us to pray and strive, that they may become better calculated, by the divine favour, to promote the glory of God and the salvation of men.

From the Prospectus.

"The London Christian Observer first appeared in the year 1802, under the auspices of some of the noblest literary and pious ornaments of the Established Church of England-Buchanan, Macaulay, Milner, Newton, Owen, Richmond, Robinson, the Scotts, Simeon, the Thorntons, Wilberforce, and Wilson. Its avowed principles are a strict adhesion to the doctrines of the national religious formularies, the Articles, the Liturgy, the Homilies, and the writings of the martyred Reformers of of the sixteenth century; as sustained by the obvious and unadulterated inter

pretation of "the Oracles of God." From their primary profession and their original standard, on all the grand themes of discussion, they have never deviated. Their labours still develop the dignified character for which their literary department ever has obtained the highest eulogy. In general, they exemplify that catholic spirit of Christian philanthropy, which commingles with a firm announcement of their own judgment, on all matters subordinate to the Gospel, their brotherly love for all who hold the Head,' and 'who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.'

"The first compartment is entitled 'RELIGIOUS AND MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNICATIONS,' which usually occupy from one half to three fifths of the Number. Within this limit generally are included, the solution of Casuistical Difficulties, upon Christian Morals and Practical Piety;' the elucidation of Historical Perplexities connected with Ancient and Modern Religious Literature; and Notices of the various passing occurrences and other influential topics, both in their secular and ecclesiastical relations. In this generic enumeration, it may appropriately be remarked-of the Articles which have merely a temporary reference, the larger proportion naturally advert to those affairs that are remotely or directly allied to the Established Church of England, although there is neither restriction nor rule developed upon that point-whence many of the Numbers contain scarcely any allusion, except incidentally, to the distinctive attributes of their national Hierarchy.

"Of the Didactic Communications, which are designed expressly to unfold the Doctrinal Character, and to exhibit the Practical Tendencies of the Miscellany, it can truly be affirmed that they are beautiful specimens of sound Theology,-combining pure spiritual truth, acute intellectual perspicacity, and profound experimental acquaintance with the conscience and the heart, enveloped in an ornate style equally attractive, energetic, and eloquent. Those essays, which constitute probably one fourth of the whole Magazine during the annual Series, will be approved by all enlightened Christians of every denomination, who assent to either of the Confessions of Faith ordinarily included in those Protestant Theological standards, which have been adopted by the various adherents of the Reformation of the sixteenth century.

66

Many poetical effusions also are included, which transcend the ordinary standard; for their lyrical pieces are often equal to the noblest and most mellifluous warblings of the British Sacred muse.

"The other department of the Christian Observer is allotted to the 'REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.' Their erudite disquisitions-exclusive of the high toned evangelical truth which they inculcate for accuracy of sentiment, clearness of discrimination, amplitude of survey, and impartiality of judgment, are not surpassed in overpowering attraction and majestic influence by the most splendid and masterly efforts which adorn and recommend the contemporaneous British Critical Quarterly Journals. The Reviews in the Christian Observer, although usually consecrated to Religious topics and Publications, often condense a complete illustration of all the collateral themes, associated with the general subject of the Volume which is the nominal text for their commentary. It is admitted by the most competent judges, even those who disagree with the Editor and Conductors of the Christian Observer on the distinctive principles of 'ecclesiastical polity,' except on the points which form the division-line between them, that they scarcely ever found a decision expressed in reference to any publication reviewed in that Miscellany, of which they did not most cordially approve; thereby demonstrating the general correctness of the literary standard by which they analyse the mental materials that pass through their critical crucible; while it also unequivocally manifests the large portion of Christian brotherly love and reciprocal equity which they possess; so that

6

they appear to be as much exempt, as the present imperfect condition of humanity can attain, from that ODIUM THEOLOGICUM,' which is doubtless much more easily condemned by the mouth, than banished from the understanding and the heart. This very rare but charming quality is a peculiarly strong recommendation of the Christian Observer; for it combines in vivid perspective, all that is comprised in the Gospel interpretation of the much-abused trite adage, Suaviter in modo; fortiter in re.' They conjoin earnest meekness in their manner of defending their own conscientious interpretation of the truth as it is in Jesus, and as they have learned of him, with unquenchable zeal in proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ,' in all the breadth, and depth, and height, and length of the kingdom of God.'

66

The Religious and Miscellaneous Communications,' and the 'Review of New Publications,' include nearly the whole of the Magazine. A monthly Article, however, is appended, entitled VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS,' which often condenses the most luminous delineation of Anglican national concerns, and of the other transatlantic dominions in relation to Britain, that is issued in the Eastern hemisphere.

"Within the last few years, a peculiar movement, intensely imposing in its internal characteristics and exterior array, has been developed by many of the prominent dignitaries of the Established Church of England. Already it has been productive of very extraordinary results, and the prolific seed of which now sown, according to infallible signs, will be matured in a most abundant and widely-diffused harvest. Like all other disputations, there are at least two sides to the Oxford Controversy,' as it is commonly denominated, which has been evolved by the farfamed Tracts for the Times.' The conductors of the Christian Observer who occupy a frontier-post in the ranks of the Church Militant, were unavoidably coerced to put on the whole armour of God;' and therefore they have taken up the spiritual weapons of the Gospel, that, under their original banner, they may support their long-cherished Creed, and their hallowed Communion of Saints. It is the part of true wisdom to watch the progress of this collision, and to prepare for its unforeseen consequences. By the London Christian Observer, it is supposed, a faithful judgment of this remarkable ecclesiastical contest can justly be formed. The writers for that Miscellany are armed for 'the good fight of faith,' and 'watchful to strenghthen the things that remain ;' whence the whole field of battle will pass under the monthly inspection of the readers of their faithful Intelligencer."

From the Introductory Address.

'One memorable fact is connected with this republication of the London Christian Observer-and that is, the unanimity of opinion which has been expressed by Christians of all denominations, in reference to the excellence and adaptation of the the work for the object designed, and also to the peculiar fitness of the season for the commencement of the reprint of this religious Miscellany. When the proposal was first made to issue the Christian Observer, so general and flattering a testimonial in its favour was not anticipated; but the exploration which has been made in that respect has verified that the judgment of those who advised it was perfectly accurate. Notwithstanding all the collisions of conscientious opinions respecting Christian Theology, and the lines of demarcation which divide the religious communities, that more than two hundred prominent ministers of the Gospel of twelve different denominations can be found in the principal Cities, Colleges, and Theological Seminaries in this country, all of whom heartily unite in avowing their decided approbation of the work, and their full concurrence in the propriety and the prospective utility of its being disseminated among their Churches, is as extraordinary in the fact itself, as it is declarative of the benefit which may justly be anticipated from the extensive circulation and perusal of this cheap and edifying Miscellany.

Some of the patrons of the London Christian Observer have suggested that it would be advisable to omit those portions of the work to which objections may be made on account of their Anti-American predilections. But those friends of the publication are reminded that a perfect fac-simile of the original is proposed, which, according to their desire, could not be preserved. Moreover, amid the diversity of conflicting opinions, probably as many persons would be of the same sentiment with the Editor of the Christian Observer as there might be opponents; and they would justly complain of the expurgation. The only feasible plan, therefore, is this-to re-publish the work identical and entire."

Testimonials.

It gives me much pleasure to learn that you intend to re-publish in this country, the London Christian Observer, and at such a reduced price that it may conve

niently be introduced into the most of Christian families. I have from its commencement considered it as one of the best religious journals published in the English language; and heartily recommend it to the patronage of all who desire to see the true doctrines of the Reformation faithfully and impartially set forth and detended. ALEX. N. GRISWOLD, Bishop of the P. E. Ch. in the Eastern, Diocess.

I was a subscriber to the Christian Observer during the republication of it in this country, and have always regretted its discontinuance, as I regarded it to be a faithful expositor of the true principles of our holy religion contained in the Bible, and set forth in the Book of Common Prayer. I am pleased to find that it is again to be circulated in our country, as I have every reason to believe that it is unchanged in its character. WILLIAM MEADE, Bishop of the P. E. Church in Virginia.

I have heard with great satisfaction, that a reprint of the London Christian Observer it about to be undertaken in New York. My acquaintance with it is of many years' continuance. I have never known a periodical conducted in a more truly Christian spirit, or that taught more clearly, instructively, and consistently, the great doctrines of the Gospel. As a true expositor of the Articles and other doctrinal standards of the Church of England, and of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, the Christian Observer is valuable to every Episcopalian. As a faithful witness against the present formidable pretensions of the Papal Antichrist, especially as they are now exhibiting themselves in the writings of certain Oxford divines, and of their disciples, it ought to be dear to the heart of every true son of the Protestant Reformation.

CHARLES P. M'ILVAINE, Bishop of the P. E. Church in Ohio.

I am truly gratified to learn that you are about to republish the London Christian Observer. It has long been with me a favourite periodical, both on account of its decidedly evangelical principles, and the admirable spirit in which it is conducted. I cordially commend it to all with whom my opinion may have influence; and trust that the very moderate terms on which you propose to furnish the reprint, will secure for it an extensive circulation.

JOHN JOHNS, Assistant Bishop of the P. E. Church in Virginia.

I have heard, with very great pleasure, that Mr. Mason is about to republish that admirable work, the Christian Observer; and would heartily recommend it to the attention of all those members of our Church, who wish to have in their families a sound and able expositor of the great principles of the Reformed Church of England. The cheapness of the work will bring it within the means of almost all.

MANTON EASTBURN, As, Bishop of the P. E. Church in Massachusetts. I do most cordially approve of the republication of the London Christian Observer in the United States.

B. WAUGH, One of the Bishops of the M. E. Church. Most glad shall we be to see the London Christian Observer republished in this country. W. SPARROW, J. PACKARD, W. N. PENDLETON, Theological

Seminary, near Alexandria.

The character of the London Christian Observer has been so long known, and so well established, as an evangelical and instructive work, that we take for granted it will be extensively patronized by the friends of religion who are acquainted with its merits. We rejoice to learn that its republication in this country is undertaken. SAMUEL MILLER, ARCH. ALEXANDER, CHARLES HODGE, Theological Seminary, Princeton.

JAMES CARNAHAN, JOHN MACLEAN, JAS. W. ALEXANDER, ALBERT
B. DoD, Nassau Hall College, Princeton.

BENJAMIN H. RICE, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Princeton.

We consider the London Christian Observer to be a publication of a superior character, and calculated at this day to do much good in the churches. Under this impression, we recommend it strongly to all the friends of Evangelical truth and piety.

A. BRUYN HASBROUCK, SAM. A. VAN VRANKEN, JAMES S.
CANNON, ALEX. M'CLELLAND, THEODORE STRONG, J. PROUdfit,
J. C. VAN LIEW, Rutgers' College, New Brunswick.

JACOB J. JANEWAY, Pres. Minister.

SAMUEL B. How, Pastor Ref. D. Ch. N. Brunswick.
PHILIP MILLE DOLLER, late Pres. of Rutgers' College.

The London Christian Observer has been too long and too favourably known to need our recommendation. We deem it due, however, to the Publisher, to express

our gratification that so valuable a Magazine is now to be furnished at a price which will render it generally accessible to the American public.

ROBERT EMORY, JOHN M'CLINTOCK, LEVI SCOTT, Dickinson College, Carlisle. We are glad to learn that it is proposed to publish an American edition of the London Christian Observer, in a form to make it generally accessible; and very cheerfully add our recommendation to the many respectable testimonials already secured in favour of the enterprise. JOHN W. NEVIN, WILLIAM M. NEVIN, GARDNER JONES, Marshall College, Mercersburg.

I am much rejoiced at your determination to add the London Christian Observer to the list of your republications of English periodicals.

I have been a constant reader of this valuable work for the last thirty years, am now in the regular receipt of its monthly numbers, and consider its forty bound volumes, which enrich my library, as among the best and most useful books it contains.

It is a remarkable fact that, though begun so long ago as the year 1802, it has only, as I understand, been under the charge of two Editors, the first a layman, Zachary Macaulay, Esq., a man distinguished for his evangelical piety, refined taste, eminent literary attainments, and practical benevolence; and the second, the -, who for many years has conducted it......

a strict adherence to the principles on which it was begun.

and with

It has always had the aid of numerous contributors of high standing and talents, and continues to be a noble supporter of the doctrines of the Reformation against every form of error by which they have been assailed. Though you propose to issue the work at a very low rate, I cannot but hope your subscription list will amply repay you, by its numbers, for the signal service you will render to the public by its republication. JAMES MILNOR, Rector of St. George's Ch., N. Y.

I shall be most happy to see the Christian Observer republished.

B. C. CUTLER, Rector of St. Ann's Church, Brooklyn.

I have nearly all the volumes of the London Christian Observer, and value them highly. I am glad of the intention to give the coming volumes an American reprint; and most cordially commend the enterprise to public patronage.

JOHN L. STONE, Rector of Christ Ch., Brooklyn.

I cordially concur in the foregoing recommendations.

WILLIAM H. LEWIS, Rector of Calvary Ch., Brooklyn. We unite with the Rev. Dr. Milnor and the Rev. Dr. Eastburn in recommending the "London Christian Observer" to the perusal of the members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. JESSE POUND, Minister of St. Matthew's Ch., N. Y.

JAMES W. COOKE, As. Minister of St. George's Ch., N. Y.
KINGSTON GODDARD, Minister of Immanuel Čh., Brooklyn.

I have been acquainted with, and have been a subscriber to, the London Christian Observer for many years; and regard it as one of the most valuable religious publications of the day. The republication of this periodical in this country cannot fail to contribute to the best interests of Evangelical religion.

JOHN A. CLARK, Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia.

We concur in opinion with Dr. Clark, respecting the London Christian Observer. E. NEVILLE, Rector of St. Philip's Ch., Philadelphia. RICHARD NEWTON, Rector of St. Paul's Ch., ditto. WILLIAM W. SPEAR, Rector of St. Luke's Ch., ditto. WILLIAM SUDDARDS, Rector of Grace Ch., ditto.

server.

In my opinion no greater service can be done by any man for the cause of Christian Truth in this country, than by a republication of the London Christian ObIt has been for forty years a main defence of the Gospel, and has been a chief instrument in reviving the preaching of the Gospel in so much purity in late years. I trust that the publisher of the American edition will find the encouragement he deserves. STEPHEN H. TYNG, Philadelphia.

The high reputation of the London Christian Observer, which has been well sustained during the forty years of its existence, is too extensively known to require any recommendations of the work from me. I wish success to the proposed American reprint of the work.

J. P. K. HENSHAW, Rector of St. Peter's Ch., Baltimore.

* We have left out a few words of Dr. Milnor's statement.

We most cordially concur in the above recommendations of the London Christian Observer. It is the very thing we now want.

HENRY V. D. JOHNS, Rector of Christ Ch., Baltimore.

H. S. KEPPLER, Rector of St. Andrew's Ch., ditto.

It gives me much pleasure to learn that the London Christian Observer, hitherto so useful a journal, and so well sustained, is about to be republished in this country. WILLIAM HAWLEY, Rector of St. John's Ch., Washington.

We heartily wish success to the republication of the London Christian Observer. J. F. HOFF, Rector of Christ Ch., George Town. CLEMENT M. BUTLER, Rector of St. John's Ch., George Town. I am much rejoiced to hear that the London Christian Observer is to be republished in this country, regarding it as decidedly the best religious periodical with which I am acquainted. E. R. LIPPITT, Editor of the Southern Churchman.

The character of the London Christian Observer has been for many years well known to me, and I therefore cheerfully commend the work to the patronage of the Christian public. C. B. DANA, Rector of Christ Church, Alexandria. We fully concur in the above recommendations in favour of the republication of the London Christian Observer in this country.

H. STRINGFELLOW, Rector of Trinity Ch., Washington.

C. W. ANDREWS, Rector of Trinity Ch., Shepherdstown, Va.
PHILIP SLAUGHTER, Minister of the P. E. Ch., Upperville, Va.
RICHARD T. BROWN, Rector of Falls Ch., Fairfax Co., Va.

We cordially concur in recommending the "Christian Observer" to the attention of the public, notwithstanding aforetime that periodical occasionally exhibited an unfriendly disposition towards the Methodists. The noble stand which that periodical has lately taken against High-Church pretensions would have compensated us for much greater offences than have been given. The Magazine is edited with great ability; and we hail its republication with much gratification.

THOMAS E. BOND, GEORGE COLES, Editors of the Chris-
tian Advocate and Journal.

GEORGE PECK, Ed. of the Meth. Quar. Review.
NATHAN BANGS, late Pres. of the Wes. University.
HENRY CHASE, Min. of the Mariner's Ch., New York.
JAMES SEWELL, Min. of the M. E. Ch., Brooklyn.
WILLIAM ROBERTS, Min. of the M. E. Ch., Newark.

I have taken the Christian Observer of London for a long series of years. I greatly esteem it for the sound evangelical sentiments, the distinguished ability, and the Catholic spirit which it has displayed. Attached to the doctrines and order of the Established Church of England, it uniformly exhibits a spirit of great candour and kindness to all Evangelical Churches and Christians.-The department of Reviews has appeared to me ever to possess peculiar excellence. It has always been enlisted in bold defence of the leading doctrines of the Reformation, and has recently taken strong ground for the vindication and support of them, against the Oxford Tractarians. I rejoice to perceive that an American edition is proposed, at a cheap rate, so that an extended circulation in our Christian community may confidently be anticipated. THOMAS DE WITT, Minister of the R. D. Ch., N. Y.

I coincide fully in opinion with the Rev. Dr. De Witt, and also with his recommendation. S. S. SCHMUCKER, Luth. Theo. Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa.

The London Christian Observer, in my opinion, is one of the best of the British religious miscellanies; representing, as it does, the sentiments and feelings of the evangelical part of the English Establishment, it furnishes a good criterion for judging of the state of religion in that body. And now that its conductors have buckled on the armour to oppose the sympathies with Rome, in their own communion, its former interest will be greatly increased. The movement now in progress in the British Church Establishment, on both sides of the Tweed, is of vast importance to the cause of truth and holiness. The Christian Observer will tell American Christians who is for Antichrist, and who against him, in the Church of England, while it will also show how the weapons of the Gospel ought to be wielded, wherever the common enemy is to be encountered.-I wish success to the Publisher in his laudable undertaking. JOHN N. M'LEOD, Pastor of the Ref. Pres. Ch., N.Y. I unite in recommending the London Christian Observer to the patronage and perusal of the brethren in our churches.

WILLIAM M'LAREN, Pastor of the As. Ref. Ch., Franklin St., N. Y.