John Smith by David Smithers

JOHN SMITH HAS often been called, "The Man with Calloused Knees". Though his name was quite common, there was nothing common about him. He was distinguished from countless others of the same name by the title of, "John Smith - the Revivalist". Like his father before him, he was respected as a zealous and passionate, preacher of the gospel. He labored among the Wesleyan Methodists in England, beginning in 1816. Like many of God's mighty men of prayer, Mr. Smith's life seemed to be cut short. After only 15 years of faithful service he died at age 37 in the year 1831. "Constant communion with God was at the foundation of Mr. Smith's great usefulness. In this he was surpassed by none of any age. Whole nights were often given up to prayer." His day often literally revolved around times of travailing prayer. "He arose at four o'clock in the morning, and throwing himself before the mercy-seat, for three hours wrestled with God in mighty prayer. . . Immediately after breakfast and family worship he would again retire with his Bible into his study, and spend until near noon in the same hallowed employment. Here unquestionably was the great secret of his power in public prayer and in preaching. The Lord who sees in secret, rewarded him openly. Every sermon was sanctified by prayer." Often as he prayed he would wrestle with God till a considerable part of the floor of his study was wet with tears. Some may question if such sacrificial praying was really necessary. The worth of these extended seasons of prayer was obvious once Mr. Smith stepped into the pulpit.The following narrative gives us a brief glimpse of John Smith's anointed preaching. "The Spirit of God descended upon the congregation; the deep attentive silence at the commencement of the discourse was soon interrupted by sobs and moans and followed by loud and piercing cries for mercy as one after another the hearers were pricked to the heart, and the strongholds of Satan were beaten down."