adds soreness to the heartache of our disappointed hope.

These are not solitary cases. Yet we may thank God that they represent
not the general rule, but the exceptions. The general rule is that of
constancy and faithfulness, and these exceptions are such as occurred
even in the Apostolic ministries: how much more to be expected in ours!
Yet the pain they bring and the shadow they cast are none the less real
and deep.

Another element in shady side arises in a quite different quarter.
"Coming events cast their shadows before," and these shadows just now
obscure our sunny side. We resolve not to be worried about to-morrow,
and yet we must not enter doors that open except we first count the
cost. That coming event is a deficit that seems inevitable, unless we
shut our ears to what sound like the calls of God. Our plan heretofore
has been to listen to these calls and answer them if possible, believing
that he who gives the commission will not fail to supply the means. Nor
has this faith been put to shame. Yet, when the rules of arithmetic
confront one at every summing of his probable resources and subtracting
of his fixed expenditures, and the figures, like fleshless, bony
fingers, point him to deficits and unpaid bills impending, then, even
while faith maintains her hold, it cannot be denied that shadows cross
our path. Our friends who have helped us hitherto must expect some
urgent appeals before this fiscal year is ended. The utmost economy
shall be practised. Each dollar shall be made to do full service, if
care and watchfulness on our part can assure this, but the work must not
be hindered. Souls are at stake, priceless and immortal.

I have not yet reached the end of my catalogue of shadows, but I soon
tire of looking at the shady side. Shadow pre-supposes sunshine, and