Newton’s Letter, On Controversy

On Sunday evening, Pastor Bruce read “On Controversy” by John Newton, the late 18th century preacher and hymn writer. Newton wrote the letter to a fellow pastor who was concerned over another preacher’s lack of orthodoxy. Here is an excerpt:

 

Be upon your guard against admitting anything personal into the debate. If you think you have been ill treated, you will have an opportunity of showing that you are a disciple of Jesus, who “when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not.” This is our pattern, thus we are to speak and write for God, “not rendering railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that hereunto we are called.” …

 

Here is a link to the entire letter.