Western Luminary from Columbus, Kansas • 1

i WTO WW "PItOVE ALL. THINGS FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD." VOL 1. COLUMBUS, KANSAS, JANUARY, 1877. NO. 1.

ft Western Limit. PUBLISHED MONTHLY. TERMS 50 CENTS PER YEAR. Always in Advance. Ministers and Widows Half Price.

Address, JOHN B. FAST, Editor, Columbus, Cherokee Kansas. umum men, wielded with a skill, befit ting a better cause, to pervert tho truth, whitewash error, bewilder the mind and lead men and women blind-lolded down that broad road that leads to death. False philosophy, light and. trashy papers and pamphlets flood the world in support of every species of irifi delity, and to encourage all manner of licentiousness.

It should be the aim of. every christian, as well as every true lover of good society, to rise in their might and do what he can to check the wide spread and growing evils among us. The youth ot our land are eagerly sought as victims for destruction. Multitudes of this world already inclined to do wickedly, become a williug prey to this poisonous influence and drink down every variety oi evil as water, while the church, itself, leel the force and groan beneath it. However powerful the example of good men, and the faithful warnings of the pulpit sin still abounds in all its degrading effects.

Some thing more is needed. The Savior says, the children of this to save to "them that believe." Now there are thousands, and millions in the world who do not believe, neither do they in any wise place themselves under the influence of the gospel. In fact, there are comparatively few regular attendants upon the means of grace. Some go occasionally because they haye nothing else to du. or no where else to go; others, because they feel, not to go at all is bad example.

Now a good book, or a good paper placed in the hands of such, will preach to them, by the fireside, abroad, in all plaees, and at all times, and under the most favorable circm-stances confirm by most direct, personal and convincing testimony through the providences of God, the Holy Spirit, the experience and example of good men, and the testimony of dying Saints, the importance of pure and holy life. We are glad not to' suppose, however, that the church is entirely indifferent to this great power. Thousands of good men and women have already entered the field, and with giant intellects, firm hands and warm hearts wielded the pen, and great good' has been the result Who can estimate The Wife's New Year's Gift. BY PHCEBE CARY. Ah, how can you speak so cross, Charley It isn't kind nor right You wouldn't have talked a year ago As you have done to-night.

You wonder to see me sit and cry, Lke a baby vexed, you say, When you didn't know I wanted a gift, Nor think about the day But I'm not like a baby, Charley, Crying for something fine Onlv a loving woman, pained, Could shed such tears as mine. For every New Year's time till now And that is why I grieve It was you that wanted to give, Charley, More than I to receive. And I wouldn't have cared to-night, Charley, How poor the gilt, or small, If you had only brought me something to show That you thought of me at all. The merest trifle of anv kind, That I could keep or wear A flimsy bit of lace lor my neck, Or a ribbon for my hair. A pretty story of lovers true, Or a book ot pleasant rhyme, A flower, or a holly branch to mark The blessed New Year's time.

But to be forgotten, Charley 'Tis that that brings the tear And just to think that I have been Your wife but a single year. world are wiser in their genera tion than the children of light. Christians should profit by their example and awake to the importance of that mighty instrument of influence, "the and fill the world with good and wholesome literature; spiead light and diffuse abroad the pure, the holy, the refining and sanctifying principles of the gospel. As much or more may be done in this way than any other. We would not under value the power of the pulpit.

the value to the world of a Pilgrim's Progress, Baxter's call to the unconverted, Milton's Paradise Lost, Baxters Saints Rest, and many other similar productions. Permit me to pause here a moment and say to all interested in the well being of man, and the salvation of souls, that however many good books and papers that may be published, and whatever intrinsic value they may possess, they must fall powerless to the ground unless they are read. Every christian should feel himself under special obligations to introduce them The Power of the Press and its Importance to the Christian Church. The press is a most effectual and powerful instrument, either in the establishment of truth or the support of error. As nothing promotive of evil escapes the ever watchful eye of him who is styled "the God of this world," the pen is seized, and through the intrumentalitv of wicked It is God's instrumentality of saving souls, "it has pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

"The apostle here limits this power.