a want of proportion between the different missions. This has arisen from the necessity of abridging the latter part of the work, to bring it within a limited number of pages. The mission of the American Baptists, and of the Church and Edinburgh missionary Societies, are particularly affected.
That the materials of the Work are either selected, or arranged, in the best possible manner, is by no means presumed. Much doubtless might be amended. If they are thrown out in a confused heap, without distinction; or in a form altogether crude and undigested, the compiler deserves no indulgence. If this is true to some extent, he offers one apology; and this, only, because it relates to what would otherwise be unpardonable. Every one who adds a book to the long. catalogue before the public, is bound to make it, however imperfect, the best he is able. case, there may be marks of haste.
In the present When the Work
was in a state of some forwardness, and proposals were issued for its appearance, the writer was unexpectedly required to make immediate, preparation for leaving the country. It must, then, be hurried through the press, or thrown away. The former was done; and the sheets were struck off without the benefit of revision. This will account for some inequalities of style, and perhaps excuse them, when it is considered, that in collecting facts from such a variety of sources, it is extremely difficult to bring the heterogeneous materials together, and to make the thoughts so much one's own, as to avoid imitation, and maintain a uniform and characteristic manner.
Whether the Work deserves patronage, the public