John Newton was born July 24, 1725 in London to a godly mother and an irreligious, sea-faring father. His mother died when he was six. Left mainly to himself, Newton became a debauched sailor—a miserable outcast on the coast of West Africa for two years; a slave-trading sea-captain until an epileptic seizure ended his career; a well-paid "surveyor of tides" in Liverpool; a loved pastor of two congregations in Olney and London for 43 years; a devoted husband to Mary for 40 years until she died in 1790; a personal friend to William Wilberforce, Charles Simeon, Henry Martyn, William Carey, John Wesley, George Whitefield; and, finally, the author of the most famous hymn in the English language, Amazing Grace.[1] He died on December 21, 1807 at the age of 82.For a bit on the life and ministry of John Newton I would like to refer you to Tim's article "A Wretch Like Me" posted on Newton's birthday.(John Piper, "John Newton: The Tough Roots of His Habitual Tenderness",
2001 Bethlehem Conference for Pastors)
(HT: Desiring God Blog, "Thank God for John Newton")
I think John Newton must be one of the most scripturally well-rounded Christians I've ever heard of. This is from reading his letters. He gives wonderful counsel that seems to take all the Bible into account without harping on favorite passages and ignoring others.
ReplyDeleteHe also doesn't seem to get hot under the clerical collar when people contradict or criticize him. As great as he was he remained humble until the day of his death. So his letters have a savor of the Spirit of Christ as well as the wisdom of Christ.
Thanks for posting this, Jason.