John Newton: The Tough Roots of His Habitual Tenderness John Piper

John Piper has been the senior pas- Introduction ing off the horse on one side or the other in tor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in John Newton was born July 24, 1725 in this matter of being tough and tender— Minneapolis, Minnesota since 1980. He London to a godly mother and an irreli- wimping out on truth when we ought to has the Dr. Theol. in New Testament from gious, sea-faring father. His mother died be lion-hearted, or wrangling with anger the University of Munich and taught for when he was six. Left mainly to himself, when we ought to be weeping. I know it’s six years at Bethel College in St. Paul, Newton became a debauched sailor—a a risk to take up this topic and John New- Minnesota. He is the author of a num- miserable outcast on the coast of West ton in a setting like this, where some of you ber of books and articles, including Africa for two years; a slave-trading sea- need a good (tender!) kick in the pants to God’s Passion for His Glory: Living the captain until an epileptic seizure ended his be more courageous, and others of you Vision of Jonathan Edwards (Crossway). career; a well-paid “surveyor of tides” in confuse courage with what William Cow- Liverpool; a loved pastor of two congre- per called “a furious and abusive zeal.”2 gations in Olney and London for 43 years; Oh how rare are the pastors who speak a devoted husband to Mary for 40 years with a tender heart and have a theological until she died in 1790; a personal friend to backbone of steel. William Wilberforce, Charles Simeon, I dream of such pastors. I would like to Henry Martyn, William Carey, John Wesley, be one someday. A pastor whose might in George Whitefield; and, finally, the author the truth is matched by his meekness. of the most famous hymn in the English Whose theological acumen is matched by language, Amazing Grace.1 He died on his manifest contrition. Whose heights of December 21, 1807 at the age of 82. intellect are matched by his depths of So why am I interested in this man? humility. Yes, and the other way around! Because one of my great desires is to see A pastor whose relational warmth is Christian pastors be as strong and durable matched by his rigor of study, whose bent as redwood trees, and as tender and fra- toward mercy is matched by the vigilance grant as a field of clover—unshakably rug- of his biblical discernment, and whose ged in the “defense and confirmation” of sense of humor is exceeded by the serious- the truth (Phil 1:7), and relentlessly humble ness of his calling. and patient and merciful in dealing with I dream of great defenders of true doc- people. Ever since I came to Bethlehem in trine who are mainly known for the delight 1980 this vision of ministry has beckoned they have in God and the joy in God that me because, soon after I came, I read they bring to the people of God—who through Matthew and Mark and put in the enter controversy, when necessary, not margin of my Greek New Testament a “TO” because they love ideas and arguments, but (for tough) and a “TE” (for tender) beside because they love Christ and the church. all of Jesus’ words and deeds that fit one There’s a picture of this in Acts 15. Have category or the other. What a mixture he you ever noticed the amazing unity of was! No one ever spoke like this man. things here that we tend to tear apart? It seems to me that we are always fall- A false doctrine arises in Antioch: some 22 begin to teach, “Unless you are circumcised So neither we nor Newton will ever be all . . . you cannot be saved” (v. 1). Paul and that we should be. But oh how much more Barnabas weigh in with what Luke calls like the Great Shepherd we should long “not a little dissension and debate” (stase¯os to be. Newton had his strengths, and I kai z¯et¯ese¯os ouk olig¯es, v. 2). So the church want us to learn from them. At times his decides to send them off to Jerusalem to strengths were his weakness, but that too get the matter settled. And amazingly, will be instructive. Our theme is “the verse 3 says that on their way to the great tough roots of John Newton’s habitual debate they were “describing in detail the tenderness.” His great strength was conversion of the Gentiles, and were bring- “speaking the truth in love.” As you lis- ing great joy to all the brethren.” ten, listen for what you need, not for what This is my vision: The great debaters on the pastor across town needs. On which their way to a life-and-death show down side of the horse are you falling off? of doctrinal controversy, so thrilled by the I begin with a brief account of his life, mercy and power of God in the gospel, that because for Newton, his life was the they are spreading joy everywhere they go. clearest testimony to the heart-breaking Oh how many there are today who tell us mercy of God he ever saw. Even at the end that controversy only kills joy and ruins the of his life he was still marveling that he was church; and oh how many others there are saved and called to preach the gospel of who, on their way to the controversy, feel grace. From his last will and testament we no joy and spread no joy in the precious- read: ness of Christ and his salvation. One of the aims of this conference since 1988 has been I commit my soul to my gracious God and Savior, who mercifully to say over and over again: it is possible spared and preserved me, when I and necessary to be as strong and rugged was an apostate, a blasphemer, and for truth as a redwood and as tender and an infidel, and delivered me from the state of misery on the coast of fragrant for Christ as a field of clover. Africa into which my obstinate So now, with the help of the life of John wickedness had plunged me; and Newton, I want to say it again. And make who has been pleased to admit me (though most unworthy) to preach no mistake: our heroes have feet of clay. his glorious gospel.4 There are no perfect pastors. Newton him- self warns us: This is one of the deepest roots of his habitual tenderness. He could not get over In my imagination, I sometimes the wonder of his own rescue by sheer, fancy I could [create] a perfect min- ister. I take the eloquence of –, the triumphant grace. knowledge of –, the zeal of –, and the pastoral meekness, tenderness, Newton’s Life and piety of –: Then, putting them all together into one man, I say to Newton’s mother was a devout Congre- myself, “This would be a perfect gationalist and taught her only child, John, minister.” Now there is One, who, if the Westminster Catechism and the hymns he chose to, could actually do this; but he never did it. He has seen fit of Isaac Watts. But she died in 1732 when to do otherwise, and to divide these John was six, and his father’s second wife gifts to every man severally as he will.3 had no spiritual interest. Newton wrote in his Narrative that he was in school only 23 two of all his growing-up years, from ages When he was 20 years old he was put 8 to 10, at a boarding school in Stratford. off his ship on some small islands just So he was mainly self-taught, and that southeast of Sierra Leone, West Africa, and remained true all his life. He never had any for about a year and a half he lived as a formal theological education. virtual slave in almost destitute circum- At the age of 11 he began to sail with his stances. The wife of his master despised father and made five voyages to the Medi- him and treated him cruelly. He wrote terranean until he was 18. He wrote about that even the African slaves would try to their relationship: “I am persuaded he smuggle him food from their own slim loved me, but he seemed not willing that I rations.10 Later in life he marveled at the should know it. I was with him in a state seemingly accidental way a ship put of fear and bondage. His sternness . . . broke anchor on his island after seeing some and overawed my spirit.”5 smoke, and just happened to be the ship When he was 17 he met Mary Catlett with a captain who knew Newton’s father and fell in love with her. She was 13. For and managed to free him from his bond- the next seven years of traveling and mis- age.11 That was February, 1747. He was not ery he dreamed about her. “None of the quite 21, and God was about to close in. scenes of misery and wickedness I after- The ship had business on the seas for wards experienced ever banished her a over a year. Then on March 21, 1748, on single hour together from my waking his way home to England in the North thoughts for the seven following years.”6 Atlantic, God acted to rescue the “African They did eventually marry when he was blasphemer.”12 On this day 57 years later, 24 and were married for 40 years till she in 1805, when Newton was 80 years old, died in 1790. His love for her was extraor- he wrote in his diary, “March 21, 1805. Not dinary before and after the marriage. Three well able to write. But I endeavor to years after she died he published a collec- observe the return of this day with Humili- tion of letters he had written to her on three ation, Prayer and Praise.”13 He had marked voyages to Africa after they were married. the day as sacred and precious for over half He was pressed into naval service a century. against his will when he was 18 and sailed He awoke in the night to a violent storm away bitterly on the Harwich as a midship- as his room began to fill with water. As he man. His friend and biographer, Richard ran for the deck, the captain stopped him Cecil, says, “The companions he met with and had him fetch a knife. The man who here completed the ruin of his principles.”7 went up in his place was immediately Of himself he wrote, “I was capable of any- washed overboard.14 He was assigned to thing; I had not the least fear of God before the pumps and heard himself say, “If this my eyes, nor (so far as I remember) the least will not do, the Lord have mercy upon sensibility of conscience. . . . My love to us.”15 It was the first time he had expressed [Mary] was now the only restraint I had the need for mercy in many years. left.”8 On one of his visits home he deserted He worked the pumps from three in the the ship and was caught, “confined two morning until noon, slept for an hour, and days in the guard-house; . . . kept a while then took the helm and steered the ship till in irons . . . publicly stripped and whipt, midnight. At the wheel he had time to think degraded from his office.”9 back over his life and his spiritual condi- 24 tion. At about six o’clock the next evening been as deeply rooted in me as a sec- ond nature. Thus, to all appearance, it seemed as though there might be hope. I was a new man.18 “I thought I saw the hand of God displayed in our favour. I began to pray: I could not It was a remarkable change but, from his utter the prayer of faith; I could not draw later mature standpoint, Newton did not near to a reconciled God, and call him view it as full conversion. Father . . . the comfortless principles of infi- delity were deeply riveted; . . . . The great I was greatly deficient in many question now was, how to obtain faith.”16 respects. I was in some degree affected with a sense of my enor- He found a Bible and got help from Luke mous sins, but I was little aware of 11:13, which promises the Holy Spirit to the innate evils of my heart. I had those who ask. He reasoned, “If this book no apprehension of . . . the hidden life of a Christian, as it consists in be true, the promise in this passage must communion with God by Jesus be true likewise. I have need of that very Christ: a continual dependence on him. . . . I acknowledged the Lord’s Spirit, by which the whole was written, in mercy in pardoning what was past, order to understand it aright. He has but depended chiefly upon my own engaged here to give that Spirit to those resolution to do better for the time to come. . . . I cannot consider who ask: I must therefore pray for it; and, myself to have been a believer (in the if it be of God, he will make good on his full sense of the word) till a consid- 19 own word.”17 erable time afterwards. He spent all the rest of the voyage in For six years after this time, he said he had deep seriousness as he read and prayed no “Christian friend or faithful minister over the Scriptures. On April 8 they to advise me.”20 He became the captain anchored in Ireland, and the next day the of a slave-trading ship and went to sea storm at sea was so violent they would again until December, 1749. In his mature have surely been sunk. Newton described years he came to feel intense remorse for what God had done in those two weeks: his participation in the slave trade and Thus far I was answered, that before joined William Wilberforce in opposing it. we arrived in Ireland, I had a satis- Thirty years after leaving the sea he wrote factory evidence in my own mind of an essay, Thoughts upon the African Slave the truth of the Gospel, as consid- ered in itself, and of its exact suit- Trade, which closed with a reference to ableness to answer all my needs. . . . “a commerce so iniquitous, so cruel, so I stood in need of an Almighty Sav- ior; and such a one I found described oppressive, so destructive, as the African in the New Testament. Thus far the Slave Trade!”21 Lord had wrought a marvelous On February 1, 1750 he married Mary. thing: I was no longer an infidel: I heartily renounced my former pro- That June his father drowned while swim- faneness, and had taken up some ming in the Hudson Bay. He went on three right notions; was seriously dis- long voyages after the marriage and left posed, and sincerely touched with a sense of the undeserved mercy I had Mary alone for 10 to 13 months each time. received, in being brought safe Then in November, 1754 he had an epilep- through so many dangers. I was tic seizure and never sailed again. sorry for my past misspent life, and purposed an immediate reforma- In the years between his seafaring and tion. I was quite freed from the habit his pastorate at Olney he was a Surveyor of swearing, which seemed to have 25 of Tides in Liverpool and a very active min- John and Mary had no children of their isterial lay person. He interacted with own, but adopted two nieces. When Mary evangelicals from both the Anglican and died 17 years before John, Newton lived Independent wings of the Awakening. He with the family of one of these nieces and was especially taken by George Whitefield was cared for by her as well as by any and “was even tagged with the epithet daughter. He died December 21, 1807 at the ‘Little Whitefield’ for his constant atten- age of 82. A month before he died he dance upon the evangelist.”22 He devoted expressed his settled faith: himself to a rigorous program of self-study and applied himself to Greek and Hebrew It is a great thing to die; and, when flesh and heart fail, to have God for and Syriac. He said, “I was in some hopes the strength of our heart, and our that perhaps, sooner or later, [Christ] might portion forever. I know whom I have call me into his service. I believe it was a believed, and he is able to keep that which I have committed against that distant hope of this that determined me to great day. Henceforth there is laid up study the original Scriptures.”23 for me a crown of righteousness, Along with these he was reading “the which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me that day.27 best writers in divinity” in Latin and English and French (which he taught him- The best way to learn about these pastor- self while at sea), but gave himself mainly ates is to shift now from a narrative of his 24 to the Scriptures. The upshot theologi- life to the theme of this message, namely, cally of this study, together with his per- “The Tough Roots of John Newton’s sonal experience of grace, is summed up Habitual Tenderness.” This tenderness by Bruce Hindmarsh: “By the early 1760’s and these roots are seen in this remark- Newton’s theological formation was able pastoral ministry for over 40 years. complete, and there would be few signifi- cant realignments of his essential beliefs. Newton’s Habitual Tenderness 25 He was a five-point Calvinist.” But the The phrase “habitual tenderness” is spirit of his Calvinism was sweet and ten- Newton’s own phrase to describe the way der, which is one of the great concerns of a believer should live. In writing to a friend this message. he describes the believer’s life: “He believes In 1764 he accepted the call to the pas- and feels his own weakness and unwor- torate of the Church of England parish in thiness, and lives upon the grace and par- Olney and served there for almost 16 years. doning love of his Lord. This gives him an Then he accepted the call at age 54 to St. habitual tenderness and gentleness of Mary’s Woolnoth in London where he spirit.”28 It is plain already what some of began his 27-year ministry on December the roots of tenderness are in that sentence, 8, 1779. The last time he was in the pulpit but before we look at them more closely of St. Mary’s was in October, 1806 when let’s get some snapshots of this man’s he was 81 years old. His eyes and ears were “habitual tenderness.” failing and his good friend Richard Cecil It will be helpful to speak of persons and suggested he cease preaching when he patterns. That is, to whom was he tender; turned 80, to which Newton responded, and what form did his tenderness take? “What! Shall the old African blasphemer stop while he can speak?”26 26 Persons Who Received he said, “I suppose I have 200 that will His Tenderness constantly attend.”32 And what made it Richard Cecil said, “Mr. Newton could more remarkable to his parishioners was live no longer than he could love.”29 His love that the meetings were open to all the chil- to people was the signature of his life. This dren, not just the members of his church. was true of groups of people and indi- Josiah Bull said, “The young especially vidual people. He loved perishing people had a warm place in his affectionate heart. and he loved his own flock of redeemed . . . Mr. Jay . . . relates that once a little sailor- people. boy with his father called on Mr. Newton. He took the boy between his knees, told Whoever . . . has tasted of the love him that he had been much at sea himself, Christ, and has known, by his own 33 experience, the need and the worth and then sang him part of a naval song.” of redemption, is enabled, Yea, he is For forty-three years his two flocks had constrained, to love his fellow crea- an especially tender place in his heart. tures. He loves them at first sight; and, if the providence of God commits a Richard Cecil said that Newton’s preach- dispensation of the gospel, and care ing was often not well prepared, nor care- of souls to him, he will feel the ful or “graceful” in delivery. But, he said, warmest emotions of friendship and tenderness, while he beseeches them “He possessed . . . so much affection for by the tender mercies of God, and his people, and so much zeal for their best even while he warns them by his interests, that the defect of his manner was terrors.30 little consideration with his constant hear- 34 It’s the phrase “at first sight” that stands ers.” Once he complained in a letter of out in this quote. Newton’s first reflex was his busyness: “I have seldom one-hour free to love lost people. When he speaks to from interruption. Letters, that must be unbelievers he speaks like this: answered, visitants that must be received, business that must be attended to. I have a A well-wisher to your soul assures good many sheep and lambs to look after, you, that whether you know these sick and afflicted souls dear to the Lord; things or not, they are important realities. . . . Oh hear the warning and therefore, whatever stands still, these must voice! Flee from the wrath to come. Pray not be neglected.”35 thee that the eyes of your mind may Newton’s tenderness touched individu- be opened, then you will see your danger, and gladly follow the shin- als as well as groups. The most remarkable ing light of the Word.31 instance of this was, of course, William Cowper, the mentally-ill poet and hymn One clear mark of Christlike tenderness writer who came to live in Olney during is love for children. “Suffer the little chil- 12 of Newton’s 16 years there. Newton took dren to come to me and do not hinder Cowper into his home for five months dur- them” (Mark 10:14) is the badge of ten- ing one season and 14 months during derness that Jesus wore. When Newton another when he was so depressed it was came to Olney one of the first things he hard for him to function alone. In fact, did was begin a meeting for children on Richard Cecil said that over Newton’s Thursday afternoons. He met with them whole lifetime, “His house was an asylum himself and gave them assignments and for the perplexed or afflicted.”36 Newton spoke to them from the Bible. At one point says of Cowper’s stay: “For nearly 12 years 27 we were seldom separated for seven hours summed up Newton’s response: “He had at a time, when we were awake, and at the tenderest disposition; and always home: the first six I passed daily admiring judiciously regarded his friend’s depres- and aiming to imitate him: during the sec- sion and despondency as a physical effect, ond six, I walked pensively with him in for the removal of which he prayed, but the valley of the shadow of death.”37 never reasoned or argued with him con- When Cowper’s brother died in 1770, cerning it.”40 Newton resolved to help him by collabo- Another example of his tenderness rating with him in writing hymns for the toward an individual is the case of the mis- church. These came to be known as “The sionary, Henry Martyn. The young Martyn Olney Hymns.” But soon Cowper was was very discouraged from some criticism emotionally unable to carry through his he had received of his “insipid and inani- part of the plan. Newton pressed on writ- mate manner in the pulpit.” He came to ing one hymn a week without Cowper Newton, who blocked every one of until there were well over 300. Sixty-seven Martyn’s discouragements with hope. are attributed to William Cowper.38 The last Martyn wrote in his journal (April 25, 1805) hymn that Cowper composed for the Olney that when Newton heard of the criticism Hymns was “God Moves in a Mysterious he had received, Way,” which he entitled “Light Shining out of Darkness.” The next day, in January He said he had heard of a clever gar- dener, who would sow seeds when 1773, he sank into the blackest depression the meat was put down to roast, and and never went to hear Newton preach engage to produce a salad by to the again. Newton preached his funeral ser- time it was ready, but the Lord did not sow oaks in this way. On my say- mon seven years later and explained what ing that perhaps I should never live happened and how he responded. to see much fruit; he answered I should have the birds-eye view of it, which would be much better. When He drank tea with me in the after- I spoke of the opposition that I noon. The next morning a violent should be likely to meet with, he storm overtook him. . . . I used to said, he supposed Satan would not visit him often but no argument love me for what I was about to do. could prevail with him to come and The old man prayed afterwards with see me. He used to point with his sweet simplicity.41 finger to the church and say: “You know the comfort I have had there and how I have seen the glory of the If there were time we could linger over Lord in His house, and until I go another instance of remarkable patience there I’ll not go anywhere else.” He was one of those who came out of and tenderness toward Thomas Scott, great tribulations. He suffered much who was a liberal, “almost Socinian” cler- here for twenty-seven years, but gyman in a neighboring parish. Scott eternity is long enough to make amends for all. For what is all he made jest of Newton’s evangelical convic- endured in this life, when compared tions. But in the end Newton’s mingling with the rest which remaineth for the children of God.39 of hope-filled truth and kindness broke Scott’s opposition. Scott commented later: What would most of us have done with a “Under discouraging circumstances, I had depressed person who could scarcely occasion to call upon him; and his dis- move out of his house? William Jay course so comforted and edified me, that 28 my heart, being by this means relieved I have been thirty years forming my own views; and, in the course of this from its burden, became susceptible of time, some of my hills have sunk, affection for him.”42 Scott was personally and some of my valleys have risen: and theologically transformed and wrote but, how unreasonable within me to expect all this should take place in a book called The Force of Truth and another person; and that, in the became the minister in Olney when New- course of a year or two.45 ton left. Besides focusing on the persons who He had a passion for propagating the benefited from Newton’s habitual tender- truth, even the whole Reformed vision of ness, it will be helpful to look too at what God as he saw it. But he did not believe we might call some of the patterns of his controversy served the purpose. “I see the tenderness. unprofitableness of controversy in the case of Job and his friends: for, if God had Patterns of Newton’s Tenderness not interposed, had they lived to this One way to describe the pattern of day they would have continued the dis- Newton’s tenderness is to say that it was pute.”46 So he labored to avoid con- patient and perceptive. He captures this troversy and to replace it with positive balance when he says, “Apollos met with demonstrations of biblical truth. “My two candid people in the church: they nei- principal method of defeating heresy, is, ther ran away because he was legal, nor by establishing truth. One proposes to fill were carried away because he was elo- a bushel with tares: now, if I can fill it first quent.”43 In other words, Newton was not with wheat, I shall defy his attempts.”47 He driven away by people’s imperfections and knew that receiving the greatest truths he was not overly impressed by their gifts. required supernatural illumination. From He was patient and perceptive. He saw this he inferred that his approach should beneath the surface that repelled and the be patient and unobtrusive: surface that attracted. He once wrote to a friend, “Beware, my friend, of mistaking I am a friend of peace; and being deeply convinced that no one can the ready exercise of gifts for the exercise profitably understand the great of grace.”44 Being gracious to people did truths and doctrines of the gospel any farther than he is taught of God, not mean being gullible. I have not a wish to obtrude my own The most illuminating way I know to tenets upon others, in a way of con- illustrate Newton’s deeply rooted habitual troversy; yet I do not think myself bound to conceal them.48 tenderness is in the way he handled doc- trinal and moral truth that he cherished Newton had a strong, clear Calvinistic deeply. Here we see the very roots of the theology. He loved the vision of God in tenderness (truth) at work in the fruit of true biblical Calvinism: In the preface to tenderness (love). Patience and perception the Olney hymns, he wrote, “The views guided him between doctrinaire intellec- I have received of the doctrines of grace tualism on the one side and doctrinal are essential to my peace; I could not live indifference and carelessness on the other comfortably a day, or an hour, without side. them. I likewise believe . . . them to be With respect to patience Newton said: friendly to holiness, and to have a direct influence in producing and maintaining 29 a gospel conversation; and therefore I made prayer central to Newton’s pattern must not be ashamed of them.”49 But he of tenderness. In a letter about controversy, believed “that the cause of truth itself may he wrote a friend: be discredited by an improper manage- ment.” Therefore, he says, “The Scripture, As to your opponent, I wish, that, before you set pen to paper against which . . . teaches us what we are to say, is him, and during the whole time you equally explicit as to the temper and Spirit are preparing your answer, you may in which we are to speak. Though I had commend him by earnest prayer to the Lord’s teaching and blessing. knowledge of all mysteries, and the This practice will have a direct ten- tongue of an angel to declare them, I could dency to conciliate your heart to love hope for little acceptance or usefulness, and pity him; and such a disposition will have a good influence upon unless I was to speak ‘in love.’”50 every page you write. . . . [If he is a believer,] in a little while you will Of all people who engage in contro- meet in heaven; he will then be versy, we, who are called Calvinists, dearer to you than the nearest friend are most expressly bound by our you have upon earth is to you now. own principles to the exercise of Anticipate that period in your gentleness and moderation. . . . The thoughts. . . . [If he is an unconverted Scriptural maximum, that “The person,] he is a more proper object wrath of man worketh not the righ- of your compassion than your anger. teousness of God,” is verified by Alas! “He knows not what he does.” daily observation. If our zeal is But you know who has made you to 52 embittered by expressions of anger, differ. invective, or scorn, we may think we are doing service to the cause of Newton cared more about influencing truth, when in reality we shall only bring it into discredit.51 people with truth for their good than win- ning debates. William Jay recounts how He had noticed that one of the most “Cal- Newton described the place of his Calvin- vinistic” texts in the New Testament called ism. He was having tea one day with for tenderness and patience with oppo- Newton. Newton said, “‘I am more of a nents, because the decisive work was Calvinist than anything else; but I use my God’s: Calvinism in my writings and my preach- ing as I use this sugar’—taking a lump, And the Lord’s servant must not be and putting it into his tea-cup, and stir- quarrelsome but kindly to every one, ring it, adding, ‘I do not give it alone, and an apt teacher, forbearing, correct- ing his opponents with gentleness. whole; but mixed and diluted.’”53 In other God may perhaps grant that they will words, his Calvinism permeates all that repent and come to know the truth, he writes and teaches and serves to and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by sweeten everything. Few people like to him to do his will.” (2 Tim 2:24-26, eat sugar cubes, but they like the effect RSV) of sugar when it permeates in right pro- portion. So, for the sake of repentance and knowl- So Newton did not serve up the “five edge of truth, Newton’s pattern of tender- points” by themselves, but blended them ness in doctrinal matters was to shun con- in with everything he taught. This govern- troversy. ment was a key part of how his pattern of The sovereignty of God in freeing tenderness developed in dealing with people from error or from unbelief also 30 people’s doctrinal differences. Bruce which rigorous, critical thinking and the- Hindmarsh remarks, “It is not surprising, ology will not flourish, we may hurt the therefore, that he wrote principally biog- cause of Christ in generations to come raphies, sermons, letters, and hymnody— while seeming to make the cause more not treatises or polemical tracts, much less pleasing now. a ‘body of divinity.’”54 I am not sure that Newton is to be Did Newton strike the right balance of faulted on these counts, even if the gen- a patient, tender-hearted, non-controver- eral concern is legitimate. It is true that John sial pattern of ministry and a serious vigi- Wesley wrote to him, “You appear to be lance against harmful error? Perhaps rather designed by divine providence for an than indict Newton in particular, we healer of breaches, a reconciler of honest should speak generally about the possible but prejudiced men, and an uniter (happy weakness in his approach. For example, work!) of the children of God.”57 But it is William Plummer has misgivings: also true that the relationship with Wesley was broken off in 1762 because of the con- The pious and amiable John New- troversy, not over election or perseverance, ton made it a rule never to attack 58 error, nor warn his people against it. but over perfectionism. He said: ‘The best method of defeat- It is true that Richard Cecil criticized his ing heresy is by establishing the hero “that he did not always administer truth. One proposes to fill a bushel with tares; now if I can fill it first consolation . . . with sufficient discrimina- with wheat, I shall defeat his tion. His talent,” he said, “did not lie in dis- attempts.’ Surely the truth ought to cerning of spirits.”59 But it is also true that be abundantly set forth. But this is not sufficient. The human mind is Newton was unwavering in his commit- not like a bushel. It may learn much ment to holiness and doctrinal fidelity and truth and yet go after folly. The was used by God to bring Thomas Scott effect of Mr. Newton’s practice was unhappy. He was hardly dead till from the brink of Socianism to solid many of his people went far astray. Reformed Christianity. Paul says: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; Pastors simply cannot devote much of reprove, rebuke, exhort with all their time to blowing the trumpet for long-suffering and doctrine” (2 rigorous intellectual theology. They should Timothy 4:2). The more subtle, bit- ter, and numerous the foes of the see its usefulness and necessity and encour- truth are the more fearless and age its proper place. But they cannot be decided should its friends be. The faulted that they mainly have flocks to love life of truth is more important than the life of any man or any theories.55 and hearts to change. Defending the truth is a crucial part of that, but it is not the Bruce Hindmarsh has misgivings at main part. Holding the truth, and permeat- another level. “While it is no disgrace that ing all his ministry with the greatness and Newton was more a pastor than a theolo- sweetness of truth for the transformation gian, it is one of the most serious indict- of our people’s lives is the main part of his ments of the English Evangelical Revival ministry. that it produced so few theologians of stat- One other aspect of the pattern of ure.”56 In other words, if our zeal for peace Newton’s tenderness calls for attention. It and conciliation and heart-felt affection is the language he used in making the truth for God and for people creates a milieu in winsome and healing. Newton had the eye 31 and heart and tongue of a spiritual poet, break down a mile before he got to the city, which obliged him to walk and this gave his speech a penetrating the rest of the way; what a fool we power that many Reformed preachers des- should think him, if we saw him perately need. He wrote hymns and poems ringing his hands, and blubbering out all the remaining mile, “My for his people and for special occasions. [carriage] is broken! My [carriage] is Instead of excessive abstraction in his broken!”62 preaching, there was the concrete word and illustration. Instead of generalizing, there This is not merely a matter of style. It is a was the specific bird or flower or apple or matter of life and vitality. It is a sign to shabby old man. your people that your mind is healthy and He had an eye that saw everything as a means to awakening their health. Sick full of divine light for ministry to people. minds can only deal in abstractions and For example, in his diary for July 30, 1776 cannot get outside themselves to be Newton describes his watching the eclipse moved by concrete, external wonders. of the moon. And you will never be a tender person toward your people if you merely com- Tonight I attended an eclipse of the municate the heaviness of unhealthy con- moon. How great, O Lord, are thy cepts and theories rather than the stuff of works! With what punctuality do the heavenly bodies fulfill their courses. the world in which they live. This kind of . . . I thought, my Lord, of Thine communication was part and parcel of his eclipse. The horrible darkness which winsome, humble, compelling tenderness. overwhelmed Thy mind when Thou saidst, “Why hast thou forsaken And yes there is a crucial place for me?” Ah, sin was the cause—my humor in this pattern of tenderness—not sins—yet I do not hate sin or loathe myself as I ought.60 the contrived levity of so many “commu- nicators” today that know how to work an Oh how we preachers need eyes like this. audience—but the balanced, earthy expe- Seeing God and his ways everywhere in rience of the way the world really is in its nature and life and making our commu- horror and humor. There would be more nications full of concreteness from daily real laughter if there were more real tears. life. “One day by a strong sneeze he shook off Newton’s language was full of this kind a fly which had perched upon his gnomon, of thing. Most of us tend to gravitate to and immediately said: ‘Now if this fly abstractions. We say, “Men tend to choose keeps a diary, he’ll write Today a terrible lesser pleasures and reject greater ones.” earthquake.’” At another time, when asked But Newton says, “The men of this world how he slept, he instantly replied: “I’m like are children. Offer a child an apple and a beef-steak—once turned, and I am 63 bank note, he will doubtless choose the done.” What these quips indicate is a apple.”61 We say, “Men are foolish to fret healthy mind awake to the world and free so much over material things when they from bondage to morose speculations or will inherit eternal riches.” But Newton introspection. This kind of mental health says: is essential for a pastor to be tender, win- some minister to the whole range of Suppose a man was going to New human experience. York to take possession of a large estate, and his [carriage] should 32 The Tough Roots of This Habitual minute, we should rather complain of darkness, than rejoice in the early Tenderness beauties of the morning. Thus the I would mention only three of many that Life of grace is the dawn of immor- could be brought forward. tality: beautiful beyond expression, if compared with the night and thick darkness which formerly covered Newton’s Realism about the us; yet faint, indistinct, and unsatis- Limits of This Life fying, in comparison of the glory which shall be revealed.67 Few things will tend to make you more tender than to be much in the presence of This sober realism about what we can suffering and death. “My course of study,” expect from this fallen world is a crucial Newton said, “like that of a surgeon, has root of habitual tenderness in the life of principally consisted in walking the hos- John Newton. pital.”64 His biblical assessment of the mis- ery that he saw was that some, but not Newton’s All-Pervasive Humility much, of it can be removed in this life. He and Gratitude at Having Been Saved would give his life to bring as much relief This he comes back to more than any- and peace for time and eternity as he could. thing as the source of tenderness. Till the But he would not be made hard and cyni- day he died he never ceased to be amazed cal by the irremediable miseries like that, as he says at age 72, “such a wretch 65 Cowper’s mental illness. “I endeavor to should not only be spared and pardoned, walk through the world as a physician goes but reserved to the honour of preaching thy through Bedlam [the famous insane asy- Gospel, which he had blasphemed and lum]: the patients make a noise, pester him renounced . . . this is wonderful indeed! with impertinence, and hinder him in his The more thou hast exalted me, the more business; but he does the best he can, and I ought to abase myself.”68 He wrote his 66 so gets through.” In other words, his ten- own epitaph: der patience and persistence in caring for difficult people came, in part, from a very JOHN NEWTON, sober and realistic view of what to expect Clerk, Once an Infidel and Libertine, from this world. A Servant of Slaves in Africa, Just as we saw at the beginning that Was, by the rich mercy of our there are no perfect ministers, so there are Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST, no perfect lay people. This must not dis- Preserved, restored, pardoned, courage us, but only make us patient as we And appointed to preach the Faith wait for the day when all things will be He had long laboured to destroy, Near 16 years at Olney in Bucks; new. Newton gives beautiful, concrete And [28] years in this church. expression to this conviction as he watches the dawn outside his window. When he wrote his Narrative in the early 1760s he said, “I know not that I have ever The day is now breaking: how beau- since met so daring a blasphemer.”69 The tiful its appearance! how welcome the expectation of the approaching hymn we know as “Amazing Grace” was sun! It is this thought makes the written to accompany a New Year’s ser- dawn agreeable, that it is the presage mon based on 1 Chronicles 17:16, “Then of a brighter light; otherwise, if we expect no more day than it is this King David went in and sat before the 33 LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, in, turn a deaf ear to need and say, “Let us and what is my house, that thou hast eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we brought me thus far?”70 die.” Newton found this peace and confi- dence in the all-governing providence of Amazing grace! How sweet the God over good and evil. He describes sound That saved a wretch like me, his own experience when he describes the I once was lost, but now am found, believer: Was blind but now I see. And his faith upholds him under all The effect of this amazement is tenderness trials, by assuring him, that every dispensation is under the direction toward others. “[The ‘wretch’ who has of his Lord; that chastisements are a been saved by grace] believes and feels his token of his love; that the season, own weakness and unworthiness, and measure, and continuance of his suf- ferings, are appointed by Infinite lives upon the grace and pardoning love Wisdom, and designed to work for of his Lord. This gives him an habitual ten- his everlasting good; and that grace derness and gentleness of Spirit. Humble and strength shall be afforded him, according to his day.73 under a sense of much forgiveness to him- self, he finds it easy to forgive others.”71 This keeps him from being overwhelmed He puts it in a picture: with anger and bitterness and resentment when he is assaulted with pressures and A company of travellers fall into a pit: one of them gets a passenger to disappointments. It is as practical as pas- draw him out. Now he should not toral interruptions: “When I hear a knock be angry with the rest for falling in; at my study door, I hear a message from nor because they are not yet out, as he is. He did not pull himself out: God. It may be a lesson of instruction; instead, therefore, of reproaching perhaps a lesson of patience: but, since it them, he should shew them pity. . . . 74 A man, truly illuminated, will no is his message, it must be interesting.” more despise others, then Barti- He knew that even his temptations were meus, after his own eyes were ordered by the sovereign goodness of God opened, would take a stick, and beat every blind man he met.72 and that not to have any was dangerous for the soul. He approved of Samuel Glad-hearted, grateful lowliness and Rutherford’s comment, that “there is no brokenness as a saved “wretch” was prob- temptation like being without tempta- ably the most prominent root of Newton’s tion.”75 habitual tenderness with people. And this same faith in God’s gracious providence to help him profit from the Newton’s Peaceful Confidence painful things in life, also spares from the in the Pervasive, Loving Providence pleasant things in life that would deceive of God him that they are best and choke off the In order to maintain love and tender- superior pleasures he has in God. If the ness that thinks more about the other world triumphs in this way, we will lose person’s need than your own comforts, you our joy in Christ and his mercy, and that must have an unshakable hope that the will be the end of all Christ-exalting ten- sadness of your life will work for your derness. So it is a crucial root of his habitual everlasting good. Otherwise you will give tenderness when he says, “By faith [the 34 believer] triumphs over [the world’s] 22Richard Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John smiles and enticements: he sees that all that Newton, in The Works of the Rev. John New- is in the world, suited to gratify the desires ton, vol. 1 (Edinburgh: The Banner of of the flesh or the eye, is not only to be Truth Trust, 1985) 123. avoided as sinful, but as incompatible with 33Ibid., 107. his best pleasures.”76 44Ibid., 90. John Newton’s habitual tenderness is 55Ibid., 2. rooted in the sober realism of the limits of 66Ibid., 6. redemption in this fallen world where “we 77Ibid., 9. groan awaiting the redemption of our 88Ibid., 12. bodies” (Romans 8:23); the all-pervasive 99Ibid., 10. humility and gratitude for having been a 10Ibid., 16. blasphemer of the gospel and now being 11Ibid., 78. a heaven-bound preacher of it; and the 12See below, note 26. unshakable confidence that the all-govern- 13D. Bruce Hindmarsh, John Newton and the ing providence of God will make every English Evangelical Tradition (Grand Rap- experience turn for his good so that he ids: Eerdmans, 2001) 13. doesn’t spend his life murmuring, “My 14Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John Newton, 25. carriage is broken, my carriage is broken,” 15Ibid., 26. but sings, “Tis grace that brought me safe 16Ibid., 28. thus far, and grace will lead me home.” 17Ibid. 18Ibid., 32. ENDNOTES 19Ibid., 32-33. 11Besides appearing in almost all church 20Ibid., 33. hymnals, “‘Amazing Grace’ has been 21John Newton, “Thoughts upon the Afri- adapted by scores of performers, from can Slave Trade,” in The Works of the Rev. country music to gospel to folk singers. John Newton, vol. 6 (Edinburgh: Banner . . . Judy Collins sings in St. Paul’s Chapel of Truth, 1985) 123 at Columbia University, and talks about 22D. Bruce Hindmarsh, “‘I Am a Sort of how this song carried her through the Middle-Man’: The Politically Correct depths of her alcoholism. Jessye Norman Evangelicalism of John Newton,” in sends ‘Amazing Grace’ soaring across Amazing Grace: Evangelicalism in Austra- the footlights at Manhattan Center stage. lia, Britain, Canada, and the United States, While in Nashville, Johnny Cash visits a ed. George Rawlyk and Mark Noll prison and talks about the hymn’s (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993) 32. impact on prisoners. The folk singer, Jean 23Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John Newton, 50. Ritchie, shares a reunion of her extended Later in his ministry, Newton counseled family in Kentucky where everyone a younger minister, “The original Scrip- rejoices together. ‘Amazing Grace’ is also tures well deserve your pains, and will featured in the repertory of the Boys richly repay them” (The Works of the Rev. Choir of Harlem, which performs the John Newton, 1:143). Concerning the early hymn in both New York and Japan” years of studying the languages he says, (http://www.wlu.ca/mtr/MediaCollection/A/ “You must not think that I have attained, v1396.htm [Accessed 1-26-2001]). were ever aimed at, a critical skill in any 35 of these: . . . In the Hebrew, I can 36Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- of his maintaining and delivering it. read the Historical Books and ton, 95. He was found constantly speaking the Psalms with tolerable ease; but, in 37Cecil, The Life of John Newton, 125. truth in love; and in meekness instruct- the Prophetical and difficult parts, 38Ibid. ing those that oppose themselves, if God I am frequently obliged to have 39Ibid., 129-130. peradventure would give them repen- recourse to lexicons, etc. However, 40Ibid., 282. tance to the acknowledging of the truth. I know so much as to be able, with 41Ibid., 184. There was a gentleness, a candour, such helps as are at hand, to judge 42Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- and a forbearance in him, that I do for myself the meaning of any pas- ton, 67. not recollect to have seen in an equal sage I have occasion to consult” 43Ibid., 101. degree among his brethren . . .” (Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- 44The Works of the Rev. John Newton, (Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- ton, 49-50). 1:164. ton, 122). 24Ibid., 50. 45Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- 51The Works of the Rev. John Newton, 25Hindmarsh, “‘I Am a Sort of ton, 101. 1:271. Middle-Man,’” 42. 46Ibid., 106. In a letter to a friend he 52Ibid., 269. 26Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- warned that, if we do not look con- 53Hindmarsh, “‘I Am a Sort of ton, 88. tinually to the Lord, controversy Middle-Man,’” 52. 27Ibid., 89. will obstruct communion with God. 54Ibid. 28The Works of the Rev. John Newton, “Though you set out in defense of 55William S. Plummer, THE CHRIS- 1:170. the cause of God, if you are not con- TIAN, to which is added, FALSE DOC- 29Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- tinually looking to the Lord to keep TRINES AND FALSE TEACHERS: ton, 95. you, it may become your own cause How to Know Them and How to Treat 30The Works of the Rev. John Newton, and awaken in you those tempers Them (Harrisonburg, VA: Sprinkle, 5:132, emphasis added. which are inconsistent with true 1997) 22. 31Richard Cecil, The Life of John New- peace of mind and will surely ob- 56Hindmarsh, “‘I Am a Sort of ton, ed. Marylynn Rousse (Fearn, struct communion with God” (The Middle-Man,’” 53. Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Works of the Rev. John Newton, 1:273- 57Ibid., 31. Focus, 2000) 351. He had a special 274). 58Ibid., 43. In Liverpool, 51 Method- concern for sailors and lamented 47Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- ists claimed instantaneous and their neglect in evangelism and ton, 100. entire sanctification. “While New- Christian publishing. He eventually 48The Works of the Rev. John Newton, ton had been able to suppress his wrote a preface for a devotional 3:303. differences with Wesley over pre- book designed especially for sailors. 49Ibid. destination, the extent of the atone- See Cecil, The Life of John Newton, 76- 50The Works of the Rev. John Newton, ment, and final perseverance, he 77, 347-348. 5:131. Newton took Ephesians 4:15 was not able to accept the behavior 32Cecil, The Life of John Newton, 143. (“speaking the truth in love”) as his of Wesley’s followers in the wake of 33Josiah Bull, “But Now I See”: The Life inaugural text when he came to St. the perfectionism revival. The claim of John Newton (Edinburgh: Banner Mary’s (The Works of the Rev. John to perfection, however hedged of Truth, 1998, original 1868) 336- Newton, 5:126-136). Richard Cecil about by talk of grace, seemed in 367. describes how this text was fleshed many cases no more than an enthu- 34Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- out in Newton’s ministry: “His zeal siastic self-righteousness that belied ton, 92. in propagating the truth . . . was not trusting wholly in the merits of 35Cecil, The Life of John Newton, 139, more conspicuous, than the tender- Christ for redemption. Newton had emphasis added. ness of the spirit as to the manner earlier worked out a formula that 36 would maintain evangelical solidar- telling expressions, often enriched same may be observed of the ity with Arminians by saying, Mr. Newton’s extempore dis- unspeakable and fierce suggestions ‘Though a man does not accord courses.” Another instance of of Satan, with which some people with my view of election, yet if he Newton’s humor is seen in a letter are pestered, but which shall be laid gives me good evidence, that he is to Thomas Scott who became the to him from whom they proceed, effectually called of God, he is my Vicar in Olney when Newton left. and not to them who are troubled brother’ [The Works of the Rev. John Newton wrote to him, “Methinks I and terrified, because they are Newton, 6:199]. He could not, how- see you sitting in my old corner in forced to feel them” (Cecil, The Life ever, make any rapprochement with the study. I will warn you of one of John Newton, 126). Wesley’s growing stress upon per- thing. That room—(do not start)— 66Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- fectionism. The behavior of his used to be haunted. I cannot say I ton, 103. followers raised the specter of a ever saw or heard anything with my 67The Works of the Rev. John Newton, Pelagianism that lay outside his bodily organs, but I have been sure 1:319. Another example of the lim- understanding of evangelical theol- there were evil spirits in it and very its of this age that make us patient ogy, unduly stressing human near me—a spirit of folly, a spirit of with people’s failings is the God- agency in salvation.” indolence, a spirit of unbelief, and ordained necessity of temptations. 59Cecil writes, “I never saw him so many others—indeed their name is He asks, “Why the Lord permits much moved, as when any friend legion. But why should I say they some of his people to suffer such endeavored to correct his errors in are in your study when they fol- violent assaults from the powers of this respect. His credulity seemed to lowed me to London, and still pes- darkness” (The Works of the Rev. John arise from the consciousness he had ter me here?” (Cecil, The Life of John Newton, 1:226). “Though the Lord of his own integrity; and from the Newton, 145). sets such bounds to [Satan’s] rage sort of parental fondness which he 64Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- as he cannot pass, and limits him bore to all his friends, real or pre- ton, 100. both as to manner and time, he is tended. I knew one, since dead, 65See above, note 40. Another case of often pleased to suffer him to dis- whom he thus described, while liv- constitutional depression (as he cover his malice to a considerable ing: ‘He is certainly an odd man, judged it) besides Cowper’s was degree; not to gratify Satan, but to and has his failings; but he has great that of Hannah Wilberforce. New- humble and prove them; to show integrity, and I hope is going to ton wrote to her in a letter dated them what is in their hearts, to make heaven:’ whereas, almost all who July, 1764, “Things which abate the them truly sensible of their imme- knew him thought the man should comfort and alacrity of our Chris- diate and absolute dependence go first into the pillory!” (Cecil, tian profession are rather impedi- upon him [see p. 232], and to Memoirs of the Rev. John Newton, 94- ments than properly sinful, and will quicken them if to watchfulness and 95). not be imputed to us by him who prayer” (p. 227). He goes on to sug- 60Cecil, The Life of John Newton, 134. knows our frame, and remembers gest that another design of tempta- 61Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- that we are but dust. Thus, to have tion is “for the manifestation of ton, 107. an infirm memory, to be subject to his power, and wisdom, and grace, 62Ibid., 108. disordered, irregular, or low spirits, in supporting the soul under such 63Josiah Bull, 370. The meaning of are faults of the constitution, in pressures as are evidently beyond “gnomon” in 1803, according to the which the will has no share, though its own strength to sustain” (p. 228). Shorter Oxford Dictionary, included they are all burdensome and He gives Job as an illustration: “nose.” That is probably Newton’s oppressive, and sometimes need- “the experiment answered many reference. “Striking illustrations, lessly so by our charging ourselves good purposes: Job was humbled, happy turns of thought, racy and with guilt on their account. The yet approved; his friends were 37 instructed; Satan was confuted, and disappointed; and the wisdom and mercy of the Lord, in his darkest dispensations toward his people, were gloriously illustrated” (p. 228). “If the Lord has any children who are not exercised with spiritual temptations, I am sure they are but poorly qualified to ‘speak a word in season to them that are weary’” (p. 231). 68Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- ton, 86. 69Ibid., 22. 70Cecil, The Life of John Newton, 365- 368. 71The Works of the Rev. John Newton, 1:170. 72Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- ton, 105. 73The Works of the Rev. John Newton, 1:169. 74Cecil, Memoirs of the Rev. John New- ton, 76. 75The Works of the Rev. John Newton, 1:259. 76Ibid., 171-172.

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