"Amazing Grace," the enduring Christian hymn, is one of the most well-known and beloved spiritual songs ever written. It was penned by the Englishman John Newton (1725-1807), once the captain of a slave ship who converted to Christianity after an encounter with God during a violent storm at sea. He eventually became an ordained minister in the Church of England.
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the soundThat saved 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 relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through 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 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 heart 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.
--John Newton, 1725-1807
