Amazing Grace

My mind has been much caught up with the subject of Grace this past week, what it means and how far it reaches.  I am in the process of writing a piece about grace in my life, but since it isn't finished yet, I thought I'd post my favorite poem on the subject.
This poem/hymn was written by John Newton, a slave merchant of the 1700's, and a self-described "wretch."  His was a life filled with sin and mistreatment of others.  Then, while caught in a storm at sea, his eyes were opened to the Grace that had always been there for him.  From that day on he continually worked to turn his life around, eventually becoming a well-respected preacher and hymn writer.
Here are the original words of this best known hymn of his, since heard around the world.

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d 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 reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ 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 promis’d 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 call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.

John Newton, 1725-1807