Sure enough, the documentary followed the journey of this wonderful old hymn from its conception. It seemed odd, (but good) that such a film was allowed to be shown in a public school, (though paradoxically, my wife and daughter and their missions team were invited to minister in a couple of public schools in the former Soviet Union)!
It was interesting to understand the
variety of environments in which “Amazing Grace” has been sung or played, and
the style and manner in which it had been conducted. In one scene Jesse Norman
sings John Newton’s memorable hymn, in another a classical orchestra plays the
same tune and in still another, a black choir virtually dances the melody into
our consciousness.
John Newton lived what he might have
described as a perfectly despicable adolescence and young adult life, as he
embraced the life of a seaman. Since, as many of you already understand, he
engaged himself in capturing and transporting slaves to countries across the
globe.
It almost goes without saying that
conditions were beyond awful for these precious souls. Stuffed in stacked rows
below decks, many died of disease brought on by a sore lack of hygiene; their
dead bodies tossed to the sharks.
Husbands
and wives, mothers and children were often separated, never to meet again.
But so like Jonah, on one particularly
dreadful day, John endured a fierce storm at sea, and began to read “The
Imitation of Christ,” by Thomas ‘a Kempis. This wonderful volume served as a
catalyst to woo the infidel to God.
Ultimately, John Newton gave his life to his
Creator, gave up the slave trade and embraced Mission. He was ordained as a
minister in the Anglican Church, and tirelessly preached against the culture of
slavery.
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that
saved a wretch like me!”
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