Heroes // Samuel Logan Brengle
In our day it is so easy to become caught up in the media blitz of celebrities, sport-stars, and musicians. Some even call a few of these individuals heroes. I like to think that a hero is someone more than a celebrity who draws attention to themselves or one who can crush a baseball five hundred feet. From time-to-time, I hope to write about some heroes who have had a major influence in my life and the lives of others.
Today is the 149th birthday of Samuel Logan Brengle and I want to celebrate by paying a bit of a tribute to this man of God.
A Life of Tragedy
When Brengle was two, his father fought in the Civil War for nine months. He returned home physically sick and was never the same again. Three months later, he died leaving a family devastated and financially hurting. Brengle’s mother remarried two years later and some accounts indicate that this was a marriage that was full of tension and displeasure. Brengle’s mother, the one who was the rock in his life, passed away when he was fifteen.
God Speaks to Samuel
Before the death of his mother, Brengle attended a church revival service where he heard God speak to him. He gave his life to God in that methodist revival service. After his mother’s death, he studied for the ministry at DePauw University and then later at Boston Theological Seminary where he began to hear the doctrine of entire sanctification taught.
Ministry with the Salvation Army
Brengle became attracted to the Salvation Army when he heard William Booth preach at an open-air meeting. Traveling to London to join the Salvation Army, he met Booth who was somewhat skeptical of this seminary trained preacher. Upon his acceptance, Brengle’s first task was the menial job of blackening boots. Rather than complain as he was tempted to do, he completed the task with as much enthusiasm as he could manage. Because of his spirit of humility, and sharp mind, he rapidly rose through the ranks of the SA. Brengle was appointed to the United States where he served until 1931. He became the first US born SA officer who attained the position of Commissioner.
Legacy
Brengle left a legacy of helpful material on the doctrine of sanctification. Books that are still in print to this day include Helps to Holiness and Heart Talks on Holiness. When he was asked how he lived a life of holiness, this was his response. “Keep in the will of God, obey Him, seek Him daily, waiting at His gates. Read the Bible regularly. Never neglect secret prayer. Keep testifying to the grace bestowed upon you. Help others.”
Brengle’s books on holiness are still tops in my mind. When someone is hungry for holiness I recommend Brengle and often give out/loan out copies of his books for them to read. He truly is a hero – thanks for the great post!
Thanks for your comment Jon. He ranks high on my list too.
Brengles books on holiness are the easiest to understand that I have ever read!!
I agree, he wrote great books!