The world-famous hymn written by the charismatic English preacher John Newton has become associated with Scotland because the tune to which it is most often played is thought to be Scottish in origin and most likely written for the bagpipes around 1835.
Born in London in 1725, into a seafaring family John Newton began accompanying his father on his Mediterranean voyages when he was just eleven years old. He served for a time in the Royal Navy, then was pressed into service on a Man of War before taking an exchange post as crewman on a slave ship. He was to become a slave ship Captain with a career path already mapped out, until, one day, in 1748 on a homeward voyage, a ferocious storm blew up. All was nearly lost and he attributed his own and his vessel's deliverence to divine intervention, causing him to re-evaluate his life and work. Although he continued in the slave trade for a further seven years after his conversion, he was a changed man and made sure the slaves were treated more humanely.
He became a follower of Methodism as preached by John Wesley and was himself ordained as a minister, taking up the curacy of Olney church in Buckinghamshire. He became friends with the English poet William Cowper who was also a parishioner and together they wrote several editions of the Olney Hymnal. Among Newton's contributions was the piece which would eventually become known as 'Amazing Grace' and which is believed to refer to his salvation and redemption after the great storm.
John Newton left Olney to take up a post at St Mary Woolchurch in London. Among his large congregation was the social reformer William Wilberforce who, in a later time would be instrumental in the abolishment of slavery.
John Newton died in 1807.
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Amazing Grace as sung by Glasgow Phoenix Choir on the CD Highland Cathedral
Amazing Grace as played by the Combined Massed Military Bands and the Massed Pipes and Drums on the CD Tattoo Tribute
The Gaelic Psalm version of Amazing Grace as sung by Karen Matheson on the Scottish Power Pipe Band CD Cathcart.
The above are just three of the many versions we have available of this great hymn. | 
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