What was Newton’s role in ending the British slave trade?
KMS: For one, he was a mentor to the abolitionist member of Parliament, William Wilberforce—he was the one who actually counseled him to stay in politics rather than abandon it for church work. Also, Newton’s writings depicting the realities of the slave trade so appalled the British people that they were eventually forced to face the truth. Later, when he denounced the slave trade from the pulpit, he greatly influenced the crowds who flocked to hear him. Then Wilberforce persuaded him to testify before Parliament in order to counter the argument that the complaints about what happened on the ships were greatly overblown. Wilberforce wanted firsthand testimony from one who had been there. That’s when the threats poured in. But Newton would not be intimidated. His testimony was shocking and persuasive. ITM: What kind of research did you do for this book? KMS: Fortunately, John Newton loved to write. He wrote letters and treatises as well as his own story. I used these writings, as well
