six months, being scorched by the sun, drenched by the rain, exposed to the wind, and obliged often to decamp through the clouds of dust; in addition to which, any dog wishing for a night’s lodging could force its way through the wall, sometimes to the loss of the missionary’s dinner next day.  A serpent was occasionally found coiled in a corner, or the indweller of the habitation had to spring up, in the middle of the night, to save himself and his house from being crushed to pieces during the nocturnal affrays of the cattle which roamed at large.  He lived principally upon milk and dried meat, until, after a time, he was able to raise a little grain and garden stuff.

A few days after Moffat’s arrival, Mr. Ebner departed, so that the young missionary was left entirely alone in a trying and most difficult position, a stranger in the midst of a strange people.  “Here I was,” said he, “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. Ebner 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 twenty-five pounds 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.  These circumstances led to great searchings of heart, to see if I had hitherto aimed at doing and suffering the will of Him in whose service I had embarked.  Satisfied that I had not run unsent, and having in the intricate, and sometimes obscure course I had come, heard the still small voice saying, ‘This is the way, walk ye in it,’ I was wont to pour out my soul among the granite rocks surrounding this station, now in sorrow, and then in joy; and more than once I have taken my violin, once belonging to Christian Albrecht, and, reclining upon one of the huge masses, have, in the stillness of the evening, played and sung the well-known hymn, a favourite of my mother’s—­

    ’Awake, my soul, in joyful lays,
    To sing the great Redeemer’s praise.’”

Robert Moffat looked to his God for help and guidance, and his heart was strengthened.

At this period the chief, Christian Africaner, was in a doubtful state of mind; while Titus, his brother, a man of almost reckless courage, was a fearful example of ungodliness, and a terror to most of the inhabitants on the station.  Soon after the commencement of his stated services—­which were, according to the custom of the missionaries at that period, religious service morning and evening, and school for three or four hours during the day—­the heart of the youthful missionary was much cheered by noticing the regular attendance of the chief.  Although not a fluent reader, the New Testament became his constant companion, and a change passed over him apparent to all.  The lion at whose name many trembled became a lamb, and the love of Jesus Christ filled his heart.  He who was formerly like a fire-brand, spreading discord, enmity, and war among the neighbouring tribes, was now ready to make any sacrifice to avoid conflict, and besought parties at variance with each other to be at peace.