“The whole system of my politics is summed up in that one sentence, “The Lord reigneth!”
The times look awfully dark indeed; and as the clouds grow thicker, the stupidity of the nation seems proportionally to increase. If the Lord had not a remnant here, I should have very formidable apprehensions.
But He loves His children; some are sighing and mourning before Him, and I am sure He hears their sighs, and sees their tears. I trust there is mercy in store for us at the bottom; but I expect a shaking time before things get into a right channel, before we are humbled, and are taught to give Him the glory.
The state of the nation, the state of the churches, both are deplorable. They who should be praying, or too many of them, are disputing and fighting among themselves.
Alas! How many professors are more concerned for the mistakes of government, or of the Americans, than for their own sins! When will these things end?
Love me, and pray for me, and come to see me, for I cannot come to you. With my love and Mrs. Newton’s to you and Mrs . Bull,
I remain, your obliged friend,
JOHN NEWTON
Olney, February 24, 1778”
–John Newton, Letters of the Reverend John Newton (London: Hamilton and Adams Co, 1847), 7-8.
