Rev. T. Adkins, Southampton. W. L. Alexander, A.M., Edinburgh. J. Alexander, Norwich. J. Arundel, London. J. Bennett, D.D., London. T. Binney, London. J. Bulmer, Rugely. H. F. Burder, D.D., Hackney. J. Burder, M.A., Stroud. J. Clayton, A. M., London. G. Clayton, Walworth. G. Collison, Hackney. T. Craig, Bocking. S. Curwen, Reading. R. Elliott, Devizes. W. Eilis, Hoddesdon. J. Ely, Leeds. R. Fletcher, Manchester. J. J. Freeman, Walthamstow. J. Gilbert, Nottingham. R. Halley, D.D., Manchester. J. N. Goulty, Brighton. J. Harris, D.D., Cheshunt College. E. Henderson, D.D., London. H. Heugh, D.D., Glasgow. J. Hunt, Brixton. Rev. T. Lewis, Islington. J. Morison, D.D., Brompton. J. Parsons, York. J. Paterson, D.D., Edinburgh. G. Payne, LL.D., Exeter. J. Raban, Bethnal-green. T. Raffles, D.D., LL.D., Liverpool. G. Redford, LL.D., Worcester. A. Reed, D.D., London. J. Reynolds, Romsey. W. Rooker, Tavistock. H. J. Roper, Bristol. J. Sherman, Surrey Chapel. J. Smart, M.A., Stirling. J. Smart, M.A., Leith. J. P. Smith, D.D., LL.D., F. R.S., Homerton. G. Smith, Poplar. C. F. Steinkopff, D.D., London. W. H. Stowell, Rotherham. J. Stratten, Paddington. T. Stratten, Hull. J. Styles, D.D., Foleshill. S. Thodey, Cambridge. P. Thomson, M.A., Chatham. A. Tidman, London. H. Townley, London. W. Urwick, D.D., Dublin. R. Vaughan, D.D., Lancashire College. R. Wardlaw, D.D., Glasgow. A. Wells, Clapton. - M. Wilks, Paris. J Young, A.M., London. - J. Leifchild, D.D., London. VOL. XXIII.-NEW SERIES. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY THOMAS WARD AND CO., PATERNOSTER-ROW. PREFACE. It is always distasteful to us to speak of ourselves, and yet how can this be avoided in an Editor's Preface? Our readers must bear with us, then, while, according to annual custom, we tell them something about what we have been doing, and purpose to do, and remind them of the degree in which we depend upon their continued and hearty co-operation for the success of our important labours. We desire, at all times, "not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, but to think soberly;" knowing full well that much imperfection attaches to our best endeavours to promote the cause of truth and righteousness. Rather would we aim to deserve the confidence of enlightened and godly men, than boast ourselves of efforts, upon which, after all, they will and ought to pronounce their deliberate judgment. This much we will say, though with becoming humility, that we have spared no pains, during the past year, to maintain and improve the character of the Periodical committed to our care. The trust we regard to be a very solemn one, especially in these times; and we could not venture to look at it without dismay, did we not feel that strength will be granted to us equal to our day. Most earnestly, therefore, would we throw ourselves upon the sympathy and prayers of God's people, that we may have wisdom to pursue a right course, and grace to cultivate a right spirit. While the present state of our periodical literature is, in many respects, a subject of congratulation, it is not without its attendant anxieties. Its vast increase, on the side of evangelical religion, is matter of devout thanksgiving to God. For thirty or forty years, the Evangelical and Wesleyan Magazines were the only publications of their class, commanding an extensive circulation; but now, to whatever section of the Christian church we turn our eye, we find an active, well-sustained, and daily-multiplying periodical press. The effect of this new state of things, with all its imperfections, cannot but be beneficial. On the one hand, it indicates a growing intelligence; and on the other, it holds out the prospect of still increasing advantages, both to the church and the world. In this we heartily rejoice; and |