Amazing Grace

Author: John Newton

Performed By Judy Collins

 

Amazing Grace

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 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.

Brief History on John Newton

In 1780 Newton left Olney to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, St. Mary Woolchurch, in London. There he drew large congregations and influenced many, among them William Wilberforce, who would one day become a leader in the campaign for the abolition of slavery. Newton continued to preach until the last year of life, although he was blind by that time. He died in London December 21, 1807. Infidel and libertine turned minister in the Church of England, he was secure in his faith that amazing grace would lead him home.