The hymn, Amazing Grace, is a well known and loved hymn written by John Newton. Newton, born in 1725, was trained in the Christian faith by his mother, who died when he was young. John went to sea with his father after only a few years of formal education.

As a young man, Newton spent time first in the navy. From navy deserter to  work on a slave ship, he lived a wreckless life so that even the sailors were loathe to rescue him when he fell overboard. One day in 1748, he came face-to-face with his wretchedness during a storm at sea and turned back to God.

Newton wrote this hymn and went on to become a minister and writer of many more hymns. To learn more about Newton, read here.

For a beautiful rendition of the hymn, sung by Charlotte Church, listen here.