THE CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. CONDUCTED BY ASHBEL GREEN, D. D. VOL. VI. FOR THE YEAR 1828. By manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED BY A. FINLEY, N. E. CORNER OF CHESNUT AND FOURTH STREETS. 1828. PREFACE. THE Conductor of the Christian Advocate, on completing the sixth year of his editorial labours, feels himself constrained to a renewed expression of his sense of the divine goodness, in continuing to him, at an advanced age, the capacity of performing, without unusual effort or more than ordinary remission, the duties of his responsible vocation.-May the life which is prolonged by the indulgence, and crowned with the loving kindness of the Father of Mercies, be devoted, with gratitude and unreservedness, to his service and glory. The Editor also very sensibly feels that the patronage of his Miscellany, considerably greater in the last than in any preceding year, demands his grateful acknowledgments to those who either by their subscriptions or their recommendations, have contributed to extend its circulation. His list of subscribers, notwithstanding, is still very far short of that which is announced by the conductors of some other publications of a similar character; and much less, as he thinks, than might reasonably be expected for a work of any merit, employed in the service of so numerous, extensive, and wealthy a community, as is the Presbyterian Church. He therefore solicits, and presumes to hope for, a continuance, and even an increase, of the encouragement which he has experienced in the closing year. It is not for the Editor to pronounce in what manner he has sustained the character, and fulfilled the obligations, of a Christian Advocate. He may however affirm, since he can do it with truth, that he has studiously and unceasingly endeavoured to render his work such as its title indicates; and that its imperfections, of which he is very sensible, have not been occasioned by his neglect, or want of exertion. No number of this publication has been presented to its readers, which did not cost its Editor many hours of close, and sometimes painful attention, to prepare it for their inspection. Thanks are due, and are cordially rendered, to the authors of several valuable articles, which his friends have contributed to his Magazine in the year past; and while he solicits a continuance of their favours, in any form most agreeable to themselves, he takes leave to say, that assistance would be peculiarly welcome in the department of Reviews. It is also highly desirable to be able to insert in the pages of the Christian Advocate, a larger portion of interesting narrative, than they have contained since the Journal of Mr. Stewart was closed; and likewise to enlarge the number of short and pithy articles, on doctrinal and practical religion. In the course of the year which closes with the emission of the present number, this Miscellany has been more employed than formerly, in discussing topicks in which the members of the Presbyterian Church have a peculiar interest. Yet it is believed the work has not assumed a character which can with propriety be denominated sectarian. Most of its contents have still consisted of discussions and information in which all descriptions of orthodox protestants might find gratification; and nearly the whole of what has been said in favour of the denomination to which |