2 which has opened the unseen world of causes to the rational apprehension of his readers. We hope to follow in this course, and shall place under contribution both past and current literature in their relation to the New Church. The time has passed in which the editor of a periodical could assume the style and manner of "Sir Oracle"!-settling all controversy, and declaring with authority the certain truth on all subjects. One of the most prominent features of the New Dispensation is rational freedom; but where there is liberty of thought there will be diversity of opinion. Sound doctrine will confine this diversity within reasonable limits. In essentials also there will be unity. And the doctrine of charity, which in the New Church is supreme, rejoices in the mental freedom of others. The contributors to the Magazine will be men of cultured intelligence and wide experience; and, within certain limits, diversity of thought will be admitted, and may be usefully exercised. The Editor will not hold himself responsible for every expression of opinion by his Correspondents. While maintaining firmly his own view of the great truths of the New Dispensation, he will yet freely accord a reasonable liberty to those who differ from him, and who express themselves with Christian charity and courtesy. In no case, however, will the Editor admit a paper reflecting on the opinions or writings of a living New Church author, unless signed by the writer's name. The advantages to the Church of a well-conducted Magazine are incalculable. It affords to thoughtful writers the opportunity of conveying their thoughts to the general constituency of the Church; and to the members, the means of becoming acquainted with the freshest thought and the ripest intelligence of the leading minds in the community. But to accomplish these eminent uses the Magazine must be adequately supported. Its use will only be accomplished as its monthly supply of instruction is received by those for whom it is provided. A book which is not purchased and read remains useless in the storeroom of the publisher. If the Magazine is to succeed it must pay the expenses of its production. We need therefore, for this success, an increased number of readers. Will our present readers lend their aid to increase the number of our subscribers? There are over five thousand registered 3 members of the New Church, and those with whom they have influence is probably more than double this number. In addition to these are many isolated receivers of the Heavenly Doctrines and members of other Christian communities who are interested in our work. Is it too much to ask of our friends TWO THOUSAND SUBSCRIBERS? The Church is quite equal, and more than equal to this demand; and if the Secretaries, the Ministers and Leaders of Societies, and others who have leisure and influence, will take up the matter with vigour and earnestness, it can be easily accomplished, and the success of the Magazine assured. The following Ministers and Laymen have promised their assistance in the supply of literary matter during the year : The following are a portion of the Subjects promised for the year 1882: "The Relation of Swedenborg to the World's "Letters from the East." Rev. R. ABBOTT. Rev. DR. BAYLEY. Rev. W. C. BARLOW. Rev. W. O'MANT. WILLIAM HUGHES, Esq., Other branches of the Great Doctrine of Uses will be discussed by other writers. The Publisher, JAMES SPEIRS, 36 Bloomsbury Street, London, on receipt of the year's Subscription, will forward the work monthly by post. |