This was so sad, that something joyful was called for, and again the strain rung out; old men and women moving their bodies to keep their own time, which each one seemed to do regardless of his neighbor, closing up each line, and almost each word, with such hemi-demi-semi-quavers as would have puzzled some of our best singers. Poor things! the elements of joy had not entered into their religious life. The minor strain swept over all their heart experiences, and in spite of the words of their hymns, their music gave us the echo of their days of bondage, and helped us to thank God that a brighter life had been ours. To them seemed to come no middle ground between the “double-shuffle” and the saddest songs for Christ. After many a hand-shake and parting blessing to us all, the people wended their way back to their homes, some to their rude cabins, saying to one another, “Dis de best day of my life,” “Tank de Lord for dis good day.” To our steward we gave the conventional good-bye, but in our hearts we knew that there was one blessed passage of Scripture applicable to him, and we doubt not he will hear it some day: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” This is one picture. I shall be glad soon to show the other side, and give the contrast between some of those who were gathered at this feast, and their children, who have enjoyed the privileges of the school at Berea. L. R. * * * * * HYMN. MRS. E. SPENCE.[A] Sung at the farewell meeting on the departure of Rev. Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Miller, and Rev. Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Jackson, as missionaries to Africa, Nashville, Feb. 18, 1878. God bless, with special favor, This consecrated band! Their trust will never waver, Led by Thy loving hand! As to thy call they listen, Each answers, “Here am I,” And yet a tear may glisten Unbidden in the eye! Thou know’st what ties are breaking That twine around the heart! The yearning, and the aching, When friends and kindred part! Oh! let them feel Thy presence Continuously so near, To compensate the absence Of all they hold most dear! As, over land and ocean They still pursue their way, The spirit of devotion Replenish day by day. When over smooth seas gliding With hearts attuned to sing, Or tossed by tempest, hiding Beneath thy shelt’ring wing! And when their destination Is safely reached at last, Where every mission station Has boundaries so vast— Strengthen the willing spirit For service, till they see The land which they inherit, Redeemed and ruled by Thee!