Sunday: John Newton, Mentor to William Wilberforce

GOD MAKES CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PEOPLE FOR PURPOSES WE OFTEN CANNOT FORESEE OR UNDERSTAND AT THE TIME

WITHOUT WILLIAM WILBERFORCE there would have been no successful parliamentary campaign in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century for the abolition of the slave trade in England. But without John Newton, William Wilberforce would not have been engaged in such a role, for it was Newton who in 1785 persuaded the young MP not to give up his career in politics in order to enter the ministry.

It was Newton whose experiences as a former slave-ship captain provided Wilberforce with the authentic information he used to such devastating effect in attacking the slave trade. Above all, it was the bonding with Newton the gave Wilberforce that powerful combination of political motivation driven by Christian conviction that inspired his abolitionist campaign and enabled him to persevere through many years of defeats and disappointments.

Against this background it is clear that the relationship between Newton and Wilberforce was of pivotal importance for both historical and spiritual reasons. Yet John Newton's contribution to the life of William W. as a mentor, confidant, co-campaigner and close friend has often been underestimated.

The story of the collaboration between the two men began on December 2, 1785 when the Rev. John Newton, rector of St. Mary Woolnoth in the city of London, received a strange letter from William Wilberforce. Its emphasis on the need for secrecy was so mysterious that, but for the reference to Parliament, it could almost have come from a spy seeking to arrange a clandestin assignment:

"I wish to have some serious conversation with you. I have had ten thousand doubts within myself whether or not I should discover myself to you; but every argument against it has its foundation in pride. I am sure you will hold yourself bound to let no one living know of this application, or of my visit, till I release you from this obligation...."

-----Jonathan Aitken, John Newton from Disgrace to Amazing Grace