John Newton and 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.” These words perhaps known to many carry a weight only truly understood when seen in light of the man who wrote them. John Newton, an 18 century sailor, husband and minister wrote the memorable lines after years at sea aboard slave ships. Newton lost his mother and her faithful guidance while he was young. He turned to a life at sea at the age of 11 and experienced many harsh times since (As can be further explored here: http://www.anointedlinks.com/amazing_grace.html). It was through Newton’s self perceived wretchedness that he wrote this song. Interesting to note is that it is not known what the original melody had been. Some believe it to have originated to the tune of a slave song Newton would have heard in his many years at sea. It became a song song weekly in the Church he served as minister. Music at Church can convey great emotion and with it lessons from the past for future generations.