A little later he had the opportunity of hearing Mr. Roby, and determined to call upon him and offer himself for mission work.

So great was his dread of making this call that he asked a companion to accompany him, and be present at the interview, but could only induce his friend to wait for him outside.

When he got to Mr. Roby’s door his courage failed him; he looked longingly at his friend and began to retreat.  However, his conscience would not allow him to surrender; and back again he went to the house, but still feared to knock.

At length after walking up and down the street in a state of painful indecision he returned and ventured to knock.  A terrible moment followed.  He would have given anything to run away, and hoped with all his heart Mr. Roby would be out.

This, however, was not the case; and, brought face to face with the mission preacher, he told his story simply and effectively, and Mr. Roby promised to write to the Missionary Society about him.

At first the offer of his services was declined, but later on it was accepted; and on 30th September, 1816, he was ordained at Surrey Chapel.  Amongst others set apart at the same time was John Williams, the martyr of Erromanga.

It was at first proposed that Williams and Moffat should go together to Polynesia; but Mr. Waugh remarked that “thae twa lads were ower young to gang together,” so they were separated.

At the age of twenty-one Moffat sailed for South Africa.  The ship reached Cape Town, after a voyage of eighty-six days, on 13th January, 1817; and forthwith he started on his career in receipt of a salary of twenty-five pounds per year.

On his journey into the interior he stopped one evening at a Dutch farmer’s, where he was warmly welcomed, and was requested to conduct family worship.

Before commencing he asked for the servants.  The farmer, roused to indignation by such a request, said he would call in the dogs and baboons if Moffat wanted a congregation of that sort!

But the missionary was not to be denied.  In reading the Bible he selected the story of the Syrophoenician woman.  Before many minutes had passed the farmer stopped him, saying he would have the servants in.

When the service was over the old man said to Moffat, “My friend, you took a hard hammer, and you have broken a hard head”.

[Illustration:  MOFFAT PREACHING TO THE BOERS.]

His early missionary efforts were crowned with success.  He visited the renowned chief Afrikaner in Namaqualand.  This man had given much trouble to the Government, and L100 had been offered for his head.  He became, however, sincerely attached to Moffat, and after a time he went to Cape Town with him.  The authorities could hardly believe that this notorious robber had become so altered; but right glad were they at the change, and, when Afrikaner returned home, he took with him numerous presents from the Government.