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.

In evil long I took delight,

Unawed by shame or fear;

Till a new object met my sight,

And stopped my wild career.

I saw one hanging on a tree,

In agonies and blood;

Who fixed his languid eyes on me,

As near his cross I stood.

Sure, ne’er until my latest breath,

Can I forget that look;

It seemed to change me with his death,

Though not a word He spoke.

My conscience felt and owned the guilt,

And plunged me in despair;

I saw my sins HIS BLOOD HAD SHED,

And helped to nail Him there.

Alas, I knew not what I did,

But all my tears were vain;

Where could my trembling soul be hid,

For I the LORD had slain.

A second look He gave that said;

“I freely all forgive” !

This blood is for my ramson paid,

“I died that thou mayest live.”

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 snairs,

I have already come;

Tis Grace hath bro’t me safe thus far,

And Grace will lead me home.

The LORD has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

His will my sheild 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 vail,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But GOD who called me here below,

Shall be forever mine.

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 first begun !

John Newton 1725-1807, full 13 verses