# “I live by miracle” by John Newton

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2016/05/23/i-live-by-miracle-by-john-newton/
- Published: 2016-05-23T12:00:22-05:00
- Author: tollelege

“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](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0851519512?tag=toletaupanre-20)”
in [_The Works of John Newton, Volume 6_](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0851519512?tag=toletaupanre-20),
Ed. Richard Cecil (London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1824), 6: 104-105.

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