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Bitesize Biographies
John Newton
The people who know John Newton s name often only know one or two things about him. They recognize that he authored one of the most popular hymns of all time, Amazing Grace . The other thing they sometimes know is that he was a slaveship captain before he wrote that hymn. Those facts are true, but there is a great deal more to his story!
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2013
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 19, 2013
Which one of John Newton's hymns was originally called Faith Review and Expectation? You will find surprises such as that in this sweet biography of John Newton. I loved this read. It was refreshing, encouraging, and so for our time. Our heart is not much different than John Newton's when it comes to the Lord. John Newton understood God's sovereignity because he experienced it in his life. He could no longer deny the hand of God. From the time he was a boy and his mother's own devotion to the Lord and then Newton's rebel heart after his mother died to when God captured his heart by grace, that you see God's providence in his life and you will be able to see it in your life as well. We are not much different.
One of my favorite chapters is on the hymns of John Newton. You will discover the purpose of these hymns to glorify God and to draw his people to Him.
One of the surprises I discovered in this biography was John Newton's heart for the church. The "in" word in our culture is community and Newton was applying that to his life and those in his community. He was a letter writer and when others wrote to him, he responded with God's grace and truth. John Newton was a calvinist and he did not make that an issue with those that believed differently. He knew the importance of fellowship with other believers and with zeal of a man's heart captured by God's grace, he sought out other believers and seekers as well. He dealt with athieism and culture issues such as slavery with prayer and applied God's word and truth. Gospel is against any oppression of any kind.
Biographies are always a great read to see the bigger picture. John Crotts did a fine job in showing the bigger picture in John Newton's life.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
One of my favorite chapters is on the hymns of John Newton. You will discover the purpose of these hymns to glorify God and to draw his people to Him.
One of the surprises I discovered in this biography was John Newton's heart for the church. The "in" word in our culture is community and Newton was applying that to his life and those in his community. He was a letter writer and when others wrote to him, he responded with God's grace and truth. John Newton was a calvinist and he did not make that an issue with those that believed differently. He knew the importance of fellowship with other believers and with zeal of a man's heart captured by God's grace, he sought out other believers and seekers as well. He dealt with athieism and culture issues such as slavery with prayer and applied God's word and truth. Gospel is against any oppression of any kind.
Biographies are always a great read to see the bigger picture. John Crotts did a fine job in showing the bigger picture in John Newton's life.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 14, 2013
John Newton is perhaps best known for the classic hymn he penned, “Amazing Grace” although most people are not aware of the life journey of the man behind that most famous of hymns. John Crotts, in his book Bitesize Biographies: John Newton provides the reader with valuable insight into the transformation of Newton heathen sailor to evangelical leader and man of God.
This book is divided into two main parts, the first chronicling the early life, seafaring days, transformation and ministry of Newton with the second part recounting the glorious hymns Newton wrote concluding with an engagement of his literary works. Each chapter is written in a manner that even the most seasoned historian would enjoy. Crotts aptly walks the reader through each phase of Newton’s life, noting the amazing journey Newton took from rebellious swashbuckler to one of the 18th century’s greatest evangelical leaders.
This is a journey that is pregnant with the hand of God ever so present in the life of Newton. Furthermore, Newton’s story demonstrates that one is never too far from the mighty hand of God. For example, the young adulthood of Newton was one of pursuing all manner of activities that were certainly not representative of a man who feared God or who was even concerned with His existence. Crotts notes this period of Newton’s life was one of a “sinful tiger…now with a full belly, no responsibilities, and nothing to do but a little mathematics…The boundaries of the blasphemies of John Newton were energetically tested and pushed further.”
One may wonder when reading this how a young man full of a rather blasphemous spirit could have turned into an evangelical leader passionate for the things of the Lord. This transformation from a young man who was eager to pursue sin to one who preached against sin began with Newton reading “The Imitation of Christ” by the medieval era monk Thomas Kempis. As Newton began to ponder the message of that book, a massive storm enveloped the boat. During the storm, Newton was saved from being washed overboard once again leading him to contemplate if perhaps this God he had read about was actually real. Crotts masterfully notes Newton’s “body shaking with chills because of the intense cold, John’s soul also shook with reflections of what he deserved from God. He concluded that he was condemned because of his utter disregard for the gospel he once knew. In spite of that, he tried to pray. Not a prayer of faith, or even true repentance, but a creature crying to its Creator.” This marked the beginning of a journey of faith that would lead Newton to finally and absolutely embrace God.
Crotts, as he traces Newton’s spiritual journey interjected on numerous occasions what I found to be a rather interesting statement, namely the question “Was John Newton a Christian yet?” This seemed to serve as a salient reminder that God was slowly but surely working in Newton’s life, leading him to the cross. It is a valuable reminder to the reader that the path to salvation is not always a dramatic event that turns someone’s life around. God truly works in mysterious ways and that is clearly demonstrated in the life of John Newton. His life was one of a gradual but steady serious of life altering events, a clear demonstration that God had a plan for Newton that He was expertly weaving and working to its completion.
For anyone wanting to know the story of the man behind the hymn “Amazing Grace”, Crotts’ Bitesize Biography is a journey worth taking. Those who are not fond of lengthy biographies that spend more time engaging the daily routine of an individual will find Crotts’ work to be a quick and valuable read. As noted before, Newton’s life is a demonstration that God can save even the most dreadful sinner. Crotts expertly reveals God’s grace and the transforming work of the cross in the life of one John Newton, a man who truly recognized that “Big things, small things, good things, and even bad things all happen ultimately because of God’s sovereign will. This reality gives meaning and purpose to everything that goes on in a person’s life.” This was a truth Newton embraced and Crotts traces this reality through each step of his recounting of the life of John Newton, a life truly worth reading about.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from CrossFocused Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This book is divided into two main parts, the first chronicling the early life, seafaring days, transformation and ministry of Newton with the second part recounting the glorious hymns Newton wrote concluding with an engagement of his literary works. Each chapter is written in a manner that even the most seasoned historian would enjoy. Crotts aptly walks the reader through each phase of Newton’s life, noting the amazing journey Newton took from rebellious swashbuckler to one of the 18th century’s greatest evangelical leaders.
This is a journey that is pregnant with the hand of God ever so present in the life of Newton. Furthermore, Newton’s story demonstrates that one is never too far from the mighty hand of God. For example, the young adulthood of Newton was one of pursuing all manner of activities that were certainly not representative of a man who feared God or who was even concerned with His existence. Crotts notes this period of Newton’s life was one of a “sinful tiger…now with a full belly, no responsibilities, and nothing to do but a little mathematics…The boundaries of the blasphemies of John Newton were energetically tested and pushed further.”
One may wonder when reading this how a young man full of a rather blasphemous spirit could have turned into an evangelical leader passionate for the things of the Lord. This transformation from a young man who was eager to pursue sin to one who preached against sin began with Newton reading “The Imitation of Christ” by the medieval era monk Thomas Kempis. As Newton began to ponder the message of that book, a massive storm enveloped the boat. During the storm, Newton was saved from being washed overboard once again leading him to contemplate if perhaps this God he had read about was actually real. Crotts masterfully notes Newton’s “body shaking with chills because of the intense cold, John’s soul also shook with reflections of what he deserved from God. He concluded that he was condemned because of his utter disregard for the gospel he once knew. In spite of that, he tried to pray. Not a prayer of faith, or even true repentance, but a creature crying to its Creator.” This marked the beginning of a journey of faith that would lead Newton to finally and absolutely embrace God.
Crotts, as he traces Newton’s spiritual journey interjected on numerous occasions what I found to be a rather interesting statement, namely the question “Was John Newton a Christian yet?” This seemed to serve as a salient reminder that God was slowly but surely working in Newton’s life, leading him to the cross. It is a valuable reminder to the reader that the path to salvation is not always a dramatic event that turns someone’s life around. God truly works in mysterious ways and that is clearly demonstrated in the life of John Newton. His life was one of a gradual but steady serious of life altering events, a clear demonstration that God had a plan for Newton that He was expertly weaving and working to its completion.
For anyone wanting to know the story of the man behind the hymn “Amazing Grace”, Crotts’ Bitesize Biography is a journey worth taking. Those who are not fond of lengthy biographies that spend more time engaging the daily routine of an individual will find Crotts’ work to be a quick and valuable read. As noted before, Newton’s life is a demonstration that God can save even the most dreadful sinner. Crotts expertly reveals God’s grace and the transforming work of the cross in the life of one John Newton, a man who truly recognized that “Big things, small things, good things, and even bad things all happen ultimately because of God’s sovereign will. This reality gives meaning and purpose to everything that goes on in a person’s life.” This was a truth Newton embraced and Crotts traces this reality through each step of his recounting of the life of John Newton, a life truly worth reading about.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from CrossFocused Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 23, 2013
John Crotts has written mulitple books, mainly on biblical manhood or ecclesiology and yet (to my knowledge) this is his first effort writing a biography. Crotts explains the story of John Newton for the series Bitesized Biographies, which lives up to its title, since the book is a brief 137 pages. The outline of the book is simple. Chapter one is the introduction. Chapters two through five tells Newton’s story. Chapter six exegetes Newton’s most popular hymns. Finally, chapter seven introduces the reader to Newton’s encouraging and edifying letters.
Crotts packs a couple refreshing elements in this brief biography that deserve mention. First, the timeline of Newton provides a needed historical framework for the reader. This reviewer flipped to this resource muliple times so as not miss “the forest within the trees”. Second, the appendix, Recommendations for further reading, allows those readers whose biographical tastebuds have been wetted, to engage in further study on this fascinating historical figure.
At this point a question must be asked. Does this “bitesized” work fail to gives the reader a broad, penetrating look at the great pastor/hymnist? Absolutely not! The reader is given vivid details about Newton’s romance, his friendships with Wesley and Cowper, the mentoring of Wilberforce, etc. Crotts’ book reminds me of a short airplane flight: it gets to 30,000 feet quick, drinks are served and yet before you know it you are back on the ground.
Lastly, the author is first and foremost a Pastor and this reality is seen throughout this work. Crotts’ uncanny ability to bring application to the soul of the reader caused this reviewer to label this work a historical-devotional biography. This is meant as a complement to the author and should entice many novice readers, of which this series is focused towards.
Criticism
There was one peculiar fixation of the author: the historical pinpointing of Newton’s conversion. Multiple times Crotts writes, “Was John Newton a Christian yet?” or “Was Newton at last a Christian?” Now this reviewer has read many biographies and the pursuit of pinpointing spiritual epiphanies holds great importance in understanding the journey of old saints. That being said, most historians leave dogmatism ”on the doorstep” in this area, reminding the reader that spiritual awakenings are notoriously slippery, whether by personal observation or in the opinion of others. Nevertheless, Crotts is driven to point out Newton’s deistic sympathies and that through moral effort an individual cannot inheirit the kingdom of God. In this area, Crotts’ reveals his pastoral tendency to be “preachy”, which is understandable but unnecessary in the opinion of this reviewer.
Conclusion
Overall, I endorse this work. The reader is given a realistic portrait of Newton and also a healthy serving of devotional theology. I found this work to be both edifying and informative. For a brief, introductory look at John Newton, Crotts’ work has no equal.
Crotts packs a couple refreshing elements in this brief biography that deserve mention. First, the timeline of Newton provides a needed historical framework for the reader. This reviewer flipped to this resource muliple times so as not miss “the forest within the trees”. Second, the appendix, Recommendations for further reading, allows those readers whose biographical tastebuds have been wetted, to engage in further study on this fascinating historical figure.
At this point a question must be asked. Does this “bitesized” work fail to gives the reader a broad, penetrating look at the great pastor/hymnist? Absolutely not! The reader is given vivid details about Newton’s romance, his friendships with Wesley and Cowper, the mentoring of Wilberforce, etc. Crotts’ book reminds me of a short airplane flight: it gets to 30,000 feet quick, drinks are served and yet before you know it you are back on the ground.
Lastly, the author is first and foremost a Pastor and this reality is seen throughout this work. Crotts’ uncanny ability to bring application to the soul of the reader caused this reviewer to label this work a historical-devotional biography. This is meant as a complement to the author and should entice many novice readers, of which this series is focused towards.
Criticism
There was one peculiar fixation of the author: the historical pinpointing of Newton’s conversion. Multiple times Crotts writes, “Was John Newton a Christian yet?” or “Was Newton at last a Christian?” Now this reviewer has read many biographies and the pursuit of pinpointing spiritual epiphanies holds great importance in understanding the journey of old saints. That being said, most historians leave dogmatism ”on the doorstep” in this area, reminding the reader that spiritual awakenings are notoriously slippery, whether by personal observation or in the opinion of others. Nevertheless, Crotts is driven to point out Newton’s deistic sympathies and that through moral effort an individual cannot inheirit the kingdom of God. In this area, Crotts’ reveals his pastoral tendency to be “preachy”, which is understandable but unnecessary in the opinion of this reviewer.
Conclusion
Overall, I endorse this work. The reader is given a realistic portrait of Newton and also a healthy serving of devotional theology. I found this work to be both edifying and informative. For a brief, introductory look at John Newton, Crotts’ work has no equal.
April 21, 2013
I chose to read and review this book because growing up `Amazing Grace' was my favorite hymn. I didn't even know the name of the man that wrote the hymn until a few months ago. The only thing I knew about John Newton prior to reading this book is that he was a slave. I didn't realize that he was a white man born in London! So, I really knew nothing about John Newton before reading this book!
John was born to John and Elizabeth Newton on July 24th 1725 in Wapping, London. His father was a merchant ship captain and gone most of the time, so John was raised by his mother as a small child. Elizabeth taught John to read and write by the time he was 4 years old. She also had hopes to prepare John for the ministry, but died when John was still young.
Throughout Johns life he struggled with his faith and love of God. One minute his faith and conviction in bible teachings was strong and he would walk a straight path and then he would slip. You could say that John grew up on a ship. During this time he developed some very crude behaviors. Life was not always easy for him in his younger years.
John is mostly known as the man that wrote the hymn Amazing Grace, but in this book you will also learn about his life in the Navy, his life as a slave in Africa, and his time as captain of a slave ship.
You will learn of his marriage and life with his wife Polly. Most of all you will learn of his struggles with grace and believing in God and his ministry. It seems that God got a hold of John and wouldn't turn him loose no matter how much he struggled, and he struggled a lot.
John only had 2 years of structured education, but he taught himself to read Greek and Latin so he could read the bible in those languages. It amazes me that he taught himself to read those languages!
I am very happy that I read the Bitesize Biography of John Newton. It has taught me that God is always there patiently waiting for us to come to him, and that he will not give up on us. Even if we have given up on ourselves.
If you want to learn a little about John Newton this book is a great place to start.
*I received a free copy of this book from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review of the book.
John was born to John and Elizabeth Newton on July 24th 1725 in Wapping, London. His father was a merchant ship captain and gone most of the time, so John was raised by his mother as a small child. Elizabeth taught John to read and write by the time he was 4 years old. She also had hopes to prepare John for the ministry, but died when John was still young.
Throughout Johns life he struggled with his faith and love of God. One minute his faith and conviction in bible teachings was strong and he would walk a straight path and then he would slip. You could say that John grew up on a ship. During this time he developed some very crude behaviors. Life was not always easy for him in his younger years.
John is mostly known as the man that wrote the hymn Amazing Grace, but in this book you will also learn about his life in the Navy, his life as a slave in Africa, and his time as captain of a slave ship.
You will learn of his marriage and life with his wife Polly. Most of all you will learn of his struggles with grace and believing in God and his ministry. It seems that God got a hold of John and wouldn't turn him loose no matter how much he struggled, and he struggled a lot.
John only had 2 years of structured education, but he taught himself to read Greek and Latin so he could read the bible in those languages. It amazes me that he taught himself to read those languages!
I am very happy that I read the Bitesize Biography of John Newton. It has taught me that God is always there patiently waiting for us to come to him, and that he will not give up on us. Even if we have given up on ourselves.
If you want to learn a little about John Newton this book is a great place to start.
*I received a free copy of this book from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review of the book.
April 15, 2013
Part of the “Bitesize Biographies” series, John Crotts has penned a very good biography of one of the greatest men of church history. John Newton will always be know as the slave trader, turned slave, turned saint.
Most know John Newton for the most recognized hymn in history - "Amazing Grace". Even those who know nothing of the gospel have heard and probably know the first verse of the hymn.
In this book, Crotts shows there is so much more to Newton than most people know. Easy to read, this book moves you along to the end like a good movie. It leaves you wanting more.
Newton started out with a godly mother, but after her death, he no longer had a Godly influence. He then moved away from the morals she taught him into a life of debauchery. He was a sailor who lived his life with drinking and cursing.
Incidence after incidence, throughout out his life, God saved him from tragedy, but Newton would not give in. After becoming a slave himself, the Lord finally broke him. After being saved, Newton became a pastor. For the rest of his life he would minister to people from all walks of life. He loved those in and outside of his own denomination. Sometimes this got him in trouble with the people of his denomination.
My favorite part of the book was the last two chapters. One chapter considers the hymns written by Newton, the other considers the letters written by him. I believe these are the heart of the book. They show the result of his godly life and how God's grace is the center of everything.
I recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book free of charge from EP Books and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Most know John Newton for the most recognized hymn in history - "Amazing Grace". Even those who know nothing of the gospel have heard and probably know the first verse of the hymn.
In this book, Crotts shows there is so much more to Newton than most people know. Easy to read, this book moves you along to the end like a good movie. It leaves you wanting more.
Newton started out with a godly mother, but after her death, he no longer had a Godly influence. He then moved away from the morals she taught him into a life of debauchery. He was a sailor who lived his life with drinking and cursing.
Incidence after incidence, throughout out his life, God saved him from tragedy, but Newton would not give in. After becoming a slave himself, the Lord finally broke him. After being saved, Newton became a pastor. For the rest of his life he would minister to people from all walks of life. He loved those in and outside of his own denomination. Sometimes this got him in trouble with the people of his denomination.
My favorite part of the book was the last two chapters. One chapter considers the hymns written by Newton, the other considers the letters written by him. I believe these are the heart of the book. They show the result of his godly life and how God's grace is the center of everything.
I recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received this book free of charge from EP Books and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2013
What a treat! I'll start off right off the top: get this book. Read it. Read it to your children. Give it to your grandchildren. But get this book and delight yourself in it.
I love the concept of the 'bitesize biographies.' For those who might not ever read a full-blown biography, Evangelical Press is doing a great service in giving a very short, brief overview of notable Christians. This particular biography on Newton is enough to whet anyone's appetite to read more. Crotts also delivers on that front as well, giving several suggested books for further reading.
Newton's life is a wonder; his most famous hymn, 'Amazing Grace,' truly sums up his life, his conversion and his years of ministry. I remember some years back, attending a Desiring God Conference for Pastors where John Piper did a bio-sketch on Newton. Tears flowed freely as he recalled the delightful mercies of the Lord in Newton's life.
Crotts does a masterful job of giving the necessary glimpses of Newton's life. I'm so glad that he spent a good amount of time describing his friendship with William Cowper. I hope EP does a bio sketch of him. What a delight that would be, as well.
To all who read this review, please get this book. Read it. Praise the Lord for His marvelous love, tender mercy and amazing grace.
I love the concept of the 'bitesize biographies.' For those who might not ever read a full-blown biography, Evangelical Press is doing a great service in giving a very short, brief overview of notable Christians. This particular biography on Newton is enough to whet anyone's appetite to read more. Crotts also delivers on that front as well, giving several suggested books for further reading.
Newton's life is a wonder; his most famous hymn, 'Amazing Grace,' truly sums up his life, his conversion and his years of ministry. I remember some years back, attending a Desiring God Conference for Pastors where John Piper did a bio-sketch on Newton. Tears flowed freely as he recalled the delightful mercies of the Lord in Newton's life.
Crotts does a masterful job of giving the necessary glimpses of Newton's life. I'm so glad that he spent a good amount of time describing his friendship with William Cowper. I hope EP does a bio sketch of him. What a delight that would be, as well.
To all who read this review, please get this book. Read it. Praise the Lord for His marvelous love, tender mercy and amazing grace.
April 22, 2013
I am not a big reader of biographies or auto-biographies but I jumped at the chance to learn more about the author of the famous hymn, Amazing Grace. This book truly is bitesized but packs such a wealth of knowledge about this man.
I had learned a little about him in school but there was so much I did not know. He led an amazing life. His conversion to the Christian faith was huge. He was part of an almost Hollywood like romance. But my favorite part was about the hymns. That part will touch your heart and make you want to start singing.
A hymn is more than a statement of truth. It stretches the tools of language to express the truth with appropriate passion. (page 95)
Newton's methodical study of Christian texts reminds me of Benjamin Franklin's same methodical study of his time. I enjoyed the look into his private life and how much he grew and changed. Truly inspirational.
I'd recommend this little book to anyone that is a fan of biographies or would like a wonderful introduction to the life of one of Christian faith's most underrated men.
I received this title from the publisher for an honest review. This review was originally posted on my blog.
I had learned a little about him in school but there was so much I did not know. He led an amazing life. His conversion to the Christian faith was huge. He was part of an almost Hollywood like romance. But my favorite part was about the hymns. That part will touch your heart and make you want to start singing.
A hymn is more than a statement of truth. It stretches the tools of language to express the truth with appropriate passion. (page 95)
Newton's methodical study of Christian texts reminds me of Benjamin Franklin's same methodical study of his time. I enjoyed the look into his private life and how much he grew and changed. Truly inspirational.
I'd recommend this little book to anyone that is a fan of biographies or would like a wonderful introduction to the life of one of Christian faith's most underrated men.
I received this title from the publisher for an honest review. This review was originally posted on my blog.
April 22, 2013
This is a short, informative biography about John Newton, slave ship captain and writer of "Amazing Grace." We learn about his childhood, the many times his life was miraculously spared, and about his ministry. The author points out lessons we can learn from his life. The chapters focusing on the many hymns and letters he wrote are especially interesting as they explore the topics he focused on.
Even though John Newton wrote one of my favorite hymns, "Amazing Grace," I barely knew anything about him. I liked learning about his interactions with other famous preachers of the day, such as John Wesley and George Whitefield. ...read the rest here: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
Even though John Newton wrote one of my favorite hymns, "Amazing Grace," I barely knew anything about him. I liked learning about his interactions with other famous preachers of the day, such as John Wesley and George Whitefield. ...read the rest here: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
April 21, 2013
The author does an excellent job of celebrating the graces repeatedly bestowed upon Newton, and he shares numerous examples of God orchestrating events and people to spare Newton's life and bring him into a relationship with Christ.
Overall, it was a quick introduction to the compelling life story of John Newton, but was sometimes difficult to read because of the writer's distracting style. The short bursts of information might be better served as teachable sections instead of one continuous, flowing narrative.
A more detailed review can be found on my blog: http://teamredd.blogspot.com/2013/04/...
Overall, it was a quick introduction to the compelling life story of John Newton, but was sometimes difficult to read because of the writer's distracting style. The short bursts of information might be better served as teachable sections instead of one continuous, flowing narrative.
A more detailed review can be found on my blog: http://teamredd.blogspot.com/2013/04/...
April 18, 2013
This is an enjoyable, quick orientation to Newton's life and ministry. Throughout, Crotts focuses on God's gracious initiative. I've posted a longer review on my blog:
http://awonderfulprovidence.blogspot....
http://awonderfulprovidence.blogspot....
April 8, 2013
I enjoyed this book. Read it in about three days. Full review here:
http://ericdurso.com/2013/04/07/book-...
http://ericdurso.com/2013/04/07/book-...
December 20, 2013
Newton wrote the epitaph that appears on his grave,
"John Newton
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."
This book is part of the Bitesize Biographies series. There are 7 short chapters and only about 140 pages altogether. In spite of its brevity, there is a powerful story packed into these pages.
As a former teacher in a Christian academy, a children's church worker and a homeschool parent/teacher, the life of John Newton has always been one of my favorite stories for making a strong positive impression on its readers. Because of his dramatic conversion experience, it's an attention grabbing tale for storytellers; for older young people and adults, a compelling story that points us to the grace of God in an emphatic manner. Books written for children tend to emphasize the manner in which God attempted to get John Newton's attention from his days of rebellion raising havoc on ships, being enslaved in Africa, his rescue and later captaincy of his own ship.
This book moves through those early events briefly in the first few chapters, and then concentrates primarily on Newton's spiritual development, growth and personal ministry from the point when he finally acknowledged that God loved him. His early days as a follower of Christ flickered and sputtered like a candle blown in the wind, almost going out, but eventually reviving to burn brightly. Ship voyages in his day often took 18 months to two years and sometimes even five years, so that he didn't get to fellowship with other Christians in those early days. But he did read the Bible and some great Christian books so that he did mature modestly until he was able to get home. During the months on a voyage, he honed his writing skills by writing volumes of letters to Polly. When he had a large enough stack, he posted them and she would get them all at one time. She would write to him in the same manner, and he would receive them eagerly. They were life's breath to him.
On his third and final voyage as captain, after he had married Polly, he made acquaintance with a mature Christian and fellow ship's captain, Alexander Clunie. They became close friends and spent a month waiting for ship repairs fellowshiping together. This friendship helped Newton to mature in his understanding of the Bible, clear up many misconceptions and doubts about his salvation, and paved the way for many wonderful friendships with other men of God. One of Clunie's friends introduced him to George Whitefield, a famous evangelist of the day, just a few years after the Great Awakening. John Newton enjoyed listening to Whitefield preach so much that he extended his stay in the area, even time away from his beloved wife Polly, to hear more.
This was a time when the Church of England was the established church. There were groups of people working from the inside, such as John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, to call people to repentance and renew or place their faith in Jesus Christ. There were also reformers from without the church, often called Dissenters. Among these two groups, Newton made many friends and acquaintances. If a person loved the Lord and preached the gospel, he wanted that person as a friend. William Grimshaw of Haworth encouraged Newton to pursue the ministry. Henry Venn Huddersfield was a godly mentor; his fervor for preaching the gospel, sometimes thirty times a week, became a model for Newton. He became friends with the Baptist John Fawcett, an independent James Scott, the Presbyterian John Edwards, and Moravian Benjamin Ingham. He felt God guiding him to preach about the Grace God extended to him while he was still a wretched sinner, but didn't know if he should work within the church, or among the Dissenters. Eventually he chose to pastor in the established church out of deference to Polly's family, who were staunch supporters of the church.
Because John Newton was for the most part self-taught, and the Anglican church desired educated ministers, the best he could hope for was a position of curate, similar to being an assistant pastor. But he needed someone to ordain him. It took years before someone was willing to do so. During his wait, he would write letters detailing his conversion story to friends. One friend encouraged Newton to turn these letters into a book for publication. As a result his autobiography, An Authentic Narrative, was published and eventually read by many, including the Earl of Dartmouth. He had offered a curacy of a small parish in Olney to a friend of Newton's, who in turn recommended Newton. Lord Dartmouth, an evangelical himself, saw to it that Newton was ordained.
Newton served in Olney for the next sixteen years. He loved the ministry, and people loved to hear him preach with such warmth and caring. He started children's ministries, and often cooperated with other churches when special meetings were held for the purpose of evangelization. Some of the meetings were even held in Newton's and William Cowper's homes. He knew the men who formed a society that eventually sent out William Carey as missionary to India.
Newton met William Cowper a few years into his ministry when William left a hectic London to live in the relative peace of the countryside. The two became fast friends. Cowper was skilled in poetry and lyrics, while Newton was both musically talented and able to write lyrics. They collaborated together to write many hymns, a new form of music at the time, for the people in Newton's parish. People in the area were often employed as lace makers. As they performed their repetitive tasks, they would sing little ditties to themselves that helped keep the patterns consistent and to pass the time. Cowper wanted to create a set of new songs for them to sing, based on the Gospel. The hymn form was especially appropriate for this task, so the two created over 348 hymns with 67 coming from Cowper's pen. It was published in 1779 as Olney's Hymns and became a great help to many churches over time.
The book sold nearly half a million copies over the next few decades. Among the songs in this book are "Amazing Grace," "There is a Fountain," and "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken." My favorite incidence in the book tells of Newton's relationship with a fellow curate, but an unbeliever, Thomas Scott. He believed in rationalism rather than the Bible. Scott realized what a poor minister he really was when he learned that Newton was visiting his own sick and dying parishioners. Once when he visited Newton's church to hear him preach, he did not understand him at all. So he used his wry wit to poke fun and mock Newton's sermon. They maintained a correspondence, and Newton sent Scott one of his books, but everything Newton said seemed like foolishness to Scott. Eventually the Holy Spirit convicted Scott when he realized that gospel men like Newton spoke out of their spiritual experiences while he had no spiritual experience at all. Scott turned his heart over to Jesus.
The Newtons moved to London and continued the work of hospitality, Bible teaching, mentorship, and sponsorship as they had done in Olney. In their home were always some guests with either short or extended stays. John Newton saw the importance of creating friendships with all types of Christian leaders whether they were inside the Anglican church or outside it. They formed a network of gospel preaching men, sponsoring many projects that made London a better place to live. One project they established was a journal called the Christian Observer. Training opportunities for those outside the church among the Dissenters was very limited.
In this network, John Newton served as adviser, helping to create a curriculum of Biblical training for young people with potential to be leaders in their churches, communities and missions. This academy served many for decades to come.
One of the young men Newton mentored was William Wilberforce. After his father's death, his mother sent him to live with his aunt Hannah, an evangelical friend of the Newtons' in both Olney and London. Young William looked up to Newton as a father figure, and Newton mentored him and prayed for his salvation. After years of correspondence and mentoring, William became a Member of Parliament. Eventually he opened his heart to Jesus and became a believer. Their father-son relationship continued to grow and Newton encouraged Willberforce to serve the Lord in his political life. Together, Newton and Wilberforce eventually turned the tide of opinion of all England against the practice of slavery by revealing the horrors of the conditions where the African people became slaves and were delivered to plantations to labor in.
John Newton's life can be summed up in the book title by Jonathan Aitken, "From disgrace to Amazing Grace." Before his mother died when he was eight, she prayed that her son would serve God by going into the ministry. It took quite a few years, but God answered her prayers. Even when young John didn't realize it, God showed amazing grace to him repeated until he got John's full and undivided attention. John was so amazed by this grace that his penned words to the title of the song Amazing Grace lives long after the end of Newton's mortal life.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC) and EP Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
"John Newton
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."
This book is part of the Bitesize Biographies series. There are 7 short chapters and only about 140 pages altogether. In spite of its brevity, there is a powerful story packed into these pages.
As a former teacher in a Christian academy, a children's church worker and a homeschool parent/teacher, the life of John Newton has always been one of my favorite stories for making a strong positive impression on its readers. Because of his dramatic conversion experience, it's an attention grabbing tale for storytellers; for older young people and adults, a compelling story that points us to the grace of God in an emphatic manner. Books written for children tend to emphasize the manner in which God attempted to get John Newton's attention from his days of rebellion raising havoc on ships, being enslaved in Africa, his rescue and later captaincy of his own ship.
This book moves through those early events briefly in the first few chapters, and then concentrates primarily on Newton's spiritual development, growth and personal ministry from the point when he finally acknowledged that God loved him. His early days as a follower of Christ flickered and sputtered like a candle blown in the wind, almost going out, but eventually reviving to burn brightly. Ship voyages in his day often took 18 months to two years and sometimes even five years, so that he didn't get to fellowship with other Christians in those early days. But he did read the Bible and some great Christian books so that he did mature modestly until he was able to get home. During the months on a voyage, he honed his writing skills by writing volumes of letters to Polly. When he had a large enough stack, he posted them and she would get them all at one time. She would write to him in the same manner, and he would receive them eagerly. They were life's breath to him.
On his third and final voyage as captain, after he had married Polly, he made acquaintance with a mature Christian and fellow ship's captain, Alexander Clunie. They became close friends and spent a month waiting for ship repairs fellowshiping together. This friendship helped Newton to mature in his understanding of the Bible, clear up many misconceptions and doubts about his salvation, and paved the way for many wonderful friendships with other men of God. One of Clunie's friends introduced him to George Whitefield, a famous evangelist of the day, just a few years after the Great Awakening. John Newton enjoyed listening to Whitefield preach so much that he extended his stay in the area, even time away from his beloved wife Polly, to hear more.
This was a time when the Church of England was the established church. There were groups of people working from the inside, such as John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, to call people to repentance and renew or place their faith in Jesus Christ. There were also reformers from without the church, often called Dissenters. Among these two groups, Newton made many friends and acquaintances. If a person loved the Lord and preached the gospel, he wanted that person as a friend. William Grimshaw of Haworth encouraged Newton to pursue the ministry. Henry Venn Huddersfield was a godly mentor; his fervor for preaching the gospel, sometimes thirty times a week, became a model for Newton. He became friends with the Baptist John Fawcett, an independent James Scott, the Presbyterian John Edwards, and Moravian Benjamin Ingham. He felt God guiding him to preach about the Grace God extended to him while he was still a wretched sinner, but didn't know if he should work within the church, or among the Dissenters. Eventually he chose to pastor in the established church out of deference to Polly's family, who were staunch supporters of the church.
Because John Newton was for the most part self-taught, and the Anglican church desired educated ministers, the best he could hope for was a position of curate, similar to being an assistant pastor. But he needed someone to ordain him. It took years before someone was willing to do so. During his wait, he would write letters detailing his conversion story to friends. One friend encouraged Newton to turn these letters into a book for publication. As a result his autobiography, An Authentic Narrative, was published and eventually read by many, including the Earl of Dartmouth. He had offered a curacy of a small parish in Olney to a friend of Newton's, who in turn recommended Newton. Lord Dartmouth, an evangelical himself, saw to it that Newton was ordained.
Newton served in Olney for the next sixteen years. He loved the ministry, and people loved to hear him preach with such warmth and caring. He started children's ministries, and often cooperated with other churches when special meetings were held for the purpose of evangelization. Some of the meetings were even held in Newton's and William Cowper's homes. He knew the men who formed a society that eventually sent out William Carey as missionary to India.
Newton met William Cowper a few years into his ministry when William left a hectic London to live in the relative peace of the countryside. The two became fast friends. Cowper was skilled in poetry and lyrics, while Newton was both musically talented and able to write lyrics. They collaborated together to write many hymns, a new form of music at the time, for the people in Newton's parish. People in the area were often employed as lace makers. As they performed their repetitive tasks, they would sing little ditties to themselves that helped keep the patterns consistent and to pass the time. Cowper wanted to create a set of new songs for them to sing, based on the Gospel. The hymn form was especially appropriate for this task, so the two created over 348 hymns with 67 coming from Cowper's pen. It was published in 1779 as Olney's Hymns and became a great help to many churches over time.
The book sold nearly half a million copies over the next few decades. Among the songs in this book are "Amazing Grace," "There is a Fountain," and "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken." My favorite incidence in the book tells of Newton's relationship with a fellow curate, but an unbeliever, Thomas Scott. He believed in rationalism rather than the Bible. Scott realized what a poor minister he really was when he learned that Newton was visiting his own sick and dying parishioners. Once when he visited Newton's church to hear him preach, he did not understand him at all. So he used his wry wit to poke fun and mock Newton's sermon. They maintained a correspondence, and Newton sent Scott one of his books, but everything Newton said seemed like foolishness to Scott. Eventually the Holy Spirit convicted Scott when he realized that gospel men like Newton spoke out of their spiritual experiences while he had no spiritual experience at all. Scott turned his heart over to Jesus.
The Newtons moved to London and continued the work of hospitality, Bible teaching, mentorship, and sponsorship as they had done in Olney. In their home were always some guests with either short or extended stays. John Newton saw the importance of creating friendships with all types of Christian leaders whether they were inside the Anglican church or outside it. They formed a network of gospel preaching men, sponsoring many projects that made London a better place to live. One project they established was a journal called the Christian Observer. Training opportunities for those outside the church among the Dissenters was very limited.
In this network, John Newton served as adviser, helping to create a curriculum of Biblical training for young people with potential to be leaders in their churches, communities and missions. This academy served many for decades to come.
One of the young men Newton mentored was William Wilberforce. After his father's death, his mother sent him to live with his aunt Hannah, an evangelical friend of the Newtons' in both Olney and London. Young William looked up to Newton as a father figure, and Newton mentored him and prayed for his salvation. After years of correspondence and mentoring, William became a Member of Parliament. Eventually he opened his heart to Jesus and became a believer. Their father-son relationship continued to grow and Newton encouraged Willberforce to serve the Lord in his political life. Together, Newton and Wilberforce eventually turned the tide of opinion of all England against the practice of slavery by revealing the horrors of the conditions where the African people became slaves and were delivered to plantations to labor in.
John Newton's life can be summed up in the book title by Jonathan Aitken, "From disgrace to Amazing Grace." Before his mother died when he was eight, she prayed that her son would serve God by going into the ministry. It took quite a few years, but God answered her prayers. Even when young John didn't realize it, God showed amazing grace to him repeated until he got John's full and undivided attention. John was so amazed by this grace that his penned words to the title of the song Amazing Grace lives long after the end of Newton's mortal life.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC) and EP Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
June 7, 2017
A bit of a disappointment, largely due to the author's writing style: he seems to be more addicted to exclamation points than even -I- am! and somehow the word choice, the syntax, and the organization of the sentences/paragraphs all suggest a book written for younger, less mature readers (which other books in this series have NOT been). Good coverage of Newton's life (although a bit confusingly repetitive at times). Ends with two helpful chapters -- one on a number of his best-known hymns (including 'Ol' Ubiquitous,' of course!) and his letters (which make me want to read more of them).
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