Born 1725, died 1807, he authored the words of the hymn, Amazing Grace. Born in London, son of the commander of a merchant ship. Newton spent several years in his youth serving on his father's slave trading ships. He eventually commanded his own slaving ship. On May 10, 1748, Newton's ship survived a violent storm, which Newton attributed to the intervention of God. Although he had little religious instruction growing up, Newton became a minister in the Church of England and celebrated the anniversary of his conversion every year on May 10. Newton is known for many hymns but primarily for his words describing the amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. Newton preached until the last year of his life.