For our own parts, we rejoice in the anticipations of that day, when Divine and human knowledge shall be made sweetly to harmonize, and the one derive its efficiency and importance from the other. These hints we wish respectfully, but unhesitatingly and firmly, to press upon the attention of the Christian reader; and most especially upon those whose duty it becomes to illustrate and explain the important truths of our common faith. On this subject we may perhaps be allowed to refer to a valuable communication in the present volume, on the "Qualifications of the Christian Ministry." In accordance with these sentiments, then, our great object has been to create a more extensive thirst for biblical learning, and to bring the means of information on these topics within the reach of those persons whose purses or whose time are circumscribed within narrow limits. The ponderous tomes of those worthies who have laboured in this cause, possess but little attraction for the uninitiated; while the language in which many of them are written, renders them sealed books to the unlearned. For such persons especially was this publication commenced; and while we rejoice to find, that, with reference to them, "our labour has not been in vain," we are gratified in knowing that it has obtained the approbation of students of a higher class. The same principle continues to animate our proceedings, and we hope for the same results.

In adverting to the contents of the present volume, we experience much pleasure, in the confidence that many subjects of importance have been ably discussed, and that it is upon the whole more worthy of the public approbation than either of its predecessors. In referring to this subject, we are reminded of our increased obligations to many valuable contributors. To the laborious writer of the "SCRIPTURE ENCYCLOPEDIA," and "SCRIPTURE BIBLIOGRAPHY,' ," both of which are completed in the present volume, we feel called upon thus specially to acknowledge our obligation, as well as to solicit the attention of our readers to the important subjects of his communications. To our kind coadjutors, generally, we tender this expression of our thanks, and confidently rely upon a continuance of their favours.

With reference to the principles upon which the present volume of the SCRIPTURE MAGAZINE has been conducted, we believe they will be found to wear the same catholic aspect as those upon which we commenced our labours. Determined that nothing sectarian shall present itself in our pages, we look for the co-operation and support of the intelligent part of every Christian denomination.

A word with reference to extrinsic matters, and we have done with the retrospective part of our subject. To the manner in which our work is "got up," to use a technical phrase, we appeal with confidence, assured that our paper, print, and embellishments, will not suffer from a comparison with any of our contemporaries.

It only remains to add a few words with regard to future prospects and proceedings; and upon these, also, we look with considerable pleasure. For our own parts, we are determined to spare no labour for the advantage of our work; and we are happy to announce, that we have promises of assistance from several individuals, whose names stand high in the records of sacred literature. To one new feature of our work we solicit the particular attention of the Student, conceiving that it may form an auxiliary to his studies, not unworthy his attention: we mean the "Biblical Gleanings," which we have determined to unite with our "Intelligence." Under this head we propose to point out to the Student, the various contemporary sources of biblical information, which may serve as a book of universal reference in his studies. We also embrace this opportunity of soliciting the assistance of correspondents in this department of our labours.

To close these remarks, we request the reader to unite with us in humbly seeking, upon our future endeavours, the blessing of HIM, without whose continued aid the wisest plans and the best directed labours have proved abortive.