Amazing Grace

John Newton · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 3–5 — Newton’s most famous Olney hymn; school memory staple.

33 content lines · 170 words · Est. recitation about 2 min 8 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Hymn 41

John Newton

8,6,8,6

The way of access.

One glance of thine, eternal LORD,

Pierces all nature through;

Nor heav'n, nor earth, nor hell, afford

A shelter from thy view!

The mighty whole, each smaller part,

At once before thee lies;

And every thought, of every heart,

Is open to thine eyes.

Though greatly from myself concealed,

Thou see'st my inward frame;

To thee I always stand revealed,

Exactly as I am.

Since therefore I can hardly bear

What in myself I see;

How vile and black must I appear,

Most holy GOD, to thee.

But since my Savior stands between,

In garments dyed in blood;

'Tis he, instead of me, is seen,

When I approach to God.

Thus, though a sinner, I am safe;

He pleads before the throne,

His life and death, in my behalf,

And calls my sins his own.

What wondrous love, what mysteries,

In this appointment shine!

My breaches of the Law are his
2Cor 5:21

And his obedience mine.