Page:The Story of the House of Cassell (book).djvu/159

 new venture described it as "John Cassell's New Weekly Journal, designed for the Defence and Promotion of Biblical Truth and the Advance of Religion in the Homes of the People." "The Quiver," it was added, "will be evangelical and unsectarian in its character, having for its grand aim the intellectual, moral, and spiritual improvement of its readers. Its staff of contributors will include some of the ablest writers in the sphere of religious literature, irrespective of denominational differences."

The first page of the new publication started off with a leading article on "The Bible, Christianity, and the Church," followed on the second page by an article on "Religion in the Home." Further on we find the first installment of "The Channings," by Mrs. Henry Wood, while a "Youths' Department," a "Weekly Calendar of Remarkable Events associated with the Christian Church," and "The Half-hour Bible Class" make up the rest of the issue.

Undistinguished and somewhat heavy as the magazine would appear to present-day readers, it immediately leapt into popularity. Its early years were marked by a rapid growth both in size and in circulation. Evidently it appealed successfully to those who keenly followed the movement towards popular education and the sweetening of life for the poor.

In 1864 a new series adapted to a wider public was started. The prospectus was written by Cassell himself, and was issued as a poster advertisement. "Our object," he said, "is to make this magazine a devout yet cheerful publication, to be read in every home—ministering to the wants of each member of the family and advancing their moral and spiritual welfare. Our aim has been to make men feel the reality of religious things: of God, of their duty to Him, and of eternity."

A special feature of the Quiver's work from the beginning to the present day has been its fruitful appeals for the support of humane institutions and the promotion of philanthropic efforts. In the £15,000 or thereabouts that