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John Newton


Ex-slaver and minister John Newton
faced constant calamities, yet still escaped ruin.
The lyrics of “Amazing Grace” show he greatly was relieved
when he wrote of his conversion “the hour I first believed.”

christianclerihew

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Duke Beaufort

March 12, 2025 at 6:52 PM

Andrea, interesting that he was captain of slave ships and an investor in the slave trade who did become an abolitionist. I wonder what changed his mind...that his opened him up to the idea that something was wrong with slavery.

Andrea Dietrich

March 12, 2025 at 9:54 PM

God. That was what changed him. He tells how God's spirit finally opened his eyes even though he had been Christian all along. To truly feel conversion must be a wonderful thing. I can only go by faith as I never have experienced actual conversion

Sara Kendrick

March 10, 2025 at 5:24 PM

So delighted to see your winning work on Brian's winners' list. Way to go. Congratulations to you. Sara K

Jan Allison

March 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM

excellent poem Andrea, guess its proof a leopard can change its spots! hugs jan xx

Paula Goldsmith

March 10, 2025 at 10:09 AM

Congratulations on this wonderful write/win. I love this song... Have a fun/blessed day as you write away..................

Andrea Dietrich

March 10, 2025 at 11:13 AM

Thanks, Paula.

Kim Rodrigues

March 10, 2025 at 6:17 AM

His new calling was heavenly! Great! I followed my Grandma’s coffin, out of her church, and alongside my parents, as this precious music was played. My heart tugs.

Andrea Dietrich

March 10, 2025 at 11:10 AM

wow!

Sara Kendrick

March 9, 2025 at 4:12 PM

Amazing Grace was written to the beat and tune that the slaves might have sung in the hull of the ship where they would be singing or humming as they rowed the ship that was taking them to slavery. Amazing how meeting the Holy Spirit can change a person. Thanks for sharing this one. Sara K

Andrea Dietrich

March 10, 2025 at 11:12 AM

It was strange for me to learn that he was always a good man, yet here he was in the slave trade. So when he wrote that song, he truly had a conversion even as a Christian because he realized slavery was wrong.