SALVATION ARMY JUBILEE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21920, 4 April 1933, Page 8

SALVATION ARMY JUBILEE

TO TUB EDITOR. Sir, —If I had not glanced twice at the date on the heading of your issue of Saturday, 1 might, from the tone of “ Rationalist’s" letter, have been guilty of thinking him really in earnest. I glanced a second time at your heading and realised that this was the year 1933, or 50 years since the Salvation Army landed in New Zealand waters, and realising that many moons have waxed and waned since 1883, I was also struck with the fact of there being anyone who, no matter of what creed or thought, did not realise the difference between earnest religious emotionalism and the “ gold standard.” There probably never has been a more earnest and heroic band of seekers after truth than the lads and lassies of the “ Hallelujah Band ” and not only have they sought the truth and found it, but they have applied it. I ask “ Rationalist,” yes, I challenge him, to find anywhere a band of workers who have done more to prove practical Christianity, which is the logical outcome of seeking after truth, than the same members of what he ironically calls the “ Hallelujah Band.” The last half century has been one which rings right through with one paramount fact, and that is you have to be more and more practical to get on in a very materialistically overburdened world. It is no good ranting in the twentieth century over anything; you have to get your coat off and plug IJ ito it from a practical sense or you become a back number, and on all sides commendation is heard of the man who practises what he preaches, especially when it applies to religious fervour or living an unselfish Christian . life of practical service. I ask “ Rationalist ” to go to the Addington Home in Chrstchurch and see the work amongst the unemployed, to follow the Army in its prison and probation work, and in the ever-ready help at hand at the ever open door of the H.Q. of this same "Hallelujah Band.” Also, I ask him to get in touch with such of the members of the Army as Major Bear, of Dunedin, Major Dry, of Christchurch, Adjutant Gordon and many more one could name, —he can have any amount of chances as they are always, ready to chat and let others know of the Army work, —and I am sure he will realise where the money obtained during the “ gold standard ” periods goes to and he will learn something and will be shown facta, too, of the " Hallelujah Band's ” work. Of one fact I am fairly sure, that whoever “ Rationalist ” is, he saw little of the late world war period or he would always take his hat off when he passed the Army band in the street, and say there go our real friends, for of whatever race or nationality they belonged to, whether Digger, Canuk, Yank, or Tommy Atkins as well, the vast opinion was a heartfelt thanks of one and all for the Army’s work for the fellow who wa s “up agin’ it ” in 1914-18. Let “ Rationalist ” not bring too much materialism into his outlook and let him think again and also find out for himself before he attempts to belittle the efforts of an organisation that is doing wonders to take a lot of the greyness out of this very drab world. —I am, etc., Sai.vitor.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It is fitting that during this jubilee period we should recall the fact that the founder of this great movement was a champion of the working classes. No more scathing criticism has ever been uttered against trie profiteers of that age than were spoken by William Booth. His noble soul revolted against the meagre pittance doled out to the producer of all wealth, the labourer. His manly heart was full of sympathy for the helpless men, women, and children upon whose sweated labour “ great men ” grew rich. William Booth was a man who accepted Christ’s spirit, and believed that to be a Christian meant following Christ rather than merely adoring Him or reciting His virtues to others for a living. He denounced sin and its destroying effects without fear or favour, and held up Christ's new anad living way as the cure for the ills of both national and personal life. He did not grow rich by ministering to the poor, as too many do in this queer age of ours. Every property acquired was consecrated to helping humanity! The success of the Salvation Army of the future depends upon its capacity for putting Christ’s teaching into actual practice. In the religious life of our day, “ love and brotherhood,’’ service and sacrifice,” are oft repeated phrases of speech rather than oft practised principles. The call of the lowly Jesus of Nazareth can only be responded to by those willing to put others’ interests before self-interests, by those who refuse to profit by service fpr Christ. The acceptance of Christ in this practical manner would mean the elimination of all parasites, the proper adjustment of our economic life, and the end of an industrial system the keynote of which is greed. Following which a new era would dawn, with love and equality as the dominant principles. The Salvation Army, by virtue of its being mostly composed of working people and belonging to the “ man in the street,” is eminently fitted to take a loading part in freeing the masses from the stranglehold of a system whose advocates fear not'God or regard man. May it long continue to repeat the sweet message ot God in our streets: “Peace on earth and goodwill to men.” —I am, etc., G. Herring. North-East Valley. March 29.