Robert Moffat

Gang awa frae tha Glen Tae a fearsome place; Where tha darkened souls Hae na gleemps o’grace. Where tha work must fit A new tongue and race. Gang awa frae tha Glen for a wheel. “Tis for certs He has ca’d Ye, and ye must roon; Tae a land o’ plagues And o’ blastin’ sun, Where tha rule o’ richt Hae just sceerce begun. Gang awa frae tha Glen, Robbie, chile. There be muckle tae ken O’ tha people’s need; O’ tha crops that thrive, O’ tha life they lead; O’ tha daily thirst; O’ their warfare, greed. Gang awa frae tha Glen, and be wise. Tho’ tha ship be worsted, Tho’ tha trail be long, Tho’ tha beasts be awful, Ye’ll arrive anon; And commence tae cant Tha sweet Gospel song. Gang awa frae tha Glen, in His love. And ye’ll spot tha dee When it starts tae click. As they bring their young, And they bring their sick; For o’ Jesus’ kind They ken nae sic lik.. Gang awa frae tha Glen, tae be used. An’ it’s nae sa muckle That their needs ye know, Whuch’ll fan tha flame, Cause your strenth tae grow; But tha confeedence “Tis your Laird says, “Go!” Gang awa frae tha Glen, ‘til you’re gone. (Robert Moffat, Pioneer Missionary to South-west Africa) Note: The story is told of the early day in the mission of Moffat when his camp was confronted by a prominent chieftain. The man demanded to know the purpose of the missionary’s visit and the authority who sent him. Through an interpreter, Moffat advised that he represented the greatest of all Chiefs and that he was bringing news and help for the best in life. The native said that he would kill Moffat and his chief. The territory was under his absolute control. He brandished a menacing spear. His retinue stood at the ready. Calmly Moffat loosened the breast of his jacket. Striding to within inches of the man’s face, he pointed to his own heart and said, “My Chief lives here. If you intend murder, do it now, for I will not be held back from my purpose.” The other’s jaw dropped. His spear hand faltered. His bluff had been called. The two would soon become fast friends.