He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.—There are many motives which combine to urge the disciples of Christ to energy and fidelity in the missionary work: the wretchedness of those who lie in the darkness of heathendom, and especially in the black night of savage superstition; the wrongs and crimes which the introduction of a Christian civilization would in time efface; our sad anticipations for those on whom we must believe the Lord will look with merciful and just consideration, and yet who are surely not fit for the kingdom of God. The fact of the command of Christ were enough, and especially that this was His last and parting charge. But, amid all these, is there a motive so sweet and still so energizing as that which we have written above—that in the contemplation of His salvation accomplished among men, the joy of our Lord shall be full, the purpose of His love attained, and He content to have endured the flesh and the cross? If we love Him because He first loved us, let us remember that His love was not a sentiment, but a sacrifice; that it was measured by what He did for us, and for our salvation; and that it is the sacred claim of His love upon ours, that what sacrifice by us of time, or strength, or means, or life itself, may contribute to the fullness of His joy, to the completeness of His satisfaction, we should give with cheerful and continuous readiness.
Other motives may bear upon us with now greater and now less force; special calls may be heard with more or less distinctness; unusual disclosures of need may make us eager to relieve; but through all, and under all, and greater than all, is this, that we may please our Lord, and contribute somewhat to the completeness of His redemption, and to His satisfaction in the result of all that He has borne and done for sinful men.
ITEMS FROM THE FIELD.
Talladega, Ala.—The Southern Industrial Association held its second annual fair at Talladega, Ala., November 11-14. This Association is officered in part and largely helped by Talladega College, and its object is to promote the industry and physical good of the Freedmen. The weather was favorable, the attendance was large, many coming quite a distance, and the display of articles was unusually good. In agricultural and garden products, in fancy articles, in needlework, both plain and ornamental, and in the culinary department, especial excellence was shown. The exhibition of stock was meagre, with the exception of fowls, which were numerous and remarkably fine. Some blacksmith’s hammers, tables, and an upholstered chair, would compare well with similar productions from the best Northern workmen. More than seven hundred entries were made, and the premiums awarded were worth about three hundred dollars. The fair stimulates industry, and marks a real advance in the condition of the people. Many of our white friends paid well-deserved praise, and one late slaveholder, said to have owned nearly a hundred negroes, was so pleased as to make a cash contribution to the treasury, and offered to double it should there be a deficit. On the last evening, the College chapel was full to overflowing, while Rev. C. L. Harris, of Selma, gave a very bold and moving and powerful address of more than an hour in length, on the African in America. The address showed what an African can do, and it pointed out what an African should become. Take it all in all, the Fair marks a good step upward and gives fresh hope for the future.
McLeansville, N. C.—Our school is growing larger—double what it was at the corresponding time last year. Many expect to come after Christmas from abroad. Must enlarge our accommodations.
Tougaloo, Miss.—We now have seventy-nine boarders, and have had to go into the barracks again. A prospect of increased attendance, and what to do with the students we can none of us imagine. We ought to enlarge our accommodations immediately.