it is at a discount. The importance of the religious periodical is every day being enhanced. I feel bound, therefore, with all humility, to "magnify mine office," and brace my mind to the highest pitch practicable for the efficient discharge of its duties; but while I do this, I am increasingly anxious that the sphere of my influence should be extended to the widest possible limits. The labour of a preacher's preparation is the same whether he address hundreds or thousands; would he not, then, be extremely culpable were he to rest as satisfied with the less as with the greater number? Just so it is with the Editor of a Magazine. If the question of spiritual good be paramount; are not the probabilities of success in proportion to the numbers reached, whether through the eye or the ear? My convictions on this subject are so strong, that for many months past I have been discussing it on the wrapper of this Magazine, as well as in the body of the CHRISTIAN WITNESS. A case, I feel convinced, has been made out, which must commend itself to the judgment of all reflecting men. They have seen the wonders wrought among the Methodists in the course of the year, through the zeal of their ministers, and leading people. They have also been informed of the extraordinary things which are being achieved for the Religious Press of the New World. I rejoice in the revolution which the appearance of the CHRISTIAN WITNESS and the PENNY MAGAZINE created in the Periodical Press of all denominations. While a multitude of new publications sprung into existence; most of the old ones were cheapened, all were improved and popularised. In this way we were driven within the boundaries of the Independent body,- -our original, legitimate, natural field,-where there is still "much land to be possessed." It is my humble ambition through all its borders to "break up the fallow ground." The request, therefore, I now make of all my friends is, that they will cordially and zealously unite with me in this great enterprise. Without them I can do nothing; with them, under the Divine blessing, success, great, general, and lasting, is certain. Let no man, I beseech them, rely on his neighbour to do the work, but resolutely perform his own part. This is the unalterable condition of success. Now, Now is the time for action! Only a few days remain. These are most precious! Rightly used, by all our friends, our circulation for 1861 will be TREBLED! J. C. |