HOW BRIEF the passage from life to death. This number of THE MISSIONARY contains a very interesting sketch of the Commencement exercises at Talladega College, written by Mrs. L. A. Orr; and yet, on another page, will be found the record of her death. Happy are they who are toiling in the Master’s vineyard when the summons comes. * * * * * WE had the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with Rev. G. D. Pike, D.D., for nearly twenty years. We knew that his studies ran beyond the range of official work, but we never suspected that he indulged in writing verses. Since his death, several hymns have been found, written by him, and, on another page, we present one of these. It was written during his absence for his health and when he regarded the end of life as not far off, and indicates his faith and hope. The many friends of Dr. Pike will be glad to read this. * * * * * MR. MOODY. Mr. Moody as a lay evangelist has made a marvellous, a unique, record in modern Christian labors. No layman, and few clergymen, have surpassed him in this peculiar work. But Mr. Moody’s efforts in another line are attracting the attention and admiration of Christians in all parts of the world. We venture the prediction that one hundred years hence Mr. Moody will be better known by the schools he has founded than by the evangelistic work he has done. There is something about a permanent institution, like the opening of a living spring on the hillside, that is refreshing and perennial. John Harvard and Elihu Yale opened such fountains. Other men of to-day are doing the same thing in the South, either by the consecration of permanent funds or the founding of permanent institutions. May their number be multiplied. * * * * * AFRICA. Alas for poor Africa! The day of her redemption lingereth. The rebellion of the Mahdi hindered the progress of civilization in the vast regions of the Upper Nile. It occurred precisely at the time that Rev. Dr. Ladd was making his explorations near the mouth of the Sobat, with a view to the establishment of the Arthington Mission. The hope that was entertained that this sudden and disastrous outbreak would soon be quelled has been disappointed. The Mahdi is dead, but he has a successor, Khalifa Abdullah, who, if he does not inherit the Mahdi’s remarkable powers, yet can suffice to keep the Soudan in turmoil. Emin Bey has not been rescued and Stanley’s whereabouts and safety are uncertain. Is it not time that the duty of the American of African descent to the land of his fathers should be pressed upon him, and that the Christian church should help to prepare him for that duty? * * * * * THE SIOUX BILL.