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The Life & Spirituality of John Newton
Probably best known as the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace," John Newton (1725-1807) is now largely forgotten among evangelical Christians. But it is worth recalling something of Newton's remarkable story. His parish ministry, practice of spiritual direction, and the integrity of his personal relationships make him a trustworthy guide for Christians today.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
About the author
John Newton
128 books109 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please see: John Newton
John Newton was born in London and at age eleven went to sea with his father, a shipmaster on the Mediterranean. Disregarding his mother's prayer that he enter the ministry, he engaged in the lucrative but brutal African slave trade for a number of years. Afterwards, he served in the Church of England as pastor of Olney parish and later of the combined church of St. Mary's in London. In addition to the words of "Amazing Grace," Newton was a prolific songwriter whose other well-known hymns include "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken" and "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds."
Please see: John Newton
John Newton was born in London and at age eleven went to sea with his father, a shipmaster on the Mediterranean. Disregarding his mother's prayer that he enter the ministry, he engaged in the lucrative but brutal African slave trade for a number of years. Afterwards, he served in the Church of England as pastor of Olney parish and later of the combined church of St. Mary's in London. In addition to the words of "Amazing Grace," Newton was a prolific songwriter whose other well-known hymns include "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken" and "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds."
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 16, 2024
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me”
The life of John Newton was influential in my own story coming to Christ. I have always been amazing by God’s grace and providence in the life of John Newton (I won’t give any details so as not to ruin the story). I’ve read his autobiography before, but it was just as enjoyable if not more so this time around. His mature and insightful reflection on the events of his own life are full of wisdom and bring out the divine providence that is at work in all of our lives. It caused me to look back on my own life and look for the hand of providence in my own circumstances past and present. This was a short yet insightful read and I would encourage anyone to pick it up and read.
The life of John Newton was influential in my own story coming to Christ. I have always been amazing by God’s grace and providence in the life of John Newton (I won’t give any details so as not to ruin the story). I’ve read his autobiography before, but it was just as enjoyable if not more so this time around. His mature and insightful reflection on the events of his own life are full of wisdom and bring out the divine providence that is at work in all of our lives. It caused me to look back on my own life and look for the hand of providence in my own circumstances past and present. This was a short yet insightful read and I would encourage anyone to pick it up and read.
June 25, 2026
Mostly Newton's autobiography with a helpful forward and some selected Omicron letters on growth in the Christian life. Good introduction to the essentials of John Newton!
July 4, 2015
The story of the life of John Newton is definitely one that every Christian should become familiar with. For a great comprehensive book on the life of John Newton I would recommend you read, "John Newton, from Disgrace to Amazing Grace," by Jonathan Aitken.
This book is a collection of John Newton's personal letters that he was asked to write by a friend who thought that people should hear directly from Newton as to what his life had been like. Bruce Hindmarsh gives us a short introduction to the life of Newton and the reason for these letters to have been written in the first place. But then the rest of the book is a collection of Newton's letters.
To read the letters from John Newton is to find yourself investigating the life of a young man that had it extremely difficult yet found that God had a plan for him and that God's plan would not be stopped short. Newton was to come full circle with his life and serve the Lord Jesus Christ as a fine young man and bring the Gospel to hundreds of people.
I was highly encouraged by these letters and trust that you will be as well.
This book is a collection of John Newton's personal letters that he was asked to write by a friend who thought that people should hear directly from Newton as to what his life had been like. Bruce Hindmarsh gives us a short introduction to the life of Newton and the reason for these letters to have been written in the first place. But then the rest of the book is a collection of Newton's letters.
To read the letters from John Newton is to find yourself investigating the life of a young man that had it extremely difficult yet found that God had a plan for him and that God's plan would not be stopped short. Newton was to come full circle with his life and serve the Lord Jesus Christ as a fine young man and bring the Gospel to hundreds of people.
I was highly encouraged by these letters and trust that you will be as well.
August 23, 2011
Although this is in his own words, I think there are better and more comprehensive things to read on John Newton (which may explain why it is not currently widely available), fascinating though he is.
September 21, 2012
This little book was an epistulary autobiography by slaver-turned-Christian pastor John Newton. It is excellent, and the extra three letters at the end on spiritual growth are especially helpful.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews