358 
CIVILIZATION AND EVANGELISM. 
Oct. 
spent at Klaarwater. And, with respect to its effects in forwarding 
the object of it, I cannot say that they appeared to me very evident : 
certainly, I saw nothing that would sanction me in making such 
favorable reports as have been laid before the public. 
The enthusiasm which, perhaps, is inseparable from missionary 
affairs, may create some optical delusion in the mind's eye, that may 
cause it to see those things which are not visible to a more tem- 
perate and unbiassed observer ; but still, it is much to be lamented 
that the community at home are misled by accounts (I speak gene- 
rally) catching at the most trifling occurrence for their support, and 
showing none but the favorable circumstances ; and even those, un- 
fairly exaggerated. Deception never yet supported any cause for 
long. Every sensible and reasonable person must be too well aware 
of the difficulties attending the civilization of wild nations, to expect 
more than slow and gradual advancement, or to be disappointed or 
deterred by the untowardness of savages, or by their resistance to 
novel doctrines. Whatever aversion the African tribes, taken gene- 
rally, may have to new opinions in religion and morality, they will 
not, I am sure, reject any proffered instruction in such arts as have 
for them an evident utility. Why not, therefore, begin with this ? 
As the trial has, I believe, never been made, the objection that such 
a plan will not succeed, cannot yet be fairly urged against it ; while 
those who have an opportunity of getting at the truth, know that the 
evangelizing scheme has too often ended in nothing. If there really 
do exist so much good-will, and such disinterested philanthropy, to- 
wards all the untutored savages of the globe ; and this has, it cannot 
be denied, shown itself in a variety of shapes, combined always with 
religious enthusiasm ; why, therefore, has it not shown itself in some 
endeavour directed exclusively to the object of instructing them in 
those arts and practices, from which we derive those superior com- 
forts which, in a worldly point of view, distinguish us from them ? 
Why have no missionaries been sent to them with this as their first 
great object? Because, perhaps, our philanthropy is not strong 
enough to stand purely by itself, without the enthusiasm of a re- 
ligious devotee. But I hope not to be misunderstood ; for though I 
