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  SECTARIANISM
  by John Newton
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Summary: The speaker emphasizes the need for unity and the rejection of
sectarian divisions in times of crisis.

Topics: "Seeking Truth", "Dependent On Christ"
Scripture References: Numbers 12:3, Proverbs 2:6, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13

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DESCRIPTION
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John Newton emphasizes the importance of being persistent in seeking the
truth and the Word of God, even if it means hearing the same message
repeatedly. He acknowledges the eagerness of people to hear the
preaching of the Gospel, attributing it to a genuine love for the truth
and respect for the ministers. Newton humbly expresses his own
inadequacies and the need for divine wisdom, meekness, and zeal to
fulfill his ministry effectively, recognizing his dependency on Christ
alone for guidance and strength.

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CONTENT
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April 28, 1778.

Dear Sir,

I was not much disappointed at not meeting you at home. I know how
difficult it is to get away from ******, if you are seen in the street
after breakfast. The horse-leech has three daughters, saying, "Give,
give:" the cry there is, "Preach, preach." When you have told them all,
you must tell them more, or tell it them over again. Whoever will find
tongue, they will engage to find ears. Yet I do not blame this
importunity: I wish you were teased more with it in your own town; for
though undoubtedly there are too many, both at N**** and here, whose
religion lies too much in hearing, yet in many it proceeds from a love
to the truth, and to the ministers who dispense it. And I generally
observe, that they who are not willing to hear a stranger (if his
character is known) are indifferent enough about hearing their own
minister.

I beg you to pray for me. I am a poor creature, full of wants. I seem to
need the wisdom of Solomon, the meekness of Moses, and the zeal of Paul,
to enable me to make full proof of my ministry. But, alas! you may guess
the rest.

Send me the way to Christ. I am willing to be a debtor to the wise and
unwise, to doctors and shoe-makers, if I can get a hint, or a Nota Bene
from any one, without respect to parties. When a house is on fire,
Churchmen, Dissenters, Methodists, Papists, Moravians, and Mystics, are
all welcome to bring water. At such times, nobody asks, "Pray friend,
whom do you hear?" or, "What do you think of the five points?" &c. &c.

I am, &c.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-newton/sectarianism/
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