Whitlock 3-11-40 40531 INTRODUCTION. HE first number of the second volume of this work is now presented to the Public. In two respects it has been wholly impossible for the Editor and Publishers of the first volume to answer their own expectations, although they cannot accuse themselves of negligence, nor their friends of unkind ness. The first is in articles of foreign religious intelligence, which is highly interesting to all who love the character and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. The distracted state of the old world, where jealousy has arisen to its highest pitch, and the horrors of war are wide spread, together with a partial interruption of intercourse between our own and distant countries, hath almost wholly prevented those communications by which the friends of Christ made each other's hearts rejoice. So long as we are in the world, we must partake of its troubles and interruptions with submission, believing that all events are directed by infinite wisdom. On these accounts, the numerous societies of good men, associated for the purpose of disseminating sacred knowledge, and dispensing their charities abroad, have been much impeded. But let not Christians despair, the Lord will provide in the darkest times. The lowering heavens shall soon be composed, and the sun of righteousness shine brighter than ever on this benighted world. When the ambitious intend to promote their own worldly purposes, the glorious head of the church means by them as instruments, to correct error, punish vice and fill the world with the glory of his grace. Another purpose of this Magazine was to collect and publish correct accounts of extraordinary revivals of religion in our own country. sions of divine grace on many places. The most earnest applications have been made for matter of this kind, but with less success than was expected, This is greatly regretted, as many pious souls have been disappointed of the satisfaction they might have received, if their Christian brethren had been more free to make such communications, Some have been prevented by diffidence, some by a multitude of labors; but we have reason to hope this evil will soon be remedied. This Magazine shall contain, Essays on the doctrines of Christianity :-Arguments to support its divine authority by a revelation from God:-Answers to the principal objections made by infidels and immoral persons, against its doctrines and duties:-Explanations of difficult and doubtful passages of scripture-Remarks on moral, religious and experimental subjects:-Distinguishing marks of true and false religion:-Explanation and fulfilment of the prophccies: With plain rules for a godly life. Also, as a source of intelligence, this Magazine will contain accounts of missions of all Christian denomi nations, extracted from their own printed narratives, so far as it is possible to obtain them, with the success attending their pious endeavors to spread a knowledge of the Christian religion :-Narratives of religious revivals -Biographical sketches of persons, either ancient or modern, who have been eminently useful in the Church of Christ, whether they were placed in a public or more private station :-Anecdotes and authentic accounts of the Christian life in singular situations; with whatever else may instruct the minds and warm the hearts of Christians, comfort the afflicted, and awaken the sinful to attend to the things of their peace. Polemic discussions will not be admitted into this publication. All Christian denominations who believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the known essential doctrines of his gospel, are invited to contribute their assistance, under the assurance that nothing shall be in 5 tentionally admitted which will wound their feelings, or increase divisions between the humble and faithful followers of our Divine Redeemer. CONDITIONS. I. THIS work will be continued in monthly numbers through the year, each containing forty pages 8vo. printed on white paper with a handsome type, and a cover and contents on blue paper. II. The price to subscribers, who receive less than 6 numbers for each month, will be 15 cents. III. To those who subscribe for 6 and less than 12 numbers each month, 12 1-2 cents. IV. To those who subscribe for 12 numbers each month, engaging to take them through the year, 12 1-2 cents and a thirteenth gratis. V. Any Bookseller, or any Missionary Society who make themselves responsible for fifty numbers per month, shall have 12 1-2 per cent. deduction from the most favorable terms above. VI. Any person who will receive 25 numbers each month, and give evidence that they are distributed gratis to the poor, shall have them at the price mentioned in the last article. The above are the prices at the office of publication. It is expected that payment will be made quarterly. Single subscribers who make full payment at the beginning of the year shall have 5 per cent. deduction. It is expected that all letters will be post paid; if they are not, the postage will be charged in account. If the work meets with sufficient encouragement to defray the expense, a handsome engraving shall embellish every number, illustrative of some subject contained therein. An Index of the volume will be given at the end of the year. |