My Ambition Is The Souls Of Men back to 'William Booth - Famous Words'
WILLIAM BOOTH was busier than ever. He was on the eve of the 15-day International Congress of 1904, which was to be attended by crowds filling the Royal Albert and Exeter Halls, and the Crystal Palace. The focal point was to be the International Congress Hall, specially erected in the Strand to seat 5,000 people.
He had made a last-minute inspection of this new hall, for he wanted it to be spic and span, a standard of cleanliness and order for visitors to London to see and copy.
He had an important engagement within the hour:
'the Rev. William Booth, Commander in Chief of The Salvation Army', had been invited to Buckingham Palace to meet King Edward VII that day, June 24.
There was no time to stand on ceremony just then. The hansom cab was outside; Commissioner George Pollard, who would accompany him, was waiting. Placing his top hat on a chair and bending down, the General washed his hands in a workman's bucket. He was then ready to visit the head of the British Empire.
William Booth preparing to meet the King
view full size image
The interview 'was of a most gracious and cordial nature'. The General was delighted to be able to speak of the work of his people in 49 countries. The King complimented him and asked how the churches viewed his work. 'Sir,' replied the 75-year-old warrior 'they imitate me.'
The King was amused and requested him to write in his autograph album.
Some men's ambition is art.
Some men's ambition is fame.
Some men's ambition is gold.
My ambition is the souls of men.
In those words William Booth summed up his life's work.
Of his many existing autographs another has a similar ring. When Colonel John Roberts, the first editor of The Little Soldier (later The Young Soldier), was a young officer, the Founder visited him and left this message: 'William Booth, General of The Salvation Army, whose highest ambition is to be made equal by the Holy Ghost to the great opportunity opened before him by the providence of God.'
'Words of William Booth' by Cyril Barnes
|