# “The cross of Christ is the tree of life and the tree of knowledge combined” by John Newton

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2023/08/25/the-cross-of-christ-is-the-tree-of-life-and-the-tree-of-knowledge-combined-by-john-newton/
- Published: 2023-08-25T12:00:46-05:00
- Author: tollelege

“Dear Sir,

Come, let us not despair: the fountain is as full and as free as ever—precious fountain,
ever flowing with blood and water, milk and wine.

This is the stream that heals the wounded, refreshes the weary, satisfies the hungry,
strengthens the weak, and confirms the strong: it opens the eyes of the blind, softens
the heart of stone, teaches the dumb to sing, and enables the lame and paralytic
to walk, to leap, to run, to fly, to mount up with eagle’s wings: a taste of this
stream raises earth to heaven, and brings down heaven upon earth.

Nor is it a fountain only; it is a universal blessing, and assumes a variety of 
shapes to suit itself to our wants.

It is a sun, a shield, a garment, a shade, a banner, a refuge: it is bread, the 
true bread, the very staff of life: it is life itself, immortal, eternal life!

_ The cross of Jesus Christ, my Lord,
 Is food and medicine, shield and sword.

Take that for your motto; wear it in your heart; keep it in your eye; have it often
in your mouth, till you can find something better.

The cross of Christ is the tree of life and the tree of knowledge combined. Blessed
be God!

There is neither prohibition nor flaming sword to keep us back; but it stands like
a tree by the highway side, which affords its shade to every passenger without distinction.

Watch and pray. We live in a sifting time: error gains ground every day. May the
name and love of our Saviour Jesus keep us and all his people! Either write or come
very soon.

Yours,

John Newton”

–John Newton, [_The Works of John Newton_](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1848715110?tag=toletaupanre-20),
[_Volume 2_](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1848715110?tag=toletaupanre-20) (Carlisle,
PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 2: 67-68.

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