e, Orange Free State; July 8, 1899.

It is a strange and somewhat terrible study in religion--this Boer
religion. It seems to have little or no connection with morality.
Kruger seems to have amassed great wealth by doubtful means. A man
comes to him and offers him, say, 8,000_l._ on condition that he may
have the right to sell mineral waters. Mrs. Kruger comes in and counts
the money; and if it is right, the concession is granted. Yet he is
religious, very religious. A short time ago they wanted to fire shells
into the low-lying clouds during a time {111} of drought. The clouds
gather, but they will not break. Firing shells was found to have a
good effect in bringing the rain. But Kruger stopped it because it was
wrong to 'fire shells at the Almighty.' You would think that a little
state like this might be an ideal one with its simple scattered
population of farmers. But it is by no means so. Corruption and
injustice are only too prevalent. At the start off they were
unfortunate in their choice of President. The state was at war with
the Basutos at the time when he was elected; and three months after he
was made President he had to be deposed, because he was discovered
selling arms to the Basutos.

The Dutch don't treat the natives as well as we do. Yet in some
respects their laws are wise. A native may not live in the Free State
without doing some definite work, unless he pays a tax of 5_s._ a
month: this is, I think, a wise rule.

We had two very nice services last Sunday at the English church; I
preach twice to-morrow.

_To C. T. W._

Durban; July 1899.

I write to congratulate you most heartily on your First Class. . . . I
believe you will find in a year's time that whatever your work may be,
contact with others--the necessity of influencing and guiding
them--will be a tremendous help to you in your own life. . . .

Good man! I am delighted to think that you may see the Bishop of
Durham. Prophets' eyes are {112} needed out here to catch the glory
which must be slowly--so slowly--gaining on the shade. There is so
much materialism, so little refinement and spirituality.

I had a grand voyage: only three people rescued from drowning before I
got on board, and two stowaways after we left Madeira, and two or three
days of rough weather. I enjoyed it. . . .

I had afternoon tea, or rather coffee, with Uncle Paul. He is a
strong, fine old man. He was sitting puffing away at his large pi