Each Cross

From a letter by Samuel Rutherford, the great seventeenth-century Scottish Christian:

I would wish each cross were looked in the face seven times, and were read over and over again. It is the messenger of the Lord and speaks something.

The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford, first published in 1909, republished by the Banner of Truth, 2007, p. 42.

Think of Jesus

A selection from a letter by John A Broadus, while in Goshen Depot, Virginia, to Mrs. Broadus, June 16, 1867, about a sermon he preached at the Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Virginia:

Sunday morning it rained considerably, which prevented my going to Sunday-school, and prevented the huge Presbyterian church from running over. It was full, including some four hundred college students and cadets [Washington and Lee College]. I did greatly long to make them think of Jesus. Oh, that I could once speak of him somewhat as a man ought to speak [he preached on ‘One Jesus,’ from Acts 25:19].

Life and Letters of John Albert Broadus, by Archibald Thomas Robertson, 1901, reprint by Gano Books, p. 226.

To Him Let Us Look

Extract from a letter by Augusta Toplady to Mr. Rutter, October 3, 1768:

May the light of his gracious countenance, the comforts of his Spirit, and the cheering intimations of his favour, be your strength, and your portion, when heart and flesh fail! You have, I trust, a merciful and faithful High-Priest above, who bears you on his heart, and is touched with the feeling of your infirmities. To him let us look; on him let the anchor of our reliance be cast.

The Works of Augustus Toplady, Bookshelf Publications, reprint from the 1794 edition, p. 832.

First Lesson

A selection from a letter by John Newton to Rev. Thomas Scott, June 23, 1775:

The first lesson in the school of Christ is to become a little child, sitting simply at his feet, that we may be made wise unto salvation.

Letters of John Newton: with Biographical Sketches and Notes, by Josiah Bull, first published in 1869, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 2007, p. 248.

Foremost Desire

From a pastoral letter by Robert Murray M’Cheyne, to his congregation, February 13, 1839:

Believe me, it is the foremost desire of my heart that Christ may be glorified in you, both now and at His coming—that you may be a happy and a holy people blessed and made a blessing.

Robert Murray M’Cheyne: Memoir and Remains, Andrew A. Bonar, first published in 1884, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1966, p. 224.

A Religious Concern

From a letter by Jonathan Edwards, quoting a report on the revival at the College of New Jersey, given by Aaron Burr in a letter to Edwards, February 22, 1757. Edwards’s letter was sent from Stockbridge to Rev. John Erskine of Scotland, April 12, 1757.

For near a week past, a religious concern has been universal, not one student excepted… Time must discover what genuine effects will remain. I can’t but hope a number have been enabled sincerely to give themselves to Christ. It has been remarkably carried on by the still voice of the Spirit; no boisterous methods; no special pathetic addresses to the passions.

Jonathan Edwards: Letters and Personal Writings, edited by George S. Claghorn, vol. 16 in The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Yale University Press, 1998, p. 704.

The Chamber of Death Irradiated

A selection from a letter by Rev. J. H. Thornwell, to Rev. John F. Lannean, of Salem, Virginia, who had recently lost a son in death. Mr. Thornwell could sympathize with him, for he had lost his own daughter. The letter was written on January 30, 1860.

It would be monstrous ingratitude to talk of grief in a case like this. There may be, and there must be, the pang of separation; there may and there must be those tears of nature, which testify to a father’s interest, and a father’s love; but anything that deserves to be called grief, must not enter where God and Christ are so gloriously present, and where the chamber of death is irradiated with the light, and joy, and blessedness of the eternal city.

The Life and Letters of James Henley Thornwell, first published in 1875, republished by the Banner of Truth, 1974, pp. 444-45.

To Rejoice, To Mourn

A selection from a letter by Elizabeth Prentiss to Miss Eliza A. Warner, September 27, 1868:

The summer has gone, and I am grieved that I have not been, from its beginning to its end, so like [Christ], so full of Him, as to constrain everybody I met to love Him too. Isn’t there such power in a holy life, and have not some lived such a life? I hardly know whether to rejoice most in my love for Him, or to mourn over my meager love; so I do both.

More Love to Thee: The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss, George Lewis Prentiss, reprinted by Solid Ground Christian Books, p. 246.

A Preacher's Perpetual Proneness

Extract from a letter by Andrew Fuller to Benjamin Francis, July 13, 1788, about a personal weakness in pastoral ministry:

I find a perpetual proneness to read and study rather as a minister than as a Christian; more to find out something to say to the people than to edify my own soul.

The Armies of the Lamb: The Spirituality of Andrew Fuller, edited and introduced by Michael A. G. Haykin, Joshua Press, p. 113.

Deep Enmity in my Heart

A portion of a letter from Joseph Alleine (1633-1668), to a dear friend, lamenting the lack of deep love in his heart for Christ:

Oh, the deep enmity that there is in my heart against Christ, notwithstanding all the personal excellencies that I know to be in him, and all the benefits I have received from him! He shed his heart's blood for me, and yet I do begrudge any service for him.

Life and Letters of Joseph Alleine, by Rev. Richard Baxter, Theodosia Alleine, and others, with a new introduction by Joel R. Beeke and Herb Samworth, Reformation Heritage Books, reprinted in 2003, p. 280.

Doctrinal Sermons

From the pen of David Kinghorn to his son, Joseph Kinghorn, pastor of St. Mary’s Baptist Church, Norwich, England, who was preaching a series of sermons on doctrinal topics. The letter was written on July 25, 1795:

I quite approve of your plan of preaching a few doctrinal sermons, as it keeps up in the minds of the people a view of those truths on which Christianity is founded, in all its practical effects on the heart and life. For without the doctrinal part, religion sinks into dead formality, and without the practical part, it dashes on the rocks of speculation, and beats itself to pieces in idle disputation…

The Life and Works of Joseph Kinghorn, by Martin Hood Wilkin, reprinted by Particular Baptist Press, 1995, p. 254.

Agreement in Doctrine and Practice

A selection from a letter written by C. H. Spurgeon, July 20, 18??, to someone who had inquired about a church member who had been directed to find another church or face discipline because of his annihilationist views.

We, as a church at the Tabernacle, cultivate fellowship with all the churches of our Lord, although within our own membership, we have a basis of agreement in doctrine and practice, and where a member differs from it, it is his duty to remove to some other community where his views are held, or else he must expect us to withdraw from him.

Letters of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Selected with Notes, by Iain H. Murray, Banner of Truth, 1992, p. 151.

Letters Not Good for Debating

From a letter by Martin Luther to Philip Melanchthon, September 9, 1521, in discussing the problem of monastic vows:

It is not good to debate in a letter. While one writes quite verbosely about something the other person already knows only too well, one omits what the other person is most interested in…

Luther's Works, Letters I, Vol. 48, edited by J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald and H. T. Lehmann, Fortress Press, letter # 95.

Our Strength and Our Comforts

A line from a letter by Benjamin Morgan Palmer to his daughter, Anna, January 4, 1869:

God, who makes our strength equal to our duty, makes also our comforts equal to our responsibilities.

The Life and Letters of Benjamin Morgan Palmer, by Thomas Cary Johnson, Banner of Truth, p. 383.

The Source of Afflictions

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles, to Miss Wright (no date):

When [the Lord] afflicts, it is not willingly, that is, not from any injustice or cruelty in his nature; no, infinitely far from it. Afflictions proceed from his goodness; and they are ordered by perfect wisdom and the greatest tenderness.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 302.

Free Grace - A Sweet Theme

From the pen of J. C. Philpot to Fanny Philpot, February, 18, 1840:

Surely free grace is a sweet theme to all the ransomed family of God; but what makes it sweet but sheer necessity? If there were no sins to pardon, no backslidings to heal, no wounds to cleanse, no broken bones to restore, no aggravated iniquities freely to blot out, free grace would be but a name, a sound in the ears, a Bible word, the article of a sound creed; but not a felt, tasted, and enjoyed possession, sweeter than honey or the honeycomb in the soul.

Letters and Memoir of Joseph Charles Philpot, first published in 1871, reprinted by Baker Book House, 1981, p. 154.

Preaching with the Zeal of Luther

A selection from a letter written by missionary Henry Martyn, July 4, 1808, to Rev. D. Brown, referring to some problems he had faced with Roman Catholicism:

I feel my spirit roused to preach against Popery with all the zeal of Luther. How small and unimportant are the hair splitting disputes of the blessed people at home, compared with the formidable agents of the devil with whom we have to combat here!

The Life and Letters of Henry Martyn, by John Sargent, first published in 1819, published by the Banner of Truth, 1985, p. 246.

Doing Something for God

A selection from a letter by Henry Venn, Church of England minister, to James Kershaw, July 8, 1769:

Oh, pray for me! And I will endeavour to return the favour—that every morning I may rise with an active and steady purpose to be doing something for God, as the miser rises with the design to get more gain each day.

Letters of Henry Venn, by John Venn, first published in 1835, republished by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 155.

My Only Guide... My Constant Rule

A letter from John Calvin, to his friend, Laelius Socinus, who had departed from orthodox doctrine. It was written probably sometime in the last few months of 1551:

Yet nothing shall ever hinder me from openly avowing what I have learned from the word of God… It is my only guide, and to acquiesce in its plain doctrines shall be my constant rule of wisdom.

Letters from John Calvin: Selected from the Bonnet Edition, the Banner of Truth, 1980, p. 128.

"Then" and "Now"

Extract from a letter by John Leland to Rev. John Taylor, Dec 10, 1830:

A new order of things has taken place in the religious department, since I began to preach. Then, when I went to meeting, I expected to hear the preacher set forth the ruin and recovery of man, and labor with heavenly zeal to turn many unto righteousness. His eyes, his voice, and all his prayers, and deportment, gave evidence that his soul travailed in birth for the salvation of his hearers. But now, when I go to meeting, I hear high encomiums on Sunday-schools, tract societies, Bible societies, missionary societies, anti-mason societies, etc., with a strong appeal to the people to aid with their money those institutions which are to introduce the millennium; assuring the people that ‘every cent may save a soul.’ I do not wish to be the bigoted old man, who always finds fault with new customs, though ever so great improvements; but, when I see the same measures pursued that were in the third century, I am afraid the same effects will follow.

The Writings of the Late Elder John Leland, 1845, reprinted by Church History Research and Archives, 1986, p. 602.

Preparation for Heaven

From the pen of Thomas Chalmers, to his friend Mrs. Jane Morton, March 20, 1840:

I have now entered on threescore, and desire to give up the remainder of my days on earth to a busy work of preparation for Heaven—a work of greatest difficulty, nay, impracticable, without the aids of that Spirit who alone can help our infirmities, and perfect strength in weakness.

Letters of Thomas Chalmers, edited by William Hanna, first published 1853, reprinted by The Banner of Truth, 2007, p. 227.

Great Joy in the Midst of Great Trials

A selection from a letter by Isaac Backus to his mother about a sermon he preached from 1 Peter 1:6, after having recently endured some difficult trials. He wrote:

I was led to observe: (1) That manifold trials attend God’s people in this world, (2) That these are sent because we have need of them; [they are sent] to kill pride, to cure us of worldly mindedness and love to the creature, to rouse us from our sloth, and to quicken our regard to eternal things, etc. (3) That these temptations and sorrows continue but for a short season. And, (4) That in the midst of them God gives his saints springs of great joy. And blessed be the name of the Lord, I did not preach an unfelt religion. I have seldom seen affliction bear a more pleasant face than it did then.

A Memoir of the Life and Times of the Rev. Isaac Backus, A.M., by Alvah Hovey, 1858, republished by Gano Books, 1991, p. 135-36.

No Hope Apart from Revival

From a letter by Martyn Lloyd-Jones to his close friend Philip E. Hughes, April 17, 1946:

You will be glad to know that the work at Westminster [Chapel] is progressing favourably… But the general state of the people in London and in the country is one of apathy and deadness. Mr. Tom B. Rees created a bit of excitement with a campaign at the Westminster Central Hall for six Saturday nights in the winter. But he drew Christians almost entirely and much time was spent in singing choruses. There is a levity and carnality about such efforts which I simply cannot reconcile with the New Testament. There is no hope apart from revival.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Letters 1919-1981, Selected with Notes, by Ian H. Murray, Banner of Truth, 1994, p. 70.

A Bush Not Consumed

A selection from a letter written by missionary to India, William Carey, to pastor Andrew Fuller in England, May 5, 1813, about the great trials and afflictions he had faced:

We are a bush that has been burned with fire for several years and yet the bush is not consumed.

The Journal and Selected Letters of William Carey, collected and edited by Terry G. Carter, Smyth & Helwys, 2000, p. 99.

Thanks for Material Blessings

Extract from a letter by William Still to his congregation, Gilcomston South Church of Scotland, Aberdeen, October 1948:

If you see the grace of God working in your life, and if you recognize material blessings that have come your way as a consequence, do not forget to thank Him. It is sad when there is nothing for which we feel grateful to God, but it is serious when there is something and we fail to show gratitude, and it is tragic when we are so busy asking for more that we forget to thank Him for what we have received.

The Letters of William Still, The Banner of Truth, p. 35.

Be of Good Courage

From the pen of Mary Winslow (1774-1854) to a friend recently widowed. Mrs. Winslow too was a widow, left with 9 children to bring up in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

He can make straight our crooked paths, and smooth the rough ones. The silver and the gold belong to Him; and all hearts are in His hand, and He can turn them as it seemeth to Him good. And what is more—all things are yours, because you belong to Christ, and Christ is God’s beloved Son and unspeakable gift. Then be of good courage, live by faith in the Son of God, and walk with your heavenly Father in your journey homeward, shortening every hour.

Heaven Opened: A Selection from the Correspondence of Mrs. Mary Winslow, edited by her son, Octavius Winslow, 1864, reprinted by Reformation Heritage Books, 2001, pp. 124-25.

I Am Satisfied

A selection from a letter by Samuel Rutherford, written from prison to John Laurie, June 10, 1637:

If my Lord would bring edification to one soul by my bonds, I am satisfied.

Letters of Samuel Rutherford, With a Sketch of his Life and Biographical Notices of His Correspondents, by Andrew A. Bonar, first published in 1664, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1984, p. 330.

It Is Good

Extract from a letter by John A Broadus to Maria Harrison, his wife-to-be, October 18, 1850:

It is good for us sometimes to be troubled, since it drives us to the Great Comforter; for it is good to feel our weakness and insufficiency, and then go to the Source of Strength.

Life and Letters of John Albert Broadus, by Archibald Thomas Robertson, 1901, reprint by Gano Books, p. 82.

The Subjects of My Ministry

A selection from a letter by Augusta Toplady to Mr. Morris, September 2, 1768:

Electing, justifying, regenerating, sanctifying, and persevering grace, have been, and are, the subjects of my ministry; and, I hope, will be, to my latest breath.

The Works of Augustus Toplady, Bookshelf Publications, reprint from the 1794 edition, p. 831.

Too Easily Satisfied

A selection from a letter by John Newton to Captain Scott, May 20, 1769, writing about his preaching ministry:

I have no reason to complain of a want of liberty in public, but I wish I could be more concerned for success, and more affected to see poor sinners hardening under the sound of the gospel. I am afraid that if I am enabled to fill up my hour, and to come off with tolerable acceptance, I am too easily satisfied.

Letters of John Newton: with Biographical Sketches and Notes, by Josiah Bull, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, p. 146.

The Frowns of Heaven

From the pen of Jonathan Edwards to the Scottish pastor, Thomas Gillespie, about his removal as pastor from his Northampton Church, written on April 2, 1750:

I desire your prayers that I may take a suitable notice of the frowns of heaven on me and this people (between whom was once so great an union), in the bringing to pass such a separation between us; and that these troubles may be sanctified to me; that God would overrule this event for his own glory (which doubtless many adversaries will rejoice and triumph in), that God would open a door for my future usefulness, and provide for me and my numerous family, and take a fatherly care of us in our present unsettled, uncertain circumstance, being cast on the wide world.

Jonathan Edwards: Letters and Personal Writings, edited by George S. Claghorn, vol. 16 in The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Yale University Press, 1998, p. 339.

I Bow to the Will of a Sovereign God

From a letter by J. H. Thornwell, about his acceptance to become the pastor the Second Presbyterian Church of Baltimore, to Dr. R. J. Breckinridge, October 4, 1845:

Had it been in my power to choose my own field of labour, I should never have thought of leaving South Carolina; but I bow to the will of a sovereign God, and acquiesce, without a murmur, in the plain intimations of His providence.

The Life and Letters of James Henley Thornwell, first published in 1875, republished by the Banner of Truth, 1974, p. 268.

Life is a Battlefield

A selection from a letter by Elizabeth Prentiss to Mrs. Condict, November 7, 1875:

Whatever may be said to the contrary by others, to me life has been a battlefield, and I believe always will be; but is the soldier necessarily unhappy and disgusted because he is fighting? I trow not.

More Love to Thee: The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss, George Lewis Prentiss, reprinted by Solid Ground Christian Books, p. 447.

That None Be Left Behind

From a letter by Andrew Fuller to a relative, August, 1784:

My heart longs for you and the dear children. Give my love to them, and tell them to seek after the salvation of their souls; for they must soon die, as well as we. Let them not think that to be religious is to be melancholy; for surely to live in the fear of God is the happiest life in the world; and to die in his favour how desirable! May this be the case with us all. I long that none of the family may be left behind.

The Armies of the Lamb: The Spirituality of Andrew Fuller, edited and introduced by Michael A. G. Haykin, Joshua Press, p. 89.

Fill Your Heart With Christ

Wise counsel from a father, David Kinghorn, to his son, Joseph Kinghorn, who was preparing for the ministry, April, 1791:

Though customs not enjoined by the great lawgiver are not binding on conscience [he was writing about Lent], yet we should be careful not to give offence to those who are bound by them. You have, for the present, got your head full of Moses. I wish your heart may be filled with Christ.

The Life and Works of Joseph Kinghorn, by Martin Hood Wilkin, reprinted by Particular Baptist Press, 1995, p. 191.

Total Abstinence

Writing to the recently established Tabernacle Total Abstinence Society at his church, March 15, 1882, pastor C. H. Spurgeon said:

I sincerely believe that, next to the preaching of the gospel, the most necessary thing to be done in England is to induce our people to become total abstainers.

He signed the letter, “Yours teetotally, C. H. Spurgeon.”

Letters of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Selected with Notes, by Iain H. Murray, Banner of Truth, p. 153.

His Sufficiency

A selection from a letter by Mrs. Vera Pink to Evelyn Green:

There are times in the lives of all women when the changes which the years bring on are trying, but it is a wonderful opportunity for us to prove again, and yet again, his sufficiency. Ah, how patient he is – how longsuffering! The more we lean upon him the more we please him.

The Life of Arthur W. Pink, Ian Murray, Banner of Truth, p. 150.

The Best Letter

An extract from a letter by Benjamin Morgan Palmer, to a friend about letter writing, May 16, 1866:

The best letter is that which contains the simple outpouring of feeling and thought, such as would spring to utterance in the freedom and abandon of conversation. No matter if it does ramble from topic to topic. This license of gossip is the privilege of fireside chat, and is the charm of correspondence. Never fear, then, to give your pen all the liberty of the tongue, for which at best it is only the sorry substitute.

The Life and Letters of Benjamin Morgan Palmer, by Thomas Cary Johnson, Banner of Truth, pp. 371-72).

Let Us Be Active Here

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles, to a young clergyman, March 23, 1808:

Avoid indulgence, sloth and idleness. Let every portion of your time be usefully and conscientiously spent. Our time is short, and life is uncertain… We have eternity to rest; let us be active here.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 390.

Laying Up

From the pen of J. C. Philpot to Jesse Crake, November 24, 1856:

There must be times, especially in a minister, for laying up as well as laying out. There is a trading in divine matters whereby the soul becomes enriched with heavenly treasure.

Letters and Memoir of Joseph Charles Philpot, first published in 1871, reprinted by Baker Book House, 1981, p. 250.

To Whom Shall We Go?

A selection from a letter written by missionary Henry Martyn, July 11, 1808, to Rev. D. Corrie, about his sermon preached the day before to fourteen people in attendance at the church:

I spoke to them on the text, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.’ To whom shall we go? To the Padre – to the Virgin Mary – to the Saints – to the world – to works – to repentance? No; to Christ.

The Life and Letters of Henry Martyn, by John Sargent, first published in 1819, published by the Banner of Truth, 1985, p. 248.

Missionary!

From Maggie Paton, wife of missionary to the New Hebrides, John Paton, to her sister, about what a native called her husband, November 3, 1875:

We were amused at his calling him Cap’ain, evidently intending it as a great compliment to John, who would scorn to put even the title of King on a par with that of MISSIONARY!

Letters and Sketches from the New Hebrides, by Maggie Whitecross Paton, printed by Reformation Heritage Books and Sprinkle Publications, 2003, p. 237.

The Happiness of Man

From a letter by Henry Venn, Church of England minister, to a friend, September 22, 1766:

Strange as it sounds, and worse than nonsense, in the ears of a carnal man, yet it is most true, that the happiness of man consists in his humbling views of his own sinfulness; and he enjoys the presence and the love of God deeply in his heart, only in proportion as he feels himself deserving of hell.

Letters of Henry Venn, by John Venn, first published in 1835, republished by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 116.

Had Not He Stretched Forth His Hand

From the pen of John Calvin, about the death of his wife, to his friend, William Farel, April 11, 1549:

May the Lord Jesus strengthen you by His Spirit; and may He support me also under this heavy affliction, which would certainly have overcome me, had not He, who raises up the prostrate, strengthens the weak, and refreshes the weary, stretched forth His hand from heaven to me.

Letters from John Calvin: Selected from the Bonnet Edition, the Banner of Truth, 1980, p. 107-108.

It Is A Wonder

Extract from a letter by the New England Baptist preacher, John Leland, to Rev. John Taylor, Dec. 10, 1830:

On a serious reflection, I cannot much condemn myself, that I have not devoted as much of my time in my ministerial labors, as human and civil duties admitted; but, have much cause of self-condemnation when I reflect on the languor of soul, and indifference of spirit that have beset me when preaching eternal realities. It is a wonder that ever a holy God should have crowned my imperfect labors with any success; and yet, amidst all, I have great joy to think that I have not altogether ‘run in vain, nor labored in vain.’

The Writings of the Late Elder John Leland, 1845, reprinted by Church History Research and Archives, 1986, p. 602.

Mortality

From the pen of Thomas Chalmers, to his friend Robert Brown, April 17, 1832, upon the death of Brown’s mother:

Nothing brings home more experimentally to my heart the lesson of my native carnality than the constant need which there is of having the doctrine of mortality so repeatedly told to me; and it does shew how prone we are to cleave to the dust of a perishable world, that though told of death over and over again, yet do we persist in living here as if here we were to live forever.

Letters of Thomas Chalmers, edited by William Hanna, first published 1853, reprinted by The Banner of Truth, 2007, p. 181.

The Worth of Souls

From the pen of Isaac Backus to his mother regarding the awakening of several sinners who were seeking Christ, written on September 27, 1762:

I daily look upon myself as a vile creature, yet the worth of souls and the great concerns of the kingdom of Christ, have, I think, engaged my mind as fully as ever in my life, to labor in his vineyard. Oh, these are golden moments, and woe to those who trifle them away.

A Memoir of the Life and Times of the Rev. Isaac Backus, by Alvah Hovey, 1858, republished by Gano Books, 1991, p. 138.

The Most Momentous News of All

From a letter by Martyn Lloyd-Jones to his son-in-law and daughter, Fred and Elizabeth Catherwood, April 5, 1954, about the sermon he preached the night before from Acts 17:1-3:

My theme in general was this: Paul did not discuss the questions of the day but always preached Jesus. His method is important… He ‘opened’ the Scriptures, then reasoned in them and then alleged or propounded his message that Jesus is the Christ. It is the most momentous news of all.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Letters 1919-1981, Selected with Notes, by Ian H. Murray, Banner of Truth, 1994, p. 119.

Pride

From the pen of Jonathan Edwards to Deborah Hatheway, a teenager who had been converted in a revival in the spring of 1741, and turned to him for spiritual advice since her church was without a pastor. The letter was written on June 3, 1741:

Remember that pride is the worst viper that is in the heart, the greatest disturber of the soul’s peace and of sweet communion with Christ. It was the first sin committed and lies lowest in the foundation of Satan’s whole building, and is with the greatest difficulty rooted out, and is the most hidden, secret, and deceitful of all lusts, and often creeps insensibly into the midst of religion, even, sometimes, under the disguise of humility itself.

A Sweet Flame: Piety in the Letters of Jonathan Edwards, edited and introduced by Michael A. G. Haykin, Reformation Heritage Books, 2007, pp. 44-45.

Work While it is Day

Excerpt from a letter by William Carey to his Son, Jabez, February 3, 1817:

What need have we to work while it is day. The night of death will soon come when none of us can work. I look with deep regret on my past life and am ashamed to see what a loiterer I have been.

The Journal and Selected Letters of William Carey, collected and edited by Terry G. Carter, Smyth & Helwys, 2000, p. 100.

Nothing Else but the Word

A selection from a pastoral letter by William Still to his congregation, Gilcomston South Church of Scotland, Aberdeen, April, 1970:

There is not a situation in Christ’s church in the whole wide world that cannot be dealt with by the Word of God. There is nothing else to deal with it. What other authority or means have we for dealing with evils but God’s Word? That Word, if we ransack it from cover to cover, has the very word for our situation.

The Letters of William Still, Banner of Truth, 1984, p. 102.

Tribulation and Sorrow

From the pen of Mary Winslow (1774-1854) to a friend:

Life to me has had its great and precious blessings, but tribulation and sorrow have followed me, and yet not one stroke that was not needful. Christ has been in them all—His love has sweetened all—His presence has comforted me through them all—and His grace has sustained me under them all.

Heaven Opened: A Selection from the Correspondence of Mrs. Mary Winslow, edited by her son, Octavius Winslow, 1864, reprinted by Reformation Heritage Books, 2001, p. 107.

Christ and Free Grace

A selection from a letter by Samuel Rutherford, written from jail to John Laurie, June 10, 1637:

I counsel you to think highly of Christ, and of free, free grace, more than ye did before.

Letters of Samuel Rutherford, With a Sketch of his Life and Biographical Notices of His Correspondents, by Andrew A. Bonar, first published in 1664, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1984, p. 331.

The Divine Blessing

From a letter by John A Broadus to his wife, Maria Broadus, June 4, 1853:

I know that I am grievously prone to overestimate men’s opinion of me and lamentably inclined to be vain when I ought to be humble. Pray for me, Maria, that a little applause may not be permitted to turn my weak head and bewitch my silly heart in that I may remember my nothingness and my entire dependence for all true success on the Divine blessing, and that more than anything else I may carry back an increased desire to labor for the conversion of men to Christ.

Life and Letters of John Albert Broadus, by Archibald Thomas Robertson, 1901, reprinted by Gano Books, 1987, p. 109.

Predestined to Take Advice

Extract from a letter by Augustus Toplady to Mrs. Macaulay, June 11, 1773, who after exhorting her to watch after her health, said:

Say not, ‘How does this advice comport with your doctrine of predestination?’ For I hope you are predestinated to take the advice; and that a predestinated old age will be the result. Our friend, Mr. Northcote, sometimes says, ‘Mr. Toplady believes absolute predestination; and yet he is loth to ride on horseback, for fear of breaking his neck.’ I answer, ‘True.’ And, perhaps, that very fear may be an appointed means of preserving my neck unbroken.

The Works of Augustus Toplady, Bookshelf Publications, reprint from the 1794 edition, pp. 844-45.

True Religion

From the pen of John Newton to Rev. Thomas Scott, June 23, 1775:

People may, by industry and natural abilities, make themselves masters of the external evidences of Christianity, and have much to say for and against different schemes and systems of sentiments; but all this while the heart remains untouched. True religion is not a science of the head, so much as an inward and heart-felt perception…

Letters of John Newton: with Biographical Sketches and Notes, by Josiah Bull, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, p. 247.

In the Furnace

A selection from a letter by Elizabeth Prentiss to Miss Eliza A. Warner, September 27, 1868:

Some of His children must go into the furnace to testify that the Son of God is there with them; I do not know why I should insist on not being one of them.

More Love to Thee: The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss, George Lewis Prentiss, reprinted by Solid Ground Christian Books, p. 247.

Hold Christ

From a letter by Andrew Fuller to the Baptist Church in Kettering, September 22, 1782, who had called him to be their pastor:

Hold Christ and your religion with a close hand, but me and every other creature with a loose one! God can bless you without me, and blast you with me!

The Armies of the Lamb: The Spirituality of Andrew Fuller, edited and introduced by Michael A. G. Haykin, Joshua Press, p. 85.

Counsel to a Son About Baptism

From the pen of David Kinghorn to his son, Joseph Kinghorn, who had openly professed faith in Christ and was desirous of baptism. The letter was written on October 14, 1782:

Every ordinance of divine appointment ought to be attended to with seriousness and caution, and, as you observe, with prayer for the divine presence and blessing. Two things are necessary antecedents to it: First, a sense of our lost condition by the fall, and our inability to recommend ourselves to the favour of God by and duties or acts of obedience we are able to perform. Second, a hearty reception of, and dependence on Jesus Christ for salvation. Without the first, the second cannot be; nor can the first be of any advantage without the second—therefore both must go together, and obedience to the precepts of Christ will flow from love, not from slavish fear, if he is viewed and depended on, as an able, all-sufficient Saviour, and loved as such…

The Life and Works of Joseph Kinghorn, by Martin Hood Wilkin, reprinted by Particular Baptist Press, 1995, pp. 44-45.

Reading

A selection from a letter by A. W. Pink to John Culver:

One book read slowly, mediated upon and assimilated, is worth twenty skimmed through hurriedly.

The Life of Arthur W. Pink, Ian Murray, Banner of Truth, p. 137.

Prophetic Initials

An extract from a letter by C. H. Spurgeon to James S Watts, August 25, 1854:

A friend has, in a letter, expressed his hope that my initials may be prophetic –

C. COMFORT – H. HAPPINESS – S. SATISFACTION

I can truly say they are, for I have comfort in my soul, happiness in my work, and satisfaction with my glorious Lord.

(Letters of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Selected with Notes, by Iain H. Murray, Banner of Truth, p. 53)