by Teresa J. Herbic
Once I was lost, but now am found, “Amazing Grace,” John Newton
Childhood can be a life-directing time for us. Some have an abundant, happy childhood, while others barely survive. Some of you may remember John Newton, best known for writing one of history’s most deeply moving hymnals, “Amazing Grace.” You may know the story of his inspiration to write the song, however, many are not familiar with his childhood struggles.
By age six, John hit a rough patch of vast affliction. His mother, an exceptionally spiritual woman, lost her life to tuberculosis. His father, a ship commander, sent John away to boarding school shortly after when he remarried. At school, John suffered mistreatment. He also felt all alone like an orphan. So at age eleven, John rejoined his father on board his father’s ship.
Later, he boarded a different ship, one that ran the Sierra Leone coast. There, he served as a slave trader. It turned out to be a horrendous experience for John. He was brutally abused. In early 1748, another sea captain rescued John. Eventually, he became the captain of his own slave ship. During one violent storm, he attempted to steer to safety. Many believed the ship would sink. Instead, he experienced deliverance. He wrote in a journal when all seemed lost, he shouted, “Lord have mercy on us!"* He pondered this later and began to realize that God’s grace prevailed for him. From that moment on, he felt an indomitable spirit, clinging to May 10, 1748 as the anniversary of his conversion. Newton once said in his humility, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!”[1]
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Do you recall the moment you were first saved by His Holy Hand? May the mercy of the Lord minister to you as we pray:
Thank You God for opening our eyes to see. For I was lost, but now am found so I thank You!
