Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life · Chapter
My Conversion explained
Josiah Henson recounts his first exposure to Christian preaching at age eighteen, which leads to a profound religious conversion.
What happens
Josiah Henson recounts his first exposure to Christian preaching at age eighteen, which leads to a profound religious conversion. Encouraged by his mother, he attends a sermon by John McKenny, a benevolent baker and occasional minister. The sermon on Hebrews 2:9 fills Henson with joy and a sense of divine love, contrasting sharply with his brutal enslavement. He begins to pray, preach to fellow slaves, and becomes an esteemed preacher among them.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Religion
Josiah's conversion to Christianity provides him with a new sense of purpose, hope, and moral clarity, contrasting with the brutality of slavery.
Resilience and Survival
Despite his harsh conditions, Josiah finds inner strength and joy through his newfound faith, enabling him to endure and even pray for his oppressors.
Characters to notice
- Josiah Henson
Experiences a transformative religious conversion after hearing his first sermon; begins praying and preaching to other slaves.
- Charlotte
Urges Josiah to seek permission to attend the sermon, emphasizing the importance of taking up his cross despite fear of beatings.
- Amos Riley
Grants Josiah permission to attend the meeting but warns him to return immediately afterward.
Key passages
“My heart exults with gratitude when I mention the name of a good man who first taught me the blessedness of religion. His name was John McKenny.”
Josiah feels deep thankfulness for John McKenny, the man who introduced him to the joy of faith.
Highlights the pivotal role of a benevolent white man in Josiah's spiritual awakening.
“I date my conversion, and my awakening to a new life—a consciousness of power and a destiny superior to anything I had before conceived of—from this day, so memorable to me.”
Josiah marks this day as the beginning of his conversion and a new awareness of his own potential and purpose.
Emphasizes the transformative impact of the sermon on Josiah's identity and outlook.