Thankful for life. Thankful for God’s grace. One of the most famous hymns of our faith might well belong in the THANKSGIVING section of the Glory to God Presbyterian Hymnal. Countless books tell the story of John Newton, captain of a slave ship turned Christian, preacher, and hymnwriter. That back story intensifies the words of his hymn Amazing Grace.
One source records:
John Newton is buried in St. Matry’s churchyard and the epitaph he wrote reads:
John Newton
Once an infidel and libertine,
A servant of slaves in Africa:
Was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ
Preserved, restored, pardoned,
And appointed to preach the Faith
He had laboured long to destroy.
Near sixteen years at Olney in Bucks;
And twenty-seven years in this church.
Also, in his words:
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 hath brought
Me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for the grace that saved even me. Amen.
