PREFACE.

THE Editor has great pleasure in handing to the subscribers the completed volume for 1860. A change, and as we ventured to predict, an improvement in the getting up' of the Magazine was commenced with the new year. Two important advantages have been gained by the chief features in that change, with which all have now grown familiar: namely, greater facility in reading our pages, and greater readiness in finding whatever in them may be specially wanted. Additional interest in the general contents was also promised. As the best testimony that can be given to the augmented regard for our denominational organ, we confidently point to our enlarged circle of readers. To them, one and all, the Editor presents his hearty thanks.

The essays and narratives have already had their mead of attention and of praise. It would be invidious to refer to them more particularly. We may, however, be permitted to remind our readers that in looking through the essay department in the Successive numbers of the past year, they will perceive that some regard has been paid to what many consider the chief canon of periodical literature-variety in style and in subject. The Editor tenders his best thanks to those brethren, lay and ministerial, who have cheerfully placed at his disposal their contributions, and have always shown a generous confidence in his judgment.

Greater prominence has been given to the new section of the Magazine entitled 'Scripture Illustrated.' It is hoped that occasiona

help has thus been supplied to two most useful classes of men-lay preachers and Sunday-school teachers. We invite the assistance of our brethren in the ministry, to make this department increasingly attractive and profitable.

Our Wayside Gleanings' have been mainly arranged for those odd moments in every man's life, when he has neither time nor inclination for the perusal of larger pieces. Some corn of wheat' may thus have fallen at the right season, on suitable and unoccupied soil, and may by and by show that instead of abiding alone,' it has borne much fruit.'

More than ordinary space has been allotted to correspondence. Topics of historical or pressing interest on political, social, denominational, and religious questions have been discussed, some of them at great length. Whatever difference of opinion may exist on any one of the subjects brought under their notice, the Editor feels that he is expressing the latent thought of many readers when he says, that certain portions of this year's correspondence will not be without permanent and beneficial influence on the denomination at large.

Many readers turn first to the intelligence. We have not forgotten this fact. The baptisms and special services throughout the Connexion have been reported with as much fulness as our means would allow. No intelligence that arrives in any reasonable time is ever kept over for the next month. It is encouraging to find, on a review of this part of the Magazine, that during the past year many churches have enjoyed an unusual measure of prosperity.

The Missionary Observer, under the conduct of the Secretary for the Orissa Mission, has furnished its quota of information. The letters and journals of our brethren in India have afforded, as they invariably do, no small share of interest.

November, 1860.