This increase has been due not only to the imperative demands for the enlargement of the work, but to the added facilities afforded by the contributions of friends who have realized these needs and have provided the necessary buildings and improvements. The patrons of the Association have been wont to rally in the month of September to save us from debt. Our average receipts from _collections_ for that month for the past three years have been $38,000, which is nearly double the average of our monthly collections for the past year. We hope our friends have not lost their zeal in our work, and that their hearts are as warm and their hands as liberal as ever. We ask their attention to the two items that follow: _A Practical, Thoughtful Man._ A gentleman once said to a Secretary of this Association: “I contribute regularly to all our Congregational societies, and in addition to that I lay aside $100 for the society that stands in the greatest need. I notice that one or the other of these societies comes to the close of its fiscal year threatened with debt, and this year I think the American Missionary Association must have the $100.” Thanks were duly expressed. _A Creed._ We believe that there are many such practical, thoughtful men in our churches who lay by money, some more, some less, for this good purpose. We believe there are many more Christian people, who, while they do not plan so definitely, yet keep watch of the benevolent societies, and come to the rescue in time of need. We believe that some give out of their abundance, and others, feeling themselves somewhat straitened yet realizing the difficulties of a benevolent society in like circumstances, decide, in the spirit of Christian self-sacrifice, to aid with their mite the embarrassed society. We believe there are pastors, devoted and efficient in their parish work, who yet are broad-minded and large-hearted enough to keep a watchful eye on the interests of the great missionary societies, and, at the appropriate time, to urge upon their churches liberal contributions for the hour of need. We believe that, at this time, the American Missionary Association is the society needing special help at the close of its financial year, and we earnestly exhort practical, thoughtful Christians and churches to make special remembrance of our wants by prompt and liberal contributions during the month of September. * * * * * WE begin this month the publication of a series of letters received from students or graduates of our various institutions in the South. They will be found very readable. Those of our friends who begin the one we publish in this number will read it through, we are very sure, and will be glad to read the others as they come in successive numbers. * * * * *