John Newton, by Jonathan Aitken

John Newton is well known for his hymn writing, specifically Amazing Grace. The reason for the popularity of this hymn is more due to the fact of the truth of the words, "That saved a wretch like me!" John Newton truly was a wretch. As a matter of fact in reading this biography of his life you are left a little bit in dislike of the man.

John Newton's early life was terrible. His mother died when he was still a boy, his father remarried and had three more children with his second wife, but they treated John a bit with contempt.

His father had him put to work by the time he was 13 and by the time he was 15 he was accomplished as a sailing man. BUT, he was not a good, righteous man. Indeed, he was a vile obnoxious sailor who could swear with the best of them, drink others under the table and found that he never had a ships Captain that he could respect.

John Newton was a "wretch." He was a deserter from the Royal Navy and when caught he was flogged and demoted and despised by all other sailors. He also was such a pain in the neck to the captain that he traded Newton to a merchant vessel to obtain a more able bodied navy sailor.

Newton was then introduced to the slave trade. He was taught how to capture, incarcerate and demean African's to the point of inhumane means. But what he dished out came back to haunt him as he was himself enslaved for a time and almost starved to death.

Further he was on board ship after ship where he should have died, but always a strange twist of circumstance would spare his life. Was this God's doing to prepare him and spare him for a life of service to the Lord?

The first third or so of the book describes Newton's upbringing, his sin, his wretchedness and his terrible acts of vileness as a slave trader. Frankly I just didn't like him as I learned more about him.

But then the change takes place and his life does a complete 180 degree turn. God has captured his heart and sets him on a path of service that is truly amazing. Newton becomes a beloved pastor and hymn writer. He is a true Shepherd to the people in his flock and cares deeply for them.

He also takes up action as an abolitionist to defeat the slave trade business and set Christians on a proper course to understand that slave trading is not Biblical nor honorable, but just inhuman. Newton will join forces with William Wilberforce and also mentor Wilberforce as they work towards the abolition of the slave trade.

The work of John Newton for the Lord is truly amazing and an inspiration to all of us. After disliking him completely through the beginning of the book I come to admired and trust his faith and his teachings on the Christian life. He is an inspiration to all of us.

I actually stopped and thought, the modern day version of John Newton would be Chuck Colson. Both started out as terrible sinners and God captured their hearts in captivity and turned them to a true walk with Christ and they both became Shepherds to their flocks that were honoring to the Lord.

Enjoy!