Amazing Grace 6/10/09

John Newton, the author of the lyrics to Amazing Grace, was born in 1725 in Wapping, London, United Kingdom. Despite the powerful message of "Amazing Grace," Newton's religious beliefs initially lacked conviction; his youth was marked by religious confusion and a lack of moral self-control and discipline.

After a brief time in the Royal Navy, Newton began his career in slave trading. The turning point in Newton's spiritual life was a violent storm that occurred one night while at sea. Moments after he left the deck, the crewman who had taken his place was swept overboard. Although he manned the vessel for the remainder of the tempest, he later commented that, throughout the tumult, he realized his helplessness and concluded that only the grace of God could save him. Prodded by what he had read in Thomas à Kempis' Imitation of Christ, Newton took the first step toward accepting faith.[.

These incidents and his 1750 marriage to Mary Catlett changed Newton significantly. On his slave voyages, he encouraged the sailors under his charge to pray. He also began to ensure that every member of his crew treated their human cargo with gentleness and concern. Nevertheless, it would be another 40 years until Newton openly challenged the trafficking of slaves..

Some three years after his marriage, Newton suffered a stroke that prevented him from returning to sea; in time, he interpreted this as another step in his spiritual voyage. He assumed a post in the Customs Office in the port of Liverpool and began to explore Christianity more fully. As Newton attempted to experience all the various expressions of Christianity, it became clear that he was being called to the ministry. Since Newton lacked a university degree, he could not be ordained through normal channels. However, the landlord of the parish at Olney was so impressed with the letters Newton had written about his conversion that he offered the church to Newton; he was ordained in June 1764.

In Olney, the new curate met the poet William Cowper, also a newly-born Christian. Their friendship led to a spiritual collaboration that completed the inspiration for "Amazing Grace," the poem Newton most likely wrote in Kineton, Warwickshire[citation needed] around Christmas 1772.[.The lyrics are based on his reflections on an Old Testament text he was preparing to preach on, adding his perspective about his own conversion while on his slave ship, the Greyhound, in 1748.

Newton's lyrics have become a favourite for Christians, largely because the hymn vividly and briefly sums up the doctrine of divine grace. The lyrics are based on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17, a prayer of King David in which he marvels at God's choosing him and his house. Newton apparently wrote this for use in a sermon he preached on this passage on New Year's Day 1773, and for which he left his sermon notes, which correspond to the flow of the lyrics[. (He entitled the piece "Faith's review and expectation.")

The song has also become known as a favorite with supporters of freedom and human rights, both Christian and non-Christian, in part because many assume it to be Newton's testimony about his slave trading past.
The hymn was quite popular on both sides in the American Civil War.

Amazing Grace" is a well-known Christian hymn by Englishman John Newton and first appeared in print in Newton's Olney Hymns (1779).

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.

And, 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 Refuse to Shine.But God who called Me Here Below
Shall be Forever Mine

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.

Vocals..Guitar ..And Organ By Carlguage

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[monkiepoop87]

u need to show how to do it

[Carlfgauge]

Hi Monkie...I dont Know Music Technically to Explain it properly..I learned to Play Lead by ear and learned my Chords from Books and Friends who Took Lessons.I Could try to Explain but My scales are Pentatonic for the Most part...I do Appreciate your Interest..Thank You...

[Carlfgauge]

@uncledave10 I do the same thing Dave!!! I replied but if you got to that point you got it as well as me...Type any letter in the to section and Pick who you want it sent to...It sux this way for Sure But This site beats the others by Miles Anyway!!

[uncledave10]

@Carlfgauge I  sent you a PM asking about sharing , I have to do it in blocks :o)

[Carlfgauge]

Thanks Dave!!! Your a Great Uncle!!!..LOL!!!

[uncledave10]

@uncledave10 I thought I had herd you do this before and said the same thing :o) 

[Carlfgauge]

Merci Jean!!!!!!!!!!!!

[masje]

bravo

very very good

jean

[Carlfgauge]

First off let me Say Thank You for taking the time to Comment on My video Kroko..I see your 25 Yrs old and its a pleasure to Hear someone your age appreciate this....All I hear today at the Music stores is the Next fastest Player..Its all about speed Today..the Feeling is Almost Gone..Its like the song Goes,,,Just take those old records off the shelf

Ill sit and listen to em by myself

Todays music aln t got the same soul

Thank You again I do Appreciate your Comment!!!...............Carl

[Kroko84]

I rarely post any comments here, but I have to say, that was some awesome guitar playing! You have a great sense of style, and you make it look easy. Unlike you, a lot of guitarists fall into all these elaborate displays of technical skill, and end up detaching the listener from the emotion of the song. I felt this one, and it was a joy to listen to.