The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1861-12-28
CENIR Ii PRESBYTERIAN.
TIE CLOSE OF 1851.

We devote a brief space this week to such
things as are more specially personal to the
E ltor, and the interests Of the paper COM
mjtted to his charge. DC aston will be
taken next week to commune with our read
e-s concerning the year now closing, and
the one then opening.
/. A review of the past year brings with
it deeper impression Of that truth-Od
indeed, yet ever new-"his not IN man that
,oaIketh to direct lis steps" 1t was through
much darkness, and, in some respects, a
bitter conflict Of s-irit, the conclusion was
cached, that the path of duty led to this
place. Could the future 0hOugh the scene
was even then growing dark have been
thoroughly penetrated, We should have
feared to "enter into the cloud, and al,
most certainly have drawn back. But how
truly consOling, as well as beautiful the re-
mark, that 'The veil Of futurity is woven,
from the top to the bottom, by the hand of
mercy" We can even now discover the
kind and ruling hand of a cOvenant-keePing
God. We cOuld wish nothing altered. "He
led them forth by right way, that they
might 90 &c q city ofhabitations."
,. We are painfully reminded Of manifold
shortcomings. No sickly, or pretended Ia
mentatiOus are offered,
To i'll felow-creaturs's ear,
With the sad tale of all our care.
But we trust it may not be deemed out Of
place to recall the fact, that we engaged in
a work which was entirely new. 1t is hard
ly possible to imagine any one of common
intelligence, more ignorant of the whole
business belonging to the Editorial craft
In a word, we were green, aud knew it, ard
felt it; this is just the honest truth Ct the
matter. In addition, therefore, to causes
which should ever humble us in back-lock
over the departed year, there are special
reasons in the present case, forbidding any
suggestions of self complaceney. There is
q consciousness of much that is defective,
not in purpose, but in performance. We
crave forgiveness, and hope to grow ripper,
and better.
8. While the first and warmest thanks
are due to the Father Of mercies, We would
not be backward in Offering grateful ac-
kuowledgements to our patrons and readers.
They have been cOnsidera;e, indulgeut, and
have often spoken encouraging words. If
testimonials of cordial appreciation, received
from distinguished sources, have not been
set forth conspicuously before the public
eve, it has not been because they were I'M
deryalued, but because their OstentatiOus
exhibition was Judged unseemly, and dis
tasteful to all concerned.
4. The prospects of the paper are de-
cidedly encouraging. We have been, and
still are much straitened because so many
forget that, while they have received, they
have not paid. Il is in the power OF such
TO make our affairs completely comfortable.
In the midst of all the troubles of the times,
our subscription list is steadily increasing,
and at no time more encOuragingly than at
the present.
Arrangements are making by which it is
hoped new interest may be impaired to our
weekly issues, and no efforts will be with
held TO MAKE them welcome, and useful
visitants, in all households opened to re-
ceiye them. In a work which belongs not
to one man, or a few, bat concerns the
Church of Christ, we earnestly bespeak,
what we greatly need, general End rigor-
Oas cooperation. We close the year, thank
lag God, and taking courage"