Letter from John Wesley to John Newton, April 1, 1766

John Newton (1725–1807), an Anglican cleric most famous for writing the hymn “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,” was acquainted with and influenced by both John Wesley and George Whitefield. In this April 1, 1766 letter to John Newton, John Wesley stresses their agreement on the doctrine of sanctification:

Dear sir I do not perceive that there is an hair’s breadth difference between us with regard to the nature of sanctification. Only you express a little less plainly and a little less scripturally than I am accustomed to do. However, I understand your expressions perfectly well, “A cordial, admiring, believing apprehension of Christ.” And it is of little consequence whether we call this sanctification or sanctifying faith.

View the full letter.

1766_04_01_JW_to_John_Newton_forwebsite.jpg
John Wesley Letters
Letter from John Wesley to John Newton, April 1, 1766