ME. BALFOUR'S LETTER. 453 



offences. I never spoke to its pastor in my life, still 

 knew him well by appearance, but it was the place and 

 its surroundings that ever invited me to remember that 

 there was a Hereafter to follow the present life." 



The day for my departure arrived. I was about to 

 take my seat on the box of Messrs. Cobb and Co.'s 

 coach, when Mr. Balfour came up to bid me good-bye, 

 at the same time handing me a letter, which I was 

 not to read till some miles of my journey had been 

 accomplished. This I faithfully promised and strictly 

 adhered to. 



The letter ran thus : 



" DUTOITSPAN, 



" GRIQUALAND WEST, 



"June 21*$, 1876. 



" DEAR CAPT. GILLMORE. I did not wish to disturb people last 

 night, so came away without bidding you good-bye. I hope you will 

 have a prosperous journey and find your belongings well at home. 

 Mind you go to that little church again. I am very fond of the 

 place, and it was Mr. Skinner who prepared me for Confirmation and 

 for Holy Communion. When I was reading the 104th Psalm last 

 night it made me think of you, and the lions, and the birds, <fec. 

 Dwelling on the beauties of the natural world seems to raise one's 

 thoughts to Him who made these things. Surely it is worth while 

 giving one's heart to Him, fighting against our evil passions and 

 wicked thoughts with the strength we may get from Him, when we 

 see how great and beautiful He is, and think what He may have in 

 store for us. Forgive me for writing in this strain. I do long that 

 " men would praise the Lord for His goodness " and serve Him 

 faithfully. If we are truly sorry for our sins He will forgive us; 

 if we give ourselves up to His holy teachings He can make our 

 characters more beautiful than the plumage of those lovely birds, for 

 He knows where we have gone wrong, and being our Maker, can put 

 us right, only we must work with Him and bravely put away all that 

 displeases Him. If you are not angry with me by this time write 



