each end was a room, one of which was occupied by brethren Anderson and Kramer, the other by myself and brother Scholtz. The provisions were stored in my apartment. This building was appropriated to the worship of the Hottentots, another of a similar construction, was devoted to the instruction of the Corannas and Namaquas, whom we addressed by Interpreters. Divine service was performed in both places at the same time, each of us officiating by rotation. For the purpose of raising a considerable quantity of vegetables, we planted a large garden, which we inclosed by a wall.

It pleased God, at this time, to visit my faithful fellow laborer, Mr. Scholtz, with a heavy affliction; he was confined for five months by a dangerous illness, which left a lameness in his, formerly, athletic body.

Namaquas lived servants to the Bastards, having been reduced to this abject condition by the depredations of a monster, known by the name of THE AFRICAN, a Bastard Hottentot. This bloody man, having murdered Pennar his master, collected a band of robbers, with whom he made incursions into the Namaqua and Coranna countries. Some of these poor, timid people sent him a message, requesting that he would restore a little part of their property, at least a Cow for each family, that they might have a drop of milk for their starving children; the wretch promised to comply with their wishes on condition that they would cross the river, and fetch the animals; but when they came, he treacherously tied them to the trees, cut out their tongues, or otherwise maimed them; some of them he shot dead. Being thus reduced to extreme poverty, Our labors here appeared to they were glad, for the sake of be attended with a peculiar blessubsistence, to serve the Bas- sing, a great desire prevailing tards, who treated them with among the people to be taught great severity, flogging and abu- the things which accompany salsing them like slaves, and allow-vation. The impressions made ing little more for their support than the milk of the sheep which they kept. This horrid monster, The African, understanding something of colonial politics, has hitherto contrived to evade deserved punishment. How great are the blessings of a good civil Government ! All our new friends expresseded under alarms of conscience great joy at our coming to live and powerful convictions. Ceramong them; but particularly tain it is that the tears which the poor oppressed Namaquas were shed at that period among and Corannas, who looked up to these poor people cannot be us as a kind of protectors. Here numbered, and though we could we built a long shed of Timber, not say that these strong impresReeds and Clay, the roof reach- sions always issued in sound coning to the ground. The middle version, yet we have reason to part of it was our Church, at believe they did so in many hap

by the Spirit of God on the hearts of our hearers were very remarkable. What I am about to relate will probably appear to some readers perfectly ridicu lous, but it is a fact that we were always obliged to have a bottle of vinegar on the table, for the relief of those who actually faint

py instances. But it is the pro- I that he saw a Lion at the disvince of my brethren Anderson tance of twenty or thirty yards. and Kramer to furnish the par- I myself soon perceived a pair ticulars of this work, as they are of shining eyes, like two burning the stated laborers on the banks candles. The Hottentot, preparof the Great River. I shall how-ing to fire his piece, desired me ever touch upon a few events to strike a light, and set the which took place during my stay grass in a blaze. This being efin those parts. fected in a moment, we discovered a huge animal with his mane erect, just in the very act of springing upon us. At this critical moment, the Hottentot fired, and the Lion slunk away. This appeared the more extraordinary to us, as we could, next morning, trace his bloody footsteps on the ground ;---a certain proof of his having been wounded. In such a case, the Lion, seldom, if ever, retreats, till he has avenged his blood: But the Lord was doubtless pleased to shut the mouth of this Lion. When we got home, the brethren informed us that, during our absence, a Lion had destroyed eighteen of our Oxen.

The most prominent of these was a visit of brother John Kock, who was going as a Missionary to the Briquas or Bootsuannas, a nation dwelling North East from the Cape, and about eight days journey from us; these people differ entirely from the Hottentots, resembling the Caffres in their stature, habits and manner of life. John Kock bro't me letters from my family in Holland, containing also the painful intelligence of the death of a very dear friend of mine at Cape Town. My feelings on this occasion were exceedingly keen, but blessed be the Lord, who comforted me in my affliction.

Soon after this, the British I now received the afflicting Commissioners, Messrs. Som-intelligence that Stephanos, who, merfield, Daniel and Truther, after leaving our settlement at arrived here. We did our best Zak River, had gone to a horde to assist them in the prosecution of Bastard Hottentots, commonof their journey to the Bootsu-ly called Cornelius Kock's Kraal, annas, accompanying them part had there set up for a Missionaof the way. John Kock followed ry and a Prophet, establishing them shortly afterwards. his authority on the basis of superstition so firmly, that his will had become the law of every individual in the horde, and the most atrocious crimes were committed by him with impunity. Whoever ventured to murmur against his abominable acts of rapine or lust, was sure to be put into the stocks, or to be beaten unmercifully. Stephanos had erected a Temple, resting on pillars, with an Altar within, on which sacrifices were offered. He had a number of select disci

Returning to the Great River on horseback, attended by one Hottentot only, I was once obliged to sleep in the open field. About midnight, our horses, which were fastened near us, began to be very unruly, and their noise awaked us both out of our sleep. The Hottentot was much alarmed, but seemed desirous of concealing from me the cause of this stir, to prevent my being alarmed also. Upon my interrogating him closely, he confessed

ples, who, like himself, feigned | walk with me under a tree, trances, in which they lay for ma- where we would decide the matny hours, and out of which they ter. My people accompanied pretended to awake with messa-me to the spot, and he was covges which they had brought ered by his followers. With my from the angel Gabriel, or from Bible in my hand, I disputed God himself. Did the Impos- with him four hours successivetor wish to gratify his lust, his ly, and, I trust, experienced the covetousness, or his revenge? peculiar assistance of the Holy an answer from heaven authori- Spirit. He insisted chiefly on zed him to effect his purpose. the prophecy of Joel, concerning Should any dissatisfaction or the visions and dreams of the lukewarmness appear among his latter days, and introduced many followers? immediately the judg-passages from the Revelations. ments of God, yea, the confla- I was enabled clearly to refute gration of the whole world were his arguments, to the great satimmediately threatened. Cor-isfaction of my people, who denelius Kock himself, the Chief, clared they had received light who possessed a vast property, and blessings on that day, to was completely devoted to the which they had before been stran will of this wretch. He would | gers. preach against us also, and we Stephanos and his deluded folwere apprehensive that his doc-lowers were unconvinced; and trine, like that of Mahomet, becoming more and more enragmight widely diffuse its baneful ed, they seemed disposed to do influences among the neighbor-me violence: but this my vigilant ing heathen. guardians knew how to prevent. After mature deliberation, and The Impostor himself conveyed consultation with my brethren, to my mind a striking idea of I undertook to go out, and try the Chief of Hell. His eyes rollto stop his diabolical proceed- | ed and flashed; his tongue movings. As this measure was like-ed with incessant volubility, and ly to be attended with danger, I he strove to vindicate all his took all our armed men with me. atrocities by examples derived Stephanos, being apprized of our from the Scriptures. design, called a meeting of his followers, in which many messages from heaven were devised; he then told them that this was the important moment in which they were called upon to demonstrate their attachment to God and his Prophet; but that, if they proved unfaithful, fire would come down from heaven to destroy them.

We approached his party. Their eyes sparkled with rage. Stephanos stepped forward, and offered me his hand. I refused to take it, but desired him to

I thought myself now fully justified in ordering my people to seize him, as a malefactor elready under the sentence of the law, that he might be conveyed to the Cape for puinshment. My order was instantly obeyed, and he was made a prisoner in his own temple. In a moment his crest fell, and he requested me, in the French language, (which the people did not understand) to set him at liberty, promising, in that case, to leave the country. I replied, that if I was convinced that he felt due contrition for

his crimes, and proved it by among these poor Boschemen. frank confession of his guilt, II have dwelt the longer on this might, perhaps, let him go.

Immediately, he spoke to the people, in a crying tone of voice, acknowledging that he had imposed upon them-that if they went on in his ways they would certainly go to hell-and that they ought to thank God who had sent them Teachers of the truth.

visit, as it proves how easily such people might be won, at least to make an external profession of Christianity, if means proportioned to the magnitude and importance of the object were duly employed. At present, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Kramer are settled at that Kraal, and, I trust, are made a blessing to the peo

tain or Chief, has since been baptized at Cape Town, by a Clergyman of the Church of England.

This confession had a wonder-ple. Cornelius Kock, the Capful effect on the multitude, who crowded round me, and thanked me heartily for what I had done, expressing boundless joy at their deliverance from the shackles of Among the fruits of our lathis tyrannical impostor. They bors in this country, Piet Goeiwished now to send him away man, who has been already mennaked into the desart; but I in- tioned, may be deemed one. By terfered; and procured for him his walk and conversation he needful provisions, and a guide graces the gospel he believes, into the Namaqua country, to- and is peculiarly dear to me. Old wards the sea-coast, where I Berend is another seal of our thought it possible he might ministry. He possesses a strong meet with an European vessel, understanding, can read the Biand so finally leave Africa. How-ble very well, and is frequently ever, on his journey, he was re-engaged from morning to evecognized by Mr. Engelbrecht, a Farmer, who was also an Officer of the Militia; this gentleman, in the execution of his duty, attempted to arrest him, but in the scuffle unfortunately fell: Stephanos, seizing the opportunity, cut the throat of the Officer with a razor which was concealed in his book: after which he made his escape, and joined the noted robber, The African, before-mentioned, with whom, I fear he still roves the desart.

After this event, I continued

ning in prayer and meditation. His conduct keeps pace with his profession. A more circumstantial account of these and other converts, will probably be given by our brethren who are stationed there.

(To be continued.)

Constitution of the Missionary Society of Rhode-Island. Adopted May 5, A. D. 1803.

at the Great River a few days AS

S the gospel is the greatest

longer, preaching the gospel at of treasures, even the sum John Kock's Kraal. From mor- of good-suited to promote the ning to night they entreated me highest happiness of individuals to instruct them, and I felt pe- and society in this world, and to culiarly happy in my labors a-prepare all by whom it is em

VOL. V. No. 10.

A a a

braced for endless and complete felicity in the world to come, it is most reasonable and important that they by whom it is enjoyed, should not only be grateful and solicitous to secure its privileges for themselves, but be affected with the miserable state of those without it, and ready and zealous to do all in their power that its blessings may be extended to them.

the inhabitants of this state are, in some respects, under peculiar advantages and obligations to perform.

From these considerations, the subscribers agree to form a Society, to be styled "The RhodeIsland Missionary Society," the objects of which shall be to promote the gospel in any part of the state where there may be opportunity for it: and to assist Africans in coming to the knowl edge of the truth in any way which may consist with our means and advantages.

We agree that the following doctrines shall be supported by the missionaries and schoolmasters, who may be employed by the Society, viz. That there is one God subsisting in three Persons; that the second Person in this mysterious Trinity hath become man, by taking the human nature into personal union to Deity, by which he is "God, manifested in the flesh"-that He, by suffering the curse and obeying the precepts of the law, hath open

In addition to this, Christ, who is "Head over all things to the church," hath commanded his disciples thus to exert themselves, "going to all nations, and preaching the gospel to ev ery creature:" and it is graciously promised, that in this way "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ." It is further to be observed, that in the present season there is a general prevalence of errors and destructive delusions and the enemies of Christianity are peculiarly bold and active in attempts to introduce doctrines subversive of piety and morali-ed a way for the pardon, justifi-` ty and all the best interests of men; and that it is incumbent on Christians to exercise a zeal proportioned to that by which their enemies are actuated.

cation and complete redemption of those who may be brought to believe in him that all men, in their natural fallen state, are wholly under the influence of Among the associations of moral depravity-that they must Christians in this country for be born of the Spirit of God in the purpose of counteracting in-order to be saved that they fidelity and vice and promoting the gospel, but few of the inhabitants of this state appear, though in some parts of the state the people are destitute of the regular preaching of the gospel, and ignorance and vice are very prevalent. Nor by any Missionary Society in the country has any attention been paid to the condition of Africans, which duty, important to them,

who experience this sanctifying change are pardoned and justified, and shall be "kept by the mighty power of God through faith unto salvation”—that God hath decreed whatever comes to pass, and hath elected some to everlasting life-that the purposes of God are in general instances accomplished by means, and that the preaching and orIdinances of the gospel are ap