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concerned, shall contain nothing but pure truth, flowing from the sacred fountain of the scriptures; nothing of the SHIBBOLETH of a sect; nothing to recommend one denomination of christians, or to throw odium on another; nothing of the acrimony of contending parties against those, who differ from them; but pure genuine christianity, in which all the followers of the Lamb, who are looking for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, can unite with pleasure, as in one great com

mon cause."

Their professed object is to promote general happiness, to do good to the souls of their fellow men; and in order to this, to enlighten their minds with useful knowl. edge, to explain the doctrines, and to recommend and enforce the precepts of the gospel; to exhibit sober and correct views of undefiled religion, to take the veil from the eyes of prejudice, to soften the rancour of party spirit, to “disturb the security of guilt," to administer encouragement to the penitent, and comfort to the afflicted.

In accomplishing these objects the Editors will introduce, in such proportions, as may give interest to the work, dissertations and essays on the doctrines and duties of christianity, biblical criticisms, biographical memoirs, moral and religious anecdotes, poetry, such views of ancient and modern literature, history, and geography, as are adapted to confirm the truth, and illustrate the meaning of the sacred scriptures. A part of every number will be allotted to impartial reviews and notices of those books, which come within the main design of the Panoplist, and to information of new and valuable religious and literary publications. It will be among the primary objects of the Editors, to collect, condense, and dissemi

nate the latest and best intelligence, particularly of the state and progress of religion throughout the world.

It is the fixed determination of the Editors, that so far as controversy shall be admitted into the Panoplist, it shall be conducted with christian candour. They cor dially subscribe to the following sentiments of the pious Bishop Hall. "God abides none, but charitable dissensions: those that are well grounded, and well governed; grounded upon just causes, and governed with christian charity and wise moderation: if we must differ, let these be the conditions; let every of God's ministers be ambitious of that praise, which Gregory Nazianzen gives to Athanasius, to be an adamant to them, that strike him, and a loadstone to those that dissent from him; the one not to be moved with wrong; the other to draw those hearts which disagree."

In the review of publications it is not the intention of the Editors to extol every thing which accords with their own opinions and views, and to decry every thing of an opposite nature. On this subject they can entirely adopt the language of the Editors of the Eclectic Review. While we disdain to sacrifice the most certain and important truths to a spurious and affected moderation; we wish to evince a genuine and universal candour respecting subjects on which the best and the wisest of mankind are divided. The temper and argument, the composition and expression of the works they review, will be calmly appreciated, without regard to the party from which they originate."

The Editors are not insensible of the delicacy, arduousness and responsibility of their undertaking, nor of the obstacles which oppose their success. But believ

ing that the cause, in which they are engaged, is the cause of truth; conscious, that in thus publickly maintaining it, they are influenced by no sinister motives, and humbly depending on the blessing of GoD, they are unappalled by opposition. They rely not wholly on their own resources, nor on the occasional contributions of the respectable literary friends and patrons of the work from whom they expect much aid. The pages of the Pano plist will be enriched with selections of the best pieces from the numerous periodical and other new publications of the day,both foreign and domestick, which are supported by some of the ablest writers in Christendom. To extend the circulation of the best parts of these valuable productions, whose utility would be very limited in this country, but for their republication in some periodical work, will, it is conceived, be rendering an essential service to the readers of the Panoplist; and, no doubt, will meet the entire approbation of their candid and judicious patrons.

This work is not intended to enrich either its Editors or its pecuniary supporters. Should any profits arise from its sale, after the expenses of it shall have been discharged, they are pledged to some charitable uses under the direction of a board of Trustees. It is intended that the profits, if any arise from the work, shall be devoted to Missionary purposes, and to other such like uses.

The concluding paragraph of the "Address" of the conductors of the "Christian Observer" so perfectly expresses the views and determination of the Editors of the Panoplist, that they adopt it as their own.

"The materials for this work will be subject, before publication, to the review of a committee. It is hoped therefore, that correspondents will permit slight altera

tions to be made in the phraseology of a paper, when it shall be deemed expedient; and this liberty will always be supposed to be granted, unless expressly withheld. It is hoped also, that no apology will be required for declining to insert any paper, not strictly conformable with the plan of this publication. The conductors are determined to admit nothing harsh, or intemperate toward any sect of christians; nothing implying disaffection to the government; nothing which can have the remotest tendency, in their apprehension, to promote skepticism or infidelity, or to undermine the essential truths of christianity; and, though they will encourage discussions of the subordinate points, upon which real christians may differ, as long as such discussions are conducted with candour and charity, they cannot be considered, as adopting the particular sentiments of their correspondents upon these subjects, as their own."

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF REV. DAVID TAPPAN, D.D. Born 21 April, A. D. 1752, died 27 August, A. D. 1803, aged 51.

THE Creator, in whose hand it is to make great, designed doctor TAPPAN for a very important sta tion, and imparted to him correspondent advantages. The talents which he inherited from nature, together with his moral and literary improvements, qualified him for extensive usefulness. He early discovered marks of a very docile, active mind. His father, the Reverend Benjamin Tappan of Manchester, had the principal care of his first years, and taught him the elements of knowledge. Before his admission into the University, he was placed, though not for a long time, in Dummer Academy, under the tuition of Mr. Samuel Moody. At the age of fourteen years he was admitted into Harvard College. There, rising above juvenile follies and vices, he diligently sought useful knowledge. He was not one, who considered it the end of his collegiate studies, to sparkle and shine for a day. He never courted popularity by committing fashionable irregularities. That applause, which is purchased at the expense of virtue, had no charms for young Tappan. He was considerate and soberminded. Extending his views into future life, he preferred those attainments which are solid and durable, before those which are showy or splendid. He was distinguished for ardent Vol. I. No. 1.

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love of knowledge, and diligence in study; for his blameless and se rious conduct; for proficiency in learning, and dutiful regard to the laws and guides of the institution.

Within less than three years after he was graduated, he commenced the work of the ministry. Though very young, he could not be charged with intruding himself, unprepared, into the sacred office. For, after leaving the University, he assiduously devoted his mind, more than two years, to the study of divinity, though he was occasion ally employed in teaching a school. Indeed he had bestowed an uncommon share of attention on moral and religious subjects while at col lege, and from his earliest youth. Beside which it is to be remembered, that early maturity of understanding was a remarkable trait in his character. Accordingly, his first performances in the desk displayed a large fund of theological information, procured him a high place in the publick esteem, and fully indicated the eminence, which he afterward attained. His hearers were surprised with the extent and pertinence of his thoughts, with his accurate and copious style, with the animation and solemnity of his utterance, and with the fervour of his devotions.

A very harmonious church and society in Newbury soon invited

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