The song of the sea was in his blood but John Newton could not recognize those melodious strains until he mended his seafaring ways. The son of a merchant shop commander, young Newton grew up plying the Mediterranean ports of call. Years laer as the master of a slave ship himself, Newton was saved from what he called his life of debauchery by conversion amid a fierce storm. Ordained into the ministry in 1764 he used his pulpit to espouse his Calvinist theology and rail against such social ills as his former livelihood the slave trade. Yet while his ministry was popular his gift for hymn writing would be more enduring. What churchgoer today is not inspired by Newtons beloved lyrics? Including is famous song Amazing Grace. This is a very surprising and interesting life story of one of the world's most famous hymn writers.

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