Amazing Grace: An Autobiography

by John Newton, Vasile Lazar (Editor)

A slave trader met his Creator and God. And since then, his life was never the same. The haunting of past memories was soothed by the balm of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but has modeled Newton's life so deep that his life would became a never-ending story of Amazing Grace. This book presents John Newton's autobiography in a set of fourteen letters wrote to his friend Thomas Haweis back in the 18th century. A life-transforming book.
John Newton (1725–1807) was an English Anglican preacher and the founder of the Evangelical Clapham Sect. Prior to his conversion, he was sailor in the British Royal Navy, and later a captain of slave trade ships. He is best known for the hymns he wrote, especially for Amazing Grace and How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.
This book has been originally published in 1764. Current edition has been proofread, typeset for eBook readers, and slightly updated for modern readers.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, History, Christianity, Theology, Biography Memoir

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1786

About the author

Librarian 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."

Reviews

[Jayna Baas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the story of John Newton, and this book is a good introduction to his life from his point of view. The footnotes were especially helpful. The reason my rating isn't higher is because of the liberties taken in the revising/updating process. I've never really enjoyed modernized versions of anything, and I expected the revisions to be more along the lines of standardized punctuation and extra citations, not actual rewording of key passages. I read an old copy of the original version (Moody Publishers) just before reading this, and this one contained reworded phrases that actually disagreed with the original meanings. Yes, the original eighteenth-century English can be a bit laborious, but I don't think most thoughtful readers would have too much trouble.

So, contrary to the cover description, this is not truly an autobiography or "Newton's own words." (As other readers have noted, this book doesn't include Newton's efforts to abolish the slave trade; he stopped writing this in 1763, before that change of heart.) I highly recommend the unrevised autobiography, if you can find it. Regardless, this is a good resource for a first look at Newton's account of his life. What an amazing testimony of God's grace!

[pchan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Out of the Depths" is essentially a modernization of John Newton's own autobiography, "An Authentic Narrative," by which I mean it updates the language to 20th century American English, organizes it into book chapters (Newton originally penned his autobiography in a series of letters), and so on.

However, if you want Newton's "An Authentic Narrative" as he originally wrote it, it'd be best to purchase "The Life and Spirituality of John Newton" by Bruce Hindmarsh (ed.). "The Life and Spirituality of John Newton" contains "An Authentic Narrative."

To better see what I mean, here's the first paragraph of the first letter in "An Authentic Narrative" followed by the first paragraph of the first chapter in "Out of the Depths":

* * *

Reverend and Dear Sir,

I make no doubt but you have at times had pleasing reflections upon that promise made to the Israelites, Deut. viii. 2. They were then in the wilderness, surrounded with difficulties, which were greatly aggravated by their own distrust and perverseness: they had experienced a variety of dispensations, the design of which they could not as yet understand; they frequently lost sight of God's gracious purposes in their favour, and were much discouraged by reason of the way. To compose and animate their minds, Moses here suggests to them, that there was a future happy time drawing near, when their journey and warfare should be finished; that they should soon be put in possession of the promised land, and have rest from all their fears and troubles; and then it would give them pleasure to look back upon what they now found so uneasy to bear: "Thou shalt remember all the way, by which the Lord thy God led thee through this wilderness."

* * *

God's promise to the Israelites is worthy of our reflection. They were then in the wilderness, surrounded with difficulties that were made worse by their distrust and disobedience. They had experienced a variety of God's providential actions, but they did not yet understand God's ultimate goals. They frequently lost sight of God's gracious actions on their behalf and were very discouraged. Moses announces to them that there is a future time of happiness drawing near when their journey and warfare will be finished. They will soon take possession of the Promised Land and rest from all their fears and troubles. Then they will look back with satisfaction upon what was before so difficult to bear: "Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee through the wilderness" (Deut. 8:2).

[Cynda welcomes prayers for health. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read another version of this book that I found on Hoopla. The version I read seems to include some extra materials. Toward the end of the letters, a couple bits of commentary from a friend of Newton's, switched back and forth between the letters and the unnamed friend's commentary. Maybe a problem with how the audiobook was formatted?

Also this version includes some quotes from Newton. None were particularly memorable.

What struck me as being odd: In this set of letters, Newton wrote of events into the 1780s, yet he does not mention the song "Amazing Grace," much less the direct impetus to the writing of this perennial favorite. "Amazing Grace" was written in 1779.

Maybe not so odd? I refer to Wikipedia for some background info where I find put that Newton had kept his abolitionist beliefs quiet in public until the publication of his pamphlet "Thoughts upon the Slave Trade" (1788) This pamphlet seems have been written about the time the last dates cited within the letters. So Newton may have comeout as an abolitionist after the letters were written. In that case, he may not have wamted to talk about "Amazing Grace" in his published letters.

I read this autobiography in the hope of knowing more about William Wilberforce and his friends--Newton included. Yet in the autobiography Newton seems to have been hiding his abolitionist self. I will have to read a more biography to get the information or glimpse I want.

So why 3 stars? Total and complete ambivalence about this book. Nothing truly wrong. Just not what I wanted. I try again.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace is, indeed, amazing. I wept a number of times. And if I hadn't been up to my elbows in food prep during most of my listening time, I'd've pulled and posted more quotes.

A book about ships and Jesus of course reminded me of Jim Wilson. And there's even one story where Newton's life was spared when his captain pulled him away from one of his regular responsibilities for no reason that even he could explain, which was remarkably like an incident in Jim's life.

The book was recorded decades ago (you can tell when they neglect to edit out "This book is continued on the other side of the cassette" 😆) and the narrator sounds like they time-traveled him from several decades before that. He has the feel of an old movie — an old man in 1930s black and white, played by an actor who started his career on an 1880s stage. It was good, but it was a strange sensation. You expect to hear that sort of voice labeled something like "Rare recording of Victorian gentleman."

[Alexandru Croitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

O serie de 15 scrisori care prezintă povestea compozitorului care stă în spatele faimosul imn Mărețul har . Povestea lui John Newton e o ilustrație clară a versetului din Epistola lui Pavel către Romani care spune: ”fiindcă ea [Evanghelia] este puterea lui Dumnezeu pentru mântuirea fiecăruia care crede". Iese in evidență permanent înflăcărarea inimii sale după harul lui Dumnezeu în urma fiecărei povestioare și inclusiv în relatarea perioadelor sale de rebeliune unde observă detalii care arată grija providențială a lui Dumnezeu. Împlinirea promisiunii lui Dumnezeu prin Hristos, mântuirea desăvârșită pe care Fiul lui Dumnezeu o aduce marchează viața lui Newton și, împreună cu Apostolul Pavel, afirmă încrezător că: "Hristos Isus a venit în lume ca să îi mântuiască pe cei păcătoși" (1 Timotei 1:15)
De altfel, povestea lui John Newton amplifică și mai mult profunzimea versurilor primei strofe din imn:

”Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.”

[Gabie Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful testimony of a suffering saint. I found myself recalling and meditating on my own conversion and ongoing sanctification through this entire book. I was edified by the constant reminder of God's tender providence and care for his children through overwhelming trials. I will definitely be revisiting this autobiography and recommending to others.

[Roar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this little book by the author of the famous hymn Amazing Grace. Not really an auto biography, but rather John Newton's account of his own spiritual development and conversion. In one review I saw some complains about the heavy emphasis on sin and sinfullness. What struck me most, though, was the focus on God's providence and guidance. The style is old, of course, but the language reasonably modernised.
FAVOURITE QUOTE: "I trust that His will and my true interest are inseparable."

I need to add something some years after I wrote the above part of this review. I couldn't help wondering about the lack of remorse over his participation in the slave trade. That must have developed later. Maybe it is a good example of how we only gradually grow in understanding of the will of God and of our own sin, also after repentance and conversion.

[Shawn Avalos · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Out of the depths’ surely encompassed the life of John Newton and accurately depicts the common position many us were in when God reached into our lives by His grace alone and saved us. John Newton explains in detail the many trials and travails he faced through his own life as a sinner AND a saint, which God allowed in His providence to glorify His name and set Newton apart for His own.

Although separated by more than 200-250 years time & our lives’ direction and context being so drastically different, it was hard not to find common ground in the revelations of biblical knowledge shared from God to Newton and in the sheer humanness of Newton- whether by his relatable opinions or his reactions to certain situations.

Overall, a very enjoyable and encouraging read. Highly recommended for all believers and nonbelievers (if it so pleases Him) alike.

[Marcella Chatham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging from the start. I'm not sure there is a single believer who would not be able to relate or sympathize with even a small part of John Newton's story. Always giving the glory to God for every single providence in his life whether good or suffering, his level of faith is a point I want to strive to be at in my own walk towards sanctification.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are like me, you know only a few facts about the author of the popular song "Amazing Grace" : he was a slave trader, later wrote the song. But you can't even imagine the adventurous life he has had (full of trials, miraculous escapes and pretty much sorrow also). Such a treat to read this short autobiography with additional information about his later years and a few quotes from this dear pastor. I also googled his other lyrics to the songs... It is such a gold mine. His faith and trust in God will strengthen yours, too! I'd love to read his letters someday, too . They seem to be mentoring others very well. And this is the kind of mentor we all need.

[Oana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t help but wonder at how Newton could write about his turbulent past from a place of unshakable peace. His words so clearly show a humble, God-glorifying heart, unafraid to recall the many times he toyed with God’s patience, chased the world, wandered far, and narrowly escaped death. It brought new depth to the person behind ‘Amazing Grace’ and our God that saved “a wretch” like him, like me.

His life also reminded me how easily we take for granted our access to theological teaching today. In the 1700s, most Christians (especially those at sea or without books or illiterate) had little chance to hear sermons, study Scripture deeply, or learn from others’ testimonies. That made Newton’s own grasp of core truths and his walk in them, particularly at the start of his spiritual journey, all the more remarkable.

Finally, as I’m currently studying the Bible’s teaching on slavery, I found it especially sobering to read the account of a Christian once in the slave trade. It was a reminder that God’s light can pierce any darkness, through any person, in any place.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In eight letters John Newton wrote the story of his life which was put into book form as Out of the Depths. As a child he was taught from the Bible and his mother prayed he would go into the ministry. As he grew up he put away the teachings of his early years and lived foolishly. Through many miraculous situations as a sailor (God saved his life many times), John Newton finally saw his need for God.
The only thing I wish would be different about this book is that it would have been more detailed, but I realize that John Newton was giving his account of becoming a Christian and not focusing as heavily on other areas of his life.

[Aaron W. Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newton's is a story of extremes. Extreme living, mockery of God and the Gospel, and extreme disbelief. But God's extreme mercy and grace proved to be too much for the man. God's great longsuffering and provision broke this man's heart over time (a man who had given God nothing but contempt). Out of this a misspent, lost soul came to Christ. Sins were forgiven as humbling faith trusted the Lord for all things. From a slave trader to a born-again believer and well-renowned, timelessly loved hymn writer. Newton is an inspiration for all believers, and a hope for unbelievers. His is a life of true Amazing Grace. Very good autobiography.

[Chad Delhotal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the book was letters telling his story in a somewhat brief manner. Worth a listen but I'm sure there are better biographies out there. The latter chapters describing his relationship with his wife and his faith during her illness and death were the most powerful. Also enjoyed the sayings and anecdotes, though I would rather have them in print.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An early autobiography of John Newton detailing his younger life and conversion, and ending with his seeking office as a pastor. The later years when he repents of being a slaver and campaigns against it with William Wilberforce is not included, sadly.

[Brenda Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read of a dear man whose life was upended by grace and made so effectual in his hymn writing and pastoral letters even for us today.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating account of John Newton's life and how the Lord divinely protected him many times, and how he gently wooed him to Himself.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Grace is probably the best known hymn. It was written by John Newton. Out of the Depths is his autobiography, though the focus is on his spiritual journey. Once a man who railed against faith, Newton became a devout Christian and lover of Jesus Christ. His story is one of adventure on the high seas, and a life spared to be an example of God's grace and mercy.

This edition of Newton's autobiography has been updated to a more modern language, but in such a way that it has not lost Newton's style. The changes are explained in the preface by Dennis Hillman, who did the revisions.

Newton's story is one that every Christian should read. It's a story of extreme circumstances that most of us will never encounter, but it's because of their extreme nature that God's provision shines all the more. Newton is an inspiration for all believers, and a hope for unbelievers.

[Joel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not at all what I was expecting when I got this book. I wanted to know many of the historical events that Newton lived through throughout his life, instead, what I got was mainly him telling and retelling what a misfit he was and how he did not deserve God's unending grace. This is all true of course, but I was looking for something a bit different. In fact, this book is a compilation of letters he had written to a friend about his life and that friend prompted him to put them in a book format, which he did and this is the book. It's not a super easy read but it's not a wasted read either. With that said, I would not highly recommend this read, more for the hardcore John Newton fan.

[Crina -Ruth Ala · Rating 5 out of 5]

«Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu este busola lor,

Isus este Steaua lor polară și Soarele neprihănirii lor

Inimile și fețele lor sunt toate îndreptate către Sion»
*******

“Cele mai bune cuvinte pe care predicatorii le pot rosti sunt lipsite de putere atâta vreme cât Duhul lui Dumnezeu nu le explica și nu le aplică în inimile ascultătorilor , întrucât doar El poate deschide inima omului."

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story in this book, but not necessarily how it was written. I didn't like how the story jumped around, but I love reading about brave people and what they have endured. It's humbling.

[Dwain Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. John Newton’s life and his telling was very edifying for me. God’s providence and his glorious salvation drop from seemingly every page.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book on my shelf for a couple of years now, and picked it up on the recommendation of a trusted friend. Although this version has been slightly revised for more modern readability, the poetic beauty of Newton’s writing shone through!

I found myself rereading sections, only to allow the richness and beauty of his words to penetrate and sink in. I appreciate his decision to not spell out the depths of his depravity, to deter the reader from focusing on his sinful behavior instead of on the robust mercy and grace that he received.

And that grace and mercy received by Newton is the same grace and mercy that the Lord bestows upon all His children! Newton’s encouragements to the reader about how, again and again, God’s grace abounded all the more, is a reminder and challenge to each believer to spend one’s life wholly in the service of the Kingdom, seeking to bring attention, honor, and glory to Christ alone.

In the public arena, so little is known about Newton’s real story. It is truly amazing to read of the circumstances in his life, and his honest portrayal of his responses. Because he shared so transparently about the battle that waged within his heart and mind, through the years, I was encouraged to see his humanity as he wrestled with the truth—and lost when he sought to battle using his own power.

I was very struck to observe the deliberate discipleship that others displayed in walking with such a wretch, and am convicted to submit my heart for examination about the measure of grace that I show to people enslaved to sin.

Additionally, Newton displayed that same discipling as he shepherded a church. Although the right preaching of the Word is most definitely a priority in the growth of a believer, Newton’s circumstances demonstrated the necessary and significant role of one-on-one discipleship.

I did not mark in the book, but I wish I did somehow flag some of the more profound statements that would be worth meditating upon and sharing/discussing with others. I sense a reread of this book in my future!

Highly recommended.

[Elijah Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Depths is one of my favorite books. One of the first things I am struck by when reading it is how humble a man John Newton was. He knew and spoke his weaknesses outwardly. Again and again, he reminds the reader that tomorrow he might fall from the path of God. But that God will continually stretch out his hand to save Newton. I consider Newton an admirable Christian because he is continually pointing to God in all his works.

The story of John Newton's conversion is a riveting tale. It is primarily a sea story, full of ships and voyages, as well as slave trading. This it is that Newton later realized in life was an abomination to God. It is in my mind a very round story. A variety of adventure, love, sin, and redemption encompassed in the exploits of a mid shipman and later a captain. If you want excitement, there are giant storms, incredible dreams, and grueling enslavement.

You know, it always reminds me of the smell of mint because it was when I was weeding mint that I first listened to this book. I highly recommend gardening and reading 👌 They go well together.

[Dee Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible.com 3 hours 47 min. Narrated by William Sutherland (C)

This is the autobiography of John Newton compiled from his own letters and published before his death. John Newton is remembered for his great hymn Amazing Grace which tells of God's great grace to a vile sinner. Many remember Newton as a crew of slave ships, but Newton had sunk far deeper. As an impressed seaman, he escaped only to be recaptured and flogged. Later he spent 15 months as the slave of a black African woman who nearly starved him when he became ill and unable to work. Newton spent much time away from England as a sailor or travelog during which he spent leisure hours studying Euclid and memorizing Latin. After his conversion, Newton became one of greatest preachers of his age. He influenced William Wilberforce and Samuel Cowpens and became part of the group that spearheaded the abolishment of slave trade in England. It will be an honor to meet this great man some day in heaven where we meet our Savior because of God's Amazing Grace.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is autobiographical letters written by John Newton written as his testimony before being ordained as a minister of the gospel. For this reason the book was slow and tedious to the modern reader. John Newton was thoroughly convinced that he was a vial and wretched sinner and God is a great and merciful God.. This goes against modern sensabilities. We like to think of ourselves as broken but this doesn't even begin to describe the spiritual situation that everyone is in. John Newton had a clearer understanding of his sin before a holy God. But I am a product of my culture and I will not stop using the term broken even though I know it is a lighter and softer word. Later in the book there is biographical information about the later years of John Newton's life and a number great quotes that can be found in his other writtings. If you are looking for information about his song Amazing Grace or more detailed information about his participation in the slave trade, you will not find that here in the volume.

[Sam Knecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newton is most known for his hymn Amazing Grace and for his dramatic conversion while living as a slave trader. From his own recounting, however, the feature of his life I’m most struck by was his need for other Christians to help him in his faith.

His mother taught him large portions of Scripture when he was young, and those came back to his mind around the time of his conversion. Even after his conversion, it took a good Christian friend and faithful evangelical preaching to convince him that slave trading was not an occupation fit for a believer.

There’s no such thing as loner Christianity. We all need brothers and sisters if we’re to grow in our love of and obedience to the Father.

[grllopez ~ with freedom and books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, easy to read. Simply John Newton's life from wretched youth to redeemed preacher. Sea life is treacherous and lawless. How he returned alive was a miracle, which he knew was by God's grace alone. He did not write very much about what it was like to captain a slave ship or how he came to write Amazing Grace. His life story is about how God saved him “out of the depths“ of his wretched despair.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good, very encouraging and wonderful to hear how God worked so incredibly in his life.

[Zachary Cowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newton tells the story of his life in this short book carefully tracing two threads all the way through: God’s grace and God’s providence.

Excellent.