Sad news just reaches us from Texas of the defeat of the prohibitory amendment to the State constitution. Ignorant Mexicans were brought over the border to vote for rum, and so overcame the honest vote of the Christian and moral people of the State. Jefferson Davis, after permitting a member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, who was more enthusiastic than patriotic, to pin a silver badge of that society upon his coat in evidence of the esteem in which this prohibition society held him, wrote a letter to the people in Texas denouncing the prohibitory movement. Mr. Davis’ prohibition seems much like his patriotism, “conspicuous for its absence.” * * * * * CHARLESTON, S.C. The past year has been a prosperous one for Plymouth church, notwithstanding the earthquake. The people are struggling manfully toward self-support, and will in the course of two or three years be able to relieve the Association of the greater part, if not the entire burden of the appropriation which is now granted to it. The earthquake has proven of much benefit to Charleston in various ways—a real blessing in disguise. Many houses have been repaired which probably would have remained unimproved, and the city presents a more lively appearance than before the disturbance. Many persons were shaken into their senses from a spiritual standpoint, and the work of God’s servants has been greatly blessed. We have reaped a goodly harvest. During the past year and six months, 102 persons have united with the church, about 25 of whom were more or less impressed with the manifestation of God’s power in the earthquake. There are many careless, lethargic places which might be benefited by a similar experience. There has been more faithful preaching of the Gospel to sinners since than before. There is perhaps in the South, as well as in the North, too much of a tendency toward speculative and æsthetic discourse, rather than direct and comprehensive exposition of God’s word. Wherever the cross of Christ is preached with earnestness, good results are sure to follow, as is plainly shown in the sequel of the Charleston earthquake. We are working hard to raise funds for the erection of a parsonage for our church, which will cost about $1,800; we have raised already $400, and have the lot. The parsonage completed and paid for will enable the church to become in a large measure self-supporting. We shall lay the foundation as soon as half of the amount needed is raised. We hope to begin this work the coming fall. America is a wonderful mission field, and we who are laboring in that field can appreciate the American Missionary Association and its work. Withdraw the influence of this work from the South, and it would prove a calamity more serious in its results than a dozen earthquakes. The needs of the work grow greater year by year, and we rejoice that the hearts of a generous Christian people are expanding and enlarging to meet the demand.