4.—­Is it worth while to “darken counsel with words” as to methods, when it is evident that the purpose is, not to form any union which would be other than humiliating to a colored man, and contrary to the heretofore held principles of the Congregational Churches?

5.—­Why these arguments to show “how not to do it,” when to do it would be so simple and so evidently Christian?

N.Y.  Independent.

* * * * *

A MID-SUMMER LEAF OF THE A.M.A.  CATECHISM.

Q. When are Home Missions properly so called?

A. When they are ordained to save the unevangelized people of the land in which they dwell.

Q. When are missions properly called Foreign Missions?

A. When they are missions to foreigners in a foreign country.

Q. Are missions among the Indians in this country, Foreign Missions?

A. They are not, though the Indians have been treated as foreigners, which has been the source of great wrongs and many sorrows.

Q. Are missions to the Chinese in this country, Foreign Missions?

A. They are not, though the Chinese are refused the privileges accorded other foreigners.  The missions of the A.M.A. on the Pacific Coast are most fruitful and hopeful, and, since these foreigners return to China, there is an interblending of Home and Foreign Missions here, that is full of promise.

Q. Are the missions of the A.M.A. in the South, Foreign Missions?

A. They are not, though they have been successful in exciting interest for Africa among the students of their schools.  Some of these are now foreign missionaries; others are preparing to go; but the missions of the A.M.A. in the broadest sense are Home Missions, for they minister to white and black as to citizens of a common country, who alike need the Gospel.  The A.M.A. is planting white churches (so called) every year, and has added several this year, though none of them would refuse membership to a man because he is black, and is planting colored churches (so called), none of which should be excluded from State Associations merely because of color.

Q. Should the missions of the A.M.A. be called Foreign Missions because its schools and churches cannot win the co-operation of the Christians among whom they live?

A. They did not at once win the co-operation of Christians among whom they went, but confidence has been growing with the years until the cases are exceptional where they do not have the co-operation of enlightened and broad-minded Christians.  In most cases, the schools and churches of the A.M.A. have won both confidence and gratitude throughout the South.  Southern men are among the trustees of its institutions, and everywhere its Field Superintendents and Secretaries are greeted with cordiality.  A prominent editor of a Southern political paper—­white and democratic—­testifies this month:  “Yours is the most practical missionary work ever undertaken by a Christian body, and should have the hearty and unstinted support of all Christians.” The cases are few where good will does not exist between its teachers and ministers and the white people among whom they live.