PREFACE. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR BOOK for 1868 is not a mere republication of THE CHRISTIAN YEAR BOOK issued in March last. The whole volume is arranged according to a different plan; more complete denominational statistics are given; and the principal ecclesiastical and other proceedings of the Christian world are chronicled. The work of the churches in the United States during the past year is described by an American clergyman, in a paper which will be found to be of great value. At the close of the volume will be found a chapter on Polynesia, intended to form a directory to mission-work in that region. The same thing will be done for other mission-fields in future years. The Editor's aim has been to present facts, not opinions, and to act impartially towards all churches. If the operations of some societies are not stated at such length as their importance would seem to demand, this has not arisen from indifference to their claims, but from the necessity of abridgement, and from the desire to bring other and lessknown societies before the attention of the Christian public. The Editor would hereby tender sincere thanks to his numerous correspondents throughout the world for the ready and efficient aid they have given him, and for the |