Book Review: John Crotts - John Newton

Part of the “Bitesize Biographies” series, John Crotts has penned a very good biography of one of the greatest men of church history. John Newton will always be know as the slave trader, turned slave, turned saint.

Most know John Newton for the most recognized hymn in history - "Amazing Grace". Even those who know nothing of the gospel have heard and probably know the first verse of the hymn.

In this book, Crotts shows there is so much more to Newton than most people know. Easy to read, this book moves you along to the end like a good movie. It leaves you wanting more.

Newton started out with a godly mother, but after her death, he no longer had a Godly influence. He then moved away from the morals she taught him into a life of debauchery. He was a sailor who lived his life with drinking and cursing.

Incidence after incidence, throughout out his life, God saved him from tragedy, but Newton would not give in. After becoming a slave himself, the Lord finally broke him. After being saved, Newton became a pastor. For the rest of his life he would minister to people from all walks of life. He loved those in and outside of his own denomination. Sometimes this got him in trouble with the people of his denomination.

My favorite part of the book was the last two chapters. One chapter considers the hymns written by Newton, the other considers the letters written by him. I believe these are the heart of the book. They show the result of his godly life and how God's grace is the center of everything.

I recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free of charge from EP Books and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.