The Journal and Letters of John G. Sargent

by: John G. Sargent

Though an Englishman, John G. Sargent (1813 – 1883) spent much of the first half of his life living and working in Paris. His parents were members of the Society of Friends, but prior to his twenty-fifth year, he says, “I did not know the real foundation and essence of their principles, nor did I understand the leading of the Spirit.” When his heart was reached and his mind convinced by the Spirit of Truth, he gave up in whole-hearted obedience to follow the Lord and to wait upon Him in the way of His judgments. This he did faithfully for around eight years in France, though he frequently sat alone in the meeting house in Paris, often being the only person in attendance both Sundays and Thursdays. Upon returning to England in 1844, his heart was broken at seeing the sorrowful departures in doctrine, practice, and discipline that were rapidly gaining ground in the society, and according to the gift bestowed upon him, he endeavored to lift up his voice against the various innovations imposed upon a people who had been so preeminently raised up to show forth the purity and spirituality of the Gospel dispensation. (Original title: Selections from the Diary and Correspondence of John G. Sargent, A Minister of the Society of Friends; Containing an Account of his Labours and Travels in the Service of the Gospel And Showing the Grounds of His Ceasing to Regard London Yearly Meeting as Representing the Society of Friends.)