Written to a church member on the subjects of humility and
depending on God.
Written to a fellow minister, these letters consider God's
providence and the joy of ministry.
Sowing the
Seed―Doubting the Truth
Worries
about the Journey―A Good Wife
Comments
on an Accident
Godly
Church Members
Letters to a weak Christian on the subject of assurance.
Gentle words of encouragement from a pastor's heart.
Doubts―
Christian Growth
Evil
Thoughts
Temptations―Evil
Thoughts
Newton corresponded with many ministers on a variety of
topics. Here he writes to a fellow labourer about their ministries, the joys and sorrows
of their work, and the personal experiences of their calling. Letter 4 includes
interesting comments on Richard Baxter and his writings.
The Proper
Attitude for Preaching
Conviction
of Sin―Awakening
Sin in the
Minister
Richard
Baxter―Christian Hypocrisy―The Business of This Life
Dependence
upon God―The Sense of Sin―Doubts
Zeal and
Prudence
Feelings
vs. Spiritual Well-Being
Written to a church member on the subjects of humility and
depending on God.
Faithfulness
to Light Received―Resisting Sin
Our Sense
of our Sin
A series of longer letters to an unbelieving minister about
the nature of faith. Newton appeals to his correspondent's knowledge of Scripture, while
clearly explaining the nature of genuine spiritual experience. He also fields a series of
questions about Newton's Calvinism.
The
Failure of Moralistic Preaching―Calvinism―Moral Inability
The
Necessity of the Divine Light
True
Faith-Moral Inability
Faith―Spiritual
Knowledge―Seeking―True Repentance
Helpful, practical letters to a Christian in the
"School of Suffering." Newton answers the question, "Why do Christians
suffer?"
The School of Suffering
Doubts and Fears―The Source of Assurance
Strength in Affliction―The Secret of Loving Christ
More
Two letters on disappointment only Newton could
have written. Written from his own personal experience.
Disappointment―What is
Necessary―God's Patience
When We Awake in Glory
Miscellaneous Letters
Divine Guidance
The Benefits of Affliction
Contrary Principles in the Believer
The Gift of Preaching―Advice to a Young Preacher
How
Great is His Goodness!―The Journey to Heaven
Medical Decisions―Providence and Health
Newton writes to a divinity student, who wrestles
with the attractions of academic honours and his call to an
evangelical ministry. His Christian zeal wins out, with awkward
results. Newton offers his wisdom and experience to an impetuous
youth.
Difficulties of the Ministry―Intimacy with Christ
Loneliness―Mathematics―Academia
Death―Academic Honours―Written Sermons
Long Sermons―
Loud Sermons―Itinerating
Parochial Ministry―Waiting
Helpful letters to a woman who is troubled by her
sin, and that of her unsaved friends. Practical advice to a person in
the world, but not of it.
Sin―Sanctification―Unsaved Friends
In the Lord's Service―Assurance―Our Shepherd
The Pleasures of this World―The Blessed Hope
God's Love―Backsliding―London Grace
Christian Humility―Christ's School―Friends
Why Suffering?―Glorifying God―His Riches
The Benefits of Affliction
The Death of Friends―Awaiting the Sabbath
Letters to a young woman. Warm, spiritual counsel.
Christian Fellowship―Amusements―Walking in Darkness
Christ's Absences―Spiritual Experience
Fellowship with Christ and Friends Contrasted
Withdrawal―Being Where the Lord Wants Us
Marriage―Time is Short
Newton was friends with many Nonconformist
ministers. These letters illustrate the warmth and depth of his
friendship. He also gives some amusing insights into his relationship
with Nonconformity.
Time―The Tongue
Sectarianism
Temptations of the City―A Lion in Olney
Read a
poem about this incident.
Unprofitable Company―Sectarianism
Travelling―Nonconformists
Making Plans
Interpreting the Bible
Mercy to Sinners
Dying in the Lord
Illness―The Fast Day
Trust in God's Will
Bodily Ills and Spiritual Health
One Thing Needful
The Lord Cares
