THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1110, 19 June 1883, Page 3

THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY.

Tiie Blue Ribbon Army, of which we have heard so much, opened its cam paign in the Volunteer Hall, Temuka, last evening. On the platform were the Revs Hamilton (in the chair), Gordon, and Wills (of Tetnukn), and Mr J T Smith (of Christchurch). A choir of between 20 and 30 voices were also on the platform Mr Proudlock presided at the harmonium. The proceedings were opened with a hymn, after which the Rev Mr Hamilton read a few verses from the Bible and the Rev Mr Gordon engaged in prayer There was a large attendance. The Rev Mr Hamilton said the movement was begun by a man named Murphy, in America, who enrolled as many as 40,000 and 50,000 in a day. It was introduced into England by a sailov named Noble. They were introducing O into Temuka hoping that it would he well taken up. Five thousand had taken the pledge in Christchurch, and about 2000 in Oaraaru- Its object was to rescue the intemperate from their habits, and he would call upon them to come forward and join as they did in Birmingham, where 66,000 had joined. After signing another hymn, Mr J T Smith addressed the meeting. He inferred from the meeting that the temperence cause had not been neglected in Temuka. There was a time when a schoolroom connected with a Christian Church could not be got for temperance purposes, and a Christian minister could not be got to support it. Now the most successful and best ministers of religion were foremost in the cause of temperance. He then gave a history of Francis Murphy, who was born in Ireland, and left there about the age of 16 years He spent all his money on the voyage, worked hard, got married, took a publichouse, got bankrupt, and was sent to prison as an incorrigible drunkard. A missionary made him take the pledge, and he commenced preaching in the prison, where he converted the 75 prisoners. Receiving a note from his wife that she had sold all, and was starving, he fainted, and the governor of the gaol learning what had happened exerted his influence until Murphy was released. On coming out of gaol he found his wife dying. A few days after she died, and then Murphy resolved upon doing his best to rescue from the vice of intemperance those who were addicted to it. In one town 500 drinking saloons were shut up because there was no one to drink in them, and two of the saloon keepers joined the army. R T Booth, who was now conducting the mission in England, was rescued by Murphy’s son, who had done nearly as good work as his father. The array was under no officers, it was no organisation, but the highest dignitaries of the Church/ (including Mr Spurgeon), members of parliament, merchants, clerks, laboring men, and every other class belonged to it, The speaker then dwelt upon the duty of the church with regard to moral reforms, and said if the Churches had done their duty long ago they would not have to fight the drink question now. The Gospel Temperance movement aimed not only at getting men to give up drinking, but also to get them to give up all evil, and pray to God for grace to keep their pledge. He urged upon moderate drinkers the absolute necessity of giving up drink, and instanced .a family who gave it up after the eldest son had been killed by it. Were those present going to wait till they had such a lesson as this ? Drink must be on the side of evil or on the side of God. No man could stand up and maintain that it was on the side of God. It was making beggais, thieves, robbers, and was the cause of all kinds of iniquities. After dwelling upon the evils of intemperance for some time, the speaker urged upon all present to join. The choir then sang several hymns, during which time many present were enrolled in the array. Mr _ Smith again addressed the meeting, pointing out that 60,000 people died yearly in England through drink, and that did not diminish in the least the number of drunkards. He urged parents to save their children from falling into intemperate habits, and gave many thrilling incidents of how moderate drinking parents led their children to drink. After an eloquent address the speaker invited those who had not already joined to come forward at once. The Rev Mr Hamilton then read a chapter from the Book of Numbers, in which the Israelites were directed to wear the blue ribbon, so that it might remind them of the commandment of God. This was the reason the blue ribbon had been adopted as the badge of the army. He also announced that on this (Tuesday) evening the chair would be taken at 7.30 bv the Rev D Gordon, and the Rev Mr B'ake (Christchurch), and Rev R Martin (Milton), would be the speakers. The number of new members enrolled was 83. After the singing of a hvmn, and a short prayer by the Rev Mr Wills, the meeting terminated. '