MORE ABOUT THE "SALVATIONISTS."

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3581, 3 January 1883, Page 4

MORE ABOUT THE "SALVATIONISTS."

The writer of " London Town Talk " in the Melbourne Argus says: Last Sund-iy I was not only '■ almost persuaded " to hecome a Salvationist (by the incessant downpexur:, but actually attended a "special service." For two mortal hours-—which seemed immortal. I was one of Mr Spur-•j-cou's "umbrella Christians." It was in a small fishing town, near the hotel to which I had been condemed to pass my holiday, and it struck me that I should have a more genuine experience of the Salvation folic there than in their temple in Oxford street. The singing was excellent, and prosecuted with a vigor that left nothing to be desired that voice and toe and heel could give it- But the preaching. It was simply a series of ejaculations addressed to the"persons of the Trinity. One psalm alone was read by Ihe female "' captain " — read wo:se than I ever heard it by the youngest child in a Sunday school—and with an obvious misapprehension of its meaning. Unfortunately, the lady was also a commentator, and the remarks she interspersed among the noble words of KingDavid were like pieces of drab rag sewn on a scarlet cloth. I noticed, however, that her hysterical interpellations were inliuitcly more'welcome to the congregation than the original text: thc-y were received on all. sides with shouts of " Hulieloyer " and "I believe it." and lest my silence should be taken in ill part, I too exclaimed " Hal-h-loyer." I really could not say " I believe it." As it was a special service, sinners were invited to the platform " to relate their experiences." To this 1 was looking forward with professional interest. I. flattered myself that I should hear some revelations of a sensational character. There were twenty " witnesses." not one of whom had anything fo say which could interest any human creature. For all ilwy had to confess they might have been angels. I had really half a mind fo invent a peccadillo or two on my own account, fo let the-m know what wickedness was. Everybudy said in effect, " Last, week I wa.s a sinner ; to-day I. am saved." and all the congregation exclaimed, "I believe it." I have hitherto, as you know, entertained a sneaking liking for the Salvation Army, but I must confess that I am disenchanted. I say nothing of their irreverence, which may arise from causes of which I am unfitted to judge : but so far as my experience goes, they have nothing to say, though they are very clamorous and confidcut in saying it.