TEXAS by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 21, 1878

TEXAS

By R. M. Kilgore

Feb. 2 and 3 I visited and organized the company of believers at Cleburne. Although the weather was inclement, the brethren showed commendable zeal in attending the meeting, and remaining till the close. The preaching was practical and was heartily received by all, as was manifested by corresponding action. The present truth found these friends, with two exceptions, addicted to the use of tobacco by either chewing, smoking, or snuff-dipping. These habits, with others, they have mastered by divine grace; and such luxuries as tobacco, tea, and coffee are being laid aside with their jewelry and superfluous articles of dress.

Twenty persons united together, forming the church at Cleburne. Seven were buried with their Lord by baptism, in the presence of a large concourse of people. A few were baptized at the close of the tent-meeting, and others were not prepared for baptism, while a few were satisfied with their former baptism. Between fifteen and twenty more are keeping the Sabbath at this place, and are making efforts to overcome and to develop Christian character. They all rejoice in the light of the truth which they have received, and are making rapid strides toward conforming to the divine model, and reaching the elevated platform of the third angel’s message.

PEORIA, HILL CO.

The cause here is still holding its own. We have been shut out of the Baptist meeting-house, in which we held our meetings for a time after the tent was taken down. We now hold our meetings in one of our large private rooms, where between forty and fifty meet every Sabbath. The room is crowded, but we enjoy the privileges afforded us, with the prospect of soon having a meeting-house of our own. Two young men, who heard a few discourses in the tent here, have returned from Brown Co. and report that they, with three others near Brownwood, are keeping the Sabbath, and have endured much bitter opposition. They have come here to have the privilege of Sabbath meetings and have found employment with the friends of present truth.

We are of good courage in the Lord, though we are receiving threatening letters. They move us not. I am at work with my hands, preparing for the summer’s campaign. R. M. KILGORE.