With such a record before us, a work so useful and that needs almost indefinite expansion, invites to that expansion by its very success. Our _Church Work_ shows a steady and healthful growth. The number of churches in the South is 73 as against 67 last year; of church members, 4,961—last year, 4,600. In the four new churches organized, and in the six new edifices erected, and two in the process, five repaired, and in the parsonages improved and built, we see the additions to the outward scaffolding, within which is going forward the spiritual work of preparing the polished stones of the sanctuary; and we see the added force of workmen ascending this scaffolding, in the ordination of four young men to the Gospel ministry, and in the reports from our Theological Departments of well trained young men graduating and entering the service. That spiritual work is indicated in part by the reports of precious revivals and ingatherings into the churches. The pastor at New Orleans writes: “It is my happiness to record one of the most precious revivals in the history of the Central Church.” From Shelby Iron Works, Ala: “The meetings closed with twenty-one conversions reported. Last Sunday fifteen came forward, entered into covenant with the church, and were baptized on profession of their faith. Some eight or ten are to unite by letter the first opportunity, who were not ready to join last Sunday.” From Savannah, Ga,: “There has been an unusual work of grace among this people, and the meetings have been quiet and orderly as with a New England congregation.” We have been impressed this year with the unusual mention in the reports from the churches of the attendance and interest _in the prayer meetings_. If the prayer meeting is the pulse of the church, we should infer that the life blood flows warmly from the heart in our churches in the South. The disposition for _self help_ is a plant of slow growth among a people marvelous for their faith and passive endurance, but little used to forethought and activity. We have felt the need of developing “this grace also,” and have, therefore, taken unusual pains to induce the churches to aid more fully in the support of their pastors. The responses have exceeded our expectations; in almost every instance the additional sum we have named has been given, and in some instances more.