They were meaningful words
The ones I read in the small churchyard in Olney, England
Where the composer of this great hymn of faith was laid to rest
Inside the church, his pulpit
Outside on his stone, this inscription
"John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa
Was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Preserved, restored, pardoned
And appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy"
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 fear relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace, has brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun (the sun)
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
