The first requisition in connection with the Christian's call to "put on the whole armor of God," is to stand, having his loins girt about with truth; and few Christians, who think at all, will deny that in the character of the present times there is a special reason to heed the exhortation. But it must not be supposed, from the title adopted, that those who have commenced this little work, think, for a moment, that they can, through its pages, supply this part- of the armor. The whole of the revelations of God, in His word, come under the comprehensiveness of this title; and according to his exigency will the Christian, who studies that word with the simple intent to do God's will, be furnished from its various parts with this girdle. But since it is proposed, as God may give ability, to present, in the following pages, truth drawn directly from the divine word, and truth that may advance believers practically in the knowledge of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is hoped that the title, thus modified, may be allowed, and not be misunderstood,
The necessity for such a publication has from various quarters been pressed upon those who have undertaken it, and, in attempting to supply the need, they may state, that whilst truth suited to help believers in "building up themselves on their most holy faith," may form the chief part of that which is communicated, it is not intended to exclude the presentation of the " grace and truth " of the gospel of salvation, nor prophetic subjects, so far as they bear upon the Church's hopes, and Christ's glory, and the world's solemn prospects.
It is intended to publish a number monthly, if the Lord will, and sometimes, if need be, a double number; and the desire of those concerned in its publication is that the poor and the simple, especially, may find such instruction to their souls as God may own, and may result, through His Messing, in a better knowledge of Christ's worth, and that thus His name may be more set by.
To say more at the present moment is unnecessary, as the character of the work must be gathered from a knowledge of its succeeding numbers.