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Amazing Grace (aka New Britain)

“Amazing Grace” aka – “New Britain”– Shelley Phillips & Barry Phillips
From the recording: Wondrous Love
Produced by Barry and Shelley Phillips
Recorded and mixed by: Barry Phillips and Justin Mayer
Bear Creek Studios, Santa Cruz, CA (1993 - 1994).
Mastered by: Rainer Gembalczyk
Publishing: Gourd Music (BMI) /Koustic Music (BMI).

Laurie Hart: fiddle
William Coulter: guitar
Barry Phillips: cello harmonium

English poet and Anglican clergyman John Newton (1725-1807) published “Amazing Grace” in 1779. Newton first employed his poem to illustrate a sermon he delivered on New Years Day 1773. It is not known if he had set it to any melody at that time. The hymn became popular in America during “The Second Great Awakening” in the early part of the 19th century. In 1835 it was joined to a tune titled “New Britain” and appeared in print for the first time in
William Walker's shape note tune book: Southern Harmony in 1847.

“Amazing Grace”

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.

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

Through 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 promised good to me
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and hart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

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

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