Zacchaeus Climbed the Tree

John Newton was born in London, England, in 1725. Though he grew up in a Christian home, his mother, a godly influence in his early life, passed away when he was only seven. By the age of eleven, he had joined his father at sea, beginning a turbulent life marked by reckless adventures and moral waywardness. His youth at sea included a severe punishment for attempting to desert the Royal Navy and a period of captivity under a slave trader in West Africa. Following his escape, Newton himself captained a slave ship, immersing fully in the trade he would later renounce.

Several pivotal experiences led to his spiritual awakening. In 1748, a near-drowning incident profoundly shook him, awakening a desire for God’s mercy. His friendship with Mary Catlett, a deeply pious woman whom he married in 1750, provided additional spiritual influence. Reading Thomas à Kempis’ Imitation of Christ also stirred in him a longing for a transformed life. By 1754, Newton had abandoned the slave trade and, in partnership with William Wilberforce, became a passionate advocate for abolition. His later life combined pastoral ministry with tireless work for social and spiritual reform, leaving a legacy that has inspired countless Christians.