not paid for, yet we
greatly prefer to have it both read and paid for. We believe that those
who pay for it are most likely to read it, and for this reason we fear
that this item will be seen only by those who do not need this reminder,
but we draw the bow at a venture and tell our readers that the price of
the magazine is 50 cents a year.

* * * * *

We wish to inform the pastors and churches that we have just issued a
new _Annual Leaflet_, brief and packed with facts, and suitable for
distribution in the pews before collections are taken for the
Association. We shall be glad to furnish a supply gratuitously whenever
called for.

Our Annual Report, also, is ready for distribution. Those who wish it
will please send us a postal card requesting it.

* * * * *

THE ROMAN CATHOLICS AND THE FREEDMEN.

Soon after the war the Roman Catholics seemed to have made a strong
effort to win the Freedmen to their faith, and many Protestants felt a
good degree of apprehension that the splendors of the ceremonial and the
absence of race distinction might captivate the Negro. But the effort
was unsuccessful and appeared for a time to have been abandoned. It has
often been said, however, that the Church of Rome never surrenders an
undertaking; it may delay and wait for more auspicious times, but in the
end it perseveres. There are some indications of the renewal of the zeal
of the Papacy for the Negro. The article in another part of the
magazine, entitled "The Colored Catholic Congress," is an evidence.

One thing is certain. The Roman Catholic Church deserves praise for its
disregard of the color-line. The rich and the poor, the white and the
black, bow at the same altar, and one of the highest dignitaries of the
church is not ashamed to stand side by side with the black man on a
great public occasion. Protestants at the North and the South must not
allow the Romanists to surpass them in this Christ-like position.

* * * * *

We ask our friends to read Mr. Dodge's article about the school at
Pleasant Hill, Tenn. One thousand dollars has already been pledged for
this building, on condition that the remainder of the $5,000 be secured.
We ask that this remainder be given by _individuals_, and not taken from
Church or Sunday-school contributions--all of which are needed for
current work.

* * * * *

N