Many might be able to sing Amazing Grace, but not everyone knows the story behind this beloved song. It was written in 1779 by John Newton, one of the most respected preachers in England at the time. As a young man, Newton fell hard for a young woman named Mary, and when he was 19 while traveling to see her, he fell victim to a press gang. The press-gang forced Newton to join the crew of a ship, where discipline was harsh, and the food was bad and scarce. Newton's spirit was nearly broken. His mother and God seemed far away and uncaring. When he tried and failed to escape, the captain had him stripped and flogged. Later Newton was transferred to another ship, and he became involved in the brutal 18th-century slave trade. The work was horrific and cost many human lives. Yet at the time it was legal—and lucrative. Newton became known for his wild behavior (he almost drowned after falling off a ship during a party) and for openly mocking faith. He seemed as far away from God as he could get. But God had other ideas.
