VISIT TO SOUTH AIRICA. §7f 
31st. For some time the oaks, poplars, and other foreign trees, 
had exhibited a beautiful variety of the richest autumnal tints, 
but to-day, the heavy rain and wind caused a great falling of the 
leaves, and, in a few days more, winter seemed to have assumed 
its reign. 
This afternoon, a young man, Francis H. was brought before 
us, to answer for his having struck another man's wife. He was 
expected to be very sulky, but confessed the charge, without an 
attempt to defend himself, and heard the sentence of exclusion from 
the meetings of the baptized people, with many tears. He was ap- 
parently not able to speak for grief, and it was with great reluc- 
tance that he retired, when dismissed. On such occasions, I 
generally remained a silent hearer, and found much to approve 
and admire in the manner, in which Father Marsveld administered 
justice. But after Francis was gone, I took the liberty to observe, 
that, though he had confessed the charge brought against him, the 
party offended had not been present, to be examined respecting 
the occasion given for the offence, when probably some circum- 
stances might have been discovered, which would have caused the 
sentence to be less rigorous. It is not in the manner of the punish- 
ment, that its severity is felt, so much, as in the effect produced 
in the mind or feelings of the person receiving it. Most of the 
Christian Hottentots, negroes, or other converts from among the 
heathen, in our missionary settlements, would rather endure any 
corporeal chastisement, than be excluded from the meetings of 
their class or division in the congregation. The missionaries, 
acknowledging the truth of these remarks, appointed a second 
hearing in Father Marsveld's room, in presence of two or three of 
their number, and a summons was sent to the woman, to meet the 
accused in the morning. 
June 1st. They both appeared before us. Here again I was 
witness to that great influence, which the missionaries will ever 
possess over the minds of their converts, while the latter are con- 
vinced, that all they do and direct, is meant only for their good 
