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”Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…” If there is one Christian song unbelievers can at least hum, it’s this. I’m not complaining – it is not a timeless classic without reason. But I do lament that so few Christians know the man behind the hymn. John Henry Newton’s (1725–1807) life is a wonderful testimony of God’s undeserved grace toward “the chief of sinners” (1 Tim 1:15). The former captain of a slave ship turned a Church of England cleric, did not exaggerate when he wrote the words “… that saved a wretch like me”. But the purpose of this post is not a biographical one. For anyone interested in learning more about the life of John Newton I could not recommend Jonathan Aitken’s gripping biography enough!
Even though Newton is mostly famous for Amazing Grace today, he was, during his ministry, highly appreciated as letter writer. These letters, which among uninspired literature breathe an incomparable pastoral warmth, evangelical humility, and practical wisdom, have through the years been published in a number of volumes. The Banner of Truth Trust have published several of these, including The Works of John Newton in four volumes. Still, these volumes do not come close to covering all of Newton’s letters.
I have often called Newton my dead mentor.
I have often called Newton my dead mentor. No historic pastor has influenced me as much as he has (though Spurgeon comes close). And he has influenced me, not primarily theologically, but pastorally. Through his letters Newton gives his readers spiritual nourishment and guidance. What, more specifically, does that mean? With the risk of turning this post into a book I will limit myself to three areas.
Wise advice on the Christian life
Newton had a shepherd’s heart beating for the chief Shepherd’s sheep. This is not only evident in the gentle and humble tone that is characteristic for him, but also in his many pastoral and practical advice on the Christian walk. In one of his more famous letters, On Controversy, he guides a young pastor who apparently had e deep love for truth, but also a hot temper. Like a good father figure Newton directs him in how he should carry himself when debating with other Christians. “As to your opponent, I wish that before you set pen to paper against him, and during the whole time you are preparing your answer, you may commend him by earnest prayer to the Lord’s teaching and blessing. This practice will have a direct tendency to conciliate your heart to love and pity him; and such a disposition will have a good influence upon every page you write […] In a little while you will meet in heaven; he will then be dearer to you than the nearest friend you have upon earth is to you now.” Christian leaders will do well in reading this five page long letter in its entirety.
A continual trust in God’s sovereignty over all things
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all”, says Psalms 103:19. Newton believed this with all his heart. In fact, it is probably impossible to live the life Newton lived without making a big deal out of God’s sovereign providence. On this topic, Newton wrote: “His providence pervades and manages the whole universe and is as minutely attentive to every part—as if there were only a single object in his view. From the tallest archangel to the smallest ant or fly—all depend on him for their being, their preservation, and their powers. He directs the sparrows where to build their nests, and where to find their food. He over-rules the rise and fall of nations; and bends, with an invincible energy and unerring wisdom—all events to his sovereign will! So that while many intend other outcomes—their designs all concur and coincide in the accomplishment of his holy will.” But the doctrine of God’s sovereignty was for Newton not only biblically faithful theology, but primarily an infinite source of comfort for the Christian.
But the doctrine of God’s sovereignty was for Newton not only biblically faithful theology, but primarily an infinite source of comfort for the Christian.
So he wrote, “Oh, the peace which flows from believing that all the events in which we are concerned, are under His immediate disposal; that the very hairs of our head are all numbered; that He delights in our prosperity; that there is a need-be, if we are in heaviness; and that all things shall surely work together for our good!”
On one occasion he wrote to his adoptive daughter Elizabeth: ”I wish for you my dear child, to think much of the Lord’s governing providence. It extends to the minutest concerns. He rules and manages all things; but in so secret a way, that most people think that He does nothing. When in reality, he does all.” Newton simply treasured the biblical truth that all things must serve his Lord (Ps 119:91).
An uncompromising emphasis on the centrality of Christ’s gospel
“I believe that sin is the most hateful thing in the world: that I and all men are by nature in a state of wrath and depravity, utterly unable to sustain the penalty or to fulfill the commands of God’s holy law; and that we have no sufficiency of ourselves to think a good thought. I believe that Jesus Christ is the chief among ten thousands; that he came into the world to save the chief of sinners, by making a propitiation for sin by his death, by paying a perfect obedience to the law in our behalf; and that he is now exalted on high, to give repentance and remission of sins to all that believe; and that he ever liveth to make intercession for us.” Had this been a sermon, a resounding Amen would be in place!
But Newton was well aware that his love for his Savior was defective. Therefore, he wrote in another letter, “But, alas! while I endeavor to persuade others, that he is the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely—I seem to be but half persuaded of it myself; I feel my heart so cold and unbelieving. But I hope I can say this is not I—but sin which dwells in me [Rom 7:17].” The follow up-letter to the same person is more hope-filled; “In a word, I am a sinner, a vile one; but a sinner believing in the name of Jesus. I am a silly sheep—but I have a gracious, watchful Shepherd; I am a dull scholar—but I have a Master who can make the dullest learn. He still bears with me, he still employs me, he still enables me, he still owns me.” Newton knew better than to trust in his own merits. And so, he threw himself on his more than sufficient Savior.
Where do I begin?
I can not emphasize enough the worth of the biblical and pastoral-theological wisdom we find in Newton and especially his letters. So, if you are interested, where do you begin? Beside the four volume Works Banner of Truth have published, the one volume Letters of John Newton is probably the best place to begin. For pastors, Wise Counsel is of special interest. This volume is made up exclusively of letters written to Baptist pastor John Ryland Jr., whom Newton mentored. To read these letters is like sitting opposite of the British priest, drinking tea, and asking important questions about both life in large and pastoral ministry – and receiving wise, thoughtful answers from God’s Word and long, humble experience. The fact that the letters were written between 1771 and 1803 is barely noticeable – Newton’s guidance is as relevant today.
I am grateful for the gift John Newton was – and through his letters and hymns continues to be – to the Evangelical church. In him we find a shepherd after God’s own heart (Jer 3:15).