|
 mss: Princeton University Library
|
Previously unpublished letters from to
|
between William Wilberforce and John Newton
shed fascinating new light on the deepening relationship between them."
|
 |
The Better Hour: The Legacy of William Wilberforce
documentary now showing nationwide on American television
www.pbs.org/tvschedules
info at
www.thebetterhour.com |
Co-inciding with the launch of The Better Hour
letters from John Newton to William Wilberforce
never in print before
transcribed by The John Newton Project

"Humanity will forever be in Newton’s debt for mentoring Wilberforce through one of the most delicate and vulnerable phases of his life’s journey."
Jonathan Aitken
|
| |

"John Newton’s legacy has never been needed more than
at the beginning of the 21st Century …"
"We owe it to our generation!"
John E Langlois, OBE Chairman, The John Newton Project |
|
|
|
"The John Newton Project's web launch of the correspondence of John Newton and William Wilberforce is very special event indeed.
"We can never know enough about their friendship and collaboration on a host of reforming initiatives. Scholars and lay persons alike will find much here to savour and learn from.
"Congratulations to the JNP for their vision, commitment and stewardship of John Newton's legacy."
|
 Kevin Belmonte Wilberforce biographer |

Wilberforce's diary 1785
| 30 November |
I thought seriously this evening of going to converse with Mr Newton.
|
| 2 December |
Resolved again about Mr Newton. It may do good; he will pray for me. Kept debating in that unsettled way… |
|
3 December
|
Had a good deal of debate with myself about seeing
Newton. |
"Sir, I wish to have some serious conversation with you."
PS Remember that I must be secret, and that the gallery of the House [of Commons] is now so universally attended, that the face of a member of parliament is pretty well known.
Wednesday
|
After walking about the Square once or twice before I could persuade myself, I called upon old
Newton
|
"When I came away I found my mind in a calm, tranquil state, more humbled, and looking more devoutly up to God."
for more background see here
|
| |
EXTRACTS FROM NEWTON'S LETTERS TO WILBERFORCE
"I saw Mrs Wilberforce today and left her in tears of joy."
"Great subjects to discuss, great plans to promote, great prospects to contemplate, will always be at hand. Thus employed, our hours, when we meet, will pass away like minutes."
"Mrs Newton offers you her service, if you will employ her as my deputy."
"I shall look and long for you, till you can come."
"My heart is with you, My Dear sir. I see, though from a distance, the importance and difficulties of your situation. May the wisdom that influenced Joseph and Moses, and Daniel rest upon you. Not only to guide and animate you in the line of political duty - but especially to keep you in the habit of dependence upon God, and communion with him, in the midst of all the changes and bustle around you."
|
drawing from John Newton's previously unpublished sermon notes
"No reader who will approach the book with a receptive heart will not be drawn closer to God
by the warmth of John Newton's practical Christian counsel and pastoral exposition."
Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith
|
 |
 |
 |
Amazing Grace sermon
|
|

|
|

|
|
7 min PowerPoint narration by
James Jones
Bishop of Liverpool
|
daily readings previously unpublished sermons
John Newton
|
John Pollock
|
|
"1807-2007: John Newton and the Twenty-first Century" by Tony Baker Latimer Trust |
|
|
by Jonathan Aitken
now on CD !
|
CD of lesser known
Newton hymns
to new tunes by
Todd Murray
|
CD details
|
Newton's original words for Amazing Grace
|
CD details
|

|
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound) That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace those fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. |
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail And mortal life shall cease; I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, who called me here below, Will be forever mine. |
|