VISIT TO SOUTH AFIUCA. 73 
21st. In the afternoon, the chapel-servants had a meeting, as 
usual in the beginning of the year, the aim of which is, to encourage 
them to diligence and faithfulness in their service. The conversa- 
tion was free, unaffected, and edifying. Many of them, both men 
and women, joined in it with great m(;desiy. Father Marsveld, af* 
ter a short address, asked some questions concerning their service, 
and their views in accepting of the appointment. Their answers 
surprised and delighted me. They proved, that these people, lately 
so ignorant, had, by the instruction, not of men, but of the Spirit of 
God, conceived views and ideas of the service in the house of God 
more just, than many v, ho think themselves far more enlightened. 
Their spirit seemed truly that of David, who would rather be a 
door-keeper in the house of the Lord, than dwell in the tents of the 
wicked. One said, that he felt so unwortiiy of being thus emploj^ed , 
that when he rose to snuff the raadles, he alm(..'>t, trembled, lest he 
should do any thing to disturb the congregativ rs or the teacher. 
The conversation turned also upon brotherly love, and a willingness 
to help each other in trouble or sickness, which is not natural to 
the Hottentots. This gave occasion to many practical observa- 
tions, and my quoting the sinsile used in Scripture, of the inti- 
mate connexion of the membeis of the body, that if one suffer, 
the whole is affected, with explaiiations given by some of the mis- 
sionaries present, seemed to make a deep impression upon them, 
'j'hey with one consent expressed tiieir thankfuhiess for havijg re- 
ceived more teachers, and for my visit. Father Marsveld's inan- 
ner in leading the conversation, was that of a sensible parent addres- 
sing sensible children. To me, this opportunity of noticing the 
disposition of the Hottentots, when converted to Christ, was singu- 
larly agreeable and important. Shortly after, they all came into my 
room, to pay me a special visit, and once more to bid me welcome. 
The camera obscura happening to stand in a position, which sliow^ 
ed the church and the grove, with people passing and repassing, 
exceedingly amused and astonished them. 
A messenger now announced that Stephen was in a 03 ing state. 
