The Letters of John Newton - Mrs Talbot March 12 1774

"I aim to speak plain truths to a plain people! May it please the God of all grace, to accompany my feeble endeavors to promote the knowledge of His truth! If my letters are owned to comfort the afflicted, to quicken the careless, to confirm the wavering — I will rejoice." - John NewtonJohn Newton, well known as the author of the song,  Amazing Grace, was radically changed by the Lord Jesus Christ and became an outstanding witness to that grace that never ceased to amaze him.  From his letters we come to know a man of great humility and wisdom, and though written some 250 years ago, they continue to comfort and encourage those who take the time to read them.These readings are from the edition of letters edited by Josiah Bull and first published in 1869.  Concerning Mrs. Talbot, the editor writes:"Mrs. Talbot was the wife of the Rev. W. Talbot, vicar of St. Giles', Reading. In the midst of his devoted labours and in the prime of life this good man was suddenly cut off by a contagious fever caught in the discharge of his ministerial duties. Under date March 11, 1774, Mr. Newton says in his Diary, "This evening received an account of the death of my friend Mr. Talbot, who might justly be numbered amongst the first worthies. Considering his character, abilities, and situation, the church of God could hardly have sustained a heavier loss in the removal of one minister."..."Mrs. Talbot is spoken of as a Christian of more than common excellence. She was highly accomplished, possessed of a very sweet disposition, and though of feeble health, evidently endowed with great energy and decision of character. Her acts of benevolence were manifold, and in every way, she illustrated the spirit of Christianity. She died as she had lived, full of peace and joy, in 1785, having survived her husband eleven years."[Newton, John. Letters by the Rev. John Newton: Edited by Josiah Bull (pp. 165-166). Kindle Edition.]