Amazing Grace
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Updated: November 03, 2009 3:27 PM
Editor:
Re: “Let’s keep religion to ourselves,” Letters, Oct. 22.
America’s Favourite Song, “Amazing Grace” is the signature piece of Nana Mouskouri and has been sung by Elvis to Mahalia Jackson over hundreds of times. It’s the song that is frequently sung at funerals or public functions.
“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. 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, the one who penned “Amazing Grace” has a story of his personal transformation. He was capturing, selling and transporting black slaves from the West African coast to America and the West Indies.
Newton identifies himself as the wretch in the lyrics. During a stormy voyage, while returning to England from Africa, he thought his ship would be lost and began reading the “Imitation of Christ” by Thomas a Kempis, a Dutch monk. The message of the book during his fear of drowning had a transforming power in his life from being a cruel slave trader at age 39. He eventually became ordained by the Anglican Church in England and had an influential ministry, of helping, instead of using people as slaves.
The strange thing about God is that the One we deserve the least, is the One we need the most and the One who desires us the most.
Esther McIlveen
Richmond
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