Texas in 1850. By Melinda Rankin. Page: 47 of 196

50

TEXAS IN 1850.

work of consummating the institutions of Texas, essential
to the perpetuity of her greatness and glory, are
neither few, feeble or obscure.
In rearing the first generation of her institutions, it
becomes necessary that the proper foundation be
secured, and it may not be an extravagant calculation
to suppose that the proceedings of the next five years
will more effectually decide the character which Texas
is to sustain before the world, than in any other period
of the past or future.
When the extent and fertility of the country is taken
into consideration, it is natural to conclude that its
prosperity must advance with majestic power, and if
those institutions, which are necessary to form the
mind, conscience, and heart of the country, be permitted
to linger, dreadful will be the consequences. What
is done, must be done quickly, and we are driven to
intelligence and religion as our own sure guaranty.
The people must not only be enlightened, but religious.
Let no person who loves his country hesitate to look
this subject full in the face, and adopt a course of conduct
which indicates earnest effort to educate the mass
of the people, and bring them under the power of true
religion. It is an evident fact,. proven in every age
of the world, that efforts in establishing the institutions
of a pure and spiritual Christianity, are heaven's appointed
means, not only in saving men's souls, considered
as individuals, but also of national and social salvation.
Upon the religion of the Bible rests, as upon a
corner stone, the hopes of the country. The infidel