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THE

BAPTIST REPORTER,

AND

MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCER.

NEW SERIES-VOL. XI. WHOLE SERIES-VOL. XXVIII.

EDITED BY JOSEPH F. WINKS.

1854.

LONDON:

SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, & Co.

LEICESTER :

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY WINKS & SON.

PUBLIC LIBRARY

73466

ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

ASTOR

1887.

BRA

NY

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PREFACE.

To some it may appear common-place, and even hackneyed, to commence our usual Annual Address with expressions of thankfulness that Providence has kindly spared us to complete another year's labours; but always, when we sit down to write one, it is the uppermost feeling in our mind, and it is only natural and seemly that it should have free utterance.

Indeed, if this would be proper in the case of an Editor who had but for a short time engaged in the work, how much more in our case after the labours of twenty-eight years, during which time we have been pulling at this oar singlehanded, and bound by an iron necessity that every number should appear in due course? Ought not we to express our most devout gratitude to the Father of mercies who has spared us, given us the needed health, and permitted us for so long time to render to his cause our humble services ?

We have so frequently in former years, and especially in our last annual address, referred to the principles on which this humble publication is conducted, that it would appear to be as unnecessary as it might be tedious, to refer to them at length this year. Suffice it now, that we remind our old friends, and tell our new ones, that our pages are open without charge of any kind to the communications of all evangelical baptists, whose proceedings for the advancement of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour recorded without partiality. So far, we' have reasons for believing, we have succeeded in giving entire satisfaction to the whole body of baptists; and it will continue to be our anxiety and our care to do what we can to bring all our brethren to a better understanding with each other, in order to the establishment among them of a union, which leaving, as it ought to do, each church independent and uncontrouled, would present the much-desired spectacle of mutual love and harmony among a body of Christians who seem to be set for the defence of Divine institutions. Why should not the Baptists be as united in one body as Independents? But this we leave, if our readers wish, for discussion in our pages; and, in once more taking our leave, we have only to add our humble but earnest hope that we shall continue, as heretofore, to receive the confidence and support of our numerous subscribers and friends.

May grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and Jesus Christ our Lord, be with you all. Amen.

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