1. The first principle that must be bore in mind, as governing every scheme that may be put forward, is that it must change the man, when it is his character and conduct which constitute the reasons for his failure in the battle of life.
2. The remedy, to be effectual, must change the circumstances of the individual, when they are the cause of his wretched condition, and lie beyond his control.
3. Any remedy worthy of consideration must be on a scale commensurate with the evil with which it proposes to deal.
4. Not only must the scheme be large enough, but it must be permanent.
5. But while it must be permanent, it must be made practicable.
6. The indirect features of the scheme must not be such as to produce injury to the persons whom we seek to benefit.
7. While assisting one class of the community, it must not seriously interfere with the interests of another.[6]
General Booth's personal attitude, also, is well worth noting. In the preface of his book he makes the following statement:
"I do not claim that my scheme is either perfect in its details, or complete in the sense of being adequate to combat all forms of gigantic evils, against which it is, in the main, directed. Like other human things, it must be perfected through suffering; but it is a sincere endeavor to do something, and to do it on principles, which can be instantly applied and universally developed."[7]