Opposition And Persecution back to 'Persecution'
Despite its rapid increase in numbers and growing success, The Salvation Army provoked brutal and determined opposition, attracting many enemies. Pub and brothel owners were particularly angered when many of their former customers were converted in Booth's Army. Their profits fell rapidly and business suffered. Many persuaded their friends to join 'The Skeleton Army' whose main ambition was to get rid of The Salvation Army at any cost.
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Many people condemned Booth's outlandish methods, pointing accusingly at the rough criminal characters who, when reformed, became staunch supporters of the new movement. They strongly disapproved of these 'ruffians' attending church and Booth was hated by many because of his bizarre and unfamiliar ways.
Since The Salvation Army was born in the open air, salvationists continued to work to the maxim that if the sinful did not come to them then they must take the gospel message into the streets. Many towns and villages were soon aware of the Army's presence when salvationists marched out in procession with flags and banners waving. The sight often incited the protesters' anger and they took the opportunity for violent attack. All over the country salvationists were faced with angry mobs who used ammunition in the form of dead rats and cats, tar, rocks, rotten vegetables and even burning coals and sulphur to show their hatred of the new movement. In one year alone (1882) 669 salvationists were brutally attacked.
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The police, in many cases, did very little to help. The policy of "peace at any price" issued by the Home Office meant the police intervened as little as possible. The processions were not illegal, they were told, but if the peace of the town was endangered then they should try to prevent disturbances. Many salvationists found themselves in prison on trumped-up charges made by vindictive police and magistrates.
But more serious were the salvationists who were killed because of their faith. Mrs Susannah Beatty became the Army's first martyr after being pelted with rocks, viciously kicked in the stomach and left for dead in a dark alleyway.
Gradually, however, when people began to see the value of the Army's work and the beneficial effect on the lives of those who responded to the gospel message, attitudes changed.
Now active in all five continents The Salvation Army has gained universal respect and loyalty. Persecution has been replaced with friendly banter and the Army is held in high esteem by people from all walks of life.
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