This book, the first edition of which was so much misrepresented by some, but so wonderfully blessed to many was never meant in any degree to take the place of the bible, which every true Salvation Soldier so highly values.It is intended in these days of all but universal doubting and coldness towards God and man, to declare anew and confirm your devotion to all God's written revelation.
The use of this book, whether in public or private, continues, as it always was, a purely optional matter. But it has been found so widely popular for both family and public worship that we have tried to improve this ediion by shortening the longer portions, and by various other rearrangements, so that it may be the more suitable for use everywhere.
What we want to promote is the daily reading of all parts of the bible, instead of that preference for the New Testament which we find more and more common where men hope to make the name of Jesus Christ a sort of shelter for unbelief and sin.
Always remember that this book was put together for the use of men who would wish to carry it with them to their work, and to read it to their fellow workmen. Let it be a constant reproof to you if at any time you feel disposed to hide your light, or to go in for the study of the scriptures in such a manner as to take away your thoughts or your leisure time from the multitudes in the dark to whom God means you to bring the light.
May you, through this book, freely receive from the Lord very much! As freely give it out to those who either will not read, or, if they do, cannot profit until they have been led to the Author of the Bible, who alone can give its words life and effect.
William Booth - International Headquarters of The Salvation Army, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C.4.
