despread influence amongst his fellow-townsmen for all
that is good, and urging thousands of a younger generation forward in
every way, to the glory of God and the advancement of their country.

Such development, when it comes to be applied, say, to an educated lady,
produces one of those wise mothers of mankind whose practical counsels
and help are being sought by the greatest cities in these days, when men
have found out what largeness of both heart and understanding are often
to be found under a Salvation Army bonnet.

Chapter XVI

South Africa and Colonisation

The General visited South Africa three times--in 1891, 1895, and 1908.

His visits were very largely dominated, as will be seen, by the idea
that in South Africa good and abundant space could be found for Over-Sea
Colonies; enough space, in fact, to accommodate all the surplus
population of England.

The following extract from the record of his first journey is taken, in
the main, from one of his "letters to my children," dated from
Kimberley:--

"The afternoon Meeting was a select gathering, with the Mayor in
the chair. Most of the ministers of the district were present. I
talked with freedom, questions were proposed, and I carried the
audience with me.

"At night we had a Social Meeting in the amphitheatre, which was
well filled. The ex-Mayor presided. I do not know how long I
talked, but they say two hours. Everybody was much interested. The
doctor with whom I was staying, and a brother physician, came into
the house and thanked me for my 'magnificent speech,' giving L5 to
the fund for which we were collecting.

"I was very glad to get to bed, and to find that I had not taken a
serious cold, for everything was open behind me in the theatre, and
the night was piercingly cold, whilst I perspired with the exertion
of speaking, and felt the wind blowing at my back, striking me like
a wet blanket. I was very tired.

"Tuesday.--Officers' Meetings all day. If I had been pleased with
what I saw of the Officers before, I was more so to-day. Their
eagerness to hear, and quickness to understand, the readiness with
which they assented to every call and everything laid before them,
was delightful. No body of men more simple or apparently ready for
action ever sat before me.

"At night I endeavoured to deal with their hearts, making clear