[b]Break through the snares of vanity![/b](Letters of John Newton)Dear fellow pastor,I would earnestly press both of us-- to follow the Lord fully; to aim at a life of self-denial; to renounce self-will; and to guard against self-wisdom. The less we have to do with the world--the better! Unless we watch and pray--we shall often be ensnared!Time is precious, and opportunities once gone--are gone forever! Even by reading, and what we call studying--we may be comparatively losers. The best way to study--is to be closely waiting upon God in humble, secret, fervent prayer. The treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in His hands--and He gives bountifully, without upbraiding! Whatever we may undertake with a sincere desire to promote His glory--we may comfortably pursue. Nothing is trivial--which is done for Him. Pray for me, that I may be enabled to break through the snares of vanity which lie in my way; that I may be crucified with Christ--and live a sincere life of faith in Him who loved me, and gave Himself for me!Adieu,John NewtonJune 29, 1757
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