Wise Counsel Wise Counsel: John Newton's Letters to John Ryland Jr.

Wise Counsel Wise Counsel: John Newton's Letters to John Ryland Jr. (John Newton 1725-1807) 

Growing up, Newton was well acquainted with the slave trade and ended up working within it. He initially worked as a sailor and later became a captain of slave ships, actively participating in the slave trade. After his conversion, Newton became an Anglican minister and served as the curate of St Peter & St Paul Church in Olney from 1764 to 1779. He also fought hard against the slave trade and was a very important voice in the abolishing of slavery.  

He is, of course, known best for his famous hymn, Amazing Grace, though he also wrote numerous books and was a prolific letter writer, which is what we see within this volume. Newton was an English evangelical Anglican cleric, a hymn writer, and a prominent slavery abolitionist. 

Description of the book 

This book (as the title suggests) is built up of John Newton’s letters to John Ryland Jr., who was a dear friend even though he was a couple decades younger. Newton poured into Ryland and desired to see him mature into a Godly and strong man. As Ryland faces difficulties throughout his life, Newton was there to offer insight of shared experiences, Biblical exhortation, and Spiritual counsel. Ryland had difficulty finding a wife, entering the ministry, avoiding controversy and schism, and so much more. 

Even though these letters were written almost three hundred years ago (and not to the current reader), they still hold so much wisdom and contemporary advice to the modern world. The reader will find this book to be helpful in navigating difficult situations and motivating to become more like Christ in every way.  

Three quotes from the book 

“Doctrines, precepts, promises, warnings, all have their proper place and use; and I think many of the inconveniences which obtain in the present day, spring from separating those things which God hath joined together, and insisting on some parts of the word of God almost to the exclusion of the rest.” - p. 21 

“In the meanwhile, beware of grief; it is insinuating, deceitful, [and] hurtful... Time, prayer, and especially praise, will relieve you.” - p. 189 

“Trust in him, and wait for him: prayer; and faith, and patience, are never disappointed. I commend you to his blessing and guidance.” - p. 75 

Where this book is currently published 

This book is available by Banner of Truth in a beautiful green cloth binding.