Amazing Grace

The hymn “Amazing Grace,” by English sailor and Anglican priest John Newton, first appeared in Olney Hymns (1779), a collection of hymns by Newton and the English Poet William Cowper. Olney is a town in Buckinghamshire, England, where Newton preached. His congregation comprised predominantly people without much education or affluence, so he composed deliberately accessible sermons and hymns. 

Before Newton became a priest, he worked on ships and took part in buying and selling enslaved people. In March 1748, after surviving a storm at sea, Newton was inspired to embrace Christianity, join the English Church, and denounce slavery.

While “Amazing Grace” didn’t gain much traction in the United Kingdom, the hymn became popular in the United States, appearing in several anthologies. In 1829, two Cincinnati compilers, Charles H. Spilman and Benjamin Shaw, set the hymn to music. Since then, many have performed the song, including Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Sinead O’Connor. Though rooted in evangelical Anglicanism, the song explores spiritual themes not tied to a specific type of Christianity, such as The Search for Transformation, Mutability Versus Permanence, and Hope Versus the Precarious Future.

Content Warning: This guide includes discussion of graphic violence and racism, specifically in relation to enslavement.

Poet Biography

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence and racism, specifically in relation to enslavement.

John Newton (1725-1807) was born in London, England. His mother died of tuberculosis before he was seven, and his father, a commander of merchant ships, was frequently out at sea. 

Before age 20, Newton became a sailor for the Royal Navy, but his behavior led to his discharge: In 1745, hoping for a better assignment, he deserted his crew, so authorities tied him up and publicly flogged him. Looking for a viable profession, Newton took part in the transatlantic trading of enslaved individuals—a global network that enslaved millions of Africans, forcing them to the Americas between 1500 and 1800. Near the end of 1745, Newton worked with a powerful enslaver and trader whom many biographers identify as Clow, though English journalist Steve Turner claims this name is conjecture (See: Further Reading & Resources). Newton’s associate and the man’s romantic partner abused and tormented Newton, who survived his precarious situation but continued to traffic enslaved people. In March 1748, Newton battled a storm at sea, an experience he later described as leading him to Christianity. However, his conversation didn’t compel him to quit trading enslaved people; in 1754, health issues finally pushed him to find a different occupation. 

Back in England, Newton’s fellow church members encouraged him to publish his conversion story, which became The Authentic Narrative (1764). The Church of England ordained him, and Newton took a post in Olney, where his congregation consisted mostly of people without much education or money. In 1767, Newton met the mercurial English poet William Cowper, who inspired Newton to write hymns. In 1779, Cowper and Newton published their collection, Olney Hymns, which features “Amazing Grace.” In the 1780s, Newton reconsidered his former occupation, publishing Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade (1788) to thoroughly denounce the institution of slavery and his involvement in it.

Poem Text

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 has 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.

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.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

the sun forbear to shine;

but God, who called me here below,

will be forever mine.

Newton, John. “Amazing Grace.” 1779. Hymnary.org.

Summary

The poem centers on an anonymous person—the unnamed speaker—who has just discovered the singular powers of God. Before believing in God, the speaker was in a bad place. Now that they have absorbed the “[a]mazing grace” of God (Line 1), they don’t feel like a “wretch” (Line 2) or that they’ve “lost” (Line 3) sight of what matters.

The grace of God has made the speaker realize that they should “fear” (Line 5) the consequences of pursuing a sordid life. At the same time, grace makes the speaker unafraid. With God as their ally, the speaker needn’t fear. Right away, the speaker knew God’s grace was rare and valuable. It has helped the speaker survive several precarious situations, and it should propel the speaker into heaven or “home” (Line 12).

Since the speaker has sincerely assimilated God’s grace, God has vowed to ensure that the speaker’s life will remain “good” (Line 13). As long as the speaker lives, God will give them “hope” (Line 14) and protection. Once the speaker ages and dies, they’ll receive happiness and harmony. The earth and sun can also vanish, but God won’t leave. God will always be with the speaker: Their bond will last “forever” (Line 24).