Amazing Grace is a hymn written by English cleric John Newton and published in 1779. The melody is believed to be of American origin. Newton wrote the words from personal experience. He grew up without any particular religious conviction, but his life was transformed following a profound spiritual conversion while he was storm-stricken at sea. Newton, who had previously been involved in the transatlantic slave trade, became an anti-slavery activi ... See more [+] st after his conversion.