How did a seven-year-old girl who was brutally taken from her family and sold as a slave grow up to become the first African American woman to have her poems published? Join Trinity, Mina, and Priscilla as they listen to Professor Vincent Carretta, author of Phillis Wheatley: Biography of a Genius in Bondage, recount the fascinating story of this intriguing poet. Learn how her poems helped to change some of the mistaken opinions many people in Europe and the American colonies held about Africans.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer a copy of Simonetta Carr's biography of Phillis Wheatley to two of our young listeners. Enter here to win!

While William Cowper is widely regarded as one of the greatest evangelical poets of the 18th century, he was, in fact, one of the greatest of all the 18th-century poets. His poems reflect a profound faith in God and God's providence and presence in every aspect of life. Many became hymns and are still sung today. Join Grace, Sean, and Emma as they discuss Cowper's life, faith, and works with Dr. Andrew Newell, Junior Research Fellow (J.R.F.) in Literature & Theology at Wycliffe Hall and the English Faculty at the University of Oxford.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer a copy of Simonetta Carr's biography of John Newton, which references William Cowper, to one of our young listeners. Enter here to win!

Show Notes

Andrew Newell’s favorite hymn: https://hymnary.org/text/jesus_whereer_thy_people_meet

William Cowper’s poem about the rabbits: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/50599/epitaph-on-a-hare

William Cowper’s poem about the death of his mother: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44031/on-receipt-of-my-mothers-picture

The Task (book referenced by Andrew Newell as his favorite of William Cowper’s writings): https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3698/3698-h/3698-h.htm

Most people are familiar with the hymn "Amazing Grace." According to statistics, it is performed approximately 10 million times worldwide every year. And that's just public performances. It doesn't count all the times when it's sung in churches. However, not everyone is familiar with the author of this hymn, John Newton, and his role in helping to abolish the slave trade while faithfully preaching the gospel. Join Grace, Sean, and Priscilla as they discover more about this great pastor and hymn-writer with Rev. Jonathan Aitken, a priest in the Church of England and author of the biography John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer a copy of Simonetta Carr's biography about John Newton to one of our young listeners. Enter here to win!

Show Notes

Jonathan Aitken’s book about John Newton:

https://www.crossway.org/books/john-newton-tpb/?srsltid=AfmBOoo2PE361YLSqCvoHZ0mX2pBxBonxnQkicsZIkDDXuCS3ezGIt6e

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis:

Áitken's favorite hymn: https://hymnary.org/text/glorious_things_of_thee_are_spoken