Thought for the Week - 23rd October 2022

Dear Friends,

You’ve probably sung it numerous times. It is one of the nation’s favourite hymns and has been covered by singing stars such as Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley and Andrea Bocelli. In 1972 the version by The Pipes and The Drums and The Military Band of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards became a Number 1 hit in the music charts staying there for five weeks. What am I talking about, the hymn, Amazing Grace. Easily one of the most recognisable hymns in the English-speaking world, it is estimated that it is performed roughly 10 million times a year. Written by the English poet and Anglican clergyman John Newton in 1772, it was officially published in 1779 as a Christian hymn. But it is the story of Newton’s life before he wrote it that adds weight to the words like ‘I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see’, and ‘Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home’. Newton’s early childhood was marred by the death of his mother when he was just six, and in his teenage years and beyond he fought against authority, even trying to desert the Royal Navy in his twenties. He was later abandoned by his crew in West Africa and forced to be a servant to a slave trader but was eventually rescued. On the voyage home the ship encountered a violent storm and almost sank, prompting Newton to begin his spiritual journey as he cried out to God to rescue them. However, on his return he became a slave ship master which he did for a number of years, transferring slaves from Africa to England many times. But in 1754, after becoming violently ill on a sea voyage, Newton abandoned his life as a slave trader and devoted his life to serving God. He became an Anglican priest in 1764 and fought alongside William Wilberforce in the struggle to abolish slavery. The hymn Amazing Grace is John Newton’s personal story of someone who was lost and cried out to God and whom God rescued and saved. 

Grace and peace,

Neil

          

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