Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-04-03
Christian 4dc0cate

lne union of literature with genuine
Christianity, at all times important, Is
peculiarly so at this time, and IN this
country. The enemies of truth as it is
Jesus, are using all their endeavors 10
maintain their cause and extend then
influence by the powerful auxiliaries Of
eruditlon, and taste; and If the truth be
left naked, or appear only in careless
or slovenly garb, 1t will not be likely to
attract the attention and win the hearts
of thatlarge and important portion Of
the community winch consists of the
young, the cultivated and aspiring. We
know, indeed, that success in incuica
ting evangelical truth must come from
God, and that nothing but hi. grace
wilever change single human sheart.
Still we are not TO expect miracles we
areonly to expect the smiles of Proyi.
dence, and the influence of Divine grace.
in the use of vigorous exertions, and OF
means naturallys adapted 'to the effects
intended to be produced. When the enc
mics of vital goodness aSsail it with
learning and wit, they must be combated
with the legitimate use of the arms which
they abuse. In this service the Chris
tlan advocate aspires to take a part;
sensible, indeed, that it must be an hum
bic part. 1t aspires TO be somewhat in
strumenta' in preventing the evil Effects
of literature misapplied, in cultivating
and diduslng sound biblical criticism,
in exposing Misrepresentation Il sophis-
try, in clothing the pure doctrines OF the
gospel in that chaste and attractive
dress which may give full effect to their
native charms, in endesvoring to cherish
the love oflesrning and just taste
mong the younger clergy, and to pro.
mote, generally, among orthodox Chris
tians, that tone and aspect of true evan
gelical piety, which shall demonstrate
that it is net hostile but highly favorable
to "Shstsoever things are true, honest,
just, pure, lovely, aud of good report !"
If, under the Divine blessings, it shall
be found that these resslts, to any CON
siderable extent, have been produced
by this publication, il will have render
ed service in which all who shall have
given it their aid will have reason fore
yer to rejoice.
The kinds of matter which this publ
cation will contain, il il not thought
necessary to specify in detail. The !Edi-
tor will have constantly before him the
best religious niscelIonies, which are
published both in Europe and the United
States, and will endeavor, as far AS pos
sibie, to model and improve his own
work, by all the aids which he can de
rive from these sources. 1t is only
thought necessary to mention particular
ly, that an attempt will be made to give
condensed and comprehensive view Of
religious intelligence; that the readers OF
the Christian Advocate may knew the
existing state of Bible societies, mis-
sions, aud revivais of religion, without
being at the expense and trouble, which
many cannot afford, Of purchasing and
reading the numerous publications to
which these interesting and important OBJ
jects bsye recently given occasion
A number OF the Christian Advocate
shall be issued in the first week of every
month.
One tenth of the profits OF this work
shall help to form fund to he appropri-
ated annually to Christian charities by
some members of the Presbyterian
Church, clergy and laity, impsrtially
selected.
All communications on the subject of
the work are to be post paid, and address
sed to the publisher, &c. LrTTELL,
Philadelphia"
This work, which is continuation of
the Presbyterian Magazine, began in
January, 1928.
Published monthly-Price S3 a year,
pa yable on delivery Of the Jane number;
or $3.50 ifpoid in Advance.
" subscriptions received at the or.
flee of the Martinsburg Gazette.