82 JOURNAL OF A 
27th. I spent the forenoon at my desk. After dinner, while others 
were taking their African nap, which does not jet agree with me, I 
took a walk about the premises, and ascended the hill to the right, 
coming out of the kloof. My intention was to seek a spot, from 
whence a view might be taken of the missionaries' premises, show- 
ing the church, a part of everj house, and the garden. On my 
return, finding the church-door open, I entered and climbed in- 
to the roof. Here I found two Hottentots at work, who gave me 
some information about the building. The timber used was allow- 
ed by Government to be cut in the forest of Soete Melks Valley. 
After coffee, the Brethren Clemens and Lemmerz went with me in- 
to the kloof. On the road w e were called to by some Hottentots, 
who had just caught a tree-serpent. It was a beautiful creature, a- 
bout four feet long, mottled grey on the back, with a gold-yellow 
belly. These reptiles are said to be very venomous, and haunt trees 
and bushes. After a most pleasant walk, we returned, admiring 
the view of Gnadenthal church, as it presents itself at the opening 
of the kloof. The rocks on both sides of the glen are of a deep 
brown-red colour. 
28th. This was a day of peculiar happiness and comfort to many 
in this congregation, both to those, who w^ere admitted to church-pri- 
vileges, as above stated, and to all who took share in the prosperity 
of this work of God. After an animated sermon by Father Mars- 
veld, two children were baptized. I was again, as at Groenekloof, 
greatly edified by the questions put to, and answers given by the 
parents, previous to the solemn transaction. To see the widow of 
poor Stephen, lately killed by the kick of a horse, now appearing 
with her infant at the baptismal font, was a very affecting sight, 
and she was particularly recommended to the prayers and kind no- 
tice of the congregation. At three in the afternoon was the bap- 
tism of nine men, and six women. All ordained ministers were 
engaged in this service. I baptized three, one of whom was a 
Caffre, Klaas Stoffel. Brother Bonatz addressed both the large 
audience, which filled the church, and the candidates about to be 
