I recently came across this quote from Mrs Booth:
“God has blessed The Salvation Army because it has been wholehearted in its
devotion to Him and His service. If every one of you will be true to the
principles of The Salvation Army, and everywhere put the interests of God's
kingdom first, He will help you and strengthen you and uphold you and provide
for you and will use you for the propagation of His kingdom in the world... the
secret of success is in all being true to God.” (She was speaking on July 3rd
1882 at a series of meetings held to celebrate the 17th anniversary of The
Salvation Army).
It should be noted that in the period 1881-1883 The Salvation Army had quadrupled in size going from 172 Corps and 363 Officers in the UK to 528 Corps and 1,340 Officers in the UK and 106 Corps and 201 Officers abroad!
I have struggled to identify the difference between then and now and have (after careful consideration) dismissed all of the contemporary views such as: the world was a different place then, people were generally more religious, they weren't real converts but transfers from other churches etc. Upon careful examination none of these explanations stack up.
In addition some of the conversions were extraordinary such as that of Charles Jeffries who was the second in command of the 'Unconverted Salvation Army' one of the many skeleton armies which sprang up to oppose the early Salvationists. They operated in Bethnal Green with uniforms and flags under their motto 'Be just and fear not!' they carried out organised mock open-airs wherever the local Corps went. Jeffries got converted and went on to be a Commissioner in The Salvation Army.
I have come to the conclusion that the only real difference between then and now is the commitment of Officers and Soldiers. In 1881 holiness was an uncompromising devotion of everything whereas today, if it exists at all, it is a slow and gradual progression through various tiers of nominal Christianity that never expects to reach its goal, which is (apparently) likeness to Christ.
Take the example quoted above, the conversion of Charles Jeffries. Several young recruits of the Whitechapel Corps were so concerned about the spiritual state of Jeffries that after the Saturday watchnight service they stayed on and prayed for his conversion until the dawn. Then they prayed for him again at the Sunday evening service when Jeffries got saved.
Watchnight services came out of the Methodist tradition usually began at 8:30 and went on until midnight. The service consisted of a short suitable sermon, and the rest of the time was taken up with alternate singing and prayer. No doubt on both of these days there would have already been several open-air services and at least two other indoor meetings. Of course they weren't all attended by the same people. However the fact that the crew was willing to change watch meant that the lifeboat continued to patrol the waters without ever needing to stop!
I have been castigated by Officers in the UK who refuse to accept the statement that our devotion to duty and commitment lacks the passion and zeal of our forbears but that is a fact – even if it is unpalatable.
Our predilection for worldly entertainment and our lukewarm attempts at holiness set us poles apart from those early pioneers. We need to go back to our roots, switch of our TVs, turn our back on the movies, put down our books and newspapers and devote all we have to God.
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
“LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known...” (Habkkuk 3:2)
"Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." (Joshua 3:5)
Come on let's do it!
Grace and peace, A
1 comment:
I have to agree with you that in so many instances our standards have dropped. In many Corps Holiness is no longer preached nor Salvation. It seems to be a mish mash of something without much depth that gives people a warm and fuzzy feeling rather than bring about conviction of the need for change.At some Corps including my own the soldiery are expected to do many of the Meetings because officers say they haven't the time to prepare for Meetings but if you need them to help someone they are nowhere to be found and so we are doing a lot of the ministry within our area as well as working in our secular work all week.Soldiers are getting overwhelmed and weary. Yes, we do have our special time with the Lord each day and draw our sustenance from that but it would be nice to occasionally be on the receiving end of some heartfelt and well prepared messages from our Officers.I don't want to sound like an Officer basher (I've) been one) and have respect for the majority but some need to catch on to the spirit which you have of going out and seeking the lost and bringing them to Christ and also teaching their own flock about holy living. Thanks for your post - it is refreshing and uplifting to hear from one who desires to be like Christ and is not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve. God bless you.
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