mony" in the open-air, in saloons, or any resort where an
audience could be gathered. These bands were busy every night in a
hundred wretched districts of the great city, and at every stand,
some poor forlorn creatures would be gathered in and encouraged to
begin a new life in faith in Christ. Some method of organization
became necessary, and was eventually devised. The perfect obedience
and confidence manifested everywhere to the man who directed the
movement, and the entire dependence of every worker on him for
guidance and support, may have suggested the military system. However
that may be, the military organization was adopted, and a perfect
system framed with the aid of Railton Smith, and a few other clever
organizers who were attracted to Mr. Booth's side by the novelty of
his methods, and his marvelous success. In the spring of 1878, the
plans were all matured and the new movement became a compact and
powerful religious force. Since that time it has spread throughout
England, into several European lands, to the United States, and
Canada, to India, Australia and South Africa. Its autocratic character
has been steadfastly maintained. General Booth has retained absolute
control of every officer in his service and has the management of the
enormous income of the army. Occasionally there has been mutiny which
has been overcome by tact or prompt discipline, and not until this
year (1896), when General Booth's son, Ballington, who was his
representative in the United States, resigned rather than be removed
from his command, has there been any formidable defiance of the
supreme and despotic government of the world-wide organization. The
methods of the Army are unconventional and are shocking to staid,
respectable members of churches, but criticism is out of place in any
method which will redeem the masses in the numbers won by the
Salvation Army.

CHURCHES DRAWING TOGETHER.

A notable characteristic of the religious life of the century,
especially in the latter half of it, has been a desire manifested in
various quarters, and in different ways, for union among the
denominations. That organic union could be attained, no practical man
could hope. Uniformity could not be expected, even if it could be
proved to be desirable, but friendly association was possible, and
there were many who contended that there ought to be a recognition of
brotherhood and comradeship, which might issue in some attempt at
co-operation. This w