-bed scenes, of the Christian, the backslider,
the infidel, the universalist, the profane man, or the worldling.

It is conceived that the very existence of such a Periodical might be
the means of leading Clergymen, in their pastoral intercourse, to be
more observant of character, more discriminating in their views of human
nature, and more disposed to record and rescue from oblivion striking
conversations and facts. No species of knowledge can be more interesting
or more useful, than that thus drawn from real life;--especially from
portions of life most intimately connected with spiritual and eternal
realities. If it is all-important that masters in surgery and medicine
record, for mutual improvement, and for the benefit of mankind, striking
cases which occur in their practice; it cannot, surely, be less
important, that those who watch for the life of souls, should preserve
similar records. It would seem as though, from the daily intercourse of
several thousand Clergymen, such materials, of the character
contemplated, might be furnished, as, if well condensed and judiciously
arranged in an elegant Periodical, would not fail to be read with
intense and general interest. And who can tell, but that God, who is
rich in wisdom, may thus employ the simplest means for collecting,
condensing, and reflecting rays of sacred truth, in the form of
practical results, which may carry conviction and saving instruction to
uncounted millions--not merely in our own land, but in more populous
countries, where the importance of experimental religion is not
appreciated?

But, for rendering such a work pre-eminently useful, or even commencing
it, there must be union of effort. As it is intended to consist wholly
of original matter, and that of a specific character, such as no genius
can originate, it is obvious that it cannot be commenced, without being
furnished with numerous pledges of supplies. And it will be important to
have a considerable number of communications on hand, at the
commencement, as well as afterwards, that due regard may be had to order
in the arrangement of subjects, and an interesting variety be presented
in every Number.

It will not be necessary to publish the names of writers, nor of
individuals alluded to in communications; though in many cases it may be
desirable and expedient. But, in every case, the name of the writer, or
some respectable reference for attesting the accuracy of statements,
must be furnished t