John Newton was born on this day in 1725. Impressed as a sailor, he worked on and eventually captained slave ships. Through a series of events he ended up being enslaved himself for a period of time, until he was rescued. It was on his voyage home that Newton had his Damascus experience. In fact while he had the experience he didn’t live into it for some time, even returning to the slave trade, which he continued to practice for some years. Finally with his formation complete he renounced his former life, ordained into the Anglican church and at the same time became an active abolitionist, in which he persisted until he died.
He is, of course, remembered for that song…
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