Washington Territory and Oregon.
By Charles L. Boyd
THE following is from a private letter to the editor of the SIGNS:— I am here in the northwest corner of the United States, where the foot of an Adventist minister never before trod. I came in response to a call from Bro. Jas. O'Neil. When I came to this coast, I was told by those who should know that there was but little chance to labor in this Conference during the winter months, on account of mud and rain. I felt much discouraged at such a prospect; but on approaching, I found "the lion chained." It requires more of an effort, though, on the part of both the congregation and the minister. I make the fires, and have the room all warm and lighted up, and am ready to greet the new-comers. There are many more openings than I can meet, notwithstanding the mud and rain. I am sorry that our new ministers do not take more to new fields. Considering the sparsity of inhabitants, the attendance here is good, and I trust a church may yet be organized. I look with much hope for new organizations, whose standard may be at a Spiritual height. I am thankful that the Lord enabled you to so successfully defend his truth during the California struggle. We have since received the following report:— Our meetings at this place closed on Sunday evening, Dec. 17. A leader was chosen to take charge of their Sabbath meetings. A Sabbath-school and a T. and M. society were organized. Upwards of twelve dollars' worth of books were purchased, beside those taken by the T. and M. society. Sabbath afternoon three souls were baptized in the Nooksachk River. Two of these had never before found hope in Christ, one being the husband of a Sabbath-keeping lady, and the other a son of believing parents. Happy families. "This is the happiest day of my life," said the devoted mother, as we walked from the banks of the river. I hope a church may be organized at this place before our next Conference. Portland.—A number of our people are temporarily located here, among whom a Sabbath-school was organized by Bro. R. D. Benham, a few months since. Last Sabbath and Sunday labors resulted in arrangements for Sabbath-meetings, the election of a leader, the organization of a branch missionary society, and social evening readings of the "Spirit of Prophecy." May the Lord help these friends to realize the importance of keeping their lamps trimmed and their lights constantly—I do not mean occasionally,—burning lest some poor soul, while watching in vain for some beacon light, be wrecked in this dangerous harbor. Then, to whom would the blood of their souls be charged? I held ten meetings with the church at East Portland. They are actively engaged in their missionary work, and their labors are being blessed of the Lord.