The Wisdom and Love of God in the Crucifixion

A selection from a letter by John Newton to John Ryland, Jr. The elder Newton, an Anglican, corresponded with the younger Ryland, a Baptist, for a period of 40 years. Newton addresses the subject of God's sovereign control over all events in this letter, in particular, the crucifixion of Jesus. Though it was "the worst action that the worst men ever committed," it must be considered as God's appointment and "the brightest display of His glory ever afforded to his creatures." The letter was written March 15, 1794.

But I compose my mind by considering all hearts and all things as instruments of him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his own will [Eph. 1:11], and makes all subservient to the fulfilling it. I think the crucifixion of our Lord, was, taken in one view, the worst action that the worst men ever committed. But instead of scolding Caiaphas, Judas, and Pilate (whose part I should have acted had I been in their places and left to myself), I rather choose to admire the wisdom and love of God in this transaction, which considered as his appointment, was the brightest display of His glory ever afforded to his creatures.

Wise Counsel: John Newton’s Letter to John Ryland, Jr., edited by Grant Gordon, The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009, letter #64, pp. 303-04.

Everything Ordered and Directed by Divine Goodness

A selection from a letter by the Welsh preacher, Thomas Charles, to Sally Jones, whom he would later marry. Charles was a spiritual counselor to Miss Jones throughout their courtship. She grew by leaps and bounds in the grace and knowledge of the Lord through her acquaintance with him. In this letter he directed her to gain comfort in knowing that all events are under God's directions. It was written March 1, 1782.

Never was a truer saying than this… "the good God makes all things good, for good to his people." Everything, the smallest as well as the greatest event, is ordered and directed by divine goodness and wisdom for their good. He is as much present with, and takes as much care of, everyone of his children, as if he had no other creature to watch over, and take care of, in the whole universe.

Thomas Charles' Spiritual Counsels, Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth Trust, 1993, p. 251.

The Grand Object of Education

A letter by Ernest Reisinger, to the son of a distinguished seminary professor and friend, who was graduating from High School. Mr. Reisinger sent him a gift and a letter of encouragement and challenge. I am sure this young man's parents were thankful for the godly counsel and wisdom given to him by this distinguished correspondent. The letter was written June 1, 1990.

My dear friend _____,

Congratulations on completing your High School education. I pray that you will always remember the grand object of your education, that is, that it contributes to the glory of God who gave you your existence, talents and gifts. On Him, also, you are dependent for their preservation. It is most reasonable, therefore, that these powers, gifts and talents should be empowered to His service for ever. I am enclosing a little gift for your graduation present.

You will soon be leaving the influence of a Christian home and godly parents; therefore, you will face new temptations and dangers. May our Lord be pleased to help, guide and protect you.

_____, the most important counsel I could give you, or any young Christian man, is this, never to make an intimate friend of anyone who is not a friend of your God. I do not mean that you have nothing to do with anyone but true Christians, but be very careful in your choice of friends. Ask the question, Will this friendship benefit my spiritual life? Follow the example of David who said, "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts" (Psa. 119:63).

May our Father in heaven keep you safe from all harm, give you diligence in your studies and fortitude, wisdom in all your decisions, integrity in your living and a Christ-like example to others.

Your old friend,
Ernest C. Reisinger
P.S. Try hard to find a good church to attend.

Ernest C. Reisinger: A Biography, by Geoffrey Thomas, The Banner of Truth Trust, 2002, pp. 152-53.

Thinking Too Lightly of the Conversion of Sinners

A selection from a letter by Mary Winslow (1774-1854). No name or date is given but what a convicting letter regarding the lack of general concern believers have for the lost. She points to her own carelessness and then exhorts her correspondent, as well as herself, to be a faithful witness for Christ.


I think the best of God's saints think too lightly of the conversion of sinners; and I take shame to myself that it has not had the influence upon my own mind that it ought to have had. Oh, how much and how deeply have I had cause to mourn over my lack of faithfulness to an immortal soul I knew was traveling the downward road that leads to eternal death; and yet, from fear of offending, have withheld the truth, or have merely satisfied myself with some general hints, unsatisfactory and unconvincing! Did we really believe that ever unconverted person we met with dying so, would be lost forever, should we not be in earnest to warn that soul to flee from the wrath to come? Should we not avail ourselves of every favourable opportunity of praying for them, expostulating with them, and beseeching them to consider their latter end and turn to the Lord that they might be saved? I know there is much wisdom to be exercised to know how and when to speak, all of which the Lord will give to those who are earnest in asking for it. May the Lord make us faithful, myself in particular.

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. 175-76.