[Illustration: THE WIDOW'S POT OF OIL.] SMALL MEANS AND GREAT ENDS. EDITED BY MRS. M.H. ADAMS Word of Truth, and Gift of Love, Waiting hearts now need thee; Faithful in thy mission prove, On that mission speed thee. 1851. PREFACE. From the encouragement extended to our worthy publisher on the presentation of the first and second volumes of the Annual, we conclude that the experiment of 1845 may be regarded as a successful one, and the preparation of a little work of this kind an acceptable offering to the young. The present year, our kind contributors have afforded us a much more ample supply of interesting articles than could possibly appear. We regret that any who have so generously labored for us and our young friends, should be denied the pleasure of greeting their articles on the pages of the Annual. Let them not suspect that it is from any disapproval or rejection of their labors. Be assured, dear friends, we are more grateful than can properly be expressed in a brief preface. Our warmest thanks are due our old friends, who, in the midst of other arduous duties, have willingly given us assistance. Let our new correspondents be assured they are gratefully remembered, although we have not the pleasure or opportunity to present their articles to our readers in the present volume. They are at the publisher's disposal for another year. May the blessing of our Father in heaven rest upon the little book and all its mends. M.H.A.