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  AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR
  by John Newton
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Summary: As we reflect on the past year, we should give thanks to God
for His love, care, and providence, and trust Him to guide us through
the future.

Topics: "Thanksgiving", "Trust God"
Scripture References: Psalm 23:4, Psalm 71:5, Psalm 139:13, Psalm 150:6, Philippians 4:6

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DESCRIPTION
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John Newton preaches about the importance of uniting hearts and tongues
in loud thanksgivings to sing the Savior's praise, acknowledging that
every breath we take is owed to God who sustains us from the womb to
childhood and youth, leading us through dangers and showing us mercy. He
emphasizes the need to trust God with our future, casting all our cares
upon Him, praising Him for the past, and trusting Him for the rest.

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CONTENT
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Let hearts and tongues unite,

And loud thanksgivings raise:

'Tis duty, mingled with delight,

To sing the Saviour's praise.

To him we owe our breath,

He took us from the womb,

Which else had shut us up in death,

And prov'd an early tomb.

When on the breast we hung,

Our help was in the Lord;

'Twas he first taught our infant tongue

To form the lisping word.

When in our blood we lay,

He would not let us die,

Because his love had fix'd a day

To bring salvation nigh.

In childhood and in youth,

His eye was on us still:

Though strangers to his love and truth,

And prone to cross his will.

And since his name we knew,

How gracious has he been:

What dangers has he led us through,

What mercies have we seen!

Now through another year,

Supported by his care,

We raise our Ebenezer here,

"The Lord has help'd thus far."

Our lot in future years

Unable to foresee,

He kindly, to prevent our fears,

Says, "Leave it all to me."

Yea, Lord, we wish to cast

Our cares upon thy breast!

Help us to praise thee for the past,

And trust thee for the rest.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-newton/at-the-close-of-the-year/
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