John Newton

Men of Faith

by Catherine M. Swift

The amazing story of the "Old Converted Sea Captain" whose hymns are still loved today. John Newton (1725-1807) was a British sailor whose life of sin took him to the western coast of Africa, where he became a virtual slave before getting involved in the African slave trade. His dramatic conversion during a violent storm in the North Atlantic, however, did not end his involvement with slave trading. It would be six years before he gave up his career as a sea captain and went on to become an Anglican clergyman. Dissatisfied with the hymns of the day, Newton began writing his own, many autobiographical in nature, and is remembered for "Amazing Grace," "How Sweet the Name the Name of Jesus Sounds," and "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken." In his latter years, he played a leading role in Wilberforce's political campaign against slave trading. From a "wretched" prodigal son to a crusader against slavery.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

175 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1994

Reviews

[Drew Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book was only a short overview of John Newton's life, I found myself fascinated. I couldn't help but be taken back by God's providence and subsequent mercy shown to John Newton. The way that God used the evil and sin in John Newton's life to bring lifelong change to the World gives me much hope.

[Mathias Seiwert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gut-wrenching biography of God taking a person stranded on the spiritual trash heap and reforming/recycling him into a instrument of the LORD. Read this book if you ever think that you’ve done things that God cannot/will not forgive.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christian Classic

[Leilani Serfontein · Rating 3 out of 5]

a very interesting and inspiring read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the Men of Faith series of books, this is the most well-written I have read so far. It covered his life systematically, clearly informed by his many letters home over the years, likely published sermons as well. He grew over time, from a "wretch" (his own words) to a man who could finally see--from a slaver to an abolitionist, although most of the book doesn't focus on his greatest life's work.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story of John Newton's life. Very readable.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best written book, but it conveyed his rollercoaster faith in the early years of his life.

I would have liked to see the reasons that caused him to write "Amazing Grace", but I think the movie hyped that aspect of his life.

The book does focus on the slave trade and the sad reality of Christian people participating in the trade, including Jihn Newton. It also shows how Newton used his influence to help end it

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this was the Newton biography I read. Picked it up in the Calvary B.F.C. library. Newton was a bit of a contradiction in terms it seems. I forget a lot of this. Should reread.