William Wilberforce: Abolitionist and member of British Parliament

William Wilberforce was born in Hull, England in 1759, into a respectable family.

His father died when Wilberforce was 8 years old, and for the next two and a half years he went to live with his Christian aunt and uncle who had a strong and lasting influence on him. During the stay with his aunt and uncle he was introduced to Rev. John Newton, former slave boat captain, who after his conversion became a Christian minister in Olney, England, and wrote “Amazing Grace” as his spiritual testimony.

Newton became a spiritual father and mentor to Wilberforce.

Wilberforce did not take life nor his schooling seriously during his early life and even into his college years. He cared more for gambling, partying and having fun. He was popular with his contemporaries as a playboy, but he did love music.

He would later regret this lack of seriousness during his younger days.

In 1786, a “Great Change” happened in Wilberforce’s life when, under conviction, he dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and to the practice of the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)

Wilberforce devoted much time to reading the Bible, and soon felt led as a Christian to run for political office to help bring about changes in his country. He ran for office and won a seat in the House of Commons in the British Parliament.

In 1787, as a new member of Parliament, he concentrated his efforts to the abolishment of the British slave trade and persevered in this mission for the next 20 years. In his diary, as a new member of the House of Commons, he stated two main objectives: 1. to end the slave trade, and 2. to reform the manners and morals of Great Britain.

He was bitterly opposed in these efforts, maligned and threatened, but he was encouraged by other Christians and especially by Newton who simply told his younger friend to “stay the course.”

In 1807, British slave trade was abolished … thanks primarily to the efforts of Wilberforce.

He was called the “Hercules of Abolition.” (Note: It was 56 years later on Jan. 1, 1863, when slavery in America was abolished with Abraham Lincoln’s “Emancipation Proclamation” and became the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on Dec. 6, 1865, eight months after the end of the U.S. Civil War on April 9, 1865.)

Following the abolition of slavery in Great Britain, Wilberforce then concentrated his efforts to bring reform to the morals of his country. This sketch of this Christian statesman has focused on his first objective, namely, to end the slave trade in Great Britain.

It isn’t always easy when one is doing the will of God, for there will be opposition, but Wilberforce’s perseverance and faith for the cause of right was finally achieved. Wilberforce has left his mark on the world … and a splendid mark at that.

May his kind increase!

Peace!