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JOHN Chapter 11:25 The Resurrection and the Life “I Am,” saith Christ our glorious head, (May we attention give), “The resurrection of the dead, The life of all that live.   “By faith in me the soul receives New life, though dead before; And he that in my name believes, Shall live, to die no more.   “The sinner, sleeping in his grave, Shall at my voice awake; And when I once begin to save, My work I ne'er forsake.”   Fulfill thy promise, gracious Lord, On us assembled here; Put forth thy Spirit with the Word, And cause the dead to hear.   Preserve the power of faith alive In those who love thy name; For sin and Satan daily strive To quench the sacred flame.   Thy power and mercy first prevailed, From death to set us free; And often since our life had failed, If not renewed by thee.   To thee we look, to thee we bow, To thee for help we call; Our life and resurrection thou, Our hope, our joy, our all.

from John Newton's Diary, relevant to this hymn: Monday 3 July 1775 Afternoon took the Miss Barhams [Moravian friends staying at the vicarage] to see Hannah Markham. She has walked honourably several years, and I have long looked upon her as the most eminent and exemplary Christian amongst us. She is now upon her dying bed, worn out with age and infirmities, but perfectly composed and happy. Waiting the happy moment of her dismission, with warm desire, tempered with unreserved submission to the will of her Lord. Tuesday 4 July 1775 A good company and I think a good opportunity at the morning [prayer] meeting. May the Lord inspire and hear prayer. In the evening spoke from 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 [Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.]. A pretty good opportunity. Wednesday 5 July 1775 Mr Barham came this morning for his daughters. They all returned soon after breakfast. Mr Brire[Bryer], a student at Dr Conder’s Academy, called to [see] me, prompted, as he said, by reading my Narrative. Alas that I should be no more affected by my own wonderful case, when it has made such a wonderful impression upon the hearts of many strangers. Sunday 9 July 1775 At the Great House not so pleasant yet carried on. Spoke from Hymn No. 111 [ 211 intended]. The place very full. O for the voice of the Lord to awaken the dead, and to revive the life of faith where he has begun. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 Romans 8:12 Hymn No. 211 [On this date Newton preached from the above texts at his church, St Peter & St Paul, Olney, during the morning and afternoon services, and from this hymn at the informal evening service]

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Hymn: MS Eng 1317, Houghton Library, Harvard University
Diary: John Newton Collection, CO199, Princeton University