The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-09-07
TEXAS LETTER.

August End The Universalist Conven-
ton of the State of Texas convened. We
did not have as large and imposing con.
gregations as our friends enjoy in the
older States. Yet we had good meet
ing. We had only four advocates of our
faith in attendance. 1t takes a long
time to wake up some from this slumber
of indifference; and it requires consider
able patience in trying to arouse some
to duty.
The good effects of these meeting are
but little appreciated by many. II it is
somewhat inconvenient they pass them
by. Were it not for the few active ones,
we fear that all would be lost. At the
same time we rejoice to know that we
are on the upgrade in Texas. The four
ministers present with the help of some
live active lay brethren enabled us to
have profitable time. The members of
the Y. P. G. U. resolved to organize
State Union. Elected officers, and are
in condition to be strong arm to the
church in extending the interests of our
cause in this important mission field.
After the close of our meeting Sunday
night about 11o'clock, Bro. j. M. Wright
took the two missionaries, with his own
team, eight in all. to his place, fifteen
miles by pleasant moonlight, such as
have in the Lone Star. and arrived at his
home at three in the morning.
The next night we commenced our
campaign in Newport. Mrs. Billings
preached. Bros. Billings and Wright
supplemented with some inspiring re-
marks. A good sized audience gave ex-
cellent attention. In this way the meet
ings we're continued until Friday night,
when Bro. F. Strain came as recruit.
At the close, the door of the church was
opened, and to the Joy of our hearts two
came forward
One was young man whose parents
were of our church, but two years ago
while attending school away from home,
no was captured in one of the distracted
revival meetings, and joined the Mis-.
sionary Baptist communion, For some
two weeks previous to our meeting the
Evangelicals ~ had been holding one of
their sensational meetings. This young
man was in constant attendance. He
gave strict attention to all of their man.
coverings and the preaching. The scales
of deception began to fall from his eyes.
He became Disguised with all Of their
movements. He was in good condition
of mind to listen to what we had to say
Had we not been on the ground as we
were with the truth, without doubt he
would swing clear over into scepticism
as thousands do. We all rejoice to see
this young man come out so bright in
the sunlight of Gods truth, from the
darkness of creeds.
We are we'll paid for our work in New
port. Six OF the very best of our young
people joined our church. We kept up
our meeting until Sunday night.
On Sunday we had one of the largest
congregations ever seen in the place.
Bro. Billings delivered discourse ap-
propriate upon the passing over of one
of Bro. Wright's sons last March. A
young man in the prime of life. who
passed on rejoicing in the faith of Uni
versalism.
Notwithstanding this evidence, the
enemies of our faith. reported that he
told his friends that "Universalism
might do to live by, but he warned them
not to die by it," We pity all such per-
sons who will resort to such measures to
keep people from the truth. We or.
ganized Y. P. 9. U. in Newport of
twenty four members Sunday evening,
and closed our meeting at night. AS the
moon was rising about eleven. three
teams started for Bowie, fifteen miles,
arriving safe and eound in the faith
ready for good morning nap. The two
missionaries are thankful for the health
and strength with which they have been
blessed to go through with two weeks
of work for the good cause.
JAMES BILLINGS.