Slave ship captains sought a fast voyage across the Atlantic's infamous "middle passage," hoping to preserve as much as their cargo as possible, yet the mortality rate sometimes ran 20% or higher.  When an outbreak of smallpox or dysentery occurred, the stricken were cast overboard.  Once they arrived in the New World, blacks were traded for sugar and molasses to manufacture rum, which the ships would carry back to England.  John Newton transported an unknown number of shiploads of the 6 million African slaves brought to the Americas in the 18th century.

John was forced to enlist on a British war ship at age eleven.  He subsequently deserted and ultimately was recaptured.  He was then exchanged to the crew of a slave ship bound for Africa.

On board the slave ship, Newton read a book titled "Imitation of Christ".  When his ship nearly sank in a storm, he gave his life to Christ.  Later he was promoted to captain of the slave ship. Commanding a slave vessel seems like a strange place to find a new Christian.  Eventually, however, the inhuman aspects of the slave business began to affect his conscience and he left the sea for good.

John Newton studied for the ministry, and for the last 43 years of his life preached the gospel in Olney and London.  At 82, Newton said, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior."  This realization provided the impetus for "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me"!

In addition to Amazing Grace, John Newton was the composer of at least 287 know poems and hymns including:    Precious Bible! What a Treasure,  How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds and  Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken.  Click here for a complete list.