The Amazing Story of "Amazing Grace"

"Amazing Grace" is probably the best-known Christian hymn of all time. Penned by John Newton, the lyrics have their origins in one of the deepest of all human evils, the slave trade. And yet, the song has led many to redemption and a fresh start in life.

In fact, this ever-popular hymn has become a trademark of many twelve-step recovery groups, civil rights causes, and even funerals of paupers and Presidents.

Generation after generation lays claim to this favorite song with its back-to-basics reminder of biblical truth. In simplest terms: We all need God's amazing grace!

Who was John Newton, the writer of these beloved lines? How did he come to receive such wondrous and amazing grace in his own life?

The Slave-Monger

John Newton was born on July 24, 1725, in London, England. His mother died when he was young, and his father commanded a Mediterranean merchant marine vessel. As a boy, Newton sailed the Mediterranean Sea with his father.

By his late teens, Newton joined the crew of the HMS Harwich, a British Man-of-War, but he soon deserted the ship. Upon apprehending the truant teen, the ship's officers disciplined him harshly and demoted him to the bottom of the ranks. Beaten but unchanged, the lad pursued a life at sea.

Soon, Newton boarded an African slave trading ship, headed for Sierra Leone. The slave trader mistreated him harshly. Despite the beatings and harsh treatments he received, he refused to soften his heart. He became tough and callous towards others. By 1748, Newton was rescued from his evil taskmaster. Soon, he skippered his own slaving ship. Known for his cursing and coarse talk, Newton was called "The Great Blasphemer."

While transporting his human cargo, Newton's ship encountered a violent seastorm. The ship was tossed about on monstrous dark waves. Frightened for his life, Newton recalled Scriptures his mother had taught him in his early childhood. Newton called out to God for his life, although he was nearly certain he was too wicked to be saved.

Saved by God's Grace

Surviving the storm, Newton began reading the Bible. A new picture of a loving, forgiving Lord began to form in his heart. Soon he realized that even a harsh-hearted slave trader could be redeemed by the grace of God.

Newton's life changed almost overnight. He eventually left the slave trade and opened a new business, as a tidal surveyor in England. During this time, he was befriended by many strong Christian men, such as William Cowper, John Wesley, George Whitefield, and William Wilberforce, who would later contend with English Parliament against slavery.

In 1750, Newton married Mary Catlett. Five years later, he faced serious illness. From that time on, he never sailed again. He studied Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, as well as the Scriptures.

Newton petitioned the Church of England for ordination, but he was rejected. Eventually, he did receive ordination and began to preach. His sermons drew crowds, as did his weekly prayer meetings.

Songwriting

About five years after the momentous storm and his life-changing conversion to Christian faith, Newton penned his famous hymn, "Amazing Grace." Together with his friend, Cowper, he published the words in an edition of Olney Hymns in 1779-80. The song may have been part of a sermon Newton delivered on the text of 1 Chronicles 17. His handwritten sermon notes included several lyrical lines which later appeared in the hymn.

The melody of the hymn came later, perhaps based on a popular tune. (A 2003 PBS special by Bill Moyers suggested the melody may have come from a spiritual sung by slaves.) The final verse ("When we've been there ten thousand years...") was added later, perhaps by Harriet Beecher Stowe, who cited it in her landmark novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Ironically, considering the first verse of "Amazing Grace," Newton did become blind in his older days. He died at the advanced age of 82 years, still mindful of his own daily need for God's miraculous and amazing grace.

Shortly before he died, in 1807, England outlawed the slave trade.

John Newton wrote many hymns, but "Amazing Grace" has stamped many hearts with its clear message of forgiveness and a fresh start.

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.

'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.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

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'd first begun.

Words by John Newton (1779)