Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-03-27
Christian Advocate.

The union 0f literature with genuine
Christianity, at all times important, is
peculiarly SO at this time, and in this
country. The enemies of truth as il is
IN Jesus, are using all their endeavors to
maintain their cause and extend their
influence, by the powerful auxliaries OF
eruditlon and taste; and il the truth be
LETT naked, or appear only in careless
or sovenly garb, it will not be likely to
attract the attention and win the hearts
OF that large and important portion of
the community which consists Of the
young, the cultivated and aspiring. We
know. indeed, that success in lnculca
ting evangelical truth must come from
God, and that nothing but his grace
will ever change single human heart
Still we are not to expect miracles-we
are only to expect the smiles Of Proyi
dence, and the Influence OF Divine grace,
in the use of vigorous exertions, and OF
means naturally 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
tan Advocate aspires to take 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 diifuslng sound biblical criticism,
| in exposing Misrepresentation & 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 endeavoring to cherish
the love oflearning and just taste "a
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 bat highly favorable
| to "whatsoever things are true, honest,
just, pure, lovely, and of good report"
If, under the Divine blessings, it shall
| be found that these results, to any con-
| siderable extent, have been produced
by this publication, it 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, it is not thought
necessary to specify in detail. The Edi-
tor will have constantly before him the
best religious miscellonies, which are
published both in Europe and the United
States. and will endeavor, as faras pos
sible, 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 know the
existing state of Bible societies, mis-
sions, and revivals 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 have 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 be appropri-
ated annually to Christian charities by
some members of the PRESBYTERIAN
Church, clergy and laity, impartially
| selected.
All communications on the subject of
the work are to be post paid, and address
sed to the publisher, &c. LIrTELL,
Philadelphia"
| This work, which is a continuation of
the Presbyterian Magazine, began in
January, 1928.
| Published monthly-Price S5a year,
payable on delivery of the June number;
or $3.50 il paid in Advance.
Subscri ptions received at the Of
flee of the Martinsburg Gazette.