John Newton: A Journey of Transformation

This month marks 300 years since John Newton was born in London’s Dockside area. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became part of a significant number of British people venturing into the sea.

Initially, Newton worked on a merchant ship, but soon found himself, quite literally, drafted by the Royal Navy. The harsh reality of naval life took a toll on him; he often witnessed ships being captured and their crews brutally treated. Thankfully, he managed to avoid immediate execution during this tumultuous time.

Although the harsh experiences weighed heavily on him, they also inspired him to learn everything he could about sailing. When friction arose between him and the captain of another vessel, he was surprisingly treated kindly by a native princess in Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, his father had begun searching for him after receiving a brief letter. Still, John never gave up on sailing and resisted his father’s pleas to give that up for a more stable life as a planter in the New World.

His return to England was eventful, marked by a pivotal storm that threatened his ship. In a moment of desperation, he prayed for safety, promising that if he made it through, he would turn his life around.

To his astonishment, the storm calmed shortly after his prayer, and he felt compelled to keep his side of the bargain. He began reading the Bible, distancing himself from drinking, gambling, and other vices. Newton saw this shift as a profound spiritual awakening, marking the beginning of his journey as a Christian.

Despite his efforts to turn his life around, there was one major inconsistency: his involvement in the slave trade. It took him nearly a decade post-conversion to genuinely believe that this practice was morally wrong.

As a sailor, he had experienced the brutal realities of the slave trade firsthand but had also financially benefited from it. Although he wasn’t actively trading slaves himself, he was a financial partner in businesses that thrived on this horrific trade.

Eventually, he came to terms with the trade’s inhumanity and renounced it completely. This realization didn’t come easily, but it transformed him into a staunch advocate for abolition as he deepened in his faith.

After stepping away from sailing, Newton took on a role as a tax collector in Liverpool. In his free time, he felt a compelling urge to delve into theological studies and aim for ordination in the Church of England. Initially rejected, he later found a place in another independent denomination.

His preaching style captured the attention of many, drawing large crowds. Eventually, he secured a position in the Church of England but maintained connections with various denominations that valued tolerance towards differing beliefs, as long as they honored core Christian doctrine. His church grew so popular that it had to add an extra balcony to accommodate the attendees.

Newton’s teachings influenced many, and he played a significant role in the late 18th-century abolition movement. Politician William Wilberforce sought his guidance concerning how faith should inform political decisions and urged him to leverage his influence for anti-slavery legislation.

Newton published pamphlets sharing his experiences in the slave trade, merging his faith with politics, which helped unite a coalition dedicated to the abolition of slavery.

Just months after the passage of the Slave Trade Act in 1807, Newton, who had been battling health issues for a while, passed away. He was buried beneath the communion table at St. Mary’s Woolnos Church.

Perhaps his most profound legacy is captured in the hymn “Amazing Grace.” This hymn, which resonates with many—whether believers or not—has become one of the most cherished songs in history, sung thousands of times each month in churches across the United States.

The impact of Newton’s hymn extends beyond religious services; artists of various genres have recorded and performed it, celebrating its powerful message. It reflects Newton’s complex relationship with faith, showcasing how only someone who has faced deep struggles can truly recognize the grace and forgiveness offered by God.

Reflecting on his life, Newton faced numerous moments of degradation and humiliation. However, even as he neared death, he gained a clearer understanding of life’s meaning. It took him years to realize the deep-seated evil of the slave trade, but once convinced, he recognized his former state and the immense grace he had received from God.