John Newton's Letters
I was once blind, but now I see
Dear Sir,
The question, "What is the discriminating characteristic nature of a work
of grace upon the soul?" has been upon my mind; if I am able to give you
satisfaction concerning it, I shall think my time well employed.
The reason why men in a natural state are utterly
ignorant of spiritual truths is, that they are wholly destitute of a faculty
suited to their perception. A remarkable instance we have in the absurd
construction which Nicodemus put upon what our Lord had spoken to him
concerning the new birth. And in the supernatural communication of this
spiritual faculty, by the agency of the Holy Spirit, I apprehend the
inimitable and abiding criterion, which is the subject of our inquiry, does
primarily consist. Those passages of Scripture wherein the Gospel truth is
compared to light, lead to a familiar illustration of my meaning. Men by
nature are stark blind with respect to this light; by grace, the eyes of the
understanding are opened.
Among a number of blind men, some may be more ingenious
and of better capacity than others. They may be better qualified for such
studies and employment's which do not require eye-sight than many who can
see, and may attain to considerable skill in them; but with respect to the
true nature of light and colors, they are all exactly upon a level. A man
born blind, if ingenious and inquisitive, may learn to talk about the light,
the sun, or the rainbow, in terms borrowed from those who have seen them;
but it is impossible that he can have a just idea of either; and whatever
hearsay knowledge he may have acquired, he can hardly talk much upon these
subjects without betraying his real ignorance. The case of one blind person
has been often quoted. He believed, that, after much inquiry and reflection,
he had at last found out what scarlet was; and being asked to explain
himself, "I think," says he, "scarlet is something like the sound of a
trumpet." This man had about the same knowledge of natural light as
Nicodemus had of spiritual. Nor can all the learning or study in the world,
enable any person to form a suitable judgment of divine truth, until the
eyes of his mind are opened, and then he will perceive it at once. Indeed,
this comparison is well suited to show the entire difference between nature
and grace, and to explain the ground of that enmity and scorn which fills
the hearts of blinded sinners, against those who profess to have been
enlightened by the Spirit of God.
But if we could suppose it possible, that there was a
whole nation of blind men, and one or two people should go among them, and
profess that they could see, while they could not offer them such a proof of
their assertion as they were capable of receiving, nor even explain, to
their satisfaction, what they meant by sight; what may we imagine
would be the consequence? I think there is little doubt but these innovators
would experience much the same treatment as the believers of Jesus often
meet with from a blind world. The blind people would certainly hate and
despise them for presuming to pretend to what they had not. They would try
to dispute them out of their senses, and bring many arguments to prove that
there could be no such thing as either light or sight. They would say, as
many say now, 'How is it, if these things are so, that we should know
nothing of them?' Yes, I think it probable they would rise against them, as
deceivers and enthusiasts, and disturbers of the public peace, and say,
"Away with such fellows from the earth; it is not fit that they should
live!" But if we should suppose further, that during the heat of the contest
some of these blind men should have their eyes suddenly opened, the dispute
as to them would be at an end in a minute; they would confess their former
ignorance and obstinacy, confirm the testimony of those whom they had before
despised, and of course share in the same treatment from their blind
brethren, perhaps be treated still worse, as apostates from the opinion of
the public.
If this illustration is justly applicable to our subject,
it may lead us to several observations, or inferences, which have a tendency
to confirm what we are elsewhere expressly taught by the word of God.
In the first place, it shows, that regeneration,
or that great change without which a man cannot see the kingdom of God,
is the effect of Almighty power. Neither education, endeavors, nor
arguments, can open the eyes of the blind. It is God alone, who at first
caused light to shine out of darkness, who can shine into our hearts, "to
give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus
Christ." People may attain some natural ideas of spiritual truths by reading
books, or hearing sermons, and may thereby become wise in their own
conceits; they may learn to imitate the language of an experienced
Christian; but they know not what they say, nor whereof they affirm, and are
as distant from the true meaning of the terms, as a blind man who pronounces
the words blue or red, is from the ideas which those words raise in the mind
of a person who can distinguish colors by his sight.
And from hence we may infer the sovereignty, as
well as the efficacy of grace; since it is evident, not only that the
objective light, the word of God, is not afforded universally to all men;
but that those who enjoy the same outward means have not all the same
perceptions. There are many who stumble in the noon-day, not for lack of
light, but for lack of eyes; and those who now see, were once blind even as
others, and had neither power nor will to enlighten their own minds. It is a
mercy, however, when people are so far sensible of their own blindness, as
to be willing to wait for the manifestation of the Lord's power, in the
ordinances of his own appointment. He came into the world, and he sends
forth His Gospel, that those who see not may see; and when there is a desire
raised in the heart for spiritual sight, it shall in his due time be
answered.
From hence likewise we may observe the proper use and
value of the preaching of the Gospel, which is the great instrument by which
the Holy Spirit opens the blind eyes. Like the rod of Moses, it owes all its
efficacy to the appointment and promise of God. Ministers cannot be too
earnest in the discharge of their office; it behooves them to use all
diligence to find out acceptable words, and to proclaim the whole counsel of
God. Yet when they have done all, they have done nothing, unless their
word is accompanied to the heart by the power and demonstration of the
Spirit. Without this blessing, an apostle might labor in vain: but it
shall be in a measure afforded to all who preach the truth in love, in
simplicity, and in all humble dependence upon him who alone can give
success. This in a great measure puts all faithful ministers on a level,
notwithstanding any seeming disparity in gifts and abilities. Those who have
a lively and pathetic talent, may engage the ear, and raise the natural
passions of their hearers; but they cannot reach the heart. The
blessing may be rather expected to attend the humble, than the voluble
speaker.
Farther: we may remark, that there is a difference in
kind between the highest attainments of nature, and the effects of
grace in the lowest degree. Many are convinced, who are not truly
enlightened; are afraid of the consequences of sin, though they never saw
its evil; have a seeming desire of salvation, which is not founded upon a
truly spiritual discovery of their own wretchedness, and the excellency of
Jesus. These may, for a season, hear the word with joy, and walk in the way
of professors; but we need not be surprised if they do not hold out—for they
have no root. Though many such fall, the foundation of God still stands
sure. We may confidently affirm, upon the warrant of Scripture, that those
who, having for a while escaped the pollutions of the world, are again
habitually entangled in them; or who, having been distressed upon the
account of sin, can find relief in a self-righteous course, and stop short
of Christ, "who is end of the law for righteousness to everyone that
believes"—we may affirm, that these, whatever profession they may have made,
were never capable of perceiving the beauty and glory of the Gospel
salvation.
On the other hand, though, where the eyes are divinely
enlightened, the soul's first views of itself and of the Gospel may be
confused and indistinct, like him who saw men as it were trees walking; yet
this light is like the dawn, which, though weak and faint at its first
appearance, shines more and more unto the perfect day. It is the work of
God; and his work is perfect in kind, though progressive in the manner. He
will not despise or forsake the day of small things. When he thus begins, he
will make an end; and such people, however feeble, poor, and worthless, in
their own apprehensions, if they have obtained a glimpse of the Redeemer's
glory, as he is made unto wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and
redemption—so that his name is precious, and the desire of their hearts is
towards him—have good reason to hope and believe, as the wife of Manoah did
in a similar case, that if the Lord had been pleased to kill them, he would
not have showed them such things as these.
Once more: The spiritual sight and faculty is that which
may be principally considered as permanent in a believer. He has no stock of
grace, or comfort, or strength, in himself. He needs continual supplies; and
if the Lord withdraws from him, he is as weak and unskillful after he has
been long engaged in the Christian warfare, as he was when he first entered
upon it. The eye is of little present use in the dark; for it cannot see
without light. But the return of light is no advantage to a blind man. A
believer may be much in the dark; but his spiritual sight remains. Though
the exercise of grace may be low, he knows himself, he knows the Lord, he
knows the way of access to a throne of grace. His frames and feelings may
alter; but he has received such a knowledge of the person and offices, the
power and grace, of Jesus the Savior, as cannot be taken from him; and he
could withstand even an angel that should preach another gospel, because he
has seen the Lord. The length of this paper constrains me to break off. May
the Lord increase his light in your heart.