Amazing Grace

This post will be exceedingly short as I am still recovering from the plague, and have a greater desire for sleep than contemplation. I went to see Amazing Grace: the Story of William Wilberforce on Saturday. In all honesty, I don't believe the film did this true story justice - but it was still wonderful. As a person who never gets emotional at films, I believe it is especially pertinent to say that I wept at the end of this one. It was extremely moving to see the fruits of Minister Wilberforce's labor, after great disappointment and many tears - particularly the scene, where his formal political rival stood to offer a congratulatory speech after winning his nearly fifty year battle against the slave trade. He mentioned that many men are considered "great" because of their valor in battle - but William Wilberforce would be considered "great" in his efforts to save lives. What a noble vocation. I pray that God would give me such a passion in ministry.

Sovereign God,
Thy cause, not my own, engages my heart,
and I appeal to Thee with greatest freedom
to set up Thy kingdom in every place where Satan reigns;
Glorify Thyself and I shall rejoice,
for to bring honour to Thy name is my sole desire.
I adore Thee that Thou art God,
and long that others should know it, feel it, and rejoice in it.
O that all men might love and praise Thee,
that Thou mightest have all glory
from the intelligent world!
Let sinners be brought to Thee for Thy dear name!
To the eye of reason everything respecting
the conversion of others is as dark as midnight,
but Thou canst accomplish great things;
the cause is Thine,
and it is to Thy glory that men should be saved.
Lord, use me as Thou wilt,
do with me what Thou wilt;
but, O, promote Thy cause,
let Thy kingdom come,
let Thy blessed interest be advanced in this world!
O do Thou bring in great numbers to Jesus!
Let me see that glorious day,
and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls;
let me be willing to die to that end;
and while I live let me labour for Thee
to the utmost of my strength,
spending time profitably in this work,
both in health and in weakness.
It is Thy cause and kingdom I long for, not my own.
O, answer Thou my request! Amen.



[Prayer taken from "The Valley of Vision" on God's Cause, pages 320 & 321]