The graduates are all professing Christians, though one has had his faith somewhat shaken, as was shown by his oration. He would be glad to study theology at an orthodox seminary. He is a son of the mountains, and an honest, earnest thinker, and a superior scholar. The effort of the college to get on alone, without aid from the American Missionary Association, taxes all its energy and faith; but, thanks to God and its faithful friends, the past year it has not been left to suffer. The erection of the new chapel will commence immediately, though the necessary means are not all secured. Berea College is a miracle of God’s grace and power. No other being could have established such a school, in such a community, with such instrumentalities, and made it such a power. In this voting precinct of five hundred voters, where whiskey has reigned for many years, three-fourths of all the inhabitants have signed the Murphy pledge. Arrangements are made for a grand temperance rally on Friday, the 4th, which, it is confidently believed, will fill the tabernacle to its utmost capacity. Berea, a beautiful spot by nature, is growing more and more beautiful every year. It is a charming place for a college, and nothing but poverty prevents a thousand youth from flocking here for education. Expenses are very low: Tuition, $9 a year; board, $1.50 a week; free tuition for ninety pupils; yet many students must leave, unless they can contrive a cheaper way to live, and find work to meet their small expenses. * * * * * SOUTH CAROLINA. School Closing--Religious Life. REV. W. L. JOHNSON, ORANGEBURG. Our scholastic year closed on the 5th inst. Appropriate exercises were held at the “Independent Hall.” There was a very large and respectable audience of the children’s parents and white citizens who felt interested in our work. The exercises began about 8 o’clock, consisting of declamations, orations and music. After the exhibition, Rev. Professor Larrence, of Claflin University, by an eloquent address, in which he paid a splendid tribute to the value of learning and the excellence of the A. M. A. schools, its Principal and teachers proceeded to make the presentation of six silver-plated vases and beautifully ornamented butter-dishes to as many pupils. Those gifts were awarded by the Superintendent. Five were given for sustaining perfect examinations, and one for excellence in delivering a declamation. The whole affair was closed by a bountiful collation for the children and friends of the school. During the term we have maintained religious meetings among the children, several of our scholars taking part by offering prayer. It has been a pleasure to see others mourning to know Christ as their Saviour. The neighboring ministers have, in general, been present, and expressed deep interest in our undertaking, besides impressing valuable lessons and pious sentiments upon the minds of the children.