VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 333 
51st. This was the day appointed for laying the foundation- 
stone of the new church. The ceremony took place at 10 A. M. 
Early in the morning, a number of Hottentots had conveyed the 
stone from the hill to the spot. They delighted in tlie work, and 
there was no want of hands. The stone was of a triangular shapo, 
its south-side, four feet five inches ; east-side, three feet six 
inches; north-east sidC;, five feet six inches; and one foot four 
inches in thickness. A square hole had been punched into it, to 
hold the leaden box, with the writing. 
The service was conducted in the following manner : Brother 
Schmitt opened it with that hymn; Sing hal/elujah, honour, ^raise^ 
8zc. and then addressed the congregation in a suitable discourse. 
The people stood, both about the ditch, and within the space en- 
closed. He then read the texts of Scripture appointed for the 
day: " Rejoice, because your names are -written in heaven. Luke x. 10. 
Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works, which Thou hast 
done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reck- 
oned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them^ 
they are more than can be numbered. Ps. xl. 5." Brother Fritsch 
read the Dutch translation of the contents of the parchment, 
which he held in his hand, and having delivered it to me, I placed 
it in the leaden box ; Brother vStein deposited it in the founda- 
tion-stone. Mr. Schroeder followed, put a flat stone over it, and 
gave a stroke upon it with a mallet. Each of us followed, re- 
peating the stroke, as is usually done on such occasions. A verse 
being sung. Brother Bonatz, kneeling upon the stone, ofi:ered 
up a prayer. The congregation then sung that hymn. Now let 
us praise the Lord, &c. and the blessing being pronounced, the 
assembly dispersed. 
It was a solemn and delightful service. The Hottentots seem- 
ed fixed to their places in attention and devotion ; and several 
friends, who were present, expressed their admiration both of their 
behaviour, their joyful songs of praise, and their fervent expressions 
of gratitude to God for the mercies bestowed upon them. A spi- 
