Smith Wigglesworth was a British evangelist who was influential in the early history of Pentecostalism. He was known for his powerful preaching, his faith in God’s healing power, and his many miracles. He traveled around the world, spreading the gospel and praying for the sick. He was also a humble and simple man, who only read the Bible and did not allow newspapers or other books in his home. He died on March 12, 1947, at the age of 87. But how did he die? What was the cause of his death? And what was his legacy?
The Last Days of Smith Wigglesworth
According to his biographers, Smith Wigglesworth had been suffering from kidney stones for some time, but he refused to seek any medical treatment or surgery. He believed that God would heal him or take him home. He also said that no knife would ever touch his body.
In the beginning of March 1947, he was invited to preach at a funeral of a fellow minister in Wakefield, Yorkshire. He accepted the invitation and traveled by train with some friends. Along the way, he pointed out the different places where he and his late wife, Polly, had visited or preached, and told stories of the great miracles that had happened there. He also said that he felt “wonderful” and that he was ready to go home to be with the Lord.
When he arrived at the church, his son-in-law, James Salter, opened the door and helped him into the vestry, where a warm fire was burning. As he entered, he was greeted by the father of a young girl he had prayed for days earlier. The girl had been given up to die, but Smith had great faith for her healing. When he saw the man, he asked, “Well, how is she?” He was expecting to hear that the girl was completely delivered, but the answer came hesitantly. “She is a little better, a bit easier; her pains have not been quite so bad during the past few days.” Disappointed by what he heard, Smith let out a deep compassionate sigh. Then his head bowed, and without another word or experiencing any pain, Smith Wigglesworth went home to be with the Lord.
The Cause of Death of Smith Wigglesworth
The official cause of death of Smith Wigglesworth was a stroke, according to his death certificate. However, some of his friends and followers believed that he did not die of natural causes, but rather that he was taken by God in a similar way as Enoch or Elijah in the Bible. They argued that he had prophesied his own departure, and that he had finished his course and fulfilled his ministry. They also claimed that his body did not show any signs of decay or rigor mortis, and that his face was radiant and peaceful.
Whether he died of a stroke or was taken by God, the fact remains that Smith Wigglesworth left a lasting impact on the Pentecostal movement and the Christian world. He was a man of faith, power, and love, who demonstrated the reality and the availability of God’s healing grace. He inspired and influenced many other ministers and believers, who continued his legacy of preaching, healing, and miracles. He was also a man of humility, simplicity, and holiness, who devoted his life to God and His Word. He was a true servant of God, who finished his race and received his crown.
Conclusion
Smith Wigglesworth was a remarkable man of God, who touched many lives with his ministry of healing and evangelism. He died on March 12, 1947, at the age of 87, after preaching at a funeral. The cause of his death was a stroke, but some believed that he was taken by God. His legacy lives on in the Pentecostal movement and the Christian world, as an example of faith, power, and love. He was a man who lived by his motto: “Only believe!”
