PREFACE.

THE Editor of the Christian Lady's Magazine feels that in offering to the public another volume of the work so kindly fostered by their patronage, she has also to tender an apology for the many imperfections in this and the preceding volume, arising from a cause at length mercifully removed-the long-continued effects of an injury to the sight. She trusts that the work may now proceed under more favorable circumstances; and would at the same time express her most grateful acknowledgments to the friends whose ready aid has been doubly valuable during a period of no small trial.

It is at once the most agreeable and the most difficult of things to write a preface when the task has so often recurred as to leave the writer no untried subjects on which to touch. Eleven times has the summons been received, 'We want a preface for the volume now completed;' and as often have thanks for the past been given, and hopes for the future expressed. The debt of gratitude is increased, the gleamings of pleased anticipation are brightened, since the last half year closed; and the best return

that can be made to those whose kindness gives rise to both, is to assure them that the various causes in which they have interested themselves are flourishing. The Achill mission is a spreading oasis in the spiritual desert of poor Ireland's islands: the Edgworthtown institution is a tree of promise: among the rest, forty of the youthful aspirants to the ministry have become well acquainted with the Irish language, and will, by God's blessing, be able to preach the gospel in that tongue. St. Giles' Irish free schools are still open; and the blessings of scriptural teaching conferred on many a child of Popery and poverty. The Female Mission seeks and saves the victims of vice and destitution. Mrs. O'Neil's children are enjoying the advantages of a sound Protestant education; and in no instance does the work and labour of love, on the part of those who have so readily stretched out the helping hand, appear to have been in vain.

Trusting that the divine blessing may still rest on our humble labours, we thankfully close the volume, and anticipate the commencement of another.

June, 1839.

THE

CHRISTIAN LADY'S MAGAZINE.

JANUARY, 1839.

BY-GONE DAYS.

LITTLE did I think, when commencing these papers, what would be the result. The days have indeed long passed by, and the scenes are changed, and many who bloomed there, at the period I am recording, are 'faded and gone;' but some remain to recognize the hand thus faintly sketching events well remembered by them; and precious indeed are the breathings of love wafted across the wide Atlantic, from those warm hearts, homeward. It is a singular circumstance that the natives of Nova Scotia, though for generations past not one of their line, any more than themselves, may have beheld the shores of Europe, invariably speak of England as their home. Crossing for the first time the mighty ocean to visit our island, they call 'going home:' returning to their native land after such a trip is 'leaving home.' I knew it long ago; yet I was much struck, very lately,