A. What are hymns?
- A hymn is a song specifically written as a song of praise, adoration or prayer, typically addressed to a god.
- In Christian religions, hymns are usually directed toward God.
- Most Christian worship services have, since the earliest times, incorporated the singing of hymns, either by the congregation or by a selected choir, often accompanied by an organ.
- Hymns have often been used to teach the tenets of faith.
- "Amazing Grace" is one of the most well known Christian hymns. John Newton wrote the words; they form a part of the Olney Hymns that he worked on, with William Cowper and other hymnodists.
- John Newton (1725–1807) was the captain of a slave ship. On 10 May 1748 returning home during a storm he experienced a "great deliverance". In his journal he wrote that the ship was in grave danger of sinking. He exclaimed "Lord have mercy upon us".
- Newton's lyrics have become a favourite for Christians of all denominations, largely because the hymn vividly and briefly sums up the Christian doctrine of Divine grace. The lyrics are loosely based around the text of Ephesians 2:4-8.
- It has also become known as a favorite with supporters of freedom and human rights, both Christian and non-Christian, as it is believed by many to be a song against slavery, as Newton was once a slave trader.
- He continued to be a slave trader for several years after his experience, but with more compassion. Later he became a clergyman.
- The hymn was quite popular among both sides in the American Civil War.
- While on the trail of tears, the Cherokee were not always able to give their dead a full burial. Instead, the singing of Amazing Grace had to suffice. Since then, Amazing Grace is often considered the Cherokee National Anthem.
- This is the famous first verse:
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
C. Let’s play Amazing Grace.
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