Texas in 1850. By Melinda Rankin. Page: 130 of 196

TEXAS 1N 1850.

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assume that appearance, which bespeaks that the " life
to come" is taken into consideration, as well as the
" life that now is." It is truly desirable that the church
edifice, with its sacred spire pointing the weary pilgrim
to the heaven of eternal rest, should have a place in all
the rising towns, and that the sweet toned music of the
"church going bell," should constitute a portion of the
sound which shall greet the ears upon each returning
Sabbath.
Perhaps in no other way can the interests of true religion
be promoted more effectually, than by making liberal
appropriations for the erection of neat and attractive
places of worship, which might not only bless the present
generation, but continue to bless thousands with the
influence of truth for years to come.
Much depends, upon taking this subject into consideration
at as early a period of a country's settlement
as circumstances will allow.
The ordinances of God's house must be sustained as
the only means of saving the Sabbath from being desecrated.
This is a subject of vital importance to the
religious interests of this, as well as other portions
of Texas, as there are strong tendencies manifested
to set aside the claims of this holy day. It is deeply
to be deplored that those tendencies are encouraged
to a very great extent by the example of professed
christians, whose feelings and habits are in favor (if
their actions are a criterion by which they may be
judged) of making this holy rest a day of recreation
and amusement. If Texas is to be saved from the
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