Remembering the Slave Trade and its Abolition

 

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.

This week a  neighbour, a young woman, was standing in her front yard playing a recording of a song which I quickly recognized as Amazing Grace. I have no idea why, but it was a reminder that this testimony of saving faith, written in the 18th century, has staying power. Sometimes it's sung with lyrical beauty, although too often in a ragged "it's the only hymn we know" fashion.

You may be aware that it was written by John Newton, who was converted from a profane, destructive lifestyle and eventually became an Anglican clergyman in England.  He had been involved in the Atlantic slave trade and while he denounced Christianity he eventually found his way back to Christ -- or Christ found him. 

Even after his conversion Newton continued in the slave trade through several voyages where he sailed the coasts of Africa, transporting enslaved people from various ports to North America. Eventually he became an abolitionist and his autobiographical prayer/poem, Amazing Grace, was set to music and became a favourite in the African-American community -- remember President Barack Obama singing it at the funeral of a murdered Black pastor in 2015? 

While I've  complained that Amazing Grace is dog-eared and should be retired it does serve as a reminder of the horrors of the slave trade. Perhaps we can sing it with renewed vigour and purpose given the vision-impaired wretches who are attempting to minimize the effects of slavery in states such as Florida.