PREFACE. THE Editor, to whom has been entrusted the adjustment of the matter for the 'Religious Souvenir,' and whose name the Publishers have requested might stand upon its title page, feels very deeply the responsibility attaching to the preparation of a work like this. When the idea was first suggested to him by the enterprising publishers, he felt disposed to decline it, on the score of health hardly equal to the undertaking, and the pressure of the duties appertaining to the oversight of a large city congregation. But, on mature reflection, and he hopes not without the desire of Divine direction, he determined that it was his duty to undertake the work, as he thought he perceived the immense advantage which might be gained to the cause of religion, by his bringing it before the minds of a large class of readers, in a form at present so decidedly popular as that of an Annual. In the prosecution of his design he immediately commenced a correspondence with some of our best religious writers in every section of the union, soliciting their contributions; and he is happy to say, that all to whom he wrote acknowledged the utility of the plan, and the greater part of them promised their assistance. It has been the aim of the Editor to accomplish two purposes; to make the work now presented to the public, first of decidedly religious utility, and second, of literary interest. His mind does not hesitate a moment in believing, that, by the blessing of God, he has been enabled to accomplish the first, and he hopes that, on a diligent perusal, his readers will not be disappointed in the second. He is not unwilling to hazard his reputation, as a Christian and a minister of the Gospel, on the truth of the declaration, that not one line or word will be found in the volume which might cause a Christian to fear its being put into the hands of any one to whom he might desire to present it; and he also trusts, that, in the contributions with which he has been favoured, there will be found sufficient evidence of so high an order of talent, as to secure the work the favour of an enlightened public. All but one of the articles is original; and this will easily be distinguished. As to the original articles, the initials of the writers are attached to their several productions. The most of the names may be judged of, by those who are conversant with our American writers. Had the Editor been permitted to give them in full, it would have added to the interest of the work ;-but this was beyond his control. The Editor has furnished as little matter for the work himself, as the nature of the case would allow those : articles for which he is responsible as author are those to which no signature is attached. The design A* of the work, it is confidently believed, will by all be approved: of its execution there will be difference of sentiment. If it does good, the object of the Editor is gained. Should the present volume meet the approbation of the public, another will be commenced for the succeeding year, the matter of which will be of a still more elevated character than could be ven tured in the almost untried field which this volume occupies. |