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.