The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-08-17
1.-THE SALVATION ARMY. "

The extravagances of some well meaning but i'll
balanced Christian minds often bring religion into
ridcule and contempt. They manifest zeal, but not
according to knowledge in the work of God. Atten-
tion is at present directed i'll England to special
evangelistic agency introduced by the Rev. Mr..
Booth, a minister of the Methodist New Connection
1t is aggressive form of Christianity, the militant
propaganda due to large Interpretation of the
command to compel them to in" This
agency is known as ''The Salvation Army" and the
mode of procedure is remarkable. When it
ent building, such theatre deserted
factory, is hired and constituted the headquar-
tiers of the mission. Then small band of brethren
and sisters, "haelujah lasses" they called.
despatched on service Any open space fire.
quented by the lower class of the population Sun
day morning for the purpose of indulging in dog
lighting and similar recreations is pitched upon, the
militant band at proceedings by
singing hymns. and when they have collected a
crowd deliver short celebrations. These speeches
are very short, as short as an ordinary
of hymn with catching refrain like
those introduced into England by Mr.. Moody.
Prayer song and general exhortation are followed
by direct personal solicitation, and a few
either OF converts or simply the curious are gath
cred together a move is made for the temporary
chapel. Joining arms the brethren and sisters
march through the streets singing some of their ia
vorite hymns Arrived at the hall every effort is
made to induce the crowd to enter. and when as
many can be persuaded have entered. those
present generally and individually exhorted
and enroll themselves in The salvation Army"
The army is severely criticised, but 1t is
much to do that than to go out into
the streets and do their work. 'rhe Salvation Army"
cannot fairly be ignored in taking account OF the
state OF religious feeling IN England. TINS Kind or
picty may create temporary sensation and attract
attention to itself but IL the Chrstdn Ithgencer
views be correct-and no doubt they are--it ~ not
the kind OF piety that the world needs most to-day.
What it does need most IL intelligent, DEVOTIONAL
well directed. practical piety that shall dispel the
ignorance of men advocates of truth who are com
pctent to cope with the apostles OF error.
There il great deal OF sentimental re-
hgion in the world that feeds on emo
ton and expcnds itss energies in efforts to
render itself attractive by means OF amusements in
which the sacred aud the profane are ludicrously
intcrmingicd. The Church OF the Holy Fun draws
crowds. but the piety of its members is OF very
peculiar type. 1t has no soid basis OF truth, N o
sweet Of prayer and praise, heavenly forvor
OF devotion kindled at the divine altar. There ~
great deal of levity connected with religion. Scri
BUSINESS is made repusive, and the sweet solemnity
OF countenance expressive of inward penitencc and
peace Is held up to ridicule by those who have been
so far mislcd as to suppose that religion to be cheer
ful must be always on broad grin.
The theoretical and the sentimental are too promi-
ncnt in the religion OF the day. How few young
Christians can be persuaded to read the treatises OF
Doddrdge OF Hannah More, of Wilberforce of
Nenn, on the duties OF practical rellgon We hear
a great deal about higher Christian iife faith cures
and perfection; but IL, instead of striving after
strange things, these good and jealous people
would devote their energies to the promotions
of practical everyday, common sense reIi-
ldun, they would accomplish good than
they can ever do by attempting TO prove that the
days of miracles have returned. The world must be
won to Christ by hard work. Tho world is fun of
errors in opinion and false maxIns in practice.
Winds OF doctrine blow in every direction, and the
wayering are carried about with them. The spirit
OF the age opposed to stability. Many are governed
10y policy moro than by principle. There is au
easy-goig morality that finds excuses for crime and
a easy going rciig ion which becomes all things to
all IN the worst sense. even blotting out the dis
auctions between good aud evi: which God has laid
down in his law
SPURGEON, STANLEY AND CAIRNS.
ZEN PORTRAITS BY DIR. HURST, OF DREW SEMI
MANIPULATE CONTRASTS.
There have been many pictures made of the great
London preachers but the latest is from tho pom o
De, IA uryt, Of Drew Seminary, Madison, N. j., who