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+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 ***
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