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THE

FOR

THE YEAR 1839:

BEING

A CONTINUATION

OF THE

ARMINIAN OR METHODIST MAGAZINE;

FIRST PUBLISHED BY THE

REV. JOHN WESLEY, A.M.

VOL. XVIII.

OF THE THIRD SERIES.

VOLUME LXII. FROM THE COMMENCEMENT.

LONDON:

PUBLISHED BY JOHN MASON, 14, CITY-ROAD;
AND SOLD AT 66, PATERNOSTER-ROW.

PREFACE.

THE Editor, in accordance with long established custom, having concluded the labours of the year, so far as they relate to the WesleyanMethodist Magazine considered as a monthly Periodical, has now to supply the observations which, when the Numbers are bound into a volume, shall occupy the place of the preface. Among these observations it is usual to place expressions of the sense which the Editor entertains of the kindness of his correspondents, and of that liberal support which the Magazine receives from the increasingly numerous subscribers who honour it with their patronage. That which has to be said constantly, at regularly recurring periods, may easily be considered as customary and common-place form; but in the present case it is not so. The Editor feels the obligation which he thus acknowledges; but he likewise feels it to be a pleasant one. With both correspondents and subscribers he seems to have contracted an acquaintance, and to be holding continual and friendly intercourse with them. At the same time, he acknowledges that the confidence thus reposed in him is connected with a degree of responsibility to which every year adds weight. The more numerous the subscribers, the more is the Editor bound to provide, as far as his assigned limits will allow, for that variety of tastes and wishes which may exist along with that entire agreement which, in reference to religious and moral principles, and for the most part in reference to their application also, is known to be established between himself and his readers. He trusts he has not been altogether unsuccessful ever in this the most difficult branch of editorial duty. It is a subject which shall have his very careful attention during the months of the ensuing year; and he hopes that his correspondents will aid him in seeking to present, in each monthly collection, articles which shall both instruct and gratify every class of readers. He may be allowed to add, that as it is designed that particular care should be taken in procuring and furnishing the most interesting and useful materials, his present subscribers and readers may feel themselves quite at liberty in using their influence to obtain for the Wesleyan Magazine an extension of public patronage. No affected humility shall prevent the Editor from expressing his conviction-and he is persuaded that the vast majority of his readers entertain it with himself-that what is called Wesleyan Methodism presents Christian doctrine in its most perfect and consistent form; and that the position in which the Wesleyan Methodists have been placed-they believe providentially-is not only one in which they have "the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left," but one in which, if they be united and faithful, they may be the means of rendering important services both to the church and to the world. To maintain that position, and to point out those services, will be, from time to time, the duty of the Editor. He hopes that he shall be enabled so to discharge it, that his readers, on the whole, shall have

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