PREFACE. In closing another volume of the Magazine, the Editors express their devout acknowledgements to the God of all grace, that through his Providence, they have been furnished with the ma terials of which it is composed; and are also preserved in life, to dedicate another portion of their work to HIM: hoping that it may further the cause of truth and righteousness, and thus promote his glory in the world. Though the contents of this Volume have been necessarily sup plied from a great variety of sources; yet the Editors are not conscious that it contains any sentiments which do not accord with the analogy of faith; whilst they feel assured, that many plain, serious Christians, who rejoice in the special mercy of God to poor sinners, have been instructed and edified by it. That the Denomination to whose use this work is devoted, stands in need of such a public organ, as a register of the interesting events which are daily taking place in it, needs no proof! If there were no other reasons than keeping alive the compassionate feelings which have been excited towards the Heathen, and contributing towards procuring the requisite pecuniary support, which their missions to India, and Ireland, demand; these would be sufficient. By what other means could the gratifying details, furnished by the committees of those institutions, be so frequently communicated to the members of our churches and congregations? If the reader will cast his eye over the INDEX, appended to this Number, he will observe the accession of strength to the denomination, and to the kingdom of Christ, from the number of ministers and missionaries that have been ordained; the churches that have been formed; and the meeting-houses that have been erected, both in ENGLAND and WALES; nor has IRELAND been wholly forgotten. It is scarcely less animating to observe, how the missionary |