vanced and in the state of moral feeling which exists, we see much reason for alarm, not for the ultimate results of truth, but for the welfare of the present, if not for the succeeding generation. To us it appears, that the moral, social and religious effects cannot be very dissimilar, whether it is believed, that there is no God to punish, or none that will; and considering human depravity, whether punishment be remedial and temporary or whether none will be inflicted. Upon either supposition, the impenitent will go on still in their trespasses, and all the present effects of a disregard to a future retribution will be realized and immortal souls will venture on to everlasting death. An indifference to the concerns of a future state, will be productive of neglect of religion and subvert the best interests of the social state.

Notwithstanding all the scepticism and different and opposite sentiments that abound, the truth is somewhere and will, at last, appear, and we fear to the disappointment and confusion of many. While others are, with industry and perseverance rarely equalled, disseminating and urging their opinions, we claim and would use the right of stating our belief and of showing the reasons upon which it is founded. In doing this, we hope to be of service to those who will read and judge with unbiased feelings. We place more confidence in a direct, fair and full

exhibition of divine truth, in order to prevent and remove error and to promote the spiritual good of our fellow men than in any other means. It is scriptural to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and to take the way we propose. By these observations, it is not to be understood, that we decline controversy and shall not directly expose false sentiments and wrong practices, as occasion shall require, but that we prefer and shall mainly pursue the more elevated course of exhibiting truth and duty in the best lights in which we are able to present them. Believing that in God's light, light is most likely to be seen, we shall endeavour to remove obscurities thrown over it and so cause it to shine in its own native radiance. We hope,thereby, tocommend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God, to whom we devote our labors and to whose blessing, commend our work. With the present month, another year will close with us and with our readers. The close connection between them and ourselves and the intercourse we have had with them should dispose to mutual reflection. We have brought before them some of the most important truths and the most interesting concerns and we hope, with some degree of fidelity They will consider, how they have read and profited and what account they shall be able to give of the use of the instruction which we have

been instrumental in imparting. In the light, which revelation sheds on the future destinies of men, it appears to us a great privilege to have access to their minds and confer with them respecting their character and condition, and their hopes and prospects as accountable beings to God. Of the value of this privilege, we have not been wholly unmindful, nor of the responsibility under which it has laid us. On the other hand, it is to be hoped, that our readers consider it a privilege to have the means and facilities of knowing him with whom they have to do and their own character and state, and of being often reminded of their dangers and duties. These mutual privileges will soon terminate, and the use and abuse of them and of all oth

ers, will be registered for the final judgment. The year which is drawing to a close, has been the last to thousands of human beings to whom life was dear and the day and means of grace important. None of us are unaffected by its passage. We are brought nearer to the grave and to our final and eternal state. It becomes us seriously to pause and to consider how it has been spent, and what we have done in relation to the cause of Christ, and the interests. of our souls. Including our readers and patrons with ourselves, and in view of the rapid flight of time, we would offer our prayer to God in the language of the Psalmist :"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom."