2110-1-7-15

[Honeyman]

Carmalea Giffnock

Septr 3rd 1901

My Dear John.

I must ask you to pardon me addressing you in this familiar fashion, but I cannot express my feelings in any more formal manner.

I am proud of you. I have always been, and have often mentioned you as an example of what one may become by diligent application. I had a letter last week from one of the young men in my class and he used the very same expression "he was proud of you." It came to me so unexpectedly because he seemed rather

indifferent, that I read into the expression a sign of grace. And what he said, we all say. I only wish our old friend Mr. Thomson had been spared to send you a letter worthy the occassion, or Mr Nicol, but they are both gone to their reward.

In the first place I offer you my congratulations, and I pray that the same success may attend you in your new sphere, as has followed your in the past, and in the midst of all that may tend to hamper spiritual growth may you receive grace to withstand it. Nehemiah

in the palace could hold converse with heaven, and there were saints in Cansaro household. May you ever be enabled to remember that you are a son of the Manse. and so walk worthy of your high calling.

In the second place, may I be allowed to say a few words of what I hope may be your policy in South Africa, I understand that you have accepted the position for one year only, but I trust you will see it to be your duty to remain much longer. I

feared for the future of South Africa where there has been so much corruption, where christian principles have been stifled by the craze for gold, and where there is the ever present opportunity of the white oppressing the black.

But if I knew that a man like you was helping to hold the helm, I should have confidence in its future. Rhodes and others are great men, possessed with large ideas, but they are hardly to be trusted in their treatment of the blacks and other questions

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They see things only from a utilitarian point of view, and from the angle of their own advantage, consequently they do not like the missionaries and their impractical notions. The ignorant sentimentality of Christian people (so they put it) is a thorn in their flesh, which they would fain be rid of, but which thank God is still of some power. If these empire builders require to use the black races as stepping stones to further their plans, many people will say they are justified but I cannot, and if