TO NEW CHURCH PARENTS.

QUE little Magazine, completes its Sixteenth Year with the present No. It was undertaken as a contribution in aid of the Church, in the instruction and amusement of the children of the members, by instilling into their young minds the seeds of the glorious truths of the New Dispensation, now dawning on the world, and which will be more and more developed, as the children of each succeeding generation are early and continuously instructed in a knowledge of its heavenly character and

nature.

The capability of children to imbibe knowledge even at an early age, is beyond all doubt, as is shewn by the facility with which they almost spontaneously receive wrong impressions and form erroneous ideas, and this facility is equally available for implanting good and true principles it their minds, under careful and judicious guidance.

To assist in this object, our little work has been found well-adapted, where er it has been introduced; and it is generally held in favourable estimation; but still with this feeling in its favor, there is manifested less interest

among parents in promoting its circulation than might be reasonably expected. With the Proprietors, it has hitherto been a labour of love and not of pecuniary advantage, for although the expenses have been kept within narrow limits-allowing no salary for editor, storekeeper, or charge for warehousing, the returns have been inadequate.

As an evidence that it is performing uses, even beyond the pale of the church, we give an extract from a letter lately received :

"I called at the house of a labourer, and had to wait "in his best room; the table had several books laid upon it. I took up one, and it was The Friend of "Youth, printed by J. S. Hodson. On the first leaf it "stated that it was given as a prize from Wesleyan "Sunday School to a good girl. This good girl was

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now the Labourer's wife. The book appeared to be "valued by her. Although this seed has prung, grown แ up, and most likely produced fruit, it was quite un. "known to you I dare say."

It is therefore hoped that the friends of the Church, and particularly of its rising generatin, will patronize more strenuously our humble efforts in the good cause.

THE

FRIEND OF YOUTH,

AND

CHILD'S MAGAZINE.

NEW SERIES, NO. XLIX.-JANUARY, 1864.

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THE NEW YEAR.

HAPPY New Year to our young readers! May blessings rich as love can give, numerous as snow-flakes, and enduring as the everlasting hills, descend gently on your unwrinkled brows, and fill your youthful hearts with joy. May no sorrows poison the stream of your young lives, no misfortune freeze your flowing spirits, no vices mar the beauty of your characters; but may innocent mirth spring up within you, like the crystal waters from a fairy's fountain-jocund laughter dance merrily upon your lips, sunshine flash from your eyes, and goodness adorn your conduct for ever! Such is our meaning when we wish you a Happy New Year.

NO. XLIX.-VOL. V.

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