THE SALTATION ARMY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1102, 8 June 1883, Page 4

THE SALTATION ARMY.

EOW “captain” pollard came to JOIN. Whilst he was in Christchurch lately the subject of the subjoined sketch was intei viewed by a reporter of the Press, to whom he furnished the following account of how he came to join the Aimy : I was bom at Feckmondwike, in Yorkshire. My parents were very comfortably situated as far as this life is concerned, and both were Oongregationalists. The first circumstance in my lite that I remember made a great impression on me was the illness and death of a little brother when I was about four or five years of age. Shortly after this I was attacked very severely with scarlet fever, suffering some six weeks, and being brought so near death that my father was telegraphed for, and arrived just us our friends had gathered round me, giving me up for dead. But I believe the Lord had some sphere of usefulness laid out for me, for I deceived them all a:id recovered, although I have never been really strong since. In 1869 we all removed to London, where I was regularly sent to Sunday school, but never seriously thought of my soul’s salvation until I was about twelve years of age, when my teacher kept mo after the class and spoke pointedly to me. I resolved then that I would be good. I endeavored as far as I could to do right, and gave up what I felt was really wrong. I joined myself to a Young Men’s Christian Association, which met once a week for Bible reading, etc. But before long my self-reformation fell to the ground, and my visits to these gatherings became less frequent, until they ceased altogether, 1 was a leader in all sort of sport and mischief as a schoolboy, and got into many a scrape. I got a love for the low literature so common among young men in London, and had wild fancies about becoming a sailor and travelling jail over the world. I remember on one occasion spending all the afternoon walking about London Docks offering myself to different cap tains. But nobody would take me At the age of thirteen and a-half 1 got a situation in a London office, where I soon learnt the ways of sin and wickedness as I had never seen them before, and I fear I cost my poor mother many an anxious hour and sleepless night. This went on until June, 1879, when I attended some evangelistic meetings being held at Peckham, and alter some time trying to reform myself, I was led in a very powerful meeting to see that I must, hand my self over to God, and trust him to save and help me to serve Him aright. I prayed much about this when I got home, and, just as I was turning into bed, the word of Lord came unto me saying, “ Son, be of good cheer; thy sins, which were many, are all forgiven.” For a while 1 was very happy, but I was still dissatisfied. I prayed much for direction and help, until, hearing of the Salvation Array, 1 determined to visit them, which I did, and through heaving Mr Bram well Booth on Fridays at Whitechapel, I was led to couseerate myself wholly to the service of God. Shortly afterwards I had a building in view, and asked Mr Bram well to open in Perkham, and on the 30th January, 1881, we opened fire. I went in with all my heart, offered myself as a candidate for the work, and on the 17th September, 1881, left the dear PeckIram folks and entered the training home. Here I was severely tried at first, hut held on and had the victory After nearly a month’s stay T. was suddenly despatched to take charge of the 10th Irish Portadown Corps, We hj id a little difficulty at first, but determined to know nothing among men

but Jesus Christ and Mira eraoi tied, and soon we had a great waking up. Numbers were saved and made into soldiers. While here we had a riot, and an attempt was made to throw me into the river, but Cod protected His own. After six months’ and ahalf stay I was wery ill and returned to London, and was told to cake a long rest; but after a fortnight the great Clapton Congress meetings came on, which I attended, after which I was ordered to New Basford. Here I spent a happy three months, although hindered and opposed by some; yet, lasting good was done, especially among the soldiers who, I believe, were led to deeper consecration than they had ever known. From here eiders came for roe to take charged of “ Marylebone.” Here things got low, but we unitedly went in for God, and soon had the victory, and took a big theatre for Sundays at a big rent in the name of the Lord. My health breaking down here, I was sent for a rest, and on my return was asked if I would go to New Zealand. I was able to repeat what 1 had so often sung “Anywhere with Jesbs.” After going about a bit farewelling and visiting my old Irish comrades, I was ordered to hold on at the Congress Hall, where I had spent a blessed three weeks. The big meetings were all over, and I was more determined than ever, now I was on the ship, to follow Him all the way and crown Him Lord of All, believing that through our humble instrumentality New Zealand shall be aroused to a knowledge of salvation. The past eight weeks in Dunedin has been a season of great powei and victory. Over 140 adults have been enrolled as soldiers on the Queen’s Birthday, and on the following Saturday a Little Soldiers’ Corps was formed, numbering ninety-three. Over 450 have come forward and sought pardon where it can oulv be gained. The establishment of a corps at this early stage proves the genuineness of our woik, all having openly coutessed Christ. The vast crowds which nightly throng the Temperance Hall also prove how needful it was to visit the Colony, although the prevalent opinion was that we were not wanted, and we Were plainly tol i so. Numerous letters are to hand loudly calling “ Come over and help us,’ and, being commandev-in-chief in New Zealand, I have telegraphed to London and Melbourne for further reinforcements, which, when placed in in various parts, will give greater power to our present prayer “ New Zealand for Christ.”