THE BIBLE CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE, FOR THE YEAR 1871. BEING A CONTINUATION OF THE ARMINIAN MAGAZINE. VOL. VII. OF THE FIFTH SERIES. VOL. FIFTIETH FROM THE COMMENCEMENT. LONDON: BIBLE CHRISTIAN BOOK ROOM, SOLD BY ALL THE ITINERANT PREACHERS. MDCCCLXXI, PREFACE. WOULD that the thoughts which fill our minds, and the feelings which move our hearts on special occasions, were always present to exercise the same influence over us. The end of the year is one of those occasions, for another stage in life's journey is reached, and some review of the past is inevitable. We at once think of the many moments we have wasted, the many opportunities we have neglected, and the many mercies we have despised! The feeling is, that all future moments shall be carefully treasured, all opportunities diligently improved, and all mercies gratefully appreciated. But the promise is seldom fulfilled. The beautiful bud but seldom develops into a flower all fragrant and beautiful. Therefore almost every one regrets, having had the opportunity to do so much, that he has done so little, and determines, if he had the past to live over again, that the quality of his work should be immensely improved, and the quantity indefinitely increased. Oh, that we could make sure that there would be no more wasted moments in our life, no more wrong steps, no more misdirected sympathies and energies; for our own responsibilities seem to grow heavier, the calls to duty louder and more urgent, and the wants of the world to multiply on every hand. Much holy wisdom and courage must all the servants of God seek, whatever particular sphere of usefulness they occupy, who intend to serve their generation according to His will. We know not for certain that "troublous times are ahead; but we do know that there are elements of evil in the very heart of society which ever and anon threaten, vainly, we know, but which threaten the peace, the safety, and even the very existence of the Church. It is more ominous that, at this crisis, the Church seems to have lost much of her |