Morning Star

DOVER:
Wednesday, May 7, 1834.

The present number of the Star commences a new volume. As may be expected we have something to say on the occasion. And, in the first place, in regard to the past, we have some things to contemplate with pleasure, and some with grief. It gives us pleasure to be assured, as we really are, that the Star has suffered no diminution from its commencement to the present time, either in regard to its subscription or the interest with which it is received by the community, especially that part of it to whose more immediate interests it has ever been devoted. Its subscription has considerably increased, especially the past year, and we have the most positive assurances that it meets the approbation of its readers generally throughout our Connexion.

It is no small satisfaction to us to possess the confidence that our Star has never acted the part of a political comet—that it has sustained the position which it first assumed, and that was to advocate truth and righteousness, and in a Christian like way to oppose their opposites—to gather the good into its columns, but cast the bad away. But while we rejoice in what seems to us proper subjects of rejoicing—while we rejoice in the success and prospects of the Star, we mourn that we have been so early deprived of the faithful labors of its late junior editor, Samuel Bedee. But since our heavenly Father hath done it—since it is under His direction, we would not murmur or complain. We pray that He will preserve us from every repining thought.

Since the exit of the junior editor, the senior editor having tendered his resignation, finding it inconvenient any longer to serve in that capacity, the publishing committee chosen by the General Conference, has concluded to take the Star under its own immediate management. This course it was found would be less expensive, and it was thought would be more likely to give satisfaction to our brethren generally, than any other that could be taken under existing circumstances.

The principal object of this article is, to solicit what we seldom see solicited, and that is, that special prayer be made for those who write for this paper. We feel that the responsibility of those who have the charge of a religious paper is very great; nor have we consented to this trust only on the strong persuasion that we shall be sustained by the prayers and efforts of our brethren. We have no new course to pursue. The Star, as before announced, "is devoted to Religion, Education, and Morality. It is designed to explain and advocate, as far as practicable, the doctrine of the Holy Scriptures; to teach entire obedience to every requirement of the gospel; to give intelligence of Revivals and of all things of importance connected with the advancement of Christ's kingdom; to notice the passing events of the day; to promote Temperance, Justice, and Benevolence. In short, to enlighten the mind, correct its errors, and form its temper so as to prepare man for the greatest usefulness and enjoyment here and hereafter."

Being thus devoted, the avails, after defraying the expenses of its publication, will be devoted to religious purposes, probably to the support of an itinerant ministry in the Freewill Baptist denomination. All private and local interests being entirely out of the question, we have the utmost confidence in commending ourselves to the prayers of our brethren. We act, dear brethren, as your servants. Your cause is our cause—our dearest cause; and we trust our cause is yours. The cause of Christ is one; and we trust this is the cause of us all. As in the human constitution all the members exercise a mutual care toward each other, and when properly tempered, though distinct in their offices, mutually contribute to the help of each other; so, in our religious constitution, there is a similar relation. We are members one of another; "all are but parts of one common whole." We are members of Christ's body. We are members of one great community. As such, therefore, we feel that very important duties devolve upon us—duties which in character seem closely connected with those of the Christian ministry. A religious newspaper, like Zion's Watchmen, should be girt about with truth—should hearken and hear what God the Lord will say. It is bound to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It must speak for God, for the church, and the good of all mankind. It should lift up the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees. It should make straight paths for our feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way.

As this is a day of prayer, we put ourselves in with the many other objects of prayer. Christians of almost all denominations are becoming more and more interested in the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom in the world; and for this purpose they appoint days of fasting and prayer, to be observed throughout their respective bodies. Our brethren are waking up to the subject; and in some places are entering into the spirit and practice of it. The only good ground for us to hope for the conversion of the world, is, to put the means into use which are calculated, under God, to effect it, and to pray for the success of those means. This is all we can do. If this is done, he who hath promised will be faithful to perform. Brethren, pray that our required quota of influence, though it be small, may be given to help on this transcendent event.

There is one consideration further that ought not to be overlooked in our solicitation; and this