Judy Collins recorded it long ago, and has sung it throughout her career. It began as a poem by John Newton in 1772, with music added in 1835 by the American composer William Walker, who adapted the tune known as “New Britain” to its words of hopeful redemption. It is one of the world’s most beloved and famous folk hymns. Judy Collins has created a new version of “Amazing Grace” which in itself is the perfect symbol of amazing grace. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.A virtual choir of thousands joins her in harmony "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” ~ James 4:6 And this is not your own doing it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." ~ Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 "It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive he was lost, and is found." ~ Luke 15:32 ~ Used with permission from John Newton Discovered Amazing Grace Bible Inspiration of Amazing Grace Lyrics ![]() Newton never ceased to stand in awe of God's work in his life. That day at the helm, March 21, 1748, was a day Newton remembered ever after: "On that day the Lord sent from on high and delivered me out of deep waters." Many years later, as an old man, Newton wrote in his diary of March 21, 1805: "Not well able to write but I endeavor to observe the return of this day with humiliation, prayer, and praise." Only God's amazing grace could and would take a rude, profane, slave-trading sailor and transform him into a child of God. Luke 11:13 seemed to assure him that God might still hear him: "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him." He found a New Testament and began to read. Yet, Newton's thoughts began to turn to Christ. Certainly, he was beyond hope and beyond saving, even if the Scriptures were true. John Newton had rejected his mother's teachings and had led other sailors into unbelief. Sailors were not noted for the refinement of their manners, but Newton had a reputation for profanity, coarseness, and debauchery which even shocked many a sailor. Since the age of eleven, he had lived a life at sea. His life seemed as ruined and wrecked as the battered ship he was trying to steer through the storm. ![]() With the storm raging fiercely, Newton had time to think. From one o'clock until midnight he was at the helm. On the eleventh day of the storm, sailor John Newton was too exhausted to pump, so he was tied to the helm and tried to hold the ship to its course. The sailors had little hope of survival, but they mechanically worked the pumps, trying to keep the vessel afloat. Its canvas sails were ripped, and the wood on one side of the ship had been torn away and splintered. The Greyhound thrashed about in the north Atlantic storm for over a week. Later in life, Newton became a supporter and inspiration to William Wilberforce who led the fight to pass the British Slave Trade Act in 1807, which abolished the slave trade in that empire. This song isn’t a song of theology-it’s John Newton’s own heartfelt expression of gratitude to God, who helped him turn from his profane and wicked life and eventually fight against the ills he practiced.
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