Assurance grows by repeated conflict, by our repeated experimental proof of the Lord's power and goodness to save; when we have been brought very low and helped, sorely wounded and healed, cast down and raised again, have given up all hope, and been suddenly snatched from danger, and placed in safety; and when these things have been repeated to us and in us a thousand times over, we begin to learn to trust simply to the word and power of God, beyond and against appearances: and this trust, when habitual and strong, bears the name of assurance; for even assurance has degrees.
John NewtonIf we seem to get no good by attempting to draw near to Him, we may be sure we will get none by keeping away from Him.
John NewtonChrist has taken our nature into Heaven to represent us; and has left us on earth, with His nature, to represent Him.
John NewtonIf two angels were to receive at the same moment a commission from God, one to go down and rule earthโs grandest empire, the other to go and sweep the streets of its meanest village, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each which service fell to his lot, the post of ruler or the post of scavenger; for the joy of the angels lies only in obedience to Godโs will, and with equal joy they would lift a Lazarus in his rags to Abrahamโs bosom, or be a chariot of fire to carry an Elijah home.
John Newton