John Newton: Author of "Amazing Grace"[Biography] (Heroes of the Faith)

9781624161261

Plot

The song of the sea was in his blood. But John Newton could not recognize those melodious strains until he mended his seafaring ways. The son of a merchant ship commander, young Newton grew up plying the Mediterranean ports of call. Years later, as master of a slave ship himself, Newton was saved from his life of debauchery by his conversion amid a fierce storm. Ordained to the ministry in 1764, Newton used his pulpit to espouse his Calvinist theology and to rail against such social ills as his former livelihood, the abominable slave trade. Yet while his ministry was popular, his gift for hymn writing would be more enduring. What churchgoer has not been inspired by the lyrics of Newton's "Amazing Grace"? Such songs can be regarded as gifts from the sea of God's love.