God ' s amazing grace is for everyone. And “Amazing Grace” was a popular funeral song, … The more you delve into a person’s actions the more complicated and messy they become. It is used so much in today's vernacular that its real meaning is often lost. The song also was the subject of at least one book, "The Story of America's Most Beloved Song, Amazing Grace," written by Steve Turner and published … I’m sure if I delved into this story more deeply I could find out why Newton’s father wanted him to do this; another fractal layer would be exposed. You are not constantly degrading or putting too much pressure on them to be a certain way (to force elegance on others), but it is essential for truly being an elegant woman . So it is with John Newton. Be sure to go on to the next post to read the rest of Newton’s story and how this hymn by a former slave trader became an icon of the civil rights movement. The song and the instrument became intertwined, and never the twain have parted! ‹ https://www.cherrycreekchorale.org, January 20, 2020 , 5:18 pm. He “did not get along” with the crew of the Pegasus, so much so that he was left in Africa with a slave trader named Amos Clowe, who promptly “gave” Newton as a slave to his African wife, Princess Peye. Bagpipes are especially common at the funerals of American firefighters and policemen, because when the great wave of Scottish and Irish immigrants came over in the mid-1850’s they were looked down upon and had to take the hardest jobs that no one else wanted, including the police and firefighters. Newton the younger was having none of this settling down on a sugar plantation. But John Newton … The song and the instrument became intertwined, and never the twain have parted! To start, then, Newton had a childhood that would horrify us today but whose main elements were all too common at the time of his birth in 1725. I know this all sounds like something out of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, but it’s attested to in multiple sources. I think the main reason is because while “Amazing Grace” is a Christian song — and in some ways, an intensely Christian song — its lyrics are more general. What’s not to like? “Amazing Grace” is arguably the best-known and most-sung hymn in America—maybe the world. First, let the Bible define grace. Texas, asked, “Why is God’s amazing grace so amazing?” The more than seventy people who were gathered before him gave two answers: “First, because His grace is free, and second, because we do not deserve it.” All of us con-cluded that the last of the two stands … Some sailors, perhaps taking refuge in grim humor, called themselves “steelbacks,” a reference to their ability to withstand flogging. Amazing Grace Part II: How did a hymn written by a former slave trader become an icon of the civil rights movement? "Amazing Grace" has become a pop, folk and gospel standard since Englishman John Newton, a slave trader-turned-abolitionist, wrote the words in … But however it happened, Newton spent over two years being abused and mistreated by the Princess, treatment that she doled out to all of her slaves. Why Is Henry VIII Associated with the Song “Greensleeves,” and Does the Song Have Anything to Do with Sleeves on a Dress? (Wikipedia). And the beating was probably carried out with the multi-tailed whip called the “cat o’ nine tails,” so the actual lashes were multiplied by that number. Initially, the book was especially popular among baby boomers. It can al… It applied to Chuck Colson, who, as Nixon ' s "hatchet man," had the reputation for being willing to "run over his own grandmother" to gain reelection. Would I love to know more about this! Newton did this for six years until his father retired, with the plan being that Newton would then go to work on a sugar plantation in Jamaica. Over the years, musicians and singers from Elvis Presley and Andrea Bocelli to Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Destiny's Child, Judy Collins and Leann Rhimes have performed this quintessential song. This practice was very common and indeed sanctioned by the government as a means of keeping Her Majesty’s Navy fully staffed. There is never an end to the detail. And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked (Ephesians 2:1, ESV). After his conversion he penned the words to that favorite hymn. I know this all sounds like something out of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, but it’s attested to in multiple sources. Oh man! But why has this hymn had such an impact? Reverend Matthew J. Watts, the pastor of the Grace Bible Church in Charleston, West Virginia, says that for slaves, a song like “Amazing Grace” would have been particularly meaningful. Probably everyone who’s attended some kind of Christian funeral has heard this hymn, as it’s especially popular for those occasions. He was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1764 and penned "Amazing Grace," "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken" and other classic hymns. Jesus said, "Healthy people don ' t need a doctor—sick people do. We have grace periods for paying our bills. But you’re going to have to read the next post to find out what happened, as I’ve gone over my word limit and I haven’t even gotten to the bagpipes. Let's try to better understand it, shall we? Copyright 2020 The Cherry Creek Chorale Inc. Sign up for occasional announcements and concert reminders. Diana Ross (Wikipedia). The Navy did not treat desertion lightly; otherwise they’d have had no sailors left. Oh man! It was on the way back to England on the rescue ship that Newton had his famous conversion experience as a result of almost drowning in a storm. People love the concept of grace. Learn the story behind Amazing Grace, read the complete lyrics and watch a … On any given Sunday, there are thousands of congregations singing it, even 236 years after it was published. The more you delve into a person’s actions the more complicated and messy they become. A beautiful, inspiring story. The same is true in your life, even if you think of it as rather mundane. Was that ever a bad move! Greenwood Village, CO 80155 But however it happened, Newton spent over two years being abused and mistreated by the Princess, treatment that she doled out to all of her slaves. (Yes, Ireland has bagpipes too.) This is one of the many, many times when I so want to sit down with someone from the past and ask questions: “Did you know that this was a slave ship before you joined it?” “Did that bother you?” “Did you ever come face to face with the reality of the conditions before deck for the captured Africans?” I actually do have an answer for the last question, as Newton wrote extensively in his pamphlet “Thoughts on the African Slave Trade” about the conditions on board these ships: I have known them so close, that the shelf would not, easily, contain one more. He “did not get along” with the crew of the Pegasus, so much so that he was left in Africa with a slave trader named Amos Clowe, who promptly “gave” Newton as a slave to his African wife, Princess Peye. With all this background in mind, then, it’s understandable that Newton was determined to escape again. But not only did Newton observe the plight of captured slaves; he was one himself. The […], The Cherry Creek Chorale The powerful lyrics remind us that because of Jesus, none of us are ever lost because God is with us always. I used the example in an earlier post about fractals, those designs that reveal new layers as they are magnified. Eight dozen is 96! And you can see why. He was born in London and after a life which included being press-ganged into the navy, flogged and becoming a skipper of a boat plying the slave trade, was converted to religion and became a minister. Military life apparently didn’t suit Newton (although how it could be even harder than life on a merchant ship is beyond me), and he tried to desert. But now another twist in his story arises, as he got impressed into the British Navy in 1743. In the meantime you can enjoy one of the many, many performances of the hymn by pipers: And here’s an arrangement, also with bagpipes, sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which my own choir has also performed: If you don't currently support another organization through Amazon, may I suggest that you use the link below for your Amazon shopping to support this site? The words to "Amazing Grace" were written in the 18th century by John Newton. At age 11 Newton’s father took him to sea on his ship. Webmaster: admin@cherrycreekchorale.org (General Inquiries). Fortnite is the most popular game on the planet. And the beating was probably carried out with the multi-tailed whip called the “cat o’ nine tails,” so the actual lashes were multiplied by that number. At age 11 Newton’s father took him to sea on his ship. Box 3272 Its popularity helped increase sales of Yancey's 2000 book Reaching for the Invisible God, which appeared on religion bestseller lists immediately after publication. I’m not sure how he accomplished this, but he somehow managed to get himself onto another, non-military ship: the slave trader Pegasus. To start, then, Newton had a childhood that would horrify us today but whose main elements were all too common at the time of his birth in 1725. It applies to you. Today, nearly 250 years later, it is one of the most popular hymns ever written. This is one of the many, many times when I so want to sit down with someone from the past and ask questions: “Did you know that this was a slave ship before you joined it?” “Did that bother you?” “Did you ever come face to face with the reality of the conditions before deck for the captured Africans?” I actually do have an answer for the last question, as Newton wrote extensively in his pamphlet “Thoughts on the African Slave Trade” about the conditions on board these ships: I have known them so close, that the shelf would not, easily, contain one more. Newton the younger was having none of this settling down on a sugar plantation. God’s grace is amazing because it is an undeserved and free gift. What’s not to like? Smith … And you can see why. It applied to John Newton, who mocked God and captained a slave ship. Popular funeral songs for the bagpipes include "Amazing Grace," "Danny Boy," "Flowers of the Forest," "Going Home," "My Lagan Love," and "The Mountains of Mourne." So. What's So Amazing About Grace? (Yes, Ireland has bagpipes too.) In this article, I will discuss how that fact came to be. “Amazing Grace” is a hymn that’s recognizable to almost every American, regardless of religious background. So they play and sing it at funerals because physical death is not the end. There's a reason the hymn 'Amazing Grace' remains the favorite hymn for so many people. Following that disgrace and humiliation, Newton initially contemplated murdering the captain and committing suicide by throwing himself overboard. He apparently liked being at sea and got himself a position on another merchant ship. - Amazing Grace. Throughout the Bible, the word grace was mentioned 170 times. It’s called “Amazing Grace” because when you understand and experience it, it takes your breath away. How did we get African-American spirituals? We all love a good redemption story, don’t we? I used the example in an earlier post about fractals, Part II of “Amazing Grace: How did a song by a former slave trader become an icon of the civil rights movement? The words are beautiful and striking, and the melody is at the same time lovely and singable. It was written by an Englishman who helped inspire William Wilberforce who abolished the Slave trade and slavery in … Then there’s the backstory to the song, which contains drama and irony in about equal parts: John Newton, a slave trader, is converted to Christianity and leaves his dreadful business, becoming a part of the anti-slavery movement. I guess there was some residual fatherly feeling there, in spite of everything. One of the absolute highlights of Amazing Grace is the finale when the cast performs a stirring and emotional rendition of the title song that brings audiences to their feet, so now we send off Amazing Grace with 25 other fantastic covers of “Amazing Grace”. "Amazing Grace" is a song about one man's real and ugly sin — the sin of slavery. stripped to the waist and tied to the grating, he received a flogging of eight dozen lashes and was reduced to the rank of a common seaman. One of the most beloved hymns of all time is John Newton’s Amazing Grace, not only among Christians, but also among many non-Christians.Its widespread acclaim crosses all boundaries of the belief spectrum, it seems. Real life, however, is seldom if ever so simple and straightforward. I used the example in an earlier post about fractals. Born in London in 1725, Newton led a fascinating life. He would have held the position of “ship’s boy” or “cabin boy,” which consisted of running errands for the captain, often taking messages from one end of the ship to the other, carrying water for the galley cook, tying knots, and scrambling up into the rigging to help trim the sails. It has deep meaning for millions, across all races and backgrounds, and has long united and comforted our nation in times of sorrow. Following that disgrace and humiliation, Newton initially contemplated murdering the captain and committing suicide by throwing himself overboard. Would I love to know more about this! (The smaller, lighter boys were considered especially suited for this last task.) We’ve all made mistakes, and continue to make them. You can be sure that Newton did not spend his days watching the seagulls or sitting in his father’s cabin reading books! So I’ll go ahead and give you this interesting tidbit now, since I promised it in the title. When English clergyman John Newton wrote the song in 1772, he wrote it as a poem that emphasizes one of the key points of Protestant doctrine: Salvation comes solely through the grace of God. Real life, however, is seldom if ever so simple and straightforward. There is never an end to the detail. 303-789-5920 Let it be observed, that the poor creatures, thus cramped for want of room, are likewise in irons, for the most part both hands and feet, and two together, which makes it difficult for them to turn or move, to attempt either to rise or to lie down, without hurting themselves, or each other. Period. His mother died of tuberculosis when he was seven years old, leaving him under the care of his stern sea-captain father who sent him off to boarding school for a couple of years and then took him to live with himself and his new wife. So. (Yes, Ireland has bagpipes too.) “Amazing Grace” is one of the most beloved and well-known spiritual songs of all time, so it is not surprising that many choose to have it played at their memorial services. Why did 'Amazing Grace' become so popular in the US? Amazing Grace. Probably everyone who’s attended some kind of Christian funeral has heard this hymn, as it’s especially popular for those occasions. This practice was very common and indeed sanctioned by the government as a means of keeping Her Majesty’s Navy fully staffed. stripped to the waist and tied to the grating, he received a flogging of eight dozen lashes and was reduced to the rank of a common seaman. ("Amazing Grace," perhaps the most popular funeral song, was written by British sailor John Newton after a fierce storm pounded his ship when it was sailing near the coast of Ireland.) John Newton, the song’s writer, certainly thought so. In the meantime you can enjoy one of the many, many performances of the hymn by pipers: […] England after having been rescued from slavery to the African Princess Peye. Amazing Grace has gone on to become one of the most powerful songs in the world and favourite hymn for many. What does Newton point out about God’s grace that resonates with us so strongly? 25. How Is the Song “Men of Harlech” Connected to 9/11? I guess there was some residual fatherly feeling there, in spite of everything. Military life apparently didn’t suit Newton (although how it could be even harder than life on a merchant ship is beyond me), and he tried to desert. Newton did this for six years until his father retired, with the plan being that Newton would now go to work on a sugar plantation in Jamaica. It was on the way back to England on the rescue ship that Newton had his famous conversion experience as a result of almost drowning in a storm. At the time Newton penned Amazing Grace, hymnbooks … But you’re going to have to wait until next week to find out what happened, as I’ve gone over my word limit and I haven’t even gotten to the bagpipes. Newton Sr.’s ship was apparently not involved directly in the African slave trade, but I think it must have carried sugar from the Caribbean to Britain as part of the “triangular trade” that had one leg going to Africa to trade goods for slaves, then the second taking slaves to North America and the Caribbean to work on plantations, then the third taking the sugar to Britain. He apparently liked being at sea and got himself a position on another merchant ship. Following the appropriation of the hymn in secular music, "Amazing Grace" became such an icon in American culture that it has been used for a variety of secular purposes and marketing campaigns, placing it in danger of becoming a cliché. In 1772, John Newton, a former slave owner, wrote the song ‘Amazing Grace’. Then there’s the backstory to the song, which contains drama and irony in about equal parts: John Newton, a slave trader, is converted to Christianity and leaves his dreadful business, becoming a part of the anti-slavery movement. When there was a death in the line of duty for these dangerous jobs, a way of reminding the neighborhood of these men’s heritage was to play the traditional bagpipes. Grace has a nice ring to it. This article simply shares my personal opinions, as to why this is so. P.O. When there was a death in the line of duty for these dangerous jobs, a way of reminding the neighborhood of these men’s heritage was to play the traditional bagpipes. Why Fortnite Is So Popular? So I’ll go ahead and give you this interesting tidbit now, since I promised it in the title. A sailor, previously a slave trader, wrote the words to “Amazing Grace”. You see, we’re all in need of grace. WHAT'S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE- Grace is a word with a deep and wide meaning and an even farther reach. While I take some issue with such practices, and I certainly am skeptical about Tomlin’s attestations that he had “no idea” his version of “Amazing Grace” would be so popular (it’s only the “greatest song ever written”; it also closes his album, See the Morning [2006]), I … With all this background in mind, then, it’s understandable that Newton was determined to escape again. Not only do Christians sing it, but it is also sung or played at family reunions and at secular concerts. Most notably, Judy Collins’ version of the hymn was released as a single for the Christmas season of 1970, peaking at number 15 on the U.S. Grace is when you get something you don’t deserve, and then on top of that, you’re given much more, far more, way more, exceedingly more than you could ever hope for or dream of. Was that ever a bad move! The brutality of this punishment is hard to imagine. Early in 1748 Newton was rescued by a sea captain who had been sent by his father to search for John. And “Amazing Grace” was a popular funeral song, although not written by an Irishman or Scotsman. It is the exact opposite of what we deserve; there is nothing we can do to earn or merit it. When there was a death in the line of duty for these dangerous jobs, a way of reminding the neighborhood of these men’s heritage was to play the traditional bagpipes. Newton Sr.’s ship was apparently not involved directly in the African slave trade, but I think it must have carried sugar from the Caribbean to Britain as part of the “triangular trade” that had one leg going to Africa to trade goods for slaves, then the second taking slaves to North America and the Caribbean to work on plantations, then the third taking the sugar to Britain. Not only does the song have a beautiful melody, but it also features lyrics that speak to all of us. Now, at age 20, Newton was participating directly in the transport and sale of human beings. John Newton was that sailor. I’m sure if I delved into this story more deeply I could find out why Newton’s father wanted him to do this; another fractal layer would be exposed. I’m not sure how he accomplished this, but he somehow managed to get himself onto another, non-military ship: the slave trader Pegasus. Eight dozen is 96! And “Amazing Grace” was a popular funeral song, although not written by an Irishman or Scotsman. Let's look at what's so amazing about grace. This is why grace is truly something amazing and worth taking note of. Unsubscribe at any time. Be sure to come back next week to read the rest of Newton’s story and how this hymn by a former slave trader became an icon of the civil rights movement. There were some captains who traversed all three legs in a never-ending circle, but I don’t see that to be the case with the senior Newton. Grace so amazing is with me each day for this great love I can never repay grace so amazing, tho sinful I've been God loved me so much in spite of my sin Grace so amazing, Grace undeserved I'll ever praise Him and joyfully serve Grace so amazing and love so divine … When there was a death in the line of duty for these dangerous jobs, a way of reminding the neighborhood of these men’s heritage was to play the traditional bagpipes. The song was used at marches during the civil rights movement and gained popularity among those protesting the Vietnam War. Grace is what saves you, holds you and, finally, gets you Home before the dark. Is there something in the music which made it so popular? Be sure to go back and read Part I if you haven’t done so already to find out how he got himself into this pickle to begin with. So it is with John Newton. The song offers up a universal message of hope and redemption – everyone who listens finds a different meaning for themselves. It’s like rewriting the story of Paul on the way to Damascus as a musical on the high seas. Grace is so important because one trait is that it makes others around you feel more at ease. Bagpipes are especially common at the funerals of American firefighters and policemen, because when the great wave of Scottish and Irish immigrants came over in the mid-1850’s they were looked down upon and had to take the hardest jobs that no one else wanted, including the police and firefighters. (The smaller, lighter boys were considered especially suited for this last task.) A popular myth surrounds the hymn “Amazing Grace.” The story goes something like this: John Newton was a wretched slave trader, but then got saved, quit the slave business, became an abolitionist and wrote the beloved hymn. There were some captains who traversed all three legs in a never-ending circle, but I don’t see that to be the case with the senior Newton. And “Amazing Grace” was a popular funeral song, although not written by an Irishman or Scotsman. He would have held the position of “ship’s boy” or “cabin boy,” which consisted of running errands for the captain, often taking messages from one end of the ship to the other, carrying water for the galley cook, tying knots, and scrambling up into the rigging to help trim the sails. Now, at age 20, Newton was participating directly in the transport and sale of human beings. For News about the Chorale. I used the example in an earlier post about fractals, those designs that reveal new layers as they are magnified. His mother died of tuberculosis when he was seven years old, leaving him under the care of his stern sea-captain father who sent him off to boarding school for a couple of years and then took him to live with himself and his new wife. Let it be observed, that the poor creatures, thus cramped for want of room, are likewise in irons, for the most part both hands and feet, and two together, which makes it difficult for them to turn or move, to attempt either to rise or to lie down, without hurting themselves, or each other. But now another twist in his story arose, as he got impressed, that is, drafted by force, into the British Navy in 1743. “Amazing Grace” is one of the most beloved hymns of the last two centuries. Early in 1748 Newton was rescued by a sea captain who had been sent by his father to search for John. You can be sure that Newton did not spend his days watching the seagulls or sitting in his father’s cabin reading books! Image soure Wikipedia. Etc. A Canadian bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace” during a memorial service, 29 October 2009, at Forward Operating Base Wilson, Afghanistan. Now, the appropriate question to pose is how a game can be responsible for enabling such Spartan devotion? What is in grace that it was given so high importance in the human realm that a hymn can actually be transformed to be so popular in the fabric of human life? Email: info@cherrycreekchorale.org (Marketing) The hymn, "Amazing Grace" is the most popular one of all time. The same is true in your life, even if you think of it as rather mundane. But not only did Newton observe the plight of captured slaves; he was one himself. The words are beautiful and striking, and the melody is at the same time lovely and singable. (Yes, Ireland has bagpipes too.) Just Because Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” Is Lightweight, Does That Mean He Was, Too. It has been mass-produced on souvenirs, lent its name to a Superman villain, appeared on The Simpsons to demonstrate the redemption of a murderous character named Sideshow Bob, incorporated into Hare Krishna chants and adapted for Wiccaceremonies. 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