The Authoritative Life of General William Booth, Founder of the Salvation ArmyRailton, George S. (George Scott)
History
The Authoritative Life of General William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army
Railton, George S. (George Scott)
Booth, William, 1829-1912; Salvation Army
"My difficulty at the moment is, that while a good supper helps me
to sleep, a scanty supper is agreeable to my brains, and my
feelings hinder me from sleeping, as I am so lively after it.
"_Later._
"I have just had a nice little sleep. Quite refreshing it has been,
and very welcome also.
"I am now in for a cup of tea. What a pleasure it would be if you
were here to pour it out and chatter to me while I drink it.
"Well, I had anticipated this delight on my visit to Norway and
Sweden in this coming July, but that, I am afraid, will not
come--that is, my visit to Denmark; but I shall hold on to it
(D.V.) in connexion with my Annual Campaign in Berlin and round
about. Then I shall expect quite a long stay in your Territory,
similar to my last; or better, I hope.
"I am positively working night and day now, and only hope I shall
not break down; but I am careful, after all, and seem to be really
substantially improved.
"I cannot finish this letter now, and, although it is not worth
posting, I think it will be best to send it off. I may put in a
P.S. if there is opportunity.
"Anyway, believe me, as ever and for ever,
"Your affectionate father,
"W. B."
At his last public Meeting to celebrate his 83d birthday, at the Royal
Albert Hall, on the 9th day of May, the General had said:--
"And now comrades and friends I must say good-bye. I am going into
dry dock for repairs, but The Army will not be allowed to suffer,
either financially or spiritually, or in any other way by my
absence, and in the long future I think it will be seen--I shall
not be here to see, but you will, that The Army will answer every
doubt and banish every fear and strangle every slander, and by its
marvellous success show to the world that it is the work of God and
that The General has been His Servant."
In his last letter to the Chief, he wrote two months later:--
"International Headquarters, London, E.C.
"_July 4, 1912_.
"My Dear Chief,--
"I am pleased to hear that you are sticking to your intention of
going away for a few days, in spite of my continued affliction, for
affliction it can truthfully be called.
"I am very poorly, and the trial of it is that I cannot see any
positive prospect of a definite, speedy recovery. But it will come;
I have never seriously doubted it. God won't let me finish off in
this disheartening manner--disheartening, I mean, to my comrades,
and to those I have to leave with the responsibility of keeping the
Banner flying. God will still do wonders, in spite of men and
devils.
"All will be well. Miriam will get well, Mary will get well, and
both be brave warriors. Florrie will flourish more than ever, and
you will be stronger; and, although it may require more patience
and skill, I shall rally!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account