John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace,” said:

    I asked the Lord that I might grow
    In faith, and love, and every grace,
    Might more of his salvation know
    And seek more earnestly his face.
    ’Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
    And he, I trust, has answered prayer;
    But it has been in such a way
    As almost drove me to despair.
    I hoped that in some favored hour
    At once he’d answer my request,
    And by his love’s constraining power
    Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
    Instead of this, he made me feel
    The hidden evil of my heart,
    And let the angry powers of hell
    Assault my soul in every part.
    Yea, more, with his own hand he seemed
    Intent to aggravate my woe,
    Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
    Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
    “Lord, why this?” I trembling cried,
    “Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?”
    “Tis in this way,” the Lord replied.
    “I answer prayer for grace and faith.
    These inward trials I employ
    From self and pride to get thee free,
    And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
    That thou mayest seek thy all in me.”

Max E. Anders and Max E. Anders, 30 Days to Understanding the Christian Life in 15 Minutes a Day (Nashville: T. Nelson, 1998), 179–180.v