JEWELS FROM JOHN NEWTON
Daily Readings from the Works of John Newton
Selected by Miller Ferrie
Banner of Truth. 365 pages. £15.50
ISBN 978 1 848 715 554
It has been strange reading a book of daily readings in chunks and more quickly than perhaps one would do so when using Devotional Daily Readings.
Having read over half of those selected, I am so looking forward to using the book on a daily basis, having more time to mull over what has been written! I am one of those readers who would be daunted if presented with the full works of John Newton, so this compilation, gleaned mainly from his prolific correspondence, makes his writings accessible to every church member, not just the minister!
Positively persevering
It took me a while to get used to the sometimes old-fashioned language, but it is so worth persevering with, taking the time to get to grips with what he is saying – and one can always resort to a dictionary! ( I now know that an aphorism is ‘a pithy observation which contains a general truth’! Concise Oxford Dictionary). At the start of each reading the compiler has selected a text for us to focus on, but the readings themselves are soaked in Scripture. They are full of help and encouragement, and so relevant to our times, though written over 200 years ago. Much thought has obviously gone into both choice and order of readings, with themes sometimes spanning a few days. After each reading the page references to both Banner editions of Newton's Works have been given.
Great warmth
Newton writes with great warmth and compassion and from a wealth of experience, and there is a real richness in his language. I can do no better than echo the compilers preface: ‘What impresses me about this man is his honesty in readily admitting his struggles, sinfulness and failures. This aspect of his writings has been such an encouragement to me personally, for it gave me the assurance that my own daily battles and humiliations are not unique. In addition, he repeatedly reminds his readers of God’s trustworthiness, no matter what circumstances they may be facing.’
