fifth number,containing the 'Backslider,' will be published on the 20th of this month. The series is under the superintendence of Henry Ware. When our Lord taught by parables, he taught by fiction or fable; and whether a moral truth be impressed by a reference to history or to fiction, can make no difference; though to teach or produce belief in a truth, history alone may oftentimes be fitted. We have all, within us, by nature and education, feelings and principles, which are equally appealed to and awakened by what is true, merely, to the motives of the human heart, and the frailties of man's nature; and that which is, in addition, true in point of time, place, and circumstance; for, when I relate a fact, it is not time and place which touch and rouse your moral sense, but it is the character and nature which lie beyond; and if I keep the character and nature unharmed, it matters not what change of circumstance I make-the effect is the same. We are led to make these remarks from an incipient hostility, seen in some, to moral works of fiction. Of the series before us, we have read only two, The Sceptic, and Home.— The first is an admirable work, and does its authoress much honor; but it does not appeal to us, to our best feelings, and our every-day feelings, as does the most admirable volume of Miss Sedgwick's; a volume worth, in our eyes, more than all her novels. Indeed, we can scarce speak too highly of the morality, religion, and philosophy of "Home." It would have done Miss Edgeworth credit, and comes from a head and heart that may claim sisterhood with that noble and truly great woman. To every parent, to every husband, and every wife, and every child-(for why should we exclude one human creature?)—we would sincerely and warmly say: "Read and study this little tract, until its truths, (for every page swarms with truths,) become part of you." We think the religious world, without distinction of sects, is much beholden to Mr. Ware, for his agency in bringing this series before the world; we dare not doubt its success, for it would be a slander on our fellow-men to do so, and as little can we doubt its utility. May the plan be carried out fully and well, and God give it speed. J. H. P. TO CORRESPONDENTS. In consequence of the illness of the Editor, we have been unable this month, to collect certain items of intelligence, which have been asked for; particularly those relative to the Catholic Church in the West. We hope to have them for the November number. All articles intended for the Messenger, should reach us during the first or second week of the month: and the. earlier they are at hand, the better. TO SUBSCRIBERS.. ALL the New-England subscribers will, hereafter, receive the Messenger through James Monroe & Co. of Boston. THE WESTERN MESSENGER. PUBLISHED ON THE FIRST DAY OF EVERY MONTH. I. OBJECTS. To promote a manly, intelligent, and liberal piety, and a faith working by love; to explain and defend the misunderstood and denounced principles of Unitarianism; to be a bond of union for western Unitarians, and a connecting link with their eastern brethren. Also, to aid in diffusing sound views on literature, education, schools, and benevolent enterprises. II. REASONS.-The Unitarian "sect is everywhere spoken against." Many persons think that they verily ought to do and say things contrary to this name. Others, more liberal, ask, "may we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is!" But there is no answer. We have no means of reply, explanation or defence. Smitten on the one cheek, we must literally turn the other. The ear of the public is open, and the tongue of the press, so far as Unitarians are concerned, is silent. We think the West demands and will support such a work. We believe that there is a spirit here which asks for LIGHT; which is testing received opinions, to determine whether they are consecrated by truth, or consecrated only by time; listening to the apostolic injunction, "prove all things; hold fast that which is good." III. METHOD OF CONDUCTING.-The work will be conducted by the association of Unitarian ministers in the West. It will be published at Cincinnati, under the special superintendence of REV. E. PEABODY. Local topics of interest will be attended to. General intelligence, of a miscellaneous character, will be inserted. New books will be noticed, and diligent observation paid to such matters as particularly concern the social or religious condition of the West. IV. CONDITIONS. THE WESTERN MESSENGER is published monthly, at Cincinnati, on paper of a superior quality, and with type entirely new. Each number contains 72 large medium octavo pages, making at the end of the year, two volumes, of 430 pages each. The subscription price is three dollars, payable at the time of subscribing. Cincinnati, June 1835. T. H. SHREVE & CO. |