JOHN NEWTON (1725-1807) was born in London, England. His father was a sailor with whom he spent many years at sea. On March 21, 1748, a stormy night at sea turned his heart toward God. He started a new life of prayer and Bible reading. Mary Catlett became his wife in 1750. He worked as a commandeer of a slave ship and then he became a tide surveyor in 1755. He started studying Greek and Hebrew and was sworn in as a deacon in 1764. He became the curate at Olney, England, a small town of farmers and lace makers. He had financial support from John Thornton of London, which allowed him many privileges for relief of the poor and to keep an hospitable open house. He was a swaying influence in the lives of many famous people. The book of hymns called "Olney Hymns" he wrote with his good friend William Cowper. He is most known for writing the hymn "Amazing Grace."