A religious visit to Friends in different parts of the United Kingdom- Memoranda of a Continental business journey-Letter from P. Mitchell-Letters to T. Drewry, D. Pickard, W. Hodgson, J. D. Otis, P. Mitchell, one of his sons, G. E., J. P. Crisp, W. Waring, Letters to J. P. Crisp, A. Evertsen, E. Bell and Family, one of his sons, W. Waring, his wife, E. Watkins, S. D. Otis, Visit to Ackworth Meeting-Continuation of Diary-Accompanies W. C. and L. D. Meader on a Religious Visit to Norway and the Vaudois Visits to Ayton, Penketh, Rawden, Sibford, Wigton, Sidcot and Saffron Walden Schools-Letters to J. Briggs and J. P. Crisp-Visits to the Meetings of Chesterfield, Heanor, Monyash, Bakewell, Matlock, Mansfield and Nottingham-Letter to J. Briggs-Continuation of Diary-Letters to M. Hall, J. P. Crisp, R. Hall, To one of his sons-Death of L. E. Gilkes-Death of M. Rickman-Second Visit to America-Letters to W. C. McCheane, One of his sons, J. P. ERRATUM. p. 197, 12th line from bottom of page for "William Robinson" read "Wilson Robinson." BIRTH-PARENTAGE-EARLY IMPRESSIONS-APPRENTICESHIP-COMMENCES JOHN GRANT SARGENT, the son of Isaac and Hester Sargent, was born at Paddington, near London, in the year 1813. When about nine years old, on the removal of his parents to Paris, he was placed with his brother at school in England. In the seventeenth year of his age he was apprenticed to John D. Bassett, draper, of Leighton Buzzard. At the expiration of his term there he went to his father's home in Paris. Respecting this period of his life, he has left the following memoranda : 1826.-Towards the latter part of this year I was taken poorly whilst at John Everett's school at Islington, and in consequence went to be under the care of my aunts at Philpot B Terrace, Paddington. I believe this was a time of religious instruction to me. A remark made by my aunt Lydia one day, whilst I was talking of some drawing which I had done, made such an impression as never to have been effaced from my remembrance, viz., she hoped I did not think too much of myself; which I trust has had a good effect upon me since. 1827.-On the 26th of the 1st month my aunt Lydia accompanied me to Isaac Payne's school, at Epping, the first time of my going. I felt unwilling to part with her. My brother Frederick joined me towards the latter part of the time. I was generally partial to walking round the play-ground with my friend T. L., in preference to playing or mixing with the boys. 1830.—On the 10th of the 4th month I left school and joined my dear mother in London, to go to John D. Bassett's, at Leighton Buzzard, to try as an apprentice, which being quite disposed to for four years, I was bound in the presence of my dear mother towards the latter part of the year. My mother had herself procured me this place. My friends John and Hannah Grant, living here, were very kind to me, as also were my master and mistress. It was a relief to my mother's mind my not being in Paris. I obtained once a year a holiday of ten days, which I generally spent with her in Gloucestershire. I believe that during this time I was favoured with the watchful care of Providence, and felt frequently the visitations of my Heavenly Father, though I was not sufficiently acquainted with them at the time. I used to like walking alone in the fields, and was favoured to gather some strength from the perusal of a little book given me by Anne Bassett, called 'Guide to True Peace,' which I believe tended in some measure to acquaint me with the intent of silent meetings. Towards the expiration of my time I became tired of the business, wishing after something less confining, which caused me to be glad when the time came for my leaving. 1834. I left Leighton, my apprenticeship being expired, in the 9th month of this year, having received much kindness from all my friends. During my stay at Leighton, It was a shortly before leaving, my aunt Lydia* visited me. very agreeable visit. She conversed with John Grant as to my future occupation, my then not knowing what to enter upon, and being desirous of hearing of something in England. We sat down together in the summer-house, in the shrubbery, on which occasion, after a little silence, I believe he spoke in relation to me, repeating from a text in Jeremiah," Seekest thou great things for thyself? Seek them not;" which has remained with me in memory since, and I trust to advantage. I arrived in Paris on the 4th of tenth month of this year, all being glad to see me. I soon found it was my father's wish for me to remain at Paris, and although I liked it not, there appeared no way for me to do otherwise. I accordingly assisted my father in attending to his brickfields, &c. 1835.—In this year my father made over to me his woodbending utensils. I now took to the business on my own account, but not giving up the thoughts of settling in England, whenever anything should present. With some attention in calling upon coachmakers I soon obtained customers, It was about this time I threw off my plain coat, not liking to appear, as it seemed to me, singular. I took to a frock coat as they are called, and thus I was not known as a Friend, though I was still attached to Friends and their customs, but did not know the real foundation and essence of their principles, nor did I understand the leading of the Spirit. Having now a business of my own to attend to, I could not give so much attention to my father's, I therefore thought it was right to reduce my salary, which I accordingly did. I was in the habit of attending the Wesleyan Chapel with my sister; * A daughter of Isaac and Lydia Sargent, born in Wiltshire, in 1794. She appeared in the ministry in 1827, and her gift was acknowledged by Westminster Monthly Meeting. In 1836 she was united in marriage to Thomas Chalk, of Kingston. Her last illness was short but we believe it may be said, she was found with her "lamp trimmed, and her light burning." Shortly before she expired she was heard to say, "All things are ready, there is nothing in the way." She died in 1851, aged about 57 years, Robert Newstead, minister. On the 9th of 12th month, father and myself had to appear at the Mairie, in the rue d'Anjou to give our reasons for not appearing as Gardes Nationals, or to receive orders to appear as such. We were by the judgment given soon after, cleared from that engagement by papers to that effect. My father about this time was desirous that I should enter into the brick trade, in addition to my wood-bending, there not being much doing in the latter. 1836.In this year I entered into partnership with Auguste Charlot, whom my father had known something of previously. About this time commenced a daily record of his life and conversation, from which the following are selected with a view to shew forth his watchful care that the unflattering Witness in the soul, might make manifest all that was displeasing to Him whom he desired to serve with the whole heart : 1838.-2nd month, 1st.-This day I attended a meeting held at No. 24, faubourg du Roule, were I met Elizabeth Fry, with her husband, also Josiah Forster and Lydia Irving (E. Fry's companion). It was a very solemn meeting. 5th.-A large meeting at eight in the evening, at Mr. Taylor's at No. 6, rue Monthator; many present. E. Fry held a discourse with the Wesleyan minister, concerning the good that is to be done and the influence of the English in Paris; also Josiah Forster gave his ideas on the same subject. He read a chapter, and E. Fry spoke afterwards and appeared in prayer. 11th.-Went to meeting; about 20 present. Father saw the Commissaire de Police, about a permission to hold our meeting. The following is a copy of the letter addressed by the Prefect to the Superintendent of the Police granting this request : "Extrait de la lettre addressée le 3 Avril, 1838, par Mr. Le Préfet de Police a Mr. Le Commissaire de Police de la ville de Paris spécialement du quartier du Roule. |