or to the wilderness, and spent nights among beasts of || caner's village might have interest in the narrative of prey, rather than gaze on the eyes of this lion, or hear his roar.'" intercepted and wished to detain him among them, and almost forced him to remain, until the appearance of a party of the chief's people and three of his brothers ended the contest. Moffat's reception seemed cold; and his brother missionary Ebner, who had baptized the Africaners, described the whole inhabitants as a "wicked, suspicious, and dangerous people, baptized and unbaptized." The chief was so long of making his appearance that young Moffat's heart began to fail, but at length Africaner welcomed him with frank kind an ordinary traveler; but Moffat's subsequent adventures far eclipse these early trials of his faith and paAnother native chief, with whom Africaner was at tience, his manliness and hardihood. His reception deadly feud, was named Berend. Several of their by the tamed wolf, and scourge of the desert, is inbloody conflicts and cattle forays are described, interesting. Africaner had applied for a missionary; but which great skill as well as prowess were displayed as Moffat advanced, the inhabitants of another kraal upon both sides. Theirs were generally drawn battles, and they continued to harass and to breathe hatred and defiance to each other, until Berend also was subdued by the power of the Gospel of peace. Probably both the chiefs about the same time began to perceive the unprofitable nature of their sanguinary quarrels. Of Nicholas Berend, a brother of the chief, and one of his best captains, it is told that he was afterward attached to different missions as a native teacher. He was, says Moffat, "A very superior man both in appearance and in-ness; hoped that as he was so young he would live tellect. I have frequently traveled with him, and many long among them; and he immediately set the laborers, a dreary mile have we walked over the wilderness to- the usual drudges, the beasts of burden, the poor wogether. Having an excellent memory, and good de- men, to build a hut for the missionary: scriptive powers, he has often beguiled the dreariness of the road, by rehearsing deeds of valor in days of heathenism, in which this struggle with Africaner bore a prominent part, and on which he could not reflect without a sigh of sorrow. Nicholas finished his Christian course under the pastoral care of the Rev. T. L. Hodgson, Wesleyan missionary at Boochuap. His end was peace." Among the earlier exploits of Africaner was sacking the Namaqua mission station, probably for the sake of plunder, but avowedly because some of his property had been unjustly seized by a settler. A conciliatory letter, which John Campbell, when traveling through Namaqua-land, in deadly terror of Africaner, addressed to the formidable free-booter, is said to have produced a powerful effect upon his naturally intelligent and elevated mind. Two of his brothers were converted by the preaching of the missionary Ebner, and were baptized shortly before Mr. Moffat, in 1817, left Cape Town for Africaner's village in the wilderness. He says "A circle was instantly formed, and the women, evidently delighted with the job, fixed the poles, tied them down in the hemispheric form, and covered them with the mats, all ready for habitation, in the course of little more than half an hour. Since that time, I have seen houses built of all descriptions, and assisted in the construction of a good many myself; but I confess I never witnessed such expedition. Hottentot houses, (for such they may be called, being confined to the different tribes of that nation,) are at best not very comfortable. I lived nearly six months in this native hut, which very frequently required tightening and fastening after a storm. When the sun shone, it was unbearably hot; when the rain fell, I came in for a share of it; when the wind blew, I had frequently to decamp to escape the dust; and in addition to these little inconveniences, any hungry cur of a dog that wished a night's lodging, would force itself through the frail wall, and not unfrequently deprive me of my anticipated meal for the coming day; and I have more than once found a serpent coiled up in a corner. . . "It was evident to me, as I approached the boun- But to return to my new habitation, in which, after daries of the colony, that the farmers, who, of course, my household matters were arranged, I began to ruhad not one good word to say of Africaner, were minate on the past,-the home and friends I had left, skeptical to the last degree about his reported con- perhaps, for ever; the mighty ocean which rolled beversion, and most unceremoniously predicted my de- tween, the desert country through which I had passed, struction. One said he would set me up for a mark | to reach one still more dreary. In taking a review of for his boys to shoot at; and another, that he would strip off my skin, and make a drum of it to dance to; another most consoling prediction was, that he would make a drinking cup of my skull. I believe they were serious, and especially a kind motherly lady, who, wiping the tear from her eye, bade me farewell, saying, '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.'" But we shall see more of this remarkable person. The privations and dangers of the journey to Afri the past, which seemed to increase in brightness, as I traced all the way in which I had been brought, during the stillness of my first night's repose, I often involuntarily said and sung, 'Here I raise my Ebenezer, Hither by thy help I'm come.' The inimitable hymn from which these lines are taken, was often sung by Mr. and Mrs. Kitchingman and myself, while passing through the lonely desert. But my mind was frequently occupied with other themes. I was young, had entered into a new and responsible situation, and one surrounded with diffi SOUTHERN AFRICA. culties of no ordinary character. Already I began to discover some indications of an approaching storm, which might try my faith. The future looked dark and portentous in reference to the mission." 185 experience that that contained heights and depths, and lengths and breadths, which no man comprehends. He was led to look upon the book of nature; and he would regard the heavenly orbs with an inquiring look, cast his eye on the earth beneath his tread, and regard "Before seasons like these to which I am referring, Titus, who was a grief to his brother, and a terror to most of the inhabitants on the station, as well as a fearful example of ungodliness, had become greatly subdued in spirit. He was the only individual of influence on the station who had two wives, and fearing the influence of example, I have occasionally made a delicate reference to the subject, and, by degrees, could make more direct remarks on that point, which was one of the barriers to his happiness; but he remained firm, admitting, at the same This was a cheerless beginning, and worse evils were at hand. Mr. Ebner, the missionary at this sta-ing both as displays of creative power and infinite intion, was, from some unexplained cause, on very ill telligence, would inquire about endless space and terms with Titus Africaner, and he shortly after this infinite duration. I have often been amused, when abandoned the station, and returned to Germany, his sitting with him and others, who wished to hear his native land. It is not unfair to conclude that he was questions answered, and descriptions given of the manot well adapted to a situation so difficult, and requir- jesty, extent, and number of the works of God; he ing so much sagacity; and it appears to have been would at last rub his hands on his head, exclaiming, owing to the presence and influence of Moffat that he 'I have heard enough; I feel as if my head was too at last got away unharmed. The condition of the sol-small, and as if it would swell with these great itary young man he left was painful in the extreme; subjects.' and he had not yet made trial of himself. He tells"I was 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. E. 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 £25 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. . . .time, that a man with two wives was not to be envied; Soon after my stated services commenced-which adding, 'He is often in an uproar, and when they quarwere, according to the custom of our missionaries at rel, he does not know whose part to take.' He said he that period, every morning and evening, and school often resolved when there was a great disturbance to for three or four hours during the day-I was cheered pay one off." with tokens of the Divine presence. The chief, who This poor man's trials and perplexities with his had for some time past been in a doubtful state, at-brace of wives are amusing enough; but in the chartended with such regularity, that I might as well doubt of morning's dawn, as of his attendance on the appointed means of grace. To reading, in which he was not very fluent, he attended with all the assiduity and energy of a youthful believer; the Testament be- "But to return to the character of Africaner; during came his constant companion, and his profiting ap- the whole period I lived there, I do not remember havpeared unto all. Often have I seen him under the ing occasion to be grieved with him, or to complain of shadow of a great rock, nearly the livelong day, any part of his conduct; his very faults seemed to eagerly perusing the pages of Divine inspiration; or lean to virtue's side.' One day, when seated toin his hut he would sit, unconscious of the affairs of a gether, I happened, in absence of mind, to be gazing family around, or the entrance of a stranger, with his steadfastly on him. It arrested his attention, and he eye gazing on the blessed book, and his mind wrapt modestly inquired the cause. I replied, I was tryup in things divine. Many were the nights he sat ing to picture to myself your carrying fire and sword with me, on a great stone, at the door of my habita- through the country, and I could not think how eyes tion, conversing with me till the dawn of another day, like yours could smile at human woe.' He answered on creation, providence, redemption, and the glories of not, but shed a flood of tears! He zealously seconded the heavenly world. He was like the bee, gathering my efforts to improve the people in cleanliness and inhoney from every flower, and at such seasons he would, dustry; and it would have made any one smile to have from what he had stored up in the course of the day's seen Christian Africaner and myself superintending reading, repeat generally in the very language of Scrip- the school children, now about 120, washing themture, those passages which he could not fully compre-selves at the fountain. It was, however, found that hend. He had no commentary, except the living voice their greasy, filthy carosses of sheep-skins soon made of his teacher, nor marginal references; but he soon dis- them as dirty as ever. The next thing was to get covered the importance of consulting parallel passages, them to wash their mantles, &c. At which an excellent memory enabled him readily to an early period I became an object of his charity, for, find. He did not confine his expanding mind to the finding out that I sometimes sat down to a scanty volume of revelation, though he had been taught by meal, he presented me with two cows, which, though VOL. III.-24 acter of his brother, the once fierce heathen, there is a mild dignity, a noble simplicity, which illustrates the influence of the pure faith of the Gospel better than a hundred homilies. Of him we have this testimony: to the chief, who for his former marauding upon the settlers was still an outlaw, with 1000 rix-dollars offered for his head. He said, when the journey was proposed, that he thought Mr. Moffat had loved him better than to give him up to the government to be hanged. The affair was for three days publicly discussed; and when it was concluded, nearly the whole inhabitants of Africaner's village-all his subjects, or clansmenaccompanied them to the banks of the Orange River, and parted from them with tears. At Warm Bath, the place referred to in the subjoined extract, there was a mission station, from whence religion and civilization had emanated to the wilds; and on the journey, it is said "Arriving at Pella, (the place as before stated, to which some of the people from Warm Bath had retired when the latter was destroyed by Africaner,) we had a feast fit for heaven-born souls, and subjects to which the seraphim above might have tuned their golden lyres. Men met who had not seen each other since they had joined in mutual combat for each other's woe; met-warrior with warrior, bearing in their hands the olive branch, secure under the panoply of peace and in that country giving little milk, often saved me many a hungry night, to which I was exposed. He was a man of peace; and though I could not expound to him that the 'sword of the magistrate' implied, that he was calmly to sit at home, and see Bushmen or marauders carry off his cattle, and slay his servants; yet so fully did he understand and appreciate the principles of the Gospel of peace, that nothing could grieve him more than to hear of individuals, or villages, contending with one another. He who was formerly like a fire-brand, spreading discord, enmity, and war among the neighboring tribes, would now make any sacrifice to prevent any thing like a collision between two contending parties; and when he might have raised his arm, and dared them to lift a spear or draw a bow, he would stand in the attitude of a suppliant, and entreat them to be reconciled to each other; and pointing to his past life, ask, 'What have I of all the battles I have fought, and all the cattle I took, but shame and remorse?' At an early period of my labors among that people, I was deeply affected by the sympathy he, as well as others of his family, manifested toward me in a season of affliction. The extreme heat of the weather, in the house which I have described, and liv-love. ing entirely on meat and milk, to which I was unac- "We spent some pleasant days while the subject of customed, brought on a severe attack of bilious fever, getting Africaner safely through the territories of the farwhich, in the course of two days, induced delirium.mers to the Cape, was the theme of much conversation. Opening my eyes in the first few lucid moments, I saw To some the step seemed somewhat hazardous. Afrimy attendant and Africaner sitting before my couch, caner and I had fully discussed the point before leaving gazing on me with eyes full of sympathy and tender- the station; and I was confident of success. Though a ness. Seeing a small parcel, containing a few medi- chief, there was no need of laying aside any thing like cines, I requested him to hand it to me, and taking royalty, with a view to travel in disguise. Of two subfrom it a vial of calomel, I threw some of it into my stantial shirts left, I gave him one; he had a pair of mouth, for scales or weights I had none. He then leather trowsers, a duffel jacket, much the worse for asked me, the big tear standing in his eye, if I died, wear, and an old hat, neither white nor black, and my how they were to bury me. 'Just in the same way as own garb was scarcely more refined. As a farther preyou bury your own people,' was my reply; and I add-caution, it was agreed, that for once I should be the ed, that he need be under no apprehension if I were called away, for I should leave a written testimony of his kindness to me. This evidently gave him some comfort, but his joy was full, when he saw me speedily Ludicrous as the picture may appear, the subject restored, and at my post, from which I had been absent, was a grave one, and the season solemn and important; only a few days. often did I lift up my heart to Him in whose hands are the hearts of all men, that his presence might go with us. It might here be remarked, once for all, that the Dutch farmers, notwithstanding all that has been said against them by some travelers, are, as a people, exceedingly hospitable and kind to strangers. Exceptions there are, but these are few, and perhaps more rare than in any country under the sun. Some of these worthy people on the borders of the colony, congratulated me on returning alive, having often heard, as they said, that I had long since been murdered by Africaner. Much wonder was expressed at my narrow escape from such a monster of cruelty, the report havAfter Moffat had labored for a considerable time ing been spread that Mr. Ebner had but just escaped among the Bechuanas, and had made several distant with the skin of his teeth. While some would scarceexcursions on objects connected with his mission, he ly credit my identity; my testimony as to the entire induced Africaner to accompany him on a visit to the reformation of Africaner's character, and his converCape, though the expedition was not without dangersion, was discarded as the effusion of a frenzied brain. "In addition to Christian Africaner, his brothers, David and Jacobus, both believers, and zealous assistants in the work of the mission, especially in the school, were a great comfort to me. David, though rather of a retiring disposition, was amiable, active, and firm; while Jacobus was warm, affectionate, and zealous for the interest of souls. His very countenance was wont to cheer my spirits, which, notwithstanding all I had to encourage, would sometimes droop. Long after I left that people, he was shot, while defending the place against an unexpected attack made on it by the people of Warm Bath." chief, and he should assume the appearance of a servant, when it was desirable, and pass for one of my attendants. ces. YOUTHFUL PIETY. Original. YOUTHFUL PIETY. BY MRS. C. A. SEHON. 187 It is always useful to record the triumphs of religion, whether seen in the lives of the young or the aged. The resolutions of others are thus strengthened, and their hopes encouraged, by all such notices. If it is important and interesting to note thus the conquests of the Redeemer's kingdom in the hour of conversion, it is equally, or perhaps more so, to record the triumphs of Divine grace in a dying hour. When death approaches, when earthly friends and home must be left, how consoling to know that Jesus can and will support, that his prom It sometimes afforded no little entertainment to Africaner and the Namaquas, to hear a farmer denounce this supposed irreclaimable savage. There were only a few, however, who were skeptical on this subject. At one farm, a novel scene exhibited the state of feeling respecting Africaner and myself, and likewise displayed the power of Divine grace under peculiar circumstan. . I gave him in a few words my views of Africaner's present character, saying, 'He is now a truly good man.' To which he replied, 'I can believe almost any thing you say, but that I cannot credit; there are seven wonders in the world: that would be the eighth.' I appealed to the displays of Divine grace in a Paul, a Manasseh, and referred to his own experience. He replied these were another description of men, but that Africaner was one of the ac-ises will cheer and comfort his faithful followers through cursed sons of Ham, enumerating some of the atroci- the dark valley and shadow of death. It is with the ties of which he had been guilty. By this time, we hope of interesting your youthful readers, particularly, were standing with Africaner at our feet, on whose and encouraging in them a disposition early to serve countenance sat a smile, well knowing the prejudices the Lord, that I am induced to ask of you for the folof some of the farmers. The farmer closed the conver-lowing, if deemed worthy, a place in the Repository. sation 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.' I was not before aware of this fact, and now felt some hesitation whether to discover to him the object of his wonder; but knowing the sincerity of the farmer, and the goodness of his disposition, I said, This, then, is Africaner!' He started back, looking intensely at the man, as if he had just dropped from the clouds. 'Are you Africaner?' he exclaimed. He arose, doffed his old hat, and making a polite bow, answered, 'I am.' The farmer seemed thunder-struck; but when, by a few questions, he had assured himself of the fact, that the former bugbear of the border stood before him, now meek and lamb-like in his whole deportment, he lifted up his eyes, and exclaimed, O God, what a miracle of thy power! what cannot thy grace accomplish!' The kind farmer, and his no less hospitable wife, now abundantly supplied our wants; but we hastened our departure, lest the intelligence might get abroad that Africaner was with me, and bring unpleasant visitors." WOMAN IN SICKNESS. I LOVE to see her at the couch of sickness, sustaining the fainting head, offering to the parched lips its cordial, to the craving palate its simple nourishment, treading with noiseless assiduity around the solemn curtains, and complying with every wish of the invalid; disposing the sun-light upon the pale forehead, and settling upon it the summer breath of heaven. How lovely are such exhibitions of constancy and faith! How they appear to the soul, like the lover in the Canticles, whose fingers, when she rose to open the door to her beloved, were "dropping with sweet smelling myrrh upon the handle of the lock." ANN ELIZA SUMMONS, daughter of Captain J. B. and Prudence Summons, was born in this city, September 28, 1831, and was, at the time of her death, eleven years and six months old. Her constitution was at best a feeble one, and she was frequently the subject of severe affliction. Her natural disposition was affectionate, lively, and cheerful. It may be said that harmlessness toward all with whom she associated, and strict obedience to her parents, were distinguishing traits in her character. From earliest childhood, morning and evening, her devotions were strictly performed, never suffering herself to lie down at night, or rise up in the morning, without imploring the blessing of God upon herself and every member of the family. Of the Sabbath school attached to Wesley Chapel she was a faithful scholar, also a consistent member of the juvenile class led by brother Neff. Her conversations held with her mother and others were often upon the subject of religion, and were always proposed by herself, and evidently with a desire to learn and improve in the things pertaining to her soul's salvation. Last summer, during the illness of her mother, while devoting great attention, and expressing much anxiety for her recovery, this child did not forget to apply to the Physician of souls. When asked, on one occasion, by her mother, where she had been, her reply was, "I have been praying to God for you in the garret. I used, mother," said she, "to be afraid to go in the garret, because it was so dark; but to-day I was not afraid, and have been up to tell God how sick you are, and to ask him on my knees to restore you to health." She added, "I believe you will get well; for God will hear and answer prayer." Several months since she was severely attacked with inflammation of the lungs, from which she recovered slowly, in consequence of which she was unable to attend her school through the week; yet no inducements could prevail with her to neglect her class or Sabbath school when able to leave the house. On Sabbath, the "Eliza, adieu! in heaven thou reignest now, 12th of March, she was quite sick, and was told she was || children, at a very early age, may be converted to God; too much indisposed to venture out; but she could not and this case, with many others which have gone bethink so, and was unhappy until permission was given. fore, is presented in favor of the same truth. To SabShe accordingly went to class and the Sabbath school bath school instruction, and that received from her she so much loved. On the next day she continued to leader, may her peaceful and triumphant death be chiefgrow worse, and took her bed. A physician was called, ly attributed. May kind Heaven sanctify this afflictand her disease pronounced measles. Day after daying bereavement to the great good of her family and her disease gained ground, until fears by her physician friends-to the Sabbath school and class with which and family were entertained that she could not recover. she was connected-yea, to all who may read of her The father was, at the time, very sick in another bed triumphant departure! in the same room, and observed to his wife, "I am afraid Ann Eliza will leave us." This remark she overheard, and spoke in a loud and distinct voice, "Yes, I am going to die, and I am afraid to die." She immediately asked that father Nelson and other friends be sent for to pray with and for her. I called to see her on Saturday. As I entered the room, amid the weeping and sobbing of her parents and family, I could hear this little girl praying to the Lord to have mercy on her and prepare her for death. It was a solemn scene; the father sick, the weeping mother, brothers, and sisters around her bed, and this beloved child, thus early and suddenly called to die, earnestly praying God for victory in death. She called me to her, and asked my prayers, adding, "I shall pray on until I die." Such, also, was her request to father Nelson, her preacher, leader, and all who visited her. On Sabbath I called again, accompanied by a friend; but O how changed the scene! God had blessed her soul-happy in his love. She had been rejoicing and praising God, and exhorting her family and friends to meet her in glory. She was now so much exhausted as to be unable to converse, but was perfectly conscious, recognizing all who entered her room. On Monday, the day she died, reviving so as to be able to speak, her father, who had been removed to an adjoining room, was brought in to see her once more.. As he entered, she fastened her eyes upon him, and reaching out to him her hand, exclaimed, "O, father, I am not afraid to die now. I want you to kiss me, and then tell me if you will meet me in heaven." She repeated the question until her father, overcome with grief, replied, "I will." With a smile she exclaimed, "That is right!" Turning to her mother, after asking her to kiss her, she exacted the same promise; and thus exhorted and made each member of the family promise to meet her in heaven; then addressed each one separately in the room, including her attentive and now deeply affected physician. The doctor remarked to me that, in many years' practice, he had never witnessed such a death-one so triumphant and victorious. Rejoicing and exhorting her friends and acquaintances to meet her in glory, this child thus sweetly and quietly fell asleep in Jesus. Who that witnessed such a scene could doubt the truth of religion, even though in a child, yet so powerfully sustained? Why should it be thought a thing incredible that the Holy Spirit should thus operate upon the heart of a child? Everywhere the Scriptures abound with declarations that will sustain the fact, that Original. BY WILLIAM BAXTER. WHAT glowing thoughts come flitting by Hear each forgotten strain- Ere sorrow's with'ring blight And banish'd all delight- Which lull'd our childhood's hours; and yet She bade us bend the knee, To heav'n; for children's orisons And wake each silent string. Still cheers my heart with its pure beams But mem'ry still shall brightly burn |