No one who knew John Newton as a young lad would ever have dreamed that this teenage rebel, profane sailor, naval deserter and slave-trader would one day write the lyrics to one of the best-known hymns of all time, ‘Amazing Grace’. The story of how such a notorious sinner was converted to Christ and went on to become an equally noteworthy pastor and a leader of the Evangelical movement in eighteenth-century England is simply astounding. In compiling this selection from his writings, Todd Murray has made Newton’s gentle pastoral wisdom available to a new generation of readers.
J. Todd Murray has been the pastor overseeing the worship and music of The Bible Church of Little Rock since 1983 where, in addition to composing and recording music for his local congregation, he also shares in the general pastoral duties, teaching and shepherding. Todd is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Moody Graduate School. He and his wife Tandy have been blessed with five children.
‘While John Newton is known primarily as the author of the Hymn, “Amazing Grace” he was actually a very competent physician of the soul, both in diagnosing its ills, and providing the Scriptural remedy. Unfortunately our current Christian public has benefited little from the work of this amazing man. Now Todd Murray has done us an outstanding favor by making available to us both the writings and the hymns of Newton. I highly commend this book and look forward to reading it many times.’
Jerry Bridges, author, The Pursuit of Holiness
‘This is a fascinating digest of insights from John Newton’s lesser-known hymns and writings. What stands out most in Newton’s post-conversion character is the depth of his interest in biblical truth, sound doctrine and systematic theology. Almost from the moment he was changed by God’s amazing grace, Newton was driven by a heartfelt passion for understanding the truth and proclaiming it to others with the utmost clarity and simplicity. That, as much as any other characteristic, made him one of the great English hymn-writers of all time… You will be both moved and invigorated as you read it, too, I am certain.’
Dr John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church
‘Ex-slave-trader John Newton was the friendliest, wisest, humblest and least pushy of all the eighteenth-century evangelical leaders, and was perhaps the greatest pastoral letter-writer of all time. Beyond Amazing Grace gives us Newton’s heart, and what a heart it was! This book is pure gold.’
J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia
‘Todd Murray has … produced a delightful and edifying book that deserves to become a classic in confessional evangelical spirituality, on par with Andrew Bonar’s Memoirs of M’Cheyne.’
D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
‘This is an account of the trials and triumphs of Newton himself, looking through the lens of his life, letters, sermons, and hymns. It is a rich feast of spiritual nourishment for your own soul. Through this book, you will gain an appreciation for Newton the pastor, as well as the song-writer, and in so doing, you will see your own Christian life blessed and enriched.’
Lance Quinn, Pastor-Teacher, The Bible Church of Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas
‘Mr Murray has brought together under suitable headings what he rightly describes as “Timeless pastoral wisdom from the letters, hymns and sermons of John Newton”.’
Review from Congregational Concern (Summer 2007)
‘This book is a most welcome addition for those who have high regard for the works of John Newton. The very able Editor, Pastor J. Todd Murray, has set out his book in a most helpful way.’
Review from The Gospel Magazine (September / October 2007)
‘Mr Murray has produced an excellent book to make the life and writings of John Newton accessible to 22nd-century Christians. We read of his pastoral counsel and challenges, his care for friends in letters, his evangelistic pleas and his communion with the Lord he loved and served.’
Review from Evangelicals Now (September 2007)
‘Newton emerges from these pages as a fine example of a truly godly man. What amazing grace we find here! We agree with Jim Packer when he says that this book “gives us Newton’s heart, and what a heart it was! This book is pure gold.” We agree.’
Review from Ulster Bulwark (October-December 2007)
‘J. Todd Murray has done a great service in explaining Newton’s hymns in his Beyond Amazing Grace, which deals primarily with Newton’s contributions to the Olney Hymns, other than his most famous hymn, Amazing Grace.’
Article from The Banner of Truth (August-September 2007)
‘In this splendid book, the author draws a wide range of timeless pastoral lessons from the letters, hymns and sermons of John Newton.’
Article from Peace and Truth Magazine January 2008
'This Newtonian compendium has much to commend it. The compiler has arranged his material under five headings (`So great salvation’, `Growing in holiness’, `Spiritual disciplines’, `Pastoral ministry’, and `Hope beyond the grave’), most of which are further subdivided into various strands of Christian life and experience. Under each branch and its divisions he has drawn together a variety of material from Newton’s letters and sermons, giving often penetrating and profound counsel on the matter in hand. The sections have apposite hymns or poems appended to them'.
Article from The Banner of Truth magazine, February 2008
'Readers will be surprised at how most of the issues facing Newton in 18th century England are still prevalent today. Newton covers everything from women wearing immodest clothing to prayer to family worship. His insights and wisdom remain timeless. All the while, both Newton and Murray are honest and open about themselves and their own experiences'.
Article from 'Christian Book Previews.com'
