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 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 services, honours, and consolations, 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 pocket full of money.
One said that the great saints in the calendar were many of them poor sinners. Mrs. Newton replied, they were 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 feeling 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.” But I soon afterwards was disappointed in finding that Paul was not “John”, and that Corinth was not Warwick.
It is pure mercy that denies a particular request. A child walks in a garden in spring, and sees cherries; he knows they are good fruit and therefore asks for them. “No, my dear,” says the father, “They are not yet ripe; wait till the season.”
This Page Title – A Few Thoughts from John Newton The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 81 – placed on line November 2009 Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk |