THE

PRIMITIVE METHODIST

Magazine.

JANUARY, 1855.

A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS.

Ix climbing the hill of life we require here and there to halt, that we may get our breath, and cast a look around us; and it is especially fitting that we should regard the beginning of another year as supplying a halting-place, and look at it in the light of a point of observation and a period of serious reflection. For while a traveller, in making the ascent of an Alpine height, finds both ease and encouragement in standing at some point in his toilsome journey, and making a survey of the portion of his task already achieved, and in looking at the distance he has travelled, and the difficulties he has overcome, becomes better able to appreciate those before him, and more stimulated to encounter them; so we, who are mounting the rugged steeps of life, in taking an annual retrospect of our sufferings and succours, our toils and triumphs, may experience moral and spiritual advantages which will amply repay us for the expenditure of time devoted to the subject; and especially so, if from the retrospect we derive an additional incentive to greater devotedness to God, and efforts for his glory, than we have previously displayed.

Indeed, the importance of such a survey of the past, and an appropriation of its lessons-whether of caution or encouragement to the future-can hardly be overrated. And it may be confidently affirmed that a neglect of the practice of retrospection and introspection, which seems peculiarly apposite at such a period as the commencement of a new year, cannot long consist with a steady progress in moral and spiritual improvement. Self-examination, reflection upon our short-comings and misdoings, a review of past mercies and enjoyments; prayer for the pardon of our faults, and for the grace of gratitude for our mercies; a renewed dedication of body and soul to God, and earnest supplications for grace to fulfil our vows and prosecute our Christian purposes, while very becoming at any time, are, as it appears to us, almost indispensable now.

If men of business devote an important portion of time to an annual

Connexion, and of the conversion of multitudes of sinners, will deeply interest our readers, and greatly tend to promote revivals throughout our Zion. Oh, for showers of spiritual blessings! Oh, for the conversion of multitudes in every district! Why should it not be the case? Is the Spirit of the Lord straitened? Has His arm lost its power to save? Let us believe in Him as in time past, and surely his arm shall be made bare as in former days.

While war rages abroad, and the rumours of war fill our land, be it the earnest and united determination of our friends everywhere to push forward the work of God, and thus carry on aggressive war against the empire of darkness. Our mission is to save souls, and extend the peaceful kingdom of Emmanuel. May we be faithful to our momentous calling, and the Author of all good will vouchsafe his abundant blessings on our labours, and our pages shall be enriched with heart-cheering intelligence of revivals of his blessed work.

Amen.

EDITOR.