The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1899-11-01

Mr.. A. Giff rd, brigadier In the
Salvation Army, spoke in the Presbyter-
ian church here last Sunday night TO a
very large audience. MIR. Clifford has
charge of the Army in the Atlantic Dis
trict comprising Pennsylvania, Mary
land, West Virginia, Virginia, District of
Columbia, Delaware, and New Jersey.
His account of the work the Army is ac-
complishing was listened to with great
interest. and possibly cleared away a
great deal of misconception regarding il
in the minds of many. A great deal OF
ridicule has been heaped upon the Army
by thuse unacquainted with it, by reason
oftheir peculiar dress, and the manner
in which they conduct their meetings.
The drum. tambourine. guitar and other
similar musical instruments are not usu-
ally associated with religious worship.
But the speaker said if they were pecu-
liar people it was because they were deal
ing with "a peculiar people and that the
end, within legal hounds, justified the
means. They were doing work the
churches have not been able to do. Their
work is with the neglected classes of the
cities, in the slums, a class who will not
go TO heat the gospel in the churches, so
their work is to take the gospel to them.
These musical instruments attract the
people and then they preach the simple
gospel of Christ and His power to save
even the lowest, vilest and most vicious.
1t was the awful spiritual condition Of
these people in London, thirty. -four years
ago, that moved General William Booth,
the present leader of the Army, to final
ly sever his relations as minister OF the
Methodist New Connection Church and
devote himself wholly to this work. AS
time passed by the scope of the work en-
larged to NEE the needs and conditions
of these people, not only in giving them
the gospel but also aiding to regain their
place in society, giving them new start
in lite. The organization and discipline
is strictly military in which the orders of
the superior officers are obeyed without
question, and there is, perhaps, not a
more t oroughly organized, or devoted
band of Christian workers in the world
to-day than the Army, nor one that is ac-
clomplshing its purpose better
The speaker gave some statistics of
their work that might not prove uninter-
esting to many of our readers. The Sal
vation Army is now iourd in 4S coun-
tries and colonies among people speak
ing 80 languages aud dialects. Last year
there were 100000 professed converts,
who have been gathered into 5000 corps
or churches. They have l5S places OF
shelter or depots where temporary re-
lief is given to the destitute and 5000, 900
meals were served to them last year.
Their charity is wisely bestow Il in that,
where it is possible, work is done to pay
for shelter and food, thus preventing
pauperism.
They have IL farm colonies on which
are 5000 people. Tree of these farms
are in this country, one near Cleveland,
o., one in Colorado, and one in Calltor-
mia. Poor lami.ies are sent here and
given or 10 acres of ground and given a
start, after which they pay as they are
able for the land and it becomes their
own. Taey nave II homes for criminals
who are taken as they leave penal insti-
tutions and are cared for aud work found
for then, SO as TO prevent their return TO
their old associates and their evil ways.
For fallen womeD 81 scue homes have
| been established through which 5,l32
women passed last year. OF this number
3,449 have been reclaimed and have cen
restored to their homes, or places OF
work found for them. The Army keeps
in touch with these people by correspon-
dence for five years when the danger oi
japsing is almost eliminated.
Brigadier Clifford was converted
through the efforts of the ~alvationists
about sixteen years ago, since which
time he has baen in service in the Army.
He is very pleasing speaker, of exec
lent address and created good impress
ion. His solos with guitar accompani-
ment were also much enjoyed. His wife
is sister of our townsman, Jerry A.
Adams, where they have been visiting
for few days.