THE FIGURES.
| Receipts. | Col. and Don. | Estates. | Total. |
| Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 1884 | $43,627.90 | $7,714.00 | $51,341.90 |
| " 1 " 31, 1883 | 48,299.79 | 4,536.51 | 52,836.30 |
| ————— | ————— | ————— | |
| Decrease $4,671.89 | Inc., $3,177.49 | Dec., $1,494.40 | |
The receipts published in this number bring us to the end of the first three months of our fiscal year. The summary given above shows how we stand as compared with last year. Total compared with total, we are behind. May we not, however, hope that the turning-point will soon be reached, and that all through the rest of the year it shall be our privilege to chronicle a steady increase? We are out in the current of our work. We cannot turn back. The thirteen thousand dollar deficit from the last year adds to our solicitude. We ask our friends to keep their eyes upon the figures as we publish them from month to month. They will prove to be very suggestive teachers.
The papers are having a good deal to say these days about "hard times." Capital is sensitive and seeks cover at the slightest alarm. People hesitate about investing when they feel uncertain as to security. Benevolent societies are the first to feel the depression of business reverse. This fact is a storm signal whose significance we should sacredly heed. It proclaims danger, yet a danger that, with thought and prudence, can be averted. There are many whose gifts have come to us from an overflowing abundance. Suppose, now, that they should join the grand army of self-sacrificing givers that, at such a stress as hard times produce, is in sore need of recruits; suppose, farther, that by personal effort new contributors are secured, and then suppose some of the capital that may be withdrawn from investment for fear of loss, instead of being hidden away or placed under lock and key, should be sent out into the active service of the Lord, and be converted into redeemed souls and regenerated manhood. Just let these suppositions be realized, and the danger threatened will never be encountered. If the readers of the Missionary will think, pray, talk and preach along such lines as the above suppositions mark out, we are confident that we shall be brought safely and triumphantly through. What if the record should show larger gifts in the treasury of the Lord than were ever known in times of acknowledged business prosperity! From the Christian stand-point, why not?