Tag Archives: Pastoral Ministry

“I want to live with Him day by day” by John Newton

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“I hope your soul prospers.

I do not ask you if you are always filled with sensible comfort: but do you find your spirit more bowed down to the feet and will of Jesus, so as to be willing to serve Him for the sake of serving Him, and to follow Him, as we say, through thick and thin; to be willing to be anything or nothing, so that He may be glorified?

I could give you plenty of good advice upon this head; but I am ashamed to do it, because I so poorly follow it myself.

I want to live with Him day by day, to do all for Him, to receive all from Him, to possess all in Him, to live all to Him, to make Him my hiding-place and my resting-place.

I want to deliver up that rebel Self to him in chains; but the rogue, like Proteus, puts on so many forms, that he slips through my fingers.

But I think I know what I would do if I could fairly catch him.

My soul is like a besieged city: a legion of enemies without the gates, and a nest of restless traitors within, that hold a correspondence with them without; so that I am deceived and counteracted continually.

It is a mercy that I have not been surprised and overwhelmed long ago: without help from on high it would soon be over with me.

How often have I been forced to cry out, O God, the heathen are got into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled, and defaced all thy work!

Indeed it is a miracle that I still hold out.

I trust, however, I shall be supported to the end, and that my Lord will at length raise the siege, and cause me to shout deliverance and victory.

Pray for me, that my walls may be strengthened and wounds healed.”

–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 2: 122-123.

“When I hear a knock at my study door, I hear a message from God” by John Newton

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“I remember to have heard Newton say, when speaking of his continual interruptions,

‘I see in this world two heaps, of human happiness and misery.

Now, if I can take but the smallest bit from from one heap and add to the other, I carry a point.

If, as I go home, a child has dropped a halfpenny, and if, by giving it another, I can wipe away its tears, I feel I have done something.

I should be glad, indeed, to do greater things, but I will not neglect this.

When I hear a knock at my study door, I hear a message from God.

It may be a lesson of instruction or perhaps a lesson of patience.

But, since it is His message, it must be interesting.'”

–Richard Cecil, “Memoirs of the Author, with general Remarks on his Life, Connections, and Character, by the Rev. Richard Cecil,” The Works of John Newton, Volume 1 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 1: 76.

“May the great Teacher make every Scriptural truth food to our souls” by John Newton

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“Let us give ourselves to the study of the Word, and to prayer. And may the great Teacher make every Scriptural truth food to our souls.

I desire to grow in knowledge, but I want nothing which bears that name that has not a direct tendency to make sin more hateful, Jesus more precious to my soul, and at the same time, to animate me to a diligent use of every appointed means, and an unreserved regard to every branch of duty.

I think the Lord has shown me in a measure there is a consistent sense running through the whole Scripture, and I desire to be governed and influenced by it all.

Doctrines, precepts, promises, warnings, all have their proper place and use: and I think many of the inconveniences which obtain in the present day, spring from separating those things which God hath joined together, and insisting on some parts of the Word of God almost to the exclusion of the rest.”

–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 2: 113-114.

“I derive from the Gospel a peace worth more than a thousand worlds” by John Newton

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April 16, 1772

“My dear Friend,

I hope the Lord has contracted my desires and aims almost to the one point of study, the knowledge of His truth. All other acquisitions are transient, and comparatively vain.

And yet, alas! I am a slow scholar; nor can I see in what respect I get forward, unless that every day I am more confirmed in the conviction of my own emptiness and inability to all spiritual good.

And as, notwithstanding this, I am still enabled to stand my ground, I would hope, since no effect can be without an adequate cause, that I have made some advance, though in a manner imperceptible to myself, towards a more simple dependence upon Jesus as my all in all.

It is given me to thirst and to taste, if it is not given me to drink abundantly; and I would be thankful for the desire.

I see and approve the wisdom, grace, suitableness, and sufficiency of the Gospel salvation; and since it is for sinners, and I am a sinner, and the promises are open, I do not hesitate to call it mine.

I am a weary, laden soul; Jesus has invited me to come, and has enabled me to put my trust in Him. I seldom have an uneasy doubt, at least not of any continuance, respecting my pardon, acceptance, and interest in all the blessings of the New Testament.

And, amidst a thousand infirmities and evils under which I groan, I have the testimony of my conscience, when under the trial of His Word, that my desire is sincerely towards Him, that I choose no other portion, that I allowedly serve no other master.

When I told our friend lately to this purpose, he wondered, and asked, “How is it possible, that, if you can say these things, you should not be always rejoicing?”

Undoubtedly I derive from the Gospel a peace at bottom, which is worth more than a thousand worlds; but so it is—I can only speak for myself—though I rest and live upon the truths of the Gospel, they seldom impress me with a warm and lively joy.

In public, indeed, I sometimes seem in earnest and much affected; but even then it appears to me rather as a part of the gift entrusted to me for the edification of others, than as a sensation which is properly my own.

For when I am in private, I am usually dull and stupid to a strange degree, or the prey to a wild and ungoverned imagination; so that I may truly say, when I would do good, evil, horrid evil, is present with me.

Ah, how different is this from sensible comfort! And if I was to compare myself to others, to make their experience my standard, and was not helped to retreat to the sure word of God as my refuge, how hard should I find it to maintain a hope that I had either part or lot in the matter!

What I call my good times, are when I can find my attention in some little measure fixed to what I am about; which indeed is not always, nor frequently, my case in prayer, and still seldomer in reading the Scripture.

My judgment embraces these means as blessed privileges, and Satan has not prevailed to drive me from them; but in the performance I too often find them tasks. I feel a reluctance when the seasons return, and I am glad when they are finished.

O what a mystery is the heart of man! What a warfare is the life of faith! (at least in the path the Lord is pleased to lead me.)

What reason have I to lie in the dust as the chief of sinners, and what cause for thankfulness that salvation is wholly of grace!

Notwithstanding all my complaints, it is still true that Jesus died and rose again; that He ever liveth to make intercession, and He is able to save to the uttermost.

But, on the other hand, to think of that joy of heart in which some of His people live, and to compare it with that apparent deadness and want of spirituality which I feel, this makes me mourn.

However, I think there is a Scriptural distinction between faith and feeling, grace and comfort: they are not inseparable, and perhaps, when together, the degree of the one is not often the just measure of the other.

But though I pray that I may be ever longing and panting for the light of His countenance, yet I would be so far satisfied, as to believe the Lord has wise and merciful reasons for keeping me so short of the comforts which He has taught me to desire and value more than the light of the sun.”

–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 2: 109-111.

“There is an all-sufficiency in Jesus” by John Newton

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“We are called to an honourable service; but it is arduous. What wisdom does it require to keep the middle path in doctrines, avoiding the equally dangerous errors on the right hand and the left!

What steadiness, to speak the truth boldly and faithfully in the midst of a gainsaying world! What humility, to stand against the tide of popularity!

What meekness, to endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may be saved!

“Who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Corinthians 2:16) We are not in ourselves, but there is an all-sufficiency in Jesus.

Our enemy watches us close; he challenges and desires to have us, that he may sift us as wheat: he knows he can easily shake us if we are left to ourselves.

But we have a Shepherd, a Keeper, who never slumbers nor sleeps. If He permits us to be exercised, it is for our good.

He is at hand to direct, moderate, and sanctify every dispensation. He has prayed for us that our faith may not fail. And He has promised to maintain His fear in our hearts, that we may not depart from Him.

When we are prone to wander, He calls us back.

When we say, ‘my feet slip,’ His mercy holds us up.

When we are wounded, He heals.

When we are ready to faint, He revives.

The people of God are sure to meet with enemies, but especially the ministers. Satan bears them a double grudge.

The world watches for their halting, and the Lord will suffer them to be afflicted, that they may be kept humble, that they may acquire a sympathy with the sufferings of others, that they may be experimentally qualified to advise and help them, and to comfort them with the comforts with which they themselves have been comforted of God.

But the Captain of our salvation is with us. His eye is upon us. His everlasting arm is beneath us.

In His name therefore may we go on, lift up our banners, and say, ‘If God be for us, who can be against us? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that has loved us.’ (Romans 8:31, 36)

The time is short: yet a little while, and He will wipe all tears from our eyes, and put a crown of life upon our heads with His own gracious hand.”

–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 2: 95-96.

“This is the life of everything” by John Newton

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“Be punctual in waiting upon God in secret.

This is the life of everything, the only way, and the sure way, of maintaining and renewing your strength.”

–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 2: 60.

“Supreme love to Christ is the most important qualification of a pastor” by Archibald Alexander

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“Feed My sheep.” (John 21:16)

“Another prominent truth, in these words, is, that love to Christ – supreme love to Christ – is the most important qualification of a pastor of Christ’s flock.

The question is thrice put, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?’ (John 21:16) And in each case, after receiving an affirmative answer, the Lord Jesus commands him to feed His sheep, or to feed His lambs.

Is not this as much as to say, ‘None are qualified to feed My sheep, who have no love to Me?’

And the thing is sufficiently evident to reason; for he who has no love to the owner, will have no real regard for the safety and health of the flock.

Among men of the world, it sometimes happens, that one passion becomes so strong, that it nearly swallows up all others.

Thus, avarice in the miser, is found potent enough to counteract the strongest propensities of nature.

Ambition, also, in others, carries all before it. Everything subserves the one pursuit, or yields to it.

Now, such should be the case with the minister of the gospel. The love of Christ ought so to predominate, so to possess his mind, and to bear him along, that every interfering, or opposing principle, should be neutralized or extinguished.

This should suggest all his plans, guide all his operations, give energy to all his efforts, and afford him comfort under all his trials.

Constrained by the love of Christ, he should cheerfully forego all the comforts of ease, affluence, and worldly honour to serve his Master in places far remote; or far removed from public observation.

This holy affection should impel him to undertake the most arduous duties, and encounter the most formidable dangers; this should enkindle the ardour of his eloquence, and supply the pathos of his most tender addresses.

This is the hallowed fire which should be kept bright and burning continually. All other warmth is no better than ‘strange fire.’

Nothing but the love of Christ can make a truly faithful pastor, or evangelist, assiduous in all his services, and indefatigable in the most private and self-denying duties of his office.

Other motives may lead a man to great diligence in preparing for his labours in the pulpit, where splendid eloquence wins as much applause as anywhere else.

Other motives also may stimulate a minister to great public exertion, and give him all the appearance of fervent zeal and devotedness to God, in the eyes of men.

But if supreme love to Christ be wanting, he is, after all, nothing; or, at best, a mere ‘sounding brass or tinkling cymbal’ (1 Corinthians 13:1)?

Genius, learning, eloquence, zeal, public exertion, and, great sacrifices, even if it should be of all our goods, and of our lives themselves, will be accounted of no value, in the eyes of the Lord, if love to Christ be wanting.

The church is now using laudable exertions to increase the number of ministers.

But, we may multiply preachers, and we may educate them well, and they may be acceptable to the people.

But, alas! If they love not the Lord Jesus Christ, Zion will not be built up.

The great harvest will not be gathered.”

–Archibald Alexander, “The Pastoral Office” as quoted in The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work by Faculty and Friends of Old Princeton (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2020), 93-94. Alexander preached this sermon at Philadelphia before the Association of the Alumni of the Theological Seminary at Princeton on Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1834.

“Can we stand a single moment unless Jesus upholds us?” by John Newton

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“You must not expect habits and tempers will be eradicated instantaneously; but by perseverance in prayer, and observation upon the experiences of every day, much may be done in time.

Now and then you will (as is usual in the course of war) lose a battle; but be not discouraged, but rally your forces, and return to the fight.

There is a comfortable word, a leaf of the tree of life, for healing the wounds we receive, in 1 John 2:1.

If the enemy surprises you, and your heart smites you, do not stand astonished as if there was no help, nor give way to sorrow as if there was no hope, nor attempt to heal yourself.

But away immediately to the Throne of Grace, to the great Physician, to the compassionate High Priest, and tell Him all.

Satan knows, that if he can keep us from confession, our wounds will rankle; but do you profit by David’s experience, (Psalm 32:3–5).

When we are simple and open-hearted in abasing ourselves before the Lord, though we have acted foolishly and ungratefully, He will seldom let us remain long without affording us a sense of His compassion.

For He is gracious. He knows our frame. And He knows how to bear with us, even though we can hardly bear with ourselves, or with one another.

The main thing is to have the heart right with God: this will bring us in the end safely through many mistakes and blunders.

But a double mind, a selfish spirit, that would halve things between God and the world, the Lord abhors.

If the Lord is pleased to bless you, He will undoubtedly make you humble; for you cannot be either happy or safe, or have any probable hope of abiding usefulness, without it.

I do not know that I have had anything so much at heart in my connections with you, as to impress you with a sense of the necessity and advantages of an humble frame of spirit: I hope it has not been in vain.

O! to be little in our own eyes! This is the ground-work of every grace.

This leads to a continual dependence upon the Lord Jesus.

This is the spirit which He has promised to bless.

This conciliates us good-will and acceptance amongst men.

For he that abaseth himself is sure to be honoured.

And that this temper is so hard to attain and preserve, is a striking proof of our depravity.

For are we not sinners? Were we not rebels and enemies before we knew the Gospel?

And have we not been unfaithful, backsliding, and unprofitable ever since?

Are we not redeemed by the blood of Jesus?

And can we stand a single moment unless He upholds us?

Have we any thing which we have not received: or have we received any thing which we have not abused?

Why then are dust and ashes proud?

I am glad you have found some spiritual acquaintance in your barren land. I hope you will be helpful to them, and they to you.

You do well to guard against every appearance of evil.

If you are heartily for Jesus, Satan owes you a grudge.

One way or other he will try to cut you out work, and the Lord may suffer him to go to the length of his chain.

But though you are to keep your eye upon him, and expect to hear from him at every step, you need not be slavishly afraid of him.

For Jesus is stronger and wiser than he.

And there is a complete suit of armour provided for all who are engaged on the Lord’s side.

John Newton
June 7, 1767″

–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 2: 48-50.

“Be content with being a learner in the school of Christ” by John Newton

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“Be content with being a learner in the school of Christ for some years. The delay will not be lost time.

You will be so much the more acquainted with the Gospel, with your own heart, and with human nature.

The last is a necessary branch of a minister’s knowledge, and can only be acquired by comparing what passes within us, and around us, with what we read in the Word of God.

I am glad to find you have a distaste both for Arminian and Antinomian doctrines. But let not the mistakes of others sit too heavy upon you.

Be thankful for the grace that has made you to differ.

Be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

But beware of engaging in disputes, without evident necessity, and some probable hope of usefulness.

They tend to eat out the life and savor of religion, and to make the soul lean and dry.

Where God has begun a real work of grace, incidental mistakes will be lessened by time and experience.

Where He has not, it is of little signification what sentiments people hold, or whether they call themselves Arminians or Calvinists.

Yours,

John Newton
March 7, 1765”

–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Volume 2 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 2: 47.

“The greatness of His love” by Thomas Brooks

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“I shall now come to some helps and directions that may be useful to keep us humble and low in our own eyes. And the first is this:

[1.] Dwell much upon the greatness of God’s mercy and goodness to you.

Nothing humbles and breaks the heart of a sinner like mercy and love.

Souls that converse much with sin and wrath may be much terrified; but souls that converse much with grace and mercy will be much humbled. Luke 7, the Lord Jesus shews mercy to that notorious sinner, and then she falls down at his feet, and loves much and weeps much.

In the 1 Chron. 17, it was in the heart of David to build God a house. God would not have him to do it, yet the messenger must tell David that God would build him a house, and establish his Son upon the throne for ever.

Look into the verses (1 Chron. 17:15-17), and there you shall find that David lets fall such an humble speech, which he never did before that God had sent him that message of advancement.

‘And David the king came, and sat before the Lord, and said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant’s house for a great while to come,’ (2 Sam. 7:18-19).

And this sweetly and kindly melts him, and humbles him, before the Lord.

Oh, if ever you would have your souls kept low, dwell upon the free grace and love of God to you in Christ.

Dwell upon the firstness of His love, dwell upon the freeness of His love, the greatness of His love, the fulness of His love, the unchangeableness of His love, the everlastingness of His love, and the activity of His love.

If this does not humble thee, there is nothing on earth will do it.

Dwell upon what God hath undertaken for you.

Dwell upon the choice and worthy gifts that He has bestowed on you.

And dwell upon that glory and happiness that He has prepared for you, and then be proud if you can.”

–Thomas Brooks, “Precious Remedies,” in The Works of Thomas Brooks, Volume 1 (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1666/2001), 1: 36-37.