The Works of John Newton - Volume 1 of 6

The Works of John Newton #1

by John Newton

When John Newton, ex-sea captain and, as yet, unsuccessful candidate for the Church of England ministry, finished his first book (an autobiography) in 1762 there was no ready publisher. Any thought that he was destined to become one of the best-known authors of his age would have been as fantastic as the past 37 years of his life. But in both cases the improbable came about. Becoming Curate of Olney, Bucks, in 1764, Newton there laid his reputation as an evangelical writer, pre-eminently by his published Letters and by the Olney Hymns (including, 'How sweet the name of Jesus sounds', 'Glorious things of thee are spoken', and 'Amazing Grace'). Before the end of his subsequent pastorate at St. Mary, Woolnoth, London (1780-1807), his writings were prized around the world from America to Australia. The 19th century saw a number of rival editions of his Complete Works, but it is the edition from which the present is reprinted (which includes his Letters to a Wife) which has the best claim to that title.

Newton has a firm place in the classics of Christian literature. While his style is strong and clear, it is the spiritual attractiveness and importance of of his main themes which secure the permanent value of his writings. Most of his books came, unpremeditated, out of a need to help his congregation or individual hearers, and it is in practical helpfulness towards Christian living that he excels. If he is loved rather than admired, it is for this reason. Conformity to Christ is the one subject upon which all his themes finally focus ('It will not be a burden to me at the hour of death that I have thought too highly of Jesus, expected too much from Him myself, or laboured too much in commending and setting Him forth to others'). Not surprisingly, Alexander Whyte could write: 'For myself, I keep John Newton on my selectest shelf of spiritual books: by far the best kind of books in the whole world of books'.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Biography

704 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1820

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

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this ten stars if I could. Most of this volume consists of Newton’s letters to various people, and reading them was like having a conversation with a remarkably wise Christian friend. He really excelled at bringing the Scriptures to bear on all the situations a Christian faces in life, no matter how mundane. I’ve noticed my own perspective toward the events of my life changing as a result of his influence. Every Christian should read Newton!

[Booklander Esmani]

48:17. There is no objection for the blind nor is there any objection for the lame, nor any objection for the sake if they do not fight. He will show anyone who obeys God and his messenger into gardens through which rivers flow, while he will punish anyone who turns away with painful torment.

[Jason Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What sweet times of fellowship I've enjoyed in the company of this soul. I find in Newton a sympathetic friend who's writings are marked by humility, simplicity, and gospel grace. Newton's wisdom and insight is tempered by a warmth and sensitivity that renders him useful to the weak and struggling. And all of this is wrapped in a rich love of the doctrines of grace that grounds it in Scripture truth and the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides the memoirs, this volume is comprised of pastoral letters that Newton wrote to a variety of different people with different concerns. Pastors will be pastored, and better pastors for the reading.