BAPTIST MAGAZINE FOR 1828. THE PROFITS ARISING FROM THE SALE OF THIS WORK ARE VOL. XX. (VOL. III. THIRD SERIES.) Speaking the truth in love.-EPI. iv. 15. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY WIGHTMAN AND CRAMP, 24, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1828. THENEW YORK ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS. 1897. LONDON: Printed by Littlewood and Co. Old Bailey. PREFACE. THE readers of the Baptist Magazine are respectfully reminded that the "New Series" which commenced in January 1813, was originated by the Rev. Messrs. Fuller, Ryland, Hinton and Fawcett. On the cover of the first number will be found an Address to the Christian public, particularly to the Baptist denomination, written by Mr. Fuller, who, after assigning the reasons for commencing such a work, proceeds to state the ends proposed to be answered by it, and the principles on which it would be conducted.* From that time to the present the Editors have endeavoured to make the Magazine subservient to the interests of the denomination, whose name it bears, both by diffusing and defending the principles to which it was originally pledged, and by the appropriation of its entire profits, amounting to upwards of £3000, to the necessities of those for whose benefit they were specifically intended. That during this period their editorial labours have been free from imperfection, that imperfection which attaches to every work carried on by human agency, it would be as vain in them to pretend, as it would have been folly in their readers to have expected. Perfection is not the attribute of man; and in reference to every class of literary productions, the critic has long since declared "Whoever thinks a faultless work to see, Thinks, what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be." Whatever measure of success, however, may have attended their labours, of which it becomes not them to speak, they can with confidence declare, the simplicity of their aim to promote the divine glory, and to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. The readers of this periodical are aware of the unhappy controversy relative to the Baptist Missionary Society, which has been urged on the attention of the denomination during the past year? We must be satisfied by a reference to this address, our limits not allowing of extracts from it, as we intended. a controversy, however, by no means exclusively denominational, or of local concernment, but one that relates to questions of the widest practical bearing, and which claim the impartial consideration of all who feel themselves interested in the great principles involved in missionary enterprize. Deeply as the occasion is to be regretted, which rendered it necessary to occupy so many pages of the present volume with that painful subject, the Editors had no alternative, when several pamphlets issuing from respectable quarters, and abounding with counter statements, and conflicting testimony, were laid upon their table. Under these circumstances they were desirous to place before their readers a concise and connected view of the evidence bearing on the points at issue, which in the progress of the discussion had accumulated upon them. And thus summoned by their official duty, they have fearlessly contributed their feeble aid, to what they verily believe to be the cause of truth and righteousness, before whose authority all human suffrage must bow. But they have not rushed with eager impatience into the contest, nor resembled the warlike animal that paweth in the valley, and smelleth the battle afar off." To their respectable correspondents, whose contributions have enriched the pages of this volume, the Editors embrace the opportunity of expressing their grateful acknowledgments, and of soliciting their continued support. Notwithstanding the testimonies to the improvement of the Magazine received during the past year, its conductors are not disposed to rest satisfied with present attainments. They wish to see it still rising in value and extending in circulation. And if the respectable members of the denomination, whose organ it has long been, will second and sustain their efforts, these objects of their desire may be easily accomplished. And surely it cannot be too much to expect the zealous co-operation of their brethren in the ministry, who, in the dearest objects of their affections on earth, hold a sort of reversionary interest in the sale of the work to which their assistance is invited. To the members of the denomination generally, the Editors respectfully say,If you deem The Baptist Magazine worthy of being the sigan of your sentiments, and the repository for your use; and is benevolent object deserving your support, patronize and recommend it-aid it by your influence, your counsels, your contributions, and your prayers. |