The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1899-07-01

in the gulse OF religion cannot go on
forever.
The Salvation Army does good work
in this city, and in other cities, because
it goes where the agents and agencies
of the churches do not go. The Saliva
ton Army is not conducted as money
making institution. 1t is genuine or
ganization for the dissemination of re-
ligion, for the betterment of mankind.
1t is philanthropic and elevating to
classes who mis- ht receive no instruc.
ton of religious or moral nature but
for the means employed. The platoon
of earnest men and women, with their
drum, cymbals, timbrels and cornets
marches to various points at night
drawing crowds who hear the Gospel
earnestly delivered by honest people.
The Young Mems Christian associa'
ton has Gospel wagon which visits
every section of the city, carrying good
singers, good speakers and noble work
ers for the cause which is so dear tc
them. There is no collection taken uI
at these public meetings. There is nc
SAVIOR of money-making to destroy the
genuine character of the efforts which
are made.
Then there is Gospel wagon which
is furnished by earnest young men and
women who belong to various churches
This dissemination of light is also hon
est, genuine, and goes about doing
good. On Sunday afternoons and even
ings crowds gather in the byways and
highways, where the light of religion
never would penetrate but for these
kindly incursions. They come will
songs, prayers, Thanksgiving. ser
mons, eXhortations and solicitations
for good and true lives, with promises
and portents of benefits in the world
to come.
There is venerable member of the
police force who, for many years, has
taken his stand in various public places
on Sunday afternoons preaching the
Gospel. On these occasions he appears
in citizens dress, and very few of his
hearers know thai he has been one
of the guardians of the peace for almost
half century. His meetings are wei
attended, but he never takes up col
lection. He also is above criticism.
A black man, who says that he was
born in Africa but educated by mis-
sionary, is seen every Sunday after
noon in the sections densely populated
| by negroes, singing the songs which
catch the fancy of his hearers, ant
preaching to them in very intelligent
manner. He sings ''Throw Out the Life
Line" when down by the navy yard;
and he sings the Wonderful Story Of
Love" in the alleys where crime j:
known to abound. His voice is melodi
Gus, appealing, thrilling. Many of his
hearers have learned his songs, and joir
in the choruses. He never takes up {
collection.
The genuine, honest, sincere and eff
| fective workers in the cause of reli
gion who 60 about among the masses
of all classes in public places singing
and preaching do not go as penny
catchers, and they reach those fol
whom the Gospel seems to have beer
intended. These peripatetic Gospe
chariot fellows, who manifestly are
working confidence games upon thu
credulous in the guise of evangelism
are disgracing eastern cities, and theil
recent performances in this capita
have attracted such universal attention
and condemnation that it is simply {
question of time when the law will bt
enacted which will enable the pro
tectors of the people to drive them from
our streets, as the money changer!
were once driven from the temple.
! SMITH D. FRY.