By Bob Barney from SOURCE

In our second story in the new topic, The Hidden Meaning in Many Songs, Movies and Books, we come to 'Amazing Grace', that so-called "Sunday" gospel classic. The story behind this song is truly amazing indeed.

Many are probably not familiar with the song's history, but the rest of the story behind this tune was that it was written almost two and a half centuries ago in 1772 by an Englishman named John Newton. Knowing the story of John Newton and the journey he went through before writing the hymn will help you to understand the depth of his words and his gratefulness for God's truly amazing grace.

Having lived through a rather unfortunate and troubled childhood (his mother passed away when he was just six years old), Newton spent years fighting against authority, going so far as trying to desert the Royal Navy in his twenties. Later, abandoned by his crew in West Africa, he was forced to be a slave to a slave trader but was eventually rescued. On the return voyage to England, a severe storm hit and almost sank the ship prompting Newton to begin his spiritual conversion as he cried out to God to save them all from the storm.

Ironically, upon his return to England, Newton became a slave ship master, a profession in which he served for several years. Bringing slaves from Africa to England over multiple trips, he admitted to sometimes treating the slaves abhorrently. In 1754, after becoming violently ill on a sea voyage, Newton abandoned the slave trade, and seafaring, altogether, wholeheartedly devoting his life to God's service.

He was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1764 and became quite popular as a preacher and hymn writer, penning some 280 hymns, among them the great "Amazing Grace," which first appeared in the Olney Hymns, printed by Newton and poet/fellow writer William Cowper. It was later set to the popular tune NEW BRITAIN in 1835 by William Walker.

In later years, Newton fought alongside William Wilberforce, leader of the parliamentary campaign to abolish the African slave trade. He described the horrors of the slave trade in a tract he wrote supporting the campaign and lived to see the British Passage of the Slave Trade Act 1807.

And now, we see the lyrics such as these by Newton...

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.

...carry a much deeper meaning than a sinner's mere gratitude. Close to death at various times and blind to the reality of and for others, Newton would most assuredly not have written "Amazing Grace" if not for his tumultuous past. And many of us would then be without these lovely words that so aptly describe our own relationship with Christ and our reliance on God's grace in our lives:

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Modern interpretation:

Those who have read Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic African American novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, may remember that Tom sings three verses of "Amazing Grace," including one verse not written by Newton which is now traditionally sung as the final verse:

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

 There is a movie named, "Newton's Grace" that tells the story of the man.  It is a very good biographical movie that although a low budget film, will find you truly admiring this man of God.    

 John Newton's tombstone reads:

"John Newton, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy!" "By the grace of God, I am what I am!" 1 Corinthians 15:10