Introduction

The author has invited me to stand at the threshold of this little book to open the door for the people. I gladly accept this service because, having been a visitor myself and found much to satisfy my own mind and heart, I can conscientiously urge others to enter.

The subject matter of this book is of prime importance, especially at the present time. The author has succeeded well in giving a clear, concise restatement of the doctrines treated, and in addition he has thrown fresh light upon them. This makes the new treatment both interesting and profitable.

A casual examination of this treatise may produce the impression at first that undue prominence has been given to the subjective, or cleansing, phase of the Spirit’s work; but in my opinion a careful study of the subject will show that the author has not minimized the objective work of the Spirit—the endowment and empowering of gifts for service. The author proceeds, and that rightly, on the principle that the cleansing work of the Spirit in the heart of the individual believer is first in importance, as well as first in point of time, being a necessary prelude to any successful subsequent operation of the Spirit through the individual. It is very evident to my mind that when in doctrinal teaching little stress is placed on the purification of the soul in entire sanctification, and extraordinary emphasis is given to the baptism of the Holy Spirit instead, the result is always superficial, ofttimes even deceptive and dangerous. “Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.”* (Matthew 5:8)

Salvation results from the work which Christ performed for man; but it is faith in Christ and in His atonement that makes His work effective in man. The individual is not saved until the work of redemption is wrought in him; therefore the divinely appointed cure for sin becomes to us a matter of first concern, and theological inquiry is the legitimate and natural result. The sincere mind cannot rest until convinced that it has found the truth. It is to the Bible that we must turn for an authoritative statement of truth and for full light on God’s plan of salvation. Holy Spirit Baptism and The Second Cleansing presents the clearest statement of this important, fundamental truth I have ever found in so small a compass. I am sure it will supply a real need.

F. G. Smith
Anderson, Indiana
February 16, 1923