THE LATE GENERAL BOOTH.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 54, 28 October 1912, Page 2

THE LATE GENERAL BOOTH.

AN IMPRESSIVE MEMORIAM. London, August 30. More than 20,000 people assembled at Olympia for the memorial service to the late General Booth. The service towards the conclusion was marked by iscenes of emotionalism. The coffin had been removed after midnight from North London to South-west London. The music of bands and the succession of . hymns expressing the joys of the life to come, and telling of promises of -salvation, gradually worked the congregation 'up to an intensity of feeling that was manifested by the fervour which marked their singing. The most impressive moment was when converts were appealed to to make their way to the “mercy seat” on the left of the platform. “Does not this coffin appeal to you in its terrible silence?” the audience was asked individually. “If so, come and kneel | close beside the casket containing the remains of one who spent his life in trying to win you.” j At first there was no response, but' the continued exhortations, backed up by stirring music, produced the desired effect. A -slight-built woman rose, and making her way to the “mercy seat” knelt down and prayed. Her example was the signal for many others, and before long men and women had come forward without hesitation and prayed beside her. One woman stumbled and fell, and was carried to the “mercy seat.” Quite fifty must have presented themselves before the service was over (says the Post’s correspondent). The closing portion of the service partook of a rpvivalistic nature, the memorial aspect being lost sight of. Emotionalism reached a climax when the coffin was borne from the hall to the singing of the hymn, “When the Roll is Called up Yonder I’ll be There.” The service lasted two hours. “IN -MEMORIAM.” The following verses by O.S. (Mr Owen Seamen, editor of London Punch) appear in that journal of August 28th:— As theirs, the warrior knights of Christian fame, Who for the Faith led on the battle line, Who stormed the breach and swept through blood and flame Under the Cross for sign. Much was his life’s crusade; and, as their death Inspired in men a purpose pure of taint— In some groat cause to give their latest breath—. So died this soldier-s^int. Nay, his the nobler warfare, since his hands Set free the thralls of misery and her brood— Hunger and haunting shame and sin that brands— And gave them hope renewed. Bruised souls, and bodies broken by despair, He healed their heartache, and their wounds he dressed, And drew them, so redeemed, his task to share, Sworn to the same high quest. Armed with the Spirit’s wisdom for his sword, His feet with tidings of salvation shod, He knew no foes save only such as warred Against the peace of God. Scorned or acclaimed, he kept hie harness bright, Still, through the darkest hour, untaught to yield, , And at the last, his face toward the light, Fell on the victor’s field. No laurelled blazon rests above his bier, Yet a great people bow its stricken head, Where he who fought without reproach or fear, Soldier of Christ, lies dead.