With Satan, my accuser near

An English Anglican cleric and former slave ship captain (1725–1807). After surviving a terrifying storm at sea where he cried out to God for mercy, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He later became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, partnering with William Wilberforce to end the slave trade in Britain. His legendary hymn, 'Amazing Grace', was written to illustrate a New Year's sermon in 1773, reflecting his personal awe at how God's grace could rescue and redeem a 'wretch' like him.

With Satan, my accuser near,

My spirit trembled when I saw

The LORD in majesty appear,

And heard the language of his law.

In vain I wished and strove to hide

The tattered filthy rags I wore;

While my fierce foe, insulting cried,

"See what you trusted in before!"

Struck dumb, and left without a plea,

I heard my gracious Savior say,

"Know, Satan, I this sinner free,

I died to take his sins away.

This is a brand which I in love,

To save from wrath and sin design;

In vain thy accusations prove,

I answer all, and claim him mine."

At his rebuke the tempter fled;

Then he removed my filthy dress;

"Poor sinner take this robe, he said,

It is thy Savior's righteousness.

And see, a crown of life prepared!

That I might thus thy head adorn;

I thought no shame or suff'ring hard,

But wore, for thee, a crown of thorn."

O how I heard these gracious words!

They broke and healed my heart at once;

Constrained me to become the Lord's,

And all my idol-gods renounce.

Now, Satan, thou hast lost thy aim,

Against this brand thy threats are vain;

JESUS has plucked it from the flame,

And who shall put it in again?

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