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.
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!
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.
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.
John Newton
The Methodist Hymnal 1939 edition
<idle musing>
I suspect this is probably one of the most well-known of all English hymns—especially among the unchurched. You hear it in the most unlikely places. It's been used over and over again in movies. Hymnary.org says it's in 1391 hymnals, which isn't the most I've seen on their site, but is definitely on the high end. They also add a couple of verses:
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.6 The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below,
will be forever mine.
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