Conversion

[Van]

From Wikipedia:

I was not more than thirteen years old when, in my loneliness and destitution, I longed for some one to whom I could go, as to a father and protector. The preaching of a white Methodist minister, named Hanson, was the means of causing me to feel that in God I had such a friend. He thought that all men, great and small, bond and free, were sinners in the sight of God: that they were but natural rebels against his government; and that they must repent of their sins, and be reconciled to God through Christ. I cannot say that I had a very distinct notion of what was required of me, but one thing I did know well: I was wretched and had no means of making myself otherwise. I consulted a good coloured man named Charles Lawson, and in tones of holy affection he told me to pray, and to "cast all my care upon God." This I sought to do; and though for weeks I was a poor, broken-hearted mourner, traveling through doubts and fears, I finally found my burden lightened, and my heart relieved. I loved all mankind, slaveholders not excepted, though I abhorred slavery more than ever. I saw the world in a new light, and my great concern was to have everybody converted. My desire to learn increased, and especially did I want a thorough acquaintance with the contents of the Bible.​

Some hold that Mr. Frederick Douglass was a prophet, not that he could interpret dreams or speak for God, but as someone who tried to speak truth no matter the consequence.

 

[Van]

My period of "traveling through doubts and fears" was only a matter of two or three days, but otherwise my experience shares quite a bit with America's "prophet" of freedom. I knew I was not saved and knew I was headed to destruction. A pastor took note of me and spent a few hours presenting the gospel and its application. I was convicted somewhat by a different Pastor's sermon, but ultimately with the witness of my Pastor as he displayed compassion and forgiveness when he dealt with two scoffers who had laughed out loud as the Pastor prayed.

And of course, it is rather easy to know what the right attitude and attribute should be, and what is actually in my heart. My Helper is vigilant.

 

[Van]

If we consider Romans 2:12-16, we see that even those without knowledge of the Law of Moses will be judged by the "law written in their hearts." Thus scripture supports the concept of "Natural Law," the idea that all humans unless seared by the practice of sin, are governed in part by "natural" (naturally arising) behaviors. They treat others, at least others within their own "tribe or society" in a way similar to the way they treat themselves. If their child is hungry they do not give the kid a rock to eat.

We all seem to yearn for freedom, and wish to avoid slavery to those or that which enslaves. Such as sin. After surgery, I do my best to stop using the addictive pain killers as soon as possible.

Mr. Douglass knew he was wretched, but he may have included his condition as a slave, to be a part of his wretchedness, thus part of his wretchedness he did not cause.

On the other hand, many of the slave owners, or slave "renters" thought of themselves as "Christian" yet did not see their wretched behavior toward slaves, as something they needed to turn from (repent).

The great news of the gospel is that God will take us, at least some of us, even though we are blind to some of our wretchedness.