p. 95 | TEXAS by Jos. Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 22, 1877

TEXAS

By Jos. Clarke

As many are looking to this State as a kind of earthly paradise, and as many efforts are being made by land agents, to bring in emigrants without making any provision for contingencies, we would say to all who contemplate coming here, to make a large margin in their plans for contingencies.

There is a great deal of waste land in Texas, a great deal of poor land, a great deal of worthless land; and no country in the world is so good but it has its disadvantages.

Many come here, to be most sadly disappointed and return, or to pine because they cannot return. We feel contented because we feel that we are in the way of duty. This country has a very desirable soil and climate. We are pleased with it, but have no idea, at this time of the closing up of earth’s history and, in this solemn season of the Judgment, of laying up a fortune for the future. Only a few years of probation remain; then, when probation shall close, and mercy cease to plead for the sinner, how valueless will be the treasures of earth! The smiling face of nature will seem to wear an aspect of gloom, and lands and farms will be as worthless as the dust. No money, or influence, will then be able to produce help or aid in coming to God. No one will then be found to proclaim the tidings of salvation to dying men.

It is folly to think of laying up treasures upon the earth at any time, but now we are nearing the close of all things, we should be careful of changes; yet if we feel that our motives are pure, and God is willing, we may even now be scattered about upon the earth wherever we can do most good. Jos. Clarke.