On the tenth, the fort and town were taken from the Dutch. Whilst the fleet was delayed, Martyn visited Dr. Vanderkemp, and the other missionaries at the cape, and his meeting with them was a source of great joy.
“From the first moment I arrived, I had been anxiously inquiring about Dr. Vanderkemp. I heard at last, to my no small delight, that he was now in Cape Town. But it was long before I could find him. At length I did. He was standing outside of the house, silently looking up at the stars. A great number of black people were sitting around. On my introducing myself, he led me in, and called for Mr. Read. I was beyond measure delighted at the happiness of seeing him too. The circumstance of meeting with these beloved and highly honoured brethren, so filled me with joy and gratitude for the goodness of God’s providence, that I hardly knew what to do.”
“January 14th.—Continued walking with Mr. Read till late. He gave me a variety of curious information respecting the mission. He told me of his marvellous success amongst the heathen; how he had heard them amongst the bushes pouring out their hearts to God. At all this my ‘soul did magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiced in God my Saviour.’ Now that I am in a land where the Spirit of God appears, as in the ancient days, as in the generation of old, let a double portion of that Spirit rest upon this unworthy head, that I may go forth to my work ‘rejoicing like a strong man, to run my race.’”
“January 20th.—Walking home, I asked Dr. Vanderkemp if he had ever repented of his undertaking. No, said the old man, smiling, and I would not exchange my work for a kingdom. Read told me some of his trials; he has often been so reduced, for want of clothes, as scarcely to have any to cover him. The reasonings of his mind were,—I am here, Lord, in thy service; why am I left in this state? It seemed to be suggested to him, If thou wilt be my servant, be contented to fare in this way; if not, go, and fare better. His mind was thus satisfied to remain God’s missionary, with all its concomitant hardships. At night, my sinful soul enjoyed a most reviving season in prayer; I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, and pleaded with fervour for the interests of his church.”
“January 30th.—Rose at five, and began to ascend Table mountain at six, with S—— and M——; I went on chiefly alone. I thought of the Christian life,—what uphill work it is,—and yet there are streams flowing down from the top, just as there was water coming down by the Kloof, by which we ascended. Towards the top it was very steep, but the hope of being soon at the summit, encouraged me to ascend very lightly. As the kloof opened, a beautiful flame-coloured flower appeared in a little green hollow, waving in the breeze. It seemed to be an emblem of the beauty and peacefulness of heaven, as it shall open upon the weary soul, when its journey is finished, and the struggles of the death-bed are over. We walked up and down the whole length, which might be between two and three miles, and one might be said to look round the world from this promontory. I felt a solemn awe at the grand prospect, from which there was neither noise nor small objects to draw off my attention. I reflected, especially when looking at the immense expanse of sea on the east, which was to carry me to India, on the certainty that the name of Christ should, at some period, resound from shore to shore. I felt commanded to wait in silence, and see how God would bring his promises to pass. We began to descend at half past two. Whilst sitting to rest myself, towards night, I began to reflect, with death-like despondency, on my friendless condition. Not that I wanted any of the comforts of life, but I wanted those kind friends who loved me, and in whose company I used to find so much delight after my fatigues. And then, remembering that I should never see them more, I felt one of those keen pangs of misery, that occasionally shoot across my breast. It seemed like a dream, that I had actually undergone banishment from them for life; or rather like a dream, that I had ever hoped to share the enjoyments of social life. But, at this time, I solemnly renewed my self-dedication to God, praying that I might receive grace to spend my days for his service, in continued suffering, and separation from all I held most dear in this life: Amen. How vain and transitory are those pleasures which the worldliness of my heart will ever be magnifying into real good!—The rest of the evening, I felt weaned from the world and all its concerns, with somewhat of a melancholy tranquillity.”
“January 31.—From great fatigue of body, was in doubt about going to the hospital, and very unwilling to go. However, I went, and preached with more freedom than ever I had done there. Having some conversation with Colonel H——, I asked him whether, if the wound he had received in the late engagement had been mortal, his profaneness would have recurred with any pleasure to his mind on a death-bed. He made some attempts at palliation, though in great confusion; but bore the admonition very patiently.”
“February 5th.—Rose early; walked out, discouraged at the small progress I make in the eastern languages. My state of bodily and mental indolence was becoming so alarming, that I struggled hard against both, crying to God for strength. Notwithstanding the reluctance in my own heart, I went to the hospital, and preached on Matt. xi. 28; from this time I enjoyed peace and happiness. Dr. Vanderkemp called to take leave. I accompanied him and brother Smith out of the town, with their two wagons. The dear old man showed much affection, and gave me advice, and a blessing at parting. While we were standing to take leave, Koster, a Dutch missionary, was just entering the town with his bundle, having been driven from his place of residence. Brother Read, also, appeared from another quarter, though we thought he had gone to sea. These, with Yons,[2] and myself, made six missionaries, who, in a few minutes, all parted again.”
Besides visiting and preaching at the hospital, among the wounded English, he held public service at the house in which he lodged. In February the fleet again sailed: on the 22d of April anchored before Madras, and in the middle of May, he landed at Calcutta.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The Moravian missionaries at Grœnekloof and Gnadenthal, and those belonging to the London Missionary Society at Bethelsdorp.