Изображения страниц
PDF
EPUB
[graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][ocr errors][ocr errors][subsumed][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][ocr errors][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][ocr errors][subsumed][subsumed]

Notice to Correspondents.

Communications have been received from B. B., Manchester; J. Ainslie, Dundee; P. C. Gray, Edinburgh; J. Prythenock, Wrexham; J. Walker, Greenock; G. Y. Tickle, Liverpool; J. Wilson, Halifax; H. Shaw, Huddersfield; J. Dron, Auchtermuchty; D. King, London; John Davies, Mollington; and W. Rankin, Airdrie.

Also from James Henshall, C. Kendrick, A. G. Comings, A. Campbell, T. Fanning, and J. Mathes, United States.

From the unexpected length of the Sermon on the Law, several articles, items of news, and queries with their replies, are unavoidably thrown out of this number. If our readers will have patience, justice as far as possible shall be done to all. We are contemplating an increase of additional matter in our pages, and otherwise improving the Messenger.

We have to confess that the progress of the New Hymn Book towards completion has been very slow. It has passed through circumstances over which we have no controul. The only desire is to make the new collection worthy the reformation for which we plead; so that, if possible, any and every hymn may be sung by the most scrupulous disciple, not only without demur, but with all the heart. We should not be justified, from past experience, in making our promises too positive, as to the time when it will be ready; but we can assure all the brethren, our convictions are, the work is much needed, and nothing shall be wanting on our part to expedite its completion as soon. as possible. If we had more and better singing, as well as more praying, in our public worship, the understanding and affections of the soul would be elevated and improved in a corresponding degree. There is nothing more cheering and consolatory to the feelings, than psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, especially when freed from all theological and fanciful dogmas.

We have received intelligence that J. Henshall and Mrs. Campbell are to accompany (D. v.) brother Campbell to this country next spring. But more concerning this in our next number. Brethren, your promised and increased contributions will all be required; and do not fear they will be spent in vain. We are convinced there is much of unbelief remaining in the hearts of the most devoted and faithful amongst us. Unbelief is a souldestroying demon. May it speedily be cast out of every heart! J. W.

Communications to be addressed, post paid, to the Editor, at Mr. Kirk's, Printer, Peter Gate, Nottingham.

AMONG the thoughtful and intelligent, but especially the regenerate, of this age, it is acknowledged as a true axiom, that by the books we read, the example we follow, and the being we worship, our moral and intellectual nature is formed. We become assimilated into their likeness. Their image is impressed upon us for good or for evil, as the case may be. This is true in reference to politics, to business, to the arts and sciences, to religion, or to those more frivolous and debasing pursuits which invite our attention and study in this vain and transitory state of being. If, then, by giving to any one of these objects our undivided attention, we become gradually transformed into their likeness, how important that we make a wise and judicious selection. Man must have a god. He will worship something. How responsible, then, the situation of those who furnish matter for a reading or listening community! and how unwise for accountable agents who possess capabilities for nobler and more exalted enterprise, for higher and brighter destinies than can be supplied in the present world, to spend most of their time, energies, and property, in pursuit of that which can neither satisfy nor furnish a reward in any way adequate to their unbounded and immortal desires! In speaking thus, we have been reflecting upon the probable and intended impressions that will be made upon the minds of our readers by the forthcoming volume.

It is true, of what this volume will consist, we are to some extent in a state of ignorance; but our aim shall be to furnish from month to month, as much matter in reference to that divine light, truth, goodness, and love, exhibited in the Oracles of God, with various items of news, obituaries, &c., that will render our pages instructive and edifying to all. We shall endeavour, as much as possible, to avoid all that is evil in its influence, or dangerous in its moral consequences to either young or old. In short, while we still intend to maintain and cultivate the spirit of free inquiry, the whole character of our work, we trust, will increasingly answer to the title we have assumed, The Christian Messenger and Family Magazine.

The Messenger, then, is open for all who investigate the religion of facts, commands, and promises, as revealed in the Bible. All who write with Christian courtesy, desirous of knowing the whole truth given for our guidance and practice in this dispensation of favour, shall have a fair, though not an unlimited hearing. Of course, we do not admit of bold

« ПредыдущаяПродолжить »