Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

PROSPECTUS

Of a new periodical work to be published in the city of Washington, entitled the

Washington Theological

REPERTORY.

Rev. Wm Hawley, Washington.

Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, Annapolis.

Rev. Oliver Norris, Alexandria.

Rev. Reuel Keith, Georgetown.

Assisted by several other literary gentlemen of the Protestant Episcopal Church

If any apology were necessary for this undertaking, it may be found in the fact, that there is no publication on a similar plan, in all that section of our country lying south of New York, and but one in the whole of the United States. It has been matter of equal surprise and regret that the Episcopal Church should be so far behind other Christian denominations, in similar efforts to disseminate the principles of religion and piety. At a period like the present, when the Lord is preparing his way on earth, by the most remarkable efforts of human agency, and the most wonderful operations of his providence and grace—when we perceive in every part of Christendom, a praiseworthy emulation to share in the glorious work of filling the earth with the knowledge of the only true God, and his Son Jesus Christ; it would seem criminal for any to withhold their exertions, however feeble, in the great enterprise of human happiness and salvation. The editors have, therefore, felt it their duty to make this humble effort to supply this acknowledged deficiency on the part of the church in this section of the country, and to bear their share in the common exertions of Christians to promote the Redeemer's Kingdom. And having obtained the services of a gentleman, in whose talents and principles they have confidence, whose time will be wholly devoted to the superintendence of the work, they feel encouraged to solicit the patronage of the public.

The publication will be conducted under the immediate inspection and control of the above named editors, who will form a committee to review every article intended for publication. The principles upon which it will be conducted are those of the bible, as illustrated in the articles, Liturgy and Homilies of the Protestant Episcopal Church. As members of this church the editors will feel bound to support the Apostolical character of her institutions, the pious tendency of her rites and ceremonies, and the evangelical nature of her doctrines. But in these, and all other discussions, they hope never to lose sight of that great law of charity which teaches us to "preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace."

Acting upon those catholic principles, so long and so successfully pursued by "The Christian Observer," their chief object will be to inculcate sound theological knowledge, and to delineate and recommend pure and vital religion. They trust therefore, that while the members of every Christian denomination may find something edifying and instructive, none will discover any just cause for offence in the pages of this work.

General subjects of biblical criticism, practical illustrations of scriptural truth, the biography of illustrious persons, evidences of the truth of revelation, essays on the history and polity of the church, reviews of interesting publications, religious, literary and philosophical intelligence—in short, whatever is connected with the promotion of religion, humanity and Literature, will find a place in this repository.

The testimony of experience supersedes the necessity of dwelling on the advantages of a periodical publication on the plan proposed. Its obvious tendency will be to render the various, departments of religious knowledge more easy, and accessible, and give a more ready currency and wider circulation, to those great truths which involve the present welfare and future destiny of man.

It will tend powerfully to stimulate the exertions of the editors, and console them under the difficulties attendant on the prosecution of this work, amidst many other avocations, should it prove the means, under the blessing of God, of enriching any of its readers with the saving knowledge of Christ, and prepare them for a participation in the felicity and glory of his heavenly kingdom. With this hope they commit it to his hands, and confidently solicit their brethren of the clergy and laity to assist them in carrying into effect the objects of the undertaking.

TERMS OF THE WORK.

A volume of the Repertory shall consist of twelve numbers, of which one shall be published on the first day of every month, containing thirty-two large octavo pages, stitched in blue, and attended with a table of contents.

The paper used in the work shall be good and the typography executed with the greatest care.

The price of a volume is two dollars payable in advance: to such as omit the advance, two dollars and fifty cents.

It is designed to enlarge the size of the work, without increasing the price, as soon as one thousand subscribers shall be obtained.

Communications and remittances may be directed to any of the editors, post paid.

Any person becoming responsible for five subscribers, shall receive a sixth copy gratis.

The first number may be expected in the month of July.

June 26