ABOUT 3,000 years ago a prolific penman said that "in making of books there is no end": and if this was the case at that remote period, what would he say if living in the nineteenth century of the Christian era? Anyone presuming to add to the large number of books annually issued from the press ought to have something specially interesting and instructive to communicate, and the writer of the following pages feels quite sure that, whether his work is of the character indicated or otherwise, nothing just like it has been placed before the public of South Australia. He flatters himself that both his fellow-Colonists and his fellow-Christians will find something to interest and instruct them in what he has written, and, if so, his labor will not have been in vain. He does not pretend to be a prophet, but he ventures to prognosticate that, if the Press condescend to notice his production, it will meet with some such reception as this: that, making allowance for the peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of the writer, many of the facts stated are worthy of being recorded. The author remembers reading, many years ago, a memoir of an eminent and excellent bishop of the Church of England; and, after extolling his virtues, it concluded as follows:--"But he was a Millenarian."

      The writer considers that his narrative would be incomplete were he to omit any reference to the few years of his boyhood in England, prior to emigrating with his parents to South Australia. He has therefore given a few particulars, which may be taken, as is sometimes said, "for what they are worth"; and in this same category may be included his references to ancestry, to which he personally attaches no importance whatever, nor does he expect his readers to think any better of him or his work on this account.

      The writer is of opinion that, in some respects, an autobiography has advantages over a biography. In the latter case, the biographer may fairly and faithfully state facts, but he cannot be so well aware of the motives that led up to them as the prime mover by whom they were enacted. The narrator may be charged in some instances with egotism; but, on the other hand, there is danger, in one speaking or writing of another individual, of indulging in eulogiums of a too flattering character.

      As regards the facts stated, he has been careful to supply correct dates, so that, historically, his work may be reliable. Having compiled the materials for the history of South Australia, already published as edited by Mr. Edwin Hodder, he has abstained, as far as possible, from re-producing what has previously appeared. He has, however, added several items that were not in those volumes, which may be interesting to the reader. He has aimed at condensation, and in this attempt he feels that in some cases a few words of explanation would have placed matters in a clearer light. For instance on page 456 it should have been stated that the Rev. J. Lyall had for several years been co-secretary with the Rev. F. W. Cox to the City Mission; and in that capacity had rendered valuable assistance to the institution.

      This small contribution to colonial literature is put forth by the writer entirely on his own responsibility and at his own expense. It is published at prices which will barely pay expenses, and the writer is well aware that there will be no margin to pay him for the time he has devoted to its production. If, however, the sales will pay the printers, he cheerfully gives his part of the work pro bono publico, in the hope that it may be the means of doing good; and, should it do so, to God be all the praise. [iii]

[CLACE iii]