Samuel Logan Brengle was born the only child of William and Rebecca Brengle on June 1, 1860 in Fredericktown, KY. His father was a teacher and led Sunday School in the Methodist Church. 

As a teenager, Brengle gave his life to Christ during a revival camp meeting. He enrolled in what is now DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. Following graduation, he attended Boston Theological Seminary. It was there where he studied the teaching of holiness and claimed the experience for his life. 

In Boston, a dramatic Friday morning experience changed Samuel’s life and ministry. He records in his journal, “On January 9, 1885 … God sanctified my soul. He gave me such a blessing as I never had dreamed a person could have this side of Heaven. It was a heaven of love that came into my heart.”

Following graduation, Brengle received offers to pastor some of the largest Methodist churches in the country, but he could not escape the vivid memory of hearing General William Booth speak at an open-air service in Boston. Inspired by The Salvation Army’s mission, Brengle traveled to England to volunteer his services to General Booth. Prior to his departure, he had met a Salvationist, Elizabeth Swift, and asked for her hand in marriage.

The meeting with General Booth was far from congenial. He viewed Brengle with suspicion since he had been a successful academic and pastor. He was not convinced that Brengle would abide by the discipline of The Salvation Army. However, due in large measure to Brengle’s persistence, he was accepted for training. 

Following his commissioning, Brengle was appointed back to the United States. He became known for his preaching, teaching and writings on experiencing and living a holy life.

Following a fruitful ministry at the corps (church)  in Danbury, CT, Samuel and Elizabeth received farewell orders to the Boston #1 Corps. While in this appointment, Brengle was critically injured when a drunk man threw a brick that hit him in the head. Brengle was unable to preach for 18 months.  

During his recuperation, Brengle wrote articles in The War Cry that would later be published as “Helps to Holiness,” his first of nine books. In his later years, Brengle became The Salvation Army’s International Spiritual Ambassador of Holiness, with the rank of Commissioner, retiring in 1931. He died on May 19, 1936, less than two weeks short of his 76th birthday. In the words of General John Larsson, “No one outside the Booth family itself made a greater spiritual impact on The Salvation Army than Samuel Logan Brengle.”

So What?

Like Brengle, are you willing to submit your whole life (time, talent, passion, and purpose) to Christ? Give into that “holy fire” of love and hope!