PREFACE. ALTHOUGII a Preface, when exhibited in a volume, is nearly the first article that solicits the reader's attention, yet every one who is acquainted with composition knows, that it is generally the last which is dismissed from the author's pen. Trifling as this remark may appear, it is not altogether unimportant; for unless it be kept in view, many expressions will occur of doubtful import and equivocal application, strangely affecting to aim at the future, while they evidently bear an allusion to the past. When an author takes his stand on this advantageous ground, it is easy for him, without having recourse either to magic, or a prophetic spirit, to anticipate with the utmost precision what his volume contains; and, if occasion requires, to enumerate every article in regular succession, and even minutely to describe the import and tendency of every paragraph. Standing on this foundation, he finds no difficulty in foretelling events that have taken place, in penetrating futurity when it is past, and in building his title to prescience on the contrivances of art. The Fifth Volume of the IMPERIAL MAGAZINE being now completed, the Editor conceives, that he may make a few remarks on the articles imbodied in its pages, without having recourse to dishonourable expedients, by an avowal of sentiments, under the influence of which he has not acted, or risking an accidental development of principles which he is studious to conceal. In the advertisement which announced this volume, it was intimated, that "the attacks of atheism on the being of a God, the assaults of infidelity on revelation, and the destructive influence of licentious principles on social order," would not fail to claim particular attention. To shew that we have been anxious to redeem this pledge, we need only refer to our columns, and those who peruse them with attention will be able to appreciate with what success our efforts have been attended. Unhappily, the same causes are still at work; and among the thoughtless, the dissipated, and the gay, the advocates and converts of Atheism and Infidelity may chiefly be found. The public press is a powerful engine, and may be made instrumental in promoting the cause either of virtue or of vice, by giving publicity to sentiments, the effects of which will be experienced in distant generations. The welfare or ruin of nations is, therefore, in no small degree entrusted to its operations, and an awful responsibility awaits him by whom its energies are guided. While iniquity, under what mask soever it lies concealed, holds its dominion in the human heart, its appetite will seek gratification in food congenial to its nature; and unless some moral revolution should take place in the world, which, according to the regular course of things, we have no reason to expect, such is the degeneracy of the press in some of its departments, that, to satisfy the cravings of vice, it would not hesitate to disseminate poison throughout the population of an empire. By noticing facts that daily occur, we perceive the pernicious effects which are produced by immoral publications, even though partially counteracted by those of an opposite tendency. Hence, it is but fair to infer, that, should all restraint be taken away, the monster would instantly become more gigantic in its stature, and more formidable in its character. And if, unhappily, amidst the convulsions that must ensue, the exclusive direction of the press should fall into the hands of men devoted to the cause of licentiousness, another Sodom might be expected to appear, provoking by its crimes the vengeance of the Almighty, and exhibiting to posterity a spectacle, like the cities of the plain, in records of fire and brimstone, and another asphaltic lake. The friends, however, of virtue and religion, are too numerous and respectable to suffer such disasters to be anticipated. It is to characters of this description that civilized society is indebted for its existence, and, so far as human agency is concerned, for the permanency of its various blessings. Happily for Great Britain, this exalted class still holds a preponderating influence throughout the community, and the extent of its ascendency may be inferred from the social order which prevails. That the IMPERIAL MAGAZINE has been uniformly devoted to this sacred cause, its columns on examination will furnish ample evidence, and to the same principles the Proprietor is determined invariably to adhere. Hence, many articles of doubtful tendency, though admirably written, have been refused admission to the pages of this publication; and the same watchful care will henceforward guard its character. To the discoveries of science, and the investigation of moral and religious truth, where the result promises to prove beneficial, its numbers are always open, and on these subjects its numerous friends are requested to continue their communications for future volumes. It is admitted by all competent judges, that the plates which adorn the IMPERIAL MAGAZINE, are equalled by few, and surpassed by none now in circulation, at the same price; and an inspection of those which this volume contains, will attest the truth of the assertion. To its learned and ingenious correspondents, among whom are individuals whose countenance it is an honour to receive, the Proprietor begs leave to return his sincere acknowledgments, assuring them that a continuance of their communications will be highly esteemed. His numerous and much respected subscribers are also assured, that nothing shall be wanting on his part to render the future volumes of this work deserving of that increasing patronage, with which it has been favoured. This assertion he makes with the utmost confidence, as the diversified materials already in his possession place him beyond the influence of all contingent supplies, that bring not with them a passport of merit, as the only condition of being admitted to the pages of the IMPERIAL MAGAZINE. ..... 482 ........ ......... COL. 928 | Magnets, 581; prodigious,.... COL. 677 Genealogy, ..... ... 772 189 .Gymnastics, 385 ..... Heat in the moon's rays,. Historical items, 870; composition, ...... 111, 228, 309, 396 869 Honesty, national, 390. Honey imported, 486 246, 434, 527, 605, 719, 799, 979, 1094 Mexico, 482........Mice,. 863 389 143 Missionary croaking,. Magnetism, 483; earth's, 291; cause of, 581 | Promotions, &c. |