The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1891. General Booth

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 52, 29 October 1891, Page 2

The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1891. General Booth

— « SINCE the days of the crusades excited by Peter the Hermit there has been no who has exercised so much Influence; over the minds of men,or commanded so much attention, as the Rev. William Booth, -who- is now at the head of the Salvation Army. Although his name is a familiar household word, yet, as to the early history of the author of this great movement, little is known. In order to supply that want of knowledge we propose to give a brief resume of his earlier career and work. He was born at Nottingham, England, in 1829, and was educated at a private school in that town. He studied theology with the Rev. W. Cooke. D;D. ; became a minister o£ the Methodist New Connection in 1850 and was appointed to hold special evangelistic services, to which lie felt so strongly drawn that when the conference of 1861 required him to settle in the ordinary circuit work he resigned, and began his labors as an evangelist amongst the churches whenever he had an opportunity. Coming in this capacity to the East End of London he observed that the vast majority attended no, place of worship, and -he started "The Christian Mission" in July, 1865. . To this mission, when it became a large organisation, formed upon military lines, he gave 'the-iaine of i"The Salvation Army," ; under which title it has since become known all: over the Christian world. The Army is under the absolute control and direction of General Booth. As an author General Booth has achieved some success, and his best-known works are "Salvation Soldiery" " Training of Children " and " Letters to Soldiers " describing his views as to religious life and work. " Holy Living " and " Orders and Regulations for the Salvation Army " are some of the smaller publications issued by him for the direction of the Army }> as to teaching and services. His wife shared largely in all the General's efforts, and her death, which sad event took place in October, 1890, was a great blow to him. The General established the " "War Cry " as a weekly gazette of the Army in 1880. It is now published in England and her colonies, in Paris, in Stockholm, in India, and Ceylon, Belgium, Holland and Germany, also publish separate editions in their respective languages. Last year the , General published " Darkest England " containiag a scheme for the enlightenment and industrial support of the lower classes. This scheme has met with almost universal support in England. The triumphal id arch of the General from England to New Zealand, and the wonderful receptions he has been accorded by all classes from the highest to the lowest, are abundant proof of the marvellous hold this remarkable man has upon the mmds of the people generally, and the affections of his especial followers. His sincerity and singleness of purpose are beyond suspicion, while the amount of good he has already accomplished will be remembered in future ages as one of the most notable events in history.