TO THE FRIENDS OF THE CAUSE IN TEXAS.
By Robert M. Kilgore
DEAR BRETHREN: I wish to say a word concerning our finances. At the late camp-meeting it was decided that Texas ought to run two tents the coming season. There are two young men who are ready to man one tent, and we confidently expect Eld. J. H. Morrison to assist with the other. Our old tent is so worn that, as it now is, it is worthless for tent-meetings. It may do to use during our camp-meetings, but that is all. We have ordered two new tents from Chicago, and our tent season is just upon us. Now what can we do without means to pay for and run these cotton churches? The General Conference make us a very liberal offer, provided we will help ourselves all we can. I am sure you are more than willing to do this. To those who pledged to the tent fund at our meeting in Dallas, July 1, 1877, I would say that I should be glad to hear from you at once, whether you have paid your pledge or not. If you have paid a part or all, please state the amount, and to whom you paid, and when. If you have not paid, you would help us greatly by doing all you can at this time. Send by draft or registered letter to the treasurer, James Gage, Peoria, Hill Co., Texas, who will return a receipt for the same. Those who pledged to the tract society at the Rockwall camp-meeting, and have not yet paid, will greatly assist in the work in this our time of need by forwarding the same, or as much of it as possible, to the State T. and M. secretary, Miss Maggie J. Dickerson, Peoria, Hill Co., Texas, or handing it to your librarian if you are connected with a church. To the scattered friends of the cause who have not pledged to either of these funds I would say that you have now an opportunity to help us with your donations to these funds at a time when it will render us great relief; and we urgently request you to do all you can, and as soon as you can. Let none think that because they are isolated, and do not see us face to face, they are therefore relieved from obligations to the cause of God in rendering to the Lord their tithes and offerings. Who will want it said to them in the day of final reckoning, “Ye have robbed me”? Let all throughout the State, brethren, sisters, and children, fully adopt the Bible plan of returning to the Lord his own, and we shall have enough and some to spare for other fields. When money is sent to the Conference treasurer, James Gage, a report of the amount should in every case be sent to the Conference secretary, A. S. Chrisman, Covington, Hill Co., Texas. This is done that a correct account may be kept with the treasurer. All T. and M. money must be sent to Miss Maggie J. Dickerson, State secretary of the tract society, who will return a receipt for the amount.