anization. It consisted of twenty members, half of them teachers
and half students. Principal W. L. Gordon and wife presented their
two little children, born in the Institute, for baptism. Mr. Gordon
and Mr. R. F. Ferrell, a student, were ordained as deacons by prayer
and the laying on of hands. Mr. Porter offered the prayer of
institution, and broke the bread at the communion table. This
venerable servant of God had just passed his 80th birthday. His
golden wedding will come next June. His multitude of friends will be
glad to know that the United States Government, having put him upon
the retired list as chaplain, is continuing his salary. Mrs. Porter
is assisting the special missionary, Miss M. J. Adams, Professor
Dean, and other teachers and scholars, in supporting two mission
schools contiguous to the Institute. Miss Rose M. Kinney, a veteran
in the service, is matron and preceptress. The Tillotson is moving on
this year smoothly and successfully. A church in connection with
these main chartered institutions is essential to their best
Christian result.

* * * * *

Just a word with our ministerial readers. The heavy mail that daily
comes to this office brings us occasionally a letter with some such
words as these: "I preached to my people last Sunday an A. M. A.
sermon, and as a result I send you a contribution which is larger
than the church ever gave this cause before." Exactly, brother; let
the people know what is wanted and why it is wanted, and then let
them have a chance to give and they will meet the responsibility
every time. Another letter brings us this: "A few weeks ago I
preached a sermon on the work of the A. M. A. My congregation were so
deeply interested in what I said they requested my manuscript for
publication. Thinking you might be interested I send you a copy of
the published sermon." Exactly, again. We were interested, and long
before we had finished reading the discourse we understood full well
why the people were interested. Another letter: "The Missions of the
A. M. A. occupied our attention last monthly concert. I gave a bird's
eye view of the whole field and then selections were read from the
papers and addresses given at Salem. By this time the brethren were
quite ready to turn on the streams of their own thought. We found it
difficult to bring the meeting to an end. It was a great success. I
propose to follow it up." Again, exactly. Missionary information w