Mary Newton

Mary Newton, formerly Mary Catlett, was the devoted woman who loved John Newton through years of distance and rebellion. While John mocked God, suffered at sea, and eventually captained a slave ship, Mary refused other suitors and continued praying that God would reach him, whatever it took. Her hope endured when his life gave her little reason for confidence. After a hurricane drove John to seek God's forgiveness, he returned to England changed and married Mary. As his wife, she saw him leave slave trading behind and become a preacher. John later helped oppose the trade and wrote the hymn Amazing Grace. Mary's patience and persistent prayer formed a quiet counterpart to John's dramatic conversion, showing steadfast faith while someone she loved traveled a long and destructive road home.