June 3 John Newton, 1725–1807 (verses 1–4), John P. Rees, 1828–1900 (verse 5) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times … you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8) Calling himself a “wretch” who was lost and blind, John Newton recalled leaving school at the age of 11 to begin life as a rough, debauched seaman. Eventually he engaged in the despicable practice of capturing natives from West Africa to be sold as slaves to markets