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Snap Decision/Getty Images "Amazing Grace," the enduring Christian hymn, is one of the most well-known and beloved spiritual songs ever written. Amazing Grace LyricsAmazing grace! How sweet the sound Penned by the Englishman John NewtonThe lyrics to "Amazing Grace" were penned by the Englishman John Newton (1725-1807). Once the captain of a slave ship, Newton converted to Christianity after an encounter with God in a violent storm at sea. The change in Newton's life was radical. Not only did he become an evangelical minister for the Church of England, but he also fought slavery as a social justice activist. Newton inspired and encouraged William Wilberforce (1759-1833), a British member of Parliament who fought to abolish slave trading in England. Newton's mother, a Christian, taught him the Bible as a young boy. But when Newton was seven years old, his mother died from tuberculosis. At 11, he left school and began taking voyages with his father, a merchant navy captain. He spent his teen years at sea until he was forced to join the Royal Navy in 1744. As a young rebel, he eventually deserted the Royal Navy and was discharged to a slave trading ship. An Arrogant Sinner Until Caught in a Fierce StormNewton lived as an arrogant sinner until 1747, when his ship was caught in a fierce storm and he finally surrendered to God. After his conversion, he eventually left the sea and became an ordained Anglican minister at the age of 39. Newton's ministry was inspired and influenced by John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield. In 1779, together with the poet William Cowper, Newton published 280 of his hymns in the popular Olney Hymns. "Amazing Grace" was part of the collection. Until he died at the age of 82, Newton never stopped wondering at the grace of God that had saved an "old African blasphemer." Not long before his death, Newton preached in a loud voice, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!" Chris Tomlin’s Contemporary VersionIn 2006, Chris Tomlin released a contemporary version of "Amazing Grace," the theme song for the 2007 film Amazing Grace. The historical drama celebrates the life of William Wilberforce, a zealous believer in God and human rights activist who battled through discouragement and illness for two decades to end the slave trade in England. Amazing grace Sources
Former slave ship captain and clergyman John Newton wrote the famous hymn 'Amazing Grace' in 1772, for his 1793 New Year's Day service. The hymn's emotional lyrics tell Newton's story, how he believed God saved him and showed him the errors of his ways. 'Amazing Grace' was first published in 1779 as part of the Olney Hymns, a group of hymns he and his poet friend, William Cowper wrote. It was set to the now very familiar tune in 1835 by American composer William Walker. We named 'Amazing Grace' one of the best hymns of all time. 'Amazing Grace' lyricsAmazing grace, how sweet the sound 'Twas
grace that taught my heart to fear Through many dangers, toils and snares When we've been there ten thousand years Amazing grace, how sweet the sound Who was John Newton?When he left the navy atheist Newton became involved with the slave trade as a ship captain. Although he remained a captain until 1754-5, his conversion to the Christian faith began in 1748 when a violent storm battered his ship, causing him to ask God for mercy. As a result he started questioning his role in the slave trade, and studying Christianity. He later became an abolitionist, as well as a clergyman, working alongside William Wilberforce to abolish the slave trade, which finally happened in 1807 just before his death. Is 'Amazing Grace' about slavery?The hymn 'Amazing Grace' is not about slavery but it is associated with the trade as its author John Newton was an abolitionist. Other famous songs with slavery links include 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot', 'Steal Away to Jesus' and 'Go down Moses' The 2006 film Amazing Grace featured John Newton's and William Wilberforce's fight to abolish the slave trade.
Find more lyrics to famous hymns Top image by Getty Images What do the lyrics to Amazing Grace mean?It's the simple yet powerful message of forgiveness, redemption and mercy, that has made 'Amazing Grace' one of the most versatile and enduring hymns in the world.
What are all 13 verses of Amazing Grace?Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound! ... . In evil long I took delight. Un-awed by shame or fear; ... . I saw One hanging on a tree, ... . Sure, never 'til my latest breath. ... . My conscience owned and felt the guilt, ... . Alas, I knew not what I did, ... . A second look he gave which said, ... . Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,. Who wrote the original lyrics to Amazing Grace?John NewtonAmazing Grace / Lyricistnull
Who sing Amazing Grace the best?1. “Amazing Grace” performed by Diana Ross. Diana Ross has performed and recorded “Amazing Grace” dozens of times. One of her live performances can be found on the “Christmas in Vienna” recording.
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