John Newton was an Anglican minister whose dramatic personal transformation shaped his ministry and writing. His early life at sea and later conversion experience influenced his emphasis on grace, repentance, and divine mercy. His hymns reflect a deep sense of spiritual reflection and pastoral care.
His hymns include Amazing Grace, Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken, and How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds. These hymns became central expressions of Christian devotion and remain widely sung.
Newton collaborated with poet William Cowper on the Olney Hymns, a collection that became one of the most influential hymnbooks of the eighteenth century.