John Newton: Enslaved in Africa
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
Key words
- Grace: approval/ kindness that is freely given by God to all humans
It was through divine grace that her husband recovered from his illness.
- Hymn: a song of praise that Christians sing to God
The singing of hymns strengthened their faith.
- Transformative: causing a major change to someone that makes them better
They used the transformative power of singing as medicine.
- Embrace: to accept something enthusiastically
This was an opportunity that he would embrace.
- Evangelical: belief that teaching the Bible is extremely important
The new teacher is evangelical.
Read the article to find the answers
- Which two things is John Newton famous for?
- What happened when he was on his way to India?
- What did he stop doing when he became a Christian?
- What did he call attention to?
Early life
John Newton began sailing with his father at the age of eleven, and his first job was on a merchant ship sailing to the Mediterranean, but when he returned to England to visit a friend, he was kidnapped and forced into the Royal Navy. He tried to escape but was caught and severely flogged.
This experience led him to consider murdering the captain and committing suicide by throwing himself overboard, but on his way to India he was transferred to a slave ship carrying slaves from West Africa to North America.
The ship's crew wanted to get rid of him, so they handed him over to Princess Peye of the Sherbro tribe. She tortured Newton and subjected him to more cruelty than she inflicted on her other slaves. Newton reflected on this time as a period in his life when he was "a servant of slaves in West Africa".
Becoming Christian
He was rescued by a sea captain who had been sent to look for him. As he sailed back to England, his ship was caught in a violent storm off the coast of Ireland and was about to sink. Newton began to pray to God and soon the storm subsided. He felt that God was answering his prayer. He began to read the Bible and by the time he got back to Britain he had embraced Christianity.
He stopped swearing, gambling and drinking, but continued to work in the slave trade. He despised his job and tried to improve the living conditions of the slaves he transported. Although he helped to improve the conditions of the slaves, he later wrote: "I cannot consider myself a true believer until a long time after [the storm]".
Evangelism
After suffering a stroke Newton ended his career in the navy and started work as a minister. He also began to write hymns and became a prominent figure in the evangelical movement in England. His hymn, 'Amazing Grace', was first published in 1779.
Newton's feelings of guilt and shame that came from working in the slave trade led him to respect the dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of their background or circumstances.
He became a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery. He used his position as a minister and his platform as a hymn writer to highlight the horrors of the slave trade and to inspire others to take action against it.
Legacy
John Newton is one of the most well-known figures in Christian history. He is remembered not only for his hymn, 'Amazing Grace', but also for his role in the abolition of slavery.
His life story demonstrates the profound transformation that can occur through faith and repentance. He reminds us that the Christian faith is a call to action to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- Do you know the lyrics quoted at the top of this article?
- Do you ever listen to songs about God?
- Which social issues do you think the Church should take action on today?
Book a Lesson
Improve your English language communication skills by practicing with a qualified and experienced native speaker.