THE WESLEYAN-METHODIST MAGAZINE, POR 1849: BEING A CONTINUATION OF THE ARMINIAN OR METHODIST MAGAZINE; FIRST PUBLISHED BY THE REV. JOHN WESLEY, A. M. FOURTH SERIES. VOL. V. VOLUME LXXII. FROM THE COMMENCEMENT. LONDON: PUBLISHED BY JOHN MASON, WESLEYAN CONFERENCE OFFICE, 14, CITY-ROAD; THE EDITORS TO THEIR CORRESPONDENTS AND READERS. THE close of the year invites review of past engagements; and the Conductors of this Work gladly use this occasion of addressing their CORRESPONDENTS and SUBSCRIBERS. To the former class our most respectful thanks are offered; and it is a grateful duty to record our belief that, by the various literary aids received, we have been enabled to supply many papers of more than fugitive interest. Reference to these is facilitated by the arrangements of the Index.-To the Purchasers of this Magazine the kindest acknowledgments are also due; and, especially, to many who have promised a renewal and increase of friendly efforts to ensure a yet wider circulation. Amid the many rival attractions of later date, it is humbly hoped that the OLDEST OF RELIGIOUS PERIODICALS will not forfeit the rank which, by the condescending favour of GOD, it has long held. For the future the Editors would speak, not without much diffidence as to themselves, but with unfaltering trust in the PRINCIPLES of which this Magazine aspires to be the exponent. No effort will be spared to render the new Volume a worthy vehicle of religious and intellectual correspondence among the widely scattered churches and families that bear the Wesleyan name. Yet an earnest attachment to one Christian denomination shall not be willingly allowed to interfere with the yet more fervent love which is due to the " Holy Catholic Church," including those of every name and clime, who are united to HIM "of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." To PURE and ANCIENT CHRISTIANITY the Editors consecrate their labour. Their anxious eyes, and (they are thankful to add) those of several able friends, will be directed to the onward course of things;—and it will be their ambition to draw into this combination many of the hues of passing light; to represent, according to opportunity, the state of existing affairs in the Religious World. They know not, indeed, how to serve the Church of GOD better than by defending a SYSTEM OF DOCTRINE, neither Pelagian nor Augustinian, which is attracting the homage of multitudes beyond our own pale; and a CHURCH-DISCIPLINE which, in their sincere judgment, complies with the PRINCIPLES to be traced in the Acтs and WRITINGS of APOSTLES,-guarding the equal sanctity of Order and Liberty, the dread responsibility of the Pastorate, and all the real privileges of the Flock. LONDON, Nov. 17тH, 1849. |