Rev. A D. Gridley, Clinton, N. Y. II. Review of Dr. Draper's New Book, "Thoughts on the Future Civil Policy of America,". Rev. I. N. Tarbox. Boston, Mass. VII. Government in the United States, Hon. Thomas B. Osborne, New Haven. TO THE READERS OF THE NEW ENGLANDER. WITH the next (April) number there will commence a new arrangement in the conduct of the New Englander. From that time this Journal will be under the editorial care and management of Professor GEORGE P. FISHER, Professor TIMOTHY DWIGHT, and WILLIAM L. KINGSLEY, Esq. These gentlemen are permitted to count upon the efficient coöperation of President WOOLSEY, Dr. BACON, Professor PORTER, and the other writers, to whose exertions the New Englander has mainly owed its power and usefulness. Twenty-three years ago the founders of the New Englander set forth in their "Prolegomena " the ends they had in view in establishing this Journal, and the spirit in which they proposed to conduct it. They were to inculcate and defend the ideas of religion and of human rights which are vital to the Christianity of New England, and, at the same time, to foster the interests of a sound. literature by the publication of essays and criticisms. They were not to publish an exclusively theological Review, but they included in their plan the discussion of political and social questions, and shut out no subject of public interest on which educated Congregationalists might desire to speak. They disclaimed allegiance to any party in religion or politics, and signified the independent spirit in which they proposed to act, by adopting for their motto the Horatian line, "Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri." While they would allow some diversity of opinion to appear on their pages, they informed the public that the influence of the New Englander would be found "setting in one direction." It would "be found on the side of order, of freedom, of progress, of simple and spiritual Christianity, and of the Bible as the infallible, sufficient, and only authority in religion." It may be said without presumption, that the expectation which was raised by the original announcement of the New Englander has not been disappointed. In the long struggle with the Slave Power in this country, which has just terminated in a signal victory, this Journal has perseveringly contended, through good report and evil report, on the side of liberty, and in opposition to the machinations and open assaults of those who strove to make slavery a national institution. The New Englander has firmly maintained the good cause when no inconsiderable portion of the Northern clergy either directly favored schemes of dangerous compromise, or halted between two opinions. The literary discussions which have appeared on its pages, have often been of a high order of merit, and the influence of the New Englander in this respect has been in the right direction. The particular features, claims, and obligations of the Congregational denomination have not been neglected; and it is believed that nowhere can a better description and defense of our polity and distinguishing principles be found, than on the pages of this Journal. At the same time, the New Englander has endeavored to keep clear of the spirit of sect. It has entered into the great controversy of our common Christianity with Rationalism, not by publishing invectives and empty warnings against error, but by candid, searching discussions, by an exposure of the fallacious reasoning of unbelievers, and by representing the doctrines of the Gospel in such a light as to remove prejudice and misconception. The plan of the New Englander will remain unchanged. But it is hoped that a larger outlay of editorial labor will enable it more effectually to realize its aims. The expiration of nearly a quarter of a century since its origin, and especially the great turn 3 ing-point at which we have arrived in our national history, appear to afford a fit occasion for our Journal to gather up its energies for a fresh start. The new era of national life on which we are entering will call for the wise and earnest consideration of many questions pertaining to politics and social reform. There is, besides, ample room in this country for a higher sort of political discussion, which is rarely met with. The proper function of the State, the relation of religion and the church to government, the true theory of political rights-under which the right of suffrage is one subordinate topic-are some of the subjects which belong to political philosophy, but respecting which there is a lamentable want of thorough discussion. The proper sphere of legislation in repressing vices like intemperance, and the character of our laws on the subject of divorce, with the duties consequently imposed upon ministers, are among the themes to which more careful inquiry must be directed. In religion, the controversy with the different forms of Rationalism, some of which have adopted the policy of reserve, and expect to insinute artfully what they cannot hope to inculcate directly, was never more interesting or more important. The late National Council has awakened a new attention to the condition and prospects of the Congregational denomination. Not only is our polity to be canvassed and defined afresh, but there are grave questions relating to the Christian Life, to the subject of Amusements, for example, and to Worship, which are in danger of receiving less consideration than, from their relative importance, they deserve. Our necessities and faults are to be pointed out, as well as our virtues lauded. The departments of Literature and Philosophy will continue to receive their due share of attention. The current books will be examined in the spirit of impartial but courteous criticism. Particular efforts will be made to render the critical notices of new works valuable for their fullness and thoroughness. For the contents of the New Englander, the Editors alone will |