The Life of John Newton

by Josiah Bull

For the 200th anniversary of his death, The Life of John Newton, previously published as But Now I See, is newly reset. Recount the moving story of God's redeeming and restoring grace to one who wrote his own epitaph: "Once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy."

Genres: Biography

322 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2007

Reviews

[Tori Samar · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Newton's epitaph, which he wrote himself, says it all:

John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy.

Amazing grace.

(The Literary Life Podcast’s 2 for '22 Reading Challenge: Biography – Someone dead)

[Stephen P · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 3 Star rating is based totally on the writing of the "biography." While Newton's life, the story of his conversion, and his service to the Lord were amazing, this is not a biography as most would expect. Rather it is snippets from his diary, letters, and other writing that the biographer, who refers to himself as "editor", strings together into a rambling narrative. It is worth the effort to learn of this man of God, but I caution you about the style of the book.