THE COMING OF THE SALVATIONISTS

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1031, 9 April 1884, Page 3

THE COMING OF THE SALVATIONISTS

, (To the Editor.) , Sib,— You published in your, issue of Wednesday last what professes to be a reply to my letter which appeared in your paper some time since under tho above heading. A cursory glance at " Salvationist's" letter tended somewhat to impress me with the notion that it was either what American humorists call a " goak," or else the result of the inflammible religion, propogated by the Army, operating on a mind unaccustomed to violent methods of religion; at the same time I venture to hope that the rather perturbed state of mind disclosed by " Salvationist's " letter may sorve as a warning to those who may be attracted by the unnatural excitement of the Army. Notice the piece of cant with which he prefaces his remarks : not even so trifling a matter as the inditing of a lot of commonplace nonsense ca.i be undertaken without first informing us that " he deems it consistent with his fidelity to his Master and His cause." This, of course, is but a mild sample of the buffoonery that has brought the Army into such questionable prominence. Could we but sea the facial expression and the " regulation " movement of the body that accompanied this pious ejaculation, the symoathy we naturally feel lor a man about to undertake so huge a sacrifice would, of course, be largely increased. The flow of our sympathy, however, will be rather abruptly checked if we attempt to follow him in his rather erratic course, and ask ourselves what kind of '< fidelity to his Master " can it be that requires the application of such language as " unconverted hirelings," &c., &c, to ministers of religion, whose forms of religion, though not so loud or obtrusive as those adopted by the Army, may, nevertheless, be quite a3 efficacious and sincere. That " Salvationist " is a new fledged soldier is as evident to me, for many reasons, as if I had him before me in all the glory of his brand new uniform ; and yet witness the rapid strides he has made heavenwards, and the canting impudence of the fellow in predicting that I am " far from the kingdom." This coming from one who professes to have only very recently severed his connection with his sable majesty ►hows a very rapid acquaintance with things Divine, and affords an instance of the pitiable state of mind to which the high-pressure religion of the Army can reduce a man. The attitude of the Army in player is too touching a picture to be pa*sed over in silence, and must have been penned by " Salvationist " in one of his intervals of quiet, subdued piety. He says : " Nearly all kneel down, bow their heads, aud close their eyes." This, in Army phraseology, means " knee-drill," and generally takes place after prolonged and fatiguing indulgence in gesticulation and song, as a means of recuperating the exhausted energies of the soldiers. "Salvationist" solemnly informs us that " reverence is a thing of the heart; " so that even with the Army in the devout attitude described above, we are just as 'far from being able to guage its feelings or sincerity,^ as when, it Js. engaged. in producing what,, he terms, a; " joyful noise;" Further comment on this singular- production is hardly necessary. It may, however, be taken as a correct index to the mind of the writer, and though it may amuse some, it is sure to excite a feeling of pity among all thinking and intelligent people that such a compound of folly;, weakness, and fanaticism should be , found in one individual.— l am, &c, •'»'■■" ' v Anti "Salvationist.