The Way to Pentecost

This is an excellent book. It is not so well known today because many are more interested in the fluff of the Holy Spirit and not the substance! Clear away all the froth and read this rich book. I have many volumes in my library, but this volume is a choice one. Samuel Chadwick was known as a "Man of one book" (see Dunning's biography of Chadwick). He studied until 2am, woke up at 6am having a cold bath and continued seeking the Lord. Such was his lifestyle, and it is such devotion to the Lord that brings about rich delicacies for the Church to partake of. Here is a quote from the book to give you an idea of it's contents. In a powerful plea for the life of prayer, E.M. Bounds says: "God's plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God's method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men." He has staked His kingdom on men. He has trusted His gospel to men. He has given His Spirit to men. The Church is on the stretch for new methods, new plans, new buildings, new organizations, but "the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards Him." The Holy Ghost does not come upon methods, but upon men. He does not anoint machinery, but men. He does not work through organizations, but through men. He does not dwell in buildings, but in men. He indwells the body of Christ, directs its activities, distributes its forces, empowers its members.

Dr. Samuel Chadwick's books are all classics! If you enjoy the writing of A.W. Tozer, Stephen Hill, or Leonard Ravenhill then you will greatly enjoy the man who literally started the fire in their hearts, the late Samuel Chadwick. Dr. Chadwick was the President of the old Methodist college in Leeds, England. His writing is not typical Methodist of our day with their liberal views but he writes with the heart and fire of John Wesley. This short book was based on a series of articles that Dr. Chadwick wrote at Leeds College on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Identifying himself with the Pentecostal Methodists of the late 19th century, Chadwick's theology is reflected in this book on the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Chadwick is not charismatic or modern Pentecostal in his thought but believes the Baptism of the Spirit brings power for service (R.A. Torrey, D.L. Moody) and is evident through prayer and holiness. While you might not agree with Chadwick's second work theology, the passion this man had for Jesus is clear. You will read this book and you will be hungry to pray.

This short little book is a good meditation on the power of God in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The book reminds me a bit of A.W. Tozer's "Knowledge of the Holy" which is very devotional in nature. Some of the book is a bit repetitive as this is simply a collection of articles that Chadwick wrote. Thus, chapter after chapter does not build on previous insight from other chapters, and one is not taken as deep as you might go in other books. Still though, there are some absolutely profound chapters in this book. In addition to this book, one would do well to read Leonard Ravenhill's "Why Revival Tarries," and Jim Cymbala's "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire," "Fresh Fiath," and "Fresh Power" trio.