THE SALVATIONIST PROSECUTIONS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 4539, 30 November 1889, Page 3

THE SALVATIONIST PROSECUTIONS.

TO THE EDITOR. g£B,—l noticed In your columns o! the 2Stb instant that yon hid tiken occasion to refer to the alleged disturbance caused by the Salvation Army, and that, though you admit the respect dne to their opinion, you condemn them for the way !n which they endeavor to glve effect to those opinions—insinuating that they have no right to proclaim their views to the annoyance of others, although those others may be only one or two. Now, eir, I think that if, in seeking to follow oat the instructions given them through the Gospel, they arouse the animoaity and hatred of a certain section of the community, it i» indeed unfortunate for them. Nevertheless, they are perfectly justified in their course, and should not desist from their practice, bnt should, with all the mora vehemence and persistence, assert their lights. What, I ask, would be the malt if yoar view of the matter were given effect to J Would not stiest preaching—the right c£ which is recognised throughout the British dominions—practicallyhave to cease? whenever or wherever a complaint wouldbe lodged against it ; and so the proclamation of that very Gospel that God has ordained to the saving ot the world would be hindered. You would prevent, not only the Army, but other boiies of Christiana from extending those scul-savlng influences, and multitudes who would be benefited to all eternity would awake to their inconceivable loss in that place where the worm dieth not. But, according to your opinion of the matter, this is nothing—not worthy of a moment's reflection or consideration, 33 long as those whom I consider are every day instrumental In effecting the ruin of both bo3y and soul •re left unmolested in their iniquitous and damnable work. There is one characteristic very noticeable as belonging to a great number of this class of people, which iB this—their premises may be given over to ever so much drinking, gambling, etc., and they are happy In it. They may be made the rendezvous of card • sharpers, street singers, and musicians, who may take their ttand just aa long as it suits them. The footpath*may be blocked from the door to the kerbstone, to the great inconvenience of foot passengers, and there is nothing about it, because it assists their business. But, woe betide the Army if they dare approach their quarters for the purpose of preaching that obnoxious Salvation. Thsy must pay the fice or go to gaol. Now, sir, hoping I have not trespassed too much on your space, I conclude, earnestly desiring that, if there is any more about this matter, a more able and qualified person will reply. Yours, etc., W. H. K.