Amazing Grace: Freedom from Slavery For All
I just rented Amazing Grace, the inspiring story of William Wilberforce, a Cambridge graduate turned politician and philanthropist, who tirelessly advocated for the abolition of slavery in England during the late 17th century. During college, he became friends with William Pitt, who later became the future Prime Minister. In 1780, both Wilberforce and Pitt joined the House of Commons and four years later, Wilberforce became a Christian. Passionate with the rights and justice for all men, Wilberforce became a strong voice for African men, women and children who were forced into a life of servitude and abuse by English plantation owners. Although he contemplated leaving politics, William Pitt and John Newton, a former slave trader turned abolitionist minister and the one who penned the song "Amazing Grace", convinced Wilberforce to remain and to become the chief parliamentary abolitionist speaker. This single decision to stay in politics and advocate for slaves became his lifetime legacy.
Not surprisingly, Wilberforce's campaign to destroy the slave trade in England was wrought with opposition, especially by those who feared an economic and political collapse of their beloved country. Wilberforce fought this battle with faith, courage and a conviction; he believed that every human had a God given right for freedom and dignity. Just three days before his death on July 29, 1833, Wilberforce received the glorious news that the Emancipation Bill was passed by the House of Commons. He lived to see his years of work change the course of history.
Fast forward more than 170 years, the world is still plagued by slavery. Studies show that modern day slaves number 27 million, including men, women and children. The Amazing Change is the call to action today.
In closing, I'd like to remind you of the words to the song that inspired Wilberforce's call to justice:
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.
"Amazing Grace" is a well-known Christian hymn. The words were written late in 1772 by Englishman John Newton. They first appeared in print in Newton's Olney Hymns (1779), which he worked on with William Cowper.