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“The purpose of this work is to furnish a medium for the freest expression of thought on the questions which interest earnest minds in every community.

“It aims at the discussion of principles rather than at the promotion of measures; and while it will not fail to examine the ideas which impel the leading movements of the present day, it will maintain an independent position with regard to them.

“The pages of this journal will be filled by contributors who possess little in common but the love of individual freedom and the hope of social progress; who are united by sympathy of spirit, not by agreement in speculation; whose faith is in Divine Providence, rather than in human prescription; whose hearts are more in the future than in the past, and who trust the living soul more than the dead letter. It will endeavor to promote the constant evolution of truth, not the petrifaction of opinion.

“Its contents will embrace a wide and varied range of subjects, and combining the characteristics of a Magazine and Review, it may present something both for those who read for instruction and those who search for amusement.

“The general design and character of the work may be understood from the above brief statement. It may be proper to add that, in literature, it will strive to ex-