A Reporter's Speech at a Salvation Tea

Feilding Star, Volume X, Issue 29, 18 August 1888, Page 4

A Reporter's Speech at a Salvation Tea

(" Zamiel" in Auckland Star,) | It is appropriate that I should give here the following, report of a speech delivered by , a ; reporter at a recent Salvation tea at Otahuhu. In response to a prayer, for his welfare, the man of, notes spoke as follows :— Ladies and geutleiuen, — True it is that there be up "' mothers' meetings," " hours of prayer," or "Salvation tea parties" ever- emanate from the holy precints of the holy sanctum. There may be, oa the other side, some sulphuric and Satanic words spoken during the heat aud worry of the day. But iv spite of this 1 affirm that the " Press is the leader aud protector of the civil 4:nd religious liberties of the world. (Cheers ) From a thousand sanctums we see. lielching forth the formidrtble chuiu shot of mighty guns, the powerful thunders of the fourth estate, . dealing out death to oppres r sion, despotism, b.unkumism, and- all other 'isms.' (Great applause.) Is tke day : of .martyrdom past ? (Yes,) Then, thapk.' 1 The Press." Are the* fires of Smithfield yet burning ? (No.) Theu let the Salvation Army, as one man, arise and siugs songs of jollifi/ cation and shout their triumphant huzzad, for the mighty "Press" tias done this. (Earthquakes of applause.) Preach the gospel if you like,, speak peace to the righteous if : you will, go out into the hedges and ditches seeking the lost, wake; sinners from their sloth and babies from their slumber — nay, more, hammer away at your big drum -and xkttfe shall dare make you afraid, for I say " The Press" shall protect your) freedom and guard your rights of religious liberty. (Cheers and cries of " Lord save the Press."; No, dear friends, don't be oter anxious about the Press; we are safe. Tne world xnay go . over* . but the Press is the foundation of law. and oider ! Earthquakes may overthrow half ! A deluge may overwhelm -the entire- world ana its men, its women, and its little children might have to seek safety in great ships. : Then the winds might rise, the cyclones • blow, and nearly every ship go down beneath the yawnr ing waves of the angry sea, but '• we" should be found safe in the ship that did not go down ! Even at the last day, when all-manldnd will have to give an account of wickedness done in the flesh, 'W- shall be there ; so do not be over anxious on our account. We may not be built round enough, to blow a trumpet,, for we were born modest ; we .may. not have strength of nerve, nor the ability-to work a prayer meeting,; but if you, want good men, fearless men, to, stand guard over the rights and privileges of religious freedom, I say again, dear brothers, and sisters, the gentleman of the press are the men !" (Earthquake applause.)