John Newton

Satan will seldom come to a Christian with a gross temptation. A green log and a candle may be safely left together. But bring a few shavings, then some small sticks, and then larger, and you may soon bring the green log to ashes.

Many have puzzled themselves about the origin of evil. I observe that there is evil and that there is a way to escape it, and with this, I begin and end.

There are critical times of danger. After great service, honour, and consolation, we should stand upon our guard. Noah, Lot, Solomon and David, fell in these circumstances. Satan is a robber: a robber will not attack a man in going to the bank, but in returning with his pockets full of money.

One said that the great saints of the calendar were many of them poor sinners. Mrs Newton replied, they would have been poor saints, indeed, if they did not feel they were great sinners.

I have read of many wicked Popes, but the worst pope I ever met with is Pope Self.

The heir of a great estate, while a child, thinks more of a few shillings in his pocket than of his inheritance. So a Christian is often more elated by some feelings of the heart than by his title to glory.

I remember, in going to undertake the care of a congregation (in Warwick), I was reading as I walked in a green lane: “Fear not Paul, I have much people in this city.” This gave me a great feeling at the time, but I soon afterwards was disappointed in finding that Paul was not “John” (Newton) and that Corinth was not Warwick.

It is sure mercy that denies a particular request. A child walks in a garden in spring and sees cherries; he knows they are good fruits and therefore asks for them. “No, my boy,” says the father, “they are not yet ripe; wait till the season.”

Courtesy of the Wicket Gate Magazine