Missionary Labours and Scenes in Southern Africa

PAGE

148

CHAPTER XV.

Mr. Reed succeeds in obtaining consent-Great wisdom required-

Suspicions of the natives-Difficulty of obtaining confidence-A

commando defeated-Encouraging tokens-An untoward circum-

stance-Mr. Campbell's departure-The loaf stolen-The Author

returns to the mission-Position of the missionary among the Be-

chuanas-Difference of missionary fields-Peculiar difficulties-

Total absence of Idolatry-Early professions no criterion-A rain-

maker's reasoning-Bechuana government-Pitshos, or native par-

liament-National customs-Barriers to the Gospel-Labours of

the women-Bechuana character-Lichtenstein and Thompson's

testimonies

162

CHAPTER XVI.

Difficulties on entering on a mission-Atheism of the Kafirs-Re-

marks of Pringle and Kay-Testimony of a sorcerer-The praying

Mantis-The Morimo of the Bechuana-Absurd notions of

Morimo and Barimo-Notions of the origin of man, etc.-A wo-

man sees Morimo-Rain-maker's sagacity-Opinions of divines-

Deplorable ignorance-Incredulity of a chief-Testimony of a

convert

. 176

CHAPTER XVII.

Works of creation insufficient-Knowledge of God not innate-Invi-

sible things of God-What the Scriptures teach-Opinions of

ancient philosophers-President Edward's argument-Reason in-

sufficient-Roby's conclusion on the subject-Man's responsibility

-Native ceremonies-Customs originating with doctors and rain-

makers-An unpleasant ceremony-Native poets or eulogists----

Natural theology-Systems of idolatry-Their various grades-

How Africa was colonized-Physical variety in man

186

[merged small][graphic][subsumed][subsumed][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Influence of rain-makers-The dead exposed-Ceremony of burial

Severe drought-Embassy for a rain-maker-His propitious recep-

churned out of a milk sack-Tree struck by lightning-A baboon

in requisition-The lions's heart-A grand discovery-Exhuma-

tion of a body-The rain-maker begins to despair-He seeks coun-

sel-A grave charge-The rain-maker condemned-He leaves

the country

208

CHAPTER XX.

Prospects become darker-A trying crisis-Purposes overruled-

Seasons changed-Scarcity of rain accounted for-Indications o

former luxuriance-Diminution of fountains-The North winds-

Instinct of animals-Atmospheric phenomena-Description of

thunder-storms-Thunder without clouds-Bechuana notions of

thunder-The chapel clock .

CHAPTER XXI.

221

Reports of the Mantatees-The Author's wish to visit the interior-

Opposition to the journey-The hunted khama-Wild dogs' chase

Mantatees discovered-Return homeward-Proceed to Griqua

Town-A Bechuana parliament held-Manner of the speakers-

A councillor silenced-Taisho's speech-The king's concluding

address.

. 230

CHAPTER XXII.

The Griquas arrive-The commando proceeds-Appalling sights-

Narrow escape-Battle commences-Savage fighting-The enemy

flee-The women and children-Description of the Mantatees-

Renewed attempts to rescue the women-A night's anxiety-

Fresh alarms-The women and dead horse-Goods stolen-Cru-

elty of the Bechuanas-Review of the subject-Concluding reflec-

tions-Missionary among the Mantatees

239

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Removal of the station propased-Objections to the plan-The Author

visits Cape Town-Surprise of the Bechuana chiefs-Missionaries

arrive-Return to the station-Journey to the Bauangketsi-

Wander in the desert-The country and game-Natural wells-

A Sabbath in the wilderness-Ignorance of the natives-Manner

of catching game-Incidents at a pool-Great sufferings from

thirst-A scene at the water-Arrive at the Barolongs-Children

offered for sale-Proceed to the Bauangketsi-Cattle seized-The

party met by a son of Makaba-The rain-maker's end-Reception

at Kuakue

PAGS

251

CHAPTER XXIV.

The natives and the compass, etc.-Makaba's visit to the wagons-
Description of the town-Character of Makaba -Bold hyenas-
Conversation with Makaba-An attempt at instruction-Makaba's
astonishment at the doctrine of a resurrection-Great excitement
-Tsusane's rebellion-His visit to the Kuruman-A stratagem-
Tsusane's affecting end-Unfounded alarms-Preparations for
defence-Precipitate departure The Author's last interview—
Return to the Barolongs-Threatened attack on Pitsana-A man
escapes-His tale-A frightful savage-Dangerous position-Wag-
ons attacked-A battle-A heathenish scene-Christian conduct-
An explosion-Divine interposition-Affairs at the station-A
midnight alarm-Concluding remarks .

CHAPTER XXVI.

State of the public mind-A civil war-Infatuation-Conference with

Mothibi-Attack of the marauders-Leave the station-Universal

commotion-Death of Peclu, the young prince-The Kuatse dis-

ease-Cruel superstition-Revenge sought-Renewed attacks-

Mr. Hughes's illness-Discouraging prospects-Ungenerous con-

duct-A chief eaten by a lion-Fresh alarms-Locusts-Descrip

tion of them -How prepared for use-Young locusts most destruc-

tive-Calf stealers-Remarkable case

266

285

CHAPTER XXVII.

Visit to the Barolongs-An interview with lions-Narrow escape-

Fresh visitors-A lion's meal-Arrive at Choaing-Company and

assistance-Manner of life-Rhinoceroses-A night hunt-Kinds

of game-Swift runners-Depravity of the natives-A cruel prac-

tice-The smith's shop-Wire-drawing-A royal visitor-Return

Change of prospects-Startling intelligence-Distracting circum-

stances-Sojourn at Griqua Town-Return to the station-Rev.

Richard Miles's visit-Population scattered-Pleasing indications

-Another commando-Audacity of the enemy-Their purposes

defeated-Treatment of prisoners-Another horde of banditti—

An anxious Sabbath-A flag of truce-A parley with the enemy

-Mr. and Mrs. Archbell arrive-The power of conscience-

Pacific results-A massacre-Divine retribution.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Delightful change-Aaron Joseph baptized-Cheering fruits-Bap-

tism of six converts-Expectations realized-Rejoicing with trem-

bling-The Gospel civilizes-Native costume-Sewing school com-

menced-Dawn of civilization-Novel fashions-Candle-making

adopted-Feelings and experience of the natives-The dying con-

Moselekatse's ambassadors-Their astonishment-Danger attending
their return-The Author accompanies them-Their reception by
Mahura-A lion attacks the oxen-Arrive at the Bahurutsi-
Country and game-The inhabited tree-Singular expedient-The
lions and the oven-An urgent appeal-Indications of former pros-
perity-Traces of great industry-The ravages of war-An inte-
resting recital-Heavy rains-Meet a hunting party-Savage
pomp-Moselekatse afraid-Warriors described-A grand ball

CHAPTER XXXI.

337

The Author's stay prolonged-An expression of gratitude-A Satur-

day eve-A criminal tried-Savage heroism-Suicide-Parasites-

Moselekatse's history-His character-A bereaved father-His

efforts to redeem his son-Paternal affection-A mother's love-

Moselekatse's inquiries-Passion for war-A monstrous action-

Rough cooks-The horrors of war-The Author returns home 353

The

CHAPTER XXXII.

progress of civilization-The foundation of the chapel laid-De-
scription of the station-Learning to print-Introduction of the
printing press-Seasonable supply-Berend's commando-The ca-
tastrophe-Mission to the Bahurutsi-A daughter's compassion-
The Scripture Lessons-The dying grandmother-Another in-
stance-Polygamy-The Word Blessed-Difficulties-Dr. A.
Smith's kindness-The Author accompanies the expedition-
Arrive at Moselekatse's--Curious ceremony-Superstition-The
lost horse-Escape from a lion-Return to the Kuruman