So far as the memoir reveals the secret of his power, it seems to have been a rare combination of fearlessness and tact—the courage which comes from deep conviction, and the tact which comes from a loving sympathy with men, and a real sweetness of disposition. But more than all, it shows him as a man who walked with God in reverential yet familiar intercourse—who realized that the Lord Jesus was indeed with him always, and whose prayers were in accord with the resolution of his early life—“I intend hereafter, in my prayers, to converse with God, and not make speeches before Him.” Such lives are powerful in their influence while they are with us, and profitable in their instruction when we have only the record of them to read. * * * * * NEWS FROM THE CHURCHES. SAND MOUNTAIN, ALA.—This church has no pastor. Sunday services kept up by the reading of sermons; does not sustain a prayer-meeting or Sunday-school. The church is composed of white people, all from the North. A day-school, numbering fifteen, is sustained in connection with the church. SELMA, ALA.—Rev. Fletcher Clark, pastor, reports the field as encouraging, with earnest workers in the church. The meetings are well attended. The church is very strong in favor of temperance, and against the use of tobacco, as compared with the other churches in vicinity. Sabbath-school flourishing. An earnest effort is making in behalf of the young men. A very encouraging feature of the work here is a Woman’s Prayer-meeting, which meets once a week. ATLANTA, FIRST, GA.—Rev. S. S. Ashley, pastor. Several additions during the year. Large proportion of the church, heads of families, also in the Sabbath-school, which numbers about 275. The church has adopted the plan of “Envelope Collections,” and finds it increases the amount of collections. BYRON, GA.—This church has been supplied, during the year, by Bro. H. Watkins. The church holds its own, and still sustains the mission-school at Powersville. MACON, GA.—Rev. M. O. Harrington, pastor. This church has not been in a very good condition for two or three years past; their church and school building have been burned during the year past, and consequently they are much broken up. A new building is nearly completed, and much hope is felt that the church will take a “new departure” in Christian earnestness and godly living. The school sustained in connection with the church is in as prosperous a condition as could be expected under the circumstances. MARIETTA, GA.—Rev. T. N. Stewart, pastor. This church was organized February 8, 1877; now numbers 21. The Sabbath-school averages 20. CHATTANOOGA, FIRST, TENN.—Rev. T. Cutler, pastor. This church is in good condition, though the Young People’s Meeting has been given up. The Band of Hope prosperous; a Mother’s Meeting is held once a month; Sabbath-school, 175.