The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-03-02
COL. MILES MAKES.
HOT ANSWER TO
PASTOR MEYERS
Calls Criticism of Salvation Army
"False A II Is Unfair, and I'm
called For, and Especially
Un-Christlike."
Says Minister Should Keep Silent on
Subject of Which He Is Grossly
Ignorant.

Col. Miles. of the Detroit branch OF
the Salvation Army, has written the
following reply to the criticism OF the
Rev. Cortland Meyers, OF fremont
Temple, Boston. Mass. on the Army,
In his address In the Woodward-aye.
Baptist church, Tuesday night:
Rev. Cortland Meyers,
The Temple. Boston. Mass
Dear Sir and Brother--I have only
Just returned to the city this morning
from a soul-saving trip which am
glad TO say mas probably been as sue sue
with my fellow comrades in the north
ern part OF the state, have had the
honor. for Jesus Christs sake. TO stand
lecting box" but with the message OF
our Lord upon my lips: our dear lassie
officers and soldiers standing with as
in p9n Il n gladly. receiving prScticaiiy no
remuneration for so doing.
am glad to say that your criticism
of the salvation Army Is as false, as
pecially un -Christlike. IL Is certainly
evident that you do not look for the
Salvation Army, for you can MD IL to-
most nas s sms sns ones too In THIS as Well as
other lands, both winter and summer,
at least six times a week, following
the drum and flag upon the streets or
lowers. including yourself. TO go TO
preach the gospel. 1t Is not true that
the army work Is simply lodging
house variety, and never In our history
have our people been more earnest and
valiant for the salvation OF souls than
they are today and IL you fnvestigate
and find you are wrong, III you are q
this. and will be the first to acknowi-
edge you have come to q wrong con-
ciusion In this matter.
i Will not mention other cities and
states in which the Salvation Army is
working, but simply our own COM
mand. Michigan and Indiana province:
In which during the past year, l2,6s7
open-a have been conducted by 1885,
All Salvationists, and / am pleased TO
say that we have had some 1855 un-
converted people at our penitent forms,
lots, and the class that Jesus especially
mentions we should seek. for their
salvation.
We have been hearing, a good deal
recently on but ggeariy every
one OF our Michigan and Indiana corps
we can produce cases that are equal
TO these glorious incidents mentioned
II you would care to meet. them. we
are willing to arrange such meet
ing. Since the first of January, In the
other centers In Detroit. We have had
SO converts for salvation, not conse-
Grafton, some OF whom have been saved
from great Depths Of iniapit ya and n sin
haps 20 of the most wonderful refor-
nations that have ever taken place In
the history OF the church In the way
OF convention from lives OF drunken.
ness, debauchery and wickedness OF
the very worst kind. In Grand Rapids
during the last two months. we nave
ably over $50 converts. among whom
are nearly SO old civil war veterans. i
only mention these two place, but there
are many other centers In THIS province
where like revivals are taking place,
and / think. my dear sir, when you
yourself are willing to show us now
more faithfully you personally can
terry weather; when you yourself are
willing to toll faithfully with weekly
remuneration OF three and four dollars,
as do our officers in the corps In this
part of the country; when you yourself
can show US in flesh and blood. men
and women who have been redeemed
by your personal endeavor from drunk
bers than we can in this very com-
munity, you will have a perfect right
to become our critic, but until that
time. we think that silence on mat
grossly ignorant, Ii the better plan.
At the same time. I sincerely wish
you every blessing and success In your
iabors, and trust that this movement
in every city will lead to great
awakening.
1 am glad to state that though the
Salvation Army was not invited to take
part In this special Detroit campaign,
vet we are not ashamed OF our record
and endeavor to reach the churchless
men; for our revival meetings are GO
ing on in this city day by day. and
we are ever ready to do anything that
lies within our power for the saliva
tion OF souls, not forgetting at the
same time that men. women and chill
dren have bodies to redeem as well
Before closing my letter, 1 would
like to ask whether In a case like the
following. you would preach the gospel
frst or relieve first: This morning.
in this city, our relief officer. Ensign
Katharine Annack, found a man and
his wife, with two little children. In
starving condition. A neighbor tele-
phoned last evening, saying the father
had been out OF work for some time,
the mother was very sick. and the chill
dren had had nothing to eat for two
days On investigating, our relief sec
rotary found In the home two chairs.
a small stove and a bed, and no food.
Coal was secured, a supply of grocer
les sent in. and the father promised
work from our employment bureau.
feel sure that the Man OF Galilee'
would relieve human distress, and then
as we do in every case without excep-
ton, do all that lies within our power
to press the claims OF Christ.
Again wishing you every success and
blessing / would beg to remain.
Very sincerely yours,