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OUR LIST OF MISSION FIELD WORKERS.
We commend to our readers the catalogue of our missionary workers and their stations, in our magazine of this month. Mere names and places have very little interest to the general reader, but a study of this list to one who is interested in mission work, and who has the welfare of his country at heart, will prove to be very suggestive. Some of the larger institutions, schools and churches, are familiar to many, but the greater number probably have never been located by our readers upon the map. There are 243 stations with 617 workers.
Each station represents a great deal of missionary consecration and devoted service for the Master. Could our readers look in upon these workers it would quicken the spirit of their own consecration and benevolence. If they could hear the bell which early calls the students to prayers, and to their studies; if they could unite with those engaged in their morning devotions; if they could listen to the faithful and able instruction of line upon line, and precept upon precept, this list would cease to be a mere catalogue of names and places, and would become alive with history.
Nobly are these missionaries doing their work. Let them have the prayerful sympathy of those whom they represent. Let them feel that their burdens are lightened and their days are brightened because they are remembered by their home churches. Do not forget them when you utter the prayer of our Master, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
These missionaries, teachers, and ministers, do not ask the compassion of those who remain at home. They are happy in their chosen work. They see the need as it cannot be told. They have a rich reward in the assurance that their lives, which they have invested in this way, are bringing abundant returns.
We call attention also to the supplemental list, which shows the names and residences grouped together side by side. This grouping itself is interesting as showing the nationality of our work. May we not hope that these who have gone out from us shall be spared the anxiety and sorrow which must come by a contraction of their work unless those from whom they have gone shall be able to meet its pecuniary necessities? Will not those to whom these words shall come unite their prayers and contributions with those of the faithful workers at the front, that they may be saved from the disaster of retreat from the work to which they have given their hearts and hands?
Memorandum.—It would be well for those who are interested in the American Missionary Association work to preserve this February magazine, because it contains the catalogue of our workers for the year.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY, THEOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT.
The Junior class is the best qualified that has entered within the knowledge of the present teachers. The general standard of scholarship steadily advances. The students are very useful in all kinds of church and mission work in the city. Rev. C. H. Butler is doing excellent work in place of his honored father, who was so long connected with us....