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Amazing grace

John Newton had worked for a slave-owner and had himself been in chains after attempting to desert from his ship. He went on to become a slave-ship captain but was converted to evangelical Christianity in 1748 after his ship almost sank in a storm. Later in life he renounced the slave trade, and became a clergyman. He supported William Wilberforce in his work to abolish slavery.

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 has 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 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 called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

John Newton (1725–1807)