Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-03-13
March I3.
Christian Advocate.

Inc union oil literature with genuine
Christianity, at all times important, is
peculiarly so at this time, and in this
country. The enemies Of truth as it il
IN Jesus, are using all their endeavors to
maintain their cause and extend their
influence, by the powerful auxiiaries of
erudition and taste; and IL the truth be-
left naked, or appear only in a careless
or slovenly 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 inculca-
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 Provi-
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 ene-,
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
blepart. 1t aspires to be somewhat in
strumenta' in preventing the evil effects
OF literature misapplied, in cultiva.,ng
and diHas'ng sound biblical criticism.
In exposing Misrepresentation Il sophis-
try, in clothing the pure doctrines OF the
gospel IN ihat chaste and attractive
dress which may give full eject TO their
native charms, in endeavoring to cherish
the love Of learning 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 but highly favorable
to "whatsoever things are true, honest,
just, pure, lovely, and of good report .
II, 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 10 not thought
necessary to specify in detail. The Edi-
tor will have constantly before him the
best religious miscelIonies, which are
published both in Europe and the United
States, aad will endeavor, as fsra pos
siSle, to model and improve his own
work, by all the aida which he can de.
rive from these sources. IL 10 only
thought necessary TO mention particular
ly, that an attempt will be Eaade TO give
a condensed and comprehensive view of
religious intelligence; ti,at the readers Of
the Chrietian Advocate may know the
existing state Of Bible societies. mis-
sisns, and revivals of religion. withost
being at the expense ssd trouble, which
many caanot afford, of purchasing and
reading the numerous publications. 10
which these interesting and importan. OBJ
jects have recently given occasion.
A number ofthe Chr:s,ign Advocate
shall be issued in the frst week Of every
month.
One-tenth of the profits Of this work
shall help TO fora fund to be appropris
ateo annually to Christian charities By
some members of the Presbyterian
Churchs clergy and laity, impartially
selected.
Ar communicates on the subject Of
the work are to be past paid, and address
sed to tee publisher, sc. L1rrELL,
Philadelphia
This work, which isa continuation OF
the Presbyterian Magazine, began in
January, 1898.
ire ofthe PRINTER. n