Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1872-05-11
DALLAS HER AID.
ROBERT JOSSELYN, Editor
History of Methodism in Texas,
DY REV. HOMER s. TuRALL.

E. H. Gushing, Publisher, Houston, 1872.
We have heretofore briefly alluded TO
this book on its first reception from the en-
terprising publisher in our own State, but
q perusal Of IL since has convinced us that
II is worthy Of more extended notice.
The progress of Methodism from its start
under the two wesleys, John and Charles,
has indeed been wonderful, and has at
tracted the attention of historians in both
the old and the new world. The classic pen
Of the poet Southey was not deemed un-
worthily employed in depicting the Life
of John Wesley, who, together with his
brother Charles, died in the regular COM
munion of the English Episcopal church,
though they were in fact the founders of
new sect, which has increased with unex-
ampled rapidity. We do not wish to be
considered os detracting from the merits
of this religious sect, when we say that
in our judgment this has been owing, in
great degree, to the peculiar system Of an
itinerant clergy. 1t is certain that in the
settlement of all new States and Ter.
ritories, the Methodists have been the first
to push forward and occupy the advanced
positions of civilization and Christianity.
Mr.. Thralrs narrative shows that the
Methodists were among the first to pene.
trate what was then the remote region Of
Texas, still under the rule of Mexico with
an established religion-that of the Roman
Catholic. They labored under many dis
advantages. and suffered some persecu-
tions from the existing authorities Of Tex
as, but with true Methodist fervor, they
persisted until they have become now the
most numerous and powerful sect Of the
State. We learn, from the book before us,
that the Methodists now number, or did in
1870, five Annual Conferences, 239 travel
ing and 52G local preachers, with 84,772
white and 2007 colored members. Mr..
Thralls History is not alone interesting
to Methodists-it will attract the atten-
ton of all Christians and people, not
members Of any church, from the various
perso lal sketches and anecdotes Of the
early Methodist pioneers, Denton, Fowler
and Stevenson. We might give many
pleasing extracts from the book, if our
space would permit, but at present we shall
confine ourself to one of a late date, in al
lusion 10 that terrible scourge on our
coast, the yellow fever in 1867, which il.
lusirates the devotion Of the clergy Of diff
ferent sects, and presents n noble exam
pie to be remembered and followed. We
will Cnly add, the book may be had of Z.
IL. Cushing by sending $l.5O:
civilian 7. Harris had been ten years
connected with the Texas Conference. He
was this year (1S67 stationed at Lavaca
and Victoria. When the fever appeared
he WAS appointed President of the How
ard Association at Lavacca. The fever be-
came epidemic the week appointed by our
Bishops as week of prayer. Mr.. Harris
was stricken down. Abiding to the week
of prayer, he said, during his sickness,
ami as his end approached, INSTEAD of
holding q meeting with the congregation,
he would go up to the great meeting Of the
Church of the first-born in heaven. One
of his children was buried by his side.
When Mr.. Harris died, Rev. George c.
Moore, pastor of the Presby terian church,
was at Victoria, which was under bis pas
toral charge. Mr. Moore died soon after
ward. The only ministers in Layaca, af-
ter Mr.. Harris death were Mr.. Thrall
Whose residence was Al Lavaca, though |
his pastoral charge was at lndianola,) and
Father Alexis Renox, Catholic. In the
visiJ alton of the sick and dying, Father
Renox and Mr.. Thrall frequently met, and |
formed an agreeable acquaintance. Final |
", Mr.. Thrall was taken down with the |
prevailing fever, when Father RenOx Wis.,
tied him and in many ways expressed his |
sympathy. Mr.. Thrall recovered in time |
to visit Father Renox when he was pros |
trated by the fearful scourge. When all
hope of life had been given up, Mr.. Thrall
asked the dying priest how he felt. The |
good man raised his emaciated hand and
pointed heavenward, exclaiming, 80 hap |
py, so happy and in that frame Of mind |
the spirit departed to its eternal rest. This
was on the 9Th OF Setember, and the priest
was one Of the last victims Of the epidem- |
ic in Lavaca that fatal year. o. Is. Adams
died in Victoria of the fatal malady. Jesse |
C. Perham had formerly been member oil
the Alabama Conference, living at Corpus
Christi. When the epidemic broke out, be
gave himself TO the work Of visiting the
sick and dying, and fell victim to his
self-sacrifcing devotion. A large num-
ber, including some church members, died
in Galveston. In Houston, William Recs
was the stationed preacher. His wife was
the daughter of John Rabb. In letter
to the writer, probably the last he ever
wrote, Mr.. Recs stated that he and Mrs.
Rees had talked the matter over and de-
liberately determined to remain at their
post. Mrs. Rees was one of the first vic
Tins of the fever. Mrs. Cross (then resi-
dent in Houston) describes the DEATH
scene as one Of rare Christian triumph.
With rapt VISION the dying lady seemed
to gaze into heaven, and with wonderful
eloquence and patbos exhorted all around
her to meet her in the better land. In
common conversation Mrs. Rees was not
remarkably fluent, but in times Of religious
excitement we save heard her exhort and
pray with fervor and upction that over
powered all hearts. Mr.. Rees, who had
been ten years in the Texas Conference,
followed ais companion the next week. He
possessed fine and finely cultivated mind,
and was rapidly rising into distiction in