Texas in 1850. By Melinda Rankin. Page: 101 of 196

104

TEXAS IN 1850.

is not a principle which secures the prosperity of the
moral and educational interests of any community. A
unanimous feeling is manifesting itself by efforts on the
part of the citizens to have those institutions revived.
Only occasional schools have been had for three years
past; but the Trustees are exceedingly desirous of
obtaining a regular board of teachers for both institutions.
Perhaps no situation in the State offers better
inducements for well qualified teachers, than San Augustine.
The country is thickly settled by a wealthy class of
citizens; a satisfactory amount of patronage could be
obtained, and a very reasonable compensation would
be realized. It is to be hoped that this place may
come under the consideration of those persons who
are desirous of promoting the educational interests of
Texas.
Religion, in San Augustine, has shared, somewhat,
the same fate as education. These two objects are so
closely allied that it is impossible for one to suffer without
affecting the other. Party spirit presumed to show
its craven head in the sanctuary, but then, again, Divine
justice stood prepared to vindicate its own cause, by
displaying that the cause of Christ can only be promoted
by the spirit of Christ, and that whoever attempts
upon any other principle, is destined to " fall into the
pit which he has made."
The Methodist was formerly the most numerous and
popular denomination in the place, but has been, lately,