Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1816-08-13
This day is published,
Ind ready for delivery to subscribers
The First Number Of the
.MO.NTHLY VISITANT,
SOMETHING OLD.

continued monthly for twelve months, or
longer, if mutually agreeable TO subscri-
|bers and the Editor.
The following introductory remarks oil
the Editor, contained in the first number.
are republished for the parpose OF afford
ing compendious view of the plan pro-
posed to be followed in the execution OF
the work:
ssThe present period is strongly mark
ed by the exertion of Christians, OF dlffe-
trent nations, and in different ranks OF
life. to rouse attention to religious sub
liects, and to make men acquainted with
1.-The truth as it is in Jesus. Such exertlon
has never ceased in any age, nor among
|any nation. They, who have felt the re-
Iigieus principle in their own minds, have
been anxious that the same principle
should be felt by others, and should ope-
rate for the benefit of the individual, and
|of society: but the spirit now alive is pc
|culiarly distinguished; it Is not satisfied
with common exertlons it is luminous
and ardent, it aspires after great things,
Int enlightens and warns, not one commu-
nifty. and one nation only. but the world
Ito its utmost extent. The present publi-
cation has in view to cherish and direct
that spirit. Each namber proposes to IL
Illustrate and enforce some essential doc
Itrine or precept. Crigina! matter may
hero he exuected. Let each believe, let
each be obadien,, then his attempt to re-
Iduce others to faith and obedience will be
uniform and hearty.
To give the world the Bible. was a
nDble dea, it was desirable, but how can
it be effected | may supply my neigh
Dor, or those who speak the same tongue,
but what prospect of getting translah ,ns
lin the endless variety of tongues spoken
lon earth ? aud of removing obstacles from
he enmities which separate nations, and
from the prejudice of education, which
thicken the darkness in degree that the
light cannot penetrate ? The attempt
appeared hopeless, it cannot succeed; it
vas hopeless. it could not have succeed
ed had it been OF men but il has sue
|ceedel, what we could scarce believe, Or
have dared to expect is realized /; more
has been done in few years, than had
been done during centuries; the day In
deed dawns, the time to favor Zion is
come, God works Expect every thing,
your expectation cannot rise too high.
am willing to honor the instruments,
and laud their exertions /; but still they
are only instruments, and their exertioas
before now had languished, had not God
been pleased to work by such instru- !
ments, and to stimulate their exertions,
Animating thought! Be assured OF al
new era, Of the MEss1AH's reign--of
blessing descending to refresh the earth.
The design Of the present pubicationl
will be gained, if it fix the attention OIL
any to the doings of the Lord, and ex-
cite desire to submit, much more sub
missive spirit, that of the divine blessing
he may not only hear, but also partici-
pate. i
II is not intended to give fell detail
Of what societies constituted for this or
that religious purpose, have done Or M
tend to do: this other publications have
already explained, but short statement
may be expected, and a marked observa-
ton of what is peculiarly striking.
The experience of christians is very
similar, yet beautifully varied, retainingI
in every instance impressions of an in-I
visible hand, and of power peculiar to
God, it will be delightful part of this
work 10 place such experience in light
the most clear and impressive.
Tn the character of the best there arel
shades, the perfection of the painter is |
discovered in the shading. This requiresI
a delicate hand. 1t shall be attempted.|
but with what success it is left to cthersI
to decide.
have given the outlines, examine the
picture, If it please or instruct. give the|
praise to him from whom cometh every
good and perfect gilt.
Men are apt to exceed on the rghtI
hand or on the left; to be carried down|
with the current, to be liberal or res.
trained active or inactive; jealous orr
indifferent as public opinioa encourages a
liberal or restrained. an active or mac
tive, jealous or Indifferent splrit. WhenI
a holy fire burns. it sets all around on lire.
Whilst this publication pours OIL on theI
fame. it directs the fame to the heart i
let the individual participate of the bene-
fit which he communicates, let not thet
esspel which he is an instrument OF sends
ing to others as SAVIOUR OF lie, be tel
him SAVIOUR of death. 10 be cast out
Of that kipedom. to which others through