“Whatever storms may arise, there is an infallible and almighty Pilot” by John Newton

“The newspapers (which in this retired place are the chief sources of our intelligence) give us but a dark view of what is passing abroad.

A spirit of discord is spreading in the nation, and we have hints and items respecting ecclesiastical matters, which I hope are premature, and without sufficient ground.

But, whatever storms may arise, there is an infallible and almighty Pilot, who will be a Sun and a Shield to those who love Him.

I endeavour to answer all fears respecting political matters with the sure declarations of the word of God. Such as Psalm 99:1; 29:10-11; Isaiah 8:12–14; 51:12-13; John 3:35.

Jesus is King of kings, and Lord of lords; King of the church, and King in the nations; who doth his pleasure in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth.

Therefore by faith in him, we may adopt the triumphant language of Psalms 2, 27, 46, and 118, for the Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and knoweth how to deliver them that trust in him.

Oh, Sir, what a light does the gospel of Christ throw upon the world when our eyes are open to receive it!

Without it, all would be uncertainty and perplexity; but the knowledge of his person, blood, and righteousness; of the love he bears us, the care he exercises over us, and the blessings he has prepared for us,—this knowledge gives peace and stability to the soul, in the midst of all changes and confusions.

And, were it not for the remaining power of unbelief in our hearts, which fights against our faith, and damps the force of divine truth, we should begin our heaven even while we are upon earth.

We have need to adopt the apostle’s prayer, and to say, ‘Lord, increase our faith.‘ (Luke 17:5)”

–John Newton, The Works of John Newton, Vol. 6, Ed. Richard Cecil (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1988), 6: 218-219.