Inspire Me

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I’m 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 hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear;
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.

Must Jesus bear the cross alone
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for ev’ryone,
And there’s a cross for me.

John Newton never really thought of himself as a poet but rather as a sea captain turned to God. His conversion took place in the midst of a wildly fierce storm at sea: somehow in calming a terror stricken crew and looking after a piteous horde of African slaves that were his cargo, he found the peace of God. When the storm subsided, the 23 year old captain made a decision, no more sailing, no more slaving, and after 16 years of studying at night, for he had no education, religious or otherwise, he was ordained a minister and preached the gospel of love and freedom in word and example. He decorated his colorful sermons with verse and ultimately published nearly 300. Amazing Grace is the best known.