Author Description

The "Force of Truth" is an autobiographical account of how Rev. Thomas Scott came to his evangelical convictions. Initially, he became ordained in the Church of England, but was wholly self-centered and unspiritual. When he tried to argue with John Newton about doctrine, the two began to interchange letters, but then stopped. Thomas Scott set out on a course of self-study which led to a conviction of his own sin with the realization that he needed God’s grace. This edition contains eight letters from John Newton historically connected to the early period and reveal much of how Newton viewed the process of the revelation of God to sinners. A recommendatory letter was written by Rev. Samuel Miller for extended circulation in the United States, and also the inclusion of John Newton’s name where it had been left out in previous editions. The Force of Truth’s writing style and arrangement were overseen by William Cowper of Olney, before it was published in 1779.