T’S Reminiscences OF AL U3RARY Of PR^errOK OCT 2 2 2018 THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY | BV3625.S67 R58 1890 ; Rivett, Alfred William j Lovely, 3 1835- | Ten years' church work in * Natal . TEN YEARS’ CHURCH WORK IN NATAL. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 t » https://archive.org/details/tenyearschurchwoOOrive TEN YEARS’ Church Work in Natal. BY THE Rev. A. W. L. RIVETT, Vicar of St. Mary Magdalen, Barnstaple , N. Devon ; and late Vicar of St. Martin- at- Palace, Norwich . WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE Very Rev. Edward Meyrick Goulburn, D.D. ( Late Dean of Norwich.) * LONDON : JARROLD & SONS, 3, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS. BARNSTAPLE : R. HARPER, 27, HIGH STREET. [All rights reserved .] . 1890. ERRATA. Page 17, line 10. For “Downs” read “ Dooms.” Page 29, line 15. For “Anraganya” read “Amaganya.” Page 158, line 19. For “municipal” read “principal.” Page 188, line 14. For “Spradhon” read “ Spradbrow.” PREFACE. Every faithful record of the work which our Church in the Colonies is doing, whether for members of the Colonies, or for the heathen lying around them, possesses a great interest for English Churchmen. And at this particular time, the gallant enterprise of Mr. Stanley, and the geographical discoveries incidentally made in the course of that enterprise, have called the attention of all to the dark Continent of Africa, and have kindled hopes that the recent explorations are the dawn of a New Era, when the savage tribes of the interior of the African Continent shall be brought under the influence of Christian Civilization. But Mr. Rivett’s “Ten Years in Natal” has an attraction quite distinct from that attaching to Colonial church work generally, and in other parts of the Continent of Africa ; for it is a faithful account of the proceedings of the South African Church in that most painful crisis, when the errors of Bishop Colenso brought down upon him a sentence of deprivation from his Metropolitan and two Comprovincial Bishops, and had the much-to-be-regretted effect of bringing Church and State into acute collision. The history of those ten years, therefore, is an important episode in the Church History of Africa — an episode which, VI. PREFACE. however painful, is yet of the deepest interest, and of which, probably, we have yet to see the ultimate consequences. I believe that the readers of this work will think that Mr. Rivett has executed a task of no small difficulty and delicacy, with judgment, candour, and that straightforwardness and simplicity, which is often the best of the best tact. There is no right-minded clergyman, who does not in some measure venerate the Bishop from whose hands he received the grace of Holy Orders ; add to which that in Bishop Colenso himself, distressing as were the heresies which he broached, there were redeeming points of character and conduct, — great kindness and consideration for those placed under his charge, and a brave and manly straightforwardness in avowing senti- ments liable to incur odium and opposition. Mr. Rivett, while obliged, in obedience to his own conscien- tious convictions, to oppose the theological views of his Bishop, and to take part with the Metropolitan in condemning those views, has dealt, it will be thought, reverently and tenderly with his immediate Ecclesiastical superior, whose position gave him a claim to the respect of his Clergy, and whose genuine kindness to all predisposed them to like him. The narrative is written throughout in an open-hearted, simple style, and gives this evidence of its truthfulness, that there is no trace in it of sensational writing, or of an attempt to paint and varnish the incidents recorded. What passed is put on record just as it passed. The book forms a valuable contribution to the Chronicles of the English Church in South Africa. EDWARD MEYRICK GOULBURN. Brighton , December 15th, 1889. 60NTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE Birth and Early Years — Church Work in Great Yarmouth — Decision to join Bishop Colenso’s Missionary Party — Voyage to Natal — D’Urban aad Pieter-maritzburg — Educational and other Work — Marriage— Opening of the Cathedral at Pieter-Maritzburg — Diocesan Conference in Natal — Sermons of Bishop Colenso on the Holy Eucharist i CHAPTER II. Admission to Deacon’s Orders — Work at the Little Umhlanga as Archdeacon Mackenzie’s Curate — Church Council at Maritzburg — Visit of Bishop Colenso to the County of Victoria — Military Chaplain at D’Urban — Oversight of the Coast Churches — The Universities 5 Mission — Scheme for Building a New Church and School at the Point 63 CHAPTER III. The First Railway in Natal — Visit of Prince Alfred — Laying of the Foundation Stone of the New Church for Addington and the Point — The Education Question in Natal — Archdeacon Mackenzie as Missionary Bishop for Central Africa — Work at D’Urban and Addington — Changes in the Mission — Aid from the S.P.C.K. — Admission to Priest’s Orders— Departure of Bishop Colenso for England — Death of Bishop Mackenzie - - - 128 CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. PAGE Opinions in England and Natal on Bishop Colenso’s Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans and his Work on the Pentateuch — Establishment of a Grammar School at D’ Urban — A New Church at Verulam — Acting Colonial Chaplain — Protest of Natal Clergy against Bishop Colenso’s Views — Condemnation of Bishop Colenso by the Bishop of Cape Town and his Assessors — Pastoral Letter to the Clergy and Laity in Natal — A New Church at Berea - 192 CHAPTER V. Questions as to the Jurisdiction of the Metropolitan — Visit of the Metropolitan to Natal — Publication in D’ Urban of Sentence of Deprivation of the Bishop of Natal — The Metropolitan’s Primary Visitation and Charge at Maritz- burg — Consecration of the New Church at Berea, and of St. Paul’s, D’ Urban — Results of the Metropolitan’s Visit to Natal — Difficulty of the Writer in finding a Locum Tenens — Valedictory Address and Presentation — Visit to the Metropolitan at Cape Town — Homeward Voyage — Arrival in England --------- 255 CHAPTER I. Birth and Early Years — Church Work in Great Yarmouth — Choice of a Profession — Decision to join Bishop Colenso’s Missionary Party — Embarkation at Liverpool — Voyage to Natal — Landing at Durban — Durban — Pieter-Maritzburg — Educa- tional and other Work — Letters to Mrs. Dowson — Rhymed Letters from Pupils — Engagement and Marriage — Opening of the Cathedral at Pieter-Maritzburg — Birth of a Daughter — First Diocesan Conference in Natal — Examination for Deacon’s Orders — Sermons of Bishop Colenso on the Holy Eucharist. I WAS born at Great Yarmouth, in the county of Norfolk, on the 24th of April, 1835, and am the youngest son of Mr. Richard Rivett, a native of Gorleston, in the County of Suffolk. My earliest years were not spent under the parental roof. At the age of ten I was sent to the well-known school at Redenhall, near Harleston, in Norfolk, where my two brothers had been educated. On leaving this academy I was subsequently a pupil at Mr. Barrett’s establish- ment at Great Yarmouth, and afterwards, for nearly three years, at Mr. Harper’s school, in Pottergate Street, Norwich. My parents were Nonconformists, and I very often attended with them the Independent and Wesleyan chapels of my native town. But, yet, as a boy, I B 2 LABOURS IN NATAL . showed a strong disposition to become a member of the Church of England. They never objected to my going to the parish church on a Sunday afternoon, and so I came frequently to attend it in the evening also. One Sunday evening in the year 1850, the Rev. George Hills, Vicar of Great Yarmouth, now the Bishop of Columbia, made a very urgent appeal to young persons in the congregation to come forward and offer themselves as Sunday School Teachers, and for any other definite church work. I at once volunteered any help I could give. My offer was immediately accepted ; my parents raised no objection, and, from that time I became a regular attendant at the parish church, and was always present at the weekly lecture given by one of the clergy to the teachers. I became a candidate for Confirmation, and was confirmed on the 23rd September, by Bishop Hinds, at that time Bishop of Norwich. Soon after this I had a small district assigned me on the North Quay, where once in the week I distributed tracts from door to door, and also read and gave an exposition lecture in a room at a cottage in Lime Kiln Walk, to several poor men and women who were unable to walk to the parish church ; for, in those days, St. Andrew’s, now close by, had not been built. My rule was never to omit noting down in a book, which I kept for the purpose, all texts and heads of the discourses I had the privilege of hearing from the vicar, and the assistant clergy at the old church. Words cannot express my high respect and love for WORK IN GREAT YARMOUTH, 3 the present Bishop of Columbia, Dr. Hills, who has ever been my model of what a pastor should be. Nor can I ever forget those earnest doctrinal and practical sermons, which I had the pleasure of listening to from 1849 to 1855. They made impressions then which have never been effaced. Missionary Sundays and Meetings were always a great source of interest to me. I hailed with delight all such occasions, and have never forgotten the visits of the Bishops of Bombay, Cape Town, and Natal, to Yarmouth, little thinking that in the future I should be closely connected with the last-mentioned bishop. It was during 1852 that I, with two or three others, started, in connection with the Priory Schools, the 41 Priory Mutual Improvement Society,” which is still flourishing. A large number of members joined it, and at various times I gave three lectures. The first was on the “ Hindoos,” and the Rev. F. Salt took the chair, by the request of the vicar. The upper room of the schools was crowded. On the next occasion the subject was, “ China, and the Chinese,” which occupied two evenings, and the boys’ room was filled on both occasions, the Rev. Edward Pearson, one of the clergy, being in the chair. The third was a joint lecture on “ Coal,” when several gentlemen read papers on the subject, and then followed a very ani- mated discussion. I took a warm interest in the Priory Institute and Library, and in everything that concerned the dear old parish church and its clergy. My parents used to say that I paid far more attention to, and took a greater interest in, anything concerning the church 4 LABOURS IN NATAL . than in deciding what business or profession I would pursue for my temporal welfare. They were anxious I should be a chemist; but this did not meet with my approbation, as my desire was to be a clergyman. My father and mother did not wish to spend a larger sum on the education of their youngest son than had been expended on the older children. I encountered so many difficulties that my hope of succeeding had almost to be abandoned. Many clergymen were communicated with, and they suggested I should, for a few months, read with a clergyman, who would prepare me for entrance into one of three theological colleges. It was plainly discovered that I would willingly consent to become neither a merchant nor a chemist ; and while all this discussion as to my future was going on, the late Bishop of Natal, Dr. Colenso, after his ten weeks’ visitation of that diocese, came to visit the then Vicar, Dr. Hills, on behalf of his mission, in the autumn of 1854. My uncle, Dr. Chapman, late Deputy-Inspector General of Army Hospitals for twenty years in India, was then in England, and was invited by Dr. Hills to a dinner party at the vicarage, to meet the bishop, whose first advice was, “ Send your nephew to St. Augustine’s College, Canterbury.” Letters were written to the Principal of that college, as well as to the Principal of St. Aidan’s, Birkenhead. The late Mrs. Benjamin Dowson, of Great Yarmouth, interested herself very much in my early career ; and while efforts were being made for my entry into one or other of these colleges in England, she wrote to Miss Maurice, a mutual friend of herself and the Bishop ARRANGEMENT WITH BISHOP COLENSO. 5 of Natal. Dr. Chapman was also desirous that I should accompany the Bishop and his mission party to Natal, and expressed a readiness to provide a large share of all the expenses necessary to fit me for Holy Orders, if my father were willing to meet him in the same generous spirit, in bearing a portion of the responsibility. After many delays and disappoint- ments, both came to an agreement in the matter. The whole of the circumstances of the case were again brought before the Bishop of Natal by Mrs. Dowson, through Miss Maurice, who wrote the follow- ing letter : January 4 tk y 1855. My Dear Mrs. Dowson, I was not able to send you an immediate answer, as I could not see the Bishop of Natal till last night. He says that if Mr. Rivett is correct in saying that “his relations will pay all his expenses,” he will be very happy to take him under his charge to Natal. There is not a college yet founded in Natal ; but it is his lordship’s intention to make that one of his first objects on his arrival there, and he would put Mr. Rivett on a course of reading to fit him for future usefulness. If at the end of three years his standing is such as to qualify him to take Holy Orders, he would be happy to ordain him. • I am, Yours sincerely, M. A. MAURICE. On the receipt of this letter no further obstacles arose. The bishop was requested to make his own terms, which my father and uncle at once complied with. 6 LABOURS IN NATAL , The months of January and February in this year were employed by me in making preparations for the voyage, and for my residence in Natal. I obtained from the Bishop a long list of books which his lordship desired me to possess. These were procured ; and, moreover, the two great and noble societies, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, very generously presented me, before sailing, with liberal grants of books. Considerable expense was incurred to equip me for the voyage, and to provide for my comfort on arrival in Natal. After many leave-takings I bade farewell to Yar- mouth on Wednesday, the 28th P'ebruary, starting for London, where I spent a few days with friends, before going on to Liverpool, from which port I was to sail for Natal. The last Sunday in England was passed at Liverpool, and here my uncle, Dr. Chapman, met me to witness the embarkation, which took place on the following Wednesday, March 7th. An immense number of friends connected with the Bishop came to say good- bye. There had been, on the previous Monday, a Farewell Service, held at Holy Trinity Church, Birk- enhead, when a most touching and appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. Harvey Goodwin, who is now Bishop of Carlisle. The hour of embarkation arrived, and it was a wonderful spectacle to behold the concourse of people at the docks waving their hand- kerchiefs, as the ship slowly left her moorings. The Bishop chartered a ship called the “Jane Maurice,” but it was far too small for the comfort THE “ JANE MAURICE." 7 and convenience of the passengers. It was badly provisioned, and overrun with rats ! In the whole mission staff who accompanied the bishop, there were more than forty persons, besides six or seven other passengers not belonging to the mission. The members of the mission consisted of the Bishop and his family ; Archdeacon Mackenzie (who after- wards became the first Bishop of the Zambesi), and his sister ; two clergymen, one in Priest’s and one in Deacon’s Orders ; Dr. Bleek, a linguist ; two students and candidates for Holy Orders; and several ladies who had volunteered their services for missionary work ; besides a farmer and his family, artizans and labourers for general employment at the Central Mission Station in the Diocese, which was then generally known by its Zulu title as Ekukanyeni, and which afterwards was called Bishopstowe. On Wednesday afternoon, between three and four o’clock, the vessel set sail on its long voyage. The weather was fine and frosty. Just before starting a medical man came on board to examine the mission party, and to certify that all were in good health. A steam-tug towed the ship out to sea, a little beyond the mouth of the Mersey. When it left us we were, under God’s providence, entirely at the mercy of the winds and waves to speed us on our way. The weather was fine as we sailed down the Irish Channel, and we passed the “ Bell Rock ” before dark the same evening. Those who were able to get on deck had a good view of the Irish coast. We never sighted land again till we obtained a distant view of the island of Trinidad, off the coast of 8 LABOURS IN NATAL , South America. After that we once more lost sight of land till the day before we anchored outside the bar of Natal. We had intercourse with only one ship on the south side of the tropics, and by it we sent a message to England, and obtained from it some bananas. The first Sunday at sea was passed in the rough Bay of Biscay, and almost every one on board was so dreadfully ill that service could only be held in the cabin. Archdeacon Mackenzie suffered less than any one, and his unremitting attention and extreme kind- ness, with Miss Townsend’s efficient help, can never be forgotten by those who have any recollection of that memorable, and, it may be added, eventful voyage. After leaving the Bay of Biscay most of the patients became convalescent, and daily services were held, either on deck or in the cabin, according to the weather. The Bishop gave each morning a brief exposition from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans; while on a Sunday, the Bishop and Archdeacon preached alternately at the morning and evening services. A small harmonium on board was of great assistance to the chanting and singing. A class was formed for studying the Zulu language ; and the Gospel of St. Matthew was translated, with the help of the Bishop, verse by verse, by each one who had joined it. For those who were to be directly employed in native work it was of incalculable assistance, and the presence of a German linguist added much to the progress that was made. As the ship neared the Equator it was impossible IN THE TROPICS. 9 to remain in the berths at night on account of the excessive heat, and many availed themselves of the poop on the upper deck, retiring to their cabins early in the morning, unless disturbed by a heavy squall which sometimes comes so suddenly in the tropics, that one has scarcely time to beat a retreat. When the weather is fine it is a grand sight to behold the sun rise and sunset at the equator — it is almost beyond description. South of the equator, on a fine, quiet, brilliant, star-light night it is something marvellous to observe the Southern Cross and the countless mil- lions of stars which shine above us. As the ship glided along beautifully in the stillness of a long night (for the sun sets at six o’clock), it was a rich enjoyment to watch the heavens so brilliantly illumi- nated. In these parts the desire of the captain is to catch the “ trade winds,” as they are called, but unfortunately the vessel was driven, at this time, by adverse winds very much out of its course, almost to the coast of South America. By continually altering the course and tacking, we succeeded at last in getting favourable winds, which, however, brought us into rougher weather, and on one Sunday in particular the sea was literally mountains high, so that it was impossible to stand on deck. The sight of our little craft one minute on the crest of a mountain wave, and the next in the trough of the sea ready to surmount the coming billow, was deeply impressive, the more so when we remembered that we were five hundred miles from the nearest land. It may be truly said that one plank only separated us from eternity. IO LABOURS IN NATAL . It is impossible to keep in memory all the hair- breadth escapes at sea (for they are legion), but a day or two afterwards, while many were sitting on the poop in the aft of the ship, in a rough sea, one of the ladies of the mission party, Miss Sanderson, (now Mrs. Rivett), beheld smoke arising from the deck of the forecastle. Fortunately the steward of the ship observed it, and in a moment smothered it, or in a brief period the ship would have been in flames, and had that occurred it is more than doubtful if one had been left to tell the tale, for the boats were all small, and certainly not sufficient to take the number the ship contained, and even if they could have done this* they would have been swamped in such a sea as was running at the time. Bad weather was anticipated while doubling the Cape, but as we kept five hundred miles south of it, this anticipation was not realised. Every one by this time was getting tired of sea life, and salt meat and biscuits did not improve matters. The bill of fare was anything but an extravagant or a luxurious one. Fresh pork and bread occasionally were rich dainties which no ordinary landsman can appreciate so well as those pent-up in a small ship of two hundred and fifty tons, as the missionary party was in the “Jane Maurice.” The ship was overcrowded, and had not the Bishop, in the kindness of his heart, allowed some who were not of the mission to sail with us, a more comfortable state of things would have prevailed, and the petty jealous- ies and heartburnings which from time to time arose would never have existed. The good Bishop meant well and did everything for the best, but there is no ARRIVAL AT NATAL. doubt that he saw afterwards when it was too late, how ill-advised he had been to permit outsiders who had no interest in the mission to embark in the same ship. The voyage was a long and tedious one, for it lasted seventy-two days. Very few steamers direct from England came to Natal in those days, but a small coasting steamer, the “Gitana” brought up the monthly mails from the Cape ; while sailing vessels were often three months on the voyage out from England. It was a great joy to every one on board, when early in the morning of Saturday, May 19th, 1855, land was sighted on the South African coast. After so many long weeks at sea, the excitement was intense at the knowledge that our adopted home would soon be in view — and not the pleasantest of voyages ended* The day was misty, and the captain could not easily take his reckonings at noon, and there was a little uncertainty as to our exact position on the charming coast. But we retired at night, pretty well assured that the next morning would bring us to the desired haven. We arose early on the lovely, fine, Sunday morning, May 20th, to find ourselves at the outer anchorage in a smooth sea, awaiting the tide to take us into harbour. There was the gigantic Bluff on one side, and in the far distance hills of varied beauty, of immense height — and for the first time we beheld the almost naked Zulus walking on the beach, going in and out of their huts. But the great danger of the voyage was not then over. The bar in those days being often very shallow, caused great anxiety to the 2 LABOURS IN NATAL. mariner, who perhaps might have a quick and prosperous voyage, and yet be wrecked and lose his ship while coming into port. At eleven o’clock on the Sunday morning (it was the Sunday after Ascension), we had a thanksgiving service on board (the last service), and all were thankful to that Divine Being who had brought us so far without any real casualties, or loss of life. The service over, the Pilot came on board, and at a few minutes before four o’clock the ship was on its way for the harbour. Then came the anxious moment, and quickly followed the relief, for with only a slight touch on the bar our ship sailed into the Bay, and anchored quietly between the Bluff and the Custom- house. Many were the congratulations offered to the gallant and good-natured captain, who with care and skill, had, under God’s blessing, brought us through storm and tempest into the quiet and still waters of the lovely locked Bay of D’Urban. Once within its enclosure all ships are safe. The view was most enchanting to the strangers, and although it was winter-time, the weather that after- noon was as warm as any summer day in England. A cloudless sky, the sun pouring forth its warm rays, the exquisite scenery, with the pretty new town of Durban clearly seen two miles distant, and the bushy- clad Berea — where so many princely merchants now reside — rearing its head above, formed a picture never to be forgotten. The Bishop was the only one who landed, and he did so to preach in St. Paul's church that evening. The rest of our party waited till Monday, when all went on shore, glad enough to ST. PAUL’S, D’URBAN D' URBAN. 13 exercise our feet on terra firma once more. Only those who have gone a long and protracted voyage in a sailing-vessel can comprehend the sense of freedom which is felt and enjoyed under such circumstances. The members of the mission were for the first week quartered at lodgings in D’Urban, the gentlemen at the “ Royal Hotel,” and the ladies at Mrs. Elliott’s temperance boarding-house. D’Urban was then in its primitive state — not as it is now, after thirty-three years, one of the most English-looking, and flourish- ing towns in the whole of South Africa. Very few houses or stores at that time possessed a second story. But it was a busy town even in those early days, for often during the winter, West Street, and Smith Street might be seen lined with waggons from (as it was termed) up-country — which meant from Ladismith, the north of the colony, or from the Transvaal and the Free State. These waggons brought wool, hides, and other products for export, and took back im- ported goods for the supply of the inhabitants of the interior for nearly a year. At that period of the colony’s history there were no bridges of any importance over the rivers which abound in South Africa. In the summer, the wet season, the rivers overflow their banks, and sometimes waggons were kept days and weeks before they could cross ; and in the larger rivers a punt or boat would take a waggon across after it was unloaded, and some portions of it taken to pieces. All this is altered now — for there are many bridges and railways running from one end of the colony to the other. The week in D’Urban was pleasantly spent. Many 14 LABOURS IN NATAL. friendships were begun and acquaintances made, which have lost none of their sweetness up to the present time, for those who are still alive. One of the great sights of D’Urban was the Botanical Gardens, beautifully laid out, well kept, and in the highest stage of luxuriance. The choicest of fruits may be seen there — pine apples, bananas, mulberries, papaws, mangos, oranges, lemons, and various others, while the stately trees called Euphorbias Cacti and Aloes are distinguished for their beauty and their height. These gardens are situated a little more than a mile from the town on the lower slope of the beautiful Berea hills. D’Urban at that time had a small reading-room called the “ Mechanics’ Institute.” It was then only a wooden structure erected on the Market Square, but it contained a large number of books, and it was supplied with the latest newspapers and periodicals from England. Friends at home who often thought colonial life meant banishment in a wild country, could hardly comprehend that that young colony of only a few years, was able to boast of so English an institution, and of two papers published weekly — " The Natal Mercury” and “ The Natal Star.” Of course Maritzburg and the chief seaport town of D’Urban possessed and en- joyed more advantages and facilities for civilization than any other portion of South Eastern Africa. They were in those days not expected to be found elsewhere, as they are now. D’Urban laboured under one great disadvantage at that time — having no solid foundation, its houses and stores were all built on sand, so that D' URBAN. 15 when certain winds blew furiously, eyes, ears, and noses were soon enveloped in sand, which made walking oftentimes difficult and cumbrous. None of the streets had been hardened, and along the sides of the streets were planted syringa trees (a species of lilac), and it was wonderful to see how well they grew in that barren soil. A stranger could not but be struck with the great width of the streets in D’Urban — Smith Street is not less than eighty feet wide. No lamps lighted any part of D’Urban, and in dark nights every one had to grope his way in the best manner he could. The parish lantern (the moon) was always duly appreciated when she poured forth her beautiful light, which exceeds in clearness and brilliancy that which she sheds in England. It is perfectly easy to read by moonlight in Natal. Fire flies and glowworms shine conspicuously on all sides when the sun goes to rest, and for a time the moon is hidden and the cries of frogs, grasshoppers, and crickets resound in our ears during an evening walk. The first week on shore was one of pleasure rather than work. It was a week of observation and inspec- tion. A small portion of the time was occupied in looking after the baggage brought from the ship to the custom house, and the week rapidly came to an end. Sunday being the Pentecostal Festival, was the day on which the whole mission party returned thanks publicly at St. Paul’s for a safe voyage. The Bishop preached at the morning service, and celebrated the holy communion ; and Archdeacon Mackenzie in the evening. St. Paul’s had only been opened six weeks, and it was then in an unfinished state, for the windows 6 LABOURS IN NATAL. had no glass — they were all filled with calico for want of funds. It was a very plain building, capable of holding nearly four hundred persons ; it was the first church opened in Natal. The Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, Colonial chaplain, was the incumbent. He went out in 1849, having been appointed by Earl Grey. There was a very fine harmonium at which an efficient lady organist presided. The services in every respect reminded one of home, and Jackson’s Te Deum was admirably sung by the choir. The church was full, and the congregation might be considered equal in intelligence and position to those of any town or city suburb in England. On Monday, the 21st of May, the whole of the mission party left Durban for Pieter-Maritzburg ; the journey had to be accomplished in several waggons, drawn by twelve or fourteen bullocks, as there was no other mode of travelling then, than on horseback, or in a bullock waggon. Rough as this life may be, journeying in this manner is preferable to a sea voyage in a small ship, for if you are tired of the shaking of the waggon you can get down and walk ; but however much you may dislike your ship, there is no escaping from any difficulties or annoy- ances there. In fine weather waggon travelling was little more than picnicing, except that at night — if the travellers did not outspan near a roadside hotel, they had to sleep in the waggon on the top of the baggage, and draw a tarpaulin down in the front and back of the waggon. The waggons (five or six in number) started in the afternoon, and after we had gone a few miles, and got JOURNEY TO MARITZBURG . 17 through the Berea (the road being for three miles in deep sand), we had our first outspan when the whole of the oxen were let loose to feed on the open green pastures near at hand. Sometimes the oxen will stray for miles if not carefully watched, and consequently there may be a delay of hours before they are found and another trek accomplished. Such a mishap did not occur to any of the waggons, and like a fleet at sea we kept remarkably well together. On the fourth night outspanning at Uys Downs, many chose the pretty little wayside inn for a quiet night. The middle of the fifth day brought everyone in sight of the city of Maritzburg ; we had a good view of it for many miles before it was reached. The Rev. James Green, its loving and faithful pastor (now Dean), came out with many others to welcome the Bishop and all who had accompanied him. The journey was ended without any accident, and it took five days to travel fifty-four miles from Durban to Maritzburg. Having arrived at the centre of operations, I was without delay sent to my lodgings which Mr. Green had arranged for me, while others went out at once to the future chief mission station, where the Bishop afterwards resided. The Rev. Glendenning Bell and myself were at the same lodgings, which were not fitted up with the conveniences and comforts we are accustomed to in England. They certainly were clean, and both the owner and his wife did all they could for our convenience and happiness. After many contrivances and purchases our dormitories were all we could desire. For a long period we joined the C i8 LABOURS IN NATAL. ladies at Mr. Holliday’s boarding-house at dinner, and took the other meals at our own rooms. Many of our first letters to England were begun in D’Urban and posted at Maritzburg, and it will be well to state that the replies to letters written in the last week of May did not reach Natal till the end of the following January by the “ Annabella,” which was wrecked while crossing the dangerous bar. On the first evening of our arrival in the city, as many as were able to do so, attended the daily even- song at the government school-room. The new Cathedral of St. Peter had been begun ; its strong foundations were laid, but the work was entirely at a stand-still for want of funds. A smaller church — St- Andrew’s, was also in course of building, but not finished. The services here on Sundays were hearty and well attended, and they were of necessity con- ducted in the most primitive manner. Opposite the government school-room, Mr. and Mrs. Barker resided, and had a large and important middle- class church school. The Bishop asked me if I would assist in this school for a time, and so give aid to Mr. Barker (now the Archdeacon of Maritzburg), who needed to be relieved of a portion of the great responsibility he had undertaken, there being over one hundred pupils, and the numbers were continually increasing. I willingly consented to work in any way I could to further the objects of the mission, and I soon found my time fully occupied for five hours a day in teaching, besides certain preparations which I had to make every evening for the following day’s lessons in scripture and history. LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 19 For my own private reading I was up early and late (often till long after midnight), because I never lost sight of the work to be accomplished in order to fit myself for the ministry of the church. The following letter to Mrs. B. Dowson, a lady at Great Yarmouth, will give my first impression of my new home after three months’ residence in Pieter- Maritzburg : — Maritzburgi August 31st, 1855 . Dear Mrs. Dowson, Having now resided in the colony three months I am anxious to give you some information respecting myself and my work in this beautiful land. After ten weeks and a half voyage, we crossed the dangerous bar on May 20th. The voyage out was not a comfortable one, but I have never had the slightest cause to regret anything since 1 landed. Young as the colony is (not ten years old) everything I have seen has surpassed my expectations. I hope you have by this time perused a little book entitled “Ten weeks in Natal,” by the Bishop; it was published just before I sailed from England, and it gives a faithful description of the work to be done in this small portion of the mission field. As usual the Nonconformists are before us, and working away energetically. We have foremost among us the American, Wesleyan, and Presbyterian missionaries, who have laboured here several years ; there are also a few Independents, and some Lutherans. The Dutch are numerous, and the es- tablished church here (if any) is the Roman Dutch Church. I have called upon Mrs. Woodrow who is in charge of the Orphanage, and whose letters I heard the Bishop read when he preached at Great Yarmouth after the “home” had been started a few months. Her health is not good. She soon married the Rev. R. Robertson, a Scotchman, who is in deacon’s 20 LABOURS IN NATAL. orders, and who has acquired the native language thoroughly. Mr. Robertson and the Barkers had been a year or two in the colony before I came. Mr. Robertson is one of our first pioneers in real church missionary work. Dr. Callaway who came out last year is desirous to give his life wholly to the evangelising of the natives, and gave up an extensive practice as a physician to devote himself to this work. Both gentlemen, I believe, will prove indefatigable in the Master’s cause. I was present at Mr. and Mrs. Robertson’s marriage. The Bishop performed the ceremony, the Rev. James Green, Incumbent of Maritzburg, gave the bride away, and a celebration of the Holy Communion followed immediately after the marriage service. They left for D’Urban the same afternoon. Maritzburg is laid out like a chess-board, it has eight streets nearly two miles in length ; there is also a running stream before the doors of the houses, in front of which trees are planted. It is well supplied with water ; pumps and tubs are not necessary. The city is surrounded by hills of varied character, and upon these high mountains in winter time the natives set fire to the grass which is so dry that it burns furiously, and from all parts of the city the illumination caused by this process may be see for many miles. It is a pretty sight. The result after- wards is rich grass fresh for the cattle. The camp at Fort Napier contains the greater portion of the 45th regiment, who have been here on service nearly eighteen years, and who are expected shortly to go to England ; they have a capital band which plays in the market square occa- sionally. Every house has a lightning conductor, and it is needed, for the thunder storms, I am told, are terribly severe, and in the summer they occur nearly every afternoon — for the summer is the wet season, and the winter is the dry. Occa- sionally it rains three days heavily without ceasing. Snow may be seen on the distant hills in winter, and the Drakenberg mountain which divides the colony from the Free State, is often covered with snow during the winter months, which are June, July, and August. I find the colonists extremely sociable and hospitable. The usual time for calling is in the afternoon, but at whatever hour you LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 21 make your visit, a cup of coffee is always presented for accept- ance, and it would not be etiquette to decline it. I am hoping to send you soon a few Kaffir curiosities, and I shall also at the same time forward some for the museum at the Priory, which I think Mr. Hills will be glad to accept. Five hours a day I assist Mr. Barker in his school ; he, like myself, is a student ;and a candidate for the ministry. I rise every morning at 7 o’clock — however late I may have been in retiring to rest — I go to morning prayers at 8 o’clock at our temporary church in the government school -room. I breakfast at 8.40, then to school, after which I prepare my Latin and Greek lessons ; I lunch at 1 o’clock, return to school at 2 o’clock; at 4.30 attend evening prayers, dine at 5.15, from 6.15 to 7 o’clock I have the chorister boys at my lodgings, and I assist my companion, the Rev. J. G. Bell, in training them. I have tea at 8 o’clock, and from that time to midnight I am reading for my own benefit, or preparing any special work for the next day. The Bishop insists that Saturdays are to be strictly kept for recreation, when he kindly lends me a horse, and I take long rides exploring the country all round, but very often I go up to see the Bishop at Bishopstowe, or I visit some neighbouring station a few miles distant. No one can be kinder than the Bishop is to me. Every one loves Archdeacon Mackenzie, he is so gentle and simple-minded and unselfish, and always ready to do a kindness to any one. I do not think I shall ever have cause to regret coming to Natal. My whole heart seems in the work, and I feel interested in all I say and do. I do not possess much knowledge of the language as yet, but I learned a little on the voyage. I can read it correctly and know almost sufficient to make my servant understand what I want when I speak to him. The coming up from D’Urban to the city was most amusing. It was a novel life to me to be drawn by fourteen or sixteen oxen in a waggon. When we outspanned to give the bullocks rest and food, the Zulus lighted a fire of sticks gathered near at hand ; all sat down on the grass, each one with a long stick with a small piece of beef on the end of it, while on another similar fire the kettles were boiling the water for tea or coffee. In this manner 22 LABOURS IN NATAL . only could our meals be prepared, unless we stopped at a way- side inn, and they were far too small to entertain so large a party as ourselves. It was a sort of pleasant roughing which we could and did enjoy. Fortunately the nights were moonlight,, and our evening worship was conducted entirely by the light of that bright luminary, the moon. During the excessive heat in the summer months, which are December, January, and February, travellers on horseback and waggon-drivers prefer journeying by the light of the moon to doing so in the middle of the day. Sometimes in Maritzburg we have for many hours what is called the hot wind, which comes from the desert (it does not last so long on the coast nearer the sea), and there is nothing else to do but to keep within doors quietly. It is most dis- comforting while it lasts, for its effect is like that of a disease which affects the respiratory organs and renders breathing difficult. The relief is indescribable when the change comes, and the wind veers round to another quarter. I must not conclude this letter without a brief description of our Kaffir servants. They come to us from all parts of Natal, but they will never stay any great length of time ; they are a fine race of men, tall (some of them have a commanding ap- pearance) and are intelligent looking, but it is not an easy task to domesticate them. When they first come they are almost naked, they have only a blanket to cover them ; but before being permitted to enter our sitting-room we furnish them with a clean blue striped shirt, trimmed with scarlet braid, to wear while at service, and to be given up on leaving to return to their kraals. The month of service (their wages are paid monthly) begins with the new moon, but often before it is quite completed they will come to their master asking for their money, and although the month is not ended they will declare it is, by an appeal to the fact that the moon “ Inyanga file” is dead. They cannot understand there being more than twenty-eight days in a month ; it is im- possible to make them believe there are thirty-one. It is difficult to teach them to count the days of the months ; they will cut a notch in a stick every day, but if they are anxious to obtain their wages before they are due, some have been known to cut two for one day. ZULU HABITS. 23 I hear that as a rule they are to be trusted, and they are pro- verbially honest. They will do nothing before the sun has risen, and they expect to leave their work at sun-set. Their dor- mitories are not of the choicest kind. They will sleep in the stable or on the kitchen floor, and will invite several of their brothers or friends to join them without any reference to or sanction from their employers. It is astonishing how long they can do without food, but when they sit around the pot of porridge in the early morn or late at night, whatever they have, much or little, they share their meal with their friends or visitors who drop in unexpectedly or by appointment, and if master or mistress complains of the number present, their one answer is “ they are brothers.” It is better to keep the servants on our own premises, but I have known people who allowed them to go out to sleep at some friend’s kraal not far distant. Let me explain what a hut is like : It is of a beehive shape covered with reeds, and has a hole for a door, but no window or chimney, so that the smoke inside is almost suffocating to those who desire to enter. The huts are of various sizes, some immensely large, while those in towns are small in comparison with those on the Kafflr locations. Over twenty Kaffirs may be seen sleeping in a tiny hut ten feet high, and occupying a space not larger than a small kitchen. They save all they can from their little earnings to purchase a wife, but as I find seven or eight shillings a month are considered good wages, it must take some years before the treasure can be obtained. Ten cows will buy a wife, and as each cow costs ^4, it will take nearly ten years to raise the sum required. It is the men who go to service ; the women are left at home at their kraals* to till the land. A rich Kaffir has several wives whom he has bought with cows, and requires their services to cook and to garden for him. As Kaffirs may have several wives, they don’t value them highly ; but they are good sons, for they say “ a man can have only one mother,” and as a rule they tend and love their mothers affectionately. It was an interesting sight last Sunday to witness the first * A kraal is a number of huts placed in the form of a circle, and sur- rounded by a hedge. 24 LABOURS IN NATAL. Zulu adult baptized. He had been for a long time under a course of Christian training, by Miss Barter, a lady who came here to join her brother, and who had travelled far into the interior of the Zulu country, to nurse him in a serious illness. This man was her faithful servant and attendant. The bishop took the whole of the baptismal service in Zulu, and at the conclusion of the service he gave the blessing first in English and afterwards in Zulu. All remarked how admirable his pronunciation was. A large body of catechumens attended to see the ceremony. I shall hope in another letter to report further progress. I am, Yours faithfully, Alfred W. L. Rivett. I continued working with Mr. Barker for several months, till the school had increased to such an extent that the room was wholly insufficient to accommodate the number of applicants for admission. The church of St. Andrew was nearly completed ; it was a small, neat, stone church, holding not more than one hundred and fifty persons, and built with a view of its being a chapel of ease to the new cathedral, where little had as yet been done beyond the laying of the foundation. The church was well situated in the extreme south of the city. Dr. Callaway, who was engaged in the native school for servants, accepted temporarily the charge of this church and parish. It was opened by the Bishop on October 14th, 1855. I undertook to form a choir, and presented the church with a new harmonium, and provided the choir with surplices. This choir was the first surpliced choir in the colony. SCHOOL WORK. 25 The Bishop proposed to me that a second church school should be opened, and that I should take the mastership of it. It was decided that if a suitable room could be found near St. Andrew’s church, the school should be commenced without delay. No time was lost in selecting a room, and the first week in November of 1855, found me at my new work; and another member of the mission, Miss Sanderson, was sent to assist me. In a brief space of time I had nearly one hundred pupils, and the head boy of that day was Mr. Robert J. Finnemore, the present popular resident magistrate of D’Urban, who has also held the office of acting puisne judge of the supreme court of the colony. I had the pleasure of having for my pupils not only the English children, but also a large number of Dutch and German boys, who were most intelligent, and many of whom, like Mr. Finnemore, hold now very responsible and important positions in the colony. In those early days the schools under the Bishop were composed of sons and daughters of professional men, as well as those of merchants and tradesmen. There was in existence a government school both at D’Urban and Maritzburg, but these schools did not then meet the requirements which have since been supplied. It was not till a few years after the establishment of the present legislative council that any schools of higher grade were formed, and now the schools in Natal will compare favourably with any in England. There is a properly constituted board of education of the leading men of the colony. For a long time I had six private pupils, who came 26 LABOURS IN NATAL. three evenings in the week. These were youths other- wise engaged during the day, and they attended for special assistance in branches of study in which they felt themselves somewhat deficient. From my school I selected the best voices for the new choir at St. Andrew’s, and in the following year, when St. Peter’s Cathedral was opened, nearly three-fourths of the members of St. Andrew’s choir were transferred there. About this time the Bishop requested me to make a complete key to one of his lordship’s elementary arithmetics, the manuscript of which is still in exist- ence. At the expiration of the first half-year the Bishop came to examine the school, and the result of that inspection is given by his lordship in a report of a visitation of his diocese on page sixty-two of the “Mission Field,” Vol. II. : “ Since my return I have been occupied principally in exam- ining the different church schools. . . . The Middle School (with about eighty boys), under Mr. Rivett, who has paid all his own expenses out to this colony, and given his services gratui- tously for three years, and by his zeal and plodding industry* has raised an excellent school, and conducts it admirably.” The examination over, I spent my first Christmas in Natal at Archdeacon Mackenzie’s, in D’Urban, where a kind welcome awaited me, both from the Archdeacon and his sister. Here I also saw a good deal of Mr. and Mrs. Robertson, who resided near the Archdeacon. The following letter to Mrs. B. Dowson will narrate brief details of my visit : LETTER TO MRS. DOWSON. 2 7 Maritzburg , February 2%th , 1856. Dear Mrs. Dowson, I thank you for your last kind letter, and I cannot express to you fully what a joy it is to receive letters from dear old England. Mails from home are always announced by a large gun at Fort Napier ; and this same gun is fired every morning precisely at nine o’clock, to give the correct hour of the day. The arrival of the mail from England is, indeed, an exciting time, and the rush to the Post Office, where hundreds are assembled in a few minutes, makes it difficult to get near the place of delivery. Often one’s patience is tired of waiting. I have now a school entirely under my care. The success which has attended this new experiment has surprised everyone. Before it was started, it was doubtful whether two schools in the city would answer. It certainly has not interfered much with Mr. Barker’s. On December 21st the school was examined by the Bishop, who afterwards expressed himself perfectly satisfied. I have private pupils, for one hour, three evenings in the week. It is hard work to do all the reading I want for my own benefit, but I utilize every spare hour, and I hope I am making progress. After the school examination the Bishop invited all my scholars to his house, and the afternoon and evening were spent in cricket and other games, and a sumptuous tea was provided by Mrs. Colenso. The next day I started for D’ Urban, on a visit to Archdeacon Mackenzie. I left Maritzburg on foot at twenty minutes to five o’clock in the morning, and at half-past two in the afternoon I had accomplished thirty-six miles. I was so tired and foot-sore that I could not proceed any further, and stayed the night at Clough’s well-known roadside house. On my journey I as- cended a few steep hills, and passed an immense deal of romantic scenery. The weather was hot, for the summer had commenced. I had hoped to reach Pine Town that night ; and had I not pushed on with the speed I did, I should not have succeeded in doing so. 28 LABOURS IN NATAL. The following morning I arose, feeling stiff and tired. I decided to hire a horse and take a Kaffir with me to bring the animal back. I reached D’ Urban at two o’clock, having never been out of the saddle during the twenty miles’ ride. The next day I was obliged to wear the Archdeacon’s slipper, and I wore it in walking to church, being supported on the Archdeacon’s arm. In a few days the lameness left me, and I was all right. I spent a happy Christmas in the seaport of the colony. The Archdeacon, having gone on the coast to officiate for the Sunday, asked me to superintend his Sunday School at St. Paul’s and take a class. It gave me pleasure to do so. On the return of the Archdeacon, he gave his evening Kaffir school a Christmas feast, on St. John the Evangelist’s Day, and again my help was called into request. You would have been interested and amused, could you have taken part in this pro- ceeding. There were present about seventy Zulus, who are servants, or otherwise employed in the town. They are refugees who come from the Zulu Country, which adjoins Natal, and is governed by a king, whose name is Panda. To be very descriptive, I wish to tell you the minutest details. The bullock for the feast was not shot till four o’clock the same afternoon, yet it was cut up and all cooked by seven o’clock that evening. The fare consisted of meat, bread, and coffee. Grace was sung in Zulu, after which I assisted, with many others, in carving the joints. A delicate morsel of between five or six pounds of beef was given to each guest, with a loaf of bread. All Zulus are great eaters. Their appetites know no bounds when they are invited to a feast. I could not fill the dishes of coffee quickly enough for them. They ate and drank heartily for more than an hour. After feasting the body they had a treat in another form ; and this was through the eye and the mind. The Archdeacon showed them his beautiful magic lantern, and Mr. Robertson •explained the subject of each view. They enjoyed it immensely. One fellow, in Zulu, said he should like to see it by daylight. The Archdeacon and Mr. Robertson spoke many kind things to them that evening. Before leaving they chanted and sang in Zulu some well-known hymns, and separated, delighted with what had been done for them. LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 29 The church difficulties in D’ Urban have not altogether dis- appeared. At St. Paul’s the surplice in the pulpit and the weekly offertory are looked upon as the badge of a certain party* I am sure neither the Bishop nor the Archdeacon have any Romanising tendencies. All will not see eye to eye on every minor matter of discipline or ritual ; and I am convinced that the Bishop and clergy have no other desire than to follow the directions and rubrics of the Prayer Book. The opposition to the wishes of the Bishop has been very severe. One matter has rejoiced the Bishop’s heart much at his station, Bishopstowe. A large number of Zulus have brought their children to be taught. They have been a long time in coming, and I hope at last, that many of the chiefs have seen the wisdom of placing their boys under his care. These lads come from the Anraganya tribe, which is under the chief N’goza, and numbers two thousand one hundred and seventeen souls. N’goza has many petty chiefs, and I believe there are not fewer than six thousand souls, including a large body of refugees, over whom he possesses influence. I know personally the chief, N’goza, who, if he could only be educated, would prove an intelligent man. He is anxious to have an Umfundusi (a teacher) for his tribe. I wish some of my friends in England could see these thirty boys, from seven to eleven years of age, all clothed in their pretty blue-striped shirts with scarlet trimming, it would stimulate them to work on for these poor children. Mr. Baugh, who came out from England with me, and who was for a time at St. Augustine’s College, Canterbury, is their principal teacher, and he is exceedingly fond of them. In a few weeks a good deal was done towards civilising them. There was a marked improvement in every respect. If all goes on satisfactorily, other tribes will be induced to bring their children to be taught. Among the youths was the young Prince Umkungo, a fat and sturdy boy, fourteen years old. He is a son of one of the favourite wives of King Panda (Monase), and, of course, a half-brother of Ketchwayo. Great care had to be taken of this lad, for there had been many dissensions and much strife respecting him at the Royal Kraal in Zululand. 3 ° LABOURS IN NATAL. I was particularly struck with the boy, and the dignity he assumed at that early age. He made himself exceedingly happy. His friends came sometimes to see him, and no desire was expressed by him to return home. Many of the older boys are to be taught, after a while, various industrial pursuits ; while those who show any fitness to be trained as missionaries to their own people, will have the Bishop’s special attention. The amount of work the Bishop does in translating the language is marvellous. Shortly will be issued a Zulu Prayer Book, and a Dictionary. The Bishop could not be idle, for his whole heart is engrossed in the welfare of the natives. We are now in the warmest month of the year, and the heat on some days is one hundred and twenty degrees in the shade ; it is almost more than I know how to bear. So far, Maritzburg agrees with me. A few months ago we had Sir George Grey here, from the Cape, on a visit. His Excellency held a levee at the Government Office, and I had the honour of being presented to him by the Bishop. My friends, Mr. Baugh and Mr. Barker, have been licensed as Catechists. The former is stationed at Ekukanyeni, and has an English service there, in the absence of the Bishop in Maritzburg, on Sundays ; while the latter is going to Ladismith, where there is no clergyman at" present, and to which sphere, I believe, Mr. Barker will be ordained later on. I do not antici- pate that I shall take any service till I am in Deacon’s Orders, for which I hope I may be ready two and a half years hence. We sadly require more clergy from England, and if we cannot get them, I see no other course but for the Bishop to license laymen to read the service and a sermon, where no ministrations of a clergyman can be obtained. Mr. Barker is going to a place where he will be two hundred miles from Maritzburg, and it will take him many days, to trek by waggon. How I should like to build a large schoolroom for the church in Maritzburg. There is only one such room in the city, and that is the Government School, in charge of a Presbyterian, in which place the Rev. J. Green has his services on Sundays. I LETTER TO MRS. DOWSON. 3i am sure many an old friend at Yarmouth would help. What- ever the amount might be, it would assist the people here, and be doing a good work for the church. Mrs. Colenso, with the assistance of the ladies of the mission, has a school at the Bishop’s residence for the daughters of some of our principal people in the city, free of cost. The young 'ladies are of English, German, and Dutch extraction. I believe a special teacher is expected from England, and the school will then be on a different footing. You will be glad to know that the consecration of a church will take place, for the first time in the diocese, on Easter Tuesday, at Richmond, a distance of twenty-five miles from here. The Bishop’s permanent residence — his palace is at Ekukanyeni, which means the mountain of light (Bishopstowe is its English name) — will be commenced almost immediately. I hear that it is to be two hundred feet in length, and that it is to be two storeys high. We have a large and very fine Kaffir Chapel now building in Maritzburg. The money has been collected entirely by ladies in England. My school increases weekly ; but I am not sure if I told you that my evening pupils are young Dutchmen who are desirous to learn English. I can read Zulu fairly well, but I am stupid in mastering the Dutch language. The Dutch boys are exceed- ingly shrewd and clever. I make it a rule, every Monday, to require from the first class an English letter, and often get two or three written in rhyme. I enclose a few specimens for your acceptance ; two are* from a Dutch boy, and one from an English one. Cornelius Botha’s will especially amuse you. He could not read English on his entrance into my school. I am, Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. The following are the pieces alluded to in the above letter, and the names quoted in the second are school- fellows of the writer : 3 2 LABOURS IN NATAL. P. M. Burg , 22 7 id May y 1856. My Dear Mr. Rivett, How nice it would be, If your scholars all wrote funny letters like me. Oh, why don’t they do so ? I’m sure it is time They wrote out their subjects in elegant rhyme. Does bashfulness hinder ? This soon is o’ercome. I once had a great deal, and still I have some ; But so anxious to please my good master am I, That I sit down and bid all my bashfulness fly. It’s a very good feeling when not out of place, But if duty it hinders, ’tis then a disgrace. But it may be my schoolfellows think it is hard To leave homely prose and become a young bard, Their kind master’s praises and virtues to sing. I beg to assure them it is no such thing. Then let them but try it, almost in a minute, You will see them begin with, “ My dear Mr. Rivett, My pen is determined to write you a letter, For in this respect, I am greatly your debtor. I find it quite facile to write you in rhyme, And prose, I abandon it, just to save time. From a pretty fast trot my pen will soon canter, If I try to restrain it, it turns into banter My earnest injunction to write slow and steady. It replies, * Now, my lad, don’t you see I am ready,’ Away then it gallops, and fills up my sheet, Till I cry out, ‘ Mamma, give me something to eat ; I get such an appetite filling this page, I have not felt so hungry, I am sure, for an age.’ ” And this would they write, or, perhaps, greatly better, If in verse each attempted to give you a letter. And let them not plead, sir, the fewness of themes, Enough might be met with to fill many reams. The difficult thing is the best one to choose, The good to select, and the worthless refuse, RHYMED LETTER. 33 But let them not say, ’tis hard work to write, When their day’s play is over, a few lines at night. After all, it is only the play of the pen, And once they have tried it, they’ll do so again. It is practice makes easy whatever we do, And practice it is that brings perfectness, too, What capital exercise ’tis to the mind, And in it abundant amusement I find. It would not be difficult every day To take a fresh theme, and thus scribble away. And then we might strive to write better and better, More amusing and fluent in every letter ; More command of the language we soon should possess, My own is but scanty I freely confess. Next week I’ll endeavour to write something new, That may prove interesting or pleasing to you, As fancy may prompt, or events may suggest, Or memory lead me, or judgment think best. Imperfection and blunders enough will appear, But your kindness I own, leaves me nothing to fear. Though much approbation I may not have won, An imperfect epistle is better than none. Of respect, Sir, Believe me at all times observant, And continue your dutiful pupil and servant, C. BOTHA. P. M. Burg, June i^th, 1856. My Dear Mr. Rivett, Look out at the door, Did you ever see such a procession before? All in holiday trim, with their hearts full of glee, Every one of your dutiful scholars I see ; D 34 LABOURS IN NATAL. Far down the long street, in what order they come ! Tq the sound of the flute, and the fife, and the drum. O, wonder of wonders ! with exquisite care, A nice little present see each of them bear ; Though some may be grateful, yet when do we find Such a band of young students so nobly inclined ; With every kind feeling so fully imbued, Love, respect, and esteem, and sincere gratitude? While each in his own most appropriate way, Those feelings so loving attempts to display. They come with nice dainties to furnish your board, May their minds with the treasures of learning be stored. Charles Badger, the foremost, behold on the stoop, He bears a tureen full of fine turtle soup ; Next come the two Masons, each having a dish Well-filled with some excellent fresh river fish, All, doubtless obtained with their own line and hook, Beneath the Town Hill, from yon fast-flowing brook. Then follows, of all English dishes, the chief — Tommy Woodhouse brings in a large sirloin of beef ; While Brayhirst, exclaiming, “ Here, master, I am,” Has brought you a quarter of delicate lamb ; While a beautiful turkey the Walkers convey, And Stewart, two Guinea fowls, on a small tray. Next, meekly approaching, R. C. and J. Raw, Bring the finest young roasting pig you ever saw. See, Benjamin Barrett, rejoicingly bring A fine haunch of venison that’s fit for a king ; While Charley, his brother, to furnish his share, Bears a lovely rock rabbit and capital hare. Hermann Rethman is laden with chickens and geese, The last cannot weigh less than nine pounds apiece. As Natal is not famous for wild ducks or widgeons, Here is Davis, who brings a few delicate pigeons. Thomas Oates, by the force of strong gratitude led, Has brought you two loaves of the best wheaten bread. The Johnstons, desirous to furnish their part, Bring, with some rich custards, a gooseberry tart. RHYMED LETTER. 35 The Finnemores bear turnips, carrots, and peas, French beans and potatoes — none finer than these ; With radishes scarlet, fresh mustard and cress, In ample abundance, their love to express. The Russons, who always are on the alert, Have brought, in their kindness, a pretty dessert. They have nuts Barcelona, and almonds from far, And of ginger preserved, a most beautiful jar. See, Hoffmans, with bright golden oranges twenty ; The Winters, with guavas, both red and white, plenty. Matson Okes brings a couple of excellent pines ; The Osbornes bear lemonade finer than wines. A plate of nice apples John Moll gently bears, And is sorry he cannot bring with them some pears. William Tomlinson brings you a small chest of tea, Of coffee, and sugar, large packages three, The remainder, some sweetmeats and gingerbread bring, And I bear nice water, just fresh from the spring ; For many a Kaffir, and many a brute, Defile the good water that flows in the sluit. Behold our small presents ; what more can we say ? But one thing we wait for, a whole holiday. My oration is finished, my shadow’s increased, Let ours be the holiday — your’s be the feast ; That you may demolish these few dishes quite, We wish you, sincerely, a good appetite. Three cheers for our Master ! Boys, loudly hurrah ! Away let us scamper and have some nice play, Of amusement and learning we love a full quota. And I am, Dear Master, yours ever, C. BOTHA. It has already been mentioned that I arranged the first choir for St. Andrew’s, which was opened some months before consecration, and for a little time there 3 $ LABOURS IN NATAL. was no instrument whatever to lead the singing. With no organ or harmonium the singing was any- thing but perfect, and some few members of the congregation would criticise the little faults which could not be hidden, where everything depended on vocal power only. At the Bishop’s request I taught the choir, in chanting the Jubilate, to break each verse into two, which much offended certain musical ears, and pro- duced a long discussion in one of the newspapers. The Bishop suggested that if I would ask him for his opinion of the singing at St. Andrew’s, he would write me a letter that I might use as I pleased. The following is the letter which the Bishop wrote : Maritzburg , March nth , 1856. Dear Mr. Rivett, As you wish to know what I think of the singing at St. Andrew’s Church, I think it due to you to say, that what- ever defects it may have, it is, in my opinion, very creditable, both to yourself and to the choir, who have willingly given their services to the church in this way. Conducted, as it is, without the help of an instrument, 'it must, 'of course, have imperfections, and it is an easy matter to notice them. But I am sure that you would readily attend to any friendly hint for their amend- ment. With respect to the Hundredth Psalm, it was at my suggestion that you adopted this practice, not uncommon in the English churches, of breaking each verse into two, in order to allow of the words being chanted with due reverence and distinctness, instead of being hurried over, or half-muttered, as is usually the case when the long verses of the psalm are chanted. LETTER FROM BISHOP COLENSO. 37 The best suggestion which I can make for the improvement of the singing at St. Andrew’s is, that all the congregation take their part in it according to the intentions of the church. I am, Yours very faithfully, J. W. NATAL. The following letter to Mrs. Dowson narrates some of the events that took place in the diocese of Natal about this time : Dear Mrs. Dowson, D' Urban, July ()th, 1856. On Palm Sunday we were visited with a dreadful flood which did almost irreparable damage throughout the colony. The rain commenced at noon, and it never ceased for a minute till noon on the following Friday. Bridges were swept clean away, the rivers overflowed their banks, and to such an extent did the Umgeni rise, that D’ Urban was in danger of being washed away into the sea. A countless number of houses were completely wrecked, and in many instances the occupants could only be rescued by boats. The rivers became impassable for many weeks. We did not realise this terrible disaster at Maritzburg, as its effects were felt chiefly on the coast and up-country. Our streets suffered as well as many of our badly built dwellings ; but in many instances elsewhere, the people could not for awhile obtain the necessaries of life. Public subscriptions were set on foot, and collections made in all the churches and chapels to assist the distressed, and large sums were raised. It will be many a long year before the flood of 1856 is forgotten. Since I wrote last, St. Andrew’s, the first church built in Maritzburg, has been consecrated. It was a most interesting ceremony. The choir met at Dr. Callaway’s house, which is 38 LABOURS IN NATAL. nearly one-eighth of a mile from the church. They wore their new surplices for the first time, and, with the clergy, went in procession to the church, the Bishop, of course, walking last. Although it was on a week-day the church was full, the service was most solemn and imposing, and the Bishop preached an excellent sermon. The procession, I ought to state, was pre- ceded by a number of laymen, who signed the petition for consecration, and the churchwardens carried their wands of office You will be glad to learn that my school has just had its second half-yearly examination by the Bishop. The parents were invited, and a large number attended. It is impossible for me to write you all the many kind things the Bishop said to express his satisfaction ; but I felt more than pleased and encouraged by the testimony which was given by so many fathers to the attention I had paid to their sons. I was only twenty-one years of age last April. It is a great responsibility for one so young as I am, to have a school like this. I do like the work, and I have many very good and tractable boys. I am now again on a visit to Archdeacon Mackenzie, who is very kind. He has been examining me from “ Pearson on the Creed,” one of the books I am reading for Holy Orders. In fact, I am making an analysis of the whole book, and going through it carefully. I am also reading “ Southey’s History of the Church.” The Archdeacon’s help is fully appreciated by me. I came here last Tuesday, having started from Maritzburg on foot on Monday, at four o’clock in the morning by moonlight. I walked thirty-three miles without staying anywhere on the road, either to rest or to eat, and then, after two hours’ quiet and refreshment, I proceeded to Pine Town, twelve miles further, arriving there at sunset, having accomplished forty-five miles in one day. Here I halted, and was the guest of the Rev. James Walton for the night. I might possibly have gone the whole journey, but I did not care to venture through the Berea late at night, as there were reports of young tiger cats and leopards being in the bush, and my stay at Pine Town with Mr. Walton, gave me the pleasure of a long chat with a friend. I LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 39 walked into D’Urban the next morning in three hours and a-half, and it is my intention to return to Maritzburg in the same manner next week. I travelled this time in worsted socks, and these kept my feet from blistering. Since I came I have been introduced to Captain Hillyard, who commands a ship now in the Bay, called the “ Syren.” It was built at Great Yarmouth. Messrs. Davie and Butcher are the owners. I remember the former gentleman resided in Friar’s Lane. I hope to forward by this ship some pretty Kaffir curiosities for yourself and my father. One of the things will be a beautiful collar of beads worked by a Kaffir woman, and a neat basket made by a Kaffir man. These things will arrive about Christmas, and you will see that the Zulus possess some taste for art, and that they are not entirely an idle race. News has come from the Cape of the death of Bishop Armstrong, of Graham’s Town. The Diocese is between the Cape and Natal, and over five hundred miles from us. He was •consecrated with the Bishop of Natal, on St. Andrew’s Day, 1853, and his loss will be greatly felt by all churchmen. I have been wondering whether Mr. Hills would refuse a second offer of that Bishopric ; for he would be the right man for it. I wish he might come ; not that I desire for one moment to leave my work here to go there. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have gone from D’Urban, and are now located on the top of a hill over the river Umlasi, ten miles from D’Urban. It is our second Mission Station of importance connected with the church in the Diocese. Mrs. Robertson has been seriously ill, and is now slowly recovering. I have ridden out to see the new Station, and there cannot be a doubt it is well situated for work. The Kraals containing large families are numerous, and they are to be seen far and near everywhere in the neighbourhood. Church affairs in D’Urban are, I think, worse instead of better. The Bishop has closed St. Paul’s for a time, and the Archdeacon holds his services in a large store in West Street, while the mal-contents open the church in defiance of the Bishop, and a layman conducts the services ; and those who 40 LABOURS IN NATAL. follow and think with the Archdeacon, are called seceders. It is to be regretted that such a step was necessary. I am thankful to say we have not any of these dissensions in Maritzburg, though I presume that everywhere, more or less* we shall find self-willed people, who rebel against all properly- constituted authority I am, Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. This year was a peculiarly eventful one to me. On my return to Maritzburg after the holidays in July, I became engaged to Miss Sanderson, one of the six ladies who had accompanied the mission party to Natal in 1855, with the Bishop; she is the second daughter of Mr. Joseph Sanderson, a Liverpool shipping merchant residing at Birkenhead. I had known Miss Sanderson from the time I left England, and we were often associated in the work of the mission. But the engagement itself was scarcely of a month’s duration. The following letter will give more in detail the account of the marriage, and the removal of the school to a larger building, with other events which occurred in the same year : Maritzburg , December 16 th, 1856. Dear Mrs. Dowson, The Bishop handed me your kind letter last Sunday morning, while he was robing at St. Andrew’s Churclu Jt was placed with his letters, and he had opened it by mistake. LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 4i From the newspapers sent you by me, and, I have no doubt, from other friends also, you will have heard of my marriage, which took place at the Mission Chapel, Ekukanyeni, on Thursday, August 21st. I flatter myself that I have chosen one of the best of the ladies who came out with the Bishop. She is most amiable, thoroughly domesticated, and I have every reason to believe, will make me an excellent wife. You will be sur- prised to learn we were engaged for less than a month. I broke the news to the Bishop one Sunday after the service, when I said to his lordship, “ I wish to speak to you by yourself.’’ He at once replied, “ Come and dine with us to-day,” and took my arm ; and on the way I informed him of my intention, and he at once communicated it to Mrs. Colenso, and I received their kind congratulations. Within a few days, the date of the marriage was fixed, and the Bishop rather hastened it, as he wanted us to take charge of the Orphanage, as well as the School. I cannot tell you how kind the Bishop was. Of course, he performed the marriage ceremony, and Mr. Green, (now Dean of Maritzburg) gave my wife away. Mr. Baugh was best man, and Dr. and Mrs. Callaway, with other friends, were present at the service and breakfast. The Bishop most generously provided the breakfast at his own cost, and gave a large wedding cake. He requested us to invite our friends, and more than thirty were present. All the little Zulu boys of the school on the station were in the chapel, with the Prince Umkungo, and the chapel was crowded. Miss Gower, a daughter of Dr. Gower, in Maritzburg, and the other ladies of the Mission, were our bridesmaids. The Bishop’s address, when our health was drank, was most complimentary and touching. He warmly thanked us both for what we had done for the Mission, and hoped we should remain many years connected with it. We left Ekukanyeni on horseback, soon after the breakfast, for our new home in Maritzburg. I had only returned the previous month from D’Urban. School term had commenced, and we thought it better to postpone our honeymoon to some future time. 42 LABOURS IN NATAL. Our presents were numerous and beautiful. One friend sent a velvet-pile hearthrug. The first week we were at home to visitors, of whom more than eighty called upon us : among them the Chief Justice and his lady; the Hon. Crown Prosecutor and Mrs. Meller, and other Government officials. Colonists are very friendly, and there is not that stiffness here which one finds so often at home. I need scarcely say that our first two visitors were the Bishop and the Dean. Within a week after our marriage, we began our married life with the care of twelve children of the Orphanage. The Orphans, who had at first been under the charge of Mrs. Woodrow (who became Mrs. Robertson), were transferred to us. They had also been, for a time, under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Barker, before they went to Ladismith. With the exception of two, they are the same children of whom the Bishop spoke so much at Yarmouth. Our hands are very full with this charge — six boys and six girls. The new house has a good room adjoining, which is an improvement on the old schoolroom ; for the heat was so intense there sometimes that we were almost suffocated. We have over one hundred and thirty pupils, without the Orphans. With method and care I hope we shall succeed. The present accommodation for the school is even now insuffi- cient ; but I see no prospect either of hiring or building a larger place. We must, therefore, make the best use of the space we have, and economize it. We keep two Kaffir servants, and the two eldest girls of the English Orphans assist in the household work. The Christmas examination is fixed for Friday next, when my school will be examined by the Bishop, the Dean, and Archdeacon Mackenzie. All the friends of the pupils are invited to attend. I have every reason to hope that the exam- ination will satisfy the examiners. I have just finished the Life of our Blessed Lord in Scripture History. It has taken me a year and two months to go through it, giving one lesson every morning, after prayers. I anticipate that my boys will do well in the Creed, and English History, as well as in all general subjects. LETTER TO MRS. DOWS ON. 43 I must thank you for your goodness in trying to get me a few subscriptions for a new room, and I am looking forward to obtaining a very large one, which is now being erected in the centre of the city, I cannot learn for what purpose. The Bishop resided for more than a year in Maritzburg, and at our marriage he said he much wished us to live in the same house he had occupied, to which my wife objected, as it was larger than we cared to have, and the ground around it was more than we could keep up properly; in fact, Mrs. Rivett would rather have delayed the wedding than have gone there. It is now occupied by the Hon. Major Erskine, the Colonial Secretary. Had we accepted the Bishop’s offer, we should not have had any rent to pay, but the School could not have been kept there I am, Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. Many letters of congratulation were received from friends residing in all parts of the colony, but the following epistle from one of my earliest acquaint- ances in D’ Urban, who is now a most distinguished member of the legislative council must suffice : D 1 Urban , A ugust mid, 1856. My Dear Mr. Rivett, I have the greatest pleasure in congratulating you upon the auspicious event which has so suddenly and unexpect- edly transformed you from a sighing bachelor into a happy, and I doubt not, contented Benedict. Whether you had it in contemplation, during your recent visit at this place, to enter into the “blessed state of matrimony,” I of course cannot say ; but if you had, I must give you credit for 44 LABOURS IN NATAL. keeping your secret in a manner that was truly creditable to yourself — especially when I remember a certain conversation at Mr. Nisbett’s, the evening before you left town. But as long epistles cannot be very welcome, after so recent a consummation of so interesting an occasion, allow me to conclude by wishing yourself, and the lady who has favoured you with her hand, life, health, and happiness, and all the blessings which Providence* in His goodness, may think fit to bestow. Yours most truly, J. R. The letters from England were also warm and hearty. From my uncle, Dr. Chapman, late Deputy Inspector General of Army Hospitals in India, I received the following : West Raynham, January ist , 1857. My Dear Alfred, Accept my best congratulations on your marriage ; a circumstance which has given me much pleasure, as well as satisfaction, from the very prudent choice you have evidently made. I wrote to Mr. Sanderson as soon as I received your commu- nication, and he promptly sent me a most kind and frank reply* I sent it to your father and mother for perusal, and they were much pleased with it I called on the Rev. George Hills during a recent visit to Yarmouth, and he read me a letter he had received from the Bishop, dated in July. His lordship spoke very highly of your zeal and attention. Mr. Hills and his sister desire to be kindly remembered to you. I took a most delightful trip last summer, and was absent from England nearly five months. I made a tour in all the Channel Islands; passed three weeks at Paris ; on to Germany by way of Strasburg, and returned to England, taking Belgium LETTERS FROM ENGLAND. 45 on my way. I now purpose taking a trip to Russia, by way of Austria and Prussia, and return by Sweden and Norway. I shall see Mr. McSwiney at Cronstadt. I want Mr. Hills to go with me. When do you expect to be ordained? You may rest assured your father will then perform the promise he made me on your behalf. I spoke to him on this subject I remain, Yours affectionately, JOHN STRANGE CHAPMAN. In a very long letter from Mrs. B. Dowson, of Great Yarmouth, dated November 21st, 1856, she writes in almost the last paragraph as follows : “To my great surprise, on again looking over the newspaper dated the 26th of August, I have only this morning, the 27th of November, made a grand discovery, namely, your marriage. I beg to congratulate you upon it, and to wish you and Mrs. Rivett all the happiness for which the married life was ordained. In your next, please tell me if the lady has been a resident, or whether she went out with the Bishop. My letter must end with this subject to you — a most important one.” .... The Christmas examination of 1856 passed off as successfully as the former ones, and it was my intention to spend Christmas at home, but the Bishop persuaded me to take an outing, and offered me the use of a horse. As Mrs. Rivett was unable to accompany me she went on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. West, who had a farm situated between Maritzburg and the mission station at Ekukanyeni. I stayed again a few days with Archdeacon Mackenzie at D’ Urban, and then proceeded to the Umlazi mission station for a short 46 LABOURS IN NATAL. visit to Mr. and Mrs. Robertson, where I had a neat Kaffir hut for my bed-room. On this occasion Mr. Robertson took me to see the whole process of the manufacture of sugar, at Mr. Jeffell’s mill at the Isipingo. After an absence of nearly a fortnight, and a ride of over two hundred miles on horseback, I returned home invigorated by the change for my future work. And now we enter upon the year of Grace, 1857. The Bishop having removed permanently to Bishop- stowe from Maritzburg, I became his principal representative in all matters of important business which his lordship required to be transacted in the city. Seldom a Saturday passed but I rode out to see the Bishop. His lordship placed much confidence in my judgment in various matters connected with the establishment at Bishopstowe. Before the Bishop left England he stated his inten- tion of establishing in his Diocese a College, to be called by the name of St. John, but he was never able to accomplish it for want of the necessary funds. About this time the new Cathedral was fast approaching completion, and it was arranged, through the kindness of the Dean, and Mr. Jenkins, who became a canon of the cathedral at its opening, that I should be the first student in connection with the Cathedral. For nearly three years I read with Canon Jenkins, Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford, and Chaplain to the Forces at Maritzburg. He was a kind and faithful tutor, and to him I owe a debt of gratitude for my instruction in classical and theological knowledge. OPENING OF ST. PETER'S CATHEDRAL. 47 The long looked for event — the opening of St. Peter’s Cathedral — took place on the Feast of the Annunciation. It was considered a red-letter day indeed in Maritzburg. The Bishop, on this occasion, appointed the Dean and Chapter. The Bishop installed the Dean, and the Dean led Archdeacon Mackenzie, Mr. Jenkins, and Dr. Callaway, the Canons, severally, to their appointed seats. This ceremony preceded the service, and was very imposing. After the full morning service the Bishop delivered his primary charge — a most telling and solemn one it was. At the conclusion of the charge, Holy Communion was celebrated, the new Dean and Canons assisting the Bishop. In the afternoon the Bishop entertained at luncheon the clergy and lay officers of the Cathedral and St. Andrew’s. I was also invited. From this time I ceased to be connected with St. Andrew’s, and was wholly associated with the Cathedral as a student, and was in charge of the choristers up to the period of my ordination. As time went on my school steadily increased, and at last I persuaded the Bishop to allow me to hire the large and spacious room in Church Street, which was built by Mr. Dawney, a speculative chemist. It was remaining empty. The rent was exceedingly high ; but the Bishop consented, provided that it could be taken for no specified time. It was a great boon to have such a room, for all could breathe freely in it. The school fees quite met the expenses. I also took a larger house close to the Deanery, where I had not only the Orphans, but also a few youths who came to me as boarders, and young Mr. 48 LABOURS IN NATAL. Turpin was sent by the Bishop to assist me in my school. In a short time there were nearly one hundred and fifty pupils. Here is another letter to Mrs. Dowson : Maritzburg, March 31 st, 1857. Dear Mrs. Dowson, Thanks for your very kind letter which reached me on Saturday last. I gave the Bishop the note enclosed in your letter, and I have no doubt in due time you will hear from him, as well as from Archdeacon Mackenzie. During the holidays at Christmas I again read “ Pearson on the Creed,” with the Archdeacon. Miss Townsend, the senior lady of our mission party, who gives her services to the mission and is here entirely at her own expense, has kindly given us a horse for our use, and I have just been purchasing a saddle and bridle for it. Sometimes I have occasion to go out and see the Bishop on business two or three times in a week. I hope you will receive all the papers I have sent you on the opening of our new Cathedral, and the appointment of a Dean and Chapter. A charter has recently been granted to Natal by the Queen, and the result will be the forma- tion of a Legislative Council (or shall I term it a miniature House of Parliament), consisting of executive and elected members, the former representing the government, and the latter the people. The election in Maritzburg is over. It was an exciting day for the citizens ; there was a very great demonstration in the Market Square, and the choice of the inhabitants for the city fell upon a churchman and a Jew. A particular test question was put to every candidate for election, which evoked but one reply from all. “ Are you op- posed to Ecclesiastical grants ? ” “ Yes,” of course was the reply from every one who aspired to a seat, and I have no doubt that the most stringent opposition will be offered to any application for new grants by the council when it meets for the first time on the 1 6th of April. LINES BY C. BOTHA. 49 I enclose you another piece of poetry composed by Cornelius Botha, on the occasion of our marriage. The Bishop has requested me to send several copies to friends at home, and I am to ask Mr. Hills to allow the Hon. Mrs. Upcher to see the particular ones I send to him I am, Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. The poetry alluded to above is as follows : To His Most Gracious Majesty — King Alfred the Second (late) Alfred Rivett, Esquire. It is very well known in this beautiful town, “To her husband — a virtuous wife is a crown.” A man who can boast of a treasure like this, How exalted his honor ! how perfect his bliss ! Then let us this subject a moment pursue, It is pleasure to me, it is rapture to you, F or have you not gained a most excellent wife, The comfort, the bliss, and the crown of your life. Well, now to this matter my logic I bring, A man who possesses a crown, is a king, Your right to this title let no one despise, King Alfred the Second ! King Alfred the Wise ! But where is your kingdom ? that kingdom we find, At present, O King! is the juvenile mind, And where are the subjects who bow to your sway ? May it please you, Great Sire, all your pupils survey. Then where is your sceptre ? I own it with pain, No other I know than the back-smiting cane, O wield it, Great Sovereign, as every king should, But to punish the bad, and encourage the good. E 5o LABOURS IN NATAL. And where are your laws ? they are oral I ween, Your great Statute Book, I have never yet seen, May those laws evermore be the light of our eyes, King Alfred the Second ! King Alfred the Wise ! Will your Majesty please to consider my claim, And grant but one title to honour my name, F or my loyalty, not for my merit bestow it, And make me, Great Monarch, your laureate poet. C. BOTHA. The following letter is the Bishop of Natal’s reply to the enquiries of Mrs. Dowson respecting- Mr. Rivett: Maritzburg, Natal , March 27th, 1857. Dear Madam, I am happy to give you a very satisfactory reply to your enquiries. Mr. Rivett has, ever since his landing in Natal, been a most industrious, energetic, and useful labourer. He is in charge of a very large school of boys and I am thoroughly satisfied with his exertions in con- ducting it. You will probably before this have heard of his marriage with one of the ladies who came out in connection with the mission, and who makes him a very good wife, though rather older than himself. Mr. and Mrs. Rivett have also charge of the Orphan Institution, in which, however, and the school itself, they will have assistance from another of our mission ladies, Miss Townsend. Altogether you and Mr. Rivett’s other friends in Yarmouth may rest satisfied that he is doing his best to retain their good opinion, and advance the cause of true religion for which he came to this land. Believe me to be, my dear madam, Very sincerely yours, J. W. NATAL. BIRTH OF A DAUGHTER. 5i From the Archdeacon to Mrs. Dowson : D' Urban , August 10th , 1857. Dear Madam, I am to blame for not having written to you earlier. Mr. Rivett asked me some months ago, telling me that you were anxious to hear from me about him. I can honestly say that he has devoted himself to his work with the greatest earnestness, and that his energy and perseverance have succeeded in raising the number of the youths in his school. I am sure if anything should prevent the continuance of the school, the loss of it would be severely felt. Excuse the shortness of this letter. The mail closes to- morrow, and I have other letters to write. I am, madam, Yours faithfully, C. F. MACKENZIE. The chief event in my life in this year was the birth of a daughter, born on Friday the 12th of June, at Maritzburg, and baptized on the 12th of July by the names of Lucy Harriett, at the Cathedral, by the Dean. By my desire, and with the sanction of the Bishop, the large room in Church Street, built by Mr. Dawney, was hired for an indefinite period for the school, which had increased to such an extent that the old schoolroom was utterly inadequate to hold the youths who attended it. The new room afforded much comfort and con- venience both to teachers and boys, and the school grew and prospered in its new quarters. And here I plodded on, with the assistance of Mr. Turpin, until the eve of my examination for Holy Orders. 52 LABOURS IN NATAL. In the beginning of 1858, I made a formal applica- tion to the Lord Bishop for permission to present myself as a candidate for Deacon’s Orders at the Trinity ordination. To this communication the Bishop sent the following reply : Bishopstowe , January 15th, 1858. Dear Mr. Rivett, I am glad to receive intimation of your intention to present yourself as a candidate for Holy Orders. I must refer you to my Examining Chaplain, the Very Reverend the Dean, for the place and time of examination. Yours truly, J. W. NATAL, The following letter will explain how my work pro- gressed, together with my preparation for Holy Orders : Maritzburg , February 7th, 1858. Dear Mrs. Dowson, Thanks for your long and interesting letter which reached me this morning. As the steamer only remains a few hours, I have not much time to reply to letters, and I do not wish another month to pass without writing to you. I beg to thank you for your kind remembrance of me in your prayers. It is encouraging to know in this far-off land that friends bear us in mind at the Throne of Grace. So far I can truly say that I have never had any cause to regret coming to Natal. I enjoy thoroughly good health, I possess an excellent help-meet, and a sweet little child eight months old ; and my kind friends are too numerous to mention by name. All these are blessings for which I cannot be too LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 53 thankful. I am sure you will be glad to know that my examination for Deacon’s Orders is fixed to take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Easter week. I am studying hard, and the Rev. Canon Jenkins comes to my house two or three times a week. I could not have a kinder and more patient tutor. He tells me he has written to my uncle (Dr. Chapman), to inform him that he is thoroughly pleased with my work. All being well, if I satisfy the examiners, the Bishop, and Archdeacon, I am to be ordained on Trinity Sunday. The Dean and Canon Jenkins were pleased with my analysis of “Pearson on the Creed,” my Latin translations, and papers on the Old and New. Testament ; and they expressed a desire that I should appear in a student’s cap, gown, and bands, at all the Cathedral services, and in school. I certainly shall not be the first Deacon ordained in the colony, but I may consider myself the first collegiate student connected with the Cathedral. My orders are never to attend any official dinner without my cap and gown, and, of course, I obey strictly the Dean and Chapter’s injunction in this and all other matters. I am naturally anxious respecting the result of the coming examination, as one never can tell whether the papers will be difficult or not. One’s tutor is not an examiner at that time. I beg you will not forget me in your prayers during Easter week, and Whitsuntide ; the latter season precedes the week of the ordination. My school still flourishes, but I know not who is likely to succeed me, nor have I yet any knowledge where I am to work as curate, if ordained. We have had another little outbreak among the Kaffirs beyond Ladismith. A chief disobeyed the magistrates’ orders and would not appear when summoned to do so. The consequence was that a company of our Natal carabineers was sent to his kraal to bring the chief to justice, when they found that the “ bird ” had flown. To punish him and his people they brought away nine thousand head of cattle, which, I think, is punishing the innocent for the guilty ; besides, in this affray, thirteen Kaffirs were slain. I see by the papers, that our Secretary for Native Affairs 54 LABOURS IN NATAL. (Mr. Theophilus Shepstone, whom you must have heard of) was absent, and had nothing whatever to do in ordering what should be done, for he is considered a most humane man, and is greatly respected by the Zulus both in this colony and the old. The Lieutenant Governour is the Supreme Chief of the Natives, but Mr. Shepstone is virtually the chief to whom all native chiefs and their subordinates look for redress in difficulties and dis- turbances. Mr. Shepstone is a bosom friend of the Bishop’s, and the Bishop lunches with him after the morning service at the Cathedral every Sunday before he goes back to Bishopstowe. Bishop Colenso has the most implicit confidence in all Mr. Shepstone does for the welfare and improvement of the Zulus. Mr. Shepstone in this case is censured by the press, but all government officials and public men must bear patiently the criticism of their doings. My friend, Mr. Barker, with whom I was first associated &t his school in this city, was ordained a Deacon at the last Advent Ordination, and Mr. Baugh, who came out with me from England, will enter the Diaconate on the 28th of this month (the second Sunday in Lent). I am not twenty-three years of age till the 24th of April, and therefore I could not be canonically ordained earlier than Trinity Sunday, if I were ready. All Yarmouth news is deeply interesting to me, and especially whatever concerns the dear old parish church and its clergy. I hope my letters do not tire you. I cannot tell you what a treat it is here to receive English news, and tidings from relatives and friends I am, Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. On the 1 8th of March, Archdeacon Mackenzie, in one of his usual friendly letters, wrote to me respect- ing my future prospects and said : “ I shall be glad to hear from you, if anything is settled about DIOCESAN CONFERENCE. 55 your future work. Of course I could find work for you here, the difficulty would be about income.” The next event of importance was the first Diocesan Conference, held in Natal. It sat on the 20th, 2 1st, 22nd, and 23rd of April, 1858, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop, who appointed me as lay secretary, and whose chief duty it was to take charge of all the resolutions, make notes of the proceedings* and notify to the Bishop the result of the votes on •each matter of deliberation. This Conference was the beginning of dissensions that were never healed. While the majority of the clergy desired a properly constituted Synod in which the Clergy would vote apart from the Laity, the latter were unanimous in wishing that both orders should vote without distinc- tion on all occasions. This being carried by a majority in the Conference, it was then proposed by the clergy, that the clergy in Deacons’ Orders who were not to be allowed to vote, but only to speak, should now vote with the priests and laity, and again this was frustrated by the laity. It was evident to any one of keen discernment, that there would soon be a collision between some of the •clergy and laity, and it was not long before it came — the Dean moved and the Archdeacon seconded : “ It is the desire of this house that the laity under the care of the Rev. Canon Jenkins, and the laity at Ekukanyeni, under the special care of the Lord Bishop of Natal, do send delegates to the church council.” An amendment followed that the resolution should come under consideration at the first meeting of 56 LABOURS IN NATAL , the church council, as it had already been decided not to call any future meeting of the clergy and laity a Synod, but a “ church council/’ The amendment was carried by thirteen votes against four, and im- mediately followed the withdrawal of four priests and one deacon from the Conference. The laity under the care of Canon Jenkins were the military at Fort Napier, and the laity at Ekukanyeni were the baptised adults. It was a painful episode when the dignitaries of the Cathedral (with one exception), retired from the Con- ference, which was then deprived of their counsel and advice for the rest of the session. The Conference, as a body, made one great mistake in not first unani- mously declaring that all future meetings should be called a Synod ; and another, in not deciding that the votes of the clergy and laity be taken separately. It is not the province of the laity to interfere in spiritual matters, while their help is invaluable in advice and suggestions for the welfare of the temporalities and finances. In the week following the close of the Conference commenced my three days’ examination at Bishop- stowe for Deacon’s Orders ; and at the same time and place the Rev. James Walton, of Pine Town, was examined for Priest’s Orders. These were anxious days for both of us, but as we were permitted to work at our papers without being limited as to time, there was no hurry or con- fusion. On the Saturday, each candidate was inter- viewed by the Bishop, our papers were fully criticised, and we underwent a brief viva voce examination. It EXAMINATION FOE DEACONS ORDERS. 5 7 was a very welcome announcement to me when at noon on that day the Bishop expressed himself satisfied, and stated that the Ordination would take place on Trinity Sunday. On my return home to Maritzburg I requested the Dean to read my “ Si quis ” in the Cathedral on Sunday morning, and wrote at once to my friends in England to communi- cate the intelligence. The following letter to Mrs. B. Dowson, will relate the arrangements for my future work : Maritzburg, May 1 st, 1858. My Dear Mrs. Dowson, I am sure this letter will please you. I have successfully passed my examination, and I am to be ordained on the last Sunday in this month (Trinity Sunday). The Bishop, Archdeacon, and examining Chaplain have been pleased to say they are satisfied. Will it not delight you to learn that Archdeacon Mackenzie has given me a title ? and I am to reside at the Little Umhlanga, which is nine miles from the Umgeni on the coast. I have, virtually, a sole charge to begin with, as the Archdeacon lives at Umhlali, thirty miles beyond my residence. I am going in a few days to survey my new charge, and to make all the necessary preparations for starting, soon after the ordination. My new mission will be entirely to our own people. I prefer it, and am thankful that the opening which presents itself is a promising field of labour among the sugar, coffee, and arrowroot plantations on the coast. I am to have the care of three out- posts, Little Umhlanga, Mount Moreland, and Verulam. There is not a church yet completed at any one of these places. Canon Jenkins, my tutor, has lent me a book to read entitled, “ Munro’s Parochial Work.” I intend to peruse it carefully. I think my father and mother cannot be otherwise than 58 LABOURS IN NATAL . gratified when they hear of my success. It has been hard work to accomplish all the requirements, but every one has been exceedingly kind, or I could not have gone through it. My friend, Mr. Walton, will be ordained Priest at the same time I am made a Deacon I am, Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. The week after the examination I rode down to D’Urban on horseback, to inspect a house, which had been offered me at the Little Umhlanga. I spent two nights at Mr. William Lister’s, who has one of the prettiest coffee and arrowroot plantations in the neighbourhood, and on the following morning my host showed me the whole process of making arrow- root. I was afterwards introduced to several of my future parishioners, who appeared to hail with satis- faction the likelihood of a clergyman coming to reside in their midst. * Many of them had already made to the Archdeacon liberal promises of subscriptions towards the support of the new clergyman, and were ready to give him a cordial welcome when he came. The chief object of my visit on this occasion was to see the house, which belonged to the Rev. James Walton, who was in charge of Pine Town, and was Mr. Lister’s father-in-law; To describe it — it was a long building of poles, wattle, and daub — a crude mixture of basket-work and mud, with a thatched roof, and surrounded by a verandah. All the apartments were on the ground HOUSE AT THE LITTLE UMHLANGA. 59 floor, and were not boarded like our English rooms. It was customary to cover the so-called floor in each room with Indian matting, and to take it up every week, in order that the Kaffir servant might smear it with cow-dung. This weekly process was always considered healthy and clean. There were no inside doors, but a temporary curtain separated each room. I can well remember on one occasion waking in the early morning and seeing the feet of some person against the curtain of my bed- room. I peeped to see who could be there, and found it was Archdeacon Mackenzie, who had arrived after midnight, and having placed his horse in the stable, had gently made his way into the house. The Archdeacon, going to the linen-box, had taken out a large table cloth in mistake for a sheet, and with it he had covered himself on the couch in the dining room. I was much surprised and amused to find him in this position. It was customary with the Archdeacon to arrive at any hour in the night ; but on the occasion alluded to he had not been expected. The house stood on a slope in a charming valley, and on all sides flowed the Little Umhlanga river for many miles. No one could call upon me, or attend church, without crossing the river at one of its several drifts; and on many occasions in the wet season during the summer, these drifts became impassable, and the water would rise several feet high in a few hours, going down quite as quickly as it rose. At Christmas of the same year, I was from home in Verulam, when heavy rains fell, and I could not return for any Christmas service. My child was ill. 6o LABOURS IN NATAL , and no medical man dare venture across the flooded river ; but a kind sugar planter’s wife, Mrs. Watkins, induced one of her Kaffirs to swim across the drift, to take Mrs. Rivett some good Old English Christmas fare of roast beef and plum pudding. The nearest neighbour I had was Mr. Wilson, a sugar planter, who lived on the opposite bank of the river. A great deal had to be done in repairs before the house could be made habitable ; no one having lived there for two years. Mr. Lister kindly undertook to superintend the whole of them, and there was barely a month in which to accomplish the work. I had seen sufficient in this visit to convince me that my future sphere of labour would be no sinecure ; for, as yet, not a single church had been erected in the parish, which comprised the whole county of Victoria, and reached from the Umgeni, which adjoins D’Urban, to the Tugela, which divides Zululand from Natal — a distance of sixty miles. On my return to Maritzburg, the spare time before the ordination was spent in packing and preparing for the new home at the Little Umhlanga. The Bishop of Natal had preached and published two very remarkable sermons on the Holy Eucharist, in the Cathedral of Maritzburg, in February and March of this year ; and these sermons caused a great deal of controversy and difference of opinion among many. So strong was the feeling expressed with regard to the first of the two sermons (preached on the occasion of Mr. Baugh’s ordination as a Deacon), that the Dean and Canon Jenkins, immediately after the sermon,, BISHOP COLENS OB SERMONS. 6 1 declined to assist the Bishop, or communicate with him at the celebration of the Holy Communion. The subject at issue, which the Bishop protested against was, our Lord’s real presence in the Holy Eucharist. The Dean and Canon Jenkins presented the Bishop to the Metropolitan Bishop of Cape Town, on a charge of false teaching ; and Bishop Gray, some months afterwards, although declining to pronounce an official judgment upon the matter, pointed out passages in the sermons which might be misunder- stood, and the Bishop of Natal accepted that opinion. But previous to any letter from the Metropolitan on this subject, the Bishop of Natal wrote to me, four days prior to my ordination, the following letter, to ascertain more fully my views on the Holy Eucharist. Bishopstowe , May 26th, 1858. My Dear Mr. Rivett, Please to send a Kaffir express with the letter I now send to Mr. Fearne I believe that you agree with the views of the Holy Eucharist, as stated in my printed sermons. If you do, as I understood you to say you did, I wish you would write me a line, and say so in plain terms. If you do not , you are quite at liberty to say so. I am satisfied with your papers, and should not think it right to change the decision to which I came, after perusing them. I shall be at Mr. Shepstone’s office to-morrow morning at eleven a.m., and wish you would leave a note there for me. I am happy to say that Mr. Fearne is satisfied with your papers. /ours truly, J. W. NATAL. 62 LABOURS IN NATAL. I have no record of the reply to the above letter, but as far as my memory serves me, I reminded the Bishop that I had expressed my views in the answers to the examining chaplain’s questions on the subject of the Holy Eucharist, and that I believed them to be in accordance with the teaching of the Prayer Book and the Articles of Religion contained therein. CHAPTER II. Admission to Deacon’s Orders — First Sermons — Journey to the Little Umhlanga — Work there as Curate to Archdeacon Mackenzie — Church Council at Maritzburg — Opening of a new Church at Mount Moreland — Visit of Bishop Colenso to the County of Victoria — Difficulties and Grievances at the Little Umhlanga— Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Mr. Rivett as Military Chaplain at D’ Urban — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Oversight of the Coast Churches — Lay Readers — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Reply — The Universities’ Mission — Offer of the Headship of the Mission to Archdeacon Mackenzie — Mr. Rivett’s Scheme for Building a new Church and School at the Point — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Working Out of the Scheme — Kind Offices asked from Mr. Rivett by Bishop Colenso and others — Church Council at Maritzburg. Trinity Sunday, 1858, was the most solemn, important, and eventful day in my life. The great desire which I had manifested from my earliest years was realized on this day, by my being admitted to Deacon’s Orders. I was ordained at the general ordination of the Lord Bishop of Natal, in the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, at Maritzburg. The Rev. James Walton was ordained Priest at the same time, and the Bishop was assisted in the service by the Dean, Canon Jenkins, *4 LABOURS IN NATAL. Canon Callaway, and the Rev. J. G. Fearne, Incum- bent of Richmond and examining chaplain. It was a long and impressive service. After the second lesson the Rev. J. G. Fearne was installed as a Canon of the Cathedral. The Bishop preached the Ordination Sermon from the words of St. Paul, “Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ .” — Ephesians iv. 7. It was one of his usual eloquent and powerful sermons. It appeared afterwards in one of the copies of the Natal Magazine for that year. The sermon ended, the Ordination Service followed, when I was presented to the Bishop by Canon Fearne, who also presented Mr. Walton for Priest’s Orders. The service proceeded in the ordinary manner. I, being the only candidate for Deacon’s Orders, read the Holy Gospel, which immediately follows the laying on of hands. An immense number of communicants remained for the celebration, and at its conclusion, in the vestry, the newly-ordained received the hearty congratulations of the Bishop and clergy. My wife and I dined at the deanery, and I received a present from the Dean, of Bishop Wilson’s Manual on the Holy Communion, in remembrance of the day’s proceedings. In the evening Canon Fearne was the preacher, at the Cathedral. He gave an excellent sermon on the words, “ Brethren, pray for us.” — 1. Thess ., v. 25. I, for the first time, read both lessons, and at the Dean’s request I also chanted the service at the two daily services in the Cathedral till the following Friday, the day fixed for my leaving Maritzburg for D’ Urban. SUNDAY AFTER THE ORDINATION 65 It was impossible for me to begin my new work as curate to Archdeacon Mackenzie, till all my goods and chattels could be removed to the Little Umhlanga, and it was arranged that I should spend the first Sunday after the Ordination in D’Urban, where I arrived in company with Master Matson Oakes, one of my former pupils at Maritzburg, who was about to pay a visit of several weeks to me. We arrived at noon on Saturday at the “ Royal Hotel/’ having started from Maritzburg, on horseback, directly after the Cathedral morning service on the previous day. I had not been long in D’Urban before many visitors called upon me at the hotel, and among them was the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, the colonial chaplain, and the Rev. W. Nisbett, the military chaplain, both of whom invited me to preach at their respective services on the following day. Sunday, June 6th, was fully occupied, and I preached my first sermon to the troops (the 45th), at the early nine o’clock service, in St. Paul’s Church ; and to the civilians, in the same church, at the eleven o’clock service ; in the afternoon, at three o’clock, in the small chapel at the Point ; and again in the evening at St. Paul’s, at the half-past six o’clock service. It was an unusual day’s work for one who had just entered the ministry ; but in those early days, an extra clergyman in any parish was a help, and both Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Nisbett were glad of rest, and a change for their people. The Sunday was a happy one to me, and after the evening service I accepted the hospitality of the colonial chaplain. On the next day, I was engaged in buying stores F 66 LABOURS IN NATAL. and various things which I needed for my future home, and in the afternoon, Mrs. Rivett and Lucy (my daughter), attended by their Kaffir servants and two- of the English orphans, who were under our charge, arrived in D’ Urban by a bullock waggon, which con- tained the furniture and innumerable boxes. They had been four days in travelling from Maritzburg, and slept each night in the waggon. Mrs. Rivett, Lucy, and I, were invited that evening to Mr. Robinson’s, and a most kindly reception awaited us. Tuesday was spent in transacting business with tradesmen, with whom I intended to deal. On Wednesday afternoon, June 9th, 1858, I on horseback, my young companion on his pony, and Mrs. Rivett, Lucy, the two orphans, and Kaffir ser- vants in the waggon, heavily laden, started for our residence at the Little Umhlanga. It was a fine day, and every one expected that the journey would be safely accomplished soon after dark, the distance being not more than twelve miles from D’Urbam The waggon was in the hands of a good driver, and a Vor looper, the youth who walks in front of the oxen and guides them along the road. The Umgeni was reached long before sunset. It is a river which is nearly one-eighth of a mile in width, and in the middle of the river — which is also full of quicksands and infested with alligators — the waggon stuck fast, and there seemed but little prospect of its being extricated from its perilous position. More than one hour elapsed before the oxen could be made to move it. A fresh span was borrowed for the purpose, CROSSING THE UMGENI . 6 7 but they did not succeed at first. After a good deal of whipping and splashing, they were induced gradu- ally to arise from their position, and to pull the waggon out of the hole in which it was embedded, and without any further mishap they safely reached the opposite bank of the river, where Matson Oakes and I soon overtook the waggon, and the oxen out- spanned. All looked frightened, but were recovering themselves, as the most dangerous part of the journey was thought to be over. It turned out that the wasted hour in the Umgeni prevented the waggon from reaching its destination that night. The shades of evening were fast advancing, but there was still a hope left that it might be done. There was no moon, and there is no twilight in Natal. It was necessary to hasten forward, because, for many miles there is nothing but dense bush on both sides of the road, which at that time was known to abound with wolves and tiger-cats. The men in charge of the waggon were dilatory in their move- ments ; but I did all I could to encourage them, and hope was not abandoned. After a little delay the waggon was again inspanned, and slowly wended its way till the darkness set in ; and by this time it had fortunately reached a spot near a small hut in the bush, close to the road, where lived the sister of a young woman who was going to help Mrs. Rivett at the parsonage, and whose parents resided at the Point. The driver declared it was not safe to proceed any further. The man and his wife were aroused, and they kindly offered to turn out of their own little home to allow Mrs. Rivett and her 68 LABOURS IN NATAL . daughter to occupy it, themselves sleeping in the waggon. I, and the youth who accompanied me, had, in the meanwhile proceeded to the empty parsonage, and for hours quietly awaited in the darkness the arrival of the waggon. The distant sound of the waggon, and crack of the whip, were eagerly listened for by us ; but, alas ! nothing could be seen or heard. When it was close upon midnight — and the darkness was intense — • a Kaffir messenger appeared on the scene, to say that “ the waggon could not come on till morning, and that the Inkosikazi (Mrs. Rivett) had sent some bread and cooked sausages, to appease our hunger.” Very little was eaten, as there was no knife or fork to be procured, and the disappointment arising from the non-arrival of the waggon, and the fear lest Mrs. Rivett and child were being exposed to the night air — it being winter time, with heavy dews falling — gave me no rest that night. Matson Oakes, who under- stood every word of the native language, ascertained from the Kaffir that it would have been dangerous to have proceeded, as it was discovered that a waggon, not far from the Little Umhlanga had come to grief, and must be repaired before another could pass. Matson Oakes and I had no other alternative but to rest our weary limbs in our clothes on hard forms. We had not a very comfortable night, and at day- break we arose, and soon after came a Kaffir messenger with a letter placed in a stick which he carried in his hand, from Archdeacon Mackenzie, asking me to meet him at the Great Umhlanga. The following is the communication : LETTER FROM ARCHDEACON MACKENZIE . 69 Verulam, June yth, 1858. My Dear Rivett, I am glad to hear that the Ordination proceeded regularly, and that you are now in Holy Orders. The prayers of the Church in England, America, and the Colonies, were offered up for all those who were to be admitted to any office in the Church ; and I trust that God will bless you in your work, and make you a blessing to many. Next Sunday is the second Sunday in the month, on which I purpose always, please God, to change with you, and to celebrate the Holy Communion to your congregations. We shall meet at Verulam in the evening, that you may yourself have the Communion. I wish to visit all the people in your neighbourhood this week, and wish you to accompany me. Will you, therefore, meet me at Mr. Wilkinson’s house, on the Great Umhlanga, on Thursday? I shall be there at noon ; it will not take you two hours from your own house. Mr. Lister will direct you to Mr. Lean’s, and at Mr. Lean’s you may get directions or a guide to Mr. Wilkinson’s. We shall call at your own house on the following day, Friday, and go on ; and on the Saturday I would put you on the way to my own house, where you would sleep. On Sunday you would take my home services, — -the camp (no sermon), the ordinary service at half- past ten, the Tongaati (with a baptism, probably), and then join me at Verulam in the evening. You will thus preach twice next Sunday. The same sermon will do, but you will need to have it ready before we meet on Thursday, as you will not have time after that. I will arrange to spare your horse by lending you one for part of the way. You must be sure to be at Mr. Wilkinson’s by twelve o’clock on Thursday. Mr. Waller, at my request, has sent you six and a-half muids of Mealies, for which I have paid him ^3 17s. 6d. If you would like more at about the same price, Mr. Waller would take the trouble of trying to get them for you. 70 LABOURS IN NATAL . Please to send your surplice to Verulam, to Mr. Stanton’s, for Sunday, and leave the other as you propose, at home. If you see the bearer of this, you may give it to him Kind regards to your wife. Yours truly, C. F. MACKENZIE. I had no alternative but to start at once to meet the Archdeacon, who was under the impression that I had arrived at the Little Umhlanga some days before, and apologized to me for summoning me from home so soon. I met the waggon with my party on the road, and found all well, notwithstanding the little discomforts and privations to which young colonists in this land are subject, when first starting in life. Archdeacon Mackenzie returned to the Little Umhlanga in the evening, and spent the night at the parsonage. It was wonderful how quickly the whole place assumed a civilized appearance. Our coming to this place was entirely a new expe- riment, as the Church of England had never done anything here. The ground had been previously occupied by the Wesleyans. Local preachers from D’Urban and Verulam had held services in all parts of this wide district. But there were a few earnest churchmen settling along the coast, and it was for these chiefly that the Church was anxious to establish regular services, and the Archdeacon discussed with me my future work. Without stating any legal boundary, it was gener- ally understood, for all ecclesiastical purposes, that A SUNDAY’S WORK. 7 1 the parish was to comprise the whole county of Victoria, and that its boundaries were to be the river Umgeni, dividing it from the county of D’Urban on one side; and the Tugela, dividing it from the Zulu country on the other. It was also decided that the Archdeacon should exchange duties once a month, in order to celebrate the Holy Communion at the Little Umhlanga, and at the other places where I held services, and that we should meet in the evening of the day at Verulam. On Saturday, June 12th, I took my first ride to the Umhlali — a distance of thirty miles — where I stayed with Miss Mackenzie, and Miss Alice Mackenzie (now Mrs. Grubbe) ; and on the Sunday morning I con- ducted an early service for a company of troops stationed at the camp there, and later on, a full service for the residents. The latter service was held in a very long hut made of wattle, and daub, and grass. It was supported by poles, and would, perhaps, hold one hundred persons. Immediately after the service, my horse was saddled, and taking my luncheon to eat on the road, I went on to the Tongaati, where I held a service in a house belonging to Mr. Dore, who came from the Isle of Wight, and had a remark- ably nice family. At this house I also performed the rite of Holy Baptism for the first time. When it was over, I proceeded to Verulam, where the service was held in the Magistrates’ Court House ; the Archdeacon said the prayers, and I preached the sermon. The night was passed at the hotel, as no one there, at that time, offered hospitality to the Archdeacon or his curate. Verulam was — and I believe it still is — the head-quarters of the Wesleyan body on the coast. 72 LABOURS IN NATAL . All who knew Archdeacon Mackenzie well, could but say that he was an unusually kind man, and possessed at all times a most genial nature. But his thorough church principles did not always meet with a hearty reception at D’Urban, where he had laboured for more than a year, or on the coast. The late church troubles at D’Urban, about that period, can have no place in this biography ; yet they were the chief cause which hindered some of the leading men in Victoria, from extending at first to me the attention and hospitality which was so pro- fusely shown a few months later, and in a great measure, also to the Archdeacon, before he left the Diocese. My special work — with the exception of one Sunday in the month — was confined to the Little Umhlanga, Mount Moreland, Verulam, and once in a quarter at the Umgeni. On a fine Sunday morning it was an interesting sight, to witness the various families coming over the hills and along the valleys, to the service at the Little Umhlanga. Many of the gentlemen came on horseback, others were conveyed in a light cart, drawn by bullocks, and a few walked. It is not cus- tomary to think much of long distances. Many have come from three to ten miles to attend a Sunday morning or afternoon service ; while thousands of our own countrymen in England, living within a stone’s throw of their parish church, will not enter it for weeks and months together. It should be understood that there are very few compact country villages in Natal, such as we see in England. There are homesteads scattered widely ROUTINE OF WORK. 75 apart from each other, and some of them several miles distant. After the morning service at Little Umhlanga I rode on to Mount Moreland, thirteen miles distant, and then between four and five miles further, to Verulam, in the evening. Three rivers had to be crossed to reach these places, viz., the Little Umhlanga, Great Umhlanga, and the Umhloti. The return journey was made on Monday, when I generally called upon the members of my congregation, and reached home soon after sunset. I occupied four days in the week, from ten to two o’clock, in taking a few pupils, who came for special instruction, and among them, two young gentlemen who lived at the parsonage, Frank Galloway and Edward Robinson, who were most satisfactory youths. In a few weeks I had plunged heartily and thoroughly into my new work ; while the companion- ship and advice of my good Incumbent, Archdeacon Mackenzie, with whom I was constantly associated, assisted me greatly. The Archdeacon accompanied me from time to time, and introduced me to all the principal sugar, coffee, and arrowroot planters in Victoria County ; and no words can adequately express the welcome and hospitality, with rare excep- tions, which were accorded to both. At the Little Umhlanga, Mr. and Mrs. Shires, of Milkwood Kraal, sent my wife and me a present of three cows, two calves, and two pigs ; while various other friends, whose names are too numerous to mention, made offerings of turkeys, venison, ducks, fowls, eggs, potatoes, and fruit of every description, including pine apples, 74 LABOURS IN NATAL. bananas, Cape gooseberries, oranges, loquarts, and custard apples. My wife and I will never forget the many personal kindnesses which we received during our residence at the Little Umhlanga parsonage. Colonists know how to appreciate the worth of a clergyman, and both by their acts and deeds make him see, in a substantial manner, that they respect him, if he is a man conscientiously trying to do his duty, and showing an interest in his flock. There is now very little State aid, if any, in Natal, and the clergyman who is liked and labours for his peopled benefit, is sure to receive their support in liberal subscriptions, in addition to those that may be given for the building of a church, a schoolroom, or a parsonage, or at the weekly offertory for the church expenses, or any other special object. The majority of the so-called churchmen in England know nothing whatever of the experience of giving. It is a lesson which they may, one day, only be too thankful to learn from their fellow countrymen abroad, who, when they reach a new country, soon chime in with their fellows in doing their utmost to promote the welfare of that branch of the Holy Catholic Church, which they find being built up in their adopted home. In the published memoir of Bishop Mackenzie there are letters from the then Archdeacon, to friends in England, which clearly testify his kindly feeling for me, and the high esteem in which he held me. One is dated, June 3rd, 1858, where the Archdeacon states : ARCHDEACON MACKENZIE'S CURATE. 75 “ I have mentioned in every letter I am writing this mail, that I have got a curate. I am as pleased as a father at the birth of his first child. Nay, but seriously, I am very glad. I shall now give a Sunday afternoon, once a month, to a Kaffir service, and we shall bring two more congregations of white people — one at the Little Umhlanga, the other at the Tongaati — into regular Sunday services.” The writer of the memoir comments on the above letter as follows : “ The new curate alluded to in the foregoing letter was a great satisfaction to the Archdeacon’s mind, not (as will be easily believed) because he would be able to relax his own efforts, but because the aid of a brother clergyman opened new fields of activity. The stipend was partly supplied by the Bishop, partly by local resources ; and it gave the Archdeacon great delight to find that his people responded heartily to the appeal which he made to them, and that there would be no difficulty in supplying the guaranteed amount of salary. He instituted a monthly collection in his five churches, namely, Umhlali, Tongaati, Verulam, Mount Moreland, and the Little Umhlanga, and found it answer so well that he determined to adopt the same system of collection for the support of education in his district.” In another letter, dated Umhlanli, June 30th, 1858, the Archdeacon writes : “ The new curate works well ; every one is pleased with him. We shall each have service three times every Sunday, on an average, and there will not be many Sundays in the year on which I shall not celebrate the Holy Communion. I do feel very grateful for being allowed thus to feed His sheep in the wilderness ; and trust that the outward forms of His service may be the means of grace to the souls of His people, and that His glory may be shown forth,” 76 LABOURS IN NATAL. I had not been long at work before I received a summons from the Lord Bishop to attend the first Church Council in Maritzburg, which was to be held on July 13th, 1858. It is already well known that many of the principal clergy in the Diocese were opposed to the constitution of the new Council, and would not attend. The whole of the minutes of proceedings of the Conference held in the previous April, had been published, and Archdeacon Mackenzie pointed out to me one special resolution, proposed by Mr. Wathen, a lay delegate, which had been carried: “That in the opinion of this Conference, the word ‘Clergy,* in the several resolutions, should be understood to mean, all duly licensed clergymen having the actual cure of souls.” Strictly speaking, no clergyman in Deacon’s Orders can legally have the cure of souls. He is only an assistant curate, working under his superior officer, who is in Priest’s Orders, and who is alone responsible for the working of the parish. This is the rule in England \ but on account of the paucity of clergy in the Colonies it would be impossible to enforce it, and although I was the Archdeacon’s curate, I had, practically, an independent sphere of labour, as all the clergy in Deacon’s Orders had who ministered to the English population. I at once communicated to the Bishop the wording of the above resolution, which the Archdeacon con- sidered applied not only to me, but to all those who were in Deacon’s Orders. The following is the reply from the Bishop : CHURCH COUNCIL. 77 Maritzburg, June iSt/ij 1858. Dear Mr. Rivett, The Archdeacon appears to have mistaken the meaning of the minute he refers to. That resolution was only- intended to exclude such persons as Mr. C., who had no proper clerical employment in the Colony — not such persons as Mr. Baugh, Mr. Barker, and yourself, who have practically the cure of souls, as Mr. Walton had before he was ordained a Presbyter. You will, therefore, I have no doubt, be quite right in coming to the Council, if you think proper to do so ; and, in fact, it is quite plain, that the sense in which the Archdeacon views the words, “ cure of souls,” is not that in which the Conference used them ; otherwise they could never have voted that all Deacons should be allowed to vote in the Council. Mr. Baugh will, of course, attend and vote. Yours faithfully, J. W, NATAL. Meetings were convened at the request of the Bishop, for the election of lay delegates to represent the several parishes throughout the diocese, at the ensuing Church Council, and two were sent from the county of Victoria, Mr. George Adams, of the Great Umhlanga, being appointed for his own district. I attended the first session of the Church Council held at Maritzburg in July, in obedience to the Bishop’s wishes, but it was very much shorn of that interest and life which it would otherwise have possessed, had there been a unanimous agreement on the part of the clergy generally to be present. The absence of the leading clergy (mostly connected with the Cathedral), and others who followed their example did not tend to promote unity or peace. 78 LABOURS IN NATAL. The opinion of the Archbishop of Canterbury had been sought regarding the cause which had disturbed the proceedings at the late conference, and sufficient time had not elapsed for a reply. Shortly after I returned to the Little Umhlanga, it was my privilege, on Sunday afternoon, August 1st, 1858, to open the first new church in Victoria County, at Mount Moreland. It was built on an eminence overlooking the valley of the Umhloti. It could be seen from a long distance, and it overlooked a lovely prospect of land, wood, and sea. Hitherto the service had been held in Mr. Horning’s small store, and many were prevented from coming for want of more room. It was a plain, neat little building, and would scarcely hold one hundred persons, but on this occa- sion it was crowded to excess, and the people far and near were very proud of their church. I preached to them on the value and importance of public worship, and founded my discourse on St Paul’s words — “Not forsaking the assembling of our- selves together, as the manner of some is .” — Hebrews x. 25. A few days after the opening of this church, I received the following letter from the Bishop, in- forming me of his approaching visit to the county of Victoria : — Bishopstowe, August nth , 1858. Dear Mr. Rivett, I hope to be at Verulam on Thursday, so as to lecture in the evening. I shall be heard of at Mr. Rouse’s, at D’Urban. I do not suppose that I shall start for Verulam before Thursday morning. THE BISHOP'S VISIT. 79 I shall then leave myself at the Archdeacon’s disposal for ten days, so as to spend Sunday, the 22nd, at Umhlali, &c., and the 29th at Verulam, &c., on my way down to D’Urban. I fancy that the Archdeacon will desire to have the church consecrated at Mount Moreland, on Friday morning, August 20th. Yours very truly, J. W. NATAL. The Bishop and Archdeacon Mackenzie arrived at my house on Saturday night, August 28th, and officiated on Sunday morning at the Little Umhlanga, and the Bishop baptised (at the special request of their parents) the twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson, of the Great Umhlanga. In the after- noon, the Archdeacon went on to the Umgeni, to hold a service there ; while the Bishop, with Mr. Lister for his guide, rode on to Mount Moreland, where his lordship was met by myself, after I had been to the Umhlali for the usual two morning: services. I assisted the Bishop in the service, which commenced with the consecration of the new church. There being no vestry, the Bishop robed outside against the south wall. It may be interesting to quote here what the Bishop has written in a report of this visit to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, which is published in the Mission Field, vol. v., pp. 5, 6 : — “ It is most delightful to witness the improvement in church matters which has taken place, all along the line of coast, under the zealous and indefatigable labours of the Venerable Arch- deacon Mackenzie. LABOURS IN NATAL. So “ But I may, perhaps, give an abstract of one Sunday’s work, as an example of the kind of labour which the Archdeacon, actively aided by the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, in Deacon’s Orders, is employed in from week to week — “ ‘ Saturday, August 28th. Rode with Archdeacon Mackenzie from the Umhlali to the Little Umhlanga, calling on our way at the Tongaati and Mount Moreland, and stopping to refresh our- selves and horses at Mr. Adam’s The whole distance to the Umhlanga was about twenty-four miles, but, being thus delayed on the way, we did not reach it till it was dark, and lost our way in trying to reach Mr. Rivett’s house ; which, at length, however, we discovered, after the Archdeacon’s horse had sunk into a pit up to his haunches. “ ‘ Sunday, August 29th. Held morning service at the Little Umhlanga. The little chapel, rude enough in its construction, was very well filled, the settlers coming from all the country round We had full morning service, with baptisms, confirmation, and Holy Communion. After service, started as soon as possible to Mount Moreland. I found the building literally thronged. We had the consecration service, as usual, at the beginning, and then full service, with confirmation and communion. I have not my notes by me at this moment, but I am pretty sure that there were twenty-one communicants, besides myself and Mr. Rivett, who had held services at the Umhlali (where the Archdeacon resides) After this service I rode with Mr. Rivett six miles to Verulam, where we had full evening service, with communion in the magistrates’ office, which has been kindly lent to us for the present. At ten p.m. I started again with Mr. Lister, and rode seven miles through the bush to his house, losing our way, however, more than once under the starlight.’ “ Such is a fair specimen of the Sunday work of an active Missionary, in this, and, I suppose, in most other colonial dioceses, abstracting, of course, that part of the work which was extraordinary, and arose from the Bishop’s presence.” My life at the Little Umhlanga was a very regular one. It was different from that to which I had been DISPUTED POINTS. 81 accustomed for three years in the city of Maritzburg, and I had little opportunity of feeling dull, notwith- standing the solitariness of the house, and its wild and romantic surroundings. With the attention I was bound to give to my pupils, the preparation of my sermons for Sunday, and pastoral visiting among the scattered planters in the neighbourhood, my time was fully occupied. There were difficulties to contend against, for in those days and in that far-off land, some thought any practical change in the conducting of the service, con- trary to what they had been used to in England, was an innovation, or an introduction (as it was termed) of Puseyism. And the spirit which actuated many people in D’Urban to rebel against certain practices there (for they had bitterly opposed the Archdeacon) was to a certain extent prevalent, more particularly in that part of the district where I lived. Hei^e it may be stated that the people in D’Urban, and on the coast north of the Umgeni, did not take kindly to the wearing of the surplice in the pulpit, or to the weekly offertory. They preferred the black gown, and wished to pay for their sittings and give guaranteed subscriptions for their clergyman’s support. Also a strong desire was expressed by the inhabitants of the Little and Great Umhlanga, that church- wardens should be appointed, but that it should not be required that they should necessarily be communi- cants. If a person signed a church roll and stated “ I declare myself to be a member of the Church of England and Ireland,” this was to be considered sufficient without any further test of membership. G 82 LABOURS IN NATAL. In fact, such a proposal as was endorsed by the Con- ference, was taking a lower standard than is to be found among Nonconformist bodies, who rightly require all who wish to become members, to be communicants. Alas ! there are thousands in the present day who have been baptised into the church, and who may have been confirmed, and perhaps are seldom absent from the services, but who never draw, near to the “Table of their Lord.” They are self-excommuni- cated by their wilful neglect of this Holy Ordinance. A memorial was sent to the Bishop from the con- gregation of the Little Umhlanga embodying all their requests, and among them, the desirability of dividing the parish, and rendering it an independent sphere of labour, which really meant taking it from the Arch- deacon’s control. It was an extremely delicate position for me, as I had to consider the wish of the Archdeacon, conciliate the people who were support- ing me, and pay due respect to the counsel of the Bishop. The following letter will explain how matters succeeded : Umklali, September 23rd, 1858. Dear Rivett, I have not written to the Bishop to ask for a definite answer to the memorial, thinking the answer he gave you sufficient, viz, as I understand you, that he could not give a definite reply till he received an answer from England, from the Bishop of Cape Town, and the Archbishop, about the so-called church council. The people would like, I think, to meet in vestry in the present WHO SHOULD VOTE AT VESTRY MEETINGS? 83 state of affairs. So please to call a vestry meeting at the church at the Little Umhlanga, for Saturday the 9th of October, at four o’clock, and give notice in ALL your churches, Mount Moreland and Verulam. I was wrong, it seems, at the last meeting to speak of two parishes. The only parish, at present existing, is my whole charge from the Umgeni to the Tugela. Of course, probably none will come from any distance, but any may come that like. Only communicants will vote at the meeting, and you may say this or not, just as it suits. Good bye. Yours truly, C. F. MACKENZIE. The principle that communicants alone should vote at all vestry meetings, is only what is fair and right. It is now the common custom in the colonies, for the majority of them are governed by a Sacred Synod. It will, it is to be hoped, be the general course adopted in England, as has indeed been done in many parishes since the abolition of church rates. Parochial councils and guilds, consisting of com- municants, are new and better machinery for the working of the church than meetings consisting of the ordinary rate-payer, who has not perhaps the slightest interest in the church’s affairs, or in religion, but who attends a vestry meeting only for the purpose of disturbing its harmony, and causing confusion by his presence, and never, perhaps, at any other time is seen within the church’s walls. At the Little Umhlanga, several were anxious that I should wear the black gown in the pulpit, and it was commonly reported that the Bishop had left every clergyman in the diocese free to act in that matter as he thought best. To begin such a custom .1 con- 8 4 LABOURS IN NATAL. sidered was a bad precedent, and I knew the objection the Archdeacon had to the gown being introduced where it had never been previously used. So pressing,, however, were a few of the chief families in this matter, that I sought the a'dvice of the Bishop, who replied in the following letter : Bishop stowe, October 4th, 1858. Dear Mr. Rivett, Mr. Millar is perfectly correct in saying that I have left the clergy perfectly at liberty as to whether they shall wear the gown or surplice in the pulpit. You are, therefore, free to take any course you please in that respect. I have informed the Archdeacon that the people of the Umhlanga were quite right in wishing to have their own churchwardens, and re- quested him to arrange for the due election of them ; and I hoped that matter had been disposed of long ago, as I expected it would have been. This has nothing whatever to do with the church council, or with the size of the whole parish. As to matters connected with the division of the parish r although I should have no difficulty in acting in the matter, if necessity required it, yet I should wish that no decided steps be taken in that matter, until we receive the Archbishop’s reply* which may be looked for in a mail or two. Whatever that reply may be, I am quite prepared to mark off a district round the Umhlanga as a separate parish, as soon as you are able to say that you will look to the people for any income you may need beyond that for which I have applied to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. I think I have now replied to the main points in your letter, and I am myself very sorry that the pressing state of matters at this station made it necessary for me to return as soon possible. I hope, however, that matters will all be amicably arranged at the Umhlanga. Pray remember me most kindly to Mr. W , and Mr. S , OTHER POINTS IN DISPUTE. 85 and say how much I am grieved to hear of their sickness, yet a Christian will never forget that “Whom He loveth, He chast- «neth,” and “His loving corrections shall make us great.” Yours very truly, J. W. NATAL. Wearing the black gown, electing churchwardens, and dividing the parish, were not the only grievances that had to be rectified, and on more serious con- sideration I felt less and less disposed to sever myself from my kind friend and Archdeacon. There could be no doubt that a few persons at the Little Umhlanga were prejudiced against the Archdeacon, and they would have been glad to be rid of his inter- ference, and if I could have contented myself to take an independent position, subject only to the Bishop’s anthority, all might have been well for a time. The weekly offertory was another bone of conten- tion, and the wish to abandon it, and to get the Bishop to become the guarantor for my income, complicated difficulties. Money was collected for a place of worship. As to the manner in which it should be applied, whether for a church, or a Nonconformists’ chapel, I believe it was originally intended to be given for the latter purpose. Some persons desired a building (such as I think is now erected), in which ministers of all denominations should officiate. There were a few (Mr. Shires being the chief spokesman) who thought the money might be appropriated to paying the rent of the Umhlanga 86 LABOURS IN NATAL. parsonage, as they had the chapel in which the service was held, free of cost from myself. Another communication was made to the Bishop* which resulted in the following important reply : Bishopstowe , November \qth, 1858. Dear Mr. Rivett, 1. If the two churchwardens of the Umhlanga should agree in requesting that the offertory be discontinued, I should con- sider it my duty to consult the peace of the church by acceding to their request, and directing you to discontinue it, until they wish it resumed ; and I should do so also if only one desired it, supported by the almost universal wish of the congregation. 2. Mr. Shires distinctly understands that I could not guarantee anything to you in such a case as that contemplated. I should decidedly object to do so. 3. If you decided to accept their offer, you would, of course,, require some sort of guarantee for the payment of your salary for a certain time from the churchwardens. 4. Lest you should exaggerate in your own mind the peculiarity of your position, as dependent on the congregation, I may as well say that this state of things, though not in itself desirable on many accounts, is the lot of many clergymen in England, and of many more, I imagine, in the colonies. 5. I should not, of course, do anything which would be un- just to Archdeacon Mackenzie ; but he must, of course, give up arrangements, if necessary, which he has not the means *of carrying out — supposing that is, that you were content with their proposal, and that the Archdeacon could not get help in any way to supply your place. There is no stipulation of any kind about the duration of your term as Curate under him. 6. Probably Mr. Shires may have destroyed this document you speak of, in consequence of my saying that it hardly seemed to me a proper application of money which he told me in the letter in which he reported it, had been contributed for building a place of worship , to use it for paying the rent of your private LETTER FROM THE BISHOP . 87 dwelling. Of course, they might, if they choose, pay it from their own contributions. 7. I think it possible that the measures of the Education Board may bear upon the question of your position at the Umhlanga, and I would be inclined to recommend that no steps be taken further in the matter until the Report of that Board is before the House, and it is seen what favour it is likely to meet with at the hands of the council. I am very grieved to hear what you tell me about poor Mr. Evans, whom I think I saw at the Little Umhlanga With very kind regards to Mrs. Rivett, I am, Yours very truly, J. W. NATAL, Mr. Evans alluded to in the above letter, was a member of the Umhlanga congregation, and had been confirmed by the Bishop a few weeks before. On the previous Sunday morning he had been at church, and on his return home (a distance of three miles), he accidentally placed his foot on some pine rubbish which was in his garden, and was bitten by a Mamba, one of the most venomous snakes in Natal. There were no remedies at hand to dress his wound, and he died within half an hour. About this time, also, I lost, by death, a kind friend, Mr. Wilson, a sugar planter, who was my nearest neighbour, and resided on the opposite bank of the river, on the hill. He was struck with paralysis, and passed away within eight hours from the time he was taken ill. Mr. Wilson was buried on his own land, just outside his garden, and it was the first funeral which I took in Natal. 88 LABOURS IN NATAL. Although there was much difference of opinion among many as to the mode of church government, and what should or should not be tolerated (for the church was still in its infancy in Natal) at the Little Umhlanga and elsewhere, it did not interfere with personal friendship then, as it did years afterwards in all parts of the colony, when strife and contention arose. As a proof of this, Mr. Shires, of Umhlanga, made an offer to me, that when my pupils who resided at the parsonage left, he would be glad to arrange with me that I should accept a private tutor- ship to his family. I informed the Bishop of Mr. Shire’s proposal, and his lordship replied as follows : Without wishing to urge it upon you in any way, I see no reason why you should not comply with Mr. Shire’s wish, that you should give lessons to his children at his own house, if he made it worth your while to do so, which, I hardly suppose he would or could. Many a curate does the same in England. I finally decided not to accept Mr. Shire’s offer, and continued working away with the pupils who resided with me, and with those who came to me daily for four hours, from a distance. About this time I addressed another letter to Mrs. Dowson, of Great Yarmouth : Little Umhlanga, Natal , October 30 th, 1858. My Dear Mrs. Dowson, I am indebted to you for two kind letters. My time has been so fully taken up in numberless duties, that I LETTER TO MRS. DOWS ON. 89 could not write earlier. I have not forgotten you, as I have already forwarded many newspapers containing an account of the first Church Conference in Natal, the Ordination at Maritz- burg, my first Sunday in D’Urban, and whatever has been reported concerning my work here under the good Archdeacon. I enclose my photograph, taken in D’Urban, in full canonicals. You will perceive that I am wearing the stole on both shoulders, which, I think, is wrong. I remember that the custom at Yarmouth was, that the Deacons wore no stole, but here they generally wear it on the left shoulder, as I did on the day of the Ordination, and during the following week, when I officiated at the Cathedral. The Bishop asked me a few days afterwards, by whose authority I had worn it, and I reminded him that Mr. Bell (and I might have added Dr. Callaway), as Deacon, wore it so. The Dean and Canon Jenkins had said it was correct. The Bishop replied, “ I will write you a note, which you are at liberty to use,” and it was as follows : “Had I been consulted at first upon the matter, I should have advised you not to wear a stole at all, as I know of no authority for your so doing ; and, at all events, it is an unusual thing for Deacons to wear them. But, as you have been wear- ing it, and other Deacons also, I wish you to continue to wear it, but in the ordinary, common-sense way, over both shoulders, and not in the fantastical fashion in which you wore it on Sunday last.” I got over the difficulty by not wearing any stole when t attended the Cathedral; and at other times acceded to the Bishop’s wishes. But, with all due deference to his lordship’s opinion, I still think he is mistaken. As other Deacons in the Diocese complied with the order of the Bishop, I saw no reason why I should disobey it. I am expecting my mother to send me a new set of robes by Christmas, and, I hope, a few hundred pounds, which I rather need in consequence of all the expense I have had recently, in removing from Maritzburg to this place. I feel pretty sure the money is on the way, and I am looking out by every mail for advices of it. In another month I shall receive the first money I have earned ; for, up to the present time (three years and a-half) I have never had anything for my 90 LABOURS IN NATAL , services. I begin to think it is time to earn my own living ; and with what I believe my father will forward me, I shall be set up for a long time. The Bishop, and others, have made me many kind presents, as I have told you in former letters ; but I have now a small fixed salary. I have yet to work hard for Priest’s Orders, and to read many additional books. I am conscious that a man in Deacon’s Orders is only really half a clergyman ; and although he can, as a Deacon, hold a sole charge here — as practically I am doing — he cannot do it in England, or be permitted to take a Cure. I have done but little reading since the Ordination. The pupils, the sermons, and the visiting, are as much as I can accomplish. I shall not apply for Priest’s Orders under two years, or more, and the Bishop has never hinted how long he expects me to remain a Deacon. This is a charming spot, and rural enough for those who love the wilds of the country ; and my dear wife revels in the place. She is fond of the garden, but sometimes my horse, or the Archdeacon’s, when he comes, will get into it, and eat up the mealies as they are coming up. She does not like it. The people here have laden us with all kinds of gifts, but they are not rich, and I know they cannot afford much. I am sure, however, that they do what they can. It is said that our garden will yield one thousand pine apples this year. I hope it may. Lemons a're growing in abundance. I went up to the Church Council in Maritzburg, which was held during July. The Deacons now have a vote, which they had not in the Conference. It is well the rule was altered, or I should have asked to be excused the long journey. I like my work, but I do not enjoy crossing these wide rivers on horseback, for one can never be sure that the horse will not get into a quicksand, or a hole, where an alligator may be concealed, who would not be long in devouring the leg; of the rider. After heavy rain the rivers rise. When I reach a drift and hurry to church, I have no time to discuss the depth of water in the river. I must plunge in or keep the congregation waiting. When the rivers have risen, I take a Kaffir, and make LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 9r him my pioneer, and if an accident occurs (I am thrown off the horse sometimes), he is there to assist me out of the difficulty. A few weeks ago I crossed the Umgeni with the Bishop and the Archdeacon, at the lower drift near the sea, and it was half- tide, the water every moment increasing in height. My horse would not keep up with theirs, and I was left a long way behind. The water at one time reached the top of our saddles and my horse was all but swimming. We managed somehow to reach the opposite bank of this immensely wide river in safety. I trust the day is not far distant when bridges will be placed over this and other large rivers. It is not altogether safe to be out after dark. The Archdeacon, not long ago, met a tiger-cat in his path while travelling to his home. We have these animals close to us. The pigs and the fowls they kill if they can get at them. Lions seldom come down so far. Buffaloes’ footsteps are traced near our house every morning. We labour under one great disadvantage. A Kaffir has to go every Thursday into D’Urban — twelve miles — to fetch meat from the butcher ; and, more frequently than otherwise, when we receive it at night, the excessive heat has so tainted it, that we know not how to eat it. We have to subsist chiefly on poultry or venison in the hot weather. As this letter will reach you about Christmas time — when the days in Natal are at the longest and hottest — allow me to offer yourself and Mr. Dowson, all the good wishes and joys of that festive season Yours very truly, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. Man is not responsible for his own destiny. An over-ruling Providence guides imperceptibly all his actions and doings. God knows man’s work, and the place that is best suited for him ; and, accordingly. He allows those changes which often appear to happen unexpectedly, to be for his future good. 92 LABOURS IN NATAL, So it was with me. I had not the least expectation that any new offer was awaiting me, or that within a short period I should be engaged in entirely new work, that was not of my own seeking. The Rev. Canon Jenkins, military chaplain of Fort Napier, Maritzburg, was about to proceed to England, and the Rev. William Nisbett, military chaplain of D’Urban and the Point, was to take Mr. Jenkins’ place. Mr. Nisbett also held the head-mastership of the Government school in D’Urban. Two important posts were likely to become vacant, and could only be temporarily held till the confirmation of the appoint- ments had come from England and the Cape. Mr. Nisbett did not wish to resign the school until he had seen how Maritzburg suited him. He wrote the following letter to me : D' Urban , December qth, 1858. My Dear Sir, Colonel Cooper called yesterday and told me that the Rev. Canon Jenkins had arrived from Maritzburg to go by the steamer. I spoke to him respecting your doing the duty here at present for me, while I am absent; and if L remain at Fort Napier , you would, in all likelihood, be appointed to succeed me. But it will be necessary for you to come in early to-morrow, so as to see the Colonel, if he should not be gone, and I think that he will not go until Monday, but he may set off, perhaps, some time earlier. The school I also wish to speak to you about. I think that there are persons desirous of both offices , so please be entirely reserved, otherwise serious damage may arise to your affairs. Please do not fail to come in on any account to-morrow, and to see me when you first come in, and before you go anywhere else. NEGOCIA TIONS CONCERNING NEW WORK. 93 Your delay in town need not be more than an hour, so that I am sure you will be able to attend to your most distant duty on Sunday, notwithstanding your visit this way. With best respects to Mrs. Rivett, I am, Rev. and dear Sir, Your faithful servant. WILLIAM NISBETT. I rode into D’Urban and saw Mr. Nisbett and the Commandant of the Forces. The latter offered me the appointment as acting Military Chaplain, with the promise to submit my name to the General at the Cape, in view of its being permanent — provided Mr. Nisbett finally accepted the chaplaincy at Maritzburg. Mr. Nisbett was also desirous that I should take the school for six months, as by that time, he would have come to a decision respecting his future course. He had already communicated with the Government and the Bishop, and I at once apprised the Bishop of the new proposals ; but before the answer came from his lordship, I received the following letter from the Colo- nial Secretary, the Hon. Major Erskine : Sir, Colonial Office , Natal , December 13th, 1858. I am directed by the Lieutenant Governor to inform you that he has been pleased to appoint you to act as Master of the Government School at D’ Urban, during the absence on leave of the Rev. W. Nisbett; this appointment to have effect from January 1st, next. Whilst acting for Mr. 94 LABOURS IN NATAL. Nisbett, you will be entitled to receive half the salary attached to his office, and you will be permitted to occupy the premises now occupied by him. I have the honour to be Sir, Your obedient servant, D. ERSKINE, Colonial Secretary. Within a few days after receiving the above, came the Bishop’s reply : Bishoftstowe, December 20 th, 1858. Dear Mr. Rivett, I have no time (wishing to save the Post) except to say that I shall not object to your taking the chaplaincy and school at D’ Urban, with the Sunday duties you propose. As the military chaplaincy will very probably be a permanent appointment of ^50 per annum, etc., I do not feel that I have a right to prevent your securing it, and if you take that you may as well take the school also Yours truly, J. W. NATAL. It was a natural regret to Archdeacon Mackenzie, that any change, like the one contemplated, should be made, as it might possibly end in the breaking up of work which had already been begun, and was promising in its fruits. No one who knew the Archdeacon intimately could say he had a grain of selfishness in his nature. He, like the Bishop, did not wish to raise one objection to LE TTER FROM ARCHDEA CON MA CKENZIE . 9 5 my taking the military chaplaincy, if it were to be a certainty, and he wrote the following letter, in reply to the one I had addressed to him : Seaforth , Umhlali , December 17 th, 1858. Dear Rivett, I have delayed answering your letter, because I was a little at a loss what to say. I suppose you will be able and willing to go on as before , till your appointment to the chaplaincy. When you are appointed I should not wish you to attempt more than your two services in D‘Urban, and 07 ie afternoon service on this side of the Umgeni. I quite respect your wish to do more, proceeding, as I suppose it does, partly from the wish to make the loss to me and this parish as light as you can, partly because you like work, and partly, I trust, because you wish to serve God, and to work for Him. But I am sure that any attempt to take Umhlanga and Verulam (or Mount Moreland) would fail, and that even the attempt would give you too great a feeling of bustle and hurry. I shall, therefore, be very glad if you will, on accepting the chaplaincy, arrange to have an afternoon service at the Um- hlanga, at three o’clock. I think you might thus have your former services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. On the second Sunday in the month I would change places with you, in order to give the Umhlanga the Communion. I have not yet settled what I would do myself. Yours truly, C. F. MACKENZIE. Preparations were begun immediately for residence in D’Urban. Mrs. Rivett was sorry for the change, and often exclaimed, “Must I leave thee, Paradise? ” A Christmas Service in 1858, could not be held at 96 LABOURS IN NATAL. the Little Umhlanga. I was from home, visiting parishioners up the coast, and was detained by heavy rains and the overflowing of the rivers, so that Verulam had the benefit of two Christmas services, instead of one ; for the Umhloti was impassable, and Mount Moreland could not be reached. The next day (Sunday) the Great Umhlanga had fallen a little. I took another service at Verulam, and went on to the Umgeni to officiate in the afternoon, inasmuch as there was no chance of any one being able to go to church at the Little Unhlanga, or of my returning home. In a day or two I succeeded in crossing the drift near my house, and the removal to D’Urban was no longer delayed. On the first Sunday of the New Year, in 1859, I commenced my duties as acting Military Chaplain, by having a service at the Point Chapel, and at St. Paul’s, in D’Urban ; after which, by the arrangement of the Archdeacon, I exchanged duties with the Rev. R. Robertson, of the Umlazi mission station, by taking the English service at St. Stephen’s, Clairmont, a small, pretty wooden church, built near, or on the grounds of a wealthy gentleman in that neighbour- hood, about six miles from D’Urban. The church was full. I returned to D’Urban, after luncheon with the Squire of Clairmont, and preached at St. Paul’s in the evening. In the journey to Clairmont I was accompanied by Mr. Walpole, one of the officers of the vessel, “ Nil Desperandum,” which had just arrived from England, and whose father had an old established chemist’s shop at Great Yarmouth. This ship, built in the SUNDAY WORK ON THE COAST. 97 dear old town, brought many presents for me from my Norfolk relations and friends. The plan Archdeacon Mackenzie suggested for the Sunday work on the coast, after I was settled in D’Urban, did not meet the approval or the require- ments of the inhabitants at the Little Umhlanga. They objected to an afternoon service, and would only agree to one held in the morning. Fortunately, the two military services at the Point, and in St. Paul’s, D’Urban, could be held at half-past seven o’clock, and at nine o’clock in the morning. These services, by standing orders, must not exceed an hour in duration, and the sermon not more than a quarter of an hour. The second military service, generally concluded a little before ten o’clock. My horse, in the care of a Zulu servant, was waiting at the church door, and I was able, for a long time (in fine weather) to reach the Little Umhlanga before half- past eleven, for the morning service, and to proceed as usual to Mount Moreland and Verulam for the afternoon and evening services ; the only difficulty being the long ride of upwards of twenty miles early on Monday morning, to arrive in D’Urban in time for school. It will be seen, presently, that there was no necessity for me to do this for a lengthened period. Indeed, it could not have been continued as a per- manent arrangement. The following lettter may be interesting, as it refers to events which took place at this time : H 9 8 LABOURS IN NATAL. D' Urban, February 1 st, 1859. My Dear Mrs. Dowson, The Mail has arrived, but no letter from you. It is many months since I heard from you. Mrs. Rivett and myself beg to return our sincere thanks for your exceedingly kind present of a hamper of china, containing a beautiful tea service. It has come in good condition, and nothing is broken. We have already used it at a small gathering of our clerical friends, on the 20th ult. We admire the hand- some embroidered frock which you have so kindly sent for Lucy. The dear child is proud of it. We are indebted to you for these kind and most acceptable gifts. The ship, “ Nil Desperandum,’’ has also brought from my mother a set of handsome silk robes. I wore them for the first time at St. Paul’s, on the first Sunday evening in the New Year, when I preached from Isaiah xxi., 11, 12. — “Watchman, what of the night ? Watchman, what of the night ? ” I am also thankful to my father for having replenished my purse. He has sent me the remaining portion of the five hundred pounds which he promised me I should receive after I was ordained. My expenses had been so great the last six months that I was compelled to ask the Bishop and the Archdeacon to advance me fifty pounds between them. I shall discharge that debt at once, and trust never again to incur another. We are now living in D’ Urban, and I expect, in my next letter, to acquaint you that I have been appointed Military Chaplain to the troops here, by the General at the Cape. I have also the temporary charge of the Government School, but I do not anticipate that I shall get it, even if Mr. Nisbett resigns. I still, in addition to the chaplaincy, officiate at the three coast churches on Sunday, and a real hard day’s work it is. I have just read in the Norfolk Chronicle , of the death of dear Miss Maurice, at Great Yarmouth. Her death will prove a serious loss to the Mission, for her warm advocacy on its behalf was wonderful. The Bishop will lose one of his liberal supporters and best friends. He always wrote to her monthly. The death of the Hon. Mrs. Upcher, is another serious loss, LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 99 which, I believe, the Bishop will feel. They were both so earnest in all they did for Natal. It is not easy to find others to take the places of those who are gone. After all, Mr. Hills is to be a Bishop, and to go to British Columbia. He is my model, and is what a minister should be. I always delighted to listen to his reading, and to his practical sermons. He will be missed at Yarmouth. I wish I could be present at his consecration. I shall not envy the man who succeeds him. I am of opinion that Mr. Nevill, of St. Mark’s, Lakenham, will be the new vicar. I await with interest the appointment. I have written a letter to the Rev. Frederick Johnson, as I knew him well before I left Yarmouth. He was appreciated by all at the parish church, and several of the sailors on board the “ Nil Desperandum ” told me he was beloved at the Beachmen’s "Church — the new church of St. John’s. Miss Maurice raised a considerable sum for its erection and enlargement. I was pleased with the whole crew. They were above the average of many others who come here and anchor in our lovely land- locked Bay. Their ship sailed for the Mauritius last Saturday week Yours very sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. The school work in D’ Urban was, in every respect, •similar to that which had engaged my time and attention for three years in Maritzburg. The boys were as intelligent and industrious, although not so skilful in verse or rhyme as my former pupils. The Rev. William Nisbett, the former master, effected an exchange with the master of the Government School at Maritzburg, and my services were to cease at the expiration of two months, viz., at the end of February. The engagement was understood to be for six months, and could I have known that it was likely to terminate within a less period, I would not have undertaken it. IOO LABOURS IN NATAL . The Bishop wrote to me, February 12th, 1859,. stating : “ I find, from Mr. Nisbett, that it is true that he has made the exchange of Schools, of which you had received intimation. I am sorry for it on your account, and hardly know what to advise at the present moment. By this Mail I received from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, an approval of your grant of forty pounds, as curate of the coast churches. . . . . . . You will have to draw in future upon them, and to report your doings in accordance with the papers which I now enclose.” It was, no doubt, all for the best that I did not continue the Government school in D’Urban. It would have occupied too much of my time, amid my duties as Military Chaplain and Curate of Victoria County. To add to many complications at this period, Archdeacon Mackenzie was taken ill ; he was supposed to have received a sunstroke. He was seriously indisposed for many weeks. This made me all the more anxious to accomplish as much work as I could, north of the Umgeni. When the Archdeacon had recovered he exchanged duties with the Dean of Maritzburg. The next point of interest was receiving the sub- joined letter from the Commander of the Forces : Fort Napier , Maritzburg , April nth, 1859. Sir, I have the honour to acquaint you, that the Com- mander of the F orces, has been pleased to appoint you Officiating Chaplain to the troops of the Established Church at D’Urban APPOINTED MILITARY CHAPLAIN. IOI and Port Natal, in succession to the Rev. William Nisbett, who has been removed to Fort Napier, with salary at the rate of (;£5°) fifty pounds per annum, and forage for a Battalion horse, from the 3rd January, 1859. I have the honour to be Your most obedient and humble servant, J. CROOME, Lieutenant and Adjiitatit. The confirmation of the appointment gave exceed- ing pleasure to me, and one privilege of the office was, that a doctor would at any time prescribe for me or the members of my family, free of expense. Another was, that an Orderly took letters to my house, which was a great boon in those days, when there were no postmen, and every one had to call at the post office for letters. On the arrival of the English Mail it was a special benefit, as I received my home letters an hour before the civilians. By a curious coincidence, within a few days after I became Military Chaplain, H.M.S. “ Himalaya” arrived with the 85th regiment, and on the Sunday following I officiated to nearly four hundred men. Those, of course, who were Roman Catholics, Wesley- ans, or Presbyterians, attended their respective places of worship. Officially and socially the position was a most agreeable and pleasant one. Mess night, and the evening parties that were given occasionally by some of the principal inhabitants, will ever remain fresh in the memory of the writer of this biography. It will not be out of place to insert the following letter from a lady who resided in Great Yarmouth : 102 LABOURS IN NATAL. Great Yarmouth , February ut, 1859. Rev. and Dear Sir, I must commence by saying, that your letters always give me unmixed pleasure, and that you must never think you write too often. In the next place you are not to imagine that I forget you when you do not receive a letter from me, for the fact of our letters frequently crossing will account for apparent silence. By this time, I have no doubt, but that you have read some tidings of Old England, from my pen. I hope sincerely that your dear little child may be spared to you. You gave her to God in Holy Baptism, and can safely trust her with her Almighty Protector. What a wonderful thought — “ Living or dying, she is the Lord’s.” When I think of you, I always add a thanksgiving for the wonderful mercies you have received, for the honour God has put on you for the love of Him implanted in your heart, and for sending you (as St. Paul) to bring souls to the knowledge of the truth ! A missionary, like one of the first of our Saviour's apostles, you are treading in their steps — doubtless, subjected to their trials — looking for your crown of rejoicing (seeing your spiritual children walk in truth) Permit me to thank you for your likeness, which is a most unmistakeable one. You ask me if I know Mr. Dundas. Yes, I do. He has earned golden opinions here ; and, as I think I have told you, he is on the eve of starting with Dr. Hills for the “ Far West.” I am delighted to hear of your large congregations, still more so should I be, if it pleased God to allow me to see you doing duty in old St. Nicholas. I should indeed hail such a day with joy, but it would be a selfish gladness, for I freely give you my opinion, that you must not so soon leave your present sphere of labour. I speak not entirely of my own judgment, but that of a Colonial Bishop, who, on his late visit to England, told my son-in-law that no one could tell the confusion, the undoing of the good that had been done, by leaving a Missionary’s work to LETTER FROM GREAT YARMOUTH . 103 others in less than ten years. That sounds hard, does it not ? But Mr. N., the clergyman above named, fully concurs in the Bishop’s opinion, and told me to be sure to repeat it to you. As he is a wise man, I tell you what he added. “ Every man so situated (having put his hand to the plough), must consider the locality, in which by God’s good Providence he is placed, as his home.” I have said this much, thinking it my duty ; and yet I do not despair of one day seeing you again, and hearing you give full proof of your ministry. Very sorry I was to read of the schism caused by your good Bishop’s view of the Holy Eucharist. I must confess I do not agree with him, nor with those who withdrew from the partici- pation of it. For what says our 26th Article: “The effect of Christ’s Ordinance is not taken away, nor the grace of God’s gifts diminished from such as do rightly, and by faith receive the Sacrament administered unto them.” When there is no human possibility of partaking of the blessings of the Gospel, I am sure that God will go out of His way to meet His poor creatures. But I am as sure that a special appointment of u God manifest in the flesh,” ought to be regarded as a thing earnestly to be desired, to be received in the way and manner commanded. I think I can enter into the Bishop’s meaning, but, as many do not, I must think such fine- drawn opinions do great harm to the multitude. You see that they cannot receive them Always, Rev. and dear Sir, Your faithful friend, M. DOWSON. Still greater changes were to occur. Man, as long as he lives in this world, will always be subject to the changes and vicissitudes which are incident to this mortal life. They may be at first harassing and dis- appointing, but it is impossible to avoid them. There had been a strong desire, for a long time, on 104 LABOURS IN NATAL . the part of the Bishop of Cape Town, and the Bishop of Natal, to see the church planted in Zululand, and at one time it was almost certain that Bishop Colenso would himself go there to head a Mission. In the meanwhile the Metropolitan suggested Archdeacon Mackenzie, and during the Archdeacon’s visit to Maritzburg, in the autumn of 1859 (that season occur- ring at Natal in the month of April), it was decided that he should proceed to England, probably with an intention of raising funds, and ultimately of being appointed as a Missionary Bishop. Here again was the work to be interrupted in the Victoria County, for there was not another clergyman in Priest’s Orders who could take the Archdeacon’s place. The number of clergy at this time was very limited (twenty). In the month of June the Arch- deacon, with Miss Mackenzie, sailed in the steamer “ Waldensian,” for Cape Town, to embark on board the “ Athens , 1 ,f for England. After the departure of the Archdeacon, and for a lengthened period, I, only then in Deacon’s Orders, had the entire oversight of the coast churches beyond the Umgeni up to Mount Moreland. But, fortunately, the Rev. G. H. Mason, of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, who was in Deacon’s Orders, had arrived from England in the middle of the previous year, and enjoyed roaming about the Colony, helping one and another, and he kindly consented, free of expense, to hold services at the Umhlali and the Tongaat, both among the English settlers and the Zulus. He lived in the Umhlali parsonage, and most generously continued these services till the end of the year 1859, ROUTINE OF WEEKLY WORK . 105 when he left for Cape Town and England, early in January of the following year. He has published an interesting book, entitled, “ Zululand : a Mission Tour in South Africa.” I had the oversight of the coast churches in addition to my duties as Military Chaplain of D’Urban, where I was bound to reside. It was, therefore, wisely ordered, that I had no longer the Government School. It fell to my lot, for many months, in all kinds of weather (except when the rivers prevented), to take five services on a Sunday, and to ride twenty-five miles on horseback. The only assistance I could obtain was from the Rev. Charles Septimus Grubbe, who came to Natal in 1858, and was for sometime at work at the Umlazi Mission Station, and who officiated at Clairmont and the Isipingo. He, from time to time came to my churches to celebrate the Holy Communion ; and occasionally I exchanged duties with the Colonial Chaplain (the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd), and the Bishop made periodical visits. Sunday night was invariably spent at Verulam, where I was generally entertained by Dr. Blaine, the resident magistrate. The members of the several congregations were visited as before on each Monday and Tuesday. Mon- day night was often passed at the house of a kind sugar or coffee planter, or at a roadside house, or in a hut on the summit of a distant hill, to which there was no well-beaten road to guide the traveller. Sleep had frequently to be wooed on a sofa or on a tressel in a hut, a “ shake-down ” as it was called. But a pleasant, hearty, and hospitable greeting always awaited the minister of Christ. This, in addition to much help io6 LABOURS IN NATAL . given in D’Urban, was the usual routine of weekly work. There was always one serious hindrance to my work at a certain season of the year, viz., a sickness amongst the horses to which many of them suc- cumbed. My horse did not escape the malady, and I brought the matter before the Bishop. The Bishop had already asked the S. P. G. to allow me a grant for a horse. I had to ride on an average from fifty to sixty miles a week. It may be well to state that the army allowance of forage was extremely liberal, con- sisting as it did of good oat hay of the best quality. At this time I suggested to his Lordship that a number of Lay readers might be licensed to read the service and a sermon on Sunday, in the absence of an ordained clergyman, and submitted two or three names for his approval. Extracts from the letters by the Bishop, dated August 26th, and September 7th, 1859, will shew his reply : I think you may conclude that the Society has sanctioned the £17 for your horse and travelling expenses. . . . However, you must take the risk of the Society after all refusing to sanc- tion the £17, as I have heard nothing at all upon the subject from them. I think it has slipped their notice. I have licensed Mr. U to read the church prayers, and read or preach a sermon at any place in the neighbourhood of his own residence in the absence of an ordained minister, until my return from the Zulu country. I hope to start on Monday next, but shall most likely go across the country to Umhlali, so that I must not lose another day in going. I have been thinking it possible that I might be able to go up by Mount Moreland I shall write to Mr. H that I should be quite willing to license him as Mr. U , and further to receive him to examination for Deacon’s Orders if he desires. LETTER TO MRS. DOWS ON. 107 The Bishop licensed Dr. Lyle, and sanctioned in an informal manner one or two other Laymen to conduct services where the ministrations of a clergyman could not be obtained. After the departure of the Rev. G. H. Mason, I only occasionally went to the Umhlali and the Tongaati, where at the latter pretty little village I always found a welcome from Mr. J. R. Saunders, who has an immense sugar estate, and who had the service in his own house. The following letter I addressed to my kind friend in Yarmouth : D' Urban, July 6 th , 1859. My Dear Mrs. Dowson, The news of the confirmation of my appointment to the Military Chaplaincy here will gratify you. I was asked by the secretary, on behalf of the committee of the Mechanics’ Institute of this town, to give a lecture, which I did on “Wellington,” on the 29th of April. It was well attended, and, I believe, appreciated. I thank you for the opinion you gave me respecting my brief visit to old England. I have quite abandoned all idea of it, and I shall not think of coming till I have laboured here ten years, and then my wife and daughter Lucy will accompany me. As it turns out I could not leave here, for Archdeacon Mackenzie and his sister have sailed, and will land at South- ampton about the end of this month, when I hope you may see him at Yarmouth before he returns. I trust Mr. Nevill will invite him to preach for the Zulu mission, on behalf of whose cause he has gone to England. I am sure Miss Foster will advocate his coming. I believe, if sufficient funds can be raised to endow the Bishopric, he will be consecrated the first Bishop of Zululand, a country situated on the other side of the Tugela, and far away from all civilization. io8 LABOURS IN NATAL. We have more than half a million of heathen here. Panda is the reigning king. A few German missionaries have been some years in that land ; it is high time the church should gain a footing. I fear we are often last when we ought to be first. I have had a fortnight’s change at Maritzburg, and preached twice at the cathedral. I fear it will be a long time before the breach is healed between the Bishop and the Dean. Their opinions on church doctrine, on ritual, and the constitution of the church council, are diametrically opposed to each other, and there is no real sympathy between them. What will be the end of it I cannot foresee I am, Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. To this letter I received the following reply: Great Yarmouth , September &tk, 1859. My Dear Mr. Rivett, Your most welcome letter dated the 6th of July, I received the 3rd of this month. ... I beg novy to thank you, for I am sorry not to have been able to answer the last which came some weeks ago, but when I tell you that my eyes suffer from writing, that our house has been full of visitors for many weeks, and that my correspondence extends to Australia and New Zealand, I know you will kindly accept these state- ments as a sufficient excuse. The account of your labours is very interesting, and I do hope that I shall have the pleasure of seeing Archdeacon Mackenzie. The Zulu mission must succeed in such hands, as there is no doubt the work of so good a man will prosper. I often wonder how you accomplish your Sabbath day’s journey. Have you a very fleet steed ? and how do you escape the danger of fording the rivers ? What a sad and painful thing is the breach between the LETTER FROM MRS. DOW SON. 109 Bishop and the Dean ! Alas ! it is quite reversing the order of things when it could be said, “ See how these Christians love one another ! ” I must think (I would say, humbly think) that the sermon which gave rise to this unhappy schism is “ strong meat,” which could not be received by babes, and not compre- hended by the inexperienced, at the same time that it might be a great comfort to the more advanced Christian. One who has lived long on the confines of the Spiritual world, I can well imagine, will see in the material one a sign and a Sacrament in all created things. “ Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God,” and this is the word, “Take eat,” See., &c. Your good Bishop has doubt- less found in his experience that he has many things to tell, but that his hearers could not bear them now I think Mr. Nevill cannot fail to be liked, so earnest, so exactly what he preaches, that Yarmouth should be congratu- lated on his appointment But I know of no higher praise, than that he is truly a man of God. Yarmouth is become a second Brighton, but its bustle is not quite to my taste ; the military stationed hefre have likewise added to its gaiety, Houses are building in all directions, and lodgings are very expensive. I want to send you a small book if you have it not, called “ The Pastor in his Closet,” perhaps, through some of your relatives I may be able to do so ; its author is the late Bishop Armstrong I remain, Yours sincerely, M. DOWSON. A most interesting event took place in D’Urban early in December of this year. The Rev. Walter Baugh, who was my constant companion during the voyage to Natal, and my bosom friend the whole time he resided in the colony, requested my wife and me to receive into our house Miss Simmons, the lady to I IO LABOURS IN NATAL. whom he was engaged, and who was expected from England by the next steamer. We were delighted to comply with his wish, and from our house the marriage took place at St. Paul’s when the ceremony was performed by the colonial and military chaplains. Mr. Baugh caught a cold at Umlazi, from which he never recovered, although he lived for many years in more or less suffering. Mrs. Baugh, who had weak health, was an example of Christian holiness, and bore up with wonderful forti- tude and resignation under the affliction she endured. They were both excellent kind people, who, with their little infant, have long ago entered Paradise. Whenever the Bishop of Cape Town visited England {which he did periodically to collect funds for his Diocese), he never failed to make some new effort for the spread of the Gospel in Africa. He was always ready with a new scheme for the extension of the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In fact, he lived and died for Africa. Dr. Livingstone’s strong appeals at Cambridge had left a great impression on many, and his last words on behalf of Central Africa were never forgotten. In the autumn of this year it was resolved to start what should be called the Universities Mission, or “The Oxford and Cambridge Mission to Central Africa.” A great and influential meeting was held in the Senate house in Cambridge, and the day after, at a conference of delegates of the Oxford and Cam- bridge, with the London Committee (when the Bishop of Oxford presided), it was then and there decided to UNIVERSITIES MISSION. hi offer the headship of the Mission to Archdeacon Mackenzie, who was then in England. The Bishop of Oxford was requested to convey the invitation, and the Archdeacon consented to accept the post. The news soon reached Natal, and it was obvious that the Archdeacon would never return to take his place at the Umhlali. Many regrets were expressed in Victoria county at his loss, for he had proved himself a friend in need, and therefore a friend indeed, to numbers on the coast and in the colony. His beneficent acts will never be fully known in this world. Doubtless they will merit the approval of Him who will one day “ reward every man according to his works.” Both the Bishop of Natal and the Dean of Maritzburg wrote to me, the former informing me that the Archdeacon was going to the Zambesi ; the latter enclosing the usual quarter’s cheque guar- anteed by the Archdeacon, and stating : The Archdeacon is not going to return to Natal, so when the period for which he has arranged with you has elapsed, he will not, in all probability, renew it. I mention this that you may begin to think of your plans. In the year i860 occurred many prominent events and doings in my career. It was evident that a successor would have to be appointed in the place of the Archdeacon, and the Bishop had expressed his intention of applying to the Society for the Propaga- tion of the Gospel, to send out a man for Victoria County. His lordship was not certain whether he would eventually remove to the Zulu country, and in that case many important changes must take place. 1 12 LABOURS IN NATAL. The Bishop had already asked the Rev. and Mrs. Robertson to leave the Umlazi mission station and go to Zululand, which they were quite willing to do ; and they did go later on in the year. I suggested to the Bishop that I should be allowed to have the charge of Clairmont and Isipingo, where Mr. Robertson had officiated. The churches were nearer D’Urban, and this would be an advantage, for the extremely hot weather made it difficult and exhaust- ing for me to continue the long hot rides in Victoria b b County. The thermometer during the months of January and February often standing at 120 degrees in the shade. I was at this time anticipating a summons to Maritzburg, to attend a meeting of the Finance Board of the Diocese, but through a mistake the note did not reach me. Horse sickness was raging in D’Urban, and that was another obstacle to the long Sunday journeys. I laid these matters fully before the Bishop, who replied : Bishopstowe , February i$tk, i860. My Dear Rivett, I am sorry that I did not write to you, but knowing that public notice would be given of the meeting, I took for granted that you would hear of the day, and if you wished to come, would be present. But in point of fact, I had no reason for asking you to come, except for the pleasure of seeing you ; as Mr. Grubbe will be at the Umlazi, I expect, for some time, and will assist Mr. Robertson with his white duty. I did expect Mr. Grubbe to have gone to help Dr. Callaway, SCHEME FOR A CHURCH AT THE POINT. 113 but Dr. C. was so much better when he went home, that he did not seem anxious to have his assistance, and so it is settled that Mr. Grubbe goes to the Umlazi, and stays there till it is decided whether Mr. Robertson goes to the Zulu country or not ; at present, therefore, your labours must still be confined to the north of the Umgeni, though it is very possible that hereafter, when either Mr. R or Mr. G leaves the Umlazi, an opportunity may occur for giving you work below the Umgeni, that may be, I expect, in two or three months. I am sorry that I cannot help you about a horse. I think seven or nine of the mission horses have died this year. I have none but my private horses that would suit you I am, Yours very faithfully, J. W. NATAL. It will not be out of place to introduce here my scheme for building a new church at the Point ; I had given to it a good deal of thought and attention for a long time. As military chaplain I was required to reside in D’Urban, and the first early service on Sunday morn- ing to the troops stationed at the Point was held in a small chapel which had formerly belonged to the Wesleyans, and was bought of them by the Bishop for ;£iO. It would not hold more than fifty persons, and it accommodated the company of soldiers who were stationed at the powder magazine, but the service was not at an hour when one could expect the presence of any civilians or sailors. The Rev. W. Nisbett, whom I succeeded, had always held a Sunday afternoon service there at three o’clock, for the residents of the neighbourhood ; but I 1 14 LABOURS IN NATAL. it was impossible for me to undertake any duty of that kind, while curate to Archdeacon Mackenzie, except on a week day when occasional services were given. Immediately a ship enters the harbour, the pas- sengers are attracted by the Bluff on one side, and the Point on the other. The latter is the spot on which every one lands when he first sets foot on shore. D’Urban is two miles from it, and in those days the path to the town was through deep sand the whole way. It was a pretty walk ; on each side was the bush with tall stately trees, in which could be seen and heard innumerable monkeys chattering as monkeys do. Beyond the Point were the Harbour Works, the Custom House, and a limited number of dwellings. There were not more than half-a-dozen houses higher up, and they were quite hidden in the bush. The number of houses between the Point and D’Urban could not exceed forty, and these were chiefly in- habited by Port officials, landing agents, and boatmen. The population did not amount to more than one hundred and fifty. At this time there was no church ; there was only the miserable little chapel which has been already men- tioned ; no school for the children, and many, it is feared, had not been able to attend any place of worship for some years. I was determined to do some- thing for the Point, and the benefit of the people. When I was prevented by the overflow of the rivers, or by horse sickness, from going to Victoria county, I gave a service in the little chapel, but it was SERVICE IN THE OPEN AIR. 115 in such a dreadful condition that some were afraid to come lest the building should tumble upon them, and its dilapidated state was an excuse for the non-attend- ance of many. -It was not long before a violent gale, such as occasionally visits Natal, blew the chapel down, and like the house built upon the sand, “ great was the fall of it ! ” As the occurrence happened on a week-day, and not during Divine service, no one was hurt. This disaster took place in the winter, when the weather is warm and dry. I first secured the loan of a small room in a private house, and I found it so well attended, that the next step was to hold a service in the open air near the Custom House, under a Euphorbia tree. On the stump of another close by was placed a basin of water, where on more than one occasion I administered the rite of Holy Baptism to infants after the second lesson. A large number attended the services, and it was the beginning of a better state of things. The Rev. G. H. Mason and the Rev. R. Bramley assisted me in these services. The approach of summer interrupted this arrangement. A large store was being erected by Mr. Wilson near the Custom House, and he kindly permitted me to occupy the upper room, till a better arrangement could be made. The Point was looked upon by many colonists then as a place that would have a great future in the history of Natal, and some thought that it would become more important than D’Urban. I had not to wait long before I heard that the government intended to lay out the whole of the Point, from the wharf to D’Urban for a township, to be called Addington. LABOURS IN NATAL. 1 16 The land was to be leased for twenty years, and streets bearing the names of some of the principal inhabitants of the colony were to be made. I lost no time in making an application to the Lieutenant Governor for sufficient land on which to build a church, school, and parsonage. In due time the request was granted, and land set aside for that purpose. This secured, I determined not to leave a stone unturned till I raised the total sum required for the building. While these proceedings were pending, the Bishop had written on April 17th, i860, a lengthy letter to me on various matters of business, in which he mentions : I have written to ask the Society to make a grant for the coast south of D’ Urban, and, in fact, for Clairmont and Isipingo ; and if they give it, it is my present purpose to put you there as you desired. But I have no means of helping you till I get their reply. There had been no grant previously made for these churches, as Mr. Robertson of the Umlazi, had given one service on alternate Sundays in the morning at Clairmont and Isipingo, in addition to his chief and special work among the Zulus. I, without delay, officially informed the Bishop of my effort and success on behalf of the new town of Addington, as I felt that it was unsatisfactory to attempt the work of a parish like Victoria county for any lengthened period, a work which necessitated my riding sometimes forty miles. This circumstance prevented me from doing justice to myself or my work, as I was obliged to live in D’ Urban. LETTER OF APPROVAL FROM THE BISHOP. 117 What subsequently happened the reader will learn later on, but the following letter from the Bishop will shew his lordship’s approval of what I had done: Bishopstowe , April 20 th, i860. My Dear Rivett, I am rejoiced to hear that you are getting on so well with the church at the Point. As far as I can understand the plan, I quite approve of it — that is, I understand it is to be made over permanently to some trustee or trustees for the Church of Engla, 7 id. Of course, the Bishop would be the proper person for this Only it is essential that it should be formally made over (the ground, I mean, on which it is to be built), if any help is to be got from S.P.C.K. In that case, I would try to get £ 2 5 from the Society, and would give (privately) £5. I see no reason why you should not come up, if you can arrange for your camp duties. You might bring up my white horse, which I have been looking for daily (Mr. G has it, please tell him that I wish it sent up without delay), and with the saddle that Mr. T has of mine ; I mean you may make use of it, if you care to do so, as a second horse to bring you on your way. Yours truly, J. W. NATAL. I commenced in good earnest pleading for my new work, and one of my first letters on the subject was addressed to my kind friend and correspondent : D' Urban , My Dear Mrs. Dowson, January , 1857. Allow me to wish you a very happy new year. I was sorry to hear from your last letter that writing tried your i8 LABOURS IN NATAL. eyes, and that you suffered much in this way. I trust it may be of only temporary duration, and that it will have passed away by the time I am favoured with another letter. I think it will interest you to hear of an old Yarmouth curate who is expected to arrive in Natal very shortly from England. The Rev. R. Bramley was one of the curates at St. Nicholas’, with Mr. Bent, Mr. Shaw, and Mr. Pearson. His presence will remind me of old times, and of my youthful days. He is coming (as I should call it) to be domestic chaplain to Mr. Charles Barter, who resides at a place called the “ Start,” some miles beyond Maritzburg. Mr. Barter is a son of a well-known clergyman in the Diocese of Oxford, and, like myself, married one of the ladies of the mission, who came out with the Bishop. Their marriage took place five months before mine. The party consists of Mr. and Mrs. Barter, and his brother and sister. The latter is wholly devoted to the Zulus, and to missionary work. She has intense love for it. The two gentlemen are farmers. With the native servants and converts, the charge will not be an overwhelming one. Time will prove how long he stays. I intend to invite his good services to assist me at St. Paul’s and the Point. We are sure to talk of old Yarmouth days, and of Bishop Hills. Mr. and Mrs. Bramley are looked for daily. And now I am anxious to ask your kind assistance in doing what you can at Yarmouth for a new church at Addington,, which is better known as the “Point,” near D’Urban. I want to build a church to accommodate not only the few residents, but the sailors who come here from time to time from all parts of the world. I send you with this a printed appeal, approved by the Bishop. I intend to apply to S.P.C.K. for a grant, and my application will, of course, be endorsed by his Lordship. I propose shortly to make a tour all over the Diocese to raise the funds. I also hope that my father will give me a handsome donation. We have obtained the land. The government has done all I could wish, and his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, has written to promise me ^ioas his subscription. I want a church that will hold nearly two hundred. I require from ,£500 to SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE BUILDING . 1 19 £ 600 . The poor inhabitants about the harbour cannot do much, but I am astonished at the amounts some of them have subscribed. May I rely on your doing all you can to aid me in this good work ? When the church is completed, it will be the first visible on the arrival of every person who comes to the Colony. As Archdeacon Mackenzie is going to the Zambezi, I intend in a few months to sever my connection with Victoria County, and trust that S.P.G. will send a clergyman from England in the Archdeacon’s place. The sooner I am relieved now of that charge, the more time I shall have to attend to Addington, which is the name of this new township. Lucy grows fast, and is very precocious. I am, Yours very truly, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. I first held a public meeting at the Point, and laid all my suggestions before my people. Everything I proposed was warmly approved, and at its conclusion the heads of families showed their earnestness in the good work that had been begun, by putting on paper a guaranteed list of subscriptions. The next course was to canvas D’Urban, which I did personally, by calling upon all the principal merchants and store- keepers in the town, without distinction of creed. In a few weeks I collected .£140, and I was further determined to proceed to Maritzburg, and my inten- tion and the object of my visit was soon spread abroad. It came to the ears of my brother chaplain, the Rev. W. Nisbett, of Fort Napier, who addressed to me the following letter, dated : 120 LABOURS IN NATAL . Maritzburg April 22 ,rd 1 i860. My Dear Sir, I received the letter which you wrote me some time ago, and beg to thank you for it. Rev. W. Baugh has been telling me that you are talking of coming up here to ask the officers at Fort Napier for subscrip- tions. I hardly know how they would like such solicitations, because if a military chapel is needed at the Point, an appli- cation for the erection of one might be forwarded to the Commandant here, to be submitted to the General, and you may possibly get one built (a small one, of course, on the ordnance ground). I have seen the officer of the Engineers and spoken to him, i;i the hope that a site would easily be given, but I find that it is not so, unless for a military chapel only , if the General will make a grant to build one. The officers do not like to subscribe for any purpose when government should bear the expense. But for a site for a church in which all the people at large, and sailors from the merchants’ vessels, etc., might use (which is the sort of building really needed at the Point, and by far the most desirable to build), the civil government might be applied to for a site. They have ground close up to the burial ground at the Point. I hear the Lieutenant Governor Scott promised you a sub- scription of ^10, and expressed willingness that you should have a site there on the government ground I remain, My dear sir, Your faithful servant, WILLIAM NISBETT. The above letter made no impression upon me, for I had already obtained the land, and I felt that whomsoever I might ask to assist in the erection of the new church, could but decline, and to Maritzburg FURTHER CONTRIBUTIONS. 121 I journeyed, starting on a Monday morning, and arriving late the same evening. I began my campaign on Tuesday morning, calling first upon the highly- respected present Lord Chief Justice Connor, who was on the point of leaving his house for the court, but he courteously gave me audience for five minutes, and subscribed £5. Every officer connected with the 85th regiment in the city, from the Colonel to the Ensign, contributed ' a guinea or half-a-guinea. Several of the civilians also assisted, and at the end of the week I brought away the money I had col- lected, and a few promises amounting in all to £70. Had I listened to the advice of my old friend, Mr. Nisbett, I should have been minus this sum. Another plan was also set on foot to augment the fund. Mr. William Hodge, one of the pilots con- nected with the harbour, worked energetically, and he never lost an opportunity of soliciting every captain and officer on board the ships in port, as they came or were leaving, to do something for the church. And to his praise, be it said, under God’s blessing, he raised in eighteen months, not far short of £i$0. The zeal and heartiness which he displayed in behalf of the new sailors’ church (and the help he rendered to me afterwards as my churchwarden), will never be forgotten by me. The Bishop kindly authorized me to receive four quarterly offertories at St. Paul’s, D’Urban, which were to be a repayment to the Bishop of a loan which he had advanced towards the building of that church, and now to be transferred to the “ Point ” fund. Subsequently the S.P.C.K. made a grant of £40, 122 LABOURS IN NATAL . and my father a present of £50 towards the new church, while Mrs. B. Dowson raised among a few friends at Great Yarmouth, in small donations, the sum of £ 6 for the same purpose. As an illustration of the kind of reply given to my written appeal, the following letter came from a gentleman living in Pretoria — a distance of two hundred miles north of Maritzburg, in the Transvaal. It will afford instruction to some in England who do not understand what a “ thank offering ” means : Pretoria , June 23 rd, i860. Dear Sir, Enclosed I send you a Bank of England note for £>5 (£3 from my wife and £2 from myself), for the sailors’ church at the Point. I have been a sailor myself, and fully appreciate the necessity of a place of worship for sailors, who, rough as they are, attend with more devotion to the service of God than any others of their class in life. I also send this small sum as a thank offer- ing to Almighty God for His mercy to me and mine in having safely brought my wife through a dangerous illness. . . . ^ With all best wishes for the success of your undertaking, . * I am, Yours truly, J. R. L. As soon as there was a prospect that sufficient funds would be forthcoming, I engaged a number of Kaffirs to clear the trees and bush to make a space on which the church was to be erected, I superintend- ing the work. The spot chosen was close to the line STEPS FOR PROVIDING A SCHOOL . 123 of railway facing the beautiful Bay of D’Urban. The building committee had been appointed, with myself as chairman, and settled that the church should be a wooden one, to stand on brick piers, and have a porch and bell turret. Several gifts of internal fittings were promised, viz., communion rails, and altar cloth, etc. But another parochial organization was necessary,, and could no longer be delayed to complete that which had been so cheerfully begun. A church without a school would be an anomaly,, and there was not one in existence at the Point, and I was eager to see this want supplied. I called at each house to enquire what sum of money could be raised annually to support a schoolmaster, who would keep a mixed school, and have the assistance of a sewing mistress. I next summoned a public meetings and informed those assembled of that which I had accomplished. Then I read the list of subscribers, from which it appeared that fifty-seven pounds yearly had been promised in aid of the school, by the friends of education. I stated that there were three objects for which the meeting had been called : 1. To form a committee of management. 2. To decide upon the name by which the school should be designated. 3. To consider some rules, drawn up by me, for the management of the school. At the meeting a committee of six gentlemen were appointed, I being ex officio chairman. It was resolved that the school should be called “ The Point Port Natal School.” 124 LA BO ms IN NATAL. I read the proposed rules, and the meeting cordially agreed to them. Mr. Scott was nominated secretary, and Mr. Archi- bald treasurer to the committee. It was resolved and carried unanimously, that the thanks of the meeting were justly due to the chairman, for his untiring zeal in the furtherance of the education of the children of his parish. I engaged a temporary room for the school, and obtained the services of Sergeant Richardson, formerly master of the military school at Fort Napier, Maritz- burg, and his wife taught the sewing. The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge made a grant of books. The Bishop furnished it with maps and apparatus. It was soon in a position to have a grant from Government, and a large number of children attended it daily, and it was in every sense successful and prosperous. Some time in the year i860, every parish in the Diocese was called upon again to elect a representa- tive for the Church Council (which is always held in Maritzburg), and it fell to my duty to have to preside at the various meetings in my several districts, and to act for Archdeacon Mackenzie in his absence. The following command from the Bishop to me, will show what was expected of each clergyman licensed to a cure of souls : Bishopstowe , May %th, i860. Reverend Sir, In accordance with the 54th and 58th Rules of the •Church Council of this Diocese, I require you to summon a THE CHURCH COUNCIL. 125 Vestry of the Parishioners at the Point, D’Urban, within a month from the time of receiving this Notice, to elect a Delegate to represent the Point in the next Church Council. I require you also to do the same for the Parochial District of the Umhlali, Tongaati, Mount Moreland, Verulam, and Umhlanga. Also, in accordance with Rule 9 of the General Resolutions of the Council, I require you to give notice, at the same time that you give notice as above, of the Vestry, that on the following Sunday a collection will be made from among your Parishioners, towards defraying the expenses attending the meetings of the Church Council In compliance with Rule 1 of the Council, I define the boundaries of the Umhlali District to be all the country on the coast north of the Umgeni. Of course, if there are not fewer than 25 names on the Roll, there must be two Delegates. Dr. L. would be a capital one. By all means get him in, if you can, for the Point or the Umhlali District. If you are still at a loss for a good man, let me know Yours truly, J. W. NATAL. From my living at the seaport of the Colony, I was in a position to see every new comer immediately on his landing at the Point, and to give information to any person who needed it, and who was going to friends in Natal. A great number of people, on their arrival, brought letters of introduction to me from the clergyman of their parish in England. In a few cases I obtained situations for young men on their arrival, but they did not always keep them. Parents make a great mistake in sending out a son who is unfit for business in England, and imagining 126 LABOURS IN NATAL. he will succeed better in a Colony. He will not improve, if he has formed all kinds of evil habits, which could not be cured at home ; and especially if the fault be intemperance or extravagance. A young man addicted to drunkenness seldom lived beyond nine months, and I shall never forget a few painful cases in D’Urban, in which the only person who followed them to the grave was the agent, or a friend to whose care the poor fellows had been commended. I received hundreds of letters (scarcely a day passed without receiving one or two) from the clergy and the colonists in all parts of the Diocese, who requested my assistance on some matter of business. The purpose of the communication might be to obtain my opinion of a certain ship, and to secure a berth for someone, or to look after boxes that were expected or had arrived, or to make purchases innumerable. If I had opened the business of a general agent, I could not have been more occupied than I was ; but what I did was done with the heartiest good will and pleasure. The Bishop had, in former years, trusted me to transact a great deal of business when I lived in Maritzburg, and my residence in D’Urban did not free me from those many requests which his Lordship was pleased, from time to time, to make of me. The several elections of Delegates being over throughout the Diocese, the Bishop sent his formal notice of the time and meeting of the ensuing Church Council in the following terms : THE CHURCH COUNCIL. 12 7 Bishop stowe, June \Zth , i860. Reverend Sir, In accordance with Rule 59 of the Church Council of this Diocese, I hereby summon the Church Council of this Diocese to meet on Wednesday, July nth, at 3 p.m., in St. Mary’s Native Chapel, Maritzburg. Divine Service will be held in the Cathedral at 11 a.m., when the Holy Communion will be administered. Yours faithfully, J. W. NATAL. I attended the Church Council, as did most of the Clergy in the Diocese. At its close the Finance Board made me a grant of £ 20 , which the Bishop, in its name, presented to me in complimentary terms, with his personal thanks for the work that I had done, and was still doing in the Diocese. « CHAPTER III. Opening of the first Railway in Natal — Speech of the Bishop on the occasion — Arrival of a new Worker — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Visit of Prince Alfred to Natal — Lines written by Sir J. Robinson, K.C.M.G. — Laying the Foundation Stone of the new Church for Addington and the Point — the Education Question in Natal — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Letter from her — Consecration of Archdeacon Mackenzie as Missionary Bishop for Central Africa — Consecration of the new Church by Bishop Mackenzie — Departure of Bishop Mackenzie for the Zambezi — Routine of Work at D’Urban and Addington — Visit to Maritz- burg — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Rumours as to Cetywayo’s Intentions — Establishment of a Night School for Kaffirs in Addington — Grass Fires — Opening of a Masonic Hall at D’Urban — Changes in the Mission — Miss Townsend — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Valuable aid from the S.P.C.K. — Letters from England — Mr. Baugh — Examination for Priest’s Orders — Ordi- nation — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Prejudice against Kaffirs — Vestry Meeting at the Point Church — Departure of Bishop Colenso for England — Death of Bishop Mackenzie. At the close of 1859 I purchased a house in D’Urban, and made additions to it ; but in less than two years I was thankful to sell it. I did not like the situation or the neighbourhood. Wherever I lived I always reserved a spare room for a visitor. I was so frequently expected to show hospitality, that I never knew from day to day what friend might come to OPENING OF A RAILWAY AT D’ URBAN. 129 •dinner or tea, or might require what is termed in the Colony a “shake-down.” Many persons called my house the “West End Hotel.” When the Bishop came, he preferred staying with me to going elsewhere. Tuesday the 26th of June, i860, was a “red-letter” day for Natal. The first line of railway was opened between D’Urban and the Point. The length of it did not exceed two and a-half miles. It was to run through the whole of my parish, and alongside the contemplated new church. The train sometimes stopped to set down passengers close to it. The Bishop of Natal and the clergy were invited to be present to take part in the ceremony on the occasion, and his Lordship wrote to me as follows, a few days previously : My Dear Rivett, Bishop stowe, June 20 th i860. I have written to accept the invitation of the Directors to attend the opening of the railway on Tuesday next. But I suppose the town will be thronged with visitors. Can Mrs. Rivett kindly provide me with a bed, and can you supply stabling ? If nok.will you oblige me by securing both items for me, as you are best able to manage it ? I expect to leave this on Monday morning, and if I can, shall get through in a day ; but I may not be able to get to D’Urban till Tuesday morning. Yours truly, J. W. NATAL. I was able to receive the Bishop, and he occupied the study. The day was fine, but the wind blew heavily. D’Urban, the Point, and the shipping, were K 130 LABOURS IN NATAL . gaily decorated, and people came far and near to see the sight. The Kaffirs were astounded, and the pro- ceedings more and more increased the respect they had for the genius of the white man. It was a novelty to observe their countenances and hear their sayings. The Bishop first asked God’s blessing on the achievement of an important work, which was only the beginning of that which in a few years would be extended right and left throughout the Colony, and raise Natal to great eminence and prosperity in the commercial world. The directors gave a large banquet in the iron shed, near the wharf, at the Point. The Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all denominations were invited. I accompanied the Bishop, and when the health of his Lordship and the Clergy, etc., were proposed, the following eloquent and instructive reply was given by the Bishop : “ I rise, on behalf of my reverend brethren and myself, to return thanks for the honour you have done us in drinking this toast. The turbulent state of the weather will not allow of your being addressed at length. But I should wish to be able to say a few words in connection with the great event which we have met this day to celebrate. “ Gentlemen, I am well aware that the honour you have done us is not paid to us as individuals, but as holding the sacred office which, by the Providence of God, has been committed to our trust among you. You desire to honour religion itself in the persons of its ministers. You desire, in this way, as in the prayers which were offered at the beginning of the ceremonies of the day, to give glory to Him alone, to whom alone all glory is due — to acknowledge that from Him alone comes all power and wisdom — all wisdom to conceive, and all power to execute such works as these — that from Him comes that English spirit, and enterprise, and energy, which have enabled you to meet SPEECH BY BISHOP COLENSO. 131 and overcome your difficulties, and thus far, at all events, to bring to a successful issue the work in which you have been engaged ; and I trust, gentlemen, that an abundant blessing will rest upon your work. Other speakers will doubtless be here to remind you of the commercial and political benefits which may be expected to follow from the construction of this railway. You will allow me, perhaps, for a moment, to look at the matter from another (from a missionary) point of view. I rejoice, gentlemen, to think of the civilizing effect which must be produced on the minds of the natives around us, when they see these signs of the genius and greatness of the glorious country from which we come. I have had an opportunity of hearing some remarks of intelligent natives upon what they have witnessed this morning, and it may interest you, perhaps, to hear of what kind they are. One, who possesses a waggon, and seems to be of a practical turn of mind, is of opinion that, if these steam-horses are multiplied in the land, they will very much interfere with his waggon business. Another says, 1 Since they can do these things, why, if their hearts were bad towards us, they could tread us soon under their feet.’ And a third wonders that, if we can effect all this, we cannot also conquer death . No, gentlemen, we cannot conquer death in the sense in which the native meant it. But we can tell them of the Lord of Life. We can remember to connect our country’s glory and greatness, with her duty and her mission — to be more than any other nation the messenger of God’s mercy to all the ends of the earth. We can remember that we have not come here to this land as English men, but as English Christians ; and that the Great King, who has given us our power by land and by sea — who has given to us our great Empire, our commercial spirit, our genius for colonization — has given also into our hands the Book of Life Eternal, and bidden us go forth in His Name, and teach His Truth to all nations, more especially to those whom He has placed under our sway. Yes, gentlemen, we must seek to Christianize, as well as civilize the natives round us. The two works must go on together, or each will be a failure without the other. “Holding these views, I do unfeignedly rejoice in being 132 LABOURS IN NATAL . present at the proceedings of this day, and I confidently trust that the time is not far distant — it may be ten years, or it may be twenty — it may be fifty (for what are fifty years in a nation’s history ?) — when this railway shall be extended, not only to the Tugela, but beyond it, and bring the wool of the Free State, and the sugar of the Zulu Country to swell the commerce of the Port of Natal.” The arrival from England of a new clergyman, or an additional fellow labourer, was an event in the history of church life in Natal. A warm greeting awaited such an one. At this time Mr. Cookesley (a son of the vicar of St. Peter’s, Hammersmith), a late student of St. Augustine’s College, Canterbury, was expected, and the Bishop wrote to apprise me of his coming : “I am very glad to hear of the safe arrival of the ‘Early Morn,’ with Mr. Cookesley, who, I hope, is now on shore. Pray give him a hearty welcome from me. I am unable to save to-day’s post, so that you will have to act on your own judgment, as to sending him up by the omnibus. I hope, however, that you will keep him at D’ Urban or the Umlazi till I come down, which will be either on Friday, or, more probably, on Saturday.” The Bishop was coming to hold a Confirmation in D’Urban, and pay another visit to me. Mr. Cookesley, who had fully completed his college course, could not be immediately ordained, on account of his not having arrived at the canonical age of twenty-three years. He returned with the Bishop to Maritzburg, where he soon settled down to work in the Zulu school at Bishopstowe. The following letter was written about this time : LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 1 33 My Dear Mrs. Dowson, D' Urban , July 2.%th, i860. You will be glad to learn that Mr. F. Dickenson, a gentleman of influence in the Colony, has interested himself of late on behalf of my new church at the Point. Enclosed is his appeal to England for aid to complete it in a proper manner. I have ventured to give him your name, as one to whom subscriptions may be paid. I forward by book post a number of circulars for distribution among friends, and Mr. Dickenson has spread them in every part of England where he thinks there is a chance of response. May they be successful ! I have been through Victoria County collecting funds for the same purpose. I send a newspaper with a full account of the opening of the first railway in South Africa. It runs through my parish. The Bishop holds a Confirmation here to-morrow. There will be thirty-six candidates, and among them several soldiers. I have, for many weeks, given special lectures to the young people on “The Faith and Duty of the Confirmed,” and held classes twice a week. I have recently been to Maritzburg to the Church Council. I preached in the Cathedral the following Sunday morning, and took the whole service at St. Andrew’s in the evening. I dined with the Hon. Major Erskine, the Colonial Secretary, on Saturday evening, and returned home on Tuesday. Yesterday I had a young midshipman to spend the day with me. His name is Seymour Dallas. He is a son of the rector of Laxfield, in Suffolk, in the Diocese of Norwich, He was wrecked on the African coast, about six hundred miles from Natal, in a ship called the “ Ocean Oueen.” There were five in a small open boat for seven days and nights, after which they were providentially seen by a passing ship, and young Dallas, with another named Jonason were landed at the Point. You may imagine that they had plenty of friends to show them kindness. Dallas seems no worse for the exposure and the privations he must have suffered during those long anxious days and nights. 134 LABOURS IN NATAL . The captain and thirty others, who were in the long boat, have never been heard of. While in the open sea, Dallas tells me they could perceive a large ship not a great distance off, but it never saw them. He is a gentlemanly young fellow, and will be a general favourite, if he remains here. We had a shock of an earthquake at D’Urban, lately. The night was quiet, and while we were at supper the house shook for nearly a minute. There has been a long season of drought. We have had no rain for four months. The pumps in D’Urban are nearly all dry. Children are dying of measles, which appears to be a dangerous sickness here. Lucy has, at present, escaped. The Bishop wishes me to say that you have been misinformed respecting his views on polygamy, and that he would be obliged if you would write to Mrs. Power, who could furnish you with every detail and information on the subject. On Saturday last, while riding out in town, my horse took fright, and threw me over his head, and dislocated my right arm. If I had not fallen on sand I certainly should have broken it ; but I am thankful to say, through God’s goodness, the bone went into its place ten minutes after the accident, and I was able, though in pain, to preach four times the next day. It is now getting well I am, Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. Natal was shortly to have a distinguished visitor in the person of Royalty. For months it had been known that the Queen’s second son, Prince Alfred (now Duke of Edinburgh) was to make a tour in South Africa. Preparations on a large scale were made by the colonists, to give His Royal Highness a hearty and warm reception ; and no place in Natal did its duty more faithfully, loyally, and thoroughly than D’Urban. VISIT OF PRINCE ALFRED. 1 35 Englishmen abroad are true and loyal subjects of the Queen. The year i860 will never be forgotten in Natal by those who witnessed the festivities on that memorable occasion. Early in September the Prince and suite arrived at Maritzburg, overland from Grahamstown. H.M.S, Euryalus ” was to be at the outer anchorage by the time His Royal Highness reached D’Urban. The weather was all that could be wished on the day that he was to visit the seaport of the Colony. The Prince was timed to arrive at Pinetown — one of the prettiest villages in Natal, thirteen miles from D’Urban — at noon. A party of gentlemen rode out from D’Urban to meet him, and those who had the honour of a personal presentation to His Royal High- ness, are mentioned in the account given in the Natal Mercury : “ At the foot of the hill, H. J. Meller, Esq., Resident Magistrate of the County, meets the cortege, and after being presented by Sir George Grey to His Royal Highness, presents to the Prince and His Excellency, Captain Bishop, R.N., J.P. ; S. W. Rowse, Esq., J.P., Clerk of the Peace; and the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, Military Chaplain. Thus augmented, the party passes on.” On the arrival in D’Urban the Prince received an enthusiastic reception. I dined with Dr. Moreton, one of the Prince’s physicians, and from him heard of the Rev. William Onslow, Chaplain of the “ Euryalus,” who politely sent his card the next morning by one of the D’Urban military officers, as he was unable himself to come on shore. Being a friend of Mrs. B. Dowson, of Great Yarmouth, he made many inquiries 136 LABOURS IN NATAL . respecting me and my work in Natal, and sent to me many kind messages. A large Ball was given in D’Urban by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. McArthur), in honour of the Prince, to which I was invited. His Royal High- ness and the Mayoress opened the Ball. It was a brilliant assembly. The Prince’s kind and amiable manner gained him much praise and affection from everyone. His Royal Highness remained at the Ball about two hours. He slept, for one night, at the “ Royal Hotel,” D’Urban. Before six o’clock the next morning he went on board the “ Euryalus,” and departed from these hospitable shores. The following lines were written on the occasion of the Prince’s visit by one of my friends, Mr. Robinson,, now Sir John Robinson, K.C.M.G. A WORD OF WELCOME. Presented to His Royal Highness Prince Alfred , , on the morning of his departure from Natal , September 6th, i860, and printed, for private circulation , by the special desire of His Excellency , Sir George Grey , K.C.B., etc., etc. Sweet is the sound to kingly ears, when turbid tongues unite To chaunt a monarch’s glories, and magnify his might ; But sweeter far the deep response from loyal lips outrushing — Deep as the depths of honest hearts, with grateful gladness gushing. Son of a matchless mother ; sprung from a royal race, Whose roots, far deep, in ages leal, long centuries embrace, Whose throne, fast fixed in loving hearts, all human threats may mock, Reft by no revolution-throe ; shook by no foeman’s shock, — LINES' ADDRESSED TO PRINCE ALFRED. 137 Son of a wise and noble sire, the mentor staunch and true, To whom unmeasured gratitude from British hearts is due, — A people poor, O Prince, in what the shallow world calls glory ; Poor in the pomp of battle lore ; the pride of ancient story, — With ardent hearts, and earnest words, to this secluded shore, Right gladly greet Her son, who reigns, — renowned for evermore. Not as a monarch’s son, alone, we hail thy presence here, — The fact of kingship feebly falls on Freedom’s listless ear ; Not that the blood of warfiors runs within thy youthful veins, Nor that for heritage thou hast a lineage of reigns ; Not as to ruthless Tyranny yon false-lip’d minions bend, — No smothered sigh, no fervour forced, with our oblations blend ; Nor yet because we cringe to Birth, covet the noble’s dower, Sigh for the smile of Royalty, fall at the feet of Power ; — Thanks to our English fathers ! who fought to make us free ; And fighting, doomed for ever the rancour of degree : Thanks to the God above us, who gives alike to all Stern souls athirst for Liberty ; strength to achieve or fall. No ! princely theme of many prayers, not for thy name alone, We welcome to this southern land the scion of a throne. By birthright free, — and freer now in many a fresh-born thought, The manlier aim, the bolder front, the hopes by exile wrought, — We now, through thee, do homage meet, to Her who rules all hearts, — That lady — gentle, loved, and kind — wise in all queenly arts ; The parent whose example shines so beacon-like and bright, A vision of familiar joys, a living psalm of right ; The woman, tender-soul’d and weak, yet rich in wisdom’s grace ; Friend of the true and trustful ; foe to the mean and base ; The Sovereign whose escutcheon, free from sedition’s breath, Is held by hands determined to defend it to the death. These are the high attractions ; these are the rights divine, Which cluster round thy forehead like legends round a shrine ; The glory of the guileless, the grandeur of the good, These are the weapons British breasts have never yet withstood : Oh that on England’s Empire wide may never dawn the day When lofty deeds and high emprise mark not her onward way \ 138 LABOURS IN NATAL. Oh that Old England’s Princes may never cease to be Models of Christian manhood : true types of chivalry. Blest will thy boyhood be, O Prince ! if to this mammon-age Thou shouldst bring back the gleam which shone on Britain’s earliest page ; When Arthur and his knightly band in valiant ventures vied, When Saxon Alfred left his name — a legacy of pride ; When in the dimness of the dawn progression still reposed, And men hard struggling for the Right with earth’s vile traitors closed. Valour and Virtue, powers supreme : O ! may thy gladsome youth Be ever girt around by these high muniments of Truth. Valour to cope with earthly foes ; tear false usurpers down ; Wage war with huge hypocrisies ; uphold thy mother’s crown : Virtue, that you may show the world that Princes too can share The perfume-peace of purity ; that incense rich and rare. Son of the Sea ! thou well hast sped on this thy highest mission, Nobler than all the reckless flights of arrogant ambition ; Knitting anew the silken cord of fatherland affections ; Firing afresh the sacred spark of deathless recollections. Behold the land so long accursed, casting aside its fate, And bearing goodly blossom in many a rising State : Behold the people bound of old in barbarism’s shroud, Breaking each baleful bondage, bursting from every cloud : Behold another race enroll’d, strong in the stubborn will, The soul to dare, the arm to act, that prove us Britons still ■- Is this no trophy glorious ? Are these no boasts sublime, To bear a monarch’s memory immortally through time? Is this no monument to raise upon the wrack of ages Hid in the murk of heathen-haze ; a blank ’midst history’s pages ? Back ! back ! ye soulless spectres ; back from these ransomed shores ; Lo ! England’s Royal messenger the rescued land explores. LINES ADDRESSED TO PRINCE ALFRED. 139 Back with each hellish deed and thought ; each devil-bred device ; Thy woman-thralls ; thy fables foul ; thy sinks of sin and vice. Back to yon inmost solitudes, where England’s flag hath ne’er Unfurl’d its pledge of life and light out through the reeking air : There, in those regions night-enveiled, hide, hide ye yet awhile Till shore to shore is linked for aye to Liberty’s own isle. And now, O brave young envoy ! take to old Albion’s strand A blessing and a benison from this devoted land. Take to the Queen thy mother, the pledge of hearts unshaken ; Of memories unforgotten ; of fealty unforsaken. Tell her that in this distant clime you found a battling band Carving from Earth’s primeval crust an empire to her hand. Tell her that far across the sea new nations fast are rising, Above all wealth of soil and site their English birthright prizing. Tell her that though an ocean waste rolls drearily between, Britons on every world-wide shore still venerate their Queen. At this time I joined the “ Port Natal Lodge,” No. 1,040, of Free Masons, and in due time was raised to a Master Mason, and accepted the honorary chaplaincy to the lodge, which post I held till I left the colony. The next matter of interest to me was laying the foundation stone of my new church, to be called (at my desire) “ Christ Church,” Addington. The par- ticulars of that event are recorded in the Natal Star, of October, i860: “On Monday last, the foundation stone of the new church for Addington and the Point, now in the course of erection, at the south-east end of the former township, between the railway and the Point road, was laid by the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, colonial chaplain, assisted by the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, through whose unceasing exertions a large portion of the requisite funds have been subscribed. In the procession were a number of the 40 LABOURS IN NATAL , most influential inhabitants residing at the Point, and the school children, under the superintendence of their master, Mr. Richardson. The service was opened by singing the one hundredth Psalm. Special Psalms suitable for the occasion were the forty-seventh, forty-eighth, eighty-seventh, and one hundred and twenty-first. The lesson was the fortieth chapter of Isaiah, with appropriate prayers, after which Mr. Lloyd delivered in an impressive manner, a very able address, and the children sang the following hymn : — “ This stone to Thee in faith we lay ; We build this temple, Lord, to Thee. Thine eye be open night and day, To guard this house and sanctuary. “ Hear when Thy people seek Thy face, And dying sinners pray to live, Hear Thou in heaven — Thy dwelling-place, And when Thou hearest, oh, forgive. “ But will indeed Jehovah deign Here to abide, no transient guest ; Here will the world’s Redeemer reign, And here Thy Holy Spirit rest. “ That glory never hence depart, Yet choose not, Lord, this house alone ; Thy kingdom come to every heart, In every bosom fix Thy throne.” “The school children were then taken to Mr. Upton’s house* opposite the church, where they were regaled with such good things as children can appreciate, and after being again briefly addressed by the clergy present, they voluntarily sang “ God save the Queen,” gave three cheers for Her Majesty, and the company separated. The work, so well begun, progressed daily, and donations came in gradually, and often unexpectedly. THE EDUCATION QUESTION 141 I little understood in those days what a refusal meant. I have no recollection, whatever, of asking for anything reasonable for promoting a good cause, and its being declined. The Bishop had been much perturbed on the Education question. The government at this time had appointed a Superintendent of Education, and special grants were henceforth to be made condition- ally to voluntary schools. The vexed “ conscience clause” was at the root of it all. Children were to be exempt from any religious instruction, if the parents so desired. A Church of England school could not give instruction of its own distinctive teaching, without peril to the grant. His Lordship was opposed to any such condition, and was not willing to recognize a school where it was enforced. He was a warm advocate for allowing all voluntary schools to teach their own religious tenets. The extracts from the following letters by the Bishop to me, will confirm this statement : You will see by the leader in this week’s Mercury , that the Mercury , at all events, take the same view as I do of Dr. Mann’s letter, namely — that it is altogether hollow and illusory, as far as it appears to sanction the existence of a church school , or of a school in which church principles are taught. You would have no right to say a word that should offend any class of Dissenters. If you did, you would be acting by the sly and dishonestly , that is, if Dr. Mann mea7is what the Mercury says he does, and what I believe he does It remains to be seen what Mr. Taylor will say to the state- ment in the Mercury of last week. I heard it distinctly from his own lips, and so did Mr. Baugh, that Dr. Mann had put a check (not, of course, an absolute veto, which he could not have 142 LABOURS IN NATAL . put) on his proposing to get permission from me to read prayers and a sermon on Sundays, at Grey town. Dr. Mann advised him not to think of it. I need hardly say that, at present, I cannot consider that I have any connexion with the Point school, or that it is a Church of England school in any sense of the word. It remains to be ascertained whether Dr. Mann means by the dubious expression “formal restrictions,” the same thing that the Mercury does. So far as the Point school was concerned, I, on behalf of the school committee, wrote in reply to Dr. Mann : U Urban, October 2bth, i860. Sir, At a committee meeting held at the Point, on Thursday evening, the 25th of October, I was instructed, as chairman of the meeting, to reply to your letter of September 12th, and to state for the information of His Excellency, that if any parent object to his child’s receiving religious instruction, the committee will allow the child to be absent from all religious instruction. I am, Sir, Yours truly, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. At this time I wrote another letter to Mrs. B. Dowson : D' Urban, October 31st, i860. Dear Mrs. Dowson, I have already forwarded you a paper containing a report of the laying of the foundation stone of the “ sailors’ church.” It is rapidly progressing, and, I hope, will be ready LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 143 within three months for opening. I still want nearly ^200 to finish it, and to furnish the interior. I never lose an opportunity of getting a donation, if it can be had by asking. Do all you kindly can for me in dear old Yarmouth. The Bishop has been very generous and helpful in the work. He usually stays at my house when he is in D’Urban. I posted to you an account of all the proceedings of Prince Alfred’s visit. I was sorry not to be able to have an interview with your friend Mr. Onslow, the Prince’s chaplain and tutor, but the “ Euryalus ” was anchored far from shore at the outer anchorage, and I had no opportunity of going out to him. He sent me his card with a message by one of our officers. His ship will by this time have reached England. We need more clergymen. You will be surprised to hear that Mr. and Mrs. Bramley, who only arrived in March, are returning to England. I am not astonished, although I did not think their stay would have been so short as it is. The Bishop did not make Mr. Bramley any offer, although there are many vacancies in the diocese. If he had, I am not sure that he would have remained. They are coming to visit me e/t route to England, and Mr. Bramley has written about one or two ships that are expected to sail shortly. I am contemplating a “tea” (after the old Yarmouth custom) on the day of the opening of my church, and I propose asking many ladies of D’Urban and Addington to give each a “tray” for eighteen persons, the tickets to be 1/6, and the money to be expended in liquidating the church debt. I have repeated my lecture on “Wellington” at the room where we held service at the Point, and the sale of tickets pro- duced £12 towards the fund. I purpose lending my own large harmonium until the funds of the church can afford to purchase one. By this mail I write to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge in London, to apply for a grant of books as a nucleus for a library, to be placed in the vestry of the church. The monthly subscriptions will be reserved for making purchases of new books. My school is flourishing under Mr. Richardson’s care, [and 144 LABOURS IN NATAL , there are from fifty-five to seventy children. You see I am advancing. It is just possible that you may have the Bishop in England next year. He has now decided not to resign his Bishopric to go to Zululand. The Robertsons have already gone to start the church’s mission there. It was a trouble to them to leave their work at the Umlazi, but they cheerfully obeyed the marching orders of the Bishop and went to the Zulu country Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L RIVETT. It was about this period that Archdeacon Mackenzie was expected to arrive at the Cape from England. He had been absent from Natal sixteen months, and during the whole of that time he was engaged either in advocating the claims of S.P.G., or in collecting funds for the Universities Mission in Central Africa, of which he was the appointed head. The Upper and Lower Houses of Convocation had passed a resolution in which they expressed their hope that the Bishop of Capetown and his comprovincials might be able to see fit to admit the head of this mission into the Episcopal order before he was sent forth to the heathen. The Archdeacon arrived at the Cape in November, when the Bishops of Natal, Grahamstown, and St. Helena, were summoned by the Metropolitan to Bishop’s Court, and the object of their meeting was to discuss the resolution of Convocation, and finally to consecrate Archdeacon Mackenzie, as the first missionary Bishop of the Church of England for Central Africa, or, as it is sometimes called, the Zambezi. The Bishop of Natal had written to me from : LETTERS FROM BISHOP COLENSO. 145 Bishopstowe, October 2$tk, i860. My Dear Rivett, I have decided to go to Capetown by this steamer. Will you please secure a berth for me ; if there are any comfort- able single-berthed cabins, I would prefer one of these ; if not, please get a birth in a double cabin, and try to arrange that the other may be left vacant, if possible, till we reach Port Elizabeth, when I expect the Bishop of Grahamstown will come on board, and join me. Let me know on what day I must be in D’Urban to sail. Yours truly, J. W. NATAL. The Bishop wrote again to me the following day on several matters of important business that he wished me to transact, and in this letter, among other things, he stated : I am now engaged in printing my Zulu dictionary I hope to bring it out, if possible, in February. . . . In a subsequent letter of November 18th, i860, his lordship writes : I revoked my inhibition on Mr. B yesterday, so that he is now at liberty to preach for you. On December 1st, i860, the Bishop communicated to me : I hope to start on Monday, and to reach D’Urban in the afternoon of Tuesday. I shall be very glad to accept Mrs. Rivett’s kind offer for the night. The Bishop did not sail for Capetown till early in L 46 LABOURS IN NATAL. December, and many were the unforeseen difficulties- which arose before all the Bishops of the province could meet. His lordship landed ten days before any other Bishop. The Bishop of St. Helena arrived on Christmas day, and was brought in a vessel chartered for the purpose at a cost of £250. The Bishop of Grahamstown could not reach Capetown in time for the consecration. These circumstances delayed the consecration of the Archdeacon ; and the Bishop of Natal wrote to me from Capetown: Bishopscourt, Capetown, " December 20th , i860. Dear Mr. Rivett, You will have heard 1 that we had rather a serious accident to our machinery going down. This, and contrary winds, made our passage a long one of ten days, and then we found a furious south-easter blowing in Table Bay, so that, although I landed on Sunday mornings none of the other passengers did, I believe, till Tuesday. . . . . . . We were unable to touch at Algoa Bay, so I could not communicate with the Bishop of Grahamstown, and if he was waiting at Port Elizabeth, he could not come on board. The consequence is that I am at present, the only suffragan Bishop here, and the Bishop of Grahamstown cannot arrive till after the Natal mail will have left. I am obliged, therefore, to stop, and come on, please God, either by the “ Waldensian ” on her return, or perhaps by the “ Lyra,” which is to take up Arch- deacon Mackenzie. Should any horse be sent down, please to take it in with my native groom, and feed the latter at my expense till I arrive. .... I hope to be in D’Urban about January 10th, (if the “Lyra” brings me up) or else about January 15th, by the “Waldensian.” ..... Yours faithfully, J. W. NATAL. LETTER FROM MRS. DOWSON. 147 In commencing the year 1861, I think I cannot do better than introduce the following epistle from my kind friend, Mrs. B. Dowson : Great Yarmouth , January 31 st, 1861. ,Revd. and Dear Sir, For letters of the 28th of July, i860, and October 31st, let me now thank you, briefly stating that my long silence has been occasioned by, first much work I had in hand, and next by the severity of our last winter, with its dark, very dark days. Neither were salutary in the way of eyes or fingers, especially as the latter have been in use for nearly seventy years ! If thoughts could have reached Natal as easily as the twenty-six letters of the alphabet, you would not need any apology for for- getfulness. ‘ My much esteemed friend, the Rev. William Onslow, has given me great pleasure in assuring me that you were well doing your master’s work ; one of the officers spoke highly of you. I only wish you could have met. I received a farewell letter from him, just as the “ St. George” (to which ship he has gone with the Royal Midshipman), was on the point of weighing anchor in Plymouth Sound. Their destination is the West Indies, not expecting to see old England again until the first week in August. Her Majesty Queen Victoria, I believe, is truly thank- ful that so good a man is his spiritual instructor ; she commended her son to his charge, with all the feeling of an English lady- mother. The Prince, just before he visited your land, had been confirmed, examined by Mr. Onslow in the presence of the Queen, Prince Consort, and Archbishop of Canterbury, &c., &c. He (Mr. Onslow) afterwards assisted in administering the Holy Communion. From the hands of the Royal Parents, before leaving England, he received a magnificent Bible, Prayer Book, and silver inkstand. I have given you this long account think- ing you would like it, as I had it from his own lips. I was so delighted to see the good little man who came run 148 LABOURS IN NATAL. ning into my drawing-room with an ostrich’s egg, set as a cup, which he brought me from Algoa Bay And now for business ! I have been attempting to stir up the hearts and hands of some of your townsmen, to respond to the appeal for the church at the Point ; alas ! I fear it will be but a mite they will add to the general fund. I was obliged to answer one thus (who pleaded inability in consequence of “so many calls") : “ If the Almighty in reply to our petitions, were to say, “ I have so many calls, I cannot attend to you, what would become of you? ” I must tell you that when your letter arrived, I was writing many letters gladly, to accomplish a plan I had in hand for the benefit of the Wherrymen’s Church. Having happily, and, I hope, most thankfully, brought that to a con- clusion, my pen was again in requisition for two employments of the like nature. I worked them by means of a very efficient helper. I entrusted your papers to Miss W , knowing her to have a great regard for you. I told your friend that I hoped she would be a good collector So with one I have left, I have secured the following list, which you will like to see. If I can add any more I shall be most happy, but please bear in mind, that I have not left my house for a very long time, but this I know, that whatever work God blesses, He is sure to give ability and strength to perform. I often think that a worm can destroy the finest oak, cause the noblest vessel to founder, and that, therefore, we may without presumption, commit our ways to Him, remembering that He has said, “Fear not, thou worm , Jacob, for I am with thee.” I shall leave the account open, hoping to add to it. When I make it up, I shall pay it through your bank I must now put by my pen, hoping to resume it to-morrow, and begging you to excuse any repetition, for I can truly say, I have been obliged to attend to various people all the ti?ne I have been endeavouring to devote to you. How wonderfully do we see the fulfilment of Scripture in your account of the earth- quakes. Keble expresses it beautifully : “ By tempests, earthquakes, and by wars, By rushing waves, and falling stars, CONSECRATING ARCHDEACON MACKENZIE. 149 By all the signs our Lord foretold, She sees the world is waxing old ; And through the last and direst storm, Discerns by Faith , her Saviour's form." A correspondent, and dear friend (Major M ), now in New Zealand, has often told me of the frequency of these awful shocks ; indeed his children are so accustomed to them, that they always avoid the chimney at such times. Poor man ! he is now at the seat of war, and I only hope he has escaped ; he says : — “ Such a scene of desolation you never saw, everything burnt belonging to the settlers, and all the cattle killed which the rebels could not drive away.” I should much like to see your little daughter ; no one but those who have been much with children, know what wonderful things they are, and how much to be reverenced. . . . I bless God’s Holy Name, and hope that your dear little daughter, baptized into the faith, may “grow up as a young plant in the Garden of the Lord.” Your sincere friend, M. DOWSON. Archdeacon Mackenzie was consecrated Bishop on January 1st, 1861 (the Feast of the Circumcision), at the Cathedral of St. George, Capetown. It was a grand service throughout, the order and ceremony would bear comparison with like services in England, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, or Westminster Abbey. The Cathedral was crowded, and it was a most impressive sight to witness the first consecration of a missionary Bishop since the Reformation. The Metropolitan, the Bishop of Natal, and the Bishop of St. Helena were the officiating Bishops. Not many days elapsed before the Bishop of Natal and Bishop Mackenzie, with his chaplain, the Rev. J. LABOURS IN NATAL. 150 L. Procter, left for Natal and the Zambezi. They sailed from Simon’s Bay on board H.M.S. “ Lyra,” on January 12th, and on Monday morning, January 2 1st, the party landed in Natal. I was at the Point to meet them, and at once informed the Bishop of Natal that my church was finished, that it was ready for opening and consecration. His Lordship was most anxious to return quickly to Bishopstowe, as many things awaited his presence, and he suggested that Bishop Mackenzie should be asked to open and consecrate the church, if the “ Lyra ” was likely to stay a sufficient number of days. Good Captain Oldfield agreed to detain his ship at Natal till Saturday. Nothing could be more gratifying than that Bishop Mackenzie should comply with the Bishop of Natal’s request, particularly as I had been his Curate in Natal, and had been responsible up to the present time for the work I accomplished in Victoria county, during his visit to England. It was eventually arranged that the church should be consecrated on January 25th (the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul) and everything was made ready for the occasion. I desired to entertain at luncheon, the Bishop, the Clergy, and a few of the principal laymen after the service, and so it was decided. But Bishop Mackenzie, with the utmost delicacy, and with his usual sweet persuasive manner, came to me to request that he might be permitted to bear the expense of the luncheon, and that I should invite the guests, with such additional names as the Bishop might suggest. CHRIST CHURCH, ADDINGTON. OPENING OF CHRIST CHURCH. 151 By a curious and remarkable coincidence, the Rev. W. A. Elder, who had been some years a missionary in Newfoundland (and is now the Rector of St. Augustine’s, Norwich), arrived on the eve of St. Paul’s day, in a sailing vessel from England, to take the charge of Victoria County, an arrangement which would, from that time, free me from any further official connexion with it. The account of the proceedings, and the opening and consecration of Christ Church, Addington, will be best given from the Natal Mercury of that period : “ Some hundred yards from the railway station at the Point, between D’Urban and the anchorage ground, pleasantly sur- rounded on all sides by the evergreen creeper-twined bush-wood, which encircles the oasis, in which it stands, has lately been erected a roomy Gothic structure, which is known to all passers- by, and to everybody who takes any interest in the religious well-being of our Port. A short distance from it the rippling waters of the Bay curl musically upon the flat sand beach. A brief space in the other direction, over the bush-clad sand hills which intervene, roars and rolls incessantly the blue, or foam- tipped waters of the Indian ocean. Thus, on all sides the new •edifice is surrounded by accompaniments which bespeak its mission as peculiarily devoted to the spiritual good of those whose business is either to circumnavigate the broad waters, or whose vocations are in other ways identified with the maritime affairs of the Port. Of late years there has been a very considerable population gradually accumulating at the Point. The increase of shipping, the establishment of the railway, the revival of immigration — these and other causes have helped to swell the numbers of this interesting and important little community. The two miles of heavy sand road, which separates the domiciles of the inhabi- tants from the churches and chapels of D’Urban, have almost sufficed to deprive the inhabitants, and especially those who 152 LABOURS IN NATAL. have families, of attendance at a place of worship. It is true there have been occasional services held there by ministers of various denominations, but until the appointment, about two years ago, of Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, Military Chaplain of D’Urban, as Curate of the Church of England for that district, there was no regular system of worship established for the benefit of the residents. Ever since that gentleman was ap- pointed, he has been very assiduous in attention to the wants of his charge, having conducted service every Sunday in a small room on the spot. “ Some months ago, however, feeling the necessity for more commodious and adequate accommodation, Mr. Rivett made a strenuous effort with that end in view, and after much exertion secured subscriptions, amounting in the aggregate to nearly £ 300 . He next set to work on the building itself, and the result of his labours is now finally seen in a very neat wooden edifice, with a nave and small chancel surmounted by a small wooden tower lighted by arched windows ; entered by a porch,, and suitably fitted up inside, the entire cost of which will be close upon £600. “ On Friday last a large number of visitors went down by a special train, at half-past ten o’clock to the church, where they, joining the Point residents, closely filled the church. The Bishop and clergy, after arrival, first proceeded to the house of Mr. William Upton, for the purpose of robing. Those who took part in the ceremonials were as follows : Archdeacon Fearne, Canon Grubbe, Reverends W. H. C. Lloyd (Colonial Chaplain), J. Walton, W. A. Elder, and A. W. L. Rivett. Richard Bowlby, Esq., acted as Deputy Registrar. Mrs. Cubitt, the organist, and the choir of St. Paul’s gave their kind assistance at the service, which was commenced punctually at eleven o’clock, by the Bishop and Clergy walking in procession to the porch of the church, where they were met by the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, the minister, who, advancing towards the Bishop, then read the petition for Consecration, and his Lordship having responded, the procession passed up the church chanting the xxiv. Psalm ; after which the preliminary prayers were said, and the Bishop called upon the Deputy Registrar to read the OPENING OF CHRIST CHURCH. 153 Deed of Consecration. The service then proceeded, the various clergy named below officiating in their places. The Colonial Chaplain said morning prayer, the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett and the Rev. W. A. Elder read the first and second lessons ; the Bishop was the celebrant, the Rev. J. Walton read the Epistle,, and Archdeacon Fearne the Gospel. The anthem was, “ How Beautifulupon the Mountains.” Jackson’s “ Te Deum’’ was sung, and also the “ Old Hundredth,” and the “ Consecration Hymn.” The service was exceedingly hearty and devotional. “ Bishop Mackenzie preached an excellent and appropriate sermon from the xxii. of Acts, after which the administration of the Holy Communion followed. The offertory amounted to ^20 — a very gratifying result. “ In the afternoon the Clergy, the Resident Magistrate of D’Urban, the Churchwardens of St. Paul’s and Christ Church, Miss Alice Mackenzie (the Bishop’s sister), and a select number of private friends dined with the Bishop, and spent a very pleasant evening. The day had been observed as a public holiday after ten o’clock, all the shops being closed at that hour. “ On Sunday following the first sermons were preached in the church by Archdeacon Fearne and the Rev. J. L. Procter. We hope that the liberality of friends will soon free the building of debt, and that the esteemed minister may at last see his exertions duly rewarded, and his ardent wishes well realized in the complete success of his endeavours to promote the highest interests of our Point brethren. Bishop Mackenzie most generously presented the church with a beautiful harmonium.” Next to my admission into Holy Orders as a Deacon, no event in my life brought me greater joy than the opening of my new church, and the presence of Bishop Mackenzie to take a principal part in the proceedings. Everyone appeared surprised and pleased at what had been accomplished. The kind words of the Bishop at the luncheon, and the humility he manifested in 154 LABOURS IN NATAL. speaking of past troubles in D’Urban, made a deep impression on the invited guests. The Captain of the “ Lyra” again postponed sailing from Saturday to Monday. This gave the Bishop an opportunity of spending a Sunday in Natal, when he held a Confirmation at Clairmont, and preached at St. Paul’s, D’Urban, in the evening, I saying the prayers at that last service at which the Bishop officiated in Natal. The sermon was extempore, plain, practical, and simple in the extreme. There was no attempt at oratory on the part of the preacher. Indeed, his utterances were conveyed in that familiar and almost conversational tone for which the Bishop was so remarkable ; but there was a deep earnestness in his manner of address, as well as in his words, which went direct to the hearts of his hearers, because they evidently proceeded warm from his own. He preached from the words, “ I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” — i Timothy , ii. i. The chief lesson of his discourse was to urge upon the European population a kindlier feeling for the spiritual welfare and treatment of the native races ; and he said that it was a deep reproach upon the Church of England in D’Urban, that, while other denominations had missionary services and schools, they had none, and how could they be expected to take a sincere interest in the missionary labours in which he was about to become engaged, when they so glaringly neglected to do anything for the thou- sands of benighted heathens at their own doors. DEPARTURE OF BISHOP MACKENZIE. 155 Many who heard these farewell words (for they were his final ones) were impressed, and could not do otherwise than be benefited by the instruction given them. The next day was indeed an exciting one. In the afternoon the “ Lyra ” was to sail. Miss Alice Mackenzie, Mrs. Rivett, Mr. Lloyd, with a few others, accompanied the Bishop in the steam tug, “ Pioneer, ” over the bar. The sea was rough, and the wind blew half-a-gale. The party stood on the bridge with the captain, and when the little tug reached the dangerous Bar, a wave overtook her, which almost deluged the company. The difficulties were not all overcome, for when the tug approached the steamer, the mission party had to be transhipped to the “Lyra” (where the Rev. H. Rowley, who had come the previous day from England, was awaiting to join the party) in a small boat in that wild and stormy sea. Happily, it was accomplished successfully, without accident of any kind. So departed Bishop Mackenzie, and the rest of his mission party, for the Zambesi. I preached my first sermon in the new church at Addington, on the second Sunday after the con- secration. The subject of my discourse was, “The Dedication of Solomon’s Temple.” My duties were now confined to the military chaplaincy and Adding- ton. The work on Sunday consisted of the military service at nine o’clock ; two services at Addington at eleven and half-past three o’clock ; and, generally, on Sunday evening I preached at St. Paul’s, D’Urban, where I also preached on Wednesday evening. On 156 LABOURS IN NATAL. Friday afternoon I usually called at the houses of my parishioners, to remind them of the service I always held at Addington church in the evening. When at D’ Urban, this was the weekly routine of work in which I was engaged. The new church was well attended by the residents, port officials, and by a large number of sailors who came from time to time to Port Natal, from all parts of the world. I addressed the following letter to the captain of each vessel, on his immediate arrival in the harbour, which was presented either by Mr. Pilot Hodge, who was my churchwarden, or by one of the port officials : The Point , U Urban. To Captain My Dear Sir, I am most desirous to welcome you to this harbour, access to which is sometimes difficult ; but once anchored, comfort and safety are secured. One of the objects which stands pre-eminently in view on coming ashore, is a church erected for the worship of Almighty God, whose providence has watched over your interests, and preserved your life. “ They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters : these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. He maketh also the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” . I invite you to the worship of that adorate Being, whose sanctuary is open every Sunday, at eleven o’clock in the morning, and half- past three o’clock in the afternoon, where your prayers can be offered, and your thanksgivings presented, in the name of Jesus. I have also the pleasure of informing you that I shall be happy to present your crew with tracts of an interesting and profitable character, having a tendency to enlighten the SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK. 157 mind and improve the heart. As a minister of Christ I shall be always happy to afford you such advice and counsel as shall be promotive of your welfare in the present, and for the future world. I remain, Your faithful friend, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT, Curate of the Sailors' Church. I started a Sunday School for the European children, which increased weekly ; and Mr. Richardson, the schoolmaster, undertook the office of superintendent. It was not an easy task to find teachers in those days at the Point, but a few kind friends volunteered their help. Many of the younger boys were trained for the choir. Mr. Haygath and Mr. Pollock, respectively, accepted the office of organist for a small remuneration. About this time the Bishop of Grahamstown was expected to arrive on a visit to the Bishop of Natal, and the latter wrote to me as follows : Bishopstowe , June 23 rd> 1861. My Dear Rivett, I forgot to mention to you that I think it not unlikely that the Bishop of Grahamstown may come up in the “ Waldensian,” intending to come and see me, and return by the same steamer. Will you please look out for his arrival, and pay him all due attention, and ask Mrs. Rivett to be so kind as to lend him her horse to come up with, and see him safely off on his way to Pietermaritzburg. If you would send off an express Kaffir to inform me of his arrival, and of the time when he is likely to be at Camperdown, I would either meet, or have him met there with a fresh horse. Yours truly, J. W. NATAL. i5« LABOURS IN NATAL. After the consecration of Christ Church, Addington, 1 contemplated taking a few weeks’ change, if I could arrange for my military duties and services. The Bishop cordially approved of my doing so, and invited me and my family to stay at Bishopstowe, and offered to send a waggon into the city to bring Mrs. Rivett and Lucy to the Mission Station. I proposed to the Rev. E. Robinson, who was in charge of St. Andrew’s, to exchange with me, and he replied as follows : Maritzburg , January 18th , 1861. My. Dear Mr. Rivett, I have your favour of the 16th inst., asking me to change duties with you for a few weeks, commencing towards the close of next month. In reply I beg to say, as you have mentioned the matter to the Bishop, and obtained his permission to make such an arrangement, I cannot personally have any objection to it. Courtesy and duty suggest that I mention the matter to the municipal members of the congregation at St. Andrew’s, and as you appear to be a favourite in this city, I presume they will be pleased to see you here for a time. I regret that I cannpt offer you an exchange of houses. My apartments are very humble, and not suited for a man accus- tomed to family comforts. Of course you will apprise me further after the church has been opened. Yours very truly, E. ROBINSON. The next step was to obtain the permission of the Commandant at head quarters, that Mr. Robinson might be allowed to officiate for me to the troops in VISIT TO PIETERMARITZBURG. 159 D’Urban, and perform all other duties appertaining to the chaplaincy. The following application was forwarded through the Commander of the Forces in D’Urban: D' Urban , February 5 th , 1861. Sir, i have the honour to request that you will be pleased to obtain the sanction of the Commandant to my being absent from duty here, in exchange with the Rev. Edward Robinson, who will officiate on my behalf to the troops. To commence from the 20th inst., and expire on the 20th of March, 1861. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. This was endorsed : Recommended for the approval of the Commandant of the District. — 5. 2. 1861. H. M. CHICHESTER, Approved. Com. Troops 85 Reg . W. WILLIAMSON, Major a 7 id Comma 7 idant. My family and I went on a month’s visit to the city. Many were the invitations and pleasant greet- ings we received from old friends. The change of air and work did us all good. I took charge of St. Andrew’s, and preached for the Dean in the Cathedral on two Sunday evenings. I had not been many days in Pietermaritzburg before my presence was requested in D’Urban, as the annexed letter will show : i6o LABOURS IN NATAL. D' Urban , Port Natal , February 7 . 6 th, 1861. Dear Sir and Brother, I beg to inform you that it is proposed by the Brethren Members of the Port Natal Lodge, No. 1,040, to assemble in open Lodge, at the Lodge Room, D’Urban, on Monday next, the 4th of March proximo, at three o’clock p.m., punctually, and thence to proceed to the land belonging to the Natal Masonic Building Society, and there to perform the -ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the New Masonic Hall, at which ceremony your attendance is desired. Dear Sir and Brother, Yours fraternally, JOS. MASON, Secretary . I wrote to express regret for my absence, and nominated the Rev. E. Robinson to officiate for me at the ceremony, which was permitted. On the following Feast of St. John the Baptist (the day for the annual banquet), I preached in St. Paul’s, D’Urban, before the Masonic Lodge of Free Masons. The subject of my sermon being “ Brotherly Love.” ■“ Let brotherly love continue .” — Hebrews xiii. 1. On my return to D’Urban I decided to sell my house (I found a purchaser for it), and removed to Smith Street, where I rented one at ^48 a year, with five rooms and a kitchen on the ground floor. I sent the following letter to my esteemed corres- pondent, Mrs. B. Dowson : LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 161 D' Urban , May i st, 1 86 1. Dear Mrs. Dowson, Your long kind letter came safely to hand on Good Friday, as I was on my way to church for the evening service. Many thanks for the money you have collected towards liquidating my church debt. I am anxious to learn what the final amount will be. Enclosed I send a photograph of the new church, with the Sunday School teachers, the choir, and myself standing at the east end outside. You will have received by this time a complete report of the opening by Bishop Mackenzie, in January of this year. It was a remarkable fact that the first Episcopal act of the Bishop should have been to consecrate his former curate’s church. The day was a joyful one to me. I shall never forget it. I also forward a letter I have addressed to the captains of vessels on their arrival in the harbour. I have had the Bishop staying at my house for ten days. He has been on a visitation, and held a Confirmation in the new church. Since I last wrote a terrible and fatal accident happened to a lady in D’ Urban. She was out riding with her husband; the horse took fright and ran away, she was thrown, her foot was caught in the stirrup, she was dragged and kicked to death. Mrs. Hunt was a member of St. Paul’s congregation, and the following Sunday I preached a sermon suitable to the occasion, which I was requested to have printed, at the cost of the widower, and now I forward you a copy by this mail. The Bishop of Natal has already translated a large portion of the Bible into Zulu, besides other works for the benefit of the natives. He is an incessant worker at books. But his new work on the Epistle to the Romans (he formerly gave us a daily exposition of that epistle on board ship, in 1855) will startle many. I shall hope to send you a copy, and I will ask you to peruse his explanation of certain parts of the eighth chapter from the twentieth to the twenty-fifth verses. I am afraid many will be astonished at the teaching. I have no doubt, without my saying any more, you will freely give your opinion, whatever that may be. M 1 62 LABOURS IN NATAL. The Church Council meets again in August ; but I do not believe it will bring together the whole of the clergy. I wish it would. I have received by the ship “ Barbadoes ” two cases of books and tracts, to the value of ^23, from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, as a nucleus for a library in connection, with my church and schools. This is a most liberal grant, in answer to the appeal which I made to them last year. I trust in time to have an excellent library for the parish, and, if I stay long enough, a reading room as well. I am sorry that our good old port captain (Captain Bell) is now seriously ill. He was at church on Sunday, and I hope he may soon recover. I often have a long chat with him at the Port Office, on the “ look-out,” where I like to go sometimes to see a ship or a steamer rounding the fine Bluff. Captain Bell was the first man to plant the British flag on these shores.. He has lived here twenty years, and has been a faithful servant to the Government. Winter is now setting in, with its cloudless sky and bright sunny days Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L, RIVETT. The next matter of interest was the Archdeacon of D’Urbans first official visit at Addington Church, to admit the new churchwardens elected at Easter. The notice of the same he signified to me in the usual manner : Riversdale , May 23rd, 1861. My Dear Mr. Rivett, I propose to visit your church, and admit your churchwardens, on Monday, the 3rd of June, at such time in the afternoon as you may appoint. I am much obliged by your invitation, but I have a previous- engagement. READING FOR PRIESTS ORDERS , 163 With kind regards to Mrs. Rivett, and thanking you for your kind attention to Mrs. Fearne, I am, My dear Mr. Rivett, Yours truly, J. G. FEARNE. My great friend, Mr. Baugh, was ordained Priest on Trinity Sunday, 1861, in the Cathedral at Maritzburg, and wrote on the following day to me : Maritzburg , May '17 th, 1861. My Dear Mr. Rivett, I am happy to tell you that my Ordination took place yesterday. It was a happy day, and all went off well. Archdeacon Fearne presented, and the Dean and Mr. Nisbett joined in the laying on of hands. You will hear more of it from Archdeacon Fearne, who will be down amongst you next Sunday. I shall now have time to think of you ; and the first thought is, are you or are you not preparing to apply for Priest’s Orders ? If I were you I would read, and do all that I could to attain to it. You have my hearty good wishes, and I hope God may bless your efforts Yours sincerely, W. BAUGH. In answering Mr. Baugh’s letter, I was able to state that every spare moment was occupied in reading ; but I wanted more definite information with regard to the requirements expected for Priest’s Orders. Mr. Baugh replied, June 17th, 1861 : 1 64 LABOURS IN NATAL. “ We were very glad to hear from your last note that you were so closely reading for Priest’s Orders. I should have written in reply soon after receiving it ; but I thought that you would, in a few days, have the Bishop as a guest in your house, when you could procure all needful information from him as to the books to be read. Doubtless you have had some talk with him about it, and your mind is made up as to the time by which you will get ready.” Not many weeks elapsed before a startling rumour was in circulation, which appeared to have some foundation in truth, that Cetyawayo, one of the sons of Panda, was coming with thousands of men to clear Natal, and drive the English into the sea. There had been for a long period much disquietude in Zululand, as to who should succeed King Panda when he died. The King had not engaged in the business of the State for some time, and it was known that there was a jealousy on the part of Cetyawayo respecting the Prince Umkungo, who was being educated at Bishop- stowe ; and the object of the supposed attack was to murder the young Prince. The Lieutenant Governor sent the troops in Natal to the Tugela, and ordered more to come from Cape Town. The whole Colony was in commotion. All business was virtually suspended. Every man and youth was preparing to take up arms, and arrange- ments were being made in D’Urban to barricade the town. The greater part of the 59th Regiment soon arrived in D’Urban from Cape Town, and remained three months. Whether the knowledge that more troops were coming reached Zululand, or the Gover- nor’s prompt measures to quell any invasion, stopped it, cannot be definitely stated. RUMOURED INVASION BY ZULUS . 165 The grounds for the rumoured invasion were after- wards partly explained, viz., that Cetyawayo was only preparing to defend himself against the intrusion of the Boers, who have always been a source of trouble to that country. They had long desired to obtain a portion of Zululand, the boundaries of which had been a vexed question for many years. Cetyawayo declared he had not the slightest intention to hurt or interfere with the white inhabitants of Natal: and that the Zulus so far from prosecuting hostilities, were them- selves apprehensive of an invasion from Natal. The 59th Regiment in D’Urban gave me some little extra work. There were more sick to visit in hospital, and interviews to be held with officers and men — for the regiment numbered about four hundred. I shall ever remember the kindness and courtesy of the officers. Many of them did not appreciate the Commandant’s enforcing a full Sunday morning ser- vice from the chaplain ; but the latter had to obey orders like themselves. It had not been customary hitherto to give Morning Prayer, Litany, Ante- Communion Service, and Sermon at a military service, I did venture one Sunday to omit the Litany, but before I left the church, the Commandant, in the kindest manner, requested that it should not be left out in the future, and the order was of course obeyed. One of the lieutenants acted as organist at the military service, and with the band the music was exquisitely good. The presence of this regiment made D’Urban all alive, and much mutual hospitality was shown by civilians and officers, and a letter to me from a LABOURS IN NATAL. 1 66 lieutenant, on his return to England, will show the appreciation of their visit to D’Urban : Dover , February 3rd, 1862. My Dear Mr. Rivett, I think I promised to write and tell you of my adventures on arriving in England, and I now keep my promise. No doubt you heard of our arrival by the last mail. We had a most splendid passage the whole way home — only six days to Table Bay, and forty-one on to Spit-head, thus arriving nearly a fortnight before Christmas Day. We had no adventures during the voyage, having fine weather and fair winds all the way, except the last week, when it blew a gale ; but, fortunately, it was favourable for us. We are now quartered at Dover, which is considerered one of the best Stations in England, and a great place for balls and parties, but just now very dull on account of the death of the Prince Consort. I am afraid, however, we shall be sent to the Camp at Aldershot in the summer, as there is to be a large force collected then for Reviews, and all the “ swells ” are coming over from the Continent during the Exhibition time. By the last mail there seems to be no chance of a Zulu war breaking out. I read an article in the Natal Star, written soon after we left, in which they praised us to the skies, at the same time depreciating themselves, which I don’t see there was any need for, as I am sure many of us enjoyed ourselves exceedingly during the three months sojourn in Natal. I enclose you one of my likenesses, for old acquaintance’s sake. Will you kindly remember me to the Gs. and to the Hs. • We are likely soon to get rid of Col. B. He has sent in his papers to retire on full pay, and, I think about two months will see him in the Gazette Believe me, Yours very sincerely, C. W. H. NIGHT SCHOOL FOR KAFFIRS . 167 The Bishop of Natal was desirous to see a night school established for natives at Addington, and for the use of those who were engaged at the harbour works. His lordship was ready to allow a small grant from S.P.G., for two teachers who thoroughly understood the Kaffir language. I pointed out to the Bishop the difficulty of securing a place suitable for the school, and the necessity there was for having additional land near the church, on which to build a school and parsonage. It was my intention, directly the church was free from debt, to build both, and to apply to England for help. The Bishop was also of opinion that the Lieutenant Governor would be willing, if the evening school was successful, to assist it. His lordship wrote as follows : Bishop stow e % June 29 th, 1861. My Dear Mr. Rivett, Mr. Alborough has just given me £1 for church purposes, which I shall transfer to the Point Church. So you can take it out of my money which is in your hands. I intend to apply to the Government for an Erf in Addington, which, with the half-acre on which the church stands, will make the acre promised to us of old by the Harbour Board, or rather, recommended by them to be granted to us. Dr. Sutherland tells me that he has orders from the Governor to proceed at once with the sale of the Erven, at Addington. Yours truly, J. W. NATAL. On August 2nd, 1861, the Bishop writes again : LABOURS IN NATAL. 1 68 “No business can be done about Addington till this mail is gone, as the Governor no doubt has important despatches to write. “ But I will see about it, and let you know how matters stand. I am inclined to think that you had better wait about the Parsonage till I have gone to England. My funds are very low indeed just now.” Subsequently his lordship writes on August 13th, 1861 : “ I have applied for the Erf at the Point, and expect to get it. Then we will see about the Schoolroom. I think S.P.C.K- would give about £15, and I will try to obtain something out of the Governor for native purposes, and the school must, of course, be used for the natives at the harbour works, as well as- European children. We should not get the land otherwise.” On October 30th, 1861, the Bishop once more alludes to the subject among others: “If you were coming up to Pietermaritzburg you might take some books off my shelves for the Point Library, and you might take the opportunity of pleading your own case with the Colonial Secretary, which I would support in the best way I can ; but I am afraid that I could not do much in the matter.” I did succeed with the Governor, and obtained his permission for the use of a long room in the Coolie Barracks, for a Kaffir evening school in Addington ; and I was also fortunate enough to engage the services of Mr. Gifford, and Mr. William James — two young men well-versed in the language — and the school flourished beyond all expectation. The Bishop, in writing to me, remarked : ACCIDENTS FROM GRASS FIRES. 169 “ I am very glad to hear of Mr. J ames’s willingness to undertake the charge of the native school at the Point. I shall be able to allow for Mr. James £20 per annum, Mr. Gifford £ 20 , lighting, ink, and paper ^10, total ^50 ; and an extra £5 to start with for stationery, etc. I send you a supply of books — No. 1 Reading Book, thirty-six copies ; No. 2 Reading Book, thirty-six copies ; two Dictionaries ; two Grammars ; four Prayer Books. “You must get the Reading books stitched into the covers which I send ; and you should get one hundred copies printed on broad sheets of the pages four, five, six, seven, and eight of the 1st Reading Book — which will come out of the £5. . Grass fires have already been mentioned as prevail- ing in various parts of the country during the dry winter. More than once Bishopstowe had been nearly overtaken and burnt down by fire, and as it is pain- fully well-known, sometime after the Bishop’s death, it was wholly destroyed by fire, and the residents had barely time to escape. At this period the Bishop took the greatest care and precaution to burn the grass around his house, so that if a fire was seen ap- proaching it could not injure the house. Two accidents, however, occurred, as related by the Bishop in a business letter to me, dated September 4th, 1861 : “ You will be very much grieved to hear of poor James Roberts’ death. He was burnt to death (or rather, we suppose, first suffocated) in a terrible grass fire, which swept over this station on Monday last. He was running away from it, but it went too fast, and he lay down in a ditch, hoping it would pass over him, which it soon did, but left him dead, and dreadfully burnt. Mr. Klusener, too, was in considerable danger, but rushed through the fire. He now lies in a critical state, exceedingly burnt in the face, legs, and arms — but we hope he will recover. . • . “ I was in some danger at the time, but happily escaped with an injury to the muscles of the leg, not worth naming.” LABOURS IN NATAL. 170 Mr. Klusener never recovered. After I had resigned my former work in Victoria County, it was necessary for the Bishop to make a fresh application to the S.P.G. for a grant on my behalf for the new district of Addington and the Point. Not only did he do this, but he requested that it might be augmented. On October 14th, 1861, the Bishop informed me : “ I am glad to say that I am able to tell you that you may draw on the society for £75 per annum, beginning from October 1st. With the Chaplaincy, the grant from S.P.G., the contributions of the congregation at Christ Church, and an occasional grant from the Finance Board, I was contented and pleased. I could not but be otherwise than satisfied with the efforts of my people at the Point, for they would put to shame many a congregation, four times the size, in England. One of the marked events of this year, was the opening and consecration of the new Masonic Hall, the foundation stone of which had been laid in March. I, as Chaplain, was called upon to perform the Dedication Service, on Thursday, September 19th, 1861. It was a grand sight. The Lodge assembled in the old room adjoining the Royal Hotel, and every- one appeared in the dress which indicated his degree, and the position he held. It was a long procession ; and I dressed in full robes, including my masonic badges, was preceded by two of the members carrying before me a large velvet cushion, upon which were laid the DEDICATION OF A MASONIC HALE 171 Holy Bible, compasses, plane, &c., &c., and the para- phernalia customary on such an occasion. On the arrival at the Hall, the procession moved round the Lodge thrice. Afterwards the Brethren remained stationary while I read the first six verses of the viii. chapter of the 1 Kings. The first clause of the consecration prayer was then rehearsed, and during the response, the Deputy Grand Master, and the Grand Wardens, took the vessels of corn, wine, and oil, and sprinkled the elements of consecration upon the Lodge. The Chaplain offered the following prayer : “ Grant, O Lord our God, that those who are now about to be invested with the government of this Lodge, may be endued with wisdom to instruct their brethren in all their duties. May brotherly love, relief, and truth, always prevail amongst the members of this Lodge ; and may this bond of union continue to strengthen the Lodges throughout the world. Bless all our brethren, wherever dispersed ; and grant speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed. We affectionately commend to Thee all the members of Thy whole family. May they in- crease in the knowledge of Thee, and in the love of each other. Finally, may we finish all our work here below with Thine ap- probation, and then have our transition from this earthly abode to Thy Heavenly Temple above, there to enjoy light, glory, and bliss, ineffable and eternal.” The prayer concluded, and a response by the Brethren, solemn music was performed while the Lodge was covered, and the Chaplain proceeded to dedicate the Lodge — “To the memory of holy St. John.” The solemn ceremony ended with another prayer, in which occur these words : “ We pray Thee, O Lord, to imbue our minds with Thy 172 LABOURS IN NATAL. Heavenly grace, that we may ever be mindful of the distinguish- ing characteristic of the disciples of our blessed Lord and Saviour, when He delivered a ‘new commandment’ unto them that they should love one another ; and which Thy servants before Thee have adopted as the rule of their life. ‘Let brotherly love continue’ among them, may they ‘be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” The whole ceremony was a most impressive one, in which every brother took an active and interesting part. The usual subsequent proceedings passed off with fclat, and I was thankful for the privilege of being allowed to officiate and take so prominent a place in the opening and consecration of the first Masonic building in Natal. Freemasonry is often abused and vilified by those who know nothing of its meaning, and the benefit which it confers upon others. A brother clergyman wrote to me shortly afterwards, and enquired of me : “What of your Freemason’s opening services ? How much of God was there in them? To what extent is it probable, was the Divine Saviour glorified? How much love of the world was expelled from the heart?” Had he been present, and understood what was done, his views would have been very different from those implied in his letter. Many changes had taken place in the mission since the departure of Bishop Mackenzie. Canon Grubbe succeeded him as Archdeacon of Maritzburg, and he married Miss Alice Mackenzie, one of the Bishop’s sisters. A MISSION WORKER. 1 73 At this time Miss Townsend was on the eve of em- barking for England. This lady came out with the Bishop of Natal and his mission party in March, 1855. She was indefatigable on board ship in kind attentions to all who were ill on the voyage. Although a lady advanced in years, she made herself useful in every possible manner. She was the friend of all, and ready at a moment’s notice wherever her help might be required. She was an ardent supporter and friend of Bishop Callaway. She never returned to Natal, as she had at first intended, but her one thought, one care, and work, was to the last for Bishop Callaway and South Africa. Her truly Christian character, her many good acts and deeds for the Natal and St. John’s mission, will ever be remembered, and “the Last Day alone will declare her worth.” Many were the requests she made to me during her six and a half years’ residence at Natal, both concern- ing the mission and the introduction of her English friends who came to the colony. It was always a pleasure to me to acquiesce in her wishes. Family business was the chief cause of her departure. On her arrival at D’Urban, she spent her last days in the colony at my house. The Bishop had previously written : “Please secure a berth by “ Waldensian” for Miss Smith, who is going to England with Miss Townsend.” I saw both ladies on board the steamer, and watched the vessel till out of sight. When I returned to England, Miss Townsend was a constant correspondent with me on many matters 174 LABOURS IN NATAL. connected with South Africa, and we have often met at Messrs. Savory’s in London, where I have witnessed her packing up innumerable cases of cloth- ing, manufactured goods, and implements of agricul- ture for South Africa. She never grew weary of this work. She was for several years one of the members of the “ Ladies’ Association ” of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. I was greatly impressed on my last visit to Miss Townsend. The change in her countenance indicated to me that her end was fast approaching ; and to my sorrow, in a brief period, her death was announced at Croydon. In the diocese of St. John’s Kafifraria, a church has been built in remembrance of her devoted labours in the missionary cause. I addressed another letter to Mrs. B. Dowson : D' Urban, Natal , October 14 th, 1861. Dear Mrs. Dowson, Three weeks ago, the box from my mother in England arrived. Enclosed was a case from you containing many valuable presents. My little daughter is highly delighted with the various gifts which you have so thoughtfully chosen. The book with her name written therein gratifies her im- mensely. She joins with me in thanking you heartily for your kindness. I hope in less than six months to announce that my church is free from debt. I am grateful for all your help. My weekly Friday evening service at Addington is attended by from forty to sixty persons. The new lamps cost £16 , The library continues to work well. Last Sunday, Mr. Lloyd, the colonial chaplain, was ill. I had LETTER TO MRS. DOWS ON. 1 75 five services and sermons, two were for the Diocesan fund, which has been established by the church council, for giving grants to the clergy who do not receive aid from the civil government. The collections after my appeals amounted to £l% 9s. 9d. You will be interested in hearing how I arranged the services that day — Military, 7 a.m. ; Addington, 9.30 a.m. ; St. Paul’s, 11 a.m.; Addington, 3.30 p.m. ; St. Paul’s, 6.30. I must confess I felt tired at the close of the fifth sermon, but I am very strong, and I enjoy the work. Recently I was present at the annual session of the Church Council, and the finance board voted me a grant of £2$. The newspapers that I have sent you will inform you of an expected outbreak by the Zulus of Zululand, but this, thank God, we have been spared. The 59th Regiment was summoned from Capetown, but they went no further than D’Urban. They attended Divine service in such large numbers, that St. Paul’s was crowded at the military service. I cannot say too much in praise of the officers ; they were extremely agreeable ; I made friends with them all. We invited the colonel, six of the officers, the colonial chaplain, the resident magistrate, and the clerk of the peace, to dinner. The officers came in their usual mess dress. The town was exceedingly lively during the three months they stayed. The colonel often came to join me in a walk or ride. The regiment is now ordered to England, and no one will regret more than myself their departure. Sad accidents have occurred at Bishopstowe and Zululand, from grass burning. Two men have lost their lives at the former place. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson at the latter have been entirely burnt out, losing all their furniture and stores. I hear Mrs. Robertson is very ill. The Bishop’s new work on the Epistle to the Romans has caused an immense deal of discussion here, and quite a sensa- tion at Capetown, where every copy has been bought, and more are wanted immediately. I am wondering what you will say to its teaching. I shall be curious to learn what the opinion in England about it is. If his Lordship is right in what he promulgates on the doctrines of 176 LABOURS IN NATAL. the Atonement, Justification, Eternal Punishment, and Universal Salvation, the Church of England is all wrong, and it is time she should look into these points, and amend them. I have had an immense deal to do with the Bishop, from living first three years in Maritzburg, and now in D’ Urban. I hear from him every few days on some matter of business which I have to transact. It takes up a good deal of my time, but he is ex- tremely liberal and kind to me. I think that the Bishop will soon go to England, and that he will leave in the coming autumn — in March or April. He has requested me to make many enquiries about the “ Early Morn,” which is expected shortly. In this ship, a young gentleman, a nephew of the late Lord Macaulay, is coming out to farm here, and the Bishop wishes me to shew him all the kindness I can on his behalf. He is to go straight to the Bishop when he leaves D’ Urban, as his Lordship wants to see as much as he can of him before he sails Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. To the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge the whole world is indebted for the liberal aid it gives to the building of churches, schools, mission rooms ; for the translation of the Bible and Prayer Book into various languages ; and for the grants it makes of Bibles, Prayer Books, Tracts, and Books of every kind. I was indebted to this Society for the kind help it had rendered to Addington, and I wrote to the Secretary to thank him for what had been done, and to gain further information with regard to the purchase of additional books for the library. This reply came from the Secretary : AID FROM THE S.P.C.K, 1 77 67, Lincoln's Inti Fields , Lon dotty W.C. September 30 thy 1861. Rev. and Dear Sir, Your interesting and most satisfactory letter of the 1st August has just come to hand. The consecration of your new church, the support it has met with, and the good attend- ance you report, afford cause for sincere congratulation. Your account of the popularity of your new Library is also most gratifying. By this post I forward, as you request, a catalogue of the Society’s publications, and, in reckoning the payment you will have to make for purchase now towards the increase of the Library, you may take the books at member’s prices, if you will head your application with the words : “ Purchase to meet the Society’s Grant, No. 352 F.” Thank you for the photograph of your Church, and heartily wishing you success in your endeavours to secure a suitable Parsonage and Glebe. I am, Dear Sir, Faithfully yours, J. D. GLENNIE, Secretary. Miss Townsend had written a long letter to me from Capetown, and on the arrival of the steamer in England, Miss Smith, her companion in travel, gave a short account of the voyage : “ Miss Townsend and I had a very pleasant time in the 4 Cambrian/ and we reached Plymouth, on Wednesday, November 27th. There were very few passengers on board, as this is such a bad time of year for visiting England.” “We touched at St. Helena and Ascension, and the mail steamer remained at each place six hours, so that we had time N i 7 8 LABOURS IN NATAL. to go on shore and look about us. At St. Helena, we (i.e. Miss Townsend and I) went to see the Bishop, and breakfasted there. His house is situated in such a beautiful part of the Island, and I do not think the Garden of Eden could have been lovelier* Fuchsias, which are natives of the island, grow wild in great abundance there, and the temperature is always mild and equable.” “ Ascension is a horrid place, and the great objects of interest there were the Turtle ponds.” “It seems so extraordinary to come from the heat of summer at the Cape, into the foggy English weather, though I believe it is beautiful for the time of year ” Letters from Great Yarmouth were always accept- able to me, and none more so than Mrs. Dowson’s. Quay , Great Y 'ar mouth, December 1 6th, 1861* Rev. and Dear Sir, Your welcome letter received on the 29th of November is now before me, and I am glad that you liked the contents of the box. Your good father’s liberal subscription must have been very acceptable. Money in Yarmouth does not seem to flow very plentifully from the donors’ hands, and poor old St. Nicholas has so many requirements. Indeed I am told that the sum estimated is £ 10,000 , to put it in repair. You will be surprised, but I believe some of the old timbers are literally dust! Then again, the tide is always setting in for Columbia ! I laugh, and say that I think the Misses P. might take advan- tage of the “Gold diggings ” and export a few wedges to their native town. St. Andrew’s (our wherryman’s church) fills well, sixty or seventy communicants at six o’clock in the morning (working people), and never less than one hundred at the Sunday morning service. (I mean at the Holy Communion.) But still they live in debt ! so, I may indeed congratulate you on the happy auspices with which you have commenced. LETTER FROM MRS. DOWSON. 179 The present year closes gloomily for old England ! I refer to the death of the Prince Consort, which took place at Windsor Castle, on Saturday night last — thus our Queen is a widow and desolate, and her children fatherless ! so they will have the Church’s Prayers. The palace and the cottage share alike these awful visitations ! To Her Majesty the present affairs of the nation (hovering on the eve of a War with America), must add greatly to her sorrows. Much need has she for our prayers, that she may be “strengthened with all might in the inner man.” I hope she may lay hold on the great and wonderful gift bestowed at Baptism, alas ! so little thought of, so little ap- preciated, and, so little esteemed a reality ! I mean the gift of the Holy Ghost. Where ? In every day life, may we see His supernatural and sweet influences, raising us above the waves and water floods of this mortal life? Surely we are not expecting enough ! not believing enough ! We do not teach our children what precious things they have had committed to their charge, precious things for hourly use ! and that having received them, they can never be as the heathen are, but, that the Silver and the Gold (the gifts and graces) are God’s, and are to be dealt with (to say the least) as scrupulously, as the earthly riches of an earthly parent. I have just dispatched a letter (which I hope will reach its destination) to the Rev. W. Onslow, H.M.S. “ St. George,” with the Royal^Midshipman, being on the Halifax station. Sad tidings to the latter will be the death of his father. Mr. Onslow sent me a newspaper (likewise a photograph of himself) containing a most pleasing account of a presentation to “ Brother Onslow,” of a magnificent “Jewel,” from the Freemasons at that place. I have had many foreign letters to write, so I hope you will excuse all the blunders of old eyes, lazy hands, and a steel pen ; with the latter I cannot even spell. A most interesting account reached me from Calcutta last week. The Hon. Colonel C., who has travelled a great deal with Dr. Livingstone up the Nile, who has traversed the Holy Land, and been the length and breadth of the two Americas, has gone to spend his holidays in India. I say holidays, i8o LABOURS IN NATAL. because he is a Member of Parliament, and he tells me, he wishes to “know a little about our Oriental possessions which cost England so many millions.” He was staying at Government House with Lord Canning and (I am sorry to say), I saw the death of Lady Canning only that month on which my letter was written. One incident I will relate, which was not very agreeable. Being out hunting, a tiger sprang from a jungle, seized the colonel’s servant, and devoured him ; the former having passed the spot only a few minutes before. The poor fellow could have no assistance owing to the thickness of the jungle I have been thinking lately how many books are written which are utterly useless, and what a run they have ; people seem to think that by reading such rubbish as our modern literature, they secure a passport to Heaven ! There is a work now gone through eighteen editions, entitled “ Heaven is my Home ! ” which to me (instead of exalting my ideas) brings all things down to our earthly capacities. My poor opinion of this work is, that it is, the poor heathen’s home. The Author speaks of his fancied Heaven, making, for instance, Jacob and Rachel copverse most familiarly. Oh! surely, surely, “ Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him we need not try to be wise beyond what is written ; “ The secret things belong unto God.” The study of the Word will never fail. What a School ! What a Teacher ! “ I will send the Holy Ghost, and He shall bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” I have lately been thinking much on the immense significance of that little word “so.” “As my Father hath loved me, So have I loved you.” “ As my Father hath sent me, SO send I you.” “ As I have loved you, SO love one another.” Here is a theme for meditation. “For us men and for our salvation, He came down from Heaven.” For us His last prayer was, “ Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” There is no end of multiplying this simple word, the result leaving us “ unprofitable servants.” Do we love the poor sinner, though we hate the sin? Do we forgive LETTER FROM MRS. DOWSON. 181 as we hope to be forgiven? Do not we stand convicted? We have never left a Throne for the sake of others. “ Lovest thou to praise the Cross of shame, or ease ? The Cross is bitter grief. Pangs more than heart or tongue can frame, Were suffered there without relief.” And now, my dear sir, May the Word of the Lord dwell in you richly; May He give you a mouth and wisdom, &c., and may many at that great day rise up and call you “ Blessed.” I remain, Rev. and Dear Sir, Always your faithful friend, M. DOWSON. The year 1862, like its predecessor, was full of varied interest. The clergy did not increase in numbers by any fresh arrivals. The Bishop was preparing to return to England. The Rev. Edward Robinson, of St. Andrew’s, went to Algoa Bay ; and Mr. Cookesley who had come to the Colony eighteen months before, was going home at the special request of his father, without ordination. He afterwards pro- ceeded to labour in North America, where he was ordained, but alas ! the change from the hot climate of South Africa to cold Labrador was too sudden and great. His constitution gave way and he came back to England in shattered health, and in a brief period died of rapid consumption. After my friend, Mr. Baugh, was admitted into Priest’s orders, he was stationed at the Umlazi, where he laboured among the Zulus, and on alternate LABOURS IN NATAL. 182 Sunday mornings took a service at Clairmont and Isipingo among the English residents, as Mr. Robert- son had formerly done before going to the Zulu country. Mr. Baugh unfortunately did an unwise thing in the latter part of the previous year. He was superin- tending and working at carpentering, and while in a heated state, he seated himself in a current of air. A cool wind was blowing. This brought on acute asthma, from which he suffered during the rest of his life. He was a patient sufferer for years, but at this time he was almost wholly incapable of doing his work, and his medical man told me that he could not live many months, and this painful news I was dele- gated to break to Mrs. Baugh. She received the announcement in a spirit of calm and Christian resig- nation to whatever it might please God in His wisdom to decide. She was at this time in a very weak state of health. Marvellous to relate, it was God’s will that he should outlive his wife and baby. A special matter of interest to me in the early part of this year was my examination for Priest’s Orders, which took place in D’Urban. The Rev. Joseph Barker, of the Umrinto, and myself were examined for three days by Archdeacon Grubbe, and at its con- clusion both of us were ordered to proceed to Pietermaritzburg to see the Bishop, and hear the final issue. The Bishop was to have sailed by the “ Early Morn,” but as she was likely to stay at Algoa Bay, his lordship requested me to inquire about another ship. LETTER FROM MR. BAUGH. 183 The following letters will be interesting here : Umlazi, March $th, 1862. My Dear Mr. Rivett, Thank you for your interesting note of yesterday. You surprise me about the Bishop changing his ship, and that Mr. Robinson is going. If he has not gone, please say ‘good- bye’ to him, for me and Mrs. Baugh. What ship will the Bishop go by now, and when is he likely to leave ? I am glad he intends ordaining you and Mr. Barker at the Cathedral. You did not say how Mr. Cookesly is going to England. Will he go with the Bishop ? I am sorry to say that my work is at a stand still, owing to my indisposition. My daily services are not conducted, my scholars have a holiday, and my Sunday services have to be dispensed with. If Mr. Cookesley comes up just now, I have no doubt he will good-naturedly fill up the gap, and help me in sundry ways. Tell him I shall be glad to see him. Will you be so kind as to try to arrange for one of your members to take Clair? 7 iont service on Sunday morning at quarter to eleven ? If Mr. Barker, you, or Mr. Lloyd could take the service I should be very glad. I have always a nice congregation there, and it is a sad disappointment to them if by any means they lose one of their fortnightly services. Do try to manage it. . . I am sorry to say that I do not mend fast, I can hardly walk one hundred yards, and the use of my lungs for any length of time is out of question! Sometimes I fear I have not ex- perienced the worst of my ailment. Our little baby I think, has a complaint similar to my own Yours truly, W. BAUGH. 184 LABOURS IN NATAL . Algo a Bay , March iStk, 1862. My Dear Mr. Rivett, We arrived here safely in Algoa Bay at eight o’clock on Sunday morning, having been just four days from Natal. The “ Criterion,” in which Mr. Robinson sailed only arrived the day before us, having been ten days on the voyage. I did not go on shore on Sunday, but waited till the next day. Port Elizabeth is a very nice town, much superior to D ’Urban in every way. The Stores are fine buildings, and there is as much bustle and life as in an English sea-port town. The Church of England is well represented here, having three places of worship. “ Christ Church,” is the parish church, a large building with a low square tower, in which the Colonial chaplain officiates. “ St. Paul’s ” is a beautiful little church at the north end of the town, consecrated before it was completed by the Bishop of Capetown, just after the death of the late Bishop of Grahamstown. Mr. Robinson’s brother has service in a temporary building; the site is chosen and purchased for his church on the top of a hill. Mr. Maynard has given ^1,000 towards its erection. I saw Mr. Robinson at his brother’s house ; they are much alike. . . . . I like Port Elizabeth, because the whole of it looks thoroughly English ; it lacks trees, there is scarcely one in the town. The cattle and horses are dying from want of water ; there has been no rain for twelve months. I hope your examination is well over by this time. . . . I have nothing more to tell. I trust I may hear soon that you are in full Orders, and that you will always continue to prosper Believe me, My dear Mr. Rivett, Yours sincerely, F. T. COOKESLEY. ORDJNA TION AS PRIEST. 185 Mr. Barker and I rode on horseback to Maritz- burg, and the day after our arrival we went to Bishopstowe, where we, the two candidates for Priest’s Orders, were kindly received by the Bishop. At the private interview his lordship told me he would at once free me from all further anxiety, and said he was quite satisfied with my papers, and immediately proceeded to talk with me on the subjects of the examination. Soon after luncheon, I returned to my lodgings at Marshall’s Hotel, in Maritzburg. On Sunday, March 23rd, 1862 (third Sunday in Lent), Mr. Barker and myself were ordained in the Cathedral by the Bishop of Natal. Archdeacon > Grubbe presented the Candidates, and preached an appropriate and impressive sermon from the words, " He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied,” Isaiah liii. 2. The Archdeacon, the Rev. W. Nisbett, &c., joined in the laying on of hands. Archdeacon Grubbe gave each candidate the Bishop of Oxford’s “ Addresses to the Candidates for Ordi- nation.” The day was the crowning point in my life, as I had now attained all that was necessary to enable me to give “full proof of my ministry.” On my return to D’Urban, I at once acquainted my friend at Great Yarmouth with the proceedings which had just taken place: U Urban, Natal , March 31 st, 1862. My Dear Mrs. Dowson, I write with considerable pleasure to acquaint you LABOURS IN NATAL. 1 86 that I was admitted to Priest’s Orders on Sunday the 23rd inst. All passed off in the usual way. The Bishop was gracious, and he expressed himself as being satisfied with my papers. I am glad I did not apply earlier for Priest’s Orders, as I have had more time for preparation. And it must not be overlooked that I entered Holy b Orders within six weeks after my becoming twenty-three years of age. I could not have been ordained a day sooner if Canonical law, and the Ember weeks are, as they are, the legal rule of the church. I celebrate my first communion on Easter Day, in “ Christ Church,” Addington. I am writing to my mother, to ask her to present me with a pocket Communion Service, for use when I administer the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to sick people. I have abandoned all thought of seeing England for another three years. The Bishop has decided to sail for England in May. If he visits Yarmouth he will be certain to call upon you. I have good congregations at the Point. Some of the captains and sailors are in regular attendance from the ships in harbour. I have started an evening Kaffir school at Addington, and the Bishop allows me ^50 a year for two teachers, materials, and lighting. It answers fairly well. I want to build a school- room, but there are difficulties in accomplishing it. The Bishop desires that it may be used for the English in the day, and for natives in the evening. My people do not approve of this arrangement, and, I may add, the Colonists generally are adverse to the mixing of the blacks with the whites, and, as a rule, to occupying a building where the natives meet. There are a few who do not object, but they are the exception Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L RIYETT. After the above letter, the following from the Bishop of Natal will explain his views on the subject of the English disliking to occupy the same room as the natives — a prejudice which I could never dispel from their minds. LETTERS FROM BISHOP COLENSO. 187 Bishopstowe, April 2$tk, 1862. My Dear Mr. Rivett, I am sorry that your people entertain such an unfounded prejudice against the natives, and have expressed it so strongly. I say unfounded, because having had for five or six years past a class of natives in my own dining-room, and having mixed with them in the most intimate manner all along, as well as all the members of my family, I am perfectly aware that there is no real ground for their suspicions. In fact, they must well know that every house in D’Urban has natives in it, mixing freely with their masters and mistresses, and I never heard of any such consequences as they dread. At all events, the church council make no scruple of sitting day after day in a building which is constantly used for a Kaffir school, and for no other purpose — and I never heard the slightest objection raised to it Yours truly, J. W. NATAL. In a further communication from the Bishop to me, dated April 27th, 1862, he asks : “ Did you notice that St. Andrew’s vestry have passed a resolu- tion to ask me for the use of St. Mary’s chapel, which is regularly used on week-days and Sundays, for natives ex- clusively, to be allowed for the Europeans, while their church is being enlarged — of course, so as not to interfere with the natives ? You might mention this to your friends at the Point.” The account of the 1862 Easter vestry meeting, as reported in the Natal Mercury (which took place fifteen months after the opening of Addington church), will not be out of place here : 41 Christ Church, Point. — The annual vestry meeting was held in this church on Easter Tuesday. The Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, 88 LABOURS IN NATAL. the minister, in the chair. Mr. William Hodge was unani- mously re-elected as churchwarden, and Mr. G. R. Walters as minister’s churchwarden. A statement of the accounts for the past year was presented by Mr. Hodge, which shewed that £46 14s. 2^d. had been collected by the weekly offertory, and the seat rents amounted to £16 14s. 6d. The chairman stated that since last Easter he had collected for the debt on the church, ^136 5s. iod., and that his churchwarden, Mr. Hodge, had also raised ^68 3s. 6d. from the ships in harbour. The church has now been entirely completed, and there remains a debt of about ^53, which in a few months it is hoped will be liquidated. “ It was proposed by Captain Ledson, and seconded by Mr. Spradhon, ‘that the thanks of this meeting be given to Mr. Hodge, for his indefatigable exertions as churchwarden, and also for the strenuous effort he has made in collecting funds towards liquidating the debt on this church, and that the same be entered on the minutes of this meeting.’ The chairman in- formed the vestry that he was now most anxious to see a school- room built, which is to be used for the English children in the day, and for natives in the evening, and that the Bishop had kindly given (after the Rev. W. A. Elder’s last collection) the next four quarterly collections at St. Paul’s, which are due to his Lordship on the debt of that church, for this object. A vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman, and the meeting separated.” I was elected chaplain to the members of the D’Urban Rifle Guard, which appointment needed the confirmation of the Lieutenant Governor, and the following letter was received by the Commandant of the corps, C. J. Cato, Esq. : Colonial Office , Natal , April yth, 1862. Sir, In reply to your letter of the 7th inst., notifying the election of the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett as Chaplain to the EMBARKATION OF THE BISHOP. 189 D’Urban Rifle Guard, I am directed to convey to you the Lieutenant Governor’s approval of the election, which will be duly notified in the Government Gazette of the ensuing week. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, J. SHEPSTONE, Acting Colo?iial Secretary . The Bishop had some correspondence with me respecting a ship, in which he was desirous to have berths secured for himself and family, and he finally decided to sail for England in the ship “ Medusa.” His Lordship wrote to me on May 13th, 1862 : “ I do not expect to leave this till I hear from Mr. Evans (the agent) definitely as to the time of the ship’s sailing. But I fully purpose to confirm your pilot before I leave.” And on May 16th, the Bishop further wrote : “We shall leave this so as to reach the Point, please God, about 4 p.m. on Tuesday, and go on board at once; then I shall have Wednesday for the confirmation and any other matters.” By a strange coincidence, the Bishop and party went on board ship the very same day of the month (May 20th) as that on which they had arrived seven years before with the large missionary party at Natal, including Mrs. Rivett and myself. But the “ Medusa ” did not sail till May 24th (the Queen’s birthday) so that I had much intercourse with the Bishop. During that time many important matters were discussed, and among them his new commentary on the Romans, already published ; and 190 LABOURS IN NATAL. his criticisms on the “ Pentateuch,” to be brought out in England. He remarked that his views from which many would dissent — were twenty years in advance of the times ; and he also expressed grave doubts concerning his return to the colony. The hour for his departure arrived, and I (with the exception of Pilot Anderson) was the last to leave the vessel and to say farewell. As the anchor was weighed, I proceeded on board the tug-ship “ Pioneer,” which preceded the “Medusa” out of harbour, going three miles beyond it, when the tug went as close as it could to receive the pilot, and before returning into port, hats were waved, and hearty cheers were given for a speedy and safe voyage to old England, for all who were on board. Only a few days before the Bishop of Natal started for England, the very sad news arrived of the deaths of good Bishop Mackenzie, of the Zambezi, on the 31st January, and the Rev. William Burrup, on the 22nd February following. These events were a dreadful blow to the mission. The Bishop died on an island of the Shire, where he was waiting for Dr. Livingstone. The whole account has been so minutely and so well described in the Memoir of Bishop Mackenzie, by the Bishop of Carlisle, that there is no necessity for saying more here than that my little church was the only one Bishop Mackenzie ever consecrated during his brief episcopacy of thirteen months. The church lost one of her precious sons, and the mission one of the kindest, most simple-hearted, and affectionate of men. DEATH OF BISHOP MACKENZIE . 191 In St. Paurs church, D’Urban, on Sunday morning, May 1 8th, I preached on the lamented death of the Bishop, to a large congregation, from the words : “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” — St. Matthew xvi. 24. It was, indeed, purely an act of self-denial on the Bishop’s part, that he left the comforts of home, and his posi- tion as a Fellow of Caius College, Cambridge, and gave up many valuable and lucrative posts to go out and do the great work of an apostle and evangelist among the heathen, who were living without any knowledge of the God who had created them, or the Saviour who had died for them. It was truly a land of darkness! The reward for his labour could be nothing but the approval of his Divine Master — “ Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Some years after, Miss Mackenzie most thought- fully sent me a cabinet portrait of her dear brother, which now hangs in my dining-room, and is valued by me as one of my choicest treasures. CHAPTER IV. Congratulatory Letters from England — Address of Condolence on the Death of the Prince Consort — F irst Annual Meeting of the Members of the Addington Library Institution — Visit to Maritz- burg — Accident on the Return Journey — Letter from the Bishop of Natal — Effects of Overwork — Help from S.P.C.K. towards Building a Schoolroom at Addington — Opinions in England and Natal on Bishop Colenso’s Commentary on the Romans, and his Work on the Pentateuch — Letters from Mrs. Dowson and from a Clergyman in England — Establishment of a Gram- mar School at D’Urban — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Letter from Bishop Colenso — Laying of the Foundation Stone of a New Church at Verulam — Letter from an English Rector — Letter from Mrs. Dowson — Hospitality — Honesty of the Kaffirs — Exceptions — Mr. Rivett as Acting Colonial Chaplain — Protest of Natal Clergy against Bishop Colenso’s Views — Letter from Rev. A. Garfit — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Services for the Military at D’Urban — Letter from an English Clergyman — Letter from Bishop Colenso — Letter from Dr, Chapman — Com- munications between Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd and the Archbishop of Canterbury regarding the position of the Natal Clergy with respect to Bishop Colenso — Opening of the New Church at Verulam — Letter from Mrs. Dowson — Condemnation of Bishop Colenso by the Bishop of Cape Town and his Assessors — Pastoral Letter to the Clergy and Laity in Natal — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — S.P.G. and its Grants to the Natal Clergy — Letter from the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd — Letter from Bishop Colenso — Letter from Mrs. Dowson — Letter from a former Yarmouth Curate — A New Church at Berea — Laying the Foundation Stone. CONGRATULATORY LETTERS. 193 I RECEIVED innumerable congratulatory letters from England, after my advancement to the priest- hood, and extracts from a few of them will not be out of place as an introduction to the fourth chapter of this biography. My mother wrote on June 2nd, 1862 : “ Your father and myself are delighted that you have now taken full Orders, and may God bless and prosper you in your work and labour of love. Accept our very hearty congratulations. . “You have exceeded the expectation of your most sanguine friends, in the success which has attended your efforts on behalf of the new church. We are glad to learn it is nearly free from debt. “ I have sent a box to Messrs. Savory and Co., to be forwarded by the first ship, containing a neat Silver Pocket Communion Service. You are to accept it as a present from us both. You will find other enclosures from Mrs. Dowson and Miss Willcocks, including presents for yourself and dear Lucy.” A friend, formerly one of the curates at Great Yarmouth, who came to Natal and stayed ten months, wrote, under date June 19th, 1862 : “ I was very glad indeed to hear from you, and also to find that you have managed to pass through that ordeal which invariably lies at the entrance into Priest’s Orders. I trust sincerely that every blessing may attend you and your work, and that you may indeed become a minister of grace unto yourself, as well as unto your hearers. “ I am sure, from your account, that you must be going on in a very satisfactory manner. I was, as you remember, very much pleased with the church you had managed to erect, even , when in the unfinished state in which it was when we were with you ; and now it must be very complete, especially about the O 194 LABOURS IN NATAL. chancel, which I trust you will always endeavour to keep in a manner worthy of the ends for which it should be exclusively reserved “ Your people have given liberally at the offertory. You must have managed well, if you can depend upon the annual sum you name as a regular contribution from that source. It shows a generous and earnest spirit among your worshippers. The restitution of the offertory seems the great question of the present day at home in England. I cannot but think that a general falling back upon that good old plan would, when the first dislike of anything that seemed like innovation was over, produce a far larger amount than any that is now raised. At all events, it would be, I should think, a more certain sum on which one could depend.’’ The following was written by Mrs. B. Dowson, of Great Y armouth : July yth, 1862. Rev. and Dear Sir, I begin my letter with very mixed feelings — pleasure — extreme pleasure, on your advancement as a Priest in God’s house ; and pain at reading (the very day I received yours) the death of the good Bishop of Zambezi. How will his loss be supplied ? The Bishop of Cape Town, I see, has arrived in England with a view of filling up the vacant See. I sincerely congratulate you on your Ordination as Priest. To you may it be, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” I see that March 31st is the date of your last, and I should have written before had I not been unwell, and even now I make but a bad correspondent. Your good mother I saw at my house yesterday, and, as she tells me a box goes from her next Friday, I venture to enclose a frock for your little daughter, wishing her health to wear, strength to tear, and good will to mend it LETTER FROM MRS. DOW SON. *95 Yarmouth has been made very gay lately by a Review of Volunteers on the Denes, and the people wild on the arrival in the Roads of the “ St. George,” bearing Prince Alfred. . . . . . , . He was not much seen. My kind and valued friend, the Rev. W. Onslow, was, of course, with him. From Mr. Onslow I had such an interesting account of the Confirmation of the Princess Helena, at the little church of Whippingham, in the Isle of Wight. Her Majesty was placed at the north side of the altar, the Princes (her sons) on the south ; then the Princess was conducted to the front of the rails, and he says, “ When her private prayer was concluded, the Queen arose, untied her daughter’s bonnet strings, and when the Sacred Rite was over embraced her affectionately, and tied it on again. This (he goes on to say) I tell you because it was so beautiful to see the English lady mother, united with her queenly dignity. An address by the Bishop of Winchester was very impressive.” Thank you very much for the sermon you kindly sent me. It is so in accordance with one’s own views, that I can only express the comfort I felt in reading it. That every blessing may attend your ministry is my earnest daily prayer, and I beg you to remember me at the Throne of Grace I remain always, Your very sincere friend, M. DOWSON. From my uncle, Dr. Chapman : Hotel Chatham , Rue Neuve , St. Augustin, Paris , August nnd, 1862. My Dear Alfred, I have to acknowledge, with many thanks, the receipt of your kind letter, containing the stamps, and also a newspaper. 9 6 LABOURS IN NATAL. I was much gratified in finding that you had been admitted into Priest’s Orders ; for, certainly, it must be a very important step in your life, and you deserve great credit for your exertions, and you have, I assure you, my warmest congratulation on the occasion. I instantly wrote to your father, congratulating, and strongly urging them to send you out a handsome Silver Pocket Communion Service, and that, too, without loss of time. After a while I received a letter from your mother, to say your request would be instantly complied with. I therefore trust that long ere this you have safely received it. I am also gratified in finding you have quite made up your mind to remain at Natal. I am certain if you were in England you would soon wish yourself back again. There is not much comfort here without a good income ; and even with mine I find it all gone at the end of the year. I have not been by any means well I am strongly urged to leave England, as 1 do not improve here. I arrived in Paris on the 21st ultimo, and the change has. already put me right. I intend to remain here till the end of this month, when I start for Germany, and move very gradually on till I arrive at Vienna, and here I shall take a good rest. I then purpose making a tour in Poland and Hungary, and slowly wend my way to Berlin ; then on to Hamburg and England. I expect to be absent till the early part of November. This is the way I spend my money I remain, Yours affectionately, JOHN STRANGE CHAPMAN. On the death of the Prince Consort, the Bishop of Natal sent an Address of Condolence to the Queen, on behalf of himself and the Clergy of the Diocese. His Lordship, before leaving for England, appointed the Venerable Archdeacon Grubbe as his commis- sary, The Lieutenant Governor forwarded to the ADDRESS OF CONDOLENCE . 197 Archdeacon the reply from Her Majesty, a copy of which was immediately conveyed to every clergyman in the Diocese : Bishopstowe , August 6 th y 1862. Reverend and Dear Sir, I beg to forward you a copy of a letter which I have recently received from the Colonial Secretary, in reference to an Address of Condolence presented to Her Majesty, on the occasion of the death of the late lamented Prince Consort, And am, Reverend and dear Sir, Yours faithfully, G. C. GRUBBE, Commissary to the Lord Bishop of Natal. Colonial Office, Natal, July 29 thy 1862. Sir, I am directed by the Lieutenant Governor to acquaint you that he has received from Her Majesty’s Secretary of State instructions to convey to the Bishop and Clergy of this Diocese, Her Majesty’s acknowledgment of their Address of Condolence, and of their sympathy and devout consolation offered by them to Her, in the affliction with which she has been afflicted by Divine Providence. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, D. ERSKINE, Colonial Secretary . 198 LABOURS IN NATAL . I11 the month of July, 1862, was held the first annual meeting of the members of the Addington Library, which had been so auspiciously commenced in July, 1861. The Natal Mercury reported it as follows : “ The first annual meeting of the members of this institution was held in Christ Church, on Friday evening last, the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, minister of the parish, in the chair. Mr. Richardson, the librarian, presented his report, in which it was stated that the library was opened on the 13th of July, 1861. It then received a present of two hundred and five volumes of books from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Since then it has obtained a further accession of one hundred and ninety-five volumes, a portion of them having been pur- chased from the late Bishop Mackenzie’s library, with five volumes as a present from Dr. Mann ; the rest were added by the Bishop of Natal. “There are thirty members who pay six shillings a year ; the subscriptions for the past year amounted to £9 is. od. Very nearly three hundred books had been taken out during the year. The Library is open to anyone who may think proper to join it, whether residing at the Point or in D’Urban. One shilling is required as an entrance fee. “ The Bishop of Natal, previous to his departure, sent to this institution about two hundred and thirty volumes from his own library — a very superior class of books — history, biography, travels, voyages, science, art, poetry, natural history, theology, etc., etc. “ It was proposed by Mr. Millar, and seconded by Mr. Spradbrow, that the chairman be requested to write a letter of thanks from the members to the Bishop, for the very valuable gift of books which his lordship has forwarded to the Library. A vote of thanks was also accorded to Mr. Richardson, the librarian, for his gratuitous services. The Library is kept in the Vestry of the Church, where books can be exchanged every Friday, between school hours, and after the usual evening service at seven o’clock ” VISIT TO MAR1TZBURG. 199 I visited Maritzburg for a fortnight in July, and took the duties at St. Andrew’s, while Archdeacon Grubbe came down to the coast, and one Sunday undertook the services at Addington. While I was in Maritzburg, my friend, the Rev. James Walton, incumbent of Pinetown, wrote to me, July 26th, 1862 : “ Ere you receive this, you will be nearly through your two Sundays’ work in the city. I hope much good will result from your labours, and that your spirits have been refreshed by seeing old friends. We have not much that is new in this parish, except that our new harmonium was introduced in church last Sunday, in good style, which greatly enlivened our psalmody “If you come down in the ’bus, and will let me know the day you will be here, I will meet you at Me Nmol's, as there will be no time for you to walk up to our house.” At the expiration of my outing I returned home, and I shall not easily forget the journey on that occasion. The omnibus was full of passengers, who were going from Pietermaritzburg to D’Urban. By the time the conveyance reached Pinetown the driver was somewhat indisposed, and many doubts arose among the travellers whether all would arrive safely at their destination. As usual the omnibus halted for a brief period, where Mr. Walton met me for conversation, and once more all were on the road to D’Urban, with fresh horses going at rapid speed. Many were the whispers, “We shall certainly be turned over before long!” Thankfulness marked the majority of count- enances when the Berea was entered, for the driver was, evidently, most seriously indisposed, and ought not to have proceeded beyond Pinetown. 200 LABOURS IN NATAL . The omnibus had not gone far through the Berea before it was evident that an accident was inevitable- The horses were restive : the driver had lost all command over them, and in a moment the ’bus was upset. The driver was hurt more than any one else, for he fell among the horses. The passengers were thrown off, but luckily, in deep sand, so that no bones were broken, although some were shaken more or less ; but I, who sat behind, escaped almost unhurt. On returning to D’Urban I pursued my usual course of daily work at Addington and St. Paul’s. Soon after, Archdeacon Grubbe, in a letter, informed me that the Standing Committee of the Finance Board had recommended another grant of ^25, as an augmentation of my income. The first letter of the Bishop of Natal from England, on his arrival, was dated : 6, Crescent , BlackfriarS) Lotidon y Septi?nber $th, 1862. My. Dear Mr. Rivett, I was very glad to receive your letter, but have only time to write hastily in reply. We had, upon the whole, a pleasant voyage, but a terrible gale for two or three days after leaving Natal. However, we beat the “ Imperatrice ” thoroughly, as you will hear, having passed a vessel which had passed her. Around Cape Agulhas and the Cape we had splendid weather — almost the finest part of the voyage, except in crossing the English Channel, and going up I grieve to hear what you say of Mr. Baugh’s condition. I very much fear that he wiil never recover. LETTER FROM BISHOP COLENSO. 201 I am glad to hear so good an account of the school. I have written to Archdeacon Grubbe, to let you have a small sum which has been repaid to me from St. Andrew’s ; and when the time comes, I shall, of course, do what is necessary to procure a grant from S.P.C.K. But at this season of the year, everyone is out of London. I am not surprised at the collapse of the D’ Urban Subscription List. I never expected much from it. I am sorry that Mr. V. has attacked me in my absence, as I see by the papers. I know nothing whatever of Mr. S.’s despatch ; I never saw it, nor was in any way consulted about it. I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Oake’s death. I notice your address, and shall be glad to see your father when I go to Yarmouth, but just now I am tied to London. No Bishop is as yet appointed for the Zambezi, or likely to be, as far as one hears. In fact, the whole thing is mismanaged, and the circumstances of the Mission are most disastrous ! The Archbishop of Canterbury is dying. It is supposed that the Archbishop of York will succeed him. Mrs. Colenso is now in Cornwall ; but pray remember us very kindly to Mrs. Rivett, and I hope Lucy is getting on at her school. Yours very truly, J. W. NATAL. In the Spring of September, 1862, my health, for the first time, showed signs of giving way. My throat was not so strong as it had been, and a peculiar sensation of nervousness overtook me. Both proceeded from overwork of the previous years. My medical adviser prescribed for me, and insisted on the necessity of my doing less work and keeping more quiet. I was of opinion that the excessive heat tried me more than the work. The throat ailment proved only of a temporary nature ; but the nervousness and 202 LABOURS IN NATAL. sleepless nights (particularly on a Sunday) were most trying. The Rev. James Walton, Incumbent of Pine Town, writes : Pine town, September 18 th , 1862. Dear Mr. Rivett, I thank you for your last. Your house should be called “Clerical Hotel.” I was glad to hear of your doings at the Point. You have a fine people there to work upon. May you be made a very great blessing to them. I have no doubt you will, if you look on High for strength Have you seen the review in the London Quarterly , of the Bishop’s Romans? about sixty pages. The dear Bishop is pulled to pieces ! I begin to think he will meet with rough treatment in England. Do take care of your health. If you get that disease which is so troublesome and tedious among brethren of our profession, called “clergyman’s sore throat,” it will lay you aside for months, if not altogether. Do not be rash. While you act with zeal, act with prudence. Yours sincerely, JAMES WALTON. From the Very Reverend the Dean of Maritzburg : P. M. Burg . 10 th November, 1862. My Dear Rivett, I am sorry to hear a report that your robust health has somewhat given way, and that you are suffering, to some extent, from nervousness, brought on, probably, by over-excite- ment and work. If so, I would like to urge upon you to regard it as an admonition that you are called to alter your present labours. LETTER FROM DEAN OF MARITZBURG. 203 I have long thought that the church could not claim from you such incessant work in one direction, though I can thoroughly understand that you have never seen how to make a break. But St. Paul speaks of his watchings and prayers, as well as his labours and preachings. Indeed, we owe it to our flock as well as to ourselves, to spend a distinct portion of our time in study. We may exceed in this respect, to the neglect of direct minis- tration. But it is quite possible to err on the other side, and in the whirl of schools, parochial visitings, etc., etc., to omit that deep communing with God, which is essential if our work would stand the fire, and not prove hay or stubble. I think the rest which the study will afford by abstracting your mind for a few hours daily from all things around you, will help more than anything to renew the tone of your nerves. The doctors can do something by means of diet and medical treatment, but much depends on the way in which the mind acts on the body. We can often lead people to sleep without giving them opium. The holy words soothe and calm the mind, reduce our fever, and lull us to rest. If you cannot sleep on Sunday night read slowly a chapter or two of the Bible — the Psalms, the Proverbs , or part of Isaiah or Jeremiah — and they will bring you into such a state that you can sleep calmly. I shall be very glad to hear from you — how you are in the meanwhile. With my kind regards to Mrs. Rivett. Believe me, Yours very truly, JAMES GREEN. With care and obedience to the doctor’s advice the nervousness gradually decreased, and what threat- ened to become a chronic disease passed away, and I became as fresh and as vigorous as ever. In Maritzburg the good old English custom had recently been instituted, by an invitation of the Dean, that the Judges of the Supreme Court should attend 204 LABOURS IN NATAL , Divine Service at the Cathedral, at the beginning of term. The Dean was desirous that the same observance should be introduced when a Judge came on circuit to D’ Urban. He communicated the suggestion to me : “ Yesterday the Judges and Bar, all in their robes, attended Divine Service in the Cathedral The Chief Justice, I hear, is coming down to hold assizes in your town the week after next. It would be very desirable for him to attend church. Can you not move in the matter? Your mayor is an important personage, and might be pleased to attend in person also. See what you can do. ” Chief Justice Harding had been a personal friend of mine from the year 1855, and he did not consider it practical to acquiesce in the invitation to attend St. Paul’s in State, before the commencement of the assize ; but his lordship, as well as the two puisne Judges always came to church on the Sunday, if that day was included in the Sessions. I cannot forget the courtesy that was extended to me by the late Chief Justice Harding, and the present Lord Chief Justice Connor, and the Judges who invited me to their dinner on their visit to D’Urban. I did not find the money come in so briskly for the proposed schoolroom at Addington, as it had done for the church. I received a promise of assistance from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge — a Society that every parish in England ought to aid, for what the Colonies would do without it no one can tell. The good it does in England is great indeed, and its usefulness and liberality abroad cannot be equalled. HELP FROM S.P.C.K. 205 67, Lincoln's Inn Fields , London, JV.C. November $th, 1862. Rev. and Dear Sir, I have the pleasure of enclosing a form of bill to enable you to draw for £ 30, granted to you at the meeting of the Board of this Society on the 7th October (the first meeting of the Society after the recess), to assist you in the erection of your proposed schoolroom, to be used in the evening by the Kaffir servants, and the natives employed at the harbour, and by the English children during the day, as set forth in your letter of the 1st July, 1861. The Board was much interested in hearing of the completion and successful working of your church, and we hope when you next write you may be able to inform us that the Lending Library is appreciated by your people, and found to be profitable among them. You are at liberty to draw for the £30 so soon as you can report that you see your way clearly to the completion of your schoolroom. With all good Christian wishes and regards, I remain, Dear Sir, Faithfully yours, J. D. GLENNIE, Sec. Every Mail from England brought painful tidings of what many thought of the Bishop of Natal’s views, expressed in his “ Commentary on the Romans,” and the first volume of his new work on the “ Pentateuch.” The latter I had not then seen, as it was published in England. It may be more easily imagined than expressed, what I felt, on reading these various communications, with regard to my duty to him, who, for so many 206 LABOURS IN NATAL . years had shown much personal kindness, as this biography abundantly testifies. For a long time I remained quiet, as it was my duty to do, being one of the youngest Priests in the Diocese, and took no active part whatever, till Archdeacon Grubbe, who was the Bishop’s Commissary, thought the period had arrived when it was the solemn duty of all the clergy to express an opinion publicly, whether or not they agreed with the teaching which the Bishop had set forth in his new works. Later on in this narrative will be stated the part I took in this matter. It is sufficient now to give the Bishop’s next letter : 4. Queen's Gate Terrace , London , W., November $th, 1862. My Dear Mr. Rivett, Many thanks for your letter which, however, I must answer briefly, as I have had a great deal of letter writing to-day. There is no truth whatever in the rumour which you have heard, about the Bishops signing a document, etc. I believe that the Bishop of Oxford, at the request of the Bishop of Cape Town, did get together sonie of the Bishops, to consider my book. One or two of them spoke very strongly, and said (so the Bishop of Cape Town tells me), that they would not admit me into their Dioceses. Another, as I am informed, said that he saw no reason whatever to bring me to account for the book ; and the Archbishop of York, who presided, said that he had not read the book, and took it home in his pocket. So that nothing at all was done. On my reaching England I had a very kind letter from the Bishop of Oxford, asking me to come and visit him, and talk over my book with some of the Bishops, which I was going to do, when I found by another letter from the Bishop of Cape LETTER FROM BISHOP COLENSO. 20 7 Town, that this Conference was meant to be of a more formal character, instead of a mere friendly discussion, whereupon I flatly refused to go, and have heard not a word upon the subject since. I have now published another book, of which, of course, some tidings will reach you. I have sent some copies for sale, to the care of Mr. Foster, by mail steamer. Perhaps you can aid him in the matter. But I have not made presents of the book to any of the clergy (except my commissary), as I do not wish to press my opinions upon any of them, otherwise I should send a copy to you. Should you hear it said that I am about to resign my See, you are at liberty to contradict it. I have no present intention to do anything of the kind ; but I intend to fight the battle of liberty of thought and speech for the clergy. I am glad to say that you have a grant of ^30 from S.P.C.K. I have desired Archdeacon Grubbe to pay to you about £y more. I may be able to lend you some money for the school. Let me know exactly what sum will suffice. By the time that I receive your letter, I shall, no doubt, be able to judge better how things will go with reference to my book. It was published on Wed- nesday last, October 29th, and on the Monday following the fourth edition was ordered, making altogether 10,000 copies. I must leave the question of the catechist for the present. I will see about the communion cloth I am, Yours very faithfully, J. W. NATAL. My friend, Mrs. Dowson, wrote to me a few days later on in the month : Great Yarmouth , November 18th, 1862. Rev. and Dear Sir, I am afraid that you have not received my last letter, written in August, and, therefore, I must have a word or two with you before Christmas shall again overtake us. Much 208 LABOURS IN NATAL . cause we have to be thankful for the prosperous course of your work. . . . How many hearts Bishop Colenso is making sad ! If we are not to hear Moses how are we to believe Christ? Are not these vain babblings, questions, and disputings sad ! To me it seems as though the youngest child in the school of Christ might give an answer to the writings of this wise man ! Truly the Prophet Isaiah speaks of such, when he says, “ Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks , walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of my hand, ye shall lie down in sorrow.” — Isaiah 1. io, ii. Oh! in sorrow must lie down Bishop Colenso! I have received two letters from his Lordship since his arrival in England, in reference to Mr. D . . . . . Mr. Crosse, the excellent minister of our beach- men’s church, has been offered a Bishopric in Central Africa, but he has declined it May God prosper and bless your labours, and in my daily prayers you are always remembered, and I ask yours in return. Believe me always, Rev. and dear Sir, Your sincere friend, M. DOWSON. A former clergyman in Natal, and one of Bishop Hill’s late curates at Great Yarmouth, wrote to me about the same time, as follows : “ Many thanks for your kind and interesting letter, from which I was glad to find that you were, all things considered, going on in a flourishing way. You certainly seem to be making some progress in the advancement of the cause of the gospel. I only hope you endeavour to do it in a genuine church manner, LETTER FROM A CLERGYMAN . 209 as we might almost as well leave them to other sectaries, unless we endeavour to make them what we ourselves boast to be. I am afraid Bishop Colenso seems to have committed himself to some exceedingly strange incomprehensible statements, which, whether actually heretical or otherwise, savour so strongly of the same, that I cannot but think the Bishops in this country will sadly fail in their duty, unless they instigate some steps to prevent the gospel being presented to the Zulu natives in so heterodox a light. Had St. Paul been alive now, he would, I feel sure, have considered the Bishop as preaching another gospel, against which he warned his Galatian converts even though the preacher himself happened to be an angel from heaven. “ I send you a couple of papers, in which you will find some very strong remarks upon the tendency of the Bishop’s state- ments ; though I do not know that the whole tone of the publication will meet with your approbation ; still, the remarks made upon this particular subject, are, I consider, strikingly A great and felt want in D’Urban was a classical school for boys who required something more than could be obtained at the excellent middle-class or private schools which were already in existence. During the latter part of 1862, a gentleman arrived in the colony from England, who was desirous to secure a private tutorship in an English family. Mr. Blathwayt was in every respect fully qualified to fill the position he sought. As, however, no situation presented itself that Mr. Blathwayt was willing to accept, I made proposals to him that we should join in founding a Grammar school at D’Urban, for the sons of English merchants (gentlemen) residing in the town, or in the neighbourhood. The scheme soon became known. The following circular was issued : p 210 LABOURS IN NATAL. “ Grammar School, D’Urban, “ This school, conducted by the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett and Mr. W. S. W. Blathwayt, will be opened in Stangar Street, East End, on Monday, the 2nd February, 1863. “ The course of instruction will comprise all that is required for a sound English education ; including mathematics, history, geography, natural science, grammar, dictation, and letter writing; also Latin, Greek, and French. “ The school opens at half-past nine, and closes at two o’clock. “ Terms : ten shillings per month; Latin, Greek, and French, five shillings extra ; Latin and Greek inclusive, seven shillings and sixpence. “ Books and stationery can be obtained on reference to Rev. A. W. L. Rivett. “ N.B. — It is particularly requested that all pupils will as- semble on the opening day.” Numerous applications for admission were received immediately. Between thirty and forty boys, from nine to fifteen years of age, became pupils at this school, many of whom are now leading men in the colony. My connection with it lasted till I sailed for England. Then I retired in favour of Mr. Blathwayt, who continued to carry on the school some years longer ; after which the government made provision for a high-class school in D’Urban. But Mr. Blathwayt and myself were the pioneers in establishing the first gentlemen’s school in the seaport of the colony. About this time I wrote to Mrs. B. Dowson : D' Urban, January Zth, 1863. Dear Mrs. Dqwson, I was beginning to wonder why I had not heard from you for a long time, but my anxiety was entirely relieved LETTER TO MRS. DOWSON. 2 1 1 when a box from England arrived on the last day of the old year, and I found a letter enclosed from you, with another handsome present for my dear girl. Lucy is delighted with her frock, and my wife joins her and myself in best thanks, wishing you and Mr. Dowson a very happy new year. The year that is gone, I hope, may have proved a blessing to some of my flock, for in addition to close study at its beginning for Priest’s Orders, I have preached two hundred and seventy- five sermons, and taken two hundred and eighty-seven services, besides the usual parochial work. By the prospectus I send you by this mail, you will see that I am about to embark again in scholastic duties. Mr. Blathwayt is a son of a gentleman near Windsor ; he has come out with the intention of engaging in tuition. I have persuaded him to join me in opening a first-class school in D’ Urban which is much needed. He at once fell in with my proposal, and at the beginning of next month we shall enter upon our new work. Fifteen boys are promised already. I thoroughly enjoy teaching colonial boys. I certainly have had some experience in this work since I came to Natal. His Excellency, Lieutenant Governor Scott, and suite, have been visiting D’Urban, I had the pleasure of dining one evening with the Governor, and he told me that he would attend my church at Addington, on the following Sunday morning ; and on the fourth Sunday in Advent, his Excellency and the whole party came. The “Point” felt itself honoured by the presence of the Queen’s representative at church. I, too, was much gratified on seeing them there. I shall be grieved to lose the Bishop of Natal, but I do not think for a moment that he will return to South Africa, notwith- standing his assertion that he has no intention to resign his Bishopric. Mine is a trying position — he married me, and he ordained me Deacon and Priest. He has assisted me in various ways in my work, and his personal kindness since I landed in the colony has been unbounded. I would rather be silent, and leave others more competent than myself to discuss his theories. I can truly say he never tried to thrust his views upon the clergy 212 LABOURS IN NATAL , here; he made no conditions with his candidates for Holy Orders that they should embrace his ideas on theology. I imagine the chance of his visiting Yarmouth is small, and that Mr, Nevill will not be able to offer him the pulpit of old St. Nicholas, after the inhibition of the majority of the Bishops who decline to permit him to officiate in their Dioceses. . . . Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. An important letter which I received from the Bishop of Natal, may not be out of place here : 23, Sussex Place , Kensington , IV., February 1st , 1863. My Dear Mr. Rivett, I was very glad to get your letter and its en- closures, and to hear the tidings that you tell me about matters in Natal. By this mail will go out a parcel of books, part II. of my work on the Pentateuch, to the care of Mr. Foster, for sale. But I have desired him to give a copy to any of the clergy that ask to have a copy given to them. There is, of course, a great movement in England with reference to this publication, as there will probably be a proportionate excitement in Natal. Here , however, there is the advantage of having the men of science and learning, such as Sir Charles Lyell, heartily co- operating ; and I doubt not the truth will prevail. You will hear rumours, of course, of my intention of resigning my See. I authorize you, as before, flatly to contradict them. I have no intention whatever of resigning, and I fully expect, at present, to return to Natal, when I have completed the work for which I went to England, at the end of about another year. It is possible, of course, that events may happen to modify this intention. But such is my present view of what is most likely to be the case. Your duty, of course, will be to abide patiently the discussion, which must take place in England upon the A NEW CHURCH AT VERULAM . 213 subject of my book, which involves questions, far beyond your own sphere of study. I am truly grieved to hear that prices are still rising in Natal. At present my relations with the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, are, of course, somewhat disturbed, and I cannot help you or others by interfering. But I hope that matters will be changed in this respect before I leave England. I am glad to hear the report of the Kaffir school at Addington. With our united kind regards to Mrs. Rivett, I am, Yours very truly, J. W. NATAL. It will be remembered that Verulam, in Victoria county, was once a portion of my district, and that the Rev. W. A. Elder succeeded Archdeacon Mackenzie, as the minister in charge of that parish early in the year 1861. Mr. Elder was the first resident clergyman in Verulam, and from the time he entered upon his duties, he was desirous to build a church there, and lost no time in raising what funds he could to accomplish his object. Soon after the expiration of two years from the time he came into the colony, the foundation stone of the new church was laid, and the following letter gives the invitation to me to be present at the interesting ceremony : Verulam , February 27 th, 1863. My Dear Mr. Rivett, You will perceive by the notice in the Mercury, that we are to lay the foundation stone of our church on Wednesday, the nth of March, at twelve o’clock. I shall be 214 LABOURS IN NATAL. glad if you can make it convenient to be present, though I know it would interfere with your morning service. You might possibly get back for the evening. I should have been glad to have chosen another day, but found it impracticable. Please let me know if you can make arrangements to come. Yours very truly, W. A. ELDER. My duties in D’Urban hindered me from having- the pleasure of being present. Here is a brief letter from my old tutor, Canon Jenkins : Jesus College , Oxford , February 21st, 1863. Dear Mr. Rivett, Let me introduce to you Mr. Greive, who is coming to settle in Natal — the brother of a most excellent clergyman * universally respected in England, living at Clewer. Any kind- ness, or help, or advice, would be very valuable. I hope to write you a long letter soon, in return for your kind and welcome one. With kindest regards to Mrs. Rivett, Ever yours, JOHN D. JENKINS. Among my abundant correspondence, it gave me special pleasure to hear from a late curate of Great Yarmouth, who was rector of a parish in one of the midland counties of England : “I was pleased to receive the account from you of your pro- gress since May, 1855, when you first left Yarmouth for the Cape. It is curious that you should have been reminded of me in the way you were LETTER FROM AN ENGLISH RECTOR. 2 1 5 “I left Yarmouth in the early part of 1856, to travel with my father and sister in Italy, and to visit my mother’s grave at Naples. After a very pleasant outing of six months (which I found most beneficial after my five years at Yarmouth), I took Switzerland on my way home, pointing out to my family the scenes of former exploits on the Alps. “ I took a curacy in Essex, but had not been there two months before I was presented to my living, whence this letter is dated. Here I have now been for nearly six years. Our population is about one thousand, the greater part earning their living by shoemaking. “ It is a strange fact, but fact it is, that there is something in shoemaking which injures the character of the mind — some- thing narrowing and cramping, morally as well as physically. These men work for the contractors for the army, and are an independent bigoted lot of people. I get on very well with them personally ; I mean they generally give me a hearty welcome, but they, as a rule, are terribly unorthodox. Still, some of the shoemakers are among the best and most exemplary of my congregation. “ Talking about orthodoxy, all good men here grieve over the change of your Bishop’s opinions. By publishing that book of his, he seems to be doing most mischievous work in the church. Supposing them to be newly-formed opinions, which, I think, he allows them to be, why did he not conscientiously resign his See, and say nothing ? rather than give the key-note to the song of triumph, which the infidel and socialist will, of course, raise ; and cause the weak and wavering in faith, to lapse, and all good men to sorrow. What little of good can possibly arise from this ill-judged proceeding? This is what is said here, and I daresay with you. “ We are all of us tremendously excited about the war with America. All this sympathy at the commencement of the war was with the North. But their impertinence and braggadocio has completely changed the current of feeling, and nine-tenths of us rejoice at the account of every Confederate victory or success. We find at last, that slavery has little or nothing to do with the quarrel, and though President Lincoln has sent out 216 LABOURS IN NATAL . an abolition proclamation; by the wording thereof it is only a military dodge to raise up new enemies against the South. “In a fortnight’s time, by doctor’s advice for my wife, we are going into your quarter of the world, that is, Africa, either Algiers or Egypt ; we know not which at present. . . . “ We hear good reports of the work of the Bishop of Columbia. You are probably aware that two of the Miss P ’s are there engaged in some useful work under the Bishop. Mr. Johnson is dead. . . He was taken away in the midst of great useful- ness amongst the beachmen. .... .” Mrs. B. Dowson, of Great Yarmouth, volunteered another communication to me, which evidently shews her strong feeling and antipathy to Bishop Colenso’s writings : Monday , “ Passion Week" March 30th, 1863. Rev. and Dear Sir, I cannot resist writing, for one subject is so much on my mind ; you may imagine I mean Bishop Colenso, the poor man who is fighting against God ! I beseech you not to read his works, as it will be only a sad loss of your very precious time, which has been lent you for a nobler purpose. I trust you will make a bonfire of them, and that publicly ! His inten- tions may be not to leave the church, but the church will surely excommunicate him, if not collectively, surely individually. How would St. Paul have withstood him? How does St. Luke withstand him ? (see Acts). How do the minor Prophets with- stand him ? Surely we must say, as the Prophet of old, “ Alas * my brother ! ” You know the deep interest I have always taken in your welfare, that, you will see, is the reason for my writing thus. Fancy his daring to thrust his infidelity into his Diocese 1 Oh ! how many has he already made wretched, who from their ignor- ance (as well as his own ) of Hebrew, he has, spider-like, drawn into his net. I shall think of you during this and Easter week. EASTER HOSPITALITY. 21 7 I hope your Grammar school will succeed, but that you will not by overworking incapacitate yourself for your first duties. Dr. Hills is expected daily in England I am glad to see your father and mother look so well ; their house is nicely situated, and in a most healthy spot. I should hope, in Mr. Tozer you will find a worthy successor to the lamented Bishop Mackenzie. . . . Your very sincere friend, M. DOWSON. During Easter week I invited my churchwardens, and some of the principal members of my congrega- tion to dine with me, and I usually asked those clergy who were not too far distant to join the party. It was always a pleasant gathering, and promoted mutual sympathy between pastor and people. The Rev. Walter Baugh wrote to me : Umlazi Mission , A^ril Stk , 1863. My Dear Mr. Rivett, Thank you very much for your kind letter contain- ing a tiny “indaba.”* You know how welcome a little intelligence of the outer world is to me, so isolated as I am at the Umlazi, and you kindly come to the rescue. Do not fail to repeat the good act. You are certainly very pleasantly kept alive in your new house. The puzzle to me is how you continue to stow your numerous visitors. The conclusion I have come to is, that you have taken the next house and made that into a kind of “visitors’ home”; or, if noti that you clear out the desks in the school room, and daily substitute in their place a fit-up of beds, etc. I am much obliged to you for your kind invitation to your Easter feast. I feel that I am not equal to taking part in such Indaba, i.e., history or tale. 2l8 LABOURS IN NATAL. entertainments. I am well enough to go about and to take a short ride, and even to officiate at a brief Kaffir service. Still there is very much room for improvement. I hope as the dry weather sets in I shall feel it beneficially. I am glad to hear all you can tell me about the Bishop. Nevertheless, I will not believe that he will come back here. If he really contemplates being reconciled to the S.P.G., etc., then I believe he purposes secretly in his heart to retract very much what he has written. If we live long enough we shall see the end. Could you not contrive to come here and preach two sermons at Clairmont and Isipingo, for the Diocesan Church Fund? The former at eleven o’clock, and the latter at half-past three o’clock. How is your Grammar school thriving? . . . I thank you for your invitation to stay with you a few days in D’ Urban. I should be glad of it, no doubt, were I able to ride easily into town. But, at present, I am afraid that the effects of the exertions would in their evil nature outweigh the pleasure and benefit of all that I could see and do in your seaport. I will, however, promise to come some day . . . . Believe me to remain, Yours very truly, WALTER BAUGH. The Rev. James Walton, of Pinetown, wrote to me on April 22nd, 1863 : “ I see your dinner came off well, and gave much satisfaction. All, I think, were well pleased. Your field of usefulness in your parish is important and pleasing. Let us 4 work while it is called day,’ and secure the approval of our Great Master “ I hope Mrs. Rivett has got some satisfaction about her lost sovereigns ” The sovereigns referred to in the above letter were lost on the day previous to the Easter dinner which I A DISHONEST KAFFIR. 219 was about to give to my friends. One of the Zulu servants must have seen Mrs. Rivett go to a small box in her bed-room, where she kept her spare cash, and in the absence of master and mistress, extracted first three, and while inquiries were being made to search for the thief, another two sovereigns. Two or three Kaffirs were taken into custody, but there was not sufficient evidence to detain them, while the one on whom the least suspicion fell, ran away a few days afterwards. Previously to the robbery, he had made a proposal to his mistress that he should purchase one of her best cows. I allowed the affair to pass, as there was but little chance in those days of detecting the offender, or finding out to what particular tribe he belonged. The Zulus were proverbial for their honesty ; but there w T ere exceptions to this general rule. In one case a Kaffir was sent to the Bank with a bag of money and a letter. He was sorely tempted as he felt the weight of the bag, for he knew it con- tained money; so he bethought himself whether he could not conceal the fact from the letter. He placed the letter under a stone, and unfastened the bag, took out some of the precious coin, did it up again, and went on his way, delivering it and the letter at the Bank. The people at the Bank opened the bag and read the letter. It was easy to discover that it had been tampered with, and they said to him, “You have taken so much money out of it.” He was immensely astonished, and returned at once the sum he had taken, and exclaimed — as Kaffirs always do when 220 LABOURS IN NATAL . they are much surprised — Wotyi ! I did not know the Incvvadi (letter) could see as well as speak ! ” It is hoped from that time he became an honest man. Additional, and more important work was to be apportioned to me in a few weeks. The Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, Colonial Chaplain, and Minister of St- Paul’s, D’Urban, was about to proceed to England for a twelve or eighteen months’ visit. It was first thought that Archdeacon Grubbe, the Bishop’s Commissary, might be willing to occupy the post; but after some consideration he declined it, and Mr. Lloyd made special arrangements with me to take charge of D’Urban. The following letter is the authority by which I was to hold the appointment, and in a few days it was officially announced in the Government Gazette : Colonial Office , Natal , May 21 st, 1863. Sir, I am directed, by the Lieutenant Governor, to inform you that he has been pleased to appoint you to act as Colonial Chaplain, D’Urban, during the absence on leave of the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, with the half salary and full allowance for house rent attached to the office, to have effect from the date of embarkation of the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, D. ERSKINE, Colonial Secretary . INCREASED WORK. 7 I At the beginning of June, 1863, I entered upon my additional duties. I had, during the former three years, generally preached at St. Paul’s on Sunday evenings, but now all the duty appertaining to the Parish of D’Urban, as well as my military work and the Parish of Christ Church, Addington, were entirely on my hands. After Mr. Lloyd had sailed, my first thought was, “ it is overwhelming ” ; shall I ever get through it ? I did undertake even more than is at the present time recorded, as will be shown later on. Except the occasional help of a brother minister, who might come on a short visit to the seaport, or that of some clergyman unexpectedly arriving from England, and perhaps, travelling in South Africa for his health, I laboured alone till Mr. Lloyd’s return in October, 1864. The time was coming when my intercourse with the Bishop of Natal would evidently be more strained, and it was my desire and determination, that what- ever steps I should have to take in the coming controversy, and the results that would follow, to act with forethought and care. As matters proceeded it will be seen that I never deviated from the course which I meant to pursue, and which, in my con- science, I thought right. My aim was to be loving and respectful to him who had been my personal friend for so many years. The Bishop of Natal’s writings and publications in England created great excitement. The majority of the Bishops met in solemn conclave, 222 LABOURS IN NATAL. and first inhibited his lordship from officiating in their Dioceses, and subsequently called upon him to resign his See. The Dean of Cape Town addressed the following letter to the Dean of Maritzburg, a copy of which was communicated to each licensed clergyman in Natal : Cape Town , March iSth, 1863. My Dear Sir, You will understand that there is no desire on our part to come forward ; but as it seems clear that if anything is done at all it must be done by the clergy in the first instance, we thought it better to lose no more time, at the same time feeling that the Natal clergy ought to have taken the initiative. Will you be kind enough to consult such of the clergy of Natal as are within reach, and write to me, if possible, *by the return mail, as the Bishop of Cape Town is very anxious that proceedings should be begun as soon as possible. If, at the same time, you could refer me to the passages that seem to you most openly to conflict with Articles and Formula- ries, both in the “ Pentateuch ” and the “ Romans,” it will assist us in framing Articles of Accusation. The “ Norman” leaves sooner than I expected.' I am obliged, therefore, to write in haste, and more briefly than I intended; but you will understand that our reason for taking this step is only the necessity of doing something, and the fact that Cape Town is the most natural centre of operations in such a matter. Sympathising with you deeply in all your trouble, Believe me, Yours very truly, H. DOUGLAS. LETTER FROM DEAN OF MARITZBURG. 223 The Dean of Maritzburg, in commenting to me on the Dean of Cape Town’s letter, wrote as follows: P. M. Burg , March 3 1 j*/, 1863. My Dear Rivett, I enclose you a copy of a letter I have received from the Dean of Cape Town, with its enclosures, and would ask you kindly to shew it to Mr. Lloyd, and let me hear from you, if possible, as to what course you and he would like to adopt, in time for me to reply to the Dean by the return mail. I think it only fair to you to say, that in my judgment, you would do best to sit quiet. Having been so recently ordained by the Bishop, you can hardly be his censor, particularly as his Commentary on the Romans was then out. I think that if you contemplated ever presenting him for that work you should not have accepted a new and so solemn an office at his hands, or accepting it, you can only keep still and hear what the church’s judgment thereon is. I differ altogether from the Dean in thinking that the Natal Clergy ought to have taken the initiative, but in so painful a matter we must expect differences of opinion. Believe me, Yours very truly, JAMES GREEN. No doubt the Dean of Maritzburg was right, and it would have been most presumptuous on the part of the Natal Clergy, to have been the first to inaugurate any movement to prosecute the Bishop of Natal in any Ecclesiastical Court, for his writings. Although Mr. Barker and myself were ordained Priests so recently as March, 1862, by the Bishop^ 224 LABOURS IN NATAL . two others of the clergy had also previously received Priest’s Orders, subsequent to the publication of the “ Romans.” It must not be overlooked or forgotten, that all the clergy in the Diocese (with the exception of one or two), if they were not ordained by the Bishop, yet had received the office and dignity of Dean, Arch- deacon, or Canon, from his hands. Some of these, within a very brief period of their accepting their dignified offices, presented the Bishop to the Metro- politan for heresy, long before the “ Romans ” or the “ Pentateuch ” was published. It was, therefore, a painful position for any one of them to move in such a matter. The duty of the clergy in Natal was to wait patiently for the judgment of the Fathers of the Church, and to be guided by their counsel. If proceedings were to be commenced, the proper place was in England, where the Bishop received his Commission from the Archbishop of Canterbury; or, if the Archbishop so adjudged, at Cape Town. I did “sit quiet,” and took no part in expressing any public opinion till the Venerable Archdeacon Grubbe, the Bishop’s Commissary, sent the annexed address for me to sign, to be forwarded to the Bishop of Natal, and to the next highest in authority, the Metropolitan Bishop of Cape Town : PROTEST OF THE NATAL CLERGY. 225 Bishopstowe , Natal. To the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Natal. We, duly licensed Clergy, ministering in the Diocese of Natal, desire to address your lordship upon a matter of the utmost importance to the Church planted in this Colony. We have heard, with the deepest pain, of a work published by you, in which you state, in effect, that you no longer hold, believe, nor are able to teach some, at least, of the most vital of the doctrines of the United Church of England and Ireland. We consider that, in our relative positions, it would have ill- become us to have been the first to draw attention to acts of yours done before the whole world, and therefore, we remained silent until those in authority in our church had publicly marked their sense of your lordship’s proceeding. But we understand that a very large majority of the Arch- bishops and Bishops having written to you suggesting the propriety of your resigning your office, you have answered that it is not your intention to comply with that suggestion. Under these circumstances, we consider that a longer silence on our part would be most culpable. There are, we are aware, legal questions which it belongs to others to decide ; but we feel that we have a duty independently of any merely legal proceedings. The various offices which we hold, the emoluments we receive, are held on the faith of our upholding and defending the doctrines of the Church of England, and on that under- standing only could we honestly and conscientiously continue to hold those offices, or to receive those emoluments. Unfeignedly believing all the Canonical Scriptures of the New and Old Testament, and bound to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to God’s Word, we feel compelled, in the sight of God and His Church, and more especially before the people committed to our care and charge, to protest most solemnly against the position taken by you in the publication of this book, and your determination to retain Q 226 LABOURS IN NATAL the office of Bishop. We think it right to lay this our protest before the Ecclesiastical authority — to whom, next to your lordship, we must look — the Metropolitan Bishop of Cape Town. We are, Your Lordship’s faithful Servants, C. S. GRUBBE, M.A., A rchdeacon o f Maritzburg , WILLIAM HENRY CYNRIC LLOYD, Colonial Chaplain , Rector of D' Urban. * JAMES WALTON, Pinetown . A. TONNESEN, Umgababa. W. BAUGH, Umlazi. W. A. ELDER, Verulam. JOSEPH BARKER, Umzinto. ALFRED W. L. RIVETT, Addington. I neither desired nor aspired to be the Bishop’s censor or judge, but I could have no hesitation in appending my signature, and at once wrote to my Bishop a private letter, telling him I had done so, and stating briefly and clearly my own views on “ Inspira- tion,” and other subjects, wherein I differed from his lordship. I never penned a more painful letter ; but as the time had arrived, in self-defence I must declare * Mr. Walton, after the words, “our care and charge,” would continue * ‘ to avow our unaltered adherence to the doctrines of our church as found in our Articles and authorised Formularies, believing them to be in accordance with God’s Holy Word ; and the office which your lordship holds, and the opinions you avow, appear to us to be greatly at variance with consistency, accompanied, as it is, with an intimation on the part of your lordship that you can no longer use the Formularies to which you have subscribed.” LETTER FROM REV. A. GARFIT. 227 openly or not whether I endorsed the Bishop’s views. Silence would have meant acquiescence or weakness. Numerous, indeed, were my correspondents, but no letters gave me greater pleasure than those I occasionally received from the Rev. Arthur Garfit, who prepared me for Confirmation, at Gt. Yarmouth/ in the year 1850 : Richmond. , May yth, 1863. My Dear Rivett, I thank you for your letter of February 4th, which I received some time ago. I am glad you are getting on so well. You seem, indeed, to have a good deal of work on your hands. I should have thought almost more than you had time for. You must find yourself, as we often did at Yarmouth, rather running dry for want of time to replenish your stores. This may do for a time, and no doubt you find all your schemes are wanted at D’ Urban, but soon you will have to take a resting time, to lay up more store for your work. You would, of course, be very sorry about the disturbance respecting your Bishop. He seems unwilling to take advice, or retract anything. But he has scarcely any sympathisers in the church, or, indeed, in England. The Bishops and Clergy are, of course, all against him — but even the philosophers and free- thinking people do not go with him, as those who do not care about sound theology have discovered that his book is incorrect and unphilosophical, and not to be defended, even on the common principles of criticism. The matter has passed over here. It was the topic for a short time, but now is almost forgotten, though I am afraid that the process of depriving him of his Bishoprick will be like all law proceedings — slow, as it seems that the initiative can only be taken in the Colony Believe me, Yours very truly, ARTHUR GARFIT. 228 LABOURS IN NATAL . Another letter is here recorded, which I wrote to my esteemed friend in Gt. Yarmouth : U Urban, May 31 st, 1863. Dear Mrs. Dowson, Many thanks for your kind letter which came safely to hand on Thursday last. You will, in due time (if it be published), read a document signed by the clergy and addressed to our Bishop, regretting that his lordship does not resign his See, if he cannot agree with the orthodox teaching of the church. I never disliked doing anything so much in my life as having to add my name to it. Had I withheld it (for after all we are not his judge), I am sure you and innumerable others at Yarmouth and elsewhere would have been doubting whether or not I had adopted his views. I well considered the effect in every way, and without pre- suming to dictate to my official superior what he ought or ought not to teach, I wrote and told the Bishop what my views were on those subjects ; but I can conjecture what he would think, if he did not actually say it — “ that Rivett’s studies were not so extensive as to make him a competent critic of his latest works on the Pentateuch” — and the same thought wouM apply in the Bishop’s mind to others of my brother clergy, whose names are joined with mine. As far as we are concerned, I do not think our address will carry the slightest weight with the Bishop. If he will not hearken to men like the Bishop of Oxford, and many others, is it likely that he will listen to any remonstrance from us ? I know him too well to think so. I witnessed quite enough at the beginning of the troubles, in 1858, to judge him fairly on this matter. But shoifld he return to Natal, and nothing be done by the Bishops in England to bring him to account for his teaching, then I do not see how we can honestly hold our appointments. We must resign, whether we like it or not, or else obey him as before. LETTER TO MRS. DOWS ON. 229 It is, of course, possible that he may be induced to review his position, and resign before the J end of the year. But the chances are, he will not do so, after the judgment on the “ Essays and Reviews.” I quite expect to hear from his lord- ship soon, as he frequently writes to me, and I am often asked by one or other of the clergy, “What news have you had from the Bishop ?” I assure you, I am not at all tainted with heresy that I am aware of. I grieve to think that more troublous times are in store for us, and it will be a long and tedious affair before we are delivered from them. Marvellous to relate, in a few days I shall be the only clergy- man in D’Urban and Addington. The Colonial Chaplain (Mr. Lloyd) preaches his last sermon to-morrow morning, and sails in the “ Evangeline,” for England during the next week. The Lieutenant Governor has appointed me to act in his absence. Just now we have not a large number of soldiers in the camp, and the Commandant has permitted the men to come to the civilians’ service at eleven o’clock, at St. Paul’s. Even then I shall have two services in D’Urban, and two at Christ Church, Addington, on a Sunday. By the time Mr. Lloyd returns to the Colony I shall look forward to a visit to England for a change, I heartily wish you may see Mr. Lloyd. He is a fine English gentleman of the olden time. He once had two livings in Staffordshire, viz., Norbury and Ronton. My school is thriving, and Mr. Blathwayt is an excellent master. He takes the greatest pains with the boys, who come from all parts. I have two young gentlemen boarders in the house. The other day, while walking in the town, a gentleman came up to me and asked if I were Mr. Rivett, of Yarmouth, and who should it be but Captain Davie, son of Mr. Davie, in Friar’s Lane. He claimed acquaintance as having known me from the time I was a youngster. He is captain of one of our mail steamers, which runs between here and Cape Town. I was delighted to meet him, as I always am to see an English friend. 230 LABOURS IN NATAL. My Lent lectures were well attended this year, particularly in Holy Week. I saw a gentleman who came out with Bishop Tozer from England. He was ill the whole way. I should think the Zambezi will not suit him, if he is delicate. A Mr. and Mrs. Daggett, two friends of mine, have recently come back from England. They had not landed more than a few weeks before Mr. Daggett was taken ill and died. While staying in England, a Mrs. Admiral Harcourt, who resided near Bedale, Yorkshire, gave them a pretty iron church for the Congella, where they resided ; and this church is expected to arrive in the ship called the “ Priscilla.” I hear it cost over ^500, but it includes all the internal fittings — pulpit, reading desk, seats, etc., etc , . I am, Yours sincerely, ALFRED W. L, RIVETT. It has already been stated that after the Colonial Chaplain had embarked for England, the few military stationed at D’Urban, came to the eleven o’clock morning service at St. Paul’s. Once a month it was customary for the D’Urban Rifle Guard to join the military at their early service at nine o’clock, and a request was made to me that they should come to the later service, as the soldiers did. I was aware that such an arrangement might possibly interfere with the comfort and convenience of the usual congregation. I therefore took counsel with the churchwardens of St. Paul’s on this matter, who, after consultation, addressed the following letter to me : SERVICES FOR THE VOLUNTEER CORPS. 231 D' Urban , July 31 st, 1863. Rev. Sir, In reference to the application for the use of St. Paul’s Church by the Volunteer Corps of this town, at the eleven o’clock morning service, we beg, on behalf of ourselves and the congregation, strenuously to object to such an arrange- ment. There can be no objection to the use of the church for a special military service, as has been the case hitherto ; but to appropriate the regular services for such a purpose would, we respectfully submit, cause unseemly interruption to the usual order of public worship, as well as cause inconvenience to the regular attendants. We consider the occasion appropriate to mention that the use of the churchyard as a military parade ground on Sunday, and the playing of drums and'fifes, is very distasteful to many of the congregation, who are, nevertheless, warm suporters of the volunteer movement in its essentials. We beg to thank you for the opportunity of expressing our views on this point and remain, Reverend Sir, Yours very obediently, Ch urch wardens 1 GEORGE RUTHERFORD. ( THOMAS POYNTON. On June 3rd, 1863, a clergyman, who had formerly resided in Natal, and is now a curate in the Diocese of Peterborough, wrote a long epistle to me. The following is an extract : “ I am afraid the Bishop of Natal, notwithstanding all his heretical statements, and his strange doctrines, will be able still to continue as Bishop, partly in consequence of the tenderness with which law guards actual possession, and also through a kind of fear which I am afraid possesses his fellow brethren on 232 LABOURS IN NATAL. the bench, despite all their hard words and denunciations of his line of teaching, to take any genuine active measures towards freeing their body from the incubus of such a burden. I see the Bishop of Cape Town has been defeated in the ‘ Long’ case, so that his Lordship cannot proceed by civil law against the offending Bishop : whether the summons, which I understand has been served upon Bishop Colenso, to appear before the Metropolitan court in November, will have any prosperous issue, remains, of course, among the things at present unknown. I think there can be no doubt that the prelates who will have on that occasion to act as judges, will find the statements in the published works, sufficient to justify themselves in taking strong measures, but whether the Bishop of Natal will follow their advice, is a matter of some doubt “ I was sorry to hear that our friend B had seceded from the church, though one can hardly be surprised at any such step, because whatever else may be good in Natal, church principles certainly are not, and any earnest churchman might look in vain for those additional means of grace which ought to be the desire of every one. “ I was very much pleased with the Lenten programme which you so kindly enclosed, and which, I trust, produced as much beneficial effect as you could desire ” Whatever the unsound teaching of Bishop Colenso and his remarkable theological theories, I have never met another man in the whole of my experience through life, who had a kindlier heart, or more con- sideration for others than the Bishop of Natal. His greatest adversary could not but admit that he fought the government with indomitable energy and zeal, for what he considered the rights of the natives. If his policy was a mistaken one, he acted from the purest motives. Without entering into the subject of how far the Bishop was right or wrong, I give a willing testimony that in private affairs I have never met his equal. LETTER FROM BISHOP CQLENSO. 233 The first part of the following letter is an illustra- tion of many instances in his correspondence, a very small portion of which I have introduced into this book : • 23, Sussex Place , Kensington, July $th, 1863. My Dear Mr. Rivett, The postage is now so heavy, that I must ask you to charge to my account all your prepayments on letters which you have written (or will have to write) to me since I left Natal. With your small income you cannot afford to throw away money in this way. So please make no scruple, but set it down to me, and I will settle it either through Mr. Foster (my agent) or when I return to Natal, as I fully expect to do at the end of about another year, when I shall have finished my book, God willing. I thank you for the Dean of Cape Town’s letter. No doubt you will have heard before this, that a citation has been sent to me to appear before the Bishop of Cape Town in November. In my own course of action I shall be guided, of course, by competent legal advice. At present, I am advised to take no notice whatever of such a citation, as it is altogether inoperative and illegal — as the similar citation served on Mr. Long has now been pronounced to have been. You will see by this month’s papers that the Privy Council has decided everything in favour of Mr. Long, and against the Bishop of Cape Town, who is saddled with all the expenses. . . . . I have now sent copies enough of the Pentateuch to make up the original number of part I., and the same number of part III., just published, by which, as you will gather from the reviews (. Athenceum , Examiner , &c.), considerable effect has been produced, and public opinion in England may now be said to be setting strongly on my side of the question, and against the English bench of Bishops. Part III. was published about a fortnight ago. Four thousand copies of the first edition 234 LABOURS IN NATAL. are gone, and about two hundred and fifty of the second, as I heard yesterday from Longman’s. You will see, also, in the proceedings of parliament, indica- tions of important impending changes. With respect to the Cathedral debt, it is useless, I imagine,, to do anything until I return to the Diocese I hope that Mr. Robinson will make an efficient M.P., and I think that he will. I liked the spirit of his address. There is no particular news I am, Yours truly, J. W. NATAL. Within a short time of receiving the above letter, my uncle, Dr. Chapman, late Deputy Inspector General of Army Hospitals in India, wrote from Paris : Hotel Chatham, Rue Neuve St. Augustin , Paris , September ist, 1863. Mv Dear Alfred, Your last kind communication was forwarded to me on the Continent, and I perused it with much pleasure and interest, and I was not a little gratified to* find out you had been appointed, although temporarily, to the charge of D’Urban. Your position must be remarkably good, and may you long continue to prosper, and render yourself of benefit to your fellow creatures. I saw in the Times newspaper, a month ago, a copy of the protest forwarded to Bishop Colenso, by the clergy of the Natal Diocese, and to which was attached your name ; this circum- stance rather astounded me, having been informed in your previous letter, that you wrote to him almost every month. What will he say to this act? Well, I cut the paragraph out of LETTER FROM DR. CHAPMAN. 2 3S the paper, and sent to your mother, that she might be convinced you had not become a convert to the Colenso heresies. I must plainly tell you, that under all circumstances, I am glad you are not in England just now, for there is almost universally a very strong feeling against the Bishop, and par- ticularly by the heads of the Church, which, under existing circumstances, might have been prejudicial to you. Part III. of his work is out, but it meets, I am informed, with a very limited sale. I am told my lord will neither resign nor return to Natal. A work has just come out in Paris, written by Professor Renan, a very learned man, entitled The Life of Jesus ; it has created quite as great a sensation in France, as Bishop Colenso’s book did in England. Professor Renan denies that “ God was manifested in the flesh,” in the form of man, and in his nature. The Bishop and Renan are classed as writers of the same school, the former having attempted to impugn the veracity of the Old Testament, and the latter that of the New, denying altogether the Divinity of our Lord. Replies to Renan are coming out daily in abundance Yours affectionately, JOHN STRANGE CHAPMAN. The Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, colonial chaplain, arrived in England from Natal, August 25th, 1863, after being eighty-four days at sea. In a few weeks, on his own account, he called upon the Archbishop of Canterbury, to confer with him respecting the Bishop of Natal’s publications, but not finding His Grace at home, Mr. Lloyd addressed a long letter to him, enclosing a copy of the protest from the clergy of Natal to their Bishop, and explained to His Grace, that although the whole of the clergy in the diocese did not append their signatures, it was not owing to any disagreement between them respecting 236 LABOURS IN NATAL, their risrlit of doing so, but that the document had been considered, by those who did not sign it, as not sufficiently strong to meet the case. Mr. Lloyd was desirous to obtain from His Grace an opinion, whether, after the overwhelming protest of the Archbishops and Bishops against Bishop Colenso’s continuing any longer to exercise his Episcopal functions had been forwarded to him, in the event of his returning to his diocese, he ought to acknowledge him with due canonical obedience ? And further, if His Grace would favour him with his advice in this most perplexing difficulty. I record the Archbishop's reply to Mr. Lloyd, as it bears so much upon the events of that period, and was written previous to the coming trial at Cape Town : Aldington Park , Croydon , October \7thy 1863. Rev. and Dear Sir, I much regretted that I should have missed the pleasure of seeing you when you called at Addington, during my absence from home ; as I should very much have liked to converse with you on the present unhappy state of affairs in the Diocese of Natal. I have looked through the papers which you left for my perusal, and I fully enter into the difficulties of the situation in which all the clergy of the Diocese are placed. The difficulty I feel in giving the advice you seek, results from the possibility of my being one day or other called upon as Primate of all England, to give a judicial decision in Bishop Colenso’s case. This possibility has not prevented me from giving utterance LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP LONGLEY. 23 7 to my conviction of the inconsistency between the conduct and the office of the Bishop of Natal — but this is a different thing from pronouncing any specific opinion promulgated by him to be heretical, and obnoxious to ecclesiastical punishment. There are many acts which the law just fails to reach, but which are nevertheless eminently culpable. But, if I were beforehand to say that you would be justified in your refusal to yield canonical obedience to him as your Diocesan, and to admit him into your church ; I should, in fact, be anticipating my judgment, and stating beforehand that I held him to be amenable to punishment for some specific breach of ecclesiastical law. This I could not justly do, until I had heard his defence. Under these circumstances I am afraid I must leave you to act for yourself. Believe me, Yours very truly, C. T. CANTUAR. P.S. — Of course, if the Bishop should be condemned by a com- petent court in the Colony, that would be your sufficient authority for refusing canonical obedience. In the early part of August, the new church at Verulam was opened; the foundation stone of which had been laid the previous March. Several of the clergy in the Diocese who accepted the invitation of the Rev. W. A. Elder, the Incumbent, took part in the festival services, which were bright and hearty. Archdeacon Grubbe was the preacher at the first service, and I preached one of the sermons during the Octave, on Thursday evening, August 13th. The weather being favourable, the services were well attended. Verulam is an important Wesleyan settlement. It was thought a great achievement on the part of Mr. 2 3 8 LABOURS IN NATAL. Elder, to erect so nice and neat a building as the church of St. Thomas. In 1858, when Archdeacon Mackenzie and myself officiated in the small court house, from fifteen to twenty adults were considered a large attendance. Now the majority of the congregation is composed principally of sugar planters and settlers who live at some distance from the village. The chief church people resident in Verulam were Dr. Blaine, the highly-respected magistrate of the place, and his family. Early in November, I exchanged duties with Mr. Elder, which gave me an opportunity of visiting and preaching to my former congregations on the coast. The investigation into the charges to be brought against the Bishop of Natal for heresy, was fixed, November 17th, 1863, to take place in St. George’s cathedral, Cape Town. Some weeks previous to this event, Archdeacon Fearne wrote to me : “ I have to inform you that the Metropolitan wishes us, under the present trials of the church, to use the prayer for unity, out of the service for the 20th of June.” And the Dean of Maritzburg subsequently wrote : “ That our people should be urged publicly to earnest prayer for Divine guidance upon all those who were to take part in the proceedings at Cape Town, and that the Litany should be said on each day in that week.” I enquired of one or two of my brother clergy what course they were going to pursue in the matter. One replied thus : FRA YERS FOR THE CHURCH. 239 “I have also a copy of the same letter from the Dean. . . The letter, however, can only be considered as private advice, and then it is very well in its way. I should have liked it better if it had had the Bishop’s commissary’s name connected with it, for then we should have seen they had been conferring with each other about the important affair ; but even then, it would have been only private advice, and not official, or in any way binding. I do not see how you can make any public announcement in reference to it in the church. For the Dean ought to know } and does know, it might subject you to an ecclesiastical censure, from the Bishop on his arrival in the Diocese. “It is probable that the three South African Bishops will meet in Cape Town, on the 17th inst. (although Bishop Colenso will not appear), and will deliberate on the case. The whole business is very solemn, and to us in Natal very important. Anything we can do, then, to carry out the spirit of the Dean’s suggestion, I feel we ought to do. We are commanded to ‘ make known our requests unto God,’ and we know, I trust, the importance of prayer. I am, therefore, urging it quietly upon the more pious of my people, who really love the church, to join me next Tuesday, at their private devotions, in a very special way, in entreating the Great Head of the Church to guide and direct His servants in this matter, and that their conference may redound to His Glory. If we do this, I am sure it will be for the good of His Church. I think it will be better than making any special stir in the church publicly, which would be sure to give offence to many ” A communication from Mrs. B. Dovvson is always interesting : Great Yarmouth , November 2 \th, 1863. Rev. and Dear Sir, I have almost despaired of writing to Natal, in consequence sometimes of indisposition, added to the many calls on my pen. Now I do hope to get through a letter without 240 LABOURS IN NATAL. interruption. Be assured you have been much in my thoughts, always in my prayers ; most thankful I am for all the blessings which have followed you to a far-off land. Surely the seed you have been allowed to sow will spring up through all succeeding generations of the world, and no part of the harvest shall ever perish, but be found laid up where there is no corruption. Bishop Hills has not yet returned, neither do I know anything of his plans. Poor unhappy Bishop Colenso ! what is he doing ? setting himself in battle array against Him who says, “ think not I come to destroy the law and the prophets. I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.” Here is an arm of flesh striving with the Almighty ! . . . . The account you give of your work is very interesting, but as St. Paul gave Timothy an injunction for his health’s sake, so would I to you. Much as I reciprocate your desire to have a chat with you once again in “ Old England,” I think it would be very unsettling for you to return just at present. . . . We have a large staff of clergy here. Mr. and Mrs. Gott are hard workers ; but one man here is worth his weight in gold, he is one for whom I obtained the Scripture Readership at St. Andrew’s. His name is Chase. Night and day at his post, sitting up with the dying, going up the rivers, walking in true holiness. He is another of my gleams of sunshine. I have no doubt you hear all our local news, so I confine my- self to the world in general. Wars, fires, earthquakes, all give warnings, but few are inclined to hear. Another Advent is at hand, and what is prevailing? Luxury and wailing poverty side by side in great London. Have you ever seen A Commentary on the Minor Prophets , published in numbers ? It is a wonderful book ; a full refuta- tion of Dr Colenso, although not originally written in reference to it. It is by the Regius Professor of Hebrew, at Oxford. . . I remain always, Your very sincere friend, M. DOWSON. TRIAL OF BISHOP COLENSO. 241 The Bishop of Natal’s trial was commenced at Cape Town, on Tuesday, the 17th of November, 1863, and continued till Saturday, the 2 1st, when the court adjourned to December 14th, to hear the opinion of the assessors ; and judgment was delivered by the Bishop of Capetown, on Wednesday, December 16th, after which the following pastoral letter from the Metropolitan and his coadjutors, was sent to the Dean of Maritzburg, with instructions for the clergy to publish it in church on the following Sunday : Bishops Court , Cape Town, December 17 th , 1863. To the Clergy and Faithful Laity in Natal, Brethren in Christ, We think it our duty to inform you that, after long and anxious deliberation, we have come to the conclusion that your Bishop has not been charged falsely with erroneous teach- ing; that he has openly proclaimed opinions which are at variance with the belief of the Church in all ages, and of our branches of it in particular, and which are, in our judgment, subversive of the Christian Faith. In consequence of this, it has been the painful duty of the Metropolitan, with the advice and consent of such other Bishops of the Province as could be conveniently assembled, to deprive him of his office as Bishop of Natal, unless he shall, within a specified time, retract the false teaching which has been con- demned. Should he, by God’s Grace, be led to see the grievous errors into which he has fallen, and to renounce them, we shall have won back a brother to the Faith, and your Bishop shall be restored to you. Should he refuse to do this, he will no longer have any authority from Christ or His Church to bear rule in the church of Natal, or in any way to minister in Divine offices ; and the clergy will be released from their vow of canonical R 242 LABOURS IN NATAL. obedience to him, and will not be at liberty in any way to recognize him as their Bishop. Let us earnestly pray to God that He may be recovered, and yet again uphold that faith which he once pledged himself to maintain, but which of late he has sought to overthrow. We are not unmindful, brethren, of the sorrows and anxieties and perplexities which have come upon you through the falling away from the Faith of your chief pastor. It is our desire to bear you continually in remembrance before the Throne of Grace, that, not being tossed to and fro by every wind of vain doctrine, you may stand fast in the Faith which is in Christ Jesus, as that Faith has been held and taught by the Church from the beginning, and may walk worthy of the Gospel of Christ. It is possible that your Bishop may return to Natal before receiving the Metropolitan’s judgment. If so, you will re- member that the sentence does not take effect until the 16th of April next, when the period of retractation will have expired. Commending you very earnestly to the protection and guidance of God, We are, Dear Brethren, Your faithful servants in Christ, R. CAPE TOWN, Metropolitan , H. GRAHAMSTOWN, EDWARD, BISHOP, ORANGE FREE STATE. The year 1864, with all its attendant circumstances and remarkable events, was the most important in my African experience. Few men of my age ever held a more influential position, or had organized and undertaken the amount of work which fell to my lot, during this year, in D’Urban, Addington, and the beautiful suburb of the Berea, where Natal’s princely merchants reside. WORK IN 1864. 243 No one could love his work more, or feel greater respect for the people among whom he laboured. The kindness and generosity which were shown to me from this time to the hour of my departure from Natal, will always be green in my memory. Archdeacon and Mrs. Grubbe had sailed for Eng- land. After the Bishop’s Commissary left, the Diocese was practically without a head. The Dean of Maritzburg was the senior clergyman in Natal, but he was not acting as Commissary or Vicar General. As the chapter proceeds, I shall have to relate painful, as well as pleasant duties — varied scenes in the life of every one holding a public and official position. One of my first letters in January was addressed to Mrs. B. Dowson : D' Urban , January i 8 t/i, 1864. Dear Mrs. Dowson, Many thanks for your kind letter, which has just arrived by the mail. It is always a treat to hear from you. I am still continuing the same amount of work that I reported to you last May, and I do not expect Mr. Lloyd, the Colonial Chaplain, to return before nearly the end of the year. He has, I find, taken a sole charge, temporarily, at Moreton-in-the-Marsh, Gloucestershire. My health is excellent, notwithstanding the very trying season this summer. It is hot indeed, and sickness is prevalent in the town. I have had several funerals this month. My wife and I are determined to visit England in the early part of next year. I shall then have been in the Colony ten years, and I think a change home will be necessary and benefi- cial. I propose to ask for eighteen months’ leave of absence, 244 LABOURS IN NATAL . and not resign any appointment. Six months I expect to devote to staying with relations and friends, and for the remaining portion seek a “ sole charge.” I may wish to raise money for special objects here by ser- mons and lectures, as more can be accomplished by a personal appeal than by means of circulars or letters. There is not a chance of my starting till Mr. Lloyd arrives, as there is no clergyman to engage. If I were ill I do not know what could be done. By the out-going mail I am writing to Mrs. Admiral Harcourt, of Swinton Park, Masham, in Yorkshire, who generously gave a little church for the Congella, to Mr. and Mrs. Daggett. Mr. Daggett, as I have told you, died within a short time after he returned from England. Mrs. Daggett and her little child (who stayed with us before they left) have gone back to England. The church has arrived, and is at the Custom House ; but there is no one to take any interest in the matter now Mrs. Daggett is gone. The Congella inhabitants are very few in number, and most of them are Nonconformists, so that I question whether it be practicable to place the church in that neighbourhood. The Berea is a thriving suburb of D’Urban, and a church is needed there, as the people are both able and willing to support a clergyman. I am deputed to ask Mrs. Harcourt whether she will transfer her munificent gift to the Berea. If she does we shall lose no time in rescuing it from the damage which it must sustain by lying at the Point. I fear a portion of it has already received injury. I feel somewhat assured the lady will comply with the request. Had Mr. and Mrs. Daggett been at Congella, I do not think it would have been used by many beyond their own family. My income now, from all sources, is a little over ^400 a year — of course, it includes the school, and my share in it. From the papers I forward, you will see that our Bishop has been deposed at Cape Town, although the judgment does not take effect till the 16th of April. He will never retract, and he will not take any account of what has been done, beyond testing in England, what legal validity the Bishop of Cape Town’s proceedings have. I was quite sure he would treat the LETTER TO MRS. DOW'S ON. 245 protest which the clergy signed with contempt, and I never expected any reply to it, as some of the clergy did, who are often enquiring of me, “What reply has the Bishop made?” He sent none; but I will tell you what he wrote to me in a private letter, and it was only at its close : “ How could you be so foolish as to put your name to such a document?” and concluded, “notwithstanding your blunder, I shall still subscribe myself, “Yours very truly, “J. W. NATAL.” I have to walk with careful steps in D’ Urban ; for though a large number of people here are decidedly opposed to his teaching (there are a few who think with him), they look upon in- terference from any one but the Crown, who granted the “ Letters Patent,” as an illegal intrusion. It is so difficult for them to perceive any difference between the legal and the spiritual power, or the Bishop’s spiritual office as distinct from his legal status ; they consider both blended in one, and that neither can be separated. The Bishops of the Province have deposed him from all spiritual offices, but from nothing that the Queen gave him. It remains to be seen what the end of it will be. I shall watch with intense interest the Bishop’s movements, and the result of his appeal — which he will undoubtedly make to the Privy Council. If it be decided that the Bishop of Cape Town had no legal right to try him, he will not fail to come out and again exercise his Episcopal office as before. But many things will happen before that time arrives. A few weeks ago I had to read a “ Pastoral Letter ” in church, from the Bishops of the Province. Many of the Laity were indignant with the Clergy for doing so. I find it best to avoid, if possible, talking on the subject — a very painful one, and necessarily so to me, knowing him as I do. I have reduced my church debt at Addington to £3 5 s. 7d. The church has cost over £ 600 . I gave a lecture for it in the month of November, in a large warehouse, decorated for the occasion. £ 16 8s. was realized by the sale of is. 6d. tickets. The choirs 246 LABOURS IN NATAL. of St. Paul’s and Addington enlivened the evening by excellent playing and singing. The Reverend J. Lovell Procter, chaplain to the late Bishop Mackenzie, of the Zambezi, has paid me a visit, on his way to the Zulu Country. He is to be married to Mrs. Robertson’s niece, Miss Woodrow, who is on a visit there, and recently came from England. Mr. Procter is one of those whose life has been spared. He accompanied the good Bishop to the Zambezi in February, 1861, and after the Bishop’s death was the senior Priest in charge of the Mission. He has had fever many times. He now looks very ill. It was a delight to me to have a brother clergyman spending a Sunday in D’Urban. He kindly assisted me at St. Paul’s and at Addington Yours very sincerely, ALFRED W. L RIVETT. The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel appointed a representative committee to settle the renewal of their three years’ grants to the clergy in Natal. The Dean of Maritzburg was one of them, and was also correspondent. He wrote to me on January 2nd, 1864 : “As the Grants of the S.P.G. to this Diocese terminate in June next, I forward you a paper to fill up at your earliest conveni- ence, and return to me, in order that the committee may transmit their report by the next mail. I heard the other day that you were wishing to leave for England. Is that correct? I should like to know, as it might affect our arrangements.” I at once informed the Dean that it was my inten- tion to apply for eighteen months’ furlough, after Mr. Lloyd’s arrival from England, and, if possible, to start in March or April of 1865. The Dean replied on February 4th, 1864 : LETTER FROM DEAN OF MARITZBURG. 247 “ I had intended before to reply to your application for leave early next year. It is not in the power of the committee to grant it, or to discharge any Episcopal function ; but in the course of a few weeks we shall know better whom to look to as the head of the Diocese, and then you can bring your wishes forward. For my own part, I do not see who is to take your duty during your absence.” The Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, while in England, generally corresponded with me by the monthly mail. The following was written : Moreton-in- Marsh , February 2nd , 1864. My Dear Rivett, I have now to acknowledge, with my best thanks, your kind letter of December 28th, 1863. It is quite the best plan to forward your letters to 79, Pall Mall, as they are always kind enough to forward them to me. There has never been any mistake about them. I send a parcel containing eighty of Dr. McCaul’s work, in reply to Bishop Colenso on the Pentateuch, for you to distribute in Natal. It was a Grant from the Christian Knowledge Society Did I mention to you in my last letter that I had written to the Lieutenant Governor for an extension of my leave of absence of five months beyond the year originally granted, as well as to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, as Secretary for the Colonies ? I thought it well to ask both here and in Natal, for fear of any mistakes or delays. I received a very courteous official reply from His Grace, immediately granting my request, and no doubt shall have one equally kind from our excellent Lieutenant Governor, who, I rejoice to think, is still at the head of affairs in Natal. I hope His Excellency may remain there another six years. Of course, my dear Rivett, this will enable me to have a further opportunity of seeing whether anything may arise to alter my intention of returning to Natal. . . . 248 LABOURS IN NATAL. I am the only official whose salary has not been raised in fifteen years, and I consider it a grievous wrong, which I hope- this month to make known, somehow or other, at the Colonial Office. All the voluminous correspondence I have read between your- self, Mr. , and the churchwardens, which it was very good of you to have copied, and to forward to me. You ask me very naturally to give you my candid opinion upon the whole subject,. As far as I am able to judge , you appear to have acted with great circumspection and kindly feeling, and the tone of tho communications from the churchwardens to Mr. is mild and considerate. Of course, I deeply regret the rupture, and at this distance from the spot, am quite unable to say whether all was done that might have been done, to heal a breach, that I think is much to be regretted. I am glad to hear that our worthy friend, Mr. Mason, is at Norwich, and has a curacy there. I shall write to him. . . - Yours very sincerely, W. H. C. LLOYD. The Bishop of Natal wrote again : London , February $t/i, 1864. My Dear Mr. Rivett, I am sorry that I did not address my letter pro- perly. However, happily, it came safe. Mr. Lloyd has not called on me, nor have I heard of him since he reached England. Mr. Henderson and Mr. Walmsley have come and given me news of South Africa. As time passes on, and I am drawing nearer to the period for returning, I begin to feel a longing to be at home again, and I rather expect to see you before the end of this year. Please say this to Mr. J., and others who may wish for my decision on any point. However, legal proceedings are dilatory, and, as I shall not, of course, be able to leave until the Privy Council— to whom I hope the Queen will refer the Bishop LETTER FROM BISHOP COLENSO. 249 of Cape Town’s proceedings, or else some other high English Court — has pronounced, in some way, as to their validity, I may be delayed somewhat longer. I approve of your taking Mr. Lloyd’s duty You will see by the English papers that the Queen is about to issue a Royal Commission, to consider the whole question of Clerical Subscriptions. For this I am very thankful, and I hope that my books have contributed their share of help towards this result. Even if nothing is agreed upon, the fact is admitted, that a change is desirable, and it will now be only a question of time, when such a change will be made. The general news, with the account of the awful calamity at Chili, the fruit of the superstition and folly of the Priesthood, you will see in the papers. As you have begun to deliver lectures, I send you one of Professor Owen’s, which you might very well read to your people. It contains a great many statements, which twelve months ago would have been called heresies in England. Lend Professor Owen’s Lecture to Mr. Robinson, Mr. Baugh, and others, to whom, however, I will send copies, if I can get them in time. Of course you know that the Young Men’s Christian Associa- tion is strictly Evangelical I am, Yours very truly, J. W. NATAL. Mrs. Dovvson wrote as follows : Great Yarmouth, February 11th , 1864. Rev. and Dear Sir, I had almost despaired of writing to you again ; several weeks this year I have been confined to my room ; before that time, procrastination, and a host of correspondents must plead my excuses, but as I very much dislike a letter filled with apologies myself, I will not inflict one on you. LABOURS IN NATAL. 250 In these perilous times, my thoughts have been daily with you. God is shaking His rod over the nations, and all things seem hastening on to a fulfilment of the Prophecies. I have been deeply interested lately in reading the Minor Prophets ; how applicable they are to the present generation ! all the judgments they threaten to obstinate sinners are directed to the present time. Have you seen the commentary on them ? Most beautiful ! most instructive ! A complete refutation of our fallen Bishop Colenso, for whom I can only say, “ Alas ! our brother ! ” His arithmetical tomahawk, lifted against Him who hath said, “ If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead ; ” “ and beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures, the things concerning himself,” will, we trust and pray, be thrown away by him, with tears of repent- ance. May he be as St. Peter, when the Lord turned and looked on him I daily add my thanks for one who has attained at D’ Urban, the wonderful privilege of carrying the word to that portion of the earth. As I arrived at the age of seventy-two last Friday, you will not expect a very long letter, especially as my eyes fail me. I have to thank you for newspapers, where I read a very pleasant report of you. Have you established any “Penny Readings ?” A young friend of mine, a clergyman, has done so at Warwick, and commenced by reading the “ Story ” which I published for the “Beachmen’s church” here, called Brock the Swimmer , a marvellous, but not less true account of his swimming seven hours on an October night. The room was crowded, and they finished by singing “The Pilot that weathered the storm.” Our clergy here, all say they are very busy, but when they come to ask for money for Christmas and valentine trees, for tea-drinkings, etc., I can but answer, “ You were not ordained to that work, shew me where St. Paul or St. Peter did the like?” With kindest and best wishes, Believe me, always your sincere friend, M. DOWSON. LETTER FROM AN ENGLISH CLERGYMAN. 251 The following extracts are important, coming about this time from a former curate of Great Yarmouth, and once a resident in Natal : “ From your own accounts, the Dean must have uncommonly hard work, not more so, however, than yourself. I am sure I do not know how you manage to bear up amid the heat ; how- ever, I suppose you manage to become used to it. I do not exactly see what you would gain by resigning your cures, should the Bishop venture to come among you again ; it certainly is a most unfortunate business, nor do I see where it is to end, because, so long as the treasurers of the Colonial Bishopric’s Fund in England continue to pay Bishop Colenso his income, so long, in my opinion, will he hold office, in his own estimation, as Bishop. Of course, he evidently quite sets at nought all idea of any spiritual power or authority ; and I am sadly afraid any decision in England would be adverse to the Metropolitical right ; such things having been so long in abeyance, they cannot now be recovered so as to be acted upon with any effect. “ I should not be very much surprised were the Bishop of Cape Town to send a Bishop into the vacant Diocese of Natal, even in spite of the decision of the authorities at home, in which case, I apprehend, he would at once sever any connexion between the church at home and the one in Africa, except that of communion, and pecuniary responsibility — for certainly the South African church could not maintain its own clergy entirely. “ I am glad to hear, for some things, that you begin to see your way open to coming to England, when I hope we may have the pleasure of welcoming you. I scarcely anticipate your being so successful as you hope, in raising the large sum of money you intend — though you seem quite to have taken a leaf out of Bishop Hill’s book, who would never go in for a small amount.” Intelligence in due time arrived from Mrs. Danby V. Harcourt, of Swinton Park, Bedale, Yorkshire, 252 LABOURS IN NATAL. that the good people of the Berea might be permitted to have the church which she had presented to Mr. Daggett, for the Congella. The residents of the Congella being few in number, were unable to raise funds for its erection. Mrs. Daggett was at length reluctantly induced to consent to its removal to its present site. Mrs. Daggett shortly afterwards died at sea, on her way home to England. Thus it happened, that the church about to be erected, was placed on the very spot occupied by the first missionary of the Church of England, the well-known Captain Allan Gardiner, the same who afterwards perished by starvation in Patagonia, and who induced the great chief Dingaan to permit a missionary to enter the country ; and the Rev. Mr. Owen was the first missionary sent out by the Church Missionary Society. With his wife and sister he went to Natal in August, 1837. During Captain Gardiner’s visit, he lost his only daughter, a child thirteen years of age ; and near the place where the church is to be built, lies buried the first Christian child who died in Natal. And here will stand the church of St. Thomas, a memorial to all around. Its small spire will direct the heathen to lift his thoughts to the God above. It is said that the Berea had its name given in consequence of the interest which the natives ex- hibited in hearing the Word of God. The owner of the land, Mr. C. J. Cato, has always held the ground sacred, and several years since, trans- ferred it to the Bishop of Natal, for the use of the church. LETTER FROM MRS. HARCOURT. 253 The following is Mrs. Harcourt’s letter : Swinton Park , Bedale , Yorkshire , May 2?id, 1864. Reverend Sir„ Your letter has both surprised and disappointed me, for I had no idea my church was so little valued by the people of Congella, as that it should have been left to spoil on the beach and elsewhere ; such having been the case, I cannot but thank you for having rescued it from destruction, and placed it where, I trust, it will be appreciated ; and if at any future time, the people of Congella should show a better spirit, and desire a church of their own, I hope that the people of the Berea will give them all the assistance in their power. No doubt, had Mrs. Daggett’s life been spared, there would have been no difficulty in the matter. In Mrs. Daggett’s last letter to me, she did not mention having consented to the removal of the church to the Berea, but then you say she did so at the last moment. Before this reaches you, you will, no doubt, have heard of her having died on her passage home. I ought to mention that Mrs. Daggett, in her former letters, assured me that the church was well taken care of, and would not suffer. I shall be very glad to hear from you that it is opened, and valued by those who have it. Believe me, Reverend Sir, Yours truly, N. W. DANBY V. HARCOURT. The Natal Mercury of the period, gives the follow- ing account of the laying of the foundation stone of the church of St. Thomas, Berea : 254 LABOURS IN NATAL , “On Tuesday last, an interesting step was taken in connec- tion with this edifice, on which occasion the Building committee, and their friends, meeting at Mr. Raw’s residence, Uphill Cottage, where they were joined by the Acting Colonial Chaplain, the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, proceeded to the site fixed on for the erection, and after the reverend gentleman had read the service adapted for the occasion, in his usual impressive manner, Mrs. Raw gracefully completed the ceremony, by laying the foundation of the sacred building. At the close of the service, the company adjourned to enjoy the hospitality of Mr* and Mrs. Raw, who had kindly catered for their friends in the form of an elegant dejeuner , to which all present did ample justice. The toasts included ‘The Queen,’ ‘The Church,’ and ‘ The Bishop of Cape Town,’ ‘ The Acting Colonial Chaplain/ 4 Mrs. Harcourt,’ — the generous donor of the church, with which was coupled the name of Mrs. Daggett, to whose kind- ness and Mr. Raw’s exertions, the Bereans are indebted for the valuable gift. Nor were the worthy host and hostess themselves forgotten, the whole party expressing themselves highly gratified at having spent a most enjoyable morning. “ St. Thomas’ will be an extremely neat-looking building, capable of seating one hundred, or perhaps one hundred and twenty. The material is iron, with lining of wood, and included are spire, altar, pulpit, reading-desk, and seats complete. “The contract for its erection has been taken by Messrs. Spencer and Bignal, who will probably have all completed in the course of next month. The site is one of the finest on the Berea, best known to our readers, perhaps, as the spot selected by Captain Gardiner, for the interment of his youthful daughter’s remains. “From the position of St. Thomas’, it will be accessible to the inhabitants on the entire ridge of the Berea, as also to those at Sydenham and the brick-fields.” CHAPTER V. Questions as to the Jurisdiction of the Metropolitan — Visit of the Metropolitan to Natal — Publication in D’Urban of the Sentence of the Deprivation of the Bishop of Natal — Excitement — The Metropolitan’s Sermon — His Primary Visitation at Maritzburg — Letter from Dr. Duff on the Bishop’s Charge — Address from the Clergy to the Metropolitan, and his Reply — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Letter from the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd — Confirmation by the Metropolitan in St. Paul’s, D’Urban — Letters from the Dean of Maritzburg — Consecration of St. Thomas’ Church, Berea, and of St. Paul’s Church, D’Urban — Letter from Bishop Colenso — Letter from the Metropolitan — Letter from the Dean of Maritzburg — Results of the Metropoli- tan’s Visit to Natal — Letter to Mrs. Dowson — Letter from the S.P.G. Secretary with respect to a request for leave of absence — Other Correspondence concerning this Matter — Sunday School Treat — Return of Mr. Lloyd — Letter from Miss Townsend — Farewell Visit to Maritzburg — Another Letter from Miss Townsend — Finding a Clergyman to succeed the Author — Letters from a Visitor to Natal — Letter from Rev. Walter Baugh — Valedictory Address and Presentation to the Author — Leader in the Natal Mercury on his Work — Embarkation — Lines on Leaving Natal — Voyage to Cape Town — Hospitality of thfc Metropolitan — Homeward Bound — Incidents of the Voyage — Arrival in England. A TRYING time was coming for the Clergy in the Diocese of Natal. 256 LABOURS IN NATAL , Bishop Colenso had shown no signs of retractation, and the period expired which had been allowed for this act. On the 1 2th of April, 1864, the Dean of Maritzburg wrote to me : “The Metropolitan writes to me that he may possibly come round by the steamer this time. I had intended writing to tell you so. Should he come, never mind about receiving him at your house, if you cannot do it conveniently. If he does arrive, I should be glad to know of it as early as possible, and would not object to paying a Kaffir for coming up, if it would save a few hours. If he arrived towards the end of the week, he would probably remain in D’Urban over the Sunday, otherwise I imagine he will rather push on for Maritzburg.” I was then about to be brought face to face with the fact that the Metropolitan was coming to take charge of the vacant Diocese, and to administer its affairs. There could be no question as to the duty of the Clergy, and I thought it seriously over, weighing well in my mind, all the circumstances that caused the visit, and I considered anxiously what was my personal duty toward the Metropolitan. As in the Army, so in the Church, there are various degrees of rank ; one is subordinate to the other. There can be no doubt that the office of Metropolitan is an ancient one, and answers to the dignity of General in the Army. There is no record in Church History of the precise time at which it originated, but “ all are agreed that it was in full operation before the Council of Nicoea (a.D. 325).” and the duties of a Metropolitan are defined by the Canons of the church. A METROPOLITANS AUTHORITY. 2 57 The clergy in Natal had taken the oath of canoni- cal obedience to the Bishop of Natal, who was now superseded by the Metropolitan, as head of the whole Province, and whose position is analagous to that which the Archbishop of Canterbury holds over the Province of Canterbury and the Suffragans of his Province. If a Bishop in England committed any breach of discipline or proclaimed views which were supposed to be contrary to the teaching and formularies of the Church of England, the case would certainly come before the Archbishop, and, perhaps, special assessors, who would hear and determine on its merits ; and there would be, probably, an appeal to the Privy Council, which might reverse that judgment, or con- firm it. In the case of the Bishop of Natal, the Metropolitan did not recognize the right of any appeal from his decision, but to the Archbishop of Canterbury. In the Colonies there is no State Church ; it is in no better or worse position than any other voluntary association. Bishop Colenso denied the lawfulness of the Metro- politan’s claim to exercise jurisdiction over him, notwithstanding his having taken the oath of canoni- cal obedience in the following words: “I, John William Colenso, Doctor in Divinity, appointed Bishop of the See and Diocese of Natal, do profess and promise all due reverence and obedience to the Metropolitan Bishop of Cape Town, and to his successors, and to the Metropolitan Church of St. George, Cape Town. So help me, God, through Jesus Christ. “(Signed) J. W. NATAL.” S 2 5 8 LABOURS IN NATAL. There was no law in England to direct any one to do so. Many of the Bishops in England had advised the Metropolitan that it was his duty to hear and try the case. This he did ; and the Crown afterwards, on an appeal by the Bishop of Natal to the Privy Council, declared the proceedings null and void in law. The judgment of the Privy Council was not known till long after the Bishop of Cape Town’s sojourn in Natal. In the meanwhile, the church at home, as well as the church of the Province in South Africa, had deliberated and agreed to acknowledge the spiritual jurisdiction of the Metropolitan, whatever might be the ultimate decision with respect to the legal aspect. No doubt the law of England, as expounded by the Privy Council, when it promulgated its judgment, affirmed that the Bishop of Cape Town had no legal or coercive power to sit and hear the case, but it never attempted to touch his spiritual authority. The Crown nominates men for Bishops in England, but no representative of the Queen can give the man so appointed any spiritual power. And if the Metro- politan of Cape Town had no right to exercise his spiritual supervision over the Bishops of his Province, then the office could not be anything more than a myth. Confusion and anarchy must ensue. This explanation will shew in what light I, as one of the Clergy of the Diocese, was preparing to receive the Metropolitan Bishop of Cape Town, who arrived in Natal on Wednesday, April 27th, 1864. The Archdeacon of D’ Urban, the Rev. W. A. Elder, VISIT OF BISHOP GRAY. 259 Verulam, and I, received his lordship and Mrs. Gray, on their landing at the Point. The Metropolitan took up his quarters at the “ Royal Hotel,” in D’Urban, and the same evening attended service at St. Paul’s. I had previously invited Mr. Elder to preach. After the sermon the Bishop gave the blessing. Here came the most painful trial I experienced during my ten years’ work in Natal. It was rumoured far and near, that the Bishop of Natal’s sentence of deprivation was to be read in all the churches of the Diocese the following Sunday, and that it would be delivered by me, the acting Colonial Chaplain, at St. Paul’s. Some of the influential laity of that church came with a petition, while others privately remonstrated, and begged me not to comply with the Metropolitan’s injunction, and a protest was forwarded to the church- wardens of St. Paul’s, which afterwards was conveyed to the Bishop. In it the memorialists Begged most emphatically to protest against any proceedings which interfere with the authority of the Bishop of Natal (pend- ing the decision of the Queen in Council), and tend to disturb the peace and quiet of the church.” The churchwardens also waited upon me, and after long and painful consultation, I persuaded one of them to accompany me to the Metropolitan, at a late hour on Saturday night. The Bishop succeeded in convincing Mr. P. that the course his lordship intended to pursue on the morrow was the correct one, and that he could make no exception in the case of St. Paul’s 26 o LABOURS IN NATAL. with regard to the order which he had given, without stultifying his whole proceedings, and acknowledging the right of appeal to the Privy Council, which he formally repudiated. The Metropolitan invited all who signed the protest to meet him at an interview. This they did not accept, and on Sunday morning the Bishop sent a written reply. The excitement was greater at D’Urban than in any other parish in the Diocese. A numerous body of the laity were strenuously opposed to any interfer- ence with Bishop Colenso by the Metropolitan, and were determined to recognize no other authority than that of the Queen. One of the warmest friends and adherents of the Bishop wrote to me in that week : “ Pardon my interference. I cannot avoid advising you to refrain from assisting in any demonstration in favour of the Bishop of Cape Town, made by the enemies of the Bishop of Natal. For the Clergy of the latter to combine in any offensive act against their Bishop — pending the Queen’s decision — would cover them with the basest ingratitude.” I left the Metropolitan between eleven and twelve o’clock on Saturday night, with a heavy heart at the thought of the coming proceedings, in which I must take so conspicuous a part, from the position I held in D’Urban. I shall never forget what I felt on that night, as I thought it possible there might be some difficulty. Remembering, as I did, the unpleasant church troubles in D’Urban during Archdeacon Mackenzie’s time, I thought there might be some PUBLICATION OF SENTENCE. 261 difficulty in the Bishop and Clergy gaining admittance to the church. I retired to rest greatly fatigued, and was awakened early in the morning by the sound of the fire bell. My first thought was, surely no one has set the church on fire ; but in a few minutes, on looking out of the window I discovered that the large new store of Messrs. Palmer’s and Blackwood’s was in flames. In a short time it was utterly consumed. All attention, for a time, was taken up by that dreadful conflagration, which threatened to destroy one side of the street. By nine o’clock the fire was overcome, and all further danger disappeared. The Feast of Sts. Philip and James (May 1st), the beginning of winter, was a lovely day. The sun shone brightly, and the weather was warm. The inhabitants of D’ Urban were wending their way to St. Paul’s Church long before the hour of service, and by eleven o’clock it was well-filled — all could not be accommodated with seats, but it was not overcrowded. I joined the Metropolitan at 10.30, at his hotel, and in a short time the Rev. R. Robertson, of Zululand, and the Rev. T. L. Procter joined the party on their way to church. If the day of my entrance into Deacon’s Orders was the joyous day of my life, the 1st of May, 1864, was the most sorrowful. It was evident that the Bishop and Mrs. Gray thought there might be an ebullition of feeling on the part of some, when I began to pro- claim the Metropolitan’s sentence of deposition, and Mrs. Gray suggested that if anything of the kind occurred, I had better not raise my voice, but continue in the same tone throughout. 262 LABOURS IN NATAL. I said the prayers to the third collect, having previously asked Mr. Procter and Mr. Robertson to read the lessons and say the Litany, the Bishop, of course, reading the Communion Service, assisted by the two latter officiating clergymen, who read the Epistle and Gospel. Immediately after the Nicene Creed, I gave the usual various notices, and then proceeded to promul- gate the sentence of deposition as follows : “ Whereas in and by the sentence pronounced by us on the 1 6th of December, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three,, against the Bishop of Natal, we did adjudge to suspend the operation of the said sentence until the 16th of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, for the purpose of affording the said Bishop of Natal an opportunity of retracting and recalling the extracts therein mentioned and referred to. “And whereas the said sentence so delivered by us on the said sixteenth of December, one thousand eight hundred and sixty- three, was personally served on the said Bishop of Natal, at No. 23, Sussex Place, Kensington, in the County of Middlesex, on the twenty-sixth day of J anuary, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, as appears from the affidavit of service thereof, duly filed of record. “And whereas it has been proved, to our satisfaction, that the Bishop of Natal did not on or before the Fourth day of March last past file or record with Douglas Dubois, of No. 7, Godliman Street, Doctors’ Commons, London, Proctor, Solicitor, and Notary public, our Commissary in England, a full uncon- ditional, and absolute retraction in writing, of the extracts so mentioned and referred to in the said sentence, nor did on or before the Sixteenth day of April instant file with the registrar of this Diocese, at his office in Cape Town, such full, uncondi- tional, and absolute retraction and recall of the said extracts. “ And whereas the said sentence has now in terms of the provision thereof, and by reason of the premises, become of full SENTENCE OF DEPOSITION . 263 force. Now, therefore, we do hereby adjudge and decree the sentence so pronounced on the 16th December, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, to be of full force, virtue, and effect, from and after this date ; and we do accordingly decree and sentence the said Bishop of Natal to be deposed from the said office as such Bishop, and prohibited from the exercise of any divine office within any part of the Metropolitical Province of Cape Town. “ In testimony whereof we have hereunto caused our Episcopal Seal to be affixed, and do subscribe our hand this eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, and do deliver the same to the Registrar of the Diocese to be duly recorded. (Signed) R. CAPE TOWN, (L.S.) When I commenced to read the Sentence of Depo- sition a number of gentlemen walked out of church, till it was concluded, and returned to listen to the forcible and eloquent sermon of the Bishop of Cape Town. His text was chosen from St. Jude , 20 and 21. — “But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” One of the colonial papers reported it thus : “In commencing his discourse he said that the Epistle, generally, described dangers to which the church would, in all ages, be liable, although the outward forms of those dangers might and would vary. At the present time we had to deplore the falling away from the faith of one who should have been its chief support. “About the fact of our late Bishop’s abandoning Christianity there could be no doubt. He had denied that our Blessed Saviour, in suffering on the cross, thereby atoned for our sins ; 264 LABOURS IN NATAL. and he had affirmed that our Lord knew no more than a well- educated Jew of his time. He had also denied the eternal punishment of the wicked — a doctrine which could be proved by a thousand texts of Scripture. His lordship adduced many other proofs of Dr. Colenso’s Deistical opinions ; and then he went on to say how much he was grieved at so lamentable an occurrence. He had loved our late Bishop as a brother, as a fellow-worker in God’s cause, and deep indeed was his sorrow to find that he had been the first openly to assail Divine Truth, and to proclaim his belief in Deism. But we could be built up on our faith only by an acquaintance with God’s will, as revealed to us in His Holy Word. “ On this point the Metropolitan dwelt very fully ; and then he earnestly urged us to pray unceasingly for God’s blessing upon our reading of the Scriptures, and for enlightenment, reminding us that if our moral state were unhealthy — even in a small degree — our perceptions of spiritual truth would assuredly become weak and dim. There was an intimate connexion between the condi- tion of a man’s soul and his ability and willingness to receive and hold fast Divine Truth. “ But the time had now come for members of the church in Natal to make their election as to whether they would be on the Lord’s side or not. They were now called upon to make choice either of the Gospel, or of Deism with prospective infidelity. . “ Towards the close of his sermon the Bishop delivered a most earnest and affectionate address to the congregation. . . . . . He spoke to each one individually. He was evidently much affected ; and when alluding to our late Bishop and his heresies, his emotion was quite evident to all.” At the evening service the Metropolitan again occupied the pulpit of St. Paul’s, and preached on “The Inspiration of the Written Word.” The Bishop has recorded in his Journal on that REFUSAL TO CALL A VESTRY MEETING. 265 “ In the afternoon I walked down with Mr. Rivett to his little church at the Point, D’ Urban, and preached there also, Mr. Rivett has been the means of getting that church erected, at a cost of £ 500. I was much exhausted with the services of this day, more especially because of their painful character.” On May 2nd the Metropolitan writes in his Journal : The Robertsons and Mr. Rivett came to take tea with us.” On May 3rd, I and the churchwardens of St. Paul’s Church received from many of the influential gentle- men, and householders of D’Urban, and members of the congregation, the following memorial to call a Vestry Meeting : D' Urbati , May 3rd, 1 864. Gentlemen, The Bishop of Cape Town, in defiance of an earnest protest by the principal members of the congregation of St. Paul’s Church, having read a certain edict, which assumes the power of depriving the Bishop of Natal of the functions peculiar to his Episcopate, compels us to request that you will be pleased to call a Vestry Meeting, which will enable the members of St. Paul’s Church to consider the course they ought to pursue under the present momentous circumstances. Signed by seventeen heads of families, I sent a written acknowledgment of the receipt of the memo- rial (of which I do not possess a copy), and decided not to accede to the request, one churchwarden being of my opinion. The Metropolitan had left D’Urban for Maritzburg. 266 LABOURS IN NATAL. I at once sent to him a copy of the document and the signatures, with my reply, and he answered : Maritzburg , May $th, 1864. Dear Sir, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the memorial to the churchwardens and yourself, and the very proper reply which you have sent. As the chief movers were so soon about to leave town, I should have felt inclined to leave them a day or two without a reply. As they seem anxious for a disturbance, they will probably not remain quiet. I have fixed the Visitation for the week after next — Wednes- day ; but I will write again. Try to keep things as quiet as possible. When men get excited, they do foolish things, which they afterwards regret. Dear Sir, Very truly yours, R. CAPE TOWN. The next important matter of interest to me was the Metropolitan’s Primary Visitation on Wednesday, May 1 8th, 1864, at the Cathedral in Maritzburg, and the Conference of the Clergy, in the same edifice, on the two following days. I travelled in the omnibus on Monday, the 16th, and reached the city in the evening. The next day the Clergy who had arrived attended a Tea which the Dean gave to the church schools of Maritzburg. It was held near the Camp. An immense concourse of people assembled, from the Governor, downwards; and the military band played select pieces. The evening closed with games of various descriptions. METROPOLITAN'S PRIMARY VISITATION. 267 The clergy throughout the Diocese, with the ex- ception of two, who were ill, came to the Visitation. All the proceedings were most solemn and dignified. The Bishop’s charge was lengthy, and remarkable for its learning and elucidation of the difficulties which had fallen on the church in Natal. No better testimony could be given to it than that by Dr. Duff, the celebrated Free Church Missionary, who had been travelling all over South Africa, and was present, in the ^Cathedral, during its delivery. He wrote to the Metropolitan a long letter on the following day. It will not be out of place here to give a few brief extracts, which express the opinion that was generally formed of it : “ It was my privilege, yesterday, to hear the charge delivered by your lordship to the clergy of the English Church in this Diocese. The occasion was one of pre-eminent solemnity ; the subject, one of life and death importance to every branch of the Evangelical Church of Christ throughout the world. “ On the principle that when one member of the body suffers, all the members suffer, I have felt intensely the deep wound which has been inflicted on your noble branch of the Universal Church, and through it, on every other that holds by the head — Christ, the Lord of Glory, the Lord our Righteousness. On this account I cherish an inward consciousness that you will not be disposed to regard any reference, on my part, to the services of yesterday, as an unwarrantable intrusion. “ With certain portions of your lordship’s charge, such as the office itself of Metropolitan, the question of jurisdiction in the present instance, etc., I do not feel myself called on in any way to intermeddle, or to pronounce any judgment, at such a time as this. These are matters respecting which the wisest and the holiest of men have differed, and will continue to differ. Suffi- cient for me, on an occasion like the present, that the office of Metroplitan is in strict accordance with the Ecclesiastical polity 268 LABOURS IN NATAL. of the Church of England, and, therefore, one in which all the members of that church ought to acquiesce ; and that, to the mind of your lordship and other dignitaries and high authorities, the right of jurisdiction is clear, etc. “What I, as a professing disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, feel deeply, vitally concerned with, is, the grand subject-matter of the charge, as an emphatic testimony against Gospel-extin- guishing heresies, and in favour of those glorious fundamental verities which constitute the very Gospel of grace and salvation. “ Considering the extreme peculiarity of the occasion and the circumstances, I know not that I ever listened with more real heart-felt enjoyment to any statement or vindication of the foundation doctrines of our common Christian faith, than when listening to your lordship’s noble charge of yesterday. Certainly, in it ‘the trumpet’ gave no ‘uncertain sound.’ There was transparent clearness in happy combination with intrepid firm- ness and indomitable strength. It was worthy of any of the Fathers of ancient, or any of the reformers of modern times, viewed as a martyr-like testimony to the assailed essential verities of Jehovah’s holy oracles. I have thanked God, and will ever continue to thank God, for that noble testimony. “ Excuse me for thus writing, it is my nature and my habit. What I feel I like to express. What I feel strongly I cannot but express strongly “I should like much to have it in my power to send some copies of your lordship’s charge to India. When Colenso’s first volume appeared in Calcutta, all the copies were at once bought up, not by Europeans only, but by educated natives. Indeed, by the latter class it was eagerly and universally read. To them, therefore, I should like much to be able to forward copies of it, as a powerful antidote to the poison of infidelity — for really and truly infidelity it is, of the most odious and venomous kind. “ Again craving your kind indulgence, and thanking God for the heroic testimony of yesterday, I remain, with sentiments of profound esteem, “Very sincerely yours, “ALEXANDER DUFF.” ADDRESS TO THE METROPOLITAN. 269 The clergy and churchwardens dined with the Metropolitan, after the visitation ; and before the dinner, the Dean read the following address, agreed upon and signed by all the licensed clergy present, and afterwards by the two that had been prevented from coming by illness : “ To the Most Rev. the Lord Metropolitan of South Africa — “We, the clergy of the Church of England, in the Diocese of Natal, assembled in the Cathedral Church, of Pietermaritzburg, to confer with your Lordship in the present state of the Diocese, desire to express our deep sympathy with your Lordship, in the painful duty you have been called upon to perform in sitting in judgment on Bishop Colenso, and gratitude for the fatherly care and help your Lordship has extended towards this portion of your province, in the perplexities and trials to which it has been subjected. “We would also place on record our emphatic repudiation of the erroneous teaching of Bishop Colenso, and our conviction that, should it please God, for the chastisement of our sins, to allow Bishop Colenso to return to this Diocese with legal authority, he must still be regarded as lying under a righteous sentence of condemnation, and that we dare not acknowledge him as having authority in spiritual matters. “We would further beg to be allowed to offer your Lordship our most grateful thanks for the charge your Lordship has de- livered to us in this Cathedral Church this day, and pray your Lordship to permit it to be printed, that it may be in the hands ef every member of our flocks ; and to allow the manuscript to be placed among the archives of this Diocese.” To it the Metropolitan gave the following reply : “Rev. and Dear Brethren — “ I beg to thank you very sincerely for your Address. The duty which I have had to discharge has been a most painful one. All personal considerations, however, must give way LABOURS IN NATAL. 27 o when the Faith of Christ is at stake, The questions which your late Bishop has raised are, as I have said in my charge, no less than these: — ‘Is there a written revelation from God?’ ‘Is our Lord God incarnate ?’ ‘ Is Christianity true?’ “We ought not to suppose for a moment that any civil court would, if appealed to on the question of Civil right, venture to send back to this land one whose teaching you yourselves, with the whole church, have solemnly repudiated, with the right to take possession of the property of the church, given for far different purposes ; nor do I imagine that any would have thought this possible, had it not been for the confident tone of Dr. Colenso himself, assuring those to whom he has written that such was about to be the case. “ It rejoices me, my brethren, to receive from yourselves the assurance that, let the worldly position of Dr. Colenso be what it may, you dare not acknowledge him as having authority in spiritual matters. Maintain your ground as witnesses for Christ, and for the Faith once for all delivered to the Saints, and in God’s good time, all will be well. Our country’s courts will not commit the great wrong of giving a legal right to a Bishop, deposed and rejected by the church, to force him- self into your churches, and proclaim from your pulpits erroneous and strange doctrines, contrary to God’s word, which he and you have sworn at your ordination, with all faithful diligence to banish and drive away, and thereby compel your congregations, who, I rejoice to hear, have no more sympathy than yourselves with the late Bishop’s teaching, to abandon the churches which they have erected for themselves. “ But if it were so, your course is plain. Christians have before now been driven to worship on the mountain-top, or by the river-side, in dens and caves of the earth. I believe there is faith and zeal enough amongst yourselves, if driven to it, to do the same. “ I shall have much pleasure in complying with your wish, by publishing my charge, and by placing the manuscript afterwards at your disposal. “ I am, Rev. and Dear Brethren, “ Your faithful servant, and brother in Christ, “R. CAPE TOWN, Metropolitan .” LETTER TO MRS. DOVES ON. 271 The business of the Conference consisted chiefly of Diocesan affairs which concerned both clergy and laity. Before I left for D’Urban, the Metropolitan arranged with me to open and consecrate the new church of St. Thomas, Berea, and also to consecrate St. Paul’s church, D’Urban. There was no time to lose in making all the neces- sary preparations for these events, not to mention the classes of candidates, male and female, which I, single- handed, was preparing for the Confirmation, to be held on Friday, the 17th of June. On arriving home, I managed to write a long letter to my kind correspondent at Yarmouth : D’Urban, Natal , May 31 st, 1864. My Dear Mrs. Dowson, Our letters frequently cross each other. I almost anticipate the favour of a few lines from you by the next mail, in reply to mine of February last. I could not write in April, for the Bishop of Cape Town and his wife arrived, and my whole time was occupied with the Bishop. I have sent you several newspapers, and therefore, I need not dilate upon the object of his Lordship’s visit. The clergy were pleased to see him, and I hope, our Conference at Maritzburg may prove of great usefulness and blessing to the church here. I shall, if possible, forward you a copy of the Bishop’s charge, delivered in the Cathedral ; should it not reach you by this mail, I will post it next. I am of opinion that Bishop Colenso will return to Natal, but if, after the declaration the clergy have signed, he is reinstated by the Queen, I do not see how any of us can retain our cures. I shall be the first to encounter him on his arrival. I hope 272 LABOURS in jvatal. before that time comes, he will have seen the difficulties of his position, and will resign. Many of the laity in D’Urban will welcome him, I am certain ; but the Metropolitan is determined never to reinstate him, if ten thousand Queens or Privy councils say he shall be Bishop of Natal. The month of June will be an important epoch in the history of the church at D’Urban. The Metropolitan intends to hold a Confirmation at St. Paul’s, on Friday, June 17th, and I am busily engaged in preparing a number of candidates for the Holy Rite, by means of classes and lectures. He intends to open and consecrate the new church of St. Thomas, Berea, on Tuesday, the 28th, and on St. Peter’s day (June 29th), he will consecrate St. Paul’s, D’Urban. This church was first used on the 1st of April, 1855, but not set apart by consecration, in con- sequence of a heavy debt upon it, and other circumstances which have no interest now, but which were considered an im- pediment in the early days of the church at D’Urban. After the services at the Berea and D’Urban, there will be a dejeuner. I am chairman of both committees, and the tickets of admission will be half-a-guinea. I am desired by the Metropolitan to issue invitations to the clergy of the Diocese, and to the Noncon- formist ministers residing at D’Urban, to be present at the banquet in connection with St. Paul’s. Last Sunday I had the Rev. J. Allington (one of Bishop Tozer’s clergy), to assist me in the services at D’Urban and Addington. He came by the mail steamer from the Cape, to visit the mission stations in Natal, before leaving for England. I posted to you in April a sermon which I preached on the death of Mrs. Bishop. It was printed at the request of her husband and several members of the congregation. She was married by me on the 12th of February, died on the 17th of March, and was buried at the cemetery, on the afternoon of the same day. I visited her during her five days’ illness, and shall never forget her calm resignation to the Divine will. I received from Mr. Bishop a very handsome present of two volumes of Goldsmith's Natural History , with the following letter: “Do add to your former kindnesses by accepting these volumes from the husband of her whose dying moments you so LETTER TO MRS. DOWSON. 2 73 Ttiuch solaced, as a token that kindnesses such as yours, if they cannot be repaid, can at least be appreciated. It will be my greatest pride to be able to, etc., etc.” I thought it very kind of him ; poor fellow, he bears up exceedingly well. Have you read good Bishop Mackenzie’s memoir? He speaks so kindly of his curate, who is no other person than myself, for I was the first and last he ever had. My new sexton at St. Paul’s comes from the village of Shelton, in Norfolk ; his old father resides at Redenhall, where I once went to school. Have you seen Captain Davie of the “ Norman,” at Yarmouth? Every one who comes to Natal in his steamer, speaks highly of him, and I believe him to be a thoroughly religious man. Perhaps you will be amused by my telling you, that in this far-off land, I married one who is now in your midst, if it has pleased God that his ship has safely arrived in England. I mean Captain Bracey, son of Mr. Bracey, of the well-known Rope Walks. The marriage took place in March, at St. Paul’s. If you should see Miss Foster, you can tell her Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are now with us at D’Urban. Last Sunday fortnight Mr. Robertson took all my duties, and I rode over to Pinetown, to spend a quiet Sunday with my dear friend the rector, Mr. Walton. At midnight, after retiring to rest, he was taken seriously ill, and a Kaffir was sent, post haste, to D’Urban for the doctor. I am thankful to say he has recovered, but my being there was purely accidental, or the good people in Pine- town would have had no service on that Sunday. By the steamer just arrived, has come a grandson of Sir Samuel Bignold, of Norwich. He was at my church last evening, and I had a long conversation with him after the service. He told me that Mr. Nevill prepared him for Con- firmation, as he attended St. Mark’s, Lakenham. I have secured Mr. William Bignold a situation in the bank here. . I am, Dear Mrs. Dowson, Yours very sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. T 274 LABOURS IN NATAL. The Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, Colonial Chaplain, who was in sole charge of a parish in Gloucestershire, wrote to me : More ton, June \th, 1864. My Dear Rivett, In three days you will have been Acting Colonial Chaplain for one year, and I have no doubt that you have, to the utmost of your power, done your very best to fulfil that difficult position with credit to yourself, and advantage to the flock committed to your care. I trust God’s Holy Spirit has rested upon them all as well as upon yourself. .... A most kind letter I received this mail from our excellent Lieutenant Governor, who tells me he should be rejoiced if I could get an increase of salary through the Duke of Newcastle and the colonial office, of which the Right Honourable Edward Cardwell is now head. The Duke is still living, but is very infirm, and has resigned his office. The Governor says in his letter: — “ I hear Mr. Rivett is discharging your pastoral duties very satisfactorily, but I have not been to D’ Urban for a long time, nor do I think it likely I shall visit the sea coast again until I am on my road home.” It will be agreeable to you to have this extract from his Excellency’s letter, and by the time this reaches you, he and his excellent lady will have probably quitted the shores of Natal for ever. I cannot but feel highly pleased with his kind letter to me, for I am sure his testimony, after almost eight years as Governor of the colony, following as he does my old friend, Sir Benjamin Pine, six years before , is not a very unsatisfactory testimony of their good feeling and good expressions. I hope the Bishop of Cape Town has made a favourable impression on the mind of the clergy, as well as the laity of Natal, and has done good service there by his timely visit. Had you a large attendance at the Confirmation ? And how long did his Lordship stay ? PREPARA TIONS FOR CONFIRMATION , ETC. 275 I am bringing with me copies of almost every work, written by clever and sensible men, in opposition to the late Bishop’s works. — Dr. McCaul, Canon Wordsworth, Dr. Ollivant, Bishop of Llandaff, Rev. T. R. Birks, Rev. W. Hoare, and the two Archbishops’ Pastoral letters. The colonial office has extended my leave of absence to the 7 th of November, when I must be back in Natal unless I should choose to claim the other two months beyond that date. . . Yours sincerely, W. H. C. LLOYD. I made much preparation for the second visit of the Metropolitan to D’Urban. The Confirmation candidates took up a great deal of time. A ladies’ school was among the number, and Mrs. Longhurst very cordially seconded my efforts in the work that her pupils produced on paper, in reply to the ques- tions I gave them. The Bishop of Cape Town kindly attended the final examination, and expressed himself well pleased ; his Lordship was also in the congrega- tion at my last lecture to the catechumens. Numerous letters were written by myself to the clergy and ministers of all denominations, inviting them to attend the consecration of St. Paul’s, and the luncheon afterwards at the Masonic Hall. A large number accepted the invitation. By a remarkable coincidence, it fell to my lot to take a most prominent part in the arrangements, and in the petitions, which had to be signed for the consecration of St. Paul’s, D’Urban; Christ Church, Addington ; and St Thomas’ Berea. In each case, whether as Incumbent or Acting Minister, I read the formal petition at the west door of the church. a 76 LABOURS IN NATAL. One of the highly-respected and influential church- men at D’Urban, was desirous that the Metropolitan should perform the ceremony at his marriage, and that I should ask his Lordship to grant him that favour on Thursday, June 16th, myself assisting on the occasion. I was doubtful whether the Bishop would return by that date, and it was eventually postoned till the 30th inst. The Metropolitan wrote : Deanery, May 27th, 1864. My Dear Sir, I hope to be in D’Urban on Wednesday 15th, but Mr. Elder says I cannot reach him on the Saturday. I should not like to tie myself to any engagement for Thurs- day, though I think I shall accomplish my plan in time to marry Mr. B on that day, which I will do if possible. I shall have no time, however, for a feast afterwards. I shall be hard pressed, for I have no Consecration or Ordination sermons. I think the Confirmation had better be at three or four o’clock on Friday afternoon, but I am willing to take it at half-past eleven o’clock; only my time for work is in the morning. Settle then as you please Yours very truly, R. CAPE TOWN. The Confirmation took place in St. Paul’s, on the Friday afternoon, the 17th. The church was crowded, and the service most solemn and impressive. The Bishop’s addresses were telling and eloquent. In the evening the Metropolitan and Mrs. Gray dined with me at my house, and a few friends were invited to meet his Lordship. LETTER FROM DEAN OF MARITZBURG. 277 The preparations for the coming consecration of two churches, occupied my time incessantly, as I desired that nothing on my part should be wanting to the successful carrying through of this work. I worked early and late to secure it. The Dean of Maritzburg wrote to me : Deanery , June 6 th, 1864. My Dear Rivett, I have posted to-day, to your address, fifty copies of the Bishop’s charge, for sale at 6d. per copy. You know best in what booksellers’ hands to put them. The Metropolitan had intended they should be sold at is., but by an accident, Mr. W directed Mr. Davis to issue them at 6d. I have also sent you a copy of the Form of Consecrating Churches , at the end of which, Appendix I., you will find a form of Petition for Consecration. You had better get both drawn up by some friend not given to be troublesome, and send them up to Verulam, to meet the Metropolitan next Saturday, If he is satisfied, all well ; if not, he can send it back amended, in time for you to get it signed before he arrives, but do not get them signed before his Lordship has approved of the draft. I will send a supply of Fonns of Consecration down with the Bishop’s luggage. Before the Metropolitan left Maritzburg, he doubted about the expediency of a second service on the 29th. He had asked me to preach the Consecration sermon, but he was too tired to settle anything just then, and said, “Tell Rivett, let it stand over until I get down.” Yours truly, JAMES GREEN. The Dean was kind enough to select the half-yearly prizes for my Grammar school in D’ Urban, and wrote the following letter : 278 LABOURS IN NATAL. Maritzburg , June 10th, 1864. My Dear Rivett ; I have managed to choose some books for you, for sixpence less than the limit you assigned. I instructed Mr. Davis to forward them to you, per omnibus, to-day, with the invoice included I could not meet with Mr. Shepstone yesterday, but left a message, and will look him up to-day. On what day is the Berea church to be consecrated ? I am sorry there are to be two bouts of eating and drinking, but, suppose it is unavoidable ; they take up, however, a very great deal of time. You had better arrange, definitely, with the Metropolitan, when in D’ Urban next week, as to the preaching, and let those who are to preach know. I suppose your magistrate came into possession of the church documents through Mr. R . I do not know him, but should be much obliged to receive a list from him of what he possesses, or if he would like to put them in mine or Mr. Turnbull’s charge, we would willingly take them and give him a receipt for them ; if not, I should like to have a certified copy of the Deeds of Consecration of the Cathedral and St. Andrew’s. The new deeds will, of course, be sent up at once to Mr. Turnbull. I suppose the two for St. Peter’s and St. Andrew’s are nearly identical, as they were drawn by myself ; if so, you might forward one of them up to Verulam. I have sent a new draft for the Umhlali church, but if I remember rightly, it is not so full. The Metropolitan might choose between them, and instruct you what to have drawn for your D’ Urban churches. Where is the deed for the Point church ? Are you drawing any part of the ^50 allowed for the Native school at the Point ? Believe me, Yours very truly, JAMES GREEN. METROPOLITAN'S SECOND VISIT. 279 Mr. J. W. Turnbull, referred to in the above letter, had been appointed by the Metropolitan as the new Registrar of the Diocese. Before the consecration a few important alterations were made, by the churchwardens and myself, in the interior of St. Paul’s, D’Urban. The hideous reading- desk was removed, and a neat open one substituted in the chancel. A lectern was also added, and the choir brought from the west to the east end. The con- gregation was outgrowing the size of the church, and a few old-fashioned people were desirous to see a gallery built in the west end, which, if erected, would have spoilt the building and its architectural appear- ance. The alterations we made apparently gave satisfaction. The Metropolitan informed me that he hoped to hold an ordination at St. Paul’s, on Sunday morning, June 26th, to ordain Mr. Taylor, of Grey town, to Deacon’s Orders. I thought it possible that his Lordship might prefer that the Dean should present the candidate, and assist him on that important occasion. With his Lordship’s full approval, I wrote and suggested to the Dean that we should exchange work on that day. The two following letters from the Dean will ex- plain future proceedings : Maritzburg , June 15th, 1864. My Dear Rivett, I am glad to hear that the books will do well. I will fall into any plan you may have about c8ld collations, &c., being very glad to hear that the people wish to do honour to the Metropolitan. 28 o LABOURS IN NATAL. Do not forget to speak to his Lordship about the preaching, &c. Let me know what is arranged. You are fully justified in altering St. Paul’s, if Mr. Lloyd asked you to do so. I wish they would add a larger chancel instead of a gallery. The church is rather too florid. A sober chancel would very greatly improve it 1 thoroughly congratulate you upon being clear of the old arrangements. Thanks for your kind offer of a bed. I have, however, promised the Bishop to stay with him. Archdeacon Fearne tells me he is coming down, and might be very glad to stay with you Believe me, Yours very truly, JAMES GREEN. From the same : Maritzburg , June 21st , 1864. My Dear Rivett, Come along up, as you are so kind as to offer to do so. Mrs. Green will take care of you, give you a bed, etc., and have dinner ready on Saturday evening. I think you know all about the four services. St. Andrew’s at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Cathedral at 11 a.m. and 6^ p.m. At the latter I have discontinued the use of the “ Bidding Prayer.” Begin at once with the text. Everything else according to the old rule, with which you are acquainted. Please furnish me with a full and complete programme of what I am to do for you. I see Mr. H.’s name as one of those who has been receiving a part of the Government Grant. There is nothing in the Estimates for such schools for next year, and in his report, Dr. Mann finds fault with the principle. The names of the recipi- ents are given in the report. You ought to have had a portion. I think Mr. H. and the others should memorialize. State in their memorial that the Superintendent of Education speaks of public and private schools ; that they are not aware in what LETTER FROM DEAN OF MARITZBURG. 281 respects some schools spoken of as public, differ from those which he calls private ; that they are most ready to submit to Government inspection, and that they pray his Excellency and your Honourable House (they had better memorialize both), not to sanction one system of education to the exclusion of others, and so create a monopoly, where so much depends on freedom of action, but continue to adopt the practice long established in England, of assisting voluntary efforts under stringent regula- tions of inspection and supervision. Dr. Mann wants to get a complete monopoly of Education, and is proposing to establish a high school at D’Urban. Yours and Blathwayt’s, I suppose, is that. Sign, then, the memorial, and get a grant of £1 per head for scholars, and it may help you to support an assistant. Such petition should come from “ schoolmasters and others,” and so be signed by the parents of children sent to such schools. Ever yours, JAMES GREEN. I took the journey to Maritzburg on Saturday the 25th, and on Sunday officiated four times. While robing in the vestry of the Cathedral for evening service, Archdeacon Fearne unexpectedly walked in, and I suggested to him that he should preach. He declined, saying, he preferred taking a part of the service. The evening was saddened by intelligence brought by the Archdeacon, of Mrs. Robertson’s death. She, with her husband, was returning to Zululand from Natal. The few days before their departure were spent with us, and Mrs. Rivett accompanied them on their way as far as the Umgeni. She died from an accident caused by the upsetting of the waggon, which was heavily laden. The boxes had wedged 282 LABOURS IN NATAL. her in so that her life was extinct before they could be removed. No one can ever comprehend the desolation felt by Mr. Robertson in that lonely land. Fortunately, he was not far from Mr. Ofthoe’s Norwegian Mission Station, where every kindness and attention was shown him, and where Mrs. Robertson’s remains now lie buried. I returned to D’Urban on Monday the 27th, to be in readiness for the special events of the two following days. I had previously arranged all details with the Metropolitan, before going to the city, and his lord- ship has related in his Journal, under date, Thursday, June 16th, 1864: “Mr. Rivett brought me two very numerously signed petitions, one from the inhabitants of D’Urban, praying me to consecrate their church, which has never been consecrated ; and the other from the residents of the Berea, who have just completed an Iron Church, and seek to have it consecrated. Agreed, after inquiry, to comply with these requests. There will be no new clergyman to officiate in the new church. “ Mr. Rivett will then have three churches to officiate in, besides having the charge of the military, and of a school. Such is the present provision made by the church for the souls of her people in this flourishing commercial town, where the population is increasing more rapidly than in any other part of Africa.” Many letters were received by me, in reply to the invitation given to the clergy and ministers of all denominations to attend the consecration of St. Paul’s, D’Urban, and the Luncheon. Two or three special ones may interest the reader : REPLIES TO LETTER OF INVITATION. 283 Umzinto , June 19th, 1864. My Dear Mr. Rivett, I have to apologize for being so late in answering your kind letter of invitation. But I had to write to Maritzburg and wait for an answer before I could reply. Please present Mrs. Barker’s and my best thanks to the respective committees of the “ Church of the Bereans ” and St. Paul’s, for their kind invitations. We wished very much to be present, but find we cannot possibly manage it, as the Bishop reaches this only on Wednesday 22nd, to hold service and confirmation on Thursday, which leaves only Friday and Saturday to travel 60 miles in an ox waggon. You will see this is impossible, and therefore will kindly make our respects and excuses Yours very sincerely, J. BARKER. From the Rev. Jesse Pilcher, the esteemed superin- tendent of the Wesleyans : Mission House, U Urban , June 2$th, 1864. My Dear Sir, Many thanks for your favour and enclosure of the 20th, which came to hand on my return from the Inanda. Could I have replied with anything like certainty I would have written you yesterday. The mail of to-day relieves me of some doubt, and though I shall still be obliged to be from home on Monday and Tuesday next, I purpose (D.V.) to ride home in time for the service on Wednesday. I am the more desirous to be present on the occasion of the consecration of the church and the after-meeting of the friends, since, as it appears to me, the times call for the unmistakable 284 LABOURS IN NATAL. declaration of those principles which are so faithfully sustained by your honoured Metropolitan in his present visitation. Should any unforeseen duty detain me at Verulam, do me the kindness to express my thanks to your committee for their thought of me, and assure them that to be absent will be a disappointment to me. I remain, My dear Sir, Yours very truly, JESSE PILCHER. From the Rev. C. W. Posselt, of the Berlin Mission- ary Society : New Germany , June 18 th, 1864. My Dear Sir, Your kind invitation to attend at the opening of the Church of St. Thomas I have received, and beg to thank you and the managing committee most heartily for the same. It was my intention to be present on that occasion, even had I not been honoured with a direct call. I therefore must regret the more that the performance of a duty, which allows no arrangement otherwise, should happen to fall just in the same week that you have fixed upon for the con- secration of your church. On July 1 st I have to lay the foundation stone for a new chapel at Ladismith, and as the way is far, I must leave on Monday, the 27th of this month. The day has been appointed nearly a month ago, on account of the distances. The people who are supposed to come are afar off from Ladismith, hence the date cannot be altered. You will please to communicate my deep regret to the com- mittee, for this juncture of circumstances ; also to remember me kindly to them, as I also would beg you to convey to his Lord- ship my kindest regards, and to tell him that I read his “ charge ” REPLIES TO LETTER OF INVITATION. 285 with such emotions, that I could not refrain from shedding tears. Oh ! how that address will strengthen the hearts of the unestab- lished ! The Bishop will remember me from the time when he once paid a visit to this settlement with Governor Pine. I am, My dear,* Sir, Yours very sincerely, C. W. POSSELT. The following is from the Rev. John Buchanan, Presbyterian minister of D’Urban : D' Urban, June 'list , 1864. My Dear Sir, I beg to thank you and the managing committee very cordially for your kind invitation. But deeming, as I do, the proposed consecration service not only unwarranted by, but contrary to the New Testament, in its whole spirit and end, I cannot conscientiously take part in, or give my countenance to that service, and must, therefore, beg to be excused from attendance. I take leave to return the card, that if you think proper you may assign my place to another. With kind regards, I am, My dear Sir, Yours very truly, JOHN BUCHANAN. In stating the details connected with the consecra- tion of the two churches before mentioned, it will be well to give them as they are recorded in the Natal 286 LABOURS IN NATAL. Mercury of that time, and in the Metropolitan’s Journal. The greater number of the laymen present (many of whom spoke at each banquet) were personal friends of mine, and had worked heartily and loyally with me in everything that I suggested for the promotion of the well-being of the church at D’Urban and its neighbourhood. ST. THOMAS’ CHURCH, BEREA. “ On Tuesday, June 28th, a goodly number of the inhabitants residing along this ridge of hills, together with many friends, from the town of D’Urban and the neighbourhood, assembled together to join in the solemn services of the dedication of this church by the Most Rev. the Lord Bishop of Cape Town, Metropolitan. “A tent had been pitched in the adjoining grounds of Mr. Robert Raw, in which the Bishop and Clergy robed, whence they proceeded to the west door of the church, where they were met by the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, Acting Colonial Chaplain, and officiating minister of St. Paul’s, D’Urban, who read the usual petition, praying the Bishop to accept the building on behalf of the Church, and to dedicate it to the service of Almighty God, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England. “The Bishop, having assented to the prayer of the petition, proceeded down the aisle, reciting the xxiv. Psalm. After the usual exhortation and proper prayers, the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett began the ordinary morning service, the Dean, the Rev. James Walton, the Rev. W. A. Elder, and Archdeacon Fearne taking a part. Immediately after the Nicene Creed the Bishop pronounced and signed the Deed of Consecration, which will be lodged with the Registrar of the Diocese. “ The following is a copy of the document : “ ‘ In the Name of God, Amen. Whereas we, Robert, by Divine permission, Bishop of Cape Town, and Metropolitan, THOMAS’, BEREA. CONSECRATION OF ST. THOMAS' CHURCH. 287 have lately received the petition of the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, officiating minister of St. Paul’s D’ Urban, and other inhabitants of the Parish of D’Urban, within the Diocese of Natal, praying, amongst other things, that we, as God’s minister, the Metropo- litan of this province, would dedicate and consecrate this edifice to be a church to the honour and service of God. And whereas the site of this edifice, or church, with the enclosed ground surrounding the same, measuring altogether three roods of land, hath, by a Deed of Transfer, dated the 25th day of March, 1858, become effectually vested in John William, sometime Bishop of Natal, and his successors in that See, in trust for Ecclesiastical uses. Now we, the Metropolitan Bishop aforesaid, in compli- ance with the said petition, and by virtue of our ordinary and Episcopal office, do now openly before this congregation here assembled, separate this edifice henceforth from all profane and common uses, and do solemnly dedicate and consecrate the same in all time coming to the honour of God, and to His worship and service only, by the name of St. Thomas’ Church, Berea ; and we do hereby pronounce and decree the same to be for ever hereafter a church for the public worship of God, the preaching of His Holy Word, the administration of His Holy Sacraments, the Solemnization of Matrimony, and the celebra- tion of all other sacred ordinances therein, according to the ritual of the Church of England, and the Canons and constitu- tion of the said church, saving and reserving unto all future Bishops of Natal all ordinary and Episcopal powers, rights, and jurisdiction therein, and to ourselves and our successors all our metropolitical rights and jurisdiction. “ ‘ In testimony whereof we have hereunto caused our Episcopal seal to be affixed, and do subscribe our hand this Twenty-eighth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four. “ ‘ R. CAPE TOWN.’ “ The Bishop then entered the pulpit, and taking for his text the words of St. John xv. 8, — ‘Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit ; so shall ye be my disciples,’ — preached another of those earnest sermons, marked by the same fervid 288 LABOURS IN NATAL. eloquence which has characterised nearly all his addresses during this his primary visitation. Dwelling upon the peculiar circumstances of the Colonists settled in this land of heathen darkness, he pointed to them in clear and unmistakable terms the kind of fruit their Lord looks for and expects from them. “ After the sermon the offertory realized the sum of ^20, which goes to defray the expenses of erecting the church. “The building is a neat structure of Gothic form, composed of corrugated iron, lined with felt and wood, having a small vestry, porch, and spirelet containing a bell. The cost of its removal to its present site, the erection and painting, with extras, has been above ^200. “ Shortly after the conclusion of the service, the greater part of the congregation adjourned to the grounds of Mr. Robert Raw, where had been erected a marquee, in which was spread a very sumptuous collation, for the entertainment of those assembled. In addition to the Bishop and Clergy, a very large party of ladies and gentlemen were present. “ Mr. Robert Acutt, one of the most influential gentlemen and churchmen, presided. After the usual loyal toasts, Mr. Acutt proposed, in a able manner, ‘The Universal Church,’ coupling with it the name of the Metropolitan, who, in reply, said, that after what they had just heard they would, he was sure, all feel with him, that Mr. Acutt had most forcibly and clearly expressed himself on the subjects of which he spoke, and he (the Bishop) was rejoiced to hear such sentiments that day, and more especially from a layman. “ Mr. Raw briefly stated the circumstances in reference to the transfer of the church, with which, as co-executor of the late Mr. Daggett, he had been closely connected. “ Mr. Richard Vause, the vice-chairman, in proposing ‘ The Dean and Clergy of Natal,’ observed that all present could bear witness to the zeal and energy with which the clergy of the Diocese laboured amongst their scattered flocks, and without at all wishing to be invidious, the pleasure he had in proposing the present toast, was enhanced by the fact of the Dean having been the first minister he had sat under in the CONSECRATION OF ST. PAULS, U URBAN. 389 Colony, and a better clergyman or neighbour he felt sure could not be. “The Dean responded in a neat speech, dilating upon the present unhappy condition of affairs in the Colony, and referring to the long friendship that had existed between the Metropolitan and himself— a friendship now strengthened by the knowledge that he had the assurance of a head to apply to for advice in the future— trusted that he and his brother clergymen would con- tinue steadfast in the right faith, do their duty to their flocks, and in times of trouble remain true to their oaths, should any emergency arise. “ Several more toasts were proposed, after which the party dispersed, at sunset, to their respective homes.” ST. PAUL’S, D’URBAN. “ On Wednesday last (St. Peter’s Day, the anniversary of the Metropolitan’s consecration, seventeen years ago), the above church was consecrated. The services being precisely the same as those in our notice of St. Thomas’ church, it is not needful here to repeat them. We would only notice the addition of the anthem, ‘ Lord, how are they increased that trouble me,’ very creditably performed by the choir, under the able conduct of Mr. Haygarth. It was thought by some not sufficiently jubilant for the occasion ; by others it was felt that our present circum- stances demand that our joy should not be unmixed with some expression of sadness. The Bishop again preached from Daniel ii, 44th verse. “At three o’clock p.m., the Acting Colonial Chaplain, the churchwardens, and a committee of laymen, entertained the Bishop and clergy, with their ladies, at a collation in the County hall. Among other guests invited, were present, the Rev. Jesse Pilcher, and the Rev. Ralph Stott, the former the General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Society, and the latter the Wesleyan missionary to the Coolies introduced from India. The Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, the Acting Colonial Chaplain, presided, supported by Mr. W. Dacomb. U 290 LABOURS IN NATAL. “ After the universal loyal toasts, ‘The Queen,’ ‘The Prince and Princess of Wales and Royal Family’; the vice-chairman proposed ‘The Bishop of Cape Town,’ and his Lordship in reply, thanked them most sincerely for the cordial reception they had on all hands given him. He said he felt weighed down and oppressed with the thought of the immense work there was to be done in the colony, and with the difficulty of accomplishing nearly all that he could desire. Everywhere he found the scattered inhabitants eager and anxious to have a clergyman within their reach, and the ministrations of the church attain- able for themselves and their families. He should hold himself in readiness, subject to the calls upon him from his own Diocese, to revisit this Diocese at no distant time, should difficulties stand in the way of an early appointment of another Bishop. The Metropolitan then proposed the health of the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, the officiating minister of St. Paul’s. “ Mr. Dacomb then proposed the ‘Universal Church,’ which was replied to by the Dean, who stated some of his experience in this colony, having come into it before there was any church. He referred to the great and valid objections which the clergy in England felt to coming out to such a colony as this. He said for his own part he had no wish to leave it. He spoke in terms of satisfaction and confidence of the feeling existing in the minds of the laity towards the clergy. “The Rev. J. Pilcher was listened to with deep attention; he thanked the committee who had invited him to meet his Lord- ship to-day, and he thanked his Lordship for the opportunity of being present there, and at the solemn and sacred services. He regarded that church as no common house, but as the Lord’s House ; and felt soon the Lord’s truth would be proclaimed there. For his own part, every one present knew his position as a Wesleyan minister, yet he could not but feel his heart lifted up to Heaven by the sublime strains of that hymn, ‘We praise Thee, O God.’ He could not but unite in the universal and comprehensive language of the Litany ; and he felt sure, that whatever might be the teaching of ordained ministers from the pulpit, while the language of that Litany was preserved in the Church, and so large a portion of God’s Word was included in SPEECHES ON THE OCCASION. 291 it, the people could not but be preserved and built up in the Truth of God. He had no fear for any casual test through which the Scriptures should be made to pass ; but was confident, that like the precious metal, it would come out like gold tried seven times in the fire. He concluded by expressing his sympathy with the church ; they, as Wesleyans, did not forget the stock from which they came. He begged his Lordship to accept his thanks for the noble stand he made, and was making for the Truth of God ; and he then begged to express his deep sympathy with the Bishop and his clergy in the present severe trial that has come upon them. “ The Rev. R. Stott made a few brief remarks to similar effect, maintaining the Bible was entitled to be received, not only as containing, but being the very Word of God. “ Mr. R. Acutt said he had come there to-day, not at all ex- pecting to say one word, but something had fallen from the Bishop, which constrained him in common honesty, to speak and admit that he had long been in error with reference to the course of the Bishop of Cape Town. He (the Bishop) had indignantly repudiated the charge of being desirous of alienating this church from the mother church, and setting up one entirely independent. The explanation which his Lordship had given them of our true relations to the church at home, as being an established church there, and to the condition here as an unestablished church, could not but be satisfactory and clear to every one present ; and he (Mr. Acutt) was glad to have his own mind at length disabused on that head ; and he felt he ought not to allow his Lordship to depart without making this acknowledgment. “ There were nearly one hundred guests present, all of whom appeared greatly to enjoy the gathering ; and the strongest feelings of satisfaction were expressed on all hands, with such a result of the good Bishop’s primary visitation.” The Dean of Maritzburg preached at the evening service at St. Paul’s, when the Bishop and clergy were again present. 292 LABOURS IN NATAL. On the following morning, I assisted the Metro- politan at the marriage of Mr. B , after which, the Metropolitan held an important conference with the clergy ; and one of its results was, that the Bishop, with the consent of the clergy, decided to license three gentlemen as Catechists, whose duty it would be to read the service and a sermon, in outlying hamlets and places, in the absence of a clergyman. Mr. Blathwayt, who worked with me as a master of the Grammar school, and Mr. Achille Titren, were the two licensed to assist me in Addington, and Mr. Elder in Victoria County. The S.P.G. grants to the clergy was another subject discussed, and a resolution was proposed and carried of an urgent nature, for the Bishop to send to the Society. The following day, I had much conversation with the Metropolitan on various matters of business. Many of the clergy returned to their respective parishes, and on Saturday, July 2nd, the Bishop and Mrs. Gray sailed by the mail steamer for Cape Town, and I accompanied them to the Point, and took fare- well on the same spot where I had received them on their arrival on Wednesday, the 27th of April. Nothing could exceed the personal courtesy and kindness which I experienced from the Bishop and Mrs. Gray. On Sunday, July 3rd, in addition to the duties of the Colonial and Military Chaplaincy, and as In- cumbent of Addington, I conducted the first service in the afternoon ; at the new church on the Jlerea, which I continued to do regularly till I sailed for LETTER FRQM DEAN OF MARITZBURG. 293 England. One of the licensed Catechists took my place at Addington, on Sunday afternoon, leaving me two full services at St. Paul’s, one at Addington, and the other on the Berea. The following is a letter from the Dean of Maritz- burg: Maritzburgy July 6 th , 1864. Mv Dear Rivett, I congratulate you upon the very successful issue of last week’s work ; it must undoubtedly have strengthened the church. I found too, from many remarks made, that people felt increasing respect for you, for your untiring energies (very likely you perceive it yourself) ; it gratified me very much. Neither your life nor mine is one to be desired, there is not sufficient time for reflection and communing with one’s self. The Metro- politan felt this, but added considerably to my duties by making me Vicar General, and to yours by arranging that you should go to the Berea — it could not be helped. I recommended to Mr. Blathwayt, and would urge it upon you also, to follow Archdeacon Mackenzie’s plan, which was this — to repeat certain Psalms as he rode along on Sundays. I do not think that he did so during the whole of his ride, but I understood him that at certain points in each ride he repeated some favourite Psalm. This helped to sanctify the ride, and to do away with hurry and excitement of mind ; it kept the soul calm, though he had perhaps to ride fast. I would advise you to do the same, say, repeat one Psalm going to the Berea, and another on returning. Believe me, Yours very sincerely, JAMES GREEN. In recording the next letter, it may be mentioned that it is the last I received from Bishop Colenso; 294 LABOURS IN NATAL. here the correspondence between us ended. We met accidentally at Messrs. W. H. & H. Savory’s office, in Martin’s Lane, Cannon Street, London, in October of the following year (1865). The interview was brief, but pleasant. We met again in the Metropolis in 1874 — the Bishop’s last visit to England. When he came to Norwich, his Lordship stayed at Sir Samuel Bignold’s, during which time he called at the Vicarage of St. Martin at Palace to see his former friends and their church. I was from home, but Mrs. Rivett had the pleasure of seeing him. A portion of the annexed epistle, is also published in the Bishop’s memoir: Kensington , June 6 th, 1864. My Dear Mr. Rivett, I am glad to hear a good account of you by your letter of Easter Tuesday. I am afraid that you, and others of the clergy, will have been much perplexed by the proceedings of the Bishop of Cape Town, and I am sorry, on all accounts, that he did not wait quietly for the legal decision of the questions at issue. You will see by the Times , of May 25th, that I dined as Bishop of Natal with the Colonial Ministers, on her Majesty’s birthday — a fact which shows that the Government at home does not recognize the validity of the sentence of deposition, according to which, I ceased to be Bishop of Natal on April 16th. My petition is to come before the Privy Council at its next meeting, either this week or next, and then it will be decided what course the affair is likely to take. If the matter is referred to the Judicial Com- mittee, time must then be allowed for the Bishop of Cape Town to appear by his counsel, and I shall not be able to leave England till the end of the year. But the Privy Council may LETTER FRQM BISHOP CO LENS O. 295 decide at once, or may decline to interfere at this stage ; and in either of these cases, I shall hope to sail for Natal as soon as I can complete my preparations for the voyage. I have not seen Mr. Lloyd in England. Archdeacon and Mrs. Grubbe spent a day with us. His brother-in-law, the Rev. P. T. O , in the Bishop of Oxford’s Diocese, sent his name as a subscriber to my “Defence Fund,” which, as you are probably aware, in a very short time amounted to more than ,£2,000, ample enough, I hope, for all purposes. ..... I am very glad to find that your health bears up under the heavy work you have had, and also that you have paid off the debt upon the church, It does you credit to have managed this work so well. You will see from the above that by the next mail I hope to be able to speak more definitely of my plans. The delays of the law are tedious ; still, it is better to wait quietly and patiently, until my ground is made sure for me by an authorita- tive legal decision, if that can be obtained, than to take rash and hasty steps such as those which the Metropolitan appears to be taking. I should strongly advise you and others of the clergy who may be perplexed between the injunctions of the Bishop of Cape Town not to obey me as Bishop, and your sense of duty to the oath which you have taken of obedience to your Bishop, who is still recognized as such by the Queen’s Government, and by the law of the land, to write personally to Mr. Hawkins, Secretary of the S.P.G., and put the case before him, and ask his advice and direction as to what the Society wishes you to do under the circumstances, seeing that, by the instructions to their mis- sionaries, they expressly require you to be subject to your Bishop. But do not write before the September mail, as the committee does not meet till October, and therefore your letter, if arriving sooner, might be lost sight of. I am, Yours very truly, J. W. NATAL. 296 LABOURS IN NATAL. After the Metropolitan and Mrs. Gray’s return to Cape Town, they occasionally corresponded with me on matters of business. The Bishop’s “ charges,’* which were forwarded by me to the Cape before they sailed from Natal, had not arrived there, or at Port Elizabeth. The fault rested with Anderson and Saxon’s office, and they produced the parcel after the mail had gone, though they had repeatedly before denied having it. I also arranged to send some Kaffir youths from the Umgababa mission station in Natal, to Zonnebloem college in Cape Town, for their education. The Metropolitan wrote the following letter to me : Bishops Court , August 14 thy 1864. My Dear Sir, . . . . Dr. Colenso’s petition to the Queen in council, has been served by permission of the court, on the Arch- bishop of Canterbury, the Attorney General, myself, and the presenting clergy, that we may know what he is doing, and put in an appearance if we like. It will be heard, I understand, in November. The court, I am told, is likely to reply that they have no jurisdiction. No one, unless the Attorney General does, will appear before the council. He may do so, in behalf of the crown. The court was particular in not claiming jurisdiction. I have all the shorthand evidence. The petition prayed that I might be instructed to forward to the court, the records of the trial, and be inhibited taking further steps. It declined to do either. It said, they never ordered anything that they could not enforce. I may or may not put in a protest against jurisdiction. I have not had time to consider yet what is the proper course. It will be that or entire silence. Unfortunately, I have no one to advise me upon a matter so novel and so delicate. LETTER FROM THE METROPOLITAN . 297 You will see that Convocation has done its duty, and con- demned “Essays and Reviews.” It is now clear of all complicity in heresy before God and man. There remains only the chang- ing of the court of appeal, which will, I hope, be done. I have heard from S.P.G. in reply to my first letter on arriving at Natal, crying out for clergy. The Secretary assures me the standing committee were carefully considering the subject, and felt much sympathy for me and for the Diocese. Men will be sent if they can be found, but I much fear, in the present state of things, they will be unwilling to come. I am doing all that I can about men, and am going to send home my journal for publication. The Colonial Bishopric’s Council have declined to pay Dr. Colenso’s salary, and have put it by. I have written to the Lieutenant Governor Scott about Umninis’ sons. You must get them down as cheaply as you can, and draw upon me for the amount. Faithfully yours, R. CAPE TOWN. The Dean of Maritzburg having received the Catechists’ Licenses from the Metropolitan, wrote to me : Maritzburg , August 3ot/t, 1864. Dear Sir, I have forwarded to you by this day’s post, Mr. Titren’s License to act as a Catechist. With it is also a copy of the Declarations to be made and subscribed by him before re- ceiving his license. I shall feel much obliged if you will act for me in this matter, by receiving and attesting Mr. Titren’s declarations in the manner prescribed, and returning the document to me to be filed by the Registrar. I have also enclosed a printed copy of Instructions ta 298 LABOURS IN NATAL , Catechists for Mr. Titren’s guidance. They are in every respect to be minutely followed. Please insert the date in the License ; with that exception it is complete. Believe me to remain, Faithfully yours, JAMES GREEN, Vicar General. After the erection and consecration of the new church upon the Berea, I wrote to Mrs. Admiral Harcourt full particulars of the event, and forwarded the Natal Mercury containing the account of the proceedings. She replied as follows : Swinton Park , Be dale, August 2,0th , 1864. Reverend Sir, I must beg to thank you very much for the photo- graph of the little church, which looks very pretty ; also for the newspaper. The account of the consecration of the church is most gratifying and pleasing to me, and I am quite satisfied it should be where it is, especially as the people of the Berea appear to appreciate it and have promised to assist those of Congella to obtain one at some future time. I shall be much obliged if you will thank Mr. and Mrs. Raw for their kindness and hospitality on the occasion of the opening of the church, and indeed, all others who have interested them- selves and promoted its erection. It is also very kind and good of you to undertake the duty at present, considering how much you have to do elsewhere ; and I can only pray that the Almighty may bless and reward your endeavours. It will give me great pleasure to see you at Swinton next year when you visit England, and I shall hope to hear from you on your arrival. OPINIONS ON METROPOLITANS A UTHORITY. 299 I am quite sure you would be very much shocked when the tidings of poor Mrs. Daggett’s death reached you. I only wish that both of them could have been spared to witness the com- pletion of the object they had so much at heart. You will be glad to hear — with other friends — that their baby has been placed under the care of his father’s relations, and is, I hear, doing well. Believe me, Yours very faithfully, A. W. DANBY V. HARCOURT. There can be no doubt that the Metropolitan’s visit to the Diocese made a wonderful impression on a large number of the laity, and that many in D’Urban were pleased with his presence among them, although they did not agree with him in the steps he had taken to depose Bishop Colenso. From whatever view the question might be regarded, it could not be disputed, that the church at home, as well as the church in all parts of the world, approved of the proceedings he had instituted against the Bishop of Natal, and it was accepted by the church generally as a spiritual sentence, pronounced by one, who in the church, had authority over Dr. Colenso, and who was bound, by Canon law, to exercise it in this case. The law of the land might give him all temporali- ties, but it is the church only which can bestow or recall spiritualities. The majority of the laity in D’Urban had not the remotest sympathy with Bishop Colenso’s theological treatises, but they looked upon him as their lawful Bishop, and that none but the Queen, or her representatives, could remove him. There were several gentleman in D’Urban, who took 3 °° LABOURS IN NATAL. conscientiously this view of the question, and inter- ference from any other source was considered an intrusion. One of the churchwardens of St. Paul’s had not been in the least convinced by the arguments and declarations of the Metropolitan. He was a man of influence, and occupied a high position in the Colony, and was entirely opposed to all who promulgated opinions on this matter adverse to his own. He con- tinued his friendship to me, but was desirous not to remain in offlce as churchwarden. I was not inclined to accept his resignation, but took counsel with the Dean of Maritzburg, the Vicar General, who wrote thus : Maritzburg, September 16 th, 1864. My Dear Rivett, You seem in trouble in the matter of churchwardens. I do not, however, think any temporary inconvenience so great as the loss of power in admitting that any person can, at will, throw up an engagement. I knew that many would call it nonsense, to say that a man cannot resign, and will insist in the spirit of self-will in doing so. But religion condemns the self- willed spirit, and does require a man to perform his vows. Mr. R. undertook the office, and if he will not now discharge its duties, it lies at his door ; but we should become parties to it, if we recognized his resignation. I should hope that Mr. P. would not resign, but if he did, I should then keep the accounts myself, until next Easter. Anything rather than recognize what I consider lax principles. We have divorces in Colonies on grounds which the church cannot recognize, and a general indifference to fulfilling engage- ments against which we must utter our protest. Should you be blamed, I should feel sorry ; but still, it is only learning that lesson which must sooner or later be learned — that if we do right A CHURCHWARDEN'S RESIGNATION. 301 we shall be blamed, even by those whose approval we respect. Our only resting place is the consciousness that we have done our best They would do well to open the Bridge with prayer, and if you need any assistance I shall be most happy to help you. . . Yours very sincerely, JAMES GREEN. I also wrote to the Archdeacon of D’Urban, on the principle, “ That in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Rivers dale, September 16 th , 1864. My Dear Mr. Rivett, By Law 31, in first Church Council, in case of the resignation of a churchwarden, “A vestry meeting shall be summoned to appoint a successor, and such election shall be notified to the Bishop, and the newly-elected churchwarden admitted to office.” By Law No. 16, you can call a Vestry, and at that vestry you can appoint a churchwarden. No other course, so far as I can see, is open to you, and your churchwarden could sign his declaration before you, and you could forward it to me. I strongly advise this course. You will require, when Dr. Colenso returns, a churchwarden who will stand by you. Follow the course quietly To all objectors simply say, “that you are instructed by me in your action.” Mr. R. foresees the coming difficulties, and would not like to be mixed up with them. I do not know Mr. S., but a firm , self-possessed, cautious man is what you will require I am, Most truly yours, THOMAS G. FEARNE. 302 LABOURS IN NATAL. D' Urban , September 30 th, 1864. Dear Mrs. Dowson, My letter to you this mail will be brief, as I am constantly occupied in the work of my three parishes, besides doing what I can in the school. I look forward to seeing you (D.V.) next year, then I will tell you more than I can possibly communicate by letter. I have just received a letter from the Rev. Ernest Hawkins, the Secretary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, to inform me that the Board has been pleased to grant me leave of absence for eighteen months, and that they have advertised for a clergyman to come out from England to take my place, and will pay his passage. I expect Mr. Lloyd’s return at the end of next month. My work then will be less, and I intend to take a trip to Maritzburg, and beyond it, that I may see something of the country. Although I have resided nine years in the Colony, I have never travelled north of the City, or seen anything of the sheep farms in that district. I transmit to you photographs of the three churches where I officiate. The new church at the Berea is full every Sunday, and I have had a kind letter from Mrs. Admiral Harcourt, who has invited me to go and see her when I arrive in England. I am thankful for the health I have enjoyed. Not one service in any of the three churches has been suspended on account of illness, or from any cause whatever, I do not think that I told you (you may have read it in the newspaper) that I presided at the Luncheon at D’ Urban, given to the Metropolitan. His Lordship sat on my right ; the Dean, Archdeacon, and Mrs. Gray on my left. The Bishop was kind enough to propose my health in very graceful terms, and, of course, I replied. It was another of my red-letter days in Natal. I wrote a letter to Mr. Nevill, to communicate to him poor Mrs. Robertson’s death, so that he might inform her old friend, Miss Foster. I am about to take part in the opening of the new Umgeni LETTER TO MRS. DOW SON. 303 Bridge. The Umgeni is a very wide river, and, with its alligators and quicksands, was my bugbear for a long time, when I had to cross it on horseback. I have had a few upsets in it, but never came to any harm, beyond a wetting. I think it likely that Bishop Colenso will return before I leave, and I anticipate that the “Judicial Committee of the Privy Council” will declare that in law the Bishop of Cape Town had no authority to try him. The whole case is a painful one, and so exceptional, that the clergy here need wisdom to know how to act, and what to do when the trying hour comes. I have personally received so much kindness from the Bishop that, in my case, the position is doubly embarrassing, as I dare not recognize his spiritual authority. “No man can serve two masters.” If the Metropolitan be Bishop Colenso’s chief, to whom he has sworn canonical obedience, he is mine, and I cannot obey both Yours very sincerely, ALFRED W. L. RIVETT. The following is the S.P.G. Secretary’s letter : 79, Pall Mall, A ugnst fifth , 1864. Rev. and Dear Sir, I have laid your application before the Committee, and am directed to say, that under the circumstances which you describe, they cannot object to your leaving your Mission for a period not altogether exceeding eighteen months. They understand that you will assign your present salary and allowances .... with forage for a horse to a clergyman who may be sent to take your place. And with this understand- ing the Committee will look out for a well-qualified substitute. I have written both to the Bishop of Cape Town and the Dean of Maritzburg, by this mail. 304 LABOURS IN NATAL , We are aware of the wretchedly depressed condition of the Diocese ; but, unhappily, are not able to afford it any effectual assistance. I am, Yours truly, ERNEST HAWKINS. At this juncture the Dean, as Vicar General, in- formed me that he had heard from Mr. Hawkins, that consent had been given to my leave of absence for England, and suggested : “You had better, therefore, at once apply to the Commandant for leave, stating that you are desirous of visiting England, and have obtained eighteen months’ leave from S.P.G., to take effect from the time of the arrival of someone to fill your post, and you ask that this gentleman may be allowed to act as Military Chaplain, and to receive the income annexed. “ It seems that you cannot make any engagement with any one here, for some one may be on the high seas, and it is well to make it clear, in your application, that you want not any one, but some particular person to fill your place. “ Mr. Lloyd left England per the ‘ Monsoon,’ and may be expected daily. “ I shall be very glad for you to spend a Sunday at Shafton. I propose (D.V.) to start there to-morrow morning.” Later on the Dean wrote : “Would the end of November suit you for your visit to Maritzburg ? About that time I should be pleased to be free for one Sunday. I have to go eighty miles to a wedding, and cannot fix my own time. But I understand it is to come off about the last week in November You ought to be collecting again in church for the Finance Board. Mr. Cope is ill, so may not send you a reminder, for which at no time is there need to wait.” LEAVE OF ABSENCE. 305 As advised, I made application to the Commandant of the Forces, and received in reply : Fort Napier , Natal, November 50th, 1864. Sir, The Commandant having submitted your letter of the 2 1 st ultimo, for the favourable consideration of the Com- mander of the Forces, His Excellency has been pleased to state that he has no objection to offer to your application for leave. But I am directed to inform you, that during your absence, your allowances will be discontinued. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, H. A. WILSON. District Adjutant. The Commandant at Maritzburg wrote immediately to the Vicar General for the name of my successor, that it might be, without delay, forwarded to the General for approval. This could not be done till later on, as no date had been fixed for my departure, or any announcement made of the clergyman from England to succeed me. The annexed is the letter addressed to the Dean of Maritzburg : Garrison Office, Fort Napier, December 6th, 1864. Sir, The Rev, A. W. L. Rivett, Officiating Military Chaplain at D’Urban, having received the permission of His X 306 LABOURS IN NATAL. Excellency the Commander of the Forces, to proceed to England on eighteen months’ leave of absence, I am instructed by the Commandant to request you will inform me of the name of the clergyman you intend appointing in Mr. Rivett’s place, in order that application may be made for the usual allowances to be granted to the former. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, HENRY A. WILSON. The Metropolitan Bishop of Cape Town addressed another communication to me : Bishop's Court , October 12th, 1864 My Dear Sir, I do not hear of any man as yet for Natal. Indeed, up to the hour of the mail’s departure, through marvellous blundering, my appeal, written on the 2nd of May, at D’Urban, had not been published, and therefore the wants of the Diocese not made known. I receive most hearty letters from leading men in the church, thanking me for my charge, and the course pursued in Natal. The Archbishop’s words are my best reply to Dr. Colenso’s charges against unfaithfulness to the Church of England. He says : “Your charge I have received and read with deep interest. It has produced a considerable effect with friend and foe, from its unflinching courage and bold advocacy of what we believe to be the truth. Please God, we shall conquer in the end ; and you may rely on my support, so far as it is possible to give it consistently with my sense of duty. You know the difficulties which beset my path, but I pray God to give me strength, and wisdom, and courage to surmount them all.” I am writing, by this mail, to Mr. Toumesson, to say that I LETTER FROM THE METROPOLITAN. 307 will take Langalibalele’s two sons ; they can come down as the last, by the mail. I am now full for the present. When you come down here we shall be happy to receive you, unless during the sitting of my Synod in January, when every bed will be occupied. I have written home to say that I shall hold myself in readi- ness to sail for England by the February steamer, if men and means for Natal are not forthcoming; but I trust and believe that I shall be spared this effort. The Bishop of Oxford feels very confident that the Privy Council will advise the Queen that she has no jurisdiction in this case For myself, however, I believe that if the L. C. can damage the church, he will do so. Men’s eyes, however, are getting gradually opened. Witness the change of tone in the Guardian. I hope that Mr. L., on his return, will stand firm. It is of great moment to the whole church at this time, that it should be united. You and he must work together I and my wife have only been home one day from a ride of 500 miles. My dear Sir, Very truly yours, R. CAPE TOWN. In the winter of this year I arranged a huge treat for the Sunday Schools connected with D’Urban, Addington, and the Berea. The day was fine, balmy, and bright. Mr. Nimmo, whose grounds were on the lovely Berea, kindly allowed me the use of them, and his excellent daughters did all in their power to make the proceedings successful. I had collected £2 o towards the object, and was able to reserve out of that sum, £10 for books and prizes, which, as will be seen in the letter from the noble Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, was supplemented with a grant of £ 5 for Bibles and Prayer Books. 3°8 LABOURS IN NATAL. On the day fixed for the treat, the schools of Addington met at St. Paul’s, D’Urban, from whence they started in waggons, at half-past eight o’clock in the morning, and on their arrival, were regaled with a sumptuous dinner and tea. Games of all kinds were indulged in, till the evening, when they returned home well-pleased with the long day’s outing. The following is the letter from S.P.C.K., with respect to the grant above alluded to : 77, Great Queen Street , Lincoln's Inn Fields , October 5th, 1864. Dear Sir, We have received your letter, dated August 1st, with remittance of ^10. An additional grant of Bibles and Prayer Books, to the amount of has been made, and all the books have been sent to Messrs. W. H. & H. Savory, as requested, I trust they will arrive safely, and supply your wants. I am, Dear Sir, Yours very truly, THOMAS BURT, Superintendent. During the latter part of October, 1864, the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, Colonial Chaplain, returned in the “ Monsoon,” to D’Urban, and after a visit to Maritz- burg, to see the Lieutenant Governor, he resumed his duties at St. Paul’s Church. I still continued, when at home, regularly to preach at the evening service. By the same ship arrived Mr. Adam and Miss Boyd — brother and sister of the Rev. Dr. Henry Boyd, LETTER FROM MISS TOWNSEND, 3°9 now Principal of Hertford College, Oxford. They brought letters of introduction to me, and in a short time became warm friends. They were the true type of English church people the Colony needed, and it was a joy to welcome them, and others who are alluded to in Miss Townsend’s letter, and who came to the Colony before and after that period. 40, Acacia Road , St. John's Wood, N.W . , October $th, 1864. Dear Mr. Rivett, I am very glad to get your kind letter, and thank you very much for all your interesting news. By this time I expect you will have Mr. Lloyd back again, for he sailed with Mrs. Lloyd in the “Monsoon,” in July By the same vessel, a brother and sister went to Natal, whom I hope you will have seen. Mr. Boyd proposes to settle in the colony. Miss Boyd thinks of remaining there for a year or two. They are very excellent people. I believe I gave them a note of introduction to you. Mr. T writes to me of your and Mrs. Rivett’s great kindness and hospitality to him. I feel greatly indebted to you for it. I do not wonder at your being pleased with him. I hear on all hands that he is most estimable and sterling, and an ex- cellent Churchman. I only wish we may have many more colonists of his tone of mind. I am now going to bespeak your kind help and good offices for a very different person ; a young man of nineteen — Mr. M , who is going out in the “Priscilla,” which is to sail on the 10th inst. He goes for the sake of the voyage, and with the intention of remaining in Natal for a few months only. A twelvemonth ago he broke a blood-vessel, and wintered in the South of England by medical order. He is fairly well again, but looks delicate. It is hoped the voyage will greatly strengthen and sustain him ; but he is young and has a very 3io LABOURS IN NATAL. anxious mother and sister. I have been to talk with them about him twice, and have ventured to tell them that I know you will give him any help and advice you can on his first landing, when everything will be new and strange. His present intention is not to remain at D’ Urban longer than will be necessary for him to collect his things, &c., and then to go on (probably) by omnibus to Maritzburg, His mother, who is a widow, was very desirous that I should recommend him some boarding-house, to which he might go whilst at the Bay, but this I cannot do, for I have no idea what houses of that description there may be there. You will, I am sure, kindly tell him where he may be respectably and moderately accommodated ; and in case of his being ill on his first arrival, you and Mrs. Rivett will not, I am sure, lose sight of him, but will help him all you can. He is an architect by profession, and I have seen some very clever architectural drawings of his. I can quite understand how eagerly you must be looking forward to a holiday next year, after all your hard work. Indeed, I quite feel you have well earned it. I wish, with all my heart, it were not so difficult to get clergymen to go to our colonies. I have been twice to the S.P.G., hoping to have a talk with Mr. Bullock about the gentleman you propose as a substitute for yourself, and concerning the matter generally, but he and Mr. Hawkins are both out, which is a most unusual thing. However, Mr. Bullock will, it is expected, return to town next week, and I will make a point of seeing him. I half fear whether I shall do any good ; however, I can but try. I grieve to see the advertisement for a clergyman to join the Zulu mission repeated month after month without any response, Mrs. Robertson’s end was, indeed, a most sad one. I cannot tell you how dreadfully it shocked all her mission friends in England. It seemed all the more appalling and distressing in consequence of the very bright accounts we had so recently had of her. I have no doubt but that the letter of sympathy and condolence from the clergy of Natal, must have been very grate- ful and comforting to her bereaved husband, but as you say, “he is indeed very desolate.” I have seen the copy of a letter from him to Miss Mackenzie’s sister, and it shows, I think, that LETTER FROM MISS TOWNSEND. 31 1 he feels almost broken-hearted. We must all, I am sure, long to give him effectual help, and deeply regret that there seems nothing we can do towards supplying Mrs. Robertson’s place to the people she loved so well. I read with deep interest all the accounts I could get of the doings at D’Urban, during the Bishop of Cape Town’s stay amongst you. I am truly glad that his reception was so different in his leaving you, to what it was on his arrival. No doubt his steady consistent character won over many, and he seems to have been successful too in doing away with many misapprehensions. You and those who appreciate him in Natal, who are, I trust, a large and increasing number, will grieve to see how frequently and, as I think, unworthily, he has been attacked of late in the Times and elsewhere As you are not thinking of returning till the middle of next year, I quite hope we shall meet again in Natal. Believe me, Dear Mr. Rivett, Yours very sincerely, HENRIETTA TOWNSEND. After the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd had time to settle down to his duties again, I arranged for my work at Addington and Berea for two Sundays, and paid a farewell visit to Maritzburg.. On my arrival, I first spent a few days at Shafton and Howick — fifteen miles north of the city, where I preached and celebrated the Holy Communion, on Sunday, December 4th, and with Mr. Berry, the licensed Catechist in charge, an ex-Wesleyan minister, and a candidate for Holy Orders, stayed at the house of a very enterprising sheep farmer. We also visited the “ Start,” the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Barter. Mr. Barter accompanied me from farm to 312 LABOURS IN NATAL. farm, and introduced me to many of his people, who, like other colonists, knew how to welcome a clergy- man. While out on the hills one afternoon, we were overtaken by a terrible thunderstorm and drenching rain, which came on suddenly, as is often the case in South Africa ; happily we reached a shelter before its full force was felt. On Sunday, December nth, 1864 (the third in Advent), I preached my last sermon in the Cathedral at Maritzburg, and the same week bade adieu to my friends in the city. Letters arrived from England on family business which required my presence as soon as possible. No clergyman had been announced to take my place, nor was anyone on the way from the S.P.G. Society. The Metropolitan wrote to me from Bishop’s Court, on November 15 th, 1864, a long letter, and among other things he said : “ I hope that at this very anxious time, you will not leave your post, if it can possibly be helped. I do not know what is to become of the place, if you leave before the arrival of a successor. Of course, if private affairs compel you to go, there is no help for it.” Miss Townsend wrote to me later on from London: “ Thank you much for your letter so full of details extremely interesting to me. I have not lost sight of your wishes and interests, but have made known in many quarters, wherever I have been able, your anxiety to meet with a brother clergyman as your substitute during your absence. But in the present state of affairs in Natal, it seems almost impossible to get any one to go there who might be likely to come into contact with the LETTER FROM MISS TOWNSEND . 3i3 Ecclesiastical authorities. I find that the S.P.G. have not even had an enquiry for the post, much less an offer; and I, when- ever I have spoken on the subject, have always been met with a thorough disinclination to think or speak about it. Natal, at present, is completely at a discount “ As regards the reduction of the grants to the Colonial clergy by the S.P.G. I think it is needful to know all the facts of the case before blaming the Society. With greatly diminished income, they have been obliged to enter upon fresh fields of labour ; and there is no doubt but that colonists ought, to the utmost extent possible, to support their clergy. The S.P.G. originally supported the church in Canada and other parts of British North America. Now they have withdrawn all, or nearly all, their old grants, to enable them to assist other struggling churches. And so it must be, if there is to be any progress. The question is, are not D’ Urban and Pietermaritzburg quite able to pay, and that liberally, for the support of their clergy ? and if they are, ought they not of their own accord, and without the urging of S.P.G., to take the responsibility upon themselves? If you could hear, as I sometimes do, how much is said on the subject in private and in public, and how constantly the S.P.G. are urged to withdraw their support from comparatively wealthy communities, and to give it to new settlements and missionary churches, you would be able to form some idea how many things need to enter into their calculations. “ I verily believe myself that the S.P.G. do honestly try to help all accordingto their needs, so far as they have the power. But the claims on them are innumerable, and with such inade- quate means, considering the work they have on hand, they must make a selection. I am often in Pall Mall, and have seen much of the officers of the Society, and can testify as to their extreme kindness and courtesy, even when they have been obliged to refuse what one has set one’s heart upon. Mr. Ernest Hawkins is giving up his secretaryship, and there will be a meeting to choose his successor on the 17th. Mr. Bullock has been proposed, and I hope and expect he will be elected. . . “ I trust you may all have a prosperous and pleasant voyage, 314 LA BO mS IN NATAL. and a happy meeting with your friends at home. If you start in March I may still be here when you arrive, in which case, I shall be very glad to take charge of your photograph of Addington for Miss Mackenzie “ I almost wonder you have never extended your rides to ‘ Spring Vale.’ I wish you could have seen it and its inmates, but I suppose time has failed you to reach it. “ I am looking forward to the arrival of the Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Scott toward the end of January. I rejoice to hear that Mr. R. B. T is winning such golden opinions.” At Christmas, 1864, I ceased my connection with the Grammar school, and Mr. Blathwayt continued to carry it on. I gave up my residence in D’Urban at the same time. Mrs. Rivett and Lucy journeyed in an ox waggon to Maritzburg, to take leave of their friends, and on their return to D’Urban, stayed the rest of the time at Mr. F. Masterton Smith’s, with the exception of a week spent at the house of Mrs. Leslie on the Berea. I was elected an honorary member of the “ D’Urban Club,” where I took up my abode at the beginning of January, and remained there as my head quarters till I left Natal. In the second week of January, 1865, 1 passed several days at the house of my friends the Rev. W. A. and Mrs. Elder, of Verulam, that I might preach on the Sunday, and take farewell of the many whom I had known so well in Victoria County, when I was curate to the late Archdeacon Mackenzie. It was evident that under the peculiar circum- stances in which the Diocese was placed, no fresh clergyman was likely to arrive from England, and I offered my appointments at first to a clergyman (an old friend), who was anxious to come into a town A SUCCESSOR FOUND. 3i5 from the country, but as there was no guarantee that I would not return, and in that case the appointment would not be permanent, he declined. The Archdeacon of D’Urban was most willing to accept the various posts, and without delay it was settled that he should leave Richmond, and act as Military Chaplain, and perform the duties of Incum- bent of Addington and the Berea, receiving the emoluments attached to them. The Archdeacon wrote to me on the 28th of January, 1 865 : “Will you oblige me by sending me, as far as you can, a list of the names of the people connected with your two churches, as I wish to find them out as early as I can “In looking around for a house for me, pray have respect to my purse. I only want room for myself and a horse.” The Rev. James Walton, of St. John’s, Pinetown, had enlarged the chancel and built a transept to his church, and was desirous of seeing as many of the clergy as could come to the inauguration services. He, therefore, wrote to me, January 17th, 1865. “ Our opening services will take place (D.V.) on Wednesday the 28th inst., and we shall be glad if you will come and help us. I have invited the Dean (who has promised to preach on the occasion), Archdeacon, and all the clergy down here. So we shall have, as you said, a clerical meeting, and may talk over important matters in reference to the future of this Diocese. “ I have secured for you comfortable quarters where you will be entertained for a couple of nights with pleasure. “ So come in the ’bus on Tuesday evening. Bring your robes, and direct Mr. Elder and Mr. Baugh to ‘Murray’s ’Bus,’ 316 LABOURS IN NATAL. on Tuesday afternoon. You must not trust to the one on Wednesday morning.” Mr. M., the gentleman referred to in a former letter from Miss Townsend, who came out in the “ Priscilla,” arrived safely in Natal, and I did what I could in entertaining him, and promoting his interest. The two following letters were received from him before I sailed : “ Maritzburg, “ January nth , 1865 . “After enduring the usual vicissitudes of the journey by waggon, I am glad to say I arived here very comfortably about noon yesterday. We passed and repassed Mrs. Rivett and Miss Lucy on our road, and finally, I think, arrived here a short time before her. “Rain and mud, at present, attract the attention entirely otherwise the appearance of Maritzburg struck me most pleasantly. “ I received a kind note from Mr. Robinson this morning, and I cannot let this opportunity pass without thanking you for so kindly introducing me to him, and also for your kindness to me during my short stay in D’ Urban. “ Mrs. Samuel Button has made me very comfortable at her house, and, for the present, I shall remain here.” On February 25th, 1865, Mr. M. wrote to me : “Many thanks for your kind note of the 20th, especially for the offer of conveying a parcel for me to England. My stay, at present, has been too short to allow me to get a few things collected which might prove interesting to my friends ; so, while regretting I cannot avail myself of your kindness, * I have to thank you for it all the same. LETTERS . 3*7 “I have been thoroughly enjoying a stay with Mr. W. for upwards of a month, and have experienced the greatest kindness, with the additional home comforts. The effect has been very beneficial to my health, and I am most sanguine that a change for the better has commenced, which may lead to permanent results. “ All that I have as yet seen of the Colony has given me satisfaction, and I look forward to a pleasant sojourn therein. I think it most likely that I shall remain a year for certain (if all be well), and so try each season in turn. “It would have given me much pleasure to get down to the Bay before the ‘ Athens ’ leaves, but I fear it is impossible. Let me express my best wishes for a pleasant voyage and safe arrival in the Old Country, and thanking you for the kindness you have shown me.” I lived on the most friendly terms with the clergy of the Diocese. My residence in D’Urban kept me frequently in communication with them all. The Rev. James Walton was very humourous. He loved a joke, but he was always grave on all serious and important -matters. I informed him that I had finally completed all my arrangements to sail by the next steamer, early in March ; and to this he replied : “ February qth, 1865. “Thanks for your letters. You are a lucky man, and you will be equally so in England, for you are evidently born under the influence of Jupiter, as astrologers would say ! “ As the day of your departure is drawing nigh, and I have promised to come in, if possible, to hear your last sermon at Addington, I should like to know if you have fixed the day. The first of March is Ash Wednesday, and, of course, I could not be away frorA my own church on that day. You must, therefore, appoint a day or two earlier, or later. 3i8 LABOURS IN NATAL . “ What Mr. Lloyd will do without you I cannot even guess. Is Mr. Robinson, from Leeds, expected by next steamer? You have not sent me one of the Metropolitan’s Journals.” . . . The Rev. Walter Baugh, who has been mentioned in previous pages of this autobiography, still con- tinued a confirmed invalid, but always fancied he could accomplish more than his strength permitted, and would plan many things for the performance of his work and the welfare of others, which, when the last moment came, he had to abandon. It was his full intention to be present at the Metro- politan’s banquet, and other clerical gatherings ; and, as the following letter will relate, he hoped to see his dear friend before he sailed. But that was not allowed, and the contents of his epistle are indicative of the affectionate feeling he entertained for his old com- panion of so many years’ standing : Umlazi Mission Station , March ist , 1865. My Dear Mr. Rivett, As we do not know what a day may bring forth, I must not let to-day’s post leave without sending a line and my promised letter for Mr. Lightfoot, at Cape Town. I will not say that I do not expect to see your face, and that of Mrs. Rivett and Lucy, before you leave. I may ride in yet. Still, I think it the safe plan to say, “ Fare you well,” and “ May God bless you, and go with you, and make you and yours a blessing,” lest the steamer should suddenly come, and I should be left unrelieved of the expressed good wishes of my heart. You know not what may be the future course of your life. You may, after some months’ absence, drop amongst us again or you may be attracted to the Colony of Columbia, or you may settle down in dear old England, so it is useless to speculate on BIDDING FAREWELL. 319 the subject. Let us hope to meet again. I have no doubt that God will display the pillar of a cloud in the opening of His Providence, to show you the way in which He wishes you to go, in His own time. Give my very kindest regards to Mrs. Rivett and dear Lucy, and tell them that they shall not be forgotten'in my thoughts and prayers. I am now close on the time for sending this, so I must hope to write further again. I shall, of course, expect to hear from you. I need not send you a note of introduction to my brother in Liverpool. I have mentioned you to him. Should you go to Liverpool, you will find him at the Parsonage House, 52, Snow Hill. The church of St. Mary Magdalene is in Finch Street, near London Road. May God bless and protect you all. Believe me ever, Your very faithful friend, WALTER BAUGH. The farewell service at St. Thomas’, Berea, was held on Sunday afternoon, February 26th, 1865 ; and that at Christ Church, Addington, on Monday evening, the 27th, when the. Rev. James Walton said the Prayers, and the Rev. W. A. Elder read the Lessons. On Thursday, March 2nd, the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd, Colonial Chaplain, several churchwardens, and a number of the various congregations of St. Paul’s, D’Urban, Christ Church, Addington, and St. Thomas’, Berea, met in the vestry of St. Paul’s, for the purpose of presenting to me a valedictory address and purse of sovereigns, on my departure from the Colony. George Rutherford, Esq., H.M. Collector of Cus- toms at this port, and ex-warden of the parish church, after a few genial and pertinent remarks, read the following address, which was most numerously signed 320 LABOURS IN NATAL. by all the wardens of D’Urban and the vicinity, also by a great number of the congregations in D’Urban and the neighbourhood : Natal , March 2nd , 1865. To the Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, of Christ Church, Addington, and St. Thomas’ Berea, and late of St. Paul’s, D’Urban. Reverend Sir, We, the undersigned members of the Church of England, residing in D’Urban and its vicinity, desire to avail ourselves of the occasion of your approaching departure from the Colony, to testify our appreciation of your zealous and faithful ministration among us for many years past. More especially do we refer to the duties of Acting Colonial Chaplain, and Minister of St. Paul’s, D’Urban — duties under- taken amid obvious discouragements and difficulties, and involving, we believe, no little personal sacrifice. It may, doubtless, be held that the sacred functions of a Christian minister are subject to a higher Tribunal, for approba- tion and reward, than man’s judgment ; at the same time, it may not be displeasing to know that a zealous fulfilment of these duties has been recognized and appreciated by those most interested therein, and who feel it a duty, as well as a pleasure, thus to record the fact. Accompanying this expression of our esteem and good will is a small testimonial, of which we beg your acceptance ; not on account of its intrinsic value, but that the occasion may be marked by some tangible memento. In the hope that yourself and Mrs. Rivett may have a safe and speedy voyage to the old country, and with sincerest wishes for your future welfare, We are, Reverend Sir, Yours faithfully and sincerely, (Signed by) GEORGE RUTHERFORD, Collector of Customs, [ and the churchwardens of all the three churches , and by many members of the several congregations. ] REPLY TO A VALEDICTORY ADDRESS, 321 I then addressed those present, as follows : “ Gentlemen, “ I hardly know how to find words in which to express the gratitude I feel for the kind address you have been pleased to present to me this day. The gift by which it is accompanied, I regard as a token of the goodwill you bear towards me. I thank you most sincerely for this unexpected token of your appreciation of my services among you ; and, believe me, I shall ever remember, to the latest hour of my life, the happiness I have enjoyed during ten years’ residence in this Colony, and more particularly during the last six years, while privileged to minister in D’ Urban, on the Berea, and at Addington. “I trust I have endeavoured to discharge my several duties faithfully and conscientiously, as in the sight of God, who will one day call upon both minister and people to render a solemn account to Him of the way in which we have employed the opportunities granted to us. “ Whatever my future lot may be (whether I return to Natal or remain in England), accept my heartfelt assurance that I shall ever feel a deep and real interest in the Church’s work in this Colony. “ I may also add, that I hope to be able, while travelling from place to place in the mother country, to lecture upon ‘Natal and its Inhabitants,’ and also to set forth at home, the most pressing need for additional clergy in this Colony, and for larger funds to support both them and the cause of the Church, generally. “ In conclusion, on behalf of Mrs. Rivett and myself, I beg to thank you for your kind wishes for a safe and prosperous voyage, and may every blessing rest upon you and yours.” The Colonial Chaplain (the Rev. W. H. C. Lloyd), begged to be allowed, on this parting opportunity, to say a few words, which were embodied in an address : Y 22 LABOURS IN NATAL. “ My Dear Mr. Rivett, “It gives me no ordinary degree of satisfaction to be present on this occasion, when I have the pleasure of wit- nessing around me, in this sacred edifice (St. Paul’s Church, D’Urban), the representatives of many of the members of the United Church of England and Ireland in this part of South Eastern Africa, assembled to offer you a token of their goodwill and regard, on the eve of your departure (after an absence of ten years) to your native land, perhaps never to return. “ The occasion affords me a favourable opportunity for express- ing my obligation to you, for the very satisfactory manner in which you endeavoured to fulfil the duties entrusted to your charge, as Acting Colonial Chaplain, during my recent absence in England for a year and four months. You had many other calls upon your time during that period, but I am not aware of any that were unfulfilled, notwithstanding the various engage- ments, both spiritual and scholastic, to which you had to attend. “ You are now called upon to receive a warm expression of our goodwill and regard to yourself and Mrs. Rivett, which both so justly merit, and the earnest prayers of us all for the safety of your voyage, and your future welfare.” The Natal Mercury of March 4th, 1865, in addition to the above addresses, had the following leading article : “ Of all members of the community which we, in a young and sparsely-peopled Colony can afford to lose least, really earnest, active, and hardworking clergymen are the most valuable. “The man who, for small pecuniary consideration, devotes his time, his talents, and all the energies of body and mind to the discharge of ministerial duties, is more deserving of all honour from those he serves than many men of bigger preten- sions, but far less merit. “The Rev. A. W. L. Rivett, who leaves us by this mail steamer, has been a faithful representative of his high cause. ARTICLE IN THE “ NATAL MERCURY 323 He has devoted to the work of the church all possible zeal, labour, and solicitude. He may leave, after a ten years’ sojourn, with the happy conviction that his life here has been both busy and useful. His connexion with education in this Colony, first as Master of the Church School in Maritzburg many years ago ; next as the founder of the Point School, an institution called into being mainly through his own untiring efforts and unflagging enthusiasm ; and lastly, as the Principal of a private Academy, which has most serviceably paved the way for the projected High School. His connexion with these movements has, we say, been of great value to the" Colony. ‘ In a ministerial point of view, Mr. Rivett’s labours are so well known here, that we need only allude to them for the benefit of home readers. “ For fully two years he acted as curate for the late lamented Bishop Mackenzie, latterly of the Zambezi Mission, but then Archdeacon of Maritzburg. Mr. Rivett had charge, during this period, of three or four country congregations in the county of Victoria. He has now the satisfaction of seeing those congre- gations gradually acquiring importance in duly organized churches. In D’Urban he has been for six years most thoroughly at work. Christ Church, at Addington — the first religious edifice erected in a much neglected locality — is entirely the result of his exertions. “ Lately, since the completion of St. Thomas’ Church, in the Berea, he has had the ministerial charge of that parish, to say nothing of his duties as Military Chaplain, a post held by him for many years. To St. Paul’s Church, the principal Anglican congregation on the coast, Mr. Rivett has been a friend, both in need and in deed. Throughout the six years of his residence here, he has done duty there, week after week, at all times and seasons, on all sorts of occasions ; and during the absence of the Colonial Chaplain, he acted most efficiently as substitute. With the exception of this latter period, Mr.Rivett’s services in St. Paul’s have been purely honorary — a labour of love in every way. His departure inflicts a serious loss on the Church of England in this Colony, for another pastor, equally thorough-hearted and indefatigable may not easily be found. We are glad to state 324 LABOURS IN NATAL. that a flattering recognition of Mr. Rivett’s services has been made by the members of St. Paul’s and St. Thomas’ churches. “On Sunday and Monday he preached farewell sermons at the Berea and the Point, to large and interested congregations. On Sunday evening next, if not gone before, he will preach in St. Paul’s his last sermon in Natal, prior to embarking on that voyage which we all of us hope, will be speedy and pleasant.” The steamer, “ Athens,” arrived on Friday, the 3rd of March, and was timed to leave for the Cape on Monday the 6th, at noon. On Sunday, March 5th, I celebrated the Holy Com- munion at St. Paul’s Church, D’Urban, and delivered my two farewell sermons at the morning and evening services. Before sailing I had about eighty letters of intro- duction to the friends of Colonists in all parts of England and Wales, many of whom have since been my personal friends for many years. The last morning was a trying one ; but nothing could exceed the kindness of every one. My wife and daughter, accompanied by some lady friends, went by first train. Several gentlemen on horseback met me at the Club, and rode with me to the Point, where, close to the wharf, was my Zulu groom, Jim, in waiting to take his master’s faithful horse, which had often carried me many a long journey over the mountains, and along the valleys of fair Natal. The tug, “ Pioneer ” was getting up her steam, in order to take the cargo boat of passengers to the “ Athens,” at the outer anchorage. The final words were spoken, and as the boat joined the Tug, Mr. Rutherford, who was in a small ON BOARD THE iC ATHENS. 325 boat, coming from one of the ships in harbour, approached to bid farewell. Mr. Blathwayt was the only gentleman who ven- tured to the outer anchorage. The Bar being very rough, the passengers were battened down, and when safely over it was a relief to breathe the fresh breeze again. It was no easy task to transfer the passengers from the serf boat to the “ Athens.” The precise moment when the tiny boat rose on the top of a high wave had to be seized to take the leap on to the steamer. Many of the sailors were in readiness to lay hold of each person as he jumped or climbed from one to the other. Captain Davie (my Yarmouth friend) assigned to me one of the best berths in his ship, and placed my wife and me on his right hand at table. A few minutes after twelve o’clock at noon the cannon fired, and the “ Athens ” gradually receded from the lovely shores of Natal. LINES ON LEAVING NATAL. By Mrs. A. W. L. Rivett. Farewell! ye sunny skies ; perhaps no more Shall I e’er visit your delightful shore — No more the friendly faces ever meet To “ Welcome at the Point” in snug retreat. No more the lovely flowers with sweet perfume, For me in fields, or in the valleys, bloom ; Or creeping grenadilla form a bower Around the door with charming passion-flower ; 326 LABOURS IN NATAL. Or sweet syringa scenting all around, Or purest lilies near the stream be found. No more the lowing kine I hear from far, Returning home, by light of evening star. No more the insects’ noisy chirp at eve ; Or croaking frogs my wakeful ears deceive. No more the crowing cocks at midnight wake From needful slumber, which I weary take. No more the glow-worm’s light, or fire-fly play Upon the trees I watch — whene’er I stray, Thro’ bush and river, hill and valley green, No more the rippling sluit will e’er be seen : No more the birds with gaudy plumage rare, With notes of melody shall greet my ear : Or monkeys chattering on the topmost bough, Shall seem to say, “ How will you catch me now? No more I hear the shouts of Kaffirs ring Upon the hills, which echo while they sing, While dancing in the moon’s resplendent rays They seem to wish to lengthen out their days. No more the sjambok’s loud and piercing crack Is heard by me, with yell and sound of yak. No more the tired oxen shall outspan Upon the greensward, where they pasture can. No more the pic-nic on the Bluff, or swing Between the lofty trees, can pleasure bring. No more beneath the spreading forest tree With dear friends dine, and take a cup of tea ; Or pleasant rides on horseback through the “ Bush,” Or the “ Back Beach,” where mighty billows rush ; Or feel soft breezes borne on zephyr wing, Which from the Bay with morning tides upspring, And fan the heated brows of those who ride In waggons, or who wander by the side Of lofty hills encircling lovely vales, Where ring-doves soothe their mates with wooing tales- These pleasures all I now must leave behind, With those dear friends I ever keep in mind. LINES ON LEAVING NATAL. 32 7 No more the pleasant walk on Sabbath morn Along the beach, thro’ mangroves and thro’ thorn, To church, where rich and poor alike can go, And blessings humbly crave for all below ; Where no vain ornaments of pomp or show, Their simple minds corrupt ; where they may know, Both decency and order to maintain, Without those useless trappings of the vain ; And strive in earnest by their acts to show, That daily more and more like Him they grow, Who meek and lowly was, but never vain — And when reviled, did not revile again. Nor shall those churchyard trees, whose branches give A shelter from the heat to those who live, E’er wave them o’er my head, when cold I lie, Under a churchyard sod, beneath a Western sky. No more the rustling leaves my senses wake, When on the benches rude my seat I take ; Or pleasant breezes coming in from far, Thro’ open window-frame or door ajar ; No more the faithful dog my footsteps trace, And at his mistress’ feet shall find a place. That distant landscape, where the sun displays Each varied scene of mountain and of vleys ; Of rivers winding round the mountain base ; Of deep ravines and thickets, where we trace The changing forms, by light and shade displayed — Of which no faithful imagery can be made, Because the glorious sun is ever gilding new, And bringing forward some enchanting view, Some lovely spot ; alas ! that scenes so fair Should vanish from my sight, like midnight air. Farewell, ye lovely scenes, adieu ! adieu ! The shore is fast receding from my view ; The vessel rocks ; I can no more discern ; I go “ below,” and other lessons learn. 328 LABOURS IN NATAL. By a remarkable coincidence, I left England on the 7th of March, 1855, and I sailed from Natal on the 6th of March, 1865. Proceeding with a fair wind, by noon the next day the steamer arrived at East London. She left at two o’clock with the wind against her, and yet was able to get into Algoa Bay by twenty minutes to seven the next morning. There she stayed seven hours, and a good view of Port Elizabeth was had by the pas- sengers. At six o’clock on the Thursday evening, Cape Aghullas light was sighted. The “ Athens” rolled heavily, but she flew through the water, and by nine o’clock on Friday morning she entered Table Bay, a strong south-easter blowing at the time. At ten o’clock I and my family had landed on the shores of Cape Town, and at once proceeded to an hotel for a few hours. Nothing could exceed the courtesy and attention of Captain Davie and his officers. The engineers, the crew generally, and fhe stewardess were agreeable and obliging. I have pleasure in recording the re- membrance of my voyage in the “ Athens ” from Natal to the Cape. On her return voyage from Natal in the following month (April) during a dreadful gale in Table Bay, she parted from her moorings one night, and every one on board perished. Captain Davie happened to be on shore, and so escaped a watery grave. After perambulating Cape Town for two hours, we took a cab to Bishop’s Court, Protea, the residence of the Metropolitan Bishop of Cape Town, where we had been invited to stay till we embarked for VISIT TO BISHOPS COURT. 329 England. We were received in a most cordial manner by the Bishop and Mrs. Gray, who did all in their power to make the visit an enjoyable one. Protea is beautifully situated in a retired spot under the stupendous Table mountain. The approach to the house is by an avenue of gigantic trees. The grounds are well laid out, and there are carefully cultivated gardens full of grapes, melons of every description, peaches, pears, oranges, pomegranates, apples, figs, apricots, quinces, and abundance of vegetables. During the season of grapes, a choice dish of this delicious fruit is placed on the table at every meal. The land in the neighbourhood is rich, and the country abounds with myrtles, heaths, and bulbous plants. Soon after my arrival the Bishop offered to lend me Mrs. Gray’s fine horse, and accompanied me on a long ride in the suburbs of Cape Town to Wynberg, New- lands, Plumsted, and Rondebosch. We also called upon Archdeacon Thomas and the Rev. Wilshire, to whom his Lordship introduced me. On our return to Bishop’s Court, we found we had ridden twelve miles. I felt greatly refreshed by the opportunity which had been afforded me of seeing this lovely neighbourhood. On Saturday afternoon I went to Cape Town, and stayed with Canon Lightfoot, and on Sunday took part in three services at St. George’s cathedral. After the evening service I supped with Dean Douglas. On Monday, I visited with Canon Lightfoot the church schools in the city, and was told there were over 1,600 children under the teaching of the English church. I went to the college at Zonnebloem to see 33o LABOURS IN NATAL . the students, and stayed to luncheon with them, which meal was served on a separate table to visitors. In the afternoon I returned to Bishop’s Court. On Tuesday, I had a long interview with the Metropolitan, and conversed on business relating to Diocesan matters in Natal. His lordship countersigned my ‘ Letters Testimonial” for England. In the afternoon of the same day the Bishop sent Mrs. Rivett and me for a drive in his carriage to see some of our friends at Rondebosch, who had formerly lived in Natal. The Rev. E. B. Prince dined with the party at Protea in the evening. On Wednesday, March 1 6th, I took leave of the Metropolitan and Mrs. Gray. His Lordship sent me and my family in his carriage direct to the docks at Cape Town, where, after calling upon Dr. Bleek at the Library, we went on board the steamer “ Cambrian,” Captain Ladds, for England. There were two hundred and eighty-one souls, in- cluding one hundred and eighteen invalid soldiers with their wives. The Rev. J. Robinson, a naval chaplain, on his way to exchange with the Rev. — Hinde, at the Island of Ascension, was the only other clergyman on board. We had both opportunities of doing good, and every Sunday, alternately morning and evening, held services fore and aft. I had two funerals at sea before reaching the Island of St. Helena, one that of a soldier who died of paralysis, and the other of a child three years old, who was carried off by fever. On entering the Bay of Biscay another soldier died, and was buried in the early morn during a furious gale, at which time it is not considered safe to stop the engines while com- mending the body to the deep. ST. HELENA AND ASCENSION. 33i On the “Cambrian’s” anchoring at St. Helena, my wife and daughter, and several other passengers, landed and inspected St. James’ Town, while a few hired a vehicle, and drove to the tomb which had once contained the ashes of Napoleon the first. On their return by the boats to the vessel, the wind rose, and some difficulty was experienced in reaching the “ Cambrian.” Two of the party were near being left behind, for the steamer was actually on her way before the last boat with Dr. and Mrs. V appeared in sight. To meet them, the captain retraced the distance the ship had gone. It was a bright star- light night, and to the great joy of the passengers, the ‘‘Southern Cross” was seen to perfection. The distance from St. Helena to Ascension is over six hundred miles, and the " run ” was accomplished in four days. The small island is a huge-looking barren rock ; it rises to a peak, and it is famous for its turtles. One was brought to the steamer, and was served to the passengers cut in steaks for breakfast ; and part of it was also boiled for soup. The Rev. T. Robinson landed, and the Rev. and Mrs. Hind, with their two children, came on board to proceed to England. It was soon perceived that Mrs. Hind was in an extremely delicate state of health, and that she needed all the care and attention that could be given her. Mr. Hind was, on this account, unable to ex- ercise his office, as he would have done under different circumstances, and I undertook the various services and visiting for the rest of the voyage. For the amusement and information of the cabin passengers, I gave two lectures on “ Natal ; ” they were 332 LABOURS IN NATAL. listened to with marked attention. A few nights after leaving the Island of Ascension, about ten o’clock, the man on “watch” beheld a large ship, supposed to be an East Indiaman, shewing no lights, bearing down upon the “ Cambrian.” The wind was blowing half a gale, and a heavy sea running, but fortunately it was moonlight, or a serious collision might have taken place, and then all on board would have perished. By the skill of the captain, the course of the steamer was altered, and the transgressing ship was soon seen in the distance. A moderate gale and a chopping sea were encountered in the Bay of Biscay. Poor Mrs. Hind was seriously. ill, and not likely to recover. Great fears were entertained lest she should die before reaching England. These fears were too well founded, for early in the morning of Friday, April 2 1 st, Mr. Hind knocked at my cabin door to say Mrs. Hind was dying, and to ask if I would come to read the “ commendatory prayer,” which I did, and in a brief space of time she passed away. Much sympathy was felt for Mr. Hind and the two little motherless children. Her remains were placed in a shell, and landed at Plymouth about two o’clock the same afternoon. After staying two hours in the “ Sound ” to land the mails, the “Cambrian” continued its course up the channel ; the weather was fine, but before day- light on Saturday morning, a strong wind blew, making a heavy sea, and by ten o’clock the Isle of Wight was sighted, and in a short time the steamer passed through the “ Needles,” and glided up “ South- HOME. 333 ampton Water,” entering the dock at noon, April 22nd, 1865. I once more set foot on my native soil, after an absence of ten years and forty-six days, during which I had passed through a period eventful and critical in the history of the church in Natal. The End. Jarrold (Sr 3 Sons, Printers , Norwich, Yarmouth, and London. p By JOHN JAMES RAVEN, D.D., Of Emmanuel College, Cambridge ; Vicar of Fressingfield-with- Withersdale ; and Honorary Canon of Norwich Cathedral. WITH ABOUT 90 ILLUSTRATIONS. This most interesting work will contain an account of all the Church Bells in the County of Suffolk — their makers and history — so far as they can be discovered. Incidental notices will be introduced of the ancient uses of Bells — the individuals mentioned on them — and many historical events connected therewith. Introductory remarks on the general history of Bells will be prefixed to the local portion of the work. The book will be fully illustrated with engravings of ornaments, letterings, founders’ marks, shields, etc., of which some will be found hitherto unknown. The latter portion of the work will contain a complete list of Churches in the County, with the Inscriptions on the Bells now belonging to them, as well as on many which have been re-cast. The8vo Edition is limited to 500 copies, and will be offered to subscribers before the day of publication at 15 /- nett; or Bound in Half-morocco, Roxburgh Style, 22/6 nett. The Large Paper Edition, Royal 4to, was limited to 50 copies , and the entire issue of 50 copies has been subscribed at 25/- each. The price of the 8vo Edition will be raised on the day of issue should any copies remain unsold. LONDON : JARROLD & SONS, 3, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS. Now Ready. CATECHISM Tehchih© Sheets. Arranged by a Former Chaplain of a Training College. Printed in Large Type. Suitable for Schools, Classes, and Private Families. Sixteen Sheets, 20 ins. by 30 ins. ; with Wrappers Mounted on Gilt Moulding. PRICE, THREE SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE. LONDON: JARROLD AND SONS, 3, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS. 5039