Dewey's Appeal of Religion to Men in Power, Furness's Discourse on Religion, a Principle, not Waterston's Address on Pauperism, THE CHRISTIAN EXAMINER AND RELIGIOUS MISCELLANY. JANUARY, 1844. ART. I.-EDITORIAL NOTICE. UPON commencing a new series of the Christian Examiner the Editors may be allowed, or perhaps expected, to say a few words in explanation of the principles on which the work will in future be conducted. These principles are essentially the same that have guided the management of this journal in times past. We wish that it may still be the advocate of a liberal theology, and continue to vindicate the claims of practical religion. We intend that each number shall contain something which may address itself to the religious sentiment and to conscience, and may unfold the nature of the Christian life, while the character of Divine truth shall be exhibited and defended. We hope that the work may exert a quickening influence on its readers, and stir the heart as well as enrich the intellect. It will be perceived, therefore, that we do not mean to give it an exclusively theological character. Theology however will hold its place in our journal, and this, we conceive, should be a prominent place. Every denomination must have its theology. Religion must be viewed on the side of the intellect, as well as of sentiment; it must have a doctrinal basis. Persons may for a time be VOL. XXXVI. - 4TH S. VOL. I. NO. I. 1 satisfied with feeling, with excited sensibilities, or with vague impressions, but in the end they will ask for clear and distinct views of religious truth, in which their minds may rest. They must have ideas as well as feelings, they must exercise intelligence as well as belief; reason must see firm ground on which to stand. Besides, the advance of the human mind, the progress of science, never greater than now, and the new aspects which the various subjects of thought are constantly presenting, render it impossible for theology to occupy an unchanged position, or to remain enclosed within the petrifactions of the past. It must be alive; it must from time to time explain itself; it must grapple with the problems of the age; it must seek the kernel and marrow of great truths; "it must prove all things," that it may "hold fast that which is good." Believing that a large portion of the community, and most certainly of those who will receive the Examiner into their houses, participate in these views of the importance of theology as the strength of correct sentiment and the foundation of a holy life, we cannot doubt that a due proportion of articles containing a full and thorough discussion of questions, which from their intrinsic character or from circumstances of temporary interest acquire prominence in this department of thought, will be acceptable to our readers; and such we shall endeavor to furnish. Articles of this kind, also, it may not be improper to remark, must from their length be excluded from our other religious journals, and will therefore find their most suitable place in this work. Still we intend to give to theology only its due space. Other subjects, more or less remotely connected indeed with this, will receive the attention they may claim. Articles discussing the great principles of personal religion and social morality, and articles bearing upon Christian history and literature, will be sought from those who are best qualified to prepare them. These also may be thorough, and yet retain a character that shall adapt them to the great. body of intelligent and inquiring readers. Questions which affect society in its moral relations we can never think foreign from the purpose of our journal. Politics we shall eschew, but do not mean to deprive ourselves of the right to bring public measures to the standard of that religion by |