TEXAS by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · June 3, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 23

TEXAS

By R. M. Kilgore

Turner's Point, April 24, 25.—From Rockwall I went to Turner's Point, where I remained two days, preaching six times. Five were added to the church, three were baptized, and one was disfellowshipped. Steps were taken to bring about more perfect discipline and order in the church. Members who have so far lost sight of that mutual obligation which should exist between them and the body, that no reports can be obtained from them, are in danger of being cut off. Those who have not life enough to report their standing at least once a quarter, either in person or by letter, give us grounds to believe that they are not bearing good fruit where they are, but are dead branches. We have hope that the Terrell church will yet rise above its enfeebled condition, caused by the removal of the large majority of its membership. The brethren here are working well in the Sabbath-school and meetings, and now their T. and M. society stands free from debt.

SAVOY, FANNIN CO.—Here I spent the following Sabbath and Sunday. We had hoped that an organization could be brought about during this visit. But while the brethren and sisters here have maintained the Sabbath-school, working well in it, other means of grace have not received that attention that their importance demands. When prayer and social meetings are neglected, and true devotion and piety at home are not carefully nourished and cherished, religion is powerless. Where all are active and faithful, prompt to do duty, and will rise above their natural timidity and pride of heart, a rapid growth in grace and a healthy spiritual development is a certain result. I believe the Savoy company will arise and shine. May God help them. I enjoyed this visit much. Preached six times, and left them strengthened and encouraged to go forward.

SHERMAN.—Here I found the friends all holding on, and three others added to their number. On the Sabbath we had the pleasure of meeting good delegations from Denison and Fairview, the friends remaining with us till Sunday. A large hall was secured for this meeting, and this called for labor to some extent for those without the church. The social meetings were encouraging. The list of S. B. pledges was increased, also the membership of the T. and M. society. Organization and baptism were deferred till a future time, there being no suitable water in the vicinity.

DENISON.—Began meetings here Wednesday night, and continued them till Sunday night. The friends show a commendable zeal in their worship, and a growth in grace and in the knowledge of the truth is visible. One was added to the church, and three were baptized. A vigilant missionary society was organized; and steps were taken toward erecting a meeting-house. Pledges were made to the amount of $270. The ordinances were celebrated.

A majority of the brethren and sisters were present from Sherman, and some from Fairview; and to afford opportunity for baptism, the Sherman church was organized with nine members, six of whom were baptized. We were glad to welcome among us a wagon-load from Savoy, among whom were two young ladies just commencing to keep God's holy day.

This was the largest gathering of Sabbath-keepers ever held in this part of the State. All were strengthened and encouraged. It was a profitable meeting.

FAIRVIEW.—I came here on Monday, May 24. Have preached nine times. A Sabbath-school of thirteen members has been organized. Regular prayer and social meetings have been established, and a leader elected. Since the tent was here, some have given up the Sabbath, but others have taken hold. Much prejudice exists, and the outside attendance was very limited. May the Lord help our brethren to seek the true spirit of humility, and walk carefully before the Lord.

R. M. KILGORE.

Sherman, May 25.