What a remarkable man, life, and testimony. This is an incredible story of God's mercy and grace; rebelish as youngster and young adult, absent father he was trying to please, and slave-trader. Enslaved himself who came to know Christ after numerous near-death experiences.
Newton turned pastor with a strong bent to be ordained by England's mainline church and later strongly influenced Member of Parliament William Wilberforce. Wilberforce who was later responsible for the abolishment of slavery in England and set the stage for President Lincoln's plan for the United States.
Newton can be described as persistent and purposeful. He knew he was called by the Caller to his life, his marriage, and his vocation. That vocation wasn't just in a pulpit, but to a life dedicated to Christ and that is the way he lived.
Few men have changed history the way John Newton has done. Yet, he has managed to evade much of the publicity.
Jim Collins has appropriately said that the best leadership books are history and biographies; this book is must read for anyone interested in developing his or her leadership abilities.
This post originally appeared at In-the-Box: Read Well on May 06, 2008
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