The Social Work of the Salvation ArmyLamb, Edwin Gifford
History
The Social Work of the Salvation Army
Lamb, Edwin Gifford
Poor; Salvation Army; Social history
It is possible, however, that there will gradually be effected a change
in the form of government of the army which will allow for enlargement
and differentiation within the movement itself. General Booth, the sole
head of the movement, cannot live much longer, and at his death, changes
already threatening will demand attention. He has maintained a
remarkable control over his world-wide following, in spite of numerous
outbreaks and dangerous splits, and has legally arranged with great
care, we are told, the succession to follow him. But that there will
ever be a second General Booth, or that there could be a series of
General Booths, able to hold the organization as he has, is incredible.
We have talked with leading officers of his Army on this subject and
find that they too, are looking for changes. The fact that the social
work is having such a remarkable growth, while the spiritual work is
apparently unable to hold its own, is in itself a feature demanding a
change. The Army of industrial and social officers and employees will
not be bound by the same ties to the General as his former Army of
spiritual officers and soldiers. The latter were possessed with an
emotional, fanatical enthusiasm which blinded them to everything save
the service of their much adored General. The former have a different
outlook on life. They are the new Army, a result of tendencies inherent
in the growth of the movement. They look at humanity and individuals
from other standpoints than that of the salvation of the soul. The
material side of society, with its institutions of business, and
practical forms of charitable relief, occupies a large amount of their
attention. This has already led to considerable differentiation of
government and control. Take, for example, the corporation, "The
Industrial Homes Company" controlling eighty-four industrial
institutions in the United States, and managed by a board of directors
in New York City. This example is opening the way toward a future
government by a board of some sort for other departments of the Army,
and in time for the spiritual department, and then the further step of
representation of members on these boards will not be far distant. At
any rate we see reason for hoping that, while other improvements are
taking place, the government of the Army will not be a handicap to the
movement.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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