Amazing Grace

But first Newton would find himself facing many of the “dangers, toils, and snares” of the sea. Upon turning 18, Newton was forced to join the Royal Navy, but disobedience got him kicked off the ship and out of the navy. The captain put him on a slave ship headed to Africa, beginning his experience in the transatlantic slave trade. While aboard, he devoured books about geometry and Latin, giving him the knowledge he would need to move up in rank to the master in charge of navigation.

On the night of March 10, 1748, Newton’s ship was tossed into an intense storm at sea. His heart pounded as waves tossed the ship and those on board. As captain, Newton could not navigate his way through the torrential waters, and he cried out to God for rescue. Realizing it was God’s good grace that saved him and the lives aboard the ship, his faith was awakened. Upon his safe return, he asked Mary to marry him.