David J. Fant Jr. - A.W. Tozer: A Twentieth-Century Prophet

A. W. TOZER

www.moodypublishers.com

An imprint of Moody Publishers

A. W. Tozer: A Twentieth-Century Prophet

ISBN: 978-1-60066-001-6

1964 by Christian Publications, Inc.

Previously published by Christian Publications, Inc.
First Christian Publications edition 1964
First WingSpread Publishers edition 2010

All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America

3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2

Scripture taken from
the Holy Bible: King James Version

There was a man sent from God.

That man was John the Baptist, herald of the Christ. But it can be said also of A. W. Tozer and of many individuals God has raised up in critical periods of history. These stand out above the crowd, bear distinctive marks, see things others miss, hear a voice that elsewhere falls on silent ears.

Always there are perceptive people who recognize them when they appear. An obscure Shunammite widow was one of these. She said to her husband, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. She discovered Elisha.

Since first I met A. W. Tozer in the early twenties I have felt he was such a man. Later, in my association with him in the publishing work of The Christian and Missionary Alliance and on its Board of Managers, the conviction grew. It deepened with the years.

It was my privilege to launch my friend on his writing career. He possessed the gifts; all he needed was encouragement and opportunity. That his writings will continue to speak, though the clouds conceal his physical presence, is evidence of the wisdom of his choice and compensation for his labors. There is something enduring and rewarding about the written word.

His first book was Wingspread, a biography of A. B. Simpson. His last was Knowledge of the Holy, a study of the attributes of God. A comparison of the two books will demonstrate how his style changed and his art improved as he went along.

So impressed were people with this man that they applied to him such descriptive terms as oracle, seer, Christian mystic. Certainly there was something that distinguished him from the common run of preachers, authors, and editors. His was an originality of thought, a spiritual depth of message, a craftsmanship of style. When he spoke, people listened; what he wrote, they read. In time he seemed to realize that the anointing oil was upon him, and he sometimes referred to himself as a minor prophet. That explains the subtitle of this book.

The office of a Biblical prophet was an exalted one. An ordained prophet spoke for God. Endued with the divine Spirit, he poured forth animated oracles. He also foretold the future. His words were a revelation from God, made through man to man. He addressed his own generation and future ones. In a strict sense he was one to whom the knowledge of secret things is revealed, whether past, present, or to come.

As one of Gods spokesmen, Tozer claimed no metaphysical knowledge beyond that contained in the Scriptures, no power except that supplied by the Holy Spirit. For him the Sacred Canon was closed. He would neither add to nor take away from its inspired words. But he earnestly sought such close fellowship with the living Christ that he could constantly share His Spirit and interpret His will.

Reared on a farm in rural Pennsylvania and as a lad deprived of all but a most elementary education in a one-room country school, by determination and hard work he achieved the rank of a scholar. This was recognized by two colleges which honored him with doctoral degrees.

In Chicago, that Vatican of Protestantism and citadel of evangelicalism, he attained eminence. A weekly radio broadcast originating in his study expanded his influence. The excellence of his gifts soon commended him to Bible conferences and missionary conventions throughout the land. To these he lent himself selflessly and tirelessly.

In 1950 he was elected editor of The Alliance Weekly and in this office he gained international recognition. His editorials, sometimes comforting, often castigating, were always stimulating. They were published simultaneously in Great Britain and translations were made in many languages. Religious magazines and book publishers constantly demanded original contributions.

The last thing Tozer would have desired is a biography; he was a humble man, desirous of hearing no good of himself. Like the Forerunner he pointed to another, saying, Behold, the Lamb of God.

So this book is not a biography in the usual sense. True, it opens with a biographical chapter, and there are personal references in other places. His friends will want to know him better. But in general it has been my purpose to reveal the man through his works.

What was the unique contribution of this prophet to his generation? In my opinion it was the setting of an exalted standard of craftsmanship in the work of the Lord. Tozer demanded the highest possible degree of perfection in preaching, writing, and living. He deprecated laziness and mediocrity. Only cunning works of gold, silver, and brass should be laid on the divine altar. By precept and example he raised the standard of scholarship and endeavor of an entire denomination.

He recovered neglected truths and practices. People who had never heard of Christian mystics began to visit libraries and bookstores. Names of saints long buried were resurrected. Another generation began to drink of the living waters.

Correspondence increased. Letters came from all parts of the world. Fears must be allayed, personal problems solved, theological questions answered. Illustrative replies to some of these will be found in the following pages.

The Table of Contents indicates the varied aspects of Tozers ministry: Prophet, scholar, mystic, theologian, pastor, missionary, poet, author, editor. Such captions merely express the orientation; in many cases contents of the chapters range far beyond the central idea. Included is a chapter of poems he loved, another of quotations for which he was renowned, and one consisting of popular illustrations he used. At the end is a list of the books he recommended for those who would know the deep things of God.

Throughout the book the ideas are Tozers and so far as possible the very words. Those familiar with his style will recognize them.

Grateful acknowledgment is made to Harper & Row, Inc., Fleming H. Revell Company, and Christian Publications, Inc., book publishers, and to the magazines Eternity and Christian Life for permission to quote from some of their copyrighted works. Also I am indebted to members of Dr. Tozers family and some of his close friends for criticisms, personal incidents, and guidance. The files of The Alliance Weekly and The Alliance Witness with their wealth of material were placed at my disposal.

Special tribute is paid to Anita M. Bailey, Managing Editor of The Alliance Witness and close associate of Dr. Tozer in this field; also to the Reverends Paris W. Reidhead and Raymond McAfee and to Tozers intimate friend, J. Francis Chase of Chicago, for information and counsel.