On another page will be found a review of two books by the well-known
author, Edmund Kirke (J.R. Gilmore), who has made a special study of
the white people of the Mountain regions of the South. Mr. Kirke has
at our invitation prepared a paper to be read at our Annual
Meeting, in connection with the Report on our Mountain Work. We have
been permitted to read it. It is replete with racy incidents and
delineations of quaint yet noble characters. If the tears and smiles
which the reading of the paper drew from us are any test, then we can
promise a treat to those who may hear it at the meeting in Providence.

* * * * *

QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR MISSION WORK.

Many of our missionaries who are engaged in their devoted and
self-denying labors in the South, have been compelled by the nature of
our work to take their summer vacations. The educational work of the
American Missionary Association is through and through a missionary
work. It is begun with a missionary purpose and is carried on in the
name of Christ to disciple the people, that they may know Him who is
the Way, the Truth and the Life. All of our teachers are sent to be
missionaries. Many are returning now to their fields of service with
which they are well acquainted, and some are going for the first time.
Among these, questions are raised as to the requirements needed in
those who are to go. We have thought that a few suggestions given to
the candidates for the China Inland Mission by Hudson Taylor, might be
properly repeated here for those who are to take upon themselves these
responsible Christian duties. He says: