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THE

BAPTIST MAGAZINE

FOR

1830..

THE PROFITS ARISING FROM THE SALE OF THIS WORK ARE
GIVEN TO THE WIDOWS OF BAPTIST MINISTERS, AT
THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CONTRIBUTORS.

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PREFACE.

AT the close of our labours for 1830, by which we now furnish our readers with another entire volume of the Baptist Magazine, we have no wish to indulge in self-commendation, or to deprecate the severity of criticism. The cause of the widows, to whose benefit the profits are devoted, is not our cause only, but theirs. However unworthy of perusal our pages might be deemed by the most prejudiced or illjudging individual, the application of the profits to an object confessedly interesting and important, might well induce even him to support our publication. But we entertain no apprehension that the general style of our work, in comparison with others of a similar class, is such in the estimation of any candid mind, as to require that we should appeal only to the benevolent sympathies of our readers. We could easily refer to many papers of merit, for the communication of which we have been grateful, and by whose instructive statements we doubt not our readers have been gratified and benefited.

While we have occasionally, and we trust to a sufficient extent, admitted the illustration of subjects of comparatively minor importance, but nevertheless worthy of some notice and discussion, yet have we been most solicitous of introducing the more essential doctrines of Christianity, and the more weighty matters connected with experimental religion. It has been our aim, and not we hope an unsuccessful one, both to inform the judgment and improve the heart; and this will continue to be our constant effort. We have endeavoured also to guard against those extremes in theology to which many good men are prone, especially the error of urging on man his obligations to duty, in such a manner as to compromise the essential doctrine of our dependence on supernatural aid. While acknowledging the latter in general terms, they have neutralized, if not nullified their own concessions, by an indiscreet application of the appeals of Scripture. How many haye -split upon this rock, and virtually said to human reason, "Thou art my guide," and to human strength, "Thou art my

confidence!" Under whatever form of metaphysical refinement such errors are presented to the Christian public, they appear to us to be antiscriptural. Without either fear or flattery, we shall deem it right, therefore, whenever the necessity occurs, to expose their fallacy. Our attempts of this kind, already have not been, we believe, either unwelcome or unavailable.

As soon as it can be done correctly, the Editors intend to furnish a list of all the Baptist churches, the names of their pastors, the number of their members, or other particulars of an interesting kind. A similar detail was given by us some years ago, but as great changes are continually occurring, it is desirable from time to time to review and amend these important documents.

Ministers need scarcely to be reminded, that they would essentially contribute to the more extended circulation of the Magazine, by announcing from the pulpit, the object for which it is published, and soliciting the patronage of their friends; and by pointing out the fact, that benevolent distributions are actually and regularly made. So that we need not announce it in the form of a promise, that "the profits of this work will be given," &c. for it might be truly stated, that they "are devoted" to their professed object of benevolence; a mode of expression we have sometimes read on the covers of publications, which curious as it may appear-seem to have really nothing whatever to give.

We shall not speak, as some are accustomed to do, of improvements in contemplation, but request the public to see if our future pages might not justify, had we chosen to hold it out, such an assur

ance.

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