William Wilberforce was THE leading advocate for the abolishment of the slave trade in Great Britain. He fought insurmountable odds to win his cause, yet he pursued the course. He struggled for years with his personal health problems, yet he pressed on.
He met a preacher/pastor (John Newton) who confessed that in his earlier life he was a slave trader. After a violent storm, John underwent a spiritual conversion and became a clergyman. John saw the horror and abomination first hand and now understood the gravity of his own crimes against humanity and against God. John wrote Amazing Grace as a reflection of his own life and experiences in hopes that he would inspire others and partake of God's grace.
William, inspired by the moving hymn and his discussion with John, decided not to give up and pursued his mission until the slave trade was FINALLY abolished in Great Britain. Just a few short years after the measures passed in parliament (because of William), he passed away due to his life long health battle.
With that background, I invite us to carefully ponder the words of this inspired hymn:
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
Please enjoy two beautiful renditions of Amazing Grace:
