The Ensign. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1912. "THE ARMY."

Mataura Ensign, 7 June 1912, Page 4

The Ensign. FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 1912. "THE ARMY."

Tlier© is no bettor-known org;u<i-a-tion throughout the Knglish-sfion kil1.l-; world! than the Salvation Army and none whoso aim and object—the betterment of mankind —are more -universally appreciated. A household word, ilio Army represents a very strong force in the social life of to-day; and its success is, primarily, due to its great organiser G-eneral William Booth, who now, at the age of So, has practically

lost the sight of tile eyes which have seen so far ahead these many years. Religion means much to millions of men and women; and while all may not go the whole way with the Army's methods there is no mistaking the fact that it makes an appeal which to very many is irresistible. The Army is proud of the tact that it reaches people whom other religious organisations fail to interest and hold. There is, of course, a certain appeal to the emotion in its methods and a good deal of the knowledge of dealing with original sin on the part of its old campaigners who surely well understand human nature. If it were not so the flame of the little organisation started 34 years a go would long since have flickered out. It is not altogether surprising to learn that the Salvation Army is Methodist in origin, its founder, General Booth, having been for l.j years a Methodist New Connection minister. In 1865 he established tlie Christian Mission in the East End of London and about 1878 the Mission became known as the Salvation Army, military methods and titles being adopted to a certain extent. The Army has (wen a distinct force for good in New Zealand and has opened the way to better things to very many who were sinking under the burden of life. A most attractively produced booklet significantly termed "Mercy's Gates" which tlie adjutant in charge of the local branch forwards details the record of the social operations of the Army in Australasia for 1911 and a perusal of its pages impresses one with the conviction that a helping hand is needed everywhere in the newer lands as in the old. The Army it is showed stands for regeneration of men, and any inffuence that makes a man think for himself and help himself and! others is conforing a benefit on the nation. The life storiesnarrated in this pamphlet are sordid in the extreme at their beginning but despair holds no place in the Army's platform and in making better men and women its soldiers get a firmer grip on the meaning of life and use disappointments and discouragements as step-ping-stones. The ramifications of the Army are on a similar scale to that great prototype from which it takes its name and among others the saving from suicide is ono of its aims in the greater countries. The work is personal and intimate and is carried on with aa. eye to the future by its zealous soldiers who recognise that for all their efforts there is still a very great deal that calls for their care. Sorrow and suffering makes most men kin; the Army's gospel it to lift and well it preaches and practises it.