ethelsdorp, on their
return journey; from which place, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Edwards,
they went forward to the Kuruman, where they arrived in June, 1831. They
carried with them the edition of the Gospel of Luke, a hymn-book printed
in the language of the people, a printing-press, type, paper, and ink,
besides liberal subscriptions from friends in the Colony towards the
erection of the mission church.

Great was the astonishment of the natives when they saw the
printing-press at work. Lessons, spelling-books and catechisms were
prepared for the schools. To see a white sheet of paper disappear for a
moment and then emerge covered with letters was beyond their
comprehension. After a few noisy exclamations one obtained a sheet, with
which he bounded through the village, showing it to all he met, and
saying it had been made in a moment with a round black hammer (a
printer's ball) and a shake of the arm.

A large box containing materials for clothing from a friend in
Manchester, Miss Lees, had also formed part of the baggage brought from
the Cape. Materials being now at hand, and Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. Baillie
co-operating, a sewing-school on a much larger scale was established, to
the great comfort and improvement of the natives.

The congregation continued to increase and new members were added to the
church, but sorrows tempered the joy of this happy time. Small-pox
entered the country, and many of the inhabitants died; with them passed
away one of the daughters of Robert and Mary Moffat. Towards the end of
1832 the labourers at Kuruman were cheered by a visit from Dr. Philip,
who arranged that the two French missionaries, Rolland and Lemue, should
commence a mission station at Motito, a place nearly forty miles
distant, in a north-easterly direction.

In January, 1835, a scientific expedition under Dr. Andrew Smith,
arrived at Moffat's station. This visit appeared as though ordered by an
over-ruling Providence for the especial benefit of himself and his
devoted wife. It found them in sore trouble, and it brought help and a
friend in time of need. Mr. Edwards was away and Robert had been
overworked. When Dr. Smith arrived, he found him suffering from an
attack of intermittent fever, and hastened to render aid. Under the
Doctor's skilful treatment he speedily recovered. On the 10th of March
another son was added to the Moffat family, and shortly afterwards Mary
was suddenly taken seriously ill, and became so weak,