more open and aggressive efforts from without. In both directions it seems to have been coming in like a flood on our land; and we are satisfied that it cannot be successfully resisted but by lifting up, in Divine strength, the standard of inspired truth against it. When the warfare is with "spiritual wickedness," in spiritual places, the only weapon that will be found mighty and effectual is, "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." In short, we are sure that all that is real and enduring, whether in our temporal prosperity or our "saving health". -our greatness as a nation or our godliness as a people, is bound up with our faithful following of God's holy Word; and that all will wither, and waste, and die, in proportion as we cease to cleave to that Word. In sending to press the Sixth Edition of the CONVICT SHIP, it is necessary to observe that, with the view of reducing, as much as possible, the price of the volume, and of rendering it more suited to the general reader, those portions which set forth the scheme and details of management during the voyage to the colonies have been omitted; and the propriety of this omission is indicated by the fact that transportation to our Australian settlements seems to have been almost wholly discontinued; and convicted offenders are, after a term of imprisonment, again, under certain conditions, set at liberty in their native land. Perhaps there is nothing that inflicts so great and serious injury on society and the state, as the prevalence of vice and crime; and no question involves more grave difficulties, and causes to our Government more painful perplexity, than the management and ultimate disposal of our criminals. It is, therefore, manifest that those persons prove the greatest benefactors to the crown, the country, and to mankind, who are most strenuous and successful in diffusing, by word and example, Christian knowledge through all classes of the community, and in stirring up all to whom they have access, to use, with prayerful and habitual diligence, all scriptural means to draw the hearts of sinners to Christ, and to promote in all his professing followers holiness of heart and consistency of life. To the service and honour of the blessed Saviour, who "hath done such great things for us," is this small and feeble work humbly and devoutly dedicated. May He forgive all that is man's, and abundantly bless all that is His own; and to the FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT, the only living and true GOD, be ascribed all glory, and honour, thanksgiving, dominion, and praise, now and ever more, world without end. Amen. THE ROYAL DOCKYARD, WOOLWICH, 1 |