TEXAS SABBATH-SCHOOLS by A. H. King

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 28, 1879

TEXAS SABBATH-SCHOOLS.

By A. H. King

Grand Prairie.—Sabbath, June 14, I spent with the friends at Grand Prairie. I found them very much discouraged, having given up their Sabbath-school and social meetings. They all felt the need of them and all seemed determined to commence anew and make a success of their Sabbath-school. This being a dull season of the year, but little could be raised to buy books, Instructors, maps, etc., which are needed in every Sabbath-school. But enough was raised to make a start in this direction. A club of five Instructors was subscribed for. The S. S. Record and class books, and question books for Bible class and infant class, were adopted. Several French brethren who are just learning to speak English, and who have not before taken part, have taken hold with them. All promised to attend regularly. I left them feeling much encouraged. Twenty-one joined the Sabbath-school with promise of more joining soon. A superintendent and secretary were chosen.

Terrell.—Here I found the brethren and sisters very much scattered, and several about giving up their faith. Through the aid of Mr. Bivins, who is a kind friend to the cause, we secured the Terrell Institute building, free of rent. It is large and roomy, and is centrally situated. Here about twenty met on the 3d Sabbath of June and organized a Sabbath-school, with a superintendent, assistant superintendent and secretary. Here, as at Grand Prairie, the brethren were short of means; but they started with S. S. records, class books, question books, and five copies of the Instructor, intending to invest more as they get more means. The penny contribution will be a means of help to these Sabbath-schools. There is much opposition here against the truth, and the few faithful ones have to meet persecution; but if they hold out faithful, what a crown of rejoicing will soon be theirs. There is a good prospect of a strong Sabbath-school being established at Terrell. Several will attend who were not present at the organization.

Rockwall.—From Terrell, went to Rockwall, having an appointment to organize a Sabbath-school at this place in company with Bro. James, of Terrell. While we were stopping over night at Bro. Carter's, who is living on a stock ranch belonging to another man, the enemy stirred up several wicked men, who loudly cursed Adventists, pounded against the house, and threatened to break in upon us during the night, and at family prayers. How precious the blessing of the Lord seemed at this time, as we remembered his promises.

At Rockwall some were hindered from attending the meetings by sickness in their families. We met several here at their homes, and talked and prayed with them. When we saw the interest manifested by these lonely ones as we spoke of the blessed hope, and how glad they seemed to be to see any one of the same faith, our hearts warmed within us with love and sympathy toward these scattered brethren and sisters. May we as brethren here in Texas, gird on the armor and fight manfully in the cause of truth, and not sit down in discouragement while these poor lambs of the flock are dying for want of our help and encouragement. Have we not as older brethren and sisters in the truth a great responsibility resting upon us in this respect; and shall we not arise and go to work while the day lasts, and thereby gain strength for ourselves? Our dear brethren in the field have their hands full in preaching the message; and as our Conference is weak, and lacks means for more laborers, shall we not all help by doing what we can in the vineyard? The Lord will bless us and make us strong in him. I believe a strong Sabbath-school can be raised up in Rockwall.

A. H. KING.