PREFACE. In sitting down to indite another Annual Preface, we cannot well determine whether we ought to take comfort, or feel uneasiness in the thought, that there is extremely little for us to say, on this strictly editorial leaf. But for the claims of established custom, and the expectations which may have been raised on these, we scarcely need to avail ourselves of the privilege afforded by the completion of another Volume, to speak of the Magazine and its affairs. Happily our task throughout the year has presented nothing which seems to demand explanation, as between our readers and ourselves. Both from the kindness of the brethren who have contributed our literary supplies, and from the interest shown by an increasing list of readers, we have had such a share of encouragement as, if it do not quite satisfy our desire for usefulness, ought at least to silence murmuring, and sustain in good heart. We continue our labours in a thankful and hopeful spirit. We are deeply sensible of the forbearance, which has been extended to us in our deficient, however well meant, endeavours to serve the churches; and our experience of the past, gives us confidence in soliciting, and expecting from the members of the United Presbyterian Church, a continuation of their friendly countenance and active support. More than once in looking back upon a year's work, we have taken occasion to felicitate ourselves on the fact, that our position was rendered comparatively easy, in consequence of the perfect unanimity of the church we seek to represent. For once it may seem, that we are deprived of this boasting. During the past year, a great public question, deeply interesting to legislators and patriots, and touching closely the foundations of a Scriptural Church, has been forced upon the attention of the country, and has produced some division of sentiment among the members of the United Presbyterian Synod. On the subject of National Education, it was due to the churches that the Magazine should give no uncertain sound; and in the` divided state of opinion, that sound could not, by any possibility, be satisfactory to both sides. Accordingly, we were brought into antagonism, for a little, with a much esteemed and highly influential section of the Church. |