There are very few people who are not familiar with the beautiful 'Amazing Grace' hymn. Yet there are not many who know its author's name and the story behind the unforgetable words!
The 'Life of John Newton' was originally published in 1831 by the American Sunday School Union or ASSU.
Faithfully and accurately reproduced by Attic Books, this New Leaf Publishing Group's copy comes with a worn and ancient looking cover and ragged pages, an absolute treasure!
This is the story of a troubled young man. His father was a Sea Captain, his mother passed away when John Newton was still very young. From his journal we know young Newton took great delight in doing the opposite of everything his mother spiritually taught him.
Pressed into the Royal Navy, he served as midshipman on a war ship. From his own admission, we know him to have become a depraved and wicked person. Deserting his ship, he was eventually caught and demoted to common sailor.
Upon his release from the Royal Navy, he makes several voyages in the African Trade only to fall sick during a ensuing trip. Circumstances change and he becomes literally a slave himself, finally to be rescued by a friend of his father.
The story continues with John Newton becoming a God fearing follower of Jesus and becoming Captain of his own ship...and the rest is of course history.
An amazing story behind a most uplifting hymn! This is an excellent addition to anyone's library, particularly Sunday school teachers and homeschoolers.
I received this book free from New Leaf Publishing Inc. as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Hi Noelle,
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by my blog and leaving me such a sweet comment on my giveaway post. I'm glad you enjoy my blog. It really is a pleasure to write it, and I had gotten to wondering why, when there are so many blogs to choose from, would someone choose to read mine. I appreciate knowing what draws me people to me...that way, I can keep on doing that.
I wish I had a gift for all of you who left me comments. Alas, though, I only have one of those books.
About your post...I do love the story of John Newton. Did you see the movie Amazing Grace? Yes, I know it was mostly about William Wilberforce; however, there is a line in the movie that is uttered by John Newton's character, something to the extent of "I know that I am a great sinner, yet Christ is a great Savior." A hearty Amen!! I loved that line. Of course, I don't know if John Newton actually said those words, but we know from history that he believed them.
Great review of what I'm sure is a wonderful book.
Blessings,
Patti
Hi Noelle,
ReplyDeleteI love the above post, when I next hear that beautiful hymn I will feel an affinity with the author.
Oh, what amazing lives some people have led!
Blessings and prayers,
Ann