| Articles Of War - Origins back to 'Articles Of War'
Though the Army's soldiers (members) are drawn from various cultures, traditions and races, as well as from all levels of society, they have all signed their name to the document called 'Articles of War'.
Articles of War c.1920
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This was introduced in early 1882 for new recruits to sign before enrolling as a soldier. Some recruits did not fully share the spirit of the Army and were reluctant to commit themselves. Eventually however, the signing of the articles was generally accepted as a reasonable and helpful provision and in 1890 it was stated as a regulation that 'every salvation soldier must consider, accept and then sign this document'. This requirement is still in force today, as are its reasons, which are reproduced here:
- That he may understand beforehand the doctrines, principles and practices to which he will have to conform.
- Thinking and praying over these Articles will help him to find out whether he really has the faith and spirit of a salvation soldier or not.
- The pledge involved in signing these articles will help him to be faithful to the Army in the future.
- They prevent many joining who are not in heart and head with us, and who consequently would be likely afterwards to create dissatisfaction and division.
The Articles of War were revised in 1989, and were renamed the Soldier's Covenant. Although some changes were made to the language and content, the spirit and primary aims of the original articles have been retained.
General Edward Higgins in 1928, when Chief of the Staff wrote: Salvationism is a clear and well-defined quality that represents distinctive features of doctrine and service which distinguish it from all other organizations and makes of it an entity entirely apart, incapable of being blended with any other people. Any attempt to harmonize it with methods employed by other religious bodies destroys its effectiveness and renders it incapable of achieving its purpose or continuing to develop its special characteristics.
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