Forerunner of the Charismatic Movement

Edward Irving had the potential for greatness. His brilliant intellect, commanding physical presence, and warm spiritual zeal made him a popular preacher, attracting huge crowds in Great Britain. But along with his marvelous abilities came an alarming tendency toward speculation, lack of clarity in doctrine, and fasci-nation with the more spectacular manifestations of spiritual gifts.

The result, documented in Amold Dallimore's sensitive biography, was eventual dismissal from the Presbyterian ministry for heresy, and the establishment in 1832 of the Catholic Apostolic, or "Irvingite," Church.

Irving himself was relegated to a minor role in the new church. He died just two years later, a tragic and lonely figure. His brief life offers the church many sad and painful lessons.