THE GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE FOR 1866. LONDON: LEICESTER: WINKS & SON. PREFACE. NEARLY all that we deem it necessary to write in the form of a preface to this sixty-eighth volume is a simple record of matters of fact. And this record is written less for the information of those who now read it than for the sake of any in years to come who may wish to acquaint themselves with our connexional annals. At the Association in June last the Rev. J. J. Goadby, who succeeded his lamented father as Editor in 1859, desired to relinquish the office, the term for which he had undertaken it having then expired. Apart from the ability with which he had conducted the Magazine, he was considered entitled to the best thanks of the body in consequence of the imperfect manner in which his editorial task had been remunerated. The gratitude thus due to Mr. Goadby having been expressed, the Association next requested the undersigned to carry on the work for one year until a suitable Editor could be appointed. The last five numbers have been issued under their supervision. Empowered to introduce such changes in its size and price as they might determine to be proper, they intend with the new year to commence a New Series, only a little less in bulk, but at one half the cost of the present volume. They have judged such a change to be necessary in order to obtain for it the extent of circulation which they desire. A religious denomination without a well-sustained literary organ cannot hold that intercommunion which is essential to its enlargement and improvement. Enriched with the ripest thoughts, and breathing the best wishes of an enlightened and devout living ministry, a monthly periodical may become a powerful instrument of present usefulness: whilst in the future it may be found both valuable and interesting as a memorial of literary effort and Christian activity. Many readers of magazines may not think them worth preserving, and so they refuse to be at the expense of binding them into volumes for the shelves of their libraries. But those who are wise enough to embrace within the compass of their earthly existence not only the realization of the present, and the anticipation of the future, but also the fullest recollection of the past, will find nothing more helpful to this purpose than repeated reference to old magazines. For sale they may be almost worthless, but for consultation they have often a high value. The spirit of the present age is not so favourable to a strictly denominational literature as former times were, and publications of a nonsectarian name and character, which can be afforded at a cheaper rate, are now more generally preferred. Without passing any opinion as to the propriety of this preference it is hoped that among our people it will be subordinated to a willingness to support a Magazine which was commenced when the Connexion was in its infancy, which has continued to be at the disposal and for the service of the Connexion, and which still seeks, as its primary object, the Connexion's highest welfare. W. UNDERWOOD, D.D., |