Christian Adventures in South Africa (1867)

Published by Hodder,1867, hardcover, illustrated, 557 pages, condition: very good.

The numerous facts and incidents contained in this volume are illustrative, first, of the history, extent, resources, population, and varied life of South Africa; and second, of Christian adventures in South Africa, in great variety, through a period of fifty years, but especially of the recent great work of God in Cape Colony, Kaffraria, and Natal. - Authors Preface

An account of one man's mission to spread Christianity in South Africa, including stories of narrow escapes, harrowing dangers, and inspiring triumphs. With its engaging narrative and firsthand insights into the challenges and rewards of spreading the Christian faith, Christian Adventures in South Africa is a must-read for anyone interested in Christian missionary work.

The author, the Rev. William Taylor arrived in South Africa on March 30, 1866, by way of the ship the St. Vincent, having anchored in Table Bay, Cape of Good Hope. At this time docks and a break-water were under construction in response to a gale force storm that had reeked death and destruction some eleven months prior. Cape Town at this time had a population of 28,547, of which 15,118 were whites, about 12,500 Malays, and 1,000 Khoekhoe and K****s. Taylor found an ideal interpreter, Charles Pamla, a native then in training for the ministry. On Taylor's first Sabbath in Cape Town on April 1, he delivered sermons at two Wesleyan chapels. As Taylor continued to deliver sermons about the colony the revival spread in great proportion. It is estimated that six thousand natives were converted to Christianity during this time.