A "Back-slider."

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1579, 11 December 1885, Page 4

A "Back-slider."

A deserter troni the ranks of the Salvation Army at Masterton (says a local paper) was brought back to the fold m a somewhat peculiar manner on Sunday. In the morning he attended the services m the barracks for the purpose, apparently, of disturbing the proceedings. As he began making interjections, one of the soldiers went rip to him, and m loud tones informed him that if he did not know how to behave he would have to take an outside pew. The backslider nursed his wrath for a few seconds, and then with vengeance lurking m his eyes, asked the soldier m soft and pleading accents just to. step outside for a few minutes. The soldier promptly agreed, and both retired.- On reaching the yard the backslider exclaimed, " Will you apologise ?" " Apologise for what ? ' said the other. " For grossly insulting me." " No my good friend. The apology is due from you and not from me." " Then I'm going to give you a hiding." "Very well, my friend, I'm always prepared on the 'Lord's side." Off went coat and off went red guernsey, and soldier and civilian rolled into one another "properly. In a few minutes the civilian was breathless, panting on his back, and looking very much the worse for his encounter. " I've had enough — give me your hand," said the fallen and exhausted one. . " Praise the Lord for his mercy— -Here's the hand of a brother," said the Salvationist smiling. There was no need for further persuasion — the backslider returned to the meeting a bruised but better man, ascended the penitent ] form, and m the afternoon having resumed Ins Salvation war -paint, was inarching again with the Army. r