THE CHURCH.

VOL. XI.

"Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone."Ephesians ii. 20.

M.DCCC.LVII.

London:

J. HEATON & SON, 21, WARWICK LANE,

PATERNOSTER ROW.

LEEDS:

PRINTED BY J. HEATON AND SON, 7, BRIGGAFE.

M.DCCC.LVU.

ADDRESS TO OUR READERS.

We avail ourselves of the opportunity which is furnished by our Annual Address, to make an announcement which we hope will interest our readers.› Our little Magazine has now made its monthly appearance for upwards of fifteen years. Beginning in the humblest way, and with the very smallest pretensions, it has gradually won its way to a circulation unparalleled in the history of the denomination. It is not without emotion that we at least can look back upon its course. Commenced amidst difficulties and discouragements which only its projectors know, during the first two or three years of its existence it was repeatedly on the very verge of extinction. Assuredly it would have become extinct, and would have taken its place on the long list of unsuccessful efforts, but for circumstances which, in the light of the present, we can only regard as providential. We would not be understood as speaking boastfully, but we may be permitted to express devout thankfulness when we think of all to which our early attempts have since then led. During the fifteen years of its existence no less than two million copies of "The Church" have issued from the press. Sixty millions of pages, each containing some spiritual truth or lesson, or some fact in denominational history, have passed under the eyes of thousands of readers. Month by month, to thousands of homes, our humble words have gone :-strengthening the weak, and comforting the sorrowful, and telling to all of the preciousness of the Saviour. We would "thank God and take courage" while we record, that not a few have been brought to a knowledge of the truth through our instrumentality; and numbers more, we trust, have been aided in the spiritual life, and strengthened in their aspirations after holiness and usefulness.

It is a solemn thought that many who have been our readers are now no longer among the living. Many, too, who formerly enriched our pages with their contributions, have passed to the full realisation of the truths which they sought to impress upon others. Repeatedly have we been called to learn the lesson, "Work while it is called to-day, for the night cometh when no man can work."

It seems to us that the time has come when we should make certain improvements in our Magazine which we have for some time contemplated. Never was our circulation larger than it is now; never had we more assurances of the general acceptance of our efforts. But the very extent of our circulation

and the acceptance of our labours, is the strongest inducement to us to do our best to deserve what we are so grateful for. Our chief alteration will be in the size of the type in which the Magazine is printed. It has been frequently suggested that this is too small for the class of readers whom we seek especially to provide for. For while we are happy to know that our pages are valued even by the most educated amongst us, our readers are of course for the most part among the poor. With them especially are our sympathies, and or them chiefly do we toil. If therefore by adopting a larger and clearer type we can make our Magazine more adapted to their use, this will be a change which they at least will not fail to appreciate.

With this change in the appearance of the Magazine, we hope to secure increased efficiency in all its departments. We shall still have the aid of all our former contributors; and others, who have not hitherto done so, bave promised to favour us with the productions of their pen. Amongst those who bave promised contributions for our January number are the Rev. W. LANDRES, of Regent's Park; the Rev. A. Maclaren, B.A., of Southampton; the Rev. James Smith, whose earnest, devout, and faithful articles the majority of our readers have so long read with pleasure and profit; and the Rev. ARTHUR MURSELL, whom we are thankful to see taking so high and honourable a position with the working men of the North. We hope also to have an article from the Rev. C. H. SPURGEON, whose popularity is only equalled by his usefulness, and who is doing a work which we shall need the light of eternity fully to realise and appreciate.

Need we ask our readers to help us, that we may begin our NEW SERIES with a still enlarged circulation? This is the only reward we ask that the circle of our influence may be extended. Our ministerial brethren, who have so often helped us, may help us to a most important extent by kind recommendations from the pulpit. Sunday School Teachers, and private Members, may also do much, by introducing our Magazine to new readers in their respective circles. We only ask a renewal of former kindness, and the year which will witness the commencement of our NEW SERIES, will also give us a LANGER CIRCULATION THAN WE HAVE EVER BEFORE ENJOYED.