The Globe-republican., 1896-03-12
On WESTERN PROGRESS.

Sunday morning, Rev. E. II. Vaughan,
pastor Of the NJ. l.. church delivered an
interesting sermon touching on the pro-
gress of the West. He gave a graphic
picture of the future of the West, and his
predictions are within the bounds of
reasonable probability. From the birth
of Adam immigration has gone West
ward. Adam was the first emigrant.
He departed from the Garden of Eden.
He walked Westward. The speakers re-
marks suggested to us that this migratory
westward movement was the result of the
earth's rotary motion East, and in pur-
suit of the plan of replenishment of all
earthly things. While we may not per-
ceptibly resist gravitation thus caused,
physically. we do so mentally. 1t may
be said there is no philosophy in this, but
there is; for whatever forces govern
physical movements also control mental
action. To keep up an equilibrium of
material and Intellectual progress we are
constantly moving westward. TIA fly
were walking on a revolving ball in
order to keep its centre of gravity it
would not move with the revolving cur
rent, but would walk against the resist
ing force.
Mr.. Vaughan predicted that in not
many years two-thirds of the population
of the country would be west of the
Mississippi river. The Western States
would be prosperous countries in material
wealth and thrifty population.
There was particular emphasis in his
sermon on the foundation laid by early
settlers as to the character of the settle
ment,-the foundation for good or evil.
AS the twig is bent so is the tree in
clined.''
No speaker hits far of the mark in pre-.
dictions on the development of the new
countries of the United States. Those of
us who have passed the half century
milestone are familiar by experience with
the progress and development of the
| Western States; and any student in
history has abundant information on the
growth of the United States during the
time since their early settlement less
than 25O years ago. to the present, to
form the basis of prediction of the future.
And, as Mr.. Vaughan said. ten years of
western life is greater in material pro-
gress than % years in older settled
countries. The older the country less
in the line Of progress is made.
His reference to the growth of Nor
monism is ample evidence of the rapid
rise of human progress. Less than fifty
years ago, a Mormon colony was estab-
lished in Illinois. and being driven from
there, sought home in Utah. Mormon
ism thrived under most discouraging
conditions, and to-day controls not only
one State, but holds the balance of power
in contiguous territory. But it is the
province of the new growth and develop
ment of the west to check the influences
aud encroachments of Mormonism.
Though its polygamous character is be-
coming extinct, yet its religious teach
ings is rapidly proceeding.
The sermon was religious one, and q
moralizing one. 1t was on the destiny
of human movement. 1t is within the
power of human agencies to shape the
course of events, under the direction of
the Lord of the universe. 1t is well TO
look to it, that our destiny is shaped
along the lines of morality, religion and
intellectual environment. A town or
community will carry with it the early
habits and customs to it's futurity. 1t is
well to shape everything for good, that
we may live happily and thrive in ex-
ceeding prosperity, with the best gifts
within the province of humanity.
Mr.. Vaughan's remarks are appropriate
in view of President Cleveland's speech
at the meeting of the Home Mission
Society in New York City, on Tuesday
night of last week, in which the Presi-
dent spoke of the need Of home missionary
work In the newly settled States and