Copyright©MonergismBooks

TheLettersofJohnNewton

"Theselettersare,accordingtothevariouscircumstancesofhiscorrespondents—designedtoguideanddirect,tocomfort,or,ifneedbe,withalltendernesstoreprove,whiletheyoftenbecometheardenteffusionsofChristianlovetowardsthosewhoformedtheinnercircleofhisfriends.Theyarefullofwisdomandpiety,richinkindlyfeeling,writtenineasyflowinglanguage,withmanyhappyturnsofexpression,andoftenmadestrikingbytheirsimpleyetingeniousillustrations."-JosiahBull,Authorof"JohnNewton;anAutobiographyandNarrative"

TableofContents

TheBenefitsofAffliction

IndwellingSinandtheBeliever

ChristianLiberty

AGuidetoGodlyDisputation

TheImminentDangerandtheOnlySureResourceofthisNation

ThePresentandFutureRestofTrueBelievers

ReadingtheBible

DeclineintheSpiritualLife

COVETOUSNESS

ConformitytotheWorld

LettertoChurchinOlney

LettertoChurchinLondon

BlemishesinChristianCharacter

GodRulesAll!

TheGovernmentoftheTongue

AssuranceofSalvation

ManinHisFallenEstate

TheChristianandtheWorld

TruePatriotism

ThePracticalInfluenceofFaith

TheInefficacyofMereKnowledge

TheAdvantagesofaStateofPoverty

DivineGuidance

DesiresUnrealized

Causes,Nature,andMarksofaDeclineinGrace

DifferenceBetweenAcquiredandExperimentalKnowledge

HowtoWalkwithGod

BytheGraceofGodIAmwhatIAm!

SeparatedfromtheUngodlyWorld

TheHistoryofMankind

AllThingsWorkTogetherforGood

TheHeavenlyGardener

TheHeavenlyBuilder

OurLifeisaWarfare

CombatingWorldliness

TheologicalSystems

TheComfortsandSnaresofSocialAffections

TheCalltotheMinistry

AnEssayontheCharacteroftheApostlePaul,ConsideredasanExampleandPatternofaMinisterofJesusChrist

FourLetterson'Denominations',andFormsof'ChurchGovernment'

OnEatingandDrinking

OnFemaleDress

TwoLetterstoaFriend

Twenty-OneLetterstoaFriend

FourLetterstoaYoungLady

LetterstoWilliamBull

EightletterstoaChristianfriend

SevenLetterstoaPastor

FiveLetterstoaChristianfriend

ThreeLetterstoaTemptedBeliever

ThreeLetterstoaChristianFriend

SevenLetterstoaChristianFriend

FourLetterstoaChristianFriend

FourLetterstoaWidow

FourLetterstoaChristianFriend

SevenLetterstoaChristianFriend

FiveLetterstoaYoungManGoingintotheChristianMinistry

TheDeceitfulnessoftheHeart

OnAllThingsBeingGivenUswithChrist

PreachingtheGospelwiththePowerandtheSpirit

Twenty-oneLetterstohisAdoptedDaughter

SixLetterstoFriends

FourteenLetterstoaPastor

FiveLetterstoaYoungLady

EighteenLetterstoSeveralFriends

ElevenLetterstoaFriend

EightLetterstoaFriend

OurImperfectKnowledgeofChrist'sLove

EightLetterstoaPastor

SixLetterstoaPastor

NineLetterstoaPastor

SixLetterstoaPastor

ThreeLetterstoafriend

ThreeLetterstoanAgedFriend

EighteenLetterstoaPastor

ThreeLetterstoaFriend

TheGreatShepherd

TheLordReigns!

LittleTrials

TheLordOnlyAfflictsforourGood

TheFurnaceofAffliction

AChristian'sAttainmentsinthePresentLife

SeriouslyEngagedaboutTrifles

ThePlanofSalvation

QuestionsonSalvation

ThatBitterRoot,IndwellingSin!

TheWorkofGrace

DifficultiesandSsnares

AddressingtheUnconverted

SoldiersofChrist

WhataChristianOughttoBe

OurCommonMercies

AVisitorfromHeaven!

OforaWarmerHeart

WithoutMeYouCandoNothing

ThoughtsFromtheSickRoom

WhenWeSeetheWorldinFlames!

ThoughtontheIce-palace

EmptinessoftheCreature

AllourConcernsareinHisHands

TheImpatientPatient

TrustintheProvidenceofGod,andBenevolencetoHisPoor

Pliny'sLettertotheEmperorTrajan

ExtractofaLettertoaStudentinDivinity

EnjoymentofthePleasuresofthePresentLife

ABeliever'sFrames

ASketchoftheChristian'sTemper

IwasOnceBlind,butnowISee

BlindedbySatan

OurDivineShepherd

WilltheSinsofBelieversbePubliclyDeclaredattheGreatDay?

FamilyWorship

TheSnaresandDifficultiesAttendingtheMinistryoftheGospel

TheProprietyofaMinisterialAddresstotheUnconverted

TheInwardWitnesstotheGroundandRealityofFaith

TheDoctrinesofElectionandFinalPerseverance

SimplicityandGodlySincerity

LovetotheBrethren

Candor

ChristianExperience

TheBeliever'sGrowthinGrace

OnHearingSermons

Temptations

AChristianLibrary

TheExerciseofSocialPrayer

OntheGradualIncreaseofGospelIllumination

ToaFriend,onhisRecoveryfromIllness

CommunionwithGod

AWordinSeason

TheCitywasPureGold

AWordtoProfessorsintrade

OnFaith,andtheCommunionofSaints

TheDukeofSully

LeadusNotintoTemptation

ViewsofDivineTruth

TheChristian'sCreed

DivineRevelation

SavingKnowledge

AChristian'sPresentBlessedness

TheHeartofMan

ALettertoaYoungWoman

UnionwithChrist

MEMOIRS

APlanofPastoralTraining

LetterstoHisWife

TheconstrainingInfluenceoftheLoveofChrist

Briefbiography

Copyright

TheBenefitsofAffliction

December,1776MydearMadam,

Ihaveoftenpreached toothersof thebenefitsofaffliction;butmyown path formany years has been so smooth, andmy trials, though Ihavenotbeenwithouttrials,comparativelysolightandfew—thatIhaveseemed tomyself to speakbyroteupon a subject ofwhich I hadnot aproper feeling. Yet themany exercises ofmypoor afflicted people, andthe sympathy the Lord has given me with them in their troubles—hasmade "the benefits of affliction" a frequent and favorite topic of myministry among them. Theadvantagesof afflictions, when the Lord ispleasedtoemploythemforthegoodofhispeople,aremanyandgreat.Permitmetomentionafewofthem;andmaytheLordgrantthatwemayall find those blessed ends answered to ourselves, by the trials he ispleasedtoappointus.

Afflictionsquickenustoprayer.Itisapityitshouldbeso;butexperiencetestifies, that a long course of ease and prosperity, without painfulchanges—has an unhappy tendency tomake us cold and formal in oursecret worship. But troubles rouse our spirits, and constrain us to callupontheLord ingoodearnest—whenwefeelaneedof thathelpwhichweonlycanhavefromhisalmightyarm.

Afflictions are useful, and in a degree necessary, to keep alive in us—aconviction of the vanityandunsatisfyingnature of thepresentworld,andallitsenjoyments;toremindusthatthisworldisnotourrest,andtocall our thoughts upwards, where our true treasure is, and where ourheartought tobe.When thingsgoonmuch toourwish,ourheartsaretoopronetosay,"It isgoodtobehere!"It isprobable,thathadMoses,whenhecametoinviteIsraeltoCanaan,foundtheminprosperity—thatthey would have been very unwilling to move out of Egypt; but theafflictions theywere in—madehismessagewelcome.Thus theLord,bypain, sickness, and disappointments, by breaking our cisterns andwitheringourgourds—weakensourattachmenttothisworld,andmakesthethoughtofleavingit,moreeasyandmoredesirable.

A child of God cannot but greatly desire a more enlarged andexperimental acquaintancewith his holyWord; and this attainment isgreatly promoted by our trials. The far greater part of the promises inScripture,aremadeandsuitedtoastateofaffliction;and,thoughwemaybelievetheyaretrue,wecannotsowellknowtheirsweetness,power,and

suitableness,unlessweourselvesare inastate towhich theyrefer!TheLord says, "Call uponme in theday of trouble, and Iwill deliveryou."Now,untilthedayoftroublecomes,suchapromiseislikeacityofrefugeto an Israelite, who, not having slain a man, was in no danger of theavengerofblood.Hehadaprivilegenearhim,ofwhichheknewnottheuseandvalue—becausehewasnotinthecaseforwhichitwasprovided.Butsomecansay, Inotonlybelieve thispromiseupon theauthorityofthespeaker—butIcansetmysealtoit!Ihavebeenintrouble;Itookthiscourse for relief, and Iwasnotdisappointed.TheLord trulyheardanddeliveredme.ThusafflictionslikewisegiveoccasionofourknowingandnoticingmoreoftheLord'swisdom,power,andgoodness,insupportingandrelievingus—thanwewouldotherwisehaveknown.

Ihavenottimetotakeanothersheet,mustthereforecontractmyhomily.

Afflictions evidence to ourselves, andmanifest to others, the reality ofgrace. When we suffer as Christians, exercise some measure of thatpatience and submission, and receive somemeasure of these supportsand supplies, which theGospel requires and promises to believers—wearemore confirmed thatwehavenot takenupwithmerenotions; andothersmaybeconvincedthatwedonotfollowcunninglydevisedfables.

Afflictions likewise strengthen us—by the exercise our graces. As ourlimbsandnaturalpowerswouldbefeebleifnotcalledtodailyexertion—sothegracesoftheSpiritwouldlanguish,withoutsomethingwhichwasprovidedtodrawthemouttouse.

Lastly,afflictionsarehonorable,astheyadvanceourconformitytoJesusourLord,whowasamanofsorrowsforoursake.Methinks,ifwemightgotoheavenwithoutsuffering,wewouldbeunwilling todesire it.Whyshouldweeverwishtogobyanyotherpathtoheaven—thanthatwhichJesushasconsecratedandendeared,byhisownexample?Especiallyashispeople'ssufferingsarenotpenal—thereisnowrathinthem.Thecupheputsintheirhandsisverydifferentfromthatwhichhedrankfortheirsakes, and is onlymedicinal to promote their chief good. Here I muststop;butthesubjectisfruitful,andmightbepursuedthroughaquireofpaper.

"Andyouhaveforgottenthatwordofencouragementthataddressesyouassons--Myson,donotmakelightoftheLord'sdiscipline,anddonotlose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those heloves,andhepunisheseveryoneheacceptsasason.

Endurehardshipasdiscipline;Godistreatingyouassons.Forwhatsonisnotdisciplinedbyhisfather?Ifyouarenotdisciplined(andeveryoneundergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not truesons.Moreover,wehaveallhadhuman fatherswhodisciplinedusandwerespectedthemforit.HowmuchmoreshouldwesubmittotheFatherofourspiritsandlive!Ourfathersdisciplinedusforalittlewhileastheythoughtbest;butGoddisciplinesusforourgood,thatwemayshare inhisholiness.Nodisciplineseemspleasantatthetime,butpainful.Lateron,however, itproducesaharvestof righteousnessandpeace forthosewhohavebeentrainedbyit."Hebrews12:5-11

IndwellingSinandtheBeliever

byJohnNewton

1.Whatabelieverwoulddo—ifhecould

February,1772.I have been sitting, perhaps a quarter of an hour, withmy pen inmyhand,andmy fingeruponmyupper lip, contrivinghow I shouldbeginmyletter....Atlengthmysuspenseremindedmeoftheapostle'swords,Galatians 5:17, "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spiritagainsttheflesh.Thesearecontrarytheonetotheother—sothatyoucannotdothethingsthatyouwould!"Thisisahumblingbutajustaccount of a Christian's attainments in the present life, and is equallyapplicabletothestrongestandtotheweakest.Theweakestneednotsayless—thestrongestwillhardlyventuretosaymore.TheLordhasgivenhis people a desire and will aiming at great things; without this theywouldbeunworthy thenameofChristians; but they cannot do as theywould.Theirbestdesiresareweakandineffectual,notabsolutelyso(forHewhoworksinthemtowill,enablestheminameasuretodolikewise)

— but in comparison with the noble mark at which they aim. So thatwhile they have great cause to be thankful for thedesireHe has giventhem, and for the degree in which it is answered — they have equalreason to be ashamed and abased under a sense of their continualdefects, and the evil mixtures which taint and debase their bestendeavors.Itwouldbeeasytomakeoutalonglistofparticulars,whichabelieverwoulddoifhecould—butinwhich,fromfirsttolast,hefindsamortifying inability. Permit me to mention a few, which I need nottranscribefrombooks,fortheyarealwayspresenttomymind.

He would willingly enjoy God inprayer. He knows that prayer is hisduty;but,inhisjudgment,heconsidersitlikewiseashisgreatesthonorandprivilege. In this light he can recommend it to others, and can tellthem of the wonderful condescension of the great God, who humbleshimselftobeholdthethingsthatareinheaven,thatHeshouldstoopsomuch lower, to afford his gracious ear to the supplications of sinfulwormsuponearth.Hecanbid themexpectapleasure inwaitingupontheLord,different inkindandgreater indegree thanall that theworldcanafford.Byprayerhecansay,Youhave liberty to cast all your caresuponhimwhocaresforyou.Byonehour'sintimateaccesstothethroneof grace, where the Lord causes his glory to pass before the soul thatseekshim—youmayacquiremoretruespiritualknowledgeandcomfort,than by a day or a week's converse with the best of men, or themoststudiousperusalofmanyfolios.Andinthislighthewouldconsideritandimproveitforhimself.But,alas;howseldomcanhedoashewould!Howoftendoeshefindthisprivilegeameretask,whichhewouldbegladofajust excuse to omit! and the chief pleasure he derives from theperformance, is to think that his task is finished!Hehas beendrawingneartoGodwithhislips—whilehisheartwasfarfromhim.Surelythisis not doing as he would, when (to borrow the expression of an oldwomanhere,)heisdraggedbeforeGodlikeaslave,andcomesawaylikeathief.

The likemaybesaidofreadingtheScripture.Hebelieves it tobe theWord of God: he admires the wisdom and grace of the doctrines, thebeautyoftheprecepts,therichnessandsuitablenessofthepromises;andtherefore,withDavid,heaccountsitpreferabletothousandsofgoldand

silver, and sweeter than honey or the honeycomb! Yet, while he thusthinks of it, and desires that it may dwell in him richly, and be hismeditation night and day— he cannot do as he would. It will requiresomeresolutiontopersist inreadingaportionofiteveryday;andeventhenhisheartisoftenlessengagedthanwhenreadinganewspaper.Hereagainhisprivilegefrequentlydwindlesintoatask.Hisappetiteisvitiated—sothathehasbutlittlerelishforthefoodofhissoul.

He would willingly have abiding, admiring thoughts of the person andlove of the Lord Jesus Christ. Glad he is, indeed, of those occasionswhichrecalltheSaviortohismind;andwiththisview,notwithstandingalldiscouragements,heperseveres inattempting toprayand read, andwaits upon the ordinances. Yet he cannot do as he would. Whateverclaimshemayhavetotheexerciseofgratitudeandsensibilitytowardshisfellow-creatures — hemust confess himself mournfully ungrateful andinsensible towardshisbestFriendandBenefactor. Ah!what trifles arecapableofshuttingHimoutofourthoughts,ofwhomwesay:'HeistheBelovedofoursouls,wholovedus,andgavehimselfforus,andwhomwehavedeliberatelychosenasourchiefgoodandportion!'Whatcanmakeusamendsfor the losswesufferhere?Yetsurely ifwecould,wewouldsethimalwaysbeforeus;his loveshouldbethedelightful themeofourhearts:

Frommorntonoon,fromnoontodewyeve!

Butthoughweaimatthisgood—evilispresentwithus:wefindwearerenewedbutinpart,andhavestillcausetopleadtheLord'spromise,totakeawaytheheartofstone,andgiveusaheartofflesh.

He would willingly acquiesce in all the dispensations of divineProvidence. He believes that all events are under the direction ofinfinitewisdomandgoodness,andshallsurelyissueinthegloryofGod,andthegoodofthosewhofearhim.Hehasnodoubtsthatthehairsofhishead are all numbered, that the blessings of every kind which hepossesses,werebestoweduponhim,andarepreservedtohim—bythebountyand special favorof theLordwhomhe serves!He fullybelievesthat afflictions do not spring out of the ground — but are fruits andtokensofDivinelove,nolessthanhiscomforts!Heissurethatthereisa

need-be,wheneverforaseasonheisinheaviness.Oftheseprincipleshecan nomore doubt, than of what he sees with his eyes; and there areseasonswhenhethinkstheywillprovesufficienttoreconcilehimtothesharpesttrials.

Butoftenwhenheaimstoapplytheminanhourofpresentdistress—hecannotdowhathewould!Hefeelsalawinhismemberswarringagainstthelawinhismind;sothat,indefianceoftheclearestconvictions,seeingas though he perceived not — he is ready to complain, murmur, anddespond!Alas!howvainismaninhisbestestate!Howmuchweaknessand inconsistency, even in thosewhose hearts are rightwith the Lord!andwhatreasonhavewe toconfess thatweareunworthy,unprofitableservants!

Itwereeasytoenlargeinthisway—wouldpaperandtimepermit.But,blessedbeGod,wearenotunder the law—butundergrace!Andeventhesedistressingeffectsof theremnantsof indwellingsinare overruledforgood.Bytheseexperiences—thebelieverisweanedmorefromSELF,andtaughtmorehighlytoprizeandmoreabsolutelytorelyonHim,whoisourWisdom,Righteousness,SanctificationandRedemption!Themorevileweareinourowneyes—themorepreciousHewillbetous!Adeeprepeated sense of the evil of our hearts — is necessary to preclude allboasting,andtomakeuswillingtogivethewholegloryofoursalvationwhereitisdue!

Again, a sense of these evilswill (when hardly anything else can do it)reconcile us to the thoughts of DEATH! Yes, theymake us desirous todepartthatwemaysinnomore,sincewefinddepravitysodeep-rootedinournature,that,liketheleproushouse,thewholefabricmustbetakendownbeforewecanbefreedfromitsdefilement!

Then,andnotuntilthen—weshallbeabletodothethingthatwewould!Whenwe see Jesus—we shall be transformed intoHis image, and bedonewithsinandsorrowforever!

2.Theevilabelieverwouldnotdo—ifhecould.

March,1772.I thinkmy last letter turnedupon theapostle's thought,Galatians5:17,"Youcannotdothethingsthatyouwould."Intheparallelplace,Romans7:19,thereisanotherclausesubjoined,"TheevilwhichIwouldnotdo—thatIdo."This,addedtotheformer,wouldcompletethedarksideofmyexperience.Permitmetotellyourlordshipalittlepart,(forsomethingsmustnot,cannotbetold,)notofwhatIhaveread—butofwhatIhavefelt,inillustrationofthispassage.

I would not be the sport and prey of wild, vain, foolish, and vileimaginations;but thisevil ispresentwithme!Myheart is likeanopenhighway — like a city without walls or gates. Nothing so false, sofrivolous, so absurd, so impossible, or so horrid — but it can obtainaccess,andthatatanytime,orinanyplace!Neitherthestudy,thepulpit,noreventheLord'stable—exemptmefromtheirintrusion.

Butifthisawfuleffectofheart-depravitycannotbewhollyavoidedinthepresent state of human nature — yet, at least, I would not allow andindulgeit;yetthisIfindIdo.Indefianceofmybestjudgmentandbestwishes,Ifindsomethingwithinme,whichcherishesandcleavestothoseevils,fromwhichIoughttobehorrifiedby,andfleefrom—asIwouldifatoadoraserpentwasputinmyfoodorinmybed.Ah!howvilemustthe heart (at least my heart) be, that can hold a parley with suchabominations, when I so well know their nature and their tendency.Surely he who finds himself capable of this, may, without the leastaffectation of humility (however fair his outward conduct appears),subscribe himself less than the least of all saints, and the very chief ofsinners!

IwouldnotbeinfluencedbyaprincipleofSELFonanyoccasion;yetthisevil Ioftendo.Isee thebasenessandabsurdityofsuchaconduct—asclearlyasIseethelightoftheday.Idonotaffecttobethoughttenfeethigh—andIknowthatadesireofbeingthoughtwiseorgood,isequallycontrary to reasonand truth. Iwouldbe grievedor angry ifmy fellow-creatures supposed I had such a desire! And therefore, I fear the veryprinciple of SELF, of which I complain, has a considerable share inpromptingmydesirestoconcealit.Theprideofothersoftenoffendsme,andmakesme studious tohidemyown;because their goodopinionof

me— dependsmuch upon their not perceiving it. But the Lord knowshowthisdeadflytaintsandspoilsmybestservices,andmakesthemnobetterthansplendidsins.

Iwouldnot indulgevainreasoningsconcerningthecounsels,ways, andprovidencesofGod; yet I am prone to do it! That the Judge of all theearthwilldoright,istomeasevidentandnecessaryasthattwoplustwomakefour.IbelievethatHehasasovereignrighttodowhatHewillwithhisown,andthatthissovereigntyisbutanothernamefortheunlimitedexerciseofwisdomandgoodness.Butmyreasoningsareoftensuch,asifIhadneverheardoftheseprinciples,orhadformallyrenouncedthem!Ifeeltheworkingsofapresumptuousspirit,thatwouldaccountforeverything—andventuretodisputewhateveritcannotcomprehend.Whatanevilisthis,forapotsherdoftheearthtocontendwithitsMaker!Idonotact thus towards my fellow-creatures; I do not find fault with thedecisionsof a judge,or thedispositionsof a general, because, though Iknowtheyarefallible—yetIsuppose theyarewiser in theirrespectivedepartmentsthanmyself.ButIamoftenreadytotakethislibertywhenitismostunreasonableandinexcusable.

I would not cleave to a covenant of works. It would seem from theforegoing particulars, and many others which I could mention, that Ihave reasonsenough todeterme fromthis.Yeteven this Ido.NotbutthatIsay,andIhopefrommyheart,"Enternotintojudgmentwithyourservant, O Lord." I embrace it as a faithful saying, and worthy of allacceptance,thatJesusChristcameintotheworldtosavesinners;anditisthemainpleasureandbusinessofmylife,tosetforththenecessityandall sufficiency of the Mediator between God and Man, and to makementionofhisrighteousness,evenofhisalone.Buthere,asineverythingelse,Ifindavastdifferencebetweenmyjudgmentandmyexperience.

I am invited to take the water of life freely — yet often discouraged,becauseIhavenothingwithwhichtopayforit.IfIamattimesfavoredwith some liberty from the above-mentioned evils, it rather givesme amore favorable opinion ofmyself, than increasesmy admiration of theLord'sgoodnesstosounworthyacreature;andwhenthereturningtideofmycorruptionsconvincesmethatIamstillthesame—anunbelievinglegalspiritwouldurgemetoconcludethattheLordischanged.AtleastI

feelawearinessofbeing indebtedtohimforsuchcontinuedmultipliedforgiveness.AndIfearthatsomepartofmystrivingagainstsin,andmydesiresafteranincreaseofsanctification,arisefromasecretwishthatImightnotbesoabsolutelyandentirelyindebtedtohim.

This,mylord,isonlyafaintsketchofmydepravedheart;butitistakenfromthelife!Itwouldrequireavolumeratherthanaletter,tofilluptheoutlines.But I believe youwill not regret that I choose to say nomoreupon such a subject. But though my disease is grievous, it is notdesperate;IhaveagraciousandinfalliblePhysician.Ishallnotdie—butlive,anddeclaretheworksoftheLord.

3.Theexistenceofindwellingsinoverruledforgood.

April,1772.My two last letters turneduponamournful subject— thedepravity oftheheart—whichimpedesuswhenwewoulddogood,andpollutesourbest intended services with evil. We have cause, upon this account, towalk softly all our days; yetwe need not sorrow as thosewho have nohope. The Lord has provided his people relief under those complaints,andteachesustodrawimprovementfromthem.Iftheevilswefeelwerenotcapableofbeingoverruledforgood—Hewouldnotpermitthemtoremain in us. Thiswemay infer fromhis hatred to sin— and the lovewhichHebearstohispeople.

As to the remedy, neither our state nor his honor are affected by theworkingsofindwellingsin—intheheartsofthosewhomHehastaughttowrestle, strive, andmourn,onaccountofwhat they feel.Though sinwarsinus—itshallnotreigninus.Andthoughitbreaksourpeace—itcannotseparatefromhislove.Norisitinconsistentwithhisholiness,andperfection, to manifest his favor to such poor defiled creatures, or toadmitthemtocommunionwithhimself;fortheyarenotconsideredasinthemselves—butasonewithJesus, towhomtheyhavefledforrefuge,andbywhomtheylivealifeoffaith.

TheyareacceptedintheBeloved.Theyactfromaprincipleoflove.They

aimatnolessthanhisglory.Theirhabitualdesiresaresupremelyfixeduponhimself.Thereisadifferenceinkindbetweenthefeeblesteffortsoffaithinarealbeliever,whileheiscoveredwithshameatthethoughtsofhissins—andthehighestandmostsplendidattainmentsof thosewhoarewiseintheirowneyesandprudentintheirownsight.

Nor shall this conflict remain long, or the enemy finally prevail overthem. They are supported by almighty power — and led on to certainvictory.Theyshallnotalwaysbe—astheyarenow;yetalittlewhile,andtheyshallbe freed fromthisvilebody,which, like the leproushouse, isincurably contaminated, and must be entirely taken down. Then theyshallseeJesusasHeis,andbelikehim,andwithhimforever.

ThegraciouspurposestowhichtheLordmakesthesenseandfeelingofourdepravitysubservient,aremanifold.Herebyhisownpower,wisdom,faithfulness,andlove,aremoresignallydisplayed.

Hispowerisdisplayed—inmaintaininghisownworkinthemidstofsomuch opposition, like a spark burning in the water, or a bushunconsumedintheflames.

Hiswisdom isdisplayed— indefeatingandcontrollingall thedeviceswhichSatan,fromhisknowledgeoftheevilofournature,isencouragedtopracticeagainstus.Hehasoverthrownmanyafairprofessor,and,likeGoliath,hechallengesthewholearmyofIsrael;yethefindsthattherearesome against whom, though he thrusts sorely, he cannot prevail.Notwithstandinganyseemingadvantagehegainsatsomeseasons—theyarestilldelivered,fortheLordisontheirside.

TheunchangeablenessoftheLord'slove,andtherichesofhismercy,arelikewisemoreillustratedbythemultipliedpardonsHebestowsuponhispeople—thaniftheyneedednoforgivenessatall.

HerebytheLordJesusChristismoreendearedtothesoul;allboastingis effectually excluded, and the glory of a full and free salvation isascribedtohimalone.

The righteous are said to be scarcely saved, not with respect to the

certaintyof the event, for the purpose ofGod in their favor cannot bedisappointed—butinrespectoftheirownapprehensions,andthegreatdifficultiestheyarebroughtthrough.Butwhen,afteralongexperienceoftheir own deceitful hearts, after repeated proofs of their weakness,wilfulness, ingratitude, and insensibility— they find that none of thesethingscanseparatethemfromtheloveofGodinChrist;Jesusbecomesmore andmoreprecious to their souls. They lovemuch, becausemuchhasbeenforgiventhem!

Theydarenot,theywillnotascribeanythingtothemselves—butaregladtoacknowledge,thattheymusthaveperishedathousandtimesover—ifJesushadnotbeentheirSavior,theirShepherd,andtheirShield!Whentheywerewandering—Hebroughtthemback.Whentheywerefallen—Heraisedthem.Whentheywerewounded—Hehealedthem.Whentheywere fainting—He revived them. By him, out of weakness, they havebeenmadestrong.Hehastaughttheirhandstobattle,andcoveredtheirheadsinthedayofbattle.Inaword,someoftheclearestproofstheyhavehad ofhis excellence— have been occasioned by themortifying proofstheyhavehadoftheirownvileness.Theywouldnothaveknownsomuchofhim—iftheyhadnotknownsomuchofthemselves!

Further,aspiritofhumiliation,whichisboththestrengthandbeautyofourprofession—isgreatlypromotedbyourfeeling,aswellasreading—thatwhenwewould do good— evil is presentwith us.A broken andcontrite spirit is pleasing to the Lord. He has promised to dwell withthose who have it; and experience shows, that the exercise of all ourgracesisinproportiontothehumblingsensewehaveofthedepravityofournature.

Whoeveristrulyhumbled—willnotbeeasilyangry,norharshorcriticalofothers.Hewillbe compassionateand tender to the infirmitiesofhisfellow-sinners, knowing that if there is a difference— it is grace alonewhichhasmade it!Heknows thathehas the seedsof every evil inhisownheart.Andunderalltrialsandafflictions—hewilllooktothehandoftheLord,andlayhismouthinthedust,acknowledgingthathesuffersmuchlessthanhisiniquitieshavedeserved.

These are some of the advantages and good fruits which the Lord

enablesustoobtainfromthatbitterroot—indwellingsin.

ChristianLiberty

byJohnNewtontotheEarlofDartmouth

November,1776.MyLondon journey,which preventedmywriting inOctober,mademeamendsbyanopportunityofwaitinguponyourlordshipinperson.Suchseasonsarenotonlypleasantatthetime—butaffordmepleasureinthereview.Icouldhavewishedthehalfhourweweretogetherbyourselves,prolongedtohalfaday.Thesubjectyourlordshipwaspleasedtosuggesthasbeenoftenuponmymind;andgladshouldIbe,wereIabletoofferyouanythingsatisfactoryuponit.

Thereisnodoubtbutfirstreligiousimpressionsareusuallymingledwithmuch of a legal spirit, and that conscience at such a time is not onlytender — but misinformed and scrupulous. And I believe, as yourlordshipintimated,thatwhenthemindismoreenlightened,andwefeelalibertyfrommanyfetterswehadimposeduponourselves—weare indangerofvergingtoofartowardstheotherextreme.

Itseemstomethatnoonepersoncanadjustthemedium,anddrawthelineexactlyforanother.Therearesomanyparticularsineverysituation,ofwhich a stranger cannot be a competent judge, and the best humanadvicesandmodelsaremixedwithsuchdefects—thatit isnotrighttoexpectothers tobeabsolutely guidedbyourrules.Nor is it safe for usimplicitlytoadoptthedecisionsorpracticesofothers.

ButtheScriptureundoubtedlyfurnishessufficientandinfalliblerulesforevery person, however circumstanced; and the throne of grace isappointed for us to wait upon the Lord for the best exposition of hisprecepts.ThusDavidoftenpraystobeledintherightway—inthepathof judgment. By frequent prayer, and close acquaintance with theScripture,andahabitualattentiontotheframeofourhearts—thereisacertaindelicacyofspiritualtasteanddiscernmenttobeacquired,which

renders a nice disquisition concerning the nature and limits of theAdiaphora, as they are called — or how near we may go the utmostboundsofwhatisright,withoutbeingwrong,quiteunnecessary.Loveistheclearestandmostpersuasiveindicator:andwhenourlovetotheLordisinlivelyexercise,andtheruleofhisWordis inoureye—weseldommakegreatmistakes.

FromthetimeweknowtheLord,andareboundtohimbythecordsofloveandgratitude—thetwochiefpointsweshouldhave inourview,Iapprehend,are,tomaintaincommunionwithhiminourownsouls,andtoglorifyhim in thesightofmen.Agreeably to theseviews, though theScripturedoesnotenumerateordecideinsomanywords,fororagainstmany things which some plead for, and others condemn — yet itfurnishesuswithsomegeneralguidelines,which, ifrightlyapplied,willperhaps go a good way towards settling the debate, at least to thesatisfactionofthosewhowouldratherpleaseGodthanman.

SomeofthesecanonsIwilljustremarktoyourlordship;Rom.12:1,2;1Corinthians8:13,and10:31;2Corinthians6:17;Ephesians4:30,and5:11,15, 16; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Ephesians 6:18; to which I may add, assuitable to thepresent times,Isaiah22:12;Luke21:34.Iapprehendthespiritof theseandsimilarpassagesofScripture(for itwouldbeeasy toadducealargernumber,)willbringaChristianundersuchrestrictionsasfollow.

1.Toavoidandforbear,forhisownsake,fromwhateverhasatendencytodampandindisposehisspiritinattendanceuponthemeansofgrace;forsuchthings,iftheyarenotcondemnedassinfulperse,iftheyarenotabsolutelyunlawful,yesthoughtheyare,whendulyregulated,lawfulandright,(foroftenourchiefsnaresareentwinedwithourblessings,)yet iftheyhavearepeatedandevidenttendencytodeadenourheartstodivinethings,ofwhicheachperson'sexperiencemustdetermine—thentheremustbesomethinginthem,eitherinseason,measure,orcircumstance—wrongtoUS.Andletthempromisewhattheywill,theydobutrobusofourgold— topayuswith trinkets. For the light ofGod's countenance,andanopencheerfulnessofspirit inwalkingwithhiminprivate,isourchief joy; and we must be already greatly hurt, if anything can bepursued,allowed,orrestedin—asatolerablesubstituteforit.

2.Forthesakeofthechurch,andtheinfluencewhichexamplemayhaveuponhis fellowChristians— the lawof charityandprudencewilloftenrequire a believer to abstain from some things, not because they areunlawful—but inexpedient.Thustheapostle, thoughstrenuousfortherightofhisChristianliberty,wouldhaveabridgedhimselfoftheuse,soas to eat no meat — rather than offend a weak brother, rather thanmisleadhimtoactagainstthepresentlightofhisconscience.

Upon this principle, if I could, without hurt to myself, attend somepopular amusements — and return thence with a warm heart to myprayercloset,(thepossibilityofwhichinmyowncaseIgreatlyquestion,)yet I should think itmy duty to forbear, lest someweaker thanmyselfshouldbeencouragedbymetomakethelikeexperiment,thoughintheirownminds theymight fear it waswrong, and have no other reason tothink it lawful,butbecauseIdid it; inwhichcaseIwouldsuspect, thatthoughIreceivednoharm—theywould.

Ihaveknownandconversedwithsomewho,Ifear,havemadeshipwreckof their profession, who have dated their first decline from imitatingothers, whom they thought wiser and better than themselves, in suchkindofcompliances.Anditseemsthatanobligationtothissortofself-denial rises and is strengthened and proportioned to the weight andinfluenceof our characters.Were I inprivate life, I donot know that Ishouldthinkitsinfultohuntpartridgeorarabbits;but,asaminister,InomoredaredoitthanIdarejoininadrunkenfrolic,becauseIknowitwouldgiveoffencetosome,andbepleadedforasalicensebyothers.

3.There is adutyanda charity likewise,whichweowe to theworld atlarge, aswell asa faithfulness toGodandhisgrace— inournecessaryconverseamongthem.Thisseemstorequire,thatthoughweshouldnotbeneedlesslysingular—yet, for their instruction,and for thehonorofour Lord andMaster,we should keep up a certain kind of singularity,and show ourselves called to be a separated people; that, though theprovidenceofGodhasgivenuscallingsandrelationstofillup,(inwhichwe cannot be too exact,) yet we are not of theworld — but belong toanothercommunity,andactfromotherprinciples,byotherrules,andtootherends—thanthegeneralityofthoseaboutus.

I have observed, that the world will often leave professors in quietpossession of their notions and sentiments, and places of worship —providedtheywillnotbetoostiff inthematterofconformitywiththeirmore general customs and amusements. But I fearmany of themhavehad their prejudices strengthened against our holy religion by suchcompliances,andhavethought,thatifthereweresuchjoyandcomforttobe found in the ways of God as they hear from our pulpits — thenprofessorswouldnot,insuchnumbers,andsooftenrunamongthem,tobegarelief,fromtheburdenoftimehangingupontheirhands.

Providentialandnecessarycallsofduty,thatleadusintotheworld,willnothurtus—ifwefindthespiritoftheworldunpleasant,andaregladtoretire from it, and keep out of it as much as our relative duties willpermit.Thatwhichisourcross—isnotsolikelytobeoursnare.But ifthat spirit,whichweshouldalwayswatchandpray against, infects andassimilates ourminds to itself, thenwe are sure to suffer loss, and actbelowthedignityofourprofession.

Uponthewhole,itappearstome,thatitismorehonorable,comfortable,and safe, (if we cannot exactly hit the goldenmean,) to be thought bysome too scrupulous and precise — than actually to be found toocompliantwiththosethingswhich,ifnotabsolutelycontrarytoadivinecommandment, are hardly compatible with the tenor of the gospel, orconformabletothemindthatwasinChristJesus,whichoughtalsotobeinhispeople.

Theplacesandamusementswhichtheworldfrequentandadmire,whereoccasionsandtemptationstosinarecultivated,wheresinfulpassionsareprovoked and indulged, where the fear of God is so little known orregarded, that thosewho do fear himmust hold their tongues, thoughthey should hear his name blasphemed, can hardly be a Christian'svoluntarychosenground.YetI fearthesecharacterswillapplytoeverykindofamusementinthenation.

Astofamilyconnections,Icannotthinkweareboundtobreakorslightthem. But as believers and their relatives often live as it were in twoelements — there is a mutual awkwardness, which makes theirinteractionsratherdryandtedious.Butuponthataccount theyare less

frequentthantheywouldotherwisebe,whichseemsanadvantage.Bothsideskeepupreturnsofcivilityandaffection;butastheycannotuniteinsentimentandleadinginclination,theywillnotcontrivetobeveryoftentogether,except there issomethingconsiderablegivenupbyoneor theother.IthinkChristiansoughttobeverycautiouswhatconcessionstheymake upon this account. But, as I said at the beginning, no generalpositiverulescanbelaiddown.

Ihavesimplygivenyourlordshipsuchthoughtsashaveoccurredtomewhile writing, without study, and without coherence. I dare not bedogmatic;butIthinkwhatIhavewrittenisagreeablebothtoparticulartextsandtothegeneraltenorofScripture.Isubmitittoyourjudgment.

AGuidetoGodlyDisputation

byJohnNewton

DearSir,Asyouarelikelytobeengagedincontroversy,andyourloveoftruthisjoinedwithnaturalwarmthoftemper,myfriendshipmakesmesolicitousonyourbehalf.Youareofthestrongestside;fortruthisgreat,andmustprevail;sothatapersonofabilitiesinferiortoyoursmighttakethefieldwithaconfidenceofvictory.Iamnotthereforeanxiousfortheoutcomeof the battle; but I would have you more than a conqueror, and totriumph, not only over your adversary, but also over yourself. If youcannotbevanquished,youmaybewounded.Topreserveyoufromsuchwoundsasmightgiveyoucauseofweepingoveryourconquests,Iwouldpresentyouwithsomeconsiderations,which,ifdulyattendedto,willdoyou theserviceofagreatcoatofarmor; sucharmor, thatyouneednotcomplain,asDaviddidofSaul’s, that itwillbemorecumbersome thanuseful;foryouwilleasilyperceivethatitistakenfromthatgreatarmoryprovidedfortheChristiansoldier—theWordofGod.Itakeitforgrantedthatyouwillnotexpectanyapologyformyfreedom,andthereforeIshallnotofferone.Formethodssake,Imayreducemyadvicetothreeheads,respectingyouropponent,thepublic,andyourself.

1.Astoyouropponent,Iwishthatbeforeyousetpentopaperagainsthim,andduringthewholetimeyouarepreparingyouranswer,youmaycommend him by earnest prayer to the Lord’s teaching and blessing.Thispracticewillhaveadirecttendencytoconciliateyourhearttoloveand pity him; and such a disposition will have a good influence uponeverypageyouwrite.

If you account him as a BELIEVER, though greatly mistaken in thesubject of debate between you, the words of David to Joab concerningAbsalom, are very applicable: "Deal gentlywith him formy sake." TheLordloveshimandbearswithhim;thereforeyoumustnotdespisehim,ortreathimharshly!TheLordbearswithyoulikewise,andexpectsthatyou should show tenderness to others—from a sense of the muchforgivenessyouneedyourself.Inalittlewhileyouwillmeetinheaven—hewillthenbedearertoyouthanthenearestfriendyouhaveuponearthis toyounow!Anticipate thatperiod inyour thoughts, and thoughyoumay find it necessary to oppose his errors, view him personally as akindredsoul,withwhomyouaretobehappyinChristforever.

But if you look upon him as an UNCONVERTED person, in a state ofenmity against God and his grace (a supposition which, without goodevidence, you should be very unwilling to admit), he is amore properobjectofyourcompassionthanofyouranger!Alas!"Heknowsnotwhathedoes!"Butyouknowwhohasmadeyoutodifferfromhim.IfGod,inhis sovereignpleasure,had soappointed,youmighthavebeenas he isnow;andhe, insteadofyou,mighthavebeenset for thedefenseof thegospel!Youwerebothequallyblindbynature.Ifyouattendtothis,youwillnotreproachorhatehim,becausetheLordhasbeenpleasedtoopenyoureyes—andnothis!

Ofall peoplewhoengage in controversy,we,whoare calledCalvinists,are most expressly bound by our own principles, to the exercise ofgentlenessandcompassion. If, indeed, thosewhodiffer fromushaveapowerofchangingthemselves,iftheycanopentheirowneyes,andsoftentheir ownhearts—thenwemightwith less inconsistencybeoffendedattheirobstinacy!Butifwebelievetheverycontrarytothis,ourpartisnottoargue,butinmeeknessto"gentlyteachthosewhoopposethetruth—ifperhapsGodwillgrantthemrepentanceleadingthemtoaknowledgeof

thetruth."

Ifyouwritewithadesireofbeinganinstrumentofcorrectingmistakes,youwillofcoursebecautiousoflayingstumblingblocksinthewayoftheblind,orofusinganyexpressionswhichmayexasperatetheirpassions,orconfirmthemintheirfalseprinciples,(humanlyspeaking).

2. ByPRINTING your article, you will appeal to thePUBLIC—whereyourreadersmayberangedunderthreedivisions:

First,suchasdifferfromyouinprinciple.ConcerningtheseImayreferyou to what I have already said. Though you have your eye upon oneperson chiefly—there are many like-minded with him; and the samereasoningwillhold,whetherastooneortoamillion.

Therewillbe likewisemanywhopaytoo littleregardtotruereligion,whohavenosettledsystemof theirown,andyetarebiased in favor ofthosesentimentswhichareat least repugnant to thegoodopinion theynaturally have of themselves. These are very incompetent judges ofdoctrine;buttheycanformatolerablejudgmentofawriter'sspirit.Theyknow that meekness, humility and love are the characteristics of aChristiantemper.Andthoughthey treat thedoctrinesofgraceasmerenotions and speculations, which, supposing they adopted them, wouldhavenobeneficialinfluenceupontheirconduct;yetfromus,whoprofessthese principles, they always expect such attitudes and dispositions ascorrespond with the precepts of the gospel. They are quick-sighted todiscernwhenwedeviatefromsuchaspirit,andavailthemselvesofittojustifytheircontemptofourarguments.

The Scriptural maxim that "man's anger does not bring about therighteous life that God desires," is verified by daily observation. If ourzeal is embitteredby expressions of anger, invective, or scorn—wemaythinkwearedoingserviceofthecauseoftruth,wheninrealityweshallonlybringitintodiscredit!Theweaponsofourwarfare,andwhichalonearepowerfultobreakdownthestrongholdsoferror,arenotcarnal,butspiritual. They are arguments fairly drawn from Scripture andexperience, and enforced by such amild address, asmay persuade ourreaders,that,whetherwecanconvincethemornot—wewishwelltotheir

souls,andcontendonlyforthetruth'ssake.Ifwecansatisfythemthatweact upon these motives, our point is half gained; they will be moredisposedtoconsidercalmlywhatweoffer;andiftheyshouldstilldissentfromouropinions,theywillbeconstrainedtoapproveourintentions.

You will have a third class of readers, who being of your ownsentiments, will readily approve of what you advance, and may befurther established and confirmed in their views of the Scripturedoctrines,byaclearandmasterlyelucidationofyoursubject.Youmaybeinstrumentaltotheiredification,ifthelawofkindnessaswellasoftruthregulatesyourpen;otherwiseyoumaydothemharm.

There is a principle of SELF, which disposes us to despise those whodifferfromus;andweareoftenunderitsinfluence,whenwethinkweareonlyshowingafittingzealinthecauseofGod.

IreadilybelievethattheleadingpointsofArminianismspringfromandarenourishedbytheprideofthehumanheart!ButIwouldbegladifthereverse were always true; and that to embrace what are called theCalvinisticdoctrineswasaninfallibletokenofahumblemind! I thinkIhave known someArminians, that is, people who for lack of a clearerlight,havebeenafraidof receiving thedoctrinesof freegrace,whoyethavegivenevidencethattheirheartswereinadegreehumbledbeforetheLord.AndIamafraidthereareCalvinists,who,while theyaccount itaproof of their humility, that they are willing in words to debase thecreature and to give all the glory of salvation to the Lord—yet are of aprideful, harsh and bitter spirit. Whatever it is that makes us trust inourselves, that we are comparatively wise or good, so as to treat thosewithcontemptwhodonotsubscribetoourdoctrines,orfollowourparty—isaproofandfruitofaself-righteousspirit!

Self-righteousness can feed upon doctrines—as well as uponworks! Aman may have the heart of a Pharisee, while his head is stored withorthodoxnotionsof theunworthinessof the creature, and the riches offreegrace!

Yes, Iwouldadd—thebestofmenarenotwholly free fromthis leaven;andthereforearetooapttobepleasedwithsuchcaricaturesasholdup

ouradversariestoridicule—andbyconsequenceflatterourownsuperiorjudgments. Controversies, for the most part, are so managed as toindulge—rather than to repress this sinful disposition; and therefore,generallyspeaking,theyareproductiveoflittlegood.Theyprovokethosewhomtheyshouldconvince—andpuffupthosewhomtheyshouldedify!

Ihopeyourarticlewillsavorofaspiritoftruehumility,andbeameansofpromotingitinothers.

3. This leadsme, in the last place, to consideryourownconcern inyourpresentundertaking.Itseemsalaudableservicetodefendthefaithoncedeliveredtothesaints;wearecommandedtocontendearnestlyforit,andtoconvincegainsayers.Ifeversuchdefenseswereseasonableandexpedient,theyappeartobesoinourownday,whenerrorsaboundonallsides—andeverytruthofthegospeliseitherdirectlydeniedorgrosslymisrepresented.

Andyetwefindbutveryfewwritersofcontroversywhohavenotbeenmanifestly hurt by it. Either they grow in a sense of their ownimportance; or imbibe an angry, contentious spirit; or they insensiblywithdraw their attention from those spiritual truthswhich are the foodand immediate support of the life of faith—and spend their time andstrength uponmatters that are atmost but of a secondary value! Thisshows,thatiftheserviceishonorable, it isalsodangerous.Whatwill itprofit aman if he gains his cause and silences his adversary—if at thesametimehelosesthathumble,tenderframeofspiritinwhichtheLorddelights,andtowhichthepromiseofhispresenceismade?

Youraim,Idoubtnot,isgood,butyouhaveneedtowatchandpray—foryouwillfindSatanatyourrighthandtoenticeyou.Hewilltrytopolluteyourpiety;andthoughyousetoutindefenseofthecauseofGod,ifyouarenotcontinuallylookingtotheLordtokeepyou—itmaybecomeyourowncause,andawakeninyouthosetemperswhichareinconsistentwithtruepeaceofmind,andwillsurelyobstructyourcommunionwithGod!Beuponyourguardagainstadmittinganythingpersonalintothedebate.Ifyouthinkyouhavebeenilltreated—thiswillgiveyouanopportunityofshowingthatyouareadiscipleofJesus,who"whenreviled—Hedidnotrevile in return; when suffering—He did not threaten, but committed

HimselftotheOnewhojudgesjustly."Thisisourpattern,thuswearetospeakandwrite forGod,and"notpayingbackevil forevilor insult forinsult—but,on thecontrary,givingablessing,sinceyouwerecalled forthis."

Thewisdomthatisfromabove,isnotonlypure,butalsopeaceableandgentle;andthelackofthesequalifications,likethedeadflyinthejarofointment,willspoilthefragranceandefficacyofourlabors.Ifweactinawrongspirit—weshallbringlittleglorytoGod;dolittlegoodtoourfellowcreatures;andprocureneitherhonornorcomforttoourselves!Ifyoucanbecontentwithshowingyourwit,andgainingthelaughonyourside—youhaveaneasytask!

But I hope youhave a farnobler aim; and that, sensible of the solemnimportanceofgospeltruths,andthecompassionduetothesoulsofmen,youwouldratherbeameansofremovingprejudicesinasingleinstance,thanobtaintheemptyapplauseofthousands!Goforth,therefore,inthenameandstrengthoftheLordAlmighty,speakingthetruthinlove;andmayhegiveyouawitnessinmanyheartsthatyouaretaughtofGod,andfavoredwiththeunctionofhisHolySpirit!

TheImminentDangerandtheOnlySureResourceofthisNation

byJohnNewton,February28,1794,thedayappointedforthenationalfast

"Come, letusreturnto theLord!Hehas tornus inpieces;nowHewillhealus.Hehasinjuredus;nowHewillbandageourwounds!"Hosea6:1

"Who can tell?Godmay turnand relent;Hemay turn fromHisburningangersothatwewillnotperish!"Jonah3:9

HowgreatisthepowerofGodovertheheartsofmen!Ninevehwasthe

capital of a powerful empire.The inhabitantswereHeathen.Themanyprophetswho,duringa longseriesofyears,hadspoken in thenameoftheLordtohisprofessedpeopleofJudahandIsrael,hadspokenalmostinvain.Themessengerswereoftenmocked,andtheirmessagedespised.TheinhabitantsofNineveh,itisprobable,hadneverseenatrueprophetuntilJonahwassenttothem.Iftheyhadreasonedonhisprediction,theymight have thought it very improbable, that a great city, the head of agreatkingdom,andinatimeofpeace,couldbeindangerofanoverthrowwithin forty days. But it is said, "they believed God." (Jonah 3:5) Theawful denunciation made a general, a universal impression. The kingarose from his throne, laid aside his robes, covered himself withsackcloth, and sat in ashes. A sudden cessation of business and ofpleasure took place; he proclaimed a strict fast, the rigor ofwhichwasextended even to the cattle. His subjects readily complied, andunanimously concurred in crying for mercy: though they had noencouragementbuta'perhaps',"Whocantell?Godmayturnandrelent;HemayturnfromHisburningangersothatwewillnotperish!"

It appears from this, and other passages of Scripture, that the mostexpress declarations of God's displeasure against sinners, still affordgroundandroomforrepentance.Thus, intheprophecyofEzekiel,"SowhenI tell thewickedperson:Youwillsurelydie,butherepentsofhissinanddoeswhatisjustandright—hewillcertainlylive;hewillnotdie."(Ezekiel 33:14-15) and again, in the prophecy of Jeremiah, "At onemomentImightannounceconcerninganationorakingdomthatIwilluproot,teardown,anddestroyit.However,ifthatnationIhavemadeanannouncementabout,turnsfromitsevil,IwillnotbringthedisasteronitIhadplanned."(Jer.18:7-8)

TheLordGodspeakstousbyhisWord, inplainandpopular language.Hecondescendstoourfeebleapprehensions.Godcannotrepent,heisofonemindwhocanturnhim?(Num.23:19,Job23:13)Yet,whenafflictiveprovidences leadmentoasenseof theirsins, toanacknowledgmentoftheirdemerits,andexciteaspiritofhumiliation,repentance,andprayer,heoftenmercifullychangeshisdispensations,andavertsfromthemtheimpendingevil.SuchwastheeffectofJonah'smessagetotheNinevites.Thepeoplehumbled themselves,andrepentedof theirwickedness;and

Godsuspendedtheexecutionof thesentencewhichhehadpronouncedagainstthem.

Mybrethren,maywenot fear, that themen ofNinevehwill rise up injudgmentagainstus,andcondemnus,(Mat.12:41) ifwedonot imitatetheir example, andhumbleourselvesbeforeGod?They repentedat thepreachingofJonah,andimmediately,ontheirfirsthearinghim;andtheysought formercy upon a perhaps,when they could say nomore, than,Whocan tell,whether theremaybe the least room tohope for it, afterwhattheprophethassosolemnlydeclared?

Goddoesnotspeaktousbytheaudiblevoiceofaninspiredprophet;noris it necessary.We know, ormay know, fromhiswrittenWord, that itshallbewellwiththerighteous,and illwiththewicked (Isaiah3:10-11)The appearance of an angel from heaven could add nothing to thecertainty of thedeclarationshehas alreadyput into ourhands.Hehaslikewise raised up, and perpetuated a succession of his ministers, toenforcethewarningshehasgivenusintheScripture;toremindusofoursins,andthesureanddreadfulconsequences,ifwepersistinthem.Norare we left at an uncertainty as to the outcome, if we humbly confessthem,andimploreforgiveness, inthewaywhichhehasprescribed.TheGospel,thegloriousGospeloftheblessedGod,ispreacheduntous.JesusChrist, as crucified, is set forth among us. (Galatians 3:1, 1 Jo. 1:7,Romans8:1,Acts13:39)Hisbloodcleansesfromallsin;andthosewhobelieve in him are freed from condemnation, and completely justified.Theyhavealsofreeaccesstoathroneofgrace,and,likeIsrael,theyhavepower,byprayer,toprevailwithGodandwithman.(Genesis32:28)Andshall itbe saidof anyofus, that theLordgaveus space to repent, andinvitedustorepentance,andwerepentednot?(Revelation2:21)Mayhismercyforbidit!

Henowspeakstousbyhisprovidence.Hisjudgmentsareabroadintheearth; and it behooves us to learn righteousness. (Isaiah 25:9-11) Hishandisliftedup,andifanyaresocareless,orobstinate,thattheywillnotsee,yet, sooneror later, theymust, they shall see.ThegreatGodhas acontroversy with the potsherds of the earth. The point to be decidedbetweenhimandmanyabroad,and,Ifear,toomanyathome,is,whetherhe is the Governor of the earth or not? His own people, to whomHis

name and glory are dear, will hold all inferior concernment insubordination to this. If there isnootheralternative,miseryandhavocmustspread,menmustperishbymillions,yes,theframeofnaturemustbedissolved, rather thanGodbedishonoredanddefiedwith impunity.Buthewillsurelypleadandgainhisowncause,and,either inawayofjudgmentorofmercy,allmenshallknow thathe is theLord. Ibelievethere is no expression in the Old Testament so frequently repeated asthis,"You,"orthey,"shallknowthatIamtheLord!Hashesaid it,andshallhenotmakeitgood?"(Ezekiel,passim)

The rivers of human blood, and all the calamities and horrors whichoverspread a great part of theContinent, the distant report ofwhich issufficienttomakeourearstingle,arealltobeascribedtothiscause.Godisnotacknowledged;yes,insomeplaces,hehasbeenformallydisownedandrenounced.Therefore,Godsometimesleavesmenlefttothemselves—their furious passions are unchained, and they are given up, withoutrestraint,tothelustsoftheirownevilhearts!Amoredreadfuljudgmentthan this, cannotbe inflictedon this sideofhell. "Ephraim is joined toidols;leavehimalone!"Hosea4:17

And,thoughwearestillfavoredwithpeaceathome,thedreadfulstormisatnogreatdistance;itseemstobemovingourway,andwehavereasonto fear that it may burst upon us. But I would be thankful for theappointmentofthisday;forIshouldthinktheprospectdarkindeed,ifIdidnotrelyontheLord'sgraciousattentiontotheunitedprayersofthosewhofearandtrusthim,andwhoknowitisequallyeasytohimeithertosave or to destroy, bymany or by few. (1 Samuel 14:6) Our fleets andarmies may be well appointed and well commanded; but, without hisblessinguponourcouncilsandenterprises,theywillbeunabletodefendus.Hecantakewisdomfromthewise,andcouragefromthebold,inthemoment when they are most needful. He can disable our forces bysicknessordissension;and,byhismightywind,hecandashourshipstopiecesagainsttherocks,againsteachother,orsinkthemlikeleadinthemighty waters! "Who is there who speaks and it happens—unless theLordhasordainedit?"Lamentations3:37

Our Lord and Savior, when speaking of the eighteen upon whom thetowerofSiloamfellandslewthem,saidtotheJews,"Those18thatthe

tower in Siloam fell on and killed—do you think theyweremore sinfulthanallthepeoplewholiveinJerusalem?No,Itellyou!Butunlessyourepent, youwill all perishaswell!"Luke 13:4-5.May theapplicationofthesewordssinkdeeplyintoourhearts!Itwillnotbefitustosay,eitherto God or man, that 'we have indeed sinned—but there are greatersinners than ourselves.' It is true, the French Convention, and manyotherswhoareinfatuatedbythesamespirit,haveexceededtheordinarystandardofhumanimpietyandcruelty.ButIhopetherearemultitudesinthatnation,who, though theyareoverawedby theiroppressors, anddarenotspeaktheirsentiments,yetaremourninginsecrecyandsilence,fortheabominationswhichtheycannotprevent.ButtheFrenchhavenotsinnedagainstsuchadvantagesaswepossess.Theywerelongtheslavesofdespoticpower, and thedupesof superstition; andof late they havebeenthedupesoffools,assumingthenameofphilosophers.

We, on the contrary, were born and educated in a land distinguishedfromallthenationsoftheearth,bytheeminentdegreeinwhichweenjoycivilandreligious liberty,andthe lightofgospel truth.These privilegesexceedinglyaggravateoursins;andno just comparison, in thisrespect,canbeformedbetweenusandothernations,untilwecanfindapeoplewho have been equally favored, for an equal length of time, by theprovidence of God—and have likewise equaled us in disobedience andingratitude!

Themost dreadful enormities committed in France, are no more thanspecimensofwhathumandepravityiscapableof—whencircumstancesadmitofitsfullexertion,andwhentheusualboundariesandrestrictionsnecessarytothepeaceandwelfareofcivilsociety,arejudiciallyremoved.The influenceofdaring infidelityandprofligate example, aided by thepeculiarstateoftheirpublicaffairs,havebroken,inmanyinstances,thestrongest ties of social and relative life, and extinguished the commonfeelingsofhumanity!

Yet the unhappy French, though our inveterate enemies, are not theproperobjectsofourhatredorourscorn—butratherof ourpity. Theyknownotwhattheydo!Letuspray forthem.WhocantellbutGod,towhom all things are possible, and whose mercies are higher than theheavens,maygrantalsothemrepentance!Andletusprayforourselves,

thatwemaybeinstructedandwarnedbytheirhistory—for,bynature,wearenobetterthanthey!

I. But it is time to attendmore immediately to our own concerns. Theprofessedpurposeofourmeeting today, is to "humbleourselvesbeforeAlmightyGod,andtosendupourprayersandsupplicationstotheDivineMajesty, forobtainingpardonof our sins, and for averting those heavyjudgments which our manifold sins have most justly deserved; andimploringHisblessingandassistanceonourmilitary,andforrestoringand perpetuating peace, safety, and prosperity to himself and to hiskingdoms."Ihopetheseexpressionsaccordwiththelanguageanddesireofourhearts.

Oh!foraglanceofwhatIsaiahsaw,andhasdescribed!"IntheyearKingUzziah died, I saw the Lord!Hewas sitting on a lofty throne, and thetrain ofHis robe filled theTemple.Hovering aroundHimweremightyseraphim,eachwithsixwings.Withtwowingstheycoveredtheirfaces,withtwotheycoveredtheirfeet,andwiththeremainingtwotheyflew.Ina great chorus they sang, 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty! Thewhole earth is filled with His glory!' The glorious singing shook theTemple to its foundations, and the entire sanctuary was filled withsmoke!ThenIsaid, 'Woeisme,forIamruined,becauseIamamanofunclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, becausemy eyeshaveseentheKing,theLordAlmighty!'"Isaiah6:1-5

Oh!thatwe,bythepowerofthatfaith,couldbeholdthegloryoftheLordfilling thishouse; thatwecouldrealize thepresenceand theattitudeofHis attendant angels! They cover their faces and their feet with theirwings,asoverpoweredbythebeamsofHismajesty;andconscious,ifnotofdefilementlikeus,yetofunavoidableinabilityascreatures,torenderHimthewholeofthatpraiseandhomagewhicharejustlyduetoHim!

Oh!that,byfaith,wecouldenterintothespiritoftheirascription—'Holy,holy,holy,istheLordAlmighty,thewholeearthisfilledwithHisglory!'If we were all thus affected, as the prophet was, surely each one forhimselfwouldadopttheprophet'slanguage.Or,ifacomfortablehopeintheGospelpreventedus fromcryingout,"Woe isme, forIamruined!"weshould,atleast,say,(theHebrewwordmightbesorendered,)"Iam

silenced, I am struck dumb! I am overwhelmed with confusion andshame;forIamamanofuncleanlipsmyself,andIdwellinthemidstofa people of unclean lips, for my eyes have seen the King, the LordAlmighty!"

If we have a degree of this impression, we shall not perplex ourselvesconcerning the second causes, or immediate instruments of ourcalamities.Theevilofsin,contrastedwiththeholinessandgloryofGod,willengrossourthoughts!Andweshallascribeallthetroublesweeitherfeelorfear—toourownsins,andthesinsofthoseamongwhomwedwell.

1.LetusfirstlookatOURSELVES."Iamamanofuncleanlips!Iamasinner!"Thisconfessionsuitsusall,andisreadilymadebyallwhoknow themselves. A person approaching London from the neighboringhills,usuallyseesitobscuredbyacloudofsmoke.Thiscloudofsmokeistheaggregateofthesmoke,towhicheveryhousefurnishesitsrespectivequota. This cloud of smoke is a fit emblem of the sin and the miserywhichaboundinthisgreatmetropolis!TheLordsaidoftheAmorites,atacertainperiod,"Theiriniquityisnotyetfull."(Genesis15:16)Ihopethemeasureofouriniquityisnotyetfull;butitisfillingmoreeveryday,andwearealldailycontributingtofillit.

True believers, though, by grace, delivered from the reigning power ofsin,arestillsinners.(Romans6:14)Inmanythings,weallsininthought,word,anddeed.WearenowcalledupontohumbleourselvesbeforeGod,forthesinsofour ignorance,andforthemoreaggravatedsinswehavecommitted against light and experience; for those personal sins, therecordofwhichisknownonlytoGodandourconsciences;forthedefectsanddefilementsofourbestservices;forourgreatandmanifoldfailuresin the discharge of our relative duties, as parents, children, husbands,wives, masters, or servants, and as members of the community. OurdullnessinthewaysofGod,ouralertnessinthepursuitofourownwillandway;ourindifferencetowhatconcernshisglory,ascomparedwiththe quickness of our concerns, when our own temporal interests areaffected,aresomanyproofsofouringratitudeanddepravity!Thesinsofthe Lord's own people are so many, and so heightened by theconsideration of his known goodness, that, if he was to enter intojudgmentwiththemalone,theycouldoffernootherpleathanthatwhich

he hasmercifully provided for them, "If you, O Lord, kept a record ofsins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness;thereforeyouarefeared!"(Psalm130:3-4)

2.Itiseasytodeclaimagainstthewickednessofthetimes.Butonlytheywhoaredulyaffectedwiththemultitudeandmagnitudeoftheirownsinscanbecompetentjudgesofwhattheprophetmeantorfelt,whenhesaid,"Iliveamongapeopleofuncleanlips."Weoughttobenolessconcerned(thoughinadifferentmanner)forthesinsofthoseamongwhomwedwell,thanforourown.Weshallbeso,if,withtheeyesofourmind—webeholdtheKing, theLordAlmighty;becausehisglory,whichshouldbethedearestobjecttoourhearts,isdishonoredbythem.

I think this nation might be considered as the Israel of the NewTestament, both with respect of his goodness to us, and our perversereturnstohim.Hehasbeenpleasedtoselectus,asaspecialpeople,andtoshowamongus such instancesofhisprotection,his favor,hisgrace,and his patience—as cannot be paralleled in the annals of any othernation!

WehavenocertainaccountwhenthenameofJesustheSaviorwasfirstknown inEngland; itwas, probably, at an earlyperiodof theChristianarea.Butwedoknow,thatafterthelongdarknightofsuperstitionandignorance which covered Christendom for many ages—the dawn ofreturning gospel light was first seen among us! From the time ofWickliffe,themorning-staroftheReformation,thetrueGospelhasbeenknown,preached,received,andperpetuatedtothisday.Therehavebeentimeswhenthosewho lovedthisGospelhavesuffered for it.Theywerepreservedfaithful,indefianceofstripes,fines,imprisonment,anddeathitself!Butthosetimesarepast.Weenjoynotonlylight—butliberty,andthe rights ofconscienceandprivate judgment, in a degree until of lateunknown!

We have likewise been long favoredwithnational peace, though oftenothernations inwarshavesufferedgreatcalamities.Our internalbroilsat different times have contributed to form and establish our presenthappy constitution. We breathe the air of civil liberty. Our insulatedgeographical situation, and naval force, by the blessing of God, have

preserved us from foreign invasions; and, when such have beenattempted, thewindsandseashave often fought our battles!Ourwidespreadingandflourishingcommerce,hasraisedustoapitchofopulencewhich excites the admiration and envy of other nations. Great Britainappearsasbutasmall spotuponaglobeormap;butour interestsandinfluenceextend,ineverydirection,totheuttermostpartsoftheearth!

Will not the Lord's words to Israel apply with equal propriety to us?"WhatmorecouldIhavedoneforMyvineyardthanIdid?Why,whenIexpected a yield of good grapes—did it yield only worthless grapes?"(Isaiah5:4)

How is theblessedGospel improvedamongus?Thiswouldbe a heavydaytome,ifIdidnotbelieveandknow,thattherearesomeamongourvariousdenominations,whoprizeandadorntheGospel.Ifthesecouldbeall assembled in one place, I hope they would be found to be a veryconsiderable number; and, for their sakes, and, in answer to theirprayers,IhumblytrustthatGod'smercywillstillbeaffordedtous.But,comparedwiththemultitudeswhoreject,despise,ordishonortheGospel—Ifeartheyareveryfew!Toomanyhateitwithabitterhatred,andexertall their influence toopposeand suppress it.Thegreatdoctrinesof theReformationaretreatedwithcontempt;andboththosewhopreach,andthose who espouse them, are considered as wild enthusiasts orhypocrites,knavesorfools.TheGospelofGodisshunnedasapestilence,orcomplainedofasaburden,almostwhereveritisknown!

"Iamnotashamedofthegospel,because it is thepowerofGodforthesalvation of everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16) The Gospel—recallsthem from error, from wickedness, and frommisery; guides their feetintothewaysofpeace,andteachesthemtolivesoberly,righteously,andgodlyintheworld.(Titus2:12)Butinthenumberofthosewhoprofesstoreceiveit,therearetoomanywhoconfirmandincreasetheprejudicesofthose who speak against what they know not. Alas! what extravagantopinions, what fierce dissensions, what loose conversation, what openoffences,maybefoundamongmanywhowouldbethoughtprofessorsofthatGospelwhichonlybreathesthespiritofholiness,love,andpeace!

What,then,mustbethestateofthosewhoavowedlylivewithoutGodin

the world? I need not enlarge upon this painful subject, which forcesitself upon the mind, if we only walk the streets, or look into thenewspapers. It is not necessary to inform my hearers, that infidelity,licentiousness, perjury, profaneness, the neglect and contempt ofGod'sworship,abound.ThelawsofGod,andthelawsoftheland,sofarastheirobject is to enforce the observance of his commands, are openly andcustomarily violated in every rank of life. In a day when the LordAlmighty calls to weeping and mourning— thoughtless security,dissipation, and open sin, are the characteristics of our national spirit.(Isaiah 22:12-13) The loss of public spirit, and that impatience ofsubordinationsogenerallyobservable,sowidelydiffused,whicharetheconsequences of our sins againstGod, are, in themselves,moral causessufficienttoruinthenation,unlesshismercyinterposesinourbehalf!

Iwouldbeinexcusable,consideringtheshareIhaveformerlyhadinthatunholy business, if, upon this occasion, I should omit to mention theAfricanslave-trade.Idonotrankthisamongournationalsins,becauseIhope,andbelieve,averygreatmajorityofthenationearnestlylongforitssuppression.But,hitherto,pettyandselfishinterestsprevailagainstthevoice of justice, humanity, and truth. This enormity, however, is notsufficientlylaidtoheart.Ifyouarejustlyshockedbywhatyouhearofthecruelties practiced in France—you would, perhaps, be shocked muchmore, if you could fully conceive of the evils andmiseries inseparablefromthisslavetraffic,whichIknow,notfromhearsay—butfrommyownexperienceandobservation,areequalinatrocity,and,perhaps,superiorinnumber,inthecourseofasingleyear,toany,oralltheworstactionswhich have been known in France since the commencement of theirrevolution.There isacryofbloodagainstus;acryaccumulatedby theaddition of fresh victims, of thousands, of scores of thousands, I hadalmostsaidofhundredsofthousands,fromyeartoyear!

ItisbutabriefandfaintoutlineIhaveattemptedtogiveof thepresentstateofthisnationinthesightofAlmightyGod,andofthesinsforwhichwearethisdayassembledtohumbleourselvesbeforehim!

II.Havewe not, therefore, cause to say,with theNinevites, "Who cantell?"Istherenotatleast,'aperhaps?'Isthereatleastapossibility—thatwemayyetobtainmercy?

Ifour sinsareno lessnumerous,no lessofa scarletdye, than thoseofother nations; and exceedingly aggravated beyond theirs, by beingcommitted against clearer light, and the distinguished advantages wehave long enjoyed; ifwehavenot only transgressed the lawsofGod incommonwithothers—butdaringlytrampleduponthegraciousoffersofhis forgiveness, which he has long continued to propose to us, with afrequencyandenergyalmostpeculiartoourselves;if"AlldaylongIhavespread out My hands to a disobedient and defiant people," (Romans10:21) and, hitherto, almost in vain; if neither the tokens of hisdispleasure, nor the declarations of his love, have made a suitableimpressionuponourminds—whocantellifhewillyetbeentreated?Maywe not fear, lest he should say, "My Spirit shall strive with them nomore!""Theyarejoinedtotheiridols—letthemalone!""Whenyouliftupyour hands in prayer—I will refuse to look. Even though you offercountlessprayers—Iwillnotlisten!"(Hos.4:17,Isaiah1:15)

Wherearenowthemightyempires,whichwereoncethoughtrootedandestablishedastheeverlastingmountains?Theyhavedisappearedlikethemistsuponthemountaintops.Nothingofthemremainsbuttheirnames.They perished, and their memorials have almost perished with them.(Psalm 9:6) Thepatience of God bore with them for a time—until thepurposes for which he raised them up were answered. But, when themeasureoftheiriniquitywasfull—theypassedaway,andweredispersed,like foam upon the waters! What security have we—against such acatastrophe?Or,whatcouldweanswer, ifGodshouldputthatquestiontous,"ShouldInotpunishthemforthis?"askstheLord."ShouldInotavengeMyselfagainstanationsuchasthis?"(Jeremiah5:9)

Where are now the churches which once flourished in Greece and inAsia?WhentheapostlePaulwrotetotheGentilechurches,andwhenourLord wrote his epistles to the seven churches inAsia (Revelation 1-3)mostof themwere inaprosperousstate. If thereeverwasatimewhenthe commendationsgiven to themwere applicable to professors of theGospelinourland,Ifearwecanhardlyclaimthematpresent.Canitbejustly saidofus, thatour faithand loveare everywhere spoken of, andthatweareexamplestoallwhobelieve?Thatourworksandservice,andfaithandpatience, are known, and the last to bemore than the first?

(Romans1:8,1Th.1:7,Revelation2:1,18,19)

Orrather,mayitnotbetrulysaidoftoomany,thatwhiletheyprofesstobelieve inGod—that inworks they deny him? that they are lukewarm,andneitherhotnor cold? that theyhaveanameto live, andaredead?that they have forgotten their first love? (Titus 1:16, Revelation 3:1-15,2:4) When these defects and declensions began to prevail in the firstchurches, the Lord admonished and warned them; but, instead ofwatchingand repenting, they gradually becamemoreremiss!At lengththeir glory departed, and their candlesticks were removedout of theirplaces.Manyregions,whichoncerejoicedinthelightoftheGospel,havebeenlongoverspreadwithMohammedandarkness,andthe inhabitantsarewretched,ignorant,slaves!

Let us not trust inoutward privileges, nor rest in a form of godlinessdestituteofthepower.Itwillbeinvaintosay,"ThetempleoftheLord,thetempleoftheLordarewe!"(Jer.7:4)iftheLordofthetempleshoulddepart fromus!When the Israeliteswere afraid of thePhilistines, theycarried the ark of the Lord with them to battle. But God disappointedtheirvainconfidence.Hedeliveredthearkofhisgloryintothehandsoftheir enemies, (1 Samuel 4:5-11) to teach them, and to teach us, thatformal hypocritical worshipers have no good ground to hope for hisprotection.

Alas! then,whocan tell?Appearancesareverydarkatpresent.Besideswhatwemay expect or fear from the rage andmadness of our foreignenemies,wehavemuchtobeapprehensiveofathome!Aspiritofdiscordhas gone forth. "Israel grew fat—and rebelled; the people grew heavy,plump,andstuffed!ThentheyabandonedtheGodwhohadmadethem;they made light of the Rock of their salvation!" (Deut. 32:15) ManyBritonsseemwearyofliberty,peace,andorder.Ourhappyconstitution,ourmild government, ourmany privileges, admired byothernations—aredespisedanddepreciatedamongourselves;andthatnotonlybythethoughtless and licentious, by those who, having little to lose, maypromisethemselvesapossibilityofgaininatimeofnationaldisturbanceand confusion; but they are abetted and instigated by people of sense,character,andevenofreligion!Iwouldbequiteata losstoaccountforthis,ifIdidnotconsideritasatokenoftheLord'sdispleasure.Whenhe

withdrawshisblessing,nounityorpeacecanlongexist.

"Because you did not serve the Lord yourGodwith joy and a cheerfulheart, even though youhad an abundance of everything, youwill serveyourenemiestheLordwillsendagainstyou,infamine,thirst,nakedness,andalackofeverything.HewillplaceanironyokeonyourneckuntilHehas destroyed you!" Deuteronomy 28:47-48) These words of Moses torebelliousIsraelemphaticallydescribe the formerand thepresentstateofmanyoftheFrenchnation,whohavebeenplundered,andweregladifonlytheycouldescape(greatnumberscouldnotsoescape)withthelossoftheirall,andattheperiloftheirlives,toamorepeacefulshore.Maytheirsufferingsremindusofourdeserts!WhocantelliftheLordmayyetbemercifuluntous,andexemptusfromsimilarcalamities!

III.Butthoughwehavemuchcausetomournforoursins,andhumblytoconfessourdeservedjudgments,letusnotdespond.TheLordourGodisamercifulGod."Whocantell?PerhapsevenyetGodwillhavepityonusandholdbackhisfierceangerfromdestroyingus!"

Ifthefastofthisdayisnotconfinedtooneday—butif,byhisblessing,itmayproducesincererepentance—thenIamwarranted to tellyou, fromhisWord,thatthereisyethope!YouwhotrembleforGod'sark, forthecauseofGod,whoseeyesaffectyourhearts,whogrieve forsin,and forthemiserieswhichsinhasmultipliedupontheearth—takecourage!Lettheheartsofthewickedshake,liketheleavesofthetreeswhenagitatedbyastorm;(Isaiah7:2)butyouhavenocausetotremblelikethem.TheLordGodisyourrefugeandstrength,yourrestingplace,andyourhidingplace!Under the shadow ofHiswings—you shall be safe! (Psalm 46:1,Psalm90:1,Psalm119:114)

1. He who loved you and died for your sins—is the Lord ofglory!Allpowerinheavenandinearthiscommitteduntohim.TheLordreigns—though the earth be ever so agitated. All creatures areinstrumentsofhiswill.Thewrathofman,sofarasitispermittedtoact,shallpraisehim;andshallbemadesubservienttotheaccomplishmentofhisgreatdesigns!Andtheremainderofthatwrath,ofalltheirprojectedviolence,whichdoesnotcoincidewithhiswiseandcomprehensiveplan,hewillrestrain!(Mat.28:18,Psalm99:1,Psalm76:10)Invaintheyrage,

andfret,andthreaten!Theyactunderasecretcommission,andcandonomorethanhepermitsthem!Iftheyattemptit—hehashishookandabridleintheirmouths!Whentheenemieswouldcomeinlikeaflood—hecanliftupastandardagainstthem.Ashehassetboundsandbarstothetempestuoussea,beyondwhichitcannotpass,saying,"Thisfaryoumaycome and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt!" So, withequalease,hecan"stillthetumultsofthenations!"(2Kings19:28,Isaiah59:19,Job38:10-11,Psalm65:7)

Youdowelltomournforthesinsandmiseries—ofthosewhoknowhimnot.ButifyoumaketheAlmightyGodyourfearandyourdread—hewillbeasanctuarytoyou,andkeepyourheartsinpeace!"Thereforewewillnotbeafraid, though theearth tremblesand themountains topple intothedepthsoftheseas!"(Isaiah8:13-14,Psalm46:2)

2.Yourpart andmine is toWATCHandPRAY.Let us pray forourselves, thatwemayhe foundwaiting,withour loinsgirdedup, andour lamps burning, that wemay be prepared tomeet his will in everyevent.(Mark13:35,Mark14:38)LetusprayforthepeaceofJerusalem,forGod's church, which is dear to him, as the pupil of his eye, for thespreadofhisGospel, and the extensionofhis kingdom—untilhis greatnameisknownandadoredfromtherisingtothesettingofthesun,(Mal.1:11)andthewholeearthshallbefilledwithhisglory!

Many splendid prophecies are yet unfulfilled; and he is now bringingforward their accomplishment.Lightwill undoubtedly arise out of thisdarkness. Let us earnestly pray for a blessing from on high, upon ourcounsels of government and parliament, and upon all subordinateauthorities in church and state—that wemay lead quiet and peaceablelivesinallgodlinessandhonesty,thattruereligionandgoodordermaybeestablished, and iniquitybeput to shameand silence!Thuswemayhopetobesecuredbythesure,thoughsecret,markofdivineprotection.TheLordwillbeourshield—thoughmanyshouldsufferorfallaroundus.Theveryhairsofourheadsarenumbered.Orif,forthemanifestationofour faith, and the power of his grace—he should permit us to share incommon calamities, we may rely upon him to afford us strengthaccordingtoourday.Heisalwaysneartohispeople,averypresenthelpin the time of trouble; and he can make the season of their greatest

tribulations, to be the season of their sweetest consolations! (Ezekiel.9:4,Mat.9:30,Deu.33:25,2Corinthians1:5)

3.AndletusprayinFAITH.LetusrememberwhatgreatthingstheLord has done in answer to prayer. When sin had given Sennacheribrapidsuccess inhis invasionofJudah,hedidnotknow thathewasnomore than 'God's axe', or a 'saw in the hand of God'.He ascribed hisvictories to his own prowess, and thought himself equally sure ofcapturing Jerusalem. But Hezekiah defeated him—upon his knees. HespreadSennacherib'sblasphemous letter before the Lord in the templeandprayed—andtheAssyrianarmymeltedawaylikesnow.(Isaiah10:15,37:14-36)WhenPeterwaslockedupandchained inprison—thechainsfell from his hands, the locks and bolts gave way, and the iron gateopened, while the church was united in earnest prayer for hisdeliverance!(Acts12:5-13)

Andaswehaveheard—sohaveweseen.Godhassignallyansweredtheprayers of his people, in our own time. Much prayer, both public andprivate,wasofferedforourbelovedKingduringhislateillness;andhowwonderful, how sudden, how seasonable, was his recovery! Surely thiswasthefingerofGod!WhenGodthusremovedourfears,"wewerelikemenwhodreamed!"(Psalm126:1)

Ibelieveprayerwasnolessefficacious,towardstheendoftheyear1792.I know many people treated the idea of danger at that time as false,because theLordwaspleased to avert it.But I hopewehave not quiteforgottenthelanguageweheard,andthepeoplewedailymetwithinthestreet,themanydaringconspiracieswhichwereheldinthiscity,andthethreateningswhichwerewritteninlargecharacters,uponthewallsofourhouses,atalmosteverycorner.But theheartsofmenwere turnedlikethetide, inacriticalmoment.ThenIthinktheinterpositionoftheLordwas evident.Wehavehad repeatedproofs thatGodhears and answersprayer.

Thepresent likewise isavery importantcrisis.All that isdear tous,asmen,asBritons,asChristians,isthreatened.Ourenemiesare inveterateand enraged! Our sins testify against us. But if we humble ourselvesbeforeGod, forsakeoursins,andunite insupplications forhismercy—

whocan tell,but thathemaybeentreated togiveus thathelpwhich itwould be in vain to expect fromman? Yes, we have encouragement tohope, that if God will be for us—then none can prevail against us.(Romans8:11)Butwithouthisblessing, ourmostpowerful efforts, andbestconcertedundertakings,cannotsucceedforamoment!

Youwhohaveaccesstothethroneofgrace,whoseheartsareconcernedfor the glory ofGod, andwho lament not only the temporal calamitiesattendant upon war—but the many thousands of souls who are yearlyplunged by war into an eternal, unchangeable state—you, I trust, willshowyourselvestruefriendstoyourcountry,bybearingyourtestimony,andexertingyourinfluenceagainstSIN—theprocuringcauseofalloursorrows; and by standing in the breach, and pleading with God formercy, in behalf of yourselves, and of the nation. If ten people, thusdisposed, had been found even in Sodom—it would have escapeddestruction!(Genesis18:32)

IV.Theremaybesomepeopleinthisassembly,whoarelittleconcernedfortheirownsins,andare,ofcourse,incapableoftakingaproperpartintheserviceofthisday.YetIamgladthatyouarehere;Ipityyou,Iwarnyou.Ifyoushouldlivetoseeatimeofpublicdistress—whatwillyoudo?Towhomwillyoulook,orwherewillyoufleeforhelp?Allthatisdeartoyoumaybetornfromyou,oryoufromit!

Or if it pleases God to prolong our tranquility, you are liable to manyheavy calamities in private life. And if you should be exempted fromthese, death is inevitable, and may be near! My heart wishes you thepossessionofthoseprincipleswhichwouldsupportyouinallthechangesoflife,andmakeyourdyingpillowcomfortable.Areyouunwillingtobehappy?Or canyoubehappy too soon?ManyChristianpeoplearenowlookinguponyou—whooncewereaslostasyouarenow.AndIdoubtnot—thattheyareprayingthatyoumaybeastheynoware.Trytoprayforyourself! Our God is assuredly in the midst of us. His gracious ear isattentivetoeverysupplicant.Seekhimwhileheistobefound.Jesusdiedfor sinners, and he has said, "thosewho come tome—Iwill never castout."(John6:37)Heis likewisetheauthorof that faith,bywhichaloneyoucancomerightlytohim.Ifyouaskhimforsavingfaith—hewillgiveit to you; if you seek it, in the means of his appointment, you shall

assuredlyfindit.(Mat.7:7)

Ifyourefusethis,thereremainsnoothersacrificeforyoursin.(Hebrews10:26-27)Ifyouarenotsavedbyfaithinhisblood—youarelostforever!"Oh!PayhomagetotheSon,orHewillbeangry,andyouwillperishinyourrebellion; forHisangermay igniteatanymoment!BlessedareallwhotakerefugeinHim!"Psalm2:12

"Come, letusreturnto theLord!Hehas tornus inpieces;nowHewillhealus.Hehasinjuredus;nowHewillbandageourwounds!"Hosea6:1

"Who can tell?Godmay turnand relent;Hemay turn fromHisburningangersothatwewillnotperish!"Jonah3:9

ThePresentandFutureRestofTrueBelievers

byJohnNewton

"CometoMe,allofyouwhoarewearyandheavyburdened—andIwillgiveyourest!"Matthew11:28

ThelearnedhaveavarietyofargumentswherebytoprovetheScriptureto be theWord of God. But though that kind of proof, which may bebroughtinawayofreasoningandexternalevidence, isdoubtlessusefuluponproperoccasions.Yet,Iapprehend,thechiefandmostsatisfactoryargument to those who are capable of receiving it, arises from thecorrespondencebetweenthesubjectmatteroftheScripture,andthestateofanawakenedmind.Whentheeyesof theunderstandingareopened,webegintoseeeverythingaroundus, tobe justsoas theScripturehasdescribedthem.Then,andnotuntilthen,weperceive,thatwhatwereadin theBible concerning the horrid evil of sin, the vileness of our fallennature,thedarknessandignoranceofthosewhoknownotGod,ourownemptiness, and the impossibility of finding relief and comfort fromcreatures, is exactly true. "He opened their minds—so they couldunderstandtheScriptures."Luke24:45

And as we find our disease precisely described, so we perceive a

suitablenessintheproposedremedy.WeneedaSavior,andhemustbeamightyone;butthoughourneedsandsins,ourfearsandenemies,aregreat and numerous, we are convinced that the character of Christ issufficient to answer them all.We need a rest, a rest which the worldcannot give. Inquire where we will among the creatures, experiencebringsinthesameanswerfromall,"Itisnotinme!"ThisagainconfirmstheWordofGod,whichhasforewarnedusthatweshallmeetnothingbutdisappointment in such worldly pursuits. But there is a spiritual restspoken of which we know to be the very thing we need, and all ourremaining solicitude is how to attain it. Fromhence, as I said,wemayassuredly conclude, that the book which gives us such just views ofeverythingthatpasses,mustbegivenbyinspirationfromHimwhoisthesearcher of hearts. This proof is equally plain and conclusive to allcapacities that are spiritually enlightened, and such only are able tounderstandit.Wearenowtospeakofthispromisedrest.Andheretwothingsoffertoourconsideration.

1.Whatthisrestis.

2.Howthisrestisobtained.

1.WHATthisrestis.TheGreekwordexpressessomethingmorethanrest, or amererelaxation from toil; it denotes refreshment likewise. Aperson weary with long bearing a heavy burden, will need not only tohaveitremoved—butlikewiseheneedsfoodandrefreshment,torestorehis spirits, and to repair his wasted strength. Such is the rest of theGospel. It not only puts an end to our fruitless labor—but it affords asweet reviving cordial. There is not only peace—but joy in believing.Takenatlarge,wemayconsideritastwo-fold.

1st,APRESENTrest.So theApostle speaks, "Wewhohavebelievedenterthatrest."(Hebrews4:3)

(1.)ThecommonwearisomepursuitoftheworldlingisdescribedinScripture:"Whydoyouspendyourmoneyonwhat isnotbread,andyour labor onwhat does not satisfy?" (Isaiah 55:2) "Many are saying—Whocanshowusanythinggood?" (Psalm4:6) "Vanityof vanities, saysthePreacher,vanityofvanities;allisvanity!"(Ecclesiastes1:2)

Worldlingsarewanderingfromobjecttoobjectinquestofhappiness,butare always frustrated by incessant and repeated disappointments. Weshouldpityapersonwhomweshouldseeseekingsomenecessarythingday afterday—in aplacewhichweknew itwas impossible to be foundthere. This is, however, the case with all people—until they come toChrist. Satisfaction is what they profess to aim at; and they turn overeverystone(aswesay),theytryeveryexpedient,tofindlastinghappiness—but invain.Real satisfaction isonly tobe found inJesus!When theycome toHim, their wishes are fully answered and satisfied! "Everyonewhodrinksthiswaterwillbethirstyagain,butwhoeverdrinksthewaterIgivehimwillneverthirst!"John4:13-14

This is exemplified by our Lord in the character of a merchant-manseekinggoodlypearls, (Mat.13:46)whowasstillupon the inquiryuntilhehad foundonepearl of great price. This answeredand exceededhisdesires! Upon the discovery of this one, he rejoiced to forego all hisformer acquisitions, and to give up every other possession or purposethathemightobtainit.

(2.) I have spoken something concerning the wearisome exercise of aconscienceburdenedwithguilt:butbycomingtoJesusandbelievinginhim,anendisputtothis.WhenweareenabledtoviewoursinsaslaiduponChrist,thatthosewhocomeareacceptedintheBeloved,thatthereisnomorecondemnation—butpardon,reconciliation,andadoption,arethe sure privileges of all who trust in him—O the sweet calm thatimmediately takes place in the soul! It is something more thandeliverance. There is a pleasuremore than answerable to the formerpain,acomfortgreater thanall the trouble thatwentbefore it.Yes, theremembrance of the former bitterness, greatly enhances the presentpleasure.AndthesoulunderstandsandexperiencesthemeaningofthoseScriptures, "When the Lord turned the captivity of Zion, then was ourmouthfilledwithlaughter,andourtonguewithsinging."(Psalm126:1-2)"In thatday youwill sing:Praise theLord!Hewas angrywithme, butnowhecomfortsme.See,Godhascome tosaveme. Iwill trust inhimand not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength andmy song; he hasbecomemysalvation!"(Isaiah12:1-2)

(3.)Thereislikewisearestfromthepowerofsin.Invainisthissought

fromresolutionsandendeavors inourownstrength.Evenafterwearespirituallyawakened,andbegintounderstandtheGospelsalvation,itisusuallyforaseasonratherafightthanarest.Butwhenwearebroughtnearer to Christ, and taught to live upon him as our sanctification,deriving all our strength and motives from him by faith, we obtain acomparative rest in this respectalso.We findhard thingsbecomeeasy,and mountains sink into plains, by power displayed in our behalf.Farther,

(4.)Thereisarestfromourownworks.Thebelieverisquitedeliveredfromthelawasacovenant, andowes itno longer service in thatview.Hisobedienceisgracious,cheerful,theeffectoflove;andthereforeheisfreedfromthosefearsandburdenswhichoncedisturbedhiminthewayofduty. At first therewas a secret, though not allowed dependence onhimself.Whenhisframeswerelively—hewasstrong,andthoughthehadsomethingtotrustto—butunderachange(andchangeswillhappen),hewasathiswit'send.Butthereisapromised,andthereforeanattainablerest in this respect;a libertyandpower toreposeon the finishedWorkand unchangeableWordof Christ; to follow him steadily through lightanddarkness;togloryinhimnotonlywhenourframesarebrightest;andtotrustinhimassuredlywhenweareatourlowestebb.

Suchisthepresentrest;indifferentdegreesaccordingtotheproportionoffaith,andcapableofincreaseeveninthosewhohaveattainedmost,solongasweremaininthisimperfectstate.Butthereis,

2ndly,AFUTURErestbesidesandbeyondallthatcanbeexperiencedhere. "There is a special rest still waiting for the people of God."(Hebrews 4:9) Our most enlarged ideas of that glory which shall berevealed,arefaintandimperfect."Yes,dearfriends,wearealreadyGod'schildren, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christreturns.Butwedoknowthatwhenhecomeswewillbelikehim,forwewillseehimashereally is!" (1John3:2)Whocandescribeorconceivethehappinessofheaven?Themostwecanclearlyunderstandofitliesinnegatives. Itwillbeasunlikeaspossible—to thiswildernessof sinandsorrowwherewearenowconfined.Hereweare inawarfare—but thenweshallenterintoperfectrest."Noeyehasseen,noearhasheard,andnomindhasimaginedwhatGodhaspreparedforthosewholoveHim!"1

Corinthians2:9

(1.)HeavenwillbearestfromallSIN.No'uncleanthing'shalleverdefileordisturbusforever!Weshallbefreefromsininourselves.Thisalonewouldbeworthdyingfor!Indwellingsinisaburdenunderwhicheventheredeemedmustgroan,whiletheysojourninthebody;andthosewhoaremostspiritualaremostdeeplyaffectedwithshame,humiliation,andgrief,onaccounttheirsins—becausetheyhavetheclearestviewsoftheholinessofGod,thespiritualityofthelaw,theloveofChrist,andthedeceitfulness of their own hearts! Therefore the Apostle Paul, thoughperhaps in grace and talents, in zeal and usefulness,was distinguishedaboveallthechildrenofAdam—accountedhimselfthe'chiefofsinners,'(1Ti.1:15)'lessthantheleastofallsaints,'(Ephesians3:8)andcriedoutunderthedisparityhefeltbetweenwhathewas,andwhathewouldbe,"O wretched man that I am! Who will free me from this life that isdominatedbysin!"(Romans7:24)Butweshallnotcarrythisburdenofsin beyond the grave. The hour of death shall free us from the inbredenemies(theinseparableattendantsofthisfrailperishingnature)whichnowtroubleus,andweshallseethemnomoreforever!

Again;weshallbefreefromall thedispleasingeffectsofsin inothers.Ourheartsshallbenomorepained,norourearswounded,noroureyesfilled with tears—by those evils which fill the earth. Now, like Lot inSodom,wearegrievedeveryday,withalltheimmoralityandwickednessaroundhim.(2Peter2:7)Whothathasany lovetotheLordJesus,anysparkoftrueholiness,anysenseoftheworthofsoulsinhisheart,canseewhatpassesamonguswithouttrembling?Howopenly,daringly,almostuniversally,arethecommandmentsofGodbroken,hisGospeldespised,his patience abused, and his power defied. To be a silent spectator ofthesethingsissufficientlygrievous!Butif(asweareindutybound)wedaretostandaswitnessesforGodinthemidstofacrookedandperversenation,wefindthespiritofCaininstantlytakesfire,anddenounceswaragainst allwho should presume to say, thatwe ought to obey and fearGodratherthanmen.InvectivesandintreatmentarethecertainlotofallwhoopenlyandconsistentlyappearontheLord'sside!Andiftheyescapestripes and bonds, imprisonment anddeath—it is to be ascribed to therestraintsofDivineProvidence,and(asameansinourhappyland)tothe

temperof the laws,and to theclemencyof thepowersunderwhomwelive.Thesethingsoftenconstrainthebelievertosay,"OthatIhadwingslikeadove!forthenwouldIfleeawayandbeatrest."(Psalm55:6)Letusnot be weary or faint in our minds; before long this wish shall beanswered.Agloriousrestawaitsyou,wheresinandsinnersshallhavenoplace,northealarmsofwarbeanymoreheard.

(2.) Heaven will be a rest from all outward AFFLICTIONS,which, though necessary, and, under the influence of Divine grace,profitable,yet the