Johnny grew up in one of those homes where one of his parents was not his biological parent. His mother having died when he was but a youth, and his father having been remarried. Shortly thereafter, Johnny was sent away to school in a faraway place. This might have been because his new mother did not want the responsibility of raising him. Things did not work out for him at school, so he quit at the age of 11 and began working with his father.
 

Incorrigible is defined as one who is incapable of being corrected or reformed. This would be a fit description of Johnny by the time he had become a man. Those around him said, " He never amount to amything." Known by all contemporaries - meaning all people around him - As being very mean, ruthless and without mercy, he managed to prosper in the immoral and despicable contraband trade on the high seas. But, the truth of the matter is, even when man has given up on man and has labeled him as someone who will never amount to amything, GOD may still be at work.
 

On one trip, Johnny's ship was almost lost at sea. In, fact, the story is told by some that he was actually thrown overboard. This close brush with death got him thinking about death and searching for GOD. GOD had not quit on him the way man had. He was converted and renewed, and went on to a changed life. In fact, in testimony of his past, Johnny later wrote:
 

Back

Next