Tim Ellsworth

John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace

June 20th, 2007

newton.jpg

If you’ve ever started a book and know from the outset that it’s going to be exceptional, you know what my thoughts are about the new John Newton biography from Jonathan Aitken, “John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace.”

I’m only about 60 pages into the book. Although it’s possible I’ll end up being disappointed with it, I highly doubt that, based upon what I’ve read so far. It’s one of those books that I can’t wait to pick up and continue reading.

Of course, given the compelling subject of John Newton, it’d be hard to write an uninteresting book.

I may have more to say about it after I finish reading it, but I wanted to go ahead and put in my plug. If you’re not familiar with Newton (author of the hymn “Amazing Grace”), he was a slave ship captain who was miraculously converted. God certainly saved a wretch like him. He became an influential pastor in London and was instrumental in the life of William Wilberforce — and thus, instrumental in the abolitionist movement.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming and soulwarming biography to devour this summer, I highly recommend this one to you.

4 Responses to “John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace”

  1. Verne says:

    I have not read the book, but I have heard the story a few times and would like to read it sometime. We can all take a lesson from a person like Newton as we are all sinners and are saved by Gods grace that He gives us christians.

  2. Cineaste says:

    Tim,

    Go ahead and delete this if you like but I just wanted to thank you personally for hosting the creation museum thread. I also wanted to thank those who participated for the discussion. Though heated at times, I think it was a learning experience for all of us. Thank you Sir.

    Respectfully,

    Cineaste

  3. Tim says:

    It was my pleasure, Cineaste. Thanks for your spirit and for your contribution. I hope you’ll stick around and contribute on other topics.

  4. Paul S. says:

    Tim,

    I am on page 58 myself. I am equally impressed.