While evangelists like Billy Graham and Dwight Moody are known to many Christians, Sam Jones (1847–1906) is far less familiar today. But a biography by E. A. Johnston — “Sam Jones: A New Biography” — aims to bring greater awareness to this once-popular gospel preacher.
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Johnston, who is from the Tampa Bay area in Florida, is a fellow with the Stephen Olford Institute for Biblical Preaching and the author of many books on revival and Christianity. Here, he writes about Samuel Porter Jones, who was born in Alabama and studied law in Georgia but faced a deep struggle with alcohol and other issues. He had a dramatic conversion when his father died, and Jones then gave his life to Christian ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Gospel impact
Jones became a very effective evangelist and revivalist, drawing large crowds in extended meetings in the cities of Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville; St. Louis; Cincinnati; Boston; Philadelphia; New York; Chicago; Kansas City, Missouri; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Toronto and other locations.
In Nashville, one of his converts was an influential riverboat captain, Tom Ryman, who would later build the Union Gospel Tabernacle, later known as the famous Ryman Auditorium.
Johnston fills the book with vivid descriptions of the evangelist’s services and energetic preaching. Also included in the volume are several full sermons by Sam Jones.
Early struggles, legacy
Because of his own early struggles, Jones was unsparing about the dangers of drinking and other ungodly practices, which he confronted with passion, and he was known for his use of humor as well.
Jones died on a train trip returning from a revival. His legacy is dramatically described by Johnston.
Sam Jones was known by many for being an unforgettable preacher to all who heard him, and now those who never could hear his voice can appreciate his powerful gospel influence through this well-written biography.
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