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27 THE AKRON OFFERING. May, 1849. To Readers of The Offering. Subscribers for the Offering, with deep humility and a lively sense of gratitude, we would speak a few words to you, that may be deemed necessary for a full understanding of the plan and purpose of those who may arrange and conduct this Magazine. The Prospectus shows you something of this and also what is to be expected from its patrons. You all feel that this part of our country is as yet, deficient in many things and that one thing, very necessary and appropriate, is a well conducted medium of intelligence among ourselves, through which, each person capable of instructing, may speak to the rest of its readers and each in turn, receive a benefit, making this work a mutual effort for the good of all designed to elicit the writing talent that in many instances would, were no home work established, forever remain a latent principle, doing but little good to its possessor and reflecting no blessing on the community around. There may be a very few, we know there are not many, who would stand aloof from such an enterprise, because the celebrated writers for the Magazines of the Eastern Cities are not to give us the benefit of their experience. We would honor the cultivated mind wherever it may be, but in this work we depend on ourselves; yes, we all believe that Ohio has as sound minds, as pure hearts and as ready pens as other places can claim and that by cultivating the talents we possess, and becoming experienced in writing for the public eye, we may justly hope to produce in time a work worthy the patronage of the most highly gifted minds in our happy land. The Akron Offering 28 Among the subscribers for the Offering are persons from almost every calling in life, pursued in this part of our country, and of almost all kinds of religious faith; such too, will be the writers for this work, some having natural capacity for and practical skill in persuasive argument, in handling every subject with the cool touch of reason and showing us every link in the bright chain connecting cause and effect, some fitted to shine by the power of quick perception, the flash of genius or the strength of refined and elevated feelings that respond to everything pure and good, and some first efforts there may be, from those who, perhaps, have long felt that not to write, was to do violence to the spirit that stirred their heart’s deep fountains , but that shrinking delicacy that ever exists with a refined, poetical temperament, has kept their effusions from the vulgar gaze. We hope to receive many articles, written when no fetters were on the heart, no fear of criticism was cramping the spirit’s power, and truth, mighty in its purity, was warming the soul to a high and holy energy. Would that all writers for this Magazine, would make truth their basis, let their subjects be what they may; even those who write tales, would do well to remember that “truth is stranger than fiction” and that to the judgement worthy an effort to please, fiction has not even the semblance of a charm when it exceeds the bounds of probability. Every one has seen or heard or known enough in this strange world, to form a better ground-work for a tale of thrilling interest than any person’s imagination could afford; and although you may not always have a right to connect all the events in any person’s life, and publish them, you can at least, when you portray characters, make them true to life. Thus much will be expected in this department. We hope every person, capable of writing on any subject calculated to enlighten the mind or make better the heart, will condescend to help sustain this humble effort. Each practical christian, we hope will freely tell us of the blessedness there is to be found in a faithful discharge of duty, of the high hopes that animate and cheer him as he travels the narrow path, and the happiness that awaits him when freed from trials and temptations here; he shall join the company of the redeemed in a clime where sorrow comes not, where no one needs to be forgiven, and all is peace and joy forever and forever. He whose calling is the holy one of winning souls to Christ...

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