THE YOUTH'S MAGAZINE. 1855.-VOL. VI. LONDON: JOHN FARQUHAR SHAW, 27, SOUTHAMPTON ROW, AND 36, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1856. PREFACE. WE now draw to a close the labours of Fifty Years. Labours in which talented minds of the highest order have taken a sanctified part-labours in which Christians with their souls on fire have unweariedly joined, that by this means they might save some-labours in which we, as Editor, rejoice to have had, though but for a short time, our humble share. The past readers whose character by God's blessing on the teaching of this Magazine, has ripened into the rich maturity of faith working by love, and the present readers who are treading in their parents' steps, by loving the Evangelical Miscellany-these, in the hallowed influences which their lives scatter over social circles, form the best celebrants of our JUBILEE. Never has any life been measured by a more eventful period than the half century has shown itself, during which this Magazine has done suit and service to the Church Militant. It commenced its evangelic efforts in September, 1805, through a conversation. between the excellent Mr. W. B. Gurney and another Christian friend, as to the best means of promoting the religious welfare of the young. Though received at first with a little jealousy, by some who feared it would interfere with other plans, it was soon taken up with great spirit, and obtained such an extensive sale that, in a few months, its monthly issue reached six thousand copies. Its first Editor was the wellknown Campbell, of Africa; and it is an interesting fact, that the first issue of the Scriptures, by the British and Foreign Bible Society, dates from the number that contained the Editor's commencement of his "Child's Commentary." The YOUTH'S MAGAZINE was not a mercantile speculation. It did not write to live. It wrote to bless others with life. Nor was it a mere aspirant after literary distinction, though writers of high talent were very soon delighted, as they have continued to be, to furnish papers. Some of their productions have been helped to fame by their appearance in this Magazine; for example, it is very improbable that the contributions of Q. Q. would ever have been given to the world, or if given, would have sold under such a title, had they not, by their monthly appearance, gradually won for themselves a lasting and deserved reputation. The preface to the first volume clearly shows the real aim of this Magazine :"The chief design of the present publication is the religious instruction of the rising generation." Seeking only to do good, it appeared so unlikely to sell largely, that the Sunday School Union, to whom it was offered, declined the risk of its publication, and the burden fell back upon its originators. Yet God was pleased to give it such prosperity that, during the first forty years of its existence, |