The Whole Counsel Letters that Continue to Speak XI: Final Letter to Mrs. —
John Newton’s final letter to Mrs. — reminds believers that suffering is never wasted. Dr. John Snyder explores Newton’s insights on sanctification, God’s glory in affliction, and Christ’s inexhaustible compassion.
In this final episode on John Newton’s Letters to Mrs. —, Dr. John Snyder explores Newton’s tender counsel to a believer walking through prolonged difficulty. Newton reminds her — and us — that though human compassion is limited, the compassion of Christ is infinite: deeper than every sorrow and sufficient for every need.
Drawing from this sixth letter (1772), we hear Newton explain that the believer’s suffering is never meaningless. Every trial is woven by God for two great purposes: the sanctification of His children and the glory of His name. Even in affliction, the Christian’s contentment and quiet trust adorn the gospel.
This letter also offers a glimpse into Newton’s weekly rhythms — his Saturday evening walks through Olney, spent praying for the ministers and congregations who would gather the next day. It closes with one of his most beautiful meditations on the inexhaustible riches of Christ, who can fill and satisfy all His people without measure.
The remaining letters Newton wrote Mrs. — are about topics we have already discussed so this will be the final letter between that we will discuss. But if you want to read the text of all the letters he wrote her, you can find them below. We pray they are a blessing to you.
You can read this week's letter here:
Read all eight letters to Mrs.
First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs
Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs
Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs
Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs
Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs-
Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs
Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs
Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs
Watch all the episodes of this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMzuC301aRv8v3tga_psAcK What all Whole Counsel episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMtoTMNlcPdqOqkg0vuNlYG See Media Gratiae Original Project: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDPqcYtQL-uT7Dx4OcprVlik