Monday, October 10, 2011

It's Still Amazing

The tombstone of John Newton, the author of this hymn, tells his story:
"John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy."  Those words were written by Joh Newton himself, and they are a testimony to God's transforming power.

After years as a hardened slave trader, Newton met Jesus Christ, and his life was dramatically turned around.  Throughout his years of ministry, God's amazing grace remained central to his thinking.  When it was suggested he retire at the age of eighty-two due to poor health and a failing memory, he responded, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things:  that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior."

Article taken from, The Complete Book of Hymns, by William J. Peterson & Ardythe Peterson


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