In presenting to the reader the first number of our periodical, we feel called upon to state our reasons for entering upon such a service, and also the objects which we hope, by the grace of God, to effect.
We do not deem any apology necessary for adding another to the numerous publications already extant, having for their object the circulation of pure truth. We want them all, and thousands more, if we could get them. We cannot have too many agencies for the furtherance of that which is good, and the suppression of that which is evil.
For, first of all, it is a lamentable fact that the enemy of souls has wrought, far more diligently, at the printing press, than the servants of the living God. Numerous as are the books, the pamphlets, the tracts, and the periodicals in which the words of eternal truth shine, for the instruction and comfort of souls, yet are they outnumbered, to an appalling amount, by publications of an infidel, immoral, and irreligious tendency.
2. We believe that the art of printing was designed, by a gracious Providence, as a powerful engine for the diffusion of scriptural knowledge; but we cannot shut our eyes to the startling fact that the enemy is making diligent use of that very art, for the purpose of corrupting, in all directions, the springs of thought and feeling. He is publishing, in the cheapest and most attractive form, gross evil, soul-destroying error, and perverted truth. And, we may safely say, if positive error has slain its thousands, perverted truth has slain its tens of thousands.
3. Now, we are fully assured that, notwithstanding all the enemy’s efforts, the Lord is gathering out His own—that He is accomplishing His purposes, and hastening His everlasting kingdom. But should this be a reason for slackness, coldness, and indifference, on the part of the servants of Christ? The very reverse; yea, the assurance thereof is the basis of “steadfast” and “unmovable” service. It is because we know, on divine authority, that “our labor shall not be in vain in the Lord,” that therefore we work. Thank God for such a solid foundation! It would be sad, indeed, if what our God has graciously given as a soul-stirring encouragement to work should be used as a plea for inactivity—if the assurance of reaching God’s end were to be a reason for neglecting God’s means. This would be a grievous use to make of the goodness and faithfulness of God.
4. But, further, we undertake this service because we feel bound to serve and testify, while the time for service and testimony lasts. The day is rapidly approaching, in the which we shall not be called upon to render such fruits. When we get into the Master’s presence, we shall admire and worship; but, now, in “the little while,” in the night of His absence, it is our holy and happy privilege to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:5858Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58).) We are responsible to let the light shine forth, in every possible way—to circulate the truth of God, by all means, by word of mouth, by “paper and ink” in public and private, “in the morning and in the evening,” “in season and out of season;” we should “sow beside all waters,” In a word, whether we consider the importance of divine truth, the value of immortal souls, or the fearful progress of error and evil, we are imperatively called upon to be up and doing, in the name of the Lord, under the guidance of His word, and by the grace of His Spirit.
Such, then, beloved reader, are our reasons for issuing this monthly paper. We are anxious, so far as in us lies, to lend a helping hand in the good work. We desire to spread the glad tidings, to feed the lambs and sheep of the flock of Christ, to move in the current of His thoughts and sympathies, and to promote the glory of His holy name. We believe there cannot be too many heralds of the gospel of the grace of God—too many hands stretched forth to scatter the good seed of the kingdom, or to feed the beloved Church of God. Alas! that there should be so few. May the Lord raise up and send forth gifted and holy laborers into His vineyard!
2. And, now, one word as to the objects which we hope to effect.
1. We hope to furnish the poor of the flock with a penny serial, containing plain papers, designed for their special use.
2. We hope to be enabled to set forth the fundamental truths of the gospel—the free grace of God—the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ—the power and value of His advocacy and priesthood—the attractions and dignity of His Person, and the hope of His coming glory.
3. Moreover, we hope to furnish, from time to time, as the Lord may enable as, brief and simple expositions of various portions of the word of God, adapted for such persons as are not in a position to devote much time to the study of scripture. The aim of such expositions shall be “to stir up the pure mind”—to draw out the affections after Christ—to establish the heart and conscience in foundation truth—to deepen the soul’s experience of divine things—to elevate the tone of life and character—and to enlarge the spiritual vision.
4. Finally, we cherish the hope of being enabled to send forth, every month, a Magazine, in which THE NAME OF JESUS shall be the great, prominent object. He is, in very truth, the living center of “things new and old.” He it is who says, “Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.” (Pro. 8:22, 2322The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. (Proverbs 8:22‑23).) And He it is who, as the Incarnate One, was emphatically the “new thing in the earth.” He is worthy of all honor. So worthy is He, that the book or the tract which has not for its direct object the glory of His most excellent name is not worth the printing. Every tongue should speak His worth. Every pen should portray His character. Every page of every book should be fragrant with the graces of His adorable Person. There is no name like the name of Jesus.
Such, then, are the objects which we have in view, in the publication of “Things New and Old;” and we earnestly desire that when these objects cease to sway the minds of all connected with this Magazine its existence may terminate. If God does not want it, neither do we. And if it be not for the furtherance of His glory and the good of His Church at large, we would not desire to have ought to do with it. We can truly say to our readers, “We seek not yours, but you.” If our pages should be used of God to bring any souls to find settled peace in the blood of the cross, or to stir up any hearts to a more intense devotedness to Christ, or a greater longing for His glorious advent, we shall count ourselves amply—oh! how amply—rewarded.
May the Lord grant His rich blessing upon this publication! May He be graciously pleased to use it for the advancement of His cause in the earth, and for the permanent profit of souls! Amen.—Ed.