THE termination of one year, and the commencement of another, form an interesting period. At this period, the mind is naturally drawn to the consideration of solemn things. A disposition to seriousness should be encouraged at all times; but especially when arguments from reason and Scripture are powerfully seconded by the appearances of nature, and the apparent, as well as real, changes of all the objects which surround us. We are reminded, not only by the revolutions of the heavenly bodies, but by the date of every newspaper and every letter, by all the forms of public and private business-that an important part of the active life of man has olosed for ever. It will not be deemed improper for us to seize this occasion to offer such reflections as occur, in looking back upon the past, and casting an inquiring eye forward upon the future.

The last year has been more crowded with great and stupendous events of a political nature, than any year within the whole history of the four great monarchies The attempt to establish a military despotism, which should hold in its iron grasp the whole civilized world; an attempt which had been persevered in with astonishing success for more than ten years, and which was regarded by the most enlightened statesmen with a dismay resembling despair;this attempt, more formidable in itself, more afflicting in its progress, more disastrous in its probable consequences. than any other project of ambition from the days of Nimrod to our own, has signally failed. We should certainly abstain from such political reflections, as would displease any portion of the friends of peace and human happiness; but on the subject here brought into view there is but one opinion with such persons. No man, indeed, can be found, who will venture to express a wish for the restoration of that gigantic power, which has just disappeared like a dream of the night. In tracing the various causes of this amazing reverse, the politician will find abundant materials for his contemplation; bac the Christian will raise his thoughts to the Governor of the world, by whose wise and holy counsels all the unexpected changes of our times have been produced; who has in view the promotion of a VOL. XI.

Address to the Public.

greater cause and higher interests than are directly involved in the erection or overthrow of any temporal empire; and whose determinations will all be carried into full effect, notwithstanding any violent opposition or adverse appearances. In the great political events of the last five and twenty years, the Christian will see an unexampled preparation for the spread of pure religion. Infidelity has made its votaries ashamed of themselves and of their cause; it has shown, in the clearest manner, the necessity and the excellence of Christianity; and it has taught multitudes to press the Bible to their hearts with an ardor of affection, and to disseminate its holy doctrines with a zeal, to which they would otherwise have been strangers. The revolutions, which have astonished mankind, have had a powerful influence in lessening the attachment to empty forms of religion, and in breaking down corrupt establishments It may be fairly concluded, that religious persecution will not again be countenanced and supported even by nominal Christians. The way seems fast opening for the propagation of the truth without direct resistance, and with the aid of reason, conscience, and the word of God; and, may it not safely be added, with the accompanying influcates of the Holy Spirit. To these encouraging features of the times the observing and animated Christian will not forget to join the great and continually increasing efforts, which are now made to preach Christ where his name is not known. These various considerations give an interest to late political changes, which, great and stupendous as these have been, could never be given to the disposition of temporal thrones, or the restoration of the balance of power.

The Christian, who looks at the present condition of this country, will find many things to excite his regret and lamentation for the past, and his apprehension for the future. Whatever opinions may be entertained as to the origin and immediate causes of the war in which we are involved, no well-informed and conscientious man will deny, that the procuring causes have been our national He will sins. Such a man will perceive no sure indications of returning prosperity, without national repentance and reformation therefore regard with a deep interest all the efforts, which have been witnessed during the last year, for the promotion of good morals and the Festraining of vice. Similar efforts he will encourage with all the influence which he possesses. political dissensions to fill the whole circle of his vision, so that he cannot discover the remote and radical causes of the evils which we suffer, and the means of averting them. He will labor and pray for the increase of religious knowledge and practical godliness, as the only rational means of securing to his country the favor of heaven.

He will not suffer

But we would caution our readers against suffering their attention to be so engrossed by great and general objects, as to neglect those which more immediately concern themselves

Great as are

the evils of war, there always have been evils of a personal nature, which have maintained an almost universal influence, and concerning which it is the duty of every man to examine his own soul.

We refer to stupidity in sin and the neglect of Christ and his service, of salvation and heaven. If we look around in our churches and congregations, in our neighborhoods and families, how many evidences do we find of spiritual sloth and cowardice, and of spiritual death. Let this scrutiny be made with particular reference to the year which is just closed. How many opportunities have been neglected of communicating spiritual blessings to our fellow creatures. How much has each one lived as a mere inhabitant of this world; how little as an heir of immortality. How many have gone into the eternal state, within the last twelve months, without any preparation to meet their God. How many are now beyond the reach of mercy, to whom our readers had it in their power to impart religious knowledge and the affers of life; but to whom, nevertheless, no religious knowledge, no offers of life, were thus imparted. This is a subject, which plainly does not receive proper attention from Christians. Every country on the globe, every province, every town, every village, every neighborhood, contains ignorance to be removed, suffering to be mitigated, vice to be suppressed, and unbelief, hardness of heart, and worldly-mindedness, to be sup planted by faith, hope, joy, and evangelical love. If all professcd Christians were truly what they profess to be, and if all real Christians were plainly distinguished by that grand characteristic of the Savior, that he went about doing good, how soon would the face of the world be changed; how glorious would be the alteration; how divine the effects. Every individual is answerable to his conscience, and to God the judge of all, if he does not contribute, his full proportion towards bringing about so immense a good.

Time is rolling on; the active years of those, who are now in their prime, are fast spending; health is impaired, in ten thousand instances, and life is lost in ten thousand more; opportunities are passing by never to return; and yet how slowly does the good cause advance, compared with the wishes of Christians, and the exigencies of mankind. What enterprises must be undertaken, what labors performed, what perseverance exhibited, what an amazing combination organized, and what extended operations carried on, before the world shall be evangelized. Every year of delay in this work ought to be a year of deep regret with Christians. But a year of delay should never be suffered to return, so far as the prayers and exertions of every enlightened friend of man can avail to prevent it.

The neglect of past opportunities should afford a powerful stimulus to future exertions. What! shall a man, a patriot, a Christian, live at this interesting period, and do little or nothing for his spe cies, his country, and the church of God? Shall his years be occupied in the pursuit of wealth, or in lamenting its departure;-in the scramble for political distinction and influence, or in mourning over the uncertainty of popular favor; and shall he forget his immortal interests, and the deliverance of a fallen world from sin and error? Shall he sink himself into a mere actor in this temporary bustle, unmindful of his better part, his eternal destiny? Shall his