The Congregational Quarterly

siderable number have been compelled to ask an extension, which of course carries them forward to be paid in the year to come. Το meet the requirements of the treasury as now anticipated, therefore, a decided increase of the amount of contributions for the next year is nearly certain to be necessary. As our manual will be sent to every minister in charge of a church, it is earnestly asked by the Board -asked in Christ's name, and on behalf of our brethren and sisters who are laboring and suffering on the frontier, in the attempt to plant Christian institutions on a fixed foundation that each minister receiving it will bring the church-building work to the attention of his congregation, and take a collection for its promotion. We trust, also, that individuals will be found who will send to the treasury their generous personal donations; or who will so covet the honor and the happiness of leaving behind them an influence that shall continue to operate when they are dead, that they will place in the hands of the Board of the Congregational Union sums sufficient to secure the building of one or more houses of Christian worship. To have done this will afford a pleasant memory in heaven.

CONCLUDING REMARKS.

With these statements and suggestions the Trustees of the Congregational Union commit the work intrusted to their management to the pastors and churches and to Christ. They have been not a little encouraged by the many expressions of confidence in the Union, and interest in its work, that have come to them from all parts of the country in the course of the past year. The Western churches, with all the drawbacks on their prosperity, have forwarded their contributions with more promptness and alacrity than usual; and it is hoped that, through the care and efforts of the state secretaries appointed by the General Associations, there will be a steady advance from year to year. It will be a great advantage to the cause if pastors and churches, both East and West, will insist on discountenancing private appeals, and will give unity to our efforts as a denomination, by sending through the Union what they are able to contribute for church erection. Let $100,000 each year be placed in the treasury of the Union, and the Board will be able to take care of the exceptional as well as the ordinary cases; and the whole business will proceed in a way that will be just and gratifying to all.

By order of the Board of Trustees,

RAY PALMER,
CHRISTOPHER CUSHING,
Secretaries.

SUMMARY OF TREASURER'S REPORT.

The American Congregational Union in account with N. A. CALKINS,

Treasurer.