Glorious Things of You are Spoken

•
September 20, 2026

1 Minute Read

Lyricist John Newton described himself as “an infidel and libertine.” At an early age, he joined his father at sea where he ended up serving on a slaver. This experience began his conversion. This process took several years, but he wound up leading a large congregation in London. This text dates to the last half of the 18th century. The tune is by Joseph Haydn. When visiting England, he was impressed with “God Save the King/Queen” and decided to write a similar tune for Austria in 1794.



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From this Collection: Music Notes
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September 20, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Glorious Things of You are Spoken
Lyricist John Newton described himself as “an infidel and libertine.” At an early age, he joined his father at sea where he ended up serving on a slaver. This experience began his conversion. This process took several years, but he wound up leading a large congregation in London. This text dates to the last half of the 18th century. The tune is by Joseph Haydn. When visiting England, he was impressed with “God Save the King/Queen” and decided to write a similar tune for Austria in 1794.