1811. 
VIEW FROM THE MOUNTAINS 
111 
desire to infuse his own pecuhar rehgious doctrines, and a disregard 
to the worldly improvement of his followers, are the distinguishing 
marks of an opposite character, and can only exist in a mind alto- 
gether unfit for the undertaking. The harm such men do in the 
cause is seldom to be remedied. The savage witnesses the superi- 
ority of civilised men, and longs to be taught those arts which have 
created that superiority ; but if, instead of gratifying so natural a 
wish, his teacher will inform him of nothing but the incompre- 
hensible mysteries of religion, he is disappointed, perhaps disgusted, 
and resolves to shut his ears to further instruction. Would the 
missionary content himself, in the onset, with teaching them such 
useful arts as would add to their daily comfort, he would gain their 
esteem and respect, most likely their gratitude ; and having thus 
secured their confidence, would find their minds and hearts in a 
state better fitted to listen to his precepts, and to receive the lessons 
of religion. 
Even the place itself had an air of tranquillity, and the little 
grove seemed to cast a modest peaceful shade around. The brethren 
appearing much pleased with the sketch I made of this scene, and 
lamenting that, though several visitors had promised them a drawing 
of it, to send to their society in Europe, they had all forgotten their 
promise, I engaged to fulfil it for them ; which I did a few weeks 
afterwards. 
In the afternoon, we were conducted part of the way up the 
mountains, to a spot whence we had a commanding view of the 
whole settlement, and of the vale of the Zondereinde ; while the 
numerous huts of the Hottentots, half hid in the midst of gardens, 
through which the winding rivulet took its course, formed altogetlier 
an interesting picture. On the eastern bank, a few huts appeared 
detached from the rest ; these belonged to some Caffres (or Kaffers), 
who had taken up their abode here, and proved worthy members of 
this community. 
From the summit of these mountains, it is said that Table 
Mountain and the Bay can be distinguished ; but the unfavourable 
state of the weather, and the late hour of the day, obliged us hastily 
