To the REV. MR. NEWTON. ^[ed.]

^[ed.] "John Newton (1725–1807), after starting life as a slave-trader, had left the sea and discovered a vocation to the priesthood. In the face of great difficulty he educated himself in theology, and in 1764 found a bishop willing to ordain him despite his evangelical views. He immediately became curate of Olney, under the Earl of Dartmouth's patronage. His force of character, his boldness, and his ready pen quickly made him a leader of the Evangelical party, a position which he retained for more than thirty years. Cowper, so close in faith, so different in nature, became his devoted friend. Newton, for his part, was deeply attached to Cowper, but many have doubted whether he gave adequate consideration to Cowper's sensitivities. He persuaded Cowper, always fearful of public appearances, to take part in large prayer meetings and religious discussions. He urged Cowper to compose hymns for their joint collection." (Baird/Ryskamp [1980-95], vol. 1, xvi.) (AH)

An Invitation into the Country.