METHODIST REPORTS WILLAMETTE MISSION 363
people." The ministers of religion are treated with great respect among them; and this in itself indicates their accessibleness to Christian instrumentalities, while it encourages the hope that our missionaries are yet des- tined to reap a glorious harvest in the Valley of the Columbia.
The mission has exerted a good influence on the com- munity, and to this the present importance of the terri- tory is mainly attributable. But for the large expendi- tures of the Society in that country, which were required to sustain the secular department of the mission how- ever mistaken that policy may now be deemed the civil aspects and prospects of the territory would doubtless, have been very far different from those which now ap- pear. Indeed, it is by no means improbable that what is now generally considered a mistaken policy of the Board, may be so overruled by a wise Providence as indirectly to bring a great revenue of praise and glory to his name. Much has also been done by the mission for the moral condition of the community. Many who had emigrated to that country were professors of religion and members of Christian churches before they left the States; but owing to the power of evil associations and other causes, they had backslidden from God and were unknown as Christians before the missionaries went out. Some of this class are now valuable members of the Church. Others, who went there depraved and wicked, and even profligate, have been brought to Christ and are now bright and shining lights amid the darkness which sur- rounds them.
The congregations generally are not large, but are gradually improving. There are three regular appoint- ments in the valley of the Willamette which are supplied, as may be seen at the head of the report of this mission. The numbers in Society, as reported by Brother Gary, are as follows, namely:
