Even though it is not originally American, many might recognize it from church or other instances like movies or TV. It became famous in America when Harriet Beecher Stowe had Tom sing in it her famous novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. It usually goes by the first words of the song, “Amazing Grace.” Analysis of this hymn shows the effect that slavery has on a slave trader's soul. There can be connections made between Newton and Sewall, because of the religious nature of their anti-slavery arguments. Past this point, however, they begin to differ. The song is usually associated with times of need or praise to God, but the original meaning is much different. Why is the man thanking God, and what larger message does it send about why slavery is so harmful (again, more than just because one man owns another man)?
Hymn XLI
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound_
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd
Thro' many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound_
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd
Thro' many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
The lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.