GOD & TEXAS: Legal Immigration

In the early 19th Century, there were legal and illegal immigrants who came to Mexican Texas. Both choices were risky, but many settlers were willing to hazard their future to obtain expansive farmland and pasturage in a warm climate at a token cost.

In 1820, Moses Austin initiated negotiations with Spain and Mexico to bring settlers to Texas. While in the discussions, Moses died and left the actual recruiting and organizing to his son Stephen F. Austin. In 1821, Stephen scouted the land and determined where he wanted to settle his colonists. Known as a “Citizen Empresario” or just “Empresario,” he received final approval in 1823 and began bringing in what is now known as the Old 300. 

In 1824, the first town in Austin’s colony was founded. San Felipe de Austin was located on the southwestern side of the Brazos River near present day Sealy. By the Fall of 1825, the population was about 2,200. Six years later, the town had grown to about 5,700 residents.

But coming to Texas legally involved detailed paperwork. Permission to settle was only granted to those who completed a contract application that was designed to satisfy the requirements of the Mexican government and to ensure stability of the colony. 

When prospective settlers arrived in town, they met with Austin personally. At this meeting, they were to provide personal facts including their legal names, size of family, ages and gender of family members, and marital status. Further, they gave their place of birth, occupation, and an explanation of what benefits they would add to the colony. 

Before the applicant took the verbal oath to support the colony and the Mexican government, they were required to provide a letter of recommendation from a recognized leader within their previous place of residence. This recommendation verified their Christian witness and moral character. Additionally, applicants had to declare that they were Roman Catholic or were willing to convert.

While most were Protestant, many agreed to convert but never did. Worsening the situation, Mexico did not provide enough priests for church services, marriages, baptisms, funerals, etc. Over time, settlers became frustrated that their religious needs were being ignored. The spiritual hunger of the settlers led them to revert to their Protestant faith, and they began to conduct outlawed worship services. 

Austin reminded the colonists that they were supposed to be Catholics. But some missionaries infiltrated the colonies and stirred up noisy revivals. Austin was once quoted as saying that one Methodist preacher would cause more harm for his colony "than a dozen horse thieves.” This religious conflict was a major cause of the revolution that began in 1835. 

Spiritual hunger is a powerful force. When people get hungry for God, nothing can stop their passion for a deeper relationship with our Lord. Jesus said in Matthew 5:6 NIV, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” It is time for another noisy revival!

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