The Hastings Standard Published Daily. THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 1896. A NEW CAMPAIGN.

Hastings Standard, Issue 175, 19 November 1896, Page 2

The Hastings Standard Published Daily.

THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 1896. A NEW CAMPAIGN.

For the cause thru lacks assistance, For the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the ;;ooci that \vc can do.

The Salvation Army is nothing if not aggressive : of course we do not use the word aggressive in an offensive manner, on the contrary we believe to its aggressiveness, its daring, is due the unquestioned success of the Salvation Army. If we take a retrospective glance at the work of this religious hodv, we oan remember a time when the Salvationist was the butt of every uncouth buffoon, when ridicule was his portion ; when Salvation Army meetings were the rendezvous of illiterate, unsympathetic hoodlums, who found immense pleasure in disturbing the meetings, and indulging in all kinds of pranks to discredit the little band of salvation soldiers. The Army has survived all this; earnestness, zeal and integrity of purpose have won for them recognition from all classes of the community. Its high aims, its noble work, and duty well done, have been recognised and admitted by all, and the Salvation Army is to-day an immense power for good. To its religious aspect we have no wish to refer, but to the rescue work, its food and shelter depots, its homes for the friendless, the fallen, and the foolish : to the success secured in this respect the Salvation Army may well be proud. It has won the admiration of everyone, and many who formerly jeered, and scoffed at the ways and methods of the enthusiastic Salvation Army are cow its ardent though

silent supporters. Plainly stated, we believe there is no one who would be glad to see the Army wiped out. It has done, is doing, and may it continue to do good work. Its methods may be peculiar, funny, ridiculous, or frivolous, just as each one may choose to regard them, but for all that the Salvation Army to use a colloqnalism " gets there." It has conquered Australia, it has conquered New Zealand, and for its beneficent rule many a man has much cause for gratitude. ISut this militant body is not content with what has already been accomplished. Contentment is impossible to the Army while there is still much work to be undertaken, anil it is this never-ceasing desire to do and be doing that drives the Salvation Army forward. The new plan of campaign sketched by Commander Herbert ]>ooth in Sydney last Mondayis as ambitions as it is gigantic. To conquer Melanesia and the whole of the islands of the Kastern Archipelago is the order of the (icncral, and does anyone doubt that the command will not. be obeyed, or that the work will not be accomplished? Wo think not. Melanesia will yield just as other countries have yielded. No doubt it will take time, and possibly some of the pioneer soldiers may be the objective of cannibalistic banquets, but success is inevitable. The new crusade will not absorb the whole energy of the Army in Australasia; on the contrary, fresh outlets for that aggressive zeal are to be found in the colonies. New food and shelter depots are to be established in the leading centres, a hospital corps with a staff of nursing sisters, a league of mercy, a young army corps, a transport corps, and an insurance l corps are to be organised and set in motion. Industrial development forms part of the programme also. It is a large order, but with enthusiasm, push, and industry it will be carried out. We wish the Army success in its work of practical Christianity. That it will succeed in its new venture we have not the least doubt.