[Jody M]

Rev. John Newton, 1700's British hymn writer of the famous hymn "Amazing Grace" with his wife Polly adopted his 2 orphaned nieces (they were cousins). John Newton pastored churches for 40 years in London and Olney England. Many know of his radical Christian conversion from a wretched captain of slave ships to a passionate pastor and hymn writer. But few know of his loving and tender affections for his 2 daughers Elizabeth and Eliza. In the 1700's he penned many loving letters to Elizabeth and also wrote reflections of his daughter Eliza. 21 of his beautiful letters sharing his love and mentoring his daughter in the character of God and to love him personally are found in the book "Letters and Reflections to My Adopted Daughters"[u] These 2 accounts of his letters and reflections were first published in the 1800's by The Amercian Tract Association that now is the forerunner in printing and distributing Christian outreach tracts. Both old leather booklets are quite rare and the copies available are expensive and fragile. This newer book compiled Newton's writings for his daughters in a softcover book with a lovely vintage cover. As an adoptee, I read these letters and was very touched and encouraged. I felt as if he were writing them to me and they are filled with edification, love and mentoring in the Christian faith. A beautiful book for adoptive parents, Christian parents or for young girls to read. A lovely gift also. Written in the Old English as they were penned.
The book cover and chapter excerpts can be seen amazon.com, adoptionshop.com ,barnesandnoble.com, or christianbooks.com

[Jody M]

In April they honor John Newton at the Cowper Newton Muesum near London England.This author and adoptive father from the 1700's who wrote the world famous hymn "Amazing Grace" They have a special day each year they honor him at his musuem in England. The book listed above "Letters and Reflections to My Adopted Daughters" is sold at the musuem. 21 letters penned by Newton to his daughter Elizabeth Catlett are included. A beautiful adoptive father of his 2 orphaned nieces.(these girls were cousins before they became sisters) This book sharing the vintage letters of John Newton, can be found on Ebay under:
John Newton"Amazing Grace"Letters to Daughters,Adoption

[Jody M]

Summer Reading months are upon us as are Mother's Day/Father's Day, graduations. Spring is racing by! This book penned by Rev. John Newton, adoptive father of his 2 orphaned nieces is wonderful to read.Though it was written in the 1700's and first published in the 1850's its words and wisdom of parenting are timeless! The same passion He had as he wrote the famous hymn "Amazing Grace" is also evident in his letters and reflections to parent his daughters to know God and embrace him as priority in their lives. You can browse and read more about the book on adoptionshop.com or amazon.com
Blessings, Jody
Glad to be an adoptee and blessed!