No one who knew John Newton as a young lad would ever have dreamed that this teenage rebel, profane sailor, naval deserter and slave-trader would one day write the lyrics to one of the best-known hymns of all time, Amazing Grace. The story of how such a notorious sinner was converted to Christ and went on to become an equally noteworthy pastor and leader of the evangelical movement in eighteenth century England is simply astounding. In compiling this selection from his writings, Todd Murray has made Newton's gentle pastoral wisdom available to a new generation of readers.