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PUBLISHED BY T. WARD AND CO. 27, PATERNOSTER ROW.

MAY BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS.

LONDON:

Printed by G. McKewan, 9, Great Winchester Street, City.

PREFACE.

A fourth volume of our series is now completed, and through the kind contributions of our numerous friends, (who will be encouraged, we trust, to continue their aid,) equal to any of its predecessors. But instead of adverting to its diversified contents and literary merits, we shall be pardoned if we leave the work to speak for itself, and turn our thoughts for a moment to the present aspect of the seaman's cause.

On the Thames scenes of surpassing moral interest are weekly being witnessed at the Bethel services. In proof of this we have only to refer to the published reports of the missionaries and the agents as they appeared month after month in our pages. It is without controversy that nothing but the gospel is adapted to make the sailor what he ought to be, or rather, all of which he is capable as a man-a rational being— an immortal intelligence. And what the gospel has done for seamen during the past year, eternity must reveal.

In our provincial ports several new agencies have been established, and vigorous efforts are being carried on by not a few local societies, both in England and Scotland. As fellowlabourers in the same work, we heartily bid all our friends Godspeed.

In continental and foreign ports, but little comparatively is being done. Still there have been some recent movements in these more distant spheres, all in the right direction. Thither the gospel is carried by pious and devoted seamen.

Our beloved friends of the AMERICAN SEAMAN'S FRIEND SOCIETY are truly indefatigable in the common cause. We rejoice in their efforts, and in their success. Some time ago we thus ventured to express ourselves :

"England and America have pledged hands to act in concert in the sailor's cause. And whether England or America do the

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