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266 reviews

Mike E.

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Mike is Currently Reading

Mike E. is currently reading

Simplicity in Preaching

by J.C. Ryle

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Mar 18, 2023 11:31AM

Mike E. is currently reading

A Short History of Nearly Everything

by Bill Bryson

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Mar 18, 2023 11:30AM

Mike E. is currently reading

John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace

by Jonathan Aitken

bookshelves: biography, currently-reading

Reading for the 3rd time

read in June, 2014

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Mike E. said: " The author of America's, perhaps the world's, greatest hymn, "Amazing Grace" was written by a man whose formal education ended at the age of ten. John Newton's father thought it was best for his son to begin his life at sea, following in his father's The author of America's, perhaps the world's, greatest hymn, "Amazing Grace" was written by a man whose formal education ended at the age of ten. John Newton's father thought it was best for his son to begin his life at sea, following in his father's wake. The life of John Newton is dramatic, fantastic and epic--at one point he is a deserter and receives a public flogging, at another he chooses to live in Africa and winds up enslaved--chained and shackled by a black mistress of a white slave trader(!). Later in life he is eventually ordained by the Church of England, publishes internationally acclaimed books (after teaching himself Greek, Hebrew, and the classics), preaches all across England, is friends with the poor as well as MPs, has a hand in the abolition of the slave trade, loves his wife with remarkable devotion, and on and on.

Aitken writes well with comprehensive knowledge. He's obviously a fan of Newton, but he does not keep Newton's blemishes out of the book. I enjoyed the short chapters. Christians who enjoy biography, put this on your to-read list. Pastors, this is a must-read--if you read biographies. Your ministry and life will be challenged and strengthened.

The book contains its fair share of SAT words. E.g., "Newton, in a mood that was between truculence and somnolence, refused to budge."

Newton quotes:

If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to all happiness they would tell you to make it a rule to thank and praise God for everything that happens to you. For it is certain that whatever seeming calamity befalls you, if you can thank and praise God for it you will turn it into a blessing.

JN's resolutions:

“To begin and end every day with God,” “To peruse the Scriptures with a diligence and attention suited to the dignity of the subject,” “To spend the hours of the Sabbath entirely with the Lord,” “To choose for my companions only good people from whom I may derive some improvement,” and “To become all things to all men in order that I may save some.”
These positive exhortations were followed by negative prohibitions to beware of “games given to covetousness or passion” and “wandering, vain, lustful thoughts.”

The best preparation is not to be too anxious about it. Anxious care hinders liveliness and efficacy. It leads to too little dependence on the Spirit. Be not didactic. Aim at the conscience as soldiers aim at the faces. Consider I may be preaching my last sermon. This leads to setting forth Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. . . . Make Christ the prominent figure. . . . Pay less attention to dear self.

John Newton on preaching
June 24, 1799
Eclectic Society meeting ...more "

progress:

(page 142 of 400)
— Apr 08, 2014 07:54PM

Jan 19, 2023 03:18PM · see review

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Mike’s Quotes

“God is the highest good of the reasonable creature. The enjoyment of him is our proper; and is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Better than fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of any, or all earthly friends. These are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops, but God is the ocean.”
― Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 17: Sermons and Discourses, 1730-1733

tags: happiness, puritan, reformed

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