Emphasis Preaching Journal

John Newton, the writer of the favorite hymn, "Amazing Grace," was the son of a devout mother and a rough, sea-going father. His mother tried to give him a religious upbringing, against the backdrop of a warm, supportive family, but she died before he was a young man. After her death, he went to sea with his father, hoping to find a similarly warm relationship with him. That was not his father's way, however, and John quickly learned the rough ways of sailors. He took a job on a slaver, not much caring for its cargo, but liked the pay he received.