Correspondence – The Salvation Army

To the Editor

Sir,—Would you be kind enough to grant me a little indulgence by inserting the following in your next issue, concerning the doings of the above organisation in the public streets of Denaby last Sunday night.

I may state that “Captain” Henderson, with a full contingent of “soldiers” from Mexboro’, arrived at Denaby about 10.30 p.m., with about 15 banners, accompanied by a somewhat extra supply of tambourines, tin whistles, violins, and brass instruments of different kinds. Strange to say, they were minus the big drum, but to make up for this exception they were provided with a grand display of paraphernalia indescribable, except as some mountebank show.

Now, Mr. Editor, I do not intend to find fault with the arrangements of General Booth or his subordinates in the manner set forth as the best means of rescuing the fallen from grovelling in sin, and bringing them to Christ, but such demonstrations as the above are scarcely in accordance with the Divine injunctions.

When a general invitation was given to come out from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and to embrace the cross of Christ, two young men approached the ranks seemingly with godly fear; the captain stepped up and most unceremoniously pushed them out, and threatened proceedings against them for intrusion. On being asked her reason, she gave most emphatically one in each case, viz., “One was Blue Ribbonite, and the other a Wesleyan.” Oh, awful condemnation! Is this the religion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? She says, “You give to the Blue Ribbon Army; you encourage by your presence the existence of another sect of Christianity other than ours, therefore you cannot take any lot or part in the matter, but against you is pronounced anathema.” Oh, Mr. Editor, this is not, this cannot be, brotherly love. This is not Christ’s teaching, when He says “Come unto Me all.” He says “all,” not because you belong to one sect or another, but all who repent and believe in a crucified Saviour.

Now, Mr. Editor, my advice to the Salvation Army officials is, keep away from Denaby. You are doing a great deal of harm. The people don’t want you, so why come and sow dissensions amongst the peaceably disposed of that hamlet. If a plebiscite of the inhabitants were to be taken to-morrow as to whether you are wanted or not, nine-tenths of the votes would be against you; therefore do not come where you are not wanted, but in the interests of public peace stay away, unless you can come more Christ-like, and preach a general forgiveness to all who believe in Christ crucified. Then you will have the good wishes and prayerful attention of

Denaby, April 11th, 1883.
A Miner.