"Amazing Grace," by John Newton

John Newton, 1725-1807

 

John Newton lost his mother when he was six, his father was gone at sea for months at a time, and his stepmother did not love him. He was sent to boarding school where he was mistreated. Newton eventually joined the slave trade in which he participated for 20 years.

He had rejected the faith of his childhood, but in 1748, he was caught in a storm so violent that he feared for his life and called out to God for mercy. He lived. Within a few years Newton gave up slavery and became a priest and abolitionist. He wrote the words to the hymn about his experience in 1772. "Amazing Grace" is now one of the most beloved songs in the English language.

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 hath 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 veil,
   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 forever mine.