Institute; but at the closing of this long letter I can only say a few words. I regard the Oregon Institute, in reference to science, as the morning star of this country. It has been struggling for an existence for the last five years; but if nothing serious befalls it, it is destined probably to be the leading institution of Oregon, at least for the present generation, if not for the present century, and perhaps to the end of time. For the promotion of the cause of God, the interests of our Church, and for the welfare of the rising country, a more judicious appropriation of the property of the Mission School could not have been made.
"The institution stands upon an elevated portion of a beautiful plain, surrounded with the most delightful scenery, and at a point which at a future day is destined to be one of considerable importance. The building is beautifully proportioned, being seventy-five feet long, three stories high, and two wings extending back from the front twenty-four feet. When finished it will not only present a fine appearance without, but be commodious and well adapted to the purposes intended within. It is already considerably advanced, so that a school is now in successful operation, under the tuition of one well qualified to sustain its interests. Already it numbers more students than either the Cazenovia or the Wilbraham institution did at its commencement. And if it is sustained by every possible means, if the prayers and money of the Church are enlisted in its behalf—who can tell but that it may equal, if not exceed, both these institutions in importance as well as usefulness? Though we cannot say that this is the only hope of Oregon—for whether it lives or dies, Oregon will yet be redeemed from the remains of Paganism and the gloom of Papal darkness with which she is enshrouded; yet we are compelled to adopt the sentiment, that the subject of the Oregon Institute is vital to the interests of our Methodist Zion in this country. If it lives, it will be a luminary
