CHAPTER XXXIV.

THE SALVATION ARMY.

THIS body was organized in London, England, in 1876, by William Booth. He had been engaged for several years previously in evangelistic work in the east of London, chiefly among those who were beyond the reach of ordinary religious influences. He was formerly a minister of the Methodist New Connection, withdrawing from the regular ministry in 1861 for independent evangelistic work. The new organization was speedily introduced into various countries of Europe, into the United States, Australia, and elsewhere.

In doctrine the Salvation Army is thoroughly evangelical. Its teachings are given in a book which has been prepared by the "general" of the Army, Mr. Booth. This book of doctrine and discipline sets forth the ordinary doctrines respecting God and Christ; the sinfulness of man; the work of redemption; the atonement, which is described as general; election, of which the Arminian view is taken; the Holy Ghost; repentance and faith as conditions of salvation; the forgiveness of sins; conversion; the two natures of man; assurance, setting forth the Methodist view; sanctification, which is emphasized as one of the more important doctrines. Entire sanctification is described as a complete deliverance." "Sin is destroyed out of the soul, and all the powers, faculties, possessions, and influences of the soul are given up to the service and glory of

God." No fewer than seven sections of the Book of Discipline are given to the doctrine of sanctification; backsliding also forms a section, and so also do final perseverance," death and after," hell, the Bible, and baptism. The Army recognizes women's right to preach, and full directions are given how to proceed "in getting men saved."

The government is military in form, and military titles are used in designating the various officers, and military terms in describing the various departments of the work. The officers are: (1) the commander-in-chief, who has the general direction of the entire army; (2) the chief of staff, who has the oversight of all the business at the war office, known as headquarters; (3) a lieutenant-general, who travels under the direction of the commander-in-chief and inspects various divisions; (4) a general, who has command of a division; (5) a captain, who commands a single corps; (6) a lieutenant, who is under the direction of the captain; (7) a color sergeant, who has charge of the colors and carries them in procession; (8) a paymaster-sergeant, or treasurer, who cares for all the moneys of a corps; (9) a paymaster-secretary. There are also sergeants who lead bands, and there are various other officers. The sergeants are appointed by the captains. The treasurers and secretaries are recommended for appointment to the generals of divisions, and the commissions are issued by the general-in-chief. The term of office is indefinite.

All members of the Salvation Army on active duty wear a uniform. The places where meetings are regularly held are usually called "barracks."

The Salvation Army in the United States is represented in thirty States, also in the territory of Utah and the District of Columbia. It has 329 organizations, with 27 church

Of

edifices, or barracks, which are valued at $38,150. halls, etc., 300, with a seating capacity of 87,101, are occupied. There are in all 8742 communicants or members. It is not the chief aim of the army to make converts for membership in its own organization. Many of those who are converted through its labors join various other denominations.