, circumstances required Mr. Moffat to visit Cape Town.
+Conversing with Africaner on the state and prospects of missions, the
+idea flashed into Moffat's mind that it would be well for that chief to
+accompany him, and he suggested it to his coloured friend. Africaner was
+astonished. "I had thought you loved me," said he, "and do you advise me
+to go to the Government to be hung up as a spectacle of public justice?"
+Then, putting his hand to his head, he said, "Do you not know that I am
+an outlaw, and that one thousand rix-dollars have been offered for this
+poor head?" After a little while he replied to the missionary's
+arguments by saying, "I shall deliberate and _roll_ (using the words of
+the Dutch Version of the Bible) my way upon the Lord. I know He will
+not leave me."
+
+[Illustration: AFRICANER.]
+
+To get Africaner safely through the territories of the Dutch farmers to
+the Cape was a hazardous proceeding, as the atrocities he had committed
+were not forgotten, and hatred against him still rankled in many a
+breast. However, attired in one of the only two substantial shirts
+Moffat had left, a pair of leather trousers, a duffel jacket, much the
+worse for wear, and an old hat, neither white nor black, the attempt was
+made, the chief passing as one of the missionary's attendants. His
+master's costume was scarcely more refined than his own.
+
+As a whole, the Dutch farmers were kind and hospitable to strangers,
+and as Moffat reached their farms, some of them congratulated him on
+returning alive, they having been assured that Africaner had long since
+murdered him. At one farm a novel and amusing instance occurred of the
+state of feeling concerning them both. As they drew near to this place,
+Moffat directed his men to take his waggon to the valley below while he
+walked towards the house, which was situated on an eminence. As he
+advanced the farmer came forward slowly to meet him. Stretching forth
+his hand with the customary salutation, the farmer put his hand behind
+him, and asked who the stranger was. The stranger replied that he was
+Moffat.
+
+"Moffat!" exclaimed the sturdy Boer in a faltering voice, "it is your
+ghost!"
+
+"I am no ghost," said the supposed phantom.
+
+"Don't come near me," said the farmer, "you have been long since
+murdered by Africaner. Everybody says you were murdered, and a man told
+me he had seen your bones."
+
+As the farmer feared the presence of the supposed ghost would alarm his
+wife, both wended their way to the waggon, Africaner being the subject
+of conversation as they walked along. Moffat declared his opinion that
+the chief was then a truly good man.
+
+"I can believe almost anything you say," said the Boer, "but that I
+cannot credit."
+
+Finally he closed the conversation by saying with much earnestness:
+"Well, if what you assert be true respecting that man, I have only one
+wish, and that is to see him before I die, and when you return, as sure
+as the sun is over our heads, I will go with you to see him, though he
+killed my own uncle."
+
+The farmer was a good man, who had showed Moffat kindness on his way to
+Namaqualand. Knowing his sincerity and the goodness of his disposition,
+Moffat turned to the man sitting by the waggon, and addressing the
+farmer said, "This, then, is Africaner."
+
+With a start, and a look as though the man might have dropped from the
+clouds, the worthy Boer exclaimed, "Are _you_ Africaner?"
+
+Africaner arose, doffed his old hat, and making a polite bow replied, "I
+am."
+
+The farmer seemed thunderstruck, but on realising the fact, lifted up
+his eyes and said, "O God, what a miracle of Thy power! what cannot Thy
+grace accomplish!"
+
+On reaching Cape Town, Robert Moffat waited upon Lord Charles Somerset,
+the Governor, and informed him that Africaner was in the town. The
+information was received with some amount of scepticism, but the
+following day was appointed for an interview with him.
+
+The Governor received the chief with great affability and kindness, and
+expressed his pleasure at thus seeing before him, one who had formerly
+been the scourge of the country, and the terror of the border colonists.
+He was much struck with this palpable result of missionary enterprise,
+and presented Africaner with an excellent waggon, valued at eighty
+pounds.
+
+Moffat visited the colony on this occasion with two objects; first, to
+secure supplies, and secondly, to introduce Africaner to the notice of
+the Colonial Government. Having accomplished these, he fully intended to
+return to his flock. Events were, however, ordered otherwise.
+
+While Moffat was in Cape Town, a deputation from the London Missionary
+Society, consisting of the Rev. J. Campbell, and the Rev. Dr. Philip,
+was also there. It was the wish of these two gentleman that he should
+accompany them in their visits to the missionary stations, and
+eventually be appointed to the Bechwana mission.
+
+The proposition was a startling one, but after careful thought, and with
+the entire concurrence of Africaner--who hoped to move with his tribe to
+the neighbourhood of the new mission--Moffat accepted it. Africaner
+therefore departed alone, generously offering to take in his waggon to
+Lattakoo, the new station, the missionary's books and a few articles of
+furniture that he had purchased.
+
+Once more these two brethren in the faith met on this earth, and this
+was at Lattakoo. The proposed removal of the tribe, however, never took
+place, Africaner being called up higher before that plan could be
+carried out.
+
+The closing scene in the life of this remarkable man was depicted by the
+Rev. J. Archbell, Wesleyan missionary, in a letter to Dr. Philip, dated
+the 14th of March, 1823:--"When he found his end approaching, he called
+all the people together, and gave them directions as to their future
+conduct. 'We are not,' said he, 'what we were,--_savages_, but men
+professing to be taught according to the Gospel. Let us then do
+accordingly. Live peaceably with all men, if possible; and if
+impossible, consult those who are placed over you before you engage in
+anything. Remain together, as you have done since I knew you. Then, when
+the Directors think fit to send you a missionary, you may be ready to
+receive him. Behave to any teacher you may have sent as one sent of God,
+as I have great hope that God will bless you in this respect when I am
+gone to heaven. I feel that I love God, and that He has done much for
+me, of which I am totally unworthy,'
+
+"He also added, 'My former life is stained with blood; but Jesus Christ
+has pardoned me, and I am going to heaven. Oh! beware of falling into
+the same evils into which I have led you frequently; but seek God, and
+He will be found of you to direct you,'"
+
+Shortly after this he died.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+MARRIAGE, AND ARRIVAL AT LATTAKOO.
+
+
+Up to this time, Robert Moffat had pursued his course alone. No loving
+helpmeet had cheered him in his efforts, or with womanly tenderness
+ministered to his wants. But though far away, he was fondly remembered
+and earnestly prayed for, especially by one noble Christian lady, over
+whose fair head scarce twenty-three summers had passed, and whose heart
+had been torn with the severe struggle, between filial love and regard
+for her parents on the one hand, and her sense of duty and affection for
+her missionary friend on the other, which for two and a-half years had
+been carried on therein.
+
+At last, when hope seemed to have vanished, the parents of Mary Smith,
+to whom the idea of parting with their only daughter was painful in the
+extreme, saw so clearly that it was the Lord who was calling their child
+to the work which He had marked out for her, that they felt they dare
+not any longer withhold her from it, and therefore calmly resigned their
+daughter into His hands. Thus it came to pass that,--after a short stay
+in London, and at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, at which places she won
+all hearts by her unfeigned and exalted piety and zeal, and by her
+modest, affectionate manner,--we find her on board the sailing-ship
+_British Colony_, on her way to South Africa, in the care of the Rev. R.
+Beck, a minister of the Dutch Church, and his wife.
+
+As arranged, the deputation, accompanied by Robert Moffat, left Cape
+Town on their tour of inspection of the stations in the eastern part of
+the Colony and in Kafirland. This journey necessitated an absence of
+twelve months, during which time Robert expected his bride to arrive.
+This was a trial of faith, as it seemed hard that she should be obliged
+to land in a strange country, and find none of her own to welcome her.
+But with Moffat even love followed after duty.
+
+It so happened, however, that after visiting the line of stations
+through the eastern districts as far as Bethelsdorp, the party, at that
+place, found their progress effectually barred through war with the
+Kafirs. They were therefore obliged to return to Cape Town, thus giving
+Moffat the opportunity and great joy of receiving his affianced wife
+upon her landing from the vessel. She reached Cape Town in safety, and
+on the 27th of December, 1819, the happy couple were united. They
+received each other as from the Lord, and for more than fifty years,
+during cloud and sunshine, their union was a true and blessed one.
+
+Robert Moffat had been appointed to the Bechwana station at Lattakoo, or
+Kuruman, as it was afterwards called; and for that place the missionary
+party, which consisted of the Rev. John Campbell and the Moffats, set
+out early in the year 1820.
+
+A feeble attempt to establish a mission to the Bechwanas had been made,
+by the Dutch Missionary Society in Cape Town, as early as A.D. 1800, and
+two missionaries, named Edwards and Kok, had been despatched. They were
+directed by the chief to settle on the banks of the Kuruman River, at a
+distance from the natives, and the effort degenerated into a mere
+trading concern. In 1805, the Bechwanas were visited by the celebrated
+traveller Dr. Lichtenstein, and, in 1812, by Dr. Burchell, but it was
+not until the visit of the Rev. J. Campbell, a little later, that any
+real negotiations were entertained for the settlement of missionaries
+with this people. The chief, Mothibi, then said to Mr. Campbell, "send
+missionaries, and I will be a father to them."
+
+In response to this invitation Messrs. Evans and Hamilton left England
+in 1815, and, full of hope, reached Lattakoo on the 17th of February in
+the following year. Instead of being received as they anticipated, they
+were repulsed, and directed to settle at the Kuruman River, thirty miles
+distant. Disappointed and despondent they returned to Griqua Town. Mr.
+Evans relinquished the mission, but a further attempt was made
+afterwards by Messrs. Read and Hamilton, and this time permission was
+obtained for them to dwell with the chief and his people. Thus the
+Bechwana Mission obtained its first real footing.
+
+In June, 1817, the tribe, under Mothibi, removed from the position where
+the missionaries first found it, and settled by the Kuruman River. When
+the Rev. J. Campbell returned, to the Colony, Mr. Read accompanied him;
+thus, pending the arrival of Robert Moffat, Mr. Hamilton was left alone
+in charge of the mission.
+
+The journey as far as Griqua Town was accomplished without any special
+incident. At first the route lay through fertile valleys and lovely
+mountain scenery, but soon this changed, and for hundreds of miles the
+travellers had to pass through the desolate region of the Karroo desert.
+When about half-way through this sterile district, they came to the site
+upon which was to be built the village of Beaufort West, where they were
+most kindly entertained by a Scotchman named Mr. Baird, the newly
+appointed magistrate.
+
+The Orange River, so frequently an insurmountable obstacle to progress,
+was passed in safety, the water being very low, and two or three days
+later Griqua Town was reached. Here a halt was made. Lattakoo lay one
+hundred miles beyond.
+
+At this time some uncertainty existed as to whether the Moffats would be
+allowed by the Colonial Government to settle at Lattakoo; thus far
+consent had been withheld. They had advanced trusting that the way would
+be opened, and after a short rest at Griqua Town, the party continued
+their journey, and reached Lattakoo five days after leaving the Griqua
+station. It was intended that Robert Moffat should take the place of Mr.
+Read, as an associate with Mr. Hamilton in the work of the mission.
+
+The new arrivals were introduced to Mothibi, and were soon visited by a
+retinue of chiefs. The manner, appearance, and dress of these natives
+much interested Mary Moffat. The whole missionary party stayed together
+for three weeks, settling the affairs of the mission; then the Rev. J.
+Campbell and Mr. Read started on a journey to visit the Bahurutsi, a
+tribe who dwelt nearly two hundred miles to the north-east of Lattakoo.
+Moffat and his wife remained with Mr. Hamilton, so that the new
+missionary might win the affections of the Bechwana chief and his
+people.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Upon the return of the Rev. J. Campbell and Mr. Read, after an absence
+of two months, and a short rest at Lattakoo, all the missionaries,
+excepting Mr. Hamilton, set off westward along the bed of the Kuruman
+River to visit several of the Bechwana tribes which were scattered about
+that region. The natives of these parts, never having seen white people
+before evinced much curiosity concerning their visitors; especially
+about Mrs. Moffat and her dress. To see the missionaries sitting at
+table dining and using knives and forks, plates, and different dishes,
+was wonderful to them, and for hours they would sit and gaze upon such
+scenes. The Word of Life was preached to these natives by either Mr.
+Campbell or Robert Moffat as the party journeyed along.
+
+Their absence from Lattakoo extended to a little over a fortnight, and
+on their return, finding, by intelligence received from Dr. Philip, that
+permission had not as yet been obtained from the Governor for the
+Moffats to settle at that place, Robert and his partner had to return,
+much cast down, to Griqua Town, there to commit the matter into the hand
+of God, and patiently await the time when He should open the way for
+them to commence the work they had so much at heart. Mr. Hamilton was
+therefore again left alone with simply a Griqua assistant and a few
+Hottentots.
+
+Just before leaving Lattakoo, Robert Moffat met Africaner, who had
+safely brought from Vreede Berg the cattle and property belonging to the
+missionary, and also the books and articles of furniture which had been
+intrusted to his care when leaving Cape Town. All were in good order,
+particular attention having been paid to the missionary's cattle and
+sheep during his long absence. This was the last meeting between Moffat
+and Africaner.
+
+While on their journey, and when near Griqua Town, information reached
+the missionary party that permission had been granted for the Moffats to
+settle at Lattakoo. As, however, the affairs at Griqua Town at this time
+were altogether disorganised, it was arranged that they should stay
+there for a few months to set the affairs of that place in order.
+
+During their stay at that station Mrs. Moffat had a severe illness, and
+her life was despaired of, but this precious life was preserved, and not
+only was his dear one restored, but a bonny wee lassie was given to them
+both, who was named Mary, and who, in after years, became the wife of
+Dr. Livingstone.
+
+[Illustration: OLD MISSION HOUSE AT GRIQUA TOWN.]
+
+At Griqua Town they bade farewell to the Rev. J. Campbell. To them he
+had become much endeared, as they had been in his company as
+fellow-travellers for many months. He and Mr. Read returned to the
+Colony; twenty years later, however, the two friends met again, but that
+was upon the Moffats' return to their native land.
+
+In May, 1821, Mr. and Mrs. Moffat again arrived at Lattakoo, and then
+commenced a continuation of missionary conflicts during which their
+faith was severely tried, but which ended, after many years, in
+triumphant rejoicing as they saw the people brought to Christ, and
+beheld the once ignorant and degraded heathen becoming humble servants
+of the Lord, reading His Word and obeying His precepts.
+
+In looking at the Bechwanas as they were when the Moffats first settled
+among them, for up to that time the efforts of the missionaries had been
+unattended with success, we find a people who had neither an idea of a
+God, nor who performed any idolatrous rites; who failed to see that
+there was anything more agreeable to flesh and blood in our customs than
+in their own; but who allowed that the missionaries were a wiser and
+superior race of beings to themselves; who practised polygamy, and
+looked with a very jealous eye on any innovation that was likely to
+deprive them of the services of their wives, who built their houses,
+gathered firewood for their fires, tilled their fields, and reared their
+families; who were suspicious, and keenly scrutinised the actions of the
+missionaries; in fact, a people who were thoroughly sensual, and who
+could rob, lie, and murder without any compunctions of conscience, as
+long as success attended their efforts.
+
+Among such a people did these servants of God labour for years without
+any sign of fruit, but with steadfast faith and persevering prayer,
+until at last the work of the Holy Spirit was seen, and the strong arm
+of the Lord, gathering many into His fold, became apparent.
+
+The Bechwana tribe with whom Robert Moffat was located was called the
+Batlaping, or Batlapis.
+
+The patience of the missionaries in these early days was sorely tried,
+and the petty annoyances, so irritating to many of us, were neither few
+nor infrequent. By dint of immense labour, leading the water to it, the
+ground which the chief had given the missionaries for a garden was made
+available; then the women, headed by the chief's wife, encroached upon
+it, and to save contention the point was conceded. The corn when it
+ripened was stolen, and the sheep either taken out of the fold at night
+or driven off when grazing in the day time. No tool or household utensil
+could be left about for a moment or it would disappear.
+
+One day Mr. Hamilton, who at that time had no mill to grind corn, sat
+down and with much labour and perspiration, by means of two stones,
+ground sufficient meal in half-a-day to make a loaf that should serve
+him, being then alone, for about eight days. He kneaded and baked his
+gigantic loaf, put it on his shelf, and went to the chapel. He returned
+in the evening with a keen appetite and a pleasant anticipation of
+enjoying his coarse home-made bread, but on opening the door of his hut
+and casting his eye to the shelf he saw that the loaf had gone. Someone
+had forced open the little window of the hut, got in, and stolen the
+bread.
+
+On another occasion Mrs. Moffat, with a babe in her arms, begged very
+humbly of a woman, just to be kind enough to move out of a temporary
+kitchen, that she might shut it as usual before going into the place of
+worship. The woman seized a piece of wood to hurl at Mrs. Moffat's head,
+who, therefore, escaped to the house of God, leaving the intruder in
+undisturbed possession of the kitchen, any of the contents of which she
+would not hesitate to appropriate to her own use.
+
+A severe drought also set in, and a rain-maker, finding all his arts to
+bring rain useless, laid the blame upon the white strangers, who for a
+time were in expectation of being driven away. Probably, however, the
+greatest trial at this time was caused by the conduct of some of the
+Hottentots who had accompanied them from the Cape, and who being but new
+converts were weak to withstand the demands made upon them, and brought
+shame upon their leaders. Shortly after his arrival Moffat thoroughly
+purged his little community. The numbers that gathered round the Lord's
+table were much reduced, but the lesson was a salutary one and did good
+to the heathen around.
+
+A callous indifference to the instruction of the missionaries, except it
+was followed by some temporal benefit, prevailed. In August, 1822, Mary
+Moffat wrote, "We have no prosperity in the work, not the least sign of
+good being done. The Bechwanas seem more careless than ever, and seldom
+enter the church." A little later Moffat himself stated in one of his
+letters, "They turn a deaf ear to the voice of love, and treat with
+scorn the glorious doctrines of salvation. It is, however, pleasing to
+reflect that affairs in general wear a more hopeful aspect than when we
+came here. Several instances have proved the people are determined to
+relinquish the barbarous system of commandoes for stealing cattle. They
+have also dispensed with a rain-maker this season."
+
+The Bushmen had a most inhuman custom of abandoning the aged and
+helpless, leaving them to starve or be devoured by wild beasts; also if
+a mother died it was their practice to bury the infant or infants of
+that mother with her.
+
+During one of his journeys, a few months prior to the date last
+mentioned, Moffat came upon a party of Bushmen digging a grave for the
+body of a woman who had left two children. Finding that they were about
+to bury the children with the corpse he begged for them. They were given
+him and for some years formed a part of his household. They were named
+Ann and Dicky.
+
+The importance of acquiring the language of the Bechwanas soon became
+apparent to the earnest-hearted missionary. One day he was much cast
+down and said to his wife, "Mary, this is hard work." "It is hard work,
+my love," she replied, "but take courage, our lives shall be given us
+for a prey." "But think, my dear," he said, "how long we have been
+preaching to this people, and no fruit yet appears." The wise woman made
+answer, "The Gospel has not yet been preached to them _in their own
+tongue in which they were born_. They have heard it only through
+interpreters, and interpreters who have themselves no just
+understanding, no real love of the truth. We must not expect the
+blessing till you are able, from your own lips and in their language, to
+bring it through their ears into their hearts."
+
+"From that hour," said Moffat, in relating the conversation, "I gave
+myself with untiring diligence to the acquisition of the language."
+
+As an instance of the drawback of preaching by means of an interpreter,
+the sentence, "The salvation of the soul is a very important subject,"
+was rendered by one of those individuals as follows: "The salvation of
+the soul is a very great sack." A rendering altogether unintelligible.
+
+For the purpose of studying the language Moffat made journeys among the
+tribes, so that he might for a time be freed from speaking Dutch, the
+language spoken with his own people at Lattakoo. Itinerating visits were
+also made in turn every Sabbath to the surrounding villages, and
+occasionally further afield, but sometimes, after walking perhaps four
+to five miles to reach a village, not a single individual could be found
+to listen to the Gospel message.
+
+The only service in which the missionaries took any real delight at this
+time, was the Sabbath evening service held in Dutch for the edification
+of themselves and the two or three Hottentots, with their families, who
+belonged to the mission.
+
+In addition to sore privations, discouragements, false accusations, and
+the loss of their property, the missionaries found even their lives at
+times imperilled. The natives and all on the station were suffering
+greatly from a long continued drought. All the efforts of the
+professional rain-maker had been in vain, no cloud appeared in the sky,
+no rain fell to water the parched land. The doings of the missionaries
+were looked upon as being the cause of this misfortune. At one time it
+was a bag of salt, which Moffat had brought in his waggon, that
+frightened the rain away; at another the sound of the chapel bell. Their
+prospects became darker than ever. At last it appeared that the natives
+had fully decided to expel them from their midst. A chief man, and about
+a dozen of his attendants, came and seated themselves under the shadow
+of a large tree near to Moffat's house. He at that moment was engaged in
+repairing a waggon near at hand. The scene which ensued and its result
+we give in his own words:--
+
+[Illustration: "NOW THEN, IF YOU WILL DRIVE YOUR SPEARS TO MY HEART."]
+
+"Being informed that something of importance was to be communicated, Mr.
+Hamilton was called. We stood patiently to hear the message, always
+ready to face the worst. The principal speaker informed us, that it was
+the determination of the chiefs of the people that we should leave the
+country; and referring to our disregard of threatenings, added what was
+tantamount to the assurance that measures of a violent character would
+be resorted to, to carry their resolutions into effect, in case of our
+disobeying the order.
+
+"While the chief was speaking, he stood quivering his spear in his right
+hand. Mrs. Moffat was at the door of our cottage, with the babe in her
+arms, watching the crisis, for such it was. We replied:--
+
+"'We have indeed felt most reluctant to leave, and are now more than
+ever resolved to abide by our post. We pity you, for you know not what
+you do; we have suffered, it is true; and He whose servants we are has
+directed us in His Word, "When they persecute you in one city, flee ye
+to another," but although we have suffered, we do not consider all that
+has been done to us by the people amounts to persecution; we are
+prepared to expect it from such as know no better. If you are resolved
+to rid yourselves of us, you must resort to stronger measures, for our
+hearts are with you. You may shed blood or burn us out. We know you will
+not touch our wives and children.'"
+
+Then throwing open his waistcoat Moffat stood erect and fearless. "Now
+then," said he, "if you will, drive your spears to my heart; and when
+you have slain me, my companions will know that the hour has come for
+them to depart."
+
+At these words the chief man looked at his companions, remarking, with a
+significant shake of the head, "These men must have ten lives, when they
+are so fearless of death; there must be something in immortality."
+
+Moffat pithily observes, "The meeting broke up, and they left us, no
+doubt fully impressed with the idea that we were impracticable men."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE MANTATEE INVASION.
+
+
+In March, 1823, a second daughter was born to the Moffats, who was named
+Ann. At that time the Batlaping were thoroughly indifferent to the
+Gospel, but their hostile spirit to the missionaries had passed away.
+
+Robert Moffat had heard of a powerful Bechwana tribe, named the
+Bangwaketsi, whose chief was Makaba, dwelling about two hundred miles to
+the north-east. To this chief and people he now contemplated paying a
+visit.
+
+Rumours had also been current at intervals, for more than a year past,
+of strange and terrible doings by a fierce and numerous people, called
+the Mantatees, who were advancing from the eastward. To gain definite
+intelligence concerning this people, and also with the view of paying
+his contemplated visit to Makaba, Moffat resolved upon undertaking a
+journey to that chief. He was also influenced by the desire to open up a
+friendly intercourse with so powerful, and it might be dangerous, a
+potentate as Makaba; and likewise by the wish of gaining opportunities
+of more fully studying the language and becoming acquainted with the
+localities of the tribes; the ultimate design of all being the
+introduction of the Gospel among them.
+
+An invitation arrived from Makaba, and the way seemed open. Mothibi,
+however, the Bechwana chief, was greatly averse to the undertaking, and
+threw all possible obstacles in its path, short of actual armed
+resistance. His people were forbidden to accompany the missionary, who
+was obliged therefore to start with only the few men he had.
+
+As he journeyed forward the reports concerning the Mantatees were again
+heard, and on reaching Nokaneng, about twenty miles distant from
+Lattakoo, he learned that the invaders had attacked a Bechwana tribe,
+the Barolongs, at Kunuana, about one hundred miles off. Spies were sent
+out but returned without any definite tidings, and the journey was
+resumed.
+
+For four days the party travelled across a dry and trackless country,
+when they came to a fine valley, in which were some pools and plenty of
+game. Here they remained two days, and then prepared to continue their
+journey to the Bangwaketsi. Just as they were about to start, however,
+they ascertained from two natives that the Mantatees had attacked the
+Barolongs, and were in possession of a village somewhat in the rear of
+the missionary's party.
+
+No time was to be lost. The distance was retraced with all speed, and
+the alarming news told at Lattakoo. A public meeting was convened, and
+Moffat gave a circumstantial account of the information he had gathered.
+The enemy were a numerous and powerful body, they had destroyed many
+towns of the Bakone tribes, slaughtered immense numbers of people, laid
+Kurrechane in ruins, scattered the Barolongs, and, in addition, were
+said to be cannibals.
+
+The alarming tidings produced at first, a gloom on every countenance,
+and silence reigned for a few minutes. Then Mothibi, in the name of the
+assembly, said he was exceedingly thankful that their missionary had
+been "hard-headed" and pursued his journey, thus discovering to them
+their danger.
+
+Moffat counselled that as the Bechwanas were quite unable to resist so
+savage a force as the Mantatees, they had better either flee to the
+Colony or call in the aid of the Griquas, volunteering to proceed to
+Griqua Town to give information and procure assistance. The chief at
+that place was one Andries Waterboer, who had been educated by the
+missionaries, and who, before his election as chief, had been set apart
+for a native teacher. Mr. Melville, the Government agent, also resided
+in the town.
+
+Moffat reached Griqua Town safely, and Waterboer promised to come to the
+assistance of the Bechwanas as soon as he could muster his forces.
+Moffat then returned to his station.
+
+Eleven anxious days were passed at Lattakoo, waiting the arrival of the
+Griquas. By the time they arrived, the enemy had reached Letakong, only
+thirty-six miles away. The Griqua force consisted of about one hundred
+horsemen, armed with guns, and it being reported that there were white
+men among the invaders, Moffat was asked to accompany the force, as,
+having some knowledge of the language, he might be able to bring about a
+treaty with them. He agreed to go, and Mr. Melville started with him.
+
+Before leaving, all met to pray for Divine counsel and help. A blessing
+on the means of preventing a further effusion of blood was asked, and if
+recourse to violent measures became necessary, it was prayed that the
+heads of those engaged might be shielded in the day of battle.
+
+The small force pressed forward as far as the Matlaurin River, about
+half way, where all bivouacked. Leaving the main body, Waterboer,
+Moffat, and a few others, rode onward for about four hours, and then
+halted for the night among some trees. At day-light they proceeded until
+they came in sight of the enemy. These were divided into two parties,
+one holding a town, out of which they had driven the inhabitants, and
+the other lying on the hills to the left of the town. As the horsemen
+drew near, they could perceive that they were discovered, and among the
+masses of the invaders could be seen the war-axes and brass ornaments as
+they glittered in the sun.
+
+Riding forward, Moffat and Waterboer found a young woman belonging to
+the Mantatees, whose whole appearance denoted direful want. Food was
+given her, and some tobacco, and she was sent with a message to her
+people that the strangers wanted to speak with them and not to fight. An
+old man and a lad were also found dying of starvation, these were helped
+and talked to in full sight of the enemy. All possible means were tried
+to bring them to a parley, but in vain, they only responded by making
+furious rushes, showing their intention to attack.
+
+The whole day was spent in this manner, and at evening Moffat left
+Waterboer and the scouts, and rode back to confer with Mr. Melville and
+the other Griqua chiefs, to see if some means could be devised of
+preventing the dreadful consequences of battle. One of the Griqua
+chiefs, named Cornelius Kok, nobly insisted on Moffat taking his best
+horse, one of the strongest present. To this generous act the missionary
+afterwards owed his life.
+
+All the party were in motion the next morning before day-light. The
+whole of the horsemen advanced to within about one hundred and fifty
+yards of the enemy, thinking to intimidate them and bring them to a
+conference. The Mantatees rushed forward with a terrible howl, throwing
+their war clubs and javelins. The rushes becoming dangerous, Waterboer
+and his party commenced firing, and the battle became general. The
+Mantatees obstinately held their ground, seeming determined rather to
+perish than flee, which they might easily have done.
+
+After the combat had lasted two hours and a-half, the Griquas, finding
+their ammunition rapidly diminishing, advanced to take the enemy's
+position. The latter gave way and fled, at first westward, but being
+intercepted, they turned towards the town. Here a desperate struggle
+took place. At last, seized with despair, the enemy fled precipitately,
+and were pursued by the Griquas for about eight miles.
+
+Soon after the battle commenced, the Bechwanas who accompanied the
+Griqua force came up, and began discharging their poisoned arrows into
+the midst of the Mantatees. Half-a-dozen of these fierce warriors,
+however, turned upon them, and the whole body scampered off in wild
+disorder. But as soon as these cowards saw that the Mantatees had
+retired, they rushed like hungry wolves to the spot where they had been
+encamped, and began to plunder and kill the wounded, also murdering the
+women and children with their spears and battle-axes.
+
+Fighting not being within the missionary's province, he refrained from
+firing a shot, though for safety he kept with the Griqua force. Seeing
+now the savage ferocity of the Bechwanas in killing the inoffensive
+women and children, he turned his attention to these objects of pity,
+who were fleeing in all directions. Galloping in among them, many of the
+Bechwanas were deterred from their barbarous purpose, and the women,
+seeing that mercy was shown them, sat down, and baring their breasts,
+exclaimed, "I am a woman; I am a woman." The men seemed as though it was
+impossible to yield, and although often sorely wounded, they continued
+to throw their spears and war-axes at any one who approached.
+
+It was while carrying on his work of mercy among the wounded that Moffat
+nearly lost his life. He had got hemmed in between a rocky height and a
+body of the enemy. A narrow passage remained, through which he could
+escape at full gallop. Right in the middle of this passage there rose up
+before him a man who had been shot, but who had collected his strength,
+and, weapon in hand, was awaiting him. Just at that moment one of the
+Griquas, seeing the situation, fired. The ball whizzed past, close to
+Moffat. The aim had been a true one, and the way of escape was clear.
+
+This battle saved the mission. It did more than that--it saved the
+Mantatees themselves from terrible destruction. As a devastating host
+they would in all probability have advanced to the borders of the
+Colony, and being driven back, would have perished miserably, men,
+women, and children, either of starvation, or at the hands of those
+tribes whom they would have overcome in their advance, and through whose
+territories they must have passed in their retreat.
+
+After the battle was over, Mr. Melville and Robert Moffat collected many
+of the Mantatee women and children, who were taken to the missionary
+station. Alarm prevailed there for some days, it being feared that the
+Mantatees might make a descent upon the place after the Griquas had
+left. At one time the prospect was so ominous that the missionary band,
+with their wives and children, after burying their property, left
+Lattakoo for a short time, and sought shelter at Griqua Town. The
+threatened attack not being made, and as it was found that the Mantatees
+had left the neighbourhood, the station was again occupied.
+
+The Bechwanas were deeply sensible of the interest the missionaries had
+shown in their welfare, at a time when they might with ease and little
+loss of property have retired in safety to the Colony, leaving them to
+be destroyed by the fierce invaders.
+
+For a long time past, it had been evident to Moffat that the site upon
+which they dwelt at Lattakoo was altogether unsuitable for missionary
+purposes. The great scarcity of water, especially in dry seasons,
+rendered any attempt at raising crops most difficult, and even water for
+drinking purposes could only be obtained in small quantity. Advantage
+was therefore taken of the present favourable impression, made upon the
+minds of Mothibi and his people, to obtain a site for a new station. A
+place eight miles distant, about three miles below the Kuruman fountain,
+where the river of that name had its source, was examined and found to
+offer better advantages for a missionary station than any other for
+hundreds of miles round. Arrangements were made with the Bechwana chiefs
+so that about two miles of the Kuruman valley should henceforth be the
+property of the London Missionary Society, proper remuneration being
+given as soon as Moffat returned from Cape Town, to which place he
+contemplated paying a visit shortly.
+
+This new station will be known in the further chronicle of events, by
+the name of Kuruman.
+
+At the beginning of 1824, the Moffats were in Cape Town. They had gone
+there to obtain supplies, to seek medical aid for Mrs. Moffat, who had
+suffered in health considerably, and to confer personally with Dr.
+Philip about the removal of the station. Mothibi having been anxious
+that his son, Peclu, should see the country of the white people, had
+sent him, accompanied by Taisho, one of the principal chiefs, to Cape
+Town with the missionaries.
+
+The young prince and his companion were astonished at what they saw.
+With difficulty they were persuaded to go along with Robert Moffat on
+board one of the ships in the bay. The enormous size of the hull, the
+height of the masts, the splendid cabin and the deep hold, were each and
+all objects of wonder; and when they saw a boy mount the rigging and
+ascend to the masthead, their astonishment was complete. Turning to the
+young prince, Taisho whispered, "Ah ga si khatla?" (Is it not an ape?)
+"Do these water-houses (ships) unyoke like waggon-oxen every night?"
+they inquired; and also; "Do they graze in the sea to keep them alive?"
+Being asked what they thought of a ship in full sail, which was then
+entering the harbour, they replied, "We have no thoughts here, we hope
+to think again when we get on shore."
+
+Upon the same day that the Moffats reached Cape Town, a ship arrived
+from England, bringing three new missionaries intended for the Bechwana
+station. Of these, however, one only and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes,
+were able to accompany the older missionary upon his return to his post.
+
+Mrs. Moffat's health being somewhat improved, the party left Cape Town,
+and after a tedious and monotonous journey of two months, Robert and
+Mary Moffat reached Lattakoo in safety. They had left Mr. and Mrs.
+Hughes at Griqua Town, where they were to remain for a season. Upon
+reaching home Mr. Hamilton was found pursuing his lonely labours with
+that quiet patience so characteristic of him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+VISIT TO MAKABA.
+
+
+Shortly after his return, and pending the final arrangements for the
+removal of the missionary station, it was considered advisable that
+Robert Moffat should pay his long promised visit to Makaba, the chief of
+the Bangwaketsi. He left on the 1st of July, 1824, and was accompanied
+by a large party of Griquas, who were going into that region to hunt
+elephants.
+
+Skirting the edge of the Kalahari desert for some time they afterwards
+deviated from their course through want of water, and visited Pitsana,
+where a great concourse of natives had gathered, consisting of the
+different sections of the Barolong tribe, who had been driven from their
+country the previous year during the invasion of the Mantatees. Thence
+they proceeded onward till they reached Kwakwe, the residence of Makaba
+and his people, and the metropolis of the Bangwaketsi. Here the
+missionary was most favourably received by the king, who remarked, with
+a laugh, "That he wondered they should trust themselves, unarmed, in the
+town of such a _villain_ as he was reported to be."
+
+He entertained Moffat and his party royally, declaring, "My friends, I
+am perfectly happy; my heart is whiter than milk, because you have
+visited me. To-day I am a great man. You are wise and bold to come and
+see with your own eyes, and laugh at the testimony of my enemies."
+
+Moffat tried on several occasions to converse with the chief and his
+people on Divine things, but apparently with little success. At length
+on the Sabbath he resolved to pay Makaba a formal visit, so as to obtain
+a hearing for the subject. He found the monarch seated among a large
+number of his principal men, all engaged either preparing skins, cutting
+them, sewing mantles, or telling news.
+
+[Illustration: NATIVES SEWING.]
+
+Sitting down beside him, and amidst his nobles and counsellors, Moffat
+stated that his object was to tell him news. The missionary spoke of
+God, of the Saviour, but his words fell upon deaf ears. One of the men
+sitting near, however, seemed struck with the character of the Redeemer,
+and especially with His miracles. On hearing that He had raised the
+dead, the man said, "What an excellent doctor He must have been to raise
+the dead." This led to a description of His power, and how that power
+would be exercised at the last day in the Resurrection. The ear of the
+monarch caught the sound of a resurrection from the dead, "What," he
+exclaimed in astonishment, "What are these words about? the dead, the
+dead arise!"
+
+"Yes, all the dead shall arise."
+
+"Will my father arise?"
+
+"Yes, your father will arise."
+
+"Will all the slain in battle arise?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And will all that have been killed and devoured by lions, tigers,
+hyenas, and crocodiles again revive?"
+
+"Yes; and come to judgment."
+
+"And will those whose bodies have been left to waste and to wither on
+the desert plains and scattered to the winds again arise?" asked the
+king, with a kind of triumph, as though this time he had fixed the
+missionary.
+
+"Yes!" answered he, with emphasis; "not one will be left behind."
+
+After looking at his visitor for a few moments, Makaba turned to his
+people, saying in a stentorian voice: "Hark, ye wise men, whoever is
+among you, the wisest of past generations, did ever your ears hear such
+strange and unheard-of news?"
+
+Receiving an answer in the negative, he laid his hand upon Moffat's
+breast and said, "Father, I love you much. Your visit and your presence
+have made my heart as white as milk. The words of your mouth are sweet
+as honey, but the words of a resurrection are too great to be heard. I
+do not wish to hear again about the dead rising! The dead cannot arise!
+The dead must not arise!"
+
+"Why," inquired the missionary, "can so great a man refuse knowledge and
+turn away from wisdom? Tell me, my friend, why I must not add to words
+and speak of a resurrection?"
+
+Raising and uncovering his arm which had been strong in battle, and
+shaking his hand as if quivering a spear, he replied, "I have slain my
+thousands, and shall they arise!"
+
+"Never before," adds Mr. Moffat in his _Missionary Labours_, "had the
+light of Divine revelation dawned upon his savage mind, and of course
+his conscience had never accused him, no, not for one of the thousands
+of deeds of rapine and murder which had marked his course through a long
+career."
+
+Starting homewards, the Griqua hunting party, for some altogether
+unexplained reason, announced their intention of returning with the
+missionary instead of remaining behind to hunt; a most providential
+circumstance, which in all probability saved the lives of Moffat and his
+followers and many more besides.
+
+A few hours after leaving Makaba, messengers met the returning company
+from Tauane, the chief of the Barolongs, asking the help of the
+missionary party as he was about to be attacked by the Mantatees. On
+reaching Pitsana they found that such was the case. The attack was made
+and repelled by the Griquas, about twenty in number, mounted and armed
+with guns; and thus the town was saved, the flight of its inhabitants
+into the Kalahari desert, there to perish of hunger and thirst,
+prevented, and the safety of Robert Moffat and his companions secured.
+
+The time during which Moffat had been absent from Lattakoo, had been a
+most anxious one for his wife and those who remained at the station. A
+band of marauders had gathered in the Long Mountains, about forty miles
+to the westward, and after attacking some villages on the Kuruman, had
+threatened an attack on the Batlaping and the mission premises. The
+dreaded Mantatees were also reported to be in the neighbourhood. One
+night when Mary Moffat was alone with her little ones and the two
+Bushmen children, Mr. Hamilton and the assistants being away at the new
+station, a loud rap came at the door, and inquiring who was there,
+Mothibi himself replied. He brought word that the Mantatees were
+approaching.
+
+A hasty message was sent to Mr. Hamilton, who arrived about eight
+o'clock in the morning when preparations were made for flight.
+Messengers continued to arrive, each bringing tidings that caused fresh
+alarm, until about noon, when it was ascertained that the fierce and
+savage enemy had turned aside and directed their course to the
+Barolongs.
+
+The station was safe, but the loving heart of the missionary's wife was
+torn with anguish, as she foresaw that the dreaded Mantatees would be
+crossing her husband's path just at the time when he, almost alone, was
+returning on his homeward way.
+
+Prayer was the support of Mary Moffat under this terrible ordeal, and
+the way prayer was answered has been seen, in the unaccountable manner
+in which Berend Berend and his party of Griquas changed their minds and
+resolved upon returning with Robert Moffat, instead of remaining to hunt
+elephants in the country of the Bangwaketsi.
+
+The remainder of the year 1824 witnessed bloodshed and strife all
+around. War among the Bechwanas, attacks by the marauders of the Long
+Mountains, commotions among the interior tribes: the land was deluged
+with blood; even the warlike Bangwaketsi were dispersed, and Makaba was
+killed. Once again the missionaries had to flee with their families to
+Griqua Town, leaving Mr. Hamilton, as he was without family in charge of
+the new station, with two horses ready for flight in case of danger.
+
+The end of the year found the Kuruman missionaries,--who now consisted
+of Robert and Mary Moffat, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, and Mr. Hamilton,--with
+the exception of the last named, at Griqua Town.
+
+The new station at the Kuruman had been occupied shortly before the
+departure of the fugitives; and early in 1825, finding that the
+immediate danger had passed, the Moffats, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs.
+Hughes, rejoined Mr. Hamilton. Two events of a distressing character to
+the Batlaping and their missionaries occurred about this time. The first
+was the passage of two terrible hail-storms over a portion of the
+country, destroying the crops, killing lambs, and stripping the bark
+from trees. The second was the death of the young prince, Peclu, who had
+an excellent disposition, was comparatively enlightened, and whose
+influence the missionaries expected would have been most salutary among
+his countrymen.
+
+This sorrowful event, combined with a further attack upon the Batlaping
+by the marauders, determined Mothibi and his people to leave their
+present place of settlement and remove to the eastward. For a
+considerable time, however, they remained in an unsettled state,
+suffering from attacks, and leading a vagrant life.
+
+The work of laying out the new station was proceeded with. Three
+temporary dwellings had already been erected, consisting of a wooden
+framework, filled up with reeds, and plastered within and without; the
+foundations of more permanent dwellings had also been laid. Mr. Hughes,
+who had been to Cape Town for supplies, returned, accompanied by a mason
+named Millen and a few Hottentot assistants from Bethelsdorp. The
+company at the station was a large one, and to provide them with food
+was a work of difficulty.
+
+The Kuruman fountain, the source of the Kuruman river, issues from
+caverns in a little hill. It was the purpose of the missionaries to lead
+the water from the river to irrigate their gardens. For this purpose a
+trench was cut two miles in length. This was a work of great labour and
+was attended by considerable danger. It was found necessary that the men
+when working should have their guns with them, in case of being
+surprised by the robbers who roved about. Moffat says, "it was dug in
+troublous times."
+
+Sickness and death entered the missionary dwellings. An infant son was
+born to the Moffats, and five days after called away. Mr. Hughes was
+laid low through a severe cold, and brought to the gates of death. When
+all hope seemed to have vanished he began to amend, though his health
+was not restored until he and Mrs. Hughes made a journey to the Cape. In
+1827 he left Kuruman and removed to the Griqua Mission. The mother of
+Mary Moffat died in October, 1825, but the news did not reach her
+daughter in Africa until April, 1826.
+
+Referring to this time Robert Moffat says: "Our situation during the
+infancy of the new station, I shall not attempt to describe. Some of our
+newly arrived assistants, finding themselves in a country where the
+restraints of law were unknown, and not being under the influence of
+religion, would not submit to the privations which we patiently endured,
+but murmured exceedingly. Armed robbers were continually making inroads,
+threatening death and extirpation. We were compelled to work daily at
+every species of labour, most of which was very heavy, under a burning
+sun, and in a dry climate, where only one shower had fallen during the
+preceding twelve months. These are only imperfect samples of our
+engagements for several years at the new station, while at the same
+time, the language, which was entirely oral, had to be acquired."
+
+Notwithstanding all the impediments to such an enterprise, Robert Moffat
+had made some progress towards establishing a literature in the native,
+or Sechwana tongue. A spelling-book, catechism, and some small portions
+of Scripture had been prepared, and sent to the Cape to be printed, in
+1825. Through a mistake, these were unfortunately sent on to England,
+causing much disappointment and delay.
+
+Things settled down somewhat in 1826. The discontented Hottentots
+returned to the Colony, leaving the missionaries and Mr. Millen to carry
+on the work of laying out the station, erecting the buildings, and the
+other manual labour connected with the undertaking, assisted only by
+such poor help as they could get from the Bechwanas.
+
+The native population at the station had been much reduced. Such of the
+Batlaping as had not moved away, had settled down about the Kuruman
+valley. They did not oppose the Gospel, but they appeared quite
+indifferent to it.
+
+For several years the country had been parched through drought, but
+early in 1826 rain fell plentifully. The earth was soon covered with
+verdure, but the bright prospects of abundance were quickly cut off.
+Swarms of locusts infested the land, and vegetation was entirely
+destroyed. This led to great scarcity, and although the natives caught
+and ate the locusts, hunger and suffering prevailed. The missionaries'
+cattle could not be let out of sight, or they were instantly stolen. One
+day two noted fellows from the mountains pounced down upon a man who had
+charge of some oxen. They murdered the man and made off with an ox.
+
+To become proficient in the Sechwana language was the earnest purpose of
+Robert Moffat. At the end of the year 1826, having moved into his new
+dwelling, built of stone, and the state of the country being somewhat
+more tranquil, he left his home and family, to sojourn for a time among
+the Barolongs, so that he might live exclusively with the natives and
+attend to their speech.
+
+He made the journey by ox-waggon, and was accompanied by the
+waggon-driver, a boy, and two Barolongs who were journeying to the same
+place as himself. The dangers attending these journeyings from tribe to
+tribe were by no means imaginary, the following, related in Moffat's own
+words, serving as an illustration of some of the perils often
+encountered:
+
+"The two Barolongs had brought a young cow with them, and though I
+recommended their making her fast as well as the oxen, they humorously
+replied that she was too wise to leave the waggon, even though a lion
+should be scented. We took a little supper, which was followed by our
+evening hymn and prayer. I had retired only a few minutes to my waggon
+to prepare for the night, when the whole of the oxen started to their
+feet. A lion had seized the cow only a few steps from their tails, and
+dragged it to the distance of thirty or forty yards, where we distinctly
+heard it tearing the animal and breaking its bones, while its bellowings
+were most pitiful. When these were over, I seized my gun, but as it was
+too dark to see half the distance, I aimed at the spot where the
+devouring jaws of the lion were heard. I fired again and again, to which
+he replied with tremendous roars, at the same time making a rush towards
+the waggon so as exceedingly to terrify the oxen. The two Barolongs
+engaged to take firebrands and throw them at him so as to afford me a
+degree of light that I might take aim. They had scarcely discharged them
+from their hands when the flames went out, and the enraged animal rushed
+towards them with such swiftness, that I had barely time to turn the gun
+and fire between the men and the lion. The men darted through some thorn
+bushes with countenances indicative of the utmost terror. It was now the
+opinion of all that we had better let him alone if he did not molest us.
+
+"Having but a scanty supply of wood to keep up a fire, one man crept
+among the bushes on one side of the pool, while I proceeded for the same
+purpose on the other side. I had not gone far, when looking upward to
+the edge of the small basin, I discerned between me and the sky four
+animals, whose attention appeared to be directed to me by the noise I
+made in breaking a dry stick. On closer inspection I found that the
+large round, hairy-headed visitors were lions, and retreated on my hands
+and feet towards the other side of the pool, when coming to my
+waggon-driver, I found him looking with no little alarm in an opposite
+direction, and with good reason, as no fewer than two lions with a cub
+were eyeing us both, apparently as uncertain about us as we were
+distrustful of them. We thankfully decamped to the waggon and sat down
+to keep alive our scanty fire, while we listened to the lion tearing and
+devouring his prey. When any of the other hungry lions dared to approach
+he would pursue them for some paces with a horrible howl, which made our
+poor oxen tremble, and produced anything but agreeable sensations to
+ourselves. We had reason for alarm, lest any of the six lions we saw,
+fearless of our small fire, might rush in among us."
+
+[Illustration: BAROLONG WOMEN.]
+
+From these dangers Moffat was mercifully preserved and after journeying
+for six days he reached the village of a young chief named Bogachu. At
+this place, and at one about twenty miles distant, he lived a
+semi-savage life for ten weeks. To use a common expression he "made
+himself at home" among them. They were kind and appeared delighted with
+his company, especially as when food run scarce, he could take his gun
+and shoot a rhinoceros or some other animal, when a night of feasting
+and talking would follow.
+
+Every opportunity was embraced by the missionary of imparting Christian
+instruction to these people; their supreme idea of happiness, however,
+seemed able to rise no higher than having plenty of meat. Asking a man,
+who seemed more grave than the rest, what was the finest sight he could
+desire, he replied, "A great fire covered with pots full of meat,"
+adding, "How ugly the fire looks without a pot"
+
+The object of the journey was fully gained; henceforth Robert Moffat
+needed no interpreter; he could now speak and preach to the people in
+their own tongue. He found all well on reaching home and prepared to
+settle down with a feeling of ability to the work of translation.
+
+The prospects of the mission at this time began to brighten. Several
+thousands of the natives had gathered on the opposite side of the
+valley, near the mission station. They were becoming more settled in
+their minds, and would collect in the different divisions of the town
+when the missionaries visited them; the public attendance at the regular
+religious services daily increased, and the school was better attended.
+No visible signs of an inward change in the natives could yet be seen,
+but Moffat and his fellow-workers felt certain that this was not far
+off.
+
+War again intervened and darkened the brightening prospects. Once more
+the missionaries, after prayerful consideration, felt it necessary to
+flee to Griqua Town, suffering much loss of time and of property.
+Happily the storm passed over, and, on returning to the Kuruman, they
+found their houses, and such property as they had left behind, in good
+order, a proof of the influence they were gaining over the once thievish
+Bechwanas. Half the oxen and nearly all the cows belonging to the
+missionaries were, however, dead, no milk could be obtained, and, worse
+than these evils, the people had fled, leaving their native houses but
+heaps of ashes.
+
+Sorrowfully these servants of God resolved once more to resume their
+labours. A few poor natives had remained at the station, whose numbers
+were being increased by others who arrived from day to day.
+
+At this trying time the hearts of Robert Moffat and his companions were
+cheered by the arrival of the Rev. Robert Miles, the Society's
+superintendent, who, having made himself conversant with the affairs of
+the station, suggested the great importance of preparing something like
+hymns in the native language. By the continued singing of these, he
+stated the great truths of salvation would become imperceptibly written
+on the minds of the people.
+
+The suggestion so kindly made was acted upon, and Moffat prepared the
+first hymn in the language. The spelling-books also arrived, which
+enabled the missionaries to open a school in the Sechwana tongue. Mr.
+Miles returned, and the stated labours of the mission were carried
+forward. With few interruptions they had been continued for ten years
+without fruit. But the dawn of a new era seemed now ready to rise above
+the horizon.
+
+Yet again, however, was their faith to be sorely tried by the terrible
+scourge--war. The desperadoes consisted this time of a party advancing
+from the Orange River, among whom were some Griquas. The suspense and
+anxiety were great, but recourse was had to prayer. On this occasion the
+missionaries determined to remain at their post. A first attack was
+repulsed through the intrepidity of an escaped slave named Aaron
+Josephs, and a peaceful interval intervened of about two months, when a
+second attack on the mission premises was threatened. By Moffat's
+directions, the heights at the back of the station were crowded with
+men, to give the appearance of a large defending force, though probably
+not a dozen guns could have been mustered among them. The assailants
+seeing the preparations for defence, drew up at some distance, and,
+after a short delay, sent forward two messengers with a flag of truce.
+Moffat went out to meet them, and learned that a renegade Christian
+Griqua named Jantye Goeman wished to see him at their camp.
+
+A meeting was arranged half way between the station and the camp, and
+Jantye, who was ashamed to let the missionary see his face, as he had
+known him at Griqua Town, tried to lay all the blame upon another
+renegade, a Coranna chief named Paul, who had, in days gone by,
+entertained Robert Moffat and visited his dwelling.
+
+At this moment a waggon was seen approaching, and fearing it might
+contain some one from Griqua Town, and seeing that a hostile movement
+was made towards it, Moffat turned to Jantye and said, "I shall not see
+your face till the waggon and its owners are safe on the station." He
+instantly ran off and brought the waggon through, when it was found to
+contain the Wesleyan missionaries Mr. and Mrs. Archbell from Platberg.
+
+At last, after much hesitation, Paul himself came near. He could not
+look at Moffat, and kept his hat drawn down over his eyes. He told the
+missionary that he himself need have no fear, but that revenge should be
+had upon the Batlaping who were at Kuruman.
+
+"I shall have their blood and their cattle too," said Paul, as his eyes
+glared with fury.
+
+Long and patiently Moffat argued with him, showing him the enormity of
+his crimes. At last the victory was won. No shot was fired, and both the
+station and the Batlaping were saved. Turning to his men, and referring
+to some of the missionary's cattle which had been stolen, he cried,
+"Bring back those cows and sheep we took this morning."
+
+It was done. Then he said, "I am going. There are the things of your
+people. Will Mynheer not shake hands with me for once?"
+
+"Of course I will," said Moffat, "but let me see your face."
+
+"That I will not, indeed," he replied, "I do not want to die yet. I can
+see your face through my hat."
+
+The rude hand of war was henceforth stayed, and the land had peace for
+half-a-century, during which time great and happy changes took place at
+the Kuruman station.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE AWAKENING.
+
+
+The long delayed, and fervently prayed for time had come at last. For
+ten weary years these earnest and faithful missionaries had laboured
+without seeing any results. Now their hearts were to rejoice as they
+should witness the work of the Holy Spirit, and see those over whom they
+had so long mourned, brought to the Saviour, and out of heathen darkness
+into Gospel light.
+
+"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof,
+but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth;" so was it
+with the awakening among the Bechwanas at the Kuruman. There seemed no
+apparent cause for the intensity of feeling that was now displayed by
+these people. Men, who had scorned the idea of shedding a tear, wept as
+their hearts were melted. The chapel became a place of weeping, and
+some, after gazing intently upon the preacher, fell down in hysterics.
+The little chapel became too small to hold the numbers who flocked to
+it, and with the voluntary aid of Aaron Josephs a new building,
+fifty-one feet long by sixteen wide, with clay walls and thatched roof,
+was erected to serve as a school-house and place of worship, until the
+large stone church, which was to form the most prominent feature of the
+station, should be completed.
+
+This temporary church was opened in May, 1829, and in the following
+month, after very careful examination, six candidates for baptism were
+selected from among the inquirers. Speaking of these converts Robert
+Moffat said, "It was truly gratifying to observe the simplicity of their
+faith, implicitly relying on the atonement of Christ, of which they
+appeared to have a very clear conception, considering the previous
+darkness of their minds on such subjects."
+
+They were baptised on the first Sabbath in July, a large number of
+spectators from the neighbouring towns, and a party of Griquas, being
+present. In the evening the missionaries, the new disciples, and a
+Griqua, twelve in all, sat down to the Lord's table. In connection with
+this event an interesting anecdote is related showing the strong faith
+of Mary Moffat!
+
+On one occasion, some time before this event, when all seemed dark, her
+friend Mrs. Greaves of Sheffield had written to Mary Moffat kindly
+inquiring if there was anything of use which she could send. The reply
+returned was, "Send us a communion service, we shall want it some day."
+Communication between the Kuruman and England was tardy then, and before
+an answer came to her letter the darkness increased, and the Bechwanas
+seemed as far from salvation as ever. On the day preceding the reception
+of the first converts into the Kuruman Church, a box arrived from
+England, which had been twelve months on the road, and in it were found
+the communion vessels that Mary Moffat had asked for more than two years
+before.
+
+Great as was the change, the missionaries rejoiced with trembling. They
+knew that there were great prejudices to be overcome, and that the
+relation in which the Christians stood to their heathen neighbours would
+expose their faith to trial. But they prayed and believed that He who
+had begun the good work would carry it on.
+
+The change of heart speedily produced a change in dress and habits.
+Those who had been baptised had previously procured decent raiment, and
+prepared it for the occasion with Mrs. Moffat's assistance. A
+sewing-school had hitherto been uncalled for, the women's work having
+been that of building houses, raising fences, and tilling the ground;
+now Mrs. Moffat met those who desired to learn as often as her strength
+would permit, and soon she had a motley group of pupils, very few of the
+whole party possessing either a frock or a gown. The scarcity of
+materials was a serious impediment to progress, but ornaments, which
+before the natives had held in high repute, were now parted with to
+purchase the skins of animals, which being prepared almost as soft as
+cloth were made into jackets, trousers, and gowns. When a visit was paid
+by a trader, British manufactures were eagerly bought.
+
+In the progress of improvement some amusing incidents occurred. A man
+might be seen in a jacket with one sleeve, because the other was not yet
+finished; or others went about in duffel jackets with sleeves of cotton
+of various colours; gowns like Joseph's coat were worn, and dresses of
+such fantastic shapes, that to tell the fashion of the same would have
+been a puzzle.
+
+To Mrs. Moffat general application was made both by males and females.
+One brought skins to be cut into dresses, another wanted a jacket, a
+third a pattern, while a fourth brought his jacket sewed upside down,
+and asked why it did not fit. Fat, which before they always considered
+was to be rubbed on their bodies or deposited in their stomachs, they
+now found useful in making candles to give light in their dwellings.
+
+The prospects of the missionaries continued cheering, and the increased
+anxiety for instruction and growth in knowledge among the candidates
+greatly strengthened their hands. "I seek Jesus," one would say; a
+second, "I am feeling after God, I have been wandering, unconscious of
+my danger, among beasts of prey; the day has dawned, I see my danger."
+The missionaries were cautious men, and were slow to receive members
+into their little church, but the evidence was complete that numbers
+were saved.
+
+The happy death of a native woman about this time afforded them much
+encouragement. When she knew her end was near, she said to those around,
+"I am going to die. Weep not because I am going to leave you, but weep
+for your sins and your souls. With me all is well, for do not suppose
+that I die like a beast, or that I shall sleep for ever in the grave.
+No! Jesus has died for my sins; He has said he will save me, I am going
+to be with Him." Thus one who a few months before was as ignorant as the
+cattle, departed with the full assurance of an eternal life beyond the
+grave.
+
+Rumours had for some time past reached the Kuruman station of a strong
+and warlike people who dwelt to the eastward, spoke another language,
+and were strangers to the Bechwanas. In the latter portion of 1829, two
+envoys were specially sent from Moselekatse, the king of this people,
+the Matabele, to the mission station at Kuruman, to learn about the
+manners and teaching of the white men there.
+
+These envoys, who were two of the king's head men, were entertained, the
+principal objects, industries, and methods of living were pointed out to
+them; but their greatest wonder was excited when they beheld the public
+worship in the mission chapel. They listened to the hymns, and to the
+address, part of which only they understood, and were much surprised
+when they heard that the hymns were not war songs.
+
+When the time came for the ambassadors to depart, they begged Robert
+Moffat to accompany them, as they were afraid of the Bechwana tribes
+through whom they would have to pass on their return journey. This
+circumstance led to his visiting the warlike Moselekatse, over whom he
+obtained a marvellous influence.
+
+The details of the journey we must pass over. As they advanced they saw
+evidences on every hand of the terrible Mantatees, and the still more
+terrible Matabele. In places, where populous towns and villages had
+been, nothing remained but dilapidated walls and heaps of stones,
+mingled with human skulls. The country had become the abode of reptiles
+and beasts of prey; the inhabitants having perished beneath the spears
+and clubs of their savage enemies.
+
+The reception accorded Robert Moffat by Moselekatse may best be
+described in the missionary's own words:--
+
+"We proceeded directly to the town, and on riding into the centre of the
+large fold, we were rather taken by surprise to find it lined by eight
+hundred warriors, besides two hundred who were concealed on each side of
+the entrance, as if in ambush. We were beckoned to dismount, which we
+did, holding our horses' bridles in our hands. The warriors at the gate
+instantly rushed in with hideous yells, and leaping from the earth with
+a kind of kilt round their bodies, hanging like loose tails, and their
+large shields, frightened our horses. They then joined the circle,
+falling into rank with as much order as if they had been accustomed to
+European tactics. Here we stood, surrounded by warriors, whose kilts
+were of ape skins, and their legs and arms adorned with the hair and
+tails of oxen, their shields reaching to their chins and their heads
+adorned with feathers.
+
+"A profound silence followed for some ten minutes; then all commenced a
+war-song, stamping their feet in time with the music. No one approached,
+though every eye was fixed upon us. Then all was silent, and Moselekatse
+marched out from behind the lines with an interpreter, and with
+attendants following, bearing meat, beer, and other food. He gave us a
+hearty salutation and seemed overjoyed."
+
+The waggons were objects that struck the dusky monarch with awe. He
+examined them minutely, especially the wheels; one point remained a
+mystery, how the iron tire surrounding the wheel came to be in one piece
+without end or joint. Umbate, the head-man, who had visited the mission
+station, explained what he had seen in the smith's shop there. "My
+eyes," said he, "saw that very hand," pointing to Moffat's hand, "cut
+these bars of iron, take a piece off one end, and then join them as you
+now see them." "Does he give medicine to the iron?" the monarch
+inquired. "No," said Umbate, "nothing is used but fire, a hammer, and a
+chisel."
+
+This powerful chieftain was an absolute despot ruling over a tribe of
+fierce warriors, who knew no will but his. He was the terror of all the
+surrounding country, his smile was life, his frown scattered horror and
+death. Yet even in his savage breast there were chords that could be
+touched by kindness, and Moffat received many tokens of his friendship
+during the eight days that he stayed in his town.
+
+During one of their first interviews the monarch, laying his hand upon
+Moffats shoulder, said, "My heart is all white as milk; I am still
+wondering at the love of a stranger who never saw me. You have fed me,
+you have protected me, you have carried me in your arms. I live to-day
+by you, a stranger."
+
+Upon Moffat replying that he was unaware of having rendered him any such
+service, he said, pointing to his two ambassadors: "These are great men;
+Umbate is my right hand. When I sent them from my presence to see the
+land of the white men, I sent my ears, my eyes, my mouth; what they
+heard I heard, what they saw I saw, and what they said it was
+Moselekatse who said it. You fed them and clothed them, and when they
+were to be slain you were their shield. You did it unto me. You did it
+unto Moselekatse, the son of Machobane."
+
+Moffat explained to this African king the objects of the missionary, and
+pressed upon him the truths of the Gospel. On one occasion the king came
+attended by a party of his warriors, who remained at a short distance
+dancing and singing. "Their yells and shouts," says Moffat, "their
+fantastic leaps and distorted gestures, would have impressed a stranger
+with the idea that they were more like a company of fiends than men." As
+he looked upon the scene, his mind was occupied in contemplating the
+miseries of the savage state. He spoke to the king on man's ruin and
+man's redemption. "Why," said the monarch, "are you so earnest that I
+abandon all war, and do not kill men?" "Look on the human bones which
+lie scattered over your dominions," was the missionary's answer. "They
+speak in awful language, and to me they say, 'Whosoever sheddeth man's
+blood, by man also will his blood be shed.'" Moffat also spoke of the
+Resurrection, a startling subject for a savage and murderer like
+Moselekatse.
+
+The kindness of the king extended to the missionary's return journey.
+Food in abundance was given to him, and a number of warriors attended
+his waggon as a guard against lions on the way. After an absence of two
+months he reached home in safety, where he found all well, and the
+Divine blessing still resting upon the Mission. Copious showers had
+fallen, and the fields and gardens teemed with plenty. The converts and
+many others, leaving their old traditions as to horticulture, imitated
+the example of the missionaries in leading out water to their gardens,
+and raised crops, not only of their native grain, pumpkins,
+kidney-beans, and water-melons, but also vegetables, such as the
+missionaries had introduced, maize, wheat, barley, peas, potatoes,
+carrots, onions, and tobacco--this latter they had formerly purchased
+from the Bahurutsi, but now it became a profitable article of traffic.
+They also planted fruit trees.
+
+As an illustration of their zeal, which was not always according to
+knowledge, the following may be given. The course of the missionary's
+water-trench along the side of a hill, appeared as if it ascended,
+therefore several of the natives set to work in good earnest, and cut
+courses leading directly up hill, hoping the water would one day follow.
+
+The spiritual affairs of the station kept pace with the external
+improvements. The temporary chapel continued to be well filled, a
+growing seriousness was observable among the people, progress was made
+in reading, and there was every reason for encouragement. Early In
+1830, after the second mission-house had been finished and occupied by
+Mr. Hamilton, the foundation of a new and substantial stone church was
+laid. Circumstances, however, and especially the difficulty of procuring
+suitable timber for the roof delayed its completion for several years.
+
+The work of translation had been kept steadily in view. In June, 1830,
+Robert Moffat had finished the translation into Sechwana, of the Gospel
+of Luke, and a long projected journey to the coast was undertaken by him
+and his wife. The journey had for its objects, to put the two elder
+children to school, to get the translation of Luke printed, and to
+collect subscriptions among friends in the Colony towards the building
+of the new place of worship.
+
+At Philippolis, on their journey, they met with the French missionaries
+Rolland and Lemue, of the Paris Protestant Missionary Society, and also
+with Mr. and Mrs. Baillie, who had been appointed by the London
+Missionary Society to the Kururnan Mission. At Graham's Town, Mary
+Moffat remained behind to place the children at the Wesleyan school near
+there, and Robert visited several of the mission stations in Kafirland,
+and afterwards some of those within the Colony, finally reaching Cape
+Town in October, 1830.
+
+At that early day printing in Cape Town was in its infancy. It was
+therefore found necessary to make application to the Governor to allow
+the Gospel of Luke In Sechwana to be printed at the Government Printing
+Office. The request was cheerfully acceded to, but compositors there
+were none to undertake the work. This difficulty, combined with the
+promise of an excellent printing press, which Dr. Philip had in his
+possession for the Kuruman Mission, induced Moffat to learn printing.
+He was joined by Mr. Edwards, who was now appointed to the Kuruman
+station, and under the kind superintendence of the assistant in charge
+of the office, they soon not only completed the work they had in hand,
+but acquired a fair knowledge of the art of printing. Besides the Gospel
+of Luke, a small hymn-book was printed in the Sechwana language.
+
+A violent attack of bilious fever followed these labours, which had been
+carried on in the hottest season of the year, and when the time came for
+Robert Moffat to leave Cape Town he had to be carried on board the ship
+on a mattress. The sea passage to Algoa Bay, however, although a rough
+one, tended greatly to his restoration to health.
+
+Sickness among their oxen, and the birth of a daughter, whom they named
+Elizabeth, detained the Moffats some time at Bethelsdorp, on their
+return journey; from which place, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Edwards,
+they went forward to the Kuruman, where they arrived in June, 1831. They
+carried with them the edition of the Gospel of Luke, a hymn-book printed
+in the language of the people, a printing-press, type, paper, and ink,
+besides liberal subscriptions from friends in the Colony towards the
+erection of the mission church.
+
+Great was the astonishment of the natives when they saw the
+printing-press at work. Lessons, spelling-books and catechisms were
+prepared for the schools. To see a white sheet of paper disappear for a
+moment and then emerge covered with letters was beyond their
+comprehension. After a few noisy exclamations one obtained a sheet, with
+which he bounded through the village, showing it to all he met, and
+saying it had been made in a moment with a round black hammer (a
+printer's ball) and a shake of the arm.
+
+A large box containing materials for clothing from a friend in
+Manchester, Miss Lees, had also formed part of the baggage brought from
+the Cape. Materials being now at hand, and Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. Baillie
+co-operating, a sewing-school on a much larger scale was established, to
+the great comfort and improvement of the natives.
+
+The congregation continued to increase and new members were added to the
+church, but sorrows tempered the joy of this happy time. Small-pox
+entered the country, and many of the inhabitants died; with them passed
+away one of the daughters of Robert and Mary Moffat. Towards the end of
+1832 the labourers at Kuruman were cheered by a visit from Dr. Philip,
+who arranged that the two French missionaries, Rolland and Lemue, should
+commence a mission station at Motito, a place nearly forty miles
+distant, in a north-easterly direction.
+
+In January, 1835, a scientific expedition under Dr. Andrew Smith,
+arrived at Moffat's station. This visit appeared as though ordered by an
+over-ruling Providence for the especial benefit of himself and his
+devoted wife. It found them in sore trouble, and it brought help and a
+friend in time of need. Mr. Edwards was away and Robert had been
+overworked. When Dr. Smith arrived, he found him suffering from an
+attack of intermittent fever, and hastened to render aid. Under the
+Doctor's skilful treatment he speedily recovered. On the 10th of March
+another son was added to the Moffat family, and shortly afterwards Mary
+was suddenly taken seriously ill, and became so weak, that for many days
+her recovery seemed hopeless. The Doctor was at that time away
+surveying, but upon receiving information of the position of affairs at
+Kuruman, he immediately hastened to render all the assistance in his
+power.
+
+Speaking of this friend, raised up so unexpectedly, Robert Moffat writes
+in his book: "His tender sympathy and unremitting attention in that
+trying season, during which all hope of her recovery had fled, can never
+be erased from our grateful recollection, for in the midst of his active
+and laborious engagements at the head of the expedition, he watched for
+several successive nights, with fraternal sympathy, what appeared to be
+the dying pillow of my beloved partner, nor did he leave before she was
+out of danger."
+
+A life-long friendship was cherished for the one who had come to them in
+their sore need, and who was always most gratefully remembered by the
+African missionary and his exemplary wife.
+
+Shortly after these events, at the request of Dr. Smith, Robert Moffat
+accompanied the expedition on a visit to Moselekatse and the Matabele
+country. Moselekatse was delighted to see his missionary friend again.
+The scientific expedition had permission to travel through any part of
+the monarch's territories, but Moffat, the king kept as his guest.
+Together they visited, in the missionary's waggon, several of the
+Matabele towns, and many conversations were held, in which the
+importance of religion, and the evil effects of the king's policy were
+faithfully pointed out.
+
+By this journey, which occupied three months, a way was paved for some
+American missionaries to reside with Moselekatse, and the country was
+surveyed to find timber suitable for the roof of the new Kuruman
+church. This timber was afterwards collected by Messrs. Hamilton and
+Edwards--the wood-cutters having to travel to a distance of two hundred
+and fifty miles--and fashioned into the roof of the church; which stands
+at this day a monument of the united labours of Hamilton, Moffat, and
+Edwards; and a wonder to beholders as to how such an achievement could
+have been performed with the slender means then at hand.
+
+[Illustration: MOFFAT PREACHING AT MOSHEU'S VILLAGE.]
+
+Upon Moffat's return home again, his wife, by Dr. Smith's orders, left
+for the Cape to recruit her strength; and Robert Moffat went
+itinerating among the scattered Bechwanas. A most interesting time was
+spent at a village, one hundred and fifty miles from Kuruman, where a
+chief named Mosheu and his people resided. Three times did the
+missionary preach to them on the first day, besides answering the
+questions of all who gathered round. Many were most anxious to learn to
+read, and such spelling-books as Moffat had with him were distributed
+among them.
+
+Some of the head men thought they would like to try, and requested
+Moffat to teach them. A large sheet alphabet, torn at one corner, was
+found, and laid on the ground. All knelt in a circle round it, some of
+course viewing the letters upside down. "I commenced pointing with a
+stick," says he, "and when I pronounced one letter, all hallooed to some
+purpose. When I remarked that perhaps we might manage with somewhat less
+noise, one replied, 'that he was sure the louder he roared, the sooner
+would his tongue get accustomed to the seeds' as he called the letters."
+
+Somewhat later, a party of young folks seized hold of the missionary,
+with the request, "Oh, teach us the A B C with music." Dragged and
+pushed, he entered one of the largest native houses, which was instantly
+crowded. The tune of "Auld Lang Syne" was pitched to A B C, and soon the
+strains were echoed to the farthest corner of the village. Between two
+and three o'clock on the following morning, Moffat got permission to
+retire to rest; his slumbers were, however, disturbed by the assiduity
+of the sable choristers; and on awaking after a brief repose, his ears
+were greeted on all sides by the familiar notes of the Scotch air.
+
+Very pleasing progress was made by these people in Christian knowledge.
+Mosheu brought his daughter to Mrs. Moffat for instruction, and his
+brother took his son to Mr. Lemue at Motito for the same purpose.
+
+The mission at the Kuruman continued to prosper, both at the home and
+the out-stations. Numbers of Bechwanas were added to the church, both at
+Kuruman and Griqua Town. Under Mr. Edwards' superintendence the readers
+largely increased, and the Infant School, commenced and carried on by
+Mrs. Edwards, with the assistance of a native girl, was highly
+satisfactory. Civilisation advanced, some of the natives purchasing
+waggons, and using oxen for labour which formerly had been performed by
+women. Clothing was in such demand, that a merchant named Hume, an
+honourable trader in whom the missionaries had confidence, built a
+house, and settled at the station. The new church, after much labour,
+was opened in November, 1838, on which occasion between eight and nine
+hundred persons attended the service; and on the following Sabbath, one
+hundred and fifty members united in celebrating the Lord's Supper.
+
+Persevering Christian love, combined with strong faith, much prayer, and
+untiring labour, had changed the barren wilderness into a fruitful land.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+VISIT TO ENGLAND.
+
+
+The work of Bible translation had been steadily pressed forward; all
+available time having been devoted by Robert Moffat to that undertaking.
+By the end of 1838, the whole of the New Testament had been rendered
+into the native tongue, and a journey was made by the Moffats to Cape
+Town, to recruit their health, and to get the Sechwana New Testament
+printed; the task being too heavy for the mission press. Cape Town was
+but little better off than the Kuruman for accomplishing a work of this
+magnitude, and it speedily became apparent that the printing would have
+to be undertaken in England.
+
+Twenty-two years had passed away since the youthful missionary stood
+upon the deck of the _Alacrity_, and bade farewell to the land of his
+birth. During that time he had never allowed his interest in the affairs
+of his native country to grow cold. Letters and newspapers had been
+eagerly welcomed, and the memory of friends in the far distant isle had
+been most keenly cherished, both by him and his Mary. Now once more they
+were to tread upon its well-loved shores, and to tell to its people the
+story of God's work among the savage tribes of South Africa.
+
+There were no floating "Castles"[A] at that time, making the journey in
+twenty days, and a passage had to be taken in a small ship
+homeward-bound from China, having troops on board. Measles raged at the
+Cape, and sickness was on board ship. Between the two the Moffats had
+much to endure, and the vessel had not left Table Bay when another
+daughter was born to add to their joy and anxiety. Three days' after his
+sister came, dear six-year-old Jamie, lying beside his prostrate mother
+in her cot, was called to the Better Land, with the words, "Oh, that
+will be joyful, when we meet to part no more," upon his dying lips.
+
+[A]: [Donald Currie's line of Mail steamships, the _Garth Castle_, &c.,
+which make the voyage to the Cape in twenty days.]
+
+On the 6th June, 1839, the ship anchored off Cowes, and a few days later
+reached London. The reception of Robert Moffat was most enthusiastic,
+and so great was the demand for his presence at public meetings, that it
+was with the utmost difficulty he procured liberty to visit his own
+friends.
+
+Twenty years had made great changes in the homes at both Dukinfield and
+Inverkeithing. Mary Moffat's aged father was living, but her mother and
+a brother had been called away, another brother was in America, and a
+third was a missionary in Madras. Robert's parents were still living,
+but a brother and two sisters had passed away. Many friends, whose kind
+and generous thoughtfulness had often cheered the heart of the faithful
+missionary and his faithful wife in their voluntary exile, now gathered
+around them, among whom were Mrs. Greaves of Sheffield, the donor of the
+Communion Service, and Miss Lees of Manchester.
+
+Of the events connected with this visit to England, want of space
+precludes us from giving details. A great wave of missionary enthusiasm
+at that time swept over the country, and Moffat found himself hurried
+from town to town with but scant opportunities for rest. In May, 1840,
+he preached the Anniversary Sermon for the London Missionary Society,
+and, at their Annual Meeting, Exeter Hall was packed so densely that
+after making his speech in the large upper hall, Moffat had to give it
+again in the smaller hall below.
+
+An anecdote related in the course of his speech at the Bible Society's
+May Meeting shows the value set by a native woman upon a single Gospel
+in the native tongue. "She was a Matabele captive," said Moffat. "Once,
+while visiting the sick, as I entered her premises, I found her sitting
+weeping, with a portion of the Word of God in her hand. I said, 'My
+child what is the cause of your sorrow? Is the baby still unwell?' 'No,'
+she replied, 'my baby is well,' 'Your mother-in-law?' I inquired. 'No,
+no,' she said, 'it is my own dear mother, who bore me.' Here she again
+gave vent to her grief, and, holding out the Gospel of Luke, in a hand
+wet with tears, she said, 'My mother will never see this word; she will
+never hear this good news! Oh, my mother and my friends, they live in
+heathen darkness; and shall they die without seeing the light which has
+shone on me, and without tasting that love which I have tasted!' Raising
+her eyes to heaven she sighed a prayer, and I heard the words again, 'My
+mother, my mother!'"
+
+His hope when he landed had been to get the printing of the Sechwana New
+Testament speedily accomplished, and to return to South Africa before
+winter; but it was not until January, 1843, that he was able once again
+to sail for Africa.
+
+In 1840 two new missionaries were set apart for the Bechwana
+mission--- William Ross and David Livingstone. With them Robert Moffat
+was able to send five hundred copies of the Sechwana New Testament.
+
+As the sheets were passing through the press, it was suggested to him
+that the Psalms would be a valuable addition to the work. With his
+characteristic energy he immediately commenced the task, and, a few
+months after the sailing of Ross and Livingstone, he had the joy of
+sending to Africa over two thousand copies of the New Testament, with
+which the Psalms had been bound up. By the end of 1843 six thousand
+copies had been sent out. A revision of the book of Scripture Lessons
+was also undertaken and carried through the press. A demand was made
+upon him to write a book, in response to which he prepared his well
+known work, "Missionary Labours and Scenes in South Africa," which was
+published in 1842, and met with great success.
+
+At length the time drew near when once more Robert and Mary Moffat
+should cross the sea to their beloved home at Kuruman. Valedictory
+services of a most enthusiastic character were held in Scotland,
+Newcastle, Manchester, and London. At Edinburgh a copy of the
+"Encyclopaedia Britannica" was presented to Robert Moffat, and at
+Newcastle a set of scientific instruments was given him. A great impetus
+was imparted to missionary work abroad through these and preceding
+meetings, during his sojourn in England, and when on the 30th of
+January, 1843, he and his wife embarked at Gravesend, accompanied by two
+new missionaries for the Bechwana field, they carried with them the
+esteem of a wide circle of friends, and had the fervent prayers of many
+offered up on their behalf.
+
+On the 10th of April they landed at Cape Town, and six weeks later
+embarked in a small coasting vessel for Algoa Bay. At Bethelsdorp, a
+village a few miles beyond Port Elizabeth, they rejoined Messrs. Ashton
+and Inglis, who with their wives had gone on before by steamer; but here
+they were detained for several months, waiting for a vessel to arrive
+from England which had on board a large quantity of baggage for the
+missionaries and their work.
+
+[Illustration: CAPE TOWN.]
+
+At last the start was made, the long train of ox waggons wended their
+way, the Orange River was crossed, this time on a pont or floating
+bridge, and at the Vaal River, one hundred and fifty miles distant from
+Kuruman, the missionary party were met by David Livingstone, who had
+ridden forth to bid them welcome.
+
+From this point onwards friends both white and black emulated each other
+in testifying their gladness at their friend's return, until as the
+Moffats drew near to Kuruman their progress became like a royal one. At
+last between two and three o'clock on the 10th of December, 1843, they
+sat down once again in their own home, amongst those for whom they had
+toiled so zealously, and over whom their hearts yearned with a holy
+love. The delight of the natives at having their missionary and his wife
+among them again was unbounded. In a letter published in the _Missionary
+Magazine_, October, 1844, Moffat thus writes, giving an account of their
+reception:--"Many were the hearty welcomes we received, all appearing
+emulous to testify their joy. Old and young, even the little children,
+would shake hands with us. Some gave vent to their joy with an air of
+heathen wildness, and some in silent floods of tears; while others,
+whose hearts had sickened with deferred hope, would ask again and again,
+'Do our eyes indeed behold you?' Thus we found ourselves once more among
+a people who loved us, and who had longed for our return."
+
+The mission having been largely reinforced, it was arranged that Mr, and
+Mrs. Ross should go to Taung, about one hundred miles east of Kuruman,
+where a portion of the Bechwana tribe had settled under Mahura, a
+brother of Mothibi; while Edwards and Livingstone were to commence work
+among the Bakhatla, two hundred miles to the north-east. Inglis was to
+go to the same neighbourhood; thus the regular missionary staff of the
+Kuruman station comprised after their departure, the venerable Mr.
+Hamilton, who had seen the commencement of the Bechwana Mission in 1816,
+Mr. and Mrs. Ashton, and the Moffats.
+
+The place to which Edwards and Livingstone had gone was a large native
+town near to the haunts of lions. These greatly harassed the cattle and
+deprived the missionaries of sleep. One day a hunt was arranged.
+Livingstone joined the party, was attacked by the lion, and was only
+rescued with a broken and mangled arm by the bravery and devotion of his
+native servant, Mebalwe, who himself got severely bitten.
+
+[Illustration: LIVINGSTONE ATTACKED BY A LION.]
+
+During his recovery from this injury Livingstone visited the Kuruman,
+and there won the heart of Moffat's eldest daughter, her mother's
+namesake, who soon afterwards exchanged the name of Mary Moffat for that
+of Mary Livingstone. In due course she accompanied her husband to
+Chonwane where for a time he was located with Sechele, the chief of the
+Bakwena.
+
+The life of the missionaries at the Kuruman was a, busy one. All were
+fully employed. Moffat's principal work was translation, and in this his
+colleague Ashton afforded him much critical assistance, besides
+relieving him almost entirely of the duties of the printing office. But
+other work had to be undertaken. The natives needed much help and
+guidance; dwelling-houses had to be enlarged and new schoolrooms built,
+and, as there were no funds for the payment of artisans, the
+missionaries had to put their own hands to the work; besides which, as
+money was not forthcoming to meet the cost of the new schoolrooms, a
+kind of amateur store was opened by the missionaries' wives for the sale
+of clothing to the natives.
+
+The Rev. J. J. Freeman who visited Africa a few years later, in 1849,
+gives us a picture of the Kuruman station as he saw it. "It wears," says
+he, "a very pleasing appearance. The mission premises, with the walled
+gardens opposite, form a street wide and long. The chapel is a
+substantial and well-looking building of stone. By the side of it stands
+Mr. Moffat's house, simple yet commodious. In a cottage hard by, the
+venerable Hamilton was passing his declining days, extremely feeble, but
+solaced by the motherly care of his colleague's wife. The gardens were
+well stocked with fruit and vegetables, requiring much water, but easily
+getting it from the 'fountain.' On the Sunday morning the chapel bell
+rang for early service. Breakfasting at seven, all were ready for the
+schools at half-past eight. The infants were taught by Miss Moffat
+(their daughter Ann, afterwards Mrs. Frédoux) in their school-house;
+more advanced classes were grouped in the open air, or collected in the
+adjacent buildings. Before ten the work of separate teaching ceased, and
+young and old assembled for public worship. A sanctuary, spacious and
+lofty, and airy withal, was comfortably filled with men, women, and
+children, for the most part decently dressed."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This description may be supplemented by that of a scene of frequent
+occurrence, given in "Robert and Mary Moffat" by their son Mr. John A.
+Moffat. He says: "The public services were, of course, in the Sechwana
+language. Once a week the missionary families met for an English
+devotional meeting. It was also a sort of custom that as the sun went
+down there should be a short truce from work every evening. A certain
+eminence at the back of the station became, by common consent, the
+meeting-place. There the missionary fathers of the hamlet would be
+found, each sitting on his accustomed stone. Before them lay the broad
+valley, once a reedy morass, now reclaimed and partitioned out into
+garden lands; its margin fringed with long water-courses, overhung with
+grey willows and the dark green syringa. On the low ground bordering the
+valley stood the church, with its attendant mission-houses and schools,
+and on the heights were perched the native villages, for the most part
+composed of round, conical huts, not unlike corn-stacks at a distance,
+with some more ambitious attempts at house-building in the shape of
+semi-European cottages. Eastward stretched a grassy plain, bounded by
+the horizon, and westward a similar plain, across which about five miles
+distant, was a range of low hills. Down to the right, in a bushy dell,
+was the little burying-ground, marked by a few trees."
+
+In 1845, Robert Moffat narrowly escaped an accident that would have
+involved most serious consequences. He was superintending the erection
+of a new corn-mill, and whilst seeing to its being properly started,
+incautiously stretched his arm over two cog-wheels. In an instant the
+shirt sleeve was caught and drawn in, and with it the arm. Fortunately
+the mill was stopped in time, but an ugly wound, six inches in length,
+with torn edges, bore witness to the danger escaped. This wound laid him
+aside for many weeks, but finally he recovered from the effects of the
+accident.
+
+For the next four or five years things pursued an even course at the
+Kuruman. In 1846, Mary Moffat started on a journey to visit the
+Livingstones at Chonwane. She availed herself of the escort of a native
+hunting party, and took her three younger children with her. She passed
+through the usual dangers of such a journey, as the following extract
+from a letter written to her husband will show:--
+
+"I am very glad of Boey's company.... I should indeed have felt very
+solitary with my lone waggon with ignorant people, but he is so
+completely at home in this field that one feels quite easy. We do not
+stop at nights by the waters, but come to them at mid-day, and then
+leave about three or four o'clock. We cannot but be constantly on the
+outlook for lions, as we come on their spoor every day, and the people
+sometimes hear them roar. Just before outspanning to-day, Boey, being on
+horseback looking for water, met with a majestic one, which stood still
+and looked at him. He tried to frighten the lion, but he stood his
+ground, when Boey thought it was time to send a ball into him, which
+broke his leg, by which means he is disabled from paying us a visit."
+
+Early in 1847 a general meeting of those engaged in the Bechwana mission
+was held at Lekatlong (near what are now the Diamond Fields). On his way
+homewards from this meeting Moffat visited some of the Batlaping
+villages along the Kolong River. A striking advance had taken place of
+late years, and a severe contest was going on between heathenism and
+Christianity. A little company of believers had gathered in each place,
+and were ministered to by native teachers, who had spent a few months in
+training at Kuruman.
+
+In the same year Mary Moffat left for the Cape to make arrangements for
+educating her younger children. As Robert could not leave his work she
+journeyed alone, having as attendants four Bechwana men and a maid.
+These partings wrung the mother's heart. The time spent on the road was
+precious, and although it extended to two months, seemed all too short.
+She felt that never again would she have her young children about her.
+The son, John, was placed at school in Cape Town for a time, and the two
+daughters were sent under the care of a worthy minister to England. Of
+the parting with these her darlings Mary Moffat wrote:--"Though my heart
+was heaving with anguish I joyfully and thankfully acceded forthwith
+(_i.e._, to the offer of the Rev. J. Crombie Brown to take the
+children), and set about preparations in good earnest. This was about
+the end of January. On the tenth of February they embarked, and after
+stopping the night on board I tore myself from my darlings to return to
+my desolate lodgings to contemplate my solitary journey, and to go to my
+husband and home childless." Of her it may be said, _She left all and
+followed Him_!
+
+In 1848 the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes had been finished and
+Isaiah begun. In 1849 "Pilgrim's Progress" was added to the Sechwana
+literature, and the work of translation steadily progressed. "Line upon
+Line" had also been rendered into the native tongue by Mr. Ashton.
+
+But while all was peaceful and in a measure prosperous at the Kuruman,
+clouds were gathering to the eastward, which were destined eventually to
+throw a dark shadow over the whole Bechwana Mission. The encroachments
+of the Boers upon the natives led to much bloodshed, and to the
+dispersion of several native tribes, with the consequent abandonment of
+mission-work among them. One of the early sufferers was Moselekatse,
+who, having been attacked in 1837, had retired to a place far away to
+the north-east, and for some years nothing was heard of him, except by
+vague rumour; indeed his very existence was a matter of doubt.
+
+Livingstone had settled with Sechele at Kolobeng, which place he used
+simply as a base of operations for visiting the eastern tribes, and
+prosecuting missionary work among them. Much good was done, and the
+Scriptures in Sechwana, as far as issued, were circulated among the
+people. But the Boers advanced, the natives were dispossessed of their
+lands, and missionaries were expelled from their regions. Finding that
+all hope of carrying on the work in this neighbourhood was over,
+Livingstone turned his eyes northward, and commenced that series of
+explorations which absorbed the remainder of his life. Sechele retired
+to a mountain fastness, named Lithubaruba, away to the north-west.
+
+As time passed onward, Robert Moffat felt more than ever the importance
+of completing the work he had undertaken--the translation of the entire
+Bible into Sechwana. Every minute that could be devoted to the task was
+eagerly embraced, his labours often extending far into the night.
+Numerous interruptions made the work more difficult. "Many, many are the
+times I have sat down and got my thoughts somewhat in order," he writes,
+"with pen in hand to write a verse, the correct rendering of which I had
+just arrived at, after wading through other translations and lexicons,
+when one enters my study with some complaint he has to make, or counsel
+to ask, or medical advice and medicine to boot, a tooth to be extracted,
+a subscription to the auxiliary to be measured or counted; or one calls
+to say he is going to the Colony, and wishes something like a passport;
+anon strangers from other towns, and visitors from the interior arrive,
+who all seem to claim a right to my attentions."
+
+This incessant application was making inroads upon his health, and the
+strong powerful frame and iron constitution of the Scotch missionary
+began to show signs that could not be neglected. A peculiar affection of
+the head troubled him--a constant roaring noise like the falling of a
+cataract, and a buzzing as of a boiling up of waters. It never ceased
+day and night, and he lost much sleep in consequence of it. His only
+relief seemed to be in study and preaching, when the malady was not
+noticed; but immediately these occupations were over it was found to be
+there, and reasserted itself in full force.
+
+In 1851 the rebellion of the Kat River Hottentots occurred, which, for a
+long time, brought obloquy upon the missionaries of South Africa and the
+Mission cause.
+
+In 1852 Mr. Hamilton was gathered to his rest, after having been the
+faithful coadjutor of Robert Moffat, and a missionary at the Kuruman for
+thirty-four years; the next year tidings reached Mary Moffat that her
+beloved father had ended his pilgrimage at the ripe age of ninety years.
+
+A short time previous a letter had been received from the Directors of
+the London Missionary Society, urging Robert Moffat to take sick leave
+and visit the Cape, or to return to England, but, as rest and change
+were absolutely essential, Moffat determined to find the needed
+relaxation in visiting his old native friend, Moselekatse. He was also
+in doubt as to the fate of his son-in-law, Livingstone, who had started
+long before for the tribes on the Zambesi.
+
+Carrying supplies for that missionary, in hope of being able to succour
+him, in May, 1854, Moffat once again bade his faithful partner farewell,
+and started for a journey to a comparatively unknown country, seven or
+eight hundred miles away. The son of Mr. Edwards, the missionary who for
+some time had laboured with Moffat at Kuruman, and a young man named
+James Chapman accompanied him, for purposes of trade. After journeying
+for several days through a desert country, they reached Sechele's
+mountain fastness. Moffat found that chief in great difficulties, but
+still holding to the faith into which he had been baptised by
+Livingstone. One hundred and twenty more miles of desert travelling
+brought the party to Shoshong, the residence of another chief and his
+tribe. Thence after groping their way for eighteen days in a region new
+to them, without guides, they reached a village containing some natives
+who were subject to the Matabele king.
+
+For some days Moffat and his companions were not allowed to advance. The
+Induna in charge of the outpost was afraid of a mistake, but at last a
+message came that they were to proceed, and finally they drew near to
+the royal abode. The chief was filled with joy at meeting his old friend
+"Moshete." An account of the interview is described in Moffat's journal,
+from which we extract the following:--"On turning round, there he
+sat--how changed! The vigorous, active, and nimble chief of the
+Matabele, now aged, sitting on a skin, lame in his feet, unable to walk,
+or even to stand. I entered, he grasped my hand, gave one earnest look,
+and drew his mantle over his face. It would have been an awful sight for
+his people to see the hero of a hundred fights wipe from his eyes the
+falling tears. He spoke not, except to pronounce my name, Moshete,
+again and again. He looked at me again, his hand still holding mine, and
+he again covered his face. My heart yearned with compassion for his
+soul. Drawing a little nearer to the outside, so as to be within sight
+of Mokumbate, his venerable counsellor, he poured out his joy to him."
+
+The old chief was suffering with dropsy, but under Moffat's medical care
+he recovered, and was soon able to walk about again. The advice which
+had been given to him by his missionary friend during their previous
+intercourse, had not been wholly lost, the officers who attended him, as
+well as those of lower grades, stating that the rigour of his government
+had since that time been greatly modified.
+
+Moffat stayed with Moselekatse nearly three months. After much
+persuasion, permission was given him to preach the Gospel to the
+Matabele people, a privilege hitherto always denied. On the 24th of
+September, 1854, these people received, for the first time, instruction
+in the subjects of creation, providence, death, redemption, and
+immortality.
+
+It was Moffat's purpose to journey forward beyond the Matabele to the
+Makololo tribe, to leave supplies at their town of Linyanti, so that
+Livingstone might obtain them if he returned safely from St. Paul de
+Loanda, on the west coast. Moselekatse would not accede to the idea of
+him going alone, and finally the king himself determined to accompany
+him. The Makololo and Matabele were, however, like many other of the
+native tribes, hostile to each other. With the bags, boxes, &c., on the
+heads of some of the men best acquainted with the country, the party set
+out, but after travelling to the farthest outpost of the Marabele, the
+king declared it was impossible for the waggons to proceed. At Moffat's
+earnest request, he sent forward a party of his men with the supplies,
+which in due course reached the Makololo, who placed them on an island,
+built a roof over them, and there they were found in safety by
+Livingstone when he returned some months afterwards from the west coast.
+
+Towards the end of October, Moffat bade farewell to the Matabele king.
+Moselekatse pressed him to prolong his stay, pleading that he had not
+seen enough of him, and that he had not yet shown him sufficient
+kindness. "Kindness!" replied Moffat, "you have overwhelmed me with
+kindness, and I shall now return with a heart overflowing with thanks."
+Leaving the monarch a supply of suitable medicines to keep his system in
+tolerable order, and admonishing him to give up beer drinking, and to
+receive any Christian teacher who might come as he had received him, the
+missionary took his departure. The long return journey was accomplished
+without any remarkable event, and in due course Moffat reached his home
+again in safety.
+
+By this journey his health was much improved, his intercourse and
+friendship with the people of the interior were cemented and extended,
+and he looked forward with hopeful assurance to the early advancement of
+Christianity to those distant regions.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE SECHWANA BIBLE.
+
+
+The great task was at length accomplished; the work of nearly thirty
+years brought to a close. The Word of God in the language of the
+Bechwana people, in all its glorious completeness and power, was now in
+their hands.
+
+To Robert Moffat the labour had been of a herculean character. He had
+spared himself no labour or drudgery which its prosecution involved. To
+accomplish it he had left his home and lived a semi-savage life for
+nearly three months, that he might perfect himself in the language.
+Without any special training for the important undertaking, and under
+the greatest disadvantages, he had not only acquired the language, but
+reduced it to its elements, and then presented it in a synthetic and
+grammatical form. Beyond that his earnest desire had been to render the
+whole Bible into the native tongue.
+
+As age increased, the importance of finishing the work became more and
+more apparent, till even a minute spent in anything but purely
+mission-work, or his translation duties, seemed as wasted time. Writing
+when the end was near, he said: "When I take up a newspaper, it is only
+to glance at it with a feeling like that of committing sacrilege. I have
+sometimes been arrested with something interesting, and have read it
+with ten or more strokes in the minute added to my pulse, from the
+anxiety caused by the conviction that I am spending precious time apart
+from its paramount object, while I feel perfectly composed over anything
+which I am satisfied has a direct bearing on the true object of the
+missionary."
+
+But the work was now accomplished, the last sheet had been passed for
+press, the last verse of the Old Testament completed, and now his mind,
+which had been for so many years strained under the weighty
+responsibility of translating the Word of God, was free. Of his feelings
+on this occasion he made mention in a speech delivered some years later
+at Port Elizabeth, on the occasion of his final departure from South
+Africa. We quote from the Chronicle of the London Missionary Society for
+August, 1870.
+
+"At last," he said, referring to the commencement of the undertaking, "I
+came to the resolution that if no one else would do it, I would
+undertake it myself. I entered heartily upon the work. For many years I
+had no leisure, every spare moment being devoted to translating, and was
+a stranger even in my own family. There was labour every day, for back,
+for hands, for head. This was especially the case during the time Mr.
+Edwards was there; our condition was almost one of slavery. Still the
+work advanced, and at last I had the satisfaction of completing the New
+Testament. Of this 6000 copies were printed by the Home Society.
+
+"When Dr. Livingstone came, he urged me to begin at once with the Old
+Testament. That was a most stupendous work. Before commencing it I
+passed many sleepless nights. It was the wish of all that I should
+undertake it. I did so, and went on with the work from time to time, as
+I had leisure, daily and nightly. I stuck to it till I had got as far as
+the end of Kings, when I became completely done up. The Directors were
+afraid that I was killing myself. I was advised to go home, to leave the
+work, but I decided otherwise. I determined to look up Moselekatse, and
+went off with a son of brother Edwards. By the time I had found
+Moselekatse, I had got all right again. I came back and resumed my work,
+and continued it till its completion. I cannot describe to you the
+feelings of that time--of the writing of the last verse. I could hardly
+believe that I was in the world, so difficult was it for me to realise
+the fact that my labour of years was completed. Whether it was from
+weakness or overstrained mental exertion, I cannot tell; but a feeling
+came over me that I would die, and I felt perfectly resigned. To
+overcome this I went back again to my manuscript still to be printed,
+read it over, and re-examined it, till at length I got back again to my
+right mind. This was the most remarkable time of my life, a period I
+shall never forget. My feelings found vent by my falling upon my knees
+and thanking God for His grace and goodness in giving me strength to
+accomplish my task. My work was thus accomplished, and now I see the
+Word of God read by thousands of Bechwanas in their native tongue."
+
+An incident related in his speech at the Bible Society's Annual Meeting
+upon the occasion of his first visit to England in 1839, shows the
+importance to the natives of having the Bible in their own tongue.
+Speaking of his translation of the Gospel of Luke, he alluded to the
+state of the unconverted heathen, and the contrast manifested by the
+Christian converts. When the heathen saw the converts reading the Book
+which had produced this change, they inquired if they (the converts)
+talked to it. "No," answered they, "it talks to us; for it is the Word
+of God." "What then," replied the strangers, "does it _speak_?" "Yes,"
+said the Christians, "it speaks to the heart!" This explanation was
+true, and was often illustrated in fact; for among those to whom the
+same Book was read by others, it became proverbial to say that the
+readers were "turning their hearts inside out!"
+
+[Illustration: DR. LIVINGSTONE.]
+
+In 1854 Mary Moffat paid another visit to the Colony, and was in
+consequence away from home when Robert returned from his journey to
+Moselekatse. Tidings reached him about that time of the death of his
+mother, the one who first instilled into his breast an enthusiasm for
+the missionary calling. She died as she had lived, a godly, consistent
+woman, and was called to the heavenly city at the age of eighty-four.
+
+In 1856 Dr. Livingstone, after his unparalleled walk from Loanda, on the
+west coast, to Quillimane, on the east--from the shores of the Atlantic
+to those of the Indian Ocean--visited England. His visit, and the
+description he gave of the country and natives, rekindled missionary
+enthusiasm, a special interest being taken in the Matabele and Makololo
+tribes. The London Missionary Society resolved to establish missions
+among them. As the locality where the Makololo dwelt was in the midst of
+a marshy network of rivers, it was considered as a necessary condition
+of commencing the proposed missionary work that they should remove to a
+spot on the north bank of the Zambesi, opposite to where the Matabele
+dwelt on the south bank. The two tribes were, however, hostile to each
+other; and, to overcome this hostility, it was determined to
+simultaneously establish missions among both tribes. With this object in
+mind the Directors wrote to Robert Moffat, proposing that he should go
+for a twelvemonth to the Matabele, taking two younger men with him, and
+plant a mission among this people.
+
+This letter reached him just as he had completed the translation and
+printing of the Old Testament; and, notwithstanding that he was then
+sixty-two years of age, and had already been forty-one years hard at
+work for the Society, he determined to go. He felt, however, that it was
+necessary for him to start at once, and prepare the minds of Moselekatse
+and his people for the coming among them of missionaries. Thus it came
+about that once again Robert Moffat quitted Kuruman, and started forward
+for the long and trying journey, through the African desert, to visit
+his old friend, and obtain his consent to the settlement of missionaries
+among his people.
+
+Visiting the chief Sechele on the way, he pursued his course until he at
+length reached the headquarters of Moselekatse. The king was not very
+enthusiastic about receiving missionaries for himself and his people. He
+was somewhat suspicious; and his former experience with the American
+missionaries at Mosega had been rather unfortunate, the Boers having
+attacked the Matabele, and, after pillaging the mission station, carried
+the missionaries away with them. However, he would receive the
+new-comers,--but his friend Moshete must come also. "I love you," said
+he, "you are my father. These new men I do not know them. All men are
+not alike."
+
+This African monarch had sufficient knowledge to know that, if the
+doctrines of the Bible prevailed among his tribe, his claims to divine
+honour would for ever cease. His warriors used to pay him homage as
+follows: "O Pezoolu, the king of kings, king of the heavens, who would
+not fear before the son of Machobane (his father's name), mighty in
+battle?" and with other similar marks of adulation. He also had a shrewd
+suspicion that the opening of the country for white men to come and
+settle, would mean, eventually, the downfall of the power of himself and
+his people? but in his friend Ramary, or Moshete, he had implicit
+confidence.
+
+As an instance of the power which Moffat had obtained over this despotic
+chief of a fierce African tribe, it may be related that he prevailed
+upon Moselekatse to grant deliverance to the heir to the chieftainship
+of the Bamangwato, a large tribe living at Shoshong, to the north-east
+of Sechele's people. It was after a long conversation that the thing was
+settled. Macheng, the heir, who had been detained captive for sixteen
+years, was called, and Moselekatse addressing him said: "Macheng, man of
+Moffat, go with your father. We have arranged respecting you. Moffat
+will take you back to Sechele. That is my wish as well as his, that you
+should be in the first instance restored to the chief from whom you were
+taken in war. When captured you were a child; I have reared you to be a
+man."
+
+The effect of this deliverance on the neighbouring tribes was very
+great. It occurred while Moffat was with Moselekatse, arranging for the
+settlement of the new missionaries. When he and his charge arrived at
+Sechele's town, on his way home, he was met by Sechele and the other
+chiefs of his tribe, who marched on in front, and led them to a kind of
+natural amphitheatre, where at least ten thousand of the people, in all
+their equipments of war, were assembled. Sechele commanded silence, and
+introduced the business of the meeting. Speaker followed speaker, in
+enthusiastic language giving expression to the joy they felt at seeing
+the chief of the Bamangwato return from captivity. In the course of his
+speech one said as follows:--
+
+"Ye tribes, ye children of the ancients, this day is a day of marvel....
+Now I begin to perceive that those who preach are verily true. If Moffat
+were not of God, he would not have espoused the cause of Sechele, in
+receiving his words, and delivering Macheng from the dwelling-place of
+the beasts of prey, to which we Bechwanas dared not approach. There are
+those who contend that there is nothing in religion. Let such to-day
+throw away their unbelief. If Moffat were not such a man, he would not
+have done what he has done, in bringing him who was lost--him who was
+dead--from the strong bondage of the mighty. Moselekatse is a lion; he
+conquered nations, he robbed the strong ones, he bereaved mothers, he
+took away the son of Kheri. We talk of love. What is love? We hear of
+the love of God. Is it not through the love of God that Macheng is among
+us to-day? A stranger, one of a nation--who of you knows its distance
+from us?--he makes himself one of us, enters the lion's abode, and
+brings out to us our own blood."
+
+On reaching home, from his visit to the Matabele, Moffat found that the
+Livingstones were starting for the Zambesi, and were to call at the Cape
+on their way; also that a large party of new missionaries had been
+appointed to commence the new interior missions. The Moffats at once
+started for the Cape, and there met Dr. and Mrs. Livingstone and their
+companions. Once more the mother and daughter embraced each other, and
+as the latter had suffered much on the voyage, it was arranged that she
+should accompany the missionary party, and travel overland to the
+Zambesi.
+
+At Cape Town Moffat also had the pleasure of welcoming his own son, the
+Rev. John Moffat, who was to proceed to the Matabele as a missionary,
+paid for out of Dr. Livingstone's private resources. Sir George Grey,
+Her Majesty's High Commissioner, warmly encouraged the proposed plans
+for extending Christianity and commerce to the interior tribes, and
+arranged with Robert Moffat for establishing a postal communication with
+the Zambesi _viâ_ Kuruman.
+
+All arrangements having been completed the missionaries left Cape Town
+on their way to Kuruman, from whence they were to proceed to their
+respective stations, with the Makololo and the Matabele. Delays,
+however, intervened; the Boers had attacked some of the Batlapings, and
+threatened to attack the Kuruman station; the difficulties of the road
+also prevented some of the party arriving with the others. At last,
+however, the way was made clear, the opposition of the Boers to the
+advance of the party was, through the intervention of Sir George Grey,
+overcome, and on the 7th of July, 1859, the first division started for
+their far distant destination. This division comprised Mr. Helmore, a
+veteran who for many years had been stationed at Lekatlong, with his
+wife and four children, and Mr. and Mrs. Price. There was also a native
+teacher from Lekatlong, named Tabe, who determined to accompany his old
+missionary, and the usual staff of native attendants. These were all to
+proceed to the Makololo. The situation was a grave one. The end of the
+journey was a point a thousand miles farther into the interior than any
+of them had ever been, except two native servants, who had accompanied
+Livingstone on a previous occasion. But they went forward in faith not
+knowing what lay before them, but trusting all into the hands of Him,
+without whose knowledge not even a sparrow falls to the ground.
+
+A week later Mr. Thomas and John Moffat with their wives left; they were
+speedily followed by Robert Moffat and Mr. Sykes. At Sechele's town the
+two portions of this latter division were united, and thence they
+journeyed onwards towards the Matabele. Disease broke out among some of
+their oxen, and, on reaching the first outpost of Moselekatse's people,
+a messenger was sent forward to the king explaining the state of
+affairs, and proposing that the oxen of the missionaries should be left
+in quarantine, and that Moselekatse should supply his own oxen to bring
+the party to headquarters. This message was sent so as to avoid
+connecting the advent of the Gospel among these people with that of a
+pestilence among their herds of cattle; which would inevitably have
+been the case had the diseased oxen proceeded onwards and infected those
+belonging to the Matabele.
+
+An answer was returned to the effect that the party were to proceed, and
+that though the epidemic took effect, they should be held guiltless.
+
+Moffat despatched a second messenger, to say that he had heard the
+king's words, and in a couple of days would leave; but that he begged
+the monarch to reflect on the consequences of the epidemic being
+introduced among his tens of thousands of cattle, and to believe that
+the mission party felt the most extreme anxiety upon the subject.
+
+They then proceeded forward very slowly for two or three days, when they
+were met by another messenger, who stated that Moselekatse was gratified
+with the anxiety expressed for him and his; and that now, fully
+convinced of his danger, he desired that all their oxen should return,
+and that warriors were advancing to drag the mission waggons to
+headquarters.
+
+Every one started with surprise at the strange idea, but soon the
+warriors came, shields, and spears, and all, also a number of oxen to be
+slaughtered for food. After some war evolutions, the warriors took the
+place of the draught oxen, and a start was made. There was many "a
+strong pull, a long pull, and a pull all together," as the waggons
+rolled onward; but after ten days' hard struggle and slow progress, it
+became evident that the men sent were unequal to the task, and the
+monarch, who for some unknown reason had kept his oxen back, sent them
+at last to bring the waggons to his camp.
+
+Moselekatse received his old friend with his usual cordiality; but it
+soon became evident that something was wrong. All kinds of evasions and
+delays met the request for a spot of ground on which to found a mission
+station; days, weeks, and months passed, during which the missionaries
+suffered great hardships; and at last the chief broke up his camp and
+left them, without oxen to draw their waggons, saying that he would send
+people to guide them to the spot where they were to settle, and at which
+place he would join them later on.
+
+His conduct seemed strange, and Moffat began to suspect that he had
+repented of giving his permission for the missionaries to settle with
+him. This proved to be the case; the Boer inroads, following as they had
+done, in several cases, the advent of the missionaries, made him
+suspicious, and the fears of himself and people having been aroused, the
+question was in debate as to whether the settlement should be allowed or
+not.
+
+At last a favourable change took place, the clouds dispersed, and the
+sky became clear. Oxen were sent to take the missionary waggons forward
+to Inyati, there to join Moselekatse. All was settled, a spot which
+looked well for a station was pointed out, each of the new-comers
+pitched his tent under a tree that he had chosen, until a more solid
+dwelling should be erected, and the Matabele Mission was fairly
+established. This was in December, 1859.
+
+The Mission was established, but work had only begun. The first six
+months of the year 1860 were months of incessant toil to the
+missionaries at Inyati. Houses had to be built, waggons repaired, and
+garden ground made ready for cultivation. Early and late, Moffat was to
+be found at work,--in the saw-pit, at the blacksmith's forge, or
+exercising his skill at the carpenter's bench; in all ways aiding and
+encouraging his younger companions. He also endeavoured to gain
+Moselekatse's consent to the opening of regular communication with the
+Livingstone expedition on the Zambesi _viâ_ Matabeleland, but the
+suspicious nature of the monarch foiled this project. The isolation of
+his country in this direction was so great that, although but a
+comparatively short distance away, no tidings whatever could be obtained
+of the other party who, under Mr. Helmore, had gone to the Makololo
+tribe.
+
+In June, 1860, Moffat felt that his work at Inyati was done. He had
+spared neither labour of mind nor body in planting the Mission, and had
+endured hardships at his advanced age that younger men might well have
+shrunk from. The hour approached for him to bid a final farewell to
+Moselekatse, and once more he drew near to the chiefs kraal, with the
+purpose of speaking to him and his people, for the last time, on the
+all-important themes of life, death, and eternity. The old chief was in
+his large courtyard and received his missionary friend kindly. Together
+they sat, side by side--the Matabele despot, whose name struck terror
+even then into many native hearts, and the messenger of the Prince of
+Peace, the warriors ranged themselves in a semi-circle, the women crept
+as near as they could, and all listened to the last words of "Moshete."
+It was a solemn service, and closed the long series of efforts which the
+missionary had made to reach the hearts of Moselekatse and his people.
+On the morrow he started for home, which he reached in safety, having
+been absent twelve months.
+
+Meanwhile, terrible trials had befallen the party who had started to
+found the Makololo Mission. The difficulties attending their journey to
+Linyanti were such as nothing but the noblest Christian principle would
+have induced them to encounter, or enabled them to surmount. The chief
+of these was the great scarcity of water. One of their trials is thus
+described:--
+
+"From the Zouga we travelled on pretty comfortably, till near the end of
+November, when we suffered much from want of water.... For more than a
+week every drop we used had to be walked for about thirty-five miles.
+Mrs. Helmore's feelings may be imagined, when one afternoon, the
+thermometer standing at 107 deg. in the shade, she was saving just _one
+spoonful of water_ for each of the dear children for the next morning,
+not thinking of taking a drop herself. Mr. Helmore, with the men, was
+then away searching for water; and when he returned the next morning
+with the precious fluid, we found that he had walked _full forty
+miles_."
+
+At length, after enduring innumerable difficulties and privations for
+seven months, they arrived at Linyanti, the residence of the chief
+Sekeletu. He refused to allow them to remove to a more healthy spot, but
+proposed that they should live with him in the midst of his
+fever-generating marshes, and as no better plan offered, they were
+compelled to accept it. In the course of a week all were laid low with
+fever. Little Henry Helmore and his sister, with the infant babe of Mr.
+Price, were the first to die; then followed the heart-stricken mother,
+Mrs. Helmore; six weeks later Mr. Helmore breathed his last; and the
+missionary band was reduced to Mr. and Mrs. Price and the helpless
+orphans. As the only means of saving their lives the survivors prepared
+to depart, but now the chief threw obstacles in the way of their doing
+so. Their goods were stolen, their waggon taken possession of; and upon
+Mr. Price telling the chief that "if they did not let him go soon they
+would have to bury him beside the others," he was simply told "that he
+might as well die there as anywhere else."
+
+Finally a few things were allowed for the journey, and the sorrowful
+party started homeward, Mr. Price very ill, and his wife having lost the
+use of her feet and legs.
+
+With the scantiest possible provision they had to face a journey of
+upwards of a thousand miles to Kuruman, but they set forward. Just as
+they were beginning to take hope after their heavy trials, and to think
+of renewed efforts for the Lord, Mrs. Price was called to her rest. "My
+dear wife," wrote the sorrowing husband, "had been for a long time
+utterly helpless, but we all thought she was getting better. In the
+morning I found her breathing very hard. She went to sleep that night,
+alas! to wake no more. I spoke to her, and tried to wake her, but it was
+too late. I watched her all the morning. She became worse and worse, and
+a little after mid-day her spirit took its flight to God who gave it. I
+buried her the same evening under a tree--the only tree on the immense
+plain of Mahabe. This is indeed a heavy stroke, but 'God is my refuge
+and strength, a very present help in trouble.'"
+
+Finally the bereaved missionary was met by Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie, who
+had started to join the Makololo Mission, and, as all turned their steps
+towards Kuruman, they were rejoiced by meeting Robert Moffat, who,
+having heard of the disaster, and that Mr. Price, with the remnant of
+the party, were on the road, had gone out in search of them. All
+returned sorrowfully to Kuruman, and the ill-fated Makololo Mission
+collapsed.
+
+Robert Moffat and his wife watched the progress of the Mission at Inyati
+with the keenest interest. In it they seemed to live their early life at
+Lattakoo over again. Their hearts were in the work of the missionaries
+at that distant station; and, over and above the earnest desire they had
+to see the work of God prosper among those uncivilised natives, was the
+tie of kinship, their own flesh and blood being present in the person of
+their son, John Moffat, who, with his wife, formed a portion of the
+Matabele Mission. Post-bags and supplies were forwarded by every
+available opportunity, and warm words of cheer and sympathy from the
+aged pair at Kuruman encouraged the workers in the far distant region to
+perseverance in their work for the Lord.
+
+Kuruman served indeed as a home station to which all the interior
+missionaries could look. The fact of being an interior missionary was
+sufficient to secure the travel-worn stranger, or friend, a warm welcome
+and good cheer for weeks together, and none entered more heartily or
+with deeper sympathy into the plans and endeavours of the wayfarer, or
+offered more earnest prayers on the behalf of himself and his work, than
+the tried and faithful couple, Robert and Mary Moffat, who had for so
+many years borne the burden and heat of the day.
+
+In October, 1861, their daughter Bessie, who was born on board ship in
+Table Bay, as they were leaving for their first visit to England,
+married Mr. R. Price, whose wife died the previous year, during that
+terrible journey from Linyanti, when the Makololo Mission had to be
+abandoned. Thus as one fell from the ranks, another stepped forward to
+take the vacant place, and carry on the glorious work for the sake of
+Him who said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every
+creature." The Prices went for a time to Shoshong, hoping to join the
+Matabele Mission, but finally laboured among the Bakwena, under the
+chief Sechele.
+
+The Kuruman station itself during this time presented a scene of
+unabated activity. A revision of the New Testament was in progress, the
+youngest Miss Moffat, then the only child at home, was working hard at
+schools and classes, and Mr. Ashton was again at work with his old
+colleague.
+
+The year 1862 brought severe domestic bereavements to the Moffats.
+During a journey to Durban, in Natal, their eldest son, Mr. Robert
+Moffat, died, leaving a wife and four children. He had started to bring
+them from Durban to the home he had prepared at Kuruman. He had
+primarily been intended for a missionary, and had been sent to England
+to be educated for that purpose, but his health failing he had to return
+to South Africa, where for some time he served in the Survey Department
+under Government, and afterwards became a trader. He was very highly
+respected and had thoroughly gained the confidence of the natives.
+
+A few weeks later the sad tidings reached the sorrowing parents from the
+Zambesi that their eldest daughter Mary, the wife of Dr. Livingstone,
+had been called to her rest. A white marble cross, near Shupanga House
+on the Shiré River, marks the spot where this sainted martyr to the
+cause of Africa's regeneration sleeps in peace.
+
+In the following year tidings reached Robert Moffat that William Ross
+the missionary at Lekatlong, about eighty miles to the south-east, was
+seriously ill. In a few hours Moffat was on his way; he arrived in time
+to find his friend alive, and did all that could be done to alleviate
+his suffering, but shortly after he also passed away. This mournful
+event led to Mr. Ashton being transferred to Lekatlong, and for a time
+the whole weight of duty at Kuruman rested on Moffat's shoulders.
+
+Although in perils oft, Robert Moffat had never suffered thus far
+personal violence from the hands of a native, but now he had a very
+narrow escape from death. A young man, who for some time had been living
+on the station, had shown signs of a disordered mind, and was placed
+under mild restraint. Conceiving a violent personal animosity against
+the missionary, he attacked him as he was returning from church, and
+with a knobbed stick inflicted some terrible blows, then, frightened at
+his own violence, he fled. To one with a weaker frame than Robert
+Moffat's the consequences might have been very serious; as it was he
+recovered, though with a heart that was sorely grieved.
+
+In 1865, the Mission was reinforced by the arrival of the Rev. John
+Brown, from England, and by John Moffat, who had returned from the
+Matabele. The relaxation from the active duties of the station thus
+afforded was utilised by Robert Moffat in the work of Scripture
+revision, the preparation of additional hymns, and the carrying of
+smaller works through the press.
+
+Mention has been made of the marriage of their second daughter, Ann, to
+Jean Frédoux, a missionary of the Paris Evangelical Society, who was
+stationed at Motito, a place situated about thirty-six miles to the
+north-east of Kuruman. He was a man of gentle disposition and addicted
+to study. Early in March, 1866, he had started upon a tour to carry on
+evangelistic work among the Barolong villages along the margin of the
+Kalahari desert. While visiting one of these, a low class trader arrived
+who had been guilty of atrocious conduct at Motito. The natives insisted
+upon the trader going to Kuruman, where his conduct could be
+investigated, and, upon his refusing to do so, prepared to take him by
+force. He intrenched himself in his waggon with all his guns loaded, and
+dared any one to lay hands upon him. Frédoux seeing the serious state
+that matters were assuming quietly drew near to the trader's waggon, and
+urged him to go peaceably to Kuruman, assuring him that the people were
+determined he should go, if not peaceably, then by force.
+
+While thus pleading with this man, a fearful explosion took place, the
+waggon and its occupant were blown to atoms, Jean Frédoux and twelve
+natives were killed, and about thirty more were injured.
+
+This was a further heavy affliction for Robert Moffat and his wife. As
+soon as they heard of the catastrophe, Robert hastened to succour his
+widowed daughter, and to consign to the grave at Motito the shattered
+remains of his son-in-law.
+
+A few months later another visit was paid to the open grave, this time
+to consign to its last resting place the body of Mrs. Brown, the wife of
+the Rev. John Brown, who a short time before had taken up his abode at
+the Kuruman as a colleague of Robert Moffat.
+
+In 1868 the missionary staff at that station consisted of Robert Moffat
+and his son John Moffat. The former had now more than completed the
+three-score years and ten allotted to man as the duration of human life,
+and unlike the great leader of God's chosen people, of whom it is said,
+"his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated," Robert Moffat felt
+the infirmities of age creeping very rapidly upon him. Yet he held on
+his way for two years longer. A short and constant cough during the
+winter months aggravated his natural tendency to sleeplessness, and at
+last he felt himself reluctantly compelled to accept the invitation of
+the Directors to return finally to England.
+
+Going home to England it could hardly be called, his home was with his
+loved Bechwanas, with those for whom he had toiled and prayed so long.
+The ashes of his son Robert, and of his devoted daughter Mary reposed
+beneath the sands of Africa; his early and later manhood had been spent
+beneath its scorching sun. The house he was to leave had been the
+birthplace of most of his children, and his home for more than forty
+years. Yes, it was hard to leave; and the expectation had become very
+real to him that his body and that of his faithful partner would be laid
+side by side in that little burial-ground in the bushy dell, marked by a
+few trees, at Kuruman. But the final determination had been arrived at,
+and with slow and hesitating steps, as though waiting for something,
+even then, to prevent their departure, preparations were made for
+leaving the station for ever.
+
+Of the general aspect of affairs at the Kuruman during these last two
+years we have a graphic description from the pen of the Rev. John
+Moffat, who in a letter to the Directors dated 12th October, 1868, wrote
+as follows:--
+
+"The public services on the station are a prayer-meeting at sunrise on
+Sunday; preaching in Sechwana, morning, afternoon, and evening, with the
+Sunday school twice, and a juvenile afternoon service. The early
+prayer-meeting is left entirely to the natives, the three preaching
+services entirely to the missionaries, and the Sunday school, with the
+juvenile service, to my sister. There is also a Wednesday evening
+service, a monthly missionary prayer meeting, a church meeting, and a
+prayer meeting on Thursday afternoon. This last is in the hands of the
+natives. No native takes any part in the preaching on the station,
+except in extreme cases, when it is regarded as a makeshift. My father
+and I share the preaching between us. Occasionally, say once in three
+weeks, one of us rides to two villages to the north-west, holding
+services at each; they are respectively eight and twelve miles distant.
+My custom at home, in the regular way, is to give New Testament reading
+in the morning, a topical sermon in the afternoon, and Old Testament
+exposition in the evening. On Monday evening I have a young men's Bible
+class, which is to me the most interesting work I have to do, more
+especially as I have much encouragement in it.... On the Monday evening,
+also, my sister and I hold a practising class for the purpose of trying
+to improve the singing. On Tuesday evening I meet male inquirers, on
+Wednesday, before the service, I have a Bible class for women, on
+Thursday we have an English prayer meeting, and on Friday evening I meet
+female inquirers. I need not mention the school conducted by my sister
+and three native assistants."
+
+Speaking of the place and people he continues:--
+
+"The population is small and scattered. On the spot there must be a good
+many people, and also at the villages to the north-west; but otherwise
+the district contains only small villages of from twenty to one hundred
+huts. It extends fifty miles west and north-west, and about twenty-five
+miles in other directions.
+
+"The people are poor and must remain so. The country is essentially dry.
+Irrigation is necessary for successful agriculture, and there are few
+spots where water flows. There is no market for cattle, even if they
+throve abundantly, which they do not. I despair of much advance in
+civilisation, when their resources are so small, and when the European
+trade is on the principle of enormous profits and losses. Two hundred
+per cent, on Port Elizabeth prices is not considered out of the way.
+
+[Illustration: MAIN STREET IN PORT ELIZABETH.]
+
+"Heathenism, as a system, is weak, indeed in many places it is nowhere.
+Christianity meets with little opposition. The people generally are
+prodigious Bible readers, church-goers, and psalm-singers, I fear to a
+large extent without knowledge. Religion to them consists in the above
+operations, and in giving a sum to the Auxiliary. I am speaking of the
+generality, There are many whom I cannot but feel to be Christians, but
+dimly. This can hardly be the result of low mental power alone. The
+Bechwanas show considerable acuteness when circumstances call it out.
+
+"The educational department of the Mission has been kept in the
+background. On this station the youth on leaving school have sunk back
+for want of a continued course being opened to them. The village
+schoolmasters, uneducated themselves, and mostly unpaid, make but a
+feeble impression. The wonder is that they do so much, and where the
+readers come from. It is hard to say that the older missionaries could
+have done otherwise.... I cannot tell you how one thing presses on me
+every day: the want of qualified native schoolmasters and teachers; and
+the question: how are they to be obtained?"
+
+On Sunday, 20th March, 1870, Robert Moffat preached for the last time in
+the Kuruman church, and on the Friday following the departure took
+place. "Ramary" and "Mamary," as Mr. and Mrs. Moffat were called, had
+completely won the hearts of the natives. For weeks past messages of
+farewell had been coming from the more distant towns and villages, and
+now that the final hour had arrived and the venerable missionary, with
+his long white beard, and his equally revered wife, left their house and
+walked to their waggon they were beset by crowds of people, each one
+longing for another shake of the hand, a last parting word, or a final
+look; and, as the waggon drove away, a long pitiful wail rose from those
+who felt that their teacher and friend was with them no more.
+
+After a rough but safe journey of eight weeks, Robert and Mary Moffat
+reached Port Elizabeth on the 20th May, 1870, and received a hearty
+welcome from a large number of missionaries and other Christian friends,
+who had gathered to meet them. Making a brief stay they embarked in the
+mail steamer _Roman_ and landed at Cape Town on the 2nd of June. Here
+they were entertained by the Christian community at a public breakfast.
+A few days later they embarked in the steamship _Norseman, en route_ for
+England.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CLOSING SCENES.
+
+
+In the Chronicle of the London Missionary Society for March, 1870, the
+following notice appeared: "Our readers will be glad to hear that there
+is now a definite prospect of welcoming again to England our veteran
+missionary, the Rev. Robert Moffat. He may be expected, with Mrs.
+Moffat, about the month of June. Mr. Moffat no longer enjoys his former
+robust health. In his last letter he writes: 'What to me was formerly a
+molehill is now a mountain, and we both have for some time past begun to
+feel some of the labour and sorrow so frequently experienced by those
+who have passed their three-score years and ten.'"
+
+The _Norseman_ reached Plymouth on the 24th of July, and next day Robert
+and Mary Moffat landed at Southampton, thus returning to their native
+land, to leave it no more, after an absence of over fifty years; during
+which time they had visited it only once before.
+
+On the 1st of August he was welcomed by the Society, at an influential
+meeting, convened for the purpose, in the Board Room of the Mission
+House, in Blomfield Street. At that meeting, alluding to his previous
+visit in 1839, and to the printing of the New Testament in Sechwana, he
+stated as follows:--
+
+"When I came to the Cape, previous to my first visit, I brought a
+translation of the New Testament, which I had translated under
+considerable difficulties, being engaged a portion of the day in roofing
+an immense church, and the remainder in exegetical examinations and
+consulting concordances. I was anxious to get it printed, and I brought
+it down to the Cape, but there I could find no printing-office that
+would undertake it. The Committee of the Bible Society very kindly--as
+they have always been to me, I say it with pleasure--forwarded paper and
+ink to the Cape expecting I should get the work done there. As I said,
+there was not a printing-office that would undertake it. Dining with Sir
+George Napier, the Governor, I informed him of the difficulty. He said,
+'Jump on board a ship with your translation and get it printed in
+England, and you will be back again while they are thinking about it
+here. Print a New Testament among a set of Dutch printers! why I can't
+even get my proclamations printed.' I said, 'I have become too
+barbarous; I have almost forgotten my own language; I should be
+frightened to go there.' 'Oh stuff!' he said.
+
+"Some time after he met me in the street: 'Well, Moffat, what have you
+determined upon?' 'I am waiting the return of Dr. Philip.' 'Don't wait
+for anybody; just jump on board a ship. Think of the importance of
+getting the New Testament put in print in a new language!' He invited me
+to dinner again and said, 'Have you come to a conclusion? I wish I could
+give you mine. I feel some interest in the extension of the knowledge of
+the Word of God. Take nobody's advice, but jump on board a ship for
+England.' He spoke so seriously that I began to feel serious myself.
+
+[Illustration: MARY MOFFAT.]
+
+"Dr. Philip came, and when the Governor explained the circumstances, the
+Doctor said, 'Go, by all means.' I was nervous at the thought. I was not
+a nervous man in Africa. I could sleep and hear the lions roar. There
+seemed so many great folks to meet with. I came to England and by-and-by
+I got over it."
+
+On the Wednesday, following this meeting, he was entertained at a public
+breakfast at the Cannon Street Hotel.
+
+For a few weeks the Moffats dwelt at Canonbury, though Robert himself
+was so much engaged in visiting different parts of the country,
+Edinburgh included, where he met with many old friends, that he was not
+suffered at this time to dwell for long in any one place.
+
+The winter was spent at Brixton, and on the 21st of December, £1000 was
+presented to Robert Moffat as a birthday gift, a most cheering tribute
+of esteem to a tried and faithful servant of Jesus Christ.
+
+The effects of this act of kindness had not passed away when a heavy
+cloud hung over the happy home at Brixton. She, who for more than
+half-a-century had been the loving helpmeet of the African missionary,
+sharing his joys and sorrows, his hopes and discouragements, and many of
+his privations and perils, lay dying. A troublesome cough, a difficulty
+of breathing, a few long deep breaths, and she was gone, without even a
+word of farewell; called home to receive the "Well done, good and
+faithful servant," and to enter into the joy of her Lord. Her last words
+were a prayer for her husband, that strength might be given him to bear
+the blow.
+
+Robert Moffat indeed needed strength in this hour of affliction. His
+first exclamation on finding that she had really gone was, "For
+fifty-three years I have had her to pray for me," and writing to his old
+friend and fellow-labourer, Roger Edwards, who was then at Port
+Elizabeth, he said, "How lonely I feel, and if it were not for Jeanie
+(his daughter) it would be much more so."
+
+The events of the next few years may be briefly summarised. He travelled
+much to different parts of the country, visiting High Leigh, the old
+house at Dukinfield, and Carronshore. His services were continually in
+requisition for missionary meetings, and doubtless many of our readers
+will be old enough to remember the bronzed face, with its full flowing
+beard, blanched by age, the keen eyes, and the venerable form of Robert
+Moffat at this time, and to call to mind the pleasure they derived as
+they listened to his glowing descriptions of the needs of Africa.
+
+The winter of 1871 was passed at Ventnor, in the Isle of Wight, and
+occupied in revising proof sheets of the Old Testament in Sechwana.
+While there he was, by Her Majesty's own desire, introduced to the
+Queen, whom he had never seen before. He also received the degree of
+Doctor of Divinity, from the University of Edinburgh.
+
+To meet the need for training a native ministry, which had been felt by
+Moffat and others engaged in the work of the Bechwana Mission, and which
+had shortly before his return been pressed upon the attention of the
+Directors, several thousand pounds were subscribed, and, as a way of
+doing honour to the veteran who was now in their midst, it was proposed
+to call the Institute that was to be founded, "The Moffat Institute."
+This now stands as a centre of influence amidst the tribes surrounding
+the Kuruman station.
+
+In 1873, a number of friends, who thought that the liberal contributions
+which had been subscribed to the Institute, hardly gave such a direct
+proof of their esteem for their venerated friend as could be desired,
+presented Robert Moffat with a sum of upwards of £5000. This liberality
+provided for his wants during the remainder of his life, enabled him to
+serve the Directors and the cause of missions, without being any longer
+a burden upon the funds of the Society, and also placed him in a
+position to meet the wants of his widowed daughter and her fatherless
+family.
+
+While living at Brixton, Robert Moffat attended the ministry of the late
+Rev. Baldwin Brown, in whose mission-work in Lambeth he was much
+interested. On his eightieth birthday, 21st December, 1875, he opened
+the new Mission Hall in connection with this work, which hall was
+thenceforward called by his name. On the same day he received many
+congratulatory tokens, among them being an address signed by a great
+number of Congregational ministers from every part of the country. Prior
+to this in the same year, he had lectured upon Missions in Westminster
+Abbey, and in the preceding year he had performed the melancholy duty of
+identifying the remains of his son-in-law, Dr. Livingstone, upon their
+being brought home from Africa.
+
+Engagements and constant requests for his services made great inroads
+upon his time. "People either could not or would not see that he was
+getting old," he frequently said; but people knew that as long as he had
+strength to speak, he would not grow weary of addressing audiences on
+missionary work.
+
+In 1876, we find him dining on one occasion with the Archbishop of
+Canterbury at Lambeth Palace, and on another breakfasting with Mr.
+Gladstone, in the house of the Rev. Newman Hall. In the following year
+by invitation of the French Missionary Society he visited Paris, and
+while there addressed a meeting of 4000 Sunday-school children.
+
+On the 20th of December, 1878, he received the freedom of the City of
+London, and somewhat over two years later was the guest of the then Lord
+Mayor, Alderman, now Sir William, McArthur, for several days, a banquet
+being given in his honour.
+
+During the time that Cetewayo was in England Robert Moffat was much
+interested in him and paid him a visit. Among the Zulu king's attendants
+was a man who could speak Sechwana, and with him Moffat at once got into
+conversation. The man's delight was unbounded. He had been in the train
+of a son of Moselekatse, and had heard of the missionary. "A u Moshete?"
+(Are you Moffat) he asked again and again, with beaming eyes exclaiming
+when convinced of the fact, "I see this day what my eyes never expected
+to behold, Moshete!"
+
+For the last four years of his life Robert Moffat resided at Park
+Cottage, Leigh, near Tunbridge, where he was the tenant of the late
+Samuel Morley, Esq. From both Mr. and Mrs. Morley he received much
+kindness, which continued until the day of his death.
+
+The end now drew near. In 1883, he complained of great weariness and
+intermittent pulsation. This troubled him so constantly that advice was
+sought. For a short time this availed. He attended the Bible Society's
+meeting in the second week in May, and the meeting of the London
+Missionary Society on the 10th, and in July paid a visit to Knockholt,
+where he met Mr. and Mrs. George Sturge. From this visit he returned
+seeming better, but in a few days unfavourable symptoms again showed
+themselves. Yet the strong frame, that had endured so much, seemed loath
+to give in, and, whenever able, he was in and out of his garden. He also
+took two drives, Mrs. Morley very kindly sending her carriage for that
+purpose when he felt able to make use of it.
+
+"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man
+is peace." Most beautifully was this truth exemplified in the closing
+scenes of the life of this truly noble and good man. On Sunday, 5th
+August, he was too weak to attend chapel, and spent a peaceful Sabbath
+at home. He was very fond of hymns and would often repeat one after
+another. In the evening he chose several which were sung, though
+feebleness prevented him from joining the singing. Among those chosen
+were: "The sands of time are sinking," "Come, Thou fount of every
+blessing," "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds," and "Nearer, my God, to
+Thee." His New Testament was his constant companion during these last
+days, and whatever the topic of conversation, it always turned with him
+to heaven and the Saviour.
+
+On Monday he seemed somewhat better, but on Tuesday night he was much
+worse. Hours of pain and sleeplessness were passed, yet he rose on
+Wednesday and went out several times to the garden. In the evening he
+became very ill and had a fainting fit, but managed after awhile to get
+upstairs, and, after remaining on the bedside for some time, propped up
+with pillows, he undressed, with little assistance and much
+deliberation, winding up his watch, with a cold, trembling hand,--"for
+the last time," he said.
+
+The doctor arrived shortly afterwards, who found that he had broken a
+blood-vessel. The night was passed partly in peaceful sleep, and partly
+in converse with his children who were then present. His daughter says,
+"He was just full of his Saviour's love and mercy all through his life;
+he repeated many hymns and passages of Scripture."
+
+On Thursday morning he was visited by Mr. Morley and two other friends,
+with whom he conversed. He also had his Testament, but finding he could
+not read it, his daughters read to him. He repeated many hymns, among
+them the Scotch version of the hundred and third Psalm, but stopped and
+said, "There is nothing like the original," which was then read from the
+Bible. His mother's favourite hymn, "Hail, sovereign Light," was also by
+his special desire read to him.
+
+Another sleep--a wandering, perhaps unconscious, look at his children, a
+struggle, and then a quietness? and the pilgrimage was over, the spirit
+had fled to be present with the Lord whom he had loved so well and
+served so faithfully. "His end was peace."
+
+He died on the 10th of August, 1883, in his eighty-eighth year.
+
+The funeral took place a few days later at Norwood Cemetery, when,
+surrounded by such relatives as were in England, Sir Bartle Frere, Mr.
+Samuel Morley and several other Members of Parliament, deputations from
+the various Missionary and several Religious Societies, and by the Mayor
+of Bloemfontein, his remains were consigned to the tomb.
+
+Never had a truer hero been borne to the grave, nor one more thoroughly
+worthy of the name of MAN.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+As soon as it was realised that Robert Moffat had actually gone, it was
+felt that a truly great man had departed from among us. A niche in the
+temple of earth's true nobility seemed empty. The prevailing feeling was
+given expression to by some of the leading journals, which in eulogistic
+articles commented upon the life, work, and character of him who had
+gone.
+
+_The Times_, in its review, contained the following remarks:--"His chief
+work was among the Bechwanas. His picture of what they were when he
+first knew them would hardly now be recognised, so entirely have they
+changed under the new influences which Moffat was the first to bring to
+bear upon them. He found them mere savages, constantly at war among
+themselves and with their neighbours, ignorant of the arts of
+agriculture, and in the utterly degraded state for which we must seek a
+counterpart now in the more distant tribes, whom the message of
+civilisation has not yet reached. His first care was to make himself
+thoroughly master of the language of those to whom he was sent. For
+fifty years he has declared he had been accustomed to speak the
+Bechwana tongue; he reduced it to written characters, and translated the
+Scriptures into it. The Bechwanas, under Moffat's guidance, became new
+men. Mission work grew and spread among them; what Moffat had begun to
+do was taken up by other hands; a permanent body of native pastors was
+created from among the Bechwanas themselves, and the whole region was
+raised out of the savage state in which Moffat had found it, and became,
+in no small degree, civilised as well as Christianised.... It would
+seem, indeed, that it is only by the agency of such men as Moffat and
+his like that the contact of the white and black races can be anything
+but a curse to the blacks. It is the missionary alone who seeks nothing
+for himself. He has chosen an unselfish life. If honour comes to him, it
+is by no choice of his own, but as the unsought tribute which others, as
+it were, force upon him. Robert Moffat has died in the fullness both of
+years and honours. His work has been to lay the foundations of the
+Church in the central regions of South Africa. As far as his influence
+and that of his coadjutors and successors has extended, it has brought
+with it unmixed good. His name will be remembered while the South
+African Church endures, and his example will remain with us as a
+stimulus to others, and as an abiding proof of what a Christian
+missionary can be and can do."
+
+The _Brighton Daily News_ commenced its article by saying:--"The grave
+has just closed over one of the most notable men whose figures are
+familiar to the inhabitants of Brighton. Robert Moffat, the veteran
+pioneer in the mission field, and the simplest of heroes, has passed
+away, and many of the noblest of the land followed his remains to their
+resting-place." It concluded with, "In the drawing-rooms of fashionable
+Brighton, crowded with the lovers of art and science, no one grudged the
+cessation of music the most classical, or of conversation the most
+charming, to listen to the venerable Doctor when requested to repeat
+some incidents of his missionary life. All felt that the scene was
+hallowed by the presence of one who had done a work for the good of men,
+such as few have been privileged to accomplish. Robert Moffat belonged
+to no sect or party. To better the world and advance the one Church
+formed the sole end of his being."
+
+Other journals and magazines bore like testimony to his worth.
+
+Of his work we have said much in the preceding pages, and also something
+of its results. To this may be added Robert Moffat's own account of some
+of the benefits which sprung from the prosecution of missionary
+enterprise in South Africa. In his speech at Port Elizabeth, on finally
+leaving for England, in May, 1870, referring to the general progress
+made in the interior, he said:--
+
+"Christianity has already accomplished much in this long benighted land.
+When I first went to the Kuruman scarcely an individual could go beyond.
+Now they travel in safety to the Zambesi. Then we were strangers, and
+they could not comprehend us. They treated us with great indignity, and
+considered us to be the outcasts of society, who, being driven from our
+own race, went to reside with them; but bearing in remembrance what our
+Saviour had to undergo, we were encouraged to persevere, and much
+success has rewarded our efforts. Now it is safe to traverse any part of
+the country, and traders travel far beyond Kuruman without the slightest
+fear of molestation. Formerly men of one tribe could not travel through
+another's territory, and wars were frequent. During my early mission
+life, I often heard of men of one tribe going to trade with another, and
+being murdered. I was at a native place when a thing of that sort once
+occurred. A party of men had come two hundred miles to dispose of some
+articles. The resident natives, taking a dislike to them, set upon them
+and killed two of their number. I asked them why they had done this, and
+tried to show them it was wrong. They seemed to know that; and from that
+time I have never heard of anything of the sort.
+
+"The influence of Christianity in that country is now very great, and
+constantly increasing. Where one station was scarcely tolerated, there
+are now several. The Moravians have their missionaries. The Berlin
+Society have theirs, and others are engaged in the good work, besides
+numerous native Gospel teachers. Our advanced station at the Matabele is
+in a very prosperous state, and I quite expect that the Matabele will
+become one day a great nation. They sternly obey their own laws, and I
+have noticed that when men of fixed principles become convinced of the
+great truths of Christianity they hold firmly to the faith, and their
+fidelity is not lightly to be shaken."
+
+In the same speech he also mentioned the fact that whereas at first the
+natives would not buy anything, not even a pocket handkerchief, now,
+when he was speaking, no less than sixty thousand pounds worth of
+British manufactures passed yearly into the hands of the native tribes
+around Kuruman.
+
+Thus the missionary prepared the way for the merchant, and the Gospel
+for the progress of civilisation.
+
+Of Moffat's character we have had frequent glimpses in the preceding
+pages; of his personal appearance and dignified mien our portrait and
+pictures give some idea. A few words may, however, be added, based upon
+the facts recorded by his son in the last chapter of "Robert and Mary
+Moffat."
+
+Tall and strong, with dark piercing eyes, he stood, a man of dauntless
+courage, quick and energetic in action, with a resolution in the
+performance of duty that no opposition could thwart; yet, withal, of
+gentle manner, and of an even temper, proof against the many attacks
+made upon it. His disposition was to think well of men, and to believe
+what they said. Deceit he hated, it was the one thing he could not
+forgive. He trusted men implicitly; and this probably accounted for the
+fact that the Bechwanas, who carried the art of lying to perfection,
+seldom lied to him. They knew it was the one thing that would make him
+angry.
+
+His reverence for holy things was very great. He relished a joke as well
+as any man, indeed, there was a good deal of humour in him; but woe to
+that man who spoke jestingly of the things pertaining to God. The Word
+of the Lord was too real and too important for any triviality. God was
+ever present to him, and he lived for God. His son says: "Even when I
+was alone with him, on some of his itinerating journeys, no meal was
+commenced without a reverent doffing of the Scotch bonnet, his usual
+head-dress in those days, and the solemn blessing; and our morning and
+evening worship was never missed or hurried."
+
+An instance of his forbearance under provocation is afforded in the
+following:--
+
+"On our return from England in 1843," says the writer just quoted, "we
+were a large party, with three or four waggons. One night we outspanned
+in the dark, not knowing that we were on forbidden ground--within the
+limits of a farm, but a half-mile short of the homestead. In the early
+morning a young man rode up, and demanded to know what we were doing
+there without leave. My father gently explained that we had done it in
+ignorance, but his explanation was cut short by a harangue loud and
+long. The stripling sat on his horse, my father stood before him with
+bowed head and folded arms, whilst a torrent of abuse poured over him,
+with a plentiful mixture of such terse and biting missiles of invective
+as greatly enrich the South African Dutch language. We stood around and
+remembered that only a few months before the man thus rated like a dog
+was standing before enthusiastic thousands in England, who hung with
+bated breath upon his utterances. Something of shame must have arrested
+the wrath of the young man, for he suddenly rode away without impounding
+our cattle, as he had threatened to do. We inspanned and proceeded,
+calling on our way at the house, and there we found ourselves received
+by a venerable white-haired farmer and his wife with open arms, for they
+and my parents proved to be old friends. Right glad were we that nothing
+had been done on our side to make us ashamed to meet them."
+
+In his home he was a true father, and the influence that surrounded his
+children must have been a happy one, seeing that so many of them
+embraced the missionary calling, and followed in the footsteps of their
+venerated parents. Mary, the eldest daughter, married Dr. Livingstone;
+Ann, the French missionary, Jean Frédoux; Bessie, a younger daughter,
+was united to the Rev. Roger Price; and a son, the Rev. John Moffat,
+became for a time his father's coadjutor at the Kuruman station.
+
+In bringing this memoir to a conclusion, we may be permitted to glance
+at South Africa as it is at the present time, and to note some of the
+contrasts between its condition now, and that as stated in our opening
+chapter, prior to Robert Moffat's arrival.
+
+At the time when he first landed at Cape Town, the work of evangelising
+the heathen was confined principally to two Societies--the Moravian
+Mission and the London Missionary Society. Now the Societies exceed
+twelve in number, and represent the following nationalities: English,
+American, French, Swiss, Norwegian, and the people of Finland.
+
+First, in order of date, may be noticed the work of the Moravian
+Brethren, which is chiefly carried on among the Hottentots and Kafirs.
+Their chief station is Genadendal, eighty miles east of Cape Town, which
+has several smaller stations grouped around it. Besides these, still
+farther east, among the Kafir tribes, is the station of Shiloh, also
+having a number of out-stations gathered round it.
+
+The London Missionary Society follows with its eleven principal stations
+and nine out-stations. This Society is now labouring in South Africa, in
+Kafirland, Bechwanaland and Matabeleland. The Report for 1886 shows
+sixteen English missionaries and sixty-five native preachers as engaged
+in preaching and teaching, and as results, 1361 Church members. These
+returns are however incomplete, and very much has occurred, through the
+numerous wars and unsettled state of the country, to retard the progress
+of missionary work.
+
+Next comes the Wesleyan Missionary Society, who, commencing operations
+at Cape Town in 1814, extended their stations round the coast from
+Little Namaqualand to Zululand. They are also labouring among the
+Barolongs in the Orange Free State, in Swaziland, and at the Gold
+Fields at Barberton, in the Transvaal.
+
+The Scotch Presbyterians are represented by the missions of the Free
+Church of Scotland, and the United Presbyterian Church. These confine
+their labours principally to British Kaffraria and Kafirland. The Free
+Church has a high-class Institution at Lovedale for the training of a
+native ministry and also for teaching the natives many of the useful
+arts, and an improved system of agriculture. There is an efficient staff
+of teachers, and in 1885, 380 pupils attended the Institution, of whom
+seventy-one were Church members and ninety-one candidates or inquirers.
+A similar institution has also been established among the Fingoes at
+Blythswood in Fingoland.
+
+More than fifty years ago, at the suggestion of Dr. Philip, the Rhenish
+Mission commenced work among the Hottentots of Cape Colony, but its
+operations extended, and now embrace Little and Great Namaqualand, south
+and north of the Orange River, and, away beyond, the territory known as
+Damaraland. Their stations are in a flourishing condition, and some
+15,000 converts bear evidence to the success of their efforts. This
+Society also looks after the preparation of native teachers, &c., and
+has an excellent institution for that purpose at Worcester, near Cape
+Town, its principal station.
+
+Still farther north, beyond Damaraland is Ovampoland, occupied by the
+Missionary Society of Finland. Seven ordained Missionaries and three
+Christian artisans were equipped and despatched to work in this region,
+at the suggestion of the Rhenish Society. Their enterprise is of
+comparatively recent date and results cannot yet be tabulated. The
+influence for good exerted will, however, doubtless yield fruit
+by-and-by.
+
+The missions of the Berlin Society stretch from the eastern portion of
+Cape Colony to the Transvaal, and embrace also the Orange Free State and
+the Diamond Fields. They have over 7000 converts, and a large number of
+children under instruction in various schools.
+
+Basutoland, to the east of the Orange Free State, is cared for by the
+French Evangelical Missionary Society, who commenced work in South
+Africa in 1829. Their first missionaries were appointed to the
+Bahurutse, then tributary to Moselekatse, but being repulsed through the
+jealousy of that potentate they settled at Motito, and finally accepted
+an invitation from Moshesh, chief of the Basutos, to work among that
+people. The mission has fourteen principal stations and sixty-six
+out-stations, with about 20,000 adherents, of whom about 3500 are Church
+members.
+
+In 1835 six missionaries, appointed by the American Board of Foreign
+Missions, arrived from the United States to labour in South Africa.
+Three proceeded to Natal and settled near Durban. The other three
+journeyed to Moselekatse at Mosega. Their mission was however broken up
+through the incursions of the Boers, and they were compelled to flee to
+Natal. For some years the mission there was much harassed through war,
+but it is now firmly established and is doing excellent work of a
+religious and educational character, having a number of well-instructed
+native pastors and teachers, besides the staff of European missionaries.
+In 1886 the Board reports having in connection with this mission seven
+stations and seventeen out-stations, and 886 Church members.
+
+The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel commenced its missions in
+South Africa in 1838. Its work is divided between the Colonists and the
+natives, and is carried on in Cape Colony and Natal; its dioceses
+stretching round the coast much in the same manner as the Wesleyan
+stations.
+
+Besides those already mentioned, there are at work now in South Africa
+the Norwegian Missionary Society, labouring in Natal and Zululand; the
+Hermannsburg Mission, founded by Pastor Harms, whose operations are
+carried on in Natal, Zululand, and the Transvaal; and the Swiss society,
+The Mission of the Free Church of the Canton de Vaud, whose efforts are
+directed to a tribe inhabiting a country between Delagoa Bay and
+Sofala.[B]
+
+[B]: [Many of the facts contained in this review of Mission work in South
+Africa have been gleaned from "South Africa," by the Rev. James Sibree,
+F.R.G.S.]
+
+Thus the missionary cause has grown, notwithstanding the many
+difficulties it has had to contend with, and now the sound of the Gospel
+is heard throughout the land. From the southernmost part of what was the
+"Dark Continent," but which is now termed by some the "Twilight
+Continent," and which we trust may soon be blessed with the full light
+of Christianity, there stretches away a series of mission stations right
+to the Zambesi; and there joining hands with the system of Central
+African missions the glad tidings of salvation are wafted onward to the
+great lake, the Victoria Nyanza, in the north; eastward to the coast;
+and, in the west, made known to thousands by means of the various
+organisations now doing such excellent work on the Congo River.
+
+In a central position, amidst the tribes of South Africa, Kuruman, the
+scene of Robert Moffat's trials and triumphs, stands to-day, surrounded
+by a number of native towns and villages, where native teachers, trained
+in the Moffat Institute, are located, and native Churches have been
+formed,--a beacon shedding its glorious rays around, dispelling the
+darkness, and bringing the heathen to the knowledge of the Saviour,
+Jesus Christ.
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Robert Moffat, by David J. Deane
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROBERT MOFFAT ***
+
+***** This file should be named 15379-8.txt or 15379-8.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/3/7/15379/
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Chuck Greif and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+*** END: FULL LICENSE ***
+
diff --git a/15379-8.zip b/15379-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7a4d930
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-8.zip
diff --git a/15379-h.zip b/15379-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..59ba198
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h.zip
diff --git a/15379-h/15379-h.htm b/15379-h/15379-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7a3a68
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/15379-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,5636 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?>
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+<head>
+    <meta name="generator"
+    content="HTML Tidy for Linux/x86 (vers 1st November 2002), see www.w3.org" />
+
+    <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Robert Moffat, The
+    Missionary Hero of KURUMAN by David J. Deane.</title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+    /*<![CDATA[  XML blockout */
+    <!--
+    p {text-indent: 1em; text-align: justify; }
+    body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; }
+
+    h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+         text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+         clear: both;
+         }
+    h2 {margin-top: 3em;}
+    hr { width: 33%;
+         margin-top: 2em;
+         margin-bottom: 2em;
+         margin-left: auto;
+         margin-right: auto;
+         clear: both;
+       }
+
+    .center           {text-align: center;}
+    .footnote         {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;}
+    .footnote .label  {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;}
+    .fnanchor         {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;}
+    .poem             {margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: left;}
+    .poem .stanza     {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;}
+    span.pagenum      {position: absolute; left: 91%; right: 1%; font-size: 7pt;}
+
+    ol.TOC            {list-style-type: upper-roman; margin-right: 10%; margin-left: 10%;}
+    ol li             {margin-bottom: 1em; position: relative;}
+
+    span.tocright     {position: absolute; right: 10%;}
+    -->
+    /* XML end  ]]>*/
+    </style>
+</head>
+
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Robert Moffat, by David J. Deane
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Robert Moffat
+       The Missionary Hero of Kuruman
+
+Author: David J. Deane
+
+Release Date: March 16, 2005 [EBook #15379]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROBERT MOFFAT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Chuck Greif and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+    <h1>ROBERT MOFFAT</h1>
+
+    <h5>The</h5>
+
+    <h3><i>Missionary Hero</i></h3>
+
+    <h5>of</h5>
+
+    <h3>KURUMAN.</h3><br />
+    <br />
+
+
+    <h5>BY</h5>
+
+    <h2>DAVID J. DEANE,</h2>
+
+    <h5>AUTHOR OF "JOHN WICLIFFE, THE MORNING STAR OF THE
+    REFORMATION,"<br />
+    "MARTIN LUTHER, THE REFORMER," ETC.</h5><br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/001.jpg" alt="title page image"
+        width="150" />
+    </div><br />
+
+
+    <h5>FIFTH EDITION. TWENTY-FIFTH THOUSAND.</h5>
+
+    <h3>FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY</h3>
+
+    <h3>NEW YORK &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CHICAGO &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TORONTO</h3>
+
+    <h3><i>Publishers of Evangelical Literature.</i></h3><br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Book Cover" width="640" />
+    </div><br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+    <hr />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <span class="pagenum"><a name="page5"
+    id="page5"></a>{5}</span>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0160.jpg" alt="image" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE</h2>
+
+    <p>The record of a life like that of Robert Moffat, the South
+    African missionary, can never be devoid of interest until all
+    appreciation for noble deeds and patient endeavour becomes
+    extinct in the heart of man. Till then, our pulses will quicken
+    and our enthusiasm kindle as we read of dangers encountered and
+    overcome, of the true courage that could undismayed encounter
+    the king of beasts roaming on the African plain, and of passing
+    the time with savage chiefs, beneath the spears and clubs of
+    whose warriors thousands had been slain. Or our sympathy is
+    awakened as stories of sickness and suffering, of hunger and
+    terrible thirst, of trying disappointments, continued year
+    after year, are related. Anon, gratitude causes the tear to
+    start to our eye as we witness the love that prompts the effort
+    to win the heathen to the Saviour, and see the once benighted
+    ones clothed and subdued, learning in mind and heart the truth
+    of the Gospel. Gratitude arises that we have men, heroic
+    Christian men, who count nothing dear to them, not even their
+    lives, that they may win sinners to the love of Jesus
+    Christ.</p>
+
+    <p>Such an one was he, whose memoir we present to
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page6" id="page6"></a>{6}</span>
+    our readers, with the earnest desire that his strong faith may
+    strengthen ours, that his quiet courage may excite us to
+    perseverance in well-doing, and that his deliverance from
+    manifold and very real dangers may lead us to place reliance
+    upon Him in whom Moffat trusted, and who never forsakes those
+    that trust in Him. May we all see, and especially the youth of
+    our land, as we read the records of such noble lives, that true
+    godliness detracts not from true manhood, but rather that it
+    glorifies and ennobles it, until evil is overcome, and the
+    wicked are put to silence.</p>
+
+    <p>In writing this brief sketch of the life of the Rev. Dr.
+    Moffat, the author has been much indebted to those who have
+    trodden the path before him; especially to the two well-known
+    works, "Robert and Mary Moffat," by their son John S. Moffat,
+    and to Robert Moffat's own book, "Missionary Labours and Scenes
+    in South Africa." He also owes his acknowledgments to "The
+    Missionary Magazine," "The Chronicle of the London Missionary
+    Society," to the Reports of various Missionary Societies, "A
+    Life's Labours in South Africa," and to other works from which
+    information upon the subject has been gathered. To the two
+    first named the author especially refers those of his readers
+    who wish for fuller details than are given in this volume.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0161.jpg" alt="bible" width="400" />
+    </div>
+    <hr />
+    <br />
+    <br />
+
+
+    <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page7"
+    id="page7"></a>{7}</span></p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0162.jpg" alt="image" width="640" />
+    </div><br />
+    <br />
+
+
+    <h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+    <ol class="TOC">
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_I">PIONEER MISSIONS IN SOUTH
+        AFRICA,</a><span class="tocright">9</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH,</a>
+        <span class="tocright">18</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_III">DEPARTURE FOR THE CAPE,</a>
+        <span class="tocright">27</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">MARRIAGE AND ARRIVAL AT
+        LATTAKOO,</a><span class="tocright">49</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_V">THE MANTATEE INVASION,</a>
+        <span class="tocright">63</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">VISIT TO MAKABA,</a>
+        <span class="tocright">71</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">THE AWAKENING,</a>
+        <span class="tocright">85</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">VISIT TO ENGLAND,</a>
+        <span class="tocright">101</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">THE SECHWANA BIBLE,</a>
+        <span class="tocright">118</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_X">CLOSING SCENES,</a>
+        <span class="tocright">141</span></li>
+
+        <li><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CONCLUSION,</a>
+        <span class="tocright">150</span></li>
+    </ol>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+    <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page9"
+    id="page9"></a>{9}</span></p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0163.jpg" alt="image" width="640" />
+    </div><br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <h1><a name="ROBERT_MOFFAT" id="ROBERT_MOFFAT"></a>ROBERT
+    MOFFAT</h1>
+    <hr />
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+    <h3>PIONEER MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA.</h3>
+
+    <p>The history of missions in South Africa abounds in
+    interesting facts and incidents. Stories of heroism, strange
+    adventures, and descriptions of journeyings among savage tribes
+    and through countries frequented by beasts of prey, form part
+    of its details. Its theme is love to God and love to man, and
+    its facts have been called into existence through the efforts
+    of noble-minded and true-hearted men and women to bring their
+    coloured brethren and sisters to the knowledge of the Saviour,
+    Jesus Christ.</p>
+
+    <p>Many names are held in veneration in connection with these
+    missions, names of those who, having laboured faithfully upon
+    earth, have been called to their reward; among these none
+    stands forward with greater prominence than that of Robert
+    Moffat.</p>
+
+    <p>A brief glance at the development of the colony at the Cape
+    of Good Hope, and at the early efforts made to evangelise the
+    native races, may enable the reader
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page10"
+    id="page10"></a>{10}</span> better to understand the work
+    carried on by Robert Moffat, and the success achieved; also to
+    realise something of the position of affairs when he first
+    landed in South Africa.</p>
+
+    <p>Discovered by the Portuguese in 1486, it was not until the
+    middle of the seventeenth century that much was done in the way
+    of European colonisation. In 1652 the bold and mountainous
+    promontory of the Cape was taken possession of by the Dutch,
+    and a settlement was founded on the site of the present Cape
+    Town. The earliest colonists were chiefly Dutch and German
+    farmers; who were joined a little later on by numbers of French
+    and Piedmontese Huguenots, driven from their native lands for
+    conscience' sake.</p>
+
+    <p>At this early period the whole of what is now designated the
+    Colony, was inhabited by Hottentots, a people lighter in colour
+    than the Kafirs and Bechwanas, having pale yellow-brown skins,
+    symmetrical in form when young, hardy, and having small hands
+    and feet. They have nomadic tendencies; and, in their
+    uncivilised state, scarcely practise agriculture. Their system
+    of government is somewhat patriarchal; and they live in
+    "kraals," or villages, consisting of bee-hive shaped huts,
+    arranged in circular form. Their ideas of a Deity are extremely
+    faint, they possess little in the nature of religious
+    ceremonies, but the power of sorcerers among them is great.
+    According to the locality occupied, they are known as
+    Hottentots, Namaquas, or Corannas.</p>
+
+    <p>As the European colonists increased in numbers, they
+    gradually advanced northward and eastward, either driving back
+    the natives or subjugating them as slaves to their service. In
+    1806 the colony passed into the hands of the English, and,
+    after a season of conflict, the Hottentots within the British
+    territory <span class="pagenum"><a name="page11"
+    id="page11"></a>{11}</span> were emancipated. This act of
+    justice took place on 17th July, 1828.</p>
+
+    <p>In the early years of the present century, the natives of
+    South Africa comprised&mdash;besides the Hottentots, who
+    occupied the southern portion of the country, and were thinly
+    scattered, to the north-west, in Great Namaqualand&mdash;the
+    Kafirs, who dwelt in the south-east, beyond the Fish River; the
+    Basutos, whose kraals were south of the Orange River; the
+    Bechwanas and kindred tribes to the north of that river; and
+    far away to the north-west, beyond Namaqualand, the Damara
+    tribes, of whom but little was known at that time. Besides
+    these, there were the Bushmen, a roving people, small in
+    stature, and sunk to the lowest depths of barbarism, hunted
+    down by the Dutch farmers like wild beasts, who had their hands
+    turned against every man, and every man's hand turned against
+    them.</p>
+
+    <p>To the Moravians belongs the honour of first seeking to
+    bring the natives of South Africa under the influences of
+    Christianity. In 1737 George Schmidt, who had been sent forth
+    by the small Moravian church of Herrnhut, arrived in Cape
+    Colony, and at Genadendal (the Vale of Grace), then known as
+    Bavian's Kloof (the Glen of Baboons), established a mission
+    station, where he laboured among the despised and oppressed
+    Hottentots with much success for seven years. His work excited
+    considerable opposition and persecution. He gathered a small
+    Christian community and a school; but the Boers, or Dutch
+    farmers, becoming jealous of the black population receiving
+    education, he was summoned to Holland, and not allowed to
+    return.</p>
+
+    <p>Fifty years elapsed before the Brethren were able to resume
+    their work; but in 1792, three
+    humble<span class="pagenum"><a name="page12"
+    id="page12"></a>{12}</span> Christian artisans recommenced
+    labour at Genadendal. The occupation of the colony by the
+    British Government gave security to their mission, and it soon
+    grew to be a large settlement, and a centre of light and
+    civilisation to the surrounding country.</p>
+
+    <p>In 1799 the London Missionary Society commenced work in Cape
+    Colony; at first by four brethren, who were shortly reinforced
+    by Dr. J.P. Vanderkemp, a native of Holland, a man of rare
+    gifts and dauntless courage. Successively scholar, cavalry
+    officer, and physician, he was for some years a sceptic, but
+    being converted through the drowning of his wife and child, and
+    his own narrow escape from death, he commenced the earnest
+    study of the Bible and the Eastern languages, and gained such
+    wonderful proficiency in the latter, that it is stated he had a
+    fair knowledge of sixteen.</p>
+
+    <p>Vanderkemp chose the Kafir tribes for his field of labour,
+    and in 1799 proceeded from Graf Reinet, then the most distant
+    colonial town, and that nearest to the Kafirs, to the
+    headquarters of that people. Frequently in danger of his life,
+    among those who considered the murder of a white man a
+    meritorious deed, he worked and endured great hardship and
+    privation, that he might make known the truths of the Gospel to
+    the ignorant around, until the close of the year 1800, when,
+    owing to a rebellion among the farmers, and the general
+    unsettled state of the frontier, he was compelled to relinquish
+    his mission.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page13"
+    id="page13"></a>{13}</span></p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0164.jpg" alt="map" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <p>Afterwards he laboured among the Hottentots of the colony
+    with rare self-devotedness, often in great straits and many
+    perils, but with frequent manifestations of the Divine blessing
+    upon the work carried on. Finally, the Hottentot mission was
+    transferred to Bethelsdorp, where steady progress was made. The
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page14"
+    id="page14"></a>{14}</span> scholars readily learned to read
+    and write, and their facility in acquiring religious knowledge
+    was astonishing, considering the peculiar apathy, stupidity,
+    and aversion to any exertion, mental or corporeal, which
+    characterised the natives. Dr. Vanderkemp died in 1811, after
+    breathing out the Christian assurance, "All is well."</p>
+
+    <p>While Dr. Vanderkemp bent his steps towards Kafirland, three
+    other missionaries, by name Kitcherer, Kramer, and Edwards,
+    proceeded to the Zak River, between four hundred and five
+    hundred miles north-east of Cape Town. Here a mission was
+    established to the Bushmen, which, although unsuccessful in its
+    original intention, became the finger-post to the Namaquas,
+    Corannas, Griquas, and Bechwanas, for by means of that mission
+    these tribes and their condition became known to the Christian
+    world. After moving from their original location to the Orange
+    River, at the invitation of a Griqua chief, Berend Berend by
+    name, the mission was carried on among the Corannas, Namaquas,
+    and Bastards (mixed races), finally removing in 1804 to Griqua
+    Town, where it developed into the Griqua Mission, under Messrs.
+    Anderson and Kramer, and became a powerful influence for good;
+    continuing in existence for many years.</p>
+
+    <p>Mr. Anderson thus describes the condition of the Griquas
+    when he first settled in their midst, and for some time
+    afterwards:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"They were without the smallest marks of civilisation. If I
+    except one woman, they had not one thread of European clothing
+    among them; and their wretched appearance and habits were such
+    as might have excited in our minds an aversion to them, had we
+    not been actuated by principles which led us to pity them, and
+    served to strengthen us in pursuing
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page15"
+    id="page15"></a>{15}</span> the object of our missionary work;
+    they were, in many instances, little above the brutes. It is a
+    fact that we were present with them at the hazard of our lives.
+    When we went among them they lived in the habit of plundering
+    one another; and they saw no moral evil in this, nor in any of
+    their actions. Violent deaths were common. Their usual manner
+    of living was truly disgusting, and they were void of
+    shame."</p>
+
+    <p>By missionary effort these unpromising materials yielded
+    such fruit, that, in 1809, the congregation at Griqua Town
+    consisted of 800 persons, who resided at or near the station
+    during the whole or the greater part of the year. Besides their
+    stated congregations the missionaries were surrounded by
+    numerous hordes of Corannas and Bushmen, among whom they
+    laboured. The land was brought under cultivation, and fields
+    waving with corn and barley met the eye where all had been
+    desolation and barrenness. In 1810 a threatened attack from a
+    marauding horde of Kafirs was averted in answer to prayer. Mr.
+    Janz, the only missionary then on the place, with the people,
+    set apart a day for special supplication; they sent a pacific
+    message and present to the Kafirs, who immediately retired. In
+    place of war there was peace, and the blessings of civilisation
+    followed the preaching of the Gospel.</p>
+
+    <p>A mission had also been commenced by the London Missionary
+    Society in Great Namaqualand, north of the Orange River, on the
+    western coast of Africa; a country of which the following
+    description was given by an individual who had spent many years
+    there: "Sir, you will find plenty of sand and stones, a thinly
+    scattered population, always suffering from want of water, on
+    plains and hills roasted like a burnt leaf, under the scorching
+    rays of a cloudless sun."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page16"
+    id="page16"></a>{16}</span></p>
+
+    <p>The missionaries, after a journey of great difficulty and
+    suffering, reached the land of the Namaquas, and halted for a
+    time at a place which they named "Silent Hope," and then at
+    "Happy Deliverance;" finally they settled at a spot, about one
+    hundred miles westward of Africaner's kraal, called Warm Bath.
+    Here, for a time, their prospects continued cheering. They were
+    instant in season and out of season to advance the temporal and
+    spiritual interests of the natives; though labouring in a
+    debilitating climate; and in want of the common necessaries of
+    life. Their congregation was increased by the desperado Jager,
+    afterwards Christian Africaner, a Hottentot outlaw, who, with
+    part of his people, occasionally attended to the instructions
+    of the missionaries; and they visited the kraal of this robber
+    chieftain in return. It was here that he first heard the
+    Gospel, and, referring afterwards to his condition at this
+    time, he said that he saw "men as trees walking."</p>
+
+    <p>Terrible trials soon came upon these devoted missionaries.
+    Abraham Albrecht, one of their number died, and Africaner,
+    becoming enraged, threatened an attack upon the station. The
+    situation of the missionaries and their wives was most
+    distressing. Among a feeble and timid people, with scarcely any
+    means of defence, a bare country around, no mountain, glen, or
+    cave in which they could take refuge, under a burning sun and
+    on a glowing plain, distant two hundred miles from the abodes
+    of civilised men, between which and them lay the dreary
+    wilderness and the Orange River; such was their position, with
+    the human lion in his lair, ready to rouse himself up to deeds
+    of rapine and blood.</p>
+
+    <p>For a whole month they were in constant terror, hourly
+    expecting the threatened attack. Their souls
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page17"
+    id="page17"></a>{17}</span> revolted at the idea of abandoning
+    the people, who were suffering from want, to become a prey to a
+    man from whom they could expect no quarter. On one occasion
+    they dug a square hole in the ground, about six feet deep, that
+    in case of an attack they might escape the musket balls. In
+    this they remained for the space of a week, having the tilt
+    sail of a waggon thrown over the mouth of the pit to keep off
+    the burning rays of an almost vertical sun. Eventually they
+    withdrew northward to the base of the Karas mountains, but
+    finding it impossible to settle, retired to the Colony.</p>
+
+    <p>Africaner approached the station, and finding it deserted,
+    plundered it of whatever articles could be found; one of his
+    followers afterwards setting fire to the houses and huts. Thus
+    for a season, this mission was brought to a close. It was after
+    a time resumed at a place south of the Orange River named
+    Pella.</p>
+
+    <p>Thus missions in South Africa had been commenced, stations
+    among the Hottentots and others had been formed, good work had
+    been done, and the way pioneered. The field was opened and it
+    was wide, but as yet the labourers were few.</p>
+
+    <p>At the time when Vanderkemp closed his eyes on this world, a
+    lad was working as an apprentice to a Scotch gardener, rising
+    in the dense darkness of the cold winter's mornings at four
+    o'clock, and warming his knuckles by knocking them against the
+    handle of his spade. He was passing through a hard training,
+    but this lad was being prepared to take up the work which
+    Vanderkemp had so well begun, though in a somewhat different
+    sphere, and to repair the loss which had been sustained by the
+    missionary cause through his death. The name of this lad was
+    Robert Moffat.</p>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page18"
+    id="page18"></a>{18}</span> <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0165.jpg" alt="sailboat" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+    <h3>CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.</h3>
+
+    <p>Robert Moffat was born on the 21st of December, 1795. His
+    parents dwelt at that time at Ormiston, in East Lothian,
+    Scotland. They were pious God-fearing people; the mother though
+    holding a stern religious faith, yet possessed a most tender
+    loving heart, and very early sought to instil into the minds
+    and hearts of her children the love of God and a knowledge of
+    the Holy Scriptures.</p>
+
+    <p>Of the early childhood of the future missionary very little
+    is stated. In 1797 his father received an appointment in the
+    Custom House at Portsoy, and in 1806 the home of the Moffats
+    was at Carronshore, on the Firth of Forth. At this time the
+    family consisted of four sons and two daughters, besides the
+    subject of this memoir.</p>
+
+    <p>A glimpse of the interior of their cottage, during the long
+    winter evenings, is given, which shows how the mother by her
+    gentle influence may become the means of sowing seed, which
+    shall spring up in after years bearing fruit a hundred-fold.
+    The lads were gathered by the fireside learning to knit and
+    sew, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page19"
+    id="page19"></a>{19}</span> while so engaged their mother, who
+    took great interest in the missionary enterprises then carried
+    on, read aloud, in such publications as she could obtain, the
+    descriptions given of the work and sufferings of the pioneer
+    labourers in heathen lands, more especially of the Moravians in
+    Greenland and the East Indies.</p>
+
+    <p>Of educational advantages, Robert had but few in his early
+    days. One, "Wully Mitchell," as he was popularly called, the
+    parish schoolmaster was his first tutor; and "the Shorter
+    Catechism," the title-page of which contained the alphabet, his
+    first instruction book. His progress was but slow, his hands
+    often being made to suffer for the dullness of his brains. A
+    boy living in the midst of shipping, his desires were more for
+    nautical matters than for Wully's books, and so he ran off to
+    sea. The captain of the ship on which he was, became much
+    attached to the lad, so with his parent's consent, he made
+    several voyages in the coasting trade. Many hairbreadth escapes
+    fell to his lot, and at last he quitted the sea, as he states
+    "to the no small joy of my parents."</p>
+
+    <p>When about eleven he accompanied his elder brother,
+    Alexander, to Mr. Paton's school at Falkirk. This school was
+    for writing and book-keeping, but such as chose to pay received
+    lessons in astronomy and geography after school hours.
+    Alexander was one of these, and Robert was allowed to wait for
+    his brother in the large room while the class was being
+    conducted. "I felt queer," he tells us "to know what the master
+    was doing within the circle, and used to look very attentively
+    through any little slip of an opening under an elbow, while I
+    eagerly listened to the illustrations given, the master all the
+    while never suspecting that I was capable of understanding the
+    planetary system. What I could not understand my
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page20"
+    id="page20"></a>{20}</span> brother explained on our way home."
+    In this manner he picked up some knowledge of astronomy.</p>
+
+    <p>At this school the lad continued for six months. It was the
+    last he ever attended.</p>
+
+    <p>When about fourteen, Robert Moffat was apprenticed to a
+    gardener, named John Robertson, a just but hard man, who lived
+    at Parkhill, Polmont. The toil was severe and the food scanty.
+    Often in the bitter cold of a Scottish winter the lads employed
+    were required to commence work at four o'clock in the morning,
+    and had to hammer their knuckles against the handles of their
+    spades to try and bring some feeling into them. Here he
+    remained till the end of 1812.</p>
+
+    <p>While thus engaged, he managed to attend an evening class
+    occasionally, and made an attempt at learning Latin and
+    mensuration. He also picked up some knowledge of the smith's
+    craft, and acquired sufficient skill to play a little on the
+    violin. A special craving, which stood him in good stead in
+    after life, impelled him to learn something of whatever he came
+    in contact with.</p>
+
+    <p>Upon the completion of his apprenticeship, in 1812, he
+    obtained a situation at Donibristle, a seat of the Earl of
+    Moray at Aberdour. Here, he delighted his fellow-workers of an
+    evening by his violin performances, was fond of athletic
+    sports, in which he excelled, and became an accomplished
+    swimmer, saving the life of one of his companions, who having
+    got out of his depth was in imminent danger of drowning.</p>
+
+    <p>In this situation he continued about a twelvemonth, and
+    then, being about sixteen, he found employment as
+    under-gardener to Mr. Leigh, of High Leigh, in Cheshire. While
+    at Donibristle he had been able to frequently visit his
+    parents; the time had now come when he must bid them
+    adieu.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page21"
+    id="page21"></a>{21}</span></p>
+
+    <p>The parting scene between Robert and his mother has been
+    sketched by his own hand and appeared in the Bible Society's
+    "Gleanings for the Young." It is described as
+    follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"When we came within sight of the spot where we were to
+    part, perhaps never again to meet in this world, she
+    said&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"'Now, my Robert, let us stand here for a few minutes, for I
+    wish to ask one favour of you before we part, and I know you
+    will not refuse to do what your mother asks.'</p>
+
+    <p>"'What is it, mother?' I inquired.</p>
+
+    <p>"'Do promise me first that you will do what I am now going
+    to ask, and I shall tell you.'</p>
+
+    <p>"'No, mother, I cannot till you tell me what your wish
+    is.'</p>
+
+    <p>"'O Robert, can you think for a moment that I shall ask you,
+    my son, to do anything that is not right? Do not I love
+    you?'</p>
+
+    <p>"'Yes, mother, I know you do; but I do not like to make
+    promises which I may not be able to fulfil.'</p>
+
+    <p>"I kept my eyes fixed on the ground. I was silent, trying to
+    resist the rising emotion. She sighed deeply. I lifted my eyes
+    and saw the big tears rolling down the cheeks which were wont
+    to press mine. I was conquered, and as soon as I could recover
+    speech, I said&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"'O mother! ask what you will and I shall do it.'</p>
+
+    <p>"'I only ask you whether you will read a chapter in the
+    Bible every morning and another every evening?'</p>
+
+    <p>"I interrupted by saying, 'Mother, you know I read my
+    Bible.'</p>
+
+    <p>"'I know you do, but you do not read it regularly, or as a
+    duty you owe to God, its Author.' And she added: 'Now I shall
+    return home with a happy heart,
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page22"
+    id="page22"></a>{22}</span> inasmuch as you have promised to
+    read the Scriptures daily. O Robert, my son, read much in the
+    New Testament. Read much in the Gospels&mdash;the blessed
+    Gospels; then you cannot well go astray. If you pray, the Lord
+    Himself will teach you.'</p>
+
+    <p>"I parted from my beloved mother, now long gone to that
+    mansion about which she loved to speak. I went on my way, and
+    ere long found myself among strangers. My charge was an
+    important one for a youth, and though possessing a muscular
+    frame and a mind full of energy, it required all to keep pace
+    with the duty which devolved upon me. I lived at a considerable
+    distance from what are called the means of grace, and the
+    Sabbaths were not always at my command. I met with none who
+    appeared to make religion their chief concern. I mingled, when
+    opportunities offered, with the gay and godless in what are
+    considered innocent amusements, where I soon became a
+    favourite; <i>but I never forgot my promise to my
+    mother</i>."</p>
+
+    <p>After several delays, High Leigh was reached on Saturday,
+    26th December, 1813, and there the young man found himself
+    surrounded by a genial atmosphere. The head gardener took to
+    him, and soon left a great deal in his hands. This made his
+    work very heavy and responsible; but, although labouring almost
+    day and night, he yet managed to devote some time to the study
+    of such books as he could obtain. The kindly notice of Mrs.
+    Leigh was attracted to him, and she lent him books, and
+    encouraged him to studious pursuits.</p>
+
+    <p>In very early years serious impressions had been made upon
+    the heart of Robert Moffat. The earnest teachings of his
+    minister, combined with his mother's counsels and prayers, left
+    recollections which could never be effaced. These impressions
+    were now to be deepened, and the good seed that had been sown
+    to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page23"
+    id="page23"></a>{23}</span> be quickened. The Wesleyan
+    Methodists had commenced a good work at High Leigh, and a pious
+    Methodist and his wife induced Moffat to attend some of their
+    meetings. He became convinced of his state as a sinner, and
+    unhappy, but after a severe and protracted struggle, he found
+    pardon, justification, and peace, through faith in Jesus
+    Christ, and henceforth his life was devoted to the service of
+    his Lord. Energetically he threw himself into the society and
+    work of his new friends, but by so doing, lost the goodwill of
+    Mr. and Mrs. Leigh, who were grieved that one in whom they took
+    so much interest should have become a Methodist. So were these
+    good people despised by many in those days.</p>
+
+    <p>At this time Robert's worldly prospects were brightening,
+    and a position of honour and comfort seemed opening before him.
+    But the anticipations of that day were not to be.</p>
+
+    <p>Apparently unimportant events frequently determine the whole
+    course of our lives, and a simple incident was now about to
+    change the current of this young man's life, and to convert the
+    rising gardener into the God-honoured and much-beloved
+    missionary. How this came to pass we now relate:</p>
+
+    <p>While at High Leigh, Robert Moffat had occasion to visit
+    Warrington, a town about six miles distant He set off one calm
+    summer evening. All nature seemed at rest, and thoughts of God
+    and a feeling of admiration for His handiworks took possession
+    of the young man's mind. His life was reviewed, and with
+    thoughts full of hope he entered the town. Passing over a
+    bridge he noticed a placard. It contained the announcement of a
+    missionary meeting, over which the Rev. William Roby, of
+    Manchester, was to preside. He had never seen such an
+    announce<span class="pagenum"><a name="page24"
+    id="page24"></a>{24}</span> ment before. He read the placard
+    over and over again, and, as he did so, the stories told by his
+    mother of the Moravian missionaries in Greenland and Labrador,
+    which had been forgotten for years, came vividly to mind. From
+    that moment, his choice was made; earthly prospects vanished:
+    his one thought was, "how to become a missionary?"</p>
+
+    <p>Many difficulties seemed to stand in the way between Robert
+    and the accomplishment of his desire, but the same Divine power
+    which had implanted the desire, prepared the way for its
+    fulfilment. He visited Manchester, shortly after the event just
+    related, to be present at a Wesleyan Conference; and while
+    there, with much hesitancy and trepidation, ventured to knock
+    at the door of Mr. Roby's house and request an interview with
+    that gentleman. He was shown into the parlour, and the man whom
+    he had been hoping, yet dreaded, to see, quickly made his
+    appearance. "He received me with great kindness," said Moffat,
+    "listened to my simple tale, took me by the hand, and told me
+    to be of good courage."</p>
+
+    <p>The result of this interview was a promise on Mr. Roby's
+    part to write to the Directors of the London Missionary Society
+    concerning him, and to communicate their wishes to him as soon
+    as they were received. In the meantime Robert returned to his
+    ordinary occupation.</p>
+
+    <p>After waiting a few weeks a summons came from Mr. Roby for
+    Moffat to visit Manchester again; and, with the view of his
+    studying under the care and instruction of that reverend
+    gentleman, it was arranged that he should accept a situation in
+    a nursery garden belonging to Mr. Smith, at Dukinfield, that
+    place being near at hand. Moffat continued here about a
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page25"
+    id="page25"></a>{25}</span> year, visiting Mr. Roby once or
+    twice each week. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were a pious and worthy
+    couple, and their house was a house of call for ministers. They
+    were always ready for every good work whether at home or
+    abroad.</p>
+
+    <p>"In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy
+    paths," is one of the maxims of Holy Writ that should be
+    engraven upon the heart and mind of every youth and maiden.
+    Robert Moffat's desire was for the glory of God and the
+    extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, and God was not only
+    opening the way for His servant, but was preparing a faithful
+    and devoted helpmate for him in his various spheres of labour
+    through life.</p>
+
+    <p>Robert's employer had an only daughter, named Mary,
+    beautiful of countenance, but more beautiful in heart. She had
+    been educated at the Moravian school at Fairfield, and was
+    distinguished for fervent piety and deep sympathy with the
+    missionary cause. The two young folks were thrown together,
+    mutual esteem deepened into love, and the maiden, possessed
+    with so large a missionary spirit, was prepared to share the
+    lot of the young herald of the Cross. For a time, however, it
+    was ordained that Robert should pursue his course alone.</p>
+
+    <p>After being at Dukinfield nearly a year, the Directors
+    resolved to accept the services of Robert Moffat. He left Mr.
+    Smith's employment and removed to Manchester, so that he might
+    be close to Mr. Roby, to receive such superintendence as was
+    possible in his studies. This period extended to but a few
+    months, so that of college training and opportunities Robert
+    had little experience.</p>
+
+    <p>The time rapidly drew near for his departure abroad. A
+    hurried visit was paid to the parents whom he never
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page26"
+    id="page26"></a>{26}</span> expected to see again, and then he
+    awaited his call to the mission field.</p>
+
+    <p>On the 13th of September, 1816, after bidding farewell to
+    Mr. Roby, whose "kindness, like that of a father," wrote
+    Moffat, "will not be easily obliterated from my mind," he
+    started for London. While in the Metropolis he visited the
+    Museum at the Rooms of the London Missionary Society, and the
+    following extract from a letter to his parents, in connection
+    with this visit, shows the spirit which actuated the youthful
+    missionary at this time:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"I spent some time in viewing the Museum, which contains a
+    great number of curiosities from China, Africa, the South Seas,
+    and the West Indies. It would be foolish for me to give you a
+    description. Suffice it to say that the sight is truly awful,
+    the appearance of the wild beasts is very terrific, but I am
+    unable to describe the sensations of my mind when gazing on the
+    objects of Pagan worship. Alas! how fallen are my
+    fellow-creatures, bowing down to forms enough to frighten a
+    Roman soldier, enough to shake the hardest heart. Oh that I had
+    a thousand lives, and a thousand bodies; all of them should be
+    devoted to no other employment but to preach Christ to these
+    degraded, despised, yet beloved mortals."</p>
+
+    <p>With such enthusiasm he prepared to enter upon the work that
+    lay before him.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0166.jpg" alt="hyppos" width="400" />
+    </div>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page27"
+    id="page27"></a>{27}</span> <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0167.jpg" alt="ship" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER
+    III.</h2>
+
+    <h3>DEPARTURE FOR THE CAPE.</h3>
+
+    <p>The valedictory service was held at Surrey Chapel on the
+    30th of September. Nine missionaries were set apart; four for
+    the South Seas, one of whom was John Williams, the martyr of
+    Erromanga, and five for South Africa. At first it had been
+    intended that Robert Moffat should accompany John Williams, but
+    this was subsequently altered.</p>
+
+    <p>The missionaries for Africa embarked at Gravesend on the
+    18th of October in the <i>Alacrity</i>, and after a prosperous
+    voyage reached Cape Town on the 13th of January, 1817.</p>
+
+    <p>Two of the party were appointed to stations within the
+    colony; Moffat and Kitchingman were destined for Namaqualand.
+    Before they could proceed on their journey, however, permission
+    had to be obtained from the Government, and this was at first
+    refused.</p>
+
+    <p>While detained in the colony, Moffat lodged with a Dutch
+    farmer, at a village thirty-six miles from Cape Town, named
+    Stellenbosch. Here he learnt Dutch, an acquisition of great
+    advantage to him in after life, as it enabled him to preach to
+    the Boers, and to as <span class="pagenum"><a name="page28"
+    id="page28"></a>{28}</span> many of their native servants as
+    understood that language. He also accompanied the Rev. George
+    Thorn, of the Dutch Reformed Church, on an evangelistic tour.
+    It occupied six weeks, during which time they rode a distance
+    of about seven hundred miles.</p>
+
+    <p>After a further sojourn at Stellenbosch, Moffat visited Cape
+    Town, and busied himself in gaining such practical knowledge as
+    came within his reach. He also visited the military hospital
+    there. Many of the soldiers were Scotch, and he had a warm
+    heart for soldiers, his brother Alexander having gone to India
+    in the ranks some years before.</p>
+
+    <p>At last the requisite permission came, and Moffat and
+    Kitchingman prepared for their journey. Waggons were bought,
+    oxen hired, leave taken of friends, and on the 22nd of
+    September, 1817, Mr. and Mrs. Kitchingman, Robert Moffat, and a
+    missionary named Ebner, who, for a time, had been with
+    Africaner, and who had come to Cape Town for supplies, set out
+    on their way to Namaqualand.</p>
+
+    <p>The history of the Namaqualand Mission has been sketched in
+    outline in our introductory chapter. Africaner, although an
+    outlaw and a terror to the farmers of the colony, had a respect
+    for the English. He visited the missionaries on one occasion,
+    prior to their removal to Warm Bath, and said, "I love the
+    English, for I have always heard that they are the friends of
+    the poor black man." He also sent his children to them for
+    instruction; yet subsequent events, as we have seen, enraged
+    him, and led him to destroy the mission station at Warm
+    Bath.</p>
+
+    <p>The Rev. J. Campbell, in his first visit to Africa,
+    1812-1814, crossed the interior of the continent to
+    Namaqualand. During his journey, he found in every
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page29"
+    id="page29"></a>{29}</span> village through which he passed the
+    terror of Africaner's name; and he afterwards said "that he and
+    his retinue never were so afraid in their lives." From Pella,
+    where the mission station then was, Mr. Campbell wrote a
+    conciliatory letter to Africaner, in consequence of which that
+    chieftain agreed to receive a missionary at his kraal. Mr.
+    Ebner had been sent from Pella, and had been labouring for a
+    short time previous to his visit to the Cape in 1817. Good had
+    been accomplished, Africaner and his two brothers, David and
+    Jacobus, had been baptised, but then the situation of the
+    missionary became extremely trying, he lost influence with the
+    people, and his property, and even his life, were in
+    danger.</p>
+
+    <p>Soon after leaving Cape Town, Mr. Ebner parted company with
+    the Kitchingmans and Moffat, and they pursued their way alone.
+    The details of the journey illustrate the difficulties of
+    travelling in South Africa in those days. "In perils oft,"
+    aptly expresses the condition of the missionary in his
+    wanderings, as he travelled mile after mile, often over dreary
+    wastes of burning sand, famished with hunger, parched with
+    thirst, with the howl of the hyena and the roar of the lion
+    disturbing his slumbers at night, and with Bushmen, more savage
+    than either, hovering near, ever ready to attack the weak and
+    defenceless.</p>
+
+    <p>The farmers, from whom the travellers received hospitality
+    as they passed the boundaries of the colony, were very
+    sceptical as to the conversion of Africaner, and gloomy indeed
+    were their predictions as to the fate of the youthful
+    missionary now venturing into the power of the outlaw chief.
+    One said Africaner would set him up for his boys to shoot at,
+    another that he would strip off his skin to make a drum with,
+    and a third predicted he would make a
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page30"
+    id="page30"></a>{30}</span> drinking-cup of his skull. A kind
+    motherly dame said, as she wiped the tear from her eye and bade
+    him farewell, "Had you been an old man it would have been
+    nothing, for you would soon have died, whether or no; but you
+    are young, and going to become a prey to that monster."</p>
+
+    <p>On one occasion Moffat halted at a farm belonging to a Boer,
+    a man of wealth and importance, who had many slaves. Hearing
+    that he was a missionary, the farmer gave him a hearty welcome,
+    and proposed in the evening that he should give them a service.
+    To this he readily assented, and supper being ended, a
+    clearance was made, the big Bible and the psalm-books were
+    brought out, and the family was seated. Moffat inquired for the
+    servants, "May none of your servants come in?" said he.</p>
+
+    <p>"Servants! what do you mean?"</p>
+
+    <p>"I mean the Hottentots, of whom I see so many on your
+    farm."</p>
+
+    <p>"Hottentots!" roared the man, "are you come to preach to
+    Hottentots? Go to the mountains and preach to the baboons; or,
+    if you like, I'll fetch my dogs, and you may preach to
+    them."</p>
+
+    <p>The missionary said no more but commenced the service. He
+    had intended to challenge the "neglect of so great salvation,"
+    but with ready wit seizing upon the theme suggested by his
+    rough entertainer, he read the story of the Syrophenician
+    woman, and took for his text the words, "Truth, Lord, yet the
+    dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."
+    He had not proceeded far in his discourse when the farmer
+    stopped him, saying, "Will Mynherr sit down and wait a little,
+    he shall have the Hottentots."</p>
+
+    <p>He was as good as his word, the barn was crowded, the sermon
+    was preached, and the
+    astonished<span class="pagenum"><a name="page31"
+    id="page31"></a>{31}</span> Hottentots dispersed. "Who," said
+    the farmer, "hardened your hammer to deal my head such a blow?
+    I'll never object to the preaching of the Gospel to Hottentots
+    again."</p>
+
+    <p>After a toilsome march, during which Mr. Kitchingman and
+    Moffat took it in turn to drive the cattle, losing some through
+    the hyenas by the way, they reached Bysondermeid, to which
+    station Mr. and Mrs. Kitchingman had been appointed. There
+    Robert stayed one month, receiving much useful information from
+    Mr. Schmelen, the missionary whom Mr. Kitchingman had come to
+    replace, he having been ordered to Great Namaqualand, where he
+    had laboured before.</p>
+
+    <p>At length, his oxen being rested, Robert Moffat bade adieu
+    to Mr. and Mrs. Kitchingman, whose friendship he much valued,
+    and with a guide and drivers for the oxen started onward. Their
+    way led through a comparatively trackless desert, and they
+    travelled nearly the whole night through deep sand. Those were
+    not the days of railway trains, and travelling had to be
+    undertaken in cumbrous, springless bullock-waggons, several
+    spare oxen being taken to provide for losses and casualties.
+    Towards morning the oxen were so exhausted that they began to
+    lie down in the yoke from fatigue, compelling a halt before
+    water had been reached. The journey was resumed the next day,
+    but still no water could be found.</p>
+
+    <p>As it appeared probable that if they continued in the same
+    direction, they would perish through thirst, they altered their
+    course to the northward, but the experiences were as bad as
+    before. At night they lay down exhausted and suffering
+    extremely from thirst, and the next morning rose at an early
+    hour to find the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page32"
+    id="page32"></a>{32}</span> oxen incapable of moving the waggon
+    a step farther. Taking them and a spade to a neighbouring
+    mountain, a large hole was dug in the sand, and at last a
+    scanty supply of water was obtained. This resembled the old
+    bilge-water of a ship for foulness, but both men and oxen drank
+    of it with avidity.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0168.jpg"
+        alt="WAGGON TRAVELLING IN SOUTH AFRICA" width="500" />
+
+        <h4>WAGGON TRAVELLING IN SOUTH AFRICA.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>In the evening, when about to yoke the oxen to the waggon,
+    it was found that most of them had run off towards
+    Bysondermeid. No time was to be lost, so Moffat instantly sent
+    off the remaining oxen with two men to solicit assistance from
+    Mr. Bartlett at Pella, <!--photo on page 33-->
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page34"
+    id="page34"></a>{34}</span> while he remained behind with his
+    goods. "Three days," said he afterwards, "I remained with my
+    waggon-driver on this burning plain, with scarcely a breath of
+    wind, and what there was felt as if coming from the mouth of an
+    oven. We had only tufts of dry grass to make a small fire or
+    rather flame; and little was needed as we had scarcely any food
+    to prepare. We saw no human being, not a single antelope or
+    beast of prey made its appearance, but in the dead of night we
+    sometimes heard the roar of the lion on the mountain. At last
+    when we were beginning to fear that the men had either perished
+    or wandered, Mr. Bartlett arrived on horseback, with two men
+    having a quantity of mutton tied to their saddles. I cannot
+    conceive of an epicure gazing on a table groaning under the
+    weight of viands, with half the delight that I did on the
+    mutton."</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0169.jpg" alt="group of people"
+        width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <p>Fresh oxen, accustomed to deep sand, conveyed the weary
+    travellers to Pella, where Moffat remained a few days, being
+    greatly invigorated in mind and body by the Christian kindness
+    of Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett and the friendly attentions of the
+    heathen converts.</p>
+
+    <p>Starting again, he came to the Orange River, crossing which
+    was generally a work of difficulty at that time. The native
+    teacher from Warm Bath, who had come to Pella to conduct Moffat
+    to his village, led the missionary to a ford opposite to that
+    place. The waggon and its contents were swam over on a fragile
+    raft of dry willow logs&mdash;a laborious and tedious
+    operation, the raft having to be taken to pieces after each
+    journey, and the separate logs conveyed back again by swimmers.
+    All the goods being over, Robert was asked to place himself
+    upon the raft. Not altogether liking its appearance, and also
+    wishing <span class="pagenum"><a name="page35"
+    id="page35"></a>{35}</span> to save the natives trouble, he
+    took off his clothes and, leaving them to be conveyed across,
+    plunged into the stream. The natives were afraid as they saw
+    him approach the middle of the current, and some of their most
+    expert swimmers sprang in to overtake him, but in vain. When he
+    emerged on the northern bank, one of them came up out of breath
+    and said, "Were you born in the great sea water?"</p>
+
+    <p>Robert Moffat reached Africaner's kraal on the 26th of
+    January, 1818, and was kindly received by Mr. Ebner. The chief
+    soon made his appearance, and inquired if the new missionary
+    had been appointed by the Directors in London. Receiving an
+    affirmative reply, he ordered a number of women to come. Then
+    pointing to a spot of ground he said to the women, "There you
+    must build a house for the missionary." In half an hour the
+    structure was completed, in appearance something like a
+    bee-hive. In this frail house, of sticks and native mats,
+    Moffat lived for nearly six months, being scorched by the sun,
+    drenched by the rain, exposed to the wind, and obliged often to
+    decamp through the clouds of dust; in addition to which, any
+    dog wishing for a night's lodging could force its way through
+    the wall, sometimes to the loss of the missionary's dinner next
+    day. A serpent was occasionally found coiled in a corner, or
+    the indweller of the habitation had to spring up, in the middle
+    of the night, to save himself and his house from being crushed
+    to pieces during the nocturnal affrays of the cattle which
+    roamed at large. He lived principally upon milk and dried meat,
+    until, after a time, he was able to raise a little grain and
+    garden stuff.</p>
+
+    <p>A few days after Moffat's arrival, Mr. Ebner departed, so
+    that the young missionary was left entirely alone in a trying
+    and most difficult position,
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page36"
+    id="page36"></a>{36}</span> a stranger in the midst of a
+    strange people. "Here I was," said he, "left alone with a
+    people suspicious in the extreme; jealous of their rights which
+    they had obtained at the point of the sword; and the best of
+    whom Mr. Ebner described as a sharp thorn. I had no friend and
+    brother with whom I could participate in the communion of
+    saints, none to whom I could look for counsel or advice. A
+    barren and miserable country; a small salary, about twenty-five
+    pounds per annum. No grain, and consequently no bread, and no
+    prospect of getting any, from the want of water to cultivate
+    the ground, and destitute of the means of sending to the
+    Colony. These circumstances led to great searchings of heart,
+    to see if I had hitherto aimed at doing and suffering the will
+    of Him in whose service I had embarked. Satisfied that I had
+    not run unsent, and having in the intricate, and sometimes
+    obscure course I had come, heard the still small voice saying,
+    'This is the way, walk ye in it,' I was wont to pour out my
+    soul among the granite rocks surrounding this station, now in
+    sorrow, and then in joy; and more than once I have taken my
+    violin, once belonging to Christian Albrecht, and, reclining
+    upon one of the huge masses, have, in the stillness of the
+    evening, played and sung the well-known hymn, a favourite of my
+    mother's&mdash;</p>
+
+    <div class="poem">
+        <div class="stanza">
+            <span>'Awake, my soul, in joyful lays,<br /></span>
+            <span>To sing the great Redeemer's
+            praise.'"<br /></span>
+        </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>Robert Moffat looked to his God for help and guidance, and
+    his heart was strengthened.</p>
+
+    <p>At this period the chief, Christian Africaner, was in a
+    doubtful state of mind; while Titus, his brother, a man of
+    almost reckless courage, was a fearful example of ungodliness,
+    and a terror to most of the inhabitants
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page37"
+    id="page37"></a>{37}</span> on the station. Soon after the
+    commencement of his stated services&mdash;which were, according
+    to the custom of the missionaries at that period, religious
+    service morning and evening, and school for three or four hours
+    during the day&mdash;the heart of the youthful missionary was
+    much cheered by noticing the regular attendance of the chief.
+    Although not a fluent reader, the New Testament became his
+    constant companion, and a change passed over him apparent to
+    all. The lion at whose name many trembled became a lamb, and
+    the love of Jesus Christ filled his heart. He who was formerly
+    like a fire-brand, spreading discord, enmity, and war among the
+    neighbouring tribes, was now ready to make any sacrifice to
+    avoid conflict, and besought parties at variance with each
+    other to be at peace.</p>
+
+    <p>Even Titus was subdued, and although he never made a
+    profession, yet he became a steady and unwavering friend to the
+    missionary, and many times ministered to his wants. "I hear
+    what you say," he would reply when the truth was pressed upon
+    him, "and I think I sometimes understand, but my heart will not
+    feel." Two other brothers of the chief, David and Jacobus,
+    became believers and zealous assistants in the work of the
+    mission.</p>
+
+    <p>The extreme heat endured in the native house, and the
+    character of the food, milk and meat only, brought on a severe
+    attack of bilious fever, which in the course of two days
+    induced delirium. Opening his eyes as soon as consciousness
+    returned, Moffat saw his attendant and Africaner sitting beside
+    his couch, gazing upon him with eyes full of sympathy and
+    tenderness. Taking some calomel he speedily recovered, and was
+    soon at his post again.</p>
+
+    <p>The place where Africaner dwelt being quite
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page38"
+    id="page38"></a>{38}</span> unsuitable for a permanent
+    mission-station, on account of the scarcity of water, it was
+    determined to take a journey northward to examine a country on
+    the border of Damaraland, where it was reported that fountains
+    of water abounded. There was, however, only one waggon and that
+    a cripple, and neither carpenters nor smiths were at the
+    station to repair it. Without it they could not go, so after
+    thinking the matter over Moffat undertook its repair. Before
+    doing so he must needs have a forge, and a forge meant bellows;
+    but here was a difficulty, the native bellows were of no use
+    for the work in hand. He therefore contrived, by means of two
+    goat-skins and a circular piece of board, to make a pair of
+    bellows of sufficient power to fan the fire and heat the iron,
+    and with a blue granite stone for an anvil, a pair of tongs
+    indicative of Vulcan's first efforts, and a hammer, never
+    intended for its present use, he successfully accomplished his
+    task, and afterwards repaired some gun-locks, which were as
+    essential for the comfort and success of the journey as the
+    waggon.</p>
+
+    <p>The party that set out was a large one, including Africaner,
+    three of his brothers, and Moffat. The country which they
+    passed through was sterile in the extreme, and the expedition
+    proved a failure. They therefore returned home again after an
+    absence of a few weeks. The school and mission services were
+    resumed, but, as David and Jacobus Africaner were now able
+    assistants, Moffat undertook itinerating visits on a more
+    extensive scale than he had done before. For this purpose Titus
+    presented him with his only horse. Previously Moffat had ridden
+    upon a bullock with horns, a dangerous practice, as, if the
+    bullock stumbles, the rider may be thrown forward and
+    transfixed upon them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page39"
+    id="page39"></a>{39}</span></p>
+
+    <p>Privations and dangers frequently attended these itinerating
+    journeys. Referring to one of them Robert Moffat states, "After
+    tying my Bible and hymn-book in a blanket to the back of my
+    saddle, and taking a good draught of milk, I started with my
+    interpreter, who rode upon an ox. We had our guns, but nothing
+    in our purse or scrip, save a pipe, some tobacco, and a
+    tinder-box. After a hot day's ride to reach a village, the
+    people would give us a draught of sweet milk, and then old and
+    young, assembling in a nook of the fold, among the kine, would
+    listen to my address on the great concerns of their soul's
+    salvation. I exhorted those who could read to read to others
+    and try to teach them to do the same, promising them a reward
+    in heaven, for I had none to give on earth. When service was
+    over, having taken another draught of milk, and renewed my
+    conversation with the people, I lay down on a mat to repose for
+    the night. Sometimes a kind housewife would hang a bamboos, a
+    wooden vessel filled with milk, on a forked stick near my head,
+    that I might, if necessary, drink during the night."</p>
+
+    <p>Once he slept on the ground near the hut in which the
+    principal man of the village and his wife reposed. During the
+    night a noise as of cattle broken loose was heard. In the
+    morning he remarked upon this to his host, when that individual
+    replied, "Oh, I was looking at the spoor this morning, it was
+    the lion!" adding that a few nights previously a goat had been
+    seized from the very spot on which Moffat had been sleeping.
+    Upon Moffat asking him why he had put him to sleep there, the
+    man replied, "Oh, the lion would not have the audacity to jump
+    over on you."</p>
+
+    <p>Sometimes it happened that after travelling all day, hoping
+    to reach a village at night, the travellers would
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page40"
+    id="page40"></a>{40}</span> find when they got to the place
+    that all the people had gone. Then hungry and thirsty they had
+    to pass the night. In the morning after searching for water,
+    and partaking of a draught if they were successful in finding
+    it, they would start off again with their hunger unsatisfied,
+    and deem themselves fortunate if they overtook the migrating
+    party that evening.</p>
+
+    <p>Of his ordinary manner of living at this time, he says, "My
+    food was milk and meat, living for weeks together on one, and
+    then for a while on the other, and again on both together. All
+    was well so long as I had either, but sometimes they both
+    failed, and there were no shops in the country where I could
+    have purchased, and, had there been any, I must have bought on
+    credit, for money I had none."</p>
+
+    <p>His wardrobe bore the same impress of poverty as his larder.
+    The clothes received when in London soon went to pieces, and
+    the knowledge of sewing and knitting, unwillingly learnt from
+    his mother, often now stood him in good stead. She once showed
+    him how a shirt might be smoothed by folding it properly and
+    hammering it with a piece of wood. Resolving one day to have a
+    nice one for the Sabbath, Moffat tried this plan. He folded the
+    shirt carefully, laid it on a smooth block of stone&mdash;not a
+    hearth-stone, but a block of fine granite&mdash;and hammered
+    away. "What are you doing?" said Africaner. "Smoothing my
+    shirt," replied his white friend. "That is one way," said he,
+    and so it was, for on holding the shirt up to the light it was
+    seen to be riddled with holes. "When I left the country," said
+    Moffat, "I had not half-a-dozen shirts with two sleeves
+    apiece."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page41"
+    id="page41"></a>{41}</span></p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0170.jpg" alt="lion" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <p>Robert Moffat's stay in Namaqualand extended to a little
+    over twelve months. Near its close he made on Africaner's
+    account&mdash;with the view of ascertaining
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page42"
+    id="page42"></a>{42}</span> the suitability of a place for
+    settlement&mdash;a journey to the Griqua country, and after a
+    terrible experience, in which he suffered from hunger, thirst,
+    heat, and drinking poisoned water, he reached Griqua Town, and
+    entered the house of Mr. Anderson, the missionary there,
+    speechless, haggard, emaciated, and covered with perspiration,
+    making the inmates understand by signs that he needed water.
+    Here he was most kindly entertained, and after a few days
+    started back again. The return journey was almost as trying as
+    the outward one, but he reached Vreede Berg (Africaner's
+    village) in safety. The chief received Moffat's account of his
+    researches with entire satisfaction, but the removal of himself
+    and people was allowed to remain prospective for a season.</p>
+
+    <p>Missionary labours were resumed. The school flourished, and
+    the attendance at the Sabbath services was most encouraging.
+    The people were so strongly attached to their missionary, that
+    although he was contemplating a visit to the Cape, he dared not
+    mention the subject to them. In a letter written at this time,
+    alluding to his every-day life, he says, "I have many
+    difficulties to encounter, being alone. No one can do anything
+    for me in my household affairs. I must attend to everything,
+    which often confuses me, and, indeed, hinders me in my work,
+    for I could wish to have almost nothing to do but to instruct
+    the heathen, both spiritually and temporally. Daily I do a
+    little in the garden, daily I am doing something for the people
+    in mending guns. I am carpenter, smith, cooper, shoemaker,
+    miller, baker, and housekeeper&mdash;the last is the most
+    burdensome of any. An old Namaqua woman milks my cows, makes a
+    fire, and washes. All other things I do myself, though I seldom
+    prepare anything till impelled by
+    hunger.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page43"
+    id="page43"></a>{43}</span> I drink plenty of milk, and often
+    eat a piece of dry meat. Lately I reaped nearly two bolls of
+    wheat from two hatfuls which I sowed. This is of great help to
+    me. I shall soon have plenty of Indian corn, cabbages, melons,
+    and potatoes. Water is scarce. I have sown wheat a second time
+    on trial. I live chiefly now on bread and milk. To-day I
+    churned about three Scotch pints of milk, from which there were
+    two pounds of butter, so you may conceive that the milk is
+    rich. I wish many times that my mother saw me. My house is
+    always clean, but oh what a confusion there is among my
+    linen."</p>
+
+    <p>In November, 1818, letters reached Robert Moffat from
+    England. One came from Miss Smith, in which that young lady
+    stated that she had most reluctantly renounced hope of ever
+    getting abroad, her father determining never to allow her to do
+    so. This was a sore trial, but it only led the child closer to
+    his Father, and that Father, who doeth all things well, in His
+    own good time, brought to pass that which now seemed
+    impossible.</p>
+
+    <p>Early in 1819, circumstances required Mr. Moffat to visit
+    Cape Town. Conversing with Africaner on the state and prospects
+    of missions, the idea flashed into Moffat's mind that it would
+    be well for that chief to accompany him, and he suggested it to
+    his coloured friend. Africaner was astonished. "I had thought
+    you loved me," said he, "and do you advise me to go to the
+    Government to be hung up as a spectacle of public justice?"
+    Then, putting his hand to his head, he said, "Do you not know
+    that I am an outlaw, and that one thousand rix-dollars have
+    been offered for this poor head?" After a little while he
+    replied to the missionary's arguments by saying, "I shall
+    deliberate and <i>roll</i> (using the words of the
+    Dutch<span class="pagenum"><a name="page44"
+    id="page44"></a>{44}</span> Version of the Bible) my way upon
+    the Lord. I know He will not leave me."</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0171.jpg" alt="AFRICANER" width="500" />
+
+        <h4>AFRICANER.</h4>
+    </div><br />
+
+
+    <p>To get Africaner safely through the territories of the Dutch
+    farmers to the Cape was a hazardous proceeding, as the
+    atrocities he had committed were not forgotten, and hatred
+    against him still rankled in many a breast. However, attired in
+    one of the only two substantial shirts Moffat had left, a pair
+    of leather trousers, a duffel jacket, much the worse for wear,
+    and an old hat, neither white nor black, the attempt was made,
+    the chief passing as one of the missionary's attendants. His
+    master's costume was scarcely more refined than his own.</p>
+
+    <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page45"
+    id="page45"></a>{45}</span> As a whole, the Dutch farmers were
+    kind and hospitable to strangers, and as Moffat reached their
+    farms, some of them congratulated him on returning alive, they
+    having been assured that Africaner had long since murdered him.
+    At one farm a novel and amusing instance occurred of the state
+    of feeling concerning them both. As they drew near to this
+    place, Moffat directed his men to take his waggon to the valley
+    below while he walked towards the house, which was situated on
+    an eminence. As he advanced the farmer came forward slowly to
+    meet him. Stretching forth his hand with the customary
+    salutation, the farmer put his hand behind him, and asked who
+    the stranger was. The stranger replied that he was Moffat.</p>
+
+    <p>"Moffat!" exclaimed the sturdy Boer in a faltering voice,
+    "it is your ghost!"</p>
+
+    <p>"I am no ghost," said the supposed phantom.</p>
+
+    <p>"Don't come near me," said the farmer, "you have been long
+    since murdered by Africaner. Everybody says you were murdered,
+    and a man told me he had seen your bones."</p>
+
+    <p>As the farmer feared the presence of the supposed ghost
+    would alarm his wife, both wended their way to the waggon,
+    Africaner being the subject of conversation as they walked
+    along. Moffat declared his opinion that the chief was then a
+    truly good man.</p>
+
+    <p>"I can believe almost anything you say," said the Boer, "but
+    that I cannot credit."</p>
+
+    <p>Finally he closed the conversation by saying with much
+    earnestness: "Well, if what you assert be true respecting that
+    man, I have only one wish, and that is to see him before I die,
+    and when you return, as sure as the sun is over our heads, I
+    will go with you to see him, though he killed my own
+    uncle."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page46"
+    id="page46"></a>{46}</span></p>
+
+    <p>The farmer was a good man, who had showed Moffat kindness on
+    his way to Namaqualand. Knowing his sincerity and the goodness
+    of his disposition, Moffat turned to the man sitting by the
+    waggon, and addressing the farmer said, "This, then, is
+    Africaner."</p>
+
+    <p>With a start, and a look as though the man might have
+    dropped from the clouds, the worthy Boer exclaimed, "Are
+    <i>you</i> Africaner?"</p>
+
+    <p>Africaner arose, doffed his old hat, and making a polite bow
+    replied, "I am."</p>
+
+    <p>The farmer seemed thunderstruck, but on realising the fact,
+    lifted up his eyes and said, "O God, what a miracle of Thy
+    power! what cannot Thy grace accomplish!"</p>
+
+    <p>On reaching Cape Town, Robert Moffat waited upon Lord
+    Charles Somerset, the Governor, and informed him that Africaner
+    was in the town. The information was received with some amount
+    of scepticism, but the following day was appointed for an
+    interview with him.</p>
+
+    <p>The Governor received the chief with great affability and
+    kindness, and expressed his pleasure at thus seeing before him,
+    one who had formerly been the scourge of the country, and the
+    terror of the border colonists. He was much struck with this
+    palpable result of missionary enterprise, and presented
+    Africaner with an excellent waggon, valued at eighty
+    pounds.</p>
+
+    <p>Moffat visited the colony on this occasion with two objects;
+    first, to secure supplies, and secondly, to introduce Africaner
+    to the notice of the Colonial Government. Having accomplished
+    these, he fully intended to return to his flock. Events were,
+    however, ordered otherwise.</p>
+
+    <p>While Moffat was in Cape Town, a deputation
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page47"
+    id="page47"></a>{47}</span> from the London Missionary Society,
+    consisting of the Rev. J. Campbell, and the Rev. Dr. Philip,
+    was also there. It was the wish of these two gentleman that he
+    should accompany them in their visits to the missionary
+    stations, and eventually be appointed to the Bechwana
+    mission.</p>
+
+    <p>The proposition was a startling one, but after careful
+    thought, and with the entire concurrence of Africaner&mdash;who
+    hoped to move with his tribe to the neighbourhood of the new
+    mission&mdash;Moffat accepted it. Africaner therefore departed
+    alone, generously offering to take in his waggon to Lattakoo,
+    the new station, the missionary's books and a few articles of
+    furniture that he had purchased.</p>
+
+    <p>Once more these two brethren in the faith met on this earth,
+    and this was at Lattakoo. The proposed removal of the tribe,
+    however, never took place, Africaner being called up higher
+    before that plan could be carried out.</p>
+
+    <p>The closing scene in the life of this remarkable man was
+    depicted by the Rev. J. Archbell, Wesleyan missionary, in a
+    letter to Dr. Philip, dated the 14th of March,
+    1823:&mdash;"When he found his end approaching, he called all
+    the people together, and gave them directions as to their
+    future conduct. 'We are not,' said he, 'what we
+    were,&mdash;<i>savages</i>, but men professing to be taught
+    according to the Gospel. Let us then do accordingly. Live
+    peaceably with all men, if possible; and if impossible, consult
+    those who are placed over you before you engage in anything.
+    Remain together, as you have done since I knew you. Then, when
+    the Directors think fit to send you a missionary, you may be
+    ready to receive him. Behave to any teacher you may have sent
+    as one sent of God, as I have great
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page48"
+    id="page48"></a>{48}</span> hope that God will bless you in
+    this respect when I am gone to heaven. I feel that I love God,
+    and that He has done much for me, of which I am totally
+    unworthy,'</p>
+
+    <p>"He also added, 'My former life is stained with blood; but
+    Jesus Christ has pardoned me, and I am going to heaven. Oh!
+    beware of falling into the same evils into which I have led you
+    frequently; but seek God, and He will be found of you to direct
+    you,'"</p>
+
+    <p>Shortly after this he died.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0172.jpg" alt="natives" width="400" />
+    </div>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+    <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page49"
+    id="page49"></a>{49}</span></p><br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0173.jpg" alt="native women"
+        width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+    <h3>MARRIAGE, AND ARRIVAL AT LATTAKOO.</h3>
+
+    <p>Up to this time, Robert Moffat had pursued his course alone.
+    No loving helpmeet had cheered him in his efforts, or with
+    womanly tenderness ministered to his wants. But though far
+    away, he was fondly remembered and earnestly prayed for,
+    especially by one noble Christian lady, over whose fair head
+    scarce twenty-three summers had passed, and whose heart had
+    been torn with the severe struggle, between filial love and
+    regard for her parents on the one hand, and her sense of duty
+    and affection for her missionary friend on the other, which for
+    two and a-half years had been carried on therein.</p>
+
+    <p>At last, when hope seemed to have vanished, the parents of
+    Mary Smith, to whom the idea of parting with their only
+    daughter was painful in the extreme, saw so clearly that it was
+    the Lord who was calling their child to the work which He had
+    marked out for her, that they felt they dare not any longer
+    withhold her from it, and therefore calmly resigned their
+    daughter into His hands. Thus it came to pass that,&mdash;after
+    a short stay in London, and at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, at
+    which places she won all hearts by
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page50"
+    id="page50"></a>{50}</span> her unfeigned and exalted piety and
+    zeal, and by her modest, affectionate manner,&mdash;we find her
+    on board the sailing-ship <i>British Colony</i>, on her way to
+    South Africa, in the care of the Rev. R. Beck, a minister of
+    the Dutch Church, and his wife.</p>
+
+    <p>As arranged, the deputation, accompanied by Robert Moffat,
+    left Cape Town on their tour of inspection of the stations in
+    the eastern part of the Colony and in Kafirland. This journey
+    necessitated an absence of twelve months, during which time
+    Robert expected his bride to arrive. This was a trial of faith,
+    as it seemed hard that she should be obliged to land in a
+    strange country, and find none of her own to welcome her. But
+    with Moffat even love followed after duty.</p>
+
+    <p>It so happened, however, that after visiting the line of
+    stations through the eastern districts as far as Bethelsdorp,
+    the party, at that place, found their progress effectually
+    barred through war with the Kafirs. They were therefore obliged
+    to return to Cape Town, thus giving Moffat the opportunity and
+    great joy of receiving his affianced wife upon her landing from
+    the vessel. She reached Cape Town in safety, and on the 27th of
+    December, 1819, the happy couple were united. They received
+    each other as from the Lord, and for more than fifty years,
+    during cloud and sunshine, their union was a true and blessed
+    one.</p>
+
+    <p>Robert Moffat had been appointed to the Bechwana station at
+    Lattakoo, or Kuruman, as it was afterwards called; and for that
+    place the missionary party, which consisted of the Rev. John
+    Campbell and the Moffats, set out early in the year 1820.</p>
+
+    <p>A feeble attempt to establish a mission to the Bechwanas had
+    been made, by the Dutch Missionary Society in Cape Town, as
+    early as A.D. 1800, and two
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page51"
+    id="page51"></a>{51}</span> missionaries, named Edwards and
+    Kok, had been despatched. They were directed by the chief to
+    settle on the banks of the Kuruman River, at a distance from
+    the natives, and the effort degenerated into a mere trading
+    concern. In 1805, the Bechwanas were visited by the celebrated
+    traveller Dr. Lichtenstein, and, in 1812, by Dr. Burchell, but
+    it was not until the visit of the Rev. J. Campbell, a little
+    later, that any real negotiations were entertained for the
+    settlement of missionaries with this people. The chief,
+    Mothibi, then said to Mr. Campbell, "send missionaries, and I
+    will be a father to them."</p>
+
+    <p>In response to this invitation Messrs. Evans and Hamilton
+    left England in 1815, and, full of hope, reached Lattakoo on
+    the 17th of February in the following year. Instead of being
+    received as they anticipated, they were repulsed, and directed
+    to settle at the Kuruman River, thirty miles distant.
+    Disappointed and despondent they returned to Griqua Town. Mr.
+    Evans relinquished the mission, but a further attempt was made
+    afterwards by Messrs. Read and Hamilton, and this time
+    permission was obtained for them to dwell with the chief and
+    his people. Thus the Bechwana Mission obtained its first real
+    footing.</p>
+
+    <p>In June, 1817, the tribe, under Mothibi, removed from the
+    position where the missionaries first found it, and settled by
+    the Kuruman River. When the Rev. J. Campbell returned, to the
+    Colony, Mr. Read accompanied him; thus, pending the arrival of
+    Robert Moffat, Mr. Hamilton was left alone in charge of the
+    mission.</p>
+
+    <p>The journey as far as Griqua Town was accomplished without
+    any special incident. At first the route lay through fertile
+    valleys and lovely mountain scenery, but soon this changed, and
+    for hundreds of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page52"
+    id="page52"></a>{52}</span> miles the travellers had to pass
+    through the desolate region of the Karroo desert. When about
+    half-way through this sterile district, they came to the site
+    upon which was to be built the village of Beaufort West, where
+    they were most kindly entertained by a Scotchman named Mr.
+    Baird, the newly appointed magistrate.</p>
+
+    <p>The Orange River, so frequently an insurmountable obstacle
+    to progress, was passed in safety, the water being very low,
+    and two or three days later Griqua Town was reached. Here a
+    halt was made. Lattakoo lay one hundred miles beyond.</p>
+
+    <p>At this time some uncertainty existed as to whether the
+    Moffats would be allowed by the Colonial Government to settle
+    at Lattakoo; thus far consent had been withheld. They had
+    advanced trusting that the way would be opened, and after a
+    short rest at Griqua Town, the party continued their journey,
+    and reached Lattakoo five days after leaving the Griqua
+    station. It was intended that Robert Moffat should take the
+    place of Mr. Read, as an associate with Mr. Hamilton in the
+    work of the mission.</p>
+
+    <p>The new arrivals were introduced to Mothibi, and were soon
+    visited by a retinue of chiefs. The manner, appearance, and
+    dress of these natives much interested Mary Moffat. The whole
+    missionary party stayed together for three weeks, settling the
+    affairs of the mission; then the Rev. J. Campbell and Mr. Read
+    started on a journey to visit the Bahurutsi, a tribe who dwelt
+    nearly two hundred miles to the north-east of Lattakoo. Moffat
+    and his wife remained with Mr. Hamilton, so that the new
+    missionary might win the affections of the Bechwana chief and
+    his people.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page53"
+    id="page53"></a>{53}</span></p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0174.jpg"
+        alt="pulling a big wagon up a hill" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <p>Upon the return of the Rev. J. Campbell and Mr. Read, after
+    an absence of two months, and a short
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page54"
+    id="page54"></a>{54}</span> rest at Lattakoo, all the
+    missionaries, excepting Mr. Hamilton, set off westward along
+    the bed of the Kuruman River to visit several of the Bechwana
+    tribes which were scattered about that region. The natives of
+    these parts, never having seen white people before evinced much
+    curiosity concerning their visitors; especially about Mrs.
+    Moffat and her dress. To see the missionaries sitting at table
+    dining and using knives and forks, plates, and different
+    dishes, was wonderful to them, and for hours they would sit and
+    gaze upon such scenes. The Word of Life was preached to these
+    natives by either Mr. Campbell or Robert Moffat as the party
+    journeyed along.</p>
+
+    <p>Their absence from Lattakoo extended to a little over a
+    fortnight, and on their return, finding, by intelligence
+    received from Dr. Philip, that permission had not as yet been
+    obtained from the Governor for the Moffats to settle at that
+    place, Robert and his partner had to return, much cast down, to
+    Griqua Town, there to commit the matter into the hand of God,
+    and patiently await the time when He should open the way for
+    them to commence the work they had so much at heart. Mr.
+    Hamilton was therefore again left alone with simply a Griqua
+    assistant and a few Hottentots.</p>
+
+    <p>Just before leaving Lattakoo, Robert Moffat met Africaner,
+    who had safely brought from Vreede Berg the cattle and property
+    belonging to the missionary, and also the books and articles of
+    furniture which had been intrusted to his care when leaving
+    Cape Town. All were in good order, particular attention having
+    been paid to the missionary's cattle and sheep during his long
+    absence. This was the last meeting between Moffat and
+    Africaner.</p>
+
+    <p>While on their journey, and when near
+    Griqua<span class="pagenum"><a name="page55"
+    id="page55"></a>{55}</span> Town, information reached the
+    missionary party that permission had been granted for the
+    Moffats to settle at Lattakoo. As, however, the affairs at
+    Griqua Town at this time were altogether disorganised, it was
+    arranged that they should stay there for a few months to set
+    the affairs of that place in order.</p>
+
+    <p>During their stay at that station Mrs. Moffat had a severe
+    illness, and her life was despaired of, but this precious life
+    was preserved, and not only was his dear one restored, but a
+    bonny wee lassie was given to them both, who was named Mary,
+    and who, in after years, became the wife of Dr.
+    Livingstone.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0175.jpg"
+        alt="OLD MISSION HOUSE AT GRIQUA TOWN"
+        title="OLD MISSION HOUSE AT GRIQUA TOWN" width="640" />
+
+        <h4>OLD MISSION HOUSE AT GRIQUA TOWN.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>At Griqua Town they bade farewell to the Rev. J. Campbell.
+    To them he had become much endeared, as they had been in his
+    company as fellow-travellers for many months. He and Mr. Read
+    returned to the Colony; twenty years later, however, the two
+    friends met again, but that was upon the Moffats' return to
+    their native land.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page56"
+    id="page56"></a>{56}</span></p>
+
+    <p>In May, 1821, Mr. and Mrs. Moffat again arrived at Lattakoo,
+    and then commenced a continuation of missionary conflicts
+    during which their faith was severely tried, but which ended,
+    after many years, in triumphant rejoicing as they saw the
+    people brought to Christ, and beheld the once ignorant and
+    degraded heathen becoming humble servants of the Lord, reading
+    His Word and obeying His precepts.</p>
+
+    <p>In looking at the Bechwanas as they were when the Moffats
+    first settled among them, for up to that time the efforts of
+    the missionaries had been unattended with success, we find a
+    people who had neither an idea of a God, nor who performed any
+    idolatrous rites; who failed to see that there was anything
+    more agreeable to flesh and blood in our customs than in their
+    own; but who allowed that the missionaries were a wiser and
+    superior race of beings to themselves; who practised polygamy,
+    and looked with a very jealous eye on any innovation that was
+    likely to deprive them of the services of their wives, who
+    built their houses, gathered firewood for their fires, tilled
+    their fields, and reared their families; who were suspicious,
+    and keenly scrutinised the actions of the missionaries; in
+    fact, a people who were thoroughly sensual, and who could rob,
+    lie, and murder without any compunctions of conscience, as long
+    as success attended their efforts.</p>
+
+    <p>Among such a people did these servants of God labour for
+    years without any sign of fruit, but with steadfast faith and
+    persevering prayer, until at last the work of the Holy Spirit
+    was seen, and the strong arm of the Lord, gathering many into
+    His fold, became apparent.</p>
+
+    <p>The Bechwana tribe with whom Robert Moffat was located was
+    called the Batlaping, or Batlapis.</p>
+
+    <p>The patience of the missionaries in these early days
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page57"
+    id="page57"></a>{57}</span> was sorely tried, and the petty
+    annoyances, so irritating to many of us, were neither few nor
+    infrequent. By dint of immense labour, leading the water to it,
+    the ground which the chief had given the missionaries for a
+    garden was made available; then the women, headed by the
+    chief's wife, encroached upon it, and to save contention the
+    point was conceded. The corn when it ripened was stolen, and
+    the sheep either taken out of the fold at night or driven off
+    when grazing in the day time. No tool or household utensil
+    could be left about for a moment or it would disappear.</p>
+
+    <p>One day Mr. Hamilton, who at that time had no mill to grind
+    corn, sat down and with much labour and perspiration, by means
+    of two stones, ground sufficient meal in half-a-day to make a
+    loaf that should serve him, being then alone, for about eight
+    days. He kneaded and baked his gigantic loaf, put it on his
+    shelf, and went to the chapel. He returned in the evening with
+    a keen appetite and a pleasant anticipation of enjoying his
+    coarse home-made bread, but on opening the door of his hut and
+    casting his eye to the shelf he saw that the loaf had gone.
+    Someone had forced open the little window of the hut, got in,
+    and stolen the bread.</p>
+
+    <p>On another occasion Mrs. Moffat, with a babe in her arms,
+    begged very humbly of a woman, just to be kind enough to move
+    out of a temporary kitchen, that she might shut it as usual
+    before going into the place of worship. The woman seized a
+    piece of wood to hurl at Mrs. Moffat's head, who, therefore,
+    escaped to the house of God, leaving the intruder in
+    undisturbed possession of the kitchen, any of the contents of
+    which she would not hesitate to appropriate to her own use.</p>
+
+    <p>A severe drought also set in, and a rain-maker, finding all
+    his arts to bring rain useless, laid the blame
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page58"
+    id="page58"></a>{58}</span> upon the white strangers, who for a
+    time were in expectation of being driven away. Probably,
+    however, the greatest trial at this time was caused by the
+    conduct of some of the Hottentots who had accompanied them from
+    the Cape, and who being but new converts were weak to withstand
+    the demands made upon them, and brought shame upon their
+    leaders. Shortly after his arrival Moffat thoroughly purged his
+    little community. The numbers that gathered round the Lord's
+    table were much reduced, but the lesson was a salutary one and
+    did good to the heathen around.</p>
+
+    <p>A callous indifference to the instruction of the
+    missionaries, except it was followed by some temporal benefit,
+    prevailed. In August, 1822, Mary Moffat wrote, "We have no
+    prosperity in the work, not the least sign of good being done.
+    The Bechwanas seem more careless than ever, and seldom enter
+    the church." A little later Moffat himself stated in one of his
+    letters, "They turn a deaf ear to the voice of love, and treat
+    with scorn the glorious doctrines of salvation. It is, however,
+    pleasing to reflect that affairs in general wear a more hopeful
+    aspect than when we came here. Several instances have proved
+    the people are determined to relinquish the barbarous system of
+    commandoes for stealing cattle. They have also dispensed with a
+    rain-maker this season."</p>
+
+    <p>The Bushmen had a most inhuman custom of abandoning the aged
+    and helpless, leaving them to starve or be devoured by wild
+    beasts; also if a mother died it was their practice to bury the
+    infant or infants of that mother with her.</p>
+
+    <p>During one of his journeys, a few months prior to the date
+    last mentioned, Moffat came upon a party of Bushmen digging a
+    grave for the body of a woman who had left two children.
+    Finding that they were <span class="pagenum"><a name="page59"
+    id="page59"></a>{59}</span> about to bury the children with the
+    corpse he begged for them. They were given him and for some
+    years formed a part of his household. They were named Ann and
+    Dicky.</p>
+
+    <p>The importance of acquiring the language of the Bechwanas
+    soon became apparent to the earnest-hearted missionary. One day
+    he was much cast down and said to his wife, "Mary, this is hard
+    work." "It is hard work, my love," she replied, "but take
+    courage, our lives shall be given us for a prey." "But think,
+    my dear," he said, "how long we have been preaching to this
+    people, and no fruit yet appears." The wise woman made answer,
+    "The Gospel has not yet been preached to them <i>in their own
+    tongue in which they were born</i>. They have heard it only
+    through interpreters, and interpreters who have themselves no
+    just understanding, no real love of the truth. We must not
+    expect the blessing till you are able, from your own lips and
+    in their language, to bring it through their ears into their
+    hearts."</p>
+
+    <p>"From that hour," said Moffat, in relating the conversation,
+    "I gave myself with untiring diligence to the acquisition of
+    the language."</p>
+
+    <p>As an instance of the drawback of preaching by means of an
+    interpreter, the sentence, "The salvation of the soul is a very
+    important subject," was rendered by one of those individuals as
+    follows: "The salvation of the soul is a very great sack." A
+    rendering altogether unintelligible.</p>
+
+    <p>For the purpose of studying the language Moffat made
+    journeys among the tribes, so that he might for a time be freed
+    from speaking Dutch, the language spoken with his own people at
+    Lattakoo. Itinerating visits were also made in turn every
+    Sabbath to the surrounding villages, and occasionally further
+    afield, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page60"
+    id="page60"></a>{60}</span> but sometimes, after walking
+    perhaps four to five miles to reach a village, not a single
+    individual could be found to listen to the Gospel message.</p>
+
+    <p>The only service in which the missionaries took any real
+    delight at this time, was the Sabbath evening service held in
+    Dutch for the edification of themselves and the two or three
+    Hottentots, with their families, who belonged to the
+    mission.</p>
+
+    <p>In addition to sore privations, discouragements, false
+    accusations, and the loss of their property, the missionaries
+    found even their lives at times imperilled. The natives and all
+    on the station were suffering greatly from a long continued
+    drought. All the efforts of the professional rain-maker had
+    been in vain, no cloud appeared in the sky, no rain fell to
+    water the parched land. The doings of the missionaries were
+    looked upon as being the cause of this misfortune. At one time
+    it was a bag of salt, which Moffat had brought in his waggon,
+    that frightened the rain away; at another the sound of the
+    chapel bell. Their prospects became darker than ever. At last
+    it appeared that the natives had fully decided to expel them
+    from their midst. A chief man, and about a dozen of his
+    attendants, came and seated themselves under the shadow of a
+    large tree near to Moffat's house. He at that moment was
+    engaged in repairing a waggon near at hand. The scene which
+    ensued and its result we give in his own
+    words:&mdash;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page61"
+    id="page61"></a>{61}</span></p>
+
+    <p>"Being informed that something of importance was to be
+    communicated, Mr. Hamilton was called. We stood patiently to
+    hear the message, always ready to face the worst. The principal
+    speaker informed us, that it was the determination of the
+    chiefs of the people that we should leave the country; and
+    referring to our disregard of threatenings, added what was
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page62"
+    id="page62"></a>{62}</span> tantamount to the assurance that
+    measures of a violent character would be resorted to, to carry
+    their resolutions into effect, in case of our disobeying the
+    order.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0176.jpg"
+        alt="&quot;NOW THEN, IF YOU WILL DRIVE YOUR SPEARS TO MY HEART.&quot;"
+             title="&quot;NOW THEN, IF YOU WILL DRIVE YOUR SPEARS TO MY HEART.&quot;"
+             width="640" />
+
+        <h4>"NOW THEN, IF YOU WILL DRIVE YOUR SPEARS TO MY
+        HEART."</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>"While the chief was speaking, he stood quivering his spear
+    in his right hand. Mrs. Moffat was at the door of our cottage,
+    with the babe in her arms, watching the crisis, for such it
+    was. We replied:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"'We have indeed felt most reluctant to leave, and are now
+    more than ever resolved to abide by our post. We pity you, for
+    you know not what you do; we have suffered, it is true; and He
+    whose servants we are has directed us in His Word, "When they
+    persecute you in one city, flee ye to another," but although we
+    have suffered, we do not consider all that has been done to us
+    by the people amounts to persecution; we are prepared to expect
+    it from such as know no better. If you are resolved to rid
+    yourselves of us, you must resort to stronger measures, for our
+    hearts are with you. You may shed blood or burn us out. We know
+    you will not touch our wives and children.'"</p>
+
+    <p>Then throwing open his waistcoat Moffat stood erect and
+    fearless. "Now then," said he, "if you will, drive your spears
+    to my heart; and when you have slain me, my companions will
+    know that the hour has come for them to depart."</p>
+
+    <p>At these words the chief man looked at his companions,
+    remarking, with a significant shake of the head, "These men
+    must have ten lives, when they are so fearless of death; there
+    must be something in immortality."</p>
+
+    <p>Moffat pithily observes, "The meeting broke up, and they
+    left us, no doubt fully impressed with the idea that we were
+    impracticable men."</p>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page63"
+    id="page63"></a>{63}</span> <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0177.jpg" alt="two figures" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+    <h3>THE MANTATEE INVASION.</h3>
+
+    <p>In March, 1823, a second daughter was born to the Moffats,
+    who was named Ann. At that time the Batlaping were thoroughly
+    indifferent to the Gospel, but their hostile spirit to the
+    missionaries had passed away.</p>
+
+    <p>Robert Moffat had heard of a powerful Bechwana tribe, named
+    the Bangwaketsi, whose chief was Makaba, dwelling about two
+    hundred miles to the north-east. To this chief and people he
+    now contemplated paying a visit.</p>
+
+    <p>Rumours had also been current at intervals, for more than a
+    year past, of strange and terrible doings by a fierce and
+    numerous people, called the Mantatees, who were advancing from
+    the eastward. To gain definite intelligence concerning this
+    people, and also with the view of paying his contemplated visit
+    to Makaba, Moffat resolved upon undertaking a journey to that
+    chief. He was also influenced by the desire to open up a
+    friendly intercourse with so powerful, and it might be
+    dangerous, a potentate as Makaba; and likewise by the wish of
+    gaining opportunities of more fully studying the language and
+    becoming acquainted with the localities of the tribes; the
+    ulti<span class="pagenum"><a name="page64"
+    id="page64"></a>{64}</span> mate design of all being the
+    introduction of the Gospel among them.</p>
+
+    <p>An invitation arrived from Makaba, and the way seemed open.
+    Mothibi, however, the Bechwana chief, was greatly averse to the
+    undertaking, and threw all possible obstacles in its path,
+    short of actual armed resistance. His people were forbidden to
+    accompany the missionary, who was obliged therefore to start
+    with only the few men he had.</p>
+
+    <p>As he journeyed forward the reports concerning the Mantatees
+    were again heard, and on reaching Nokaneng, about twenty miles
+    distant from Lattakoo, he learned that the invaders had
+    attacked a Bechwana tribe, the Barolongs, at Kunuana, about one
+    hundred miles off. Spies were sent out but returned without any
+    definite tidings, and the journey was resumed.</p>
+
+    <p>For four days the party travelled across a dry and trackless
+    country, when they came to a fine valley, in which were some
+    pools and plenty of game. Here they remained two days, and then
+    prepared to continue their journey to the Bangwaketsi. Just as
+    they were about to start, however, they ascertained from two
+    natives that the Mantatees had attacked the Barolongs, and were
+    in possession of a village somewhat in the rear of the
+    missionary's party.</p>
+
+    <p>No time was to be lost. The distance was retraced with all
+    speed, and the alarming news told at Lattakoo. A public meeting
+    was convened, and Moffat gave a circumstantial account of the
+    information he had gathered. The enemy were a numerous and
+    powerful body, they had destroyed many towns of the Bakone
+    tribes, slaughtered immense numbers of people, laid Kurrechane
+    in ruins, scattered the Barolongs, and, in addition, were said
+    to be cannibals.</p>
+
+    <p>The alarming tidings produced at first, a gloom on
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page65"
+    id="page65"></a>{65}</span> every countenance, and silence
+    reigned for a few minutes. Then Mothibi, in the name of the
+    assembly, said he was exceedingly thankful that their
+    missionary had been "hard-headed" and pursued his journey, thus
+    discovering to them their danger.</p>
+
+    <p>Moffat counselled that as the Bechwanas were quite unable to
+    resist so savage a force as the Mantatees, they had better
+    either flee to the Colony or call in the aid of the Griquas,
+    volunteering to proceed to Griqua Town to give information and
+    procure assistance. The chief at that place was one Andries
+    Waterboer, who had been educated by the missionaries, and who,
+    before his election as chief, had been set apart for a native
+    teacher. Mr. Melville, the Government agent, also resided in
+    the town.</p>
+
+    <p>Moffat reached Griqua Town safely, and Waterboer promised to
+    come to the assistance of the Bechwanas as soon as he could
+    muster his forces. Moffat then returned to his station.</p>
+
+    <p>Eleven anxious days were passed at Lattakoo, waiting the
+    arrival of the Griquas. By the time they arrived, the enemy had
+    reached Letakong, only thirty-six miles away. The Griqua force
+    consisted of about one hundred horsemen, armed with guns, and
+    it being reported that there were white men among the invaders,
+    Moffat was asked to accompany the force, as, having some
+    knowledge of the language, he might be able to bring about a
+    treaty with them. He agreed to go, and Mr. Melville started
+    with him.</p>
+
+    <p>Before leaving, all met to pray for Divine counsel and help.
+    A blessing on the means of preventing a further effusion of
+    blood was asked, and if recourse to violent measures became
+    necessary, it was prayed that the heads of those engaged might
+    be shielded in the day of
+    battle.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page66"
+    id="page66"></a>{66}</span></p>
+
+    <p>The small force pressed forward as far as the Matlaurin
+    River, about half way, where all bivouacked. Leaving the main
+    body, Waterboer, Moffat, and a few others, rode onward for
+    about four hours, and then halted for the night among some
+    trees. At day-light they proceeded until they came in sight of
+    the enemy. These were divided into two parties, one holding a
+    town, out of which they had driven the inhabitants, and the
+    other lying on the hills to the left of the town. As the
+    horsemen drew near, they could perceive that they were
+    discovered, and among the masses of the invaders could be seen
+    the war-axes and brass ornaments as they glittered in the
+    sun.</p>
+
+    <p>Riding forward, Moffat and Waterboer found a young woman
+    belonging to the Mantatees, whose whole appearance denoted
+    direful want. Food was given her, and some tobacco, and she was
+    sent with a message to her people that the strangers wanted to
+    speak with them and not to fight. An old man and a lad were
+    also found dying of starvation, these were helped and talked to
+    in full sight of the enemy. All possible means were tried to
+    bring them to a parley, but in vain, they only responded by
+    making furious rushes, showing their intention to attack.</p>
+
+    <p>The whole day was spent in this manner, and at evening
+    Moffat left Waterboer and the scouts, and rode back to confer
+    with Mr. Melville and the other Griqua chiefs, to see if some
+    means could be devised of preventing the dreadful consequences
+    of battle. One of the Griqua chiefs, named Cornelius Kok, nobly
+    insisted on Moffat taking his best horse, one of the strongest
+    present. To this generous act the missionary afterwards owed
+    his life.</p>
+
+    <p>All the party were in motion the next morning before
+    day-light. The whole of the horsemen advanced
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page67"
+    id="page67"></a>{67}</span> to within about one hundred and
+    fifty yards of the enemy, thinking to intimidate them and bring
+    them to a conference. The Mantatees rushed forward with a
+    terrible howl, throwing their war clubs and javelins. The
+    rushes becoming dangerous, Waterboer and his party commenced
+    firing, and the battle became general. The Mantatees
+    obstinately held their ground, seeming determined rather to
+    perish than flee, which they might easily have done.</p>
+
+    <p>After the combat had lasted two hours and a-half, the
+    Griquas, finding their ammunition rapidly diminishing, advanced
+    to take the enemy's position. The latter gave way and fled, at
+    first westward, but being intercepted, they turned towards the
+    town. Here a desperate struggle took place. At last, seized
+    with despair, the enemy fled precipitately, and were pursued by
+    the Griquas for about eight miles.</p>
+
+    <p>Soon after the battle commenced, the Bechwanas who
+    accompanied the Griqua force came up, and began discharging
+    their poisoned arrows into the midst of the Mantatees.
+    Half-a-dozen of these fierce warriors, however, turned upon
+    them, and the whole body scampered off in wild disorder. But as
+    soon as these cowards saw that the Mantatees had retired, they
+    rushed like hungry wolves to the spot where they had been
+    encamped, and began to plunder and kill the wounded, also
+    murdering the women and children with their spears and
+    battle-axes.</p>
+
+    <p>Fighting not being within the missionary's province, he
+    refrained from firing a shot, though for safety he kept with
+    the Griqua force. Seeing now the savage ferocity of the
+    Bechwanas in killing the inoffensive women and children, he
+    turned his attention to these objects of pity, who were fleeing
+    in all directions. Galloping in among them, many of the
+    Bechwanas <span class="pagenum"><a name="page68"
+    id="page68"></a>{68}</span> were deterred from their barbarous
+    purpose, and the women, seeing that mercy was shown them, sat
+    down, and baring their breasts, exclaimed, "I am a woman; I am
+    a woman." The men seemed as though it was impossible to yield,
+    and although often sorely wounded, they continued to throw
+    their spears and war-axes at any one who approached.</p>
+
+    <p>It was while carrying on his work of mercy among the wounded
+    that Moffat nearly lost his life. He had got hemmed in between
+    a rocky height and a body of the enemy. A narrow passage
+    remained, through which he could escape at full gallop. Right
+    in the middle of this passage there rose up before him a man
+    who had been shot, but who had collected his strength, and,
+    weapon in hand, was awaiting him. Just at that moment one of
+    the Griquas, seeing the situation, fired. The ball whizzed
+    past, close to Moffat. The aim had been a true one, and the way
+    of escape was clear.</p>
+
+    <p>This battle saved the mission. It did more than
+    that&mdash;it saved the Mantatees themselves from terrible
+    destruction. As a devastating host they would in all
+    probability have advanced to the borders of the Colony, and
+    being driven back, would have perished miserably, men, women,
+    and children, either of starvation, or at the hands of those
+    tribes whom they would have overcome in their advance, and
+    through whose territories they must have passed in their
+    retreat.</p>
+
+    <p>After the battle was over, Mr. Melville and Robert Moffat
+    collected many of the Mantatee women and children, who were
+    taken to the missionary station. Alarm prevailed there for some
+    days, it being feared that the Mantatees might make a descent
+    upon the place after the Griquas had left. At one time the
+    prospect was so ominous that the missionary band, with their
+    wives and children, after burying their
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page69"
+    id="page69"></a>{69}</span> property, left Lattakoo for a short
+    time, and sought shelter at Griqua Town. The threatened attack
+    not being made, and as it was found that the Mantatees had left
+    the neighbourhood, the station was again occupied.</p>
+
+    <p>The Bechwanas were deeply sensible of the interest the
+    missionaries had shown in their welfare, at a time when they
+    might with ease and little loss of property have retired in
+    safety to the Colony, leaving them to be destroyed by the
+    fierce invaders.</p>
+
+    <p>For a long time past, it had been evident to Moffat that the
+    site upon which they dwelt at Lattakoo was altogether
+    unsuitable for missionary purposes. The great scarcity of
+    water, especially in dry seasons, rendered any attempt at
+    raising crops most difficult, and even water for drinking
+    purposes could only be obtained in small quantity. Advantage
+    was therefore taken of the present favourable impression, made
+    upon the minds of Mothibi and his people, to obtain a site for
+    a new station. A place eight miles distant, about three miles
+    below the Kuruman fountain, where the river of that name had
+    its source, was examined and found to offer better advantages
+    for a missionary station than any other for hundreds of miles
+    round. Arrangements were made with the Bechwana chiefs so that
+    about two miles of the Kuruman valley should henceforth be the
+    property of the London Missionary Society, proper remuneration
+    being given as soon as Moffat returned from Cape Town, to which
+    place he contemplated paying a visit shortly.</p>
+
+    <p>This new station will be known in the further chronicle of
+    events, by the name of Kuruman.</p>
+
+    <p>At the beginning of 1824, the Moffats were in Cape Town.
+    They had gone there to obtain supplies, to seek medical aid for
+    Mrs. Moffat, who had suffered in health considerably, and to
+    confer personally <span class="pagenum"><a name="page70"
+    id="page70"></a>{70}</span> with Dr. Philip about the removal
+    of the station. Mothibi having been anxious that his son,
+    Peclu, should see the country of the white people, had sent
+    him, accompanied by Taisho, one of the principal chiefs, to
+    Cape Town with the missionaries.</p>
+
+    <p>The young prince and his companion were astonished at what
+    they saw. With difficulty they were persuaded to go along with
+    Robert Moffat on board one of the ships in the bay. The
+    enormous size of the hull, the height of the masts, the
+    splendid cabin and the deep hold, were each and all objects of
+    wonder; and when they saw a boy mount the rigging and ascend to
+    the masthead, their astonishment was complete. Turning to the
+    young prince, Taisho whispered, "Ah ga si khatla?" (Is it not
+    an ape?) "Do these water-houses (ships) unyoke like waggon-oxen
+    every night?" they inquired; and also; "Do they graze in the
+    sea to keep them alive?" Being asked what they thought of a
+    ship in full sail, which was then entering the harbour, they
+    replied, "We have no thoughts here, we hope to think again when
+    we get on shore."</p>
+
+    <p>Upon the same day that the Moffats reached Cape Town, a ship
+    arrived from England, bringing three new missionaries intended
+    for the Bechwana station. Of these, however, one only and his
+    wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, were able to accompany the older
+    missionary upon his return to his post.</p>
+
+    <p>Mrs. Moffat's health being somewhat improved, the party left
+    Cape Town, and after a tedious and monotonous journey of two
+    months, Robert and Mary Moffat reached Lattakoo in safety. They
+    had left Mr. and Mrs. Hughes at Griqua Town, where they were to
+    remain for a season. Upon reaching home Mr. Hamilton was found
+    pursuing his lonely labours with that quiet patience so
+    characteristic of him.</p>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page71"
+    id="page71"></a>{71}</span> <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0178.jpg" alt="water" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+    <h3>VISIT TO MAKABA.</h3>
+
+    <p>Shortly after his return, and pending the final arrangements
+    for the removal of the missionary station, it was considered
+    advisable that Robert Moffat should pay his long promised visit
+    to Makaba, the chief of the Bangwaketsi. He left on the 1st of
+    July, 1824, and was accompanied by a large party of Griquas,
+    who were going into that region to hunt elephants.</p>
+
+    <p>Skirting the edge of the Kalahari desert for some time they
+    afterwards deviated from their course through want of water,
+    and visited Pitsana, where a great concourse of natives had
+    gathered, consisting of the different sections of the Barolong
+    tribe, who had been driven from their country the previous year
+    during the invasion of the Mantatees. Thence they proceeded
+    onward till they reached Kwakwe, the residence of Makaba and
+    his people, and the metropolis of the Bangwaketsi. Here the
+    missionary was most favourably received by the king, who
+    remarked, with a laugh, "That he wondered they should trust
+    themselves, unarmed, in the town of such a <i>villain</i> as he
+    was reported to be."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page72"
+    id="page72"></a>{72}</span></p>
+
+    <p>He entertained Moffat and his party royally, declaring, "My
+    friends, I am perfectly happy; my heart is whiter than milk,
+    because you have visited me. To-day I am a great man. You are
+    wise and bold to come and see with your own eyes, and laugh at
+    the testimony of my enemies."</p>
+
+    <p>Moffat tried on several occasions to converse with the chief
+    and his people on Divine things, but apparently with little
+    success. At length on the Sabbath he resolved to pay Makaba a
+    formal visit, so as to obtain a hearing for the subject. He
+    found the monarch seated among a large number of his principal
+    men, all engaged either preparing skins, cutting them, sewing
+    mantles, or telling news.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0179.jpg" alt="NATIVES SEWING"
+        title="NATIVES SEWING" width="640" />
+
+        <h4>NATIVES SEWING.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>Sitting down beside him, and amidst his nobles and
+    counsellors, Moffat stated that his object was to tell
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page73"
+    id="page73"></a>{73}</span> him news. The missionary spoke of
+    God, of the Saviour, but his words fell upon deaf ears. One of
+    the men sitting near, however, seemed struck with the character
+    of the Redeemer, and especially with His miracles. On hearing
+    that He had raised the dead, the man said, "What an excellent
+    doctor He must have been to raise the dead." This led to a
+    description of His power, and how that power would be exercised
+    at the last day in the Resurrection. The ear of the monarch
+    caught the sound of a resurrection from the dead, "What," he
+    exclaimed in astonishment, "What are these words about? the
+    dead, the dead arise!"</p>
+
+    <p>"Yes, all the dead shall arise."</p>
+
+    <p>"Will my father arise?"</p>
+
+    <p>"Yes, your father will arise."</p>
+
+    <p>"Will all the slain in battle arise?"</p>
+
+    <p>"Yes."</p>
+
+    <p>"And will all that have been killed and devoured by lions,
+    tigers, hyenas, and crocodiles again revive?"</p>
+
+    <p>"Yes; and come to judgment."</p>
+
+    <p>"And will those whose bodies have been left to waste and to
+    wither on the desert plains and scattered to the winds again
+    arise?" asked the king, with a kind of triumph, as though this
+    time he had fixed the missionary.</p>
+
+    <p>"Yes!" answered he, with emphasis; "not one will be left
+    behind."</p>
+
+    <p>After looking at his visitor for a few moments, Makaba
+    turned to his people, saying in a stentorian voice: "Hark, ye
+    wise men, whoever is among you, the wisest of past generations,
+    did ever your ears hear such strange and unheard-of news?"</p>
+
+    <p>Receiving an answer in the negative, he laid his hand upon
+    Moffat's breast and said, "Father, I love
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page74"
+    id="page74"></a>{74}</span> you much. Your visit and your
+    presence have made my heart as white as milk. The words of your
+    mouth are sweet as honey, but the words of a resurrection are
+    too great to be heard. I do not wish to hear again about the
+    dead rising! The dead cannot arise! The dead must not
+    arise!"</p>
+
+    <p>"Why," inquired the missionary, "can so great a man refuse
+    knowledge and turn away from wisdom? Tell me, my friend, why I
+    must not add to words and speak of a resurrection?"</p>
+
+    <p>Raising and uncovering his arm which had been strong in
+    battle, and shaking his hand as if quivering a spear, he
+    replied, "I have slain my thousands, and shall they arise!"</p>
+
+    <p>"Never before," adds Mr. Moffat in his <i>Missionary
+    Labours</i>, "had the light of Divine revelation dawned upon
+    his savage mind, and of course his conscience had never accused
+    him, no, not for one of the thousands of deeds of rapine and
+    murder which had marked his course through a long career."</p>
+
+    <p>Starting homewards, the Griqua hunting party, for some
+    altogether unexplained reason, announced their intention of
+    returning with the missionary instead of remaining behind to
+    hunt; a most providential circumstance, which in all
+    probability saved the lives of Moffat and his followers and
+    many more besides.</p>
+
+    <p>A few hours after leaving Makaba, messengers met the
+    returning company from Tauane, the chief of the Barolongs,
+    asking the help of the missionary party as he was about to be
+    attacked by the Mantatees. On reaching Pitsana they found that
+    such was the case. The attack was made and repelled by the
+    Griquas, about twenty in number, mounted and armed with guns;
+    and thus the town was saved, the flight of its inhabitants into
+    the Kalahari desert, there to perish
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page75"
+    id="page75"></a>{75}</span> of hunger and thirst, prevented,
+    and the safety of Robert Moffat and his companions secured.</p>
+
+    <p>The time during which Moffat had been absent from Lattakoo,
+    had been a most anxious one for his wife and those who remained
+    at the station. A band of marauders had gathered in the Long
+    Mountains, about forty miles to the westward, and after
+    attacking some villages on the Kuruman, had threatened an
+    attack on the Batlaping and the mission premises. The dreaded
+    Mantatees were also reported to be in the neighbourhood. One
+    night when Mary Moffat was alone with her little ones and the
+    two Bushmen children, Mr. Hamilton and the assistants being
+    away at the new station, a loud rap came at the door, and
+    inquiring who was there, Mothibi himself replied. He brought
+    word that the Mantatees were approaching.</p>
+
+    <p>A hasty message was sent to Mr. Hamilton, who arrived about
+    eight o'clock in the morning when preparations were made for
+    flight. Messengers continued to arrive, each bringing tidings
+    that caused fresh alarm, until about noon, when it was
+    ascertained that the fierce and savage enemy had turned aside
+    and directed their course to the Barolongs.</p>
+
+    <p>The station was safe, but the loving heart of the
+    missionary's wife was torn with anguish, as she foresaw that
+    the dreaded Mantatees would be crossing her husband's path just
+    at the time when he, almost alone, was returning on his
+    homeward way.</p>
+
+    <p>Prayer was the support of Mary Moffat under this terrible
+    ordeal, and the way prayer was answered has been seen, in the
+    unaccountable manner in which Berend Berend and his party of
+    Griquas changed their minds and resolved upon returning with
+    Robert Moffat, instead of remaining to hunt elephants in the
+    country of the
+    Bangwaketsi.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page76"
+    id="page76"></a>{76}</span></p>
+
+    <p>The remainder of the year 1824 witnessed bloodshed and
+    strife all around. War among the Bechwanas, attacks by the
+    marauders of the Long Mountains, commotions among the interior
+    tribes: the land was deluged with blood; even the warlike
+    Bangwaketsi were dispersed, and Makaba was killed. Once again
+    the missionaries had to flee with their families to Griqua
+    Town, leaving Mr. Hamilton, as he was without family in charge
+    of the new station, with two horses ready for flight in case of
+    danger.</p>
+
+    <p>The end of the year found the Kuruman
+    missionaries,&mdash;who now consisted of Robert and Mary
+    Moffat, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, and Mr. Hamilton,&mdash;with the
+    exception of the last named, at Griqua Town.</p>
+
+    <p>The new station at the Kuruman had been occupied shortly
+    before the departure of the fugitives; and early in 1825,
+    finding that the immediate danger had passed, the Moffats,
+    accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, rejoined Mr. Hamilton. Two
+    events of a distressing character to the Batlaping and their
+    missionaries occurred about this time. The first was the
+    passage of two terrible hail-storms over a portion of the
+    country, destroying the crops, killing lambs, and stripping the
+    bark from trees. The second was the death of the young prince,
+    Peclu, who had an excellent disposition, was comparatively
+    enlightened, and whose influence the missionaries expected
+    would have been most salutary among his countrymen.</p>
+
+    <p>This sorrowful event, combined with a further attack upon
+    the Batlaping by the marauders, determined Mothibi and his
+    people to leave their present place of settlement and remove to
+    the eastward. For a considerable time, however, they remained
+    in an unsettled state, suffering from attacks, and leading a
+    vagrant life.</p>
+
+    <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page77"
+    id="page77"></a>{77}</span> The work of laying out the new
+    station was proceeded with. Three temporary dwellings had
+    already been erected, consisting of a wooden framework, filled
+    up with reeds, and plastered within and without; the
+    foundations of more permanent dwellings had also been laid. Mr.
+    Hughes, who had been to Cape Town for supplies, returned,
+    accompanied by a mason named Millen and a few Hottentot
+    assistants from Bethelsdorp. The company at the station was a
+    large one, and to provide them with food was a work of
+    difficulty.</p>
+
+    <p>The Kuruman fountain, the source of the Kuruman river,
+    issues from caverns in a little hill. It was the purpose of the
+    missionaries to lead the water from the river to irrigate their
+    gardens. For this purpose a trench was cut two miles in length.
+    This was a work of great labour and was attended by
+    considerable danger. It was found necessary that the men when
+    working should have their guns with them, in case of being
+    surprised by the robbers who roved about. Moffat says, "it was
+    dug in troublous times."</p>
+
+    <p>Sickness and death entered the missionary dwellings. An
+    infant son was born to the Moffats, and five days after called
+    away. Mr. Hughes was laid low through a severe cold, and
+    brought to the gates of death. When all hope seemed to have
+    vanished he began to amend, though his health was not restored
+    until he and Mrs. Hughes made a journey to the Cape. In 1827 he
+    left Kuruman and removed to the Griqua Mission. The mother of
+    Mary Moffat died in October, 1825, but the news did not reach
+    her daughter in Africa until April, 1826.</p>
+
+    <p>Referring to this time Robert Moffat says: "Our situation
+    during the infancy of the new station, I shall not attempt to
+    describe. Some of our newly arrived
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page78"
+    id="page78"></a>{78}</span> assistants, finding themselves in a
+    country where the restraints of law were unknown, and not being
+    under the influence of religion, would not submit to the
+    privations which we patiently endured, but murmured
+    exceedingly. Armed robbers were continually making inroads,
+    threatening death and extirpation. We were compelled to work
+    daily at every species of labour, most of which was very heavy,
+    under a burning sun, and in a dry climate, where only one
+    shower had fallen during the preceding twelve months. These are
+    only imperfect samples of our engagements for several years at
+    the new station, while at the same time, the language, which
+    was entirely oral, had to be acquired."</p>
+
+    <p>Notwithstanding all the impediments to such an enterprise,
+    Robert Moffat had made some progress towards establishing a
+    literature in the native, or Sechwana tongue. A spelling-book,
+    catechism, and some small portions of Scripture had been
+    prepared, and sent to the Cape to be printed, in 1825. Through
+    a mistake, these were unfortunately sent on to England, causing
+    much disappointment and delay.</p>
+
+    <p>Things settled down somewhat in 1826. The discontented
+    Hottentots returned to the Colony, leaving the missionaries and
+    Mr. Millen to carry on the work of laying out the station,
+    erecting the buildings, and the other manual labour connected
+    with the undertaking, assisted only by such poor help as they
+    could get from the Bechwanas.</p>
+
+    <p>The native population at the station had been much reduced.
+    Such of the Batlaping as had not moved away, had settled down
+    about the Kuruman valley. They did not oppose the Gospel, but
+    they appeared quite indifferent to it.</p>
+
+    <p>For several years the country had been parched
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page79"
+    id="page79"></a>{79}</span> through drought, but early in 1826
+    rain fell plentifully. The earth was soon covered with verdure,
+    but the bright prospects of abundance were quickly cut off.
+    Swarms of locusts infested the land, and vegetation was
+    entirely destroyed. This led to great scarcity, and although
+    the natives caught and ate the locusts, hunger and suffering
+    prevailed. The missionaries' cattle could not be let out of
+    sight, or they were instantly stolen. One day two noted fellows
+    from the mountains pounced down upon a man who had charge of
+    some oxen. They murdered the man and made off with an ox.</p>
+
+    <p>To become proficient in the Sechwana language was the
+    earnest purpose of Robert Moffat. At the end of the year 1826,
+    having moved into his new dwelling, built of stone, and the
+    state of the country being somewhat more tranquil, he left his
+    home and family, to sojourn for a time among the Barolongs, so
+    that he might live exclusively with the natives and attend to
+    their speech.</p>
+
+    <p>He made the journey by ox-waggon, and was accompanied by the
+    waggon-driver, a boy, and two Barolongs who were journeying to
+    the same place as himself. The dangers attending these
+    journeyings from tribe to tribe were by no means imaginary, the
+    following, related in Moffat's own words, serving as an
+    illustration of some of the perils often encountered:</p>
+
+    <p>"The two Barolongs had brought a young cow with them, and
+    though I recommended their making her fast as well as the oxen,
+    they humorously replied that she was too wise to leave the
+    waggon, even though a lion should be scented. We took a little
+    supper, which was followed by our evening hymn and prayer. I
+    had retired only a few minutes to my waggon to prepare for the
+    night, when the whole of the oxen
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page80"
+    id="page80"></a>{80}</span> started to their feet. A lion had
+    seized the cow only a few steps from their tails, and dragged
+    it to the distance of thirty or forty yards, where we
+    distinctly heard it tearing the animal and breaking its bones,
+    while its bellowings were most pitiful. When these were over, I
+    seized my gun, but as it was too dark to see half the distance,
+    I aimed at the spot where the devouring jaws of the lion were
+    heard. I fired again and again, to which he replied with
+    tremendous roars, at the same time making a rush towards the
+    waggon so as exceedingly to terrify the oxen. The two Barolongs
+    engaged to take firebrands and throw them at him so as to
+    afford me a degree of light that I might take aim. They had
+    scarcely discharged them from their hands when the flames went
+    out, and the enraged animal rushed towards them with such
+    swiftness, that I had barely time to turn the gun and fire
+    between the men and the lion. The men darted through some thorn
+    bushes with countenances indicative of the utmost terror. It
+    was now the opinion of all that we had better let him alone if
+    he did not molest us.</p>
+
+    <p>"Having but a scanty supply of wood to keep up a fire, one
+    man crept among the bushes on one side of the pool, while I
+    proceeded for the same purpose on the other side. I had not
+    gone far, when looking upward to the edge of the small basin, I
+    discerned between me and the sky four animals, whose attention
+    appeared to be directed to me by the noise I made in breaking a
+    dry stick. On closer inspection I found that the large round,
+    hairy-headed visitors were lions, and retreated on my hands and
+    feet towards the other side of the pool, when coming to my
+    waggon-driver, I found him looking with no little alarm in an
+    opposite direction, and with good reason, as no fewer
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page81"
+    id="page81"></a>{81}</span> than two lions with a cub were
+    eyeing us both, apparently as uncertain about us as we were
+    distrustful of them. We thankfully decamped to the waggon and
+    sat down to keep alive our scanty fire, while we listened to
+    the lion tearing and devouring his prey. When any of the other
+    hungry lions dared to approach he would pursue them for some
+    paces with a horrible howl, which made our poor oxen tremble,
+    and produced anything but agreeable sensations to ourselves. We
+    had reason for alarm, lest any of the six lions we saw,
+    fearless of our small fire, might rush in among us."</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0180.jpg" alt="BAROLONG WOMEN"
+        title="BAROLONG WOMEN" width="500" />
+
+        <h4>BAROLONG WOMEN.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>From these dangers Moffat was mercifully preserved
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page82"
+    id="page82"></a>{82}</span> and after journeying for six days
+    he reached the village of a young chief named Bogachu. At this
+    place, and at one about twenty miles distant, he lived a
+    semi-savage life for ten weeks. To use a common expression he
+    "made himself at home" among them. They were kind and appeared
+    delighted with his company, especially as when food run scarce,
+    he could take his gun and shoot a rhinoceros or some other
+    animal, when a night of feasting and talking would follow.</p>
+
+    <p>Every opportunity was embraced by the missionary of
+    imparting Christian instruction to these people; their supreme
+    idea of happiness, however, seemed able to rise no higher than
+    having plenty of meat. Asking a man, who seemed more grave than
+    the rest, what was the finest sight he could desire, he
+    replied, "A great fire covered with pots full of meat," adding,
+    "How ugly the fire looks without a pot"</p>
+
+    <p>The object of the journey was fully gained; henceforth
+    Robert Moffat needed no interpreter; he could now speak and
+    preach to the people in their own tongue. He found all well on
+    reaching home and prepared to settle down with a feeling of
+    ability to the work of translation.</p>
+
+    <p>The prospects of the mission at this time began to brighten.
+    Several thousands of the natives had gathered on the opposite
+    side of the valley, near the mission station. They were
+    becoming more settled in their minds, and would collect in the
+    different divisions of the town when the missionaries visited
+    them; the public attendance at the regular religious services
+    daily increased, and the school was better attended. No visible
+    signs of an inward change in the natives could yet be seen, but
+    Moffat and his fellow-workers felt certain that this was not
+    far off.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page83"
+    id="page83"></a>{83}</span></p>
+
+    <p>War again intervened and darkened the brightening prospects.
+    Once more the missionaries, after prayerful consideration, felt
+    it necessary to flee to Griqua Town, suffering much loss of
+    time and of property. Happily the storm passed over, and, on
+    returning to the Kuruman, they found their houses, and such
+    property as they had left behind, in good order, a proof of the
+    influence they were gaining over the once thievish Bechwanas.
+    Half the oxen and nearly all the cows belonging to the
+    missionaries were, however, dead, no milk could be obtained,
+    and, worse than these evils, the people had fled, leaving their
+    native houses but heaps of ashes.</p>
+
+    <p>Sorrowfully these servants of God resolved once more to
+    resume their labours. A few poor natives had remained at the
+    station, whose numbers were being increased by others who
+    arrived from day to day.</p>
+
+    <p>At this trying time the hearts of Robert Moffat and his
+    companions were cheered by the arrival of the Rev. Robert
+    Miles, the Society's superintendent, who, having made himself
+    conversant with the affairs of the station, suggested the great
+    importance of preparing something like hymns in the native
+    language. By the continued singing of these, he stated the
+    great truths of salvation would become imperceptibly written on
+    the minds of the people.</p>
+
+    <p>The suggestion so kindly made was acted upon, and Moffat
+    prepared the first hymn in the language. The spelling-books
+    also arrived, which enabled the missionaries to open a school
+    in the Sechwana tongue. Mr. Miles returned, and the stated
+    labours of the mission were carried forward. With few
+    interruptions they had been continued for ten years without
+    fruit. But the dawn of a new era seemed now ready to rise above
+    the horizon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page84"
+    id="page84"></a>{84}</span></p>
+
+    <p>Yet again, however, was their faith to be sorely tried by
+    the terrible scourge&mdash;war. The desperadoes consisted this
+    time of a party advancing from the Orange River, among whom
+    were some Griquas. The suspense and anxiety were great, but
+    recourse was had to prayer. On this occasion the missionaries
+    determined to remain at their post. A first attack was repulsed
+    through the intrepidity of an escaped slave named Aaron
+    Josephs, and a peaceful interval intervened of about two
+    months, when a second attack on the mission premises was
+    threatened. By Moffat's directions, the heights at the back of
+    the station were crowded with men, to give the appearance of a
+    large defending force, though probably not a dozen guns could
+    have been mustered among them. The assailants seeing the
+    preparations for defence, drew up at some distance, and, after
+    a short delay, sent forward two messengers with a flag of
+    truce. Moffat went out to meet them, and learned that a
+    renegade Christian Griqua named Jantye Goeman wished to see him
+    at their camp.</p>
+
+    <p>A meeting was arranged half way between the station and the
+    camp, and Jantye, who was ashamed to let the missionary see his
+    face, as he had known him at Griqua Town, tried to lay all the
+    blame upon another renegade, a Coranna chief named Paul, who
+    had, in days gone by, entertained Robert Moffat and visited his
+    dwelling.</p>
+
+    <p>At this moment a waggon was seen approaching, and fearing it
+    might contain some one from Griqua Town, and seeing that a
+    hostile movement was made towards it, Moffat turned to Jantye
+    and said, "I shall not see your face till the waggon and its
+    owners are safe on the station." He instantly ran off and
+    brought the waggon through, when it was found to contain
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page85"
+    id="page85"></a>{85}</span> the Wesleyan missionaries Mr. and
+    Mrs. Archbell from Platberg.</p>
+
+    <p>At last, after much hesitation, Paul himself came near. He
+    could not look at Moffat, and kept his hat drawn down over his
+    eyes. He told the missionary that he himself need have no fear,
+    but that revenge should be had upon the Batlaping who were at
+    Kuruman.</p>
+
+    <p>"I shall have their blood and their cattle too," said Paul,
+    as his eyes glared with fury.</p>
+
+    <p>Long and patiently Moffat argued with him, showing him the
+    enormity of his crimes. At last the victory was won. No shot
+    was fired, and both the station and the Batlaping were saved.
+    Turning to his men, and referring to some of the missionary's
+    cattle which had been stolen, he cried, "Bring back those cows
+    and sheep we took this morning."</p>
+
+    <p>It was done. Then he said, "I am going. There are the things
+    of your people. Will Mynheer not shake hands with me for
+    once?"</p>
+
+    <p>"Of course I will," said Moffat, "but let me see your
+    face."</p>
+
+    <p>"That I will not, indeed," he replied, "I do not want to die
+    yet. I can see your face through my hat."</p>
+
+    <p>The rude hand of war was henceforth stayed, and the land had
+    peace for half-a-century, during which time great and happy
+    changes took place at the Kuruman station.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0181.jpg" alt="hill" width="350" />
+    </div>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page86"
+    id="page86"></a>{86}</span> <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0182.jpg" alt="small boat on water"
+        width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER
+    VII.</h2>
+
+    <h3>THE AWAKENING.</h3>
+
+    <p>The long delayed, and fervently prayed for time had come at
+    last. For ten weary years these earnest and faithful
+    missionaries had laboured without seeing any results. Now their
+    hearts were to rejoice as they should witness the work of the
+    Holy Spirit, and see those over whom they had so long mourned,
+    brought to the Saviour, and out of heathen darkness into Gospel
+    light.</p>
+
+    <p>"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the
+    sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither
+    it goeth;" so was it with the awakening among the Bechwanas at
+    the Kuruman. There seemed no apparent cause for the intensity
+    of feeling that was now displayed by these people. Men, who had
+    scorned the idea of shedding a tear, wept as their hearts were
+    melted. The chapel became a place of weeping, and some, after
+    gazing intently upon the preacher, fell down in hysterics. The
+    little chapel became too small to hold the numbers who flocked
+    to it, and with the voluntary aid of Aaron Josephs a new
+    building, fifty-one feet long by sixteen wide, with clay walls
+    and thatched roof, was erected
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page87"
+    id="page87"></a>{87}</span> to serve as a school-house and
+    place of worship, until the large stone church, which was to
+    form the most prominent feature of the station, should be
+    completed.</p>
+
+    <p>This temporary church was opened in May, 1829, and in the
+    following month, after very careful examination, six candidates
+    for baptism were selected from among the inquirers. Speaking of
+    these converts Robert Moffat said, "It was truly gratifying to
+    observe the simplicity of their faith, implicitly relying on
+    the atonement of Christ, of which they appeared to have a very
+    clear conception, considering the previous darkness of their
+    minds on such subjects."</p>
+
+    <p>They were baptised on the first Sabbath in July, a large
+    number of spectators from the neighbouring towns, and a party
+    of Griquas, being present. In the evening the missionaries, the
+    new disciples, and a Griqua, twelve in all, sat down to the
+    Lord's table. In connection with this event an interesting
+    anecdote is related showing the strong faith of Mary
+    Moffat!</p>
+
+    <p>On one occasion, some time before this event, when all
+    seemed dark, her friend Mrs. Greaves of Sheffield had written
+    to Mary Moffat kindly inquiring if there was anything of use
+    which she could send. The reply returned was, "Send us a
+    communion service, we shall want it some day." Communication
+    between the Kuruman and England was tardy then, and before an
+    answer came to her letter the darkness increased, and the
+    Bechwanas seemed as far from salvation as ever. On the day
+    preceding the reception of the first converts into the Kuruman
+    Church, a box arrived from England, which had been twelve
+    months on the road, and in it were found the communion vessels
+    that Mary Moffat had asked for more than two years before.</p>
+
+    <p>Great as was the change, the missionaries rejoiced
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page88"
+    id="page88"></a>{88}</span> with trembling. They knew that
+    there were great prejudices to be overcome, and that the
+    relation in which the Christians stood to their heathen
+    neighbours would expose their faith to trial. But they prayed
+    and believed that He who had begun the good work would carry it
+    on.</p>
+
+    <p>The change of heart speedily produced a change in dress and
+    habits. Those who had been baptised had previously procured
+    decent raiment, and prepared it for the occasion with Mrs.
+    Moffat's assistance. A sewing-school had hitherto been uncalled
+    for, the women's work having been that of building houses,
+    raising fences, and tilling the ground; now Mrs. Moffat met
+    those who desired to learn as often as her strength would
+    permit, and soon she had a motley group of pupils, very few of
+    the whole party possessing either a frock or a gown. The
+    scarcity of materials was a serious impediment to progress, but
+    ornaments, which before the natives had held in high repute,
+    were now parted with to purchase the skins of animals, which
+    being prepared almost as soft as cloth were made into jackets,
+    trousers, and gowns. When a visit was paid by a trader, British
+    manufactures were eagerly bought.</p>
+
+    <p>In the progress of improvement some amusing incidents
+    occurred. A man might be seen in a jacket with one sleeve,
+    because the other was not yet finished; or others went about in
+    duffel jackets with sleeves of cotton of various colours; gowns
+    like Joseph's coat were worn, and dresses of such fantastic
+    shapes, that to tell the fashion of the same would have been a
+    puzzle.</p>
+
+    <p>To Mrs. Moffat general application was made both by males
+    and females. One brought skins to be cut into dresses, another
+    wanted a jacket, a third a pattern,
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page89"
+    id="page89"></a>{89}</span> while a fourth brought his jacket
+    sewed upside down, and asked why it did not fit. Fat, which
+    before they always considered was to be rubbed on their bodies
+    or deposited in their stomachs, they now found useful in making
+    candles to give light in their dwellings.</p>
+
+    <p>The prospects of the missionaries continued cheering, and
+    the increased anxiety for instruction and growth in knowledge
+    among the candidates greatly strengthened their hands. "I seek
+    Jesus," one would say; a second, "I am feeling after God, I
+    have been wandering, unconscious of my danger, among beasts of
+    prey; the day has dawned, I see my danger." The missionaries
+    were cautious men, and were slow to receive members into their
+    little church, but the evidence was complete that numbers were
+    saved.</p>
+
+    <p>The happy death of a native woman about this time afforded
+    them much encouragement. When she knew her end was near, she
+    said to those around, "I am going to die. Weep not because I am
+    going to leave you, but weep for your sins and your souls. With
+    me all is well, for do not suppose that I die like a beast, or
+    that I shall sleep for ever in the grave. No! Jesus has died
+    for my sins; He has said he will save me, I am going to be with
+    Him." Thus one who a few months before was as ignorant as the
+    cattle, departed with the full assurance of an eternal life
+    beyond the grave.</p>
+
+    <p>Rumours had for some time past reached the Kuruman station
+    of a strong and warlike people who dwelt to the eastward, spoke
+    another language, and were strangers to the Bechwanas. In the
+    latter portion of 1829, two envoys were specially sent from
+    Moselekatse, the king of this people, the Matabele, to the
+    mission station at Kuruman, to learn about the manners and
+    teaching of the white men
+    there.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page90"
+    id="page90"></a>{90}</span></p>
+
+    <p>These envoys, who were two of the king's head men, were
+    entertained, the principal objects, industries, and methods of
+    living were pointed out to them; but their greatest wonder was
+    excited when they beheld the public worship in the mission
+    chapel. They listened to the hymns, and to the address, part of
+    which only they understood, and were much surprised when they
+    heard that the hymns were not war songs.</p>
+
+    <p>When the time came for the ambassadors to depart, they
+    begged Robert Moffat to accompany them, as they were afraid of
+    the Bechwana tribes through whom they would have to pass on
+    their return journey. This circumstance led to his visiting the
+    warlike Moselekatse, over whom he obtained a marvellous
+    influence.</p>
+
+    <p>The details of the journey we must pass over. As they
+    advanced they saw evidences on every hand of the terrible
+    Mantatees, and the still more terrible Matabele. In places,
+    where populous towns and villages had been, nothing remained
+    but dilapidated walls and heaps of stones, mingled with human
+    skulls. The country had become the abode of reptiles and beasts
+    of prey; the inhabitants having perished beneath the spears and
+    clubs of their savage enemies.</p>
+
+    <p>The reception accorded Robert Moffat by Moselekatse may best
+    be described in the missionary's own words:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"We proceeded directly to the town, and on riding into the
+    centre of the large fold, we were rather taken by surprise to
+    find it lined by eight hundred warriors, besides two hundred
+    who were concealed on each side of the entrance, as if in
+    ambush. We were beckoned to dismount, which we did, holding our
+    horses' bridles in our hands. The warriors at the gate
+    instantly rushed in with hideous yells, and leaping from the
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page91"
+    id="page91"></a>{91}</span> earth with a kind of kilt round
+    their bodies, hanging like loose tails, and their large
+    shields, frightened our horses. They then joined the circle,
+    falling into rank with as much order as if they had been
+    accustomed to European tactics. Here we stood, surrounded by
+    warriors, whose kilts were of ape skins, and their legs and
+    arms adorned with the hair and tails of oxen, their shields
+    reaching to their chins and their heads adorned with
+    feathers.</p>
+
+    <p>"A profound silence followed for some ten minutes; then all
+    commenced a war-song, stamping their feet in time with the
+    music. No one approached, though every eye was fixed upon us.
+    Then all was silent, and Moselekatse marched out from behind
+    the lines with an interpreter, and with attendants following,
+    bearing meat, beer, and other food. He gave us a hearty
+    salutation and seemed overjoyed."</p>
+
+    <p>The waggons were objects that struck the dusky monarch with
+    awe. He examined them minutely, especially the wheels; one
+    point remained a mystery, how the iron tire surrounding the
+    wheel came to be in one piece without end or joint. Umbate, the
+    head-man, who had visited the mission station, explained what
+    he had seen in the smith's shop there. "My eyes," said he, "saw
+    that very hand," pointing to Moffat's hand, "cut these bars of
+    iron, take a piece off one end, and then join them as you now
+    see them." "Does he give medicine to the iron?" the monarch
+    inquired. "No," said Umbate, "nothing is used but fire, a
+    hammer, and a chisel."</p>
+
+    <p>This powerful chieftain was an absolute despot ruling over a
+    tribe of fierce warriors, who knew no will but his. He was the
+    terror of all the surrounding country, his smile was life, his
+    frown scattered horror and death. Yet even in his savage breast
+    there were <span class="pagenum"><a name="page92"
+    id="page92"></a>{92}</span> chords that could be touched by
+    kindness, and Moffat received many tokens of his friendship
+    during the eight days that he stayed in his town.</p>
+
+    <p>During one of their first interviews the monarch, laying his
+    hand upon Moffats shoulder, said, "My heart is all white as
+    milk; I am still wondering at the love of a stranger who never
+    saw me. You have fed me, you have protected me, you have
+    carried me in your arms. I live to-day by you, a stranger."</p>
+
+    <p>Upon Moffat replying that he was unaware of having rendered
+    him any such service, he said, pointing to his two ambassadors:
+    "These are great men; Umbate is my right hand. When I sent them
+    from my presence to see the land of the white men, I sent my
+    ears, my eyes, my mouth; what they heard I heard, what they saw
+    I saw, and what they said it was Moselekatse who said it. You
+    fed them and clothed them, and when they were to be slain you
+    were their shield. You did it unto me. You did it unto
+    Moselekatse, the son of Machobane."</p>
+
+    <p>Moffat explained to this African king the objects of the
+    missionary, and pressed upon him the truths of the Gospel. On
+    one occasion the king came attended by a party of his warriors,
+    who remained at a short distance dancing and singing. "Their
+    yells and shouts," says Moffat, "their fantastic leaps and
+    distorted gestures, would have impressed a stranger with the
+    idea that they were more like a company of fiends than men." As
+    he looked upon the scene, his mind was occupied in
+    contemplating the miseries of the savage state. He spoke to the
+    king on man's ruin and man's redemption. "Why," said the
+    monarch, "are you so earnest that I abandon all war, and do not
+    kill men?" "Look on the human bones which lie scattered over
+    your dominions," was the missionary's
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page93"
+    id="page93"></a>{93}</span> answer. "They speak in awful
+    language, and to me they say, 'Whosoever sheddeth man's blood,
+    by man also will his blood be shed.'" Moffat also spoke of the
+    Resurrection, a startling subject for a savage and murderer
+    like Moselekatse.</p>
+
+    <p>The kindness of the king extended to the missionary's return
+    journey. Food in abundance was given to him, and a number of
+    warriors attended his waggon as a guard against lions on the
+    way. After an absence of two months he reached home in safety,
+    where he found all well, and the Divine blessing still resting
+    upon the Mission. Copious showers had fallen, and the fields
+    and gardens teemed with plenty. The converts and many others,
+    leaving their old traditions as to horticulture, imitated the
+    example of the missionaries in leading out water to their
+    gardens, and raised crops, not only of their native grain,
+    pumpkins, kidney-beans, and water-melons, but also vegetables,
+    such as the missionaries had introduced, maize, wheat, barley,
+    peas, potatoes, carrots, onions, and tobacco&mdash;this latter
+    they had formerly purchased from the Bahurutsi, but now it
+    became a profitable article of traffic. They also planted fruit
+    trees.</p>
+
+    <p>As an illustration of their zeal, which was not always
+    according to knowledge, the following may be given. The course
+    of the missionary's water-trench along the side of a hill,
+    appeared as if it ascended, therefore several of the natives
+    set to work in good earnest, and cut courses leading directly
+    up hill, hoping the water would one day follow.</p>
+
+    <p>The spiritual affairs of the station kept pace with the
+    external improvements. The temporary chapel continued to be
+    well filled, a growing seriousness was observable among the
+    people, progress was made in reading, and there was every
+    reason for encourage<span class="pagenum"><a name="page94"
+    id="page94"></a>{94}</span> ment. Early In 1830, after the
+    second mission-house had been finished and occupied by Mr.
+    Hamilton, the foundation of a new and substantial stone church
+    was laid. Circumstances, however, and especially the difficulty
+    of procuring suitable timber for the roof delayed its
+    completion for several years.</p>
+
+    <p>The work of translation had been kept steadily in view. In
+    June, 1830, Robert Moffat had finished the translation into
+    Sechwana, of the Gospel of Luke, and a long projected journey
+    to the coast was undertaken by him and his wife. The journey
+    had for its objects, to put the two elder children to school,
+    to get the translation of Luke printed, and to collect
+    subscriptions among friends in the Colony towards the building
+    of the new place of worship.</p>
+
+    <p>At Philippolis, on their journey, they met with the French
+    missionaries Rolland and Lemue, of the Paris Protestant
+    Missionary Society, and also with Mr. and Mrs. Baillie, who had
+    been appointed by the London Missionary Society to the Kururnan
+    Mission. At Graham's Town, Mary Moffat remained behind to place
+    the children at the Wesleyan school near there, and Robert
+    visited several of the mission stations in Kafirland, and
+    afterwards some of those within the Colony, finally reaching
+    Cape Town in October, 1830.</p>
+
+    <p>At that early day printing in Cape Town was in its infancy.
+    It was therefore found necessary to make application to the
+    Governor to allow the Gospel of Luke In Sechwana to be printed
+    at the Government Printing Office. The request was cheerfully
+    acceded to, but compositors there were none to undertake the
+    work. This difficulty, combined with the promise of an
+    excellent printing press, which Dr. Philip had in his
+    possession for the Kuruman Mission,
+    induced<span class="pagenum"><a name="page95"
+    id="page95"></a>{95}</span> Moffat to learn printing. He was
+    joined by Mr. Edwards, who was now appointed to the Kuruman
+    station, and under the kind superintendence of the assistant in
+    charge of the office, they soon not only completed the work
+    they had in hand, but acquired a fair knowledge of the art of
+    printing. Besides the Gospel of Luke, a small hymn-book was
+    printed in the Sechwana language.</p>
+
+    <p>A violent attack of bilious fever followed these labours,
+    which had been carried on in the hottest season of the year,
+    and when the time came for Robert Moffat to leave Cape Town he
+    had to be carried on board the ship on a mattress. The sea
+    passage to Algoa Bay, however, although a rough one, tended
+    greatly to his restoration to health.</p>
+
+    <p>Sickness among their oxen, and the birth of a daughter, whom
+    they named Elizabeth, detained the Moffats some time at
+    Bethelsdorp, on their return journey; from which place,
+    accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, they went forward to the
+    Kuruman, where they arrived in June, 1831. They carried with
+    them the edition of the Gospel of Luke, a hymn-book printed in
+    the language of the people, a printing-press, type, paper, and
+    ink, besides liberal subscriptions from friends in the Colony
+    towards the erection of the mission church.</p>
+
+    <p>Great was the astonishment of the natives when they saw the
+    printing-press at work. Lessons, spelling-books and catechisms
+    were prepared for the schools. To see a white sheet of paper
+    disappear for a moment and then emerge covered with letters was
+    beyond their comprehension. After a few noisy exclamations one
+    obtained a sheet, with which he bounded through the village,
+    showing it to all he met, and saying it had been made in a
+    moment with a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page96"
+    id="page96"></a>{96}</span> round black hammer (a printer's
+    ball) and a shake of the arm.</p>
+
+    <p>A large box containing materials for clothing from a friend
+    in Manchester, Miss Lees, had also formed part of the baggage
+    brought from the Cape. Materials being now at hand, and Mrs.
+    Edwards and Mrs. Baillie co-operating, a sewing-school on a
+    much larger scale was established, to the great comfort and
+    improvement of the natives.</p>
+
+    <p>The congregation continued to increase and new members were
+    added to the church, but sorrows tempered the joy of this happy
+    time. Small-pox entered the country, and many of the
+    inhabitants died; with them passed away one of the daughters of
+    Robert and Mary Moffat. Towards the end of 1832 the labourers
+    at Kuruman were cheered by a visit from Dr. Philip, who
+    arranged that the two French missionaries, Rolland and Lemue,
+    should commence a mission station at Motito, a place nearly
+    forty miles distant, in a north-easterly direction.</p>
+
+    <p>In January, 1835, a scientific expedition under Dr. Andrew
+    Smith, arrived at Moffat's station. This visit appeared as
+    though ordered by an over-ruling Providence for the especial
+    benefit of himself and his devoted wife. It found them in sore
+    trouble, and it brought help and a friend in time of need. Mr.
+    Edwards was away and Robert had been overworked. When Dr. Smith
+    arrived, he found him suffering from an attack of intermittent
+    fever, and hastened to render aid. Under the Doctor's skilful
+    treatment he speedily recovered. On the 10th of March another
+    son was added to the Moffat family, and shortly afterwards Mary
+    was suddenly taken seriously ill, and became so weak, that for
+    many days her recovery seemed hopeless. The Doctor was at
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page97"
+    id="page97"></a>{97}</span> that time away surveying, but upon
+    receiving information of the position of affairs at Kuruman, he
+    immediately hastened to render all the assistance in his
+    power.</p>
+
+    <p>Speaking of this friend, raised up so unexpectedly, Robert
+    Moffat writes in his book: "His tender sympathy and unremitting
+    attention in that trying season, during which all hope of her
+    recovery had fled, can never be erased from our grateful
+    recollection, for in the midst of his active and laborious
+    engagements at the head of the expedition, he watched for
+    several successive nights, with fraternal sympathy, what
+    appeared to be the dying pillow of my beloved partner, nor did
+    he leave before she was out of danger."</p>
+
+    <p>A life-long friendship was cherished for the one who had
+    come to them in their sore need, and who was always most
+    gratefully remembered by the African missionary and his
+    exemplary wife.</p>
+
+    <p>Shortly after these events, at the request of Dr. Smith,
+    Robert Moffat accompanied the expedition on a visit to
+    Moselekatse and the Matabele country. Moselekatse was delighted
+    to see his missionary friend again. The scientific expedition
+    had permission to travel through any part of the monarch's
+    territories, but Moffat, the king kept as his guest. Together
+    they visited, in the missionary's waggon, several of the
+    Matabele towns, and many conversations were held, in which the
+    importance of religion, and the evil effects of the king's
+    policy were faithfully pointed out.</p>
+
+    <p>By this journey, which occupied three months, a way was
+    paved for some American missionaries to reside with
+    Moselekatse, and the country was surveyed to find timber
+    suitable for the roof of the
+    new<span class="pagenum"><a name="page98"
+    id="page98"></a>{98}</span> Kuruman church. This timber was
+    afterwards collected by Messrs. Hamilton and Edwards&mdash;the
+    wood-cutters having to travel to a distance of two hundred and
+    fifty miles&mdash;and fashioned into the roof of the church;
+    which stands at this day a monument of the united labours of
+    Hamilton, Moffat, and Edwards; and a wonder to beholders as to
+    how such an achievement could have been performed with the
+    slender means then at hand.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0183.jpg"
+        alt="MOFFAT PREACHING AT MOSHEU'S VILLAGE"
+        title="MOFFAT PREACHING AT MOSHEU'S VILLAGE" width="600" />
+
+
+        <h4>MOFFAT PREACHING AT MOSHEU'S VILLAGE.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>Upon Moffat's return home again, his wife, by Dr. Smith's
+    orders, left for the Cape to recruit her
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page99"
+    id="page99"></a>{99}</span> strength; and Robert Moffat went
+    itinerating among the scattered Bechwanas. A most interesting
+    time was spent at a village, one hundred and fifty miles from
+    Kuruman, where a chief named Mosheu and his people resided.
+    Three times did the missionary preach to them on the first day,
+    besides answering the questions of all who gathered round. Many
+    were most anxious to learn to read, and such spelling-books as
+    Moffat had with him were distributed among them.</p>
+
+    <p>Some of the head men thought they would like to try, and
+    requested Moffat to teach them. A large sheet alphabet, torn at
+    one corner, was found, and laid on the ground. All knelt in a
+    circle round it, some of course viewing the letters upside
+    down. "I commenced pointing with a stick," says he, "and when I
+    pronounced one letter, all hallooed to some purpose. When I
+    remarked that perhaps we might manage with somewhat less noise,
+    one replied, 'that he was sure the louder he roared, the sooner
+    would his tongue get accustomed to the seeds' as he called the
+    letters."</p>
+
+    <p>Somewhat later, a party of young folks seized hold of the
+    missionary, with the request, "Oh, teach us the A B C with
+    music." Dragged and pushed, he entered one of the largest
+    native houses, which was instantly crowded. The tune of "Auld
+    Lang Syne" was pitched to A B C, and soon the strains were
+    echoed to the farthest corner of the village. Between two and
+    three o'clock on the following morning, Moffat got permission
+    to retire to rest; his slumbers were, however, disturbed by the
+    assiduity of the sable choristers; and on awaking after a brief
+    repose, his ears were greeted on all sides by the familiar
+    notes of the Scotch air.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page100"
+    id="page100"></a>{100}</span></p>
+
+    <p>Very pleasing progress was made by these people in Christian
+    knowledge. Mosheu brought his daughter to Mrs. Moffat for
+    instruction, and his brother took his son to Mr. Lemue at
+    Motito for the same purpose.</p>
+
+    <p>The mission at the Kuruman continued to prosper, both at the
+    home and the out-stations. Numbers of Bechwanas were added to
+    the church, both at Kuruman and Griqua Town. Under Mr. Edwards'
+    superintendence the readers largely increased, and the Infant
+    School, commenced and carried on by Mrs. Edwards, with the
+    assistance of a native girl, was highly satisfactory.
+    Civilisation advanced, some of the natives purchasing waggons,
+    and using oxen for labour which formerly had been performed by
+    women. Clothing was in such demand, that a merchant named Hume,
+    an honourable trader in whom the missionaries had confidence,
+    built a house, and settled at the station. The new church,
+    after much labour, was opened in November, 1838, on which
+    occasion between eight and nine hundred persons attended the
+    service; and on the following Sabbath, one hundred and fifty
+    members united in celebrating the Lord's Supper.</p>
+
+    <p>Persevering Christian love, combined with strong faith, much
+    prayer, and untiring labour, had changed the barren wilderness
+    into a fruitful land.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0184.jpg" alt="two natives" width="250" />
+    </div>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page101"
+    id="page101"></a>{101}</span> <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0185.jpg" alt="image" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER
+    VIII.</h2>
+
+    <h3>VISIT TO ENGLAND.</h3>
+
+    <p>The work of Bible translation had been steadily pressed
+    forward; all available time having been devoted by Robert
+    Moffat to that undertaking. By the end of 1838, the whole of
+    the New Testament had been rendered into the native tongue, and
+    a journey was made by the Moffats to Cape Town, to recruit
+    their health, and to get the Sechwana New Testament printed;
+    the task being too heavy for the mission press. Cape Town was
+    but little better off than the Kuruman for accomplishing a work
+    of this magnitude, and it speedily became apparent that the
+    printing would have to be undertaken in England.</p>
+
+    <p>Twenty-two years had passed away since the youthful
+    missionary stood upon the deck of the <i>Alacrity</i>, and bade
+    farewell to the land of his birth. During that time he had
+    never allowed his interest in the affairs of his native country
+    to grow cold. Letters and newspapers had been eagerly welcomed,
+    and the memory of friends in the far distant isle had been most
+    keenly cherished, both by him and his Mary. Now once more they
+    were to tread upon its
+    well-<span class="pagenum"><a name="page102"
+    id="page102"></a>{102}</span> loved shores, and to tell to its
+    people the story of God's work among the savage tribes of South
+    Africa.</p>
+
+    <p>There were no floating "Castles"<a name="FNanchor_A_1"
+    id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1"
+    class="fnanchor">[A]</a> at that time, making the journey in
+    twenty days, and a passage had to be taken in a small ship
+    homeward-bound from China, having troops on board. Measles
+    raged at the Cape, and sickness was on board ship. Between the
+    two the Moffats had much to endure, and the vessel had not left
+    Table Bay when another daughter was born to add to their joy
+    and anxiety. Three days' after his sister came, dear
+    six-year-old Jamie, lying beside his prostrate mother in her
+    cot, was called to the Better Land, with the words, "Oh, that
+    will be joyful, when we meet to part no more," upon his dying
+    lips.</p>
+
+    <div class="footnote">
+        <p><a name="Footnote_A_1"
+        id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">
+        [A]</span></a> Donald Currie's line of Mail steamships, the
+        <i>Garth Castle</i>, &amp;c., which make the voyage to the
+        Cape in twenty days.</p>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>On the 6th June, 1839, the ship anchored off Cowes, and a
+    few days later reached London. The reception of Robert Moffat
+    was most enthusiastic, and so great was the demand for his
+    presence at public meetings, that it was with the utmost
+    difficulty he procured liberty to visit his own friends.</p>
+
+    <p>Twenty years had made great changes in the homes at both
+    Dukinfield and Inverkeithing. Mary Moffat's aged father was
+    living, but her mother and a brother had been called away,
+    another brother was in America, and a third was a missionary in
+    Madras. Robert's parents were still living, but a brother and
+    two sisters had passed away. Many friends, whose kind and
+    generous thoughtfulness had often cheered the heart of the
+    faithful missionary and his faithful wife in their voluntary
+    exile, now gathered around them, among whom were Mrs. Greaves
+    of Sheffield, the donor of the Communion Service, and Miss Lees
+    of Manchester.</p>
+
+    <p>Of the events connected with this visit to England,
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page103"
+    id="page103"></a>{103}</span> want of space precludes us from
+    giving details. A great wave of missionary enthusiasm at that
+    time swept over the country, and Moffat found himself hurried
+    from town to town with but scant opportunities for rest. In
+    May, 1840, he preached the Anniversary Sermon for the London
+    Missionary Society, and, at their Annual Meeting, Exeter Hall
+    was packed so densely that after making his speech in the large
+    upper hall, Moffat had to give it again in the smaller hall
+    below.</p>
+
+    <p>An anecdote related in the course of his speech at the Bible
+    Society's May Meeting shows the value set by a native woman
+    upon a single Gospel in the native tongue. "She was a Matabele
+    captive," said Moffat. "Once, while visiting the sick, as I
+    entered her premises, I found her sitting weeping, with a
+    portion of the Word of God in her hand. I said, 'My child what
+    is the cause of your sorrow? Is the baby still unwell?' 'No,'
+    she replied, 'my baby is well,' 'Your mother-in-law?' I
+    inquired. 'No, no,' she said, 'it is my own dear mother, who
+    bore me.' Here she again gave vent to her grief, and, holding
+    out the Gospel of Luke, in a hand wet with tears, she said, 'My
+    mother will never see this word; she will never hear this good
+    news! Oh, my mother and my friends, they live in heathen
+    darkness; and shall they die without seeing the light which has
+    shone on me, and without tasting that love which I have
+    tasted!' Raising her eyes to heaven she sighed a prayer, and I
+    heard the words again, 'My mother, my mother!'"</p>
+
+    <p>His hope when he landed had been to get the printing of the
+    Sechwana New Testament speedily accomplished, and to return to
+    South Africa before winter; but it was not until January, 1843,
+    that he was able once again to sail for
+    Africa.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page104"
+    id="page104"></a>{104}</span></p>
+
+    <p>In 1840 two new missionaries were set apart for the Bechwana
+    mission&mdash;- William Ross and David Livingstone. With them
+    Robert Moffat was able to send five hundred copies of the
+    Sechwana New Testament.</p>
+
+    <p>As the sheets were passing through the press, it was
+    suggested to him that the Psalms would be a valuable addition
+    to the work. With his characteristic energy he immediately
+    commenced the task, and, a few months after the sailing of Ross
+    and Livingstone, he had the joy of sending to Africa over two
+    thousand copies of the New Testament, with which the Psalms had
+    been bound up. By the end of 1843 six thousand copies had been
+    sent out. A revision of the book of Scripture Lessons was also
+    undertaken and carried through the press. A demand was made
+    upon him to write a book, in response to which he prepared his
+    well known work, "Missionary Labours and Scenes in South
+    Africa," which was published in 1842, and met with great
+    success.</p>
+
+    <p>At length the time drew near when once more Robert and Mary
+    Moffat should cross the sea to their beloved home at Kuruman.
+    Valedictory services of a most enthusiastic character were held
+    in Scotland, Newcastle, Manchester, and London. At Edinburgh a
+    copy of the "Encyclopaedia Britannica" was presented to Robert
+    Moffat, and at Newcastle a set of scientific instruments was
+    given him. A great impetus was imparted to missionary work
+    abroad through these and preceding meetings, during his sojourn
+    in England, and when on the 30th of January, 1843, he and his
+    wife embarked at Gravesend, accompanied by two new missionaries
+    for the Bechwana field, they carried with them the esteem of a
+    wide circle of friends, and had the fervent prayers of many
+    offered up on their
+    behalf.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page105"
+    id="page105"></a>{105}</span></p>
+
+    <p>On the 10th of April they landed at Cape Town, and six weeks
+    later embarked in a small coasting vessel for Algoa Bay. At
+    Bethelsdorp, a village a few miles beyond Port Elizabeth, they
+    rejoined Messrs. Ashton and Inglis, who with their wives had
+    gone on before by steamer; but here they were detained for
+    several months, waiting for a vessel to arrive from England
+    which had on board a large quantity of baggage for the
+    missionaries and their work.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0186.jpg" alt="CAPE TOWN"
+        title="CAPE TOWN" width="600" />
+
+        <h4>CAPE TOWN.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>At last the start was made, the long train of ox waggons
+    wended their way, the Orange River was crossed, this time on a
+    pont or floating bridge, and at the Vaal River, one hundred and
+    fifty miles distant from Kuruman, the missionary party were met
+    by<span class="pagenum"><a name="page106"
+    id="page106"></a>{106}</span> David Livingstone, who had ridden
+    forth to bid them welcome.</p>
+
+    <p>From this point onwards friends both white and black
+    emulated each other in testifying their gladness at their
+    friend's return, until as the Moffats drew near to Kuruman
+    their progress became like a royal one. At last between two and
+    three o'clock on the 10th of December, 1843, they sat down once
+    again in their own home, amongst those for whom they had toiled
+    so zealously, and over whom their hearts yearned with a holy
+    love. The delight of the natives at having their missionary and
+    his wife among them again was unbounded. In a letter published
+    in the <i>Missionary Magazine</i>, October, 1844, Moffat thus
+    writes, giving an account of their reception:&mdash;"Many were
+    the hearty welcomes we received, all appearing emulous to
+    testify their joy. Old and young, even the little children,
+    would shake hands with us. Some gave vent to their joy with an
+    air of heathen wildness, and some in silent floods of tears;
+    while others, whose hearts had sickened with deferred hope,
+    would ask again and again, 'Do our eyes indeed behold you?'
+    Thus we found ourselves once more among a people who loved us,
+    and who had longed for our return."</p>
+
+    <p>The mission having been largely reinforced, it was arranged
+    that Mr, and Mrs. Ross should go to Taung, about one hundred
+    miles east of Kuruman, where a portion of the Bechwana tribe
+    had settled under Mahura, a brother of Mothibi; while Edwards
+    and Livingstone were to commence work among the Bakhatla, two
+    hundred miles to the north-east. Inglis was to go to the same
+    neighbourhood; thus the regular missionary staff of the Kuruman
+    station comprised after their departure, the venerable
+    Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page107"
+    id="page107"></a>{107}</span> Hamilton, who had seen the
+    commencement of the Bechwana Mission in 1816, Mr. and Mrs.
+    Ashton, and the Moffats.</p>
+
+    <p>The place to which Edwards and Livingstone had gone was a
+    large native town near to the haunts of lions. These greatly
+    harassed the cattle and deprived the missionaries of sleep. One
+    day a hunt was arranged. Livingstone joined the party, was
+    attacked by the lion, and was only rescued with a broken and
+    mangled arm by the bravery and devotion of his native servant,
+    Mebalwe, who himself got severely bitten.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0187.jpg"
+        alt="LIVINGSTONE ATTACKED BY A LION"
+        title="LIVINGSTONE ATTACKED BY A LION" width="350" />
+
+        <h4>LIVINGSTONE ATTACKED BY A LION.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>During his recovery from this injury Livingstone visited the
+    Kuruman, and there won the heart of Moffat's eldest daughter,
+    her mother's namesake, who soon afterwards exchanged the name
+    of Mary Moffat for that of Mary Livingstone. In due course she
+    accompanied her husband to Chonwane where for a time he was
+    located with Sechele, the chief of the Bakwena.</p>
+
+    <p>The life of the missionaries at the Kuruman was a, busy one.
+    All were fully employed. Moffat's principal work was
+    translation, and in this his colleague Ashton afforded him much
+    critical assistance, besides relieving him almost entirely of
+    the duties of the printing office. But other work had to be
+    undertaken. The natives needed much help and guidance;
+    dwelling-houses had to be enlarged and new schoolrooms built,
+    and, as there were no funds for the payment of artisans, the
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page108"
+    id="page108"></a>{108}</span> missionaries had to put their own
+    hands to the work; besides which, as money was not forthcoming
+    to meet the cost of the new schoolrooms, a kind of amateur
+    store was opened by the missionaries' wives for the sale of
+    clothing to the natives.</p>
+
+    <p>The Rev. J. J. Freeman who visited Africa a few years later,
+    in 1849, gives us a picture of the Kuruman station as he saw
+    it. "It wears," says he, "a very pleasing appearance. The
+    mission premises, with the walled gardens opposite, form a
+    street wide and long. The chapel is a substantial and
+    well-looking building of stone. By the side of it stands Mr.
+    Moffat's house, simple yet commodious. In a cottage hard by,
+    the venerable Hamilton was passing his declining days,
+    extremely feeble, but solaced by the motherly care of his
+    colleague's wife. The gardens were well stocked with fruit and
+    vegetables, requiring much water, but easily getting it from
+    the 'fountain.' On the Sunday morning the chapel bell rang for
+    early service. Breakfasting at seven, all were ready for the
+    schools at half-past eight. The infants were taught by Miss
+    Moffat (their daughter Ann, afterwards Mrs. Frédoux) in their
+    school-house; more advanced classes were grouped in the open
+    air, or collected in the adjacent buildings. Before ten the
+    work of separate teaching ceased, and young and old assembled
+    for public worship. A sanctuary, spacious and lofty, and airy
+    withal, was comfortably filled with men, women, and children,
+    for the most part decently dressed."</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0188.jpg" alt="KURUMAN" title="KURUMAN"
+        width="640" />
+   </div>
+
+    <p>This description may be supplemented by that of a scene of
+    frequent occurrence, given in "Robert and Mary Moffat" by their
+    son Mr. John A. Moffat. He says: "The public services were, of
+    course, in the Sechwana language. Once a week the missionary
+    families met for an English devotional meeting. It
+    <!--page 109 contains photo--><span class="pagenum"><a name="page110"
+       id="page110"></a>{110}</span> was also a sort of custom that
+       as the sun went down there should be a short truce from work
+       every evening. A certain eminence at the back of the station
+       became, by common consent, the meeting-place. There the
+       missionary fathers of the hamlet would be found, each
+       sitting on his accustomed stone. Before them lay the broad
+       valley, once a reedy morass, now reclaimed and partitioned
+       out into garden lands; its margin fringed with long
+       water-courses, overhung with grey willows and the dark green
+       syringa. On the low ground bordering the valley stood the
+       church, with its attendant mission-houses and schools, and
+       on the heights were perched the native villages, for the
+       most part composed of round, conical huts, not unlike
+       corn-stacks at a distance, with some more ambitious attempts
+       at house-building in the shape of semi-European cottages.
+       Eastward stretched a grassy plain, bounded by the horizon,
+       and westward a similar plain, across which about five miles
+       distant, was a range of low hills. Down to the right, in a
+       bushy dell, was the little burying-ground, marked by a few
+       trees."</p>
+
+    <p>In 1845, Robert Moffat narrowly escaped an accident that
+    would have involved most serious consequences. He was
+    superintending the erection of a new corn-mill, and whilst
+    seeing to its being properly started, incautiously stretched
+    his arm over two cog-wheels. In an instant the shirt sleeve was
+    caught and drawn in, and with it the arm. Fortunately the mill
+    was stopped in time, but an ugly wound, six inches in length,
+    with torn edges, bore witness to the danger escaped. This wound
+    laid him aside for many weeks, but finally he recovered from
+    the effects of the accident.</p>
+
+    <p>For the next four or five years things pursued an
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page111"
+    id="page111"></a>{111}</span> even course at the Kuruman. In
+    1846, Mary Moffat started on a journey to visit the
+    Livingstones at Chonwane. She availed herself of the escort of
+    a native hunting party, and took her three younger children
+    with her. She passed through the usual dangers of such a
+    journey, as the following extract from a letter written to her
+    husband will show:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"I am very glad of Boey's company.... I should indeed have
+    felt very solitary with my lone waggon with ignorant people,
+    but he is so completely at home in this field that one feels
+    quite easy. We do not stop at nights by the waters, but come to
+    them at mid-day, and then leave about three or four o'clock. We
+    cannot but be constantly on the outlook for lions, as we come
+    on their spoor every day, and the people sometimes hear them
+    roar. Just before outspanning to-day, Boey, being on horseback
+    looking for water, met with a majestic one, which stood still
+    and looked at him. He tried to frighten the lion, but he stood
+    his ground, when Boey thought it was time to send a ball into
+    him, which broke his leg, by which means he is disabled from
+    paying us a visit."</p>
+
+    <p>Early in 1847 a general meeting of those engaged in the
+    Bechwana mission was held at Lekatlong (near what are now the
+    Diamond Fields). On his way homewards from this meeting Moffat
+    visited some of the Batlaping villages along the Kolong River.
+    A striking advance had taken place of late years, and a severe
+    contest was going on between heathenism and Christianity. A
+    little company of believers had gathered in each place, and
+    were ministered to by native teachers, who had spent a few
+    months in training at Kuruman.</p>
+
+    <p>In the same year Mary Moffat left for the Cape to make
+    arrangements for educating her younger
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page112"
+    id="page112"></a>{112}</span> children. As Robert could not
+    leave his work she journeyed alone, having as attendants four
+    Bechwana men and a maid. These partings wrung the mother's
+    heart. The time spent on the road was precious, and although it
+    extended to two months, seemed all too short. She felt that
+    never again would she have her young children about her. The
+    son, John, was placed at school in Cape Town for a time, and
+    the two daughters were sent under the care of a worthy minister
+    to England. Of the parting with these her darlings Mary Moffat
+    wrote:&mdash;"Though my heart was heaving with anguish I
+    joyfully and thankfully acceded forthwith (<i>i.e.</i>, to the
+    offer of the Rev. J. Crombie Brown to take the children), and
+    set about preparations in good earnest. This was about the end
+    of January. On the tenth of February they embarked, and after
+    stopping the night on board I tore myself from my darlings to
+    return to my desolate lodgings to contemplate my solitary
+    journey, and to go to my husband and home childless." Of her it
+    may be said, <i>She left all and followed Him</i>!</p>
+
+    <p>In 1848 the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes had been
+    finished and Isaiah begun. In 1849 "Pilgrim's Progress" was
+    added to the Sechwana literature, and the work of translation
+    steadily progressed. "Line upon Line" had also been rendered
+    into the native tongue by Mr. Ashton.</p>
+
+    <p>But while all was peaceful and in a measure prosperous at
+    the Kuruman, clouds were gathering to the eastward, which were
+    destined eventually to throw a dark shadow over the whole
+    Bechwana Mission. The encroachments of the Boers upon the
+    natives led to much bloodshed, and to the dispersion of several
+    native tribes, with the consequent abandonment of mission-work
+    among them. One of the early sufferers
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page113"
+    id="page113"></a>{113}</span> was Moselekatse, who, having been
+    attacked in 1837, had retired to a place far away to the
+    north-east, and for some years nothing was heard of him, except
+    by vague rumour; indeed his very existence was a matter of
+    doubt.</p>
+
+    <p>Livingstone had settled with Sechele at Kolobeng, which
+    place he used simply as a base of operations for visiting the
+    eastern tribes, and prosecuting missionary work among them.
+    Much good was done, and the Scriptures in Sechwana, as far as
+    issued, were circulated among the people. But the Boers
+    advanced, the natives were dispossessed of their lands, and
+    missionaries were expelled from their regions. Finding that all
+    hope of carrying on the work in this neighbourhood was over,
+    Livingstone turned his eyes northward, and commenced that
+    series of explorations which absorbed the remainder of his
+    life. Sechele retired to a mountain fastness, named
+    Lithubaruba, away to the north-west.</p>
+
+    <p>As time passed onward, Robert Moffat felt more than ever the
+    importance of completing the work he had undertaken&mdash;the
+    translation of the entire Bible into Sechwana. Every minute
+    that could be devoted to the task was eagerly embraced, his
+    labours often extending far into the night. Numerous
+    interruptions made the work more difficult. "Many, many are the
+    times I have sat down and got my thoughts somewhat in order,"
+    he writes, "with pen in hand to write a verse, the correct
+    rendering of which I had just arrived at, after wading through
+    other translations and lexicons, when one enters my study with
+    some complaint he has to make, or counsel to ask, or medical
+    advice and medicine to boot, a tooth to be extracted, a
+    subscription to the auxiliary to be measured or counted; or one
+    calls to say he is going
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page114"
+    id="page114"></a>{114}</span> to the Colony, and wishes
+    something like a passport; anon strangers from other towns, and
+    visitors from the interior arrive, who all seem to claim a
+    right to my attentions."</p>
+
+    <p>This incessant application was making inroads upon his
+    health, and the strong powerful frame and iron constitution of
+    the Scotch missionary began to show signs that could not be
+    neglected. A peculiar affection of the head troubled
+    him&mdash;a constant roaring noise like the falling of a
+    cataract, and a buzzing as of a boiling up of waters. It never
+    ceased day and night, and he lost much sleep in consequence of
+    it. His only relief seemed to be in study and preaching, when
+    the malady was not noticed; but immediately these occupations
+    were over it was found to be there, and reasserted itself in
+    full force.</p>
+
+    <p>In 1851 the rebellion of the Kat River Hottentots occurred,
+    which, for a long time, brought obloquy upon the missionaries
+    of South Africa and the Mission cause.</p>
+
+    <p>In 1852 Mr. Hamilton was gathered to his rest, after having
+    been the faithful coadjutor of Robert Moffat, and a missionary
+    at the Kuruman for thirty-four years; the next year tidings
+    reached Mary Moffat that her beloved father had ended his
+    pilgrimage at the ripe age of ninety years.</p>
+
+    <p>A short time previous a letter had been received from the
+    Directors of the London Missionary Society, urging Robert
+    Moffat to take sick leave and visit the Cape, or to return to
+    England, but, as rest and change were absolutely essential,
+    Moffat determined to find the needed relaxation in visiting his
+    old native friend, Moselekatse. He was also in doubt as to the
+    fate of his son-in-law, Livingstone, who had started long
+    before for the tribes on the
+    Zambesi.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page115"
+    id="page115"></a>{115}</span></p>
+
+    <p>Carrying supplies for that missionary, in hope of being able
+    to succour him, in May, 1854, Moffat once again bade his
+    faithful partner farewell, and started for a journey to a
+    comparatively unknown country, seven or eight hundred miles
+    away. The son of Mr. Edwards, the missionary who for some time
+    had laboured with Moffat at Kuruman, and a young man named
+    James Chapman accompanied him, for purposes of trade. After
+    journeying for several days through a desert country, they
+    reached Sechele's mountain fastness. Moffat found that chief in
+    great difficulties, but still holding to the faith into which
+    he had been baptised by Livingstone. One hundred and twenty
+    more miles of desert travelling brought the party to Shoshong,
+    the residence of another chief and his tribe. Thence after
+    groping their way for eighteen days in a region new to them,
+    without guides, they reached a village containing some natives
+    who were subject to the Matabele king.</p>
+
+    <p>For some days Moffat and his companions were not allowed to
+    advance. The Induna in charge of the outpost was afraid of a
+    mistake, but at last a message came that they were to proceed,
+    and finally they drew near to the royal abode. The chief was
+    filled with joy at meeting his old friend "Moshete." An account
+    of the interview is described in Moffat's journal, from which
+    we extract the following:&mdash;"On turning round, there he
+    sat&mdash;how changed! The vigorous, active, and nimble chief
+    of the Matabele, now aged, sitting on a skin, lame in his feet,
+    unable to walk, or even to stand. I entered, he grasped my
+    hand, gave one earnest look, and drew his mantle over his face.
+    It would have been an awful sight for his people to see the
+    hero of a hundred fights wipe from his eyes the falling tears.
+    He spoke not, except <span class="pagenum"><a name="page116"
+    id="page116"></a>{116}</span> to pronounce my name, Moshete,
+    again and again. He looked at me again, his hand still holding
+    mine, and he again covered his face. My heart yearned with
+    compassion for his soul. Drawing a little nearer to the
+    outside, so as to be within sight of Mokumbate, his venerable
+    counsellor, he poured out his joy to him."</p>
+
+    <p>The old chief was suffering with dropsy, but under Moffat's
+    medical care he recovered, and was soon able to walk about
+    again. The advice which had been given to him by his missionary
+    friend during their previous intercourse, had not been wholly
+    lost, the officers who attended him, as well as those of lower
+    grades, stating that the rigour of his government had since
+    that time been greatly modified.</p>
+
+    <p>Moffat stayed with Moselekatse nearly three months. After
+    much persuasion, permission was given him to preach the Gospel
+    to the Matabele people, a privilege hitherto always denied. On
+    the 24th of September, 1854, these people received, for the
+    first time, instruction in the subjects of creation,
+    providence, death, redemption, and immortality.</p>
+
+    <p>It was Moffat's purpose to journey forward beyond the
+    Matabele to the Makololo tribe, to leave supplies at their town
+    of Linyanti, so that Livingstone might obtain them if he
+    returned safely from St. Paul de Loanda, on the west coast.
+    Moselekatse would not accede to the idea of him going alone,
+    and finally the king himself determined to accompany him. The
+    Makololo and Matabele were, however, like many other of the
+    native tribes, hostile to each other. With the bags, boxes,
+    &amp;c., on the heads of some of the men best acquainted with
+    the country, the party set out, but after travelling to the
+    farthest outpost of the Marabele, the king declared it was
+    impossible for the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page117"
+    id="page117"></a>{117}</span> waggons to proceed. At Moffat's
+    earnest request, he sent forward a party of his men with the
+    supplies, which in due course reached the Makololo, who placed
+    them on an island, built a roof over them, and there they were
+    found in safety by Livingstone when he returned some months
+    afterwards from the west coast.</p>
+
+    <p>Towards the end of October, Moffat bade farewell to the
+    Matabele king. Moselekatse pressed him to prolong his stay,
+    pleading that he had not seen enough of him, and that he had
+    not yet shown him sufficient kindness. "Kindness!" replied
+    Moffat, "you have overwhelmed me with kindness, and I shall now
+    return with a heart overflowing with thanks." Leaving the
+    monarch a supply of suitable medicines to keep his system in
+    tolerable order, and admonishing him to give up beer drinking,
+    and to receive any Christian teacher who might come as he had
+    received him, the missionary took his departure. The long
+    return journey was accomplished without any remarkable event,
+    and in due course Moffat reached his home again in safety.</p>
+
+    <p>By this journey his health was much improved, his
+    intercourse and friendship with the people of the interior were
+    cemented and extended, and he looked forward with hopeful
+    assurance to the early advancement of Christianity to those
+    distant regions.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0189.jpg" alt="livestock" width="300" />
+    </div>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page118"
+    id="page118"></a>{118}</span> <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0190.jpg" alt="image" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+    <h3>THE SECHWANA BIBLE.</h3>
+
+    <p>The great task was at length accomplished; the work of
+    nearly thirty years brought to a close. The Word of God in the
+    language of the Bechwana people, in all its glorious
+    completeness and power, was now in their hands.</p>
+
+    <p>To Robert Moffat the labour had been of a herculean
+    character. He had spared himself no labour or drudgery which
+    its prosecution involved. To accomplish it he had left his home
+    and lived a semi-savage life for nearly three months, that he
+    might perfect himself in the language. Without any special
+    training for the important undertaking, and under the greatest
+    disadvantages, he had not only acquired the language, but
+    reduced it to its elements, and then presented it in a
+    synthetic and grammatical form. Beyond that his earnest desire
+    had been to render the whole Bible into the native tongue.</p>
+
+    <p>As age increased, the importance of finishing the work
+    became more and more apparent, till even a minute spent in
+    anything but purely mission-work, or his translation duties,
+    seemed as wasted time. Writing when the end was near, he said:
+    "When I take up a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page119"
+    id="page119"></a>{119}</span> newspaper, it is only to glance
+    at it with a feeling like that of committing sacrilege. I have
+    sometimes been arrested with something interesting, and have
+    read it with ten or more strokes in the minute added to my
+    pulse, from the anxiety caused by the conviction that I am
+    spending precious time apart from its paramount object, while I
+    feel perfectly composed over anything which I am satisfied has
+    a direct bearing on the true object of the missionary."</p>
+
+    <p>But the work was now accomplished, the last sheet had been
+    passed for press, the last verse of the Old Testament
+    completed, and now his mind, which had been for so many years
+    strained under the weighty responsibility of translating the
+    Word of God, was free. Of his feelings on this occasion he made
+    mention in a speech delivered some years later at Port
+    Elizabeth, on the occasion of his final departure from South
+    Africa. We quote from the Chronicle of the London Missionary
+    Society for August, 1870.</p>
+
+    <p>"At last," he said, referring to the commencement of the
+    undertaking, "I came to the resolution that if no one else
+    would do it, I would undertake it myself. I entered heartily
+    upon the work. For many years I had no leisure, every spare
+    moment being devoted to translating, and was a stranger even in
+    my own family. There was labour every day, for back, for hands,
+    for head. This was especially the case during the time Mr.
+    Edwards was there; our condition was almost one of slavery.
+    Still the work advanced, and at last I had the satisfaction of
+    completing the New Testament. Of this 6000 copies were printed
+    by the Home Society.</p>
+
+    <p>"When Dr. Livingstone came, he urged me to begin at once
+    with the Old Testament. That was a most stupendous work. Before
+    commencing it I passed <span class="pagenum"><a name="page120"
+    id="page120"></a>{120}</span> many sleepless nights. It was the
+    wish of all that I should undertake it. I did so, and went on
+    with the work from time to time, as I had leisure, daily and
+    nightly. I stuck to it till I had got as far as the end of
+    Kings, when I became completely done up. The Directors were
+    afraid that I was killing myself. I was advised to go home, to
+    leave the work, but I decided otherwise. I determined to look
+    up Moselekatse, and went off with a son of brother Edwards. By
+    the time I had found Moselekatse, I had got all right again. I
+    came back and resumed my work, and continued it till its
+    completion. I cannot describe to you the feelings of that
+    time&mdash;of the writing of the last verse. I could hardly
+    believe that I was in the world, so difficult was it for me to
+    realise the fact that my labour of years was completed. Whether
+    it was from weakness or overstrained mental exertion, I cannot
+    tell; but a feeling came over me that I would die, and I felt
+    perfectly resigned. To overcome this I went back again to my
+    manuscript still to be printed, read it over, and re-examined
+    it, till at length I got back again to my right mind. This was
+    the most remarkable time of my life, a period I shall never
+    forget. My feelings found vent by my falling upon my knees and
+    thanking God for His grace and goodness in giving me strength
+    to accomplish my task. My work was thus accomplished, and now I
+    see the Word of God read by thousands of Bechwanas in their
+    native tongue."</p>
+
+    <p>An incident related in his speech at the Bible Society's
+    Annual Meeting upon the occasion of his first visit to England
+    in 1839, shows the importance to the natives of having the
+    Bible in their own tongue. Speaking of his translation of the
+    Gospel of Luke, he alluded to the state of the unconverted
+    heathen, and the contrast manifested by the Christian
+    converts.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page121"
+    id="page121"></a>{121}</span> When the heathen saw the converts
+    reading the Book which had produced this change, they inquired
+    if they (the converts) talked to it. "No," answered they, "it
+    talks to us; for it is the Word of God." "What then," replied
+    the strangers, "does it <i>speak</i>?" "Yes," said the
+    Christians, "it speaks to the heart!" This explanation was
+    true, and was often illustrated in fact; for among those to
+    whom the same Book was read by others, it became proverbial to
+    say that the readers were "turning their hearts inside
+    out!"</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0191.jpg" alt="DR. LIVINGSTONE"
+        title="DR. LIVINGSTONE" width="400" />
+
+        <h4>DR. LIVINGSTONE.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>In 1854 Mary Moffat paid another visit to the Colony, and
+    was in consequence away from home when Robert returned from his
+    journey to Moselekatse. Tidings reached him about that time of
+    the death of his mother, the one who first instilled into his
+    breast an enthusiasm for the missionary calling. She died as
+    she had lived, a godly, consistent woman, and was called to the
+    heavenly city at the age of eighty-four.</p>
+
+    <p>In 1856 Dr. Livingstone, after his unparalleled walk from
+    Loanda, on the west coast, to Quillimane, on the
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page122"
+    id="page122"></a>{122}</span> east&mdash;from the shores of the
+    Atlantic to those of the Indian Ocean&mdash;visited England.
+    His visit, and the description he gave of the country and
+    natives, rekindled missionary enthusiasm, a special interest
+    being taken in the Matabele and Makololo tribes. The London
+    Missionary Society resolved to establish missions among them.
+    As the locality where the Makololo dwelt was in the midst of a
+    marshy network of rivers, it was considered as a necessary
+    condition of commencing the proposed missionary work that they
+    should remove to a spot on the north bank of the Zambesi,
+    opposite to where the Matabele dwelt on the south bank. The two
+    tribes were, however, hostile to each other; and, to overcome
+    this hostility, it was determined to simultaneously establish
+    missions among both tribes. With this object in mind the
+    Directors wrote to Robert Moffat, proposing that he should go
+    for a twelvemonth to the Matabele, taking two younger men with
+    him, and plant a mission among this people.</p>
+
+    <p>This letter reached him just as he had completed the
+    translation and printing of the Old Testament; and,
+    notwithstanding that he was then sixty-two years of age, and
+    had already been forty-one years hard at work for the Society,
+    he determined to go. He felt, however, that it was necessary
+    for him to start at once, and prepare the minds of Moselekatse
+    and his people for the coming among them of missionaries. Thus
+    it came about that once again Robert Moffat quitted Kuruman,
+    and started forward for the long and trying journey, through
+    the African desert, to visit his old friend, and obtain his
+    consent to the settlement of missionaries among his people.</p>
+
+    <p>Visiting the chief Sechele on the way, he pursued his course
+    until he at length reached the headquarters
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page123"
+    id="page123"></a>{123}</span> of Moselekatse. The king was not
+    very enthusiastic about receiving missionaries for himself and
+    his people. He was somewhat suspicious; and his former
+    experience with the American missionaries at Mosega had been
+    rather unfortunate, the Boers having attacked the Matabele,
+    and, after pillaging the mission station, carried the
+    missionaries away with them. However, he would receive the
+    new-comers,&mdash;but his friend Moshete must come also. "I
+    love you," said he, "you are my father. These new men I do not
+    know them. All men are not alike."</p>
+
+    <p>This African monarch had sufficient knowledge to know that,
+    if the doctrines of the Bible prevailed among his tribe, his
+    claims to divine honour would for ever cease. His warriors used
+    to pay him homage as follows: "O Pezoolu, the king of kings,
+    king of the heavens, who would not fear before the son of
+    Machobane (his father's name), mighty in battle?" and with
+    other similar marks of adulation. He also had a shrewd
+    suspicion that the opening of the country for white men to come
+    and settle, would mean, eventually, the downfall of the power
+    of himself and his people? but in his friend Ramary, or
+    Moshete, he had implicit confidence.</p>
+
+    <p>As an instance of the power which Moffat had obtained over
+    this despotic chief of a fierce African tribe, it may be
+    related that he prevailed upon Moselekatse to grant deliverance
+    to the heir to the chieftainship of the Bamangwato, a large
+    tribe living at Shoshong, to the north-east of Sechele's
+    people. It was after a long conversation that the thing was
+    settled. Macheng, the heir, who had been detained captive for
+    sixteen years, was called, and Moselekatse addressing him said:
+    "Macheng, man of Moffat, go with your father. We have arranged
+    respecting you.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page124"
+    id="page124"></a>{124}</span> Moffat will take you back to
+    Sechele. That is my wish as well as his, that you should be in
+    the first instance restored to the chief from whom you were
+    taken in war. When captured you were a child; I have reared you
+    to be a man."</p>
+
+    <p>The effect of this deliverance on the neighbouring tribes
+    was very great. It occurred while Moffat was with Moselekatse,
+    arranging for the settlement of the new missionaries. When he
+    and his charge arrived at Sechele's town, on his way home, he
+    was met by Sechele and the other chiefs of his tribe, who
+    marched on in front, and led them to a kind of natural
+    amphitheatre, where at least ten thousand of the people, in all
+    their equipments of war, were assembled. Sechele commanded
+    silence, and introduced the business of the meeting. Speaker
+    followed speaker, in enthusiastic language giving expression to
+    the joy they felt at seeing the chief of the Bamangwato return
+    from captivity. In the course of his speech one said as
+    follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"Ye tribes, ye children of the ancients, this day is a day
+    of marvel.... Now I begin to perceive that those who preach are
+    verily true. If Moffat were not of God, he would not have
+    espoused the cause of Sechele, in receiving his words, and
+    delivering Macheng from the dwelling-place of the beasts of
+    prey, to which we Bechwanas dared not approach. There are those
+    who contend that there is nothing in religion. Let such to-day
+    throw away their unbelief. If Moffat were not such a man, he
+    would not have done what he has done, in bringing him who was
+    lost&mdash;him who was dead&mdash;from the strong bondage of
+    the mighty. Moselekatse is a lion; he conquered nations, he
+    robbed the strong ones, he bereaved mothers, he took away the
+    son of Kheri. We talk of love. What
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page125"
+    id="page125"></a>{125}</span> is love? We hear of the love of
+    God. Is it not through the love of God that Macheng is among us
+    to-day? A stranger, one of a nation&mdash;who of you knows its
+    distance from us?&mdash;he makes himself one of us, enters the
+    lion's abode, and brings out to us our own blood."</p>
+
+    <p>On reaching home, from his visit to the Matabele, Moffat
+    found that the Livingstones were starting for the Zambesi, and
+    were to call at the Cape on their way; also that a large party
+    of new missionaries had been appointed to commence the new
+    interior missions. The Moffats at once started for the Cape,
+    and there met Dr. and Mrs. Livingstone and their companions.
+    Once more the mother and daughter embraced each other, and as
+    the latter had suffered much on the voyage, it was arranged
+    that she should accompany the missionary party, and travel
+    overland to the Zambesi.</p>
+
+    <p>At Cape Town Moffat also had the pleasure of welcoming his
+    own son, the Rev. John Moffat, who was to proceed to the
+    Matabele as a missionary, paid for out of Dr. Livingstone's
+    private resources. Sir George Grey, Her Majesty's High
+    Commissioner, warmly encouraged the proposed plans for
+    extending Christianity and commerce to the interior tribes, and
+    arranged with Robert Moffat for establishing a postal
+    communication with the Zambesi <i>viâ</i> Kuruman.</p>
+
+    <p>All arrangements having been completed the missionaries left
+    Cape Town on their way to Kuruman, from whence they were to
+    proceed to their respective stations, with the Makololo and the
+    Matabele. Delays, however, intervened; the Boers had attacked
+    some of the Batlapings, and threatened to attack the Kuruman
+    station; the difficulties of the road also
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page126"
+    id="page126"></a>{126}</span> prevented some of the party
+    arriving with the others. At last, however, the way was made
+    clear, the opposition of the Boers to the advance of the party
+    was, through the intervention of Sir George Grey, overcome, and
+    on the 7th of July, 1859, the first division started for their
+    far distant destination. This division comprised Mr. Helmore, a
+    veteran who for many years had been stationed at Lekatlong,
+    with his wife and four children, and Mr. and Mrs. Price. There
+    was also a native teacher from Lekatlong, named Tabe, who
+    determined to accompany his old missionary, and the usual staff
+    of native attendants. These were all to proceed to the
+    Makololo. The situation was a grave one. The end of the journey
+    was a point a thousand miles farther into the interior than any
+    of them had ever been, except two native servants, who had
+    accompanied Livingstone on a previous occasion. But they went
+    forward in faith not knowing what lay before them, but trusting
+    all into the hands of Him, without whose knowledge not even a
+    sparrow falls to the ground.</p>
+
+    <p>A week later Mr. Thomas and John Moffat with their wives
+    left; they were speedily followed by Robert Moffat and Mr.
+    Sykes. At Sechele's town the two portions of this latter
+    division were united, and thence they journeyed onwards towards
+    the Matabele. Disease broke out among some of their oxen, and,
+    on reaching the first outpost of Moselekatse's people, a
+    messenger was sent forward to the king explaining the state of
+    affairs, and proposing that the oxen of the missionaries should
+    be left in quarantine, and that Moselekatse should supply his
+    own oxen to bring the party to headquarters. This message was
+    sent so as to avoid connecting the advent of the Gospel among
+    these people with that of a pestilence among their
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page127"
+    id="page127"></a>{127}</span> herds of cattle; which would
+    inevitably have been the case had the diseased oxen proceeded
+    onwards and infected those belonging to the Matabele.</p>
+
+    <p>An answer was returned to the effect that the party were to
+    proceed, and that though the epidemic took effect, they should
+    be held guiltless.</p>
+
+    <p>Moffat despatched a second messenger, to say that he had
+    heard the king's words, and in a couple of days would leave;
+    but that he begged the monarch to reflect on the consequences
+    of the epidemic being introduced among his tens of thousands of
+    cattle, and to believe that the mission party felt the most
+    extreme anxiety upon the subject.</p>
+
+    <p>They then proceeded forward very slowly for two or three
+    days, when they were met by another messenger, who stated that
+    Moselekatse was gratified with the anxiety expressed for him
+    and his; and that now, fully convinced of his danger, he
+    desired that all their oxen should return, and that warriors
+    were advancing to drag the mission waggons to headquarters.</p>
+
+    <p>Every one started with surprise at the strange idea, but
+    soon the warriors came, shields, and spears, and all, also a
+    number of oxen to be slaughtered for food. After some war
+    evolutions, the warriors took the place of the draught oxen,
+    and a start was made. There was many "a strong pull, a long
+    pull, and a pull all together," as the waggons rolled onward;
+    but after ten days' hard struggle and slow progress, it became
+    evident that the men sent were unequal to the task, and the
+    monarch, who for some unknown reason had kept his oxen back,
+    sent them at last to bring the waggons to his camp.</p>
+
+    <p>Moselekatse received his old friend with his usual
+    cordiality; but it soon became evident that something
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page128"
+    id="page128"></a>{128}</span> was wrong. All kinds of evasions
+    and delays met the request for a spot of ground on which to
+    found a mission station; days, weeks, and months passed, during
+    which the missionaries suffered great hardships; and at last
+    the chief broke up his camp and left them, without oxen to draw
+    their waggons, saying that he would send people to guide them
+    to the spot where they were to settle, and at which place he
+    would join them later on.</p>
+
+    <p>His conduct seemed strange, and Moffat began to suspect that
+    he had repented of giving his permission for the missionaries
+    to settle with him. This proved to be the case; the Boer
+    inroads, following as they had done, in several cases, the
+    advent of the missionaries, made him suspicious, and the fears
+    of himself and people having been aroused, the question was in
+    debate as to whether the settlement should be allowed or
+    not.</p>
+
+    <p>At last a favourable change took place, the clouds
+    dispersed, and the sky became clear. Oxen were sent to take the
+    missionary waggons forward to Inyati, there to join
+    Moselekatse. All was settled, a spot which looked well for a
+    station was pointed out, each of the new-comers pitched his
+    tent under a tree that he had chosen, until a more solid
+    dwelling should be erected, and the Matabele Mission was fairly
+    established. This was in December, 1859.</p>
+
+    <p>The Mission was established, but work had only begun. The
+    first six months of the year 1860 were months of incessant toil
+    to the missionaries at Inyati. Houses had to be built, waggons
+    repaired, and garden ground made ready for cultivation. Early
+    and late, Moffat was to be found at work,&mdash;in the saw-pit,
+    at the blacksmith's forge, or exercising his skill at the
+    carpenter's bench; in all ways aiding and encouraging
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page129"
+    id="page129"></a>{129}</span> his younger companions. He also
+    endeavoured to gain Moselekatse's consent to the opening of
+    regular communication with the Livingstone expedition on the
+    Zambesi <i>viâ</i> Matabeleland, but the suspicious nature of
+    the monarch foiled this project. The isolation of his country
+    in this direction was so great that, although but a
+    comparatively short distance away, no tidings whatever could be
+    obtained of the other party who, under Mr. Helmore, had gone to
+    the Makololo tribe.</p>
+
+    <p>In June, 1860, Moffat felt that his work at Inyati was done.
+    He had spared neither labour of mind nor body in planting the
+    Mission, and had endured hardships at his advanced age that
+    younger men might well have shrunk from. The hour approached
+    for him to bid a final farewell to Moselekatse, and once more
+    he drew near to the chiefs kraal, with the purpose of speaking
+    to him and his people, for the last time, on the all-important
+    themes of life, death, and eternity. The old chief was in his
+    large courtyard and received his missionary friend kindly.
+    Together they sat, side by side&mdash;the Matabele despot,
+    whose name struck terror even then into many native hearts, and
+    the messenger of the Prince of Peace, the warriors ranged
+    themselves in a semi-circle, the women crept as near as they
+    could, and all listened to the last words of "Moshete." It was
+    a solemn service, and closed the long series of efforts which
+    the missionary had made to reach the hearts of Moselekatse and
+    his people. On the morrow he started for home, which he reached
+    in safety, having been absent twelve months.</p>
+
+    <p>Meanwhile, terrible trials had befallen the party who had
+    started to found the Makololo Mission. The difficulties
+    attending their journey to Linyanti were
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page130"
+    id="page130"></a>{130}</span> such as nothing but the noblest
+    Christian principle would have induced them to encounter, or
+    enabled them to surmount. The chief of these was the great
+    scarcity of water. One of their trials is thus
+    described:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"From the Zouga we travelled on pretty comfortably, till
+    near the end of November, when we suffered much from want of
+    water.... For more than a week every drop we used had to be
+    walked for about thirty-five miles. Mrs. Helmore's feelings may
+    be imagined, when one afternoon, the thermometer standing at
+    107 deg. in the shade, she was saving just <i>one spoonful of
+    water</i> for each of the dear children for the next morning,
+    not thinking of taking a drop herself. Mr. Helmore, with the
+    men, was then away searching for water; and when he returned
+    the next morning with the precious fluid, we found that he had
+    walked <i>full forty miles</i>."</p>
+
+    <p>At length, after enduring innumerable difficulties and
+    privations for seven months, they arrived at Linyanti, the
+    residence of the chief Sekeletu. He refused to allow them to
+    remove to a more healthy spot, but proposed that they should
+    live with him in the midst of his fever-generating marshes, and
+    as no better plan offered, they were compelled to accept it. In
+    the course of a week all were laid low with fever. Little Henry
+    Helmore and his sister, with the infant babe of Mr. Price, were
+    the first to die; then followed the heart-stricken mother, Mrs.
+    Helmore; six weeks later Mr. Helmore breathed his last; and the
+    missionary band was reduced to Mr. and Mrs. Price and the
+    helpless orphans. As the only means of saving their lives the
+    survivors prepared to depart, but now the chief threw obstacles
+    in the way of their doing so. Their goods were stolen, their
+    waggon taken possession <span class="pagenum"><a name="page131"
+    id="page131"></a>{131}</span> of; and upon Mr. Price telling
+    the chief that "if they did not let him go soon they would have
+    to bury him beside the others," he was simply told "that he
+    might as well die there as anywhere else."</p>
+
+    <p>Finally a few things were allowed for the journey, and the
+    sorrowful party started homeward, Mr. Price very ill, and his
+    wife having lost the use of her feet and legs.</p>
+
+    <p>With the scantiest possible provision they had to face a
+    journey of upwards of a thousand miles to Kuruman, but they set
+    forward. Just as they were beginning to take hope after their
+    heavy trials, and to think of renewed efforts for the Lord,
+    Mrs. Price was called to her rest. "My dear wife," wrote the
+    sorrowing husband, "had been for a long time utterly helpless,
+    but we all thought she was getting better. In the morning I
+    found her breathing very hard. She went to sleep that night,
+    alas! to wake no more. I spoke to her, and tried to wake her,
+    but it was too late. I watched her all the morning. She became
+    worse and worse, and a little after mid-day her spirit took its
+    flight to God who gave it. I buried her the same evening under
+    a tree&mdash;the only tree on the immense plain of Mahabe. This
+    is indeed a heavy stroke, but 'God is my refuge and strength, a
+    very present help in trouble.'"</p>
+
+    <p>Finally the bereaved missionary was met by Mr. and Mrs.
+    Mackenzie, who had started to join the Makololo Mission, and,
+    as all turned their steps towards Kuruman, they were rejoiced
+    by meeting Robert Moffat, who, having heard of the disaster,
+    and that Mr. Price, with the remnant of the party, were on the
+    road, had gone out in search of them. All returned sorrowfully
+    to Kuruman, and the ill-fated Makololo Mission
+    collapsed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page132"
+    id="page132"></a>{132}</span></p>
+
+    <p>Robert Moffat and his wife watched the progress of the
+    Mission at Inyati with the keenest interest. In it they seemed
+    to live their early life at Lattakoo over again. Their hearts
+    were in the work of the missionaries at that distant station;
+    and, over and above the earnest desire they had to see the work
+    of God prosper among those uncivilised natives, was the tie of
+    kinship, their own flesh and blood being present in the person
+    of their son, John Moffat, who, with his wife, formed a portion
+    of the Matabele Mission. Post-bags and supplies were forwarded
+    by every available opportunity, and warm words of cheer and
+    sympathy from the aged pair at Kuruman encouraged the workers
+    in the far distant region to perseverance in their work for the
+    Lord.</p>
+
+    <p>Kuruman served indeed as a home station to which all the
+    interior missionaries could look. The fact of being an interior
+    missionary was sufficient to secure the travel-worn stranger,
+    or friend, a warm welcome and good cheer for weeks together,
+    and none entered more heartily or with deeper sympathy into the
+    plans and endeavours of the wayfarer, or offered more earnest
+    prayers on the behalf of himself and his work, than the tried
+    and faithful couple, Robert and Mary Moffat, who had for so
+    many years borne the burden and heat of the day.</p>
+
+    <p>In October, 1861, their daughter Bessie, who was born on
+    board ship in Table Bay, as they were leaving for their first
+    visit to England, married Mr. R. Price, whose wife died the
+    previous year, during that terrible journey from Linyanti, when
+    the Makololo Mission had to be abandoned. Thus as one fell from
+    the ranks, another stepped forward to take the vacant place,
+    and carry on the glorious work for the sake of Him who said,
+    "Go ye into all the world, and preach
+    the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page133"
+    id="page133"></a>{133}</span> Gospel to every creature." The
+    Prices went for a time to Shoshong, hoping to join the Matabele
+    Mission, but finally laboured among the Bakwena, under the
+    chief Sechele.</p>
+
+    <p>The Kuruman station itself during this time presented a
+    scene of unabated activity. A revision of the New Testament was
+    in progress, the youngest Miss Moffat, then the only child at
+    home, was working hard at schools and classes, and Mr. Ashton
+    was again at work with his old colleague.</p>
+
+    <p>The year 1862 brought severe domestic bereavements to the
+    Moffats. During a journey to Durban, in Natal, their eldest
+    son, Mr. Robert Moffat, died, leaving a wife and four children.
+    He had started to bring them from Durban to the home he had
+    prepared at Kuruman. He had primarily been intended for a
+    missionary, and had been sent to England to be educated for
+    that purpose, but his health failing he had to return to South
+    Africa, where for some time he served in the Survey Department
+    under Government, and afterwards became a trader. He was very
+    highly respected and had thoroughly gained the confidence of
+    the natives.</p>
+
+    <p>A few weeks later the sad tidings reached the sorrowing
+    parents from the Zambesi that their eldest daughter Mary, the
+    wife of Dr. Livingstone, had been called to her rest. A white
+    marble cross, near Shupanga House on the Shiré River, marks the
+    spot where this sainted martyr to the cause of Africa's
+    regeneration sleeps in peace.</p>
+
+    <p>In the following year tidings reached Robert Moffat that
+    William Ross the missionary at Lekatlong, about eighty miles to
+    the south-east, was seriously ill. In a few hours Moffat was on
+    his way; he arrived in time to find his friend alive, and did
+    all that could be done <span class="pagenum"><a name="page134"
+    id="page134"></a>{134}</span> to alleviate his suffering, but
+    shortly after he also passed away. This mournful event led to
+    Mr. Ashton being transferred to Lekatlong, and for a time the
+    whole weight of duty at Kuruman rested on Moffat's
+    shoulders.</p>
+
+    <p>Although in perils oft, Robert Moffat had never suffered
+    thus far personal violence from the hands of a native, but now
+    he had a very narrow escape from death. A young man, who for
+    some time had been living on the station, had shown signs of a
+    disordered mind, and was placed under mild restraint.
+    Conceiving a violent personal animosity against the missionary,
+    he attacked him as he was returning from church, and with a
+    knobbed stick inflicted some terrible blows, then, frightened
+    at his own violence, he fled. To one with a weaker frame than
+    Robert Moffat's the consequences might have been very serious;
+    as it was he recovered, though with a heart that was sorely
+    grieved.</p>
+
+    <p>In 1865, the Mission was reinforced by the arrival of the
+    Rev. John Brown, from England, and by John Moffat, who had
+    returned from the Matabele. The relaxation from the active
+    duties of the station thus afforded was utilised by Robert
+    Moffat in the work of Scripture revision, the preparation of
+    additional hymns, and the carrying of smaller works through the
+    press.</p>
+
+    <p>Mention has been made of the marriage of their second
+    daughter, Ann, to Jean Frédoux, a missionary of the Paris
+    Evangelical Society, who was stationed at Motito, a place
+    situated about thirty-six miles to the north-east of Kuruman.
+    He was a man of gentle disposition and addicted to study. Early
+    in March, 1866, he had started upon a tour to carry on
+    evangelistic work among the Barolong villages along the
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page135"
+    id="page135"></a>{135}</span> margin of the Kalahari desert.
+    While visiting one of these, a low class trader arrived who had
+    been guilty of atrocious conduct at Motito. The natives
+    insisted upon the trader going to Kuruman, where his conduct
+    could be investigated, and, upon his refusing to do so,
+    prepared to take him by force. He intrenched himself in his
+    waggon with all his guns loaded, and dared any one to lay hands
+    upon him. Frédoux seeing the serious state that matters were
+    assuming quietly drew near to the trader's waggon, and urged
+    him to go peaceably to Kuruman, assuring him that the people
+    were determined he should go, if not peaceably, then by
+    force.</p>
+
+    <p>While thus pleading with this man, a fearful explosion took
+    place, the waggon and its occupant were blown to atoms, Jean
+    Frédoux and twelve natives were killed, and about thirty more
+    were injured.</p>
+
+    <p>This was a further heavy affliction for Robert Moffat and
+    his wife. As soon as they heard of the catastrophe, Robert
+    hastened to succour his widowed daughter, and to consign to the
+    grave at Motito the shattered remains of his son-in-law.</p>
+
+    <p>A few months later another visit was paid to the open grave,
+    this time to consign to its last resting place the body of Mrs.
+    Brown, the wife of the Rev. John Brown, who a short time before
+    had taken up his abode at the Kuruman as a colleague of Robert
+    Moffat.</p>
+
+    <p>In 1868 the missionary staff at that station consisted of
+    Robert Moffat and his son John Moffat. The former had now more
+    than completed the three-score years and ten allotted to man as
+    the duration of human life, and unlike the great leader of
+    God's chosen people, of whom it is said, "his eye was not
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page136"
+    id="page136"></a>{136}</span> dim, nor his natural force
+    abated," Robert Moffat felt the infirmities of age creeping
+    very rapidly upon him. Yet he held on his way for two years
+    longer. A short and constant cough during the winter months
+    aggravated his natural tendency to sleeplessness, and at last
+    he felt himself reluctantly compelled to accept the invitation
+    of the Directors to return finally to England.</p>
+
+    <p>Going home to England it could hardly be called, his home
+    was with his loved Bechwanas, with those for whom he had toiled
+    and prayed so long. The ashes of his son Robert, and of his
+    devoted daughter Mary reposed beneath the sands of Africa; his
+    early and later manhood had been spent beneath its scorching
+    sun. The house he was to leave had been the birthplace of most
+    of his children, and his home for more than forty years. Yes,
+    it was hard to leave; and the expectation had become very real
+    to him that his body and that of his faithful partner would be
+    laid side by side in that little burial-ground in the bushy
+    dell, marked by a few trees, at Kuruman. But the final
+    determination had been arrived at, and with slow and hesitating
+    steps, as though waiting for something, even then, to prevent
+    their departure, preparations were made for leaving the station
+    for ever.</p>
+
+    <p>Of the general aspect of affairs at the Kuruman during these
+    last two years we have a graphic description from the pen of
+    the Rev. John Moffat, who in a letter to the Directors dated
+    12th October, 1868, wrote as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"The public services on the station are a prayer-meeting at
+    sunrise on Sunday; preaching in Sechwana, morning, afternoon,
+    and evening, with the Sunday school twice, and a juvenile
+    afternoon service. The early prayer-meeting is left entirely to
+    the natives, the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page137"
+    id="page137"></a>{137}</span> three preaching services entirely
+    to the missionaries, and the Sunday school, with the juvenile
+    service, to my sister. There is also a Wednesday evening
+    service, a monthly missionary prayer meeting, a church meeting,
+    and a prayer meeting on Thursday afternoon. This last is in the
+    hands of the natives. No native takes any part in the preaching
+    on the station, except in extreme cases, when it is regarded as
+    a makeshift. My father and I share the preaching between us.
+    Occasionally, say once in three weeks, one of us rides to two
+    villages to the north-west, holding services at each; they are
+    respectively eight and twelve miles distant. My custom at home,
+    in the regular way, is to give New Testament reading in the
+    morning, a topical sermon in the afternoon, and Old Testament
+    exposition in the evening. On Monday evening I have a young
+    men's Bible class, which is to me the most interesting work I
+    have to do, more especially as I have much encouragement in
+    it.... On the Monday evening, also, my sister and I hold a
+    practising class for the purpose of trying to improve the
+    singing. On Tuesday evening I meet male inquirers, on
+    Wednesday, before the service, I have a Bible class for women,
+    on Thursday we have an English prayer meeting, and on Friday
+    evening I meet female inquirers. I need not mention the school
+    conducted by my sister and three native assistants."</p>
+
+    <p>Speaking of the place and people he continues:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"The population is small and scattered. On the spot there
+    must be a good many people, and also at the villages to the
+    north-west; but otherwise the district contains only small
+    villages of from twenty to one hundred huts. It extends fifty
+    miles west and north-west, and about twenty-five miles in other
+    directions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page138"
+    id="page138"></a>{138}</span></p>
+
+    <p>"The people are poor and must remain so. The country is
+    essentially dry. Irrigation is necessary for successful
+    agriculture, and there are few spots where water flows. There
+    is no market for cattle, even if they throve abundantly, which
+    they do not. I despair of much advance in civilisation, when
+    their resources are so small, and when the European trade is on
+    the principle of enormous profits and losses. Two hundred per
+    cent, on Port Elizabeth prices is not considered out of the
+    way.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0192.jpg"
+        alt="MAIN STREET IN PORT ELIZABETH"
+        title="MAIN STREET IN PORT ELIZABETH" width="600" />
+
+        <h4>MAIN STREET IN PORT ELIZABETH.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>"Heathenism, as a system, is weak, indeed in many places it
+    is nowhere. Christianity meets with little opposition. The
+    people generally are
+    prodigious<span class="pagenum"><a name="page139"
+    id="page139"></a>{139}</span> Bible readers, church-goers, and
+    psalm-singers, I fear to a large extent without knowledge.
+    Religion to them consists in the above operations, and in
+    giving a sum to the Auxiliary. I am speaking of the generality,
+    There are many whom I cannot but feel to be Christians, but
+    dimly. This can hardly be the result of low mental power alone.
+    The Bechwanas show considerable acuteness when circumstances
+    call it out.</p>
+
+    <p>"The educational department of the Mission has been kept in
+    the background. On this station the youth on leaving school
+    have sunk back for want of a continued course being opened to
+    them. The village schoolmasters, uneducated themselves, and
+    mostly unpaid, make but a feeble impression. The wonder is that
+    they do so much, and where the readers come from. It is hard to
+    say that the older missionaries could have done otherwise.... I
+    cannot tell you how one thing presses on me every day: the want
+    of qualified native schoolmasters and teachers; and the
+    question: how are they to be obtained?"</p>
+
+    <p>On Sunday, 20th March, 1870, Robert Moffat preached for the
+    last time in the Kuruman church, and on the Friday following
+    the departure took place. "Ramary" and "Mamary," as Mr. and
+    Mrs. Moffat were called, had completely won the hearts of the
+    natives. For weeks past messages of farewell had been coming
+    from the more distant towns and villages, and now that the
+    final hour had arrived and the venerable missionary, with his
+    long white beard, and his equally revered wife, left their
+    house and walked to their waggon they were beset by crowds of
+    people, each one longing for another shake of the hand, a last
+    parting word, or a final look; and, as the waggon drove away, a
+    long pitiful wail rose from those who
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page140"
+    id="page140"></a>{140}</span> felt that their teacher and
+    friend was with them no more.</p>
+
+    <p>After a rough but safe journey of eight weeks, Robert and
+    Mary Moffat reached Port Elizabeth on the 20th May, 1870, and
+    received a hearty welcome from a large number of missionaries
+    and other Christian friends, who had gathered to meet them.
+    Making a brief stay they embarked in the mail steamer
+    <i>Roman</i> and landed at Cape Town on the 2nd of June. Here
+    they were entertained by the Christian community at a public
+    breakfast. A few days later they embarked in the steamship
+    <i>Norseman, en route</i> for England.</p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0193.jpg" alt="rough seas" width="350" />
+    </div>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page141"
+    id="page141"></a>{141}</span> <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0194.jpg" alt="image" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+    <h3>CLOSING SCENES.</h3>
+
+    <p>In the Chronicle of the London Missionary Society for March,
+    1870, the following notice appeared: "Our readers will be glad
+    to hear that there is now a definite prospect of welcoming
+    again to England our veteran missionary, the Rev. Robert
+    Moffat. He may be expected, with Mrs. Moffat, about the month
+    of June. Mr. Moffat no longer enjoys his former robust health.
+    In his last letter he writes: 'What to me was formerly a
+    molehill is now a mountain, and we both have for some time past
+    begun to feel some of the labour and sorrow so frequently
+    experienced by those who have passed their three-score years
+    and ten.'"</p>
+
+    <p>The <i>Norseman</i> reached Plymouth on the 24th of July,
+    and next day Robert and Mary Moffat landed at Southampton, thus
+    returning to their native land, to leave it no more, after an
+    absence of over fifty years; during which time they had visited
+    it only once before.</p>
+
+    <p>On the 1st of August he was welcomed by the Society, at an
+    influential meeting, convened for the purpose, in the Board
+    Room of the Mission House,
+    in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page142"
+    id="page142"></a>{142}</span> Blomfield Street. At that
+    meeting, alluding to his previous visit in 1839, and to the
+    printing of the New Testament in Sechwana, he stated as
+    follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"When I came to the Cape, previous to my first visit, I
+    brought a translation of the New Testament, which I had
+    translated under considerable difficulties, being engaged a
+    portion of the day in roofing an immense church, and the
+    remainder in exegetical examinations and consulting
+    concordances. I was anxious to get it printed, and I brought it
+    down to the Cape, but there I could find no printing-office
+    that would undertake it. The Committee of the Bible Society
+    very kindly&mdash;as they have always been to me, I say it with
+    pleasure&mdash;forwarded paper and ink to the Cape expecting I
+    should get the work done there. As I said, there was not a
+    printing-office that would undertake it. Dining with Sir George
+    Napier, the Governor, I informed him of the difficulty. He
+    said, 'Jump on board a ship with your translation and get it
+    printed in England, and you will be back again while they are
+    thinking about it here. Print a New Testament among a set of
+    Dutch printers! why I can't even get my proclamations printed.'
+    I said, 'I have become too barbarous; I have almost forgotten
+    my own language; I should be frightened to go there.' 'Oh
+    stuff!' he said.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page143"
+    id="page143"></a>{143}</span></p>
+
+    <p>"Some time after he met me in the street: 'Well, Moffat,
+    what have you determined upon?' 'I am waiting the return of Dr.
+    Philip.' 'Don't wait for anybody; just jump on board a ship.
+    Think of the importance of getting the New Testament put in
+    print in a new language!' He invited me to dinner again and
+    said, 'Have you come to a conclusion? I wish I could give you
+    mine. I feel some interest in the extension of the knowledge of
+    the Word of God. Take nobody's advice, but jump on board a ship
+    for England.' He spoke so seriously that I began to feel
+    serious myself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page144"
+    id="page144"></a>{144}</span></p>
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0195.jpg" alt="MARY MOFFAT"
+        title="MARY MOFFAT" width="550" />
+
+        <h4>MARY MOFFAT.</h4>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>"Dr. Philip came, and when the Governor explained the
+    circumstances, the Doctor said, 'Go, by all means.' I was
+    nervous at the thought. I was not a nervous man in Africa. I
+    could sleep and hear the lions roar. There seemed so many great
+    folks to meet with. I came to England and by-and-by I got over
+    it."</p>
+
+    <p>On the Wednesday, following this meeting, he was entertained
+    at a public breakfast at the Cannon Street Hotel.</p>
+
+    <p>For a few weeks the Moffats dwelt at Canonbury, though
+    Robert himself was so much engaged in visiting different parts
+    of the country, Edinburgh included, where he met with many old
+    friends, that he was not suffered at this time to dwell for
+    long in any one place.</p>
+
+    <p>The winter was spent at Brixton, and on the 21st of
+    December, £1000 was presented to Robert Moffat as a birthday
+    gift, a most cheering tribute of esteem to a tried and faithful
+    servant of Jesus Christ.</p>
+
+    <p>The effects of this act of kindness had not passed away when
+    a heavy cloud hung over the happy home at Brixton. She, who for
+    more than half-a-century had been the loving helpmeet of the
+    African missionary, sharing his joys and sorrows, his hopes and
+    discouragements, and many of his privations and perils, lay
+    dying. A troublesome cough, a difficulty of breathing, a few
+    long deep breaths, and she was gone, without even a word of
+    farewell; called home to receive the "Well done, good and
+    faithful servant," and to enter into the joy of her Lord. Her
+    last words were a prayer for her husband, that strength might
+    be given him to bear the
+    blow.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page145"
+    id="page145"></a>{145}</span></p>
+
+    <p>Robert Moffat indeed needed strength in this hour of
+    affliction. His first exclamation on finding that she had
+    really gone was, "For fifty-three years I have had her to pray
+    for me," and writing to his old friend and fellow-labourer,
+    Roger Edwards, who was then at Port Elizabeth, he said, "How
+    lonely I feel, and if it were not for Jeanie (his daughter) it
+    would be much more so."</p>
+
+    <p>The events of the next few years may be briefly summarised.
+    He travelled much to different parts of the country, visiting
+    High Leigh, the old house at Dukinfield, and Carronshore. His
+    services were continually in requisition for missionary
+    meetings, and doubtless many of our readers will be old enough
+    to remember the bronzed face, with its full flowing beard,
+    blanched by age, the keen eyes, and the venerable form of
+    Robert Moffat at this time, and to call to mind the pleasure
+    they derived as they listened to his glowing descriptions of
+    the needs of Africa.</p>
+
+    <p>The winter of 1871 was passed at Ventnor, in the Isle of
+    Wight, and occupied in revising proof sheets of the Old
+    Testament in Sechwana. While there he was, by Her Majesty's own
+    desire, introduced to the Queen, whom he had never seen before.
+    He also received the degree of Doctor of Divinity, from the
+    University of Edinburgh.</p>
+
+    <p>To meet the need for training a native ministry, which had
+    been felt by Moffat and others engaged in the work of the
+    Bechwana Mission, and which had shortly before his return been
+    pressed upon the attention of the Directors, several thousand
+    pounds were subscribed, and, as a way of doing honour to the
+    veteran who was now in their midst, it was proposed to call the
+    Institute that was to be founded, "The Moffat Institute." This
+    now stands as a centre of
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page146"
+    id="page146"></a>{146}</span> influence amidst the tribes
+    surrounding the Kuruman station.</p>
+
+    <p>In 1873, a number of friends, who thought that the liberal
+    contributions which had been subscribed to the Institute,
+    hardly gave such a direct proof of their esteem for their
+    venerated friend as could be desired, presented Robert Moffat
+    with a sum of upwards of £5000. This liberality provided for
+    his wants during the remainder of his life, enabled him to
+    serve the Directors and the cause of missions, without being
+    any longer a burden upon the funds of the Society, and also
+    placed him in a position to meet the wants of his widowed
+    daughter and her fatherless family.</p>
+
+    <p>While living at Brixton, Robert Moffat attended the ministry
+    of the late Rev. Baldwin Brown, in whose mission-work in
+    Lambeth he was much interested. On his eightieth birthday, 21st
+    December, 1875, he opened the new Mission Hall in connection
+    with this work, which hall was thenceforward called by his
+    name. On the same day he received many congratulatory tokens,
+    among them being an address signed by a great number of
+    Congregational ministers from every part of the country. Prior
+    to this in the same year, he had lectured upon Missions in
+    Westminster Abbey, and in the preceding year he had performed
+    the melancholy duty of identifying the remains of his
+    son-in-law, Dr. Livingstone, upon their being brought home from
+    Africa.</p>
+
+    <p>Engagements and constant requests for his services made
+    great inroads upon his time. "People either could not or would
+    not see that he was getting old," he frequently said; but
+    people knew that as long as he had strength to speak, he would
+    not grow weary of addressing audiences on missionary work.</p>
+
+    <p>In 1876, we find him dining on one occasion with
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page147"
+    id="page147"></a>{147}</span> the Archbishop of Canterbury at
+    Lambeth Palace, and on another breakfasting with Mr. Gladstone,
+    in the house of the Rev. Newman Hall. In the following year by
+    invitation of the French Missionary Society he visited Paris,
+    and while there addressed a meeting of 4000 Sunday-school
+    children.</p>
+
+    <p>On the 20th of December, 1878, he received the freedom of
+    the City of London, and somewhat over two years later was the
+    guest of the then Lord Mayor, Alderman, now Sir William,
+    McArthur, for several days, a banquet being given in his
+    honour.</p>
+
+    <p>During the time that Cetewayo was in England Robert Moffat
+    was much interested in him and paid him a visit. Among the Zulu
+    king's attendants was a man who could speak Sechwana, and with
+    him Moffat at once got into conversation. The man's delight was
+    unbounded. He had been in the train of a son of Moselekatse,
+    and had heard of the missionary. "A u Moshete?" (Are you
+    Moffat) he asked again and again, with beaming eyes exclaiming
+    when convinced of the fact, "I see this day what my eyes never
+    expected to behold, Moshete!"</p>
+
+    <p>For the last four years of his life Robert Moffat resided at
+    Park Cottage, Leigh, near Tunbridge, where he was the tenant of
+    the late Samuel Morley, Esq. From both Mr. and Mrs. Morley he
+    received much kindness, which continued until the day of his
+    death.</p>
+
+    <p>The end now drew near. In 1883, he complained of great
+    weariness and intermittent pulsation. This troubled him so
+    constantly that advice was sought. For a short time this
+    availed. He attended the Bible Society's meeting in the second
+    week in May, and the meeting of the London Missionary Society
+    on the 10th, and in July paid a visit to Knockholt, where he
+    met Mr. and Mrs. George Sturge. From this visit he
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page148"
+    id="page148"></a>{148}</span> returned seeming better, but in a
+    few days unfavourable symptoms again showed themselves. Yet the
+    strong frame, that had endured so much, seemed loath to give
+    in, and, whenever able, he was in and out of his garden. He
+    also took two drives, Mrs. Morley very kindly sending her
+    carriage for that purpose when he felt able to make use of
+    it.</p>
+
+    <p>"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end
+    of that man is peace." Most beautifully was this truth
+    exemplified in the closing scenes of the life of this truly
+    noble and good man. On Sunday, 5th August, he was too weak to
+    attend chapel, and spent a peaceful Sabbath at home. He was
+    very fond of hymns and would often repeat one after another. In
+    the evening he chose several which were sung, though feebleness
+    prevented him from joining the singing. Among those chosen
+    were: "The sands of time are sinking," "Come, Thou fount of
+    every blessing," "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds," and
+    "Nearer, my God, to Thee." His New Testament was his constant
+    companion during these last days, and whatever the topic of
+    conversation, it always turned with him to heaven and the
+    Saviour.</p>
+
+    <p>On Monday he seemed somewhat better, but on Tuesday night he
+    was much worse. Hours of pain and sleeplessness were passed,
+    yet he rose on Wednesday and went out several times to the
+    garden. In the evening he became very ill and had a fainting
+    fit, but managed after awhile to get upstairs, and, after
+    remaining on the bedside for some time, propped up with
+    pillows, he undressed, with little assistance and much
+    deliberation, winding up his watch, with a cold, trembling
+    hand,&mdash;"for the last time," he said.</p>
+
+    <p>The doctor arrived shortly afterwards, who found
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page149"
+    id="page149"></a>{149}</span> that he had broken a
+    blood-vessel. The night was passed partly in peaceful sleep,
+    and partly in converse with his children who were then present.
+    His daughter says, "He was just full of his Saviour's love and
+    mercy all through his life; he repeated many hymns and passages
+    of Scripture."</p>
+
+    <p>On Thursday morning he was visited by Mr. Morley and two
+    other friends, with whom he conversed. He also had his
+    Testament, but finding he could not read it, his daughters read
+    to him. He repeated many hymns, among them the Scotch version
+    of the hundred and third Psalm, but stopped and said, "There is
+    nothing like the original," which was then read from the Bible.
+    His mother's favourite hymn, "Hail, sovereign Light," was also
+    by his special desire read to him.</p>
+
+    <p>Another sleep&mdash;a wandering, perhaps unconscious, look
+    at his children, a struggle, and then a quietness? and the
+    pilgrimage was over, the spirit had fled to be present with the
+    Lord whom he had loved so well and served so faithfully. "His
+    end was peace."</p>
+
+    <p>He died on the 10th of August, 1883, in his eighty-eighth
+    year.</p>
+
+    <p>The funeral took place a few days later at Norwood Cemetery,
+    when, surrounded by such relatives as were in England, Sir
+    Bartle Frere, Mr. Samuel Morley and several other Members of
+    Parliament, deputations from the various Missionary and several
+    Religious Societies, and by the Mayor of Bloemfontein, his
+    remains were consigned to the tomb.</p>
+
+    <p>Never had a truer hero been borne to the grave, nor one more
+    thoroughly worthy of the name of MAN.</p>
+    <hr style="width: 65%;" />
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page150"
+    id="page150"></a>{150}</span> <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <div class="center">
+        <img src="images/0196.jpg" alt="boat" width="640" />
+    </div>
+
+    <h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+    <h3>CONCLUSION.</h3>
+
+    <p>As soon as it was realised that Robert Moffat had actually
+    gone, it was felt that a truly great man had departed from
+    among us. A niche in the temple of earth's true nobility seemed
+    empty. The prevailing feeling was given expression to by some
+    of the leading journals, which in eulogistic articles commented
+    upon the life, work, and character of him who had gone.</p>
+
+    <p><i>The Times</i>, in its review, contained the following
+    remarks:&mdash;"His chief work was among the Bechwanas. His
+    picture of what they were when he first knew them would hardly
+    now be recognised, so entirely have they changed under the new
+    influences which Moffat was the first to bring to bear upon
+    them. He found them mere savages, constantly at war among
+    themselves and with their neighbours, ignorant of the arts of
+    agriculture, and in the utterly degraded state for which we
+    must seek a counterpart now in the more distant tribes, whom
+    the message of civilisation has not yet reached. His first care
+    was to make himself thoroughly master of the language of those
+    to whom he was sent. For fifty years he has declared he had
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page151"
+    id="page151"></a>{151}</span> been accustomed to speak the
+    Bechwana tongue; he reduced it to written characters, and
+    translated the Scriptures into it. The Bechwanas, under
+    Moffat's guidance, became new men. Mission work grew and spread
+    among them; what Moffat had begun to do was taken up by other
+    hands; a permanent body of native pastors was created from
+    among the Bechwanas themselves, and the whole region was raised
+    out of the savage state in which Moffat had found it, and
+    became, in no small degree, civilised as well as
+    Christianised.... It would seem, indeed, that it is only by the
+    agency of such men as Moffat and his like that the contact of
+    the white and black races can be anything but a curse to the
+    blacks. It is the missionary alone who seeks nothing for
+    himself. He has chosen an unselfish life. If honour comes to
+    him, it is by no choice of his own, but as the unsought tribute
+    which others, as it were, force upon him. Robert Moffat has
+    died in the fullness both of years and honours. His work has
+    been to lay the foundations of the Church in the central
+    regions of South Africa. As far as his influence and that of
+    his coadjutors and successors has extended, it has brought with
+    it unmixed good. His name will be remembered while the South
+    African Church endures, and his example will remain with us as
+    a stimulus to others, and as an abiding proof of what a
+    Christian missionary can be and can do."</p>
+
+    <p>The <i>Brighton Daily News</i> commenced its article by
+    saying:&mdash;"The grave has just closed over one of the most
+    notable men whose figures are familiar to the inhabitants of
+    Brighton. Robert Moffat, the veteran pioneer in the mission
+    field, and the simplest of heroes, has passed away, and many of
+    the noblest of the land followed his remains to their
+    resting-place."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page152"
+    id="page152"></a>{152}</span> It concluded with, "In the
+    drawing-rooms of fashionable Brighton, crowded with the lovers
+    of art and science, no one grudged the cessation of music the
+    most classical, or of conversation the most charming, to listen
+    to the venerable Doctor when requested to repeat some incidents
+    of his missionary life. All felt that the scene was hallowed by
+    the presence of one who had done a work for the good of men,
+    such as few have been privileged to accomplish. Robert Moffat
+    belonged to no sect or party. To better the world and advance
+    the one Church formed the sole end of his being."</p>
+
+    <p>Other journals and magazines bore like testimony to his
+    worth.</p>
+
+    <p>Of his work we have said much in the preceding pages, and
+    also something of its results. To this may be added Robert
+    Moffat's own account of some of the benefits which sprung from
+    the prosecution of missionary enterprise in South Africa. In
+    his speech at Port Elizabeth, on finally leaving for England,
+    in May, 1870, referring to the general progress made in the
+    interior, he said:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"Christianity has already accomplished much in this long
+    benighted land. When I first went to the Kuruman scarcely an
+    individual could go beyond. Now they travel in safety to the
+    Zambesi. Then we were strangers, and they could not comprehend
+    us. They treated us with great indignity, and considered us to
+    be the outcasts of society, who, being driven from our own
+    race, went to reside with them; but bearing in remembrance what
+    our Saviour had to undergo, we were encouraged to persevere,
+    and much success has rewarded our efforts. Now it is safe to
+    traverse any part of the country, and traders travel far beyond
+    Kuruman without the slightest fear of
+    molesta<span class="pagenum"><a name="page153"
+    id="page153"></a>{153}</span> tion. Formerly men of one tribe
+    could not travel through another's territory, and wars were
+    frequent. During my early mission life, I often heard of men of
+    one tribe going to trade with another, and being murdered. I
+    was at a native place when a thing of that sort once occurred.
+    A party of men had come two hundred miles to dispose of some
+    articles. The resident natives, taking a dislike to them, set
+    upon them and killed two of their number. I asked them why they
+    had done this, and tried to show them it was wrong. They seemed
+    to know that; and from that time I have never heard of anything
+    of the sort.</p>
+
+    <p>"The influence of Christianity in that country is now very
+    great, and constantly increasing. Where one station was
+    scarcely tolerated, there are now several. The Moravians have
+    their missionaries. The Berlin Society have theirs, and others
+    are engaged in the good work, besides numerous native Gospel
+    teachers. Our advanced station at the Matabele is in a very
+    prosperous state, and I quite expect that the Matabele will
+    become one day a great nation. They sternly obey their own
+    laws, and I have noticed that when men of fixed principles
+    become convinced of the great truths of Christianity they hold
+    firmly to the faith, and their fidelity is not lightly to be
+    shaken."</p>
+
+    <p>In the same speech he also mentioned the fact that whereas
+    at first the natives would not buy anything, not even a pocket
+    handkerchief, now, when he was speaking, no less than sixty
+    thousand pounds worth of British manufactures passed yearly
+    into the hands of the native tribes around Kuruman.</p>
+
+    <p>Thus the missionary prepared the way for the merchant, and
+    the Gospel for the progress of civilisation.</p>
+
+    <p>Of Moffat's character we have had frequent glimpses in the
+    preceding pages; of his personal appearance
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page154"
+    id="page154"></a>{154}</span> and dignified mien our portrait
+    and pictures give some idea. A few words may, however, be
+    added, based upon the facts recorded by his son in the last
+    chapter of "Robert and Mary Moffat."</p>
+
+    <p>Tall and strong, with dark piercing eyes, he stood, a man of
+    dauntless courage, quick and energetic in action, with a
+    resolution in the performance of duty that no opposition could
+    thwart; yet, withal, of gentle manner, and of an even temper,
+    proof against the many attacks made upon it. His disposition
+    was to think well of men, and to believe what they said. Deceit
+    he hated, it was the one thing he could not forgive. He trusted
+    men implicitly; and this probably accounted for the fact that
+    the Bechwanas, who carried the art of lying to perfection,
+    seldom lied to him. They knew it was the one thing that would
+    make him angry.</p>
+
+    <p>His reverence for holy things was very great. He relished a
+    joke as well as any man, indeed, there was a good deal of
+    humour in him; but woe to that man who spoke jestingly of the
+    things pertaining to God. The Word of the Lord was too real and
+    too important for any triviality. God was ever present to him,
+    and he lived for God. His son says: "Even when I was alone with
+    him, on some of his itinerating journeys, no meal was commenced
+    without a reverent doffing of the Scotch bonnet, his usual
+    head-dress in those days, and the solemn blessing; and our
+    morning and evening worship was never missed or hurried."</p>
+
+    <p>An instance of his forbearance under provocation is afforded
+    in the following:&mdash;</p>
+
+    <p>"On our return from England in 1843," says the writer just
+    quoted, "we were a large party, with three or four waggons. One
+    night we outspanned in the dark, not knowing that we were on
+    forbidden ground&mdash;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page155"
+    id="page155"></a>{155}</span> within the limits of a farm, but
+    a half-mile short of the homestead. In the early morning a
+    young man rode up, and demanded to know what we were doing
+    there without leave. My father gently explained that we had
+    done it in ignorance, but his explanation was cut short by a
+    harangue loud and long. The stripling sat on his horse, my
+    father stood before him with bowed head and folded arms, whilst
+    a torrent of abuse poured over him, with a plentiful mixture of
+    such terse and biting missiles of invective as greatly enrich
+    the South African Dutch language. We stood around and
+    remembered that only a few months before the man thus rated
+    like a dog was standing before enthusiastic thousands in
+    England, who hung with bated breath upon his utterances.
+    Something of shame must have arrested the wrath of the young
+    man, for he suddenly rode away without impounding our cattle,
+    as he had threatened to do. We inspanned and proceeded, calling
+    on our way at the house, and there we found ourselves received
+    by a venerable white-haired farmer and his wife with open arms,
+    for they and my parents proved to be old friends. Right glad
+    were we that nothing had been done on our side to make us
+    ashamed to meet them."</p>
+
+    <p>In his home he was a true father, and the influence that
+    surrounded his children must have been a happy one, seeing that
+    so many of them embraced the missionary calling, and followed
+    in the footsteps of their venerated parents. Mary, the eldest
+    daughter, married Dr. Livingstone; Ann, the French missionary,
+    Jean Frédoux; Bessie, a younger daughter, was united to the
+    Rev. Roger Price; and a son, the Rev. John Moffat, became for a
+    time his father's coadjutor at the Kuruman station.</p>
+
+    <p>In bringing this memoir to a conclusion, we may
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page156"
+    id="page156"></a>{156}</span> be permitted to glance at South
+    Africa as it is at the present time, and to note some of the
+    contrasts between its condition now, and that as stated in our
+    opening chapter, prior to Robert Moffat's arrival.</p>
+
+    <p>At the time when he first landed at Cape Town, the work of
+    evangelising the heathen was confined principally to two
+    Societies&mdash;the Moravian Mission and the London Missionary
+    Society. Now the Societies exceed twelve in number, and
+    represent the following nationalities: English, American,
+    French, Swiss, Norwegian, and the people of Finland.</p>
+
+    <p>First, in order of date, may be noticed the work of the
+    Moravian Brethren, which is chiefly carried on among the
+    Hottentots and Kafirs. Their chief station is Genadendal,
+    eighty miles east of Cape Town, which has several smaller
+    stations grouped around it. Besides these, still farther east,
+    among the Kafir tribes, is the station of Shiloh, also having a
+    number of out-stations gathered round it.</p>
+
+    <p>The London Missionary Society follows with its eleven
+    principal stations and nine out-stations. This Society is now
+    labouring in South Africa, in Kafirland, Bechwanaland and
+    Matabeleland. The Report for 1886 shows sixteen English
+    missionaries and sixty-five native preachers as engaged in
+    preaching and teaching, and as results, 1361 Church members.
+    These returns are however incomplete, and very much has
+    occurred, through the numerous wars and unsettled state of the
+    country, to retard the progress of missionary work.</p>
+
+    <p>Next comes the Wesleyan Missionary Society, who, commencing
+    operations at Cape Town in 1814, extended their stations round
+    the coast from Little Namaqualand to Zululand. They are also
+    labouring among the Barolongs in the Orange Free State,
+    in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page157"
+    id="page157"></a>{157}</span> Swaziland, and at the Gold Fields
+    at Barberton, in the Transvaal.</p>
+
+    <p>The Scotch Presbyterians are represented by the missions of
+    the Free Church of Scotland, and the United Presbyterian
+    Church. These confine their labours principally to British
+    Kaffraria and Kafirland. The Free Church has a high-class
+    Institution at Lovedale for the training of a native ministry
+    and also for teaching the natives many of the useful arts, and
+    an improved system of agriculture. There is an efficient staff
+    of teachers, and in 1885, 380 pupils attended the Institution,
+    of whom seventy-one were Church members and ninety-one
+    candidates or inquirers. A similar institution has also been
+    established among the Fingoes at Blythswood in Fingoland.</p>
+
+    <p>More than fifty years ago, at the suggestion of Dr. Philip,
+    the Rhenish Mission commenced work among the Hottentots of Cape
+    Colony, but its operations extended, and now embrace Little and
+    Great Namaqualand, south and north of the Orange River, and,
+    away beyond, the territory known as Damaraland. Their stations
+    are in a flourishing condition, and some 15,000 converts bear
+    evidence to the success of their efforts. This Society also
+    looks after the preparation of native teachers, &amp;c., and
+    has an excellent institution for that purpose at Worcester,
+    near Cape Town, its principal station.</p>
+
+    <p>Still farther north, beyond Damaraland is Ovampoland,
+    occupied by the Missionary Society of Finland. Seven ordained
+    Missionaries and three Christian artisans were equipped and
+    despatched to work in this region, at the suggestion of the
+    Rhenish Society. Their enterprise is of comparatively recent
+    date and results cannot yet be tabulated. The influence for
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page158"
+    id="page158"></a>{158}</span> good exerted will, however,
+    doubtless yield fruit by-and-by.</p>
+
+    <p>The missions of the Berlin Society stretch from the eastern
+    portion of Cape Colony to the Transvaal, and embrace also the
+    Orange Free State and the Diamond Fields. They have over 7000
+    converts, and a large number of children under instruction in
+    various schools.</p>
+
+    <p>Basutoland, to the east of the Orange Free State, is cared
+    for by the French Evangelical Missionary Society, who commenced
+    work in South Africa in 1829. Their first missionaries were
+    appointed to the Bahurutse, then tributary to Moselekatse, but
+    being repulsed through the jealousy of that potentate they
+    settled at Motito, and finally accepted an invitation from
+    Moshesh, chief of the Basutos, to work among that people. The
+    mission has fourteen principal stations and sixty-six
+    out-stations, with about 20,000 adherents, of whom about 3500
+    are Church members.</p>
+
+    <p>In 1835 six missionaries, appointed by the American Board of
+    Foreign Missions, arrived from the United States to labour in
+    South Africa. Three proceeded to Natal and settled near Durban.
+    The other three journeyed to Moselekatse at Mosega. Their
+    mission was however broken up through the incursions of the
+    Boers, and they were compelled to flee to Natal. For some years
+    the mission there was much harassed through war, but it is now
+    firmly established and is doing excellent work of a religious
+    and educational character, having a number of well-instructed
+    native pastors and teachers, besides the staff of European
+    missionaries. In 1886 the Board reports having in connection
+    with this mission seven stations and seventeen out-stations,
+    and 886 Church members.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page159"
+    id="page159"></a>{159}</span></p>
+
+    <p>The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel commenced its
+    missions in South Africa in 1838. Its work is divided between
+    the Colonists and the natives, and is carried on in Cape Colony
+    and Natal; its dioceses stretching round the coast much in the
+    same manner as the Wesleyan stations.</p>
+
+    <p>Besides those already mentioned, there are at work now in
+    South Africa the Norwegian Missionary Society, labouring in
+    Natal and Zululand; the Hermannsburg Mission, founded by Pastor
+    Harms, whose operations are carried on in Natal, Zululand, and
+    the Transvaal; and the Swiss society, The Mission of the Free
+    Church of the Canton de Vaud, whose efforts are directed to a
+    tribe inhabiting a country between Delagoa Bay and
+    Sofala.<a name="FNanchor_A_2"
+    id="FNanchor_A_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_2"
+    class="fnanchor">[A]</a></p>
+
+    <div class="footnote">
+        <p><a name="Footnote_A_2"
+        id="Footnote_A_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_2"><span class="label">
+        [A]</span></a> Many of the facts contained in this review
+        of Mission work in South Africa have been gleaned from
+        "South Africa," by the Rev. James Sibree, F.R.G.S.</p>
+    </div>
+
+    <p>Thus the missionary cause has grown, notwithstanding the
+    many difficulties it has had to contend with, and now the sound
+    of the Gospel is heard throughout the land. From the
+    southernmost part of what was the "Dark Continent," but which
+    is now termed by some the "Twilight Continent," and which we
+    trust may soon be blessed with the full light of Christianity,
+    there stretches away a series of mission stations right to the
+    Zambesi; and there joining hands with the system of Central
+    African missions the glad tidings of salvation are wafted
+    onward to the great lake, the Victoria Nyanza, in the north;
+    eastward to the coast; and, in the west, made known to
+    thousands by means of the various organisations now doing such
+    excellent work on the Congo River.</p>
+
+    <p>In a central position, amidst the tribes of South Africa,
+    Kuruman, the scene of Robert Moffat's trials
+    <span class="pagenum"><a name="page160"
+    id="page160"></a>{160}</span> and triumphs, stands to-day,
+    surrounded by a number of native towns and villages, where
+    native teachers, trained in the Moffat Institute, are located,
+    and native Churches have been formed,&mdash;a beacon shedding
+    its glorious rays around, dispelling the darkness, and bringing
+    the heathen to the knowledge of the Saviour, Jesus
+    Christ.</p><br />
+     <br />
+
+
+    <h4>THE END.</h4>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Robert Moffat, by David J. Deane
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROBERT MOFFAT ***
+
+***** This file should be named 15379-h.htm or 15379-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/3/7/15379/
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Chuck Greif and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+*** END: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/15379-h/images/001.jpg b/15379-h/images/001.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..73c2392
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/001.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0160.jpg b/15379-h/images/0160.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3bd105a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0160.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0161.jpg b/15379-h/images/0161.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..161ab07
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0161.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0162.jpg b/15379-h/images/0162.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b31f637
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0162.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0163.jpg b/15379-h/images/0163.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e0bf967
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0163.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0164.jpg b/15379-h/images/0164.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3c9e69d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0164.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0165.jpg b/15379-h/images/0165.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..812272c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0165.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0166.jpg b/15379-h/images/0166.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d614f1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0166.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0167.jpg b/15379-h/images/0167.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9060f12
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0167.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0168.jpg b/15379-h/images/0168.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e149501
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0168.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0169.jpg b/15379-h/images/0169.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4497b37
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0169.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0170.jpg b/15379-h/images/0170.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf3eb39
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0170.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0171.jpg b/15379-h/images/0171.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5c8f45a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0171.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0172.jpg b/15379-h/images/0172.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..784eabc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0172.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0173.jpg b/15379-h/images/0173.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aad8cd9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0173.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0174.jpg b/15379-h/images/0174.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0395f95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0174.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0175.jpg b/15379-h/images/0175.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d9b213
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0175.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0176.jpg b/15379-h/images/0176.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..561ee56
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0176.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0177.jpg b/15379-h/images/0177.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1469bcd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0177.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0178.jpg b/15379-h/images/0178.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..001ac43
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0178.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0179.jpg b/15379-h/images/0179.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e6c0438
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0179.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0180.jpg b/15379-h/images/0180.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..487c262
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0180.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0181.jpg b/15379-h/images/0181.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aa8762a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0181.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0182.jpg b/15379-h/images/0182.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c3aee5b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0182.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0183.jpg b/15379-h/images/0183.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..68b235c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0183.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0184.jpg b/15379-h/images/0184.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aeb2e49
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0184.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0185.jpg b/15379-h/images/0185.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1522e86
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0185.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0186.jpg b/15379-h/images/0186.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5a78b27
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0186.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0187.jpg b/15379-h/images/0187.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cf23bb3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0187.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0188.jpg b/15379-h/images/0188.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0a23cf4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0188.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0189.jpg b/15379-h/images/0189.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..871fa98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0189.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0190.jpg b/15379-h/images/0190.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b7d7ab3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0190.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0191.jpg b/15379-h/images/0191.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..65139ba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0191.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0192.jpg b/15379-h/images/0192.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d511cb3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0192.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0193.jpg b/15379-h/images/0193.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..db3b858
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0193.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0194.jpg b/15379-h/images/0194.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f0f374f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0194.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0195.jpg b/15379-h/images/0195.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1343ccd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0195.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/0196.jpg b/15379-h/images/0196.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9a44457
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/0196.jpg
diff --git a/15379-h/images/cover.jpg b/15379-h/images/cover.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d4a6318
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379-h/images/cover.jpg
diff --git a/15379.txt b/15379.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7bbbf5b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4552 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Robert Moffat, by David J. Deane
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Robert Moffat
+       The Missionary Hero of Kuruman
+
+Author: David J. Deane
+
+Release Date: March 16, 2005 [EBook #15379]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROBERT MOFFAT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Chuck Greif and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT MOFFAT
+
+The _Missionary Hero_ of KURUMAN.
+
+BY
+
+DAVID J. DEANE,
+
+AUTHOR OF "JOHN WICLIFFE, THE MORNING STAR OF THE REFORMATION,"
+"MARTIN LUTHER, THE REFORMER," ETC.
+
+FIFTH EDITION. TWENTY-FIFTH THOUSAND.
+
+FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY
+
+NEW YORK CHICAGO TORONTO
+
+_Publishers of Evangelical Literature._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The record of a life like that of Robert Moffat, the South African
+missionary, can never be devoid of interest until all appreciation for
+noble deeds and patient endeavour becomes extinct in the heart of man.
+Till then, our pulses will quicken and our enthusiasm kindle as we read
+of dangers encountered and overcome, of the true courage that could
+undismayed encounter the king of beasts roaming on the African plain,
+and of passing the time with savage chiefs, beneath the spears and clubs
+of whose warriors thousands had been slain. Or our sympathy is awakened
+as stories of sickness and suffering, of hunger and terrible thirst, of
+trying disappointments, continued year after year, are related. Anon,
+gratitude causes the tear to start to our eye as we witness the love
+that prompts the effort to win the heathen to the Saviour, and see the
+once benighted ones clothed and subdued, learning in mind and heart the
+truth of the Gospel. Gratitude arises that we have men, heroic Christian
+men, who count nothing dear to them, not even their lives, that they may
+win sinners to the love of Jesus Christ.
+
+Such an one was he, whose memoir we present to our readers, with the
+earnest desire that his strong faith may strengthen ours, that his quiet
+courage may excite us to perseverance in well-doing, and that his
+deliverance from manifold and very real dangers may lead us to place
+reliance upon Him in whom Moffat trusted, and who never forsakes those
+that trust in Him. May we all see, and especially the youth of our land,
+as we read the records of such noble lives, that true godliness detracts
+not from true manhood, but rather that it glorifies and ennobles it,
+until evil is overcome, and the wicked are put to silence.
+
+In writing this brief sketch of the life of the Rev. Dr. Moffat, the
+author has been much indebted to those who have trodden the path before
+him; especially to the two well-known works, "Robert and Mary Moffat,"
+by their son John S. Moffat, and to Robert Moffat's own book,
+"Missionary Labours and Scenes in South Africa." He also owes his
+acknowledgments to "The Missionary Magazine," "The Chronicle of the
+London Missionary Society," to the Reports of various Missionary
+Societies, "A Life's Labours in South Africa," and to other works from
+which information upon the subject has been gathered. To the two first
+named the author especially refers those of his readers who wish for
+fuller details than are given in this volume.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+I. PIONEER MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA, 9
+
+II. CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH, 18
+
+III. DEPARTURE FOR THE CAPE, 27
+
+IV. MARRIAGE AND ARRIVAL AT LATTAKOO, 49
+
+V. THE MANTATEE INVASION, 63
+
+VI. VISIT TO MAKABA, 71
+
+VII. THE AWAKENING, 85
+
+VIII. VISIT TO ENGLAND, 101
+
+IX. THE SECHWANA BIBLE, 118
+
+X. CLOSING SCENES, 141
+
+XI. CONCLUSION, 150
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+ROBERT MOFFAT.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+PIONEER MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA.
+
+
+The history of missions in South Africa abounds in interesting facts and
+incidents. Stories of heroism, strange adventures, and descriptions of
+journeyings among savage tribes and through countries frequented by
+beasts of prey, form part of its details. Its theme is love to God and
+love to man, and its facts have been called into existence through the
+efforts of noble-minded and true-hearted men and women to bring their
+coloured brethren and sisters to the knowledge of the Saviour, Jesus
+Christ.
+
+Many names are held in veneration in connection with these missions,
+names of those who, having laboured faithfully upon earth, have been
+called to their reward; among these none stands forward with greater
+prominence than that of Robert Moffat.
+
+A brief glance at the development of the colony at the Cape of Good
+Hope, and at the early efforts made to evangelise the native races, may
+enable the reader better to understand the work carried on by Robert
+Moffat, and the success achieved; also to realise something of the
+position of affairs when he first landed in South Africa.
+
+Discovered by the Portuguese in 1486, it was not until the middle of the
+seventeenth century that much was done in the way of European
+colonisation. In 1652 the bold and mountainous promontory of the Cape
+was taken possession of by the Dutch, and a settlement was founded on
+the site of the present Cape Town. The earliest colonists were chiefly
+Dutch and German farmers; who were joined a little later on by numbers
+of French and Piedmontese Huguenots, driven from their native lands for
+conscience' sake.
+
+At this early period the whole of what is now designated the Colony, was
+inhabited by Hottentots, a people lighter in colour than the Kafirs and
+Bechwanas, having pale yellow-brown skins, symmetrical in form when
+young, hardy, and having small hands and feet. They have nomadic
+tendencies; and, in their uncivilised state, scarcely practise
+agriculture. Their system of government is somewhat patriarchal; and
+they live in "kraals," or villages, consisting of bee-hive shaped huts,
+arranged in circular form. Their ideas of a Deity are extremely faint,
+they possess little in the nature of religious ceremonies, but the power
+of sorcerers among them is great. According to the locality occupied,
+they are known as Hottentots, Namaquas, or Corannas.
+
+As the European colonists increased in numbers, they gradually advanced
+northward and eastward, either driving back the natives or subjugating
+them as slaves to their service. In 1806 the colony passed into the
+hands of the English, and, after a season of conflict, the Hottentots
+within the British territory were emancipated. This act of justice took
+place on 17th July, 1828.
+
+In the early years of the present century, the natives of South Africa
+comprised--besides the Hottentots, who occupied the southern portion of
+the country, and were thinly scattered, to the north-west, in Great
+Namaqualand--the Kafirs, who dwelt in the south-east, beyond the Fish
+River; the Basutos, whose kraals were south of the Orange River; the
+Bechwanas and kindred tribes to the north of that river; and far away to
+the north-west, beyond Namaqualand, the Damara tribes, of whom but
+little was known at that time. Besides these, there were the Bushmen, a
+roving people, small in stature, and sunk to the lowest depths of
+barbarism, hunted down by the Dutch farmers like wild beasts, who had
+their hands turned against every man, and every man's hand turned
+against them.
+
+To the Moravians belongs the honour of first seeking to bring the
+natives of South Africa under the influences of Christianity. In 1737
+George Schmidt, who had been sent forth by the small Moravian church of
+Herrnhut, arrived in Cape Colony, and at Genadendal (the Vale of Grace),
+then known as Bavian's Kloof (the Glen of Baboons), established a
+mission station, where he laboured among the despised and oppressed
+Hottentots with much success for seven years. His work excited
+considerable opposition and persecution. He gathered a small Christian
+community and a school; but the Boers, or Dutch farmers, becoming
+jealous of the black population receiving education, he was summoned to
+Holland, and not allowed to return.
+
+Fifty years elapsed before the Brethren were able to resume their work;
+but in 1792, three humble Christian artisans recommenced labour at
+Genadendal. The occupation of the colony by the British Government gave
+security to their mission, and it soon grew to be a large settlement,
+and a centre of light and civilisation to the surrounding country.
+
+In 1799 the London Missionary Society commenced work in Cape Colony; at
+first by four brethren, who were shortly reinforced by Dr. J.P.
+Vanderkemp, a native of Holland, a man of rare gifts and dauntless
+courage. Successively scholar, cavalry officer, and physician, he was
+for some years a sceptic, but being converted through the drowning of
+his wife and child, and his own narrow escape from death, he commenced
+the earnest study of the Bible and the Eastern languages, and gained
+such wonderful proficiency in the latter, that it is stated he had a
+fair knowledge of sixteen.
+
+Vanderkemp chose the Kafir tribes for his field of labour, and in 1799
+proceeded from Graf Reinet, then the most distant colonial town, and
+that nearest to the Kafirs, to the headquarters of that people.
+Frequently in danger of his life, among those who considered the murder
+of a white man a meritorious deed, he worked and endured great hardship
+and privation, that he might make known the truths of the Gospel to the
+ignorant around, until the close of the year 1800, when, owing to a
+rebellion among the farmers, and the general unsettled state of the
+frontier, he was compelled to relinquish his mission.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Afterwards he laboured among the Hottentots of the colony with rare
+self-devotedness, often in great straits and many perils, but with
+frequent manifestations of the Divine blessing upon the work carried on.
+Finally, the Hottentot mission was transferred to Bethelsdorp, where
+steady progress was made. The scholars readily learned to read and
+write, and their facility in acquiring religious knowledge was
+astonishing, considering the peculiar apathy, stupidity, and aversion to
+any exertion, mental or corporeal, which characterised the natives. Dr.
+Vanderkemp died in 1811, after breathing out the Christian assurance,
+"All is well."
+
+While Dr. Vanderkemp bent his steps towards Kafirland, three other
+missionaries, by name Kitcherer, Kramer, and Edwards, proceeded to the
+Zak River, between four hundred and five hundred miles north-east of
+Cape Town. Here a mission was established to the Bushmen, which,
+although unsuccessful in its original intention, became the finger-post
+to the Namaquas, Corannas, Griquas, and Bechwanas, for by means of that
+mission these tribes and their condition became known to the Christian
+world. After moving from their original location to the Orange River, at
+the invitation of a Griqua chief, Berend Berend by name, the mission was
+carried on among the Corannas, Namaquas, and Bastards (mixed races),
+finally removing in 1804 to Griqua Town, where it developed into the
+Griqua Mission, under Messrs. Anderson and Kramer, and became a powerful
+influence for good; continuing in existence for many years.
+
+Mr. Anderson thus describes the condition of the Griquas when he first
+settled in their midst, and for some time afterwards:--
+
+"They were without the smallest marks of civilisation. If I except one
+woman, they had not one thread of European clothing among them; and
+their wretched appearance and habits were such as might have excited in
+our minds an aversion to them, had we not been actuated by principles
+which led us to pity them, and served to strengthen us in pursuing the
+object of our missionary work; they were, in many instances, little
+above the brutes. It is a fact that we were present with them at the
+hazard of our lives. When we went among them they lived in the habit of
+plundering one another; and they saw no moral evil in this, nor in any
+of their actions. Violent deaths were common. Their usual manner of
+living was truly disgusting, and they were void of shame."
+
+By missionary effort these unpromising materials yielded such fruit,
+that, in 1809, the congregation at Griqua Town consisted of 800 persons,
+who resided at or near the station during the whole or the greater part
+of the year. Besides their stated congregations the missionaries were
+surrounded by numerous hordes of Corannas and Bushmen, among whom they
+laboured. The land was brought under cultivation, and fields waving with
+corn and barley met the eye where all had been desolation and
+barrenness. In 1810 a threatened attack from a marauding horde of Kafirs
+was averted in answer to prayer. Mr. Janz, the only missionary then on
+the place, with the people, set apart a day for special supplication;
+they sent a pacific message and present to the Kafirs, who immediately
+retired. In place of war there was peace, and the blessings of
+civilisation followed the preaching of the Gospel.
+
+A mission had also been commenced by the London Missionary Society in
+Great Namaqualand, north of the Orange River, on the western coast of
+Africa; a country of which the following description was given by an
+individual who had spent many years there: "Sir, you will find plenty of
+sand and stones, a thinly scattered population, always suffering from
+want of water, on plains and hills roasted like a burnt leaf, under the
+scorching rays of a cloudless sun."
+
+The missionaries, after a journey of great difficulty and suffering,
+reached the land of the Namaquas, and halted for a time at a place which
+they named "Silent Hope," and then at "Happy Deliverance;" finally they
+settled at a spot, about one hundred miles westward of Africaner's
+kraal, called Warm Bath. Here, for a time, their prospects continued
+cheering. They were instant in season and out of season to advance the
+temporal and spiritual interests of the natives; though labouring in a
+debilitating climate; and in want of the common necessaries of life.
+Their congregation was increased by the desperado Jager, afterwards
+Christian Africaner, a Hottentot outlaw, who, with part of his people,
+occasionally attended to the instructions of the missionaries; and they
+visited the kraal of this robber chieftain in return. It was here that
+he first heard the Gospel, and, referring afterwards to his condition at
+this time, he said that he saw "men as trees walking."
+
+Terrible trials soon came upon these devoted missionaries. Abraham
+Albrecht, one of their number died, and Africaner, becoming enraged,
+threatened an attack upon the station. The situation of the missionaries
+and their wives was most distressing. Among a feeble and timid people,
+with scarcely any means of defence, a bare country around, no mountain,
+glen, or cave in which they could take refuge, under a burning sun and
+on a glowing plain, distant two hundred miles from the abodes of
+civilised men, between which and them lay the dreary wilderness and the
+Orange River; such was their position, with the human lion in his lair,
+ready to rouse himself up to deeds of rapine and blood.
+
+For a whole month they were in constant terror, hourly expecting the
+threatened attack. Their souls revolted at the idea of abandoning the
+people, who were suffering from want, to become a prey to a man from
+whom they could expect no quarter. On one occasion they dug a square
+hole in the ground, about six feet deep, that in case of an attack they
+might escape the musket balls. In this they remained for the space of a
+week, having the tilt sail of a waggon thrown over the mouth of the pit
+to keep off the burning rays of an almost vertical sun. Eventually they
+withdrew northward to the base of the Karas mountains, but finding it
+impossible to settle, retired to the Colony.
+
+Africaner approached the station, and finding it deserted, plundered it
+of whatever articles could be found; one of his followers afterwards
+setting fire to the houses and huts. Thus for a season, this mission was
+brought to a close. It was after a time resumed at a place south of the
+Orange River named Pella.
+
+Thus missions in South Africa had been commenced, stations among the
+Hottentots and others had been formed, good work had been done, and the
+way pioneered. The field was opened and it was wide, but as yet the
+labourers were few.
+
+At the time when Vanderkemp closed his eyes on this world, a lad was
+working as an apprentice to a Scotch gardener, rising in the dense
+darkness of the cold winter's mornings at four o'clock, and warming his
+knuckles by knocking them against the handle of his spade. He was
+passing through a hard training, but this lad was being prepared to take
+up the work which Vanderkemp had so well begun, though in a somewhat
+different sphere, and to repair the loss which had been sustained by the
+missionary cause through his death. The name of this lad was Robert
+Moffat.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.
+
+
+Robert Moffat was born on the 21st of December, 1795. His parents dwelt
+at that time at Ormiston, in East Lothian, Scotland. They were pious
+God-fearing people; the mother though holding a stern religious faith,
+yet possessed a most tender loving heart, and very early sought to
+instil into the minds and hearts of her children the love of God and a
+knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.
+
+Of the early childhood of the future missionary very little is stated.
+In 1797 his father received an appointment in the Custom House at
+Portsoy, and in 1806 the home of the Moffats was at Carronshore, on the
+Firth of Forth. At this time the family consisted of four sons and two
+daughters, besides the subject of this memoir.
+
+A glimpse of the interior of their cottage, during the long winter
+evenings, is given, which shows how the mother by her gentle influence
+may become the means of sowing seed, which shall spring up in after
+years bearing fruit a hundred-fold. The lads were gathered by the
+fireside learning to knit and sew, and while so engaged their mother,
+who took great interest in the missionary enterprises then carried on,
+read aloud, in such publications as she could obtain, the descriptions
+given of the work and sufferings of the pioneer labourers in heathen
+lands, more especially of the Moravians in Greenland and the East
+Indies.
+
+Of educational advantages, Robert had but few in his early days. One,
+"Wully Mitchell," as he was popularly called, the parish schoolmaster
+was his first tutor; and "the Shorter Catechism," the title-page of
+which contained the alphabet, his first instruction book. His progress
+was but slow, his hands often being made to suffer for the dullness of
+his brains. A boy living in the midst of shipping, his desires were more
+for nautical matters than for Wully's books, and so he ran off to sea.
+The captain of the ship on which he was, became much attached to the
+lad, so with his parent's consent, he made several voyages in the
+coasting trade. Many hairbreadth escapes fell to his lot, and at last he
+quitted the sea, as he states "to the no small joy of my parents."
+
+When about eleven he accompanied his elder brother, Alexander, to Mr.
+Paton's school at Falkirk. This school was for writing and book-keeping,
+but such as chose to pay received lessons in astronomy and geography
+after school hours. Alexander was one of these, and Robert was allowed
+to wait for his brother in the large room while the class was being
+conducted. "I felt queer," he tells us "to know what the master was
+doing within the circle, and used to look very attentively through any
+little slip of an opening under an elbow, while I eagerly listened to
+the illustrations given, the master all the while never suspecting that
+I was capable of understanding the planetary system. What I could not
+understand my brother explained on our way home." In this manner he
+picked up some knowledge of astronomy.
+
+At this school the lad continued for six months. It was the last he ever
+attended.
+
+When about fourteen, Robert Moffat was apprenticed to a gardener, named
+John Robertson, a just but hard man, who lived at Parkhill, Polmont. The
+toil was severe and the food scanty. Often in the bitter cold of a
+Scottish winter the lads employed were required to commence work at four
+o'clock in the morning, and had to hammer their knuckles against the
+handles of their spades to try and bring some feeling into them. Here he
+remained till the end of 1812.
+
+While thus engaged, he managed to attend an evening class occasionally,
+and made an attempt at learning Latin and mensuration. He also picked up
+some knowledge of the smith's craft, and acquired sufficient skill to
+play a little on the violin. A special craving, which stood him in good
+stead in after life, impelled him to learn something of whatever he came
+in contact with.
+
+Upon the completion of his apprenticeship, in 1812, he obtained a
+situation at Donibristle, a seat of the Earl of Moray at Aberdour. Here,
+he delighted his fellow-workers of an evening by his violin
+performances, was fond of athletic sports, in which he excelled, and
+became an accomplished swimmer, saving the life of one of his
+companions, who having got out of his depth was in imminent danger of
+drowning.
+
+In this situation he continued about a twelvemonth, and then, being
+about sixteen, he found employment as under-gardener to Mr. Leigh, of
+High Leigh, in Cheshire. While at Donibristle he had been able to
+frequently visit his parents; the time had now come when he must bid
+them adieu.
+
+The parting scene between Robert and his mother has been sketched by his
+own hand and appeared in the Bible Society's "Gleanings for the Young."
+It is described as follows:--
+
+"When we came within sight of the spot where we were to part, perhaps
+never again to meet in this world, she said--
+
+"'Now, my Robert, let us stand here for a few minutes, for I wish to ask
+one favour of you before we part, and I know you will not refuse to do
+what your mother asks.'
+
+"'What is it, mother?' I inquired.
+
+"'Do promise me first that you will do what I am now going to ask, and I
+shall tell you.'
+
+"'No, mother, I cannot till you tell me what your wish is.'
+
+"'O Robert, can you think for a moment that I shall ask you, my son, to
+do anything that is not right? Do not I love you?'
+
+"'Yes, mother, I know you do; but I do not like to make promises which I
+may not be able to fulfil.'
+
+"I kept my eyes fixed on the ground. I was silent, trying to resist the
+rising emotion. She sighed deeply. I lifted my eyes and saw the big
+tears rolling down the cheeks which were wont to press mine. I was
+conquered, and as soon as I could recover speech, I said--
+
+"'O mother! ask what you will and I shall do it.'
+
+"'I only ask you whether you will read a chapter in the Bible every
+morning and another every evening?'
+
+"I interrupted by saying, 'Mother, you know I read my Bible.'
+
+"'I know you do, but you do not read it regularly, or as a duty you owe
+to God, its Author.' And she added: 'Now I shall return home with a
+happy heart, inasmuch as you have promised to read the Scriptures
+daily. O Robert, my son, read much in the New Testament. Read much in
+the Gospels--the blessed Gospels; then you cannot well go astray. If you
+pray, the Lord Himself will teach you.'
+
+"I parted from my beloved mother, now long gone to that mansion about
+which she loved to speak. I went on my way, and ere long found myself
+among strangers. My charge was an important one for a youth, and though
+possessing a muscular frame and a mind full of energy, it required all
+to keep pace with the duty which devolved upon me. I lived at a
+considerable distance from what are called the means of grace, and the
+Sabbaths were not always at my command. I met with none who appeared to
+make religion their chief concern. I mingled, when opportunities
+offered, with the gay and godless in what are considered innocent
+amusements, where I soon became a favourite; _but I never forgot my
+promise to my mother_."
+
+After several delays, High Leigh was reached on Saturday, 26th December,
+1813, and there the young man found himself surrounded by a genial
+atmosphere. The head gardener took to him, and soon left a great deal in
+his hands. This made his work very heavy and responsible; but, although
+labouring almost day and night, he yet managed to devote some time to
+the study of such books as he could obtain. The kindly notice of Mrs.
+Leigh was attracted to him, and she lent him books, and encouraged him
+to studious pursuits.
+
+In very early years serious impressions had been made upon the heart of
+Robert Moffat. The earnest teachings of his minister, combined with his
+mother's counsels and prayers, left recollections which could never be
+effaced. These impressions were now to be deepened, and the good seed
+that had been sown to be quickened. The Wesleyan Methodists had
+commenced a good work at High Leigh, and a pious Methodist and his wife
+induced Moffat to attend some of their meetings. He became convinced of
+his state as a sinner, and unhappy, but after a severe and protracted
+struggle, he found pardon, justification, and peace, through faith in
+Jesus Christ, and henceforth his life was devoted to the service of his
+Lord. Energetically he threw himself into the society and work of his
+new friends, but by so doing, lost the goodwill of Mr. and Mrs. Leigh,
+who were grieved that one in whom they took so much interest should have
+become a Methodist. So were these good people despised by many in those
+days.
+
+At this time Robert's worldly prospects were brightening, and a position
+of honour and comfort seemed opening before him. But the anticipations
+of that day were not to be.
+
+Apparently unimportant events frequently determine the whole course of
+our lives, and a simple incident was now about to change the current of
+this young man's life, and to convert the rising gardener into the
+God-honoured and much-beloved missionary. How this came to pass we now
+relate:
+
+While at High Leigh, Robert Moffat had occasion to visit Warrington, a
+town about six miles distant He set off one calm summer evening. All
+nature seemed at rest, and thoughts of God and a feeling of admiration
+for His handiworks took possession of the young man's mind. His life was
+reviewed, and with thoughts full of hope he entered the town. Passing
+over a bridge he noticed a placard. It contained the announcement of a
+missionary meeting, over which the Rev. William Roby, of Manchester, was
+to preside. He had never seen such an announcement before. He read the
+placard over and over again, and, as he did so, the stories told by his
+mother of the Moravian missionaries in Greenland and Labrador, which had
+been forgotten for years, came vividly to mind. From that moment, his
+choice was made; earthly prospects vanished: his one thought was, "how
+to become a missionary?"
+
+Many difficulties seemed to stand in the way between Robert and the
+accomplishment of his desire, but the same Divine power which had
+implanted the desire, prepared the way for its fulfilment. He visited
+Manchester, shortly after the event just related, to be present at a
+Wesleyan Conference; and while there, with much hesitancy and
+trepidation, ventured to knock at the door of Mr. Roby's house and
+request an interview with that gentleman. He was shown into the parlour,
+and the man whom he had been hoping, yet dreaded, to see, quickly made
+his appearance. "He received me with great kindness," said Moffat,
+"listened to my simple tale, took me by the hand, and told me to be of
+good courage."
+
+The result of this interview was a promise on Mr. Roby's part to write
+to the Directors of the London Missionary Society concerning him, and to
+communicate their wishes to him as soon as they were received. In the
+meantime Robert returned to his ordinary occupation.
+
+After waiting a few weeks a summons came from Mr. Roby for Moffat to
+visit Manchester again; and, with the view of his studying under the
+care and instruction of that reverend gentleman, it was arranged that he
+should accept a situation in a nursery garden belonging to Mr. Smith, at
+Dukinfield, that place being near at hand. Moffat continued here about a
+year, visiting Mr. Roby once or twice each week. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
+were a pious and worthy couple, and their house was a house of call for
+ministers. They were always ready for every good work whether at home or
+abroad.
+
+"In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths," is one
+of the maxims of Holy Writ that should be engraven upon the heart and
+mind of every youth and maiden. Robert Moffat's desire was for the glory
+of God and the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, and God was not only
+opening the way for His servant, but was preparing a faithful and
+devoted helpmate for him in his various spheres of labour through life.
+
+Robert's employer had an only daughter, named Mary, beautiful of
+countenance, but more beautiful in heart. She had been educated at the
+Moravian school at Fairfield, and was distinguished for fervent piety
+and deep sympathy with the missionary cause. The two young folks were
+thrown together, mutual esteem deepened into love, and the maiden,
+possessed with so large a missionary spirit, was prepared to share the
+lot of the young herald of the Cross. For a time, however, it was
+ordained that Robert should pursue his course alone.
+
+After being at Dukinfield nearly a year, the Directors resolved to
+accept the services of Robert Moffat. He left Mr. Smith's employment and
+removed to Manchester, so that he might be close to Mr. Roby, to receive
+such superintendence as was possible in his studies. This period
+extended to but a few months, so that of college training and
+opportunities Robert had little experience.
+
+The time rapidly drew near for his departure abroad. A hurried visit was
+paid to the parents whom he never expected to see again, and then he
+awaited his call to the mission field.
+
+On the 13th of September, 1816, after bidding farewell to Mr. Roby,
+whose "kindness, like that of a father," wrote Moffat, "will not be
+easily obliterated from my mind," he started for London. While in the
+Metropolis he visited the Museum at the Rooms of the London Missionary
+Society, and the following extract from a letter to his parents, in
+connection with this visit, shows the spirit which actuated the youthful
+missionary at this time:--
+
+"I spent some time in viewing the Museum, which contains a great number
+of curiosities from China, Africa, the South Seas, and the West Indies.
+It would be foolish for me to give you a description. Suffice it to say
+that the sight is truly awful, the appearance of the wild beasts is very
+terrific, but I am unable to describe the sensations of my mind when
+gazing on the objects of Pagan worship. Alas! how fallen are my
+fellow-creatures, bowing down to forms enough to frighten a Roman
+soldier, enough to shake the hardest heart. Oh that I had a thousand
+lives, and a thousand bodies; all of them should be devoted to no other
+employment but to preach Christ to these degraded, despised, yet beloved
+mortals."
+
+With such enthusiasm he prepared to enter upon the work that lay before
+him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+DEPARTURE FOR THE CAPE.
+
+
+The valedictory service was held at Surrey Chapel on the 30th of
+September. Nine missionaries were set apart; four for the South Seas,
+one of whom was John Williams, the martyr of Erromanga, and five for
+South Africa. At first it had been intended that Robert Moffat should
+accompany John Williams, but this was subsequently altered.
+
+The missionaries for Africa embarked at Gravesend on the 18th of October
+in the _Alacrity_, and after a prosperous voyage reached Cape Town on
+the 13th of January, 1817.
+
+Two of the party were appointed to stations within the colony; Moffat
+and Kitchingman were destined for Namaqualand. Before they could proceed
+on their journey, however, permission had to be obtained from the
+Government, and this was at first refused.
+
+While detained in the colony, Moffat lodged with a Dutch farmer, at a
+village thirty-six miles from Cape Town, named Stellenbosch. Here he
+learnt Dutch, an acquisition of great advantage to him in after life, as
+it enabled him to preach to the Boers, and to as many of their native
+servants as understood that language. He also accompanied the Rev.
+George Thorn, of the Dutch Reformed Church, on an evangelistic tour. It
+occupied six weeks, during which time they rode a distance of about
+seven hundred miles.
+
+After a further sojourn at Stellenbosch, Moffat visited Cape Town, and
+busied himself in gaining such practical knowledge as came within his
+reach. He also visited the military hospital there. Many of the soldiers
+were Scotch, and he had a warm heart for soldiers, his brother Alexander
+having gone to India in the ranks some years before.
+
+At last the requisite permission came, and Moffat and Kitchingman
+prepared for their journey. Waggons were bought, oxen hired, leave taken
+of friends, and on the 22nd of September, 1817, Mr. and Mrs.
+Kitchingman, Robert Moffat, and a missionary named Ebner, who, for a
+time, had been with Africaner, and who had come to Cape Town for
+supplies, set out on their way to Namaqualand.
+
+The history of the Namaqualand Mission has been sketched in outline in
+our introductory chapter. Africaner, although an outlaw and a terror to
+the farmers of the colony, had a respect for the English. He visited the
+missionaries on one occasion, prior to their removal to Warm Bath, and
+said, "I love the English, for I have always heard that they are the
+friends of the poor black man." He also sent his children to them for
+instruction; yet subsequent events, as we have seen, enraged him, and
+led him to destroy the mission station at Warm Bath.
+
+The Rev. J. Campbell, in his first visit to Africa, 1812-1814, crossed
+the interior of the continent to Namaqualand. During his journey, he
+found in every village through which he passed the terror of
+Africaner's name; and he afterwards said "that he and his retinue never
+were so afraid in their lives." From Pella, where the mission station
+then was, Mr. Campbell wrote a conciliatory letter to Africaner, in
+consequence of which that chieftain agreed to receive a missionary at
+his kraal. Mr. Ebner had been sent from Pella, and had been labouring
+for a short time previous to his visit to the Cape in 1817. Good had
+been accomplished, Africaner and his two brothers, David and Jacobus,
+had been baptised, but then the situation of the missionary became
+extremely trying, he lost influence with the people, and his property,
+and even his life, were in danger.
+
+Soon after leaving Cape Town, Mr. Ebner parted company with the
+Kitchingmans and Moffat, and they pursued their way alone. The details
+of the journey illustrate the difficulties of travelling in South Africa
+in those days. "In perils oft," aptly expresses the condition of the
+missionary in his wanderings, as he travelled mile after mile, often
+over dreary wastes of burning sand, famished with hunger, parched with
+thirst, with the howl of the hyena and the roar of the lion disturbing
+his slumbers at night, and with Bushmen, more savage than either,
+hovering near, ever ready to attack the weak and defenceless.
+
+The farmers, from whom the travellers received hospitality as they
+passed the boundaries of the colony, were very sceptical as to the
+conversion of Africaner, and gloomy indeed were their predictions as to
+the fate of the youthful missionary now venturing into the power of the
+outlaw chief. One said Africaner would set him up for his boys to shoot
+at, another that he would strip off his skin to make a drum with, and a
+third predicted he would make a drinking-cup of his skull. A kind
+motherly dame said, as she wiped the tear from her eye and bade him
+farewell, "Had you been an old man it would have been nothing, for you
+would soon have died, whether or no; but you are young, and going to
+become a prey to that monster."
+
+On one occasion Moffat halted at a farm belonging to a Boer, a man of
+wealth and importance, who had many slaves. Hearing that he was a
+missionary, the farmer gave him a hearty welcome, and proposed in the
+evening that he should give them a service. To this he readily assented,
+and supper being ended, a clearance was made, the big Bible and the
+psalm-books were brought out, and the family was seated. Moffat inquired
+for the servants, "May none of your servants come in?" said he.
+
+"Servants! what do you mean?"
+
+"I mean the Hottentots, of whom I see so many on your farm."
+
+"Hottentots!" roared the man, "are you come to preach to Hottentots? Go
+to the mountains and preach to the baboons; or, if you like, I'll fetch
+my dogs, and you may preach to them."
+
+The missionary said no more but commenced the service. He had intended
+to challenge the "neglect of so great salvation," but with ready wit
+seizing upon the theme suggested by his rough entertainer, he read the
+story of the Syrophenician woman, and took for his text the words,
+"Truth, Lord, yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their
+masters' table." He had not proceeded far in his discourse when the
+farmer stopped him, saying, "Will Mynherr sit down and wait a little, he
+shall have the Hottentots."
+
+He was as good as his word, the barn was crowded, the sermon was
+preached, and the astonished Hottentots dispersed. "Who," said the
+farmer, "hardened your hammer to deal my head such a blow? I'll never
+object to the preaching of the Gospel to Hottentots again."
+
+After a toilsome march, during which Mr. Kitchingman and Moffat took it
+in turn to drive the cattle, losing some through the hyenas by the way,
+they reached Bysondermeid, to which station Mr. and Mrs. Kitchingman had
+been appointed. There Robert stayed one month, receiving much useful
+information from Mr. Schmelen, the missionary whom Mr. Kitchingman had
+come to replace, he having been ordered to Great Namaqualand, where he
+had laboured before.
+
+At length, his oxen being rested, Robert Moffat bade adieu to Mr. and
+Mrs. Kitchingman, whose friendship he much valued, and with a guide and
+drivers for the oxen started onward. Their way led through a
+comparatively trackless desert, and they travelled nearly the whole
+night through deep sand. Those were not the days of railway trains, and
+travelling had to be undertaken in cumbrous, springless bullock-waggons,
+several spare oxen being taken to provide for losses and casualties.
+Towards morning the oxen were so exhausted that they began to lie down
+in the yoke from fatigue, compelling a halt before water had been
+reached. The journey was resumed the next day, but still no water could
+be found.
+
+As it appeared probable that if they continued in the same direction,
+they would perish through thirst, they altered their course to the
+northward, but the experiences were as bad as before. At night they lay
+down exhausted and suffering extremely from thirst, and the next morning
+rose at an early hour to find the oxen incapable of moving the waggon a
+step farther. Taking them and a spade to a neighbouring mountain, a
+large hole was dug in the sand, and at last a scanty supply of water was
+obtained. This resembled the old bilge-water of a ship for foulness, but
+both men and oxen drank of it with avidity.
+
+[Illustration: WAGGON TRAVELLING IN SOUTH AFRICA.]
+
+In the evening, when about to yoke the oxen to the waggon, it was found
+that most of them had run off towards Bysondermeid. No time was to be
+lost, so Moffat instantly sent off the remaining oxen with two men to
+solicit assistance from Mr. Bartlett at Pella, while he remained
+behind with his goods. "Three days," said he afterwards, "I remained
+with my waggon-driver on this burning plain, with scarcely a breath of
+wind, and what there was felt as if coming from the mouth of an oven. We
+had only tufts of dry grass to make a small fire or rather flame; and
+little was needed as we had scarcely any food to prepare. We saw no
+human being, not a single antelope or beast of prey made its appearance,
+but in the dead of night we sometimes heard the roar of the lion on the
+mountain. At last when we were beginning to fear that the men had either
+perished or wandered, Mr. Bartlett arrived on horseback, with two men
+having a quantity of mutton tied to their saddles. I cannot conceive of
+an epicure gazing on a table groaning under the weight of viands, with
+half the delight that I did on the mutton."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Fresh oxen, accustomed to deep sand, conveyed the weary travellers to
+Pella, where Moffat remained a few days, being greatly invigorated in
+mind and body by the Christian kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett and the
+friendly attentions of the heathen converts.
+
+Starting again, he came to the Orange River, crossing which was
+generally a work of difficulty at that time. The native teacher from
+Warm Bath, who had come to Pella to conduct Moffat to his village, led
+the missionary to a ford opposite to that place. The waggon and its
+contents were swam over on a fragile raft of dry willow logs--a
+laborious and tedious operation, the raft having to be taken to pieces
+after each journey, and the separate logs conveyed back again by
+swimmers. All the goods being over, Robert was asked to place himself
+upon the raft. Not altogether liking its appearance, and also wishing
+to save the natives trouble, he took off his clothes and, leaving them
+to be conveyed across, plunged into the stream. The natives were afraid
+as they saw him approach the middle of the current, and some of their
+most expert swimmers sprang in to overtake him, but in vain. When he
+emerged on the northern bank, one of them came up out of breath and
+said, "Were you born in the great sea water?"
+
+Robert Moffat reached Africaner's kraal on the 26th of January, 1818,
+and was kindly received by Mr. Ebner. The chief soon made his
+appearance, and inquired if the new missionary had been appointed by the
+Directors in London. Receiving an affirmative reply, he ordered a number
+of women to come. Then pointing to a spot of ground he said to the
+women, "There you must build a house for the missionary." In half an
+hour the structure was completed, in appearance something like a
+bee-hive. In this frail house, of sticks and native mats, Moffat lived
+for nearly six months, being scorched by the sun, drenched by the rain,
+exposed to the wind, and obliged often to decamp through the clouds of
+dust; in addition to which, any dog wishing for a night's lodging could
+force its way through the wall, sometimes to the loss of the
+missionary's dinner next day. A serpent was occasionally found coiled in
+a corner, or the indweller of the habitation had to spring up, in the
+middle of the night, to save himself and his house from being crushed to
+pieces during the nocturnal affrays of the cattle which roamed at large.
+He lived principally upon milk and dried meat, until, after a time, he
+was able to raise a little grain and garden stuff.
+
+A few days after Moffat's arrival, Mr. Ebner departed, so that the young
+missionary was left entirely alone in a trying and most difficult
+position, a stranger in the midst of a strange people. "Here I was,"
+said he, "left alone with a people suspicious in the extreme; jealous of
+their rights which they had obtained at the point of the sword; and the
+best of whom Mr. Ebner described as a sharp thorn. I had no friend and
+brother with whom I could participate in the communion of saints, none
+to whom I could look for counsel or advice. A barren and miserable
+country; a small salary, about twenty-five pounds per annum. No grain,
+and consequently no bread, and no prospect of getting any, from the want
+of water to cultivate the ground, and destitute of the means of sending
+to the Colony. These circumstances led to great searchings of heart, to
+see if I had hitherto aimed at doing and suffering the will of Him in
+whose service I had embarked. Satisfied that I had not run unsent, and
+having in the intricate, and sometimes obscure course I had come, heard
+the still small voice saying, 'This is the way, walk ye in it,' I was
+wont to pour out my soul among the granite rocks surrounding this
+station, now in sorrow, and then in joy; and more than once I have taken
+my violin, once belonging to Christian Albrecht, and, reclining upon one
+of the huge masses, have, in the stillness of the evening, played and
+sung the well-known hymn, a favourite of my mother's--
+
+    'Awake, my soul, in joyful lays,
+    To sing the great Redeemer's praise.'"
+
+Robert Moffat looked to his God for help and guidance, and his heart was
+strengthened.
+
+At this period the chief, Christian Africaner, was in a doubtful state
+of mind; while Titus, his brother, a man of almost reckless courage, was
+a fearful example of ungodliness, and a terror to most of the
+inhabitants on the station. Soon after the commencement of his stated
+services--which were, according to the custom of the missionaries at
+that period, religious service morning and evening, and school for three
+or four hours during the day--the heart of the youthful missionary was
+much cheered by noticing the regular attendance of the chief. Although
+not a fluent reader, the New Testament became his constant companion,
+and a change passed over him apparent to all. The lion at whose name
+many trembled became a lamb, and the love of Jesus Christ filled his
+heart. He who was formerly like a fire-brand, spreading discord, enmity,
+and war among the neighbouring tribes, was now ready to make any
+sacrifice to avoid conflict, and besought parties at variance with each
+other to be at peace.
+
+Even Titus was subdued, and although he never made a profession, yet he
+became a steady and unwavering friend to the missionary, and many times
+ministered to his wants. "I hear what you say," he would reply when the
+truth was pressed upon him, "and I think I sometimes understand, but my
+heart will not feel." Two other brothers of the chief, David and
+Jacobus, became believers and zealous assistants in the work of the
+mission.
+
+The extreme heat endured in the native house, and the character of the
+food, milk and meat only, brought on a severe attack of bilious fever,
+which in the course of two days induced delirium. Opening his eyes as
+soon as consciousness returned, Moffat saw his attendant and Africaner
+sitting beside his couch, gazing upon him with eyes full of sympathy and
+tenderness. Taking some calomel he speedily recovered, and was soon at
+his post again.
+
+The place where Africaner dwelt being quite unsuitable for a permanent
+mission-station, on account of the scarcity of water, it was determined
+to take a journey northward to examine a country on the border of
+Damaraland, where it was reported that fountains of water abounded.
+There was, however, only one waggon and that a cripple, and neither
+carpenters nor smiths were at the station to repair it. Without it they
+could not go, so after thinking the matter over Moffat undertook its
+repair. Before doing so he must needs have a forge, and a forge meant
+bellows; but here was a difficulty, the native bellows were of no use
+for the work in hand. He therefore contrived, by means of two goat-skins
+and a circular piece of board, to make a pair of bellows of sufficient
+power to fan the fire and heat the iron, and with a blue granite stone
+for an anvil, a pair of tongs indicative of Vulcan's first efforts, and
+a hammer, never intended for its present use, he successfully
+accomplished his task, and afterwards repaired some gun-locks, which
+were as essential for the comfort and success of the journey as the
+waggon.
+
+The party that set out was a large one, including Africaner, three of
+his brothers, and Moffat. The country which they passed through was
+sterile in the extreme, and the expedition proved a failure. They
+therefore returned home again after an absence of a few weeks. The
+school and mission services were resumed, but, as David and Jacobus
+Africaner were now able assistants, Moffat undertook itinerating visits
+on a more extensive scale than he had done before. For this purpose
+Titus presented him with his only horse. Previously Moffat had ridden
+upon a bullock with horns, a dangerous practice, as, if the bullock
+stumbles, the rider may be thrown forward and transfixed upon them.
+
+Privations and dangers frequently attended these itinerating journeys.
+Referring to one of them Robert Moffat states, "After tying my Bible and
+hymn-book in a blanket to the back of my saddle, and taking a good
+draught of milk, I started with my interpreter, who rode upon an ox. We
+had our guns, but nothing in our purse or scrip, save a pipe, some
+tobacco, and a tinder-box. After a hot day's ride to reach a village,
+the people would give us a draught of sweet milk, and then old and
+young, assembling in a nook of the fold, among the kine, would listen to
+my address on the great concerns of their soul's salvation. I exhorted
+those who could read to read to others and try to teach them to do the
+same, promising them a reward in heaven, for I had none to give on
+earth. When service was over, having taken another draught of milk, and
+renewed my conversation with the people, I lay down on a mat to repose
+for the night. Sometimes a kind housewife would hang a bamboos, a wooden
+vessel filled with milk, on a forked stick near my head, that I might,
+if necessary, drink during the night."
+
+Once he slept on the ground near the hut in which the principal man of
+the village and his wife reposed. During the night a noise as of cattle
+broken loose was heard. In the morning he remarked upon this to his
+host, when that individual replied, "Oh, I was looking at the spoor this
+morning, it was the lion!" adding that a few nights previously a goat
+had been seized from the very spot on which Moffat had been sleeping.
+Upon Moffat asking him why he had put him to sleep there, the man
+replied, "Oh, the lion would not have the audacity to jump over on you."
+
+Sometimes it happened that after travelling all day, hoping to reach a
+village at night, the travellers would find when they got to the place
+that all the people had gone. Then hungry and thirsty they had to pass
+the night. In the morning after searching for water, and partaking of a
+draught if they were successful in finding it, they would start off
+again with their hunger unsatisfied, and deem themselves fortunate if
+they overtook the migrating party that evening.
+
+Of his ordinary manner of living at this time, he says, "My food was
+milk and meat, living for weeks together on one, and then for a while on
+the other, and again on both together. All was well so long as I had
+either, but sometimes they both failed, and there were no shops in the
+country where I could have purchased, and, had there been any, I must
+have bought on credit, for money I had none."
+
+His wardrobe bore the same impress of poverty as his larder. The clothes
+received when in London soon went to pieces, and the knowledge of sewing
+and knitting, unwillingly learnt from his mother, often now stood him in
+good stead. She once showed him how a shirt might be smoothed by folding
+it properly and hammering it with a piece of wood. Resolving one day to
+have a nice one for the Sabbath, Moffat tried this plan. He folded the
+shirt carefully, laid it on a smooth block of stone--not a hearth-stone,
+but a block of fine granite--and hammered away. "What are you doing?"
+said Africaner. "Smoothing my shirt," replied his white friend. "That is
+one way," said he, and so it was, for on holding the shirt up to the
+light it was seen to be riddled with holes. "When I left the country,"
+said Moffat, "I had not half-a-dozen shirts with two sleeves apiece."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Robert Moffat's stay in Namaqualand extended to a little over twelve
+months. Near its close he made on Africaner's account--with the view of
+ascertaining the suitability of a place for settlement--a journey to
+the Griqua country, and after a terrible experience, in which he
+suffered from hunger, thirst, heat, and drinking poisoned water, he
+reached Griqua Town, and entered the house of Mr. Anderson, the
+missionary there, speechless, haggard, emaciated, and covered with
+perspiration, making the inmates understand by signs that he needed
+water. Here he was most kindly entertained, and after a few days started
+back again. The return journey was almost as trying as the outward one,
+but he reached Vreede Berg (Africaner's village) in safety. The chief
+received Moffat's account of his researches with entire satisfaction,
+but the removal of himself and people was allowed to remain prospective
+for a season.
+
+Missionary labours were resumed. The school flourished, and the
+attendance at the Sabbath services was most encouraging. The people were
+so strongly attached to their missionary, that although he was
+contemplating a visit to the Cape, he dared not mention the subject to
+them. In a letter written at this time, alluding to his every-day life,
+he says, "I have many difficulties to encounter, being alone. No one can
+do anything for me in my household affairs. I must attend to everything,
+which often confuses me, and, indeed, hinders me in my work, for I could
+wish to have almost nothing to do but to instruct the heathen, both
+spiritually and temporally. Daily I do a little in the garden, daily I
+am doing something for the people in mending guns. I am carpenter,
+smith, cooper, shoemaker, miller, baker, and housekeeper--the last is
+the most burdensome of any. An old Namaqua woman milks my cows, makes a
+fire, and washes. All other things I do myself, though I seldom prepare
+anything till impelled by hunger. I drink plenty of milk, and often eat
+a piece of dry meat. Lately I reaped nearly two bolls of wheat from two
+hatfuls which I sowed. This is of great help to me. I shall soon have
+plenty of Indian corn, cabbages, melons, and potatoes. Water is scarce.
+I have sown wheat a second time on trial. I live chiefly now on bread
+and milk. To-day I churned about three Scotch pints of milk, from which
+there were two pounds of butter, so you may conceive that the milk is
+rich. I wish many times that my mother saw me. My house is always clean,
+but oh what a confusion there is among my linen."
+
+In November, 1818, letters reached Robert Moffat from England. One came
+from Miss Smith, in which that young lady stated that she had most
+reluctantly renounced hope of ever getting abroad, her father
+determining never to allow her to do so. This was a sore trial, but it
+only led the child closer to his Father, and that Father, who doeth all
+things well, in His own good time, brought to pass that which now seemed
+impossible.
+
+Early in 1819, circumstances required Mr. Moffat to visit Cape Town.
+Conversing with Africaner on the state and prospects of missions, the
+idea flashed into Moffat's mind that it would be well for that chief to
+accompany him, and he suggested it to his coloured friend. Africaner was
+astonished. "I had thought you loved me," said he, "and do you advise me
+to go to the Government to be hung up as a spectacle of public justice?"
+Then, putting his hand to his head, he said, "Do you not know that I am
+an outlaw, and that one thousand rix-dollars have been offered for this
+poor head?" After a little while he replied to the missionary's
+arguments by saying, "I shall deliberate and _roll_ (using the words of
+the Dutch Version of the Bible) my way upon the Lord. I know He will
+not leave me."
+
+[Illustration: AFRICANER.]
+
+To get Africaner safely through the territories of the Dutch farmers to
+the Cape was a hazardous proceeding, as the atrocities he had committed
+were not forgotten, and hatred against him still rankled in many a
+breast. However, attired in one of the only two substantial shirts
+Moffat had left, a pair of leather trousers, a duffel jacket, much the
+worse for wear, and an old hat, neither white nor black, the attempt was
+made, the chief passing as one of the missionary's attendants. His
+master's costume was scarcely more refined than his own.
+
+As a whole, the Dutch farmers were kind and hospitable to strangers,
+and as Moffat reached their farms, some of them congratulated him on
+returning alive, they having been assured that Africaner had long since
+murdered him. At one farm a novel and amusing instance occurred of the
+state of feeling concerning them both. As they drew near to this place,
+Moffat directed his men to take his waggon to the valley below while he
+walked towards the house, which was situated on an eminence. As he
+advanced the farmer came forward slowly to meet him. Stretching forth
+his hand with the customary salutation, the farmer put his hand behind
+him, and asked who the stranger was. The stranger replied that he was
+Moffat.
+
+"Moffat!" exclaimed the sturdy Boer in a faltering voice, "it is your
+ghost!"
+
+"I am no ghost," said the supposed phantom.
+
+"Don't come near me," said the farmer, "you have been long since
+murdered by Africaner. Everybody says you were murdered, and a man told
+me he had seen your bones."
+
+As the farmer feared the presence of the supposed ghost would alarm his
+wife, both wended their way to the waggon, Africaner being the subject
+of conversation as they walked along. Moffat declared his opinion that
+the chief was then a truly good man.
+
+"I can believe almost anything you say," said the Boer, "but that I
+cannot credit."
+
+Finally he closed the conversation by saying with much earnestness:
+"Well, if what you assert be true respecting that man, I have only one
+wish, and that is to see him before I die, and when you return, as sure
+as the sun is over our heads, I will go with you to see him, though he
+killed my own uncle."
+
+The farmer was a good man, who had showed Moffat kindness on his way to
+Namaqualand. Knowing his sincerity and the goodness of his disposition,
+Moffat turned to the man sitting by the waggon, and addressing the
+farmer said, "This, then, is Africaner."
+
+With a start, and a look as though the man might have dropped from the
+clouds, the worthy Boer exclaimed, "Are _you_ Africaner?"
+
+Africaner arose, doffed his old hat, and making a polite bow replied, "I
+am."
+
+The farmer seemed thunderstruck, but on realising the fact, lifted up
+his eyes and said, "O God, what a miracle of Thy power! what cannot Thy
+grace accomplish!"
+
+On reaching Cape Town, Robert Moffat waited upon Lord Charles Somerset,
+the Governor, and informed him that Africaner was in the town. The
+information was received with some amount of scepticism, but the
+following day was appointed for an interview with him.
+
+The Governor received the chief with great affability and kindness, and
+expressed his pleasure at thus seeing before him, one who had formerly
+been the scourge of the country, and the terror of the border colonists.
+He was much struck with this palpable result of missionary enterprise,
+and presented Africaner with an excellent waggon, valued at eighty
+pounds.
+
+Moffat visited the colony on this occasion with two objects; first, to
+secure supplies, and secondly, to introduce Africaner to the notice of
+the Colonial Government. Having accomplished these, he fully intended to
+return to his flock. Events were, however, ordered otherwise.
+
+While Moffat was in Cape Town, a deputation from the London Missionary
+Society, consisting of the Rev. J. Campbell, and the Rev. Dr. Philip,
+was also there. It was the wish of these two gentleman that he should
+accompany them in their visits to the missionary stations, and
+eventually be appointed to the Bechwana mission.
+
+The proposition was a startling one, but after careful thought, and with
+the entire concurrence of Africaner--who hoped to move with his tribe to
+the neighbourhood of the new mission--Moffat accepted it. Africaner
+therefore departed alone, generously offering to take in his waggon to
+Lattakoo, the new station, the missionary's books and a few articles of
+furniture that he had purchased.
+
+Once more these two brethren in the faith met on this earth, and this
+was at Lattakoo. The proposed removal of the tribe, however, never took
+place, Africaner being called up higher before that plan could be
+carried out.
+
+The closing scene in the life of this remarkable man was depicted by the
+Rev. J. Archbell, Wesleyan missionary, in a letter to Dr. Philip, dated
+the 14th of March, 1823:--"When he found his end approaching, he called
+all the people together, and gave them directions as to their future
+conduct. 'We are not,' said he, 'what we were,--_savages_, but men
+professing to be taught according to the Gospel. Let us then do
+accordingly. Live peaceably with all men, if possible; and if
+impossible, consult those who are placed over you before you engage in
+anything. Remain together, as you have done since I knew you. Then, when
+the Directors think fit to send you a missionary, you may be ready to
+receive him. Behave to any teacher you may have sent as one sent of God,
+as I have great hope that God will bless you in this respect when I am
+gone to heaven. I feel that I love God, and that He has done much for
+me, of which I am totally unworthy,'
+
+"He also added, 'My former life is stained with blood; but Jesus Christ
+has pardoned me, and I am going to heaven. Oh! beware of falling into
+the same evils into which I have led you frequently; but seek God, and
+He will be found of you to direct you,'"
+
+Shortly after this he died.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+MARRIAGE, AND ARRIVAL AT LATTAKOO.
+
+
+Up to this time, Robert Moffat had pursued his course alone. No loving
+helpmeet had cheered him in his efforts, or with womanly tenderness
+ministered to his wants. But though far away, he was fondly remembered
+and earnestly prayed for, especially by one noble Christian lady, over
+whose fair head scarce twenty-three summers had passed, and whose heart
+had been torn with the severe struggle, between filial love and regard
+for her parents on the one hand, and her sense of duty and affection for
+her missionary friend on the other, which for two and a-half years had
+been carried on therein.
+
+At last, when hope seemed to have vanished, the parents of Mary Smith,
+to whom the idea of parting with their only daughter was painful in the
+extreme, saw so clearly that it was the Lord who was calling their child
+to the work which He had marked out for her, that they felt they dare
+not any longer withhold her from it, and therefore calmly resigned their
+daughter into His hands. Thus it came to pass that,--after a short stay
+in London, and at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, at which places she won
+all hearts by her unfeigned and exalted piety and zeal, and by her
+modest, affectionate manner,--we find her on board the sailing-ship
+_British Colony_, on her way to South Africa, in the care of the Rev. R.
+Beck, a minister of the Dutch Church, and his wife.
+
+As arranged, the deputation, accompanied by Robert Moffat, left Cape
+Town on their tour of inspection of the stations in the eastern part of
+the Colony and in Kafirland. This journey necessitated an absence of
+twelve months, during which time Robert expected his bride to arrive.
+This was a trial of faith, as it seemed hard that she should be obliged
+to land in a strange country, and find none of her own to welcome her.
+But with Moffat even love followed after duty.
+
+It so happened, however, that after visiting the line of stations
+through the eastern districts as far as Bethelsdorp, the party, at that
+place, found their progress effectually barred through war with the
+Kafirs. They were therefore obliged to return to Cape Town, thus giving
+Moffat the opportunity and great joy of receiving his affianced wife
+upon her landing from the vessel. She reached Cape Town in safety, and
+on the 27th of December, 1819, the happy couple were united. They
+received each other as from the Lord, and for more than fifty years,
+during cloud and sunshine, their union was a true and blessed one.
+
+Robert Moffat had been appointed to the Bechwana station at Lattakoo, or
+Kuruman, as it was afterwards called; and for that place the missionary
+party, which consisted of the Rev. John Campbell and the Moffats, set
+out early in the year 1820.
+
+A feeble attempt to establish a mission to the Bechwanas had been made,
+by the Dutch Missionary Society in Cape Town, as early as A.D. 1800, and
+two missionaries, named Edwards and Kok, had been despatched. They were
+directed by the chief to settle on the banks of the Kuruman River, at a
+distance from the natives, and the effort degenerated into a mere
+trading concern. In 1805, the Bechwanas were visited by the celebrated
+traveller Dr. Lichtenstein, and, in 1812, by Dr. Burchell, but it was
+not until the visit of the Rev. J. Campbell, a little later, that any
+real negotiations were entertained for the settlement of missionaries
+with this people. The chief, Mothibi, then said to Mr. Campbell, "send
+missionaries, and I will be a father to them."
+
+In response to this invitation Messrs. Evans and Hamilton left England
+in 1815, and, full of hope, reached Lattakoo on the 17th of February in
+the following year. Instead of being received as they anticipated, they
+were repulsed, and directed to settle at the Kuruman River, thirty miles
+distant. Disappointed and despondent they returned to Griqua Town. Mr.
+Evans relinquished the mission, but a further attempt was made
+afterwards by Messrs. Read and Hamilton, and this time permission was
+obtained for them to dwell with the chief and his people. Thus the
+Bechwana Mission obtained its first real footing.
+
+In June, 1817, the tribe, under Mothibi, removed from the position where
+the missionaries first found it, and settled by the Kuruman River. When
+the Rev. J. Campbell returned, to the Colony, Mr. Read accompanied him;
+thus, pending the arrival of Robert Moffat, Mr. Hamilton was left alone
+in charge of the mission.
+
+The journey as far as Griqua Town was accomplished without any special
+incident. At first the route lay through fertile valleys and lovely
+mountain scenery, but soon this changed, and for hundreds of miles the
+travellers had to pass through the desolate region of the Karroo desert.
+When about half-way through this sterile district, they came to the site
+upon which was to be built the village of Beaufort West, where they were
+most kindly entertained by a Scotchman named Mr. Baird, the newly
+appointed magistrate.
+
+The Orange River, so frequently an insurmountable obstacle to progress,
+was passed in safety, the water being very low, and two or three days
+later Griqua Town was reached. Here a halt was made. Lattakoo lay one
+hundred miles beyond.
+
+At this time some uncertainty existed as to whether the Moffats would be
+allowed by the Colonial Government to settle at Lattakoo; thus far
+consent had been withheld. They had advanced trusting that the way would
+be opened, and after a short rest at Griqua Town, the party continued
+their journey, and reached Lattakoo five days after leaving the Griqua
+station. It was intended that Robert Moffat should take the place of Mr.
+Read, as an associate with Mr. Hamilton in the work of the mission.
+
+The new arrivals were introduced to Mothibi, and were soon visited by a
+retinue of chiefs. The manner, appearance, and dress of these natives
+much interested Mary Moffat. The whole missionary party stayed together
+for three weeks, settling the affairs of the mission; then the Rev. J.
+Campbell and Mr. Read started on a journey to visit the Bahurutsi, a
+tribe who dwelt nearly two hundred miles to the north-east of Lattakoo.
+Moffat and his wife remained with Mr. Hamilton, so that the new
+missionary might win the affections of the Bechwana chief and his
+people.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Upon the return of the Rev. J. Campbell and Mr. Read, after an absence
+of two months, and a short rest at Lattakoo, all the missionaries,
+excepting Mr. Hamilton, set off westward along the bed of the Kuruman
+River to visit several of the Bechwana tribes which were scattered about
+that region. The natives of these parts, never having seen white people
+before evinced much curiosity concerning their visitors; especially
+about Mrs. Moffat and her dress. To see the missionaries sitting at
+table dining and using knives and forks, plates, and different dishes,
+was wonderful to them, and for hours they would sit and gaze upon such
+scenes. The Word of Life was preached to these natives by either Mr.
+Campbell or Robert Moffat as the party journeyed along.
+
+Their absence from Lattakoo extended to a little over a fortnight, and
+on their return, finding, by intelligence received from Dr. Philip, that
+permission had not as yet been obtained from the Governor for the
+Moffats to settle at that place, Robert and his partner had to return,
+much cast down, to Griqua Town, there to commit the matter into the hand
+of God, and patiently await the time when He should open the way for
+them to commence the work they had so much at heart. Mr. Hamilton was
+therefore again left alone with simply a Griqua assistant and a few
+Hottentots.
+
+Just before leaving Lattakoo, Robert Moffat met Africaner, who had
+safely brought from Vreede Berg the cattle and property belonging to the
+missionary, and also the books and articles of furniture which had been
+intrusted to his care when leaving Cape Town. All were in good order,
+particular attention having been paid to the missionary's cattle and
+sheep during his long absence. This was the last meeting between Moffat
+and Africaner.
+
+While on their journey, and when near Griqua Town, information reached
+the missionary party that permission had been granted for the Moffats to
+settle at Lattakoo. As, however, the affairs at Griqua Town at this time
+were altogether disorganised, it was arranged that they should stay
+there for a few months to set the affairs of that place in order.
+
+During their stay at that station Mrs. Moffat had a severe illness, and
+her life was despaired of, but this precious life was preserved, and not
+only was his dear one restored, but a bonny wee lassie was given to them
+both, who was named Mary, and who, in after years, became the wife of
+Dr. Livingstone.
+
+[Illustration: OLD MISSION HOUSE AT GRIQUA TOWN.]
+
+At Griqua Town they bade farewell to the Rev. J. Campbell. To them he
+had become much endeared, as they had been in his company as
+fellow-travellers for many months. He and Mr. Read returned to the
+Colony; twenty years later, however, the two friends met again, but that
+was upon the Moffats' return to their native land.
+
+In May, 1821, Mr. and Mrs. Moffat again arrived at Lattakoo, and then
+commenced a continuation of missionary conflicts during which their
+faith was severely tried, but which ended, after many years, in
+triumphant rejoicing as they saw the people brought to Christ, and
+beheld the once ignorant and degraded heathen becoming humble servants
+of the Lord, reading His Word and obeying His precepts.
+
+In looking at the Bechwanas as they were when the Moffats first settled
+among them, for up to that time the efforts of the missionaries had been
+unattended with success, we find a people who had neither an idea of a
+God, nor who performed any idolatrous rites; who failed to see that
+there was anything more agreeable to flesh and blood in our customs than
+in their own; but who allowed that the missionaries were a wiser and
+superior race of beings to themselves; who practised polygamy, and
+looked with a very jealous eye on any innovation that was likely to
+deprive them of the services of their wives, who built their houses,
+gathered firewood for their fires, tilled their fields, and reared their
+families; who were suspicious, and keenly scrutinised the actions of the
+missionaries; in fact, a people who were thoroughly sensual, and who
+could rob, lie, and murder without any compunctions of conscience, as
+long as success attended their efforts.
+
+Among such a people did these servants of God labour for years without
+any sign of fruit, but with steadfast faith and persevering prayer,
+until at last the work of the Holy Spirit was seen, and the strong arm
+of the Lord, gathering many into His fold, became apparent.
+
+The Bechwana tribe with whom Robert Moffat was located was called the
+Batlaping, or Batlapis.
+
+The patience of the missionaries in these early days was sorely tried,
+and the petty annoyances, so irritating to many of us, were neither few
+nor infrequent. By dint of immense labour, leading the water to it, the
+ground which the chief had given the missionaries for a garden was made
+available; then the women, headed by the chief's wife, encroached upon
+it, and to save contention the point was conceded. The corn when it
+ripened was stolen, and the sheep either taken out of the fold at night
+or driven off when grazing in the day time. No tool or household utensil
+could be left about for a moment or it would disappear.
+
+One day Mr. Hamilton, who at that time had no mill to grind corn, sat
+down and with much labour and perspiration, by means of two stones,
+ground sufficient meal in half-a-day to make a loaf that should serve
+him, being then alone, for about eight days. He kneaded and baked his
+gigantic loaf, put it on his shelf, and went to the chapel. He returned
+in the evening with a keen appetite and a pleasant anticipation of
+enjoying his coarse home-made bread, but on opening the door of his hut
+and casting his eye to the shelf he saw that the loaf had gone. Someone
+had forced open the little window of the hut, got in, and stolen the
+bread.
+
+On another occasion Mrs. Moffat, with a babe in her arms, begged very
+humbly of a woman, just to be kind enough to move out of a temporary
+kitchen, that she might shut it as usual before going into the place of
+worship. The woman seized a piece of wood to hurl at Mrs. Moffat's head,
+who, therefore, escaped to the house of God, leaving the intruder in
+undisturbed possession of the kitchen, any of the contents of which she
+would not hesitate to appropriate to her own use.
+
+A severe drought also set in, and a rain-maker, finding all his arts to
+bring rain useless, laid the blame upon the white strangers, who for a
+time were in expectation of being driven away. Probably, however, the
+greatest trial at this time was caused by the conduct of some of the
+Hottentots who had accompanied them from the Cape, and who being but new
+converts were weak to withstand the demands made upon them, and brought
+shame upon their leaders. Shortly after his arrival Moffat thoroughly
+purged his little community. The numbers that gathered round the Lord's
+table were much reduced, but the lesson was a salutary one and did good
+to the heathen around.
+
+A callous indifference to the instruction of the missionaries, except it
+was followed by some temporal benefit, prevailed. In August, 1822, Mary
+Moffat wrote, "We have no prosperity in the work, not the least sign of
+good being done. The Bechwanas seem more careless than ever, and seldom
+enter the church." A little later Moffat himself stated in one of his
+letters, "They turn a deaf ear to the voice of love, and treat with
+scorn the glorious doctrines of salvation. It is, however, pleasing to
+reflect that affairs in general wear a more hopeful aspect than when we
+came here. Several instances have proved the people are determined to
+relinquish the barbarous system of commandoes for stealing cattle. They
+have also dispensed with a rain-maker this season."
+
+The Bushmen had a most inhuman custom of abandoning the aged and
+helpless, leaving them to starve or be devoured by wild beasts; also if
+a mother died it was their practice to bury the infant or infants of
+that mother with her.
+
+During one of his journeys, a few months prior to the date last
+mentioned, Moffat came upon a party of Bushmen digging a grave for the
+body of a woman who had left two children. Finding that they were about
+to bury the children with the corpse he begged for them. They were given
+him and for some years formed a part of his household. They were named
+Ann and Dicky.
+
+The importance of acquiring the language of the Bechwanas soon became
+apparent to the earnest-hearted missionary. One day he was much cast
+down and said to his wife, "Mary, this is hard work." "It is hard work,
+my love," she replied, "but take courage, our lives shall be given us
+for a prey." "But think, my dear," he said, "how long we have been
+preaching to this people, and no fruit yet appears." The wise woman made
+answer, "The Gospel has not yet been preached to them _in their own
+tongue in which they were born_. They have heard it only through
+interpreters, and interpreters who have themselves no just
+understanding, no real love of the truth. We must not expect the
+blessing till you are able, from your own lips and in their language, to
+bring it through their ears into their hearts."
+
+"From that hour," said Moffat, in relating the conversation, "I gave
+myself with untiring diligence to the acquisition of the language."
+
+As an instance of the drawback of preaching by means of an interpreter,
+the sentence, "The salvation of the soul is a very important subject,"
+was rendered by one of those individuals as follows: "The salvation of
+the soul is a very great sack." A rendering altogether unintelligible.
+
+For the purpose of studying the language Moffat made journeys among the
+tribes, so that he might for a time be freed from speaking Dutch, the
+language spoken with his own people at Lattakoo. Itinerating visits were
+also made in turn every Sabbath to the surrounding villages, and
+occasionally further afield, but sometimes, after walking perhaps four
+to five miles to reach a village, not a single individual could be found
+to listen to the Gospel message.
+
+The only service in which the missionaries took any real delight at this
+time, was the Sabbath evening service held in Dutch for the edification
+of themselves and the two or three Hottentots, with their families, who
+belonged to the mission.
+
+In addition to sore privations, discouragements, false accusations, and
+the loss of their property, the missionaries found even their lives at
+times imperilled. The natives and all on the station were suffering
+greatly from a long continued drought. All the efforts of the
+professional rain-maker had been in vain, no cloud appeared in the sky,
+no rain fell to water the parched land. The doings of the missionaries
+were looked upon as being the cause of this misfortune. At one time it
+was a bag of salt, which Moffat had brought in his waggon, that
+frightened the rain away; at another the sound of the chapel bell. Their
+prospects became darker than ever. At last it appeared that the natives
+had fully decided to expel them from their midst. A chief man, and about
+a dozen of his attendants, came and seated themselves under the shadow
+of a large tree near to Moffat's house. He at that moment was engaged in
+repairing a waggon near at hand. The scene which ensued and its result
+we give in his own words:--
+
+[Illustration: "NOW THEN, IF YOU WILL DRIVE YOUR SPEARS TO MY HEART."]
+
+"Being informed that something of importance was to be communicated, Mr.
+Hamilton was called. We stood patiently to hear the message, always
+ready to face the worst. The principal speaker informed us, that it was
+the determination of the chiefs of the people that we should leave the
+country; and referring to our disregard of threatenings, added what was
+tantamount to the assurance that measures of a violent character would
+be resorted to, to carry their resolutions into effect, in case of our
+disobeying the order.
+
+"While the chief was speaking, he stood quivering his spear in his right
+hand. Mrs. Moffat was at the door of our cottage, with the babe in her
+arms, watching the crisis, for such it was. We replied:--
+
+"'We have indeed felt most reluctant to leave, and are now more than
+ever resolved to abide by our post. We pity you, for you know not what
+you do; we have suffered, it is true; and He whose servants we are has
+directed us in His Word, "When they persecute you in one city, flee ye
+to another," but although we have suffered, we do not consider all that
+has been done to us by the people amounts to persecution; we are
+prepared to expect it from such as know no better. If you are resolved
+to rid yourselves of us, you must resort to stronger measures, for our
+hearts are with you. You may shed blood or burn us out. We know you will
+not touch our wives and children.'"
+
+Then throwing open his waistcoat Moffat stood erect and fearless. "Now
+then," said he, "if you will, drive your spears to my heart; and when
+you have slain me, my companions will know that the hour has come for
+them to depart."
+
+At these words the chief man looked at his companions, remarking, with a
+significant shake of the head, "These men must have ten lives, when they
+are so fearless of death; there must be something in immortality."
+
+Moffat pithily observes, "The meeting broke up, and they left us, no
+doubt fully impressed with the idea that we were impracticable men."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE MANTATEE INVASION.
+
+
+In March, 1823, a second daughter was born to the Moffats, who was named
+Ann. At that time the Batlaping were thoroughly indifferent to the
+Gospel, but their hostile spirit to the missionaries had passed away.
+
+Robert Moffat had heard of a powerful Bechwana tribe, named the
+Bangwaketsi, whose chief was Makaba, dwelling about two hundred miles to
+the north-east. To this chief and people he now contemplated paying a
+visit.
+
+Rumours had also been current at intervals, for more than a year past,
+of strange and terrible doings by a fierce and numerous people, called
+the Mantatees, who were advancing from the eastward. To gain definite
+intelligence concerning this people, and also with the view of paying
+his contemplated visit to Makaba, Moffat resolved upon undertaking a
+journey to that chief. He was also influenced by the desire to open up a
+friendly intercourse with so powerful, and it might be dangerous, a
+potentate as Makaba; and likewise by the wish of gaining opportunities
+of more fully studying the language and becoming acquainted with the
+localities of the tribes; the ultimate design of all being the
+introduction of the Gospel among them.
+
+An invitation arrived from Makaba, and the way seemed open. Mothibi,
+however, the Bechwana chief, was greatly averse to the undertaking, and
+threw all possible obstacles in its path, short of actual armed
+resistance. His people were forbidden to accompany the missionary, who
+was obliged therefore to start with only the few men he had.
+
+As he journeyed forward the reports concerning the Mantatees were again
+heard, and on reaching Nokaneng, about twenty miles distant from
+Lattakoo, he learned that the invaders had attacked a Bechwana tribe,
+the Barolongs, at Kunuana, about one hundred miles off. Spies were sent
+out but returned without any definite tidings, and the journey was
+resumed.
+
+For four days the party travelled across a dry and trackless country,
+when they came to a fine valley, in which were some pools and plenty of
+game. Here they remained two days, and then prepared to continue their
+journey to the Bangwaketsi. Just as they were about to start, however,
+they ascertained from two natives that the Mantatees had attacked the
+Barolongs, and were in possession of a village somewhat in the rear of
+the missionary's party.
+
+No time was to be lost. The distance was retraced with all speed, and
+the alarming news told at Lattakoo. A public meeting was convened, and
+Moffat gave a circumstantial account of the information he had gathered.
+The enemy were a numerous and powerful body, they had destroyed many
+towns of the Bakone tribes, slaughtered immense numbers of people, laid
+Kurrechane in ruins, scattered the Barolongs, and, in addition, were
+said to be cannibals.
+
+The alarming tidings produced at first, a gloom on every countenance,
+and silence reigned for a few minutes. Then Mothibi, in the name of the
+assembly, said he was exceedingly thankful that their missionary had
+been "hard-headed" and pursued his journey, thus discovering to them
+their danger.
+
+Moffat counselled that as the Bechwanas were quite unable to resist so
+savage a force as the Mantatees, they had better either flee to the
+Colony or call in the aid of the Griquas, volunteering to proceed to
+Griqua Town to give information and procure assistance. The chief at
+that place was one Andries Waterboer, who had been educated by the
+missionaries, and who, before his election as chief, had been set apart
+for a native teacher. Mr. Melville, the Government agent, also resided
+in the town.
+
+Moffat reached Griqua Town safely, and Waterboer promised to come to the
+assistance of the Bechwanas as soon as he could muster his forces.
+Moffat then returned to his station.
+
+Eleven anxious days were passed at Lattakoo, waiting the arrival of the
+Griquas. By the time they arrived, the enemy had reached Letakong, only
+thirty-six miles away. The Griqua force consisted of about one hundred
+horsemen, armed with guns, and it being reported that there were white
+men among the invaders, Moffat was asked to accompany the force, as,
+having some knowledge of the language, he might be able to bring about a
+treaty with them. He agreed to go, and Mr. Melville started with him.
+
+Before leaving, all met to pray for Divine counsel and help. A blessing
+on the means of preventing a further effusion of blood was asked, and if
+recourse to violent measures became necessary, it was prayed that the
+heads of those engaged might be shielded in the day of battle.
+
+The small force pressed forward as far as the Matlaurin River, about
+half way, where all bivouacked. Leaving the main body, Waterboer,
+Moffat, and a few others, rode onward for about four hours, and then
+halted for the night among some trees. At day-light they proceeded until
+they came in sight of the enemy. These were divided into two parties,
+one holding a town, out of which they had driven the inhabitants, and
+the other lying on the hills to the left of the town. As the horsemen
+drew near, they could perceive that they were discovered, and among the
+masses of the invaders could be seen the war-axes and brass ornaments as
+they glittered in the sun.
+
+Riding forward, Moffat and Waterboer found a young woman belonging to
+the Mantatees, whose whole appearance denoted direful want. Food was
+given her, and some tobacco, and she was sent with a message to her
+people that the strangers wanted to speak with them and not to fight. An
+old man and a lad were also found dying of starvation, these were helped
+and talked to in full sight of the enemy. All possible means were tried
+to bring them to a parley, but in vain, they only responded by making
+furious rushes, showing their intention to attack.
+
+The whole day was spent in this manner, and at evening Moffat left
+Waterboer and the scouts, and rode back to confer with Mr. Melville and
+the other Griqua chiefs, to see if some means could be devised of
+preventing the dreadful consequences of battle. One of the Griqua
+chiefs, named Cornelius Kok, nobly insisted on Moffat taking his best
+horse, one of the strongest present. To this generous act the missionary
+afterwards owed his life.
+
+All the party were in motion the next morning before day-light. The
+whole of the horsemen advanced to within about one hundred and fifty
+yards of the enemy, thinking to intimidate them and bring them to a
+conference. The Mantatees rushed forward with a terrible howl, throwing
+their war clubs and javelins. The rushes becoming dangerous, Waterboer
+and his party commenced firing, and the battle became general. The
+Mantatees obstinately held their ground, seeming determined rather to
+perish than flee, which they might easily have done.
+
+After the combat had lasted two hours and a-half, the Griquas, finding
+their ammunition rapidly diminishing, advanced to take the enemy's
+position. The latter gave way and fled, at first westward, but being
+intercepted, they turned towards the town. Here a desperate struggle
+took place. At last, seized with despair, the enemy fled precipitately,
+and were pursued by the Griquas for about eight miles.
+
+Soon after the battle commenced, the Bechwanas who accompanied the
+Griqua force came up, and began discharging their poisoned arrows into
+the midst of the Mantatees. Half-a-dozen of these fierce warriors,
+however, turned upon them, and the whole body scampered off in wild
+disorder. But as soon as these cowards saw that the Mantatees had
+retired, they rushed like hungry wolves to the spot where they had been
+encamped, and began to plunder and kill the wounded, also murdering the
+women and children with their spears and battle-axes.
+
+Fighting not being within the missionary's province, he refrained from
+firing a shot, though for safety he kept with the Griqua force. Seeing
+now the savage ferocity of the Bechwanas in killing the inoffensive
+women and children, he turned his attention to these objects of pity,
+who were fleeing in all directions. Galloping in among them, many of the
+Bechwanas were deterred from their barbarous purpose, and the women,
+seeing that mercy was shown them, sat down, and baring their breasts,
+exclaimed, "I am a woman; I am a woman." The men seemed as though it was
+impossible to yield, and although often sorely wounded, they continued
+to throw their spears and war-axes at any one who approached.
+
+It was while carrying on his work of mercy among the wounded that Moffat
+nearly lost his life. He had got hemmed in between a rocky height and a
+body of the enemy. A narrow passage remained, through which he could
+escape at full gallop. Right in the middle of this passage there rose up
+before him a man who had been shot, but who had collected his strength,
+and, weapon in hand, was awaiting him. Just at that moment one of the
+Griquas, seeing the situation, fired. The ball whizzed past, close to
+Moffat. The aim had been a true one, and the way of escape was clear.
+
+This battle saved the mission. It did more than that--it saved the
+Mantatees themselves from terrible destruction. As a devastating host
+they would in all probability have advanced to the borders of the
+Colony, and being driven back, would have perished miserably, men,
+women, and children, either of starvation, or at the hands of those
+tribes whom they would have overcome in their advance, and through whose
+territories they must have passed in their retreat.
+
+After the battle was over, Mr. Melville and Robert Moffat collected many
+of the Mantatee women and children, who were taken to the missionary
+station. Alarm prevailed there for some days, it being feared that the
+Mantatees might make a descent upon the place after the Griquas had
+left. At one time the prospect was so ominous that the missionary band,
+with their wives and children, after burying their property, left
+Lattakoo for a short time, and sought shelter at Griqua Town. The
+threatened attack not being made, and as it was found that the Mantatees
+had left the neighbourhood, the station was again occupied.
+
+The Bechwanas were deeply sensible of the interest the missionaries had
+shown in their welfare, at a time when they might with ease and little
+loss of property have retired in safety to the Colony, leaving them to
+be destroyed by the fierce invaders.
+
+For a long time past, it had been evident to Moffat that the site upon
+which they dwelt at Lattakoo was altogether unsuitable for missionary
+purposes. The great scarcity of water, especially in dry seasons,
+rendered any attempt at raising crops most difficult, and even water for
+drinking purposes could only be obtained in small quantity. Advantage
+was therefore taken of the present favourable impression, made upon the
+minds of Mothibi and his people, to obtain a site for a new station. A
+place eight miles distant, about three miles below the Kuruman fountain,
+where the river of that name had its source, was examined and found to
+offer better advantages for a missionary station than any other for
+hundreds of miles round. Arrangements were made with the Bechwana chiefs
+so that about two miles of the Kuruman valley should henceforth be the
+property of the London Missionary Society, proper remuneration being
+given as soon as Moffat returned from Cape Town, to which place he
+contemplated paying a visit shortly.
+
+This new station will be known in the further chronicle of events, by
+the name of Kuruman.
+
+At the beginning of 1824, the Moffats were in Cape Town. They had gone
+there to obtain supplies, to seek medical aid for Mrs. Moffat, who had
+suffered in health considerably, and to confer personally with Dr.
+Philip about the removal of the station. Mothibi having been anxious
+that his son, Peclu, should see the country of the white people, had
+sent him, accompanied by Taisho, one of the principal chiefs, to Cape
+Town with the missionaries.
+
+The young prince and his companion were astonished at what they saw.
+With difficulty they were persuaded to go along with Robert Moffat on
+board one of the ships in the bay. The enormous size of the hull, the
+height of the masts, the splendid cabin and the deep hold, were each and
+all objects of wonder; and when they saw a boy mount the rigging and
+ascend to the masthead, their astonishment was complete. Turning to the
+young prince, Taisho whispered, "Ah ga si khatla?" (Is it not an ape?)
+"Do these water-houses (ships) unyoke like waggon-oxen every night?"
+they inquired; and also; "Do they graze in the sea to keep them alive?"
+Being asked what they thought of a ship in full sail, which was then
+entering the harbour, they replied, "We have no thoughts here, we hope
+to think again when we get on shore."
+
+Upon the same day that the Moffats reached Cape Town, a ship arrived
+from England, bringing three new missionaries intended for the Bechwana
+station. Of these, however, one only and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes,
+were able to accompany the older missionary upon his return to his post.
+
+Mrs. Moffat's health being somewhat improved, the party left Cape Town,
+and after a tedious and monotonous journey of two months, Robert and
+Mary Moffat reached Lattakoo in safety. They had left Mr. and Mrs.
+Hughes at Griqua Town, where they were to remain for a season. Upon
+reaching home Mr. Hamilton was found pursuing his lonely labours with
+that quiet patience so characteristic of him.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+VISIT TO MAKABA.
+
+
+Shortly after his return, and pending the final arrangements for the
+removal of the missionary station, it was considered advisable that
+Robert Moffat should pay his long promised visit to Makaba, the chief of
+the Bangwaketsi. He left on the 1st of July, 1824, and was accompanied
+by a large party of Griquas, who were going into that region to hunt
+elephants.
+
+Skirting the edge of the Kalahari desert for some time they afterwards
+deviated from their course through want of water, and visited Pitsana,
+where a great concourse of natives had gathered, consisting of the
+different sections of the Barolong tribe, who had been driven from their
+country the previous year during the invasion of the Mantatees. Thence
+they proceeded onward till they reached Kwakwe, the residence of Makaba
+and his people, and the metropolis of the Bangwaketsi. Here the
+missionary was most favourably received by the king, who remarked, with
+a laugh, "That he wondered they should trust themselves, unarmed, in the
+town of such a _villain_ as he was reported to be."
+
+He entertained Moffat and his party royally, declaring, "My friends, I
+am perfectly happy; my heart is whiter than milk, because you have
+visited me. To-day I am a great man. You are wise and bold to come and
+see with your own eyes, and laugh at the testimony of my enemies."
+
+Moffat tried on several occasions to converse with the chief and his
+people on Divine things, but apparently with little success. At length
+on the Sabbath he resolved to pay Makaba a formal visit, so as to obtain
+a hearing for the subject. He found the monarch seated among a large
+number of his principal men, all engaged either preparing skins, cutting
+them, sewing mantles, or telling news.
+
+[Illustration: NATIVES SEWING.]
+
+Sitting down beside him, and amidst his nobles and counsellors, Moffat
+stated that his object was to tell him news. The missionary spoke of
+God, of the Saviour, but his words fell upon deaf ears. One of the men
+sitting near, however, seemed struck with the character of the Redeemer,
+and especially with His miracles. On hearing that He had raised the
+dead, the man said, "What an excellent doctor He must have been to raise
+the dead." This led to a description of His power, and how that power
+would be exercised at the last day in the Resurrection. The ear of the
+monarch caught the sound of a resurrection from the dead, "What," he
+exclaimed in astonishment, "What are these words about? the dead, the
+dead arise!"
+
+"Yes, all the dead shall arise."
+
+"Will my father arise?"
+
+"Yes, your father will arise."
+
+"Will all the slain in battle arise?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And will all that have been killed and devoured by lions, tigers,
+hyenas, and crocodiles again revive?"
+
+"Yes; and come to judgment."
+
+"And will those whose bodies have been left to waste and to wither on
+the desert plains and scattered to the winds again arise?" asked the
+king, with a kind of triumph, as though this time he had fixed the
+missionary.
+
+"Yes!" answered he, with emphasis; "not one will be left behind."
+
+After looking at his visitor for a few moments, Makaba turned to his
+people, saying in a stentorian voice: "Hark, ye wise men, whoever is
+among you, the wisest of past generations, did ever your ears hear such
+strange and unheard-of news?"
+
+Receiving an answer in the negative, he laid his hand upon Moffat's
+breast and said, "Father, I love you much. Your visit and your presence
+have made my heart as white as milk. The words of your mouth are sweet
+as honey, but the words of a resurrection are too great to be heard. I
+do not wish to hear again about the dead rising! The dead cannot arise!
+The dead must not arise!"
+
+"Why," inquired the missionary, "can so great a man refuse knowledge and
+turn away from wisdom? Tell me, my friend, why I must not add to words
+and speak of a resurrection?"
+
+Raising and uncovering his arm which had been strong in battle, and
+shaking his hand as if quivering a spear, he replied, "I have slain my
+thousands, and shall they arise!"
+
+"Never before," adds Mr. Moffat in his _Missionary Labours_, "had the
+light of Divine revelation dawned upon his savage mind, and of course
+his conscience had never accused him, no, not for one of the thousands
+of deeds of rapine and murder which had marked his course through a long
+career."
+
+Starting homewards, the Griqua hunting party, for some altogether
+unexplained reason, announced their intention of returning with the
+missionary instead of remaining behind to hunt; a most providential
+circumstance, which in all probability saved the lives of Moffat and his
+followers and many more besides.
+
+A few hours after leaving Makaba, messengers met the returning company
+from Tauane, the chief of the Barolongs, asking the help of the
+missionary party as he was about to be attacked by the Mantatees. On
+reaching Pitsana they found that such was the case. The attack was made
+and repelled by the Griquas, about twenty in number, mounted and armed
+with guns; and thus the town was saved, the flight of its inhabitants
+into the Kalahari desert, there to perish of hunger and thirst,
+prevented, and the safety of Robert Moffat and his companions secured.
+
+The time during which Moffat had been absent from Lattakoo, had been a
+most anxious one for his wife and those who remained at the station. A
+band of marauders had gathered in the Long Mountains, about forty miles
+to the westward, and after attacking some villages on the Kuruman, had
+threatened an attack on the Batlaping and the mission premises. The
+dreaded Mantatees were also reported to be in the neighbourhood. One
+night when Mary Moffat was alone with her little ones and the two
+Bushmen children, Mr. Hamilton and the assistants being away at the new
+station, a loud rap came at the door, and inquiring who was there,
+Mothibi himself replied. He brought word that the Mantatees were
+approaching.
+
+A hasty message was sent to Mr. Hamilton, who arrived about eight
+o'clock in the morning when preparations were made for flight.
+Messengers continued to arrive, each bringing tidings that caused fresh
+alarm, until about noon, when it was ascertained that the fierce and
+savage enemy had turned aside and directed their course to the
+Barolongs.
+
+The station was safe, but the loving heart of the missionary's wife was
+torn with anguish, as she foresaw that the dreaded Mantatees would be
+crossing her husband's path just at the time when he, almost alone, was
+returning on his homeward way.
+
+Prayer was the support of Mary Moffat under this terrible ordeal, and
+the way prayer was answered has been seen, in the unaccountable manner
+in which Berend Berend and his party of Griquas changed their minds and
+resolved upon returning with Robert Moffat, instead of remaining to hunt
+elephants in the country of the Bangwaketsi.
+
+The remainder of the year 1824 witnessed bloodshed and strife all
+around. War among the Bechwanas, attacks by the marauders of the Long
+Mountains, commotions among the interior tribes: the land was deluged
+with blood; even the warlike Bangwaketsi were dispersed, and Makaba was
+killed. Once again the missionaries had to flee with their families to
+Griqua Town, leaving Mr. Hamilton, as he was without family in charge of
+the new station, with two horses ready for flight in case of danger.
+
+The end of the year found the Kuruman missionaries,--who now consisted
+of Robert and Mary Moffat, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, and Mr. Hamilton,--with
+the exception of the last named, at Griqua Town.
+
+The new station at the Kuruman had been occupied shortly before the
+departure of the fugitives; and early in 1825, finding that the
+immediate danger had passed, the Moffats, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs.
+Hughes, rejoined Mr. Hamilton. Two events of a distressing character to
+the Batlaping and their missionaries occurred about this time. The first
+was the passage of two terrible hail-storms over a portion of the
+country, destroying the crops, killing lambs, and stripping the bark
+from trees. The second was the death of the young prince, Peclu, who had
+an excellent disposition, was comparatively enlightened, and whose
+influence the missionaries expected would have been most salutary among
+his countrymen.
+
+This sorrowful event, combined with a further attack upon the Batlaping
+by the marauders, determined Mothibi and his people to leave their
+present place of settlement and remove to the eastward. For a
+considerable time, however, they remained in an unsettled state,
+suffering from attacks, and leading a vagrant life.
+
+The work of laying out the new station was proceeded with. Three
+temporary dwellings had already been erected, consisting of a wooden
+framework, filled up with reeds, and plastered within and without; the
+foundations of more permanent dwellings had also been laid. Mr. Hughes,
+who had been to Cape Town for supplies, returned, accompanied by a mason
+named Millen and a few Hottentot assistants from Bethelsdorp. The
+company at the station was a large one, and to provide them with food
+was a work of difficulty.
+
+The Kuruman fountain, the source of the Kuruman river, issues from
+caverns in a little hill. It was the purpose of the missionaries to lead
+the water from the river to irrigate their gardens. For this purpose a
+trench was cut two miles in length. This was a work of great labour and
+was attended by considerable danger. It was found necessary that the men
+when working should have their guns with them, in case of being
+surprised by the robbers who roved about. Moffat says, "it was dug in
+troublous times."
+
+Sickness and death entered the missionary dwellings. An infant son was
+born to the Moffats, and five days after called away. Mr. Hughes was
+laid low through a severe cold, and brought to the gates of death. When
+all hope seemed to have vanished he began to amend, though his health
+was not restored until he and Mrs. Hughes made a journey to the Cape. In
+1827 he left Kuruman and removed to the Griqua Mission. The mother of
+Mary Moffat died in October, 1825, but the news did not reach her
+daughter in Africa until April, 1826.
+
+Referring to this time Robert Moffat says: "Our situation during the
+infancy of the new station, I shall not attempt to describe. Some of our
+newly arrived assistants, finding themselves in a country where the
+restraints of law were unknown, and not being under the influence of
+religion, would not submit to the privations which we patiently endured,
+but murmured exceedingly. Armed robbers were continually making inroads,
+threatening death and extirpation. We were compelled to work daily at
+every species of labour, most of which was very heavy, under a burning
+sun, and in a dry climate, where only one shower had fallen during the
+preceding twelve months. These are only imperfect samples of our
+engagements for several years at the new station, while at the same
+time, the language, which was entirely oral, had to be acquired."
+
+Notwithstanding all the impediments to such an enterprise, Robert Moffat
+had made some progress towards establishing a literature in the native,
+or Sechwana tongue. A spelling-book, catechism, and some small portions
+of Scripture had been prepared, and sent to the Cape to be printed, in
+1825. Through a mistake, these were unfortunately sent on to England,
+causing much disappointment and delay.
+
+Things settled down somewhat in 1826. The discontented Hottentots
+returned to the Colony, leaving the missionaries and Mr. Millen to carry
+on the work of laying out the station, erecting the buildings, and the
+other manual labour connected with the undertaking, assisted only by
+such poor help as they could get from the Bechwanas.
+
+The native population at the station had been much reduced. Such of the
+Batlaping as had not moved away, had settled down about the Kuruman
+valley. They did not oppose the Gospel, but they appeared quite
+indifferent to it.
+
+For several years the country had been parched through drought, but
+early in 1826 rain fell plentifully. The earth was soon covered with
+verdure, but the bright prospects of abundance were quickly cut off.
+Swarms of locusts infested the land, and vegetation was entirely
+destroyed. This led to great scarcity, and although the natives caught
+and ate the locusts, hunger and suffering prevailed. The missionaries'
+cattle could not be let out of sight, or they were instantly stolen. One
+day two noted fellows from the mountains pounced down upon a man who had
+charge of some oxen. They murdered the man and made off with an ox.
+
+To become proficient in the Sechwana language was the earnest purpose of
+Robert Moffat. At the end of the year 1826, having moved into his new
+dwelling, built of stone, and the state of the country being somewhat
+more tranquil, he left his home and family, to sojourn for a time among
+the Barolongs, so that he might live exclusively with the natives and
+attend to their speech.
+
+He made the journey by ox-waggon, and was accompanied by the
+waggon-driver, a boy, and two Barolongs who were journeying to the same
+place as himself. The dangers attending these journeyings from tribe to
+tribe were by no means imaginary, the following, related in Moffat's own
+words, serving as an illustration of some of the perils often
+encountered:
+
+"The two Barolongs had brought a young cow with them, and though I
+recommended their making her fast as well as the oxen, they humorously
+replied that she was too wise to leave the waggon, even though a lion
+should be scented. We took a little supper, which was followed by our
+evening hymn and prayer. I had retired only a few minutes to my waggon
+to prepare for the night, when the whole of the oxen started to their
+feet. A lion had seized the cow only a few steps from their tails, and
+dragged it to the distance of thirty or forty yards, where we distinctly
+heard it tearing the animal and breaking its bones, while its bellowings
+were most pitiful. When these were over, I seized my gun, but as it was
+too dark to see half the distance, I aimed at the spot where the
+devouring jaws of the lion were heard. I fired again and again, to which
+he replied with tremendous roars, at the same time making a rush towards
+the waggon so as exceedingly to terrify the oxen. The two Barolongs
+engaged to take firebrands and throw them at him so as to afford me a
+degree of light that I might take aim. They had scarcely discharged them
+from their hands when the flames went out, and the enraged animal rushed
+towards them with such swiftness, that I had barely time to turn the gun
+and fire between the men and the lion. The men darted through some thorn
+bushes with countenances indicative of the utmost terror. It was now the
+opinion of all that we had better let him alone if he did not molest us.
+
+"Having but a scanty supply of wood to keep up a fire, one man crept
+among the bushes on one side of the pool, while I proceeded for the same
+purpose on the other side. I had not gone far, when looking upward to
+the edge of the small basin, I discerned between me and the sky four
+animals, whose attention appeared to be directed to me by the noise I
+made in breaking a dry stick. On closer inspection I found that the
+large round, hairy-headed visitors were lions, and retreated on my hands
+and feet towards the other side of the pool, when coming to my
+waggon-driver, I found him looking with no little alarm in an opposite
+direction, and with good reason, as no fewer than two lions with a cub
+were eyeing us both, apparently as uncertain about us as we were
+distrustful of them. We thankfully decamped to the waggon and sat down
+to keep alive our scanty fire, while we listened to the lion tearing and
+devouring his prey. When any of the other hungry lions dared to approach
+he would pursue them for some paces with a horrible howl, which made our
+poor oxen tremble, and produced anything but agreeable sensations to
+ourselves. We had reason for alarm, lest any of the six lions we saw,
+fearless of our small fire, might rush in among us."
+
+[Illustration: BAROLONG WOMEN.]
+
+From these dangers Moffat was mercifully preserved and after journeying
+for six days he reached the village of a young chief named Bogachu. At
+this place, and at one about twenty miles distant, he lived a
+semi-savage life for ten weeks. To use a common expression he "made
+himself at home" among them. They were kind and appeared delighted with
+his company, especially as when food run scarce, he could take his gun
+and shoot a rhinoceros or some other animal, when a night of feasting
+and talking would follow.
+
+Every opportunity was embraced by the missionary of imparting Christian
+instruction to these people; their supreme idea of happiness, however,
+seemed able to rise no higher than having plenty of meat. Asking a man,
+who seemed more grave than the rest, what was the finest sight he could
+desire, he replied, "A great fire covered with pots full of meat,"
+adding, "How ugly the fire looks without a pot"
+
+The object of the journey was fully gained; henceforth Robert Moffat
+needed no interpreter; he could now speak and preach to the people in
+their own tongue. He found all well on reaching home and prepared to
+settle down with a feeling of ability to the work of translation.
+
+The prospects of the mission at this time began to brighten. Several
+thousands of the natives had gathered on the opposite side of the
+valley, near the mission station. They were becoming more settled in
+their minds, and would collect in the different divisions of the town
+when the missionaries visited them; the public attendance at the regular
+religious services daily increased, and the school was better attended.
+No visible signs of an inward change in the natives could yet be seen,
+but Moffat and his fellow-workers felt certain that this was not far
+off.
+
+War again intervened and darkened the brightening prospects. Once more
+the missionaries, after prayerful consideration, felt it necessary to
+flee to Griqua Town, suffering much loss of time and of property.
+Happily the storm passed over, and, on returning to the Kuruman, they
+found their houses, and such property as they had left behind, in good
+order, a proof of the influence they were gaining over the once thievish
+Bechwanas. Half the oxen and nearly all the cows belonging to the
+missionaries were, however, dead, no milk could be obtained, and, worse
+than these evils, the people had fled, leaving their native houses but
+heaps of ashes.
+
+Sorrowfully these servants of God resolved once more to resume their
+labours. A few poor natives had remained at the station, whose numbers
+were being increased by others who arrived from day to day.
+
+At this trying time the hearts of Robert Moffat and his companions were
+cheered by the arrival of the Rev. Robert Miles, the Society's
+superintendent, who, having made himself conversant with the affairs of
+the station, suggested the great importance of preparing something like
+hymns in the native language. By the continued singing of these, he
+stated the great truths of salvation would become imperceptibly written
+on the minds of the people.
+
+The suggestion so kindly made was acted upon, and Moffat prepared the
+first hymn in the language. The spelling-books also arrived, which
+enabled the missionaries to open a school in the Sechwana tongue. Mr.
+Miles returned, and the stated labours of the mission were carried
+forward. With few interruptions they had been continued for ten years
+without fruit. But the dawn of a new era seemed now ready to rise above
+the horizon.
+
+Yet again, however, was their faith to be sorely tried by the terrible
+scourge--war. The desperadoes consisted this time of a party advancing
+from the Orange River, among whom were some Griquas. The suspense and
+anxiety were great, but recourse was had to prayer. On this occasion the
+missionaries determined to remain at their post. A first attack was
+repulsed through the intrepidity of an escaped slave named Aaron
+Josephs, and a peaceful interval intervened of about two months, when a
+second attack on the mission premises was threatened. By Moffat's
+directions, the heights at the back of the station were crowded with
+men, to give the appearance of a large defending force, though probably
+not a dozen guns could have been mustered among them. The assailants
+seeing the preparations for defence, drew up at some distance, and,
+after a short delay, sent forward two messengers with a flag of truce.
+Moffat went out to meet them, and learned that a renegade Christian
+Griqua named Jantye Goeman wished to see him at their camp.
+
+A meeting was arranged half way between the station and the camp, and
+Jantye, who was ashamed to let the missionary see his face, as he had
+known him at Griqua Town, tried to lay all the blame upon another
+renegade, a Coranna chief named Paul, who had, in days gone by,
+entertained Robert Moffat and visited his dwelling.
+
+At this moment a waggon was seen approaching, and fearing it might
+contain some one from Griqua Town, and seeing that a hostile movement
+was made towards it, Moffat turned to Jantye and said, "I shall not see
+your face till the waggon and its owners are safe on the station." He
+instantly ran off and brought the waggon through, when it was found to
+contain the Wesleyan missionaries Mr. and Mrs. Archbell from Platberg.
+
+At last, after much hesitation, Paul himself came near. He could not
+look at Moffat, and kept his hat drawn down over his eyes. He told the
+missionary that he himself need have no fear, but that revenge should be
+had upon the Batlaping who were at Kuruman.
+
+"I shall have their blood and their cattle too," said Paul, as his eyes
+glared with fury.
+
+Long and patiently Moffat argued with him, showing him the enormity of
+his crimes. At last the victory was won. No shot was fired, and both the
+station and the Batlaping were saved. Turning to his men, and referring
+to some of the missionary's cattle which had been stolen, he cried,
+"Bring back those cows and sheep we took this morning."
+
+It was done. Then he said, "I am going. There are the things of your
+people. Will Mynheer not shake hands with me for once?"
+
+"Of course I will," said Moffat, "but let me see your face."
+
+"That I will not, indeed," he replied, "I do not want to die yet. I can
+see your face through my hat."
+
+The rude hand of war was henceforth stayed, and the land had peace for
+half-a-century, during which time great and happy changes took place at
+the Kuruman station.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE AWAKENING.
+
+
+The long delayed, and fervently prayed for time had come at last. For
+ten weary years these earnest and faithful missionaries had laboured
+without seeing any results. Now their hearts were to rejoice as they
+should witness the work of the Holy Spirit, and see those over whom they
+had so long mourned, brought to the Saviour, and out of heathen darkness
+into Gospel light.
+
+"The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof,
+but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth;" so was it
+with the awakening among the Bechwanas at the Kuruman. There seemed no
+apparent cause for the intensity of feeling that was now displayed by
+these people. Men, who had scorned the idea of shedding a tear, wept as
+their hearts were melted. The chapel became a place of weeping, and
+some, after gazing intently upon the preacher, fell down in hysterics.
+The little chapel became too small to hold the numbers who flocked to
+it, and with the voluntary aid of Aaron Josephs a new building,
+fifty-one feet long by sixteen wide, with clay walls and thatched roof,
+was erected to serve as a school-house and place of worship, until the
+large stone church, which was to form the most prominent feature of the
+station, should be completed.
+
+This temporary church was opened in May, 1829, and in the following
+month, after very careful examination, six candidates for baptism were
+selected from among the inquirers. Speaking of these converts Robert
+Moffat said, "It was truly gratifying to observe the simplicity of their
+faith, implicitly relying on the atonement of Christ, of which they
+appeared to have a very clear conception, considering the previous
+darkness of their minds on such subjects."
+
+They were baptised on the first Sabbath in July, a large number of
+spectators from the neighbouring towns, and a party of Griquas, being
+present. In the evening the missionaries, the new disciples, and a
+Griqua, twelve in all, sat down to the Lord's table. In connection with
+this event an interesting anecdote is related showing the strong faith
+of Mary Moffat!
+
+On one occasion, some time before this event, when all seemed dark, her
+friend Mrs. Greaves of Sheffield had written to Mary Moffat kindly
+inquiring if there was anything of use which she could send. The reply
+returned was, "Send us a communion service, we shall want it some day."
+Communication between the Kuruman and England was tardy then, and before
+an answer came to her letter the darkness increased, and the Bechwanas
+seemed as far from salvation as ever. On the day preceding the reception
+of the first converts into the Kuruman Church, a box arrived from
+England, which had been twelve months on the road, and in it were found
+the communion vessels that Mary Moffat had asked for more than two years
+before.
+
+Great as was the change, the missionaries rejoiced with trembling. They
+knew that there were great prejudices to be overcome, and that the
+relation in which the Christians stood to their heathen neighbours would
+expose their faith to trial. But they prayed and believed that He who
+had begun the good work would carry it on.
+
+The change of heart speedily produced a change in dress and habits.
+Those who had been baptised had previously procured decent raiment, and
+prepared it for the occasion with Mrs. Moffat's assistance. A
+sewing-school had hitherto been uncalled for, the women's work having
+been that of building houses, raising fences, and tilling the ground;
+now Mrs. Moffat met those who desired to learn as often as her strength
+would permit, and soon she had a motley group of pupils, very few of the
+whole party possessing either a frock or a gown. The scarcity of
+materials was a serious impediment to progress, but ornaments, which
+before the natives had held in high repute, were now parted with to
+purchase the skins of animals, which being prepared almost as soft as
+cloth were made into jackets, trousers, and gowns. When a visit was paid
+by a trader, British manufactures were eagerly bought.
+
+In the progress of improvement some amusing incidents occurred. A man
+might be seen in a jacket with one sleeve, because the other was not yet
+finished; or others went about in duffel jackets with sleeves of cotton
+of various colours; gowns like Joseph's coat were worn, and dresses of
+such fantastic shapes, that to tell the fashion of the same would have
+been a puzzle.
+
+To Mrs. Moffat general application was made both by males and females.
+One brought skins to be cut into dresses, another wanted a jacket, a
+third a pattern, while a fourth brought his jacket sewed upside down,
+and asked why it did not fit. Fat, which before they always considered
+was to be rubbed on their bodies or deposited in their stomachs, they
+now found useful in making candles to give light in their dwellings.
+
+The prospects of the missionaries continued cheering, and the increased
+anxiety for instruction and growth in knowledge among the candidates
+greatly strengthened their hands. "I seek Jesus," one would say; a
+second, "I am feeling after God, I have been wandering, unconscious of
+my danger, among beasts of prey; the day has dawned, I see my danger."
+The missionaries were cautious men, and were slow to receive members
+into their little church, but the evidence was complete that numbers
+were saved.
+
+The happy death of a native woman about this time afforded them much
+encouragement. When she knew her end was near, she said to those around,
+"I am going to die. Weep not because I am going to leave you, but weep
+for your sins and your souls. With me all is well, for do not suppose
+that I die like a beast, or that I shall sleep for ever in the grave.
+No! Jesus has died for my sins; He has said he will save me, I am going
+to be with Him." Thus one who a few months before was as ignorant as the
+cattle, departed with the full assurance of an eternal life beyond the
+grave.
+
+Rumours had for some time past reached the Kuruman station of a strong
+and warlike people who dwelt to the eastward, spoke another language,
+and were strangers to the Bechwanas. In the latter portion of 1829, two
+envoys were specially sent from Moselekatse, the king of this people,
+the Matabele, to the mission station at Kuruman, to learn about the
+manners and teaching of the white men there.
+
+These envoys, who were two of the king's head men, were entertained, the
+principal objects, industries, and methods of living were pointed out to
+them; but their greatest wonder was excited when they beheld the public
+worship in the mission chapel. They listened to the hymns, and to the
+address, part of which only they understood, and were much surprised
+when they heard that the hymns were not war songs.
+
+When the time came for the ambassadors to depart, they begged Robert
+Moffat to accompany them, as they were afraid of the Bechwana tribes
+through whom they would have to pass on their return journey. This
+circumstance led to his visiting the warlike Moselekatse, over whom he
+obtained a marvellous influence.
+
+The details of the journey we must pass over. As they advanced they saw
+evidences on every hand of the terrible Mantatees, and the still more
+terrible Matabele. In places, where populous towns and villages had
+been, nothing remained but dilapidated walls and heaps of stones,
+mingled with human skulls. The country had become the abode of reptiles
+and beasts of prey; the inhabitants having perished beneath the spears
+and clubs of their savage enemies.
+
+The reception accorded Robert Moffat by Moselekatse may best be
+described in the missionary's own words:--
+
+"We proceeded directly to the town, and on riding into the centre of the
+large fold, we were rather taken by surprise to find it lined by eight
+hundred warriors, besides two hundred who were concealed on each side of
+the entrance, as if in ambush. We were beckoned to dismount, which we
+did, holding our horses' bridles in our hands. The warriors at the gate
+instantly rushed in with hideous yells, and leaping from the earth with
+a kind of kilt round their bodies, hanging like loose tails, and their
+large shields, frightened our horses. They then joined the circle,
+falling into rank with as much order as if they had been accustomed to
+European tactics. Here we stood, surrounded by warriors, whose kilts
+were of ape skins, and their legs and arms adorned with the hair and
+tails of oxen, their shields reaching to their chins and their heads
+adorned with feathers.
+
+"A profound silence followed for some ten minutes; then all commenced a
+war-song, stamping their feet in time with the music. No one approached,
+though every eye was fixed upon us. Then all was silent, and Moselekatse
+marched out from behind the lines with an interpreter, and with
+attendants following, bearing meat, beer, and other food. He gave us a
+hearty salutation and seemed overjoyed."
+
+The waggons were objects that struck the dusky monarch with awe. He
+examined them minutely, especially the wheels; one point remained a
+mystery, how the iron tire surrounding the wheel came to be in one piece
+without end or joint. Umbate, the head-man, who had visited the mission
+station, explained what he had seen in the smith's shop there. "My
+eyes," said he, "saw that very hand," pointing to Moffat's hand, "cut
+these bars of iron, take a piece off one end, and then join them as you
+now see them." "Does he give medicine to the iron?" the monarch
+inquired. "No," said Umbate, "nothing is used but fire, a hammer, and a
+chisel."
+
+This powerful chieftain was an absolute despot ruling over a tribe of
+fierce warriors, who knew no will but his. He was the terror of all the
+surrounding country, his smile was life, his frown scattered horror and
+death. Yet even in his savage breast there were chords that could be
+touched by kindness, and Moffat received many tokens of his friendship
+during the eight days that he stayed in his town.
+
+During one of their first interviews the monarch, laying his hand upon
+Moffats shoulder, said, "My heart is all white as milk; I am still
+wondering at the love of a stranger who never saw me. You have fed me,
+you have protected me, you have carried me in your arms. I live to-day
+by you, a stranger."
+
+Upon Moffat replying that he was unaware of having rendered him any such
+service, he said, pointing to his two ambassadors: "These are great men;
+Umbate is my right hand. When I sent them from my presence to see the
+land of the white men, I sent my ears, my eyes, my mouth; what they
+heard I heard, what they saw I saw, and what they said it was
+Moselekatse who said it. You fed them and clothed them, and when they
+were to be slain you were their shield. You did it unto me. You did it
+unto Moselekatse, the son of Machobane."
+
+Moffat explained to this African king the objects of the missionary, and
+pressed upon him the truths of the Gospel. On one occasion the king came
+attended by a party of his warriors, who remained at a short distance
+dancing and singing. "Their yells and shouts," says Moffat, "their
+fantastic leaps and distorted gestures, would have impressed a stranger
+with the idea that they were more like a company of fiends than men." As
+he looked upon the scene, his mind was occupied in contemplating the
+miseries of the savage state. He spoke to the king on man's ruin and
+man's redemption. "Why," said the monarch, "are you so earnest that I
+abandon all war, and do not kill men?" "Look on the human bones which
+lie scattered over your dominions," was the missionary's answer. "They
+speak in awful language, and to me they say, 'Whosoever sheddeth man's
+blood, by man also will his blood be shed.'" Moffat also spoke of the
+Resurrection, a startling subject for a savage and murderer like
+Moselekatse.
+
+The kindness of the king extended to the missionary's return journey.
+Food in abundance was given to him, and a number of warriors attended
+his waggon as a guard against lions on the way. After an absence of two
+months he reached home in safety, where he found all well, and the
+Divine blessing still resting upon the Mission. Copious showers had
+fallen, and the fields and gardens teemed with plenty. The converts and
+many others, leaving their old traditions as to horticulture, imitated
+the example of the missionaries in leading out water to their gardens,
+and raised crops, not only of their native grain, pumpkins,
+kidney-beans, and water-melons, but also vegetables, such as the
+missionaries had introduced, maize, wheat, barley, peas, potatoes,
+carrots, onions, and tobacco--this latter they had formerly purchased
+from the Bahurutsi, but now it became a profitable article of traffic.
+They also planted fruit trees.
+
+As an illustration of their zeal, which was not always according to
+knowledge, the following may be given. The course of the missionary's
+water-trench along the side of a hill, appeared as if it ascended,
+therefore several of the natives set to work in good earnest, and cut
+courses leading directly up hill, hoping the water would one day follow.
+
+The spiritual affairs of the station kept pace with the external
+improvements. The temporary chapel continued to be well filled, a
+growing seriousness was observable among the people, progress was made
+in reading, and there was every reason for encouragement. Early In
+1830, after the second mission-house had been finished and occupied by
+Mr. Hamilton, the foundation of a new and substantial stone church was
+laid. Circumstances, however, and especially the difficulty of procuring
+suitable timber for the roof delayed its completion for several years.
+
+The work of translation had been kept steadily in view. In June, 1830,
+Robert Moffat had finished the translation into Sechwana, of the Gospel
+of Luke, and a long projected journey to the coast was undertaken by him
+and his wife. The journey had for its objects, to put the two elder
+children to school, to get the translation of Luke printed, and to
+collect subscriptions among friends in the Colony towards the building
+of the new place of worship.
+
+At Philippolis, on their journey, they met with the French missionaries
+Rolland and Lemue, of the Paris Protestant Missionary Society, and also
+with Mr. and Mrs. Baillie, who had been appointed by the London
+Missionary Society to the Kururnan Mission. At Graham's Town, Mary
+Moffat remained behind to place the children at the Wesleyan school near
+there, and Robert visited several of the mission stations in Kafirland,
+and afterwards some of those within the Colony, finally reaching Cape
+Town in October, 1830.
+
+At that early day printing in Cape Town was in its infancy. It was
+therefore found necessary to make application to the Governor to allow
+the Gospel of Luke In Sechwana to be printed at the Government Printing
+Office. The request was cheerfully acceded to, but compositors there
+were none to undertake the work. This difficulty, combined with the
+promise of an excellent printing press, which Dr. Philip had in his
+possession for the Kuruman Mission, induced Moffat to learn printing.
+He was joined by Mr. Edwards, who was now appointed to the Kuruman
+station, and under the kind superintendence of the assistant in charge
+of the office, they soon not only completed the work they had in hand,
+but acquired a fair knowledge of the art of printing. Besides the Gospel
+of Luke, a small hymn-book was printed in the Sechwana language.
+
+A violent attack of bilious fever followed these labours, which had been
+carried on in the hottest season of the year, and when the time came for
+Robert Moffat to leave Cape Town he had to be carried on board the ship
+on a mattress. The sea passage to Algoa Bay, however, although a rough
+one, tended greatly to his restoration to health.
+
+Sickness among their oxen, and the birth of a daughter, whom they named
+Elizabeth, detained the Moffats some time at Bethelsdorp, on their
+return journey; from which place, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Edwards,
+they went forward to the Kuruman, where they arrived in June, 1831. They
+carried with them the edition of the Gospel of Luke, a hymn-book printed
+in the language of the people, a printing-press, type, paper, and ink,
+besides liberal subscriptions from friends in the Colony towards the
+erection of the mission church.
+
+Great was the astonishment of the natives when they saw the
+printing-press at work. Lessons, spelling-books and catechisms were
+prepared for the schools. To see a white sheet of paper disappear for a
+moment and then emerge covered with letters was beyond their
+comprehension. After a few noisy exclamations one obtained a sheet, with
+which he bounded through the village, showing it to all he met, and
+saying it had been made in a moment with a round black hammer (a
+printer's ball) and a shake of the arm.
+
+A large box containing materials for clothing from a friend in
+Manchester, Miss Lees, had also formed part of the baggage brought from
+the Cape. Materials being now at hand, and Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. Baillie
+co-operating, a sewing-school on a much larger scale was established, to
+the great comfort and improvement of the natives.
+
+The congregation continued to increase and new members were added to the
+church, but sorrows tempered the joy of this happy time. Small-pox
+entered the country, and many of the inhabitants died; with them passed
+away one of the daughters of Robert and Mary Moffat. Towards the end of
+1832 the labourers at Kuruman were cheered by a visit from Dr. Philip,
+who arranged that the two French missionaries, Rolland and Lemue, should
+commence a mission station at Motito, a place nearly forty miles
+distant, in a north-easterly direction.
+
+In January, 1835, a scientific expedition under Dr. Andrew Smith,
+arrived at Moffat's station. This visit appeared as though ordered by an
+over-ruling Providence for the especial benefit of himself and his
+devoted wife. It found them in sore trouble, and it brought help and a
+friend in time of need. Mr. Edwards was away and Robert had been
+overworked. When Dr. Smith arrived, he found him suffering from an
+attack of intermittent fever, and hastened to render aid. Under the
+Doctor's skilful treatment he speedily recovered. On the 10th of March
+another son was added to the Moffat family, and shortly afterwards Mary
+was suddenly taken seriously ill, and became so weak, that for many days
+her recovery seemed hopeless. The Doctor was at that time away
+surveying, but upon receiving information of the position of affairs at
+Kuruman, he immediately hastened to render all the assistance in his
+power.
+
+Speaking of this friend, raised up so unexpectedly, Robert Moffat writes
+in his book: "His tender sympathy and unremitting attention in that
+trying season, during which all hope of her recovery had fled, can never
+be erased from our grateful recollection, for in the midst of his active
+and laborious engagements at the head of the expedition, he watched for
+several successive nights, with fraternal sympathy, what appeared to be
+the dying pillow of my beloved partner, nor did he leave before she was
+out of danger."
+
+A life-long friendship was cherished for the one who had come to them in
+their sore need, and who was always most gratefully remembered by the
+African missionary and his exemplary wife.
+
+Shortly after these events, at the request of Dr. Smith, Robert Moffat
+accompanied the expedition on a visit to Moselekatse and the Matabele
+country. Moselekatse was delighted to see his missionary friend again.
+The scientific expedition had permission to travel through any part of
+the monarch's territories, but Moffat, the king kept as his guest.
+Together they visited, in the missionary's waggon, several of the
+Matabele towns, and many conversations were held, in which the
+importance of religion, and the evil effects of the king's policy were
+faithfully pointed out.
+
+By this journey, which occupied three months, a way was paved for some
+American missionaries to reside with Moselekatse, and the country was
+surveyed to find timber suitable for the roof of the new Kuruman
+church. This timber was afterwards collected by Messrs. Hamilton and
+Edwards--the wood-cutters having to travel to a distance of two hundred
+and fifty miles--and fashioned into the roof of the church; which stands
+at this day a monument of the united labours of Hamilton, Moffat, and
+Edwards; and a wonder to beholders as to how such an achievement could
+have been performed with the slender means then at hand.
+
+[Illustration: MOFFAT PREACHING AT MOSHEU'S VILLAGE.]
+
+Upon Moffat's return home again, his wife, by Dr. Smith's orders, left
+for the Cape to recruit her strength; and Robert Moffat went
+itinerating among the scattered Bechwanas. A most interesting time was
+spent at a village, one hundred and fifty miles from Kuruman, where a
+chief named Mosheu and his people resided. Three times did the
+missionary preach to them on the first day, besides answering the
+questions of all who gathered round. Many were most anxious to learn to
+read, and such spelling-books as Moffat had with him were distributed
+among them.
+
+Some of the head men thought they would like to try, and requested
+Moffat to teach them. A large sheet alphabet, torn at one corner, was
+found, and laid on the ground. All knelt in a circle round it, some of
+course viewing the letters upside down. "I commenced pointing with a
+stick," says he, "and when I pronounced one letter, all hallooed to some
+purpose. When I remarked that perhaps we might manage with somewhat less
+noise, one replied, 'that he was sure the louder he roared, the sooner
+would his tongue get accustomed to the seeds' as he called the letters."
+
+Somewhat later, a party of young folks seized hold of the missionary,
+with the request, "Oh, teach us the A B C with music." Dragged and
+pushed, he entered one of the largest native houses, which was instantly
+crowded. The tune of "Auld Lang Syne" was pitched to A B C, and soon the
+strains were echoed to the farthest corner of the village. Between two
+and three o'clock on the following morning, Moffat got permission to
+retire to rest; his slumbers were, however, disturbed by the assiduity
+of the sable choristers; and on awaking after a brief repose, his ears
+were greeted on all sides by the familiar notes of the Scotch air.
+
+Very pleasing progress was made by these people in Christian knowledge.
+Mosheu brought his daughter to Mrs. Moffat for instruction, and his
+brother took his son to Mr. Lemue at Motito for the same purpose.
+
+The mission at the Kuruman continued to prosper, both at the home and
+the out-stations. Numbers of Bechwanas were added to the church, both at
+Kuruman and Griqua Town. Under Mr. Edwards' superintendence the readers
+largely increased, and the Infant School, commenced and carried on by
+Mrs. Edwards, with the assistance of a native girl, was highly
+satisfactory. Civilisation advanced, some of the natives purchasing
+waggons, and using oxen for labour which formerly had been performed by
+women. Clothing was in such demand, that a merchant named Hume, an
+honourable trader in whom the missionaries had confidence, built a
+house, and settled at the station. The new church, after much labour,
+was opened in November, 1838, on which occasion between eight and nine
+hundred persons attended the service; and on the following Sabbath, one
+hundred and fifty members united in celebrating the Lord's Supper.
+
+Persevering Christian love, combined with strong faith, much prayer, and
+untiring labour, had changed the barren wilderness into a fruitful land.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+VISIT TO ENGLAND.
+
+
+The work of Bible translation had been steadily pressed forward; all
+available time having been devoted by Robert Moffat to that undertaking.
+By the end of 1838, the whole of the New Testament had been rendered
+into the native tongue, and a journey was made by the Moffats to Cape
+Town, to recruit their health, and to get the Sechwana New Testament
+printed; the task being too heavy for the mission press. Cape Town was
+but little better off than the Kuruman for accomplishing a work of this
+magnitude, and it speedily became apparent that the printing would have
+to be undertaken in England.
+
+Twenty-two years had passed away since the youthful missionary stood
+upon the deck of the _Alacrity_, and bade farewell to the land of his
+birth. During that time he had never allowed his interest in the affairs
+of his native country to grow cold. Letters and newspapers had been
+eagerly welcomed, and the memory of friends in the far distant isle had
+been most keenly cherished, both by him and his Mary. Now once more they
+were to tread upon its well-loved shores, and to tell to its people the
+story of God's work among the savage tribes of South Africa.
+
+There were no floating "Castles"[A] at that time, making the journey in
+twenty days, and a passage had to be taken in a small ship
+homeward-bound from China, having troops on board. Measles raged at the
+Cape, and sickness was on board ship. Between the two the Moffats had
+much to endure, and the vessel had not left Table Bay when another
+daughter was born to add to their joy and anxiety. Three days' after his
+sister came, dear six-year-old Jamie, lying beside his prostrate mother
+in her cot, was called to the Better Land, with the words, "Oh, that
+will be joyful, when we meet to part no more," upon his dying lips.
+
+[A]: [Donald Currie's line of Mail steamships, the _Garth Castle_, &c.,
+which make the voyage to the Cape in twenty days.]
+
+On the 6th June, 1839, the ship anchored off Cowes, and a few days later
+reached London. The reception of Robert Moffat was most enthusiastic,
+and so great was the demand for his presence at public meetings, that it
+was with the utmost difficulty he procured liberty to visit his own
+friends.
+
+Twenty years had made great changes in the homes at both Dukinfield and
+Inverkeithing. Mary Moffat's aged father was living, but her mother and
+a brother had been called away, another brother was in America, and a
+third was a missionary in Madras. Robert's parents were still living,
+but a brother and two sisters had passed away. Many friends, whose kind
+and generous thoughtfulness had often cheered the heart of the faithful
+missionary and his faithful wife in their voluntary exile, now gathered
+around them, among whom were Mrs. Greaves of Sheffield, the donor of the
+Communion Service, and Miss Lees of Manchester.
+
+Of the events connected with this visit to England, want of space
+precludes us from giving details. A great wave of missionary enthusiasm
+at that time swept over the country, and Moffat found himself hurried
+from town to town with but scant opportunities for rest. In May, 1840,
+he preached the Anniversary Sermon for the London Missionary Society,
+and, at their Annual Meeting, Exeter Hall was packed so densely that
+after making his speech in the large upper hall, Moffat had to give it
+again in the smaller hall below.
+
+An anecdote related in the course of his speech at the Bible Society's
+May Meeting shows the value set by a native woman upon a single Gospel
+in the native tongue. "She was a Matabele captive," said Moffat. "Once,
+while visiting the sick, as I entered her premises, I found her sitting
+weeping, with a portion of the Word of God in her hand. I said, 'My
+child what is the cause of your sorrow? Is the baby still unwell?' 'No,'
+she replied, 'my baby is well,' 'Your mother-in-law?' I inquired. 'No,
+no,' she said, 'it is my own dear mother, who bore me.' Here she again
+gave vent to her grief, and, holding out the Gospel of Luke, in a hand
+wet with tears, she said, 'My mother will never see this word; she will
+never hear this good news! Oh, my mother and my friends, they live in
+heathen darkness; and shall they die without seeing the light which has
+shone on me, and without tasting that love which I have tasted!' Raising
+her eyes to heaven she sighed a prayer, and I heard the words again, 'My
+mother, my mother!'"
+
+His hope when he landed had been to get the printing of the Sechwana New
+Testament speedily accomplished, and to return to South Africa before
+winter; but it was not until January, 1843, that he was able once again
+to sail for Africa.
+
+In 1840 two new missionaries were set apart for the Bechwana
+mission--- William Ross and David Livingstone. With them Robert Moffat
+was able to send five hundred copies of the Sechwana New Testament.
+
+As the sheets were passing through the press, it was suggested to him
+that the Psalms would be a valuable addition to the work. With his
+characteristic energy he immediately commenced the task, and, a few
+months after the sailing of Ross and Livingstone, he had the joy of
+sending to Africa over two thousand copies of the New Testament, with
+which the Psalms had been bound up. By the end of 1843 six thousand
+copies had been sent out. A revision of the book of Scripture Lessons
+was also undertaken and carried through the press. A demand was made
+upon him to write a book, in response to which he prepared his well
+known work, "Missionary Labours and Scenes in South Africa," which was
+published in 1842, and met with great success.
+
+At length the time drew near when once more Robert and Mary Moffat
+should cross the sea to their beloved home at Kuruman. Valedictory
+services of a most enthusiastic character were held in Scotland,
+Newcastle, Manchester, and London. At Edinburgh a copy of the
+"Encyclopaedia Britannica" was presented to Robert Moffat, and at
+Newcastle a set of scientific instruments was given him. A great impetus
+was imparted to missionary work abroad through these and preceding
+meetings, during his sojourn in England, and when on the 30th of
+January, 1843, he and his wife embarked at Gravesend, accompanied by two
+new missionaries for the Bechwana field, they carried with them the
+esteem of a wide circle of friends, and had the fervent prayers of many
+offered up on their behalf.
+
+On the 10th of April they landed at Cape Town, and six weeks later
+embarked in a small coasting vessel for Algoa Bay. At Bethelsdorp, a
+village a few miles beyond Port Elizabeth, they rejoined Messrs. Ashton
+and Inglis, who with their wives had gone on before by steamer; but here
+they were detained for several months, waiting for a vessel to arrive
+from England which had on board a large quantity of baggage for the
+missionaries and their work.
+
+[Illustration: CAPE TOWN.]
+
+At last the start was made, the long train of ox waggons wended their
+way, the Orange River was crossed, this time on a pont or floating
+bridge, and at the Vaal River, one hundred and fifty miles distant from
+Kuruman, the missionary party were met by David Livingstone, who had
+ridden forth to bid them welcome.
+
+From this point onwards friends both white and black emulated each other
+in testifying their gladness at their friend's return, until as the
+Moffats drew near to Kuruman their progress became like a royal one. At
+last between two and three o'clock on the 10th of December, 1843, they
+sat down once again in their own home, amongst those for whom they had
+toiled so zealously, and over whom their hearts yearned with a holy
+love. The delight of the natives at having their missionary and his wife
+among them again was unbounded. In a letter published in the _Missionary
+Magazine_, October, 1844, Moffat thus writes, giving an account of their
+reception:--"Many were the hearty welcomes we received, all appearing
+emulous to testify their joy. Old and young, even the little children,
+would shake hands with us. Some gave vent to their joy with an air of
+heathen wildness, and some in silent floods of tears; while others,
+whose hearts had sickened with deferred hope, would ask again and again,
+'Do our eyes indeed behold you?' Thus we found ourselves once more among
+a people who loved us, and who had longed for our return."
+
+The mission having been largely reinforced, it was arranged that Mr, and
+Mrs. Ross should go to Taung, about one hundred miles east of Kuruman,
+where a portion of the Bechwana tribe had settled under Mahura, a
+brother of Mothibi; while Edwards and Livingstone were to commence work
+among the Bakhatla, two hundred miles to the north-east. Inglis was to
+go to the same neighbourhood; thus the regular missionary staff of the
+Kuruman station comprised after their departure, the venerable Mr.
+Hamilton, who had seen the commencement of the Bechwana Mission in 1816,
+Mr. and Mrs. Ashton, and the Moffats.
+
+The place to which Edwards and Livingstone had gone was a large native
+town near to the haunts of lions. These greatly harassed the cattle and
+deprived the missionaries of sleep. One day a hunt was arranged.
+Livingstone joined the party, was attacked by the lion, and was only
+rescued with a broken and mangled arm by the bravery and devotion of his
+native servant, Mebalwe, who himself got severely bitten.
+
+[Illustration: LIVINGSTONE ATTACKED BY A LION.]
+
+During his recovery from this injury Livingstone visited the Kuruman,
+and there won the heart of Moffat's eldest daughter, her mother's
+namesake, who soon afterwards exchanged the name of Mary Moffat for that
+of Mary Livingstone. In due course she accompanied her husband to
+Chonwane where for a time he was located with Sechele, the chief of the
+Bakwena.
+
+The life of the missionaries at the Kuruman was a, busy one. All were
+fully employed. Moffat's principal work was translation, and in this his
+colleague Ashton afforded him much critical assistance, besides
+relieving him almost entirely of the duties of the printing office. But
+other work had to be undertaken. The natives needed much help and
+guidance; dwelling-houses had to be enlarged and new schoolrooms built,
+and, as there were no funds for the payment of artisans, the
+missionaries had to put their own hands to the work; besides which, as
+money was not forthcoming to meet the cost of the new schoolrooms, a
+kind of amateur store was opened by the missionaries' wives for the sale
+of clothing to the natives.
+
+The Rev. J. J. Freeman who visited Africa a few years later, in 1849,
+gives us a picture of the Kuruman station as he saw it. "It wears," says
+he, "a very pleasing appearance. The mission premises, with the walled
+gardens opposite, form a street wide and long. The chapel is a
+substantial and well-looking building of stone. By the side of it stands
+Mr. Moffat's house, simple yet commodious. In a cottage hard by, the
+venerable Hamilton was passing his declining days, extremely feeble, but
+solaced by the motherly care of his colleague's wife. The gardens were
+well stocked with fruit and vegetables, requiring much water, but easily
+getting it from the 'fountain.' On the Sunday morning the chapel bell
+rang for early service. Breakfasting at seven, all were ready for the
+schools at half-past eight. The infants were taught by Miss Moffat
+(their daughter Ann, afterwards Mrs. Fredoux) in their school-house;
+more advanced classes were grouped in the open air, or collected in the
+adjacent buildings. Before ten the work of separate teaching ceased, and
+young and old assembled for public worship. A sanctuary, spacious and
+lofty, and airy withal, was comfortably filled with men, women, and
+children, for the most part decently dressed."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This description may be supplemented by that of a scene of frequent
+occurrence, given in "Robert and Mary Moffat" by their son Mr. John A.
+Moffat. He says: "The public services were, of course, in the Sechwana
+language. Once a week the missionary families met for an English
+devotional meeting. It was also a sort of custom that as the sun went
+down there should be a short truce from work every evening. A certain
+eminence at the back of the station became, by common consent, the
+meeting-place. There the missionary fathers of the hamlet would be
+found, each sitting on his accustomed stone. Before them lay the broad
+valley, once a reedy morass, now reclaimed and partitioned out into
+garden lands; its margin fringed with long water-courses, overhung with
+grey willows and the dark green syringa. On the low ground bordering the
+valley stood the church, with its attendant mission-houses and schools,
+and on the heights were perched the native villages, for the most part
+composed of round, conical huts, not unlike corn-stacks at a distance,
+with some more ambitious attempts at house-building in the shape of
+semi-European cottages. Eastward stretched a grassy plain, bounded by
+the horizon, and westward a similar plain, across which about five miles
+distant, was a range of low hills. Down to the right, in a bushy dell,
+was the little burying-ground, marked by a few trees."
+
+In 1845, Robert Moffat narrowly escaped an accident that would have
+involved most serious consequences. He was superintending the erection
+of a new corn-mill, and whilst seeing to its being properly started,
+incautiously stretched his arm over two cog-wheels. In an instant the
+shirt sleeve was caught and drawn in, and with it the arm. Fortunately
+the mill was stopped in time, but an ugly wound, six inches in length,
+with torn edges, bore witness to the danger escaped. This wound laid him
+aside for many weeks, but finally he recovered from the effects of the
+accident.
+
+For the next four or five years things pursued an even course at the
+Kuruman. In 1846, Mary Moffat started on a journey to visit the
+Livingstones at Chonwane. She availed herself of the escort of a native
+hunting party, and took her three younger children with her. She passed
+through the usual dangers of such a journey, as the following extract
+from a letter written to her husband will show:--
+
+"I am very glad of Boey's company.... I should indeed have felt very
+solitary with my lone waggon with ignorant people, but he is so
+completely at home in this field that one feels quite easy. We do not
+stop at nights by the waters, but come to them at mid-day, and then
+leave about three or four o'clock. We cannot but be constantly on the
+outlook for lions, as we come on their spoor every day, and the people
+sometimes hear them roar. Just before outspanning to-day, Boey, being on
+horseback looking for water, met with a majestic one, which stood still
+and looked at him. He tried to frighten the lion, but he stood his
+ground, when Boey thought it was time to send a ball into him, which
+broke his leg, by which means he is disabled from paying us a visit."
+
+Early in 1847 a general meeting of those engaged in the Bechwana mission
+was held at Lekatlong (near what are now the Diamond Fields). On his way
+homewards from this meeting Moffat visited some of the Batlaping
+villages along the Kolong River. A striking advance had taken place of
+late years, and a severe contest was going on between heathenism and
+Christianity. A little company of believers had gathered in each place,
+and were ministered to by native teachers, who had spent a few months in
+training at Kuruman.
+
+In the same year Mary Moffat left for the Cape to make arrangements for
+educating her younger children. As Robert could not leave his work she
+journeyed alone, having as attendants four Bechwana men and a maid.
+These partings wrung the mother's heart. The time spent on the road was
+precious, and although it extended to two months, seemed all too short.
+She felt that never again would she have her young children about her.
+The son, John, was placed at school in Cape Town for a time, and the two
+daughters were sent under the care of a worthy minister to England. Of
+the parting with these her darlings Mary Moffat wrote:--"Though my heart
+was heaving with anguish I joyfully and thankfully acceded forthwith
+(_i.e._, to the offer of the Rev. J. Crombie Brown to take the
+children), and set about preparations in good earnest. This was about
+the end of January. On the tenth of February they embarked, and after
+stopping the night on board I tore myself from my darlings to return to
+my desolate lodgings to contemplate my solitary journey, and to go to my
+husband and home childless." Of her it may be said, _She left all and
+followed Him_!
+
+In 1848 the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes had been finished and
+Isaiah begun. In 1849 "Pilgrim's Progress" was added to the Sechwana
+literature, and the work of translation steadily progressed. "Line upon
+Line" had also been rendered into the native tongue by Mr. Ashton.
+
+But while all was peaceful and in a measure prosperous at the Kuruman,
+clouds were gathering to the eastward, which were destined eventually to
+throw a dark shadow over the whole Bechwana Mission. The encroachments
+of the Boers upon the natives led to much bloodshed, and to the
+dispersion of several native tribes, with the consequent abandonment of
+mission-work among them. One of the early sufferers was Moselekatse,
+who, having been attacked in 1837, had retired to a place far away to
+the north-east, and for some years nothing was heard of him, except by
+vague rumour; indeed his very existence was a matter of doubt.
+
+Livingstone had settled with Sechele at Kolobeng, which place he used
+simply as a base of operations for visiting the eastern tribes, and
+prosecuting missionary work among them. Much good was done, and the
+Scriptures in Sechwana, as far as issued, were circulated among the
+people. But the Boers advanced, the natives were dispossessed of their
+lands, and missionaries were expelled from their regions. Finding that
+all hope of carrying on the work in this neighbourhood was over,
+Livingstone turned his eyes northward, and commenced that series of
+explorations which absorbed the remainder of his life. Sechele retired
+to a mountain fastness, named Lithubaruba, away to the north-west.
+
+As time passed onward, Robert Moffat felt more than ever the importance
+of completing the work he had undertaken--the translation of the entire
+Bible into Sechwana. Every minute that could be devoted to the task was
+eagerly embraced, his labours often extending far into the night.
+Numerous interruptions made the work more difficult. "Many, many are the
+times I have sat down and got my thoughts somewhat in order," he writes,
+"with pen in hand to write a verse, the correct rendering of which I had
+just arrived at, after wading through other translations and lexicons,
+when one enters my study with some complaint he has to make, or counsel
+to ask, or medical advice and medicine to boot, a tooth to be extracted,
+a subscription to the auxiliary to be measured or counted; or one calls
+to say he is going to the Colony, and wishes something like a passport;
+anon strangers from other towns, and visitors from the interior arrive,
+who all seem to claim a right to my attentions."
+
+This incessant application was making inroads upon his health, and the
+strong powerful frame and iron constitution of the Scotch missionary
+began to show signs that could not be neglected. A peculiar affection of
+the head troubled him--a constant roaring noise like the falling of a
+cataract, and a buzzing as of a boiling up of waters. It never ceased
+day and night, and he lost much sleep in consequence of it. His only
+relief seemed to be in study and preaching, when the malady was not
+noticed; but immediately these occupations were over it was found to be
+there, and reasserted itself in full force.
+
+In 1851 the rebellion of the Kat River Hottentots occurred, which, for a
+long time, brought obloquy upon the missionaries of South Africa and the
+Mission cause.
+
+In 1852 Mr. Hamilton was gathered to his rest, after having been the
+faithful coadjutor of Robert Moffat, and a missionary at the Kuruman for
+thirty-four years; the next year tidings reached Mary Moffat that her
+beloved father had ended his pilgrimage at the ripe age of ninety years.
+
+A short time previous a letter had been received from the Directors of
+the London Missionary Society, urging Robert Moffat to take sick leave
+and visit the Cape, or to return to England, but, as rest and change
+were absolutely essential, Moffat determined to find the needed
+relaxation in visiting his old native friend, Moselekatse. He was also
+in doubt as to the fate of his son-in-law, Livingstone, who had started
+long before for the tribes on the Zambesi.
+
+Carrying supplies for that missionary, in hope of being able to succour
+him, in May, 1854, Moffat once again bade his faithful partner farewell,
+and started for a journey to a comparatively unknown country, seven or
+eight hundred miles away. The son of Mr. Edwards, the missionary who for
+some time had laboured with Moffat at Kuruman, and a young man named
+James Chapman accompanied him, for purposes of trade. After journeying
+for several days through a desert country, they reached Sechele's
+mountain fastness. Moffat found that chief in great difficulties, but
+still holding to the faith into which he had been baptised by
+Livingstone. One hundred and twenty more miles of desert travelling
+brought the party to Shoshong, the residence of another chief and his
+tribe. Thence after groping their way for eighteen days in a region new
+to them, without guides, they reached a village containing some natives
+who were subject to the Matabele king.
+
+For some days Moffat and his companions were not allowed to advance. The
+Induna in charge of the outpost was afraid of a mistake, but at last a
+message came that they were to proceed, and finally they drew near to
+the royal abode. The chief was filled with joy at meeting his old friend
+"Moshete." An account of the interview is described in Moffat's journal,
+from which we extract the following:--"On turning round, there he
+sat--how changed! The vigorous, active, and nimble chief of the
+Matabele, now aged, sitting on a skin, lame in his feet, unable to walk,
+or even to stand. I entered, he grasped my hand, gave one earnest look,
+and drew his mantle over his face. It would have been an awful sight for
+his people to see the hero of a hundred fights wipe from his eyes the
+falling tears. He spoke not, except to pronounce my name, Moshete,
+again and again. He looked at me again, his hand still holding mine, and
+he again covered his face. My heart yearned with compassion for his
+soul. Drawing a little nearer to the outside, so as to be within sight
+of Mokumbate, his venerable counsellor, he poured out his joy to him."
+
+The old chief was suffering with dropsy, but under Moffat's medical care
+he recovered, and was soon able to walk about again. The advice which
+had been given to him by his missionary friend during their previous
+intercourse, had not been wholly lost, the officers who attended him, as
+well as those of lower grades, stating that the rigour of his government
+had since that time been greatly modified.
+
+Moffat stayed with Moselekatse nearly three months. After much
+persuasion, permission was given him to preach the Gospel to the
+Matabele people, a privilege hitherto always denied. On the 24th of
+September, 1854, these people received, for the first time, instruction
+in the subjects of creation, providence, death, redemption, and
+immortality.
+
+It was Moffat's purpose to journey forward beyond the Matabele to the
+Makololo tribe, to leave supplies at their town of Linyanti, so that
+Livingstone might obtain them if he returned safely from St. Paul de
+Loanda, on the west coast. Moselekatse would not accede to the idea of
+him going alone, and finally the king himself determined to accompany
+him. The Makololo and Matabele were, however, like many other of the
+native tribes, hostile to each other. With the bags, boxes, &c., on the
+heads of some of the men best acquainted with the country, the party set
+out, but after travelling to the farthest outpost of the Marabele, the
+king declared it was impossible for the waggons to proceed. At Moffat's
+earnest request, he sent forward a party of his men with the supplies,
+which in due course reached the Makololo, who placed them on an island,
+built a roof over them, and there they were found in safety by
+Livingstone when he returned some months afterwards from the west coast.
+
+Towards the end of October, Moffat bade farewell to the Matabele king.
+Moselekatse pressed him to prolong his stay, pleading that he had not
+seen enough of him, and that he had not yet shown him sufficient
+kindness. "Kindness!" replied Moffat, "you have overwhelmed me with
+kindness, and I shall now return with a heart overflowing with thanks."
+Leaving the monarch a supply of suitable medicines to keep his system in
+tolerable order, and admonishing him to give up beer drinking, and to
+receive any Christian teacher who might come as he had received him, the
+missionary took his departure. The long return journey was accomplished
+without any remarkable event, and in due course Moffat reached his home
+again in safety.
+
+By this journey his health was much improved, his intercourse and
+friendship with the people of the interior were cemented and extended,
+and he looked forward with hopeful assurance to the early advancement of
+Christianity to those distant regions.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE SECHWANA BIBLE.
+
+
+The great task was at length accomplished; the work of nearly thirty
+years brought to a close. The Word of God in the language of the
+Bechwana people, in all its glorious completeness and power, was now in
+their hands.
+
+To Robert Moffat the labour had been of a herculean character. He had
+spared himself no labour or drudgery which its prosecution involved. To
+accomplish it he had left his home and lived a semi-savage life for
+nearly three months, that he might perfect himself in the language.
+Without any special training for the important undertaking, and under
+the greatest disadvantages, he had not only acquired the language, but
+reduced it to its elements, and then presented it in a synthetic and
+grammatical form. Beyond that his earnest desire had been to render the
+whole Bible into the native tongue.
+
+As age increased, the importance of finishing the work became more and
+more apparent, till even a minute spent in anything but purely
+mission-work, or his translation duties, seemed as wasted time. Writing
+when the end was near, he said: "When I take up a newspaper, it is only
+to glance at it with a feeling like that of committing sacrilege. I have
+sometimes been arrested with something interesting, and have read it
+with ten or more strokes in the minute added to my pulse, from the
+anxiety caused by the conviction that I am spending precious time apart
+from its paramount object, while I feel perfectly composed over anything
+which I am satisfied has a direct bearing on the true object of the
+missionary."
+
+But the work was now accomplished, the last sheet had been passed for
+press, the last verse of the Old Testament completed, and now his mind,
+which had been for so many years strained under the weighty
+responsibility of translating the Word of God, was free. Of his feelings
+on this occasion he made mention in a speech delivered some years later
+at Port Elizabeth, on the occasion of his final departure from South
+Africa. We quote from the Chronicle of the London Missionary Society for
+August, 1870.
+
+"At last," he said, referring to the commencement of the undertaking, "I
+came to the resolution that if no one else would do it, I would
+undertake it myself. I entered heartily upon the work. For many years I
+had no leisure, every spare moment being devoted to translating, and was
+a stranger even in my own family. There was labour every day, for back,
+for hands, for head. This was especially the case during the time Mr.
+Edwards was there; our condition was almost one of slavery. Still the
+work advanced, and at last I had the satisfaction of completing the New
+Testament. Of this 6000 copies were printed by the Home Society.
+
+"When Dr. Livingstone came, he urged me to begin at once with the Old
+Testament. That was a most stupendous work. Before commencing it I
+passed many sleepless nights. It was the wish of all that I should
+undertake it. I did so, and went on with the work from time to time, as
+I had leisure, daily and nightly. I stuck to it till I had got as far as
+the end of Kings, when I became completely done up. The Directors were
+afraid that I was killing myself. I was advised to go home, to leave the
+work, but I decided otherwise. I determined to look up Moselekatse, and
+went off with a son of brother Edwards. By the time I had found
+Moselekatse, I had got all right again. I came back and resumed my work,
+and continued it till its completion. I cannot describe to you the
+feelings of that time--of the writing of the last verse. I could hardly
+believe that I was in the world, so difficult was it for me to realise
+the fact that my labour of years was completed. Whether it was from
+weakness or overstrained mental exertion, I cannot tell; but a feeling
+came over me that I would die, and I felt perfectly resigned. To
+overcome this I went back again to my manuscript still to be printed,
+read it over, and re-examined it, till at length I got back again to my
+right mind. This was the most remarkable time of my life, a period I
+shall never forget. My feelings found vent by my falling upon my knees
+and thanking God for His grace and goodness in giving me strength to
+accomplish my task. My work was thus accomplished, and now I see the
+Word of God read by thousands of Bechwanas in their native tongue."
+
+An incident related in his speech at the Bible Society's Annual Meeting
+upon the occasion of his first visit to England in 1839, shows the
+importance to the natives of having the Bible in their own tongue.
+Speaking of his translation of the Gospel of Luke, he alluded to the
+state of the unconverted heathen, and the contrast manifested by the
+Christian converts. When the heathen saw the converts reading the Book
+which had produced this change, they inquired if they (the converts)
+talked to it. "No," answered they, "it talks to us; for it is the Word
+of God." "What then," replied the strangers, "does it _speak_?" "Yes,"
+said the Christians, "it speaks to the heart!" This explanation was
+true, and was often illustrated in fact; for among those to whom the
+same Book was read by others, it became proverbial to say that the
+readers were "turning their hearts inside out!"
+
+[Illustration: DR. LIVINGSTONE.]
+
+In 1854 Mary Moffat paid another visit to the Colony, and was in
+consequence away from home when Robert returned from his journey to
+Moselekatse. Tidings reached him about that time of the death of his
+mother, the one who first instilled into his breast an enthusiasm for
+the missionary calling. She died as she had lived, a godly, consistent
+woman, and was called to the heavenly city at the age of eighty-four.
+
+In 1856 Dr. Livingstone, after his unparalleled walk from Loanda, on the
+west coast, to Quillimane, on the east--from the shores of the Atlantic
+to those of the Indian Ocean--visited England. His visit, and the
+description he gave of the country and natives, rekindled missionary
+enthusiasm, a special interest being taken in the Matabele and Makololo
+tribes. The London Missionary Society resolved to establish missions
+among them. As the locality where the Makololo dwelt was in the midst of
+a marshy network of rivers, it was considered as a necessary condition
+of commencing the proposed missionary work that they should remove to a
+spot on the north bank of the Zambesi, opposite to where the Matabele
+dwelt on the south bank. The two tribes were, however, hostile to each
+other; and, to overcome this hostility, it was determined to
+simultaneously establish missions among both tribes. With this object in
+mind the Directors wrote to Robert Moffat, proposing that he should go
+for a twelvemonth to the Matabele, taking two younger men with him, and
+plant a mission among this people.
+
+This letter reached him just as he had completed the translation and
+printing of the Old Testament; and, notwithstanding that he was then
+sixty-two years of age, and had already been forty-one years hard at
+work for the Society, he determined to go. He felt, however, that it was
+necessary for him to start at once, and prepare the minds of Moselekatse
+and his people for the coming among them of missionaries. Thus it came
+about that once again Robert Moffat quitted Kuruman, and started forward
+for the long and trying journey, through the African desert, to visit
+his old friend, and obtain his consent to the settlement of missionaries
+among his people.
+
+Visiting the chief Sechele on the way, he pursued his course until he at
+length reached the headquarters of Moselekatse. The king was not very
+enthusiastic about receiving missionaries for himself and his people. He
+was somewhat suspicious; and his former experience with the American
+missionaries at Mosega had been rather unfortunate, the Boers having
+attacked the Matabele, and, after pillaging the mission station, carried
+the missionaries away with them. However, he would receive the
+new-comers,--but his friend Moshete must come also. "I love you," said
+he, "you are my father. These new men I do not know them. All men are
+not alike."
+
+This African monarch had sufficient knowledge to know that, if the
+doctrines of the Bible prevailed among his tribe, his claims to divine
+honour would for ever cease. His warriors used to pay him homage as
+follows: "O Pezoolu, the king of kings, king of the heavens, who would
+not fear before the son of Machobane (his father's name), mighty in
+battle?" and with other similar marks of adulation. He also had a shrewd
+suspicion that the opening of the country for white men to come and
+settle, would mean, eventually, the downfall of the power of himself and
+his people? but in his friend Ramary, or Moshete, he had implicit
+confidence.
+
+As an instance of the power which Moffat had obtained over this despotic
+chief of a fierce African tribe, it may be related that he prevailed
+upon Moselekatse to grant deliverance to the heir to the chieftainship
+of the Bamangwato, a large tribe living at Shoshong, to the north-east
+of Sechele's people. It was after a long conversation that the thing was
+settled. Macheng, the heir, who had been detained captive for sixteen
+years, was called, and Moselekatse addressing him said: "Macheng, man of
+Moffat, go with your father. We have arranged respecting you. Moffat
+will take you back to Sechele. That is my wish as well as his, that you
+should be in the first instance restored to the chief from whom you were
+taken in war. When captured you were a child; I have reared you to be a
+man."
+
+The effect of this deliverance on the neighbouring tribes was very
+great. It occurred while Moffat was with Moselekatse, arranging for the
+settlement of the new missionaries. When he and his charge arrived at
+Sechele's town, on his way home, he was met by Sechele and the other
+chiefs of his tribe, who marched on in front, and led them to a kind of
+natural amphitheatre, where at least ten thousand of the people, in all
+their equipments of war, were assembled. Sechele commanded silence, and
+introduced the business of the meeting. Speaker followed speaker, in
+enthusiastic language giving expression to the joy they felt at seeing
+the chief of the Bamangwato return from captivity. In the course of his
+speech one said as follows:--
+
+"Ye tribes, ye children of the ancients, this day is a day of marvel....
+Now I begin to perceive that those who preach are verily true. If Moffat
+were not of God, he would not have espoused the cause of Sechele, in
+receiving his words, and delivering Macheng from the dwelling-place of
+the beasts of prey, to which we Bechwanas dared not approach. There are
+those who contend that there is nothing in religion. Let such to-day
+throw away their unbelief. If Moffat were not such a man, he would not
+have done what he has done, in bringing him who was lost--him who was
+dead--from the strong bondage of the mighty. Moselekatse is a lion; he
+conquered nations, he robbed the strong ones, he bereaved mothers, he
+took away the son of Kheri. We talk of love. What is love? We hear of
+the love of God. Is it not through the love of God that Macheng is among
+us to-day? A stranger, one of a nation--who of you knows its distance
+from us?--he makes himself one of us, enters the lion's abode, and
+brings out to us our own blood."
+
+On reaching home, from his visit to the Matabele, Moffat found that the
+Livingstones were starting for the Zambesi, and were to call at the Cape
+on their way; also that a large party of new missionaries had been
+appointed to commence the new interior missions. The Moffats at once
+started for the Cape, and there met Dr. and Mrs. Livingstone and their
+companions. Once more the mother and daughter embraced each other, and
+as the latter had suffered much on the voyage, it was arranged that she
+should accompany the missionary party, and travel overland to the
+Zambesi.
+
+At Cape Town Moffat also had the pleasure of welcoming his own son, the
+Rev. John Moffat, who was to proceed to the Matabele as a missionary,
+paid for out of Dr. Livingstone's private resources. Sir George Grey,
+Her Majesty's High Commissioner, warmly encouraged the proposed plans
+for extending Christianity and commerce to the interior tribes, and
+arranged with Robert Moffat for establishing a postal communication with
+the Zambesi _via_ Kuruman.
+
+All arrangements having been completed the missionaries left Cape Town
+on their way to Kuruman, from whence they were to proceed to their
+respective stations, with the Makololo and the Matabele. Delays,
+however, intervened; the Boers had attacked some of the Batlapings, and
+threatened to attack the Kuruman station; the difficulties of the road
+also prevented some of the party arriving with the others. At last,
+however, the way was made clear, the opposition of the Boers to the
+advance of the party was, through the intervention of Sir George Grey,
+overcome, and on the 7th of July, 1859, the first division started for
+their far distant destination. This division comprised Mr. Helmore, a
+veteran who for many years had been stationed at Lekatlong, with his
+wife and four children, and Mr. and Mrs. Price. There was also a native
+teacher from Lekatlong, named Tabe, who determined to accompany his old
+missionary, and the usual staff of native attendants. These were all to
+proceed to the Makololo. The situation was a grave one. The end of the
+journey was a point a thousand miles farther into the interior than any
+of them had ever been, except two native servants, who had accompanied
+Livingstone on a previous occasion. But they went forward in faith not
+knowing what lay before them, but trusting all into the hands of Him,
+without whose knowledge not even a sparrow falls to the ground.
+
+A week later Mr. Thomas and John Moffat with their wives left; they were
+speedily followed by Robert Moffat and Mr. Sykes. At Sechele's town the
+two portions of this latter division were united, and thence they
+journeyed onwards towards the Matabele. Disease broke out among some of
+their oxen, and, on reaching the first outpost of Moselekatse's people,
+a messenger was sent forward to the king explaining the state of
+affairs, and proposing that the oxen of the missionaries should be left
+in quarantine, and that Moselekatse should supply his own oxen to bring
+the party to headquarters. This message was sent so as to avoid
+connecting the advent of the Gospel among these people with that of a
+pestilence among their herds of cattle; which would inevitably have
+been the case had the diseased oxen proceeded onwards and infected those
+belonging to the Matabele.
+
+An answer was returned to the effect that the party were to proceed, and
+that though the epidemic took effect, they should be held guiltless.
+
+Moffat despatched a second messenger, to say that he had heard the
+king's words, and in a couple of days would leave; but that he begged
+the monarch to reflect on the consequences of the epidemic being
+introduced among his tens of thousands of cattle, and to believe that
+the mission party felt the most extreme anxiety upon the subject.
+
+They then proceeded forward very slowly for two or three days, when they
+were met by another messenger, who stated that Moselekatse was gratified
+with the anxiety expressed for him and his; and that now, fully
+convinced of his danger, he desired that all their oxen should return,
+and that warriors were advancing to drag the mission waggons to
+headquarters.
+
+Every one started with surprise at the strange idea, but soon the
+warriors came, shields, and spears, and all, also a number of oxen to be
+slaughtered for food. After some war evolutions, the warriors took the
+place of the draught oxen, and a start was made. There was many "a
+strong pull, a long pull, and a pull all together," as the waggons
+rolled onward; but after ten days' hard struggle and slow progress, it
+became evident that the men sent were unequal to the task, and the
+monarch, who for some unknown reason had kept his oxen back, sent them
+at last to bring the waggons to his camp.
+
+Moselekatse received his old friend with his usual cordiality; but it
+soon became evident that something was wrong. All kinds of evasions and
+delays met the request for a spot of ground on which to found a mission
+station; days, weeks, and months passed, during which the missionaries
+suffered great hardships; and at last the chief broke up his camp and
+left them, without oxen to draw their waggons, saying that he would send
+people to guide them to the spot where they were to settle, and at which
+place he would join them later on.
+
+His conduct seemed strange, and Moffat began to suspect that he had
+repented of giving his permission for the missionaries to settle with
+him. This proved to be the case; the Boer inroads, following as they had
+done, in several cases, the advent of the missionaries, made him
+suspicious, and the fears of himself and people having been aroused, the
+question was in debate as to whether the settlement should be allowed or
+not.
+
+At last a favourable change took place, the clouds dispersed, and the
+sky became clear. Oxen were sent to take the missionary waggons forward
+to Inyati, there to join Moselekatse. All was settled, a spot which
+looked well for a station was pointed out, each of the new-comers
+pitched his tent under a tree that he had chosen, until a more solid
+dwelling should be erected, and the Matabele Mission was fairly
+established. This was in December, 1859.
+
+The Mission was established, but work had only begun. The first six
+months of the year 1860 were months of incessant toil to the
+missionaries at Inyati. Houses had to be built, waggons repaired, and
+garden ground made ready for cultivation. Early and late, Moffat was to
+be found at work,--in the saw-pit, at the blacksmith's forge, or
+exercising his skill at the carpenter's bench; in all ways aiding and
+encouraging his younger companions. He also endeavoured to gain
+Moselekatse's consent to the opening of regular communication with the
+Livingstone expedition on the Zambesi _via_ Matabeleland, but the
+suspicious nature of the monarch foiled this project. The isolation of
+his country in this direction was so great that, although but a
+comparatively short distance away, no tidings whatever could be obtained
+of the other party who, under Mr. Helmore, had gone to the Makololo
+tribe.
+
+In June, 1860, Moffat felt that his work at Inyati was done. He had
+spared neither labour of mind nor body in planting the Mission, and had
+endured hardships at his advanced age that younger men might well have
+shrunk from. The hour approached for him to bid a final farewell to
+Moselekatse, and once more he drew near to the chiefs kraal, with the
+purpose of speaking to him and his people, for the last time, on the
+all-important themes of life, death, and eternity. The old chief was in
+his large courtyard and received his missionary friend kindly. Together
+they sat, side by side--the Matabele despot, whose name struck terror
+even then into many native hearts, and the messenger of the Prince of
+Peace, the warriors ranged themselves in a semi-circle, the women crept
+as near as they could, and all listened to the last words of "Moshete."
+It was a solemn service, and closed the long series of efforts which the
+missionary had made to reach the hearts of Moselekatse and his people.
+On the morrow he started for home, which he reached in safety, having
+been absent twelve months.
+
+Meanwhile, terrible trials had befallen the party who had started to
+found the Makololo Mission. The difficulties attending their journey to
+Linyanti were such as nothing but the noblest Christian principle would
+have induced them to encounter, or enabled them to surmount. The chief
+of these was the great scarcity of water. One of their trials is thus
+described:--
+
+"From the Zouga we travelled on pretty comfortably, till near the end of
+November, when we suffered much from want of water.... For more than a
+week every drop we used had to be walked for about thirty-five miles.
+Mrs. Helmore's feelings may be imagined, when one afternoon, the
+thermometer standing at 107 deg. in the shade, she was saving just _one
+spoonful of water_ for each of the dear children for the next morning,
+not thinking of taking a drop herself. Mr. Helmore, with the men, was
+then away searching for water; and when he returned the next morning
+with the precious fluid, we found that he had walked _full forty
+miles_."
+
+At length, after enduring innumerable difficulties and privations for
+seven months, they arrived at Linyanti, the residence of the chief
+Sekeletu. He refused to allow them to remove to a more healthy spot, but
+proposed that they should live with him in the midst of his
+fever-generating marshes, and as no better plan offered, they were
+compelled to accept it. In the course of a week all were laid low with
+fever. Little Henry Helmore and his sister, with the infant babe of Mr.
+Price, were the first to die; then followed the heart-stricken mother,
+Mrs. Helmore; six weeks later Mr. Helmore breathed his last; and the
+missionary band was reduced to Mr. and Mrs. Price and the helpless
+orphans. As the only means of saving their lives the survivors prepared
+to depart, but now the chief threw obstacles in the way of their doing
+so. Their goods were stolen, their waggon taken possession of; and upon
+Mr. Price telling the chief that "if they did not let him go soon they
+would have to bury him beside the others," he was simply told "that he
+might as well die there as anywhere else."
+
+Finally a few things were allowed for the journey, and the sorrowful
+party started homeward, Mr. Price very ill, and his wife having lost the
+use of her feet and legs.
+
+With the scantiest possible provision they had to face a journey of
+upwards of a thousand miles to Kuruman, but they set forward. Just as
+they were beginning to take hope after their heavy trials, and to think
+of renewed efforts for the Lord, Mrs. Price was called to her rest. "My
+dear wife," wrote the sorrowing husband, "had been for a long time
+utterly helpless, but we all thought she was getting better. In the
+morning I found her breathing very hard. She went to sleep that night,
+alas! to wake no more. I spoke to her, and tried to wake her, but it was
+too late. I watched her all the morning. She became worse and worse, and
+a little after mid-day her spirit took its flight to God who gave it. I
+buried her the same evening under a tree--the only tree on the immense
+plain of Mahabe. This is indeed a heavy stroke, but 'God is my refuge
+and strength, a very present help in trouble.'"
+
+Finally the bereaved missionary was met by Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie, who
+had started to join the Makololo Mission, and, as all turned their steps
+towards Kuruman, they were rejoiced by meeting Robert Moffat, who,
+having heard of the disaster, and that Mr. Price, with the remnant of
+the party, were on the road, had gone out in search of them. All
+returned sorrowfully to Kuruman, and the ill-fated Makololo Mission
+collapsed.
+
+Robert Moffat and his wife watched the progress of the Mission at Inyati
+with the keenest interest. In it they seemed to live their early life at
+Lattakoo over again. Their hearts were in the work of the missionaries
+at that distant station; and, over and above the earnest desire they had
+to see the work of God prosper among those uncivilised natives, was the
+tie of kinship, their own flesh and blood being present in the person of
+their son, John Moffat, who, with his wife, formed a portion of the
+Matabele Mission. Post-bags and supplies were forwarded by every
+available opportunity, and warm words of cheer and sympathy from the
+aged pair at Kuruman encouraged the workers in the far distant region to
+perseverance in their work for the Lord.
+
+Kuruman served indeed as a home station to which all the interior
+missionaries could look. The fact of being an interior missionary was
+sufficient to secure the travel-worn stranger, or friend, a warm welcome
+and good cheer for weeks together, and none entered more heartily or
+with deeper sympathy into the plans and endeavours of the wayfarer, or
+offered more earnest prayers on the behalf of himself and his work, than
+the tried and faithful couple, Robert and Mary Moffat, who had for so
+many years borne the burden and heat of the day.
+
+In October, 1861, their daughter Bessie, who was born on board ship in
+Table Bay, as they were leaving for their first visit to England,
+married Mr. R. Price, whose wife died the previous year, during that
+terrible journey from Linyanti, when the Makololo Mission had to be
+abandoned. Thus as one fell from the ranks, another stepped forward to
+take the vacant place, and carry on the glorious work for the sake of
+Him who said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every
+creature." The Prices went for a time to Shoshong, hoping to join the
+Matabele Mission, but finally laboured among the Bakwena, under the
+chief Sechele.
+
+The Kuruman station itself during this time presented a scene of
+unabated activity. A revision of the New Testament was in progress, the
+youngest Miss Moffat, then the only child at home, was working hard at
+schools and classes, and Mr. Ashton was again at work with his old
+colleague.
+
+The year 1862 brought severe domestic bereavements to the Moffats.
+During a journey to Durban, in Natal, their eldest son, Mr. Robert
+Moffat, died, leaving a wife and four children. He had started to bring
+them from Durban to the home he had prepared at Kuruman. He had
+primarily been intended for a missionary, and had been sent to England
+to be educated for that purpose, but his health failing he had to return
+to South Africa, where for some time he served in the Survey Department
+under Government, and afterwards became a trader. He was very highly
+respected and had thoroughly gained the confidence of the natives.
+
+A few weeks later the sad tidings reached the sorrowing parents from the
+Zambesi that their eldest daughter Mary, the wife of Dr. Livingstone,
+had been called to her rest. A white marble cross, near Shupanga House
+on the Shire River, marks the spot where this sainted martyr to the
+cause of Africa's regeneration sleeps in peace.
+
+In the following year tidings reached Robert Moffat that William Ross
+the missionary at Lekatlong, about eighty miles to the south-east, was
+seriously ill. In a few hours Moffat was on his way; he arrived in time
+to find his friend alive, and did all that could be done to alleviate
+his suffering, but shortly after he also passed away. This mournful
+event led to Mr. Ashton being transferred to Lekatlong, and for a time
+the whole weight of duty at Kuruman rested on Moffat's shoulders.
+
+Although in perils oft, Robert Moffat had never suffered thus far
+personal violence from the hands of a native, but now he had a very
+narrow escape from death. A young man, who for some time had been living
+on the station, had shown signs of a disordered mind, and was placed
+under mild restraint. Conceiving a violent personal animosity against
+the missionary, he attacked him as he was returning from church, and
+with a knobbed stick inflicted some terrible blows, then, frightened at
+his own violence, he fled. To one with a weaker frame than Robert
+Moffat's the consequences might have been very serious; as it was he
+recovered, though with a heart that was sorely grieved.
+
+In 1865, the Mission was reinforced by the arrival of the Rev. John
+Brown, from England, and by John Moffat, who had returned from the
+Matabele. The relaxation from the active duties of the station thus
+afforded was utilised by Robert Moffat in the work of Scripture
+revision, the preparation of additional hymns, and the carrying of
+smaller works through the press.
+
+Mention has been made of the marriage of their second daughter, Ann, to
+Jean Fredoux, a missionary of the Paris Evangelical Society, who was
+stationed at Motito, a place situated about thirty-six miles to the
+north-east of Kuruman. He was a man of gentle disposition and addicted
+to study. Early in March, 1866, he had started upon a tour to carry on
+evangelistic work among the Barolong villages along the margin of the
+Kalahari desert. While visiting one of these, a low class trader arrived
+who had been guilty of atrocious conduct at Motito. The natives insisted
+upon the trader going to Kuruman, where his conduct could be
+investigated, and, upon his refusing to do so, prepared to take him by
+force. He intrenched himself in his waggon with all his guns loaded, and
+dared any one to lay hands upon him. Fredoux seeing the serious state
+that matters were assuming quietly drew near to the trader's waggon, and
+urged him to go peaceably to Kuruman, assuring him that the people were
+determined he should go, if not peaceably, then by force.
+
+While thus pleading with this man, a fearful explosion took place, the
+waggon and its occupant were blown to atoms, Jean Fredoux and twelve
+natives were killed, and about thirty more were injured.
+
+This was a further heavy affliction for Robert Moffat and his wife. As
+soon as they heard of the catastrophe, Robert hastened to succour his
+widowed daughter, and to consign to the grave at Motito the shattered
+remains of his son-in-law.
+
+A few months later another visit was paid to the open grave, this time
+to consign to its last resting place the body of Mrs. Brown, the wife of
+the Rev. John Brown, who a short time before had taken up his abode at
+the Kuruman as a colleague of Robert Moffat.
+
+In 1868 the missionary staff at that station consisted of Robert Moffat
+and his son John Moffat. The former had now more than completed the
+three-score years and ten allotted to man as the duration of human life,
+and unlike the great leader of God's chosen people, of whom it is said,
+"his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated," Robert Moffat felt
+the infirmities of age creeping very rapidly upon him. Yet he held on
+his way for two years longer. A short and constant cough during the
+winter months aggravated his natural tendency to sleeplessness, and at
+last he felt himself reluctantly compelled to accept the invitation of
+the Directors to return finally to England.
+
+Going home to England it could hardly be called, his home was with his
+loved Bechwanas, with those for whom he had toiled and prayed so long.
+The ashes of his son Robert, and of his devoted daughter Mary reposed
+beneath the sands of Africa; his early and later manhood had been spent
+beneath its scorching sun. The house he was to leave had been the
+birthplace of most of his children, and his home for more than forty
+years. Yes, it was hard to leave; and the expectation had become very
+real to him that his body and that of his faithful partner would be laid
+side by side in that little burial-ground in the bushy dell, marked by a
+few trees, at Kuruman. But the final determination had been arrived at,
+and with slow and hesitating steps, as though waiting for something,
+even then, to prevent their departure, preparations were made for
+leaving the station for ever.
+
+Of the general aspect of affairs at the Kuruman during these last two
+years we have a graphic description from the pen of the Rev. John
+Moffat, who in a letter to the Directors dated 12th October, 1868, wrote
+as follows:--
+
+"The public services on the station are a prayer-meeting at sunrise on
+Sunday; preaching in Sechwana, morning, afternoon, and evening, with the
+Sunday school twice, and a juvenile afternoon service. The early
+prayer-meeting is left entirely to the natives, the three preaching
+services entirely to the missionaries, and the Sunday school, with the
+juvenile service, to my sister. There is also a Wednesday evening
+service, a monthly missionary prayer meeting, a church meeting, and a
+prayer meeting on Thursday afternoon. This last is in the hands of the
+natives. No native takes any part in the preaching on the station,
+except in extreme cases, when it is regarded as a makeshift. My father
+and I share the preaching between us. Occasionally, say once in three
+weeks, one of us rides to two villages to the north-west, holding
+services at each; they are respectively eight and twelve miles distant.
+My custom at home, in the regular way, is to give New Testament reading
+in the morning, a topical sermon in the afternoon, and Old Testament
+exposition in the evening. On Monday evening I have a young men's Bible
+class, which is to me the most interesting work I have to do, more
+especially as I have much encouragement in it.... On the Monday evening,
+also, my sister and I hold a practising class for the purpose of trying
+to improve the singing. On Tuesday evening I meet male inquirers, on
+Wednesday, before the service, I have a Bible class for women, on
+Thursday we have an English prayer meeting, and on Friday evening I meet
+female inquirers. I need not mention the school conducted by my sister
+and three native assistants."
+
+Speaking of the place and people he continues:--
+
+"The population is small and scattered. On the spot there must be a good
+many people, and also at the villages to the north-west; but otherwise
+the district contains only small villages of from twenty to one hundred
+huts. It extends fifty miles west and north-west, and about twenty-five
+miles in other directions.
+
+"The people are poor and must remain so. The country is essentially dry.
+Irrigation is necessary for successful agriculture, and there are few
+spots where water flows. There is no market for cattle, even if they
+throve abundantly, which they do not. I despair of much advance in
+civilisation, when their resources are so small, and when the European
+trade is on the principle of enormous profits and losses. Two hundred
+per cent, on Port Elizabeth prices is not considered out of the way.
+
+[Illustration: MAIN STREET IN PORT ELIZABETH.]
+
+"Heathenism, as a system, is weak, indeed in many places it is nowhere.
+Christianity meets with little opposition. The people generally are
+prodigious Bible readers, church-goers, and psalm-singers, I fear to a
+large extent without knowledge. Religion to them consists in the above
+operations, and in giving a sum to the Auxiliary. I am speaking of the
+generality, There are many whom I cannot but feel to be Christians, but
+dimly. This can hardly be the result of low mental power alone. The
+Bechwanas show considerable acuteness when circumstances call it out.
+
+"The educational department of the Mission has been kept in the
+background. On this station the youth on leaving school have sunk back
+for want of a continued course being opened to them. The village
+schoolmasters, uneducated themselves, and mostly unpaid, make but a
+feeble impression. The wonder is that they do so much, and where the
+readers come from. It is hard to say that the older missionaries could
+have done otherwise.... I cannot tell you how one thing presses on me
+every day: the want of qualified native schoolmasters and teachers; and
+the question: how are they to be obtained?"
+
+On Sunday, 20th March, 1870, Robert Moffat preached for the last time in
+the Kuruman church, and on the Friday following the departure took
+place. "Ramary" and "Mamary," as Mr. and Mrs. Moffat were called, had
+completely won the hearts of the natives. For weeks past messages of
+farewell had been coming from the more distant towns and villages, and
+now that the final hour had arrived and the venerable missionary, with
+his long white beard, and his equally revered wife, left their house and
+walked to their waggon they were beset by crowds of people, each one
+longing for another shake of the hand, a last parting word, or a final
+look; and, as the waggon drove away, a long pitiful wail rose from those
+who felt that their teacher and friend was with them no more.
+
+After a rough but safe journey of eight weeks, Robert and Mary Moffat
+reached Port Elizabeth on the 20th May, 1870, and received a hearty
+welcome from a large number of missionaries and other Christian friends,
+who had gathered to meet them. Making a brief stay they embarked in the
+mail steamer _Roman_ and landed at Cape Town on the 2nd of June. Here
+they were entertained by the Christian community at a public breakfast.
+A few days later they embarked in the steamship _Norseman, en route_ for
+England.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+CLOSING SCENES.
+
+
+In the Chronicle of the London Missionary Society for March, 1870, the
+following notice appeared: "Our readers will be glad to hear that there
+is now a definite prospect of welcoming again to England our veteran
+missionary, the Rev. Robert Moffat. He may be expected, with Mrs.
+Moffat, about the month of June. Mr. Moffat no longer enjoys his former
+robust health. In his last letter he writes: 'What to me was formerly a
+molehill is now a mountain, and we both have for some time past begun to
+feel some of the labour and sorrow so frequently experienced by those
+who have passed their three-score years and ten.'"
+
+The _Norseman_ reached Plymouth on the 24th of July, and next day Robert
+and Mary Moffat landed at Southampton, thus returning to their native
+land, to leave it no more, after an absence of over fifty years; during
+which time they had visited it only once before.
+
+On the 1st of August he was welcomed by the Society, at an influential
+meeting, convened for the purpose, in the Board Room of the Mission
+House, in Blomfield Street. At that meeting, alluding to his previous
+visit in 1839, and to the printing of the New Testament in Sechwana, he
+stated as follows:--
+
+"When I came to the Cape, previous to my first visit, I brought a
+translation of the New Testament, which I had translated under
+considerable difficulties, being engaged a portion of the day in roofing
+an immense church, and the remainder in exegetical examinations and
+consulting concordances. I was anxious to get it printed, and I brought
+it down to the Cape, but there I could find no printing-office that
+would undertake it. The Committee of the Bible Society very kindly--as
+they have always been to me, I say it with pleasure--forwarded paper and
+ink to the Cape expecting I should get the work done there. As I said,
+there was not a printing-office that would undertake it. Dining with Sir
+George Napier, the Governor, I informed him of the difficulty. He said,
+'Jump on board a ship with your translation and get it printed in
+England, and you will be back again while they are thinking about it
+here. Print a New Testament among a set of Dutch printers! why I can't
+even get my proclamations printed.' I said, 'I have become too
+barbarous; I have almost forgotten my own language; I should be
+frightened to go there.' 'Oh stuff!' he said.
+
+"Some time after he met me in the street: 'Well, Moffat, what have you
+determined upon?' 'I am waiting the return of Dr. Philip.' 'Don't wait
+for anybody; just jump on board a ship. Think of the importance of
+getting the New Testament put in print in a new language!' He invited me
+to dinner again and said, 'Have you come to a conclusion? I wish I could
+give you mine. I feel some interest in the extension of the knowledge of
+the Word of God. Take nobody's advice, but jump on board a ship for
+England.' He spoke so seriously that I began to feel serious myself.
+
+[Illustration: MARY MOFFAT.]
+
+"Dr. Philip came, and when the Governor explained the circumstances, the
+Doctor said, 'Go, by all means.' I was nervous at the thought. I was not
+a nervous man in Africa. I could sleep and hear the lions roar. There
+seemed so many great folks to meet with. I came to England and by-and-by
+I got over it."
+
+On the Wednesday, following this meeting, he was entertained at a public
+breakfast at the Cannon Street Hotel.
+
+For a few weeks the Moffats dwelt at Canonbury, though Robert himself
+was so much engaged in visiting different parts of the country,
+Edinburgh included, where he met with many old friends, that he was not
+suffered at this time to dwell for long in any one place.
+
+The winter was spent at Brixton, and on the 21st of December, L1000 was
+presented to Robert Moffat as a birthday gift, a most cheering tribute
+of esteem to a tried and faithful servant of Jesus Christ.
+
+The effects of this act of kindness had not passed away when a heavy
+cloud hung over the happy home at Brixton. She, who for more than
+half-a-century had been the loving helpmeet of the African missionary,
+sharing his joys and sorrows, his hopes and discouragements, and many of
+his privations and perils, lay dying. A troublesome cough, a difficulty
+of breathing, a few long deep breaths, and she was gone, without even a
+word of farewell; called home to receive the "Well done, good and
+faithful servant," and to enter into the joy of her Lord. Her last words
+were a prayer for her husband, that strength might be given him to bear
+the blow.
+
+Robert Moffat indeed needed strength in this hour of affliction. His
+first exclamation on finding that she had really gone was, "For
+fifty-three years I have had her to pray for me," and writing to his old
+friend and fellow-labourer, Roger Edwards, who was then at Port
+Elizabeth, he said, "How lonely I feel, and if it were not for Jeanie
+(his daughter) it would be much more so."
+
+The events of the next few years may be briefly summarised. He travelled
+much to different parts of the country, visiting High Leigh, the old
+house at Dukinfield, and Carronshore. His services were continually in
+requisition for missionary meetings, and doubtless many of our readers
+will be old enough to remember the bronzed face, with its full flowing
+beard, blanched by age, the keen eyes, and the venerable form of Robert
+Moffat at this time, and to call to mind the pleasure they derived as
+they listened to his glowing descriptions of the needs of Africa.
+
+The winter of 1871 was passed at Ventnor, in the Isle of Wight, and
+occupied in revising proof sheets of the Old Testament in Sechwana.
+While there he was, by Her Majesty's own desire, introduced to the
+Queen, whom he had never seen before. He also received the degree of
+Doctor of Divinity, from the University of Edinburgh.
+
+To meet the need for training a native ministry, which had been felt by
+Moffat and others engaged in the work of the Bechwana Mission, and which
+had shortly before his return been pressed upon the attention of the
+Directors, several thousand pounds were subscribed, and, as a way of
+doing honour to the veteran who was now in their midst, it was proposed
+to call the Institute that was to be founded, "The Moffat Institute."
+This now stands as a centre of influence amidst the tribes surrounding
+the Kuruman station.
+
+In 1873, a number of friends, who thought that the liberal contributions
+which had been subscribed to the Institute, hardly gave such a direct
+proof of their esteem for their venerated friend as could be desired,
+presented Robert Moffat with a sum of upwards of L5000. This liberality
+provided for his wants during the remainder of his life, enabled him to
+serve the Directors and the cause of missions, without being any longer
+a burden upon the funds of the Society, and also placed him in a
+position to meet the wants of his widowed daughter and her fatherless
+family.
+
+While living at Brixton, Robert Moffat attended the ministry of the late
+Rev. Baldwin Brown, in whose mission-work in Lambeth he was much
+interested. On his eightieth birthday, 21st December, 1875, he opened
+the new Mission Hall in connection with this work, which hall was
+thenceforward called by his name. On the same day he received many
+congratulatory tokens, among them being an address signed by a great
+number of Congregational ministers from every part of the country. Prior
+to this in the same year, he had lectured upon Missions in Westminster
+Abbey, and in the preceding year he had performed the melancholy duty of
+identifying the remains of his son-in-law, Dr. Livingstone, upon their
+being brought home from Africa.
+
+Engagements and constant requests for his services made great inroads
+upon his time. "People either could not or would not see that he was
+getting old," he frequently said; but people knew that as long as he had
+strength to speak, he would not grow weary of addressing audiences on
+missionary work.
+
+In 1876, we find him dining on one occasion with the Archbishop of
+Canterbury at Lambeth Palace, and on another breakfasting with Mr.
+Gladstone, in the house of the Rev. Newman Hall. In the following year
+by invitation of the French Missionary Society he visited Paris, and
+while there addressed a meeting of 4000 Sunday-school children.
+
+On the 20th of December, 1878, he received the freedom of the City of
+London, and somewhat over two years later was the guest of the then Lord
+Mayor, Alderman, now Sir William, McArthur, for several days, a banquet
+being given in his honour.
+
+During the time that Cetewayo was in England Robert Moffat was much
+interested in him and paid him a visit. Among the Zulu king's attendants
+was a man who could speak Sechwana, and with him Moffat at once got into
+conversation. The man's delight was unbounded. He had been in the train
+of a son of Moselekatse, and had heard of the missionary. "A u Moshete?"
+(Are you Moffat) he asked again and again, with beaming eyes exclaiming
+when convinced of the fact, "I see this day what my eyes never expected
+to behold, Moshete!"
+
+For the last four years of his life Robert Moffat resided at Park
+Cottage, Leigh, near Tunbridge, where he was the tenant of the late
+Samuel Morley, Esq. From both Mr. and Mrs. Morley he received much
+kindness, which continued until the day of his death.
+
+The end now drew near. In 1883, he complained of great weariness and
+intermittent pulsation. This troubled him so constantly that advice was
+sought. For a short time this availed. He attended the Bible Society's
+meeting in the second week in May, and the meeting of the London
+Missionary Society on the 10th, and in July paid a visit to Knockholt,
+where he met Mr. and Mrs. George Sturge. From this visit he returned
+seeming better, but in a few days unfavourable symptoms again showed
+themselves. Yet the strong frame, that had endured so much, seemed loath
+to give in, and, whenever able, he was in and out of his garden. He also
+took two drives, Mrs. Morley very kindly sending her carriage for that
+purpose when he felt able to make use of it.
+
+"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man
+is peace." Most beautifully was this truth exemplified in the closing
+scenes of the life of this truly noble and good man. On Sunday, 5th
+August, he was too weak to attend chapel, and spent a peaceful Sabbath
+at home. He was very fond of hymns and would often repeat one after
+another. In the evening he chose several which were sung, though
+feebleness prevented him from joining the singing. Among those chosen
+were: "The sands of time are sinking," "Come, Thou fount of every
+blessing," "How sweet the name of Jesus sounds," and "Nearer, my God, to
+Thee." His New Testament was his constant companion during these last
+days, and whatever the topic of conversation, it always turned with him
+to heaven and the Saviour.
+
+On Monday he seemed somewhat better, but on Tuesday night he was much
+worse. Hours of pain and sleeplessness were passed, yet he rose on
+Wednesday and went out several times to the garden. In the evening he
+became very ill and had a fainting fit, but managed after awhile to get
+upstairs, and, after remaining on the bedside for some time, propped up
+with pillows, he undressed, with little assistance and much
+deliberation, winding up his watch, with a cold, trembling hand,--"for
+the last time," he said.
+
+The doctor arrived shortly afterwards, who found that he had broken a
+blood-vessel. The night was passed partly in peaceful sleep, and partly
+in converse with his children who were then present. His daughter says,
+"He was just full of his Saviour's love and mercy all through his life;
+he repeated many hymns and passages of Scripture."
+
+On Thursday morning he was visited by Mr. Morley and two other friends,
+with whom he conversed. He also had his Testament, but finding he could
+not read it, his daughters read to him. He repeated many hymns, among
+them the Scotch version of the hundred and third Psalm, but stopped and
+said, "There is nothing like the original," which was then read from the
+Bible. His mother's favourite hymn, "Hail, sovereign Light," was also by
+his special desire read to him.
+
+Another sleep--a wandering, perhaps unconscious, look at his children, a
+struggle, and then a quietness? and the pilgrimage was over, the spirit
+had fled to be present with the Lord whom he had loved so well and
+served so faithfully. "His end was peace."
+
+He died on the 10th of August, 1883, in his eighty-eighth year.
+
+The funeral took place a few days later at Norwood Cemetery, when,
+surrounded by such relatives as were in England, Sir Bartle Frere, Mr.
+Samuel Morley and several other Members of Parliament, deputations from
+the various Missionary and several Religious Societies, and by the Mayor
+of Bloemfontein, his remains were consigned to the tomb.
+
+Never had a truer hero been borne to the grave, nor one more thoroughly
+worthy of the name of MAN.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+As soon as it was realised that Robert Moffat had actually gone, it was
+felt that a truly great man had departed from among us. A niche in the
+temple of earth's true nobility seemed empty. The prevailing feeling was
+given expression to by some of the leading journals, which in eulogistic
+articles commented upon the life, work, and character of him who had
+gone.
+
+_The Times_, in its review, contained the following remarks:--"His chief
+work was among the Bechwanas. His picture of what they were when he
+first knew them would hardly now be recognised, so entirely have they
+changed under the new influences which Moffat was the first to bring to
+bear upon them. He found them mere savages, constantly at war among
+themselves and with their neighbours, ignorant of the arts of
+agriculture, and in the utterly degraded state for which we must seek a
+counterpart now in the more distant tribes, whom the message of
+civilisation has not yet reached. His first care was to make himself
+thoroughly master of the language of those to whom he was sent. For
+fifty years he has declared he had been accustomed to speak the
+Bechwana tongue; he reduced it to written characters, and translated the
+Scriptures into it. The Bechwanas, under Moffat's guidance, became new
+men. Mission work grew and spread among them; what Moffat had begun to
+do was taken up by other hands; a permanent body of native pastors was
+created from among the Bechwanas themselves, and the whole region was
+raised out of the savage state in which Moffat had found it, and became,
+in no small degree, civilised as well as Christianised.... It would
+seem, indeed, that it is only by the agency of such men as Moffat and
+his like that the contact of the white and black races can be anything
+but a curse to the blacks. It is the missionary alone who seeks nothing
+for himself. He has chosen an unselfish life. If honour comes to him, it
+is by no choice of his own, but as the unsought tribute which others, as
+it were, force upon him. Robert Moffat has died in the fullness both of
+years and honours. His work has been to lay the foundations of the
+Church in the central regions of South Africa. As far as his influence
+and that of his coadjutors and successors has extended, it has brought
+with it unmixed good. His name will be remembered while the South
+African Church endures, and his example will remain with us as a
+stimulus to others, and as an abiding proof of what a Christian
+missionary can be and can do."
+
+The _Brighton Daily News_ commenced its article by saying:--"The grave
+has just closed over one of the most notable men whose figures are
+familiar to the inhabitants of Brighton. Robert Moffat, the veteran
+pioneer in the mission field, and the simplest of heroes, has passed
+away, and many of the noblest of the land followed his remains to their
+resting-place." It concluded with, "In the drawing-rooms of fashionable
+Brighton, crowded with the lovers of art and science, no one grudged the
+cessation of music the most classical, or of conversation the most
+charming, to listen to the venerable Doctor when requested to repeat
+some incidents of his missionary life. All felt that the scene was
+hallowed by the presence of one who had done a work for the good of men,
+such as few have been privileged to accomplish. Robert Moffat belonged
+to no sect or party. To better the world and advance the one Church
+formed the sole end of his being."
+
+Other journals and magazines bore like testimony to his worth.
+
+Of his work we have said much in the preceding pages, and also something
+of its results. To this may be added Robert Moffat's own account of some
+of the benefits which sprung from the prosecution of missionary
+enterprise in South Africa. In his speech at Port Elizabeth, on finally
+leaving for England, in May, 1870, referring to the general progress
+made in the interior, he said:--
+
+"Christianity has already accomplished much in this long benighted land.
+When I first went to the Kuruman scarcely an individual could go beyond.
+Now they travel in safety to the Zambesi. Then we were strangers, and
+they could not comprehend us. They treated us with great indignity, and
+considered us to be the outcasts of society, who, being driven from our
+own race, went to reside with them; but bearing in remembrance what our
+Saviour had to undergo, we were encouraged to persevere, and much
+success has rewarded our efforts. Now it is safe to traverse any part of
+the country, and traders travel far beyond Kuruman without the slightest
+fear of molestation. Formerly men of one tribe could not travel through
+another's territory, and wars were frequent. During my early mission
+life, I often heard of men of one tribe going to trade with another, and
+being murdered. I was at a native place when a thing of that sort once
+occurred. A party of men had come two hundred miles to dispose of some
+articles. The resident natives, taking a dislike to them, set upon them
+and killed two of their number. I asked them why they had done this, and
+tried to show them it was wrong. They seemed to know that; and from that
+time I have never heard of anything of the sort.
+
+"The influence of Christianity in that country is now very great, and
+constantly increasing. Where one station was scarcely tolerated, there
+are now several. The Moravians have their missionaries. The Berlin
+Society have theirs, and others are engaged in the good work, besides
+numerous native Gospel teachers. Our advanced station at the Matabele is
+in a very prosperous state, and I quite expect that the Matabele will
+become one day a great nation. They sternly obey their own laws, and I
+have noticed that when men of fixed principles become convinced of the
+great truths of Christianity they hold firmly to the faith, and their
+fidelity is not lightly to be shaken."
+
+In the same speech he also mentioned the fact that whereas at first the
+natives would not buy anything, not even a pocket handkerchief, now,
+when he was speaking, no less than sixty thousand pounds worth of
+British manufactures passed yearly into the hands of the native tribes
+around Kuruman.
+
+Thus the missionary prepared the way for the merchant, and the Gospel
+for the progress of civilisation.
+
+Of Moffat's character we have had frequent glimpses in the preceding
+pages; of his personal appearance and dignified mien our portrait and
+pictures give some idea. A few words may, however, be added, based upon
+the facts recorded by his son in the last chapter of "Robert and Mary
+Moffat."
+
+Tall and strong, with dark piercing eyes, he stood, a man of dauntless
+courage, quick and energetic in action, with a resolution in the
+performance of duty that no opposition could thwart; yet, withal, of
+gentle manner, and of an even temper, proof against the many attacks
+made upon it. His disposition was to think well of men, and to believe
+what they said. Deceit he hated, it was the one thing he could not
+forgive. He trusted men implicitly; and this probably accounted for the
+fact that the Bechwanas, who carried the art of lying to perfection,
+seldom lied to him. They knew it was the one thing that would make him
+angry.
+
+His reverence for holy things was very great. He relished a joke as well
+as any man, indeed, there was a good deal of humour in him; but woe to
+that man who spoke jestingly of the things pertaining to God. The Word
+of the Lord was too real and too important for any triviality. God was
+ever present to him, and he lived for God. His son says: "Even when I
+was alone with him, on some of his itinerating journeys, no meal was
+commenced without a reverent doffing of the Scotch bonnet, his usual
+head-dress in those days, and the solemn blessing; and our morning and
+evening worship was never missed or hurried."
+
+An instance of his forbearance under provocation is afforded in the
+following:--
+
+"On our return from England in 1843," says the writer just quoted, "we
+were a large party, with three or four waggons. One night we outspanned
+in the dark, not knowing that we were on forbidden ground--within the
+limits of a farm, but a half-mile short of the homestead. In the early
+morning a young man rode up, and demanded to know what we were doing
+there without leave. My father gently explained that we had done it in
+ignorance, but his explanation was cut short by a harangue loud and
+long. The stripling sat on his horse, my father stood before him with
+bowed head and folded arms, whilst a torrent of abuse poured over him,
+with a plentiful mixture of such terse and biting missiles of invective
+as greatly enrich the South African Dutch language. We stood around and
+remembered that only a few months before the man thus rated like a dog
+was standing before enthusiastic thousands in England, who hung with
+bated breath upon his utterances. Something of shame must have arrested
+the wrath of the young man, for he suddenly rode away without impounding
+our cattle, as he had threatened to do. We inspanned and proceeded,
+calling on our way at the house, and there we found ourselves received
+by a venerable white-haired farmer and his wife with open arms, for they
+and my parents proved to be old friends. Right glad were we that nothing
+had been done on our side to make us ashamed to meet them."
+
+In his home he was a true father, and the influence that surrounded his
+children must have been a happy one, seeing that so many of them
+embraced the missionary calling, and followed in the footsteps of their
+venerated parents. Mary, the eldest daughter, married Dr. Livingstone;
+Ann, the French missionary, Jean Fredoux; Bessie, a younger daughter,
+was united to the Rev. Roger Price; and a son, the Rev. John Moffat,
+became for a time his father's coadjutor at the Kuruman station.
+
+In bringing this memoir to a conclusion, we may be permitted to glance
+at South Africa as it is at the present time, and to note some of the
+contrasts between its condition now, and that as stated in our opening
+chapter, prior to Robert Moffat's arrival.
+
+At the time when he first landed at Cape Town, the work of evangelising
+the heathen was confined principally to two Societies--the Moravian
+Mission and the London Missionary Society. Now the Societies exceed
+twelve in number, and represent the following nationalities: English,
+American, French, Swiss, Norwegian, and the people of Finland.
+
+First, in order of date, may be noticed the work of the Moravian
+Brethren, which is chiefly carried on among the Hottentots and Kafirs.
+Their chief station is Genadendal, eighty miles east of Cape Town, which
+has several smaller stations grouped around it. Besides these, still
+farther east, among the Kafir tribes, is the station of Shiloh, also
+having a number of out-stations gathered round it.
+
+The London Missionary Society follows with its eleven principal stations
+and nine out-stations. This Society is now labouring in South Africa, in
+Kafirland, Bechwanaland and Matabeleland. The Report for 1886 shows
+sixteen English missionaries and sixty-five native preachers as engaged
+in preaching and teaching, and as results, 1361 Church members. These
+returns are however incomplete, and very much has occurred, through the
+numerous wars and unsettled state of the country, to retard the progress
+of missionary work.
+
+Next comes the Wesleyan Missionary Society, who, commencing operations
+at Cape Town in 1814, extended their stations round the coast from
+Little Namaqualand to Zululand. They are also labouring among the
+Barolongs in the Orange Free State, in Swaziland, and at the Gold
+Fields at Barberton, in the Transvaal.
+
+The Scotch Presbyterians are represented by the missions of the Free
+Church of Scotland, and the United Presbyterian Church. These confine
+their labours principally to British Kaffraria and Kafirland. The Free
+Church has a high-class Institution at Lovedale for the training of a
+native ministry and also for teaching the natives many of the useful
+arts, and an improved system of agriculture. There is an efficient staff
+of teachers, and in 1885, 380 pupils attended the Institution, of whom
+seventy-one were Church members and ninety-one candidates or inquirers.
+A similar institution has also been established among the Fingoes at
+Blythswood in Fingoland.
+
+More than fifty years ago, at the suggestion of Dr. Philip, the Rhenish
+Mission commenced work among the Hottentots of Cape Colony, but its
+operations extended, and now embrace Little and Great Namaqualand, south
+and north of the Orange River, and, away beyond, the territory known as
+Damaraland. Their stations are in a flourishing condition, and some
+15,000 converts bear evidence to the success of their efforts. This
+Society also looks after the preparation of native teachers, &c., and
+has an excellent institution for that purpose at Worcester, near Cape
+Town, its principal station.
+
+Still farther north, beyond Damaraland is Ovampoland, occupied by the
+Missionary Society of Finland. Seven ordained Missionaries and three
+Christian artisans were equipped and despatched to work in this region,
+at the suggestion of the Rhenish Society. Their enterprise is of
+comparatively recent date and results cannot yet be tabulated. The
+influence for good exerted will, however, doubtless yield fruit
+by-and-by.
+
+The missions of the Berlin Society stretch from the eastern portion of
+Cape Colony to the Transvaal, and embrace also the Orange Free State and
+the Diamond Fields. They have over 7000 converts, and a large number of
+children under instruction in various schools.
+
+Basutoland, to the east of the Orange Free State, is cared for by the
+French Evangelical Missionary Society, who commenced work in South
+Africa in 1829. Their first missionaries were appointed to the
+Bahurutse, then tributary to Moselekatse, but being repulsed through the
+jealousy of that potentate they settled at Motito, and finally accepted
+an invitation from Moshesh, chief of the Basutos, to work among that
+people. The mission has fourteen principal stations and sixty-six
+out-stations, with about 20,000 adherents, of whom about 3500 are Church
+members.
+
+In 1835 six missionaries, appointed by the American Board of Foreign
+Missions, arrived from the United States to labour in South Africa.
+Three proceeded to Natal and settled near Durban. The other three
+journeyed to Moselekatse at Mosega. Their mission was however broken up
+through the incursions of the Boers, and they were compelled to flee to
+Natal. For some years the mission there was much harassed through war,
+but it is now firmly established and is doing excellent work of a
+religious and educational character, having a number of well-instructed
+native pastors and teachers, besides the staff of European missionaries.
+In 1886 the Board reports having in connection with this mission seven
+stations and seventeen out-stations, and 886 Church members.
+
+The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel commenced its missions in
+South Africa in 1838. Its work is divided between the Colonists and the
+natives, and is carried on in Cape Colony and Natal; its dioceses
+stretching round the coast much in the same manner as the Wesleyan
+stations.
+
+Besides those already mentioned, there are at work now in South Africa
+the Norwegian Missionary Society, labouring in Natal and Zululand; the
+Hermannsburg Mission, founded by Pastor Harms, whose operations are
+carried on in Natal, Zululand, and the Transvaal; and the Swiss society,
+The Mission of the Free Church of the Canton de Vaud, whose efforts are
+directed to a tribe inhabiting a country between Delagoa Bay and
+Sofala.[B]
+
+[B]: [Many of the facts contained in this review of Mission work in South
+Africa have been gleaned from "South Africa," by the Rev. James Sibree,
+F.R.G.S.]
+
+Thus the missionary cause has grown, notwithstanding the many
+difficulties it has had to contend with, and now the sound of the Gospel
+is heard throughout the land. From the southernmost part of what was the
+"Dark Continent," but which is now termed by some the "Twilight
+Continent," and which we trust may soon be blessed with the full light
+of Christianity, there stretches away a series of mission stations right
+to the Zambesi; and there joining hands with the system of Central
+African missions the glad tidings of salvation are wafted onward to the
+great lake, the Victoria Nyanza, in the north; eastward to the coast;
+and, in the west, made known to thousands by means of the various
+organisations now doing such excellent work on the Congo River.
+
+In a central position, amidst the tribes of South Africa, Kuruman, the
+scene of Robert Moffat's trials and triumphs, stands to-day, surrounded
+by a number of native towns and villages, where native teachers, trained
+in the Moffat Institute, are located, and native Churches have been
+formed,--a beacon shedding its glorious rays around, dispelling the
+darkness, and bringing the heathen to the knowledge of the Saviour,
+Jesus Christ.
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Robert Moffat, by David J. Deane
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROBERT MOFFAT ***
+
+***** This file should be named 15379.txt or 15379.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/3/7/15379/
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Chuck Greif and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+*** END: FULL LICENSE ***
+
diff --git a/15379.zip b/15379.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd50b25
--- /dev/null
+++ b/15379.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c13f947
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #15379 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15379)