Letters that Continue to Speak X: Humility Over Blessings

In this week’s episode of The Whole Counsel, Dr. John Snyder continues our series Letters that Continue to Speak with John Newton’s fifth letter to Mrs. —. While best known for the hymn, “Amazing Grace”, Newton was also a careful pastor who wrote extensively to guide believers through life’s challenges.

In this letter, written in 1769, Newton encourages a Christian woman facing health difficulties and spiritual isolation. He reminds us that trials are not meaningless—they are classrooms where Christ Himself is the Teacher. Newton emphasizes the value of humility, meekness, and dependence on God, noting that comforts and blessings, if misused, can divide our hearts and lead to pride.

Newton offers four duties for Christians navigating life’s ups and downs:

  1. Be grateful for Christ as the perfect Teacher who equips us to learn.

  2. Be attentive to daily lessons in life and relationships.

  3. Obey faithfully on the path of duty, even when it is difficult.

  4. Draw from the wells of salvation through prayer and Scripture.

This episode reminds us that God’s kindness is never absent, even in seasons of disappointment or loss. Trials are not obstacles—they are tools to shape our hearts, deepen our faith, and draw us closer to Christ.

Listen now and let Newton’s pastoral wisdom guide you through your own seasons of trial.

You can read this week's letter here: Fifth Letter to Mrs. —

You can read next week’s letter here: Sixth Letter to Mrs. —

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The Whole CounselSarah Snyder