Amazing Love - Polly Newton

1728–90

John Newton was an ambling, directionless teenager when he fell madly in love. Polly Catlett was three years younger, one of the children of his late mother’s dearest friend. He was visiting the Catletts before going off to sea to seek his fortune, but he stayed longer than expected and missed the boat—literally.

The twists and turns of John Newton’s life are dramatic. Pressed into naval service, he kept misbehaving and running away. Eventually he got a job on a ship transporting slaves from Africa. This latter-day Jonah was trying to sail away from the God of his youth, yet God kept rescuing him from danger. A stormy experience in 1748 finally forced him to his knees. John Newton turned back to God.

Through it all, he remembered Polly back home and often wrote to her. She seldom replied. John was frustrated: Did she love him or not? Maybe she was just looking for some stability on his part. Back in England at age twenty-four, and now a ship captain, he proposed to her. Three times. In 1750, she finally married him.

John had a lot of growing to do, both as a Christian and as a husband. He continued as a slave trader for a while but later gave that up and eventually became a respected minister. John and Polly faced their share of difficulties, including Polly’s poor health, but they seemed to continue a smoldering love affair, wrapped up in a love for God.

“When I indulge myself with a particular thought of you,” John wrote Polly, “it usually . . . brings me upon my knees to bless the Lord for giving me such a treasure, and to pray for your peace and welfare.”

Later in life, when Polly was beset by worries, John reminded her of God’s blessings: “We have traveled together near twenty-six years; and though we . . . have seen almost every thing change around us, he has preserved our affections.”

John Newton is well known as the author of “Amazing Grace,” yet his life might have been much different without Polly’s amazing love.

You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride.

Song Of Songs 4:9