Notice John Newton alludes in this hymn to spiritual illumination "was blind, but now I see". Newton was awakened to see his sinfulness "a wretch like me". But throughout the hymn Newton acknowledges God's divine grace in his salvation-
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
You can buy the complete Works of John Newton presently. At one time I had Newton's Works but sold them years ago. John Newton also wrote another hymn that I do not hear often sung titled, 'Day of Judgment! Day of Wonders!'-
Day of judgment! Day of wonders! Hark! the trumpet’s awful sound, Louder than a thousand thunders, Shakes the vast creation round! How the summons wilt the sinner’s heart confound!
See the judge, our nature wearing, Clothed in majesty divine! You who long for His appearing Then shall say, This God is mine! Gracious Savior, own me in that day for Thine!
At His call the dead awaken, Rise to life from earth and sea; All the powers of nature shaken By His look, prepares to flee. Careless sinner, what will then become of thee?
Horrors, past imagination, Will surprise your trembling heart, When you hear your condemnation, Hence, accursed wretch, depart! Thou, with Satan and his angels, have thy part!
Satan, who now tries to please you, Lest you timely warning take, When that word is past, will seize you, Plunge you in the burning lake: Think, poor sinner, thy eternal all’s at stake.
But to those who have confessèd, Loved and served the Lord below, He will say, Come near, ye blessèd, See the kingdom I bestow; You forever shall My love and glory know.
Under sorrows and reproaches, May this thought your courage raise! Swiftly God’s great day approaches, Sighs shall then be changed to praise. We shall triumph when the world is in a blaze.
"The Works of John Newton" Four Volumes published by the Banner of Truth Trust http://www.heritagebooks.org/products/the-works-of-john-newton-4-volumes.html