The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1882-1884, 1882-12-21

es US, and we are likely to be effected
by it, it is pertinent that we should
learn something Of what the Saliva
ton Army is.
1t was originated in England about
seventeen years ago by Geo. Booth.
formerly a Methodist minister, who
is now its head. Their creed, SO
they say, is the old fashioned gospel.
Everything is conducted on military
principles. They have their officers
of all grades and the regular privates,
and call themselves "soldiers."
They are divided into corps, and
each corp is Differed as military
corps. Oh, they are veritable sold
iers at least from outward appear
ances. They have row over 800
corps. 700 officers, over $4,000 work
ing privates. who are ready to talk
at any time, and their income
amounts yearly to over three hund-
red thousand dollars.
Their methods Of conducting their
work is peculiar. and exceedingly
interesting to one who has a taste
for the ridiculous. We quote a scene
taken from contemporary paper in
which their manner 9, conducting
meeting is clearly set forth: The
group of workers who have arranged
to hold meeting take their places
on a platform, and enter into the
services with fervor both of mind
and body, loud shouts by the leader
mrngling with the prayers and exhor-
tations poured forth. AS the time
goes on the excitement increases,
and soon one and another of the
hearers yields to the spirit ofthe oc-
casion, sometimes crying aloud to
know what to do to be saved, and
no: unfrequ emily, especially in the
cases of women. falling upon the floor
and rolling back and forth in a sort
of frenzy. When the excitement is
at it's height spectator who should
suddenly enter the barracks might
we'll be excused if he should fancy
that he has by mistake strayed into
a lunatic asylum, reviewed the
scene. as the captain and other mem:
bers of the army loudly pray and
sing, and the converts no less voclf'
erously respond. Not the least
curious among the remarkable
features Of the occasion is the array
Of trophies depending from cord
hung across the back of the stage
which consists of remarkable col
lection of feathers, ear rings, and
,undry other articles whicn have
oeen surrendered by converts when
they renounced the world
| 1t may be all right; from oul
knowledye of the principles on which
| this movement is conducted we dG
not hesitate to predict the working
of more evil than good. There is
misconception altogether in its gel
lup, and must sooner or later result
in error and evil. 1t has resolved
itself into religious passions, anc
has assumed the shape Of the wlldes'
fauaticism. No passion is there ou
what impairs this sense Of right, anc
inUoflGTtS With tuc utSCuthI ~ oA No ~
From an ethical standpoint 1t Il
wrong. Though religious enthusl
asm when carried to excess IS TO b'
preferred to stolid din1itference,y ct
is not to be compared to the plety gov
erned by reason found in the church
And it is against the church the Sal
vstionist vents his wrath, charging
it with ineificacy. We learn from
those who have had opportunities G
, Judging, that there is one element il
the Salvation Army ~hich is strong
. ly indicative of failure, 1. e., lacl
of reverence. reverence is tn
very heart Of religion; and wlthou
, it, religion becomes blasphemy.'
Summing it all up we doubt yer.
mu, h the efficacy these methods hav
| in saving souls. And we think th
r name Salvation Army should b
changed, as some one suggests, t
\ religious rowdies. uNUs.
l