On March 21, 1748, John Newton was saved while at sea. While tied to the helm of the British ship Greyhound, Newton concentrated on his mother rather than the fierce storm that stirred the Atlantic waters. She had prayed he would be a minister and had taught him scriptures. One that he reverberated through his mind: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13 NRSV)
Through God’s grace, Newton arrived safely to England, and his life was transformed.
By profession, Newton was a sailor and a slave trader. By reputation he was called “The Great Blasphemer.” After the storm, Newton disciplined himself to read and study the Bible and pray, trying to be a Christian example to the other sailors.
Newton sensed he should leave slave trading. So he became the tide surveyor at Liverpool. Yet he felt stronger callings to the ministry.
In 1764, at age 39, John Newton became a pastor. He and his wife Mary moved to the town of Olney, where he spent his mornings in Bible study and his afternoons in visitation of his parishioners. He lead regular morning and afternoon Sunday worship, as well as meetings for children and youth. On Tuesday evening, he lead a prayer service, which was always well attended. For the Sunday evening services, Newton composed a new hymn each week that introduced the lessons and Scripture for the evening.
By 1779, Newton had composed 68 hymns. The best known is “Amazing Grace,” which grew out of David’s exclamation in I Chronicle 17;16-17. He and William Cowper collected 280 hymns, including Newton’s 68, and published them as the Olney Hymns. Cowper later became a famous national poet.
Also that year Newton moved to London to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth church. His ministry included all classes of people, including the wealthy.
Newton wrote a book, Thoughts on the African Slave Trade, which was read by Parliament member, William Wilberforce. Influenced by Newton’s book, Wilberforce led the movement to abolish slave trade in Great Britain.
Until the last three years of his life, Newton preached and led an active ministry. During his failing health, he told friends, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great savior.”
At age 82, Newton left his earthly life to be with his great savior.
Amazing Grace