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 sunshine there is, clear, abundant, having cheer in it for the present and promise for the future—­promise of harvests such as may make this year to be as the last and even more abundant.

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ANNIVERSARY OF CHINESE MISSIONS.

Superintendent Dr. Pond is a modest man, and we, therefore, take the liberty of quoting from the Congregationalist a little sketch by our friend Dr. Holbrook, of the recent anniversary of the Chinese Mission as presenting a broad ray of sunshine over the “Shady Side,” as given in Brother Pond’s candid article above.

The Chinese Mission of the A.M.A. on the Pacific coast, under the superintendence of Rev. W.C.  Pond, D.D., is very efficient and successful.  Its thirteenth anniversary was held on Sunday evening, December 9, in the First Congregational Church in San Francisco, Prof.  I.E.  Dwinell presiding.  The exercises by the Chinese converts indicated remarkable proficiency in the English language and in music, both in solos and choruses.  Jee Gam, the first convert, and now employed by the courts as an interpreter, read an address on “The Congregational Association of Christian