Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 17.djvu/273



DIARY 265

Thursday, September 25. Started 8 hours and come over bad roads very slow to the fall of the Willamette, and thence to the Clackamas river, forded it and crossed the prairie which we wished to see, but think it will not answer our purpose. Left the prairie and found our way a mile to the Willamette through a swamp thickly timbered and covered with under- brush. Saw some Indians a little above us; came up and camped on the sand near them. My mind is yet much exercised in respect to our location. I know not what to do.

Friday, September 26. Sent the horses to Mr. McKay's place and hired two Indians to take us to Vancouver in a canoe. Expected to reach there to-night, but the wind and the tide being against us, we were forced to camp.

Saturday, September 27. Arrived at the fort 9 hours. Found our brethren well. After mature deliberation on the subject of our location and earnest prayer for divine direction, I have nearly concluded to go to the Willamette.

Sunday, September 28. A. M. Assayed to preach to a mixed congregation English, French, Scotch, Irish, Indians, Amer- icans, half breeds, Japanese, etc., some of whom did not un- derstand five words of English. Found it extremely difficult to collect my thoughts or find words to express them, but am thankful that I have been permitted to plead the cause of God on this side of the Rocky Mountains where the banners of Christ were never before unfurled. Great God! Grant that it may not be in vain, but may some fruit appear even from- this feeble attempt to labour for thee. Evening. Preached again, but with as little liberty as in the morning; but still I find it is good to worship God in the public con- gregation. My Father in heaven, I give myself to thee. May I ever be thine and wholly thine always directed by thine unerring counsel, and ever so directed as to be most beneficial in the world and bring most of glory to the Most High ; that I may at last be presented without spot and blameless before the throne.