THE AMERICAN BAPTIST MAGAZINE, PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE Baptist General Convention. VOL. VIII. Boston: PRINTED BY LINCOLN & EDMANDS, NO. 59 WASHINGTON-STREET 1828. PREFACE. THE year which has just closed upon us, is distinguished for the blessings it has brought to our churches and benevolent institutions. GOD has regarded the cry of his people, and largely answered them. It was but lately that the records of our Associations showed the state of religion among them to be low-some churches were wasting, others with no increase, and many without either pastors or houses of worship. It has been our privilege to record to the praise of divine grace the happy and surprising changes they have experienced. Revivals of religion have been numerous and extensive; the accessions to Zion have called forth the language of exultation and gratitude from tongues never before hallowed to the honour of God. New places of devotion have been erected-new churches have been formed-new pastors inducted into the sacred office. Not unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name, be the glory. Our Missions have also received encouragement. Among the Indians of the South and West, evangelical labours have been increased, and some fruits thereof gathered, while measures have been adopted to secure, through the influence of Government, a permanent home for the pupils of our schools. In India, the obstructions which have so long embarrassed the exertions of the Missionaries are removed, and their self-denying toils resumed with every prospect of success. Even in Africa, a field of uncommon claims and extent, but for which we have hitherto been able to do so little, the harvest is springing up. New schools have been established by the untiring Mr. Carey, and are well attended. Our Colleges and Theological Institutions are under the instruction of men who have deeply at heart the best interests of the churches and of the rising generation. In them our sons and the sons of Zion may experience every advantage which their purpose or usefulness in life renders necessary. With these tokens for good in view, should we not feel ourselves urged to returns of corresponding duty and grati |