The closing scene in the life of this remarkable man was depicted by the Rev. J. Archbell, Wesleyan missionary, in a letter to Dr. Philip, dated the 14th of March, 1823:—­“When he found his end approaching, he called all the people together, and gave them directions as to their future conduct.  ‘We are not,’ said he, ’what we were,—­savages, but men professing to be taught according to the Gospel.  Let us then do accordingly.  Live peaceably with all men, if possible; and if impossible, consult those who are placed over you before you engage in anything.  Remain together, as you have done since I knew you.  Then, when the Directors think fit to send you a missionary, you may be ready to receive him.  Behave to any teacher you may have sent as one sent of God, as I have great hope that God will bless you in this respect when I am gone to heaven.  I feel that I love God, and that He has done much for me, of which I am totally unworthy,’

“He also added, ’My former life is stained with blood; but Jesus Christ has pardoned me, and I am going to heaven.  Oh! beware of falling into the same evils into which I have led you frequently; but seek God, and He will be found of you to direct you,’”

Shortly after this he died.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CHAPTER IV.

Marriage, and arrival at Lattakoo.

Up to this time, Robert Moffat had pursued his course alone.  No loving helpmeet had cheered him in his efforts, or with womanly tenderness ministered to his wants.  But though far away, he was fondly remembered and earnestly prayed for, especially by one noble Christian lady, over whose fair head scarce twenty-three summers had passed, and whose heart had been torn with the severe struggle, between filial love and regard for her parents on the one hand, and her sense of duty and affection for her missionary friend on the other, which for two and a-half years had been carried on therein.

At last, when hope seemed to have vanished, the parents of Mary Smith, to whom the idea of parting with their only daughter was painful in the extreme, saw so clearly that it was the Lord who was calling their child to the work which He had marked out for her, that they felt they dare not any longer withhold her from it, and therefore calmly resigned their daughter into His hands.  Thus it came to pass that,—­after a short stay in London, and at Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, at which places she won all hearts by her unfeigned and exalted piety and zeal, and by her modest, affectionate manner,—­we find her on board the sailing-ship British Colony, on her way to South Africa, in the care of the Rev. R. Beck, a minister of the Dutch Church, and his wife.

As arranged, the deputation, accompanied by Robert Moffat, left Cape Town on their tour of inspection of the stations in the eastern part of the Colony and in Kafirland.  This journey necessitated an absence of twelve months, during which time Robert expected his bride to arrive.  This was a trial of faith, as it seemed hard that she should be obliged to land in a strange country, and find none of her own to welcome her.  But with Moffat even love followed after duty.