PREFACE.

THIS Number concludes another Volume of the Journal. The object contemplated has been general usefulness. How steadily this object has been kept in view, or with what success it has been prosecuted, it belongs not to us to say: that is the province of our readers. We may be permitted, however, to state, that in giving SELECTIONS, whether those interspersed with Original Communications, or the shorter ones composing the Cabinet, care has been taken to furnish such only as appeared eminently worthy of attention: fitted to strike or improve, to instruct, admonish, or correct; good in quality, and beneficial in tendency, if not uniformly pointed or elegant in style.

We have also aimed, alike in matter and expression, at the profit of the MASSES; making it our constant endeavour to suit the topics, both as to substance and treatment, to the capacities and attainments of the unlearned. While studying, especially, to impress and edify them, we have not, it is presumed, shown ourselves wholly neglectful of what is due to the superior taste and intelligence of the better educated. They, perhaps, will peruse, not without interest or advantage, what was designed more immediately for the enlightenment of minds less cultured or informed.

Nor have we altogether overlooked the YOUNG,-those rising hopes equally of the Church and the world, who, if spared, must erelong occupy the stations now filled by their seniors. These it is most desirable to awaken to a proper sense of their obligations and responsibilities; not merely for their own spiritual benefit, but likewise that they may be qualified to discharge, with credit and utility, the important duties hereafter to be devolved upon them. How much does it concern the public weal, as well as the prosperity of Zion, that they be early imbued with the lessons of Heavenly Wisdom indoctrinated into the principles, and familiarized with the maxims and precepts, of our most holy faith!' May they be kept from the 'instruction which causeth to err!' While yet the dew of youth' is upon them, may they know those Scriptures, which were given by inspiration of God,' and which are able to make wise unto salvation!' May they willingly submit to that healthful training, moral and religious, which, through the guardian care of a gracious Providence, will not only prove their effectual preservative from the wiles and sophistries of the deceiver, but also dispose and enable them to 'serve their generation according to the will of God!'

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In supplying the contents of the Journal, regard has been paid to the diversity of tastes, as well as of gifts or acquirements. With this view, variety, along with appropriateness, has been consulted.

In the Review department, our Notices of Publications have been necessarily brief: the narrowness of our limits precludes our entering, at much length, into any Work or subject. In every instance, however, we have expressed an honest and independent opinion. Such is the fairest, indeed the only fair, course towards all Parties; and it is that which we are resolved in future, as heretofore, to follow. Should the matter, the spirit, or

tendency of a Book appear to us so objectionable, as to forbid our pronouncing, upon the whole, a favourable verdict, we may, in that case, decline the unpleasant task of condemning it. Both Authors and Publishers, however, who may honour us with the presentation of a Volume for review, may rely on our Notice, however short or superficial, being characterized by candour, after a personal perusal of the Work.

To esteemed Correspondents, who have sent us, whether in prose or verse, valuable Communications, we return our sincere thanks. May we accept of the past as a pledge and earnest of the future? It will afford us pleasure to hear from them as often as it may suit their convenience. To Brethren, who had given us promises, more or less explicit, we still look for aid. As no person, perhaps, has less desire, or even more aversion, than ourselves, to speak through the medium of the Press, we shall be exceedingly glad to make our own give place to their Articles, which, we are sure, will be excellent, whenever we are favoured with them.

We commenced with no flaming professions. We were careful to guard against high expectations. We have done the best we could, consistently with attention to our other duties, amidst the trials with which we have been exercised, and with the assistance rendered to us. We are now willing, at the close of the year, to stand before the tribunal of the Christian Public. On one condition only we insist, and this Justice will not deny us: That Prejudice and Sectarianism be frowned out of court, and that Intelligence, instead of Incompetence, occupy the seat of judgment. Ignorance, jealousy, and party spirit removed,-with our Works as witnesses, enlightened Catholicity for our advocate, and impartial Equity as umpire, we anticipate a decision in our favour.

May we not, then, bespeak a larger measure of countenance than has been hitherto accorded to us? Are we presumptuous in expecting an introduction into circles, within which entrance has not yet been granted? If the narrow-mindedness of bigotry, the paltry interests of selfishness, the exclusiveness of partisanship, refuse to patronize us; are we not entitled to expect, within the bounds of our own Association, far more liberal support than we have received? Such questions we respectfully submit to the calm consideration of Fathers and Brethren in the ministry, of Elders and private Members generally, and of all, to whatever Communion belonging, who have at heart the spiritual welfare of their fellows, and especially of the Young, the careless, or the ignorant.

In the Volume to commence with the October Number, our Readers may expect some Serial Articles on various topics. A succession of Biographical Sketches has been promised by an able Brother, who is also a correct thinker and beautiful composer. Another Series, on The Jordan, is being prepared by the Author of 'Glimpses within the Veil.' A third, extending to about half a dozen of Papers, on the Scripture Doctrine of Devils;' and a fourth on 'Moses;' with several others, on topics deemed both important and interesting, these may successively appear, unless, as we earnestly desiderate, the necessity for our writing at all be superseded by the Communications of some of the Brethren, on whose valued aid we considered ourselves authorized to calculate. Our little Periodical we again commend to the support of the Christian Public, and the blessing of Him whose accompanying grace can alone render its contents profitable.

INDEX.

Funeral Sermons on occasion of the Death Last Days of Saul, 43.