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PREFACE.

We have so fully entered into detail, in the Address presented to our Subscribers in the columns of our last number for October, and explained so minutely our arrangements and intentions for the future, that little more remains for us to add.

Actuated by a sincere desire to advance the cause of truth and right principle, by striving, while we amuse, insensibly to instruct and elevate the minds of our readers, we have expressed a not unreasonable hope, that our endeavours will be met in the same spirit in which they are made, and that all good men and true will, by according us their support and assistance, advance the good cause, and enable us to extend the sphere of our usefulness. And that the task we have assigned ourselves, viz., that of providing wholesome food for the minds of the thousands whose sole reading consists of the cheap periodical literature of the age, is no light or unimportant one, our experience tends daily and hourly to convince us. The only alterations we propose making in the general conduct of the Magazine are, that we hope to introduce a higher and purer style of writing than has hitherto been observable in our pages; that in the tales and stories inserted from time to time, a deeper and more elevated tone of feeling will be perceptible; that we shall give more frequent notices and reviews of new publications, and that in every article we shall write with a view to cultivate the honest common sense, and instil the upright, healthy spirit which so peculiarly distinguishes the English character. To that clear good sense and sound judgment we confidently submit our pages; only requesting our readers, if their opinion should prove favourable to us, to take us in, and advise their friends to do so likewise, -an equivocal recommendation, by the way, which we rely on their honesty not to misinterpret.

One word more, and we have done : should certain papers of a more humorous cast than have yet appeared in our columns be occasionally inserted, we must entreat our more soberminded readers to pause ere they condemn us on this account, till opportunity shall have been afforded us to prove that our wit is tempered with discretion, and that, though always ready to promote a laugh, we shall never, we trust, be found willing to do so at the expense, either of good taste or of right feeling.

LONDON, October 1st, 1847.

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