John Newton wrote the following letter to encourage his friend. Captain Scott, to whom the letter is written, is apparently about to be reprimanded or fired from his position in the army. Newtons heartfelt words encourage him to see how great his audience with God is, rather than dwelling on the proud and vain condemnations of men. This letter meant a lot to me.
To Captain Scott, August 8, 1766
My dear friend,- I am very willing to meet with you with a letter at York, though I have no particular advice to offer. It seems probable, as you say, that your expected interview with the general will afford you some further light into your path. I am in no pain about the event. Man is a proud creature, and prone to release himself with the imagination of influence and power; but in reality he has none any further than as it is given him from above. The general, or whoever else are displeased with you, have their commission, and limits assigned by them by one whom they little think of; and when they seem to think they can do most, they shall in effect do nothing but as instruments of his will. I trust the Lord will stand by you, put his love into your heart, and suitable words into your mouth, and overrule the minds of them with whom you have to do. And if He has further service for you in that situation, you will find that his hook and bridle will hold them in, so that they will not be able to hurt you. As you know whom you have believed, and where to apply for strength suited to your day, according to his promise, I am so far from trembling for the event, that I congratulate you on the honorable opportunity that is before you of witnessing a good confession in such a presence, which I trust the Lord will own, and bless you in.
Fear them not. Remember Jesus stood before the high priest, Herod, and Pilate, for you. But, how different are the cases! You may perhaps meet some expressions of dislike, but the laws of the land will protect you from the full effects of their resentment; and even the laws of politeness will in some degree restrain them. You are not going to be buffeted, blinded, and spit upon. Look at your regimentals, and let them remind you of him who wore a scarlet robe for you, not as a mark of honorable service, but as a badge of infamy. You are a soldier: if you were appointed to march against a battery, though it is a service not agreeable to flesh and blood, yet a sense of honor, and what you owe to your king, your country, and yourself, would prompt you to reject any rising thought of fear, that might betray you to act a part unsuitable to your character, with disdain. But oh, how much stronger and more animating are the motives which should influence us as Christian soldiers! I trust you will fully feel their influence. There is but a veil of flesh and blood between you and that unseen world where Jesus reigns in all his glory. Perhaps you will be attended with such companies of the heavenly host, as made themselves visible to the shepherds. How they will rejoice to see you fervent and faithful in your Master’s cause! Nay, Himself will be there; and though you cannot see him, He will be looking upon you, as He did on his servant Stephen. Then think of the day when He, in his turn, will own and confess you before an assembled world. Yea, perhaps upon the spot, He may witness his approbation; and if you can hear him whispering in your heart, “Well done, good and faithful servant, “ you will little regard what is said to you. As to consequences, leave them in his hand: they shall be all good and glorious to them that fear him. He may suffer a cloud to appear, but He can blow it away in a moment. He may permit this or that course to be stopped up; but He can open twenty in the room of it. He can show you how little dependence there is to be placed on the friendships and favor of men, when once we are enabled to be active and hearty for him; but these failures shall only give occasion of showing you likewise how all-sufficient He is in wisdom, love, and power, to give more and better than creatures can possibly deprive us of. Fear not, be strong, yea I say unto you be strong: the Lord of hosts is with you.
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