The Story of John Newton and "Amazing Grace."

1. John NewtonGod’s Slave Trading Poet

3. Newton’s Early Life 1725 Newton is born in London to John & Elizabeth Newton. 1732 Elizabeth Newton (his mother) dies.

4. Newton’s Early Life Newton had gone to sea at age 11, apprenticed on his father’s ship. He spent his teen years learning to be profane, irreligious, and indulgent. Female slaves being transported from Africa were at Newton’s disposal, and even seasoned sailors were alarmed at his corruption.

5. Newton’s Early Life Newton’s life angered his father and disgusted his friends, and he was finally pressed into service for the British Navy. He deserted, but was arrested, stripped, and flogged. He became the property of a slave trader in Sierra Leone, who gave him to his sadistic mistress. John became a loathsome toy she tormented for over a year. 1744 Newton is impressed on board H.M.S. Harwich. 1745 Newton attempts desertion and is whipped and degraded to rank of seaman.

6. Newton’s Early Life 1748 Near-shipwreck of Greyhound provokes spiritual crisis. I went to bed in my usual indifference, but was awakened by a violent sea which broke on us. Much of it came down below and filled the cabin where I lay. This alarm was followed by a cry that the ship was going down. We had immediate recourse to the pumps, but the water increased against all our efforts. Almost every passing wave broke over my head. I expected that every time the vessel descended into the sea, she would rise no more. I dreaded death now, and my heart foreboded the worst, if the Scriptures, which I had long since opposed, were true. February 1750 Newton marries Mary Catlett, daughter of George & Elizabeth.

7. Newton’s Middle Life June 1764 Lord Dartmouth achieves ordination for Newton in the Church of England; Newton accepts curacy at Olney. August 1764 Publication of Authentic Narrative makes public Newton’s life story. 1767 William Cowper arrives at Olney. January 1773 Newton preaches on 1 Chronicles 17:16, 17, and writes Amazing Grace to accompany the sermon.

8. Newton’s Later Life December 1779 Church of England inducts Newton as rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, London. December 1785 William Wilberforce visits Newton’s home. 1788 William Pitt calls Newton before the Privy Council on the subject of the slave trade. December 1807 Newton dies in London.

9. Newton’s Life Lessons He was in school from the ages of eight to ten and therefore was mainly self-taught. This is an encouragement to those who have not had the opportunity to achieve academic degrees. This is not an excuse for those who do have that opportunity.

10. Newton’s Life Lessons Newton became a sailor at 18 and says “The companions he met with here completed the ruin of his principles.” He writes “I was capable of anything; I had not the least fear of God before my eyes.” During a storm in the 21st year of his life he came to call upon the God of his mother. He continued in his slave trade, and later in life did not consider this his full conversion.

11. Newton’s Love

12. Newton’s Pastorates November 1754 Epileptic seizure convinces Newton to leave the slave trade. June 1755 Newton listens to George Whitefield preach in London. August 1755 Newton begins his work as tide surveyor in Liverpool. June 1764 Lord Dartmouth achieves ordination for Newton in the Church of England; Newton accepts curacy at Olney.

13. Newton’s Pastorates December 1779 Church of England inducts Newton as rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, London. While there he was visited by such luminaries as John Wesley, William Cowper, and William Wilberforce (with Granville Sharp)

14. Important People in Newton’s Life

15. “The Song” Sung by Johnny Cash in Prison By Judy Collins who speaks of how it carried her through her alcoholism

16. Two Renditions of “The Song” One by Chris Tomlin from the film “Amazing Grace” The other by Jessye Norman

17. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghZfnQxUhzQ

18. The Most Amazing Rendition By Jessye Norman at Wimbley Stadium after 12 hours of rock bands such as Guns and Roses for a drunken crowd.

19. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkGCZViwIPU