“When four millions of slaves were suddenly set free the great problem to solve was, what shall we do with them? To-day each vote of those individuals counts as much in the ballot-box as the vote of the most distinguished and intelligent citizen in the land. Would we preserve, therefore, and hand down to our children those institutions which were entrusted to our charge by our fathers, and which have been shedding on us blessings to which all other nations are perfect strangers, then we must educate and Christianize these millions of new-born citizens. I honor this organization especially to-day because it has done more than all other instrumentalities, perhaps, combined to bring about this grand result. Let no one, then, be discouraged or falter at the magnitude of the work; for, if we rise to the level of our opportunity, if we are true to ourselves, victory will sooner or later be ours.” Rev. George R. Merrill, of Ohio, was then elected Secretary, and Rev. S. M. Newman, of Wisconsin, Assistant Secretary. The Treasurer, H. W. Hubbard, Esq., then read his report, which was referred to the Committee on Finance. The annual report of the Executive Committee of the Association was presented by Rev. M. E. Strieby, D.D., Corresponding Secretary of the Society, and its several portions were referred to appropriate committees. After the appointment of the various committees, the remainder of the session was devoted to prayer and conference, led by Rev. C. L. Woodworth, District Secretary of the Association. This season of prayer derived special interest from the fact that the same hour was observed by the workers throughout the field. Tuesday evening, after devotional services, led by Rev. Arthur Little, D.D., of Chicago, the annual sermon was preached by Rev. C. L. Goodell, D.D., of St. Louis, from the text, Matthew 28:18, the theme being “More Power from Christ for the World’s Larger Needs.” After the sermon, Rev. J. E. Twichell, D.D., presented an address of welcome in behalf of the churches and people of Cleveland. The observance of the Lord’s Supper followed, at which Rev. T. M. Post, D.D., of St. Louis, and President J. H. Fairchild, D.D., of Oberlin, presided.