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IN SOUTH AFRICA
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him. Other friendships, too, were formed through the Vegetarian Society, of which he became a member. It was naturally impossible yet, that the question of religion should become prominent, but every discussion and every consideration of the subject only impressed him the more with his deplorable ignorance, and ignorance of that religion with which everyone expected him to be familiar. Dr. Oldfield's question, "Why not accept Christianity?" was met by the reply. "I would not care to study Christianity without having studied my own religion first." The Doctor wisely acquiesced in this idea, but lost no opportunity of acquainting him with the life of Christ.

He was also brought into touch with the Theosophists, saw Madame Blavatsky, read her book "The Key to Theosophy," and attended the "Blavatsky Lodge," but beyond quickening his interest in religious problems, Theosophy failed to enlighten him. Two brothers however, who were Theosophists, indirectly did him good service. Being deeply interested in Indian lore, they expressed a wish to read with him the Bhagavad Gita and willing to please them, he assented. When he commenced, he was ashamed to find that, although he