Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 24.djvu/293

 Diary of Rev. George Gary — III 271 Wednesday, 29. This is the coldest morning we have seen, since we left New York. The surface of the ground is stiffened a little by frost. Ice in little parcels of still water as thick as thin glass. Evening, The clouds and rain of an Oregon winter are again upon us. Thursday, 30. Our brethren from up the river leave today. The weather is so rainy, Sister Campbell stays behind. I frequently find a disposition to dictate among the most of our lay brethren, especially in matters relat- ing to their former departments ; and more especially in reference to settling with them. They are occasionally very short in giving their opinion and directions. I am satisfied Bro. Lee has had a difficult set to deal with. I do not think one among all that I have dismissed feel right about it, unless it was Doct. Babcock; and I some suspect his apparent reconcilliation was as much from policy and the courtesies of a gentleman as from anything else. These brethren I fear will not make the best sup- porters of society. For example, Bro. Abernethy is the leading man in church here and is too good or too high to open the door of the meeting house or make a fire for Divine worship; the other male members here think, I suppose, they are about as good as he ; consequently Bro. Hmes or myself open the door and make the fire, and I generally ring the hand bell for the meeting ; and it goes tolerably well ; for he that will be the greatest should be the servant of all. Saturday, February 1, 1845. Dark rainy weather. I find my feelings and thoughts flying among the fields and scenes of my former labors; look forward with hope to the time when I may be associated in those delightful fields of ministerial labor again. But all is submitted to an unerring Providence. "Thy will be done." Sabbath, 2. Congregation of perhaps thirty five ; by some means, the hearts of the irreligious seem as imperv- ious to divine truth.