It may perhaps be desirable in bringing out the present volume of the ANNUAL MONITOR, to state, that the late Editor having, within the past year, left England for Madagascar, the editing of this twenty-sixth number has fallen into fresh hands. Care has, however, been taken, to preserve as much as possible the character of the work, which has so generally commended itself to the approval of Friends. The obituary of the past year contains a larger number of deaths, than any of the previous twelve years at the same time the average age is high, being 55 years. Of the 367 deaths, no fewer than 210 were between the ages of 60 and 90. We have received an unprecedented number of memorials of deceased Friends;-not merely describing their last hours, but exhibiting the various stages of their religious progress, and illustrating that variety of administrations, by which the Holy Spirit works in the souls of believers, and finds for all their place and service in the church and in the world. We have not dwelt on the frailties of any, though doubtless all were more or less "encompassed with infirmity;" but have rather sought to trace the leadings of the Divine finger, and those gifts and graces which the Lord is pleased to bestow on those who love Him. We may add, that from the press of matter so largely contributed by our friends, it was found impracticable to include six or seven other memoirs, which we should have been glad to have comprised in the present volume. An index or list of those names, to which larger or shorter notices are attached, is added; which it is believed will be found useful for reference. Ackworth, 12th mo., 1867. J. N. |