Words of John Newton

John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace, expressed these wondering words that apply to the boundless love of God:

Alas! I knew not what I did, but now my tears are vain; Where shall my trembling soul be hid? For I my Lord have slain.

A second look He gave, which said: “I freely all forgive; This blood is for thy ransom shed; I die, that thou mayest live.”

Thus, while His death my sin displays in all its blackest hue; Such is the mystery of grace, it seals my pardon too.

With pleasing grief and mournful joy my spirit now is filled, that I should such a life destroy, yet live through Him I killed.