(John Newton was a blessed man. A former slave trader and sea captain. When he came to Christ, the transformation was great. Yet, he always saw himself as an undeserving sinner, saved by grace. No wonder his hymns, and his writings grab the heart so much. May his words here that I quote strengthen and bless each of you. Amen!)
I SAW ONE HANGING ON A TREE
I saw One hanging on a tree, in agonies and blood; who fixed His languid eyes on me as near His cross I stood. Sure, never 'til my latest breath, can I forget that look. It seemed to charge me with His death though not a word He spoke.
My conscience owned and felt the guilt, and plunged me in despair; I saw my sins His blood had shed, and helped to nail Him there. Alas, I knew not what I did, but all my tears were vain; where could my trembling soul be hid, for I the Lord had slain! A second look He gave, that said, I freely all forgive. This blood is for thy ransom paid, I died that thou mayest live. -J. Newton
I AM NOT WHAT I OUGHT TO BE
"I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am"
— John Newton
TWO THINGS I REMEMBER
"Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior."
— John Newton (Amazing Grace)
THIS IS FAITH
"This is faith: a renouncing of everything we are apt to call our own and relying wholly upon the blood, righteousness and intercession of Jesus."
— John Newton
HIS LAST WORDS
"I am still in the land of the dying; I shall be in the land of the living soon."
— John Newton
HIS GREATEST HYMN
(Finally, I present to you perhaps the greatest of all hymns, also penned by John Newton.)
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, hut 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 for ever mine.
When we've been there 10,000 years,
Bright shining as the sun;
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
Than when we'd first begun.
Amen!!
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