A Hymn to my God, in a Night of my last Sickness Union of "The Churchman" with "The Village Churchman " In whom may we trust? Uncertainty of Life Seek out God The Church of our Fathers The Child of many Prayers 6 11 January, 36. February, 72. March, 108. April, 144. May, Apostolic Order and Evangelical Truth. IN commencing a New Series, under an altered name, the Editor desires to express his unabated attachment to those principles which have guided him during the six years through which the Village Churchman ran its course. There never was a period when it was more important for Churchmen to be rightly informed in all matters touching the doctrine and discipline of that Church to which they belong, and when they were more called upon toexhibit, in their spirit and demeanour, the mind that was in Christ. Whilst we "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints," we should be careful not to violate the rules of Christian charity; and whilst, with an uncompromising fidelity, we maintain the B truth, we must be watchful lest we be betrayed into the indulgence of a spirit so alien to the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour. The manner in which instruction and reproof are received depends, under God, in great measure upon the spirit and temper in which it is administered. If we tell a man of his faults rudely and unfeelingly; if our language or our tone betray a spirit of self-complacency; if it be plain that what we say proceeds from a desire to exalt ourselves, rather than out of a sincere love to him, no wonder that he is hurt and irritated and perhaps confirmed in his errors. But let us speak with meekness and humility, as men who are deeply conscious of their own manifold offences against God, and with seriousness and earnestness, as men who are steadfastly pressing forward in the pursuit of holiness; in such a case, if only the Holy Spirit accompany the words to which himself has given birth, all angry and repulsive feelings are disarmed, the heart is softened and made ready to receive those impressions which our reproof is intended to produce. In this spirit would the Editor of this monthly periodical enter upon his duties, as conductor of a new series of the Churchman and Village Churchman, under the united title of "THE CHURCHMAN'S MAGAZINE AND VILLAGE CHURCHMAN." It will be his aim to make the work interesting to the intelligent, and instructive to the less enlightened Churchman; and it is hoped that the increase of price may not prevent its circulation amongst those who have already purchased the smaller Magazine, whilst it may have the tendency of retaining those (to say nothing of increasing their number) who have favoured the larger with their support. The general plan and arrangement proposed by the Editor is that of the Village Churchman, with slight modifications, in order to render it more agreeable to that class of contributors and readers amongst which it will obtain circulation. The literary assistance of sound and well-disposed members of the Church will be most thankfully received by the Editor and Publisher. The Editor wishes, once for all, to observe, that under the head of Notices of Books, none are noticed but such as he can concientiously recommend: his object being to introduce to Churchmen only such works as are calculated to do them good |