No one who knew John Newton as a young lad would ever have dreamed that this teenage rebel, profane sailor, naval deserter and slave-trader would one day write the lyrics to one of the best-known hymns of all time, ‘Amazing Grace’. The story of how such a notorious sinner was converted to Christ and went on to become an equally noteworthy pastor and a leader of the Evangelical movement in eighteenth-century England is simply astounding.

It was this same John Newton who, in the late 18th century, in the small village of Olney, Buckinghamshire, was motivated by loving concern for the spiritual growth of his poor and illiterate congregation that began to write simple yet profound lyrics for his parishioners to memorize and chant as they went about their daily work. In time, the popular chants began to be sung as hymns, and the hymns were eventually complied and published as The Olney Hymns. While William Cowper, the famous poet and disciple of John Newton wrote a few of the hymns, the vast majority of them were written by Newton himself in association with certain scripture passages as well as various seasons and special occasions in the life of his church.

For further reading on the life and ministry of John Newton, please visit The Cooper and Newton Museum or reference Todd's recommendations:

• The Works of John Newton, published by Banner of Truth Trust
• John Newton by Richard Cecil, edited and updated by Marylynn Rouse, published by Christian Focus
• Out of the Depths by John Newton (a lightly edited edition of Newton's autobiography) published by Kregel Publishing
• Beyond Amazing Grace: Wisdom from the Letters, Hymns and Sermons of John Newton by Todd Murray published by Evangelical Press

John & Mary Newton's gravesite

The Old Vicarage which was Newton's home

Breathing the air in Newton's study!