Amazing Grace
John Newton (1725-1807)
Stanza 6 anon.
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.
T'was 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 that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
... Such powerful words written during such a historical time by a man, once sinful, now redeemed.
I feel like I am about to ruin the beauty of the lyrics above by saying I just finished watching the movie Amazing Grace. Nevertheless, it was the inspiration for this post so I will own up to it.
This movie, among other things, inspired my admiration for William Wilberforce. Though I still have much research and reading to do on his life, I am mostly impacted by the fact that his story is true. The man, William Wilberforce, is not just a character in a movie, but lived, breathed, and fought and was victorious in ending the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
However, the pangs in my heart remain as I now think of the thriving slave trade that exists today- one even larger than that of the past. It is not much different than the trade of the past, except in its discreet nature.
Sigh.
More on this to come.
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
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