PREFACE.

In the common order of things, we could scarcely, perhaps, have calculated on completing our present volume with a good hope of continuing the work endeared by more than twelve years' devotion to it. But such is the tender mercy of the Lord; so gentle his dealings, so mild the hand of fatherly chastisement, that by his dear help we not only continue to this day, in the enjoyment of unabated bodily health and cheerfulness of mind, but we feel more strongly than ever the blessed privilege of holding up even so humble and unpretending a banner as the Christian Lady's Magazine, among the ranks of those who are battling for the truth, against multiplying error.

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It is recorded among the touching legends of Ireland, that when the followers of Brien the Brave were contending for their liberties and their homes against the Danes, a severe contest had left many wounded among them. On the following day, the host was again called into the field, and the poor maimed sufferers who were unable to support themselves, demanded to be placed, each wounded man between two sound ones; thus going once more into action, and winning with their commanders a brilliant victory ere they died. We often think on this: like the true-hearted Irish, we are loth to quit the field, or to withhold our poor

crippled aid from the glorious cause. But protracted suffering induces some feebleness: the mechanical action of writing is exceedingly difficult now; and we call on our dear friends to help us on, by their continued prayers, the blessed effect of which we have so richly experienced; that we may neither faint nor flee, but labour still with untiring devotion; and if such be the Lord's good pleasure, live to behold the coming triumph.

It is coming, and even at hand. On every side the clouds are breaking, which so long have veiled the bright future. All is in a state of transition; nothing remains as it was a few years back; and dimly seen, yet