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THE

Massachusetts

MISSIONARY MAGAZINE,

FOR THE YEAR 1804;

CONTAINING

Religious and Interesting Communications,

CALCULATED

TO EDIFY CHRISTIANS, AND INFORM THE RI-
SING GENERATION.

The Profits of this Work are to be applied to the support of Missionaries
in the New Settlements and among the Indians of North America.

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TH

THIS MAGAZINE was commenced with no very raised expectations. In addition to the serious discouragements, which, at all times, attend an undertaking of this kind, other Publications, upon a fimilar plan, and of acknowledged merit, had fe cured a deferved patronage, which forbade the hope of obtaining for this a very extenfive circulation, or a very numerous fubfcription. The defire, however, "to do good and to communicate," and the perfuafion that there is no other way, in which, at fo cheap a rate, fo much might be expected to be done, for the diffufion of religious knowledge, for the edification of the Lord's people, and for the promotion of the general interefts of his kingdom, prevailed over all the obftacles which presented, and induced to the experiment of a religious periodical Publication in MASSACHUSETTS. The experiment has hitherto fucceeded beyond expectation. Notwithstanding all the embarraffments with which it has been attended, the net proceeds of this work have made a very handfome addition to the funds of the MisSIONARY SOCIETY. Encouraged by this fuccefs, the SOCIETY at the late meeting directed the EDITORS to continue the PUBLICATION.

The task is arduous. To conduct a work of this nature with advantage requires, as will readily be perceived, no inconfiderable share of attention and labour; and after all the attention and labour which can be bestowed, it is not to be expected that all, who feel themselves concerned, will be fatisfied. By fome it is wished that a greater proportion of the MAGAZINE might be made up of doctrinal differtations, and elaborate difcuffions of the higher points of Theology. Others would prefer a great er proportion of fhort narratives, interefting fcraps, or pieces of a more practical or experimental nature. By fome it is wished that different fenti

ments

ments and controverfial pieces may be freely admitted; by others, that they may be totally excluded. Amidst this diverfity of tastes and wishes, it is impoffible that all fhould be fuited. But though the EDITORS cannot promise to give univerfal fatisfaction; yet they hold themselves pledged to conduct the Work according to their beft judg ment; and to use their best endeavours to render it as extensively acceptable and ufeful as the cafe will admit. And while engaged in this fervice, as their labour is not for their own emolument, but for the public good, they afk for candour, for Chriftian patronage, and for generous affiftance. Individuals, who may not be perfectly pleased, may yet fuppofe, that, on the whole, the Publication may be useful; and, therefore, will not, it is hoped, refufe it their friendly countenance and attention. Communications of every defcription, fuitable for the MAGAZINE, are earnestly folicited, and will be gratefully received. The MEMBERS of the Society, efpecially, as they are individually as deeply interested in the fuccefs of the MAGAZINE as the EDITORS themselves, will feel their obligation, according to their ability and influence, to contribute to enrich its pages and to extend its circulation. Exertion is required; and if fuitable exertion be made, there is reason to hope that much good may be done. Let it be remembered, that the whole profits arifing from this Work are to be faithfully appropriated to Miffionary Purposes; and, therefore, while it promotes religious knowledge and Chriftian edification, within the limits of its circulation, it procures, alfo, the means of spreading the gofpe! in other regions. Let every member of the Society, then, let every friend to the kingdom of the REDEEMER, be alive to the object here prefented. And may Hɛ, whofe caufe it is intended to promote, vouchfafe upon the undertaking, his gracious benediction.

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