p. 617 | REPORT FROM AFRICA by C. L. Boyd

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 6, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 39.

REPORT FROM AFRICA.

By C. L. Boyd

As our ship neared the docks, our attention was arrested by the great diversity of color and countenance of the men on the shore. They are about as numerous, diverse, and as nearly approaching each other, as the leaves of autumn. There were to be seen but few of the black, thick-lipped, and wooly-haired race which are found in the Southern States of America, but those of a lighter complexion, more intelligent countenance, and more athletic form.

Until the year 1865, no correct census of Cape Colony had been taken. Since then ample provision has been made to insure accuracy and completeness in this work. The following is collected from reliable sources: Cape Colony covers an area of about 200,000 square miles. It has of white population, 240,000; Hottentot, 99,000; all other tribes and nations combined, 390,000. Of the whites who can neither read nor write, there are about 80,000; of others who can neither read nor write, 440,000. The white population consists first, and most largely, of the Dutch and those who with them first settled in Cape Colony. Next the English race, the Germans, the descendants of the French Refugees, who were driven from their homes by religious persecutions, Portuguese and others. But these different classes are so intermingled that it is impossible to draw a definite line between them. There are about 214,000 Kaffirs, nearly one-half of all the colored population. They are of a dark brown color, well formed, and active. The most of the carriage-drivers, working men, servants, etc., are of this race. Some of them are merchants and business men. The most of the provision stands, lesser markets, etc., are kept by them. The Hottentots are of a light olive complexion, indolent, "easy-go-lucky" people. Of other native tribes may be mentioned the Fingoes, Bushmen, Malays, and others.

Almost every system of religion both of Christendom and heathendom is to be found here. The most of the Protestant denominations, the Roman Catholic, the Mohammedan, and the pagans, are represented more or less largely. The Dutch Reformed Church is the largest. Its form of government is Presbyterian, as is also its creed. Both Scotch and Dutch clergymen preside. The principles of liberalism have been largely received by both ministers and laity. The Malays are for the most part Mohammedan, and worship in mosques. Friday is their holy day. Labor is not altogether suspended, but on that day the voice of the priest may be heard as he walks around the cupola of the mosque calling up "the faithful." Many of the mixed races of the Hottentots are nominally Christians; but the large part of the Kaffirs and other native tribes are virtually heathen. A good many, however, have been hopefully converted to Christianity, and missionaries of the various denominations are laboring for their enlightenment and conversion; very much has been done by their devoted efforts. Where but a few years ago only huts and the lowest types of humanity were to be seen, a wonderful change has taken place. "Now the missionary proudly points to churches and schools that have risen chiefly from the self-reliant efforts of Christianized natives. Neatly dressed and well-behaved congregations of colored races throng churchward at the call of the bell, and the voice of thousands rise to God in devotional hymns, where superstition and debasing rites had encrusted the particles of unborn truth."

I look for the time to come when the glorious light of the Third Angel's Message will shine upon some of these native tribes. It looks as if the special providence of God has been preparing the way for his truth to be proclaimed here in Southern Africa. I believe that a blessed work could be accomplished by some of our American brethren, who without reserve would consecrate their life to the Master and come here, learn the language, and go among the natives. Are there not some men of means who would esteem it a privilege to meet the expenses attending such a holy work? Our missionary work will surely soon end, and then it will be realized that a soul which has been saved is of more value than all the treasures of this world.

Next to the Dutch Reformed Church is the Church of England. Difficulties have somewhat separated this church from the church of this name in England. They are very closely bound together here in South Africa. "Every person admitted to holy orders, and every clergyman admitted to any office of the church in the province, agrees to be bound by all the laws of the province, and undertakes to accept and immediately submit to any sentence which may be passed in due form by the tribunal authorized by the provincial synod." And the bishop's bonds, to which they subscribe on their election, are of a very positive nature.

The Wesleyan Methodists are probably doing more among the natives than any other denomination. They are also well represented and popular among the white population in the cities throughout the Colony. We might also mention the Congregationalists, Baptists of different orders, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Moravians, French Reformed Church, Apostolic Union, Brethren, etc. Some of these mentioned have also a large number of subdivisions. Roman Catholics and Jews are well represented. Last but not least, there are a few scattered throughout South Africa who are keeping the Lord's Sabbath and "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." To teach these "the way of God more perfectly," and to gather others out of the world and out of Babylon, and with them to stand "unblamable and unreprovable in His sight" when He comes, we are laboring. To this end we ask the prayers and the cooperation of all who love Jesus.

C. L. BOYD.

Cape Town, South Africa.