Music and the Bible

Handwritten Letter from John Newton

By: John Newton

Collection ID

PPR.005994

Type

Papers

Date

1768

Geography

England

Language

English

Medium

Ink on Paper

Dimensions

8 × 12.5 in. (20.3 × 31.8 cm)

Exhibit Location

Not on View

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.”

Written in 1768 by John Newton, Olney, England; Ownership assumed in 1768 by an unknown friend of John Newton. Acquired by 2010 by Gene Albert (Christian Heritage Museum), Hagerstown, Maryland; Privately purchased in 2010 by Green Collection, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Donated in 2017 to National Christian Foundation (later The Signatry), under the curatorial care of Museum of the Bible, Washington, DC.

Questions about our Collections?

Visit Contact Us Page

(866) 430-MOTB

To acquire permission to use this image, please visit our Rights and Reproduction page .

More From The Collections

© Museum of the Bible 2024
Designed by PlainJoe