ADVERTISEMENT. 
The Missionary Society, instituted in London, in the year 
1795, for the sole purpose of diffusing the Gospel in Heathen 
and other unenlightened countries, first directed their views to 
the islands of the Pacific Ocean ; after which their attention was 
turned to the vast continent of Africa. That long neglected 
and much injured country appeared to the Directors to have 
powerful claims on their regard. Accordingly, in the year 
1798, Doctor Van der Kemp, a respectable physician of Hol- 
land, who had devoted himself to the arduous and honourable 
office of a Christian Missionary to the Heathen, went forth from 
England under the auspices of the Society, accompanied by 
Mr. Kicherer and other pious men. Not succeeding in the 
establishment of a mission among the Caffres whom he first 
visited, he removed to Bethelsdorp near Algoa Bay, where, with 
the assistance of Mr. Read and others, he formed a settlement. 
To this spot he was directed by the Governor of the Colony, 
(General Jansens,) who granted a portion of land, with cattle, 
and other requisites for the accomplishment of the object. Here 
a considerable village was formed, the knowledge of useful arts 
was introduced, and, as the primary object, the gospel of Jesus 
Christ was preached, and refigious instruction afforded ; so that, 
by the Divine blessing, a great number of the degraded Hot- 
tentots became sincere Christians and useful members of 
society. The progress and present state of this settlement will 
appear in the following pages. 
