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Amazing Grace Sacred SongNewton's hymn 'How Sweet the Sound' a Top Song of Praise
Brief history of "Amazing Grace," a famous and best loved Christian hymn, written by John Newton, sea captain and clergyman.
"Amazing Grace" is an extremely popular Christian hymn written by John Newton (1725-1807). The tune is an early American folk melody, first known as a plantation melody entitled "Loving Lambs." Its earliest known publication was found in the book The Virginia Harmony, compiled by James P. Carrell and David S. Clayton, published in 1831 in Winchester, Virginia. John Newton, clergyman and the hymn writer of 'Amazing Grace,' was a sea captain before his conversion and acceptance of Christ as his personal Savior. 'Amazing Grace' represents the total expression of Newton's life. Life as a SeamanHis mother died when he was 6 years old. His father remarried and after years of formal education, John joined his father's ship at the age of 11, and began a life as a seaman. His early years were round of teenage rebellion. He served on several ships, got involved with the African slave-trade, and came close to starvation while living in Sierra Leone. Eventually, he acquired his own ship. Selling and transporting of black slaves to the West Indies and America was cruel and vicious, but a way of living for him. Life Turning PointAged 23, while returning to England from Africa, the voyage was particularly stormy. He was on board a cargo ship against heavy seas and turbulent weather. Worn out and almost frozen, it appeared all would be lost, Newton began reading Thomas a Kempis's religious classic book, Imitation of Christ. Kempis was a Dutch monk, who belonged to the Brethren of the Common Life order. The book and his near-death experience was the turning point of Newton's life. He was amazed to be saved from almost certain death. He felt convicted of the inhuman aspects of his work and became a strong crusader against slavery. On return to England, he married his sweetheart Mary Catlett in 1750, and became a clerk at the Port of Liverpool for the next 9 years. It was during this period he felt the call of God increasingly to preach the gospel. Call to MinistryNewton studied ministry. At age 39, he became a minister, supported and influenced by the evangelist George Whitefield and the Wesleys (Charles and John). Newton, however, decided to stay within the mainstream of the Anglican Church. He also formed friendships with political leaders like William Wilberforce, who were advocates for the abolition of slave trade. In 1790, Newton's beloved and supportive wife Mary died of cancer. Wherever John Newton preached, large crowds gathered to hear the "Old Converted Sea Captain." In 1807, the year Newton died, was the same year that the British Parliament Abolished slavery. 'Amazing Grace' originally consisted of six stanzas and entitled "Faith's Review and Expectation," based on 1 Chronicles 17: 16 and 17 (David's prayer after the Lord reveals His covenant promise to David; when David wanted to build God a "house.") First Stanza of "Amazing Grace"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. Other Best-Loved Hymns:
Sources:Cyber Hymnal for Lyrics and Music 101 Hymn More Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications (1982)
The copyright of the article Amazing Grace Sacred Song in Christian Music is owned by Tel Asiado. Permission to republish Amazing Grace Sacred Song in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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