More Than a Hymn Writer

More Than a Hymn Writer
John Newton is a familiar name to many. He is most remembered for the hymn ‘Amazing Grace.’ While remembered for his awe-inspiring hymn there is much more to Newton than one hymn. In fact, Newton has more to offer than just hymns.
John Newton was born in 1725. At the age of twelve, he became involved in maritime trade with his father. At some point in his career, he became involved with the slave trading industry. He did in fact make multiple voyages from shore to shore for the intended purpose of procuring or delivering slaves. It is from this diabolical life that John Newton comes to faith in Jesus Christ.
Newton comes to faith in Christ and would go on to lament and speak out against the slave trade industry. It is from this background that Newton writes, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.” Newton, having lived a life of licentiousness and dissipation, understood the grace found in Jesus Christ. Newton would go on to write many other hymns such as ‘Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat,’ ‘And Dost Thou Say,’ and more. 
However, Newton was not simply a hymn writer. After his conversion, he would go on to pastoral ministry within the Church of England teaching many the word of God. Newton would leave behind many hymns, several books, and a great sum of sermons. His influence in life would not simply touch men like William Wilberforce but would continue even after his death. 
John Newton died in 1807. While he has been dead for quite some time, the Church still benefits from him. ‘Amazing Grace’ touches the hearts of many Christians across the world. The transformation of his life reminds us that Christ can take a man from the depths of depravity and make him new. Newton, even now, offers a wealth of wisdom in his collected works for those who pick them up. Thank God for John Newton and thank God even more so for Christ who saves the wretched.

Grace be with you,
C. R. Hamilton