THE

CHRISTIAN WITNESS

AND

Congregational Magazine.

1867.

'Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

THE PROFITS OF THIS WORK ARE DEVOTED TO THE BENEFIT OF
AGED MINISTERS.

PUBLISHED BY JOHN SNOW & CO., 2, IVY LANE,

PATERNOSTER ROW.

1867.

UNWIN BROTHERS, PRINTERS, GRESHAM STEAM PRESS, BUCKLERSBURY, LONDON, E.c.

PREFACE.

WITH the last issue for 1867 we are summoned to write a few words concerning both the past and the future. Turning to the past we would devoutly acknowledge the good Providence which has sustained us in our labours, and which has given to these labours a considerable measure of acceptance with our readers and the public. Turning to the future we have to bespeak the earnest and friendly aid of our brethren in the ministry, and of the general membership of our Churches. Our aim will continue to be what it has ever been, to promote pure and evangelical piety in connection with those principles of ecclesiastical polity which we think are found in the Word of God. We cannot be Sectarian, but as little can we be indifferent to the progress of the Churches of the Congregational order. Rejoicing in the faith which we hold in common with many other Churches, we likewise rejoice in those things which are peculiar to ourselves.

Our readers would be greatly amused if we laid before them in detail the suggestions we receive from friendly critics-suggestions of the most contrary character, only showing the singular variety of the tastes of those for whom we are expected to make monthly provision. Nevertheless, we are thankful for all manner of suggestions, as well as for the frequent and hearty expressions of approval with which we are favoured from brethren whose good opinion has weight with all who know them. Our plans for 1868 are the result of much thought and anxiety to render the "CHRISTIAN WITNESS" both useful and popular.

Papers on Congregationalism in various counties have been prepared, or are preparing, by the Rev. T. W. Davids, on Essex; the Rev. J. Browne, on Suffolk; the Rev. J. Hallett, on Norfolk; the Rev. Jos. Twidale, on Leicester; the Rev. T. Coleman, on Northampton; the Rev. F.S. Williams, on Nottingham; the Rev. Jos. Flet cher, on Hants; the Rev. J. R. Thomson, M.A., on Kent; and the Rev. C. Wilson, M.A., on Devon. Public questions affecting the Congregational Churches will be discussed more fully and frequently than heretofore; and care will be taken that these discussions shall not be partial or one-sided.