country,―to breathe his deadly blasts over the fair fields and the pleasant gardens of our beauteous isles: still, however, even here, the sacred emblem of peace may not be altogether inappropriate or unwelcome. Surrounded by every external mark of tranquillity, there may be, who are nevertheless found mourning in the gloomy vale of despondency, who, encompassed by every thing betokening freedom from danger, are yet involved in the thick darkness of mental unquiet, and of spiritual agitation.-There may be, who, notwithstanding the acclamations :— "Peace! Peace!" re-echoed from hill to dale, are yet strangers to its hallowing import, whose hearts are the scene of a contention that no earthly hosts can quell-no human embassage appease. These, would the OLIVE BRANCH waving its verdant leaves, beckon to the radiant bow of consolation which beautifies the gospel hemisphere.These would it direct to the entrancing harmony of the heavenly choir-to the rapturous notes resounding through the vaulted skies-to the welcome, thrice welcome burden of the angelic anthem" Peace from God and good will to man!" Or where the day-spring from on high hath already been hailed,-where the consolations of divine love are experienced, and the blessings and the prospects of the reign of grace are enjoyed, this symbol of heavenly security may yet be accompanied by pleasant and profitable associations. It may remind the Christian believer of the high privileges with which, in his character as reconciled to heaven, he is invest ed; it may encourage him to remain stedfast in the faith of the Redeemer,to abound in all the duties obligatory upon him as a subject of the Prince of Peace; it may tend to cherish sentiments of devotedness to his celestial Sovereign, and of attachment to those who are heirs with him of the heavenly kingdom-and it may brighten his hope of that land of which it is the emblem, where evil cannot exist, and where peace and joy are experienced without the possibility of interruption. Wherever the OLIVE BRANCH appears, may such be the result!—may the interests of Scriptural and of cheerful piety be increased! and may the knowledge, and the love, and the glory of God be promoted! Edinburgh, 16th Nov. 1830. H. S. B A LIST OF THE CONTRIBUTORS TO THE PRESENT VOLUME. Rev. John Brown, D.D. James Anderson. John Malcolm, Esq. The Author of "The Pastor of Elizabeth. Fgomet. Clarens. The Editor. E By an unfortunate incident, a number of papers sent for insertion have been for the present lost. They will most probably be recovered; in which case they will be reserved for the next publication. It is respectfully suggested, that all Papers intended for the ensuing Volume of the OLIVE BRANCH, should be transmitted to the Publisher's not later than the end of July. Unsolicited Communications will be highly acceptable. |