John Newton and "Amazing Grace" On this day in 1725 John Newton, the seaman-turned-preacher who wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace," was born. Newton's autobiography (An Authentic Narrative of some Interesting and Remarkable Particulars in the Life of John Newton, 1764) reveals an amazing life, and makes clear how repeatedly lost and found a wretch he was.
John Newton Sammlung / Collection Large collection of hymns originally published by the author in his 1779 three-volume collection, Olney Hymns. Includes "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds," "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken," and "Faith's Review and Expectation" ("Amazing Grace").
The Life, Conversion and the Theology of John Newton A large website offering a detailed biography, information about the inspiration for "Amazing Grace," and excerpts from letters and sermons on the practical influences of faith, thoughts on what a believer can attain in this life, spiritual blindness, the right use of the law, divine guidance, and other subjects.
"John Newton was a man under the same condemnation that all men share. Through this devotional hymn, based on the experience of his life before and throughout his salvation, God has given men this gift, set aside as 'a word in season to him that is weary,' and aiding and provoking the still small voice within a hopeless sinner, pointing the way to Christ."
