The hymn Amazing Grace by John Newton has become America’s favorite, the tune familiar to every ear. Most Christians have some knowledge of the life of the Christian pastor who wrote it, for his conversion is a vivid demonstration of the amazing grace of God. Brought up by a Christian mother, John degenerated into a worldly, blasphemous lifestyle. God used many experiences to bring him to repentance, and eventually this profligate young man who even dealt in the market of human slaves became the devout pastor of a church in Olney, Britain. Those of our readers who would like a fascinating account of his life and conversion may find it in the winter 2004 edition of Christian History, which may be accessed from their website. I recommend it highly.

Fewer Christians know that John Newton, who was committed to the doctrine of salvation by sovereign grace, wrote hundreds of songs. They have been published in the Olney Hymns, which must be obtained from the Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney. The hymnbook is divided into three sections, the first of which consists of hymns he wrote as commentaries on different scriptural passages. Amazing Grace was a commentary on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17, and bears the title Newton gave it: “Faith’s Review and Expectation.”

Newton said that his first book of hymns was “on select texts of Scripture,” his second “on occasional subjects” (such as the seasons, the ordinances, providence, and creation), and the third book “on the progress and changes of the spiritual life.” He follows the life of the Christian in this section with songs on seeking God, conflict, comfort, dedication and surrender, cautions, praise, and hymns for different parts of the worship.

Newton would probably be pleased that one of his hymns has received such acclaim, but at the same time a bit disappointed that the whole scope of the message of all his hymns taken together are overlooked. Perhaps we can visualize that whole scope by analyzing the meaning of the words of this hymn that all of us know, but few stop to think of its meaning.