John Newton

Marylynn Rouse (Independent Scholar - Europe)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.05: English Writing and Culture from the Glorious Revolution to the French Revolution, 1689-1789.
Vol. editors: Paul Baines (University of Liverpool), Daniel Cook (University of Dundee), Pat Rogers (University of South Florida), Nicholas Seager (University of Keele)

Dates

Born 24 Jul 1725
Died 21 Dec 1807
Activity 1745-1807

Places

Born in England
Active in England

Activities

Primary

Autobiographer
Hymnist/ Psalmist
Letter-writer/ Diarist
Preacher

Resources

Newton's Works

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Sir James Stephen (1789–1859) described John Newton as “one of the second founders of the Church of England”. Newton lived to the age of 82, spending some fifty years in Christian ministry. More than 30 books of his writings were published during and after his lifetime, including over 1,000 letters, almost 300 hymns (most notably

Amazing Grace

), numerous pamphlets, and various “fugitive pieces”. Hundreds of his letters appear within biographies of his contemporaries such as William Cowper (1731–1800), Hannah More (1745–1833) and Richard Johnson (1753–1827). He was a mentor and father-figure to many, across denominations, and a catalyst in the foundation of several missionary societies. He played a significant role in the abolition of the slave trade.

Early years

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5308 words

Citation: Rouse, Marylynn. "John Newton". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 16 June 2014 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=3330, accessed 23 November 2024.]

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