John Newton is one of the most unappreciated persons in the history of evangelical Christianity. Yes he authored Amazing Grace, the most beloved hymn in the history of hymnody, but he also was a consummate pastor and practical theologian. Over his 24 years of ministry, Newton pastored two churches; Olney in Buckhinghamshire, and St. Mary Woolnoth in London.
Newton was not without a sense of humor. A few anecdotes still exist of how he would make light of lifes circumstances. One such anecdote concerns a time when he was taken by a great sneeze and sneezed on a fly that had landed on his sundial Newton wrote:
“…Now if this fly keeps a diary, he’ll write Today a terrible earthquake.”
On another occasion, Newton was asked how he slept to which he replied:
“I’m like a beef-steak—once turned, and I am done.”
Newton also gave a humorous but revealing warning to the young man who was to replace him when he relocated from Olney to London. The old pastor said:
“Methinks I see you sitting in my old corner in the study. I will warn you of one thing. That room—(do not start)—used to be haunted. I cannot say I ever saw or heard anything with my bodily organs, but I have been sure there were evil spirits in it and very near me—a spirit of folly, a spirit of indolence, a spirit of unbelief, and many others—indeed their name is legion. But why should I say they are in your study when they followed me to London, and still pester me here?”
Newton’s practical approach to theology and teaching can be observed in his admonition to fathers to lead their families in worship. He didn’t set the bar unduly high but gave such realistic expectations as the following:
“I think, with you, that it is very expedient and proper that reading a portion of the word of God should be ordinarily a part of our family worship; so likewise to sing a hymn or psalm, or part of one, at discretion; provided there are some people in the family who have enough of a musical ear and voice to conduct the singing in a tolerable manner: otherwise, perhaps, it may be better omitted … If you read and sing, as well as pray, care should be taken that the combined services do not run into an inconvenient length.”
It would do well to remember Newton and his life long legacy of faithfulness to the gospel. His wisdom and encouragements inspired some of the greatest men of his day including the great poet and hymnist William Cowper, and the abolitionist and gospel champion William Wilberforce. What mighty work of grace might be done by your faithful adherence to the gospel and service to those whom God has placed in your life? Play the part of Newton today and act on God’s grace to be a light of the gospel in your community. If you are concerned about your many failures disqualifying your from serving, don’t. Newton didn’t:
“We serve a gracious Master who knows how to overrule even our mistakes to His glory and our own advantage”
