The Writings of John Crook

by: John Crook

Like many other early Quakers, John Crook (1617-1699) was a seeker of truth from his earliest days. He was educated in London, and for a time held the office of Justice of the Peace in Bedfordshire, but after being convinced of the truth in 1654 by the preaching of William Dewsbury, he quickly lost both his public office and his freedom. In all, John Crook was imprisoned ten times for his faith, and suffered greatly at the hands of “unreasonable and wicked men.” But in the midst of his many trials, the Lord fashioned him into an eminent minister of the gospel, who faithfully labored by preaching and writing to the end that all who profess the Truth might “come into the true sense and experience thereof, by a true, living, and feeling faith in Christ, and sincere obedience to Him.” (Original title: Selections from the Writings of That Ancient, Faithful Servant of Christ Jesus John Crook. To which is Prefixed a Short Account of His Life Written by Himself.)