BEFORE resuming work or re-opening my printing office, I determined to have a little recreation; and as Archdeacon Hale had given me a pressing invitation to visit his mission station at Poonindie, I decided to accept it, provided I could get there. To accomplish this it was necessary to take passage to Port Lincoln; and there being no regular communication, I made enquiry as to the probable time of departure of a vessel for that port. A small schooner (the Emu) was laid on, and paying my fare on January 11 I was informed she would sail on the 13th. On that day, after taking leave of my friends at North Adelaide, I went, carrying a carpet-bag, to the Port, only to find that the vessel would not sail till four days later. Deciding not to return to town that day, I took up quarters at an hotel kept by my friend Tom Smith. Strolling about the wharves next day, I made some observations about ships and sailors, which had much interested me when a boy, and I still take an interest in shipping.

      A sailor's ideas about landsmen, religion, and things in general are rather peculiar. In the course of a conversation between "Jack" and one of his mates, who seemed to be urging the claims of religion upon him, "Jack's" reply was, "Oh, yes, religion is a very good thing, provided you don't have too much of it." I am reminded of a conversation a fellow-compositor once had, not with a sailor, but with a young woman at the Port who had come out in an emigrant vessel. We had noticed that the new arrival was romping rather freely with the sailors on deck, and my friend undertook to give her a little fatherly advice. The young woman hailed from his own county, Somerset, which no doubt intensified his interest in her. When he had kindly [123] admonished her to take care of her character, which was so important in view of securing a good situation, she replied, "Oh, zur, my character be all right; it be locked up in my box down below!" So it appeared that she had two characters--one in her box and one for the deck. I have read an amusing anecdote of a man who, dissatisfied with the Scriptural plea on her behalf as "the weaker vessel," replied, "Well, if she be the weaker vessel, she should not carry so much sail!"

      On January 14, having had enough of the Port for a time, I walked to town, to the surprise of those I had taken leave of. My mind was much exercised on the subject of the Rev. W. J. Woodcock's desire that I should study for the ministry, and, in the first place, become a catechist or lay reader; and I spoke and also wrote to him with reference to it. Coming back to town, I heard that certain premises in King William Street could be procured which would answer my purpose for re-opening the printing business. These premises I secured, and concluded that the delay in the sailing of the Emu was not an unmixed evil. In looking back on the leadings of Providence, it is very remarkable how many apparently trifling matters, or that appear so at the time, are fraught with important consequences in our journey through life.

      On Monday, January 17, I again went to the Port, and was informed that the vessel would not sail till next day. Putting up for the night at Smith's Hotel, the following morning I went on board; but, as the day wore away, could see that she was not ready for a start. In the evening I took a stroll round the Port, and finding that a service was being held in the Wesleyan Chapel, went in. The leader of the meeting announced a hymn, and, no one attempting to lead the tune, I raised my voice; also engaging in prayer. After the service I had some conversation with those present, and they seemed pleased, regarding me almost as a brother. I then went on board, and spoke with one of the men about sailors and the life they lead. At bed-time I turned in, but soon had to turn out, as the rats and other annoyances prevented me getting any sleep. I then went on deck, and lay gazing at the stars and listening to the song of the mosquitoes, and these last evidently enjoyed my company. These insects I knew to be formidable foes at the Port, having on a former occasion encountered them whilst bathing; and when they found me without any protection to my body, they took a mean advantage. Their stings were so vicious, and their numbers so great, that I had to beat a hasty retreat, smarting under the pain [124] they caused. I heard two sailors talking over the attacks of this the army of tormentors. One, enquiring of his mate as to whether they troubled him, received a reply in the negative. "Well, how's that, Jack?" "Why," says Jack, "don't you know that mosquitoes never bite twice in the same place? And, as they've bitten me all over, they can't find another place to bite."

      I was annoyed on Wednesday to find that there was no prospect of the vessel sailing, and let, the agent know my mind about the delay. He promised that if she did not go next day, the passage-money would be repaid. After a bathe I went to the hotel to stay another night, deciding to wait and see whether there was any chance of getting away on the morrow. Patience was being put to the test, and I began to moralise and philosophise. I had with me two books which afforded some instruction and entertainment; these were Scott's "Force of Truth" and Cheever's "Wanderings of a Pilgrim." I found that the former set forth that phase of truth know as Calvinism, which certainly did not force itself on me; and the other abounded with beautiful word-pictures of Mont Blanc: reminding me that I was a pilgrim and a wanderer, not on that remarkable mountain of snow and ice, but at Port Adelaide, or "Mudholia," as it had been designated.

      Thursday found the Emu still at the wharf, but taking in cargo, which led me to think that she was really going to Port Lincoln without much more delay. The wind, however, being strong from the south-west, the captain would not put out to sea; and so I had to wait another day. Falling in with one who had given way to drink, I gave him a lesson on the evils of intemperance. I also endeavored to acquire the virtue of patience under trials, and so far succeeded as to be able to enter in my diary the words, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits"; and also added the thought that if we do not experience some hardships and inconveniences, we rarely enjoy the many blessings given us day by day by our heavenly Father. What was this waiting-about at the Port, with little to do, when compared with the arduous and fatiguing toil that preceded it? On this day I dined on board the vessel and went to Smith's hotel to sleep. I think those hotel expenses ought to have been refunded; but most likely it would have been claimed that I was at liberty to eat, drink, and sleep on board; but the latter I had tried and signally failed in.

      Towards evening on Friday, the 21st, we left the Port and anchored at Schnapper Point to await a more favorable wind. [125] It was a beautiful moonlit night, and I stayed on deck, being afraid to encounter the enemies below. I now felt that we had really made a start; but on Saturday, the 22nd, was doomed to further delay and disappointment. Someone who was going in the vessel had not come down from the Port, and hence we had to wait for him. When he came on board we proceeded to the outer anchorage, and there came to anchor again because the wind was contrary. Here the men commenced drinking heavily, and the sea began to roll and toss our little vessel about--so much so that I felt I had rather have been in the quiet waters of the Port than where we were. If this was to be a pleasure-trip, I concluded there was not much pleasure so far; but things might improve later on. That night, what with the drinking and singing of the people on board, and the troubled waters around us, I got but little sleep, and was pleased when daylight came and the sun rose.

      Sunday, the 23rd, turned out to be the worst day of all to me, instead of usually being the best of the week. I found that I had unwittingly got into bad company, and that those on board were an ungodly crew. The carousal of the previous evening seemed to have whetted their appetites for another on the Lord's day, and drinking and revelry again became the order of the day. The wind being still contrary, there was no attempt to leave the anchorage, and I felt that I was in purgatory without any prospect of getting out. As may be supposed, I missed the services of the sanctuary and of the Sunday-school, and it is well occasionally to be deprived of these privileges in order to more highly appreciate them when they are accessible. In the afternoon, having decided to leave the vessel if an opportunity offered, and a boat coming near to us, I asked to be kindly put ashore. The request was complied with, and I made my way along the beach to the Port, and thence to town. My arrival home caused some surprise, it being supposed that I was at Port Lincoln; but an explanation of the circumstances appeared satisfactory. On the return of the vessel I got my luggage; and not long after heard that the Emu had been wrecked on some rocks, and that all on board were lost--lost, it is to be feared, in more ways than one.

      My failure to reach Port Lincoln was a disappointment to Archdeacon Hale, as well as to myself; and having been so unsuccessful in my would-be sea trip, I determined to try terra firma. On January 27 I started by mail-cart for Mount Barker, and after a rough journey reached there at 7 p.m,, and put up at [126] Gloag's Hotel for the night. Taking a stroll through the township after tea, I obeyed the call of a bell to a service of some sort, and was soon seated in a Methodist chapel. A prayer meeting was being held, which contrasted strongly with what I had been accustomed to. Among those who took part was a stalwart blacksmith, who, used to wielding a sledge-hammer vigorously, seemed to think that he ought to pray with like energy; and brought down his hand on the seat with such force as to make the timbers shake. His voice, loud enough to be heard for some distance outside the building, placed a great strain on my nervous system within its walls. Now I like to hear those who engage publicly in prayer speak out loudly enough for people generally to hear; for though the Lord is not deaf, many of His people are, and it is painful for them to listen intently and yet to catch but a word now and again. I remember hearing of a preacher who said that he liked "a feeling religion," and in confirmation of the fact brought down his fist on the Bible with such force that it was a good thing that it was well supported.

      On the following day, after breakfast, I started to walk to Strathalbyn, proceeding by way of Long Valley; and arrived at the residence of my friend Mr. Horne about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. Horne had been a teacher in Trinity Church Sunday-school and was now superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday-school at Strathalbyn. I spent the evening with him, and, as he was a well-informed and well-read man, derived much enjoyment and instruction from his conversation. This was my first visit to Strathalbyn; and though, being the middle of summer, the locality was not at its best, it impressed me favorably. I went to Hooper's Hotel to sleep, with a feeling of thankfulness to God that He had brought me thus far on my journey.

      Saturday and Sunday, the 29th and 30th, were spent at Strathalbyn--mostly at Mr. Home's. On the Saturday the gold escort arrived, and took up its quarters for the night in the yard of the hotel, On Sunday morning I took a class in the Sunday-school, and attended the service at the church. The Rev. Mr. Anderson preached from the text, "I am the door of the sheep," and his address was pleasing. I also attended the service in the afternoon, which was held at that time to suit the convenience of those living at a distance from the town. The text was, "I, therefore, the prisoner of our Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called"; and this was another spiritual feast for my soul. I was informed that these discourses were intended to prepare the people for the forthcoming [127] celebration of the Lord's Supper; and at that time I did not understand that this ordinance ought to be observed every Lord's-day, instead of once a month, or once a quarter. A visit with Mr. Horne to a sick person, and more conversation on temperance and religious subjects, finished up the day; and what a contrast was this to the previous Lord's-day, spent with the profane and drinking crew on board the Emu! Mr. Horne was "Man of Ross" of Strathalbyn, and had evidently laid himself out to do all the good in his power. He was an elder of the Kirk, and his store was the depot for the British and Foreign Bible Society. Though not a medical man, he knew how to administer medicine both for the body and the soul. He was a staunch teetotaller, and did what he could to promote temperance among old and young, and was a friend to all who needed counsel and guidance. He was a bachelor, and belonged to a respectable Quaker family; and I had the pleasure, not long after my visit to him, of spending an evening at the hospitable home of his mother in England. Last, though not least, he had been part proprietor of a well known windmill that stood for several years on West Terrace, Adelaide.

      On Monday, January 31, I took leave of my friend and walked to Macclesfield. After dining and resting there under a tree, I went on to Echunga, staying at Warland's Hotel for the night. A great deal was then heard about the Echunga diggings, and though their fame was not so great as those of Victoria, large quantities of gold had been taken from the various gullies. I decided to visit the locality on the morrow--not to get gold, but to gratify curiosity.

      Tuesday, February 1, was spent on the diggings, where I saw what a number of holes had been sunk, and the process of washing the stuff from which the gold was obtained. Tents here and there indicated the dwellings of the miners; and as many of the men had their wives with them, their bodily wants were fairly supplied. The weather being warm, this kind of life did not appear an undesirable one, though I confess to a preference for the city. The heaps of clay which had been brought to the surface presented a singular appearance, scattered, as they were, over a large area; and they served as warnings to beware of the holes close by. Here I met with my friend Mr. (afterwards the Rev.) Allan Webb, and some other acquaintances. Those with whom I conversed generally spoke of the little success they had met with. Many were only getting from half-an-ounce to an ounce of gold to the load. This would have been a profitable return, but for the [128] insufficiency of water at hand, and the labor and expense of carting the clay a distance to be washed. After a day on the diggings I returned to Warland's, and enjoyed refreshing sleep.

      After breakfast on Wednesday, I started to walk to town, a distance of about eighteen miles. The day was very warm, and but for the beautiful scenery along the road, I would have felt the journey a fatiguing one. Each turn presented new beauties, and one's eyes may be feasted much better whilst walking than otherwise. At length I caught a view of Waterfall Gully, which is as pretty a piece of landscape as can be witnessed anywhere. I have seen mountain scenery on a much larger and grander scale, but, for beauty and variety, do not think there is anything to surpass this. Here is a succession of hills and gullies, starting from the great central one, and gradually diminishing in size till they appear to merge into the plains; ending in a view of the Port, the River, and its embouchure into the Gulf of St. Vincent, with the Gulf itself in the distance. With some refreshment, and a rest by the way, I reached home in time for tea, well pleased with the outing.

      The day after, I prepared for the removal of my type and presses to my new place of business in King William Street, nearly opposite the Southern Cross Hotel. In the evening I attended the usual weekly meeting at Mr. Woodcock's, and, with others, engaged in prayer. My duties in connection with the Register and Observer had prevented me from being present at these meetings regularly, and it was pleasant to be able to take part in them again. They seemed to me what an oasis is to a traveller in a desert country, and as a well of water is to a thirsty pilgrim. My mind was somewhat agitated with the thought of becoming a catechist or lay reader, and also with regard to re-commencing business; but I seemed, for the time being, to be able to lay all aside at these meetings for prayer and study of the Scriptures. Only those who have been born again can appreciate these privileges, and only these are likely to desire "the sincere milk of the Word, that they may grow thereby."

      On Lord's-day, February 6, I resumed my duties at Christ Church and its Sunday-school, attending service at the former in the morning, and addressing the scholars in the schoolroom in the afternoon on the Native Institution at Poonindie that I had not seen, and about children in the bush who had not the advantages that they enjoyed. I was generally able to get, and keep, the attention of the young, and ascribe this mainly to the opportunity [129] I had of hearing Mr. Ross, who, as previously mentioned, was so "apt to teach" the rising generation on Scriptural subjects.

      On February 8, 1853, I attended a preliminary meeting for the purpose of forming a Young Men's Christian Association. My friend Mr. C. H. Goode had invited me to join in the movement, but I did not see my way to co-operate heartily in it at that time; and subsequent developments rather obstructed than cleared the way, At the opening meeting in May, the Rev. W. Roby Fletcher (then of Melbourne) delivered the inaugural address. In the copy of this in my possession the work contemplated by the Association is distinctly stated to be of a moral and spiritual character. At the tea meeting which was held on this occasion I was surprised and abashed to see so many young women present. This may have been intended as a "draw," or perhaps it evidenced the desire of the fair sex to see the moral and spiritual welfare of young men cared for; but such was the perversity of my bashful nature, that this demonstration rather repelled than attracted me. I took some part in conducting the Bible class for young men at that time, and of late years have had the privilege and pleasure of presiding at the meetings for prayer and the study of the Scriptures; and regretted to see such a small attendance of young men thereat. I was also sorry to note the introduction of the "physical" element into these Associations, which was not contemplated at their inception. That this has very largely increased the membership there can be no doubt; but I fear that there has been a sad decrease of spirituality. This seems to be the general tendency of movements of a religious character, and principle is made subservient to expediency. History informs us that the introduction of the Grecian games among the Jews had a decidedly demoralising effect; and that "even the very priests, neglecting the duties of their sacred office, hastened to be spectators of these unlawful sports." It is said that the public games were first introduced into Jerusalem in the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, B. C. 174, when he erected a gymnasium, or "place for exercise, and for training up youth in the fashion of the heathen." I am well aware of the plausible pleas and excuses that have been advanced to justify these and other practices that have been adopted by the Association; but must still be allowed to hold my own opinion. I know it is quite at variance with that entertained by many of my friends, but it is best, I think, for Christians to have the courage of their convictions, whatever they may be. [130]

      Having got my types and presses into order, with the assistance of nay faithful apprentice, Mr. R. Sheridan, the first printing in the now premises was done on February 9, 1853. With other assistance that I was able to procure, the work entrusted to my care was executed without any difficulty. In June an attack of pleurisy, commenced in the night, under peculiar circumstances, laid me aside for two or three weeks, and left me very weak. I was sleeping in an upper chamber over the shop in O'Connell Street; and my mother was in a room in the basement storey, having an entrance from the shop. Too weak to get to the top of the stairs, I called her for some time as loudly as I could while lying in bed; but in vain. At length I seized one of my boots that was by the side of the bed, and with a desperate effort threw it over the partition at the head of the stairs. Thump! thump ! thump! it went, step by step, till it reached the bottom; and I soon found that the strange sound had the desired effect, and woke my mother from her slumbers. She came up and applied such remedies as she thought would give relief; but though she was half a doctor, and went by the name of "Dr. Burt" as far back as when at boarding-school, she failed to allay the pain for some time--eventually, however, by patience and by succeeding in giving a measure of relief, though it perseverance, proved to be only temporary. I likewise treed to fight against it, but had finally to send for Dr. Mayo. I got up and tried to attend to my several duties; but when the doctor found out the actual state of affairs, he sent me back to bed and ordered leeches to be applied to my side. I did not think I had any blood to spare, but these little creatures took the liberty of taking some of that away; and, though the operation relieved the pain, it did not, give me any additional strength. In a few days I gained sufficient to enable me to walk a short distance slowly; though, if the speed was increased, I was brought up with a reminder that the state of the pleura would not allow it.

      I have no doubt but that this attack could be traced to too much mental and bodily exercise. For a few months previously my mind had been much occupied with various subjects, but especially with reference to studying for the ministry of the Church of England, which was so strongly urged upon me by Mr. Woodcock. There was one difficulty which presented itself; and though at first it seemed to be one of trifling importance, as time went on it increased in magnitude. I refer to the subject of baptism, to which my attention had been directed by Mr. George [131] Duke--a worthy Christian man generally held in much esteem by those who knew him. He was well instructed in the Scriptures, and, like Aquila and Priscilla, he endeavored to show me "the way of God more perfectly" than I had known it before. I had received scarcely any instruction in the Church of England on the subject, and took it very much for granted that the practice of that Church was the correct one. I felt, however, that, to become a minister and a teacher of that denomination, I should be in a position to set forth its doctrines and practices with all confidence, backed up by Scripture. I had commenced to read works dealing with both the sprinkling of infants and the immersion of believers; but my mind was by no means clear as to which was right and which wrong. My predilections, apart from the question of baptism, were decidedly in favor of the Church of England, as nearly all my relatives and friends belonged to it. The conflict going on in my mind did not unfit me for the active duties in which I was engaged, but it made the mental strain all the greater, and re-acted upon the physical frame.

      At the time of my attack of pleurisy I was in frequent communication with the Rev. W. J. Woodcock relative to the affairs of the Church and Sunday-school and the establishment of new schools at the preaching-places worked by the lay readers; I kept a record of the proceedings of the latter agency; attended meetings at the parsonage in connection with our movements; was secretary to a singing class; and sundry other engagements demanded attention. Physically, I was still feeling the great strain which the excessive fatigue of the previous year, in creeping the Register and Observer going, had imposed upon me; and last, though not least, I had to give close attention to my printing business. My friend Mr. Woodcock had, I think, taken my measure, for he said to me on one occasion:--"One thing I know, and that is, wear out you may; but rust out I am quite sure you will not."

      Having decided to comply with my minister's request, and accept the office of lay reader, I find that on March 22, 1853, he called and informed me that he had procured the licence for the candidates. Two days after, at the weekly meeting at the parsonage, I subscribed to the Articles of the Church of England, and received the licence from the Lord Bishop authorising me to conduct the services of that Church and to preach. Mr. Woodcock, knowing that I had some scruples with reference to the Thirty-nine Articles, directed my attention to No. VI., where it is stated that "Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary [132] to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation." This, he considered, should satisfy my conscience, and entirely remove any doubts I might have; and at the time I felt that this saving clause was sufficient to settle the matter. The brethren who were appointed and licensed by the Bishop as lay readers were (in addition to myself), Messrs. J. Bath, S. and C. H. Goode, M. MacDermott, and O. A. Richardson.

      At our weekly meeting on April 21 it was arranged that we should supply Hindmarsh every alternate Sunday evening; and on May 12 it was decided to commence a service at Enfield. At the latter meeting Mr. Woodcock explained the origin of this experiment, and stated the great importance he attached to it. He also expressed the wish that the meeting be one of special prayer for the Divine blessing to attend the movement. In course of time our labors extended to Lower North Adelaide, Dry Creek, and Salisbury, at each of which stations I assisted in the establishment of Sunday-schools, with libraries and the necessary materials. On Lord's-day, September 25, I went to Salisbury to conduct service, calling on my way thither at Dry Creek to open the Sunday-school. The service at the former place was held in the brick building used as a school, and there "were about one hundred present. After prayers, the sermon I had written for the occasion was read, the subject being "Christ, the Bread of Life." I preached at Dry Creek on my way back to about forty persons, taking as my subject "The Water of Life." Throughout the day I felt that the Lord had been with me, and had enabled me to do the work in His Name and for His people.

      When the five preaching stations had been established, and we felt that we were in working order, a difficulty arose with the Rev. F. Platts, a Ritualistic clergyman at Walkerville. He was decidedly opposed to the employment of lay readers, which Canon Woodcock had labored so hard to secure; and especially that "they should take up work at Enfield, which he considered a part of his parish. Calling at Mr. Woodcock's on October 4, I was shown the letter he had received from Mr. Platts, and the answer sent thereto. Bishop Short having left in the Shackamaxon on a visit to England a short time previously, the matter could not be referred to him; so the Canon endeavored to arrange matters amicably with the objecting clergyman by suggesting that he (Mr. Platts) should conduct service in the afternoon and the lay [133] readers in the morning. He, however, said he could not bring his mind to contemplate co-operating with laymen; consequently the suggestion was not adopted, and we continued our services as usual. Meeting Mr. Platts shortly after, and happening to be attired in a dark suit, he took a survey of me, and then kindly enquired whether I had lately lost any of my relatives. Perhaps he had an idea that I had no right, as a lay reader, to dress in dark clothing--a privilege only pertaining to a real priest. On another occasion he told me plainly that he would rather see the Roman Catholic Church making progress than Dissenting Churches--adding that the former was really a Church, but the latter had no claim to be regarded as such. He was evidently on the way to Rome, and, with his Romish proclivities, I should say it was the best place for him.

      On Lord's-day, October 9, the jubilee services of the British and Foreign Bible Society were celebrated in the Colony, and the children of our Sunday-school were assembled in the church for the purpose of holding a juvenile jubilee meeting. We sang the hymn beginning "Blow ye the trumpet, blow"; and I spoke to the young people for about an hour on the Bible and the Bible Society. This duty devolved upon me because Mr. Woodcock had arranged to take a service at Enfield, where Mr. Platts had decided to commence, we might say, in opposition. The former had a good congregation, but I do not know how many attended the latter's ministrations. I felt thankful to God for enabling and permitting me to speak so much in honor of the Bible, but feared that there was the danger of a feeling of pride finding an entrance into my heart. While busy for my Master, Christ, I found that Satan was also busy with me, and I had to keep a careful watch to see that he did not gain an advantage. The work of the lay preachers was evidently carried on to the satisfaction of the Canon, however much the Rev. F. Platts disapproved of it.

      On December 3 Mr. Woodcock called on me, and, in the course of conversation, expressed a wish that Mr. C. H. Goode and myself would give ourselves to the ministry. Personally, I was quite willing, but the subject of baptism still blocked the way, and the difficulty was increased by an incident that occurred at Enfield. After service there one Lord's-day afternoon, a member of the congregation asked me to baptise her infant. This, I told her, I was not authorised to do; and she appeared to be disappointed with the result of her application. The question then resolved itself into this practical form--It is true [134] that I have no authority from man to baptise infants; is there any authority in the Scriptures for this practice? This question had to be settled, both for my own satisfaction and also to open up my future course in connection with studying for the ministry of the Church of England. I came to the conclusion that I could not, with my numerous engagements, devote the necessary time to thoroughly investigate the matter just then, and that it must wait for "a more convenient season."

      By the end of 1853 the affairs of the Colony were in a fairly prosperous condition, and property had increased considerably in value. My mother disposed of the premises in King William Street to Mr. F. H. Faulding for £1,000. With my share of the proceeds I purchased an allotment in Victoria Square, one in Wellington Square, one at Goolwa, and a fourth at Port Elliot--the two last-named townships having just been laid out. With the large influx of gold from Victoria (amounting during the last year or two to between two and three million pounds' worth), and the return of many of those who had gone thither, there was an abnormal state of prosperity. There were many fabulous, as well as real, stories current as to the doings of those who had become suddenly wealthy; and an entirely new order of things might be dated from this period of the history of the Colony. So little were pound-notes thought of that it was said that some even lit their pipes with them, but though this may actually have been done in a few instances, I doubt whether there were many such fools. While many men gave way to intemperance, many women spent money lavishly on dress; and in after years the greater part of these foolish people would probably have been glad to possess what they had squandered. There is one instance I might mention of lavish expenditure on dress, because I have reason to believe that it was a bona fide one. In one of the first-class drapery establishments in Adelaide the Governor's lady was looking at a rich silk dress, or the material for one; but passed it, because she considered it too costly. The wife of a successful gold-digger was standing by, and, as soon as she saw that Her Ladyship had declined the purchase, the would-be lady secured it at once; and could therefore boast that she wore a dress which was too expensive for the wife of His Excellency.

      From the foregoing it may be inferred that, while the Victorian goldfields gave a great impetus to trade and commerce, the moral effect was anything but a desirable one. Human nature would require to be more than human to resist the temptations incidental to a sudden increase of material wealth; [135] and hence the state of things that supervened was just what might have been expected. I noticed a marked difference in the style of dress and the manners of the people after the influx of gold, and the return of the diggers, to that which previously prevailed; and I think that the people, as a whole, never reverted to the former state of simplicity. Many of the returned diggers felt--as bushmen feel--that, after a season of hardship and privation, they ought to have some amusement and indulgence in order to compensate for what they have suffered. It may be that Christians are, as a rule, very selfish in wanting or expecting people of the world to deny themselves what they regard as pleasures; because, if these people do not seek and enjoy the happiness that true religion alone can give, the pleasures of this world are all that they will ever have. Self-denial is a Christian virtue, and I am afraid that comparatively few practise this to any great extent. The Christian's Master says:--"Except you take up your cross and follow Me, you cannot be My disciple."

      I commenced the year 1854 with the issue of the first number of the South Australian Sunday-school Magazine as a monthly periodical of 16 pages. I felt that a work of this kind was needed, and would be helpful to Sunday-school teachers. In the address, "To our Readers," it is said:--"We wish to be identified with you in serving the same Master, in the same humble sphere of duty; and, whatever success may attend our united labors, you will doubtless join with us in ascribing the praise to Him to whom all praise belongs." The effort put forth in this direction appeared to be appreciated, and the Magazine was taken up by the Sunday-schools connected with the leading Churches in the Colony. I had an interview with the late Rev. D. J. Draper (Wesleyan), and other ministers belonging to the different denominations, before deciding to publish it, and all seemed disposed to promote its circulation. The issue of this added to my work, both mentally and mechanically; but it gave me pleasure and some degree of satisfaction. A series of lessons was prepared for each month, showing the portion of Scripture to be read and the application text.

      About this time I was in communication with Mr. J. T. Shawyer, with a view to taking him in as a partner; and the preliminaries having been satisfactorily arranged, he became associated with me in the business and in the work of the new periodical. There was one singular difficulty which could not be surmounted, but it was not one of any great importance. It is the custom at times, in partnerships, to refer matters to the senior [136] partner; but as we were both of the same age to a day, this could not be done. However, as we were much of one mind in most matters, we worked harmoniously in business and in promoting the cause of religion. Mr. Shawyer was a member of the Congregational body, and, like myself, a worker in the Sunday-school. From a business point of view, his connection with me brought an increase of work; and as I had ordered additional type and material to my small stock, we were in a position to execute orders to a larger extent than formerly.

      For two or three months all seemed to be going on well with me; but the subject that had caused me so much thought came back with greater force, and appeared as far from being settled as ever. What was I to do? Only one alternative presented itself, and that was to sever my connection for a season with business, with my Church and Sunday-school engagements, and leave my relatives, friends, and home. The next question was, if this were done, where should I go? This was settled in March by an advertisement intimating that the steamship Golden Age, 3,000 tons, Capt. Porter, would leave Melbourne early in May for Panama, connecting with steamers on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus for New Orleans and New York. Large and showy bills were posted up, announcing, "Forty days to the United States Fifty days to England!" and, though having doubts as to the accomplishment of this feat, I determined, provided that everything could be arranged satisfactorily, to try this experimental trip. I felt that, if it was the will of the Lord that I should go, the way would be made clear and all difficulties removed; and the sequel proved that my confidence was not misplaced.

      Canon Woodcock and my Church of England friends did not regard my contemplated departure with complacency; but, strange to say, my mother and near relatives did not raise any serious objection. Mr. Shawyer was surprised, and did not see how he could carry on the business without competent and confidential assistance. This was soon found in the person of Mr. David Gall, who, by mutual agreement, was to become a partner in the concern. Thus the course appeared to be quite clear, and I began to make the necessary arrangements for my journey.

      I promised to send contributions from time to time to the Sunday-school Magazine, and was to bear any pecuniary loss which might be incurred in its issue. As the time drew near for my departure, Mr. Woodcock seemed to have a presentiment that I was not only leaving the Colony, but leaving the Church of England. He urged upon me the importance of reading the best works I could [137] have access to and calculated to strengthen my faith in the teaching and practices of the Church--making special mention of Pearson on the "Creed."

      I felt the separation from the Christ Church Sunday-school, in which I had taken such an active part, as the most painful of all, even though it might be only for a season. I believe the teachers also felt it keenly, and, before leaving, a meeting was held at which a kind and affectionate address was presented to me. As there was not time for it to be engrossed before my departure, I was told that this would be done, and in this form it would be handed over to those who would take care of it till my return. My mother made enquiries for it at different times, but did not receive it; so I presume it was thought best to defer the engrossment to some future time, which never came. I certainly would like to have possessed it to place with other testimonials of a similar kind; but on account of the ultimate change in my views, it was too much to expect of human nature under the circumstances.

      In order to give my best and undivided attention to the subject of infant baptism and the baptism of believers, I decided to take with me such material for reading as would place the matter in the strongest light. For this purpose I was favored with a copy of "A Debate between the Rev. A. Campbell and the Rev. N. L. Rice, on the Action, Subject, Design, and Administration of Christian Baptism." This debate took place in November, 1843, and lasted for several days; the report occupied upwards of 900 pages of closely-printed matter, and is probably the most able and voluminous work of the kind that has been published. Mr. Campbell was regarded as the leader and champion of a reformation movement in America, having for its object a return to primitive and Apostolic Christianity. The immersion of believers, on a confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, was taught as Christian baptism; and, as a natural corollary, the sprinkling of infants was rejected as of human origin. The Rev. N. L Rice, a Presbyterian minister of high standing, was put forward to defend the practice of infant baptism, and this gentleman subsequently had the honor of "D.D." conferred upon him. The meetings were held in the Reformed Church, Lexington, Kentucky; and at the first meeting (at which there were about 2,000 present), the Hon. Henry Clay, President of the Board, made a few preliminary remarks. The debate is stated to have been carried on in an orderly manner throughout, and excited a great deal of interest right on to the finish. [138]

[CLACE 123-138]