CHURCH NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 24 June 1901, Page 4

CHURCH NOTES.

By Amicus,

Tho Salvation Army's Social Work In no phnse of church history has the evolution of Christianity been so marked a? the development and progress of social work among the poor. Of late years an amazing interest ha 3 been displayed in tha wolf aro of tho3e who need a helping hind. Evory community is more or loss permeated with an unfortunate class of people whose environment has fostered 110 continuance of their fallen state. To ameliorate the condition of the fallen o asses in thß work of Christianity, and apart form its agoncies all other efforts are insignificant. Bands of persons have appointed to search for the unfortunate, homes have been provided in which to give them-food and shelter, inBtitutiens havo been erected and supported l\ which victims of impurity and sin may find congenial surroundings, and men and women actuated by tho love of Christ live and work for the good of humanity without adequate material compensation for their labours.

Work of this nature does not fail to convince the world of its possession of a practical religion. The Founder of Christianity has left injunctions to care for the poor and the fallen and no Christian, no church can claim any affiliation with that divim life that does not find an interest in work of that nature. The Salvation Army is one of the formost organisations in social reform and a-s their annual effort is being made towards the support of their various institutions, we shall contribute our quota partly by contriving to stimulate an interest in this well deserving object. Without attempting to be homiletical it is obvious that social work should be supported because of its needs, its instruments its rate of progress, and its hindrances and the ultimate purpose of the work. A glimpse into any community, especially the large cities, is sufficient to. convince us of the need of social reform. Homeless children, destitute women and victims of intemperance abound in small numbers. The number of applicants and the large number of inmates in the institutions indicate how much work has to be done. (2) The instruments used in this work must be men and women of a self-sacrificing nature. Christians prove the best in this work, as they are prepared to give up bright prospects that they might devote their life to this labor of love. These persons need support. Let us not think that ministers and Army officers are persons that could scarcely exist outside their vocation.,- Too frequently we hear this sneer from those who jump at the opportunity of parading their prejudice. record of social reform for last *year by the Salvation Army are two significant instances where an officer in Prison Gate Brigade work was offered 15s a day for a two years' engagement as a mechanic. He continues at his post saving wrecked humanity for 7s 6d a week and his board. Another fine, young fellow was offered £1 5s a week and his board on a farm, but he works away at 5s a week in theP.G.B. work. Noble fellows ; unselfish; heroes of love; these aro some of the instruments used in the work of social reform. (3) Its rate of progress is veiy encouraging. The statistics for the year are splendid. Space will not allow for detail, but some astonishing facts may be gleamed from " Commonwealth shadows." To know that success is being attained warrants further support. (4) The hindrances in social reform are great. Want of funds, lack of accomodation and persons to do the work retard considerably the progress that could be made. More liberal support is needed for this gigantic work. (5) Tho ultimate purpose of social reform demands our support. Each has his duty to perform as a citizen. Wo are not isolated individuals but units forming one compact whole. If we cannot do the work ourselves we should support others to do it in our place. A purpose of this kind will have a refining influence in character. Let us think "too of the transformed loves, the sweet atmosphere that surrounds the rescued, the "desire to lead the fallen into the higher life of Christianity and a compliance with the admonition and injunction of Christ. Surely these purposes should prompt all to a hearty response. Numerous appeals are being made at the present and a few investments will prove so helpful as that of the social work. The Army has organised homes, etc., for the poor and downfallen that need maintenance. During the present week appeals will be made for help We may not endorse the methods of the Army in the discharge of its sacred duty. We may not trust them to frame our beliefs but in their desire to uplift humanity and help those who are fallen, we know of few that will not help. On the 3rd of July a meeting will be held in the Presbyterian Church when the reform work will be spoken of and an opportunity afforded to give some assistance to help to carry on the work. We trust the efforts will be a success and that no small consolation.will bo desired from the knowledge that we lend a helping hand to raise the fallen.