An Introduction to Smith Wigglesworth by Rockytopva
The Bradford Plumber
Those who knew him in his earlier years couldn't have imagined that one day he would see thousands converted, have piles of discarded crutches and braces in his meetings, and have a foreign government take action against him. Wigglesworth was born in 1859 and converted at age 8 in a Wesleyan Methodist revival, and an Anglican bishop confirmed him 2 years later.
In his late teens in Bradford, England, while preparing to become a master plumber, Wigglesworth became attracted to the Salvation Army because they seemed to have more spiritual power than any other group. And through this association, he met Polly Featherstone. Subsequent to their marriage in 1882, they shared in ministry by opening Bowland Street Mission in Bradford.
Visiting nearby Leeds, he attended a "divine healing service" and became convinced from Scripture that God still heals the sick. Polly accompanied him to one of the services and received a healing herself. Wigglesworth, however, continued to suffer from hemorrhoids and took salts every day to clear his lower digestive tract. When Polly challenged him with his own unbelief, he anointed himself with oil according to the instruction in James 5:14. Instantly, healing took place and the malady never returned.
In spite of Wigglesworth's physical strength, he lacked self-confidence. He couldn't speak from the pulpit for more than 2 or 3 minutes before breaking down in tears and asking someone else to finish for him. Polly was the preacher in the family. For Smith, these were years of intense personal struggle, which unfortunately resulted in a time of spiritual coldness. Nevertheless, his family grew (he and Polly had five children), and his prospering business was flooded with calls.
The Home Life and Knowing When to Leave
An experience in the history of the Wigglesworth home was an event when Smith was in the market for a home. Having coming up $500 short, he consulted his friends and relatives without any avail. So then he consulted his lovely wife and said, “Oh, mother I am in a hard place.” “I know,” she said. “I will tell you what you have never done, my dear.”
“What?”
“You have never gone to God once about this thing.”
“All right my dear, I will go pray.”
Upon praying the Lord gave Smith the word of wisdom, “Go see Brother Webster.” Smith then went to Brother Webster who then gave him what he had need of. These type experiences were common in the Wigglesworth home “before the fire fell.” The listening to the voice of the Lord was an important prerequisite to the unique healing ability that Smith Wigglesworth would come to refine:
1. Listen to the voice of the Lord to discern the situation
2. Make a “faith inspiring” Power Statement based upon the discernment.
3. Pray a “Power Prayer” in the name of Jesus based upon the Power Statement.
Not only did the voice of the Lord speak to the man, but the power of the Holy Ghost would fall after the “Power Prayer,” giving the power to perform the acts that Smith Wigglesworth believed him for. There are many stories of healing that followed whose stories are in many volumes of books by Smith Wigglesworth. One story in particular was while running down a street in Vevey, Switzerland, young Kenneth Ware heard someone call out to him, "Come here, boy! Put out your tongue!" Since his mother had many English-speaking friends, he thought the man must be an American doctor. But far from a medical doctor, it was Smith Wigglesworth. He had been a neglected child and now at age 15 stuttered badly. Standing before the evangelist, Wigglesworth took hold of the boy's tongue and abruptly declared, "Lad, this tongue will preach the gospel." From that moment the stuttering ceased and Ware later became a missionary in France.
Another gift that Smith Wigglesworth possessed was in knowing when to move on. For many years, he says, the Lord has been moving him on and keeping him from spiritual stagnation. When he was in the Methodist Church, he was sure he was saved, he was sure he was right. The Lord said “Come out,” and he came out. When he was with the Brethren he was sure he was right, but the Lord said “Come out,” and he came out. When he went to the Salvation Army at that time it was full of life, and there were revivals everywhere. But the Salvation Army went into natural things, and the great revivals in the early days ceased. The Lord said to him “Come out,” and he came out. For the rest of his life he believed that the Pentecostal revival was the best thing going on under heaven, which Wigglesworth remained faithful to all of his days.
When the Fire Fell
Two stirring spiritual experiences changed him and his ministry forever: (1) In 1893 while attending one of the famous "higher life" conferences at the resort town of Keswick, the equivalent of an American camp meeting, he testified to being sanctified or baptized in the Spirit, as taught by the Keswick preachers. (2) A greater turning point in his life occurred in 1907. He heard that people were receiving the Holy Spirit at Sunderland and decided to go and see for himself. Convinced that he had already gotten the Pentecostal Baptism, he grew discouraged while attending the services. Though "slain in the Spirit" several times, his spiritual hunger became even more intense.
Finally, after 4 days of seeking to speak in tongues, he decided to head home but first stopped by the vicarage to say good-bye. Mary Boddy, the vicar's wife, said, "Brother Wigglesworth, it is not the tongues you need but the Baptism. If you will allow God to baptize you, the other will be all right." Although protesting that he had previously been baptized, he asked her to lay hands on him and pray that he would receive. After she did so and unexpectedly left the room, "the fire fell," he recalled. "The joy was so great that when I came to utter it my tongue failed, and I began to worship God in other tongues as the Spirit gave me utterance." After arriving home, he found that Polly doubted his new experience. She claimed she was as much Spirit baptized as him without speaking in tongues. "I have been preaching for 20 years," she asserted, "and you have sat beside me on the platform. But on Sunday you will preach yourself, and I'll see what there is in it."
The next Sunday he entered the pulpit and, prompted by the Spirit, preached from Isaiah 61:1-3: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings...." The bold and fluent preaching that came forth startled his wife as she sat in the back of the mission. Speaking in a voice loud enough that everyone around her heard, Polly sputtered, "That's not my Smith, Lord; that's not my Smith!" Polly was filled with the Spirit soon after, and the Bowland Street Mission changed dramatically. They continued in ministry until Polly's death 6 years later in 1913. Unknown to Wigglesworth, that humble beginning had ignited a preaching ministry that would eventually take him around the world.
Early Challenges
When Wigglesworth was in the plumbing business he would get urgent calls, with no time to wash he would attend to the needs of the sick, which built his faith and ministry. This is how Wigglesworth’s ministry grew. As he would answer those calls and see those people healed, so the Wigglesworth’s name began to be synonymous with healing and his ministry grew. He was once called into a home to pray for a very sick young girl whom the doctor had given up on. As he looked he saw that unless God intervened, it would be impossible for her to live. He said to the family members that they would have to go to bed in which they did not want to go. He then said goodbye and put on his overcoat to leave. They then agreed to go to bed, for he knew that God would not move in an atmosphere of sympathy and unbelief. He then knelt face to face with death and the devil. Then the fight came, for in the wee hours of the morning it was as though the heavens were brass until the little girl finally passed away. The devil then said that he was done for in which he remembered the passage that men ought to always pray and not loose heart. While wrestling with the battle at hand he looked out the window and at that moment the face of Jesus appeared with a million rays of light coming from his face. As he looked at the one who passed away the color came back to her face and she rolled over and went to sleep. In the morning she woke, put on a dressing gown, and walked to the piano. They all had a glorious time. On these challenges Wigglesworth began to grow both his faith and reputation.
A Young Boy Healed
One time while Wigglesworth was abroad he was receiving letters about a certain case, but when he arrived he was told he was too late in which he said, “That cannot be. God has never sent me anywhere too late.” He was introduced to a young man who lay helpless with no hope. The doctor had been to see him that morning and had declared that he would not live through the day. He lay with his face to the wall, and when Wigglesworth spoke to him he whispered, “I cannot turn over.” His mother said that they had to lift him out of bed on sheets and that he was so frail and helpless that he had to stay in that one position. He said unto the parents “believe that your son will rise today,” in which they only laughed. Being wintertime he then said to the parents, “Will you get the boy’s suit and bring it here?” In which, expecting the boy to die, they did not listen for from the human viewpoint the young man lay dying. At last he persuaded the parents to bring the boy’s clothes and lay them on the bed. He then spoke to the afflicted one, “God has revealed to me that as I lay my hands on you, the place will be filled with the Holy Spirit, the bed will be shaken, and you will be shaken and thrown out of bed. By the power of the Holy Spirit you will dress yourself and be strong.” He said that to the boy in faith. He then laid hands on him in Jesus name and instantly the power of God fell and filled the place. Wigglesworth then fell helpless to the floor. The father fell, the mother fell, and another who was present fell also. He then heard the young boy pacing about crying, “For your glory, Lord! For your glory, Lord!” He then dressed himself and said, “God has healed me!” God manifested his power that day in saving the whole household and healing the young man, who would later accept the call to preach the Gospel.
Wigglesworth Described
“The preaching was mainly on divine healing; and while it was evident that the preacher was an illiterate man, yet an indescribable power filled him. And his preaching was not in the wisdom of man, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power. A heavily built man, he walked on the platform with the stately tread like a patriarch of old; one who knew God and feared not man. He held his audiences spellbound as he poured out his heart, reciting stories of great victories; and these divinely inspired utterances he capped with some appropriate scripture. In every case he gave glory to his Lord and as one Christian said; “The way he said Jesus and exalted that name thrilled me through and through.” –HV Roberts
Apostle of Faith
Wigglesworth's beliefs mirrored those of other Pentecostals, and robust faith characterized his life. Those who attended his meetings remembered the awesome presence of the Spirit, his fearless preaching, the testimonies of miraculous healings, and his leading them in the chorus "Only Believe." At times he became so filled with joy that his vocal praise could rattle the serenity of the gravest of souls. On one occasion he went to a concert hall for a presentation of Handel's Messiah. When the choir finished singing the last note of the "The Hallelujah Chorus," he roared "Hallelujah!" Shocked concertgoers shuddered at this outlandish behavior. A reporter wrote in the morning paper the next day, "I never heard such a voice in my life!"
One must credit him with consistency in trusting God for his physical health, even as Pentecostals gradually accepted the complementary roles of prayer and medical science in healing. He and Polly agreed never to seek the help of doctors or take medicine but to trust Christ as their Healer. Suffering had no place in God's plan for the believer. Wigglesworth saw praying for the sick as a contest between God and the devil: "I have no word for rheumatism only 'demon possessed.' Rheumatism, cancers, tumors, lumbago, neuralgia, and all these things I give only one name, the power of the devil working in humanity. When I see consumption, I see demon working power there. All these things can be removed."
There was one instance in New Zealand of a man from another island from where Wigglesworth was preaching. He had punctured his brain with a rusty nail and complained of his head being on fire. His son took him across the straight where he came to the evening meetings, but he could not rest. A brief prayer for him was made in which he stormed out in rage, “Is this all he did after coming all the way from Blenheim?” His son later wrote that a while the steamer was crossing between the two islands suddenly and mysteriously the pain had left his fathers head; the puncture had closed up; all the inflammation had gone, and he was at that moment perfectly healed.
Smith Wigglesworth’s Dynamic Meetings
Wigglesworth's services never bored his audiences. At a meeting in Washington, D.C., a young girl entered the auditorium with the help of two other people. With no muscular ability, her legs dangled with her feet hanging vertically. When he invited those who wanted prayer to walk to the front, she struggled to go forward. Calling out to her, he said, "Stay right where you are. You are going to be a different girl when you leave this place." Inquiring about her condition, he learned she had never walked before. Laying his hands on her head in prayer, he commanded, "In the name of Jesus Christ, walk!" Suddenly, she dropped her crutches and began walking.
In Sweden, Wigglesworth triggered such a furor among the medical doctors and clergy of the Lutheran state church that they denounced his practice of praying for the sick. As a result, the government forbade him to lay hands on anyone for prayer. Undaunted, when a crowd of 20,000 assembled at an outdoor service, he stayed within the law by telling the sick to stand and lay their hands on their afflicted parts while he prayed for them. Many claimed deliverance as they did in his campaigns elsewhere.
Smith Wigglesworth the Unknown
Often times Smith Wigglesworth would send himself to places unknown to that country. He came to New Zealand in May of 1922 not knowing if anyone would meet him – a stranger in a strange land. There were no churches to stand behind him. No organizations to finance his campaign; But he was leaning on an almighty arm for God was with him. In a matter of three days the town hall was overfilled with the 3,000 person capacity and New Zealand began to experience its greatest revival. Though the island was definitely against tongues, on listening the mountain of prejudice against the Pentecostal faith soon disappeared. His simple philosophy was to only believe and the power of God did wonders for those in his audience.
Doctrines of the Holy Ghost and Speaking of Tongues
For sixteen years Smith Wigglesworth preached that he had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, when in fact he had only received the anointing of the spirit. He explains that it was though he was on the outside of the Garden of Eden looking in. But after he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it was as though he had regained access to the Garden of Eden, with the Holy Spirit serving as the fiery sword keeping evil out while he tasted of the good of the Lord. Smith Wigglesworth believed that there were three variations of tongues:
Smith Wigglesworth also emphasizes that the Giver is to be received before the gifts. Salvation always precedes sanctification, and sanctification will always precede the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification prepares the body for the Holy Spirit, and when the body is rightly prepared for the Holy Spirit, and then it is the work of Jesus to baptize with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit then makes Jesus king in your life; you regard him as Lord and Master over all things, and you become submissive to him in all things. You are not afraid to say, “You are mine! I love you!”
Discernment, Sanctification, and Deception
Smith Wigglesworth, like his earlier Methodist mentors, believed discernment and sanctification as something that sweetens the spirit up, making people more spiritual and loving. His wife once testified that she knew Smith was sanctified when he quit complaining about his food. Wigglesworth states that we are sanctified so that nothing hinders us in the manifestation of the Glory of God. In this way we are robbed of all pride, evil, and freely led of the Spirit. Evil thoughts come from the unclean believer, the man who is not entirely sanctified.
Concerning discernment Wigglesworth states, “Most people think they have discernment; but if they would turn their discernment on themselves for twelve months, they would never want to ‘discern’ again. The gift of discernment is not criticism. I am satisfied that in Pentecostal circles today, our paramount need is more perfect love. I have found many notable people in the world whom I know personally, who have gotten to running another person down and finding fault. They are always fault finding and judging people outright. God save us from criticism! When we are pure in heart we only think about pure things.”
The difference between those being led by the Holy Spirit and those who are deceived by Satan is joy, gladness, and a good countenance instead of sadness, sorrow, and depression. Jesus comes with joy into the soul and lifts you higher and higher, it is the spirit who gives light. When satanic power begins to rule; then there is weariness, then people’s faces are like a tragedy, and then their eyes glare as though they have passed through a terrible trial. You are always right to test the spirits (1 John 4:1), if not you will be sure to be caught napping.
Greater Works
Smith Wigglesworth was a truly Spirit filled individual who fulfilled the Lords prophesy in John 14:12 that greater works shall the believer do because Jesus goes to his Heavenly Father. I believe that those hungering for this prophesy to be fulfilled in their own life will enjoy the mentoring of Smith Wigglesworth. On March 12, 1947, Smith Wigglesworth, in perfect health, closed his eyes and slipped into eternity, at the age of 87.
Credits
Gary B. McGee, Ph.D., professor of church history at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri.
Smith Wigglesworth on Spiritual Gifts, Whitaker House
Smith Wigglesworth on the Anointing, Whitaker House
Smith Wigglesworth on Spirit Filled Living, Whitaker House
http://www.johncarve.../wigglebio.html
The Bradford Plumber
Those who knew him in his earlier years couldn't have imagined that one day he would see thousands converted, have piles of discarded crutches and braces in his meetings, and have a foreign government take action against him. Wigglesworth was born in 1859 and converted at age 8 in a Wesleyan Methodist revival, and an Anglican bishop confirmed him 2 years later.
In his late teens in Bradford, England, while preparing to become a master plumber, Wigglesworth became attracted to the Salvation Army because they seemed to have more spiritual power than any other group. And through this association, he met Polly Featherstone. Subsequent to their marriage in 1882, they shared in ministry by opening Bowland Street Mission in Bradford.
Visiting nearby Leeds, he attended a "divine healing service" and became convinced from Scripture that God still heals the sick. Polly accompanied him to one of the services and received a healing herself. Wigglesworth, however, continued to suffer from hemorrhoids and took salts every day to clear his lower digestive tract. When Polly challenged him with his own unbelief, he anointed himself with oil according to the instruction in James 5:14. Instantly, healing took place and the malady never returned.
In spite of Wigglesworth's physical strength, he lacked self-confidence. He couldn't speak from the pulpit for more than 2 or 3 minutes before breaking down in tears and asking someone else to finish for him. Polly was the preacher in the family. For Smith, these were years of intense personal struggle, which unfortunately resulted in a time of spiritual coldness. Nevertheless, his family grew (he and Polly had five children), and his prospering business was flooded with calls.
The Home Life and Knowing When to Leave
An experience in the history of the Wigglesworth home was an event when Smith was in the market for a home. Having coming up $500 short, he consulted his friends and relatives without any avail. So then he consulted his lovely wife and said, “Oh, mother I am in a hard place.” “I know,” she said. “I will tell you what you have never done, my dear.”
“What?”
“You have never gone to God once about this thing.”
“All right my dear, I will go pray.”
Upon praying the Lord gave Smith the word of wisdom, “Go see Brother Webster.” Smith then went to Brother Webster who then gave him what he had need of. These type experiences were common in the Wigglesworth home “before the fire fell.” The listening to the voice of the Lord was an important prerequisite to the unique healing ability that Smith Wigglesworth would come to refine:
1. Listen to the voice of the Lord to discern the situation
2. Make a “faith inspiring” Power Statement based upon the discernment.
3. Pray a “Power Prayer” in the name of Jesus based upon the Power Statement.
Not only did the voice of the Lord speak to the man, but the power of the Holy Ghost would fall after the “Power Prayer,” giving the power to perform the acts that Smith Wigglesworth believed him for. There are many stories of healing that followed whose stories are in many volumes of books by Smith Wigglesworth. One story in particular was while running down a street in Vevey, Switzerland, young Kenneth Ware heard someone call out to him, "Come here, boy! Put out your tongue!" Since his mother had many English-speaking friends, he thought the man must be an American doctor. But far from a medical doctor, it was Smith Wigglesworth. He had been a neglected child and now at age 15 stuttered badly. Standing before the evangelist, Wigglesworth took hold of the boy's tongue and abruptly declared, "Lad, this tongue will preach the gospel." From that moment the stuttering ceased and Ware later became a missionary in France.
Another gift that Smith Wigglesworth possessed was in knowing when to move on. For many years, he says, the Lord has been moving him on and keeping him from spiritual stagnation. When he was in the Methodist Church, he was sure he was saved, he was sure he was right. The Lord said “Come out,” and he came out. When he was with the Brethren he was sure he was right, but the Lord said “Come out,” and he came out. When he went to the Salvation Army at that time it was full of life, and there were revivals everywhere. But the Salvation Army went into natural things, and the great revivals in the early days ceased. The Lord said to him “Come out,” and he came out. For the rest of his life he believed that the Pentecostal revival was the best thing going on under heaven, which Wigglesworth remained faithful to all of his days.
When the Fire Fell
Two stirring spiritual experiences changed him and his ministry forever: (1) In 1893 while attending one of the famous "higher life" conferences at the resort town of Keswick, the equivalent of an American camp meeting, he testified to being sanctified or baptized in the Spirit, as taught by the Keswick preachers. (2) A greater turning point in his life occurred in 1907. He heard that people were receiving the Holy Spirit at Sunderland and decided to go and see for himself. Convinced that he had already gotten the Pentecostal Baptism, he grew discouraged while attending the services. Though "slain in the Spirit" several times, his spiritual hunger became even more intense.
Finally, after 4 days of seeking to speak in tongues, he decided to head home but first stopped by the vicarage to say good-bye. Mary Boddy, the vicar's wife, said, "Brother Wigglesworth, it is not the tongues you need but the Baptism. If you will allow God to baptize you, the other will be all right." Although protesting that he had previously been baptized, he asked her to lay hands on him and pray that he would receive. After she did so and unexpectedly left the room, "the fire fell," he recalled. "The joy was so great that when I came to utter it my tongue failed, and I began to worship God in other tongues as the Spirit gave me utterance." After arriving home, he found that Polly doubted his new experience. She claimed she was as much Spirit baptized as him without speaking in tongues. "I have been preaching for 20 years," she asserted, "and you have sat beside me on the platform. But on Sunday you will preach yourself, and I'll see what there is in it."
The next Sunday he entered the pulpit and, prompted by the Spirit, preached from Isaiah 61:1-3: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings...." The bold and fluent preaching that came forth startled his wife as she sat in the back of the mission. Speaking in a voice loud enough that everyone around her heard, Polly sputtered, "That's not my Smith, Lord; that's not my Smith!" Polly was filled with the Spirit soon after, and the Bowland Street Mission changed dramatically. They continued in ministry until Polly's death 6 years later in 1913. Unknown to Wigglesworth, that humble beginning had ignited a preaching ministry that would eventually take him around the world.
Early Challenges
When Wigglesworth was in the plumbing business he would get urgent calls, with no time to wash he would attend to the needs of the sick, which built his faith and ministry. This is how Wigglesworth’s ministry grew. As he would answer those calls and see those people healed, so the Wigglesworth’s name began to be synonymous with healing and his ministry grew. He was once called into a home to pray for a very sick young girl whom the doctor had given up on. As he looked he saw that unless God intervened, it would be impossible for her to live. He said to the family members that they would have to go to bed in which they did not want to go. He then said goodbye and put on his overcoat to leave. They then agreed to go to bed, for he knew that God would not move in an atmosphere of sympathy and unbelief. He then knelt face to face with death and the devil. Then the fight came, for in the wee hours of the morning it was as though the heavens were brass until the little girl finally passed away. The devil then said that he was done for in which he remembered the passage that men ought to always pray and not loose heart. While wrestling with the battle at hand he looked out the window and at that moment the face of Jesus appeared with a million rays of light coming from his face. As he looked at the one who passed away the color came back to her face and she rolled over and went to sleep. In the morning she woke, put on a dressing gown, and walked to the piano. They all had a glorious time. On these challenges Wigglesworth began to grow both his faith and reputation.
A Young Boy Healed
One time while Wigglesworth was abroad he was receiving letters about a certain case, but when he arrived he was told he was too late in which he said, “That cannot be. God has never sent me anywhere too late.” He was introduced to a young man who lay helpless with no hope. The doctor had been to see him that morning and had declared that he would not live through the day. He lay with his face to the wall, and when Wigglesworth spoke to him he whispered, “I cannot turn over.” His mother said that they had to lift him out of bed on sheets and that he was so frail and helpless that he had to stay in that one position. He said unto the parents “believe that your son will rise today,” in which they only laughed. Being wintertime he then said to the parents, “Will you get the boy’s suit and bring it here?” In which, expecting the boy to die, they did not listen for from the human viewpoint the young man lay dying. At last he persuaded the parents to bring the boy’s clothes and lay them on the bed. He then spoke to the afflicted one, “God has revealed to me that as I lay my hands on you, the place will be filled with the Holy Spirit, the bed will be shaken, and you will be shaken and thrown out of bed. By the power of the Holy Spirit you will dress yourself and be strong.” He said that to the boy in faith. He then laid hands on him in Jesus name and instantly the power of God fell and filled the place. Wigglesworth then fell helpless to the floor. The father fell, the mother fell, and another who was present fell also. He then heard the young boy pacing about crying, “For your glory, Lord! For your glory, Lord!” He then dressed himself and said, “God has healed me!” God manifested his power that day in saving the whole household and healing the young man, who would later accept the call to preach the Gospel.
Wigglesworth Described
“The preaching was mainly on divine healing; and while it was evident that the preacher was an illiterate man, yet an indescribable power filled him. And his preaching was not in the wisdom of man, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power. A heavily built man, he walked on the platform with the stately tread like a patriarch of old; one who knew God and feared not man. He held his audiences spellbound as he poured out his heart, reciting stories of great victories; and these divinely inspired utterances he capped with some appropriate scripture. In every case he gave glory to his Lord and as one Christian said; “The way he said Jesus and exalted that name thrilled me through and through.” –HV Roberts
Apostle of Faith
Wigglesworth's beliefs mirrored those of other Pentecostals, and robust faith characterized his life. Those who attended his meetings remembered the awesome presence of the Spirit, his fearless preaching, the testimonies of miraculous healings, and his leading them in the chorus "Only Believe." At times he became so filled with joy that his vocal praise could rattle the serenity of the gravest of souls. On one occasion he went to a concert hall for a presentation of Handel's Messiah. When the choir finished singing the last note of the "The Hallelujah Chorus," he roared "Hallelujah!" Shocked concertgoers shuddered at this outlandish behavior. A reporter wrote in the morning paper the next day, "I never heard such a voice in my life!"
One must credit him with consistency in trusting God for his physical health, even as Pentecostals gradually accepted the complementary roles of prayer and medical science in healing. He and Polly agreed never to seek the help of doctors or take medicine but to trust Christ as their Healer. Suffering had no place in God's plan for the believer. Wigglesworth saw praying for the sick as a contest between God and the devil: "I have no word for rheumatism only 'demon possessed.' Rheumatism, cancers, tumors, lumbago, neuralgia, and all these things I give only one name, the power of the devil working in humanity. When I see consumption, I see demon working power there. All these things can be removed."
There was one instance in New Zealand of a man from another island from where Wigglesworth was preaching. He had punctured his brain with a rusty nail and complained of his head being on fire. His son took him across the straight where he came to the evening meetings, but he could not rest. A brief prayer for him was made in which he stormed out in rage, “Is this all he did after coming all the way from Blenheim?” His son later wrote that a while the steamer was crossing between the two islands suddenly and mysteriously the pain had left his fathers head; the puncture had closed up; all the inflammation had gone, and he was at that moment perfectly healed.
Smith Wigglesworth’s Dynamic Meetings
Wigglesworth's services never bored his audiences. At a meeting in Washington, D.C., a young girl entered the auditorium with the help of two other people. With no muscular ability, her legs dangled with her feet hanging vertically. When he invited those who wanted prayer to walk to the front, she struggled to go forward. Calling out to her, he said, "Stay right where you are. You are going to be a different girl when you leave this place." Inquiring about her condition, he learned she had never walked before. Laying his hands on her head in prayer, he commanded, "In the name of Jesus Christ, walk!" Suddenly, she dropped her crutches and began walking.
In Sweden, Wigglesworth triggered such a furor among the medical doctors and clergy of the Lutheran state church that they denounced his practice of praying for the sick. As a result, the government forbade him to lay hands on anyone for prayer. Undaunted, when a crowd of 20,000 assembled at an outdoor service, he stayed within the law by telling the sick to stand and lay their hands on their afflicted parts while he prayed for them. Many claimed deliverance as they did in his campaigns elsewhere.
Smith Wigglesworth the Unknown
Often times Smith Wigglesworth would send himself to places unknown to that country. He came to New Zealand in May of 1922 not knowing if anyone would meet him – a stranger in a strange land. There were no churches to stand behind him. No organizations to finance his campaign; But he was leaning on an almighty arm for God was with him. In a matter of three days the town hall was overfilled with the 3,000 person capacity and New Zealand began to experience its greatest revival. Though the island was definitely against tongues, on listening the mountain of prejudice against the Pentecostal faith soon disappeared. His simple philosophy was to only believe and the power of God did wonders for those in his audience.
Doctrines of the Holy Ghost and Speaking of Tongues
For sixteen years Smith Wigglesworth preached that he had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, when in fact he had only received the anointing of the spirit. He explains that it was though he was on the outside of the Garden of Eden looking in. But after he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it was as though he had regained access to the Garden of Eden, with the Holy Spirit serving as the fiery sword keeping evil out while he tasted of the good of the Lord. Smith Wigglesworth believed that there were three variations of tongues:
- The initial tongues giving upon baptism.
- The tongues spoken in prayer not meant to be interpreted.
- The tongues given out with a purpose of being interpreted to your native language.
- Go two days without growing… You have lost your vision!
- Go a week without growing… You are a backslider!
Smith Wigglesworth also emphasizes that the Giver is to be received before the gifts. Salvation always precedes sanctification, and sanctification will always precede the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification prepares the body for the Holy Spirit, and when the body is rightly prepared for the Holy Spirit, and then it is the work of Jesus to baptize with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit then makes Jesus king in your life; you regard him as Lord and Master over all things, and you become submissive to him in all things. You are not afraid to say, “You are mine! I love you!”
Discernment, Sanctification, and Deception
Smith Wigglesworth, like his earlier Methodist mentors, believed discernment and sanctification as something that sweetens the spirit up, making people more spiritual and loving. His wife once testified that she knew Smith was sanctified when he quit complaining about his food. Wigglesworth states that we are sanctified so that nothing hinders us in the manifestation of the Glory of God. In this way we are robbed of all pride, evil, and freely led of the Spirit. Evil thoughts come from the unclean believer, the man who is not entirely sanctified.
Concerning discernment Wigglesworth states, “Most people think they have discernment; but if they would turn their discernment on themselves for twelve months, they would never want to ‘discern’ again. The gift of discernment is not criticism. I am satisfied that in Pentecostal circles today, our paramount need is more perfect love. I have found many notable people in the world whom I know personally, who have gotten to running another person down and finding fault. They are always fault finding and judging people outright. God save us from criticism! When we are pure in heart we only think about pure things.”
The difference between those being led by the Holy Spirit and those who are deceived by Satan is joy, gladness, and a good countenance instead of sadness, sorrow, and depression. Jesus comes with joy into the soul and lifts you higher and higher, it is the spirit who gives light. When satanic power begins to rule; then there is weariness, then people’s faces are like a tragedy, and then their eyes glare as though they have passed through a terrible trial. You are always right to test the spirits (1 John 4:1), if not you will be sure to be caught napping.
Greater Works
Smith Wigglesworth was a truly Spirit filled individual who fulfilled the Lords prophesy in John 14:12 that greater works shall the believer do because Jesus goes to his Heavenly Father. I believe that those hungering for this prophesy to be fulfilled in their own life will enjoy the mentoring of Smith Wigglesworth. On March 12, 1947, Smith Wigglesworth, in perfect health, closed his eyes and slipped into eternity, at the age of 87.
Credits
Gary B. McGee, Ph.D., professor of church history at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Springfield, Missouri.
Smith Wigglesworth on Spiritual Gifts, Whitaker House
Smith Wigglesworth on the Anointing, Whitaker House
Smith Wigglesworth on Spirit Filled Living, Whitaker House
http://www.johncarve.../wigglebio.html
