Page:Life of Africaner.pdf/21

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life of africaner.
21

of persons whom this woman had drawn together still following him, his only remarks were—"This is hard to bear; but it is part of my cross, and I must take it up."

At Tulbagh, Africaner took an affectionate farewell of his missionary friend, Mr Moffat, who was on his way, with the deputation, to visit the Society's stations on the eastern coast of the colony; after which he was to proceed to Lattakoo, to assist in the mission which had been for some time established in that city. Africaner travelled along the western side of the colony towards his own country, where he arrived in safety a few wecks after, to the great joy of his friends at home.

This was the first time he had been entirely without a missionary since his conversion to Christianity. Now, the rule and the religious instruction of his people entirely devolved on himself. He, being by gracc an humble man, felt it a weighty concern, and saw it necessary to look constantly to God for wisdom to direct and grace to support him in fulfilling the duties connected with his double character of ruler and teacher.

Africaner continued to labour amongst his people for about a year, when he believed Mr Moffat must by that time have taken up his residence at Lattakoo. He thercfore resolved to pay him a visit, and carry with him, in his waggon, the books and furniture Mr Moffat had left behind him at the kraal. This was a long journey across the continent, and a great part of it was over decp sand; but the season encouraged him, being June, which is the middle month in a South African winter, consequently the coolest season in the year. He