John Newton was born in London. He rebelled against the knowledge of Christianity he had, became a slaver and nearly perished more than oncein his wickedness. (See his own account in our Christian Heritage Library). After his conversion, he became a minister and hymnwriter, publishing Olney Hymns with Cowper. His best loved hymn is "Amazing Grace," but "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" is a close second.
Josiah Gilbert Holland was born in Belchertown, Massachusetts. His first bent was to study medicine which he practiced for a short time, but he then established a newspaper. Later he served as editor of Scribner's Magazine. We remember him for his Christmas carol, "There's a Song in the Air."
Born in Scotland on this day, Oswald Chambers grew up there. He is most famous for his book My Utmost for His Highest" but strictly speaking he did not write it. His wife prepared it from shorthand notes she had made of his sermons. He died at age 42 serving as a chaplain.
