"I SPEAK OF THE THINGS........TOUCHING THE KING."-Psa. xlv. 1. EDINBURGH: JOHNSTONE AND HUNTER, 104 HIGH STREET. GLASGOW: J. R. MACNAIR, 157 INGRAM STREET. MDCCCLV. THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE. JANUARY 1855. "I SPEAK OF THE THINGS.... TOUCHING THE KING."-PSA. XLV. 1. ADDRESS TO OUR READERS. THIS magazine has undergone a change of name, and with a change of name, a change also of management. Our readers would not be much the wiser if we sought to enlighten them on the reasons for the one, or the causes of the other. Let it suffice to say that the present title is deemed more specific and distinct, and indicates with greater precision that system of principles which the Reformed Presbyterian Church embodies in her testimony, and that though the periodical is under new auspices, it is not altogether deprived of the experience, counsel, and good-will of the respected brother in the ministry who has for a series of years discharged the thankless duties of editorship. It is of more importance that they should distinctly know the necessity for strenuous exertion on their own part, if the periodical is henceforth to exist at all, or to occupy a position worthy of the Church which it professes to represent, though it by no means claims the authority of an official and recognised organ of the denomination. The contributors to this magazine never have supported it with a view to profit, and now, unless its circulation be considerably extended, either its price must be raised, or the only vehicle of intelligence which the Church possesses must be suffered to drop. Whatever be its past or future shortcomings, every effort henceforth to increase its sale will have a direct tendency to increase its efficiency. The zeal that expends itself in the criticism and condemnation of its pages, if sincerely bent on promoting the interests of the Church, is more likely to obtain its professed object, and at least will be more usefully occupied in adding to its circulation. If the trouble of contributing and editing be undertaken with but scanty prospect of the least remuneration, indeed with some risk of loss and sacrifice, it is not expecting too much that some efforts equally disinterested be put forth throughout the various districts of the Church to enlarge the extent of the circulation. A word is sufficient to the A |
