![]() This is why we know it, we love it, and it has such staying power. It echoes truths we know and truths we want to know. It tells a story of redemption born from the life of a man who knew what that meant. “Amazing Grace” resonates in its simplicity and depth, its clarity and its hope. Over the following decades, through tent meetings and urban evangelistic crusades, the song gained the nearly ubiquitous popularity it holds today.įew other songs have appeared in settings ranging from the halls of royalty to Appalachian meeting houses. John Newton (1725-1807), divine and friend of the poet Cowper, born in London, England 24 July 1725 (Old Style), was son of a commander in the merchant. In 1835, twenty eight years after Newton’s death, William Walker, an American composer and song leader, put “Amazing Grace” to a traditional tune called “New Britain” (the one we are familiar with today) in shape note form so it could easily be learned and sung by common people. Shortly after posting our research on John Newton in Liverpool, we were approached by the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney. “Amazing Grace” was penned in 1772 as a poem for his church’s prayer service, was published in 1779 as part of a collection of hymns, and then made its way to the American colonies. Near the end of his life, Newton became friends with William Wilberforce and partnered in his efforts to abolish the slave trade altogether in England. After six years, Newton left seafaring and slave trading, committed his life to following Jesus, and became a minister. He did not immediately abandon the slave trade or become a committed Christian, but over the next few years became more and more convicted of his sins and of a life that was rebellious to God. ' Amazing Grace ' is a Christian hymn published in 1779 with words written in 1772 by English Anglican clergyman and poet John Newton (17251807). They arrived home safely, and the experience left Newton reflective. In the midst of a storm that threatened to sink the ship he cried out for mercy, a prayer of desperation. On his return voyage to England Newton first began to see the amazingness of God’s grace. ![]()
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