We call the attention of our readers once more to the observance of Lincoln Memorial Day, February 10th being the Sunday nearest the birthday of the Great Emancipator. Last year, in accordance with the recommendation of our annual meeting, the churches interested in our great work were invited to observe the day in commemoration of the emancipation of the slaves in its bearings on the great work which emancipation involved--the preparation of these people for their new life. We regard the renewal of this observance as specially fitting now, because the colored people of the South are passing through a terrible ordeal, and need all the encouragement and help that is possible, to save them from utter discouragement. It is said that the work of this Association is among the agencies most helpful in their elevation. Last year a Concert Exercise was prepared in this office for the use of Sunday-schools, giving a sketch of the life of the Great Emancipator. We have copies remaining, which we will gladly forward when requested to do so. Pastors and school superintendents may vary this exercise by introducing other patriotic addresses or hymns in place of those given. * * * * * LEWIS TAPPAN, ESQ. Probably the two most unpopular men in New York fifty years ago were Arthur and Lewis Tappan. They were ostracized, ridiculed, slandered, mobbed, and their lives threatened. It is said that the best apples in the orchard are on the tree that has the most clubs under it. If this rule applies to people as well, then the Tappans were very good men. They were honest and prosperous in business; they were sincere and active Christians, giving liberally to all forms of benevolent effort, foreign and home missions, the Bible and Tract Societies, theological and college education, but their one great fault was _they were abolitionists_--a fault that covered a multitude of their virtues. They were both deeply interested in the American Missionary Association, but Mr. Lewis Tappan was most active in its behalf, and it is of him that we wish to speak. [Illustration: (Portrait of Lewis Tappan.)] Lewis Tappan took a prominent part in the organization of some of the missionary societies that preceded the American Missionary Association, and that were finally merged into it. He was very efficient in his activities in securing the organization of the Association, was present at the meeting in Albany, was elected one of its executive board, and its first treasurer. This last office he held for many years, entirely without compensation. He interested himself in every form of its activities, and was a frequent contributor to THE AMERICAN MISSIONARY. A * affixed to many articles shows a portion of his contributions to the early issues of this periodical.