THE JUVENILE INSTRUCTOR AND COMPANION. VOL. XVI.-VOL. IV., NEW SERIES. LONDON: WILLIAM COOKE, EDITOR AND BOOK STEWARD, METHODIST NEW CONNEXION BOOK-ROOM, 42, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. PREFACE. GENTLE Reader, you have now in your hand the Sixteenth Volume of the JUVENILE INSTRUCTOR. When your Editor commenced the first volume of this serial, such was the precarious state of his health, that many thought his days on earth were destined to be few; and he feels called upon to render public thanksgiving to that gracious Being who has not only prolonged his life, but so far improved his health, as to enable him to prosecute his duties now with more vigour than he could when he first entered upon his Editorial office. This is the Lord's doing; blessed be his name for ever! While grateful for Divine mercy, he would not forget the numerous manifestations of human kindness which it has been his happy lot to receive and enjoy. His work has been received with much favour, and encouraged by continued help. He, therefore, tenders his hearty thanks to kind friends who have enriched the pages of the JUVENILE INSTRUCTOR by their valuable contributions, and to our beloved ministers, Sunday-school teachers, and others both within and without the pale of our Denomination, whose zealous efforts have promoted the circulation of our serial. Nor must we forget the many thousands of young friends in our Sabbath-schools, and in the families of our congregations, who, from year to year, have continued to make the JUVENILE INSTUCTOR their COMPANION. While earnestly thanking all these friends for past services, we would most affectionately and earnestly solicit their valued aid for the coming year. We need that aid |