PREFACE.

BRETHREN. The task of writing the Preface to this year's volume, devolves upon us at a moment when the cruse seems to be run out, when our chariot wheels drag heavily, and when, by reason of peculiar and personal sources of trial, our harp hangs listlessly upon the willows, and we can sing no pleasant song to cheer either ourselves or our readers.

At such a season it is a delightful reflection, that, although while we dwell in the valley-while we sojourn in these lowlands of Mesechchanges and war are to be our constant attendants, we are travelling fast to a better land, a region of perpetual sunshine, where no clouds intervene to hide a Father's smile, and where, in the uninterrupted presence of our adored Lord, we shall be alike strangers to the outbreakings of indwelling corruption, either in our own hearts, or in the hearts of those with whom we associate. Here the Canaanite still dwells in the land; Sin, that accursed Amalekite against whom the Lord hath sworn he will wage war from generation to generation, continues still to muster his forces in battle array, and often presents so imposing a front, that the poor, trembling. halting believer, faints even before the battle hath begun, and would assuredly become his prey, did not our merciful and all-powerful Deliverer, just when the enemy seems to be pouring in upon the soul like a flood, lift up a standard against him, and cause the proud waves to fall backward and be still.

To these things the mere professor in Zion is a stranger, but they are in the every day acquaintance of the living in Jerusalem; and while, in the experimental knowledge of them, they cause frequently to spring the tear of anguish, they often awaken also the loud and grateful hosanna to Him who is able to keep us from falling, and who is no less able than he is willing.

Having alluded thus to our own feelings, we would revert the subject, and, addressing the inquiry individually to each of our Correspondents and Readers, we would ask, Art thou in health my brother? Doth thy soul prosper? and thus, in our New Year's salutation looking away and looking off from all general matters, we would with a peculiar emphasis press home this personal inquiry to the heart of every one, from a conviction that in this day of much profession, when it is a reproach even amongst the world not to be called by the name of Christ, too many, yea, the bulk of professors, are content to bear the name only, and deceive even themselves with the assumption that they are believers, because Satan, well satisfied with the full possession which he hath of the heart, troubles nothing that the controversies of religion should be the talk of the head, or that the formalities of religion should be the mask upon the face.

Nor is it empty professors alone-those who continue his certain prey

-whom Satan thus lulls into a dangerous repose: they of whom we would hope and believe better things, yea, and things pertaining to salvation, are yet so engrossed with this world's politics, and (if we may be allowed the expression) engrossed also with what may be termed the politics of religion, that their own personal interest in Jesus, and those duties and privileges incumbent upon them as possessors of vital godliness, are smothered with schemes to advance the interests of party, and with schemes likewise to injure and slander their differing brethren.

Our space, however, will not allow of our entering more specifically into these matters; we turn back again to our original purpose of asking each of our readers, just as if he whose hand now writes, and he whose eye now reads, were in private and friendly conversation-Is it well with thee? Hast thou been awakened to feel thy need of a Saviour? Hast thou realized a faith's view of Emanuel? Hast thou at the mercy seat beheld God as thy covenant Father? Dost thou know anything of the inward whispers of the Holy Spirit? When didst thou last realize heartfelt communion with thine Elder Brother? Hast thou been of late to the top of Pisgah, and seen thy bright inheritance? or to Calvary, and had fellowship with thy Lord in his sufferings? or to Tabor, and exclaimed with Peter, It is good to be here? or to Hermon and Mizar, and in the recollection of thy own individual deliverances, counted in the retrospect the many Ebenezers of a constant and all-powerful protection? Hath it been-oh! with what joy do communications of this kind cheer us—that our humble pages have been blessed of God in imparting to thy soul any of this spiritual wisdom? Hast thou when, by reading therein, thou hast accepted the invitation of some ransomed brother, " Come, and I will tell you what God hath done for my soul!"-hast thou, when thus perusing the self-told tale of a believer's experience, enjoyed comfort in the conviction that thou art travelling the same way, and hoped therefore that thou shalt some day rejoice in the same deliverance? Hast thou, in the contemplation of some sweet scripture some precious promise, it may be, or holy doctrine- -seen new and before unthought-of beauties opened up unto thy spiritual understanding? Hast thou been relieved from some temptation?-been delivered from some dangerous error?-been warned from some enchanted ground?—been lifted out of some cell in Doubting Castle ?—and been strengthened with wine and milk, and honey from the Rock? Take with thee into thy retirement these inquiries; examine the state of thy soul by them; shut out all worldly thoughts, by asking God to shut them out for thee; and may He who is the Hope of Israel and the Saviour thereof, lift upon thee the light of His countenance, and giving to each and to all just the very blessings of which individually they stand in need, cause each to go on his way comforted and rejoicing in the Lord.

Brethren, farewell: " May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen."

THE EDITORS.

THE SPIRITUAL MAGAZINE,

AND

ZION'S CASKET.

"For there are Three that bear record in heaven, the FATHER, the WORD, and the HOLY GHOST: and these Three are One."-1 John v. 7.

Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."-Jude 3. "Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience."-1 Tim. iii. 6.