John Newton (1725–1807), author of the famous hymn “Amazing Grace,” wrote many letters that discerning Christians have treasured for centuries. These letters have been published and reprinted many times. One collection of them is called, “Forty-One Letters on Religious Subjects,” found in his Works.1 I have summarized the first one below with a few closing comments.
This letter was composed for a newly married pastor who was wondering whether he should continue his bachelor habit of giving generously to the poor. Rev. Newton (hereafter JN) and the anonymous pastor had already conferred about this. JN’s letter explains and defends that counsel. Briefly, his advice was to keep giving generously and cheerfully while trusting God and living very modestly. The letter has eight paragraphs—all substantial, elegant, and wise. Below is my paraphrased summary. I pray it may be found helpful and stir some readers to read JN’s original, beautiful letter.
“On Trust in the Providence of God, and Benevolence to His Poor”
1. Beware of using “prudence” as an excuse for self-love and unbelief. I would not bind your conscience that you absolutely must keep giving to the poor at exactly the same rate, because all you do must be done willingly, and you must have enough faith from the Lord do to it. But if you, from spiritual motives, purpose to give no less, I would not try to talk you out of it. When the Lord gives such a confident godly desire, He will not disappoint it.
2. With some blessed exceptions I have known, most Christians—and even most ministers—fall short in giving to help others as we should. Usually we make sure first to take care of ourselves, with the necessities and conveniences, and even some luxuries. Next we contribute to a rainy day fund. Then we take care of our children and near relatives. Lastly, we give our pittance to the poor, maybe only a tenth or twentieth what we have hoarded for ourselves! How, then, are we any better than many moral unbelievers? Indeed, in many cases our conduct is far worse than theirs!
3. But you may ask, what about providing for your wife and children when you are gone? Oh, this is important, but you can do no better for them than what I am advising. God has promised, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed” (Prov 19.17). Do you doubt His guarantee? Act in faith upon this and you will not be disappointed. Read over Jesus’ counsel in Matthew 6.26–34. Was that only for people in those times, or is it also for us? God will do whatever it takes for His faithful servants who trust Him to keep them from becoming destitute.
4. Some ministers have seemed to go overboard, but they have been men of faith, prayer, and zeal, and when their motives have been scriptural, I believe their families have rarely suffered for it. Read the moving account of Mrs. Joseph Alleine about her generous husband. Besides, generosity may save you many troubles, such as divine chastening by illness (cf. 1 Cor 11.30). If stingy, you might be forced by kind Providence to spend twice as much on doctors for your recovery as you could have given away to help God’s people and build up your character.
5. If you are still concerned about being prudent, remember two things. First, keep yourself from frivolous purchases. For a clear conscience, give a penny to the poor for every penny you spend above living at a barely decent standard. Second, tell your friends who are well off that even though you love them very much, prudence and greater responsibilities leave nothing for their mere entertainment. Jesus identifies with the poor and needy, and would you prefer them over Him (see Matt 25.40)? Isn’t Luke 14.12–14 part of God’s Word, yet even Christians generally ignore it! Of course it is not a sin to entertain our friends, but if we are not in some ways supposed to give preference to the poor, what in the world did Jesus mean by what He said?
6. For what it’s worth, I give my own testimony. I started practicing what I am preaching to you when I was really poor. I had no reason to think anyone else would take care of me either, except the Lord, whom I knew was faithful. I determined to live for Him only and to rely on His judgment of what I really needed. To this day I have no regrets. I am like the birds of the air with no storehouse or barn, and yet I still have enough for myself and for regular benevolence. As for my future, the Lord will have to provide, and usually I feel confident that He will. I admit that I am occasionally tempted to anxiety rather than resigning myself to absolute dependence on God, but eventually I come back to a satisfied peace and remember how well He has taken care of me so far. May my heart trust Him and not be afraid!
7. You can say the same in your case. God has given you much, including a wife in answer to your prayers. Beware of thoughts that lure you away from a strong faith in the Lord. You complain about church members whose taste is too expensive. That is all the more reason for you to set a worthy example. If you make your wife an excuse, they will most likely blame her, and she would not deserve that. Don’t give your critics any justification. It will require great character to stick with your earlier habits of generosity.
8. I have freely offered my opinion, and I realize it may seem too strict. “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given” (Matt 19.11). If God has given you faith in His Word, you are happy, and this is far more valuable than big annual increases in your net worth. Signed, JN.
—————-
Convicting to say the least, this letter challenges us to do some hard thinking and probably some humble confessing. We should also avoid a false guilt for reasonable “retirement planning.” The Lord give us big hearts of generosity and compassion, along with all wisdom in our stewardship! Ω
Notes:
1 Newton, John, Richard Cecil. The Works of the John Newton. Vol. 1. London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1824.