Great concern yesterday; officials want now to remove my tent[65], and I positively cannot do without same; and with all this worry had to prepare afternoon service; sudden inspiration and wonderful grace to boot; “Komt herwaarts tot mij alien” (Come unto me all ye that labour).

Service of great comfort to own heart.

Saw Superintendent this morning; inflexible; I am powerless because I was given the roof.

One has to stoop greatly during these days.

It hurts, it humiliates, it chafes; and one needs extra grace.

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Saturday Night, October 12.—­Saw most distressing case yesterday; Mrs. Herbst, 398; bare and empty tent; one bundle of things; one small bundle wood; few cooking utensils, and on the floor a bed (!)—­couple bags as mattress and a few blankets.  And there sat the mother with hands clasped round her knee and a little girl beside her; “En het jij dan nie ander goed nie?” (And have you no other goods?) “Nee, Minheer, dit is al wat ik bezit; hulle het alles van mij weggeneem” (No, sir, this is all I possess; they took everything from me).

“En waar is die ander kindje?” (And where is the other little one?) “Minheer, hij is gister begrave” (Sir, he was buried yesterday).  Alone and cast-away; no friends; poverty-stricken.  Such sights enough to make one’s heart freeze within.

Called at hospital again before afternoon visits to find out tent number of Nellie van Tonder’s parents; no one could tell; so came away determined to find tent all same; passed doctor; “Hullo, Padre, forgot to tell you of very bad case 715; afraid you won’t find child alive though;” so hurried away to 715; and actually there found myself in very tent I wanted to visit.  But I was too late for the child.  Carried him away ten minutes before I came.  Such is life!  “When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions.”

Instead of having to comfort and cheer in their loss of loving daughter, had to pray God for grace to bear a new and grievous burden of grief.

(Later)—­Just returned hospital; a little girl moaning most pitiably, so I went to see what was matter; admitted this afternoon.  Inflammation of stomach; fearful pain; such a dear, sweet little thing (can hear her moaning just now).  Talked to her this afternoon, and asked her if she knew Who had made her sick?  “Ja, Oom” (Yes, uncle).  “Wie dan, my kind?” (Who then, my child?) “Khaki Oom” (khaki uncle).  Collapse on my part.

Six coffins this afternoon; “Heere, maak mij bekend mijne einde” (Lord, make me to know mine end); great crowd; painful delay; one grave too short; had to sing three long verses while it was being lengthened.

Talk of day—­Doctor got knocked down in camp this afternoon.  Have not seen him whole afternoon; offending party marched to gaol; wonder what the issue will be!

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