PREFACE. THE third volume of the present series is now completed. Of all the three, its contents are perhaps more varied and interesting. The monthly records especially of the Bethel work, will prove highly gratifying to every friend of the sailor. These records exhibit in detail, what has been effected both at home and abroad. Had the Sailors' Society done no more,-could it lay claim to no other results, than such as have been presented successively during the present year, it would have an ample compensation for all that has been expended in the form of either money or effort; and yet these results constitute but a part of the whole. It is but truth to say, that the work of genuine piety is steadily advancing among the sons of the ocean. A visible change has taken place among thousands of our seamen. Nor does a single month elapse without strengthening the evidence which we have, that the Spirit is moving upon the face of the watersand that the Redeemer is about to assert his dominion over the empire of mind on the sea, as well as on the land. The British and Foreign Sailors' Society, whose immediate object is the moral and spiritual improvement of seamen throughout the world, is destitute of all sectarianism, both in its consti tution and design. It includes christians of all denominations, who hold the essential doctrines of the Protestant faith; and its single aim is, to make the sailor-A CHRISTIAN. It therefore casts itself on the sympathy and beneficence of all parties.-— And since every class of the community is more or less dependant on the sailor for whatever they possess and enjoy, it appeals to all for their willing and liberal support. It attempts much, with the most limited means-with increased resources, it could effect unspeakably more. May we suggest to our numerous subscribers and readers, the desirableness of giving the Magazine a still more extended circulation? Many more might be induced to subscribe for the Work. And just in proportion to the extent to which it is read, will an interest be awakened in the sailors' cause, and increased support be secured to the Institution. In continuing our labours in this department, we are resolved to spare no means to preserve the character and reputation of the work. We therefore hope, that our esteemed CORRESPONDENTS (to whom we are under very special obligation,) will send us the very best materials which their portfolios can supply. BRITISH AND FOREIGN SAILORS' SOCIETY'S ROOMS, 2, JEFFREY SQUARE, ST. MARY AXE, London, December, 1841. Experiment, Curious Elements of Matter and Mind, Christ's Power over the Jack, Poor Letter, Original, of the Rev. J. Newton Letters, Familiar, No. I. 40 44 306 Auxiliary, Rochester and Chatham Hull, Seamen's Society at the Port of, ... ........ 277 188 Jack, Poor, Versified Mother, Prayer of the Mariner's Prayer at the Mast-head Sailors', Hymn for Sea, the Stilling of the Sonnets-"Resurget" Storm Stilled, the ...... .... |