|
In the
Table of Contents
our readers will have, at a glance, a complete view of the amount of information
and labour which we have presented to them during the second year of our
connexion with the first Jewish periodical of a general nature ever attempted in
America. Although we cannot say that we have succeeded to our entire
satisfaction, we do maintain that we have given as great a variety of subjects
as it is likely for one person to furnish, with as little aid as we have had, we
have honestly endeavoured to obtain regular correspondents abroad, but have
hitherto signally failed, and even in America our pares will prove that a few
only have offered us their labours, and of these some had either to be
altogether rejected, or at least postponed for a time. We are perfectly well
aware that some of our articles have given umbrage in certain quarters, but it
is unavoidable to offend some one, where an editor has opinions of his own, as
we have, and is independent enough to give them expression before the public.
But those who have condemned us for a few expressions, ought to consider one
thing, that whilst we have taken the liberty of saying what we believe the
truth, we have given them, and every other person, the fullest liberty of
using our pages in their defence and exposition of our ERRORS, if we had
committed any such. That they have not availed themselves of this privilege, is
not our fault; hence they are hardly correct in visiting us with their censure,
when they, though unwilling to discuss the various views entertained by certain
persons, before the public, speak of them in private as though there could be
nothing urged against their validity by their opponents. If, however, they may
say that we have exceeded the limits of fair discussion, we will be willing to
give them privately such explanation as we doubt not will satisfy them.
We could do so publicly; but we do not choose to lay our own grievances open,
except to those who have a right to think themselves aggrieved by us, and to
those we will always be willing to make any explanations which will justify our
course, or make any reasonable atonement, if in our power. But, on the other
hand, no denunciations will ever terrify us, nor frowns induce us to speak
otherwise than we think our duty demands.
In conclusion, we would remark, that though the patronage
bestowed on us has been much less than we had a right to expect; we shall be
willing to continue at our post, if our friends do not desert us in too large
number, and if our readers will be satisfied with such matter as we can offer
for their perusal. We know our deficiencies; but we are willing to work and to
improve by the advice of those who may be kind enough to bestow it gently. For
the present we return our thanks for the general indulgence of our readers, and
it shall be our endeavour to deserve it yet longer, and in a higher degree.
Philadelphia,
Adar 13th, 5605, February 20th, 1845.
|
