Handwritten Letter from John Newton

This letter, written by John Newton (1725–1807), offers religious consolation and encouragement to an unknown male friend. Newton, best known for his hymn “Amazing Grace,” was pressed into naval service in 1743 and became a captain of slave ships until 1754. In 1748, Newton had a spiritual conversion and, after leaving seafaring, received deacon’s orders and became the curate of Olney. In 1788, he wrote a pamphlet titled, “Thoughts upon the Slave Trade,” which described the horrific conditions of slave ships, and became an ally of William Wilberforce’s attempt to abolish the African slave trade. During his years, Newton wrote over 200 hymns, including “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” and “Amazing Grace.” This handwritten letter states, “the more you trust the Lord, the better you will serve him. His Joy is our strength, and the enemy labors to shake our confidence.”