Religious organization which originated in England under William Booth, minister of the "New Connexion Methodists," and was introduced into the United States in 1881. Members are Arminian rather than Calvinistic in doctrine, and in order to be admitted to membership one must sign a pledge of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors and all harmful drugs. They are military in government, and persons of every social grade are found in their ranks. They do earnest work among the submerged, as they style them. They publish four periodicals. Missionary work is carried on in South Africa, India, Japan, Korea, Java, and China.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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