PREFACE. We have now the happiness of presenting to our readers the Sixth Volume of the CHRISTIAN'S PENNY MAGAZINE, with the strong confidence that it contains a larger amount of evangelical truth and useful instruction than was ever before comprised within the same space, or sold for the same money. Thousands of volumes of superior sermons, each at a cost of from ten to twelve shillings, might be specified, comprising scarcely a tithe of the solid, diversified, and appropriate matter embodied in this Shilling Volume. Our readers have observed, that, throughout the year, an earnest and constant effort has been made in a particular direction-to expose the Errors of Popery, and to promote the Revival of true Religion. While we have considered this as our great mission, we look upon the latter as the best bulwark against the former. If national piety shall rise, in the same proportion Popery must fall; while, on the other hand, it will be to little purpose that Protestants have truth with them in controversy, if they have it not in their daily life, individual and Social, throughout all ranks of the people. Protestant argument will prevail in proportion as it is sustained, illustrated, and fortified by Protestant character. One shining Protestant family, in the midst of a dark Romanized neighbourhood, will do more to further the interests of the Gospel than a polemic library of 1000 volumes, comprising the essence of all that has ever been written in defence of its general doctrines-doctrines which, after all, require but little defence besides that which is supplied by a visible and strongly marked demonstration of their practical power. Such a library might be neglected; such a family would compel attention. The Family is, after all, the hope both of the Church and of the Nation. Under a proper state of things, principles are there implanted and nourished up to that pitch of strength, in the breast of youth, which enables them to withstand the hostile elements with which they are called to contend on entering an ungodly world. From this view of the subject we learn the special and paramount importance which belongs to parental character, and the necessity of adopting all practicable means in order to its culture and qualification for the high office it is to fill. In accomplishing this, the first step is to wake up the parental mind and conscience to an adequate view of the subject, since this must be at the foundation of all successful efforts at self-improvement, and profitable attendance on such means as may be devised to aid them. This is a point which ought most deeply to engage the attention both of the Pulpit and the Press. The idea contained in the amiable confederacies known as Maternal Associations is founded on truth, and there can be no doubt that, in a multitude of cases, as to the Mothers, they have been of considerable utility: there are great difficulties, however, in the way of their general establishment in this ountry. If the want, therefore, is ever to be fully met, it must be by some other means, and for this we must look elsewhere. Then there are the Fathers On the subject of the Domestic Constitution there are but few books written in our tongue; some of them, however, are marked by superior excellence. That of an able Minister in the North of Ireland, the Rev. William Oliver, lately published, and to which we called the special attention of our readers, is incomparably the best extant. It is much to be wished that it were circulated to the greatest possible extent in the middle classes of society, and that an abridgment of it were made for the millions, to be sold at a price that would bring it within their reach. The Tract Society has done great things in this direction; it has of late published several small volumes, remarkably suited to the necessities of Mothers. It is desirable that such volumes should be universally known and read, since their perusal is calculated to produce immense benefit. But in addition to such publications, we very respectfully offer the CHRISTIAN'S PENNY MAGAZINE, which, monthly, supplies them with much from which they may derive especial benefit. We think it is impossible for this Magazine to be generally read in the circle of a family, throughout the year, without lasting profit. One object kept steadily in view is to help on the conversion of Young People, by clear and strong exhibitions of the Gospel. In this way we have strenuously laboured to strengthen the hands of Heads of Houses; and we humbly submit that had our Magazine comprised nothing but the " COUNSEL CHAMBER" and the "LETTER BOX," these departments have brought no inconsiderable contribution to the advancement of the best interests of Young People. We hope our labours in this respect have been appreciated. We have now, in turn, one thing to ask of our friends, the regular Subscribers to this Magazine, and to that thing we attach great importance, since none can tell how much depends upon it, even in relation to eternity. We ask their help to benefit multitudes on all sides, whom we can only reach through their assistance. By a very small measure of effort throughout the circle of our friends, 100,000 additional readers may be realized by next January. In this way the youngest, the humblest persons, of both sexes and all conditions, may render us most essential service. Will they endeavour, and report ? The CHRISTIAN WITNESS is another subject to which we invite particular attention. The PENNY MAGAZINE is intended to act as its pioneer, and we hope that, wherever it enters, it will, in due season, be followed by that more copious and varied publication, which abounds in matter suited to the Domestic Circle, and in disquisitions appertaining to the Gospel of mercy and the kingdom of God among men. We should be quite disappointed if families were to rest satisfied merely with the PENNY MAGAZINE, since, notwithstanding the importance we attach to it, it is only an elementary production. That the views it introduces may be thoroughly carried out, it is indispensable that the WITNESS should follow it. Commending this subject to the best thoughts of our friends, and entreating both their aid and their prayers, we congratulate them on the mercies of the year which is past, and wish them every blessing for that which is to come. Nov. 8, 1851. EDITOR. |