VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 287 
live by Satan at his will/ in the service of sin; the consequence of 
M'hich, even to the richest and most powerful nation, was misery 
both here and hereafter. We then explained to them the state of 
the negroes in the West Indies, who had not only lost their land and 
liberty, but were carried as slaves into a foreign country; and yet 
many of those, who had received the gospel, now rejoiced in that, 
which, to man, seemed the greatest misfortune, because it had been 
the means of preparing them, by faith in Jesus, for the possession 
of an inheritance incorruptible and eternal." They heard us with 
great attention, and, during the latter part of the address, tears filled 
their eyes, and they declared their thankfulness to God for their 
present privileges; adding, that in conversation among themselves, 
they frequently reminded each other of these benefits. 
It was to me a most interesting discovery, showing, that these 
poor people likewise reason about the rights of man, though with 
rather more coolness and good sense, than some among our English 
demaso^ues have done. 
8th. To-day I was much engaged in making preparations for my 
departure, and finished a farewell-address to the congregation, in 
Dutch, which I meant to read to them on Sunday . For though I 
had learnt to read and pronounce this language tolerably well, 
I could not venture to speak extempore in a public assembly. I 
read it on the 
9th, in the afternoon, to a crowded audience, and was glad to 
liear, that it was well understood by the Hottentots. When I had 
finished, and left the desk. Father Marsveld addressed the congre- 
gation, and offered up a prayer in my behalf. 
The pain felt at parting was, I believe, mutual; nor would my 
feelings have suffered me to read my speech, had I not been obliged 
to pay as much attention to reading and right pronunciation, as to 
the subject itself. 
During the whole day, parties of Hottentots came into my room, 
to express their affection, thanks, and good wishes. 
10th. The weather being rainy, and every prospect of the rivers 
