* * * "We say good papers, for assuredly the utmost of care should be exercised to keep such sheets as have a demoralizing tendency away from the hallowed precincts of the family circle.
"The Canadian field is comparatively unoccupied at present, and, therefore, the importance of sowing good seed early and plentifully can scarcely be over-rated, otherwise it will, doubtless, soon be filled with tares and thistles."
* * * "The power of the press is incalculable; it is, probably, the very first element, next to the living voice, of general influence; should not, then the Lord's people make every effort to wield it on His side, and not tamely abandon it to the god of this world." * * *
"By occupying the field for the Lord, we do not mean, however, the publication exclusively, or even chiefly, of what is called religious matter. We mean that every subject,—History, Science, Education, Agriculture, News, and in a word, all the affairs of life,—should be treated and illustrated as part and parcel of the Moral and Providential Government of an infinitely great, just, wise, and good God, whose crowning mercy is displayed on the cross of Christ.
"'I have never wanted articles on religious subjects half so much as articles on common subjects written with a decidedly religious tone,' were the words of Dr. Arnold, one of the master minds of the age, words which the Religious Tract Society of London has appropriately chosen as the motto of a series of volume publications intended to supply the Christian family, and in fact, the world, with the requisite information upon important secular subjects, tinged, or rather embued, with the spirit of pure, undefiled religion, instead of the spirit of infidelity or licentiousness which has too often pervaded popular publications hitherto. In fact, they seek to efface the brand of Satan from popular literature, and substitute the stamp of Christ; and is this not a worthy object of Christian ambition? For ourselves we would say, that our highest aim is to spend, and be spent, in humbly endeavoring to contribute to the attainment of such an object."
LOCKING UP "DOMINION" FORM.
At the close of the year the following course was laid down:
"It is our intention to carry on the 'Witness' substantially as it has been carried on during the past year—testifying for great truths as occasions may arise; acknowledging no sect but Christianity, and regarding no politics but those of the kingdom of God; yet devoting much attention to everything that regards the physical welfare and social improvement of the people of Canada."
This was no idle expression of intention, as the history of the paper to the present time gives evidence. As it was instituted it remains to-day. It is amusing to read that in 1864 it began agitating for public baths—which it is agitating for now—and that it began working for a reduction in postage, which soon after it was successful in obtaining. It began publishing pictures in the second number issued, and still gives more space to them than other journals. For several of its early years appeals were made to subscribers to assist it so that it might be able to live and become a success. But the crisis once past it grew rapidly and firmly. It became a semi-weekly at the time it adopted first in Canada the cash system of payments, by which it was able to give just twice as much for the money. On the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1860, a daily was commenced experimentally. It was so popular from the first that it was continued. Its circulation, which began with hundreds, rapidly grew to thousands. As it became prosperous its production became expensive. First it was a very small sheet which might easily be sold for a cent with some profit. But as it grew older the necessity for improvement became more pressing until it now, in interest and the quantity and value of its contents, excels papers which attain to the proud dignity of selling fewer copies at three cents or more.
At first it was printed on a single feeder press in a back office; now it is printed on the gigantic eight feeder spoken of above. In 1860 the weekly pay list amounted to $80, which was paid to sixteen employees; now it amounts to $925, paid to one hundred and twenty-eight employees.
The Northern Messenger was commenced in 1865, as a four-paged semi-monthly, under the title, Canadian Messenger. Its circulation then was small, but now it has attained to nearly fifty thousand copies. The New Dominion Monthly began its existence contemporaneously with the Dominion of Canada, on July 1st, 1867. It has not had a very vigorous life until late years, but it seems to have overcome all its hinderances. It is now enjoying much popularity, and a long and useful career is looked forward to for it. The youngest of the Witness publications is L'Aurore, a child of adoption, which is published in French,—the only Protestant paper in America in that language. It is undergoing its struggle for existence and is weathering the storm bravely, and every day adds to its chance of ultimate success. All these publications are sent forth in the hope that they will be the instruments of good and blessing to many. Unless this object had been in some measure fulfilled, it is most likely that none of them would have lived any length of time. They were all, at starting, losing ventures in a monetary point of view, and in that respect have thus far little more than made ends meet; but in the higher reward sought—that of becoming engines of usefulness, they have exceeded all expectation.