SALVATION ARMY ANNIVERSARY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1595, 16 June 1887, Page 3

SALVATION ARMY ANNIVERSARY.

.., The tea and public meeting in connection with the anniversary of the Salvation \ Army ia Temuka was held on Tuesday ' evening in the Volunteer Hall, and, despite the unpleasantness of the weather #nd the muddinesa of the roads, were largely attended—the public meeting particularly so. The tea was provided by Mr E. Lee and was presided overby the following ladies, who did all they could to make those who partook of it thoroughly enjoy themselves, vi«.:-Mead«mes Washington, King, Benbow, CUarteris, Mattingley, Cross, Bowman, and Misses McOallum, Benbow (2), Charter!s, Wright, and Nor, ton. It ia needless to say (hat the tea was first-class. After the tables kad been cleared away the meeting commenced, it being conducted by Captain Matthew*, of Christchurch. In the course of a rather long address he said he and his wife were very glad to be present at their anniversary, and would carry away a good impression of the place. He was g'ad to meet many old friends. This whb their third anniversary, and he felt pleased to see the progress they had ma<?e, and he supposed when it came to the fourth year they would show muich greater progress. It waa a grand thing to be able to exercise their Christian privileges. God gave every person so much, aod he advised them to make the bast use of what was given them. Ha praised God for the work that be had 'een, henrd of, and " done in the Army. He advised all Cbristiaoß to let their light so shine that others could see how good God bad been to them. He alluded to the peculiaritea of the dress of the members of the Army, which people bad pointed out and asked whether that waa religion. He answered that it did not bare anything to do with religion, "but it waa an attraction to bring others in. He felt thankful thaf: the Army was now better understood than it formerly was, and that it was becoming a power for good in the world. When a man became a Christian the eye of the world waa upon Ihlm, and he Bhould be careful as to •, lis' behavior. They might tell others fchey ■were Christians, but unless they lived the life of a Christian the world would not believe them. Some people said there was too ■ much excitement in the Army, but he felt glad there waß excitement, as some people would never be saved without excitement. If the Army taught the people how Christians lived and how Christiana died it did a great work. Captain Annie Snedden, formerly of Temuka, narrated her experiences since . her conversion, alluded to many things * which came between Christians and their

God, and wound up a forcible address by I' a stirring appeal to the unsaved to give I " themselves, up that night. ] £lr Lewis, formerly a captain ia the Army, expressed the pleasure he felt at baing present at the anniversary, and witnessing Fhat God had done and what He was doing, Bat since he hid been in / the meeting he felt somewhat saddened h tl msQ religion "£a ifche world—religion that there was at the presenjfc time so much that men oould only see but #od could not see. That wan not religion. True * religion must be inward as well as outward. The religion he gloried in was that which came down from Heaven, which was shown in a man's faca, and madt him happy whemer he went.

Lieut. Dnggan and Capt. Thomson (of Timaru) gave short addresses. In the course of his remarks the latter said salvation was the gift of God. Many went to church, and read their Bib'ts, anil yet they did not get their peace with God. He urged Christians to bold fast to the confidence they had when they first took hold of the Cross.

The Rev. W. G, Thomas expressed his p'cisure at being present at their anniversary, and humorously referred to the noise some of them had been making. Possibly some of them were hungry and wanted something to »at. Ha did not refer to the "tea supper" that was coming, but to spiritual food. Speaking of some who were once Christians, but had now fallen away, he lemiuded them that everyone there would presently pass away from this life into eternity. Were they readyt Had God so wrought upon their hearte that they were ready for eternity? Some were eot down very suddenly even • tie strongest and healthiest. Were they receiving the truth! He felt very, stroagly about those who ware once members of the Church but had gone back. Eternity was coming on, and if they did not make their peac« with God they were lost. He urged them to turn now. In conclusion he wished the Army every success, and he hop«d every one there would receive e»ery spiritual and temporal blessing. Mrs Matthews then delivered an earnest address, aud was followed by Captain Mclnness, who gave a short address, duriog which he related an instance illustrating the danger of persons delaying to give themselves to God. He felt thankful that the Army was still flying the old flag, and hoped God's children would be up and doing. He concluded witb a forcible appeal to backsliders to again repent. This terminated the public meeting. During the evening several hymns were heartily sung, and a lady member of the Army gave a solo very nicely. A " tea supper " was then held, and it was also largely attended.