Читать книгу Best Loved Hymns and Readings - Martin Manser - Страница 13

The first six verses of this hymn were the work of hymn writer John Newton; the last was a later addition by John P. Rees (1825-1900). Newton turned to the church after a dissolute life in which he had even operated as a slave-trader. As curate in the Northamptonshire village of Olney he dedicated himself to God’s work, refusing to retire due to ill-health even in his eighties, arguing ‘My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour!’

This hymn is unique in having occupied the number one spot in the pop charts for a total of nine weeks in a version recorded by the pipes and drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in the early 1970s.

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.

‘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 that 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.

Yes, when this heart and flesh 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 called me here below,

Will be for ever mine.

When we’ve been there a 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)