Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace
by John Newton

In evil I long took delight,
Unawed by shame or fear,
'Til a new object struck my sight
And stopped my wild career.

I saw one hanging on a tree
In agony and blood,
Who fixed his languid eyes on me
As near the cross I stood.

Sure never till my latest breath
Can I forget that look;
It seemed to charge me with his death,
Though not a word I spoke.

Alas, I knew not what I did,
But now my tears are in vain;
Where shall my trembling soul be hid?
For I the Lord have slain.

A second look He gave that said,
"I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid;
I died that thou mayest live!"

Thus, while His death my sin displays,
In all its blackest hue,
Such is the mystery of grace,
It seals my pardon, too.

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.

Thro' many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
Tis grace has bro't 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, with in the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The world shall soon to ruin go,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me hear 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.