4. We must love and pray for the good of those whom we critique. John Newton exhorts us to remember our spiritual duties in the context of theological contention: As to your opponent, I wish, that, before you set pen to paper against him, and during the whole time you are preparing your answer, you may commend him by earnest prayer to the Lord’s teaching and blessing. This practice will have a direct tendency to conciliate your heart to love and pity him; and such a disposition will have a good influence
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