- Home
- Speakers
- John Newton
- Man Honoured Above Angels
John Newton
John Newton (1725–1807) was an English preacher, hymn-writer, and former slave trader whose dramatic conversion and ministry profoundly influenced evangelical Christianity. Born in Wapping, London, to John Newton, a merchant ship captain, and Elizabeth Scatliff, a devout Nonconformist who died when he was seven, Newton was raised by his stepmother after his father remarried. Pressed into the Royal Navy at 19, he later joined the slave trade, captaining ships like the Duke of Argyle by 1750, a life marked by cruelty and debauchery until a violent storm off Ireland in 1748 sparked his spiritual awakening at age 22. Self-educated in theology, he left the trade in 1755, becoming a surveyor of tides in Liverpool while pursuing ministry. In 1757, he married Mary Catlett, his childhood sweetheart, with whom he had no surviving children, though they adopted two orphaned nieces. Newton’s preaching career began after his ordination in the Church of England in 1764, when he was appointed curate of Olney, Buckinghamshire, serving there until 1780. His sermons, rich with personal testimony, drew large crowds and fostered a collaboration with poet William Cowper, producing the Olney Hymns (1779), including Newton’s famous “Amazing Grace.” In 1780, he became rector of St. Mary Woolnoth in London, where he preached until nearly blind and deaf, mentoring younger evangelicals like William Wilberforce in the abolitionist cause he embraced late in life, detailed in his 1788 pamphlet Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade. Newton died on December 21, 1807, in London, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose journey from sin to grace inspired hymns, sermons, and a movement against slavery that echoed beyond his time.
Download
Topic
Sermon Summary
John Newton preaches about the unique privilege sinners have to address their King in songs that even angels cannot sing, emphasizing the depth of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity. He highlights how Jesus, surpassing the angels, took on human form to save fallen man, making it possible for us to have a closer relationship with God than even the angels. Newton expresses awe at the disparity between the immense love we receive from God and our often lukewarm response, urging for a deeper, more heartfelt praise. He eagerly anticipates the glorious hour when freed from sin, we will worship and praise God in a way that surpasses even the angels.
Man Honoured Above Angels
Now let us join with hearts and tongues, And emulate the angels' songs; Yea, sinners may address their King In songs that angels cannot sing. They praise the Lamb who once was slain; But we can add a higher strain; Not only say, "He suffer'd thus, "But that he suffer'd all for us." When angels by transgression fell, Justice consign'd them all to hell; But Mercy form'd a wondrous plan, To save and honour fallen man. Jesus, who pass'd the angels by, Assum'd our flesh to bleed and die; And still he makes it his abode; As man he fills the throne of God. Our next of kin, our Brother now, Is he to whom the angels bow; They join with us to praise his name, But we the nearest int'rest claim. But, ah! how faint our praises rise! Sure, 'tis the wonder of the skies, That we, who share his richest love, So cold and unconcern'd should prove. Oh, glorious hour, it comes with speed! When we, from sin and darkness freed, Shall see the God who died for man, And praise him more than angels can.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
John Newton (1725–1807) was an English preacher, hymn-writer, and former slave trader whose dramatic conversion and ministry profoundly influenced evangelical Christianity. Born in Wapping, London, to John Newton, a merchant ship captain, and Elizabeth Scatliff, a devout Nonconformist who died when he was seven, Newton was raised by his stepmother after his father remarried. Pressed into the Royal Navy at 19, he later joined the slave trade, captaining ships like the Duke of Argyle by 1750, a life marked by cruelty and debauchery until a violent storm off Ireland in 1748 sparked his spiritual awakening at age 22. Self-educated in theology, he left the trade in 1755, becoming a surveyor of tides in Liverpool while pursuing ministry. In 1757, he married Mary Catlett, his childhood sweetheart, with whom he had no surviving children, though they adopted two orphaned nieces. Newton’s preaching career began after his ordination in the Church of England in 1764, when he was appointed curate of Olney, Buckinghamshire, serving there until 1780. His sermons, rich with personal testimony, drew large crowds and fostered a collaboration with poet William Cowper, producing the Olney Hymns (1779), including Newton’s famous “Amazing Grace.” In 1780, he became rector of St. Mary Woolnoth in London, where he preached until nearly blind and deaf, mentoring younger evangelicals like William Wilberforce in the abolitionist cause he embraced late in life, detailed in his 1788 pamphlet Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade. Newton died on December 21, 1807, in London, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose journey from sin to grace inspired hymns, sermons, and a movement against slavery that echoed beyond his time.