JOHN ROBERTSON AND COMPANY. JAMES NISBET AND CO.; L. AND J. SEELEY, LONDON. MDCCCXXXV. PREFACE. THE age in which we live is characterised by many things which the Christian contemplates with a holy satisfaction; but there exists, also, much to excite grief and produce alarm. The continued existence and progressive success of the efforts made by societies and individuals, in many, would it might be said, in most cases,―under the impulse of faith in the Redeemer's promises, love to the souls of men, and zeal for the glory of Jehovah, to disseminate the Gospel at home and abroad, and make the benefits and blessings it confers co-extensive with the wrecks of the Fall and the ravages of sin,-must awaken delight in every wellregulated, Christian mind. "Many run to and fro, and knowledge is widely increased." May it advance till "the earth be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." But, on the other hand, how many evils exist and abound, over which every one must weep, whose heart is filled with the love of God and of "the bre |