Address to Christians of different denominations, A Sermon on Spiritual Influence, A Sermon-The End is Come, Christ Stilling the Tempest, Difference of Opinion, Despondence, Page. 1 29 74 121 171 182 216 279 47 40 229 32 157 Editorial Address, 1 Extremes, 260 God and Mammon 222 Nature and Grounds of Union among Christians, 226 Notice of a Sermon on Small Sins, Observations on Prayer, 236 81 Original Letter of Dr. Johnson, on his wife's death, 133 Public Worship, Parental Influence, 16 54 63 Presence of Deity, 67 Parental Duties, 62 Religion Internal, 136 Religious Sympathy, 162 Review of Rev. Mr. Motte's Sermon, 232 Religion 101 Spiritual Nature of Christianity, 22 Why are not the Means of Religion more efficient, 167 Winter, Worship at Sea, Why are not the Means of Religion more efficient, 138 JUVENILE DEPARTMENT. Address to Children, 87; Harriet and her Cousin, POETRY. The Bible, 48; Praise, ib.; To an Absent Friend, 145; MISCELLANEOUS. Wisdom of God in the Salvation of Men, 94; Ardour INTELLIGENCE. Pages 98, 99, 100, 149, 150, 152, 197, 198, 251, 295. EDITORIAL ADDRESS. IT is but justice to remark, that the present production, is introduced into the world, under peculiar disadvantages. The idea of its commencement, was not started until the middle of December, nor the task attempted until towards its close; and even then by the Author singly and alone, amid the pressure of numerous parochial avocations. Such circumstances it is presumed, may operate as an apology for attendant deficiencies, induce the hope of a candid reception, and inspire a confidence, that future numbers of the work, should it be prolonged, will not be inferior, together with the anticipation that they may be greatly superior through the aid of abler pens. It will be the aim of the Editor to guard against prolixity and heaviness, to intersperse pieces that may be considered long, with shorter paragraphs, so as to impart to the work as much variety as its nature will admit. ADDRESS TO CHRISTIANS OF DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS. Christian Brethren and Friends, While we interfere not with your respective theories, and deny not the utility of speculation, may we not suggest that speculation may usurp undue influence and crowd aside practice. The object of your speculations is, or ought to be, practice. Set aside their influence over the heart and life, and what do they avail? Widely as men may differ in their speculations respecting what they regard as the doctrines of revelation, may they not happily unite in practice? May they not concur in a practical precept? Useful as controversy may be when rightly conducted,-beneficial as it may be in preventing a deleterious stagnation in the religious world,-and much as it may contribute to the good of the public, and of individuals, by promoting the increase of light and knowledge, yet can it be denied that the good may be greatly augmented by the efficient practice of what is good? Is it not the great design of revealed truth, in regard to man, to make him holy and happy, and in regard to God, that he should glorify him by a right use of time and talents, privileges and mercies? "For the grace of God, that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." To this desirable object should we aim. For the attainment of it we would zealously and faithfully labor, and ardently pray. Will you frown upon the attempt, if we pronounce not the Shibboleth of party? Will you discountenance the effort to promote real godliness, vital piety, if it be made by one who is not found in your ranks? Is it not obvious that in disputing about religion, the excellent spirit of it is often lost? Are you unwilling that this acknowledged evil attendant on what you esteem a good, should be counteracted? Will you not then greet with a welcome reception, a visitant, who calls on you with this professed design? Can you thrust from you a work whose nature and design are such as we have stated? Will you not rather concur in the wish and endeavor to promote holiness of heart, and holiness of life? |