THE CHRISTIAN'S PENNY MAGAZINE,. AND Friend of the People. "Let the whole earth be filled with His glory." THIS PUBLICATION IS DESIGNED TO BE THE FORERUNNER OF THE PREFACE. IN closing Volume Fifteen of the Christian's Penny Magazine, and Volume Seventeenth of the CHRISTIAN WITNESS, I desire to acknowledge with the most profound gratitude the goodness and mercy of the Most High in enabling me, without interruption from any cause whatever, to superintend the preparation of every Number of both. It has formed no small part of the delightful occupation of a very happy life. I reflect with great satisfaction on the publication of so large an amount of matter calculated to benefit the masses of my fellow-countrymen on terms which bring it within the easy reach of the multitude. The importance of the publications is not to be estimated by their size and price, but by the quantity and quality of the matter contained in them. For the trifle of One Shilling, there is presented in the Penny Magazine for the year as much matter as thirty years ago would have formed four half-guinea volumes of sermons. Truth is not a question either of price, or of large type, although it is much to be regretted that too many Christian families seem to think so. They prize most that which costs them most, and thus often "spend their money for that which is not bread," and their "labour for that which satisfieth not." They purchase and patronise rubbish, which can neither inform, nor edify; and which, while it tickles the fancy, enfeebles the understanding, indisposing it for solid instruction, whether from the Pulpit or the Press. Under a healthful, and satisfactory state of things, the circulation of Religious Magazines and Reviews would be fourfold, and the benefit to individuals, families, and churches in the same proportion. A very little reflection would set the matter right: that which requires the existence of such things at all, renders it desirable that they should be in every house. What is a Magazine but a book appearing periodically in parts, and consisting of greatly diversified matter, adapted to the condition of parties as to age, sex, and circumstances? Viewing it as a complete annual volume, published on the first day of every year instead of the first day of every month, its matter and character will remain the same. The form is more substantial, and the appearance more dignified, but the value is not enhanced one iota, The advantages of a periodical over a volume are great and various, both as to purchase and perusal. Published in volumes the circulation would not reach one-fifth. The truth is, the Magazine and the Newspaper are fast becoming the great teachers of mankind. The large, substantial, and expensive volume is limited to the few; among the masses, at present, |