A.T. Pierson

A.T. Pierson    

Arthur Tappan Pierson was born in New York City on March 6, 1837. He began his ministry as a Presbyterian minister, and pastored in Binghamton and Waterford, New York; Detroit and Philadelphia. In 1889 he went on a missionary tour of England, and met C.H. Spurgeon. In 1891-2, he lectured on missions at Edinburg, and in 1891, Spurgeon became too weak to continue preaching, so Pierson filled his pulpit. Spurgeon died soon afterwards, and Pierson remained in his pulpit till 1893. In 1896 he officially declared his change to being a Baptist. He was editor for the Missionary Review of the World periodical for 23 years. He was also a consulting editor for the Scofield Bible and the author of several books, including the biography of his friend, George Muller.

Among his many activities, he was an outspoken defender of the fundamentals of the faith, lectured at Moody Bible Institute and at the Keswick movement meetings.

Dr. Pierson attended the Keswick Convention in England, more often than any other speaker from America, attending regularly from 1897 to 1909. He dominated the Convention with his unique abilities and spiritual and intellectual power. Thousands listened with intense interest for help and instruction and were never disappointed.

He was lithe, tall, stern, and even severe person in appearance, with the burning eyes of a prophet. But behind his formidable appearance, was a heart of concern and prayer. When he spoke a hush fell over all in the tent, and the convicting work of the Spirit was felt. One example was when he preaching his sermon, “Habitual Unbelief” at a Keswick meeting. He left a young visitor, W. Graham Scroggie, spellbound, oblivious to the fact the congregation had left, until suddenly looking about and noticing he was left alone in the large tent!

His favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:19, and he gave away over 50,000 bank “checks” that were engraved with “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

He died June 3, 1911.

Sources

Frederick Barton, Favorite Scripture Texts of Famous People (Redding, California: Pleasant Places Press, 2005) page 195.

Herbert F. Stevenson. Keswick’s Authentic Voice (Redding, California: Pleasant Places Press, 2009), p.  26, 27, 405, 406.

Books

Acts of the Holy Spirit cover Acts of the Holy Spirit
From 1896 edition; 142 pages
Arthur T. Pierson: A Biography cover Arthur T. Pierson: A Biography
From 1912 edition; 333 pages		 A.T. Pierson’s son wrote this biography, and so presents a defensive work of his father. This book presents the work of God in his life and then in the lives of others. A.T. Pierson did much to impact and organize world missions, and teach a closer dependence on God in both word and deed.
George Muller of Bristol cover George Muller of Bristol
From 1899 edition; 462 pages		 A poor, untrustworthy, immigrant young man is taken by God to demonstrate to the world that living by faith in God alone works. Not only does God provide every need for his humble servant, but the huge expenses of a huge orphanage, many missionaries, schools, and a huge Bible and Christian literature distribution endeavor. This book brings a challenge to the Christian to fully surrender to God in faith, prayer, and believing the Holy Scriptures.
The Keswick Movement cover The Keswick Movement
From 1903 edition; 124 pages		 The Keswick Movement briefly traces the history of the Keswick movement in England from its beginning through twenty-five years. It gives a sympathetic exposition of the principles, practices and results of this idea which permeated the Christian world.
Keswick's Authentic Voice cover Keswick's Authentic Voice
From 1957 edition; 528 pages		 65 sermons that were delivered to the Keswick Conventions from the years 1875 to 1957. The sermons that made history by their impact, or set standards of excellence are presented along with a short history and some information about the speakers and their messages.
Key Words of the Bible cover Key Words of the Bible
From 1894 edition; 162 pages		 This book is a concise guide to the Bible giving short (2 or 3 pages) descriptions of each book: including divisions of the book, key words and verses, and a summary of the major themes.
Knowing the Scriptures cover Knowing the Scriptures
From 1910 edition; illustrations, timelines, charts, tables; 459 pages		 Knowing the Scriptures is a textbook on Bibliology, offering a very comprehensive view of correct teaching on the doctrine of the Scriptures. Its focus is on how to study the Scriptures, and not on the multiplied criticisms of incorrect forms. As such it presents a very handy reference and definition of terms. It explains the attributes of Scripture, the form, the types, and a survey of the Bible in a very clear format, with tables, charts and lists to help the Bible student.
The Making of a Sermon cover The Making of a Sermon
From 1907 edition; 334 pages		 The Making of a Sermon is a handy guide for those who preach, teach and study the Word of God. The first 25 pages explain the important keys to Bible Study and define the foundations and type of sermon a godly person will use. The rest of the book offers short summaries from a lifetime of preaching to aid the pastor in assembling sermons, by offering outlines from Scripture or summaries for a theme. Hints of illustrations are included, and a wide range of topics and verses are outlined in the 216 different topics.
A Spiritual Clinic cover A Spiritual Clinic
From 1907 edition; 105 pages		 To overcome hindrances to entering the deeper spiritual life, A.T. Pierson takes examples of those who came to him for help and organizes them into four treatment categories. These are carefully explained in an helpful and encouraging way as would be found in a medical clinic, if they were a physical ailment.