This was the first lecture in a series of the Hoernle Memorial Lectures delivered by Jan H. Hofmeyr, who was subsequently a student of Professor Hoernle at the South African College back in 1908. As an introduction to the lecture, there appears some background information on Professor Hoernle with regard to his involvement in academia in especially the field of philosophical investigation; but was dominated by the ideal of 'humanitas' with an outlook towards fellow men. This address clearly describes the political atmosphere in South Africa at the time and the author displays its growing effect on race relations against the principles of Christianity, in view of the apartheid, oppression and suffering of the South African peolple.y the ideal of humanitas with an outlook towards fellow men. This address clearly describes the political atmosphere in South Africa at the time and the author displays its growing effect on race relations against the principles of Christianity, in view of the apartheid, oppression and suffering of the South African peolple.