God utterly transformed Newton's life, the testimony of which is preserved in "Amazing Grace." His influence went beyond hymn writing, however. He was a devoted Calvinist, and his high view of God influenced others in the English Church, especially Charles Simeon (1759-1836), Hannah More (1745-1833) and William Carey (1761-1834).
His greatest influence, however, was on William Wilberforce (1759-1833). Newton urged him to be a spokesman for evangelical Christianity in England. He also urged Wilberforce into attacks on the slave trade. Wilberforce used on of Newton's books, Thoughts on the African Slave Trade, to make his case in Parliament, and by 1833 there was no more slave trade in the British Empire.
POINTS TO PONDER
1. Nothing explains the life of Newton but the grace of God, which he loved to proclaim. Review your life. Does the grace of God explain you? Are you a trophy of His grace? If so, what are some evidences of God's grace in your life? Daily thank Him for what He has done in your life.
2. Newton is another example of the personal and autobiographical nature of hymn writing of his day. Compare these hymns with many of the hymns today. Are they personal or general in nature? Which do you prefer? Which help you worship more effectively and why?
