Autograph Message No. IV, 14 May 1910, courtesy of Salvation Army Heritage Museum WA, Hopetoun closed social work file.
'Autograph Message No. IV. is a digital copy of a photocopy held in the Hopetoun closed social work file at the Salvation Army Heritage Museum WA and published, according to a handwritten caption, in the War Cry on 14 May 1910. This item gives insight into the importance of 'child conversion' in the Salvation Army theology.
The text reads, 'As Salvationists we heartily believe in child conversion, and seek by all possible means to bring this about in the case of every child we have to do with. We have many encouragements for this. The Bible is with us. How many incidents are recorded in its biographies showing the outcome of all early belief, to say nothing of its many inculcations to parents in the direction of training. The Master Himself Jesus Christ when on earth showed the fullest sympathy with the child heart. The importance of schooling the young cannot be overestimated. Prevention is better than cure. It has been said, 'Save an adult and you save a unit. Save a child and you save a whole multiplication table!' Saving a youth from Sin not only means salvation for the present but setting young lives to work for God in saving others, making them into fighters for God.'
Last updated: 7 August 2023
Cite this: https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/wa/objects/WD0000882.htm
First published by the Find & Connect Web Resource Project for the Commonwealth of Australia, 2011
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