“My dear Wilmot,” replied Mr. Swinton, “a missionary, even of the most humble class, is a person of no ordinary mind; he does not rely upon himself or upon his own exertions,—­he relies not upon others, or upon the assistance of this world; if he did, he would, as you say, soon abandon his task in despair.  No; he is supported, he is encouraged, he is pressed on by faith—­faith in Him who never deserts those who trust and believe in Him; he knows that, if it is His pleasure, the task will be easy, but at the same time that it must be at His own good time.  Convinced of this, supported by this, encouraged by this, and venturing his life for this, he toils on, in full assurance that if he fails another is to succeed,—­that if he becomes a martyr, his blood will moisten the arid soil from which the future seed will spring.  A missionary may be low in birth, low in education, as many are; but he must be a man of exalted mind,—­what in any other pursuit we might term an enthusiast; and in this spreading of the Divine word, he merits respect for his fervor, his courage, and self-devotion; his willingness, if the Lord should so think fit, to accept the crown of martyrdom.”

“You are right, Swinton; nothing but what you have described could impel a man to pass a life of privation and danger among a savage race—­leaving all, and following his Master in the true apostolic sense.  Well, they will have their reward.”

“Yes, in heaven, Wilmot; not on earth,” replied Swinton.

The next day, being the Sabbath, with the assistance of Mahomed, who was valet as well as cook to the whole party, they divested themselves of their beards, which had not been touched for many days, and dressed themselves in more suitable apparel than their usual hunting costume,—­a respect paid to the Sabbath by even the most worldly and most indifferent on religious points.  The bell of the Mission church was tolled, and the natives were seen coming from all directions.  Our party went in, and found Mr. S. already there, and that seats had been provided for them.  The numbers of natives who were assembled in the church were about 200, but many more were at the windows, and sitting by the open door.

Many of them were clothed in some sort of European apparel; those who were not, drew their krosses close round them, so as to appear more covered.  A hymn in the Caffre language was first sung, and then prayers, after which the Litany and responses; the Commandments were repeated in the same language.  Mr. S. then read a chapter in the Bible, and explained it to the assembly.  Profound silence and quiet attention generally prevailed, although in some few instances there was mockery from those outside.  Mr. S. gave the blessing, and the service was ended.

“You have already done much,” observed Mr. Swinton.  “I could hardly have believed that a concourse of savages could have been so attentive, and have behaved with such decorum.”