Conducted by Divine Providence to the close of another annual period
of their anxious labours, the Editors of the BAPTIST MAGAZINE would
devoutly embrace the favourable opportunity thus afforded, for the
purpose of brief retrospect, and the exercise of sincere thankfulness.
During the months of the past year, they have been earnestly desirous
that the pages of each succeeding number of their work should supply
such a portion of religious instruction and denominational information
as, from its design and extent, their most considerate readers would be
led to expect; and, though fully sensible that they have not attained
the standard of their own wishes, yet they deem it incumbent to
acknowledge, that they have been strengthened in their progress by
perceiving that their efforts have been candidly appreciated, and in
many instances kindly commended.
In prefacing the TWENTY-SEVENTH VOLUME of this publication, it is
gratifying to be able to announce that, notwithstanding the frequent
introduction of new and attractive periodicals, the Baptist Magazine
continues to obtain an encouraging share of public patronage; and were
it to derive from literary contributions, and an extended circulation,
such support as the denomination to whose service it is principally
devoted might easily afford, the satisfaction of this announcement
would be greatly augmented.
If, in addition to the many excellent communications now received,
others were occasionally forwarded by writers to whom preparing such an
article might prove an agreeable relaxation from the pursuit of severer
studies, both the value of the work, and the interest of the writer in
its prosperity, would be considerably increased.
Before concluding these remarks, the Editors have much pleasure in
distinctly and gratefully adverting to the assistance with which they
have been favoured in bringing this volume through the press; in
connexion with which the usual exercise of benevolence to the _Widows_
of many of our departed brethren has been continued; and to perpetuate,
and, if possible, increase which, the conductors of the Baptist Magazine
have been invariably, and still remain, solicitous.
THE
BAPTIST MAGAZINE.