hout
the entire South are willing to extend a helping hand to the race, and
thus help us rise to a higher plain of Christian manhood, if we will
but help ourselves. Self-help is one of the most essential qualities
in racial development. Without it no race can ever hope to achieve any
great victories or become strong or powerful. Let us then help
ourselves first, and before we seek outside help from our white
friends."

* * * * *

From a former Principal of Ballard Normal School, Macon, Ga.:

"DEIR EL KOME, LEBANON, SYRIA.

"For a long time I have been wishing to hear from the American
Missionary Association both as to its work and its prosperity. For
that reason please find herewith an order for $40. I would like to
have the magazine sent to me here....

"The work here in Asia among the poor and ignorant is much the same
that it is elsewhere, except that the habits and superstitions of
centuries seem more unyielding than I ever saw them before. The
opportunities for Christian work yielding immediate results seem to be
tenfold greater at home than here. The need both here and there is
unlimited. Our hearts have anxiously turned towards our country in
this time of war."

* * * * *

SAMUEL S. MARPLES.

Once more the American Missionary Association is called to mourn the
loss of one of its most useful and highly esteemed officers. Mr. S. S.
Marples, who died at his home in Brooklyn, June 23, 1898, in the
sixty-fourth year of his age, was a most judicious business man, a
devoted Christian, and useful in many walks in life. He was one of the
most prominent members of the Produce Exchange, New York City; at
various times a member of the Board of Managers, and holding important
positions on its Committees.

Mr. Marples' sympathies and interests were wide and useful in
benevolent and church work. For many years he was a member of the
South Congregational Church, Brooklyn, and was Superintendent of the
Sunday-school for several terms. He was closely identified with the
Manhattan Brooklyn conference of churches. He was prominently
connected with the New York Congregational Club and was its President
for several successive years.

Mr. Marples became identified with the American Missionary Association
by his election, in 1880, as a member of the Executive Committee. For
sixteen years he has served on its Finance Committee; for many years
as its Secretary