Gospel Prism

I just received this bio of John Newton in the mail yesterday and I haven’t been able to put it down. I’ve read half already and will probably try to finish the book by the end of this week. It is such a fascinating read of one of the most dynamic figures of 18th century Christianity, and if it wasn’t for Jerry Bridges, I probably wouldn’t be reading it right now. At our retreat, Jerry asked me to read 3 chapters of his letters published by Banner of Truth. I was so busy, however, during the retreat that I couldn’t get to it. So when I came home, I ordered my own copy along with this new bio by Aitken. The book has so captivated me because when Newton writes in his famous hymn, “That saved a wretch like me,” I now understand that he wasn’t exaggerating, Newton was an utter wretch. And yet, the Lord providentially saves Him and uses him to advance the Gospel, much like the apostle Paul.

I’ll review the book more fully later when I’m finished, but CT has just done an interview with Aitken so you can get a flavor of the book from the interview.