The Association, with its Superintendents continually in the field, who report every fact to the Secretaries at the office, who in turn submit the entire work to the churches, is thus continually made better prepared to direct the sacrifices of the benevolent in ways that shall not be irresponsible or unwise, than those which are subject to no such scrutiny or supervision, and are held to no responsibility.  Much less money would be diverted from this authorized and recognized servant of the Congregational Churches, and far greater efficiency would be secured, if our friends would remember that their own ordained agency can open as many missions as they will make possible, which shall have, at least, one advantage over independent and unsupervised work, in that, through us, they shall be under your own constant Christian watch and care.

We may not close this review of our year’s work and attendant suggestions without remembrance of our indebtedness to the American Bible Society, for its grant of Bibles; to the Congregational Sunday-school and Publishing Society for the help given to our struggling churches and Sunday-schools in its grant of books and lesson helps.  We rejoice in the unity of our societies, which make all one in the blending of the parts for the great common purpose of redeeming the lost and gathering them into the family of Christ.

Student’s Letter.

Struggles In The “Lone Star State.”

BY A.C.  GARROTT.

My home, Marion, Ala., was also the location of the Lincoln Normal Institute, and fortunately I had attended that school for several years.  Being next to the oldest of eight children, my parents decided to take me from school in ’83, that I might earn something.  I had often heard of Talladega College, and wanted very much to enter there, but my father being only a poor carpenter, it was impossible for me to get the means to accomplish my desires.

However, by the aid of Northern friends I entered the above named school, October 2d, 1883.  Evenings and Saturdays I worked by the hour to help defray my expenses.  Unable to obtain a school, I could be found at the college, during the summers of ’84 and ’85, working about the buildings or on the farm.  The money earned there was used for schooling.  During my last year in school I had job work—­sweeping and caring for lamps.  This work was done early in order that I might have time for study.  And each morning, before day, my broom could be heard moving through the corridors.  At the close of school, I had paid by work, and a prize gained in speaking the year before, about $52.75.  It was agreed that the balance should be paid after leaving school.  In a class of ten I received a diploma from the normal department, June 17, 1886.  My time during the summer was occupied in working with my father at the carpenter’s trade.