With  prayer  and  care,  a  missionary  may  retain,  as  long  as
is  wise,  a  controlling  influence,  without  hindering  the  deve-
lopment of  independent  powers.  But  if  one  is  truly  success-
ful in  his  training,  he  must  see  his  own  authority  eclipsed
by  powers  thus  developed.  Do  not  be  chagrined  because
a  stronger  has  arisen.  A  father  is  not  dishonored  because  his
son  is  stronger  and  wiser  than  he.
I  close  by  calling  attention  to  the  fact  that  too  much
method,  too  much  planning,  too  much  discussing  of  means,
will  take  the  life  out  of  our  work.  Christianity  is  a  life,  not
a  machine ;  God  is  the  life-giver;  we  are  but  fruit-bearing
branches.  And  the  branch  which  draws  most  from  the  vine,
will  bear  most  fruit.  The  humble,  contrite  soul  only  will
have  guidance  through  these  difficulties.  And  God  will
honor  him  that  walketh  in  his  presence,  more  than  a  multi-
tude of  plans  and  counsels.  May  God  grant  to  us  all  this
vital  union  and  sympathy  with  himself,  which  will  enable
us  to  follow  closely  his  lead,  and  to  execute  his  wishes.
Discussion,

Mr.  Rivenburg  said  he  thought  that,  when  possible,  the  converts
should  be  taught  to  depend  upon  themselves  for  medical  treat-
ment, not  on  the  missionary.
Mr.  Gurney  concurred  with  Mr.  Rivenburg  on  this  point.
Mr.  Mason  explained  that,  in  the  Garo  Mission,  no  medicines
are  o-iven  free  of  charge,  except  in  cases  where  the  sick  person  comes
to  the  door.  In  other  cases  all  medicines  are  sold.  We  should  not
let  the  converts  lean  upon  the  missionary.
