THE PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE. EDITED BY C. VAN RENSSELAER. "Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and VOLUME I.-1851. PHILADELPHIA: WM. H. MITCHELL, 265 CHESTNUT STREET. 1851. PREFACE. THE PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE was established for the purpose of supplying a want in our religious periodical literature. There seemed to be a demand for a monthly publication, which should occupy the place between the weekly Newspaper and the Quarterly Magazine. For the most of the last half-century, a religious monthly Magazine has circulated within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church. Without enumerating those which were not strictly denominational, the following Monthlies have been established at different times within the period mentioned. The Assembly's Magazine and Missionary Intelligencer. 1805-1809. Five volumes. The Evangelical and Literary Magazine. 1817-1828. Eleven volumes. The Christian Advocate. 1823-1834. Twelve volumes. The Baltimore Literary and Religious Magazine. 1835-1843. Nine volumes. In 1846, a printed circular was sent by us to a number of our ministers on the expediency of establishing a new Monthly. The answers were highly favourable to the undertaking; and although circumstances prevented at that time the execution of the design, it was never lost sight of. In the autumn of 1850, Providence appeared to indicate that the way was opened for the commencement of the enterprise. The undersigned was distrustful of his own ability to superintend the work properly, especially in the midst of arduous official duties of another character, but nevertheless consented to make the trial, on the urgent counsel of valued friends. The work was undertaken after much anxiety, and 'prayer for Divine direction. The following is the Prospectus first issued, which it is deemed proper to insert in this place, partly as connected with the history of the Magazine, and partly as a testimony against any ill-considered departure from the original plan. PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE.—Prospectus of the Presbyterian Magazine and Church Members' Companion. — Among all the issues of the press, it is remarkable that there is no monthly religious Magazine in "the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America." In order to meet an acknowledged want in our Christian literature, the "Presbyterian Magazine" has been projected. Its prominent characteristics will be, 1. Religious in matter. 2. Popular in plan. And 3. Cheap in price. Its matter will consist of essays on the doctrines and duties of religion, expositions of Scripture, short sermons occasionally, religious biography, historical sketches of the Presbyterian Church, anecdotes of pastoral experience, defences of Protestantism in general and of its Presbyterian form, reviews of books, miscellaneous readings, general intelligence of home and foreign churches, a brief chronicle of our Judicatories, and of our own and other benevolent operations, and also of the prominent events of the day. The Magazine will seek to possess a popular character. Its articles will be usually brief, of such a kind as will interest the mass of readers, and there will be variety. Whilst it is to be hoped that sufficient ability will characterize the Magazine to commend it to the most intelligent, a constant endeavour will be used to adapt it to all classes who seek for edification in reading. Cheapness of price has been decided upon as an element necessary to secure a circulation worth the toils and the cares of the enterprise. Heretofore the price of a religious Magazine in our church has been $2 50 and $3. The price of the Presbyterian Magazine will be one dollar per annum. At this price a very large number of subscribers will be required, in order to pay necessary expenses; but if the Magazine is what it ought to be, the number will be obtained. The object, however, is not pecuniary emolument, but 963042 |