* * * * * OUR PRACTICAL, THOUGHTFUL FRIEND. Nearly a year ago, we had the satisfaction of referring to a friend who contributed regularly to all the Congregational Societies, and yet reserved one hundred dollars for the society standing in need of special help. We are glad to say that was not a transient purpose, for the friend has appeared again this year and has doubled his special contribution. We trust that he stands not alone in this thoughtful and practical watchfulness over the missionary societies. * * * * * EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. "Enclosed find my draft for ---- for the good work doing among the Freedmen. For nothing do I give money more cheerfully than for the advancement of that race." "The earnest plea of Mr. Pond for help in his California Chinese work was brought to the notice of our Chinese teachers yesterday. We would hereby pledge you fifty dollars. His work must not stop. Would that we could do more towards its support. Would, too, that we could have one of his earnest Christian Chinese workers in our own city." "I have just been reading the June number of the MISSIONARY, and do what I can at this time toward paying the debt. I am specially impressed by the extract from Mr. Pond's letter, and shall be pleased if you see fit to assign the enclosed to his work. However, please to use it at your discretion in any way." "I have been able to do so little for your society of late that it has been a grief to me, but as I am in receipt of a little money I send you ---- as a thank offering. May it do a little for the cause my husband and myself have had so much at heart. With best wishes and prayers for your _abundant_ success." * * * * * Rev. C.J. Ryder writes: After the work of the Association had been presented in a comparatively small church near Boston, the pastor arose, and with earnestness and deep feeling said, "What are _we_ going to do about it? Shall we let this great work be delayed because of our inaction? Let us now take a collection of one hundred dollars!" This seemed an impossible thing to do to the visiting Secretary. They brought back in the bags one hundred and ten dollars, the extra collection of this comparatively small church! It makes a heap of difference whether the pastor follows the Secretary's address with such cordial and enthusiastic endorsement or not. I am glad to testify that there is a good deal of this cordial co-operation on the part of pastors in New England. * * * * * CIVIL RIGHTS IN COURT.