Page images
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

PUBLISHED BY FREDERICK WESTLEY AND A. H. DAVIS,
10, STATIONERS'-COURT AND AVE MARIA-LANE.

AND SOLD BY C. J. WESTLEY AND G. TYRRELL, SACKVILLE STREET, VUBLIN.

Milne, Duckworth and Co. White Lion-court, 76, Fleet-street.

PREFACE.

ANOTHER year has fled; and the Conductors of the Evangelical Magazine would record, with gratitude, the merciful superintendence of that Providence which has watched over them, and prospered the work of their hands, In looking back through a series of years, they can distinctly perceive that the Most High has been pleased to bless their humble instrumentality, in promoting the interests of that kingdom "which consists in peace, in righteousness, and in joy in the Holy Ghost," and whose bloodless triumphs will, ere long, extend from the rising to the setting sun.

If the literary character of the Evangelical Magazine has been somewhat below the standard of certain other contemporary publications, it has not been because its active friends have had any distaste for the sanctified literature of the day, but because they have been deeply and growingly convinced, that a religious periodical, which circulates among thousands and tens of thousands of the poor and unlettered, must treat of ordinary subjects, in a style at once simple and unadorned. Indeed, it is quite certain, that a publication of the nature of the Evangelical Magazine, must partake, in a great measure, of the qualities of a religious newspaper, if it is to maintain its standing, and to be the organ of useful intelligence to so large a portion of the Christian world.

But whilst the Editors have aimed at the general good, and have uniformly sacrificed mere matters of taste and refinement to utility, they venture to assert, that, in purity of Evangelical sentiment, clearness of theological discussion, just and liberal criticism, promptitude in noticing the Religious Publications of the day, abundance of Missionary Intelligence, readiness in complying with any legitimate request, attention to passing events, and charity to the whole Church of God, their labours, after the lapse of more than thirty years, stand unrivalled.

« PreviousContinue »