Letter 3. 1768

Dear friend, 

I have been hoping for some time to hear from you, but an acquaintance informed me that you were ill.  This news prompted me to write as soon as I could find leisure. The Lord has seen fit to visit you with much sickness of late; I say He has seen fit, for all our trials are under his immediate direction, and we are never in heaviness without a need-be. I trust he does and will give you strength equal to your day and sweeten what would be otherwise bitter with the essence of his precious love. I hope soon to hear that you are restored to health, and that you have found cause to praise him for his loving rod. 

How happy is the state of a believer, to have a sure promise that all shall work together for good in the end; and in the meantime, he has a sure refuge where to find present relief, support, and protection! How comfortable is it, when trouble is near, to know that the Lord is near likewise, and to commit ourselves and all our cares simply to him, believing that his eye is upon us, and his ear is open to our prayers. Under the conduct of such a Shepherd, we need not fear. Though we are called to pass through fire and water, through the valley of the shadow of death he will be with us and will show himself mighty on our behalf. 

It seems almost needless to say, that we were very happy in the company of ****. The only inconvenience was, that it renewed the pain it always gives me to part with them. Though the visit was as long as I could possibly expect, it seemed very short. This must be the case while we are here our earthly pleasures are short, interrupted, and mixed with troubles. This world is not and cannot be our rest. But it will not be always the case. We are traveling to a better world, where every evil and imperfection shall cease; then we shall be forever with the Lord, and with each other. May the prospect of this blessed hope revive our fainting spirits and make us willing to endure hardships as good soldiers of Jesus Christ! Here we must often sow in tears but there we shall reap in joy, and all tears shall be wiped from our eyes forever. 

I hope the conversation of friends whom I so greatly love and honor, afforded me not only pleasure but profit. It left a savor upon my mind and stirred up my languid desires after the Lord. I wish I could say the good effect has remained with me to this hour but, alas! I am a poor creature and have had many causes of humiliation since. But, blessed be God! amidst all my changes I find the foundation stands sure; and I am seldom or never left to doubt either of the Lord's love to me or the reality of the desires he has given me towards himself. Though when I measure my love by the degree of its exercise, or the fruits it produces, I have reason to sit down ashamed as the chief of sinners and the least of all saints. But in Him I have righteousness and peace, and in Him I must and will rejoice! 

I would willingly fill up my sheet but feel a straightness in my spirit and know not what further to say. O for a ray of Divine light to set me at liberty, that I might write a few lines worth reading, something that might warm my heart, and comfort yours! Then the subject must be Jesus but of him what can I say that you do not know? Well, though you know him, you are glad to hear of him again and again. Come then, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together. Let us adore him for his love, that love which has a height, and depth, and length, and breadth, beyond the grasp of our poor conceptions; a love that moved him to empty himself, to take on him the form of a servant, and to be obedient unto death, even the death of the cross; a love that pitied us in our lost estate, that found us when we sought him not; a love that spoke peace to our souls in the day of our distress; a love that bears with all our present weakness, mistakes, backslidings, and shortcomings; a love that is always watchful, always ready to guide, to comfort, and to heal; a love that will not be wearied, cannot be conquered, and is incapable of changes; a love that will in the end prevail over all opposition, will perfect that which concerns us, and will not leave us until it has brought us perfect in holiness and happiness, to rejoice in his presence in glory. 

The love of Christ! it is the wonder, the joy, the song of angels; and the sense of it shed abroad in our hearts makes life pleasant and death welcome. Alas! what a heart have I that I love him no better! But I hope he has given me a desire to make him my all in all, and to account everything loss and dross, which dares to stand in competition with him.

John Newton

 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞

At The Foot of The Cross ...

May we sit at the foot of the cross and there learn what sin has done, what justice has done, what love has done.

[John Newton]

Sin ~ 

Galatians 5:19-21 ... Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Justice ~

Colossians 2:14 ... Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Love ~

Romans 5:8 ... But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

❤❤❤

Let Them Alone!!

God sometimes leaves men to themselves their furious passions are unchained, and they are given up, without restraint, to the lusts of their own evil hearts! A more dreadful judgment than this, cannot be inflicted on this side of hell. Matthew Henry writes, "People go on in sin until the Lord says, 'Let them alone!' 

Then they receive no more warnings and feel no more convictions. Satan takes full possession of them, and they ripen for destruction! It is a sad and sore judgment for any man to be let alone in sin! Those who are not disturbed in their sin will be destroyed for their sin! 

May we be kept from this dreadful state; for the wrath of God, like a strong tempest will soon hurry all impenitent sinners into eternal ruin! 

[John Newton]

 ✞  ✞   ✞ 

Hosea 4:17 ... Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.

Matthew 7:23 ... And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 18:8 ... Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. ❤

When We Eat An Apple

Remember your exalted privilege, you have the Bible in your hands and are not    bound to follow books or preachers any farther than what they teach agrees with the Oracles of Truth. We have great reason to be thankful for the instructions and writings of spiritual men, but they are all fallible, even as ourselves.

One is our master, even Christ; what He says, we are to receive implicitly but we do not owe implicit subjection to the best of our fellow-worms. The Bereans were commended because they would not implicitly believe even the Apostle Paul but examined the Scriptures every day to see if what he said was true. May the Lord give us a spirit of humility and discernment in all things.

When we eat an apple, we first cut out the blemishes, then eat what is good, and lastly throw the core away. Such a rule I would observe in reading human authors the best may be defective, and the wisest may be mistaken. We are not only permitted, but enjoined, to call no man master.

[John Newton]

 ©2017 R.L.N.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 ... Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Acts 17:11 ... These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. ❤

A Faithful Minister!

Dear fellow pastor, 

You have desired a good work; may the Lord give you the desires of your heart. May He give you the wisdom of Daniel, the meekness of Moses, the courage of Joshua, the zeal of Paul, and that self-abasement and humility which Job and Isaiah felt when they not only had heard of Him by the hearing of the ear-but when they saw His glory and abhorred themselves in dust and ashes! 

May you be taught of God for none teaches like Him-and come forth an able minister of the New Covenant, well instructed to rightly divide and faithfully distribute the Word of truth. In the school of Christ, you will have to learn some lessons which are not very pleasant to flesh and blood. You must learn to labor, to run, to fight, to wrestle-and many other hard exercises; some of which will try your strength, and others your patience. You know the common expression, 'a jack of all trades'. 

I am sure a minister had need be such a one: a brave soldier, an alert watchman, a caring shepherd, a hardworking farmer, a skillful builder, a wise counselor, a competent physician, and a loving nurse. But do not be discouraged-you have a wonderful and a gracious Master, who does not only give instructions, but power and ability! He engages that His grace shall be sufficient, at all times and in all circumstances, for those who simply give themselves up to His teaching and His service. 

[John Newton]

1 Timothy 4:12 ...  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

My Real Name!!

 To Rev. John Newton,

Oh, what is man! How easily we spy the vanity and inconsistency in another, and how hardly we discern it in ourselves. The foulest stain, and worst absurdity in our nature, is pride! And yet this vile hedgehog so rolls himself up in his bristly coat, that we can seldom get a sight of his claws. Pride cleaves to us, like a shirt soaked in tar cleaves to the skin. No sharp ploughing and harrowing will clear the ground of it. This foul weed will be sure to spring up with the next rain!

Pride follows me like my shadow! This diabolical sin has brought more scourges on my back than everything else! It is of so insinuating a nature, that I know not how to rid myself of it. I hate it and love it. I quarrel with it and embrace it. I dread it and yet allow it to lie in my bosom. It pleads a right, through the fall, to be a tenant for life. It has such an amazing appetite that it can feed both on grace and garbage! It will be as warm and snug in a monastery, as a brothel and be as much delighted with a fine prayer, as a foul curse!

Lord, save me! If pride must dwell with me, let it not be a lordly master, but a loathed viper! Oh, that I could once say unto you, foul pride: "Farewell forever!"  There is no Christian grace, but pride will creep into its bosom and mix with it as freely as oil with oil. Nor is Lady Pride ever so delighted as when she becomes intimate with humility, and by soft caresses and kind speeches, encourages the sweet damsel to think highly of herself, even when she looks and talks humbly.

One moment she whispers and tells me that I am a fine fellow and then I am elated. By and by, she calls me a fool and then I am sullen. I can do no religious act, but pride is skulking at my elbow and much affecting me both by her smiles and frowns. This foul pride besieges my heart, besets all my steps, and meets me at every turn. Pride has more heads than a Hydra! (A mythological serpentine water monster which had many heads. Every time someone would cut off one of them, two more heads would grow out!) Pride has more shapes than Proteus! (A mythical Greek figure who could assume a different shape at will.)

It is such an odd mysterious evil that I can even be proud of loathing my pride. Henceforth if you ask my real name, it is Pride!

[John Berridge]

Proverbs 16:18 ... Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

The Buzzing of a Fly!!

Look at that flower! It neither toils nor spins and why? Because your Heavenly Father clothes it! Look at that bird! Leaping from bow to bow, springing from hill to valley, sparkling with beauty, gushing with song, and wild with ecstatic delight! It has not a thought or care of its own and why? Because God thinks and cares for it. 

Oh, you of little faith! Why do you hesitate to trust all your personal interests, to confide all your worldly affairs, to disclose all your temporal needs and sorrows in prayer to God? He is not too high for your lowest need nor too great for your smallest care. 

"If the buzzing of a fly troubles me," says John Newton, "I may take it to God." This is not mere sentiment. It is the practical embodiment of a principle of experimental religion most honoring to God and sanctifying to us the principle of faith, which acknowledges God in all our ways, sees God in everything, and takes everything, the smallest, to God. 

[Octavius Winslow] 

Matthew 6:26-32 ... Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

The Only Effectual Means for Reforming Mankind!

The Gospel of Christ, the glorious Gospel of the blessed God is the only effectual means for reforming mankind. The Gospel removes difficulties insurmountable to human power. It causes the blind to see, it causes the deaf to hear, it softens the heart of stone, and raises the dead in trespasses and sins, to a life of holiness. No force but that of the Gospel is sufficient to remove the mountainous load of guilt from the soul, to calm the violence of tumultuous passions, to raise a vile worldling from groveling in the mire of sensuality or avarice to a spiritual and divine life, a life of communion with God. 

No system but the Gospel can communicate motives, encouragements, and prospects sufficient to withstand and counteract all the snares and temptations with which the spirit of this world, by its frowns or its smiles will endeavor either to intimidate us, or to bribe us from the path of duty. In a word, gospel salvation will expand the narrow selfish heart and fill it with a spirit of love to God, cheerful unreserved obedience to His will, and benevolence to mankind! 

[John Newton]

 ✞  ✞  ✞ 

Romans 1:16 ... For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Hebrews 4:12 ... For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Acts 4:12 ... Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. ❤ 

Saws and Hammers!!

Isaiah 10:5 ... O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

Dear Mrs. Hannah More, 

I consider all second causes and instruments as mere saws and hammers in the Divine Workman's hands! They can neither give us pleasure nor pain but as our Lord and Savior is pleased to employ them.  I am firmly assured that He has done, still does, and will do all things well. 

How little can we judge of this great drama of this world by a single scene! But when we see the glorious outcome how we shall love and praise and wonder! As for myself, this old man of seventy-six is still favored with perfect health, and can still preach as loud, as long, and as often as formerly. He is still heard with acceptance and has cause to hope that the Lord blesses his ministry. 

"Oh to grace how great a debtor" is the poor African blasphemer and profligate!

I am, my dear madam, your much obliged friend,

John Newton

 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞ 🕊 ✞

Remember Two Things!

My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things; That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior. 

[John Newton]

Romans 5:8 ... But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.❤

What is Covetousness?

Covetousness is a sin from which few people are entirely free. It is eminently a deceitful sin! It is decried and condemned in others, by multitudes who live in the habit of it themselves! It is very difficult to fix a conviction of this sin, upon those who are guilty of it!

Whether drunkards or profligates regard the warnings of the preacher or not, when he declares that those who persist in those evil practices, shall not inherit the kingdom of God they at least know their own characters, and are sensible that they are the people intended.

But if the preacher adds, "nor the covetousness person such a man is an idolater;" the covetous man usually sits unmoved and is more ready to apply the threatening to his neighbor, than to himself! If he now and then gives a few dollars to some charity, he does not suspect that he is liable to the charge of covetousness!

I consider covetousness as the most generally prevailing and ensnaring sin, by which professors of the gospel, in our materialistic society, are hindered in their spiritual progress. A disposition deeply rooted in our fallen nature, strengthened by the custom of all around us, the power of habit, and the fascinating charm of wealth is not easily counteracted.

If we are, indeed, genuine believers in Christ we are bound by obligation, and required by our Scriptural rule to set our affections on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. Christ has called us out of the world and cautioned us against conformity to its spirit. While we are in the world it is our duty, privilege, and honor to manifest that grace which has delivered us from the love of the world. Christians must indeed eat and drink, and may buy and sell, as other people do. But the principles, motives, and ends of their conduct, are entirely different; they are to adorn the doctrine of God their Savior, and to do all for His glory!

The Christian knows that it is not necessary to be rich, or to be admired or envied by the vain unthinking world; and that it is absolutely necessary for him to maintain peace of conscience, and communion with God. In these respects, all God's people, however differently situated are exactly upon a par.

But alas! how many who profess to know and value the gospel, are far otherwise minded! The chief mark of their profession is their attendance on Sunday services! At other times, and in other respects they are not easily distinguished from the ungodly world! Their houses, furniture, tables, and other belongings; and the manner in which they seek worldly things sufficiently proves them to be covetous! Their love of money, and the desire of more are always in exercise. They attempt to look two ways at once and to reconcile the incompatible claims of God and mammon! They rise early, go to bed late, and eat the bread of worry that they may be able to vie with the world in their possessions; and to lay up snares, and thorns, and encumbrances for their children!

Often, they already have a lawful employment, which affords a competence for a comfortable support. But if opportunity offers, they eagerly catch at some other prospect of gain, though they thereby double their anxieties, and encroach still more upon that time (too little before) which they should allot to the concerns of their souls!

Such opportunities they call Providential openings, and perhaps say they are thankful for them; not considering that such openings of Providence are frequently temptations or tests, which the Lord permits a man to meet with to prove what is in his heart, and to try him, whether his affections are indeed set on the things above, or still cleave to the earth!

For those who, as the apostle expresses it, "long to be rich," who will strain every nerve to be found in the list of the wealthy may, and often do, obtain the poor reward they seek. As in the case of Israel, when, not satisfied with bread from heaven, they clamored for meat. God gives them their desire but with it, sends leanness into their souls. They expose themselves to temptations and snares, to foolish passions and pursuits; and thus, too many who promised fair at the first setting out, are drowned in destruction and perdition! 

"For the love of money is the root of all evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows!" (1 Timothy 6:10) Who can enumerate the many sorrows with which the covetous and worldly-minded professor is pierced! Sooner or later, his schemes are broken; losses and crosses, disappointments and anxieties, wear down his spirit. Improper connections, which he formed because he longed to be rich, become thorns in his sides and in his eyes! He trusted in men, and men deceive him! He leaned upon a weak reed which breaks, and he falls! Thus, he finds that the way of transgressors and backsliders is hard!

If therefore, my dear reader, you wish to avoid trouble, and to pass through life as smoothly as possible take heed and beware of covetousness!

[John Newton]

Ephesians 5:5 ... For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

But What is Sin?

My dear Betsy,

Idleness is a very great evil, the door by which a thousand temptations and mischiefs may enter!

Though you yourself have not been a sufferer, I wish for you to cultivate a sympathetic and benevolent spirit a disposition to have compassion on the distresses of others, even though you cannot relieve them. Compassion, next to the grace of God, is the brightest ornament of human nature. When it is genuine, it is one of the best effects and proofs of saving grace. It was the mind of Jesus the Savior and those who love Him, will in a degree resemble Him! A hard-hearted, unfeeling, selfish Christian is a total contradiction.

When you think what multitudes of mankind are suffering by war, famine, sickness, storms, earthquakes, and other calamities let it lead your thoughts to the evil of sin, which brought all these other evils into the world.

But what is sin?

Sin is presuming to do our own will in opposition to the will of God, who is our Creator, Lawgiver and Benefactor. By sin we attempt independence from our Creator, affront the authority of our righteous Lawgiver, and are guilty of base and horrid ingratitude against our greatest and kindest Benefactor!

If you could form a 'little creature' and make it live and if it hated you and opposed you, slighted your kindness, and took pleasure in displeasing you would you not soon be weary of it, and, instead of feeding and taking care of it, be provoked to tread it under your feet? But, oh, the patience of God, though He could destroy rebellious men much more easily than you could kill a loathsome spider, yet He waits to be gracious and has so loved them as to send His own Son to die, that they may live!

Sin has not only filled the world with woe, but it was the cause of all the woe that Jesus endured. He groaned and wept, and sweat blood, and died upon the cross only because we had sinned! May I live to see you duly affected with the evil of sin, and the love of Jesus! There is nothing more that I desire for you!

I am, my dear child,

Your most affectionate father. 

[a letter of John Newton to his 13-year-old adopted daughter, who was away at school.]

ƸӜƷ•°*”˜˜”*°•.ƸӜƷ✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.ƸӜƷ✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.ƸӜƷ

Your Accident.

My dear friend, 

I am very sorry about your accident, but I am thankful that you were not hurt. Such catastrophes, as this may properly be called, have often been attended with dislocated or broken bones, a fractured skull, or instant death, so frail is man! 

Often, when he thinks himself safe, and is dreaming of his own importance, as if he were a necessary part in the complicated movements of Divine Providence, he falls like grass before the scythe! And not by the hands of a giant, or the fangs of a tiger but the smallest trifle is sufficient to destroy him! 

For example, how many loose stones do we see in the road; it seems no great matter where they lie. Yet any one of them, by changing the direction of a wheel is sufficient to confound all the plans of this mighty creature! One stone stumbles him down; he falls with his head upon another in that very moment all his future plans perish! 

But the Lord gave His angels charge over you; therefore, you feel unhurt, and are still alive to praise and serve Him. I see so much of the uncertainty of life, and how little I can either foresee or prevent what the next moment may bring forth that I would be a very great coward afraid not only of riding in a coach, but of walking across a room if I was not in some degree enabled to confide in the Lord's protection! 

I wish for you to think much of the Lord's governing providence. It extends to the minutest concerns. He rules and manages all things; but in so secret a way, that most people think that He does nothing. When, in reality: He does ALL! 

 [John Newton] 

Psalm 119:117 ...  Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

Growth of Grain

The Lord compares the usual method of growth in grace to the growth of grain, which is perfected by a slow and almost imperceptible progress. The seed is hidden for a time in the soil; and, when it appears, it passes through a succession of changes the blade, the stalk, and lastly the ripe grain. And it is brought forward amidst a variety of weather: the dew, the frost, the wind, the rain, the sun, all concur to advance its maturity, though some of these agents are contrary to each other; and some of them, perhaps, seem to threaten the life of the plant!   Yet, when the season of harvest returns, the grain is found ready for the sickle! 

Just so is God's work of grace in the soul. Its beginnings are small, its growth for the most part slow; and, to our apprehensions, imperceptible and often precarious. But there is this difference in the comparison: frosts and blights, drought or floods, may possibly disappoint the gardener's hopes. But the great Gardener of the soul will not and cannot be disappointed. What He sows shall flourish in defiance of all opposition! And, if at times it seems to wither, He can and He will revive it! 

For the most part, God's people are exercised with sharp trials and temptations; for it is necessary they should learn not only what He can do for them but how little they can do without Him! Therefore, He teaches them not all at once but by degrees, as they are able to bear it. 

[John Newton]

Mark 4:28 ... For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

A Toad or A Serpent

I would not be the sport and prey of wild, vain, foolish, and vile imaginations but this evil is present with me! My heart is like an open highway like a city without walls or gates. Nothing is so false, so frivolous, so absurd, so impossible, or so horrid but it can obtain access, and that at any time, or in any place! 

Neither the study, the pulpit, nor even the Lord's table exempt me from their intrusion. But if this awful effect of heart-depravity cannot be wholly avoided in the present state of human nature yet, at least, I would not allow and indulge it; yet this I find I do! 

In defiance of my best judgment and best wishes, I find something within me which cherishes and cleaves to those evils, from which I ought to be horrified by, and flee from as I would if a toad or a serpent was put in my food or in my bed! 

Ah! how vile must the heart (at least my heart) be that can hold a parley with such abominations, when I so well know their nature and their tendency. Surely, he who finds himself capable of this, may, without the least affectation of humility (however fair his outward conduct appears), subscribe himself less than the least of all saints, and the very chief of sinners! 

But the Lord knows how this dead fly taints and spoils my best services and makes them no better than splendid sins. This is only a faint sketch of my depraved heart. But though my disease is grievous, it is not desperate; I have a gracious and infallible Physician. I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord. 

But I shall not always be as I am now! Yet a little while, and I shall be freed from this vile body which, like the leprous house, is incurably contaminated, and must be entirely taken down. Then I shall see Jesus as He is, and be like Him, and with Him forever! 

[John Newton] 

Romans 7:19 ... For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

The Lord Reigns!

The Lord reigns! He who once bore our sins and carried our sorrows is seated upon a throne of glory and exercises all power in heaven and on earth! Thrones, principalities and powers bow before Him. Every being and event are under His rule. His providence pervades and manages the whole and is as minutely attentive to every part as if there were only that single object in His view. From the tallest archangel to the meanest ant or fly, all depend on Him for their being, their preservation and their powers! 

He directs the sparrows where to build their nests, and to find their food. He overrules the rise and fall of nations, and bends, with an invincible energy and unerring wisdom all events! So that, while many intend otherwise in the outcome their designs all concur and coincide in the accomplishment of His holy will. He restrains with a mighty hand the still more formidable efforts of the powers of darkness; and Satan with all his hosts cannot exert their malice a hair's breadth beyond the limits of His permission. Satan may rage but he is a chained enemy! 

This is He, who is the Redeemer and Husband of His believing people. How happy are those whom it is His good pleasure to bless! How safe are those whom He has engaged to protect! How honored and privileged are those whom He enables and warrants to claim Him as their friend and their portion! Having redeemed them by His own blood, He sets a high value upon them! 

He esteems them His treasure, His jewels! He guards them as the pupil of His eye. They shall not lack, and they need not fear! His eye is upon them in every situation, His ear is open to their prayers, and His everlasting arms are under them for their sure support.  On earth, He guides their steps, controls their enemies, and directs all His dispensations for their good! While, in Heaven, He is pleading their cause, preparing a place for them, and communicating down to them reviving foretastes of the glory that shall shortly be theirs! 

 [John Newton] 

 ✞  ✞ ✞

 Psalm 146:10 ... The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord.

 Psalm 99:1 ... The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

 Psalm 93:1 ... The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. ❤

People Who Long to Be Rich!

An inordinate desire and attachment to the things of this present world, is a prevailing cause of a spiritual declension. Unless this evil principle is mortified in its root, by the doctrine of the cross it will in time prevail over the most splendid profession. That love of the world, which is inconsistent with the true love of God manifests itself in two different ways, as men by temper and habit are differently inclined: 

The first is covetousness or greediness for gain. This was the ruin of Judas, and probably the cause of the defection of Demas. By the honorable mention made of him in some of Paul's epistles, Demas seems to have had much of Paul's confidence and esteem for a season. Yet at length his covetous passion prevailed, and the last account we have of him from the apostle is, "Demas has deserted me because he loved this present world." (2 Timothy 4:10)  

Again, there are people not chargeable with the love of money for its own sake for they rather squander it, than hoard it. Yet they are equally under the influence of a worldly spirit! They manifest their worldly hearts, by an expensive taste in the articles of dress, furniture and feasting which are always unsuitable to a Christian profession. It is not easy to exactly mark out the precise line of Christian conduct in these respects, which befits the different situations in which the providence of God has placed us. Nor is it necessary to those who are poor in spirit and upright in heart. 

A simple desire of pleasing God and adorning the gospel, will solve most cases of how a believer should spend his money which occupy little and trifling minds. The inclination of our heart will always direct and regulate our voluntary expenses. Those who love the Lord and whose spirits are lively in His service, will avoid both stinginess and selfish extravagance. They will rather lean to the frugal side in how they spend their money on themselves that they may be better able to promote God's cause, and to relieve the necessities of His people. 

Misers, who can be content with the mere form of religion, will hoard all they can save in order to gratify their avarice! Others will spend all they can spare to gratify their vanity, or their worldly appetites! It is not easy to determine which of these evils is the greatest. Perhaps of the two, the miser is least accessible to conviction, and consequently the most difficult to be reclaimed. But a desire for extravagance and indulgence, if persisted in will gradually lead to such compliances with the spirit and maxims of the world, as will certainly weaken, if not wholly suppress the exercise of vital godliness. 

In whatever degree the "love of the world" prevails, the "health of the soul" will proportionately decline. 

 [John Newton]

1 Timothy 6:9-10 ... But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

Faithful Minister!

Dear fellow pastor, 

You have desired a good work; may the Lord give you the desires of your heart. May He give you the wisdom of Daniel, the meekness of Moses, the courage of Joshua, the zeal of Paul, and that self-abasement and humility which Job and Isaiah felt when they not only had heard of Him by the hearing of the ear but when they saw His glory, and abhorred themselves in dust and ashes! 

May you be taught of God for none teaches like Him and come forth an able minister of the New Covenant, well instructed to rightly divide and faithfully distribute the Word of truth. In the school of Christ, you will have to learn some lessons which are not very pleasant to flesh and blood. You must learn to labor, to run, to fight, to wrestle and many other hard exercises; some of which will try your strength, and others your patience. 

You know the common expression, 'a jack of all trades'.  I am sure a minister had need be such a one: a brave soldier, an alert watchman, a caring shepherd, a hardworking farmer, a skillful builder, a wise counselor, a competent physician, and a loving nurse. But do not be discouraged you have a wonderful and a gracious Master, who does not only give instructions, but power and ability! 

He engages that His grace shall be sufficient, at all times and in all circumstances, for those who simply give themselves up to His teaching and His service. 

 [John Newton]

ƸӜƷ•°*”˜˜”*°•.ƸӜƷ✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.ƸӜƷ✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.ƸӜƷ✫ 

Stay Assured.

Faith upholds a Christian under all trials by assuring him: that every dispensation is under the direction of his Lord; that all chastisements are a token of His love; that the season, measure, and continuance of his sufferings are appointed by Infinite Wisdom and designed to work for his everlasting good; and that grace and strength shall be afforded him according to his need. 

[John Newton]

 ✞  ✞  ✞ 

1 Timothy 6:12 ... Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

James 1:2-4 ... My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

1 Peter 5:10 ... But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.❤

Heart of Flesh.

Depend upon it, our hearts are all alike. To know that they are deceitful and desperately wicked, and to look to Jesus for mercy, help, and salvation are, I think, the greatest attainments we can rise to in this imperfect state. 

[John Newton]

Jeremiah 17:9 ... The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Ezekiel 11:19 ... And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Psalm 51:10 ... Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.❤