THE MOTHERS' FRIEND:

A Monthly Magazine,

TO AID AND ENCOURAGE THOSE MOTHERS WHO HAVE LITTLE TIME

TO READ, AND LITTLE MONEY TO SPEND ON BOOKS.

EDITED BY ANN JANE.

"Her children arise up and cail her blessed."-PROVERBS OF SOLOMON.

VOL. VI.

LONDON:

WARD AND CO., 27, PATERNOSTER ROW; EDINBURGH: W. OLIPHANT AND SON; ABERDEEN: G. AND R. KING; GLASGOW: R. JACKSON; HUDDERSFIELD: THOMPSON; AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.

MDCCCLIII.

LONDON:

J. UNWIN, GRESHAM STEAM PRESS,

BUCKLERSbury.

PREFACE

TO THE SIXTH VOLUME.

REVOLVING months once more require the publication of our annual volume, and demand from us a grateful acknowledgment to those extending circles who feel an interest in our labours.

Could we reveal to our friends but a slight glimpse of results at home and abroad, as conveyed to us by our corresponding friends-of homes made happy-of individual transformation in drunkards reclaimed, in outcasts restored, in mothers quickened to activity and cleanliness-of children returned to duty and affection-of new Maternal Societies formed, and of old Societies aroused and blest! Could they listen to the affectionately grateful missive from mothers in the South Seas, and from Societies in India, where, in their own tongues, our simple papers are read. Could they but know a part only of all this, they would believe us when we say our sense of gratitude is indeed oppressive-first, to our gracious Lord, whose glory we desire supremely to promote, and then to all our valued friends, contributors, and readers, who have, through sunshine and storm, so nobly and affectionately sustained us.

Again, then, we send forth "THE MOTHERS' FRIEND," and earnestly solicit a continued interest in the prayers and efforts of all who know the deeply important position they occupy, for whom it is especially designed. For our own part, we "bate not one jot of heart or hope," but purpose steadily, by God's blessing, to render our monthly visit to thousands of families increasingly attractive, impressive, and useful.

Some copies may be had of the early numbers to complete sets; and Vols. I. (price 1s.), II., III., IV., V., and VI. (1s. 6d. each), bound in cloth, may be obtained. Many a missionary and many an emigrant have expressed thankfulness for presents of volumes of "THE MOTHERS' FRIEND."