Grace Gems

[nChrist]

The free grace of God!

(Letters of John Newton)

"By the grace of God I am what I am!"
 1 Corinthians 15:10

The true Christian is sensible and mindful of
indwelling sin. He confesses that in everything
he comes exceedingly short, and that his best
services are not only defective--but defiled. He
accounts himself as an unprofitable servant--and
is abased in his own eyes. He knows that all that
distinguishes him from the vilest of men--is the
free grace of God!

He derives all his hope and comfort, as well as his
strength--from Jesus, whom he has known, received
and loved, and to whom he has committed his soul.
He renounces all confidence in the flesh, and esteems
all things as loss--compared to the surpassing greatness
of knowing Jesus Christ his Lord, for whose sake he has
lost all things--considering them rubbish, that he may
gain Christ!

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The best human advice

(Letters of John Newton)

    No person can adjust and draw the line exactly for another. There are so many particulars in every situation, of which a stranger cannot be a competent judge, and the best human advice is mixed with such defects--that it is not right to expect others to be absolutely guided by our rules; nor is it safe for us implicitly to adopt the decisions or practices of others.

    But the Scripture undoubtedly furnishes sufficient and infallible rules for every person, for whatever the circumstances; and the throne of grace is appointed for us to wait upon the Lord for the best exposition of His precepts. Thus David often prays to be led in the right way, "Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me." Psalm 25:4-5

    By frequent prayer, and close acquaintance with the Scripture, and a habitual attention to the frame of our hearts, there is a certain delicacy of spiritual taste and discernment to be acquired, which renders a proper judgment concerning the nature and limits of questionable things. Love to Christ is the clearest and most persuasive factor; and when our love to Jesus is in lively exercise, and the rule of his Word is in our eye--we seldom make great mistakes!

    The believer should also avoid and forbear, whatever has a tendency to dampen and indispose his spiritual mindedness. For such things, if they are not condemned as downright sinful; if they are not absolutely unlawful; yes though they are, when duly regulated, lawful and right (for often our chief snares are entwined with our blessings); yet if they have a repeated and evident tendency to deaden our hearts to Divine things, (of which each person's experience must determine,) there must be something in them--which is wrong to us! And let them promise what they will, they do but rob us of our gold--to pay us with pebbles! For the light of God's countenance, and an open cheerfulness of spirit in walking with Him in private, is our chief joy; and we must be already greatly hurt, if anything can be pursued, allowed, or rested in--as a tolerable substitute for it.

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The value of time

(Letters of John Newton)

    "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16

    The value of time must be taken into the account. Time is a precious talent, and our Christian profession opens a wide field for the due improvement of it. Much of it has been already lost--and therefore we are exhorted to redeem it.

    Many things which custom pleads for, will not be suitable to a Christian, for this one reason--that they are not consistent with the simplest notion of the redemption of time. It is generally said--that we need relaxation. I allow it in a sense--the Lord Himself has provided it; and because our spirits are too weak to be always upon the wing in meditation and prayer, He has appointed to all men--the cares and toils of life.

    And when everything of this sort in each person's situation is properly attended to, if the heart is in a right state--spiritual concerns will present themselves, as affording the noblest, sweetest, and most interesting relaxation from the necessary toils of life. On the other hand, secular work will be the best relaxation and unbending of the mind from pious exercises. Between the two, perhaps there ought to be but little mere leisure time. A life, in this sense divided between God and the world, is desirable, when one part of it is spent in retirement, seeking after and conversing with Him whom our souls love; and the other part of it employed in active services for the good of our family, friends, the church, and society, for His sake. Every hour which does not fall in with one or other of these views, I apprehend is lost time.

    "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16

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What is this babbler trying to say?

(Letters of John Newton)

"What is this babbler trying to say?" Acts 17:18

    The Apostles were accounted as foolish babblers. We are no better than the Apostles; nor have we reason to expect much better treatment--so far as we walk in their steps.

    On the other hand, there is a way of speaking of God, and goodness, and benevolence, and morality--which the world will bear well enough. But if we preach Christ as the only way of salvation, lay open the horrid evils of the human heart, tell our hearers that they are dead in trespasses and sins, and have no better ground of hope in themselves than the vilest malefactors; if we tell the virtuous and moral, as well as the profligate--that unless they are born again, and made partakers of living faith, and count all things loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ--that they cannot be saved--this is the message they cannot bear!

    We shall be called knaves or fools, uncharitable bigots, and twenty harsh names! If you have met with no treatment like this--you should suspect whether you have yet received the gospel; for, depend upon it--the offense of the cross is not ceased!

    "You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!" Acts 26:24

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No storms, assaults, sieges, or pestilences

(Letters of John Newton)

    "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God--to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

    September 28, 1774.
    My dear friend,
    Certainly, if my ability was equal to my inclination--I would remove your tumor with a word or a touch--I would exempt you instantly and constantly from every inconvenience and pain! But you are in the hands of One who could do all this and more, and who loves you infinitely better than I can do--and yet He is pleased to permit you to suffer! What is the plain lesson? Certainly, that at the present juncture, He, to whom all events and their consequences are present in one view--sees it better for you to have this tumor than to be without it! There is a cause, a need-be for it!

    The promise is express, and literally true--that all things, universally and without exception, shall work together for good to those who love God. But they work together! The smallest as well as the greatest events have their place and use--like the movement of a watch, where, though some pieces have a greater comparative importance than others--yet the smallest pieces have their place and use, and are so far equally important, that the whole design of the machine would be obstructed for lack of them.

    Some workings and turns of Divine Providence have a more visible, sensible, and determining influence upon the whole tenor of our lives. But the more ordinary occurrences of every day are adjusted, timed, and suited with equal accuracy--by the hand of the same great Artist who planned and executes the whole! We are sometimes surprised to see how much more depends and turns upon these minor events, than we were aware of. Then we admire His skill, and say, "He has done all things well!"

    Such thoughts as these, when I am enabled to realize them, in some measure reconcile me to whatever He allots for myself or my friends; and convinces me of the propriety of that verse, which speaks the language of love, as well as authority, "Be still--and know that I am God!"

    I sympathize with you in your severe trial, and pray and trust that your Shepherd will be your Physician. No storms, assaults, sieges, or pestilences, can hurt us--until we have filled up His appointed measure of service! And when our work is done, and He has ripened us for glory--it is no great matter by what means He is pleased to call us home to himself!

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Were I to define a Christian

(Letters of John Newton)

    Were I to define a Christian, or rather to describe him at large, I know of no text I would choose, sooner than Galatians 5:17, "The sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other--so that you do not do what you want."

    A Christian has noble aims--which distinguish him from the bulk of mankind. His leading principles, motives, and desires--are all supernatural and divine. Could he do as he desires--there is not a angel before the Eternal Throne, that would excel him in holiness, love, and obedience! He would tread in the very footsteps of his Savior, fill up every moment of time in His service, and employ every breath in His praise!

    This he would do--but, alas! he cannot! Against these spiritual desires, there is a contrary desire and working of a corrupt nature, which meets him at every turn! He has a beautiful copy set before him in the Scriptures--he is enamored with it, and though he does not expect to equal it, he writes carefully after it, and longs to attain to the nearest possible imitation. But indwelling sin and Satan continually jog his hand, and spoil his strokes!

    Therefore, the most spiritual and gracious people confess themselves as vile and worthless! One eminent branch of our holiness, is a sense of shame and humiliation for those evils which are only known to ourselves, and to Him who searches our hearts!

    In proportion as the Lord enables you to live more simply upon the blood, righteousness, and grace of the Mediator--you will possess a more stable peace. The nearer you are brought to Him--the more lively sense you will have of your vileness and worthlessness; and your continual need of Him. Thereby your admiration of His power, love, and compassion, will increase from year to year.

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Theological controversies and disputes

(Letters of John Newton)

    I am not to expect others to see with my eyes! I am deeply convinced of the truth of John the Baptist's aphorism in John 3:27, "A man can receive nothing--except it be given him from Heaven." I well know, that the little measure of knowledge I have obtained in the things of God--has not been owing to my own wisdom and teachableness, but to God's goodness. Nor did I learn everything all at once--God has been pleased to exercise much patience towards me, for the past twenty-seven years--since He first gave me a desire of learning from Himself. He has graciously accommodated Himself to my weakness, borne with my mistakes, and helped me through innumerable prejudices, which, but for His mercy, would have been insuperable hindrances! I have therefore no right to be angry, impatient, or censorious to others, especially as I have still much to learn, and am so poorly influenced by what I seem to know!

    I am weary of theological controversies and disputes, and desire to choose for myself, and to point out to others, Mary's part--to sit at Jesus' feet, and to hear His words. I cannot, I must not, I dare not--be contentious! Only, as a witness for God, I am ready to bear my simple testimony to what I have known of His truth, whenever I am properly called to it.

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The poor man who catches a poisonous wife!

(Letters of John Newton)

    "Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies!" Proverbs 31:10

    Our friend is very busy seeking that precious piece of furniture, called a wife. May the Lord direct and bless his choice. In Captain Cook's voyage to the South Sea, some fish were caught which looked as well as others--but those who ate of them were poisoned! Alas! for the poor man who catches a poisonous wife! There are many such to be met with in the matrimonial seas, who look passing well to the eye. But a marriage to them proves baneful to domestic peace, and hurtful to the life of grace.

    I know several people, including myself, who have great reason to be thankful to Him who sent the fish, with the money in its mouth, to Peter's hook. He has secretly instructed and guided us where to angle; and if we have caught prizes, we owe it not to our own skill, much less to our deserts--but to His goodness!

    "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised!" Proverbs 31:30

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Break through the snares of vanity!

(Letters of John Newton)

Dear fellow pastor,
I would earnestly press both of us--
  to follow the Lord fully;
  to aim at a life of self-denial;
  to renounce self-will; and
  to guard against self-wisdom.

The less we have to do with the world--the better!
Unless we watch and pray--we shall often be ensnared!

Time is precious, and opportunities once gone--are gone
forever! Even by reading, and what we call studying--we
may be comparatively losers. The best way to study--is
to be closely waiting upon God in humble, secret, fervent
prayer. The treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in
His hands--and He gives bountifully, without upbraiding!

Whatever we may undertake with a sincere desire
to promote His glory--we may comfortably pursue.
Nothing is trivial--which is done for Him.

Pray for me, that I may be enabled to break through
the snares of vanity which lie in my way; that I may
be crucified with Christ--and live a sincere life of faith
in Him who loved me, and gave Himself for me!

Adieu,
John Newton
June 29, 1757

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Your poor little boy!

(Letters of John Newton)

    July 4, 1777.
    My dear Sir,
    Your poor little boy! It is mercy indeed, that he recovered from such a severe burn. The Lord wounded--and the Lord healed. I ascribe what the world calls accidents--to Him, and believe, that without His permission, for wise and good ends--a child can no more pull a bowl of boiling water on itself--than it could pull the moon out of its orbit!

    Why does God permit such things? He does these things--to remind us of the uncertainty of life and all creature-comforts; to make us afraid of cleaving too close to pretty toys, which are so precarious, that often while we look at them--they vanish; to lead us to a more entire dependence upon Himself; that we might never judge ourselves or our concerns safe from outward appearances only--but that the Lord is our keeper, and were not His eye upon us--a thousand dangers, and painful changes, which we can neither foresee nor prevent--are lurking about us every step, ready to break in upon us every hour!

    "Men are but children of a larger growth." How many are laboring and planning in the pursuit of things, the outcome of which, if they obtain them, will be but like pulling scalding water upon their own heads! They must have the bowl by all means--but they are not aware what is in it--until they feel it!

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Hallelujah!

(Letters of John Newton)

"The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice!" Psalm 97:1

    1776.
    My dear madam,
    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! His providence pervades and manages the whole universe, and is as minutely attentive to every part--as if there were only a single object in His view! From the tallest archangel--to the smallest 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 where to find their food. He over-rules the rise and fall of nations; and bends, with an invincible power, and unerring wisdom--all events to His sovereign will! So that while many intend other outcomes--their designs all concur and coincide in the accomplishment of His holy will.

    Jesus restrains with an almighty hand--the still more formidable efforts of the powers of darkness. Satan with all his hosts cannot exert their malice a hair's-breadth beyond the limits of His permission!

    This omnipotent Savior is the head 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 to whom He is pleased to manifest Himself, and whom He enables and warrants to claim Him as their Friend and eternal potion!

    Having redeemed them by His own blood--He esteems them as His treasure, His jewels; and protects them as the pupil of His eye! They shall not lack any good thing. They need not fear. His unerring eye is upon them in every situation; His ear is always 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 spiritual good. While in heaven He is pleading their cause, preparing a glorious home for them, and communicating down to them reviving foretastes of the glory which they shall shortly enter into!

    We sinful worms were once blind to His beauty, and insensible to His love, and would have remained so to the last--had He not revealed His goodness and grace to us!

    "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!" Revelation 19:6

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The Good Shepherd

(Letters of John Newton)

    "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep! I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand!" John 10:11, 28

    Every part of our salvation, requires the exertion of infinite wisdom and almighty power. Jesus is the Shepherd of all who believe in Him. We depend upon Him--and He gives us the effectual help which we need. He is intimately acquainted with us--and knows every thought and intent of our hearts. He has His eye always upon us. His ear is always open us. His arm is ever stretched out for our relief. We can receive nothing--but what He bestows upon us. We can do nothing--but as He enables us. Nor can we stand a moment--but as He upholds us!

    It is amazing to me--that I do not find my heart all on fire with love to Jesus--when I consider--from what misery I am redeemed; to what happiness I am called; and what a price was paid for m soul! Alas! alas! my guilt and grief are that my thoughts of Jesus are so faint, and so infrequent; and that my commendations of Him are so lamentably cold and disproportionate to what they ought to be!

    Yet--if the heart is right with God, and sincerely affected with the wonders of redeeming love--our gracious High Priest, who knows our weakness--will pity and pardon what is amiss, and accept our poor efforts!

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The playhouse

(Letters of John Newton, 1767)

    I am thoroughly convinced, that if there is any practice in this land which is sinful, attendance on the playhouse is eminently so! The theaters are fountains of vice, by which the god of this world blinds the eyes of multitudes! These haunts of Satan are to be shunned as pest-houses, and dangerous nuisances to precious souls!

    The Gospel opens a source of purer, sweeter, and more substantial pleasures! We may well bid adieu to these perishing pleasures of sin! We may well pity those who can find pleasure in those amusements where God is shut out; where His name is only mentioned to be profaned; where His commandments are not only broken--but insulted; where sinners proclaim their shame as in Sodom, and attempt not to hide it; where, at best, wickedness is wrapped up in a disguise of entertainment, to make it more insinuating!

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Our sins--His mercies

(Letters of John Newton)

"Where sin abounded--grace did much
more abound!" Romans 5:20

    March 18, 1767.
    Dear friend,
    You have one hard lesson to learn, that is--the evil of your own heart. You know something of it--but it is needful that you should know more; for the more we know of ourselves--the more we shall prize and love Jesus and His salvation. The more you know Him--the better you will trust Him. The more you trust Him--the better you will love Him. The more you love Him--the better you will serve Him. This is God's way. You are not called to buy--but to beg; not to be strong in yourself--but in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. He is teaching you these things, and I trust he will teach you to the end.

    Do not be surprised to find yourself poor, helpless, and vile. All whom God favors and teaches--will find themselves so. The more grace increases--the more we shall see to abase us in our own eyes!

    I hope what you find in yourself by daily experience, will humble you--but not discourage you. For if our Physician is almighty--our disease cannot be desperate. Our sins are many--but His mercies are more. Our sins are great--but His righteousness is greater. When our sins prevail, remember that we have an Advocate with the Father, who is able to pity, to pardon, and to save to the uttermost! Think of the names and relations which Jesus bears to us. Does He not call Himself--a Savior, a Shepherd, a Friend, and a Husband? Has He not made known unto us His love, His atoning sacrifice, His righteousness, His promises, His power, and His grace--and all for our encouragement? It is better to be admiring the compassion and fullness of grace which is in our Savior--than to dwell and pore too much upon our own poverty and vileness.

    Remember that He has loved you with an everlasting love--and therefore in loving-kindness has drawn you to Himself. He will surely accomplish that which He has begun. Nothing which can be named or thought of--shall ever be able to separate you from Him! This persuasion will give you strength for the battle! This is the shield which will quench the fiery darts of Satan! This is the helmet which the enemy cannot pierce! Be strong, therefore--not in yourself--but in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

    Remember, the growth of a believer is not like a mushroom--but like an oak, which increases slowly indeed--but surely. Many suns, showers, and frosts, pass upon it before it comes to perfection. And in winter, when it seems to be dead--it is gathering strength at the root. Be humble, watchful, and diligent in the means, and endeavor to look through all, and fix your eye upon Jesus--and all shall be well. I commend you to the care of the good Shepherd.
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The idol we worship!

(Letters of John Newton)

"People will be lovers of SELF" 2 Timothy 3:2

The passions of discontent, pride, and envy--exert
themselves in each of us. We are fallen into a state
of gross idolatry--and SELF is the idol we worship!

The principle of SELF is deep-rooted in every heart,
and is the spring of every action--until grace infuses
a new principle, and SELF, like Dagon, falls before
the Lord Almighty!
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