The popular ”Amazing Grace” hymn was originally written in 1772 by John Newton, a former sea captain and slave trader turned well-loved Anglican curate in the British town of Olney. It was published in 1779 as part of a collection of hymns Newton wrote with William Cowper, called Olney Hymns.
1) 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.
(2) ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved:
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
(3) The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
(4) Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
(5) When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing Gods praise
Than when we’d first begun.
