THE GLOBE. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1882. THE SALVATION ARMY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2681, 9 November 1882, Page 2

THE GLOBE. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1882. THE SALVATION ARMY.

The Rev. C. J. Byng, preaching last Sunday at St. Paul’s Church, Dunedin, remarked that, if the proceedings of the Salvationists were correctly reported, he conld not entirely approve of them ; and he proceeded to doubt whether the said proceedings wore suited to a community like cure, though they might be gc id in a crowded city liko London. Ho recommended nu attitude of observant neutrality towards tho detachment of the army that might, viait these shores. It, is well, we think, for ministers, when

treating sno-h subjects, to err on the aide of moderation. If there is one thing more than another that the bulk of laymen object to, it is tho odium theologicum. That feeling has too frequently the unfortunate propensity of depriving its possessors of all feelings of fair play. Logic falls before religions animosity, and the oa-looter has to lament the sight of teachers of a religion that inculcates tho bearing of all things descending to tactics that disputants in any other arena would acorn to employ. It is therefore pleasant to see that the Rev.

Mr. Byng is able to curb his feelings to such an extent as to give the Salvationists the benefit of any doubt there may be in their favor. And the more so because the reverend gentleman evidently at heart quite disapproves of the movement. For a later telegram informs ns that on Tuesday night ha delivered the first of a series of week night services to the manufacturing classes. He began, we are informed, with foundry hands, and had a capital audience. He explained that ha meant his attempt to he one to teach the non-ohurch-going class without any attendant excitement such as characterizes tho falvation Army movement, and that he had no wish to proselytise. The telegram further states that the servico was an entire success, and that tho interest of the hearers was maintained throughout. Tho mere detailed account of the service given

in the Otago papers shows that the address delivered by Mr. Bjng was of a thoroughly practical nature, and peculiarly" suited to his audience, dealing at it did with the vexed question as to the possibility of pushing business men being able to keep themselves “ unspotted from the world.”

“Every business,” said the preacher, was for God, and should not ha termed worldly. The text ‘ Whatsoever yo do, do it as unto the Lord ’ gave a tone of spirituality to what might be regarded as the most secular avocation.” Now it appears to ns that the Rev. Mr. Byng lit-.a done well to take time by tho forelock in this matter of the advent of tho Salvation Army in this part of tho world. That army comes here with a certain amonnt of prestige gained by the patronage of many bishops and cl orgy of tho Established Church. Its tactics aro now, and it pats forward the claim that it is able to roach people by its peculiar method of proceeding who cannot be reached in any other way. But, when all is said and dono, what are those tactics of tko Salvation Army ? “ The World,” two months ago, had an excellent article on the subject, calling attention to tho well-known method employed by the army and the practical results attending their crusade. As to the former, it is too well known to need mush comment. As “ The World ’ puts it, “ the phenomenon now being witnessed is nothing less than tho enforcement of tho truths of Christianity by tho tactics of Jingoism, or, as '

it would bo more correct to say, tho replacement of spiritual faith by a pseudomilitary excitement and parade of martial ceremony in the minds of the mob." With regard to the practical results of the movement we feel tempted to quote somewhat at length, because the matter is put very plainly and forcibly. “It is possible that some of the men and women who execute ‘ knee-drill ’ under tho orders of Major Cadraan, are, for the time, kept from drunkenness and other vices. But the relapse is certain. A fabric of moral habit cannot be reared on a foundation of emotional enthusiasm. The reaction is sura to come, and its results will be as dangerous as, and identical with, the original vice," And again “We maybe told that the meetings, the drills, the marchings and counter-marchings of the Salvation Army provide au effective antidote to tho at-

tractions of vicious places of amusement. It may be said witb more truth that oneform of mischievous pastime takes the place of another. A ditty sung tothe tune of the famous lyric in * Pinafore ’ about the * ruler of the Q uon’a navee,’ and relating how Biijati was taken up to heaven in a fiery van, is not likely to become much more elevating, than the original of which it is a parody. In the same way a chorus which exhortsthose that cannot find admission through ‘ the gates of pearl ’ to ‘ got over the garden wall,’ so far as it produces any. effect at all, produces ono that is hostile to religion and reverence. If the Selva-

tion Army is said to bs fighting the music halls with its own weapons, we may at once say that those weapons are less objectionable when wielded by the sinners than the saints.” It is indeed time that this matter is looked fairly in the face. Certain bishops of the Established Church may look with an eye of tolerance, or even favor, on the Salvation movement, but bishops are not infallible. The main argument of the Salvationists is that the masses are not reached by the present religions bodies, and that what they offer is simpler and more taking-. But we have yet to learn that the Bible is difficult to comprehend. Wo always imagined that its simplicity was one of its beauties. The Apostles were from the masses, and spoke direct i o the masses. The uneducated in all ages have been among the Bible’s most earnest students. It is nonsense to say that to render the Book of Books comprehensible, it is necessary to travestie it. Nothing tut mischief can arise' f r«m such a process. The ignorant may like the excitement connected with the Salvation movement, but we may ho sure that in their hearts they despise the men wko debase a noble creed. However, we think the Rev. Mr. Byng is right in saying that the movement will not suit this country. We trust the hulk of the people here are too well educated and sensible to be drawn by a vicious display of religious hysterics.