# John Newton

> Anglican clergyman, slave trader and abolitionist (1725–1807)

**Wikidata**: [Q357301](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q357301)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Newton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-newton

## Summary
John Newton was an Anglican clergyman, slave trader, and abolitionist (1725–1807). He is best known for his conversion to Christianity, his role in the abolitionist movement, and his contributions as a hymnwriter and writer.

## Biography
- Born: 1725 (exact date and place unknown)
- Nationality: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- Education: Unknown (no details provided)
- Known for: Writing hymns, advocating for abolition, and his conversion from slavery to Christianity
- Employer(s): Anglican clergy, Olney Hymns (as a contributor)
- Field(s): Theology, abolitionism, hymnwriting

## Contributions
- Wrote hymns, including those published in *Olney Hymns* (1779), contributing to the spread of Protestant Christian music.
- Advocated for abolitionism, working against the transatlantic slave trade.
- Published writings on faith and morality, reflecting his personal journey from slavery to Christianity.

## FAQs
### What was John Newton's primary occupation?
John Newton was primarily an Anglican clergyman, serving as a member of the clergy. He also worked as a sailor and merchant, engaging in the slave trade before his conversion.

### What is John Newton known for?
John Newton is known for his conversion to Christianity, his contributions as a hymnwriter, and his advocacy for abolitionism. He wrote hymns and published works reflecting his faith and moral stance.

### Where did John Newton work?
John Newton served as a cleric in the Anglican Church. He also contributed to *Olney Hymns*, an Anglican hymnal, and worked in the slave trade before his conversion.

### What was John Newton's role in the abolitionist movement?
John Newton was an abolitionist who opposed the transatlantic slave trade. His conversion and writings contributed to the broader movement against slavery.

### What hymns did John Newton write?
John Newton wrote hymns that were published in *Olney Hymns* (1779), including works that reflected his faith and personal experiences.

## Why They Matter
John Newton's work in hymnwriting and abolitionism had a lasting impact on Protestant Christianity and the anti-slavery movement. His conversion story inspired many, and his hymns remain part of Christian worship. As an abolitionist, he challenged the moral and economic systems of his time, influencing later reformers. His legacy endures in both religious and social movements.

## Notable For
- Contributed to *Olney Hymns*, an influential Anglican hymnal.
- Advocated for abolitionism, opposing the transatlantic slave trade.
- Wrote hymns that are still used in Christian worship.
- Served as an Anglican clergyman, combining religious leadership with social activism.
- Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame for his hymnwriting contributions.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
John Newton was born in 1725, though the exact date and place are unknown. He began his career as a sailor and merchant, engaging in the slave trade. His early life involved navigation and trade, which later influenced his moral and religious development.

### Conversion and Religious Work
Newton's conversion to Christianity marked a turning point in his life. He became an Anglican clergyman, serving as a priest and contributing to religious works. His conversion led him to oppose the slave trade, aligning himself with abolitionist causes.

### Hymnwriting and Publications
Newton wrote hymns that were published in *Olney Hymns* (1779), an Anglican hymnal. His hymns reflected his faith and personal experiences, contributing to the spread of Protestant Christian music. His writings included both religious and moral reflections.

### Abolitionism and Advocacy
As an abolitionist, Newton opposed the transatlantic slave trade. His conversion and writings influenced the broader movement against slavery, making him a notable figure in the abolitionist movement. His advocacy challenged the moral and economic systems of his time.

### Legacy and Influence
John Newton's legacy includes his hymns, which remain part of Christian worship, and his role in the abolitionist movement. His conversion story inspired many, and his work in both hymnwriting and social activism continues to influence religious and social movements. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame for his contributions to gospel music.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
5. Library of the World's Best Literature
6. National Heritage List for England
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. MusicBrainz
9. CiNii Research
10. IMDb
11. SNAC
12. Find a Grave
13. International Music Score Library Project
14. Internet Broadway Database
15. Discogs
16. Latter-day Saint Literature database
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. Virtual International Authority File
19. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
20. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index12.html)
21. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb120857080)
22. CONOR.SI
23. BBC Things
24. The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology
25. [Source](https://hymnary.org/person/Newton_John)
26. Quora