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PRESENTED TO THE REV. WILLIAM BOOTH WHILE LABOURING AS AN EVANGELIST IN THE METHODIST NEW CONNEXION, BY HIS FRIENDS IN SHEFFIELD, IN AFFECTIONATE APPRECIATION OF HIS ARDUOUS, ZEALOUS AND SUCCESSFUL LABOURS THERE AND IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COMMUNITY. PRESENTED NOVEMBER 26, 1856, AT A LARGE MEETING ASSEMBLED IN THE TEMPERANCE HALL, REV H. WATTS, PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE, CHAIRMAN.

GENERAL WILLIAM BOOTH

THE FOUNDER OF

THE SALVATION ARMY

BY

HAROLD BEGBIE

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS

IN TWO VOLUMES

VOL. I

"Awake, arise, or be for ever fallen."-MILTON

New York

THE MACMILLAN COMPANY

1920

All rights reserved

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PREFACE

WILLIAM BOOTH is likely to remain for many centuries one of the most signal figures in human history. Therefore, to paint his portrait faithfully for the eyes of those who come after us a great duty and a severe responsibility — has been my cardinal consideration in preparing these pages. Only when circumstances insisted have I turned from my attempt at portraiture to examine documents which will one day be employed by the historian of the Salvation Army.

If I have succeeded in my work, posterity will be able to feel something of the power of William Booth's personality, and to understand how it was his spirit could touch the human heart in so many lands and in almost all the varied circumstances of mortal life. If I have failed, it may be possible, I hope, because of the sincerity of my ambition, for a better painter in another age to discern on my fading canvas at least two or three colours useful for a more living likeness.

I desire to add that in my difficult task I have received valuable help from Bramwell Booth, the son of William, and the present General of the Salvation Army. But for good or for evil the book is mine, and I alone stand at the judgment bar. I have written as I wished to write, said what I wished to say, and the book is my honest idea of the truth.

LONDON, 28th March, 1919.

H. B.

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