270 REVEREND EZRA FISHER
and preach twelve months in the Willamette Valley, and nearly $100 was subscribed on the spot for that object. This is our commencement of the book of acts. May its records be greatly enlarged each coming year.
25th. Sabbath. Preached to an unusually large concourse for Oregon from Heb. 12:28, "Wherefore we, receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved," etc. Theme, Peculiarity and Immutability of Christ's Kingdom. Br. Johnson fol- lowed and continued the subject. The fixed attention of the congregation indicated that they were instructed on sub- jects of infinite moment. May God apply the word with saving effect to some souls!
26th. and 27th. Prepared the minutes for the press and preached to a small collection in Tualatin Plains.
28th. Rode ten miles to Mr. Clark's camp ground, 163 where a camp meeting was commencing, and at two P. M. preached on the importance of relying entirely upon the means of divine appointment in laboring for Zion's enlarge- ments; Zion's strength rests alone in Zion's King. Some seri- ous impressions had been made during the meeting of our Association, and it was evident that some few souls were con- cerned for their future state.
29th. Rode ten miles and visited Elder Porter's 163 family and affectionately recommended to the young members the Pearl of Great Price.
30th. Rode 28 miles from Tualatin Plains to Oregon City Country interspersed with prairie oak and fir openings and occasionally a belt of half a mile of heavy timber; under- growth, hazel bush, some of which grows 15 feet high and large enough to be used for making brooms 16 ^; hills high on approaching the river.
162 The site of the present Forest Grove.
163 Rev. William Porter (1803-1872) came to Oregon from Ohio in 1847 and settled in Washington County on a farm. He preached mostly for the West Union and Forest Grove churches. Mattoon, Bap. An. of Ore. 1:58.
164 The author frequently used the hazel to make brooms and coarse brushes for the use of his own family.
