Day 58: "Amazing Grace" by John Newton

I heard an amazing arrangement of this song last night as a presentation for the Freedom Festival going on this week. What the narrator said was true. He said, "John Newton did not know that this song would and has inspired the English speaking world for centuries..." And it's true. When I saw Amazing Grace, the movie about William Wilberforce with my roommates, we sang the song for days. I also plan to read the book someday soon--maybe even as part of the 100...we'll see :). Anyway, I haven't been able to get this song out of my head, and, most people don't know this, but here's a little patriotic trivia...The song has 6 verses, with a repeat often of the first verse at the end. It was written during Wilberforce's campaign to end slavery in England by John Newton, a man who was once a slave ship captain who found religion and became an Anglican priest. I hope that this inspires and gives hope to everyone out there this week as we remember our freedoms and the sacrifices given to make us and keep us free.

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.

T'was 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 that 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.

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

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.

---