Amazing Grace - John Newton

“**Amazing Grace"** is a Christian hymn that was published in *1779* and written in *1772* by English Anglican clergyman and poet **John Newton**⁴. It has become immensely popular, particularly in the United States, where it is used for both religious and secular purposes.
Here are some key points about the hymn:
1. **John Newton's Conversion**:
- John Newton's life path was shaped by twists and coincidences. He grew up without any particular religious conviction but experienced various events that led to his spiritual conversion.
- Pressed into service with the Royal Navy, he later became involved in the Atlantic slave trade.
- In **1748**, a violent storm battered his vessel off the coast of **County Donegal, Ireland**, prompting him to call out to God for mercy.
- This moment marked his spiritual conversion, and he eventually ended his involvement in slave trading.
2. **Writing "Amazing Grace"**:
- Newton began studying Christian theology and later became an abolitionist.
- In **1764**, he was ordained in the Church of England and became the curate of **Olney, Buckinghamshire**.
- He collaborated with poet *William Cowper* and began writing hymns.
- "Amazing Grace" was written to illustrate a sermon on **New Year's Day of 1773**.
- It debuted in print in *1779* in Newton's and Cowper's *"Olney Hymns"* but initially settled into relative obscurity in England.
3. **Melodies and Popularity**:
- The hymn has been associated with more than **20 melodies**.
- In *1835**, American composer **William Walker* set it to the tune known as **"New Britain"**, which is the version most frequently sung today.
- The message of forgiveness, redemption, and deliverance from despair through God's mercy resonates with people, making "Amazing Grace" one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world.
- American historian *Gilbert Chase* calls it "without a doubt the most famous of all the folk hymns," and it is estimated to be performed about **10 million times annually**⁴.
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• Amazing Grace ( Play-A...