John Newton
Consideration of this subject may teach you a variety of things. It may teach you:
1. What to fear. (1) A worldly spirit. If this exists in a prevailing degree, it is inconsistent with a work of grace; and, in whatever degree it exists or is indulged, it will proportionably reduce the light and comfort of our souls. Christ compared the cares and pleasures of this life to thorns, unprofitable and painful; they produce no fruit, but they wound and tear. Indeed, they are thorns in the eyes, which will prevent the great things of God from being perceived.
(2) A spirit of self-dependence. “Be not wise in your own conceit.” “If any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” God gives wisdom to the lowly, but He confounds the devices of the proud. His promises of teaching, leading and guiding are made to the meek, the simple and those who are little in their own eyes.
2. What to pray for. A simple child-like temper, so that you may come to the Word as to the light and look beyond yourselves for the assistance of the Holy Spirit, without which your most laboured inquiries will only lead you further and further from the truth.
3. How to examine yourselves. Not by your notions and attainments in
1Part of the conclusion of a sermon, one of a series on Matthew 11:25. Taken, with editing, from Newton’s Works, vol 2.
knowledge, for these you may have in a considerable degree and be wholly destitute of true grace. The Word of God supposes it possible that persons may have great gifts, flaming zeal and much success, and yet, because they have no true love to God, they are in His sight no better than sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. But if you would know your state, examine yourselves by your prevailing desires. Are your notions of grace effectual to lead you in the path of duty? Do you hunger and thirst for an increase of holiness? Does the knowledge you have of Christ lead you to love and trust Him? Are you poor in spirit? You know nothing aright if you do not know yourselves.
- You who are believers may see cause to praise the Lord for His dealings with you.
(1) Had you been wise in men’s esteem, you might have continued fools to the end of your lives. If the Lord has taught you the secret of them that fear Him, if He has shown you the way of salvation, if He has directed your feet in the paths of His commandments, then you have the true wisdom which shall be your light through life, and in death your glory.
(2) Therefore do not be grieved that you are strangers to human wisdom and glory. These things, which others so highly prize, you may resign contentedly and say, Lord, it is enough if Thou art mine. Indeed, you have good reason to praise His wisdom and goodness for preserving you from those temptations which have ensnared and endangered so many.
(3) Do you desire more of this true wisdom? Seek it in the same way in which you have received its first beginnings. Be frequent and earnest in secret prayer. Study the Word of God: not to reconcile and make it bend to your sentiments, but to draw all your sentiments from it, to copy it in your heart and express it in your conduct. Be cautious of paying too great a regard to persons and parties. One is your master, even Christ.