CHANGED PLANS 193 



But whatever causes of rejoicing there were, 

 faith does not go untried. Sunshine and rain are 

 for ever alternating in this life. And so we read : 

 " One of our students, who, I hoped, would in time 

 be useful in God's work, died at Moose last year. 

 I sent him to this post for medical advice and 

 treatment, but, sad to say, the disease from which 

 he was suffering developed into consumption, from 

 the effects of which he soon passed away. Al- 

 though this member of our small community had 

 given me much sorrow by having fallen into sin, 

 yet I am thankful to say he showed signs of real 

 repentance, and it gave me comfort to know that 

 he passed away with a simple trust in the merits 

 of Jesus. In connection with this sad event I may 

 say that the fearful mortality amongst our poor 

 people retards our efforts to raise up suitable teach- 

 ers from among them. No less than three of our 

 helpers have died during the last ten years, and 

 their places can scarcely be filled before others 

 are cut down. We can only look up to Him who 

 holds the keys of death in His hands. He can 

 help us in our seasons of difficulty.'* 



About this time the shadow of a great trial 

 was beginning to move over the waste towards the 

 mission. It was, however, altogether unseen as yet 

 by Mr. and Mrs. Peck, as will be understood by 

 his words in which he is contemplating fresh efforts 

 in the service of God and his adopted people. " I 



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