My boy life :

Front matter

the estate of

J. Stuart Fleming

MY BOY LIFE.

Introduction

^0 FEEL myself honoured in being asked to write ^ an introduction to these autobiographic sketches of my beloved and venerated friend, the Rev. Dr. Carroll. I have read these sketches with profoundest interest — often with moistened eyes, and often with an irrepressible smile. The greater number of them have undergone the practical test of publication in a periodical having a circulation of nearly twenty thousand copies, and have proved exceedingly attractive not only to juvenile but also to adult readers. By reading these “ True Stories of Boy Life ” sixty years ago, every Canadian boy and girl of to-day may learn invaluable lessons. And those who have left their youthful days far behind them will find here

X

INTRODUCTION.

agreeable reminiscences of the past and a vivid insight into the social condition of the early years of this century in this province.

While thankful to God for the ameliorated circumstances of society at the present time, and the greater educational and religious advantages enjoyed by the youth of to-day, let us be thankful also to the grand old pioneers who, by their lives and labours, have made Canada what it is. Conspicuous among these have been the Methodist Missionaries of Canada, who, with Bible and saddle-bags, carried the glad message of the Gospel to the lonely cottages of the frontiersmen in the depths of the primeval forest; and conspicuous among these Missionary heroes has been the author of these sketches.

By thousands all over this land to whom he has ministered the bread of life, this record of the providential leadings of his early years will be read with intensest interest; and to many more of a younger generation, we trust, these pages will make known the circumstances under which were developed that genial character, earnest piety, and unwearying zeal, which we all so much admire in him whom all who know him love to call our revered and honoured Father Carroll. Though having more than reached

INTRODUCTION.

XI the allotted span of threescore years and ten, his heart is as young as when he was a boy. He still possesses more vivacity and more energy ; he still reads more books, writes more pages, travels more miles and preaches more sermons than many a man not half his years. May he long flourish in his hale old age — full of years and full of honours — and still enrich the world with his ripe and mellow wisdom, and with still more of his racy and readable books, is the earnest prayer of his friend,

W. H. W.