It is said that the tendency now is for the few to give largely, while the gifts of the churches, as such, are less. Sad, if true. The recent large gifts of the generous few are as gratifying as they are surprising. They are one of the hopeful signs of the substantial growth of Christian liberality and consecration. But if they are to be purchased by the drying up of the charities of the many, it is in the end no boon, for woe to the churches when they do not share in giving, even to the widow’s mite, for the spread of the Gospel. A piety that delegates its charities and self-sacrifices to the few will die. Such a state of affairs is like the Sahara of parching sands with a few green oases, as compared with the fertile and well cultivated lands where each spear of grass and blade of corn does its part towards the golden and abundant harvest. * * * * * RETIRING FROM BUSINESS. It is a debated question whether a man should retire from business when he has accumulated a competency. On the one hand, tired nature pleads for rest, and on the other it is claimed that the retired man is not only useless, but unhappy. A gentleman gave us the other day what seems to be the true solution—and the charm of his plan is that he is carrying it out in his own case. It is that the wealthy man while still active, should retire from his secular business and give himself to efficient service in mission and charitable organizations, and in Christian work for the poor, and the advancement of Christ’s kingdom. There is wide room for such workers. We venture to say that among those most efficient on mission, college and charitable boards in this country are such men, and there is need of many more. A still larger share of the reliable members of such boards are men yet in active life, whose business will not permit them to devote the time needed to the most efficient service in charitable work. The man who has accumulated his fortune, or at least his competence, has also accumulated an amount of experience and practical knowledge that would be of immense value in Christian work. Is it not, then, wise to retire from work, and yet work? The change would be rest and usefulness. * * * * * WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. We have received many cheering words since our Annual Meeting at Norwich, through the press and by letters from the long-tried friends of this Association. The following, from our honored Vice President, Col. G. C. Hammond, is a good illustration of the appreciative and hopeful tone exhibited by the many of those who give bountifully and prayerfully for our work.