“I would tell you how it is with me if I could; at the best, it would be an inconsistent account. I am what I would not, and would what I cannot.
I rejoice and mourn; I stand fast, and am thrown down in the same moment.
I am both rich and poor; I can do nothing, yet I can do all things. I live by miracle.
I am opposed beyond my strength, yet I am not overpowered. I gain when I lose, and I often am a loser by my gains.
In a word, I am a sinner, a vile one; but a sinner believing in the name of Jesus.
I am a silly sheep, but I have a gracious, watchful Shepherd; I am a dull scholar, but I have a Master who can make the dullest learn.
He still bears with me, He still employs me, He still enables me, He still owns me. Oh, for a coal of heavenly fire to warm my heart, that I might praise Him as I ought!
As a people, we have much cause of complaint in ourselves, and much cause of thankfulness to Him. In the main, I hope we are alive, though not as we could wish; our numbers rather increase from year to year, and some flourish.
In the ordinances, we are favoured in a measure with His presence. But, oh, for a day of His power; that His work may run broader and deeper, and the fire of grace spread from heart to heart, till the whole town be in a flame!
To this I hope you will give a hearty Amen, and often remember us in your prayers.
I am, sincerely your’s,
John Newton”
–John Newton, “Letter XIX – August 29, 1774” in The Works of John Newton, Volume 6, Ed. Richard Cecil (London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1824), 6: 104-105.
A hearty Amen indeed.