At the Close of the Year by John Newton

John Newton (1725-1807), was a British sailor and slave trader who experienced conversion and became a writer, Anglican minister, and activist for the abolition of slavery. He wrote many hymns, including the beloved “Amazing Grace.”

At the Close of the Year

Let hearts and tongues unite,
And loud thanksgivings raise:
‘Tis duty, mingled with delight,
To sing the Saviour’s praise.

To him we owe our breath,
He took us from the womb,
Which else had shut us up in death,
And prov’d an early tomb.

When on the breast we hung,
Our help was in the Lord;
‘Twas he first taught our infant tongue
To form the lisping word.

When in our blood we lay,
He would not let us die,
Because his love had fix’d a day
To bring salvation nigh.

In childhood and in youth,
His eye was on us still:
Though strangers to his love and truth,
And prone to cross his will.

And since his name we knew,
How gracious has he been:
What dangers has he led us through,
What mercies have we seen!

Now through another year,
Supported by his care,
We raise our Ebenezer here,
“The Lord has help’d thus far.”

Our lot in future years
Unable to foresee,
He kindly, to prevent our fears,
Says, “Leave it all to me.”

Yea, Lord, we wish to cast
Our cares upon thy breast!
Help us to praise thee for the past,
And trust thee for the rest.

You’ll find a longer biography and more links at The Reformed Reader.