THE PROPOSED VISIT OF THE SALVATIONISTS TO LAWRENCE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1029, 2 April 1884, Page 3

THE PROPOSED VISIT OF THE SALVATIONISTS TO LAWRENCE.

(To the Editor.) Sia, — My attention was drawn to a letter in a recent issue of your paper on the above subject. I s^all fe 1 deeply grateful if you will allow me space in your columns to reply to "Anti-Salvationist." I feel this to bean irksome task, and one I should gladly hare left unanswered had I deemed it consistent with my fidelity to my Master and His cause ; and yet this is a wonderfully encouraging task after all, for surely that must be a great living reality which everybody feels bound to criticise. There must be something in it, when neither the world nor the church can let it alone. " Anti-Salvationist " charges us with irreverence. Let me ask : What constitutes true reverence ? Reverence does not consist in certain manoeuvres of the body, nor in sanctimonious looks. We all know how many hundreds of people assume these out* ward forms of reverence who, we are sure, have no real reverence, because they are unconverted people living in sin. Reverence, then is a thing of the heart, and its outward expression depends upon natural characteristics, and the present circumstances of the person who manifests it. " Anti-Salvationist " eeems to say that deep and re il reverence would be incompatible with any noise, and that you must be perfectly silent in order to express it ; but we are told that there is to be a great noise in Heaven, and yet there will be tho profoundest reverence. Keverence and noisf> then, are perfectly compatable. For real reverence our congregations are fa 1 * ahead of any in the land. Many strangers h^ve been struck with the attitude of our people in prayer. Nearly all kneel down, bow their Head?, and close their eyes. If, to keep the mind in unison with fie one leading in prayer is reverent, then it is manifest the great body of our people do this by their hearty and seasonable responses, and surely this is more reverent than silting staring about whilst the minister is praying, as I have seen dozens of congregations do. If it is more reverent to join in the praises of God than to sit listening to others' praise by proxy, and these often unconverted hirelings, then I say our peoDle are more reverent than any other people with whom I am acquainted. "Anti-Salvationist" should remember that high-class singing is not necessarily reverent. A joyful noise, with the heart in it, is a great deal more acceptable to God than the finest harmony attained by impure lips and accompanied by inconsistent lives. The ntxfrob« jection offered is to , our military titles. Our people are soldiers. They have a real enemy to encounter, and God gives them grace for the fight. iVhat else could we be but military when we have to fight with earth and hell ? And there is more authority in the Bible for the adoption of the title "Captain" than there is for "Reverend." As for our uniform, all churches and other distinctive organisations have a uniform, Why may we not have one ? A blue jacket is as pious as a black gown, is it not ? These things are simply matters of taste and utility. " Anti - Salvationist " charges us with ignorance and want of education. Well, lam very sorry that su*h should occasion offence, but I would have Him remember that Christ commenced the propagation of His kingdom by " ignorant aud unlearned men." What if he choose to finish it by the same means ? And, then, again, the Salvation Army are not responsible for the ignorance or vulgarity of the classes whom they seek to benefit. The great question at issue is, which is best, to let tbese masses alone in their ignorance sndtin, or comedown to the same level and gain their attention by measures which they can appreciate ? This argument equally applies to the criticism on our "War Cry." The deepest and highest religious truths are convoyed through its columns to thousands who could not he in* duced to read ordinary religious literature.

Another important consideration with respect to oar permanency is that we are perfecting our organisation; and I dare s»y "AntiSalvationist " would be very much surprised if he knew how perfect it is already. Thu scribes and (he doctors and the sermoniz ra have had a long try, and at any rate tbo masses of men are not much the better. Ou'a is not n re'igion of creeds, of theory, or learning, or of politics. Wo leave the gospel of scicme and culture and polish to those who like it, and we will bave the old time religion. The Salvation Army have nothiug new to foist upon you (at you term it) but the "Old, old story of Jesus and his love." !Oh ! Ido praise on 1 blee s God's holy name for sending the Saltation Army to Dunedin : it was through their instrumontility that I was brought to the feet of Jesus. I would advise " Anti-Salvationist " to attend the Army's meetings. Although the members of the Army have not been to college, they will sire him such a sifting as he never got. before. So far as I can judge from the uncharitable tone of his letter, he is far from the Kingdom. O come and join the Army ! Our motto's " Blood and Fire." And we want you all to help us To wave the banner higher. Our war cry's ruin to Satan — Yes, and all his kingdom too ; Now, einnera, come to Jesus, And be a soldier too, , —I am, ice., Salvationist. 1 Dunedin, 28th March, 1884.