My only causes of complaint (Letters of John Newton) I am blessed with perfect health, and all things have been well with us abroad and at home. My only causes of complaint arise from my depraved nature and the workings of indwelling sin. I wish I was more humbled for them, and watchful against them. I […]
You will have a much lower opinion of yourself! (John Newton) Depend upon it—if you walk closely with God for forty years, at the end of that time you will have a much lower opinion of yourself than you have now! You will understand something of . . . Abraham’s feeling when he says, “I am dust and […]
If my pocket was full of stones! (Letters of John Newton) John 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. John 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? If my pocket was full of stones, I have […]
He drank the whole cup! (Letters of John Newton) “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble! Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas!” Psalm 46:1-2 November 2, 1761 My dear sister, Let us not be greatly […]
As many heads as a Hydra, and as many lives as a cat! (John Newton) Beware of SELF! This is the worst enemy we have to deal with! Self-will, self-wisdom, self-righteousness, self-seeking, self-dependence, and self-boasting. It is a large family — and I cannot count up all the branches! They are all nearly related to […]
John Newton’s Letters On the gradual increase of gospel illumination Dear Sir, The day is now breaking: how beautiful its appearance! how welcome the expectation of the approaching sun! It is this thought makes the dawn agreeable, that it is the presage of a brighter light; otherwise, if we expect no more day than it […]
They will never perish! (J. C. Philpot, “The Incorruptible Inheritance” 1865) 1Pet. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pet. 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, […]
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber… (Psalms 121:3) Your warfare, it seems, still continues; and it will continue while you remain here. But He is faithful that promised to make us more than conquerors in the last conflict, then we shall hear the voice of […]
A faithful minister! (Letters of John Newton) “Tychicus is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” Colossians 4:7 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 […]
As the doctrines of election and perseverance are comfortable, so they cut off all pretense of boasting and self-dependence, when they are truly received in the heart, and therefore tend to exalt the Saviour. … How do our hearts soften, and our eyes melt, when we feel some liberty in thinking and speaking of him! […]