As I've devoured all of John Newton's writings that I could find, he has become for me what I like to call a "dead mentor," that is, a saint from history from whom I seek to learn and grow and cultivate wisdom. Every time I read one of Newton's letters, I come away thinking, "I want to be like this man!" I have never encountered anyone more amazed by grace, humbled by mercy, passionate for Jesus, loving and gentle towards people, and longing for heaven as John Newton. I want to be like this man!
July 24th was John Newton's 289th birthday. To honor his Savior and share his treasure trove of gospel insight that has so richly blessed me, I will be sharing one John Newton quote every day for the next year, until his 290th birthday. Most of these quotes are from his letters. Below are a couple to whet your appetite. I pray that you will be blessed, encouraged, humbled, and stirred to worship as much as I have.
"O that name of Jesus! May it be precious to all our hearts and sound sweeter than music in our ears."
"The proofs I have had of the evils of my sinful nature, my incapacity and aversion to good, have neither been small nor few; but by these unpromising means I hope he has made his grace and salvation precious to my soul, and in some measure weaned me from leaning on my own understanding."
"I desire to grow in knowledge, but I want nothing which bears that name which has not a direct tendency to make sin more hateful, Jesus more precious to my soul; and at the same time to animate me to a diligent use of every appointed means, and an unreserved regard to every branch of duty."
John Newton's last words: "I am still in the land of the dying, but I shall soon be in the land of the living."
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