John Newton: Selected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Amazing Grace

John Newton

A hymn of gratitude, endurance, and grace, presented in the six-stanza Olney Hymns text.

John Newton: Selected Lyrics Text 1 1840 · historical text
Public domainFaithRenewalReflectiveHopeful
Complete public-domain lyrics

This is the 1840 printed text, titled Faith’s Review and Expectation. Later added verses and modern arrangements are not included.

Verse 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.

Verse 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!

Verse 3

Through many dangers, toils, and snares.

I have already come;

'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

Verse 4

The Lord has promised good to me,—

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

Verse 5

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.

Verse 6

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call'd me here below,

Will be for ever mine.

Credits

Written by John Newton

Historical words by John Newton. Public-domain text; no claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

Olney Hymns (1840), Book 1, Hymn 41

The historical text is published before 1931 and its credited author died more than 100 years ago. See the source's copyright statement; later editions, translations and recordings may have separate rights.

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-09-07. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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