“UNUSUAL, A BIT—”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 437, 20 August 1928, Page 1

“UNUSUAL, A BIT—”

Commissioner Hay Defends Salvation Army “Sin Parade”

AUCKLAND’S DAY OF MOURNING THOUGH he holds a high opinion of Auckland and its people, Commissioner Hay, of the Salvation Army, is convinced that there is need for a black-robed procession and a day of mourning for the sins of the city. In a letter to THE SUN he defends the “Sin Parade” that will precede his address “The Damning Sins of Auckland,” to be delivered at the new Congress Hall on Friday, August 31. “It is simple, but direct; unusual, a bit, but nevertheless justified by the prophetic, apostolic, and entire moral and spiritual history,” he says.

Commissioner Hay’s letter to the Editor of The Sun is a.s follows: Sir, — Auckland is a first-rate city. Its people, generally, are to my mind genial, friendly, kindly and likeable people. I have some knowledge, not only of our Dominion cities, but of all the great cities of the world, and familiarity with large numbers of such, and, so far as I know, Auckland stands well ahead of many.

But spiritual obligations and moral responsibilities are reckoned to be our life work, and in pursuance of our consecrated tasks we are constantly lifting, befriending, cheering, helping, saving and restoring very considerable numbers of our youth—and not a few who are no longer young. We know the nature, operation, penalty and depravity of sin—both the common sin and the “damning” brand—and we are under no mistake as to our duty when wo adopt stronger or unusual methods to arouse the careless or the decadent. There will be a great variety of effort and services, and many special prayers, in connection with the first month at the new Auckland Congress Hall; and among these special efforts will be one night given to consider the great need of consecration to save those who are being trapped, deluded, snared and tempted into sins that damn and ruin; and this in Auckland, as elsewhere. Salvationists are no pulseless, enfeebled or wobbling believers. We are seized with strong beliefs a.bout sin, and crowds of our people have known its power, while many are daily compelled to be acquainted with its modern and daring ravages. SURPRISE AT RESENTMENT That anyone should express, even to Press canvassers, resentment to a statement that the Salvation Army will add to one of their ordinary processions some elements and signs of mourning for the sins of the people is surprising. For 63 years the Salvation Army has, by adaptive methods, made appeals to the people, many of whom, notwithstanding excellent churches and fine-charactered ministers, persist not only in non-religious observance and non-church going, but go headlong into the sins that condemn, degrade and deprave—“the damning sins.” In the case now befqre us the intended procession is simple but direct; unusual a bit, but nevertheless justified by the prophetic, apostolic and entire moral and spiritual history. The procession will not be accompanied—and never was intended to be accompanied—by “The Dead March,” and the like funeral music. I have had similar processions in Sydney, Melbourne, Wellington and elsewhere, and 1 have never had “The Dead March.” It would neither be seemly nor serviceable to have such music for such an object: and whoever suggr • q this must have been excited, or drawn on their imagination. SINS TO BE MENTIONED The procession will not—and neither will the address—attempt categorically to give locality or personality to the sins which are ruining our youth, and

others: though doubtless particular sins now working havoc in our midst will be mentioned. Some, unfortunately, rush into little petty outbursts, and display considerable unfamilarity—we will not say ignorance—with what God has said about sin and with the Bible standard of sin. Alas! this laxity in thought, and even graver laxity in the commission of sin! Why anyone should deny sin with one breath, and then confess fear of exposure with the other, needs no word from me at this time. We do not, of course, expect every one to approve our methods—no moral, religious, o.r even restraint programme is generally approved—but happily Sal-, vation Army measures and successes are neither small nor new, and these are well-known in Auckland, as elsewhere, and cause thousands to pray as well as to encourage us in our efforts. Undoubtedly the blessing of God has justified both our presentation of truths and the variation of our measures—the few objectors notwithstanding. I am, sir, Yours faithfully, JAMES HAY, Commissioner. SINS OF AUCKLAND Sir.— I think it is up to the citizens of Auckland to make a move to prevent what many consider an insult to their finer feelings. A slight description of some of the so-called sins would enable us to decide to what class we belong. If psychology means anything

certain brains lead certain bodies to act as though they followed a chart, and many so-called sins Lnd crimes —call them peccadilloes or vagaries—are the result of having such a brain. Our magistrates and judges are quite equal to dealing in a humane way with those so affected. One -important thing I would suggest, if the procession is permitted. Let there be no collections. This would prove the movement to be a sincere one. To collect from sinners might mislead them into thinking that their offences were condoned. Any night except Friday would suit, as on that night workers are usually spending their wages upon necessary wants for their families, and could not give proper attention to a religious procession. SINGULE SJXTOTTUA. “REGARDLESS OF CREED” Sir, — The fact that the Salvation Army intends holding a procession has raised quite a storm. Why should they not? There are hundreds of homes in Auckland that owe what little comfort they have to the Army. Regardless of creed, the Army gives freely and does not make a trade of Heaven. SALLY. TWO HOURS’ HALT Sir,— I am quite intrigued about the Salvation Army’s black robes. They are so suggestive of sin, and sin is prevalent everywhere. The Salvation Army may have crude ideas and sayings that at times make many folk wince, and I dare say the black procession may appear indelicate to such people, but they must remember that some hearts are only touched by display and music. Please do let them have a chance to rid themselves of sin, if a colour scheme will do it. All this discussion must make outsiders smile. They know that sin exists, and why in the name of creation should Auckland be exempt? I am sure there will be less sin committed while the black procession parades than if it did not parade. What laurels in the next world for those who can keep sin in abeyance for a couple of hours in this! ELLEN DE COSSET.