THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY TH PREFACE TO THE FIRST VOLUME. 2.1 1797 HE Evangelical and Arminian Magazines are conducted by an union of many minifiers, among whom are men of leifure, learning, character, and influence. The Univerfalift's Mifcellany was undertaken by a folitary individual, whofe only credit in the religious world is that of being a heretic, because he has dared to believe and proclaim, The Reftitution of all things, which God hath Spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, fince the world began. Without character, without connection, and with but little leisure, the Editor of this Work has ftruggled through one year. He has met with difcouragements, but he is not intimidated; with contempt, but he is not ashamed. Firmly perfuaded of the goodncfs of his caufe, and conscious of the rectitude of his intentions, he ftands collected: not repenting that he has attempted to juftify the divine character to his fellow men, nor regretting any lofs or reproach which he has fuffered on that account. Indeed, this work was undertaken in the full profpect and expectation of every difcouragement which has occurred. No pecuniary emolument, or increase of credit, were expected by it: and none of either have arisen from it. We have already given better paper and print than any other periodical work, and half a sheet more of letter-prefs than fome others, to each number. But the largenels of our type has prevented us from embracing that number of objects which we at first intended. Our next Volume will be in a fmaller type, but fufficiently clear to make it pleafant to the eye. In this alteration we propofe an advantage to our readers, as it will enable us to present them with a greater quantity of matter. It is with pleafure we inform the public that the number of our Correfpondents is increafing; and we return our thanks to them in general for their affiftance already given, and request the continuance of it. If we have not yet inferted fome of their pieces, the largenefs of our type is the reafon, and not any neglect of their favours. We do not fee why the Univerfalifts may not produce a monthly publication, that fhall be as well worthy of the notice of the public as that of any other body of Chrif tians. We are confident that there are men of piety, learning, and leifure, in the univerfal fentiment. A few fuch have given their affiftance; we folicit the help of others. |
