"Knowing that I am set for the defence of the Gospel.” Phil. i. 17.

BOSTON:

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY JOSEPH W. INGRAHAM.

1823.

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PREFACE.

IT is proper, at the close of the year, to look back

and review the works of our hands. At this season, the conductors of the Gospel Advocate have, each year since its publication, paused to consider the propriety and expediency of continuing their work. The labour and the responsibility which have devolved upon them have not been small; but they have hoped that their labours have not been wholly unfruitful, and that they might feel themselves entitled to some small share of that satisfaction which arises from the consciousness of doing, as well as intending, good. They have been much refreshed and encouraged by the cordial approbation expressed by many distinguished friends of the Church, whose opinions they highly value; and they trust that with the assistance which they hope to receive, the future character of the work will not disappoint the expectations that have been formed of it.

In looking forward to another volume, the conductors have a few words to say. It has ever been their

wish to give more variety of interest to the pages of the Gospel Advocate than they have been able always to afford. They have been indebted to their correspondents for many valuable communications; but they could wish that many more of their friends would feel it their duty to contribute their aid to this cause, which they believe a good one, by furnishing them with papers, (particularly with such as are of a practical tendency,) on the various important doctrines and duties of our holy religion.