WILLIAM BOOTH

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 22, 28 January 1929, Page 17

WILLIAM BOOTH

"MAN OF GOD"

A CONTEMPORARY STUDY

The controversy concerning the leadership of the Salvation Army directs attention to the character and work of its founder, William Booth, writes thn Roy. Euoeh Grattai'yi who succeeded William Booth in the Newcastle-on-Tyno circuit in 18U1, and who is now in his ninety-first year. His article was published in the last issue of the p Adelaide "Observer." General Booth was born in Nottingham, and was for eight years a minister of the Methodist New Connexion Community. After three years of very successful service in Gateshea'l-on-Tyno circuit, he was appointed to thu Newcastlo-on-Tyne circuit. But he longed for a much wider sphere. He requested the eonferenco in 1861 to set him free from ordinary circuit boundaries, and allow him to choose his own spheres of labour. During two days the request was ably discussed. Intense interest was excited, but the request was refused, not without much regret by many members.

After somo delay and much prayerful consideration, Mr. Booth resigned. His resignation was accepted, «yid the second preacher was asked to act as superintendent. My name had previously been placed on the president's list of reserve. He requested me to go to Newcastle as soon as possible to tako the place of the second minister. This request came to me at the gate of the factory where I was working, in the middle of October. '■ I began my work in Hood-Street Church on the first Sunday in November, 1861. In view of the marvellous results of the service which Mr. and Mrs. Booth and their countless co-workers have achieved during the past 60 years, it now seems that the M.N.C. Conference made a fortunate, 'if .riot magnificent, mistako when it refused William Booth's xoquest. ' .

In 1562 I was stationed in the Gateshead circuit, and there I saw some of the '.-glorious * results of Mr. Booth's workl . His resignation brought him up against very difficult problems. Moneywas far from plentiful. Domestic comforts were precarious. But in the encircling gloom God's kindly light led him on. Ho and his devoted and gifted wife never lost faith in God nor in humanity, nor.;in each othei 1. Mrs. Booth was a remarkable woman. She was regarded as the most ■ eloquent woman speaker in England, and I have a distinct memory of her quiet,, graceful, and persuasive address in the Birmingham Town Hall;

Mr. and Mrs. Booth's evangelistic work took a militant shape, which is a marvel of organising skill and efficiency, though for some time it excited abundant criticism and ridicule. The social work of the Army has grown amazingly. It has penetrated to the lowest depths of human necessity, and in countless cases saved men, women, and children from starvation, shame, and ruin. The poor aiid the profligate, the drunken and the dishonest, have been reclaimed. '

In 1854 I heard 'William Booth preach with tremendous energy in the Bethseda Church, Hanley. He had an impressive personality. His arresting voice, his masses of. jet black hair, his long arms and glowing eyes all told, but his supreme desire to save men, body...and soul, for time and eternity told most of all. He had a strong will. He once said, "I am going to do what is right, cost.what it may, lead where it may."

I.'heard him preach when he visited South Australia. He was a changed man in some respects, lie was not less fearless, but he was less fiery, less lurid, and more tender and winning. He had mellowed and "broadened. "Ilia'subject was the love of God—the love that had inspired him. Some time before his death he was threatened with total blindness, but he did not repine or rebel. He said to his son Bramwell, "Shall I entirely lose my sight?" Bramwell'said,"That is so." "Well, thon, as I have served my Lord and my fellow-creatures with my sight. I wiil serve them without it."

By the aid of my phonograph and an excellent record I recently heard two powerful addresses which William Booth gave many years ago. They contained pathetic appeals on behalf of tho friendless and fallen. The penetrating tone of his voice reminded me of entreaties which I hoard him. express in 1854. That record brought back vivid memories of a wonderful service. There were people who^ thought that when General William Booth died the work of the Army would die, or, at any rate, languish. But the very contrary has happened. It has gone on by leaps and bounds. The mantle of William Booth fell on the strong shoulders of his son Bramwell, whoso fitness to rule the High Council is now considering. The Army has centres in nearly every country in the world. Its annual revenue is vast. It has thousands of shelters and outposts, and tens of thousands of officers. It has garrisons, rest homes, and rescue homes. It is the enemy of dirt, disease, and drunkenness. It is the friend of whatsoever- things are true, honourable, pure, lovely, and of good report.

A very high estimate of William Booth*,is given by Bishop Barnes of Birmingham. He places Booth's name in the'front rank of Christian workers, with P,aul, .Augustine, George Fox, and John Wesley. Could higher praise be bestowed?