A Presentation of Perfection - Media Sabda Org

There has often been a close connection between the President's Office and the editorship. Three
presidents and a wife of another have served as editor. Some of the other editors have served in other
capacities along with the editorship, as noted below.
The ten people that have served as editors of the God's Revivalist are: (1) Rev. Martin Wells
Knapp (President), 1888-1901; (2) Mrs. M. W. Knapp (Trustee), 1902-1928; (3) Mrs. M. G.
Standley (president's wife), 1929-1949; (4) Miss Florence Carison, 1950-1965; (5) Rev. Samuel E.
Deets (President), 1966-1975; (6) Rev. Bence C. Miller (President), 1976-1977; (7) Rev. Glenn D.
Black, 1978-1985; (8) Rev. Hubert Hotchkiss, 1986-1988; (9) Rev. Gary L. Spriggs (Vice President
of Business Affairs), 1989-1990; (10) Rev. Ronald E. Shew, l991-present. Each of these editors has
played a significant role in keeping the God's Revivalist constituency knowledgeable about the
ongoing of God's Bible School and the holiness movement.
The Holiness Movement in America Methodist Foundations
The Evangelical Revival led by John and Charles Wesley promoted renewed interest in Christian
holiness. Initially centered in the British Isles, this revival rapidly spread throughout the 18th century,
English-speaking world. The holiness message spread in America by itinerant preachers, and several
Methodist churches were established to propagate the doctrine of Christian holiness.
The first holiness congregation in America was a Methodist church built in New York City in
1768. Thomas Webb was a captain in the British Army and had been a Methodist in England. He
retired from the Army, came to America, and was mainly responsible for this first church being built.
[10]
Mr. Wesley heard reports of Methodism starting in America and was elated that the holiness
message was being spread beyond the boundaries of Great Britain. One author writes, "John Wesley,
despite the autonomy of the new church and the watery miles that separated him from it, was a
dominant influence in American Methodism until his death." [11]
Wesley corresponded with those in charge of Methodism in America. His input was highly
regarded and his letters were welcomed. This can be verified by one of the first resolutions that was
passed in the conference held by those in America. The resolution stated, "During the life of the Rev.
Mr. Wesley, we acknowledge ourselves his sons in the gospel." [12]
The following letter is an example of the kind of letters that Wesley wrote to those who were in
charge of the early Methodist Church in America. He wrote this the first year the church existed in
America. He admonished,
Let none of them rest in being half Christians. Whatever they do, let them do it with
their might; and it will be best, as soon as any of them find peace with God, to exhort
them to go on to perfection. The more strongly and vigilantly you press all believers
to aspire after full sanctification as attainable now by simple faith the more the whole
work of God will prosper. [13]