The renewed earth

Front matter

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Introduction

BY REV. JOHN B. CULPEPPER,

Dear Readers:

When the "holiness wave" struck Georgia it caught my ear and eye and challenged my attention as a proposition to go deeper and do more for me, my home, my church and my State than we had yet realized. After listening to a little local controversy, I determined to know what wise men had said. So I ordered a box of literature — $151 worth of books, setting forth the doctrine and experience from the beginning. These books contained the mature thought and rich experience of the church, irrespective of denominational affiliation. I was surprised, immeasurably, to find that this was not only a Bible doctrine, but was the feature of early and all real Methodism. Before I read those books through, I was satisfied that a man who did not believe in the "baptism of the Holy Spirit," subsequent to regeneration — that one who did not believe in what we Methodists call "the second blessing;" w T hat Baptists call "the rest of faith;" what Episcopalians first called "the higher life;" what Moody called "endueinent for service;" what Andrew Murray calls "the surrendered 1; what some, like Meyer, denominate "the fullness life," is in antagonism with true theology, accurate

4 Introduction.

history, and sound experience. From that hour, twenty years ago, I have steadily adhered to what I so well learned then.

Similarly have I been affected by the literal return and Pre-Millennial reign of my Saviour. In the first instance I was prejudiced against the doctrine of holiness, as I understood it to be taught. Careful, and, I think, prayerful, investigation overcame prejudice and error. In this matter of Pre- or Post-Millennialism, my dense ignorance was most in my way. The name had never attracted me. I got confused with "Adventism," "Millennial-dawnism," and many other irrelevant subjects.

A little investigation interested me. More investigation alarmed me for myself and others. As I proceeded, it became clear that the first followers of Christ looked for Him back — that the early church were, without exception, Pre-Millennialists — that many of the wisest and best of men in all subsequent generations have held this view; that it makes the Bible harmonious and consistent; that it is the greatest of incentives to holy living, and is without parallel as a spring to missionary zeal and activity.

I hail every good book on this and kindred themes. This volume can only do good. When asked for an introductory word, I hesitated, out of pure, personal regard for the author. But, knowing him as I do, after living by him two years, after being in many religious meetings with him, and after having business association with him for

Introduction. 5

a number of years, I can say that if deep, personal piety, much prayer, healthful conscientiousness and painstaking candor are to be counted, then this book goes forth on a fruitful mission..

To each and all of my personal friends, as well as the generous public, I hereby formally introduce this volume, begging that you give it a close reading.

Spiritual Results 317