Rev. John Newton - an Example of Amazing Grace (Famous Saints #6) — Stephen Hamilton

And if you received one of the leaflets, which Mr. Cranston has been faithfully preparing for each of the services. He's been doing some work of his own, although he didn't mention that tonight, but I'm mentioning it.

He has faithfully gotten together with his computer details about each of these men of God. I didn't provide that material to him. He sought all that himself and hooked it all out, as we would say, and put it together.

And each night he's been giving us these leaflets, of which I will show you tonight. And if you haven't got one, you can get one after the service this evening. And on there you see the heading, Favourite Scriptures of Famous Saints.

Then he's got the Reverend John Newton, then a quotation from Newton and a picture of him with a good suntan there. And then, Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.

Deuteronomy 15 and the Call to Remember Redemption

And that is the text that is taken from Deuteronomy chapter 15, and we're going to read it tonight. But let's begin at verse 12. Deuteronomy 15 verse 12. And if thy brother an Hebrew man or an Hebrew woman be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years, then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee.

And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty. Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress. Of that wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed thee, thou shalt give unto him.

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee. Therefore I command thee this thing today. And it shall be, if he say unto thee, I will not go away from thee, because he loveth thee in thine house, because he is well with thee, then thou shalt take an oar, and thrust it through his ear unto the door.

And he shall be thy servant for ever, and also unto thy maidservant thou shalt do likewise. Amen. God will bless this short reading from his precious and infallible word. Let's all bow for prayer. We'll ask the help of the Lord as we come to look at the life of this man of God, and the scripture that was such a blessing in his life.

Let's all pray. Our gracious Father and our God, we thank thee for thy presence with us here tonight. We rejoice, Lord, that where two or three are gathered together in the Saviour's name, there he is in the midst.

We thank thee thou hast been here at each of our meetings, and we praise thee for what we have learned again from thy precious word and from the biographies of these men of God. And Lord, we pray again tonight that as we look at the life of another whom thou didst save and whom thou didst greatly use in thy service, that it will have an impact upon our souls.

And thou wouldst cause us, Lord, to be motivated and inspired and goaded to serve thee, to give ourselves fully to thy work. Lord, we're trusting thee for power tonight. We look to thee to help us. We pray that thou wouldst take thy word and the things that are said and write them upon the hearts of all.

Glorify thy name, we pray, for Jesus' sake. Amen and amen. Now, as we've already intimated in these meetings, we've been concentrating on the topic of favorite scriptures of famous saints of God. Texts of scripture that have impacted the lives of some of the great men from church history.

And I want to conclude this series by looking at the text of scripture that we've already read, Deuteronomy 15, verse 15, and the life of the man of God who felt that that text had particular relevance and significance for him.

As a reminder to him of the grace of God which had rescued him, this English minister of the 18th century had this tremendous text hung over the mantelpiece of his study. And I actually possess a copy of a photograph of that.

It actually is a photocopy of a photograph. And I have it right here. The study of the Reverend John Newton, and I know you can't see it from where you're sitting, but believe me, above the mantelpiece there, there is the text.

Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee. This was a text which had great significance for John Newton. Now, perhaps to many of you, or most of you, Newton is better known by the famous hymns that he penned rather than for anything else.

He actually wrote over 60 hymns and put together a hymnal with another man, a famous hymn writer called William Cuyper. And that hymnal was called Olney Hymns, O-L-N-E-Y. But he was a great preacher as well as a great hymn writer.

And Newton was one who never forgot from whence he had come. Hence his love for this verse of scripture. The verse itself is a reminder, is it not? God is saying to his people, and thou shalt remember, do not forget, that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.

When the Lord was giving forth His word, His law, concerning how slaves and servants were to be treated, in the midst of that teaching, the Lord reminds His own people that they themselves were slaves, they were bondmen in the land of Egypt, but that the Lord had redeemed them.

This was the text that John Newton loved. It was certainly a favourite of his. John Newton was, as we've known, or as we've remembered and been reminded in the service tonight through the hymn that we sang, he was the writer of Amazing Grace.

And it's probably for that one hymn that he's better known than anything else. But as curate of Olney in Buckinghamshire, England, and later the rector of a place called St. Mary Woolnoth in the city of London, Newton always sought to remember what he had been, but also what he had become by sovereign grace.

And that's important for us as the Lord's people, to remember from whence we have come, to look to the hole of the pit from whence we've been digged, and to the rock from which we've been hewn. But it is also important to think of what we have become by the grace of God.

And therefore I think this is a good text for every believer to keep before his or her mind. Because we are too apt to forget the words that were spoken by the Lord to Israel were words that were spoken in order that they might not forget the goodness of the Lord.

And this is a thought that comes through in many references where the Lord is speaking to his people Israel. In Exodus chapter 13 and verse 3, for instance, Moses said unto the people, Remember this day in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place.

Remember this day. Don't forget it. Don't forget the day when I redeemed you. That's what the Lord said. If we then consider Deuteronomy chapter 5 and verse 15, we have a similar statement. Deuteronomy 5 verse 15.

And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm. Again, if we go to chapter 16 of Deuteronomy and verse 3, at the end of the verse he says that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt, all the days of thy life.

The Lord didn't want them to forget that day. Don't forget it. The day of your redemption. The day of your emancipation. The day when I set you free. Do not forget that day. Deuteronomy 16 then verse 12 I told you there were many references to this.

Same thought. Here's another one. And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt. And finally chapter 24 of Deuteronomy. And two references. Deuteronomy 24 verse 18 and verse 22. Verse 18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee thence.

Verse 22 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt. See how many times the Lord teaches his people not to forget what he had done for them. Thou shalt remember. And yet despite all of these reminders, we're told in the word of God that they did forget.

Psalm 106 and verse 13 gives us a direct reference to that. Psalm 106 verse 13 They soon forgot his works. And how often we as believers have been guilty of the very same thing. Of not remembering as we ought.

What it is that the Lord has done for us. Where it is that the Lord found us. Where it is that the Lord has brought us to by his grace. The psalmist said in Psalm 103 Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits.

John Newton and the Discipline of Spiritual Memory

If you've ever read the Pilgrim's Progress Bunyan's great work. In the second part of that book. Great Heart taught the sons of Christian regarding forgetfulness. And this is what Great Heart said. Forgetful green is the most dangerous place around here.

I exhort you both to watch for forgetful green and avoid it with all your heart and soul and mind. John Newton was a man who took that advice. He realized as all Christians should realize. That memory must be employed as an aid to devotion.

Remember. Isn't that why we come to the Lord's table. When we come to the Lord's table we do this in remembrance of him. Because we so soon forget. And the Lord wants us to remember. John Newton above all other things.

Was one who wanted to remind himself constantly of the grace of God that had been shown to him. Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt. And the Lord thy God redeemed thee. This is his text.

And in this text and in his life indeed. John Newton recalled as we must. His experience of the bondage of sin. You will see that the text mentions a bondman. A slave. One who is in bonds. And the Bible teaches us that before our conversion.

Before we are brought to Christ. We are in bondage to our sin. For example in Ephesians chapter 2. It says you happy quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world.

According to the prince of the power of the air. The spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Among whom also we all had our conversation or manner of life. In times past in the lust of our flesh.

Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind. And were by nature the children of wrath even as others. And it goes on to say that we should remember. Ephesians 2 verse 11. Wherefore remember that ye being in time past.

Gentiles in the flesh. Who are called uncircumcision. By that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands. That at that time. Here is what we are to remember. That at that time you were without Christ.

You see you weren't always a Christian. I have a great problem with those who say to me. When I ask the question. When were you saved? Oh I was always a Christian. Well anyone who says that. You know fine well that that is a person who is not truly a believer.

Because there is no such thing as a person who was always a Christian. There must come a time in your life's experience. When you are brought out of the position where you are without Christ. To a position where you are in Christ.

That is what Paul was reminding the Ephesians. Wherefore remember. Remember what? That you were without Christ. Being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel. Strangers from the covenants of promise. Having no hope.

And without God in the world. But now. You see there has been a change. Something has happened. But now in Christ Jesus. Ye who sometimes were far off. Are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Oh we need to cast our minds back and remember.

And maybe you can't remember the exact day or the exact hour when you were saved. And the devil might use that to torment you. And to give you spiritual rickets. But even though you may not be able to clearly remember the day.

And they are. Although many can. Yet I say to you there has to have been such a day. And there has to have been such an hour. Otherwise you are not a child of God. We are to remember. We are to cast our minds back.

And that is what John Newton did. After many wild and sinful years in sin. And in debauchery. John Newton became a minister of the gospel. But he never ever forgot from whence he had come. And in bold letters therefore he printed this text.

Fastened it on his study wall above the mantelpiece. And so in view of that text. Sitting at his little table. He prepared every sermon. And he kneeled in prayer. It was in the light of this verse actually.

That John Newton lived his Christian life. He remembered being a bondman. His description of himself in his autobiography is striking. He said I was a wretch. Bent upon a wild career. Now there is much that I can say about John Newton.

Newton's Early Life and Descent into Bondage

And really time is going to forbid us doing more than just picking out little snippets from his life. But I will try to crystallize a lot of material into a very short time. John Newton was born in London in 1725.

His father was a seafaring man. Who was for many years master of a ship in the Mediterranean trade. He had a very severe father. But his father had married a very gentle godly woman of dissenting convictions.

And John being her only child. She was able to devote all her attention to him. He could read when he was only four. And his mind was stored with scripture and with Dr. Isaac Watts' shorter catechism.

His mother hoped that he might enter the ministry. But she died when he was only seven years old. And therefore she did not live to see that the seed she sowed in his young heart and mind bore fruit after many days.

Thankfully as well she did not live to see the debauchery and the wickedness that he fell into. But John went to school for only two years. And then when he was only eleven. His father took him to the Mediterranean in his own ship.

Before he was even fifteen years old. John Newton had made several voyages. And after some restless years he agreed to his father's proposal. That he should go to the West Indies. Before he went. Something happened which was to influence his whole future career.

Some distant relatives of his mother's. Invited him to visit them in the county of Kent. Before he went abroad. And he did so. And he fell in love with their elder daughter. A girl called Mary Catlett.

Who was then only fourteen years old. And long afterwards he said. I was impressed with an affection for her. Which never abated or lost its influence over me. None of the scenes of misery and wretchedness I afterwards experienced.

Ever banished her for an hour. Together from my waking thoughts. For the seven following years. John displeased his father greatly. When he stayed three weeks in Kent instead of three days. And hence missed his ship to the West Indies.

But his life of profligacy had begun. He deserted the ship on which he finally did sail. He was publicly flogged. And degraded from the rank of midshipman. And only the thought of Mary Catlett. Saved him from drowning himself in despair.

But at length he arrived in Africa. Not the West Indies. And he determined to stay there. As he wondered about utterly destitute. He was glad to enter into the service. Of a slave trader on Plantain Island.

Which lies just off the coast of Sierra Leone. And it was here that he passed through a time of terrible hardship. Wretchedness and degradation. The slave trader was absent for a time. And his African mistress.

Actually became his mistress. And he was the slave. And Newton was treated with the utmost cruelty. Even when almost dying of fever. When he did begin to recover. He said he was nearly starved to death.

And in his own narrative he tells how hunger. Compelled him to go out at night to prowl about for food. Pulling up roots from the ground. And eating them raw. And sometimes even the poor slaves in their chains.

Had pity on him. And they secretly gave him some of their scanty food. When his master returned. Newton said his life became even more wretched. I haven't time to go into all the things that took place.

But John Newton literally became a bondman. He was a slave. He was in the slave trade. But he himself became a slave. And he talks about this. He says I went to Africa that I might be free. To sin to my hearts content.

During the few years my soul was seared. By the most revolting and barbarous of all human experiences. I endured the extreme barbarities of a life before the mast. I fell into the pitiless clutches of the press gang.

As a deserter I was flogged. Until the blood streamed down my back. I became involved in the unspeakable atrocities of the African slave trade. And then going from bad to worse. I actually became a slave myself.

The slave of a slave. He was a bondman. In the land of Egypt which is this old world. Now the text says thou shalt remember. But it's interesting when you read John Newton's autobiography. That there's a phrase that reoccurs all the time.

And that phrase is. I soon forgot. He says that many many times. I soon forgot. He tells how that as a boy he was thrown from a horse. And almost met his death that day. That sad day as he looked death in the face.

In a most abrupt and untimely manner. There was a very deep impression made upon him. But he says of that occasion. I soon forgot. I soon forgot. He forgot the mercy of God to him. Some years later he made an appointment with some companions.

To visit one of the Navy ships. They were to meet at the water side at a certain time. And row out to the battleship. But the unexpected happened. Newton was detained. Held back. His companions gave up waiting for him.

And they rowed out in the boat. But the boat was upset. And they all drowned. And there was a Lord's preservation of John Newton even then. He says I went to their funerals. I was exceedingly affected by it.

But I soon forgot. Oh how men soon forget. How sinners often times go through terrible experiences. And even during those experiences they make some kind of promises or vows. That they are going to be better or they are going to seek the Lord.

But they soon forget. And they go on with their sin. And they go on with their wickedness. Newton says even in those circumstances. I soon forgot. Maybe I'm talking to somebody tonight. And you've been spoken to by events in your life.

Or maybe events even recently in this world. The terrible tragedy in America has been a subject on everybody's lips of late. But yet there are many who can talk about those things. And many who have even survived from the World Trade Center bombing.

And all that accompanied that. And yet they are still not saved. And you wonder sometimes what will it take to get people's attention. What will it take to cause them to seek the Lord. Maybe there are those who are not in those circumstances.

But they've been in other circumstances that God has brought into their lives. And they've promised to change their ways when they've been in trouble. But when the trouble was passed they soon forgot.

They've forgotten. Well John Newton was one who admitted that he soon forgot. Interestingly I read that he once had a remarkable dream. Lying in his hammock in the boat homeward bound from Italy. In his dream he fancied that he was back in Venice.

It was midnight. He thought the ship was riding at anchor. And it was his watch on the deck. He said he dreamt that a mysterious visitor had come to the ship. And gave him a beautiful ring. And he said to Newton as long as you keep it you will be happy and successful.

But if you lose it you will know nothing but trouble and misery. And then the stranger vanished into thin air. Shortly afterwards a second stranger appeared on the deck. And he pointed to the ring and said to Newton throw it away.

Throw it away. Newton was horrified at that proposal. But he said at length he listened to the arguments of the stranger. And going to the side of the ship he threw the beautiful ring into the sea. And all of a sudden the land seemed to blaze with a range of volcanoes and fierce eruption.

And he understood that all those terrible flames had been lit for his destruction. The second stranger then vanished. But shortly after the first stranger who gave him the ring returned. Newton fell at his feet.

Confessed everything. And the stranger then entered the water. Retrieved the ring. And Newton said give it to me. No replied the stranger. You have shown that you are unable to keep it. I will preserve it for you.

And whenever you need it I will produce it on your behalf. John Newton said that dream made a very great impression on him. But again he said the impression soon wore off. And in a little time I soon forgot.

In a little time I totally forgot it. And is it not the same men and women with many as a sinner. That they soon forget. However two things Newton never forgot. He said I was born in a home of godliness.

Dedicated to God in my infancy. I was my mother's only child. And I was almost her only employment. Through my childhood. Her whole employment was the care of my education. Though she died when I was young yet her memory lingered.

It was the one sheet anchor that did hold him. In the darkest day of his sinning and his debauchery and degradation. And I pause here to say what a blessing it is to have a godly mother or father. Or both.

The faithful prayers of many as a mother have kept her son from hell. You should read the life of Augustine. The great theologian. His mother Monica prayed much for him. Until he came to know Christ. Well when she was only young as we have said.

Mary Catlett had become Newton's first and only real love. And he was romantically attracted to her. And although his people frowned on any engagement. Yet eventually when he returned to sanity after a life of wickedness.

And was saved by the grace of God. Mary Catlett became his esteemed and beloved wife when he was 25 years old. He couldn't forget his mother's love. He couldn't forget also a maiden's love. For Mary Catlett was a child of God.

Remembering Sin's Bondage and Salvation's Grace

But then he went on in his mad career. A blasphemer. An infidel. A mocker of the scriptures. A bond man. Remember believer tonight. The bondage of sin that you were once in. Remember it. Think about it.

It's good to remember where the grace of God found you. There was another great Puritan preacher. Many of you will have heard of him. Thomas Goodwin was his name. He said when I was threatening to become cold in my ministry.

When I felt Sabbath morning coming and my heart was not filled with amazement at the grace of God. And when I was making ready to dispense the Lord's Supper. Do you know what I used to do? I used to take a turn up and down among the sins of my past life.

And I always came down again with a broken and contrite heart. Ready to preach as I preached in the beginning. The subject of the forgiveness of sins. John Newton recalled as all believers should. Not only his experience of the bondage of sin.

But his experience of the blessing of salvation. Because if you look again with me at the text. It says this. Thou shalt remember that thou wast. Past tense. A bondman in the land of Egypt. And the Lord thy God redeemed thee.

That's where the Lord found you. But especially rejoice in the fact. That the Lord didn't leave you there. But that Christ redeemed you by His blood. That He pardoned and forgave all your sins. That the burden of guilt is totally gone.

And because of the blood of the Lamb you're saved. You're no longer a sinner. Unsaved. You're a sinner saved by grace. Now how was it that John Newton was delivered? Well the story is remarkable. It's thrilling.

On the 10th of March 1748. The ship upon which Newton was sailing was threatening to founder in the grip of a terrible storm. But the Lord came and delivered the ship from the storm. But He also delivered the soul of John Newton.

The African blasphemer. Delivered him out of the deep waters. It was a terrific storm. He speaks of it how that the ship went plunging down into the trough of the seas. With few on board expecting the ship to come up again.

The hold of the ship was rapidly filling with water. And as John Newton hurried to his place at the pumps. He said to the captain. If this will not do. The Lord have mercy upon us. And then he became startled by his own words.

The Lord have mercy upon us. Mercy? Mercy? Was there mercy for him? Yes he says. In his writings in the gospel. I saw at least a peradventure of hope. On every other side. I was surrounded with black unfathomable despair.

But on the 10th of March 1748. I sought and found mercy. At the age of 23. Once an infidel. A libertine. A profligate. A prodigal son. A slave of slaves in Africa. He was by the mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Preserved and restored and pardoned. And appointed to preach that faith that he had labored to destroy. Newton was indeed a trophy of God's grace. I love the hymns of Newton. And one of the great hymns that he later penned was in fact his own testimony.

This is what he wrote. In evil long I took delight. Unawed by shame or fear. Until a new object struck my sight. And stopped my wild career. I saw one hanging on a tree. In agonies and blood. Who fixed his languid eyes on me.

As near his cross I stood. Sure never till my latest breath can I forget that look. It seemed to charge me with his death. Though not a word he spoke. My conscience felt and owned the guilt. And plunged me in despair.

I saw my sins. His blood had spilt. And helped to nail him there. Alas I knew not what I did. But now my tears are vain. Where shall my trembling soul be hid. For I the Lord have slain. A second look he gave which said.

I freely all forgive. This blood is for thy ransom paid. I die that thou mayest live. Thus while his death my sin displays. In all its blackest hue. Such is the mystery of grace. It seals my pardon too.

With pleasing grief and mournful joy. My spirit now is filled. But I should such a life destroy. Yet live by him I killed. O wondrous love. To bleed and die. To bear the cross and shame. That guilty sinners such as I.

Might plead. His precious name. That was the testimony. Of John Newton. Another of his famous hymns. Ascribes all the glory for his deliverance. To God's amazing grace. And we've already sung it in this service tonight.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost. But now I'm found. Was blind. But now I see. Can you say that tonight? Is this your testimony? You know I think there are some.

In this world even in the church. Who seem more keen to dwell. On the awfulness of their sins. Without ever getting to the greatness. Of salvation from sin. And yes we are great sinners. But oh we have a great saviour.

We have a wonderful saviour. One who can cleanse the foulest. And the rottenest of sins. I read in Micah. In the chapter 7. And verses 18 and 19. These great words. Who is a God like unto thee. That pardoneth iniquity.

And passeth by the transgression. Of the remnant of his heritage. He retaineth not his anger forever. Because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again. He will have compassion upon us. He will subdue our iniquities.

And I will cast all their sins. Into the depths of the sea. The apostle wrote. Once in the end of the world. Hath he appeared. To put away sin by the sacrifice. Of himself. Oh Jesus saves. And I listened to John Newton.

In the twilight of his life. And he says this. I remember two things. Although my memory is nearly gone. One. That I am a great sinner. And two. That Christ is a great saviour. And he penned these words.

Oh let thy memory wake. I told thee so. I told thee thus would end thy heaviest woe. I told thee that thy God would bring thee here. And God's own hand would wipe away thy tear. While I should claim a mansion by thy side.

I told thee so. For our Emmanuel died. Newton became a powerful preacher. Of the gospel of God's grace. And after his conversion. God led him to be. A mighty preacher. A hymn writer. And a helper of other believers.

Newton's Ministry, Doctrinal Convictions, and Service

Until 1754. We find John Newton actively engaged. In what he did not then regard. As an unlawful occupation. The slave trade. Although later he did his utmost. To expose the cruelties. Of that trade. At the end of 1754.

This was after he was converted. As he was about to set out on a voyage. He was seized with an apoplectic fit. And that was the Lord's means. Of delivering him from slave trading. For eight years he was the tide surveyor.

At Liverpool. During which time his Christian life. Was making progress. He began to read a great deal. And at that time providentially. He met a man who. Proved to be a great counselor. And guide to him.

Newton talks about that. He said he not only improved my understanding. But inflamed my heart. He encouraged me to open my mouth in prayer. And to venture to speak for God. I was delivered from a fear.

Which had long troubled me. The fear of relapsing into my former apostasy. But now I began to understand the security. Of the covenant of grace. And I expect to be preserved. Not by my own power and holiness.

But by the mighty power and promise of God. Through faith. In an unchangeable savior. I could keep you for a very long time. That I don't intend to do. Talking about Newton. Studying the scriptures in Hebrew.

And Greek. And then having his first thoughts of entering the ministry. He gave some informal addresses at first. At private meetings. And they had been well received. Then he was urged by his friends.

To seek to become a clergyman of the Anglican church. And so with Mrs. Newton. He visited Yorkshire. Where he had heard of remarkable revivals. He spoke with several evangelical ministers. And he returned from there greatly refreshed in spirit.

And with a desire to enter the ministry. Confirmed in his heart. After five more years in secular duties. The curacy of Olney. In the county of Buckinghamshire. Was offered to him. And accepted by him.

He went there in 1764. When he was only 39. And remained there nearly 16 years. Succeeding a famous minister. Called the Reverend Moses Brown. A faithful man. And I could refer to a lot more things. That he taught and did.

But I just want to mention very briefly. That Newton's friendship with William Cowper. Was one of the most remarkable features of his life. In Olney. William Cowper was a great man. He wrote that hymn.

Concerning the blood of the lamb. There is a fountain filled with blood. Drawn from Emmanuel's veins. Sinners plunge beneath that flood. Lose all their guilty stains. He wrote that beautiful hymn. Concerning the providence of God.

The one where he talks about. When you fear those clouds. He says those clouds that you so much fear. Are big with blessing. And shall break with blessing on your head. He speaks there of the providence of God.

And yet he was a man who suffered. Great mental trouble. And the story of Newton. Seeking to bring comfort. And help and strength to William Cowper. Is a wonderful story indeed. But it's an interesting fact.

And I take great encouragement from this. In my own ministry. That John Newton. Was such a powerful and faithful evangelist. So doctrinally sound. And yet on fire for God. That sometimes he was accused by some Calvinist.

Of being an Arminian. And was accused by the Arminians. Of being a Calvinist. So I think he had it about right. He was a man who believed in the Calvinistic doctrines. And preached them with fire. And with power.

And with life. He knew that God had forgiven him. He could never really forgive himself. He always was a man of great humility. Always self-abasing. Humble. On account of his former wickedness of life.

And his presumptuous rejection of the gospel. In his early days. But yet he was a man who knew the gospel. And loved the gospel. And preached the gospel. As I bring this to a close. Let me just mention that before he died.

Newton's Final Testimony and the Call to Christ

John Newton commanded his friends. That when he did pass away. He didn't want any fuss. He didn't want all kinds of eulogies written on his gravestone. He said he just wanted a simple grave marker. With these words upon it.

John Newton Clerk. And that was it. And I had the privilege of visiting his grave. There in London, England. And that's what it says. John Newton Clerk. On a marble tablet in his London church. To this day are these words.

John Newton Clerk. Once an infidel and libertine. A servant of slaves in Africa. Was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Preserved. Restored. Pardoned. And appointed to preach the faith.

He had long laboured to destroy. What a testimony. Newton had been a bondman. He had been a servant of the devil. A servant of sin. But the Lord redeemed him. And he never forgot it. Never forgot where the Lord brought him from.