On Dreaming
Our dreams provide a glimpse into our inner thoughts and desires, and can serve as a source of comfort, distress, insight, and guidance, ultimately reminding us of our mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
John Newton delves into the mysterious world of dreams, highlighting how our minds continue to work even as our bodies rest, suggesting a deeper spiritual connection. He emphasizes the significance of dreams as potential messages from God, urging listeners to pay attention to the lessons and warnings they may contain. Newton reflects on the transient nature of life, likening it to a dream that will fade away when confronted by the reality of death, as described in Isaiah 29:8.
Text
When slumber seals our weary eyes,
The busy fancy wakeful keeps;
The scenes which then before us rise,
Prove something in us never sleeps.
2 As in another world we seem,
A new creation of our own,
All appears real, though a dream,
And all familiar, though unknown.
3 Sometimes the mind beholds again
The past day's business in review,
Resumes the pleasure or the pain;
And sometimes all we meet is new.
4 What schemes we form, what pains we take!
We fight, we run, we fly, we fall;
But all is ended when we wake,
We scarcely then a trace recall.
5 But though our dreams are often wild,
Like clouds before the driving storm;
Yet some important may be styl'd,
Sent to admonish or inform.
6 What mighty agents have access,
What friends from heav'n, or foes from hell,
Our minds to comfort or distress,
When we are sleeping, who can tell?
7 One thing, at least, and 'tis enough,
We learn from this surprising fact;
Our dreams afford sufficient proof,
The soul, without the flesh, can act.
8 This life, which mortals so esteem,
That many choose it for their all,
They will confess, was but a dream,***
When 'waken'd by death's awful call.
***Isaiah 29:8
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of Dreams
- The Reality of Dreams
- The Significance of Dreams
- Dreams can be a source of spiritual guidance and wisdom
- Dreams can be a reminder of our mortality and the fleeting nature of life
Key Quotes
“What schemes we form, what pains we take! We fight, we run, we fly, we fall; But all is ended when we wake, We scarcely then a trace recall.” — John Newton
“Our dreams afford sufficient proof, The soul, without the flesh, can act.” — John Newton
“This life, which mortals so esteem, That many choose it for their all, They will confess, was but a dream,*** When 'waken'd by death's awful call.” — John Newton
Application Points
- Reflect on your dreams to gain insight into your inner thoughts and desires.
- Recognize that dreams can be a source of spiritual guidance and wisdom.
- Remember that life is fleeting and temporary, and that our true identity lies beyond the physical realm.