Robert Moffat / The Missionary Hero of Kuruman

y 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, b

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

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

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

, as it was afterwards called; and for that place the missionary party, which co

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 un

ipated, 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

, and settled by the Kuruman River. When the Rev. J. Campbell returned, to the Colony, Mr. Read accompan

hanged, 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

assed in safety, the water being very low, and two or three days later Griqua

d. 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

nary 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 near

es 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

he 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 awai

onary, and also the books and articles of furniture which had been intrusted to his care when leaving Cape Town. All were in good order, particul

granted for the Moffats to settle at Lattakoo. As, however, the affairs at Griqua Town at this time were altogether

t this precious life was preserved, and not only was his dear one restored, but a bonny wee lassie wa

HOUSE AT G

been in his company as fellow-travellers for many months. He and Mr. Read returned to the Colony; twenty y

their faith was severely tried, but which ended, after many years, in triumphant rejoicing as they saw the people brought to Chris

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, gather

but with steadfast faith and persevering prayer, until at last the work of the Holy Spir

bert Moffat was located was cal

t, 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 cor

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 enjoyin

ight 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 h

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 thei

ore 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 th

leaving them to starve or be devoured by wild beasts; also if a mother died

grave for the body of a woman who had left two children. Finding that they were about to bury the children with the corps

all 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

e conversation, "I gave myself with untiring

vation of the soul is a very important subject," was rendered by one of those individuals as f

poken with his own people at Lattakoo. Itinerating visits were also made in turn every Sabbath to the surrounding villages, and occasionally further afi

as the Sabbath evening service held in Dutch for the edification of themselves a

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 ap

ncipal 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

WILL DRIVE YOUR SP

right hand. Mrs. Moffat was at the door of our cottage, with the

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

," said he, "if you will, drive your spears to my heart; and when you have

a significant shake of the head, "These men must have ten lives, when

p, and they left us, no doubt fully impressed