Hey Gang,
Thought this was some neat info on one of our favorite hymns.
Later,
Noel"Spirit Rider"Bell
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Its author, John Newton, was born in 1725, and led a life of great
hardship and suffering, much of which was brought about by his
steadfast,
hostile resistance to religion. He was sold into slavery, spent five
years
locked in a cage like an animal, and later worked as a slaver. He
survived a
shipwreck, and nearly died from an unknown illness.
As time passed, he came to believe that God had shown him much
mercy in spite of his obstinate wickedness, and his attitude changed 180
degrees. He came under the influence of George Whitefield and John
Wesley, and
eventually returned to the faith he had enjoyed as a boy. He became a
minister, and preached the Gospel, which he now understood.
He left his testament of gratitude, which has become one of the
most beloved hymns in Christendom.
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
Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come
"Tis Grace hath brought me safe thus far
And Grace will lead me home
John Newton died two days before Christmas in 1807.
"Amazing Grace" (lyrics) was first published in 1779 (in England, so
most Americans would not have known it until after the American War of
Independence). The last verse ("When we've been there ten thousand
years") was added later. Hymn books in the 18th C. usually printed only
the
words, not the music. Separate tune books were available for the
musically
ambitious. The song leader of a congregation could choose any tune
that fit the meter of the words. The tune "Arlington" would be a good
18th
century period choice. It is best known today as the tune of "Am I a
Soldier
of the Cross," an early 18th C. hymn that would make a good choice for
period worship services.
The Tune we now recognize and sing as "Amazing Grace" is accredited to
"W. Walker, Southern Harmony, 1835" At the time it was published, the
name
of the tune was "New Britain." Despite its overuse by bagpipers, the
tune
is American, not Scotch.
>From the "Hymnal" published by the Augsburg Publishing House,
Minneapolis
1978
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