This week in Christian history: First recorded Christmas celebration; ‘Amazing Grace’ hymn writer dies
John Newton dies – Dec. 21, 1807
This week marks the anniversary of when John Newton, the English slave-trader turned abolitionist minister best known for writing the hymn “Amazing Grace,” died at the age of 82.
Born in London, England, Newton had been a slave trader when, during a severe storm at sea, he had a born-again Christian experience and quit the profession, later becoming a minister.
In addition to supporting the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire, Newton was a prolific hymn writer whose most famous work was the song “Amazing Grace.”
“During his final days in December 1807, John Newton said, ‘What a thing it is to live under the shadow of the wings of the Almighty! I am going the way of all flesh.’ A friend replied, ‘The Lord is gracious,’” noted Founders Ministries.
“Newton responded, ‘If it were not so, how could I dare to stand before him?’ Newton’s indebtedness to the amazing grace of God in saving and preserving rebels flooded his consciousness from new birth till death. His Hymn has reminded generations of God’s pervasive grace for two and one-half centuries.”
