Amazing Grace is probably one of the most famous, well loved and often sung hymn.
I have heard that it was written by a reformed white slave trader. It turned out that he used to captain ships transporting Africans to become slaves in the far flung parts of the British Empire. Before I read this book, I was under the impression that he could have converted during his old age. But the truth was that after he knew God and was a practicing Christian, he was still running slave ships and was profiting much from the trade.
The first part of this book was about John Newton, our famous hymn writer. He alone penned the lyrics to 280 songs. In addition to that, he was a pastor (after he gave up seafaring) with much influence over individuals. The second part tells the story of William Wilberforce, who used his position as a man in the parliament, his wealth, his influence, his eloquence and his social graces to persist in the endeavor which lasted 20 years in pushing through the motion of abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire.
The book high lights the omnipotent God who patiently used circumstances to humble each man, pain and affliction were their portion to push them away from what would have been the natural paths of men their back ground and temperaments. They were both responsive and obedient to carry out their assigned roles in the big picture of God's will in the ages. Each of us is uniquely and lovingly made for a special purpose. It may not be a huge task like that of William Wilberforce, affecting thousands and tens of thousands across the known world at that time. But if we tune in to the Master's call and obediently follow his leading, we will be the happiest people on earth.
No comments:
Post a Comment