Amazing Grace Hymn Story and Lyrics

Amazing Grace Hymn Lyrics

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!

The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.

For more lyrics and stories visit Popular and Old Hymns History.

The Judgment Has Set – FE Belden Hymn Story and Lyrics

I Stand Amazed Hymn History and Lyrics

Amazing Grace Hymn Story

Amazing Grace is a gospel hymn that was written by John Newton who was a former slave trader.

This gospel hymn is commonly associated with the African American community.

The gospel hymn talks about Newton’s life story from his early days when he was forced into joining the Royal navy until the time when he decided to settle in religion.

John Newton had joined the navy in 1743 after he was captured and forced to join while visiting his friends.

In 1745, while in the navy en route to India he rebelled against the discipline of the Royal navy and deserted.

He was captured and was flogged and put in leg irons.

Following this incident and humiliation John Newton considered murdering the sea captain and committing suicide by throwing himself overboard at sea.

He later convinced the sea captain to discharge him to a slave ship.

He was transferred to Pegasus, a slave-trading ship bound for West Africa.

As in the navy, the freethinking and rebellious John Newton did not have a good relationship with the crew of Pegasus and was left in West Africa with Amos Clowe, a slave dealer.

Amos Clowe handed John Newton to his African mistress Princess Peye who mistreated him as she did the other slaves.

John Newton wrote of this time as, “once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in West Africa”.

He was later rescued in 1748 by a sea captain sent by his father to search for him. He returned to England on a ship called Greyhound.

During the voyage to England, a violent storm struck his vessel off the coast that he decided to call upon God for help. This was the moment when he converted to Christianity.

From that point on, he avoided profanity, gambling, and drinking but he continued his involvement in the slave trade.

He, however, had become sympathetic to the slaves because of the time he spent in slavery in West Africa.

He is reported to have made at least three slave trading trips to West Africa after his return to England.

He only stopped after suffering from a stroke in 1754. He, however, now promoted the humane treatment of the slaves and the crew.

Decades later, around 1780, he joined the Committee for the Abolition of Slave Trade. During the 1780s he wrote “Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade”.

In it he states, “So much light has been thrown upon the subject, by many able pens; and so many respectable persons have already engaged to use their utmost influence, for the suppression of a traffic, which contradicts the feelings of humanity; that it is hoped, this stain of our National character will soon be wiped out.”

He further wrote in the book, “a business at which my heart now shudders,”

This paper was written to help William Wilberforce who was leading the battle against the slave trade. It was shared with the members of parliament in Westminster.

This sad chapter of slave trading in his life recollection never left him that when in his old age it was suggested that he retire, he responded, “I cannot stop. What? Shall the old African blasphemer stop while he can speak?”

John Newton - Amazing grace hymn
John Newton

More posts on this site that you must read: –

I Know Whom I Have Believed Hymn Story

Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling Hymn History and Lyrics

He Leadeth Me O Blessed Thought Hymn History and Lyrics

Just a Closer Walk with Thee Hymn Story and Lyrics

Old Southern Gospel Hymns

Amazing Grace Hymn Video

Below Wintley Phipps gives a beautiful rendition of this hymn, Amazing Grace.

I think you will also be super interested in the following hymns:

When We Walk With The Lord

Be Still For The Presence of The Lord

Master The Tempest Is Raging

There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us lyrics

Heaven Came Down

Who Wrote Wayfaring Stranger?

In My Heart There Rings a Melody

In The Sweet By and By

Trust And Obey Lyrics

In Times Like These

More About Jesus
The King of Love My Shepherd Is Hymn

He Giveth More Grace Hymn Story and Lyrics

Wherever He Leads I’ll Go Hymn Story and Lyrics

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *