A Methodist missionary named Kay, relates the following occurrence:
I visited a poor sick Hottentot in the south of Africa, who recently
experienced one of the most remarkable and providential deliverances
I ever heard of. I found him in great pain, from the wounds he had
received on that occasion. He gave me a description of his escape
from the jaws of a lion, which he ascribes wholly to the gracious
interposition of the Father of mercies.
About a month ago he went on a hunting excursion, accompanied by
several other natives. On an extensive plain they found an abundance of
game, and discovered a number of lions, who appeared to be disturbed by
their approach. A very large male lion began slowly to advance towards
the party, many of whom were young and unaccustomed to such formidable
animals. They all dismounted and prepared to fire, and, according to
custom, began to tie their horses together by the bridles, with a view
to keep them between themselves and the lion until they were able to
take deliberate aim.
Before the horses were properly fastened, the monster made a tremendous
bound or two, and suddenly pounced upon the hind part of one of the
horses, which plunged forward and knocked down the poor Hottentot. His
comrades took flight, and ran off with all speed. He rose as quickly
as possible to follow them; but no sooner had he regained his feet
than the majestic beast stretched forth his paw, and, striking him
behind the neck, brought him to the ground again. He then rolled on
his back, and the lion set his foot upon his breast, and lay down upon
him. The poor man now became almost breathless, partly from fear, but
principally from the pressure of his terrific load. He moved a little
to gain air, but, feeling this, the lion seized his left arm, close to
the elbow, and amused himself with the limb for some time, biting it in
different places, down to the hand.
All this time the lion did not seem to be angry, but merely caught at
the arm as a cat sports with a mouse that is not quite dead, so that
there was not a single bone broken, as there would have been if the
lion had been hungry or irritated. While in great agony, and expecting
every moment to be torn limb from limb, the sufferer cried to his
companions for assistance, but cried in vain. On raising his head a
little, the beast opened his dreadful jaws to receive it, but his hat
only was rent, and points of the teeth only grazed his skull. The lion
set his foot on the arm from which the blood was freely flowing, his
paw was soon covered therewith, and he again and again licked it clean,
and, with flaming eyes, appeared half inclined to devour the man.
"At this critical moment," said the poor victim, "I recollected having
heard that there is a God in heaven who is able to deliver at the last
extremity, and I began to pray that He would save me, and not allow the
lion to eat my flesh." While the Hottentot was thus engaged in calling
on God, the animal turned himself completely round. On perceiving this,
the man attempted to get from under him, but the lion became aware of
his intention, and laid terrible hold of his right thigh, which gave
excruciating pain. He again sent up his cry to God for help, nor were
his prayers in vain. The huge creature rose from his seat, and walked
majestically off about thirty or forty paces, and then lay down on
the grass as if to watch his victim, who ventured to sit up, which
attracted the lion's attention; he made no attack, but rose, took his
departure, and was seen no more. The man soon arose, took up his gun,
and hastened to his terrified companions, who had given him up for
dead. He was set upon a horse, and taken to the place where I found him.
Dr. Gambier hastened to his relief, and thought the appearance of the
wounds so alarming that amputation of the arm was absolutely necessary.
To this, however, the man would not consent, as he had a number of
young children, whose subsistence depended on his labor. "As the
Almighty has delivered me," said he, "from that horrid death, surely
He is able to save my arm also." Astonishing to relate, his wounds are
healed, and there is now hope of his ultimate recovery.