DEAR by year we feel increasingly the weight of the solemn trust committed to us in issuing this Magazine. Concerning the Gospel, writing, as preaching, becomes sensibly more difficult the longer anyone is engaged in it. However, with thankfulness to God we record it, this year has been the most encouraging we have experienced. We do not say this year there has been more sound work following the distribution of our pages than before, for such a question is not for us to answer, but more tokens of good accomplished, have been brought to our knowledge. Let this encourage our kind friends and helpers,_ both by pen and distribution, to fresh zeal and renewed efforts in spreading abroad the joyful news of God's salvation in Christ, and through His blood.
No one can deny the readiness with which Gospel truth is read in our favored day. The Lord of All has set before His servants an open door, which none can shut. Happy are those servants whom He shall find working and watching for Him at His coming again. There is nothing for a Christian more quieting and cheering than going on with the work his Master has given him to do, and having His Lord's presence with him while so occupied—fulfilling as an hireling his day, waiting for the resting-time as the shadows lengthen.
Still, while we rejoice in the joy of the hour, we know full well that the harvest will soon be gathered in. The night comes, when no man can work. Even now awful clouds of infidelity make Christians tremble; but the signs of storm in harvest only lend fresh energy to those whose hands and hearts are set on reaping their Master's corn.
Our old friends will, we trust, readily accept the exhortation to renewed effort in circulating our pages. Those who have this year for the first time interested themselves in the Magazine will not find fault with us for entreating for hearty earnestness in making it known in cottages and houses where at present the Gospel does not come. Only by personal effort and loving labor can this object be attained, but love for souls is not to be daunted.
We gratefully acknowledge the papers contributed by our friends, and trust they will favor us with their continued help, for through them the Magazine lives.
We remind our readers that what is recorded in FAITHFUL WORDS is lain matter-of-fact truth. We do not insert stories of the imagination. Also we must add that, as our papers are original, they cannot be reprinted without Permission.