PREFACE. THE conductors of the Gospel Advocate having judged it expedient to make, in the number for January, 1825, a full exhibition of their views on particular subjects, and of the principles generally that guide them in their editorial labours, find few things to say, in the preface to the fourth volume of their journal. Such as need further knowledge of these views and principles are referred to that number, which will be published in due time. The conductors, however, would not per this favourable opportunity to pass, without congratulating their readers, on the increasing zeal, discovered in different parts of the country, for building up our beloved Zion. If this zeal is not as great as would be desirable, it is evidently increasing, and is becoming more comprehensive in its operations, extending to the most prominent wants of the Church. In almost every part of our communion there seems to be a growing disposition, among her members, to multiply the facilities for theological education, and for imparting the benefits of her institutions to such of their brethren as have been deprived of them. Our Bible, and Tract, and Prayer Book, and Education and Missionary Societies, are all assuming an efficiency, which will render them worthy of an age characterized for Christian enterprise and beneficence; and, if in some few instances, there is an apparent want of attachment and ad DUP.EXCH. 27 MAR. 1901 DREW THEOL. SEM. herence to the distinctive principles and long established usages of our Church, yet, we rejoice to see the great body of our clergy and laity becoming more ardent in their attachment to the one, and more deter mined in their adherence to the other. A desire to promote objects, in their estimation of the greatest value to the Church, has induced the conductors to labour gratuitously, and in the first two years of their journal, to submit to heavy pecuniary losses. For the last two years, the Advocate has been printed at the risk of the publisher, who was also willing to make pecuniary sacrifices for the Church which could not reasonably have been expected from any individual. The same motives which induced the conductors to commence their work, induce them still to continue it; and, although, with the close of the present volume, they are to be deprived of the services of their former publisher, arrangements are made for the regular publication of it on the first day of each month. |