musings

I WENT TO SEE THE MOVIE, "AMAZING GRACE," and was thrilled by it. Based on a true account, this historical drama tells the story of William Wilberforce, an 18th century English politician who fought for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. Despite staunch opposition, Wilberforce waged an aggressive campaign using boycotts, petitions, and slogans.

For most Americans, William Wilberforce isn't a household name. "Amazing Grace" may change that because it chronicles the faith journey of a man who struggled to reconcile his passion for justice and politics with his natural inclination to retreat into a secluded life of spiritual contemplation. He is a hero of sorts, especially in light of the fact that he was born into a wealthy family and could have simply spent his life in relative ease.

Among those who profoundly influenced Wilberforce was the ex-slave trader turned pastor and musician, John Newton. Newton wrote the hymn, Amazing Grace, which has come to be America's national treasure. Sadly, the movie makes no mention of John Wesley, a friend and spiritual advisor to Wilberforce. In fact, the last letter that Wesley wrote was to this very man who had been converted under his ministry. Wesley wrote it on February 24, 1791, at age 88, six days before his death. Wesley had spoken out forcibly against slavery his whole life. He and Wilberforce were kindred spirits in this matter. The letter is as follows:

Dear Sir:

Unless the divine power has raised you up to be as Athanasious contra, I see not how you can go through your glorious enterprise in opposing that execrable villainy which is the scandal of religion, of England, and of human nature. Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Are all of them together stronger than God? O be not weary of well doing! Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American Slavery (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it.

Reading this morning a tract wrote by a poor African, I was particularly struck by that circumstance that a man who has a black skin, can have no redress; it being a "law" in our colonies that the oath of a black against a white goes for nothing. What villainy is this? That he who has guided you from youth up may continue to strengthen you in this and all things, is the prayer of, dear sir,

Your affectionate servant,
John Wesley

It has been reported that when they discovered that Wilberforce had passed, he held in his hand that very letter from Wesley, indicating the impact that he had upon this champion of emancipation. Although it was several more years until the shackles were entirely removed, the die had been cast.

You ought to catch this flick; it will inspire and challenge you to find a cause and pour yourself into it.