PREFACE.

THE great subject of RELIGIOUS EDUCATION has, for more than half a century past, been gradually extending and urging its claims in behalf of the young; and, in consequence, considerable advancement has been made in providing means, and carrying out plans answerable to public requirements of so just and beneficial a nature. In noticing the remarkable progress now making by the world in those arts and sciences that embellish human life, and the increased command of man over the elements of nature; it is a consolatory reflection, that a happy and merciful dispensation of Providence has given a corresponding impulse to the moral and intellectual faculties and apprehensions of mankind. The philanthropy of the present age may therefore be regarded as the most auspicious among the signs of the times, for by it a moral influence is diffused among the masses of society, which, while it exerts a salutary control over powerful elements, otherwise calculated to disturb and even to injure the social fabric, is also a pledge in favour of further advancement in a right and safe direction,

Notwithstanding all the defects observable in our public institutions, (and we admit that such exist, and call for appropriate remedies,) yet the increase of religious education has tended to diffuse a spirit among vast numbers of the community, which constitutes the most powerful of all human checks to the audacity of vice, and the progress of infidelity and superstition. From whence could this mighty yet calmly-persuasive spirit emanate, but from pure and undefiled religion? That the perpetual inculcation of Christian doctrines and precepts in Sunday schools has had a large share in strengthening and expanding this salutary influence, is undeniable.

We may therefore view our various schools for the religious instruction of the young, with encouragement and hope, and cherishing a steady determination to improve, strengthen and expand their operations, proceed onward in our course of benevolence with unabated confidence in the blessing of the Most High, which "maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow."

In terminating our anxious labors, which have been devoted to the cause of this Magazine in the year just expiring, our advice to teachers is, "Be not disheartened by imperfections or apparent failures in your institutions; nor indulge a settled complacency with a stationary position; nor relax in your efforts for improvement:-yours is a noble cause, worthy of