REVEREND EZRA FISHER
136
now witnessing" through our whole territory ? Is it a wonder, under such influences, that our best ministers should talk sometimes of leaving the ministry, and betake themselves are
to teaching, as a
means of procuring an honest
livelihood?
Ministers indeed seem willing to make great sacrifices for the cause of the blessed Redeemer, and will preach what they can
under the circumstances. But they must become secularized. Their minds will not be fruitful in word and doctrine, and all the blighting influences of an ignorant, undisciplined, disorganized ministry and churches driven by every wind of doctrine must be the tendency in such a state of things. Now what is to be done? Should we not have in Oregon at
two
least
who
substantial,
efficient
ministers,
fully -sustained,
approve themselves workmen not needing to be ashamed? Should not the Home Mission Society immediately give us such men, either by sending us the men, or appointing will
we have among us? Should your Board appoint Brother Chandler to the Oregon City church, that church would do what they could to help sustain him. Portland church is virtually extinct for the want of a suitable man. I would suggest that the second man be appointed to locate himself discretionarily, but at some such as
important point.
With
the interest of the churches, our school at
City has suffered.
and
set
Oregon
Br. Post has withdrawn from that school
up an independent school
less
than two miles from
the building erected by the Baptists and where he formerly His course with us has not been in harmony with taught. I think I speak the sentiment the interests of the Baptists. of the whole denomination, so far as he is known, when I
say that his whole course has seemed to be governed by his views of his own interest in dollars and cents.
At present the school is taught by a son and daughter of Br. Hezekiah Johnson, your former missionary, and the school is doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances. But we need a teacher
qualified to teach the higher branches