Our Normal-school work is still the largest and perhaps the most important that we have to do. And when we follow in imagination, and occasionally by visitation, and frequently by communication, the pupils of our schools out into the little hamlets and cross-roads all over the Southern States, where they are teaching the mysteries of the A, B, C, to the little children, and the larger ones, who come from humblest homes, where the dark-skinned father and mother look with wondering admiration at the child—their child—who can tell “round O” from “crooked S,” we are filled with the sense of the magnitude and importance of this work of laying foundations on which are to be built the towers of intelligence and virtue. And we pray devoutly that God may bless each one of those who are going forth this year to teach the children of a long neglected race.
We see that Stanley’s story of his journey, “Through the Dark Continent,” is published by Sampson, Low & Co., London. We have not yet examined it, but are sure that it will be of great interest and instructiveness even to those who have read his vivid letters in the Herald from time to time.
It is with deep regret that we record the death of Mrs. Dr. James of the Mendi Mission, of which the tidings is given in another column. The other members of the mission are all well, and the work progresses both materially and spiritually; and the brave band who went back to carry the light of life to the dark land of their fathers, have not lost heart or hope because one of their number has gone up higher.
We made a very full and frank statement three months ago in regard to our finances. We recognized the fact that the receipts up to that time had been better than for the corresponding months of the previous year. It gave us peculiar pleasure to make that statement. And now, having spoken so, we wish to be heard on the other side. For it is equally true now, that the receipts have been diminishing, and for two months have been less than in the same months of the previous year. Friends, do not leave us in the lurch now, or spoil in the last two months of our fiscal year the improving record of the first ten. Our needs as your agents are very far beyond the means you furnish us.