John Newton - Poetry

The next poem in the book is by John Newton and is one of the most recognized songs in the world.  The poem is 'Amazing Grace' and the book says that the melody probably originated from African slaves.

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 hath 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.

I've sung the first stanza many times but I don't know if I was ever aware of the rest of it.  Somehow I've never really thought of the theme of 'grace' with it.  Amazing, considering that it's literally in the opening line.  But the familiar sometimes remains unexamined.
In this poem, grace teaches fear but also relieves fear.  It is precious and sweet.  In the third stanza grace saves the poet from 'dangers, toils, and snares' and will lead him home.  This is heady stuff, and I can only try to imagine how powerful it must have been to the slaves on the ships.