John Newton

John Newton, (born July 24, 1725, London, England—died December 21, 1807, London), English slave trader who became an Anglican minister, a hymn writer, and later a noted abolitionist, best known for his hymn “Amazing Grace.”

In 1787 Newton helped Wilberforce found the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, more commonly called the Anti-Slavery Society. The following year Newton wrote Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade, a graphic account of his experiences aboard slave ships that included a repentant confession of his personal involvement in the trade.

As his faith matured, Newton’s remorse over his involvement in the slave trade surfaced and galvanized him. In 1785 he met with William Wilberforce and counseled him to remain in politics rather than pursue a religious life

Seeing no conflict between his burgeoning faith and his employment, Newton continued working as a trader of enslaved persons and captained three voyages trafficking captive Africans to the West Indies between 1750 and 1754.

Although the Christian instruction from his mother stayed with him, Newton had largely abandoned the religion of his childhood until March 10, 1748, when he felt the first stirrings of a renewal of faith in God while steering a near-foundering ship through a fierce storm.

Attracted to the transatlantic slave trade as “an easy and creditable way of life,” Newton later served as a sailor aboard several ships involved in it.

At age 18 he was pressed into service with the Royal Navy aboard the ship HMS Harwich. After attempting to desert, he was relieved of his post and sent aboard a passing slave vessel.

His pamphlet sold out immediately, and the second edition was sent to every member of Parliament. Newton would go on to testify against slavery at parliamentary hearings and even spoke on the issue at a meeting of the Privy Council.