John Newton to Thomas Robinson

21. 10 January 1784*
 
My Dear Brother
 
I lend you the enclosed frank, but you must not keep it long. I shall want to have it back as soon as convenient, and as soon as you have time to put a good sizeable letter into it. I want to hear as much in detail as you please—how it is with you in heart, house, and church. I hope you will be able to tell under each of these heads—All is well, considering where and what we are. With such a limitation I can tell you—All is well with us. Goodness and mercy accompanied us through the last year, and are still with us. Trials we have had and have—they are needful, they constitute one branch of our mercies, but it is the smaller branch, for our comfortable dispensations are more numerous, if I except the trials which arise from the naughtiness of my own heart.
 
I have a friend who has devoted himself to the ministry: he is not a novice. His judgment is sound, his experience extensive, his abilities I think considerable. He is something in my former way—has applied his leisure to study—his applica­tion has been great and successful. He is self-taught; and though not benefitted by school education, understands the Greek Testament well, and will, I think, very soon write Latin, as well as most of the young folks that come for Deacon's orders from the Universities. I know so much of the man as to have no doubt that the Lord is preparing him for His service, and consequently I expect he will obtain orders at the right time. And I as little doubt but from his first sermon he will set out an able minister of the New Testament. His present income is about £100 per annum. He has a wife and child, and thinks himself rich. But he has nothing before-hand but faith and hope. He will not be rash, but knowing whose he is, and whom he serves, I believe, if he saw a clear opening from the Lord, he would ven­ture to leave consequences in His hands. Think of such a man, and if you should hear of anything suitable, let me know. He will not be very defective in literature, and in point of ability, knowledge, and divinity, will I believe be superior to most at the time of their taking orders. The best of all is—that humility and spirituality are the most striking features in his character. I have been intimately acquainted with him from the time of my settling in London.
 
I hope I have written enough to coax you to send me an answer. My time is gone, and other things require my attention. I love you, and rejoice in what I often hear of Leicester. We should be glad to see you in Charles Square, and in Mary Woolnoth pulpit. Give my love to Mrs Robinson, and all friends. Ora pro nobis.[1] Allow me to stand upon the list among your most affectionate friends, as surely as my name is
     
Hoxton, Jan. 10, 1784       John Newton
   
*    The Evangelical Register, 1838; page 108, No. 1  


Endnotes:

[1] Ora pro nobis: Pray for us





 


 

Marylynn Rouse, 07/07/2015