The New Year with the Infallible Pilot
December 29,1780.
My dear Friend;
So it seems I owed the letter, and charged the fault of not writing
to you. It must be so, because you say, you are very certain it was so.
Remember, however, I am writing last now. I hope when this comes, it
will find you and your's comfortable, and your heart and mouth full of
gratitude to him who crowneth the year with his goodness. Well, these
returning years each bear away a large portion of our time, and the last
year cannot be far off. Oh, that precious name which can enable a
sinner to think of his last year and his last hour without dismay! What
do we owe to him who has disarmed death of its sting and horrors, and
shown us the land of light and immortality beyond the grave!
May he be with us in the new year. Yea, he has promised he will,
even unto death. Therefore, though we know not what a day may bring
forth, we need fear no evil; for he knows all, and will provide
accordingly, Oh, what a relief is it, to be enabled to cast every care
and burden upon him that careth for us! Though the night should be
dark, the storm loud, and the billows high, the infallible Pilot will
steer our barks safely through.
This has been an important year with me, it has introduced me into
an entire new scene of service; and it has likewise seemed a very short
year. O, how the weeks have whirled round! It has not been without its
trials; but comforts have much more abounded. With respect to my
public work, I have been much favoured with liberty, peace, and
acceptance. I hope it has not been wholly a lost year; though with
respect to my part and share of it, I have reason to say, Enter not
into judgment with thy servant.
Let us help each other with our prayers, that the little uncertain
remainder of life may be filled up to the praise of our dear Lord; that
we may be united to his will, conformed to his image, and devoted to
his service. Thus we shall show forth his praise; if we aim to walk as
he walked, and, by a sweet constraining sense of his love, are formed
into an habitual imitation of his spirit and temper, in meekness,
integrity, benevolence towards men; in humility, dependence,
resignation, confidence, and gratitude towards him.
—John Newton
